Calendar of Events
Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.
Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.
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Daily Bread
Dreamers Delight
Ages 18+
Steve Simon & The Kings of Jazz are Brevard’s newest and most exciting and entertaining jazz band with a sound that combines the funkiness of George Benson, the soulfulness of Ray Charles and the smoothness of Diana Krall all wrapped together in big Count Basie style arrangements of American and Latin jazz classics. If you are looking for an amazing live jazz experience then check out the hottest jazz band in the coolest city in North Carolina performing every Thursday at The DFR Lounge from 7pm to 9pm
The World Trails Film Festival is a unique event showcasing the best short and feature films centering the stories of trails from around the globe. Join us as we bring it to UNC Asheville (premiering for the first time on the East Coast of the United States) to celebrate why trails matter.
This community-building event will support trails locally and globally by fundraising equally for two leading trail organizations, the first of which is the Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards, a local nonprofit equipping people to steward our wild landscapes, and the World Trails Ambassadors, a program of the World Trails Network.
Doors open at 6 pm, Program begins at 7pm and entry will be limited after 7:15 pm, during the screening. Program will include an intermission and ends at 9:30 pm.
Zumba Mondays: 6-7 pm
Take the work out of workout by mixing low-intensity and high-intensity moves for
an interval style, calorie-burning dance fitness party.
Brain Dance & Play Wednesdays: 10-11 am
Improve your memory, coordination and energy levels with the “Brain Dance”.
Transform your workout into a playful experience by discovering new and joyous
ways to move your body.
Slow Flow Yoga Thursdays: 1:15-2:15 pm
Give yourself a needed break with guided gentle yoga poses to stretch your body
and relax your mind.
Barre Sculpt & Tone Fridays: 11:15-11:45 am
Medium intensity class to build strength, endurance, and muscle tone using 1-5lb
weights for upper body , Pilates based core work, and ballet barre sequence for
mobility and strength.
Pre-registration encouraged, call us at 828-254-7206
to sign up for a FREE class or start your FREE 7-Day Trial
membership at ywcaofasheville.org
185 S French Broad Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
All classes are subject to change, call or stop by for a new schedule.
Women Helping Women serves as a source of funds to offset the costs of diagnosis and treatment of cancer affecting underinsured and uninsured women served by the UNC Health Pardee health system who could not otherwise obtain and afford such diagnosis and treatment.
This celebratory event always sells out and tickets are going fast. I encourage you to get yours today before they are gone!
Your $125 ticket includes lunch, pre-event shopping at Retail Row and an opportunity to hear inspiring stories of how the Women Helping Women fund is changing lives in Western North Carolina. The average cost for a mammogram is now $562, so every ticket is making a difference!
Our program will also feature New York Times bestselling author, podcast host and Duke University professor Kate Bowler, PhD.
For more information about the luncheon, email us or call 828-233-2700 and we’ll be glad to assist you.
Wanna hear the best local music and drink the best local beers? Hop aboard LaZoom’s Purple Bus and rock out with a local band while we take you on a journey to Asheville’s premiere local breweries.
We are having so much fun with our Friday nights that we’re bringing live music & food trucks to Saturday too! Every Friday & Saturday at Oak & Grist, we host live music from talented local musicians & artists. Plus, we’re hosting a rotating selection of food trucks to keep the party going longer! View our upcoming schedule below:
SEPTEMBER 2023
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29TH: NO LIVE MUSIC OR FOOD TRUCK
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30TH: Clara Hathaway // NO FOOD TRUCK
OCTOBER 2023
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6TH: Jacob Donham // Mothers Pizza (5-8pm)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7TH: NO MUSIC OR FOOD TRUCK
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13TH: Handpan Jam with Josh Rivera // Mother’s Pizza (5-8pm)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14TH: Emily Martin & The Innocent Mischief // NO FOOD TRUCK
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20TH: Jacob Donham // TBA
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21ST: Josh Humphries // TBA
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27TH: Handpan Jam with Josh Rivera // TBA
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28TH: Color Machine Music // TBA
The Wood Brothers will be performing LIVE on the Outdoor Stage at Salvage Station on Friday, October 20th , 2023 on their Heart is the Hero Tour, with Maya de Vitry opening the show! Doors open at 5:30 PM and the music starts at 6:30 PM.
