CUAB’s Back to School Concert to feature local folk bands

Americana and folk are the musics of Chapel Hill.

And the Carolina Union Activities Board is hoping to bring those sounds to campus with their Back to School Concert tonight.

Local bands Mandolin Orange and Mipso Trio will showcase the central folk style of the area, said Kinsey Sullivan, CUAB’s music chairwoman.

“We really wanted to bring in a sound that was true to the area,” she said. “In the past we’ve done a lot of dance-type music, so we wanted to change that a little this year.”

Mipso Trio is comprised of UNC juniors Joseph Terrell, who plays guitar for the band, Jacob Sharp, who plays mandolin, and Wood Robinson, who plays bass.

Though the folk sound has been growing in popularity among students, the movement hasn’t completely taken off yet. Many people beyond the area don’t know about the local music scene.

Terrell said he knows many of the students at UNC are not Chapel Hill natives. He said he hopes a concert like this will open their eyes to the unique sound.

“There are a ton of kids that come from out of state and out of town, and all of them know the Top 40 and typical college dance music,” he said. “I’m really excited about playing this concert and introducing people to a local sound.”

Mipso Trio has played several shows in the area, but have yet to play a show for UNC.

“We’ve done a couple benefits for university-related things, but this is our first concert on campus,” Terrell said.

Mandolin Orange, whose founders are native residents of Chapel Hill, is also appearing at the concert.

Emily Frantz, Mandolin Orange guitarist and UNC alumna, said she is excited to be playing a show on campus.

“I’m looking forward to integrating both my alma mater and my love of music,” she said.

UNC’s campus is new territory — and a new audience — for the band.

“The biggest difference will be the crowd,” she said. “We’re used to seeing a range of ages at the shows, but we’re happy to have all younger (people).”

Andrew Marlin, who plays the mandolin, broke his hip earlier this week. But the show will go on — instead of standing, the duo will both be sitting.

Sullivan said she wants students to come out for the celebration even if they’ve never heard of Mipso Trio or Mandolin Orange.

“It’ll be a fun event even if you know nothing about the bands,” she said.

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