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.
Includes All Non Redemption Arcade Games, Activities, and Attractions!
Such as…
Indoor Climbing wall | Indoor/Outdoor Go-karts | Arcade Games | Laser Tag | Bumper Cars | Mini Golf | Mini Bowling | X-Rider Theatre | AeroBall | & More!
https://www.facebook.com/events/323685011602260/?event_time_id=323685114935583
Come in to enjoy creating memories with us during a time that your dollars go farther! Half-off games and attractions after 4pm. See y’all soon!
https://www.facebook.com/events/582585695548471/?event_time_id=582585812215126
Thursdays are Jazz and Wine night! Come enjoy an evening of 1$ off wine specials, live Jazz from 6-8pm, and delicious food by Food Stop Food Truck!
https://www.facebook.com/events/2305712789446907/?event_time_id=2305712906113562
$1 off flagships!
It’s like Open Mic night, but every song is guaranteed to sound good! Share your vinyls with us and we’ll play them for you! 6:30 – 8:30
https://www.facebook.com/events/347259619444923/?event_time_id=347259739444911
?Thursday, September 12th 5:00pm-7:00pm
✨HENDERSONVILLE✨
Elite, Luxury Consignment & Boutique
178 Four Seasons Mall , Hendersonville, NC 28792
Sign up here to reserve your spot and for more information:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B044BA5AB2FA1FA7-elite1
Momentum Gallery, in downtown Asheville, hosts an opening reception for its fall group exhibition – A New Leaf, Thursday, September 12th, from 5-8pm.
A New Leaf is a sophisticated collection of original works celebrating the charm and beauty of one of nature’s great wonders – foliage. From atmospheric photography to glass sculpture, trompe l’oeil relief paintings and eye-popping infinity mirrors, exquisite works are cast or constructed from actual leaves while others imitate their natural counterparts. Coinciding with leaf season in the mountains, this exhibition continues at 24 N Lexington Avenue through Saturday, November 9th.
Demetra Theofanous collaborates with her partner Dean Bensen to compose arrangements of remarkably detailed, cast glass leaves into cascading, wall-mounted arrangements that appear as if they’re being blown by the wind. Trompe l’oeil master Ron Isaacs’ calls his series of small, wall-mounted works in the show Couples. Isaacs’ paired leaves constructed as all of his work is from birch plywood and painted, often appear anthropomorphic, frozen mid embrace. Artists Jo Stealey and Hillary Waters Fayle incorporate actual foliage in their works. Fayle incises and embroiderers leaves to make wonderfully intimate works, while Stealey fashions tonal wall-hangings with bold geometric patterns reminiscent of tapestries.
Other artists participating in A New Leafinclude: Elizabeth Busey, printmaking; Jeri Eisenberg, photography; Linda Ethier, cast glass; Amy Gross, mixed media; Kit Paulson, lampworked glass; Sandy Rothberg, photography; Jim Sams, wood sculpture; and Tim Tate, mixed media.
Come out and watch the game!
Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont is pleased to honor two outstanding women who have made the world a better place, and who are women of outstanding character who live by the Girl Scout Promise and Law.
Join us in celebrating Murphy Capps and Roberta Madden at our Asheville dinner.
*Corporate sponsorships are available for this event. Please contact us at [email protected] for more information.
Registration Deadline: August 22, 2019
Fee: $35 per person or $250 to reserve a table for 8 people
https://www.facebook.com/events/2435537969800537/
“When you SAVE A LIFE, it’s WORTH IT.”
Join Teddy and Friends for an exclusive screening of THE CAT RESCUERS at Regal Cinemas Biltmore Grande, and help us save and improve the lives of WNC cats in need.
We must sell 84 tickets in order to make this screening happen! Visit https://www.tugg.com/events/the-cat-rescuers-7iic to watch the trailer and purchase your tickets now!