General Admission, 12+ show.
*The Wood Brothers have partnered with American Friends of Canadian Conservation so that $1 per ticket will support The Nature Trust of British Columbia (NTBC) in their efforts to conserve ecologically-rich wetlands and protect irreplaceable land from development. Every $1 donated will be matched by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with $2 so more endangered wetlands can be saved. If you’d like to learn more, please visit this link.
Large Event Parking; Rain or Shine; No Refunds
Root Down will be serving their delicious twist on Southern Soul food, along with a couple of other amazing local food trucks on-site (and, of course, we’ll have several full bars open for you to enjoy)!

After multiple sold out concerts in different cities of the country, the legendary group LOS TEMERARIOS added fourteen new dates and cities to their tour of the United States this 2023.
His faithful audience will be able to enjoy his great classics such as “Come Because I Need You”, “My Life Is You”, “I Will Be There”
Ooh La La Curiosity Market is an artist’s market that takes place in Pritchard Park, located in the center of beautiful downtown Asheville and will showcase the work of more than a dozen local artists. Taking place on Saturdays throughout Summer and every Saturday in October. Ooh La La will feature works by local painters, leather smiths, jewelry makers, potters, up-cycled crafters, and other curious delights, all beneath the colored canopies of large market umbrellas. In addition to the artists, the market will also feature live local music with three musical acts performing each Saturday and will include everything from a solo saxophonist to folk, blues, acoustic and jazz acts.
Get ready to have some fun at the 9th Annual Trick or Trail 5k & Spooky Sprint 1 Mile, presented by Hunter Subaru! This Halloween-themed race will bring runners back to the heart of Hendersonville, NC, where they’ll start and finish in the Historic 7th Avenue District.
But that’s not all! The vibrant Fall Festival will be taking place at the Farmers’ Market, so you can expect a spooktacular atmosphere with costumes, decorations, and lots of great candy, snacks, and food!
This family favorite event promises a festive fusion of fitness and fall fun that you won’t want to miss. And, after the race, you can stroll over to the bustling Fall Festival for even more food, drinks, and vendors at the Farmers’ Market. So, come prepared to spook, sprint, and snack your way through this ghoulishly good time! (Don’t forget your cash for all the goodies!)
Costumes are highly encouraged, and prizes will be given out for the best ones!
Wanna hear the best local music and drink the best local beers? Hop aboard LaZoom’s Purple Bus and rock out with a local band while we take you on a journey to Asheville’s premiere local breweries.
Salvage Station hosts Leftover Salmon’s Brew Ridge Jam, with Kitchen Dwellers, Fireside Collective, and Arkansauce! This event will take place LIVE on the Outdoor Stage at Salvage Station on Saturday October 21st! Doors open at 5:00PM and the music starts at 6:00PM.
Free beer sampling from local breweries!
This is a General Admission, 12+ only event with LARGE event parking options. No chairs or blankets allowed for this event.
Root Down will be serving their delicious twist on Southern Soul food, along with a couple of other amazing local food trucks on-site (and, of course, we’ll have several full bars open for you to enjoy)!
