The Fuzzy Needle is proud to welcome Florida bands Beggar Weeds and The Cadets presented by Fort Lowell Records.

Formed in Jacksonville, Florida, in the mid-1980s, the Beggar Weeds were a trio who chased the offbeat—driving miles out of their way on tour to visit strange museums and roadside oddities. Their music reflected that same fascination with the eccentric: a jangly mix of R.E.M., the almost-falling-apart-ness of the Replacements, and the rumbling melodicism of Hüsker Dü, filtered through Southern folk and punk grit. Their lone 1988 EP, Sure Pants Alot, captured their raw, fast, and fiercely melodic sound—equal parts humor, heartbreak, and rural storytelling.

Michael Stipe of R.E.M. became an early fan, co-producing unreleased sessions that now appear on their career retrospective Tragedy in U.S. History, out February 20, 2026 via Strolling Bones Records. Their inclusion marks the first time these songs have been officially compiled, making the release a crucial document of Southern indie rock.

https://youtu.be/zkoisHzLvfc?si=cC34R45cM8UoAZF9

The Cadets originally bonded over college radio and vintage underground surf music. Practicing in a small garage, they developed a frenetic, thundering drum style, fast-twitch searing lead rhythms, and melodic hooks full of nervous energy and unexpected twists. Their sonic experiments blend the energy of early rock & roll with sci-fi adventures and diary entries.

They recently signed with Bar/None Records to release their upcoming career retrospective album, Exile In Marginalia Vol 4, on October 2, 2026.

https://youtu.be/St05kbA3iX8?si=NvNQFMDPRVapcjE6

As always, we hope you can join us. Doors at 7 pm, show at 8 pm.

The Fuzzy Needle is proud to welcome Wilmington’s own The Paper Stars with support from Navigation.

From Denver Syntax:

The Paper Stars embody an image of the opening of the eyes and the taking-in of light. Illustrated otherwise, they are a catalog of human emotion punctuated by visions of a man taking responsibility for what is his. Altman’s songs are vast – in sonic dimension and lyrical aptitude. Without a doubt, Altman has a grasp on that mysterious place where the words and music intersect. At once earnest in that ultra-human pursuit of making things right – and making an attempt at anything honest, The Paper Stars is a collection of sounds and stories; perfunctory calls to everything elevated. Both transcendent and secular. Altman’s lyrics wind through western canyons of love lost and every dawn of solace washed in bright lights.

See you there. Doors at 7 pm, show at 8 pm. $12 presale, $15 day of.