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.

Thursday, February 16, 2023
Thursday Night Fun @ Well-Played Board Game Cafe
Feb 16 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Well Played Board Game Café

By popular demand, come on out for some board games and brews at Well Played Board Game Cafe! Kick some ass at your favorite game or pick up something entirely different while making new friends.

NOTE: This is NOT a free event, Well Played charges $8 for day pass. Update: Our group now gets a discount down to $3 for day pass!

Hops Around Comedy: Kevin McCaffrey at Eurisko
Feb 16 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Eurisko Beer Company

Hops Around Comedy is a rotating show presented by Modelface Comedy that takes place in all your favorite Asheville breweries. This week we are at Eurisko Brewing in the South Slope with Kevin McCaffrey!!!

Kevin McCaffrey is a comic, actor and writer living in NYC. He made his network TV debut on The Late Show with David Letterman in 2013, after which he was hired as the show’s warm-up comic. He was a regular for 7 years on truTV Presents: World’s Dumbest, won on seasons 2 & 3 on truTV’s Comedy Knockout, and was a featured cast member on VH1’s I Love the 2000s and a series of shows on the WWE Network. Kevin’s stand up album “Nice & Drunk” was named Sirius XM Comedy album of the month, was #1 on both iTunes and Amazon comedy charts, and has over 2 million streams.

He hosts Celebrate!, a weekly interview show on Sirius XM channel 99, and the Sex and the Cidiots & The Bridgerton Bros podcasts. His videos have over 25 million views on Instagram and TikTok, where he has 200,000 followers.

Reviews:

“Very Funny” – David Letterman, host of the Late Show

“McCaffrey’s set will go beyond monologue one-liners, but expect the same sort of laid-back persona of a late night talk show host.” – New Stage City, Chicago

“My number one favorite on truTV is Kevin McCarthy. He is really cute and funny and he never fails to make me laugh.” – Dux411, a nice commenter who kind of knows Kevin’s name

 

Featuring TBA

ages 18+

NICOLA CIPRIANI + BRAD MYRICK
Feb 16 @ 7:30 pm
White Horse Black Mountain

Nicola Cipriani & Brad Myrick present an incomparable blend of music, culture, instrumental virtuosity, and an ever-evolving artistic vision. For years they have performed their catalogue of songs, completely composed for, arranged with, and recorded on two acoustic guitars, around Europe and the United States, filling clubs, theaters, and universities.

Nicola & Brad have joyfully reunited, and are ready to release their most ambitious work to date! “Silver Lining”, the new album coming February 10, 2023, boldly expresses emotions grown from a journey interrupted, solitude, introspection, challenges, unrelenting hope, and new beginnings. They will tour the US in February and March, 2023 and Europe in April and May, 2023 in support of the album, and the show will also recall songs from past albums, along with a few surprises. Nicola Cipriani & Brad Myrick captivate audiences with their live show, and continue to build upon an already impressive and prolific catalogue of original music. They invite you to join, and become part of their story with them.

SLICE OF LIFE COMEDY OPEN MIC Featuring Ryan Cox Hosted by Cody Hughes
Feb 16 @ 8:00 pm
Pulp

Ages 21+

Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!!
Open mic comics signup at door get 3-5m. [Free entry for performing comics, free snacks at comics table]

Stand up comedy featuring Ryan Cox. Hosted by Cody Hughes.

SUSTO
Feb 16 @ 8:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

– ALL AGES
– STANDING ROOM ONLY

SUSTO
Much like stars across the night sky, our souls dot this plane of existence, flaring brighter over time. As one fades out, another flickers into focus—and so the cycle continues into eternity and beyond.

For SUSTO, the joy of birth, the closure of death, the warmth of true friendship, and the promise of the future rotate on the axis of the band’s fourth full-length and debut for New West Records, Time In The Sun. Frontman Justin Osborne distills this ebb and flow into eleven tracks underpinned by lyrical eloquence, unpredictable dynamics, and a thoroughly alive rock ‘n’ roll spirit. “We’re all just products of the sunlight, revolving around a big ball of fire,” observes Justin. “I was thinking of the meaning of life as I’m sure many of us were in 2020. I’ve come to believe life is all one big chance happening with no deeper meaning other than what we make of it. Every album is like a timestamp, and Time In The Sun was about trying to express this moment in my life. I was stuck in the middle of losing my father and also becoming a father myself. Through these songs, I’m expressing what it felt like and how it’s changed me.”

