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Bull City Undercover 

Durham's very large and relatively young room, Motorco has yet to offer a consistent stream of touring acts appropriate for its 500-plus capacity. Smartly, with Bull City Undercover, booking manager Chris Tamplin borrows another idea from his time spearheading the rock 'n' roll shows at Raleigh's Tir na nOg. Local bands or motley assemblies of townies who happen to play instruments choose a famous (or infamous) act from the past and do their best to do that band justice—their look, their sound, their style. It's a good way not only to fill an empty hall for a long weekend (Undercover runs from Thursday to Saturday, starting at 8 p.m. each night) but also to integrate a load of musicians into a single inaugural event. Back in Raleigh, the concept even spawned a few new permanent acts. No one knows who covers what bands until they take the stage, so go in hopes of surprise. The acts include Cantwell, Gomez & Jordan; Tripp and The Stars Explode.—Grayson Currin