21 minute read
PIMIENTO TEA ROOM
Make at Home: Candied Bacon Butter
Candied Bacon
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INGREDIENTS
1 oz light brown sugar 1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper 1/4 tsp chili powder 1/2 lb thick sliced bacon
PREPARATION
1. Combine sugar, pepper and chili powder in a bowl. 2. Line a baking pan with foil and insert a wire rack coated with cooking spray. 3. Place bacon on rack and bake at 375 degrees for 5 minutes. 4. Remove and sprinkle with sugar mixture. 5. Bake another 5-10 minutes or until cooked. Sugared bacon will harden as it cools.
The Butter
INGREDIENTS
1 lb unsalted butter, room temperature 1/2 tsp kosher salt 1 3/4 oz light brown sugar 1 1/2 oz honey 1 3/4 oz candied bacon, chopped
PREPARATION
1. Beat butter in stand mixer with salt and sugar until fluffy. 2. Add in honey and bacon. Mix until well combined. Yields 1 1/4 lb
continued from page 28
Inventive tea sandwiches are served on house-made toasted olive oil bread. How about smoked catfish spread with pickled read onion, crushed kettle chops, baby greens and Texas Pete mayo? Possibly roasted sweet potato with sundried tomato goat cheeses, arugula, honey and candied jalapeno? Or even cucumber with carrot, iceberg lettuce and kalamata olive mayo?
“We will always offer a vegan option with our sandwiches,” Christy says.
Popular scones served with flavored butters will not disappoint. Choose a flight of three butters, which include choices such as honeyscallion, sundried tomato, candied bacon, cinnamon-brown sugar, salted chocolate matcha and vegan-vanilla.
“We also have a unicorn butter, which is a vanilla with sprinkles,” says Christy. “Every time I see it show up on a ticket in the kitchen, it makes me calm down and smile.”
PTR also serves supper Tuesday through Saturday. If it’s available, order the chicken and veggie pot pie with buttermilk biscuit crumble topping and lemon-roasted green beans. For a vegetarian delight, try the cornmeal-encrusted risotto cakes crowned with curried coconut creamed collards and green chile tomato gravy.
“With the vibe we have, we decided to be bold with the menu,” Christy says. “We are excited to have so many regulars, and they seem to appreciate the constant variety.”
The drink menu is equally audacious. Intriguingly, all the specialty cocktails are permeated with tea.
“We steep tea directly into the spirits,” Matt says. “One of the specialty cocktails is The Widow Nickels, which pays homage to Virginia Nickels, who lived in the house in the 1860s.”
Nearly a dozen selections of tea drinks, from Earl Grey No. 69 to the fruity Feng Shui, deserve strong consideration. And so does Dirt, a robust, high-octane mixture of coffee and tea.
Save room for dessert. Petit four-style sweets range from a chaispiced poundcake truffle and salted brown butter Rice Krispies treat to an Arnold Palmer white-chocolate lemon cake with sweet-tea icing.
“There truly is something for everyone,” says Christy. “We also make Sunday sundaes for brunch.”
Once the restaurant hits its stride, Matt and Christy plan to create a give-back component to support a worthy charitable cause.
“Our youngest daughter, Eve, was diagnosed with kidney cancer when she was two years old,” Christy says, “so we want to do what we can to support (the nonprofit) CureSearch for Children’s Cancer.”
PTR is open Tuesday through Sunday and does not accept reservations. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. Arrive early for a prime seat on the front porch. And tell them Main & Broad sent you.
PIMIENTO TEA ROOM
200 NORTH MAIN ST., HOLLY SPRINGS (984) 225-4213 PIMIENTOTEAROOM.COM
RIPE REVIVAL MARKET PROVIDES GROCERY BOXES PACKED WITH N.C. MEAT, DAIRY, FRUITS AND VEGETABLES FOR WEEKLY DELIVERY TO CUSTOMERS’ HOMES.
weekly subscription boxes range from $22.99 to $74.99.
