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.

Monday, December 31, 2018
New Years Eve celebration
Dec 31 2018 @ 8:00 pm – Jan 1 2019 @ 12:00 am
The Brandy Bar

Come out and ring in the the New Year with friends and great spirits.
The Brandy Daisy, French 75, and Pomegranate orange champagne are just a few of our great cocktails we will be bringing in the New Year with.

https://www.facebook.com/events/731525670566339/

New Years Eve Party
Dec 31 2018 @ 8:00 pm – Jan 1 2019 @ 1:00 am
Smoky Mountain Sk8way & FUN ZONE

Family Friendly Event
New Years Eve Party for Everyone!
8pm-1am

Countdown
Balloon Drop With $1000 Cash & prizes
Hats & Horns
Pizza at 11
Toast and sparkling cider at midnight!
Roller Skating

$25

https://www.facebook.com/events/1960956437540796/

NYE Dance Party with DJ Juan Bounce
Dec 31 2018 @ 8:00 pm – Jan 1 2019 @ 1:00 am
Urban Orchard Cider Co. South Slope

We know that you will be bouncing from party to party on New Years Eve to show off your end of year sparkles and sharpness, so we want to keep it simple and welcoming at Urban Orchard Cider Co. South Slope. Free Admittance!

DJ Juan Bounce will get you warmed up at 8pm and run thru 1am, with a countdown at midnight.

Bottles of champagne and “The Champagne of Beers” will be available for purchase. There is a nice spread of very affordable to “lets do it up” options.

Thanks for all of your continued support; let’s welcome 2019 together!

https://www.facebook.com/events/667298376997324/

NYE Party w/ Captain EZ at One World Brewing (Jazz, Swing, Funk)
Dec 31 2018 @ 8:00 pm – Jan 1 2019 @ 2:00 am
One World Brewing

NYE PARTY : Jazz / Swing / Funk
hosted by Captain EZ – The Vibe Conductor

Ring in the new year with your friends, great beers, a warm environment, and a steadily evolving groove.

Captain EZ will be going deep with some jazz, swing and funk from way back to current. Bring your dancing shoes or just enjoy the vibe as we head into 2019.

::: LISTEN to Captain EZ M U S I C :::

https://soundcloud.com/captain-ez

Follow Captain EZ on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/CaptainEZnc

https://www.facebook.com/events/893956470994586/

NYE with The Eric Scott Band
Dec 31 2018 @ 8:00 pm – Jan 1 2019 @ 2:00 am
Wild Wing Cafe

Are you ready for a black out you’ll actually want to remember? It’s almost the New Year so that means it’s time to close out 2018 the WILDEST WAY POSSIBLE! So LET’S GLLLLLOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWW!

That’s right! We’re blackin’ out the Wing and we’re gettin’ it glowin’ with our NYE? ?GLOW PARTY!?

NO COVER! THE FUN IS ON US !
We DO have you covered with all of your party supplies! FREE GLOW STICKS & MORE ALL NIGHT LONG. And we can’t forget about our NYE?COCKTAIL FEATURES!

-?$4 Ball Dropper
– ?$5 Pink Millennium
– ?$3 Glasses of Champagne

DON’T forget about our FREE ? TOAST AT 12!

We’re skippin’ the champagne glasses this year and goin’ straight into 2019 with our GLOW COCKTAIL GLASSES ?

Hold on to them though. While you’re ringin’ in 2018 and lettin’ it glow to the sounds of The Eric Scott Band, make sure to look up cuz we’re throwing DOWN with a BALLOON ?DROP at 12 filled with prizes and more.

Come let 2018 GLOW already and ring in the NEW ?YEAR the WILD WING WAY with all of your friends this NEW YEARS EVE!

