The Raleigh Blues Festival Is Back—And It’s Bringing the Soul
Gritty guitars, velvet voices, and stories you can feel.
Shannon
April 30, 2025
First time reader? Join 7,679 other Raleigh locals. Sign up here.
Do you have feedback for us? Fill out this easy survey or reply to this email.
The 13th Annual Raleigh Blues Festival rolls into town Sunday, May 4 at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, serving up a night of raw emotion and rhythm that hits deep. Catch powerhouse performances from Tucka, Pokey Bear, West Love, J-Wonn, Theodis Ealey, and more—all backed by the Live in the Flesh Band.
If you wanna hear what heartbreak, swagger, and soul sound like on stage, be sure to snag your tickets here!
Giphy
This isn’t sponsored…we just believe in the healing powers of a slow groove. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).
FYI:
Move this email to your Primary Inbox so you don’t miss the next edition.
Also, please forward this to a friend; it's how we grow.
🔥 Get The Latest Raleigh Guide:
The Ultimate North Carolina Bucket List: 50 Things Not to Miss, part of The Raleigh Bundle collection of expert guides, is packed with epic road trip ideas, hidden wonders, seasonal adventures, and unforgettable experiences across the state. Even longtime locals will be surprised by what they find inside.
Also, we just added new bonuses to The Raleigh Bundle, including a $249 tier where we’ll send you five tees or three sweatshirts from iconic Raleigh businesses—plus every other perk we’ve offered so far, all bundled in.
The 919 Deal Drop:
Don’t miss these stylish steals at Edge of Urge 🔥
Buy 2 sale hair accessories and get 1 free—no code needed, just add to cart.
📍Where: Edge of Urge
📅 When: Limited Offer
Raleigh Real Estate:
🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 2 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,187 SQ FT | .04 ACRES |$295,000
End-unit townhome in prime West Raleigh location featuring pool views, upgraded flooring, fresh paint, en-suite bedrooms, and easy access to trails, dining, and major roads.* Take a look here →
🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,299 SQ FT | .47 ACRES | $375,000
Charming ranch-style home on nearly half an acre with a welcoming front porch, spacious layout, large backyard deck, one-car garage, and no city taxes.* Take a look here →
🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 5 BEDROOMS | 4 BATHROOMS | 3,166 SQ FT | .08 ACRES | $649,900
Stunning 5-bed, 4-bath home in North Raleigh featuring a chef’s kitchen, versatile living spaces across three levels, a screened porch with wooded views, and a fenced backyard—perfect for stylish, spacious living.* Take a look here →
🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 4 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,912 SQ FT | .29 ACRES | $1,200,000
Exceptional 1.29-acre R-6 zoned lot on Duraleigh Road offers prime development potential in a sought-after Raleigh location near major employers, shopping, and greenways.* Take a look here →
👨 WANT TO VIEW THESE HOUSES OR OTHERS IN PERSON (OR SELL YOUR OWN)? TEXT OR CALL RYAN FOR A FREE CONSULTATION…
Owner at Raleigh Realty, real estate agent Ryan Fitzgerald has…
been featured in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and U.S. News & World Report
accumulated 595 Google reviews and a 5-star rating
been voted the Triangle's best real estate company by INDY Week
Whether you're buying or selling, he and his team are ready to help you navigate the fast-moving Triangle market. Don’t wait—reach out today!*
Contact Ryan and mention Raleigh.com sent you and he’ll send you a FREE $6 Starbucks gift card!
📱 Text or call: 919-249-8536
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: RaleighRealty.com
🏡 View Homes in Raleigh: RaleighRealty.com/raleigh
Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: M Sushi Durham’s Hamachi Kama is the tender, flavorful collar of yellowtail, grilled to perfection and often served with citrus and soy for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: AMOS | DOG | 8 MONTHS | MALE
Amos is an adorable 8-month-old pup with a charming black-and-white coat, full of playful energy and ready to bring joy and love to his future family. Check him out here →
🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Head over to 110 Pheasant Wood Ct on May 3 at 8:45AM for a huge variety of items from 10+ families, including toys, kids' gear, furniture, kitchenware, home décor, clothing, musical instruments, sports equipment, and more! More details here →
📝 LOCAL CLASS: Free Social Dance Classes at VFW Post 7383 on May 18 at 3PM.
Learn the basics of Latin, social, and line dancing at these free, no-experience-needed group classes followed by social dancing. Sign up here →
🧠 UNSCRAMBLE, WIN A PRIZE: Unscramble this Raleigh-related phrase, be the first to reply with the correct answer, and we’ll send you a tote bag, stickers, and a magnet in the mail: AWHS IVITENUSYR
Local Vocals:
🎸 This Week: Jeff Cosco | Rock
Jeff Cosco is a seasoned rock musician known for his soulful vocals and dynamic performances, blending classic rock influences with contemporary flair. | Riparian Provision Company | May 2, 6PM | FREE!