“The Cat Rescuers shows the skill, resilience and humor rescuers bring to this challenging work, and how their mission to reduce animal suffering, often at great sacrifice to themselves, has made a difference and changed their lives.”
https://www.facebook.com/events/536819577155769/
$12 / $12
Inspired by the great songsmiths of the past, Kyle Nachtigal can jump effortlessly between folk, rock, hip hop and jazz while his lyrics play on comedy, fear, sex and love for a truly dynamic performance.
Seated Lounge Show:: Limited Tables Available with a Dinner Reservation :: All Other Seating is First Come First Serve General Admission :: Please Call Venue for Dinner Reservations
https://www.facebook.com/events/431600644271041/
Beer City Metal-Fest 2019 Dates, Times, & Locations
Beer City Pre-Metal-Fest 2019 Kick Off Show – Thursday September 12, 2019 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM @27 Club Asheville – 180 Patton Ave Asheville, NC 28801
Beer City Metal-Fest 2019 Day 1 – Friday September 13, 2019 7:00 PM – 1:00 AM @Sly Grog Lounge – 271 Haywood Street Asheville, NC 28801
Beer City Metal-Fest 2019 Day 2 – Saturday September 14, 2019 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM @27 Club Asheville – 180 Patton Ave Asheville, NC 28801
Beer City Metal-Fest 2019 Day 3 – Sunday September 15, 2019 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM @Sly Grog Lounge – 271 Haywood Street Asheville, NC 28801
OVER 25 BANDS!
LINEUP TBA!!!!!!!
*EARLY BIRD SPECIAL TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
*EARLY BIRD TICKET SALE ENDS APRIL 25 2019!
*ALL GENERAL ADMISSION TICKET OPTIONS AVAILABLE UNTIL APRIL 26 2019
FAQs
Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?
Beer City Metal-Fest is an adult festival for those who are 21 and over.
No Exceptions. All Atendees must provide a valid ID upon Festival Entry.
*What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?
*Limited Paid Parking will be available at a first come first serve basis for some lots near the venues.
*Otherwise, Parking is available around downtown Asheville, NC.
The closest parking decks are located in the following locations:
**Wall Street Garage – 45 Wall St**
**Civic Center Garage – 68 Rankin Ave**
**Biltmore Avenue Parking Garage – 60 S Lexington Ave**
What can I bring into the event?
*NO Pets: Animals are not allowed at Beer City Metal-Fest 2019.
* NO outside food or beverages.
*Food vendors will be present during the event.
* DO NOT bring any illegal weapons, substances, or materials to the event.
How can I contact the organizer with any questions?
Email [email protected]
*https://www.facebook.com/BeerCityMetalFest
What’s the refund policy?
*NO REFUNDS.
*Beer City Festival 2019 is a rain or shine event. In extreme conditions, the organizers reserve the right to cancel the event. If the cancellation occurs prior to the commencement of the event, attendees will be notified of the cancellation by email.
https://www.facebook.com/events/374382316487251/
Beer City Metal-Fest 2019 Dates, Times, & Locations
Beer City Pre-Metal-Fest 2019 Kick Off Show – Thursday September 12, 2019 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM @27 Club Asheville – 180 Patton Ave Asheville, NC 28801
Beer City Metal-Fest 2019 Day 1 – Friday September 13, 2019 7:00 PM – 1:00 AM @Sly Grog Lounge – 271 Haywood Street Asheville, NC 28801
Beer City Metal-Fest 2019 Day 2 – Saturday September 14, 2019 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM @27 Club Asheville – 180 Patton Ave Asheville, NC 28801
Beer City Metal-Fest 2019 Day 3 – Sunday September 15, 2019 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM @Sly Grog Lounge – 271 Haywood Street Asheville, NC 28801
OVER 25 BANDS!
LINEUP TBA!!!!!!!
*EARLY BIRD SPECIAL TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
*EARLY BIRD TICKET SALE ENDS APRIL 25 2019!
*ALL GENERAL ADMISSION TICKET OPTIONS AVAILABLE UNTIL APRIL 26 2019
FAQs
Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?
Beer City Metal-Fest is an adult festival for those who are 21 and over.
No Exceptions. All Atendees must provide a valid ID upon Festival Entry.
