I was always told as a kid to never stare directly into the sun, which is pretty solid advice for anyone. But while standing only a few feet away from David Byrne (www.davidbyne.com) during his Dec. 8 performance at Raleigh's Meymandi Concert Hall, I couldn't help but feel as if I was doing just that.

Now, many of the band's casual fans may be a little hesitant in recognizing the current incarnation of the group as the genuine article. Those are completely reasonable feelings, however, as two of its most notable members are absent for the band's current tour.

Fortunately, the place has a highly forgiving (though responsibly administered) BYOB policy that leaves plenty of latitude in terms of acceptability. If beer is okay, then bring on the malt liquor. Got my 40 of Old E (in a brown bag, of course)? I got your fifth of Old Crow.

Trent Reznor has never been shy about expressing his political opinions. It may come across in a completely forthright manner, such as calling George W. Bushs reelection one step closer to the end of the world. It might also appear more nuanced, as is the case with his song about the Bush administration The Hand That Feeds.

There was an anxious crowd on the steps of Memorial Student Union at North Carolina AT University Saturday, with one of the biggest names in music in attendance. Rapper Jay-Z was inside and ready to deliver a key political message, just days before one of the most significant elections in our nations history.

I had originally planned to use this space to talk about the Leo Kottke concert at the Carolina Theatre last Friday night, but then I realized that Im only human. He, on the other hand, is not and I could never truly do justice to the splendor and serenity of his performance in words.

One of the Lone Star States favorite sons made a stop in Greensboro recently and thankfully, Im not talking about Ron Tater Salad White. More fortuitously, acclaimed singer/songwriter Robert Earl Keen gave one of his typical performances to an enthusiastic crowd at the Carolina Theatre last Thursday.

When Greensboro comedy labratory the Idiot Box moved across the street to the former location of OKennedys clothing store, it was a given that their cheeky brand of humor would come along with it. That something new would be added to the venues repertoire may not have been so apparent.

It was supposed to be the Via Woody Show Saturday night at the Garage, until David Via found himself all alone on the evenings late card. Roots-rockers Danger Muffin were slated to open the 10 p.m. show, but the bands pre-performance break-up due to unknown circumstances seriously undercut those intentions.

You may or may not have heard that the Juan MacLean was playing a free show on Guilford Colleges campus last Saturday, since it wasnt listed on the bands official tour itinerary in an attempt to keep the crowd small and local. That might have worked a little too well.

So, amongst the relocation of my things to New York City (sobs), I experienced a show that my friend Jon Kirby and I made a point to check out.

It’s the feeling of an artist who was a mess and struggling with a life that only seemed to elude him and his music for so long, and once he knew he was going to be a father, it followed into his voice. A certain understanding of life and peace washes over his music, and through your speakers.

It was pretty hard to miss the promotion of this show, especially if you live in the Triangle. Cats Cradle (www.catscradle.com) posted a contest for fans to go all out and create their own fancy poster to advertise for the Old Ceremony (www. myspace.com/theoldceremony, www.

Point being, not many people from the Greensboro side of the Triad have had a chance to check out the improved venue since its upgrade, bar and all. They’ve even started a membership for easier access into shows and updates on what’s going on. For example: Now they have trivia nights, open-mic events and multiple shows a week.

Bob Morris, the band’s lead guitar and co-vocalist, staggers out from the bunk area of the bus and plops down with the rest of us in the front. His fiery red hair is sticking up in more directions than a TIGI-Bedhead hair model and his lips are barely awake and remain in a pouting stance.

Some might say 7 p.m. is a little early for an evening weekend concert in the summer. The usual turnover for shows start around 9 or 10. Though I suppose we should declare a couple definitions for some of these terms. For a lot of live music enthusiasts, there lies a difference between a “show” and a “concert.” A show is held at a smaller venues with no more than 1,500 capacity (and that is pushing it) with very little security. Concerts are held at coliseums, amphitheatres or arenas, and hold thousands of attendees, employing almost a hundred or more workers for security, concession and every other need.

Walking up to the Raleigh venue, kids of all ages were immediately approached before even making it to the waiting line by two or three others with questions. The first was a kid working for the Obama campaign, who wasn’t even old enough to vote himself, and if you gave him a moment, you’d quickly learn he was also too young to drive.

We all know at least one. That person who is good at pretty much everything they try. And good at a level that makes them money, not just “entertaining your friends” good. Zooey Deschanel is best known for her roles in major motion pictures such as Almost Famous, Elf, The Happening.

While some art invites imagination, Bombadil’s music isn’t so polite. Without waiting for an RSVP from the audience, members of the Durham-based band simply kidnap the attention of anyone who happens to be within hearing distance the moment they start to play.

My week started off with the hopes of going to a show at a venue that I had yet to write about. Upon checking schedules and talking to friends, I recognized a slightly familiar band name from the past: King Khan the Shrines (myspace.com/kingkhantheshines).