Trampled By Turtles to Headline Band Together Saturday Night

When Trampled by Turtles headlines Red Hat Amphitheater Saturday night, the progressive string band will do more than just burn through breakneck bluegrass-based numbers and dark bouts of folk balladry. As the top draw for Band Together's annual Main Event, the Minnesota quintet will help the Raleigh charity close on a goal to raise $1 million for the Triangle nonprofit Kidznotes, which introduces students at underserved local elementary schools to classical music while providing them with weekly lessons.

So far, Kidznotes participants have shown improved attendance, grades, test scores, and other academic indicators; during Band Together’s year-long partnership, it aims to double Kidznotes capacity from three hundred to six hundred children. 

Those currently involved in Kidznotes are already starting to see benefits from being chosen as Band Together’s annual charity partner, too. Saturday’s event will feature a surely special moment when the Kidznotes All Stars take to one of the biggest stages in the state just before the headliners. They’ll follow this year’s winner of Band Together’s Last Band Standing battle, Boone’s funk fusionists Dr. Bacon—and Vermont trio The Devil Makes Three, whose roots revivalism mashes together ragtime, blues, and rockabilly.

Tickets for the Main Event are $20-$200 with a 6:30 p.m. start, and Deep South hosts an after party featuring Christiane & The Strays. If you're unable to attend but still interested in supporting Kidznotes, Band Together has a slew of intriguing items up for auction including handwritten lyrics from local bands, vacation getaways, dinner packages, private dining or music experiences, VIP passes to Hopscotch, and plenty more. Donations to the organization can also be made online as individual gifts or corporate sponsorships.