*What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?
*Limited Paid Parking will be available at a first come first serve basis for some lots near the venues.
*Otherwise, Parking is available around downtown Asheville, NC.
The closest parking decks are located in the following locations:
**Wall Street Garage – 45 Wall St**
**Civic Center Garage – 68 Rankin Ave**
**Biltmore Avenue Parking Garage – 60 S Lexington Ave**
What can I bring into the event?
*NO Pets: Animals are not allowed at Beer City Metal-Fest 2019.
* NO outside food or beverages.
*Food vendors will be present during the event.
* DO NOT bring any illegal weapons, substances, or materials to the event.
How can I contact the organizer with any questions?
Email [email protected]
*https://www.facebook.com/BeerCityMetalFest
What’s the refund policy?
*NO REFUNDS.
*Beer City Festival 2019 is a rain or shine event. In extreme conditions, the organizers reserve the right to cancel the event. If the cancellation occurs prior to the commencement of the event, attendees will be notified of the cancellation by email.
https://www.facebook.com/events/374382316487251/?event_time_id=374382319820584
Mitch’s Totally Rad Trivia is a team trivia played in 7 rounds over the course of 2 endlessly entertaining hours. The game covers everything pop culture and is always irreverent by nature. The game is not your average pub quiz as it explores everything from didgeridoo covers of pop songs to bad celebrity tattoos and everything in between. Ever wanted to identify animals by their gonads? Then this is the game for you! Mitch curates a one of a kind trivia smorgasbord of random, unusual, and hilarious subjects. This absurd trivia game is not about historical facts or sports stats, it is all about random movies, unforgettable ear-worms, and the hilariousness of growing up in the 80’s and 90’s. The game starts at 7pm in the cozy One Stop in downtown Asheville. Drink specials include $4 bourbon/$4 Washington Apple Shots and $5 White Russians, and food is available from MOJO Kitchen which offers 1/2 price nachos during the game! Best of all the winning team each week takes home a collection of Totally Rad Prizes including a $35 gift certificate to The One Stop/MOJO Kitchen.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2129604460458895/?event_time_id=2129604547125553
Triskelion Open Mic Night!
Second and Fourth Thursdays of Every Month
Stage Opens at 7pm…
Come on out and play a song or two… strut your stuff… Have a band? Bring them along too…
Contact Chris for more info…
https://www.facebook.com/events/282524772696058/?event_time_id=282524819362720
Pisgah Trout Unlimited’s monthly Chapter Meetings are open to anyone and are held at the DFR Room in downtown Brevard. Each month we feature a different speaker who will address various topics from fishing to conservation. Whether you are interested in learning more about Trout Unlimited or are a long time member come have a beer, meet some local fishermen and TU members and learn about what our chapter is doing to support our local waters and fish.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1001814280012553/?event_time_id=1001814296679218
Tom Segura has become one of the top comedy acts in the country. He is best known for his three Netflix specials, Disgraceful (2018), Mostly Stories (2016), and Completely Normal (2014). His hit podcast Your Mom’s House, which he co-hosts with his wife, comedian Christina Pazsitzky, was a finalist for Best Comedy Podcast at the Stitcher Awards and profiled by VICE. Paste Magazine described Segura as, “…having a natural and capable storytelling ability, one that lifts his narratives out of average anecdote fare and plants them firmly in hilarious ground.”
Segura can be seen in the Paramount feature Instant Family, opposite Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne. His television credits include The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Conan, Workaholics, Happy Endings, The Late Late Show, Comedy Central Presents: Tom Segura, Mash Up, and How To Be A Grown Up.
Segura also continues to perform at the top comedy festivals in the world, including Montreal’s Just For Laughs Comedy Festival, The Melbourne International Comedy Festival, The Comedy Festival – Las Vegas, The South Beach Comedy Festival, and The Hong Kong Comedy Festival.
https://www.facebook.com/events/860688794295552/
A born & raised Cincinnati comedian, Ran Barnaclo has proven himself a front runner in the local scene after winning the title of 2017’s Funniest Person in Cincinnati. Ran has also been nominated as ‘Best Comedian’ in Best of Cincinnati’s 2018 locally voted contest.