Ripe Revival Delivers Fresh Produce to southern Wake
Written by Jack Frederick | Photography courtesy of Ripe Revival Market
Since it began distributing produce in April 2020, Ripe Revival Market has spread quickly from its base of operations in Rocky Mount to more than 15 N.C. counties — including southern Wake County.
Now, as the company’s reach has broadened to more than 100 cities across North Carolina, from Wilmington to Chapel Hill, residents in Holly Springs and Fuquay-Varina can have locally produced fresh fruit, vegetables and meats delivered right to their door each week.
“The market was really born out of the pandemic, out of necessity for survival,” said founder Will Kornegay. “Not only for ourselves, but we just saw the need for so many people to have access to the service that we offer, whether it be consumers who need a safe and convenient way to get food during a time of uncertainty, or be another food producers and food companies who like us, had the rug pulled out from under their feet when the state shut down.”
Ripe Revival Market joins a booming industry of produce distribution companies that serve the Triangle, with a convenient contact-free food delivery model that has thrived in the pandemic. To set itself apart from other similar companies, Kornegy says that Ripe Revival delivers to both rural and urban areas, while some of its competitors deliver in only larger cities.
Ripe Revival offers a variety of packages, from one-time deliveries to recurring memberships of grocery boxes, produce boxes and other North Carolina-made food products. The company plans to launch poultry, beef and pork meat boxes as well.
The produce box includes 15-20 pounds of fruits and vegetables for $34.99, while the grocery box includes produce and other products, like meat, dairy and snacks for $74.99 per box.
As many companies of its kind have grown quickly during the pandemic, Ripe Revival’s history is tied directly to COVID-19 — and the company might not exist if not for the shutdowns.
Ripe Revival was supposed to
launch in March 2020 as a fruit and vegetable gummies company, but pivoted when stores were not accepting new vendors. Instead, Kornegay decided the company would address food insecurity concerns and support N.C. farmers whose supply chains were disrupted by shutdowns.
“Agriculture is one of North Carolina’s biggest industries, and I think that consumers are much more aware of that now after the last year,” Kornegay said. “We’re proud that we can represent a lot of farmers who lost a lot of business or outlets for their crops. Beyond, I think consumers are really looking for a deeper connection to the source of their food, so we’re excited that Ripe Revival Market can be that resource for them.”
In the time since, Ripe Revival has also resumed the sale of fruit and vegetable gummies. But now tied to its mission is the goal to maximize the use of crops that might not otherwise be sold. So far, Kornegay has partnered with dozens of farmers in the state to sell more of their produce and products.
The company recently launched a $22.99 Community Supported Produce Box that includes imperfect but otherwise perfectly healthy fruit and vegetables. Each purchase benefits farmers and helps families in need.
“We’re trying to find a way to utilize more of, a lot of people use the term ugly produce. We don’t specifically love that term, but the unwanted produce,” Kornegay said. “For every box we sell, we’re going to donate that exact same box to a family in need within their communities.”
All boxes change weekly depending upon the season and availability of produce. Ripe Revival delivers orders from Wednesday to Friday, but generally fulfills any orders placed in the Triangle on Fridays.
For more information, visit riperevivalmarket.com.
WILL KORNEGAY, OWNER AND FOUDNER OF RIPE REVIVAL MARKET
You Belong Here
No matter what you enjoy, Where you come from Or how you feel, there’s a place for you at Windsor Point!
A Life Plan Community with Continuing Care Independendent Living - Cottages & Apartments • Assisted Living • Memory Care • Skilled Nursing
“Windsor Point has proven to be a good choice through two moves, the loss of my husband and now a pandemic. I feel secure and protected here and would recommend Windsor Point to others.” “We appreciate how carefully everyone at Windsor Point works to see that we are well, healthy, and safe.”
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The FOOD Issue
Restaurant hours and service may be limited at this time. Check individual locations for most current information.