See you soon!

https://www.facebook.com/events/207982410083013/

Shipwrecked 2019: NYE Party with DJ Kool @ Essence Lounge
Dec 31 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort

Sale Dates and Times:

Public Onsale : Fri, 30 Nov 2018 at 10:00 AM

VIP Tables : Mon, 26 Nov 2018 at 10:00 AM

https://www.facebook.com/events/196708771274763/

SOLD OUT: Asheville Symphony with Cirque Musica
Dec 31 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

Sale Dates and Times:
Public Onsale : Wed, 15 Aug 2018 at 10:00 AM

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the Asheville Symphony and Cirque Musica!

Cirque Musica blends the grace and skill of the world’s greatest cirque performers with the stunning symphonic music of your Asheville Symphony in Crescendo on Monday, December 31 at 8pm in the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium.

A full sensory experience that will have you on the edge of your seat, Cirque Musica’s Crescendo is a high-flying performance featuring jugglers, acrobats and contortionists — a perfect opportunity for the entire family to get into the New Year’s spirit! Crescendo combines great music performed by the Asheville Symphony, including favorites from classical, pops and more, with a thrilling cirque experience.

https://www.facebook.com/events/519184478519074/

Eric Congdon New Year’s Eve Spectacular at Sanctuary Brewing Co.
Dec 31 2018 @ 8:30 pm – Jan 1 2019 @ 12:30 pm
Sanctuary Brewing Company

We won’t let a little Ice slow us down this year! Eric Congdon Guitar Trio is in the house to melt anything in sight with laser beams, strobe lights, holograms, soaring guitar solos, thumping bass, drum beats, confetti, kazoos, disco balls, and ample amounts of beer and champagne!

Out with 2018 and in with 2019! Ring in the new year in style at Sanctuary Brewing Company in Historic Downtown Hendersonville Hendersonville Visitor Center!

There will be a champagne toast for all as the clock strikes midnight, and as always…COOKIES AND COFFEE!

https://www.facebook.com/events/2373801102847122/

New Year’s Eve with Laura Blackley and the Wildflowers
Dec 31 2018 @ 8:30 pm – Jan 1 2019 @ 12:00 am
Pillar

Ring in the new year at Pillar Rooftop Bar by listening to local Asheville band Laura Blackley and the Wildflowers!

https://www.facebook.com/events/456858071385773/

New Years Eve Bash featuring Big Baby Band!!
Dec 31 2018 @ 8:30 pm – Jan 1 2019 @ 1:30 am
On the Verandah

Motown Band! Dancing!
Balloon drop and champagne toast at midnight!

$95 – Early Seating – 4 Course Meal, Champagne (no band)

$115 -Late Seating – 4 Course Meal, Champagne

$20 – Party after 10pm – no dinner

Menu TBA

Shuttle service to Main Street available after midnight

https://www.facebook.com/events/355105275290267/

Nuthin Fancy’ New Years Eve at DFR room Brevard, NC
Dec 31 2018 @ 8:30 pm – Jan 1 2019 @ 12:30 am
The DFR Room

Join Nuthin Fancy for a good time New Years Eve party! $10 ticket includes midnight champagne for toasting.

https://www.facebook.com/events/208357633395715/

Capella on 9’s Midnight Masquerade
Dec 31 2018 @ 9:00 pm – Jan 1 2019 @ 1:00 am
Capella on 9

This New Year’s join us as we bring the tradition of the Venetian Carnival to the Paris of the South with Capella on 9’s Midnight Masquerade. Take in sweeping views of our fair city while enjoying our dueling DJs, hors d’oeuvres, and a welcome cocktail by Asheville’s own Chemist Gin. We’ll toast to 2019 at midnight with a complimentary champagne toast. Dress to impress and wear your festive masquerade mask for a night in disguise. Doors open at 9 pm.

The first 100 tickets are available at $55 and will then increase to $75 so be sure to get your tickets early.

Included with the cost of the ticket:

– Welcome Cocktail
– A donation to the Asheville Fire Fighters Association.
– Door Prizes
– Dueling DJs
– Champagne Toast

https://www.facebook.com/events/296894470947545/

CLUB NEON: NYE Freakout #13 at The Mothlight
Dec 31 2018 @ 9:00 pm – Jan 1 2019 @ 2:00 am
The Mothlight

CLUB NEON: NYE Freakout #13!!
at The Mothlight on Haywood Rd in West Asheville

The Mothlight is being transformed into CLUB NEON for NYE!
Lights / Projections / Dancers / Photo Booth / Visuals /+so much more!