Ran’s comedy is full of calculated descriptions that have audiences laughing for days. His story telling abilities are so aggressively masterful they can take the crowd out of their seats and into the mind of a tattooed wizard.
Ran has been able to build a fan base at his home club, Go Banana’s Comedy Club; located right outside of Cincinnati. He has shared the stage with national headliners such as Cy Admundson, Sean Patton, Kyle Kinane, and has done CYSK in NYC and The Brew Ha-Ha comedy Festival.
-Anna Mazza
Tickets $10 advance, $12 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-ran-barnaclo-tickets-67290350249
Join us for a house concert at the beautiful home of Doris Loomis in Biltmore Forest (I will send you the address in your email when you buy tickets)! Enjoy an intimate setting and excellent food and drinks served at intermission.
The program will explore different approaches of writing for two clarinets
and piano from all around the world. Italian music is showcased by
Amilicare Ponchielli’s “IL CONVEGNO,” which is a technically flashy and
enchanting piece for two clarinets and piano. Felix Mendelssohn provides
German music with his “CONCERT PIECE #1,” illustrating his whimsical
ideas and bold Germanic writing. French music is represented by Francis
Poulenc’s “SONATA” for two clarinets, where the listener is captivated by
hauntingly beautiful melodies. Czech music is featured in Franz Krommer’s
delightful “DUO CONCERTO” for two clarinets and piano. Finally, Clarinet
& Friends will feature a world premiere of a new piece by American
composer Donald Wheelock. The piece is called SONATINA” and it is an
elegant work for solo clarinet.
The concert will feature pianist Vance Reese, clarinetist Eric Taylor and 16-
year-old clarinetist and founder of Clarinet & Friends, Aaron Lipsky.
Clarinet & Friends was founded by clarinetist Aaron Lipsky in 2018. L
Application deadline Sept. 15
Wildlife Triage interns help in all aspects of operations including the full rehabilitation process, answering phone calls and emails about wildlife interactions, the daily care of injured and orphaned wildlife and their enclosures, assisting with transport, and communications with the wildlife rehabilitation network in western NC. Interns assist in facility upkeep and maintenance as needed and are provided the opportunity to experience all aspects of the non-profit if there is interest. No two days in wildlife rehabilitation are the same. Interns must be flexible, dedicated, dependable, and comfortable working in a team setting with other volunteers and communicating with the public. Interns are required to commit to a 4-5 month internship period with positions available in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Schedules are determined during each season and based on animal intake.
Festival Overview
In early Appalachia, chow chow, a crunchy pickled relish traditionally put up each summer, brought welcome sunshine to dinner plates during cold months. The condiment added color, brightness, nourishment, and a bright piquant zest that transformed the seemingly ordinary. By fermenting the garden’s final summer harvests, chow chow was a creative way to harness the earth’s resources in a jar for future culinary inspiration. Its ingredients were determined by the creative maker filling each crock, no two chow chow recipes quite the same.
Chow Chow: An Asheville Culinary Event, presented by Kimpton Hotel Arras, celebrates the area’s unique community of makers, each adding singular ingredients to the city’s recipe for culinary identity. From nationally recognized chefs to multi-generational farmers to millers, bakers, potters, weavers, and brewers, Chow Chow shines a light on the ancient creative spirit of the region that continues to make the Blue Ridge Mountains a delicious place to taste, to see, to explore and to experience through immersive culinary experiences.
Discover the alluring alchemy of mountain traditions, heirloom ingredients, and urban energy that inspire the James Beard-nominated chefs, sustainable farmers, innovative brewers, artisans, and foragers who commune at Asheville’s collaborative table.
Much like its namesake condiment, this unique festival is far greater than the sum of its parts.
