Vibe Check - Bela Fleck and The Flecktones

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Hey there, music family! Happy Holidays to everyone. I’m still buzzing from a special night last week that reminded me exactly why we do this…

I rolled up to the historic Carolina Theatre in Durham just minutes before the the start of the performance, and the universe provided. I managed to snag some last-minute tickets right at the box office, a true Christmas Miracle! The staff was incredibly accommodating, and the energy in the building was electric from the moment I stepped inside.

If you haven't been lately, The Carolina Theatre in is looking absolutely stunning. It’s got that classic, historic elegance that makes every note feel a little more prestigious.

• The Vibe: Warm, intimate, and impeccably preserved.

• The Goods: A solid selection of local beers, wine, and classic cinema snacks.

• Our Spot: Lower Level Left Orchestra. Easy access and a perfect line of sight to the magic.

🪕 Béla Fleck and The Flecktones

This wasn't just a concert; it was a masterclass in musical exploration. The Flecktones have this uncanny ability to blend bluegrass, jazz, and funk into something that defies gravity. I never thought I would see this group perform together, let alone in such an intimate environment and with a Christmas themed setlist.

A massive highlight was their rendition of the "Twelve Days of Christmas." Watching them shift through 12 different keys and time signatures was a mind-bending display of technicality and pure musicianship.

Just when I thought the night couldn't get more "easy vibes," the universe threw in a major bonus. My friend Josh pointed out a true icon in the crowd: Tony Trischka was sitting right there with us! For those who don't know, Tony is the legend who taught Béla Fleck his very first banjo lessons back in New York. We got to snap a quick photo with him, and he was incredibly kind and gracious. He was there with his son, Sean Trischka, an incredible musician in his own right.

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The Lineup:

• Victor Wooten: What can you even say about a man who has completely rewritten the rules of the bass guitar? He isn't just holding down the low end; he’s a one-man orchestra. Between his mind-bending use of natural harmonics and his intricate live looping, Victor builds entire soundscapes from scratch. His rhythmic playing is so percussive and pocket-heavy that you forget it’s one man playing and his improvisations feels more like a deep, philosophical conversation with the audience.

• Jeff Coffin: Coffin spent about 14 years with the Flecktones before joining The Dave Matthews Band in 2008. Having him back on sax was a total treat. His legendary tone added those rich, soulful layers we’ve all missed.

• Futureman: Victor’s older brother and the band’s resident mad scientist. He doesn't sit behind a traditional kit; instead, he shreds on the Drumitar, a custom-built, guitar-shaped MIDI controller he invented to trigger percussion samples with his fingertips. Watching him play is mind-bending—he captures the speed and phrasing of a lead guitarist while delivering the power of a world-class drummer, proving that in the Wooten family, innovation truly knows no bounds.

• Alash: As electrifying as the Flecktones were, the show reached a whole new level of "how is this even possible?" when Alash took the stage. This trio of master throat singers from Tuva provided a vocal experience that was nothing short of unreal.

The Setlist:

The setlist was a beautiful journey through holiday classics reimagined, featuring tunes like "Christmas Time Is Here" and "Linus and Lucy," which brought that nostalgic Vince Guaraldi charm to life. They leaned heavily into their Grammy-winning Jingle All the Way arrangements, including a mind-bending "Twelve Days of Christmas" that cycled through 12 different keys and time signatures.

The night wasn't just about the holidays, though; they masterfully peppered in Flecktones favorites like the heavy, low-end groove of "Flight of the Cosmic Hippo" and the high-energy "Scratch & Sniff." It was a perfect blend of festive spirit and the peerless improvisation that only this lineup can deliver.

The Final Bow

Seeing this caliber of musicianship in our own backyard is a reminder of how lucky we are in the Triangle. It was a night of pure joy, incredible talent, and that special connection you only find in a room full of music lovers. Between the sold-out crowd and the world-class performances, it was a night well worth the visit to the Bull City!

Keep your ears open and your vibes easy, friends. See you at the next one!

— Evan 

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Enjoy the holiday season and support live music!

Evan from EZ Vibes