FUQUAY-VARINA
Abbey Road Tavern and Grill
“Signature Beatle burgers and live entertainment.” 711 N. Main St.; Fuquay-Varina (919) 762-7731; abbeyroadnc.com
Anna’s Pizzeria
“Piping hot pizzas and mouthwatering Italian food.” 138 S. Main St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 285-2497; annaspizzeria.com
Aviator Pizzeria & BeerShop
“Brick oven pizza & craft beer.” 601 E. Broad St., Fuquay Varina (919) 346-8206; aviatorbrew.com
Aviator SmokeHouse BBQ Restaurant
“All of our food is made in-house.” 525 E. Broad St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 557-7675; aviatorbrew.com
Assaggio’s Pizzeria Ristorante
“Top quality ingredients go into every dish.” 941 East Broad Street, Fuquay-Varina (919) 557-9505; assaggios-fuquay.com
Brus on Main
“Quaint cafe serving New York coffee, bakery treats and breakfast.” 135 S. Main Street, Fuquay-Varina (607) 745-2512; @brusonmain
BRUSCHETTA BASILICA FROM GARIBALDI TRATTORIA IN FUQUAY-VARINA. The Corner Biergarten
“Bar & bottle shop.” 1625 N. Main St., Suite 133, Fuquay-Varina (919) 246-6649; tcbiergarten.com
Cultivate Coffee Roasters
“Modern industrial twist on a small town coffee shop.” 128 S. Fuquay Ave., Fuquay Varina (919) 285-4067; www.cultivate.coffee
Daddy D’s BBQ
“Slow cooked with love.” 1526 Broad St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 552-6464; daddydsbbqnc.com
Drive Bru
“Drive thru coffee shop with N.Y. coffee & Carolina charm.” 1013 E Broad St., Fuquay-Varina (607) 745-2512; @drivebru
Eggs Up Grill
“Breakfast favorites served all day.” 1436 N Main St, Fuquay-Varina (919) 285-4463; eggsupgrill.com
El Dorado
“Enjoy the most delicious Mexican food amongst family.” 112 E Vance St, Fuquay-Varina (919) 557-0287; eldoradomexicanrestaurant.com
FuQuay Brus
“Quaint coffee cafe with New York coffee, baked goods, beer, wine and keto.” 400 Broad St., Fuquay-Varina (607) 745-2512; @fuquaybrus
Garibaldi Trattoria Pizza & Pasta
“Authentic Italian cuisine and quality service.” 900 N. Main St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 552-8868; garibalditrattoria.com
The Healthy Spot
“Meal replacement smoothies and energizing teas.” 961 East Broad St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 552-5373; @healthyspotfuquay
J&S New York Pizza
“Family-owned and operated Italian restaurant.” 500 Broad St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 557-6921; jandsnypizza.com
Johnny’s Pizza
“An amazing array of different NY-style pizzas.” 722 N Judd Parkway N, Fuquay-Varina (919) 552-6322; johnnyspizzacary.com
Joyce & Family Restaurant
“Home cooked Southern favorites.” 129 N Main St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 567-1717; @joyceandfamily
Juicehaus
“Made-to-order fresh, raw juice.” 509 North Broad St, Fuquay Varina (919) 396-5588; juicehaus.org
Laurel Wine Bar at Cellar 55
“Mediterranean-inspired small plates with wine pairings.” 1351 East Broad St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 446-1156; cellar55.com
Little Portugal NC
“Market and eatery celebrating traditional Portuguese dishes.” 736 N. Main Street, Fuquay-Varina (919) 586-7144; littleportugalnc.com
Los Tres Magueyes
“We prepare our food fresh daily.” 401 Wake Chapel Road, Fuquay-Varina (919) 552-3957; lostresmagueyes.com
The Mason Jar Tavern
“All the comforts of Southern hospitality with a modern twist.” 305 S. Main St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 762-5555; themasonjartavern.com
The Mill
“Coffee. Beer. Wine. Community.” 146 S. Main St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 557-2123; themillfuquay.com
Nil’s Cafe
“Family-oriented Mediterranean cafe.” 513 Broad Street, Fuquay-Varina (919) 567-0887; nilscafe-weebly.com
Pints Ice Cream & Beer
“Homemade ice cream and craft beers.” 512 Broad Street, Fuquay-Varina @pintsicecream
Stick Boy Bread Co.