The Council on Aging of Buncombe County in conjunction with the N.C. Department of Insurance’s Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) announces its classes “Introduction to Medicare – Understanding the Puzzle” for August – September 2019. The classes will explain how Medicare works, the enrollment process, how to avoid penalties, and ways to save money.
The classes are free and open to the public.
Residents who are new to Medicare, caregivers, and others who help senior citizens with their Medicare insurance should consider attending this informative class. The information presented is unbiased and accurate. No products are sold, recommended, or endorsed.
Medicare Classes: August – September 2019
- Aug. 21, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. PM Blue Ridge Health, 2579 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville
- Aug. 23, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Goodwill, 1616 Patton Ave, Asheville
- Aug. 28, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 150 Brian Berg Dr, Brevard
- Sept. 5, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Reuter YMCA, 3 Town Square Blvd, Asheville
- Sept. 13, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. OLLI/Reuter Center, UNCA, One University Heights, Asheville
- Sept. 17, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Woodfin YMCA, 40 N Merrimon Ave #101, Asheville
- Sept. 20, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Goodwill, 1616 Patton Ave, Asheville
- Sept. 25, 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. Black Mountain YMCA, 25 Jane Jacobs Rd, Black Mountain
- Oct. 1, 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. Ferguson YMCA, 31 Westridge Market Pl, Candler
Homework Diners take place weekly (except on school holidays or early release days). Families are invited to the cafeteria of the middle school during the scheduled time each week. No pre-registration is required to attend. Homework Diners currently take place at four area middle schools: Asheville, Enka, Erwin and Owen Middle. All are open to any family with a K-12 student in the surrounding school district with an adult family member in attendance with the participating student.
The 2019-20 Homework Diner schedule:
- Erwin Middle on Monday nights starting September 23, 2019 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
- Asheville Middle on Tuesday nights starting September 24, 2019 from 5-7:00 p.m.
- Enka Middle on Tuesday nights starting September 24, 2019 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
- Owen Middle on Thursday nights starting September 26, 2019 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Buncombe County Recreation Services has opened the 2019-2020 cycle of Community Recreation Grants. The grants focus on supplemental funding for qualified organizations to promote innovative, inclusive, and sustainable recreational, fitness, and health and wellness initiatives within Buncombe County as well as community-based activities and capital improvements that increase recreational opportunities for the communities served. Grants may range in amount from $500-$6,000, depending on funding available and the number of qualifying applicants.
Eligible entities include Buncombe County non-profits focused on recreational, fitness, and health and wellness activities. These funds are intended to be a leveraging tool that promote partnerships between the County and area non-profits and are not a donation, funding stream, or sponsorship opportunity. Programs applying for funding should assist Buncombe County Recreation Services in achieving its mission and are required to provide clear timelines and explanations regarding funding requests. The objective of the grants is to extend the reach of the County in its recreation focus areas; grant applicants are required to articulate the estimated impact the grants will have on the community.
Want to Apply?
The grant application deadline is Friday, October 18, 2019. Late applications will be rejected. The Community Recreation Grant Committee will review applications in October and November with all organizations receiving an email notification no later than November 15, 2019.
ends on September 23, 2019 at 11:59pm ET, or when all 4,500 tickets sell out, whichever comes first.
Bob Moog Foundation announces its fall raffle featuring a coveted, fully restored vintage Memorymoog Plus synthesizer, formerly owned, played, and signed by Dr. Fink of The Revolution. The Memorymoog was part of The Revolution’s touring rig on the Purple Rain, Around the World in a Day, and Parade tours.
Funds raised from the raffle will be used to expand the Foundation’s hallmark educational project, Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool, currently inspiring over 3,000 elementary school students per year through the science of sound. The raffle will also help support the Foundation’s newest project, the Moogseum, an immersive, experiential facility that brings Bob Moog’s legacy and the science of sound and synthesis alive for people of all ages. The newly opened Moogseum is located in downtown Asheville, NC.