We are having so much fun with our Friday nights that we’re bringing live music & food trucks to Saturday too! Every Friday & Saturday at Oak & Grist, we host live music from talented local musicians & artists. Plus, we’re hosting a rotating selection of food trucks to keep the party going longer! View our upcoming schedule below:
SEPTEMBER 2023
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29TH: NO LIVE MUSIC OR FOOD TRUCK
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30TH: Clara Hathaway // NO FOOD TRUCK
OCTOBER 2023
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6TH: Jacob Donham // Mothers Pizza (5-8pm)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7TH: NO MUSIC OR FOOD TRUCK
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13TH: Handpan Jam with Josh Rivera // Mother’s Pizza (5-8pm)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14TH: Emily Martin & The Innocent Mischief // NO FOOD TRUCK
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20TH: Jacob Donham // TBA
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21ST: Josh Humphries // TBA
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27TH: Handpan Jam with Josh Rivera // TBA
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28TH: Color Machine Music // TBA

Phuncle Sam is back for a Saturday night summer series!
Outdoor taproom is opens at 2PM. Music from 6-9PM.
Since their formation in October 2004, Asheville North Caroline based, Phuncle Sam has been firmly rooted in musical exploration. Phuncle Sam is Asheville’s own improv/Americana, Dead/Centric jam band. Over five years of intense jamming and rehearsing finds Phuncle Sam with an ever-expanding body of original music. The band will also serve up quintessential interpretations of Jerry Garcia, Grateful Dead, and many others.
Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel (voice of Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (voice of Benjamin Bratt). Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Héctor (voice of Gael García Bernal), and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history. Disney and Pixar’s Coco is directed by Lee Unkrich (Toy Story 3), co-directed by Adrian Molina (story artist Monsters University), and produced by Darla K. Anderson (Toy Story 3).
Disney Pixar’s Coco Live-to-Film Concert on Tour features a screening of the complete film with Oscar® and Grammy®-winning composer Michael Giacchino’s musical score performed by the 20-member Orquesta Folclórica Nacional de México. In addition to the original score by Giacchino, Coco also features the Oscar®-winning song “Remember Me” by Oscar®-winning songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, and additional songs co-written by Germaine Franco and co-director and screenwriter Adrian Molina.
Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
Sundays
1 till who knows when?
Traditional Irish music is kept alive at Jack of the Wood with our unplugged Sunday session.
Jack of the Wood
95 Patton ave
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 252.5445
Songwriter, pianist, vocalist, and activist Nina Simone was one of the most significant musical artists of the 20th century, creating music for the Civil Rights Movement that spanned a wide variety of genres ranging from Jazz to Blues to Classical to Gospel. Honoring this legendary and prolific musician will be a 5-piece ensemble featuring Asheville-NC based vocalists Kelle Jolly and Reggie Headen, accompanied by a trio consisting of WNC locals Derrick Gardner (piano), Connor Law (bass) and Jason DeCristofaro (drums/band leader).
The group is named for its participants, all of whom have names beginning with the letter B:
* BILL COVINGTON, a North Carolina native and a graduate of the New England
Conservatory of Music in Boston and UNC-Chapel Hill, is a free lance musician and piano
teacher who has played at the Grove Park Inn since 2000 and has been a member of the Bs
for the past twelve years.
* BRUCE LANG, a transplanted New Yorker, relishes singing and playing upright bass,
guitar, and mandolin. Bruce is also involved in theater productions and operating his family's
Big Creek Recording studio.
* BRYON HEDGEPETH, a noted percussionist and timpanist, has performed at
Hendersonville's First Baptist Church, Brevard Philharmonic Orchestra, Asheville
Symphony, plus the Charlotte and NC Symphonies.
Individually and collectively, The Bs are outstanding musicians and ready to deliver a fun
Join us for Black Mountain’s original Sunday Jam! Hosted by Spiro and Friends, this jam features original jams and favorite covers. Bring your instrument! Sign-ups at the stage starting at 6 PM!
Pisgah Beer, Gluten Free and N/A options available. Family and dog friendly venue.
The taproom is open from 2:00 to 9:00 PM with music beginning at 6:30 PM.
“Odyssey,” a new show from internationally acclaimed group Celtic Thunder, is a fascinating exploration of Irish music and culture, firmly grounded in the ensemble’s impressive history, while ambitiously forging new paths. The word ‘Odyssey’ implies a significant journey, and that’s precisely what audiences are invited on-a sweeping voyage through the heartlands of traditional Irish music, the rhythmic pulse of contemporary Irish music, and the innovative original arrangements that are emblematic of Celtic Thunder’s unique sound.