“Handcrafted baked goods from scratch … all natural ingredients.” 127 S. Main St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 557-2237; stickboyfuquay.com
Triple Barrel Tavern
“Restaurant, sports bar & billiards.” 2221 N Grassland Drive, Fuquay-Varina (919) 762-0940; @triplebarreltavernfuquayvarina
Tsuru Sweets & Coffee
“Elegant-yet-sassy gourmet confectionery.” 411 Broad St, Fuquay-Varina (919) 285-2646; tsurusweets.com
Vicious Fishes Tap & Kitchen
“Eclectic twists on comfortable bar food.” 132 South Fuquay Ave., Fuquay-Varina (919) 762-7876; viciousfishes.com/fuquay-nc
Wingin’ It Bar and Grille
“Family-friendly neighborhood pub.” 1625 N. Main St., Suite 109, Fuquay-Varina (919) 762-0962; winginitbarandgrille.com
Zeera Indian Restaurant
“Authentic goodness in traditional Indian food.” 1311 E Broad St., Fuquay-Varina (919) 762-6215; zeeranc.com
Zaxby’s
“Indescribably good.” 1341 N Main St, Fuquay Varina (919) 552-3981; zaxbys.com
SWEET-AND-SOUR STIR FRY FROM OSHA THAI KITCHEN & SUSHI IN HOLLY SPRINGS
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HOLLY SPRINGS
Acme Pizza Co.
“Chicago-style deep dish pizza.” 204 Village Walk Dr, Holly Springs (919) 552-8800; acmepizzaco.com
Ashley’s Harvest Moon Bakery – Cafe
“Breakfast and lunch cafe with scratch-made bakery and locally roasted coffee.” 128 Bass Lake Road, Holly Springs (919) 586-7005; harvestmoonbakerycafe.com
Aye! Toro
“Crafted with love using traditional Mexican recipes passed down through generations.” 303 Mathews Dr, Holly Springs (919) 367-6233; ayetoronc.com
Bass Lake Draft House
“34 beers on tap.” 124 Bass Lake Rd, Holly Springs (919) 567-3251; basslakedrafthouse.com
Bestow Baked Goods
“Life is too short for grocery store desserts.” 4208 Lassiter Road, Holly Springs (919) 473-9225; bestowbakedgoods.com
Blaze Pizza
“Fast fire’d, perfectly crisp perfection.” 316 Grand Hill Place, Holly Springs (919) 261-5950; blazepizza.com
The Blind Pelican
“Creative seafood and boat drinks.” 120 Bass Lake Road; Holly Springs (984) 225-2471; blindpelicanseafood.com
TASTY BANANA ICING AND TINY CHOCOLATE CHIPS
VISIT OUR LOCATIONS! CARY | RALEIGH | DURHAM
OPEN 6AM - 7PM DAILY OPEN 6AM - 7PM DAILY OPEN 7AM - 7PM DAILY
The Butcher’s Market
“Premium meats and specialty grocery.” 4200 Lassiter Rd, Holly Springs (919) 267-919); thebutchersmarkets.com
Cristo’s Bistro
“Hand tossed NY style pizza.” 5217 Sunset Lake Rd, Holly Springs (919) 363-8852, cristosbistro.com
Eggs Up Grill
“Breakfast favorites served all day.” 4216 Lassiter Road, Holly Springs (919) 495-4530; eggsupgrill.com
Greek Basma
“Greek food that is fresh, healthy and delicious.” 7272 GB Alford Hwy, Holly Springs ((919) 285-080; greekbasma.com
Hickory Tavern
“Something for every appetite.” 401 Village Walk Drive, Holly Springs (919) 557-2064; thehickorytavern.com
Fera’wyn’s Chocolate Cafe
“Forget love, I’d rather fall in chocolate.” 652 Holly Springs Road, Holly Springs (415) 758-3296; ferawyns.com
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Fiesta Mexicana
“Authentic. Hot. Fresh.” 428 Village Walk Drive, Holly Springs (919) 346-1330; fiestamexicananc-hollysprings.com
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
“Great food without a long wait.” 221 Grand Hill Place, Holly Springs (919) 557-3475; freddysusa.com
Homegrown Pizza
“Pizza, calzones and sandwiches.” 4928 Linksland Drive, Holly Springs (919) 577-5575; homegrownpizza.com
Kobe HIbachi and Sushi
515 North Main Street, Holly Springs (919) 557-1437; kobehollyspringsnc.com
Mama Bird’s Cookies + Cream
“A unique spin on a timeless dessert.” 304 N. Main St., Holly Springs (919) 762-7808; mamabirdsicecream.com
From our family to yours.