The Junior League of Asheville, Inc. (JLA) will hold its third annual Volunteer Expo, on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at the Crowne Plaza Expo Center from 10am to 3pm. Modeled after a job fair, this free event will feature more than 70 local nonprofits looking to fill ongoing and future volunteer needs. Nonprofits in almost every area of community concern will be present at the event: health, poverty, legal aid, environmental stewardship, women’s issues, arts, civic leadership, technology, education and animal welfare.
Excitement for the Volunteer Expo continues to grow, with nonprofit participation growing year over year. The 2019 event featured over 70 non-profits with attendance at well over 1,000 community members coming to network and sign up to volunteer with nonprofit organizations.
The 2020 Volunteer Expo will be accepting applications starting in September. Due to the increase in interest for booths at the Expo, this year the League plans to review all applications received instead of awarding booths on a first come first serve basis. They hope this will ensure a good mix of volunteer opportunities in a variety of service areas as well as allow new nonprofits the chance to have a booth at the event. There will be a silent auction fundraiser, Cheers to Volunteers, the evening before the Volunteer Expo from 6pm to 9pm at the Masonic Temple in downtown Asheville. All community members are invited to attend both events. If you are a nonprofit interested in participating in the 2020 Volunteer Expo, please email us at [email protected].
Sing your lil heart out all night long!
Ask about our Karaoke Krasher events (last Thursday of every month)
Zack Neel is going to be cooking every thursday. Come hungry bc his shit is fiiiii-yaaaaaa??? Burgers, dogs, wings, kabobs…who knows?!? Stay tuned for the menu! #theboyisbackintown #puttheburgerintheburgerbar #yum
https://www.facebook.com/events/2238333363096870/?event_time_id=2238333379763535
Lettuce
Adam Deitch: drums, percussion
Adam “Shmeeans” Smirnoff: guitar
Erick “Jesus” Coomes: bass
Ryan Zoidis: alto, baritone and tenor sax, Korg X-911
Eric “Benny” Bloom: trumpet, horns
Nigel Hall: vocals, Hammond B-3, Rhodes, clavinet, keyboards
LETTUCE is (a) the prime ingredient in a salad, (b) a slang for cash, (c) a green herb that can be
smoked, (d) a genre-busting six-member funk/jazz/soul/jam/psychedelic/hip-hop/art-
rock/ambient/ avant-garde/experimental collective formed in 1992 by four alumni of the
prestigious Berklee College Of Music, or (e) all of the above.
If you answered “e,” then you’re on to the ever-changing musical palette and all-inclusive goals
of LETTUCE’s sixth studio album, Elevate, and its ongoing re-interpretation of the band’s name
as “Let Us.” In their earliest days as students, they would roam the cities of the Northeast, and
implore others to “Let Us play.” Starting with their 2002 debut album, the phrase has been
affixed to their first four albums, as in (Let Us) Outta Here (2002), (Let Us) Rage! (2008), (Let
Us) Fly! (2012) and (Let Us) Crush (2015). Elevate (2019) is the band’s first studio album since
2016’s Mt. Crushmore and the follow-up to its 2017 live effort, Witches Stew.
Recorded at Colorado Sound outside of Denver, near the home of New York transplants and
band co-founders, guitarist Adam “Shmeeans” Smirnoff and percussionist Adam Deitch, with
legendary engineer Russ Elevado (D’Angelo, The Roots, Erykah Badu), Elevate shows
LETTUCE touching on its past while moving full force into the future. The band explores its
funk roots in the Tower of Power like punch of “Ready to Live” (the cover of a song by Cold
Blood’s Lydia Pense), the Prince-like swagger of “Royal Highness” and the OG blues-soul of
“Love Is Too Strong,” while expanded trip-hop sounds of the space age audio-scapes like
“Trapezoid,” “Gang 10” and “Purple Cabbage” show the influence of sax player Ryan Zoidis’
Korg X-911 synths and Nigel Hall’s Rhodes keyboards.
“This album definitely stretches the boundaries,” says chief composer/percussionist Deitch,
whose chance meeting with co-founder “Shmeeans” while 16-year-olds at a summer camp
before their freshmen year of college proved momentous. “The idea was to keep exploring the
different areas of funk and hip-hop beats, then writing melodies to those songs that made sense.”