Along the way, the collective opened up for everyone from The Lumineers and Band of Horses to The Head and The Heart in addition to gracing the bills of festivals such as Hangout, Stagecoach, Austin City Limits, and more. SUSTO also made their television debut on CBS This Morning: Saturday. In the middle of this whirlwind, Justin became a father in the summer of 2019 as he started compiling ideas. He officially entered the studio with producer and engineer Wolfgang Zimmerman [Band of Horses] at the top of 2020. After a February tour, the world shutdown and Justin retreated into his next body of work. A revolving cast of collaborators, friends, and members of the Charleston musical community rolled through and contributed to the recording. “It takes a village to make a record,” he smiles.

In the end, SUSTO launches a new cycle in their journey, and it’s bolder and brighter than ever. “I was exorcising a lot of emotions,” he leaves off. “I hope people connect to Time In The Sun enough that I can keep doing this again and again. I’m just excited to make another record and keep going. Maybe it will help someone work through their emotions. This was my dream at 12-years-old. It’s still what I want to do.”

THE HOLLER CHOIR
Clint Roberts is the founder and lead singer of Holler Choir, a string band known for their tight harmonies and heartfelt songs. Roberts, whose songs often explore themes of heartbreak and existential query, started the band in Asheville, North Carolina. With their blend of folk, Appalachian, and Americana influences, Holler Choir is turning heads quickly in the roots music scene. Following well received performances at IBMA and Americana Fest, Holler Choir is performing throughout the south East in 2023.

Friday, February 17, 2023
Register open for Cuba Agroecology w/ Organic Grower School
Feb 17 all-day
online
Cuba product logo

Register for our Cuba Agroecology Tour!
April 4-13, 2023

Want to learn from farmers and food activists about Cuba’s transition to agroecological farming practices and its national policies that prioritize sustainable farming and hunger remediation?

This is your opportunity to join our 9-day tour of Cuba’s sustainable farms! On our tour, we visit with farmers, NGOs, policymakers, and experts to learn about the history of Cuba, their transition to organic agriculture, and ongoing initiatives to support farmers and expand agroecological practices.

The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad
Feb 17 @ 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Back by popular demand, The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad exhibition offers guests:

  • An opportunity to view rarely-seen treasures from the Biltmore collection
  • A first-hand look at the Vanderbilts’ lifestyle
  • Deeper insights into George, Edith, and Cornelia’s personalities, both at home and on their extensive travels

Access to exhibitions at The Biltmore Legacy is included with Biltmore daytime admission.

Tuckasegee River Excursion
Feb 17 @ 11:00 am
Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

Join us for a relaxing ride through quiet countryside on your way to small town life in western North Carolina on the Tuckasegee River Excursion. Departing from Bryson City, this 4 hour excursion travels 32 miles round-trip to Dillsboro and back to the Bryson City Depot. Pass by the famous movie set of The Fugitive starring Harrison Ford!

THE DARK CITY KINGS
Feb 17 @ 8:00 pm
White Horse Black Mountain

Take your heart and lock it and small chest, hide it in the back of a bank vault, it won’t matter at all. Dark City Kings will steal your heart with their sunny goodness and their dark drunken debauchery, boisterous sing-a-long originals, lovelorn outlaw country, and revved up 80s torch songs.

When Black Mountain’s legendary Dark City Kings are not robbing banks and breaking hearts they are a six-piece band known for their wild weekly showcases at the town brewery, blasting away energetic and debauched originals as well as reinvigorated covers from John Prine’s “Angel of Montgomery” to The Cure’s “Just Like Heaven”.