🎤 Plan Ahead: Jason Aldean | Country
Jason Aldean is a country music artist known for his chart-topping hits, energetic performances, and influence in the genre. | Coastal Credit Union Music Park | August 21, 7:30PM | Get tickets here →
Save Hours of Searching—These Vetted Pros Are Ready to Improve Your Life (Updated Daily)
When you need to get things done (the right way, and fast), you don’t have time to read endless reviews. We’ve done that for you. These leading local service professionals have earned their stellar reputations and are ready to help you simplify your life.
Call them and tell them we sent you!*
✔️ Auto Mechanic: King’s Auto Service has 630+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—trusted for over 75 years for reliable, expert car care in Raleigh.
✔️ Botox: BeautyCo has 260+ Google reviews and a perfect 5.0-star rating—Raleigh’s go-to spot for expert Botox treatments and natural-looking results.
✔️ Cosmetic Surgeon (Body): Amelia Aesthetics has 580+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—trusted experts for body contouring and enhancement.
✔️ Cosmetic Surgeon (Face): Raleigh Eye and Face has 140+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—expert facial aesthetics and surgical care you can trust.
✔️ Dentist: Russo DDS has 1,500+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—trusted by families all over Raleigh for exceptional dental care.
✔️ Handyman: Ace Handyman Services Greater Triangle and Johnston County has 900+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—because getting things fixed right matters.
✔️ Home Remodeler: Simply Right Remodeling has 100+ Google reviews and a perfect 5.0-star rating—expert craftsmanship to transform your home with style and precision.
✔️ HVAC Services: Air Experts—Raleigh’s go-to HVAC specialists with 7,300+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating. Don’t wait for the next heatwave!
✔️ Laser Hair Removal: BodyLase Med Spa has nearly 900 Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating for expert laser hair removal. Book your glow-up today!
✔️ Massage Therapist: Lorena Luca Spa & Skin Clinic boasts 460+ Google reviews and a 4.8-star rating—because you deserve to relax.
✔️ Mortgage Broker: Erika Fonseca - Oak City Lending (NMLS #2679761) has 15 Google reviews, all 5.0 stars. Get the best home loan options with a pro who truly cares!
✔️ Orthodontist: Wake Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry has 1,400+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—creating confident smiles for kids and adults across Raleigh.
✔️ Therapist: Elizabeth Tatum, LCMHC has 5.0 stars and 30+ Google reviews for compassionate, effective therapy. Take care of your mental wellness with one of Raleigh’s best.
✔️ Wealth Advisor: Capitol Financial has 25+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating for expert financial planning. Your future self will thank you.
Want to apply to be added above? Find details here.
Let’s Get Laughing:
🎤 This Week: Matt Ross at Goodnights Comedy Club | May 9, 7:30PM | Matt Ross is a stand-up comedian known for his sharp writing, casual delivery, and observational humor, often exploring relatable everyday topics with a unique twist. Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: Nate Bargatze at Lenovo Center | July 17-18, 7PM | Nate Bargatze is a clean, laid-back comedian known for his dry humor and relatable storytelling about everyday life and family. Get tickets here →
Find Friends in Raleigh:
Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 IBN Biz Lunch @ Frontier RTP - Building 800 | May 7 | 12PM
The IBN Biz Lunch event in South Durham offers a casual networking opportunity for business professionals to connect, promote their services, and meet new contacts over lunch. Get details here →
🤝 Women's Monthly Coffee Meeting @ Brecotea | May 8 | 10AM
Connect with friendly, like-minded women over coffee and conversation at this relaxed networking social hosted by the Triangle Women's Network. Get details here →
Etcetera:
These aren’t about Raleigh, but we know you’ll find them as intriguing as we do.
🧠 Train your brain with a deceptively simple memory game that gets trickier fast.
🔍 Zoom through space and see just how tiny we are in the grand scheme of things.
🎨 Test your eye for color with this calming little game that’s perfect for zoning out in a good way.
The NCMA Park is one of those places you almost don’t want to tell people about—but you do, because it’s just that good. You can wander through trails and stumble upon massive sculptures, or just lay in the grass and watch the clouds roll by. It’s where art meets fresh air, and somehow, it always feels like the perfect escape without ever leaving the city.
—Kristen, a longtime reader
Interested in promoting your business or event to 7,679 trendsetters in the Triangle?
Connect with engaged consumers across the Triangle. See options and rates here.
Hey, y’all: Event info can change—always check the organizer’s site before you go.
If you’ve scrolled this far, you probably enjoy what we’re doing. The best way to support us? Share the love. Forward this newsletter to a friend or click this link to share it on Facebook, X, etc.—every share helps us grow.