Celtic Thunder’s shared musical chemistry, steeped in their Irish heritage, gives the show its compelling power, while each member adds their distinctive voice and charm to this musical journey, creating a harmonious blend that appeals to a broad spectrum of tastes. The “Odyssey” songbook weaves a rich tapestry of emotional and musical tones.
Audiences will be swept up in an energetic rendition of “Go Lassie Go,” a traditional folk song that has been given a new lease of life through Celtic Thunder’s vibrant harmonies and fresh musical interpretation. The poignant “City of Chicago” serves as a moving tribute to the Irish diaspora, resonating deeply with its heartfelt lyrics and evocative melodies. And “The Parting Glass,” an iconic classic from the annals of Irish music, is delivered with such profound emotion that it reverberates through the soul.
The talented Celtic Thunder Band lends their instrumental prowess throughout, providing an authentic and sonically rich backdrop to the vocal performances. Their expert musicianship underscores the music’s Irish roots, while their versatility ensures that every song, regardless of genre, is treated with the respect and creativity it deserves.
Memorable musical moments take place on a stage that brilliantly embodies the ethereal mystique of Celtic folklore and the grounded reality of contemporary Irish life. World-class production quality, with a stunning lighting design, paints an atmospheric picture that enhances the emotive resonance of the songs. Detailed and elegant costumes strike a balance between traditional Celtic attire and modern aesthetics, symbolizing the group’s successful fusion of the old and the new.
“Odyssey” is not simply a concert; it’s a powerful theatrical experience that honors Celtic Thunder’s rich musical legacy and simultaneously blazes new trails. An evocative journey through time, sound, and culture, as educational as it is entertaining. The captivating blend of music, storytelling, and atmospheric stagecraft makes “Odyssey” a must-see spectacle for fans of Celtic Thunder and Irish music in general.
“Here’s three ugly looking blokes, touring the world, playing at all these wonderful cities, dining at all these wonderful restaurants, meeting all these famous people. In the back of ya head I’m thinking to myself ‘Im a fuckin’ farmer!’” – Ross Knight
“Even thou the Cosmic Psychos never had the commercial impact or success that Nirvana and Pearl Jam had, they were still a major influence on them, and I think a lot of it had to do with the spirit and the sound of their music.” – Butch Vig, Record Producer.
The Cosmic Psychos are (almost) an Australian punk rock institution who formed in Spring Plains, Victoria in 1982, spearheaded by founding member and bass player Ross Knight.
To date, the band have released 10 studio albums since their self-titled debut (1987) and their influence has been global, with UK band The Prodigy sampling their music on 1997’s ‘The Fat of the Land’ LP and Nirvana producer Butch Vig proclaiming them an influence on both Nirvana and the Seattle grunge scene of the 1990’s.
In 2009, Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam spoke candidly of the effect the band had on him growing up in Seattle. The band’s repetitive lyrics, fuzzed out guitar and wahwah bass sound has remained unchanged over their 30 plus year career and continues to win over new audiences.
A documentary by film maker Matt Weston, released in 2013, titled ‘Blokes You Can Trust’ featured a whose who of global indie tastemakers and music makers espousing the Cosmic Psycho’s legacy in Australian musical history. The documentary has given the band new life and they currently find themselves fielding touring and interview requests as far flung as Spain, Germany and Costa Rica.
It’s been a wild ride for the Psycho’s mainstay Ross Knight who originally formed the band in 1982 for ‘shits and giggles’. He’s been trying to balance the demands of fronting one of Australia’s defining punk bands and managing his vast third generation farm ever since; which includes running cattle, tending a vineyard and volunteering his time and tractor to the local fire service.