Comprised of talented members of other area bands such as The Egg Eaters, Band Banker, and Tin Roof Echo, it’s absolutely true that every gang has a face (Rosie – vocals), a smooth-talker (Bayla – bass), a demolitions expert (Joe – acoustic guitar), the muscle (Craig – percussion/harp), the person who actually knows what they’re doing (JR – lead guitar), and the vagabond rogue (Johnny Guitar – rhythm guitar).

Every show this band brings a sense of danger, a truly bad attitude, & raucous laughter, they are total rock stars – and then they’re gone in the morning. The Dark City Kings – now more than ever!

Live Music at Hickory Tavern
Feb 17 @ 9:00 pm – 12:00 am
Hickory Tavern
Velvet Truckstop (Album Release Show) w/ Pyletribe ft Artimus Pyle
Feb 17 @ 9:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

– ALL AGES
– STANDING ROOM ONLY

VELVET TRUCKSTOP
From the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, Velvet Truckstop is a seasoned powerhouse that delivers a high-energy mix of Southern Rock and jam fueled Cosmic Americana  every time they take the stage! VT has recorded / performed live with many notable musicians; including Tom Constanten (  Grateful Dead) , Ike Stubblefield (Frank Zappa, Jerry Garcia Band)  Artimus Pyle (Lynyrd Skynyrd) and John Keane ( Widespread Panic) .

Following the success of their first full-length album, “Sweet Release” (voted No. 5 on WNCW’s Top 20 regional charts), they went on to command stages at top events; including multiple performances at SXSW in Austin, Texas;  the Warren Haynes’ Christmas Jam (2009- 2019 ) and the French Broad River Festival  ( 2019 ) After extensive touring throughout the East Coast,  the band cut their second album, “Southbound and Down” , produced by Johnny Sandlin ( Allman Brothers / Widespread Panic) in Muscle Shoals AL. Velvet Truckstop is happy to announce their third album ” Reckless Abandon ”  will be released in 2022.  Band Members are :  Jamie Dose (guitar / vocals), Josh Gibbs ( Lap steel / Guitar and vocals ) Will Nicholson ( bass ) and  Jor Sutton ( drums ).

PYLETRIBE

Combining the iconic talents of legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer Artimus Pyle, and the infectious vocal and guitar licks of son Chris PylePYLETRIBE pushes the creative boundaries with their percussion influenced style dubbed “southern fried tribal boogie.”

Saturday, February 18, 2023
“For Love of Beer + Mountains” Berryful Release at Highland Brewing Company
Feb 18 all-day
Highland Brewing Company
Join us and our partners at Highland Brewing Company for live music and the release of the new seasonal Berryful fruit ale. It’s like a taste of spring! Highland Brewing Company will donate $1 per pour of Berryful sold at the release party; their donation supports Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s ongoing conservation efforts.

Register open for Cuba Agroecology w/ Organic Grower School
Feb 18 all-day
online
Cuba product logo

Register for our Cuba Agroecology Tour!
April 4-13, 2023

Want to learn from farmers and food activists about Cuba’s transition to agroecological farming practices and its national policies that prioritize sustainable farming and hunger remediation?

This is your opportunity to join our 9-day tour of Cuba’s sustainable farms! On our tour, we visit with farmers, NGOs, policymakers, and experts to learn about the history of Cuba, their transition to organic agriculture, and ongoing initiatives to support farmers and expand agroecological practices.

Asheville Celtic Festival
Feb 18 @ 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
WNC Ag Center --Davis Event Center

The Asheville Celtic Festival, a Winter Indoor/Outdoor Celtic Festival bringing the Celtic Spirit of the Seven Nations to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, will be held at the Davis Center at the WNC Agricultural Center giving us a comfortable setting in the winter months.

• Feel the Vibes of Early Settlers from the Celtic Nations   

• Participate in Entertaining Battles and Performances

• Learn About Celtic History and Traditions

• Listen to LIVE Celtic Music

• Explore your Family Background

• See Characters in 1700 Period Dress 

• Shop the Celtic Crafts and Buy a Kilt

• Eat Traditional Foods

• Drink the Stouts & Ales 

• Rest by the Fire 

General Ticket: Advance: $24

Save by purchasing in advance, tickets will be $28 at the door.