DJs
Lil Meow Meow
Debbie Fred
Abu Disarray
Bridal Parti Burcardi
+VJ JSF

https://www.facebook.com/events/321127771820042/

Get Vocal New Years Eve Bash! – No Cover Charge
Dec 31 2018 @ 9:00 pm – Jan 1 2019 @ 2:00 am
The Social

Join us for our annual New Years Eve throwdown featuring DJ Billy Masters, Free Champagne Toast, party favors, fun drink specials, and NO COVER CHARGE!!

https://www.facebook.com/events/298382130794724/

Gypsy Swing:30 New Year’s Eve at Barley’s Taproom and Pizzaria
Dec 31 2018 @ 9:00 pm – Jan 1 2019 @ 12:00 am

Join Gypsy Swing:30 for our wide musical variety as 2018 fades out of sight and 2019 begins!

https://www.facebook.com/events/274900773165224/

Hustle Souls NYE party at One World West
Dec 31 2018 @ 9:00 pm – Jan 1 2019 @ 12:00 am
One World Brewing West

NYE 2018-19 party with HUSTLE SOULS at ONE WORLD WEST in West Asheville, NC $5

https://www.facebook.com/events/1121179094705305/

New Year’s Eve 2018
Dec 31 2018 @ 9:00 pm – Jan 1 2019 @ 12:30 am
The Montford Rooftop Bar

Countdown to 2019 at Asheville’s Premier Rooftop Bar.

Tickets are $125 per person and include: 3 drinks of your choice, 2 small plates, 1 midnight champagne toast, and NYE party favors!

This is a capped event and space is limited.

https://www.facebook.com/events/270677790299598/

New Years Eve at The Purple Onion with The Get Right Band!
Dec 31 2018 @ 9:00 pm – Jan 1 2019 @ 12:00 am
The Purple Onion

Ring in the New Year at The Purple Onion in Saluda!!!

New Year’s Eve Dinner & Countdown Celebration
with The Get Right Band
Admission $30
8:00 – 12:30
Admission includes music, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight.

Call for dinner reservations and tickets. Seating is limited and fills up quickly, so make your reservations soon. The menu will feature a selection of a la carte tapas.

All dinner reservations in the main room with the stage will be at community tables to allow more space for dancing. Our adjoining room is available for guests that prefer a quieter option or their own table.

The Get Right Band
www.thegetrightband.com
www.facebook.com/thegetrightband
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-l3ryaxhjNk

“The Get Right Band are the type of performers that you just know will break out. Their songs are infectious and take you immediately to a very happy place. The lyrics are smart and bear weight.”

-The Huffington Post

THE GET RIGHT BAND is “hip-shaking, earthquaking pure funk fun” (The Alternate Root). They are one of Relix Magazine’s “On The Verge” picks, Home Grown Music Network’s 2015 “Best New Band of the Year,” and were voted “Best Progressive Band” in Western North Carolina by Mountain Xpress readers. Combining catchy, clever, honest songwriting with musical expertise and fearless improvisation, the live show promises to move your head, heart, and hips.

GRB has performed on the famed World Cafe, a nationally syndicated NPR show, and has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with Everclear, Rusted Root, Dr. Dog, Ozomatli, Smash Mouth, Victor Wooten Band, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Boyd Tinsley (of Dave Matthews Band), Martin Barre (of Jethro Tull), Badfish, Turkuaz, Jimmie’s Chicken Shack, Mike Dillon Band, and many more.

“Tight and diverse jams and a distinctive, intellectual but accessible worldview.”