900 N. Main Street | Fuquay Varina, NC | 919-552-8868 | garibalditrattoria.com
The Mason Jar Tavern
“All the comforts of Southern hospitality with a modern twist.” 114 Grand Hill Place, Holly Springs (919) 964-5060; themasonjartavern.com
MediTerra Grill
“Delicious ingredients. Old world recipes.” 108 Grand Hill Place, Holly Springs (919) 762-7851; mediterranc.com
Mi Cancun Mexican Restaurant
324 Grand Hill Place, Holly Springs (919) 552-9979; micancunmx.com
Michelangelos Pizza
“Pizza buffet for lunch and dinner.” 7280 GB Alford HWY, Holly Springs (919) 557-4992; michelangelospizza.com
My Way Tavern
“Freshly made all-American foods.” 301 W. Center St., Holly Springs (919) 285-2412; mywaytavern.com
Niche Wine Lounge
“Tranquility by the glass.” 109 Main St., Holly Springs (919) 552-2300; nichewinelounge.com
The Nutrition Fix
“Healthy fast food alternatives.” 424 Village Walk Drive, Holly Springs (919) 341-5554; @thenutritionfixnc
The Original N.Y. Pizza
“Bringing a taste of New York to North Carolina.” 634 Holly Springs Road, Holly Springs (919) 567-0505; theoriginalnypizza.com
Osha Thai Kitchen & Sushi
“Authentic Thai cuisine: well-balanced dishes bursting with flavor.” 242 S Main Street, Holly Springs (984) 538-6742; oshathaikitchennc.com
Pimiento Tea Room
“Not your mama’s tea room.” 200 North Main Street, Holly Springs (984) 225-4213, pimientotearoom.com
Rise Southern Biscuits & Chicken
“The best dang biscuits.” 169 Grand Hill Place, Holly Springs (919) 586-7343; risebiscuitsdonuts.com
Sir Walter Coffee + Kitchen
“Creative cafe by day. Full restaurant at night.” 242 S Main St. Suite 118, Holly Springs (919) 390-2150; sirwaltercoffeekitchen.com
Skrimp Shack
“Casual seafood cuisine.” 7244 Alford Hwy, Holly Springs (919) 335-3924; theskrimpshack.com
Sweetberry Bowls
“Beautiful and delicious bowls, wraps and salads.” 150 West Holly Springs Rd, Holly Springs (984) 225-2656; sweetberrybowls.com
Sweet Southern SnoBalls
“Shaved ice and Hershey’s Ice Cream.” 527 N. Main St., Holly Springs (919) 291-3355; @sweetsouthsnoballs
Thai Thai Cuisine
“Home cooked Thai food.” 108 Osterville Drive, Holly Springs (919) 303-5700; thaithaicuisinenc.com
Thanks A Latte
“Coffee and gift boutique.” 1118 Kentworth Drive, Holly Springs (919) 577-0070; thanksalattegiftsnc.com
Town Hall Burger & Beer
“Neighborhood beer and burger joint.” 301 Matthews Dr, Holly Springs (919) 335-5388; Townhallburgerandbeer.com
Vieni Ristobar
“The newest Italian restaurant from the Cinelli family.” 242 South Main Street, Holly Springs (984) 225-1134; vieniristobar.com
Zaxby’s
“Indescribably good.” 101 Grand Hill Place, Holly Springs (919) 762-0432; zaxbys.com
CARY
Chanticleer Café & Bakery
“Family-owned restaurant serving up breakfast, lunch and specialty coffees.” 6490 Tryon Road, Cary (919) 781-4810; chanticleercafe.com
Chef’s Palette