General Ticket: Children 12 and under: $8

Same price at the door. Ages 4 and under get in free.

Whiskey Tasting Ticket: $45

Tasting includes 3 Scotch Whiskey Single Malts and 3 Irish Whiskies = 6 drams. (This is an add on purchase to any admission ticket or ticket package) All participants must be of legal drinking age and check in for proper wristband.

Royal Pass: $95

Includes Festival Entry.

– Royal Premier Seating

– Two Buffet Style Meals served at 12:30 pm & 5:30 pm

Lunch:

 

  • Scotch Eggs
  • Guinness Beef Stew
  • Mac and Cheese Pie
  • Holiday Salad
  • Bread Rolls

 

Dinner:

 

  • Scottish BBQ
  • Shepherds Pie
  • Peat Smoked Haggis
  • Corn Casserole
  • Caesar Salad
  • Bread

 

– Two Drink Tickets

– Access to Royal Court Full Bar

– Rest Room Convenience

NOTE: Royal Pass only eligible to patrons over 18 years of age.

Royal Overnight Package (Double Occupancy): $495

2 Royal Pass tickets / 1 room with 2 queens or one King bed

– All benefits of Royal Pass (see above)

– Two Nights Lodging at Courtyard by Marriott

– Friday Evening Reception 7 pm to 9 pm in Hotel Lobby Suite

– Shuttle Service to Festival

NOTE: Royal Pass with Lodging packages are refundable 60 days in advance ONLY by contacting the event organizer.

RV Overnight Package / 2 nights: $175

New for 2023!

– Water hook up and Sewer hook up with 50 Amp service

– 300’ feet from Davis Building Venue

– Includes (2) General Admission Tickets

Note that tickets are non-refundable 7 days prior to the event. 

Free Farm Tourat Hickory Nut Gap Farm
Feb 18 @ 10:00 am
Hickory Nut Gap Farm
L

Listen to the regenerative story straight from the man who, together with his wife Amy in the year 2000, started the modern day version of Hickory Nut Gap. Jamie is filled to the brim with stories about the history of the land and, of course, four generations of farming wisdom. We’re excited to offer this tour to the public for a chance to share Jamie’s vision of regenerative agriculture with all.
Gatherings of Artists + Writers Coffee
Feb 18 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community.

The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am.

No RSVP needed, just drop by!

Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.

The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad
Feb 18 @ 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Back by popular demand, The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad exhibition offers guests:

  • An opportunity to view rarely-seen treasures from the Biltmore collection
  • A first-hand look at the Vanderbilts’ lifestyle
  • Deeper insights into George, Edith, and Cornelia’s personalities, both at home and on their extensive travels

Access to exhibitions at The Biltmore Legacy is included with Biltmore daytime admission.

Tuckasegee River Excursion
Feb 18 @ 11:00 am
Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

Join us for a relaxing ride through quiet countryside on your way to small town life in western North Carolina on the Tuckasegee River Excursion. Departing from Bryson City, this 4 hour excursion travels 32 miles round-trip to Dillsboro and back to the Bryson City Depot. Pass by the famous movie set of The Fugitive starring Harrison Ford!

2023 Arts + Crafts Home Tour
Feb 18 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Grove Park neighborhood
PSABC is proud to once again participate in the National Arts & Crafts Conference with our Arts & Crafts Home Tour.  This conference draws Arts & Crafts enthusiasts from all over the country for a weekend of seminars, group discussions, demonstrations, selling shows and our home tour.
This year the Home Tour will include historic homes in the Grove Park neighborhood.
Docents will be available in each home to answer questions. Participants should be able to walk several city blocks and negotiate stairs & public walkways. The tour will happen rain or shine, please bring a raincoat or umbrella as needed.  There are no paper tickets for this event.
AmiciMusic Presents “BLACK BRILLIANCE”
Feb 18 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
White Horse Black Mountain

Join us for this special program to help celebrate Black History Month. This concert features some wonderful works for violin, cello, and piano by some neglected black composers, including some fun ragtime arrangements by Scott Joplin; two Suites of Spiritual arrangements by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and Undine Smith Moore; and Blues-inspired pieces by Florence Price and William Grant Still. This is music filled with the pain and anguish of an oppressed people, but also powerful melodies, inspirational themes, and an exciting rhythmic drive. The wonderful Borowsky siblings—Emmanuel on violin and Frances on cello—are back to perform these sadly neglected, but very soulful works of music.