-Live For Live Music

The band is built on the musical brotherhood that guitarist/vocalist Silas Durocher and bassist Jesse Gentry have formed playing music together since middle school. Durocher, who is a trained composer and has been commissioned to write for symphonies and chamber groups, possesses guitar chops that can soothe or rage and a charismatic swagger as a frontman and a singer. “Durocher has an impressive range and rich clarity to his vocals—think a more soulful Dan Auerbach” (Connect Savannah). Gentry’s virtuosic bass playing “catapults from elastic to nasty” (The Mountain Xpress). With the addition of Jian-Claude Mears, a drummer with “precision, passion, and an inescapable momentum” (Live For Live Music), the group’s sound has become an unstoppable force. They have been wowing audiences around the country and the Caribbean since their inception in 2011 with an unparalleled live show and a relentless tour schedule.

“I love this song!”
-Marc Maron, of WTF podcast

https://www.facebook.com/events/489808654873328/

New Years Eve Bash
Dec 31 2018 @ 9:00 pm – Jan 1 2019 @ 2:00 am
Mack Kells

Join us for a fun night and bring in the New Year with all your favorite people. Champagne toast at Midnight, Balloon Drop with prizes, party favors, and A MASQUERADE BALL!! What better way to rock in the new year than with Contagious!!

https://www.facebook.com/events/2214292185452446/

New Years Eve: Yarn with Josh Shilling & Taylor Martin
Dec 31 2018 @ 9:00 pm – Jan 1 2019 @ 1:00 am
Isis Music Hall

$15 Advance / $20 Day of Show

New Years Eve with Yarn and Josh Shilling performing an entire set of Yarn’s music along with selections from the The Band’s The Last Waltz. Taylor Martin will open

Dinner reservations are available in the Dining Room and Lounge

Main Stage Standing/Dancing Show: , limited seating available in the balcony will be first come first serve.

https://www.facebook.com/events/309380969895760/

New Years w/ Schnoz & Transylvania County All-Stars Free Show
Dec 31 2018 @ 9:00 pm – Jan 1 2019 @ 2:00 am
185 King Street

Come celebrate New Years eve with us in style at 185… Featuring “Schnoz and The Transylvania All-Stars…. Blake Anthony Ellege, John Trufant, Spencer Williamson, Jim Leatherwood, Matt Gardner, Mike Green, Christopher Whitmire, Chris Alley, Naren Schoenacher, Paul Connolly, Paula Patane, Jessie Connolly and Many More!!! Last show of the year so bring your dancing shoes!!! FREE SHOW

https://www.facebook.com/events/941313552731332/

NYE @ The RG Sparkles And Confections
Dec 31 2018 @ 9:00 pm – Jan 1 2019 @ 12:30 am
Rustic Grape Wine Bar

Join us to ring in 2019 with friends new and old at cozy Rustic Grape!
Celebrate and mingle over wine, dessert or a holiday cheese & charcuterie board and the silky smooth sounds of local favorite Juan Holladay! (free) Grab a party favor and a complimentary bubbles toast at midnight to welcome the new year.

Glam it up with a decadent flight of 3 sparkling wines paired with 3 house made confections. Space and quantities are limited, RESERVE your seat by purchasing a flight ticket in advance on Eventbrite.

https://www.facebook.com/events/779984422359489/

NYE Celebration with A Social Function
Dec 31 2018 @ 9:00 pm – Jan 1 2019 @ 1:00 am
Packs Tavern

Ring in the new year with A Social Function upstairs in the Century Room at Packs Tavern in Downtown Asheville!
$10 at the door
Music starts at 9pm

https://www.facebook.com/events/2250921955130457/

NYE with Pierce and Kevo!
Dec 31 2018 @ 9:00 pm – Jan 1 2019 @ 12:00 am
The Spring Creek Tavern

Stompalchia! Come spend New Year’s Eve with us. It will be a Mighty, Mighty fine time!

https://www.facebook.com/events/604703703305087/

NYE with Reggae Infinity
Dec 31 2018 @ 9:00 pm – Jan 1 2019 @ 1:00 am
THE BLOCK off biltmore

Ring in the NEW YEAR with a positive vibe and REGGAE INFINITY!
Drink specials all night and a delicious Caribbean catered buffet from Wadadli Dessert Oasis!