Rounding out the Psycho’s line-up since 2005 is Melbourne born Dean Muller on drums and John ‘Mad Macka’ McKeering on guitar. Macka (formerly of Brisbane stalwarts The Onyas), has spent time as a lawyer, pizza delivery driver, carpet factory worker, bartender and swim coach. These days, when not hanging with the Psycho’s he teaches punk rock chords to guitar students and regales beginners with stories about the time he once beat Olympian swimmer Kieran Perkins in a medley race.
The Cosmic Psycho’s have survived the passing decades, musical trends and fashions with ease. Most fans will tell you they’re simple blokes (you can trust), just making straight-ahead, good-fun, Australian influenced punk rock.
In 2019, the Cosmic Psychos celebrate 30 years since the release of their second album ‘Go the Hack’ – which perfectly sums up the career trajectory of one of Australia’s most loved bands.
Zumba Mondays: 6-7 pm
Take the work out of workout by mixing low-intensity and high-intensity moves for
an interval style, calorie-burning dance fitness party.
Brain Dance & Play Wednesdays: 10-11 am
Improve your memory, coordination and energy levels with the “Brain Dance”.
Transform your workout into a playful experience by discovering new and joyous
ways to move your body.
Slow Flow Yoga Thursdays: 1:15-2:15 pm
Give yourself a needed break with guided gentle yoga poses to stretch your body
and relax your mind.
Barre Sculpt & Tone Fridays: 11:15-11:45 am
Medium intensity class to build strength, endurance, and muscle tone using 1-5lb
weights for upper body , Pilates based core work, and ballet barre sequence for
mobility and strength.
Pre-registration encouraged, call us at 828-254-7206
to sign up for a FREE class or start your FREE 7-Day Trial
membership at ywcaofasheville.org
185 S French Broad Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
All classes are subject to change, call or stop by for a new schedule.

Coco Live-to-Film Concert features a screening of the complete Disney Pixar film with Oscar® and Grammy®-winning composer Michael Giacchino’s musical score performed live by the 20-member Orquesta Folclórica Nacional de México. In addition to the original score by Giacchino, “Coco” also features the Oscar®-winning song “Remember Me” by Oscar-winning songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez and additional songs co-written by Germaine Franco and co-director and screenwriter Adrian Molina. Audiences will travel with Miguel (voice of Anthony Gonzalez) on his extraordinary journey to the colorful Land of the Dead to unlock the real story behind his family’s history set to a live orchestra.
Disney Pixar Coco es un evento especial que no te puedes perder. El evento consta de la proyección de la película, mientras la Orquesta Folclórica Nacional de México interpreta la música del compositor ganador del Oscar® y el Grammy®, Michael Giacchino, en vivo. Además de la música original de Giacchino, “Coco” también incluye la canción ganadora del Oscar® “Remember Me” de los compositores ganadores del Oscar Kristen Anderson-Lopez y Robert Lopez, así como otras canciones coescritas por Germaine Franco y el codirector y guionista Adrian Molina. La voz original de Miguel, Anthony Gonzalez, transportara a los espectadores a la colorida Tierra de los Muertos, para descubrir la verdadera historia de su familia.
Image courtesy of AMP Worldwide and Disney.
About the Movie: Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel (voice of Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (voice of Benjamin Bratt). Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Héctor (voice of Gael García Bernal), and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history. Disney and Pixar’s Coco is directed by Lee Unkrich (Toy Story 3), co-directed by Adrian Molina (story artist Monsters University) and produced by Darla K. Anderson (Toy Story 3).
The Orquesta Folclórica Nacional de México of the Ballet Folclórico Nacional de México by Silvia Lozano, is a musical group that stands out for its ability to fuse pre-Hispanic instruments with instruments from the colonial era, thus creating a unique and distinctive sound that evokes the rich history and culture of Mexico.