“Creative flair and originality in every aspect of our service.” 3460 Ten Ten Road, Cary (919) 267-6011; chefspalette.net
Corbett’s Burgers & Soda Bar
“Good old-fashioned burgers and bottled soda.” 126 Kilmayne Drive, Cary (919) 466-0055; corbettsburgers.com
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Duck Donuts
“Warm, delicious and just the way you like them.” 100 Wrenn Drive #10, Cary (919) 468-8722; duckdonuts.com/location/cary-nc
Gonza Tacos y Tequila
“Award-winning Colombian-Mexican cuisine.” 525-105 New Waverly Place, Cary (919) 653-7310; cary.gonzatacosytequila.com
La Farm Bakery
“Handcrafted daily … only the freshest ingredients.” 4248 NW Cary Parkway, Cary; 220 W. Chatham St., Cary; 5055 Arco Street, Cary (919) 657-0657; lafarmbakery.com
Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen
“Exceptional renderings of classic Southern dishes.” 7307 Tryon Road, Cary (919) 233-1632; lucky32.com/cary
Lugano Ristorante
“Italian dining in a comfortable and casual atmosphere.” 1060 Darrington Drive, Cary (919) 468-7229; luganocary.com
Mellow Mushroom
“Beer, calzones and creative stone-baked pizzas.” 4300 NW Cary Parkway, Cary (919) 463-7779; mellowmushroom.com
Pizzeria Faulisi
“Simple foods from a simple way of cooking: a wood-burning oven.” 215 E. Chatham St., Suite 101, Cary pizzeriafaulisi.com
Pro’s Epicurean Market & Café
“Gourmet market, café and wine bar.” 211 East Chatham Street, Cary; (919) 377-1788; prosepicurean.com
Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits
“Great food always, with a side of good times.” 8111-208 Tryon Woods Drive, Cary (919) 851-3999; 2025 Renaissance Park Place, Cary (919) 677-3999; ruckuspizza.com
Daniel’s
Restaurant & Catering
Cooking the BEST New York Italian food in Western Wake since 1993!
THE MAGGY AWARDS
WINNER WINNER
2020
BEERS ON TAP
The best selection of German and craft beer in the area!
Check our Facebook page for weekly events @TCBiergarten Dogs are Welcome!
1430 W. Williams Street | Apex, NC 919-303-1006 danielsapex.com
1625 N. Main St. #133 Fuquay-Varina 919.246.6649 | tcbiergarten.com
Written by Emily Uhland
Photography by Jonathan Fredin
Rock On n Chart-topping Fuquay-Varina band plays from the heart
2DIGH4 BAND MEMBERS (FROM LEFT): LANDON DIGH ON ACOUSTIC GUITAR, AUBREY DIGH ON ELECTRIC GUITAR, BASS PLAYER MIKE KACHMAN AND MELODY BALLARD, ON DRUMS
It’s a warm night at Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre in April. As the sun sets, a four-person band performs an eclectic combination of country twang, rock guitar and thoughtful lyrics.
It’s a one-of-a-kind sound created by brothers Landon and Aubrey Digh and their band 2Digh4 (pronounced two-die-four). This hometown group is familiar to many, hailing from Fuquay-Varina and regularly performing across the Triangle (and beyond), but their dreams don’t stop there.