WHERE: THE BLOCK off biltmore, 39 S. Market St, 28801
WHEN: Monday December 31, 2018
TIME: 9pm
GENRE: reggae
AGES: 21+
SEATS: standing/dancing room
TICKETS: $15 general admission, $12 per plate of Caribbean catered buffet from Wadadli Dessert Oasis.

WEB LISTING: http://theblockoffbiltmore.com/index.php/event/nye

“ReggaeInfinity”:

HEAR SOME MUSIC: www.reverbnation.com/reggaeinfinity
SEE A VIDEO: https://youtu.be/h-nLBjwdyt4

ReggaeInfinity plays original, authentic Roots Reggae!

Though based in Columbia, SC, band members hail from various Caribbean Islands plus the US. With a firm spiritual foundation, these talented musicians and singers are dedicated to sharing the message of Roots Reggae and believe strongly in advancing equality, justice, consciousness, brotherhood and universal love. Band members are seasoned, professional musicians and have been playing together for approximately 7 years. Some band members also tour with international headliners during ReggaeInfinity’s down time.

The heart and soul of ReggaeInfinity is its leader Ras B. Born and raised in Butler’s Village, Nevis, W.I., he is mainly self taught when it comes to music. Proficient at drums, bass and keyboards; Ras B writes most of the band’s original music and lyrics as well as putting together the arrangements. Aside from performing with ReggaeInfinity, Ras B has played with many legendary Reggae artists including The Meditations, Haile Maskel (The Rastafarians), Johnny Osbourne, Brigadier Jerry, Admiral Tibet, Harry Mo, Inner Visions and Mystic Vibrations. He is currently working on a 2nd ReggaeInfinity CD.

ReggaeInfinity’s music is suitable for all ages and will have all ages up and dancing to the word, sound and power that is Roots Reggae.

https://www.facebook.com/events/525655061179930/

Poppin Bottles NYE Party
Dec 31 2018 @ 9:00 pm – Jan 1 2019 @ 2:00 am
Timos House

Pop bottles and celebrate New Year’s Eve and the final night of Timo’s House with DJ Deacon and DJ Drew.

Music Starts @ 9pm
Hip Hop, R&B, Throwbacks, EDM, Trap, and Top 40.

Age: 21+ event

https://www.facebook.com/events/338981110015264/

River Whyless – New Year’s Eve
Dec 31 2018 @ 9:00 pm – Jan 1 2019 @ 1:00 am
The Orange Peel

River Whyless – New Year’s Eve Show
Show: 9pm
Doors: 8pm
$25 – $30
Ages 18+

Tickets & Info: www.theorangepeel.net/event/river-whyless-2/

For many bands, and especially those who’ve been together for several years, recognizing maturation, progress or palpable evolution is a daunting task. Is it continued creative accomplishment that signals progression? Or perhaps it’s profitable commercial endeavors? The answer is often quite unclear. Six years, two albums and countless gigs after first forming as a band, River Whyless, the North Carolina-bred folk-rock outfit has discovered their evolution is a subtler albeit monumentally important one. Deep in the throes of writing and recording their bold new album, Kindness, A Rebel , the four musicians reached a necessary and collective understanding. Namely: this band is their lifeblood, their family and their love. To that end, with unspoken acceptance, the members of River Whyless, each songwriters in their own right, collectively put aside their respective egos, coalesced around each other’s creative vision, and fully embraced the beauty of their enduring partnership.

“It was a feeling of openness and hope and acceptance,” says singer-violinist Halli Anderson of the multi-week sessions with producer Paul Butler (Devendra Banhart, Michael Kiwanuka) that resulted in some of River Whyless’ most dynamic, genre-bending and heartfelt material yet. Creatives regularly waver between honoring their own creation and rallying around larger ideas for the benefit of the group. But with every member of River Whyless now charting a life outside the band, and also writing on their own, when coming together to record Kindness it was never more crucial they be open and honest with each other.

