Three Sides of The Triangle is a column by music aficionado Maisie Moylan, celebrating music, people and places.
As ticket prices slowly become more expensive, going to see live music can feel like a financial burden, and in many cases, it is. Luckily, the Triangle offers a plethora of budget-friendly live music options. With so many options to choose from, I have decided to aid you in your music-based adventures and use my knowledge to provide a trustworthy list. That list being the top three budget-friendly music options in the Triangle.
This list has been drafted, edited, rewritten, changed, doubted, and written again. That’s to say: this was in no way an easy one to create. There are so many amazing options for live music in the area, and many that are not listed here are deeply worthy of your time. But alas, it is time to put years of searching to use and share my roster with the world. I hope these provide new, unique, and awesome budget-friendly musical performances.
The Cave Tavern
The Cave is Chapel Hill’s oldest continuously open bar and is located on Franklin Street – or, rather, under Franklin Street. Originally a basement for West Franklin Grocery, the space has since been covered in cement, mimicking the rock walls of a cavern. The Cave has good prices, dim lighting, and live music every night. The front room, accessible via the entrance on Franklin Street, has a bar, a few tables, and a space for bands to perform. On a busy night, it is typically crowded with people packing in to see the show. The back room is often less crowded and has a pool table, a card table, additional seating, and assorted games. It is one of the most social bars on Franklin Street, and there is a sense of familiarity within the space. Famously, Monday is jazz night, and regardless of the time of year, you will likely see the same crowd every week. It is a spunky group and an even spunkier space. For a short period, the location was known as the Pegasus, the first openly gay bar in Chapel Hill. This norm of inclusivity has persisted, and The Cave remains an established safe space for all people and music. Baby photos of previous owners sit above the bar, joined by pride flags, knick-knacks, and a small TV. The stage is home to any musical performers, from jazz to emo to electronic to simply just sounds. Each night is different and they have a mix off free and ticketed events, and all of the information is updated monthly and available on their website.
Saturdays in Saxapahaw
Saturdays in Saxapahaw is a free weekly outdoor concert series on the Haw River. Every Saturday from May to August, Saxpahaw hosts local bands on a wooden stage at the base of a grass-covered hill. Behind the stage, there is a farmers’ market full of food, drink, clothes, and crafts. Patrons of all ages bring their chairs and blankets to the natural amphitheater, enjoying a picnic or a game of hacky sack in addition to the live music. This hill has slowly become one of my all-time favorite venues. You can sit almost anywhere and have a clear view of the stage, which fits beautifully with the surrounding environment. It is a perfect place for kids and adults alike, having something for everyone. Although I bet a chair would be nice, there are plenty of trees to lean on, and I typically find myself embracing the abundance of grass. The performances typically consist of indie, folk, or bluegrass bands, which often elevate the already peaceful environment. Saturdays in Saxphaw are perfect for an empty afternoon, especially with friends (though it is still pretty awesome alone). The weekly concerts are available on their website and posted outside the Haw River Ballroom in Saxapahaw.
Blue Note Grill
The Blue Note Grill in Durham is a staple venue for the Triangle. Originally opened in a strip mall in 2010, the venue grew in popularity thanks to its award-winning musical performances and delicious BBQ, prompting a move to a larger location to accommodate the growing crowd. Now located in downtown Durham, the 6,000 ft space leaves plenty of area to not only enjoy food and live music, but also dance! The grill is home to blues, jazz, bluegrass, and rock ‘n’ roll. Typically, patrons start by sitting or standing on the outskirts and then slowly make their way to the dance floor, where they share dances with partners and strangers alike. The environment is lively and inviting, with a welcoming group of regulars. They have a mix of free music and cover nights, both of which are worthy of attending. The venue offers the unique ability to enjoy the music in whatever way suits you best. As a full-service restaurant, it draws many for the dinner-and-a-show experience, perfect for a family outing as well as a special occasion. Additionally, you can stand by the bar, sit at a high-top, or dance! The Blue Note Grill has a constantly changing sound but consistently good shows. It is a beautiful reflection of the deeply talented musical community within the Triangle and the community that comes together to appreciate it.
Although these places do not charge a fee to enjoy the musical performances they host, it is important to remember that putting on these performances is not free. To help these spaces continue this practice of community building by facilitating accessible events, consider donating to both the bands and the venues if you enjoy your time.
Images via Chapel Hill Media Group
Three Sides of The Triangle is a column by Maisie Moylan celebrating music, people and places. Maisie is a Hillsborough native with a passion for exploring and appreciating the North Carolina music scene. Finding her roots in local radio, she has expanded her love to Colorado College, where she studies anthropology and journalism. She is currently working as the Broadcast Operations Assistant at 97.9 The Hill WCHL.
Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.