This orchestra is made up of expert musicians who are highly trained in the interpretation of a wide variety of genres and styles of Mexican folk music, such as Mariachi music, Jarana music, Son music, and Huapango music, among others. In addition, their repertoire includes songs and instrumental pieces dating from pre-Hispanic and colonial times, which allows them to connect with the country’s historical and cultural roots.
Among the instruments used by the Orquesta Folclórica Nacional de México are traditional pre-Hispanic drums, such as the “Huehuetl “and “Tepobaztli”, as well as flutes, “Ocarinas” and other pre-Hispanic wind instruments. They also use guitars, violins, double basses, and other stringed instruments that date back to colonial times, resulting in a unique and surprising sound combination.
In conjunction with the dancers of the Ballet Folclórico Nacional de México by Silvia Lozano, the Orquesta Folclórica manages to transmit to the public the energy, passion, and diversity of Mexican culture through its music and dance, creating an authentic and exciting experience for all those who have the pleasure of enjoying the show.
Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’ Blues returns to Hendersonville Theatre in September for a command performance! Alabama Blues Hall of Fame member Mac Arnold’s first band included James Brown on piano. He toured and recorded with the Muddy Waters Band and recorded LPs with Otis Spann and John Lee Hooker. Mac moved to Los Angeles and produced Soul Train with his friend Don Cornelius. He even played bass on the Sanford & Son television show when he wasn’t playing bass for Otis Redding and B.B. King. After retiring from show business to become an organic farmer, Mac is back with his own band and a “plate full” of CDs, building a new foundation in blues, soul and funk.
As part of the Muddy Waters Band, Mac helped shape the electric blues sound that inspired the rock and roll movement of the late 60’s and early 70’s. Regular guests of the band included Eric Clapton, Paul Butterfield, Mike Bloomfield, and Elvin Bishop. The Muddy Waters Band (as a unit) shared the stage with the likes of Howlin’ Wolfe, Elmore James, Jimmy Reed, Junior Wells, Big Joe Williams, and Big Mama Thornton just to name a few. During this time, Mac played on John Lee Hooker’s “live “album, Live at the Café Au Go-Go, as well as Otis Spann’s classic recording “The Blues is Where It’s At”.
Mac later formed the Soul Invaders which backed up many artists, including The Temptations and B. B. King. In the early 70’s, he moved to Los Angeles to work at ABC Television and LAFF RECORDS (Redd Foxx). This led to working on the set of Soul Train from 1971 to 1975 and then working with Bill Withers (“Lean On Me”) before moving back to South Carolina in the 80’s.
Mac now resides in Pelzer, SC, where at the age of ten he got his first taste of the blues when he learned to play his brother Leroy’s home-made guitar. Going back to his roots. Mac is serving up a mess of Blues with his own band, “Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’ Blues”. The band consists Austin Brashier on guitar and vocals, Max Hightower on harmonica and vocals, Rick Latham on drums, Mike Frost on bass, and Mac Arnold on vocals and Gas Can Guitars.
The Blues Music Awards have taken notice of Mac Arnold over the past few years. Mac was on hand for the 31st annual Blues Music Awards held May 6, 2010 in Memphis. Mac accepted the award for Best Historical Album for his participation in the 1966 recording Muddy Waters – Authorized Bootleg: Live at the Fillmore Auditorium (Geffen Records) The recording was released in 2009.
LEAF isn’t just for kids! Join us in the Mezzanine while you wait for your youth to finish their class or just to hang out!
American Patchwork Quartet (APQ) is on a mission to reclaim the immigrant soul of American Roots Music. With several Grammy awards among its members, APQ brings together diverse backgrounds and talents to reimagine timeless songs from America’s past. By weaving together the music, stories, and experiences of many people, APQ creates a beautiful musical tapestry that draws connections between contemporary American culture and its immigrant roots. Their repertoire includes expert reimaginings of classic songs such as “Wayfaring Stranger,” “Pretty Saro,” and “Beneath the Willow.”