Despite having never felt more unified in their vision for the future, much as they’ve navigated their freewheeling career to date, River Whyless is choosing to not predict what lies ahead. Allowing their creative union to continue guiding them, they insist, remains their only constant. “It feels like you’re on a journey with your family,” McWalters says of the satisfaction of being in a band like River Whyless. “It’s a beautiful thing.”

www.riverwhyless.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUv4VHwaqz4

https://www.facebook.com/events/215158922522797/

Rush Morgan Duo at NYE Bash
Dec 31 2018 @ 9:00 pm – Jan 1 2019 @ 12:00 am
Carolina Bauernhaus Brewery & Winery

Come join myself and Gavin Glover as we play through the night and into the New Year.

https://www.facebook.com/events/385283358874665/

SOLD OUT: NYE with Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band and Natural Born Leaders at The Grey Eagle
Dec 31 2018 @ 9:00 pm – Jan 1 2019 @ 12:00 am
The Grey Eagle

*** SOLD OUT ***

NEW YEAR’S EVE with Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band and Natural Born Leaders at The Grey Eagle
All Ages! $20adv/$25dos

https://www.facebook.com/events/499322183881156/

3rd NYE Party w/ The Grass Is Dead + Jonathan Scales Fourchestra
Dec 31 2018 @ 10:00 pm – Jan 1 2019 @ 2:00 am
Asheville Music Hall

Join us for the 3rd Annual ‘Ball in the Hal’l with The Grass Is Dead!! As alwasy we’ve got a VERY special show planned for our favorite city and favorite venue to play at!! Can’t wait to see all of ya’ll in the HALL!!!

Genre: Bluegrass/Grateful Dead
Tickets: $20.00
Show: 10PM (Doors: 9PM)
Ages: 21+

The Grass Is Dead

What’s in a name? Sometimes, everything… Grass is Dead are a bluegrass combo paying homage to the music and cultural legacy of The Grateful Dead, arguably America’s first folk rock band and one of the most influential musical artists of the last 50 years. The catalogue of the Dead’s music is a gold mine for string bands and story tellers, and Grass Is Dead have established themselves far and wide as premiere purveyors of this rich tradition of Americana music. Pickin’ and grinnin’ is what they do best, and they have been adapting Grateful Dead songs in their own bluegrass style since 1998.

A festival favorite, Grass is Dead has built a loyal following from their home state of FL throughout the Eastern United States through burning live shows, and well beyond, through word of mouth, social media and old fashioned taper trees. The demand for Grateful Dead music is seemingly endless, and there are countless cover bands satisfying that demand on the local level, but there are not many artists out there approaching the music from the perspective of Grass is Dead. It is not complicated or artsy: this is a straight forward hootenanny built to last, and fans of either bluegrass music, The Grateful Dead, or both always leave happy, because sometimes there’s nothing left to do but smile, smile, smile…

Web: https://www.grassisdead.com/
Video: https://youtu.be/xmnbQpTJXLQ
Listen: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2FnpSXiTyRFGgexYnmGOs5

Jonathan Scales Fourchestra

Jonathan Scales is one of the most innovative steel pannists on the planet, and is redefining and challenging traditional expectations of his signature instrument. In his hands, the sonic palette of an instrument often associated with cruise ships and tropical resorts is radically expanded to mimic the role of horns, piano, vibraphone or marimba due to his stunning, virtuosic technique. Scales’ mesmerizing compositions have captivated listeners and elevated him to the status of a true composer, forging new territory in the medium of instrumental music.

Although Scales’ writing produces songs that are ultimately accessible and danceable, the compositions can be remarkably complex and difficult to perform. As a result, the power trio whimsically named Jonathan Scales Fourchestra has always had a fluid lineup top-notch musicians, and even included an “all-star” version with bassist MonoNeon (Prince, Ghost Note), drummer Robert “Sput” Searight (Snarky Puppy, Snoop Dogg) and percussionist Weedie Braimah (Trombone Shorty, Nth Power), as well as a number of other talented marquee value players. Throughout these changes, Scales has demonstrated remarkable perseverance and persistence, a topic that he presented in a TED Talk, while continuing to write and develop his craft and touring the North American and European club and festival circuit—as well as dates in Japan, Central America and The Caribbean. Scales also represented the United States through the Department of State as a musical ambassador in a four week concert tour of China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Indonesia in early 2017, an honor for which he was chosen from among three hundred finalists.