2DIGH4 REALEASED THEIR FIRST ALBUM IN 2019. LANDON, PICTURED HERE, USUALLY SINGS LEAD VOCALS.
“She was more than just a chorus teacher; she really tried to speak to everyone individually. She would be there to talk about anything,” said Landon. During those high school years, Landon and Aubrey began to experiment with writing their own music and performing duo shows. “In high school, I had tried writing a song. It will always be that first song I wrote,” says Landon. “I can tell you exactly what it was and how it goes. “We started doing duo gigs, thinking ‘Let’s try this out and see what happens.’ Some of these places want you to play for three hours, and that’s three hours worth of songs you have to learn. When you start out, you have nothing.” The Digh brothers, natives of Fuquay-Varina, have known music all their lives. Landon and Aubrey both attended East Carolina University earning degrees in social work — studying and playing music along the way. “There was always singing in our “It helped us realize music is really our house,” says Kay Digh, mom to Landon, passion. It just doesn’t make sense to do 28, and Aubrey, 26. anything else,” says Aubrey. Landon and Aubrey credit their father, Landon wrote a song called “North also a musician, for their inherited musi- Carolina,” a tribute to his home state, “sitting cal talent. But it was Kay who enrolled the on the front porch” during his years at ECU. brothers in their first piano lessons — with This song would eventually become the Diana Thomas at Fuquay’s Joyful Sounds band’s first single, but first, served to springArts and Music Academy. Guitar lessons board 2Digh4 to its first taste of fame. followed shortly thereafter. The pair entered “North Carolina” in a “Aubrey could play by ear,” says Kay, 2016 Battle of the Bands competition sponwho the brothers refer to as their backbone sored by B93.9 New Country radio station, of support. “They both caught on immedi- which they went on to win after two headately and loved it.” to-head concerts and an online vote. During middle school, both broth- The grand prize for winning — openers added instruments to their skill set — ing for country music superstars Florida trumpet for Landon and violin for Aubrey. Georgia Line and Cole Swindel at the And at Fuquay-Varina High, they partici- Carolina Country Music Festival in Myrtle pated in theater productions, singing and Beach, S.C. acting, as well as performing the national “It was an awesome experience. We anthem at sporting events, thanks, in part, loved it,” says Landon. “It was our first taste to encouragement from their high school of being a VIP.” chorus teacher, Ruth McCoy. The band’s unique sound — what
That’s the coolest thing to me when someone says, ‘I listen to your music. I’ve heard it; I love it.’ ”
– Landon Digh
the Digh brothers call “country rock” — comes from a variety of influences.
“Nineties and early 2000s country is a big influence of ours,” says Aubrey. “We do some pop covers as well, and have some rock aspects. It’s kind of hard to put a finger on it exactly.”
He lists John Mayer, Keith Urban and Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts as strong musical influences, but also adds Reliant K, a Christian rock and punk band, and classic rock songs.
Aubrey describes 2Digh4 as: “A country written song, with Landon’s country twang, vocals and lyrics, along with some heavy crunching guitar.”
Their original songs are vocally driven, formed through a unique, collaborative writing process. For example, Landon will sketch out a melody, add lyrics, then pass the tune off to Aubrey to write the lead guitar part. The brothers involve their other band members, drummer Melody Ballard and bass player Mike Kachman to round out the sound.
Typically Landon sings lead vocals and plays acoustic guitar, sometimes banjo, while Aubrey jams the lead guitar and harmony vocals. But it’s not uncommon for their roles to switch.
REACH “NEW HEIGHTS” WITH THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONNECTIONS THEME AT LINCOLN HEIGHTS MAGNET ELEMENTARY
Come GROW with us where we:
• Boast several outdoor learning environments that spark our students’ love of learning
• Cultivate students’ curiosity through daily environmental expedition electives
• Involve the whole family in
environmentally-themed activities
To learn more about us, please visit www.wcpss.net/lincolnheightses
307 Bridge Street Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526 (919) 557-2587