Conceived by Clay Ross, a multi-Grammy award-winning musician known for his work with Ranky Tanky, APQ represents an earnest effort to reconcile traditional Southern roots with decades of experience collaborating in New York City’s jazz and world music scenes. With a sound that blends jazz refinement, country twang, West African hypnotics, and East Asian ornaments, APQ creates a musical patchwork that celebrates both differences and commonalities, serving as a metaphor for a more inclusive nation.
Since launching in 2020, APQ has covered nearly 20,000 miles together. Their impressive credentials include collaborating with prestigious cultural institutions such as Carnegie Hall in NYC, Forbes Center in VA, Weis Center in PA, and Walton Center in AR. The group made their international festival debut in 2022 at the World Expo in UAE. APQ has received both residency and touring grants from South Arts and Mid-Atlantic Arts, and they have been selected as official showcasing artists at Western Arts Alliance, Arts Midwest, NC Arts Market, and Folk Alliance. Their debut album, recorded at Echo Mountain Studio’s in Asheville, NC will be released in Fall of 2023.

Coco Live-to-Film Concert features a screening of the complete Disney Pixar film with Oscar® and Grammy®-winning composer Michael Giacchino’s musical score performed live by the 20-member Orquesta Folclórica Nacional de México. In addition to the original score by Giacchino, “Coco” also features the Oscar®-winning song “Remember Me” by Oscar-winning songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez and additional songs co-written by Germaine Franco and co-director and screenwriter Adrian Molina. Audiences will travel with Miguel (voice of Anthony Gonzalez) on his extraordinary journey to the colorful Land of the Dead to unlock the real story behind his family’s history set to a live orchestra.
Disney Pixar Coco es un evento especial que no te puedes perder. El evento consta de la proyección de la película, mientras la Orquesta Folclórica Nacional de México interpreta la música del compositor ganador del Oscar® y el Grammy®, Michael Giacchino, en vivo. Además de la música original de Giacchino, “Coco” también incluye la canción ganadora del Oscar® “Remember Me” de los compositores ganadores del Oscar Kristen Anderson-Lopez y Robert Lopez, así como otras canciones coescritas por Germaine Franco y el codirector y guionista Adrian Molina. La voz original de Miguel, Anthony Gonzalez, transportara a los espectadores a la colorida Tierra de los Muertos, para descubrir la verdadera historia de su familia.
Image courtesy of AMP Worldwide and Disney.
About the Movie: Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel (voice of Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (voice of Benjamin Bratt). Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Héctor (voice of Gael García Bernal), and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history. Disney and Pixar’s Coco is directed by Lee Unkrich (Toy Story 3), co-directed by Adrian Molina (story artist Monsters University) and produced by Darla K. Anderson (Toy Story 3).
The Orquesta Folclórica Nacional de México of the Ballet Folclórico Nacional de México by Silvia Lozano, is a musical group that stands out for its ability to fuse pre-Hispanic instruments with instruments from the colonial era, thus creating a unique and distinctive sound that evokes the rich history and culture of Mexico.
This orchestra is made up of expert musicians who are highly trained in the interpretation of a wide variety of genres and styles of Mexican folk music, such as Mariachi music, Jarana music, Son music, and Huapango music, among others. In addition, their repertoire includes songs and instrumental pieces dating from pre-Hispanic and colonial times, which allows them to connect with the country’s historical and cultural roots.
Among the instruments used by the Orquesta Folclórica Nacional de México are traditional pre-Hispanic drums, such as the “Huehuetl “and “Tepobaztli”, as well as flutes, “Ocarinas” and other pre-Hispanic wind instruments. They also use guitars, violins, double basses, and other stringed instruments that date back to colonial times, resulting in a unique and surprising sound combination.
In conjunction with the dancers of the Ballet Folclórico Nacional de México by Silvia Lozano, the Orquesta Folclórica manages to transmit to the public the energy, passion, and diversity of Mexican culture through its music and dance, creating an authentic and exciting experience for all those who have the pleasure of enjoying the show.