Jonathan Scales’ newest release, PILLAR—his sixth album, and fourth release on taste-maker label Ropeadope—is a testament to the grit and tenacity he possesses, while also serving as an introduction of his new, full-time rhythm battery consisting of bassist E’Lon JD and drummer Maison Guidry. These two formidable young lions hold their own in the company of an incredible cast of special guests, including bassists Victor Wooten, Oteil Burbridge and MonoNeon, trumpeter Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, saxophonist Jeff Coffin, keyboardist Shaun Martin, percussionist Weedie Braimah and banjo pioneer Béla Fleck. It is the inclusion of Béla Fleck on this record that stands out most notably in context of Scales’ own personal story, and in this regard, PILLAR represents a remarkable victory for the music lover inside of the 33-year-old Asheville, NC based artist.

As a young man at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, Jonathan was inspired by the compositions of Béla Fleck, and would often arrive early at Flecktones concerts, hoping to speak with his hero, as memorialized in an early Fourchestra song called “Lurkin’”. Whereas Scales’ talent and creativity could have been focused on other instruments he studied, such as saxophone, he fell in love with the sound of the steel pans. Hearing Béla Fleck’s transformative approach to the banjo had a significant, even reassuring impact on Jonathan, who was already independently seeking to rethink how steel pans could be played and employed in compositions. In fact, Driftwood Magazine made a similar observation, when it wrote that “Scales is to steel pans what Béla Fleck is to the banjo—an über innovator.” Still lurking whenever he could at Flecktones shows, Jonathan was writing his own tasteful, outside-the-box, avant-garde compositions, and independently released his first three albums while performing regionally in the Southeastern U.S.. His band was establishing a reputation as something of an outlier, and attracted the attention of Ropeadope Records, who released Jonathan Scales Fourchestra’s eponymous debut—fully orchestrated with horns and strings—in 2013. The record reached #6 on the iTunes Jazz charts.

Jonathan’s persistence was rewarded when Flecktones members Victor Wooten, Howard Levy, Jeff Coffin and Roy “Futureman” Wooten—the inspiration for the album Mixtape Symphony (Ropeadope)— began to make appearances on recordings and at live shows. Béla Fleck himself was also beginning to take notice: in considering Scales’ 2016 cover of his composition “The Imposter”, he remarked “To say I am impressed would be a gross understatement…”. Scales’ dream-come-true moment happened in June 2016, when he was invited to perform with Béla Fleck & The Flecktones at a large outdoor concert in Richmond, VA. Over the course of these three formative years, Jonathan developed a close bond with Victor Wooten, and has appeared many times as a guest artist at his annual Bass Camp, and in May 2018 he was a featured performer on a Victor Wooten date in North Carolina, sharing the stage with legendary drummer Dennis Chambers in a trio format, as well as performing duets with Wooten.

Bringing the relationship full circle, Béla Fleck’s performance on the song “Focus Poem” serves as something of an affirmation of the young composer’s talent and persistence. PILLAR is a record stacked with world-renowned virtuosos performing at the top of their games, which have inspired and encouraged Jonathan Scales to push forward and ultimately come into his own as an artist. Jonathan himself, deeply honored and humbled by his musical heroes’ appreciation and support of his art, describes the album as a culmination of ten years of dedication and hard work, and “…a soundtrack to loss, focus, perseverance and triumph. Like pillars, we stand strong on unsteady ground, weathering life’s storms. Like pillars, we must sometimes be reconstructed and revitalized to withstand the crushing weight of our own worlds.”

web: http://www.jonscales.com/
vid: https://youtu.be/utFZAsstX_k

https://www.facebook.com/events/169862897230370/