The Great cover Up: Raleigh Music Tradition Celebrated in New Documentary
Raleigh’s vibrant live music scene is spotlighted in a new documentary premiering on PBS North Carolina on August 21. The film chronicles “The Great Cover Up,” a unique annual event that has become a cornerstone of the city’s cultural landscape.
Origins and Evolution of The Great Cover Up
Established in 1999 as a two-night fundraiser for Hurricane Floyd relief efforts, The Great Cover Up has blossomed into a six-night event held at Kings in downtown Raleigh. The event consistently supports various local charities through the dedication of participating musicians.
The core concept revolves around local musicians performing cover sets of well-known artists, but with a twist: the lineup remains a closely guarded secret until the bands take the stage. Host and co-founder Paul Siler unveils the performers each night, adding an element of surprise and anticipation for the audience.
Did You Know? The first iteration of The Great Cover Up featured covers of bands like The Wipers, Devo, and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
A Brief hiatus and Resurgence
Kings originally operated at 424 South McDowell Street before relocating to its current location at 14 W Martin Street in 2010, following a period of closure from 2007 to 2010. During this time, Siler received offers from other venues to host The Great Cover Up, but he remained committed to Kings.
Upon Kings’ reopening, The Great cover Up experienced a surge in popularity. ”When we started back up in 2010 it was definitely more popular than ever,” Siler explained. “then in the mid 2010s it took on a life of its own.” The event expanded to five and then six nights, culminating in 54 bands performing in the most recent year-nine bands each night.
Community Impact and Charitable Giving
The Great Cover Up’s success is deeply rooted in its commitment to community support. All proceeds from the event are donated to local charities, with musicians volunteering their time and talent.This model exemplifies the power of collective action within the Raleigh music scene.
Over the years, the event has benefited organizations such as the Wake County SPCA, InterAct, and Kidznotes. According to a study by the National Council of Nonprofits, volunteer contributions are vital to the sustainability of charitable organizations (National Council of Nonprofits, 2023).
Pro Tip: Check the PBS North Carolina website for local broadcast schedules and streaming options.
Co-producer and co-director Jedidiah Gant emphasized the collaborative spirit of the event. “It’s also a reflection of how people in this scene can easily move around and adapt to playing with other people that they might not play with all the time.”
Viewing and Event Details
“The Great Cover Up” will premiere on PBS North Carolina on August 21 at 9:30 p.m. Following the premiere, a screening and Q&A session with live music will be held at Raleigh’s Rialto Theater on August 27. The film will also be screened at The City of Raleigh Museum on September 6 as part of the Hopscotch Music Festival’s day party lineup, followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers moderated by Nick Neptune.
| Event | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| PBS North Carolina Premiere | August 21 | PBS North Carolina |
| Rialto Theatre Screening & Q&A | August 27 | Rialto Theatre, Raleigh |
| City of Raleigh Museum Screening & Q&A | September 6 | City of Raleigh Museum |
What makes The Great Cover Up so special to the Raleigh community? And how does this event contribute to the broader cultural landscape of North Carolina?
The Enduring Appeal of Cover Bands
Cover bands have long been a staple of the music industry, offering audiences familiar favorites and providing musicians with valuable performance experience. Their appeal lies in the ability to recreate iconic songs while adding a unique local flavor. The rise of tribute bands demonstrates a continued demand for live interpretations of classic music, as noted by a 2022 report from pollstar (Pollstar, 2022).Events like The Great Cover Up capitalize on this popularity, fostering a sense of community and supporting local artists.
frequently Asked Questions About The Great Cover Up
- What is the Great Cover Up? It’s an annual music event in Raleigh, North Carolina, featuring local musicians performing cover sets of famous artists, with the lineup kept secret until showtime.
- Where does the money raised go? All proceeds benefit local charities, making it a significant fundraising event for the Raleigh community.
- Who founded The Great Cover Up? Paul Siler co-founded the event in 1999.
- Where is The Great Cover up held? The event takes place at Kings in downtown Raleigh.
- When can I watch the documentary? The documentary premieres on PBS North Carolina on August 21 at 9:30 p.m.
We hope you enjoy this insightful look into a truly special event! Please share this article with your friends and family, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more breaking news and in-depth features.