The more progressive/spacey vibe, with elements of Pink Floyd, the Grateful Dead, Eno and
Miles Davis, also comes naturally to the band, according to founding member and bassist Erick
“Jesus” Coomes, an Orange County native whose father, Tommy Coomes, is a successful
musician with a number of albums to his credit.
“We’re big improvisational music and arts fans,” Erick says. “We consider them part of the same
world. It’s like painting live with five other people, one arm and a single brush.”
Guitarist Shmeeans compares the group’s eclectic, free-wheeling approach to “the modern NBA
and its position-less basketball,” Nigel Hall, the band’s resident singer, also takes vocals on the
album’s two covers, Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” (one of the album’s
two focus tracks, along with “Krewe”) and Lydia Pense’s “Ready to Live.” “As long as you
listen, play your part and remember where the ‘one’ is, you can thrive in this band,” says Nigel.
Trumpet and horn-player Eric “Benny” Bloom, a Rhode Island native who has been a full-time
member of LETTUCE since 2011, notes, “This isn’t just a funk band anymore. We’re playing
every style of music in every song. You can’t categorize it. We have the freedom to do whatever
we want that’s appropriate for the song.”
Much of the futuristic, yet warm and analog feel, of Elevate can be attributed to sax player,
Portland, ME native and co-founding member Ryan Zoidis, who continued to explore the limits
of his new toy, a vintage Korg X-911 synth.
“I was still figuring it out on the last album, trouble-shooting how it would work,” says Ryan.
“It’s responsible not just for the ways the band has changed musically, but it’s improved my life
in general. It’s great to have have a lot more options with my sound rather than just relying on
the one standard timbre of the dry saxophone. There are now a bunch of different voices I can
pull up.” He points to “Trapezoid” as a piece for which he recorded himself playing the synth
over a click track and then sent to Deitch, who turned it into the song on the album.
Other album highlights include Smirnoff’s nod to Carlos Santana and Trey Anastasio on the
Latin-flavored and playfully named “Shmink Dabby,” the spaghetti western meets ‘60s Ethiopian
funk by way of the French Ethiopiques compilation albums in the focus track, “Krewe” and the
Marcus King cameo vocal on the B.B. King/Al Green gospel blues of “Love Is Too Strong.”
The latter is reminiscent of other guest appearances in the past by the likes of John Scofield and
Fred Wesley on LETTUCE’s debut, Outta Here, or Dwele on Rage!
“There’s always something new to be learned as musicians and as people,” adds Shmeeans.
“We’re trying to get a little bit better every day.”
Says Ryan: “We realize more and more that this band is a gift we’ve been given. Everyone
contributes, like a successful sports team. We’ve really become family over the years. We’ve
known there was magic in this from the moment we first got together as 16-year-olds.”
That magic continues to grow with the band’s new album, a democratic ensemble in which there
is no leader, but a complete unit that functions as a single entity, with plenty of moving parts.
All together now… Let us Elevate.
https://www.facebook.com/events/643954999399408/
Catch Lil Meow Meow Plays your favorite R&B and Rap jams every Thursday night! No cover. Party at Aux from 10pm-2am.
https://www.facebook.com/events/503021823559298/?event_time_id=503021930225954
I play old school music, YOU sing what you want!
***Don’t forget to check out our Monthly theme nights and start planning your costumes. If you don’t want to dress up you can wear a shirt to match the theme. (Dressing up is not mandatory)
July 18-Stranger Things *new season (Dress 80’s era)
Augaust 29-Grease Lightning (T Bird, Pink Ladies, 50/60’s era)
September 26-Hotel Transylvania (Monster on Vacation)
October 31-HALLOWEEN (Wear what you want)
Novermber 21-Pajama Party (Onesies, Flannel’s, NO Lingerie)
December 19-9th Annual Get Vocal Formal (Dress to the 9)
All dates are subject to change.
https://www.facebook.com/events/631322933995027/?event_time_id=631323037328350