James Phillips of Bombadil releasing solo album in August

Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist James Phillips of Bombadil is gearing up for the release of his debut solo album, 29 Days, due out on August 28. The album is recorded under the name Sumner James.

Phillips wrote and recorded all 10 songs from the album during the month of February in Portland, OR. The album is electronic music, a big departure from Bombadil. Check out the dance pop

Bombadil charms Duke Gardens with whimsical pop

Photos by Kevin Norris

Wednesday evening brought mercifully mild weather to Duke Gardens which was good for Bombadil, who took to the stage look dapper as always, wearing 1970's style western suits.

The band played a set heavy on songs from their latest album All that the Rain Promises, but also dipped back into their catalog for classics like "Sad Birthday," "Johnny" and "Smile When You Kiss

Win tickets to Bombadil at Duke Gardens

Bombadil is next up on Duke Performances' Music in the Gardens calendar with a show next Wednesday, June 27.

For a chance to win a pair of tickets to the show, email trianglemusiccontests at gmail dot com with "Bombadil tickets" in the subject line no later than noon on Monday, June 25. We will select and notify a winner that afternoon. One entry per person, please.

Tickets to the show are

Duke Performances unveils Music in the Gardens lineup

Duke Performances has announced the lineup for what is arguably the best summer concert series around and, as usual, it's end-to-end with stellar local acts.

The Music in the Gardens series kicks off Wednesday, June 6, with The Beast and Big Band and includes The Old Ceremony, Dex Romweber & The New Romans, Bombadil, Mandolin Orange, Midtown Dickens and Megafaun.

Tickets go on sale May 15 and

Bombadil, Mandolin Orange, Midtown Dickens & more to play spring Shakori festival

With spring in full effect, it's almost time for the bi-annual Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival in Chatham County. The 2012 spring event will be on April 19-22 and feature an array of fantastic local and national acts.

Some acts on that caught our eyes include The Beast, Big Fat Gap, Bombadil, Donna the Buffalo, Greg Humphreys & The Hobex Allstars, Holy Ghost Tent Revival, Justin Robinson & the

Racing the Cure benefit brings local music community together

Friday night was quintessentially North Carolinian. Super stars came back to their roots, The Tar Heels and the Wolfpack battled in the Sweet 16, and a music community used its powers to support Oliver Gant, a young boy battling cancer. The event raised over $45,000 from ticket sales and a silent auction.

Fans of The Avett Brothers began lining up outside Kings Barcade before noon to catch the

Tift Merritt, Bombadil and more join Racing the Cure lineup

Racing the Cure: A Benefit for Oliver Gant has added Lincoln Theatre to its roster of venues and some pretty big names in local music along with it.

Tift Merritt, Bombadil, Holy Ghost Tent Revival, Small Ponds and Brice Randall Bickford will perform at Lincoln Theatre as part of the event on Friday, March 23. Kings, The Pour House and Tir Na Nog will also be hosting shows as part of the benefit,