Council Ring Rocks The Milestone with Pierce Alexander and Jackson Fig
If you’re a music fan in Charlotte, then chances are you have been to The Milestone and if you haven’t you really should because attending a show there is an experience that simply can’t be replicated anywhere else. Set in an older home, it is a unique venue where many famous bands have played over the years. The place oozes history and back in the day the club hosted now-legendary bands like Nirvana, R.E.M., and 10,000 Maniacs to name a few. Recently, Baroness paid a visit to the Queen City, playing a sold-out show at The Milestone in a return to their roots tour. More importantly, The Milestone has become a mecca for local and area musicians of all genres, a place where they can feel at home and hone their craft surrounded by like-minded people. A few weeks ago, I had the chance to venture back out to the West Side and check out several up-and-coming bands for an evening full of music, entertainment, and possibilities.
The first band to hit the stage was the three-piece alternative group Jackson Fig. Hailing from right here in Charlotte, they have a great vibe that is at times very grunge-like with fuzzy guitars and full-on rocking riffs and at others more laidback, weaving a web of musical emotions. They were very easy to listen to with an instant likeability factor and I can easily see Jackson Fig doing great things in the future. The band released an EP back in December, Cursed To Function, which really sums up what the band is all about. Check out the rhythmic grooves of “Skylines” which was my personal favorite to see for yourself. More new music is on the way this summer and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next. You can see them live at The Evening Muse on April 23. Click here for more information.
Keep up with everything Jackson Fig here!
Jackson Fig Is:
Logan Child- Lead Vocals, Guitar
Chirs Chandler- Drums
Grant Jordan- Bass, Additional Vocals
Next up was Charleston-based singer/songwriter Pierce Alexander. The talented multi-instrumentalist has been busy writing prolifically for years, perfecting the art of songwriting and the result was a spectacular new album The Minutehand. It is a true coming of age album, full of songs that are stories and reflections on life and a young man’s quest to find his own path and make his mark on the world.
This was Pierce’s first time playing in Charlotte and also the last stop on his current tour so it was a special evening. Pierce handled lead vocals and guitar duties himself but also brought along a drummer, bass guitarist, and keyboard player to round out the sound. We were treated to songs off the new record, including the emotionally powerful title track and the poignant ballad “Sawyer’s Last Chance.” With a powerful voice, the music resonated through the venue and I think we all had a serious case of “the feels” before all was said and done. I don’t know exactly how some of the greats like James Taylor and John Mayer got their starts, but it just may have been on an evening like this.
Listen to The Minutehand and keep up on the latest news from Pierce Alexander here.
Finishing up this spectacular night of music was none other than Council Ring. The Charlotte rockers have a sound that is shaped by a variety of influences ranging from the Grateful Dead to Tool and Led Zeppelin resulting in a unique sonic experience for the senses that can only be Council Ring. The band formed at the end of 2020 and has quickly become a staple of the local live music scene playing at clubs like The Evening Muse, local breweries, and even the Dogwood Festival in Fayetteville, NC.
Their aim is to relieve the pressures of life through their music which is eclectic at times with a vintage vibe that appeals to a variety of music lovers. On any given night, you will hear some fantastic original tunes with a smattering of covers depending on the mood. Lead vocalist and guitarist Chris Jan is a commanding presence on stage that had me reminiscing of the late, great Jim Morrison at times while guitarist Ty Mattox is quiet but deadly, delivering the goods all night long. The sound is completed with the rock-solid rhythm section of Quint Gallaher on drums and Matt Kavanaugh on bass guitar along with the lush keys of Ian Hirsch. The songs were a great mix of upbeat and powerful with just enough emotions added in. My favorites were “Break” and their latest single “Stand,” which is a not to be missed song both live and for your playlists. You can check out their live album An Evening With Council Ring here but you’ll definitely want to see these guys in person as well. The band has a ton of shows coming up including a Charlotte date on April 8 at Jack Beagle’s in NODA and a return to the Dogwood Festival in Fayetteville later in April. Click here for upcoming show information and here to keep up with all the latest news and announcements from Council Ring.
Council Ring Is:
Quint Gallaher- Drums
Ian Hirsch- Keyboards
Matt Kavanaugh- Bass and Backing Vocals
Chris Jan- Guitar, Lead Vocals
Ty Mattox- Guitar
What a night! I’m so glad I made it out to The Milestone to see this impressive lineup of bands. Sure, everyone wants to head out to the arenas for the big names in rock, but it’s here right in your own backyard that great music is happening every day. Support your local scene and discover a little music magic for yourself.
