Tracks In The Stacks

Intimate Concerts & Interviews

In the era of masks, social distancing, and virtual events, we worked together with Hip Hop artist Kevin “Rowdy” Rowsey to produce intimate concerts and interviews with select musicians from the Tracks Music Library collection.

Interested in throwing a watch party? Get in touch.

Filmed at Chapel Hill Public Library

Audio by Threee Corners

Video by Vertex Theory

Photography by Omar Roque

XOXOK

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Austin Royal

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A.yoni Jeffries

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XOXOK

About XOXOK

Keenan Jenkins’ musical career began during his Ph.D. studies at UNC-Chapel Hill, where he played open mics and local showcases at venues such as Jack Sprat, Local 506, and The Station between long days on the third floor of the psychology building. By the time he’d finished his degree, drained and discontent, his musical moonlighting had meanwhile bloomed in full color. He took the cue and dove headfirst into the rich music scene in Carrboro, NC.

Jenkins now performs as XOXOK, crafting atmospheric soul music that is conceived on the fretboard, cultivated at the microphone, and cradled in headphones. The guitar and vocal influences are far-flung, but cohesive—see Jeff Buckley, Moses Sumney, and Anna Calvi, among others. His live performance is a model of intimacy and presence; armed with “sweet, ringing vocals” (Queen City Nerve), XOXOK delivers impassioned songs with unabashed conviction.

XOXOK’s debut EP Worthy is both a lush soundscape and an exercise in growth. On the opening track, “Nancy, M.D.”, he declares, “I need you / more than your patients will ever need you as their medic”. However, by the final song (the title track, “Worthy”), he has changed his tune: “I don’t need you to love me / I just want to be worthy”.

More on XOXOK + Tracks In The Stacks…

“I’ve long thought about how much fun it would be to perform in the library, but it never seemed like the right time — you know, there were always people reading or studying or working, and I just got a feeling that they didn’t want me playing guitar and singing. I’m delighted that Tracks Music Library gave me the opportunity to finally realize this dream. It was so much fun to work with Vertex Theory, Threee Corners, J. Rowdy, and the Chapel Hill Community Arts & Culture folks on this project, and it was a delight to premiere a new song (“On Game”) during this session.”

XOXOK’s Favorite Book
- The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Set List
- I’ll Be Fine
- On Game
- Right On
Musicians
- Keenan Jenkins, vocals, guitar
- Wake Moody, keyboard, vocals
Listen to XOXOK on Tracks Music Library

A.yoni Jeffries

About A.yoni Jeffries

With her soulful, spiritual sound, A.yoni Jeffries takes listeners on a journey through the depths of emotions. With her unconfined range, the afro-indigenous singer/songwriter spans multiple genres adding her own soulful twist. As a talented songwriter, her music is driven by strong melody – featuring upbeat records and ballads that takes listeners to the most beautiful, yet forgotten places internally. Her vocal style stresses love and creativity and provides the listener permission to feel. Soulbounce notes that “A.yoni’s work intersects with her art as she creates accessible spaces, fosters community, and encourages people to hear, see, and feel themselves in her music.”

A.yoni’s Favorite Book
- Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
Set List
- Mahk Jchi
- Searchin’ 4
- Respect The Hussle
Musicians
- A.yoni Jefrries, vocals
- Kevin Hart, guitar
Listen to A.yoni Jeffries on Tracks Music Library

Austin Royale

About Austin Royale

Austin Royale the rapper, producer, songwriter from Durham, North Carolina constantly recreates himself. As he continues experimenting with various musical styles, and blending genres. Currently he is prepping the upcoming release of his debut album, “PLAN | A”. Previously performing under the name A-10, at the age of 24 Austin has been an ongoing influence in the local music scene for almost a decade. He has performed all over North Carolina as well as nationally, collaborating and sharing stages with numerous national recording artists.

Austin’s Favorite Book
- Behold a Pale Horse by Milton William Cooper
Set List
- Wish You Well
- Miss Fortune
- Stay Ready
Musicians
- Austin Royale, vocals
- Jack Buchanan, drums
- Give ‘Em Soul, keyboard
- David Protas, guitar
Listen to Austin Royale on Tracks Music Library

About the Host | Rowdy

Kevin “Rowdy” Rowsey is a National Recording Artist, Writer, Actor, and Educator based in the North Carolina Triangle Area. Rowdy has been featured on BET, NPR, PBS Kids, and has given a TEDX talk on the importance of Hip Hop Culture. Rowsey is a U.S. Hip Hop Ambassador through the U.S. Department of State and the Next Level Hip Hop Program. On stage Rowsey is part of the national collective No9to5 Music, and plays with a live Jazz Band (J) Rowdy & The Night Shift which was nominated for a 2017 Carolina Music Award. They’ve been able to share the stage with the likes of Rakim, Busta Rhymes, Ari Lennox, Childish Major, Snow Tha Product, Murs, 2 Chainz, Juicy J, and a plethora of other national recording acts. Currently Rowdy is the founder of two triangle area cyphers – The UNC Cypher (UNC-CH) and the Med City Cypher (Downtown Durham). He also holds the position of Program Director at the Downtown Durham – Afrofuturist Teen Center Blackspace. Through UNC Greensboro’s Masters of Arts in Teaching Program Rowsey continues his mission to spread southern hip hop at a national and international level through performance, writing and educational workshops inspiring the culture through the craft.

Support Rowdy on Tracks Music Library

Tracks In The Stacks Booklist

Interested in the book titles on the set? Chapel Hill Public Library has curated a custom booklist on Black musicians, performers, comics, and more.

See The List

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