Nobody’s Darling String Band
Feb 18 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

Nobody’s Darling String Band is here every Saturday from 4-6! Stop in for an afternoon libation and enjoy the ladies picking’ away on the stage!

DEEP RIVER PLAYS THE EAGLES
Feb 18 @ 8:00 pm
White Horse Black Mountain

DEEP RIVER PLAYS THE EAGLES 20 GREATEST HITS !!!!!

DEEP RIVER , Asheville’s Premier Country Vocal Group, will pay homage to the Southern California band that started the country rock genre, the Eagles, by telling their story in words and songs, album-by-album, from their debut album in 1972 simply called ‘Eagles’ to their ‘Long Road Out Of Eden’ album in 2007.

The three women who front Deep River will perform all the vocals, and the Band will add a 3rd guitarist for a total of 7 pieces in order to create that iconic Eagles sound, and take the audience on an unforgettable American musical journey.

Celebrating 31 years of making music in 2023, Deep River is fronted by three women who sing all the lead and harmony vocals. All but one of our talented instrumentalists are also music instructors at the Asheville Music School.

Deep River has sung with Vince Gill, opened for Kathy Mattea and Mark Wills. One of our Nashville-era original songs, ‘Civil War’, has been played by KISS Country 99: https://www.reverbnation.com/deepriver/song/1478838-civil-war 

Here’s a composite video of Deep River’s Eagles show: https://youtu.be/buAVPHUnMXg 

 

Visit The Artists Website

 

Heavy Ticket Sales Are Anticipated.

Thus, advance ticket purchases are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED !!!!!!!

Sunday, February 19, 2023
Register open for Cuba Agroecology w/ Organic Grower School
Feb 19 all-day
online
Cuba product logo

Register for our Cuba Agroecology Tour!
April 4-13, 2023

Want to learn from farmers and food activists about Cuba’s transition to agroecological farming practices and its national policies that prioritize sustainable farming and hunger remediation?

This is your opportunity to join our 9-day tour of Cuba’s sustainable farms! On our tour, we visit with farmers, NGOs, policymakers, and experts to learn about the history of Cuba, their transition to organic agriculture, and ongoing initiatives to support farmers and expand agroecological practices.

Bend + Brew! Pop Up Yoga Class
Feb 19 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Hillman Beer

Join us for an all-levels yoga experience and stay afterward for some community!

Instructor: Claudia Strauss

No experience necessary, all levels welcome.

Please enter at the Catawba Ave entrance, follow the hall to enter.

Bring a mat.

The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad
Feb 19 @ 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Biltmore Estate

Included with admission

Back by popular demand, The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad exhibition offers guests:

  • An opportunity to view rarely-seen treasures from the Biltmore collection
  • A first-hand look at the Vanderbilts’ lifestyle
  • Deeper insights into George, Edith, and Cornelia’s personalities, both at home and on their extensive travels

Access to exhibitions at The Biltmore Legacy is included with Biltmore daytime admission.

Burlesque Brunch
Feb 19 @ 12:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

– AGES 18+
– SEATED SHOW
– LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE

BURLESQUE BRUNCH

Burlesque Brunch is a monthly burlesque and bellydance show with a classic speakeasy feel. Join our dancing dames and dandies every third Sunday of the month for a little singin’, strippin’, and sippin’ starting at noon. It’s a Sunday afternoon to delight the senses!

**Ticket price covers entry, brunch is not included in price.

Hood Huggers Tour: Eagle Street Downtown, Featuring The Block
Feb 19 @ 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Asheville Art Museum

Join this neighborhood walking tour to learn about the rich history of The Block as well as Sherrill Roland’s personal experiences and his family’s legacy in Asheville, in support of the special exhibition Sherrill Roland: Sugar, Water, Lemon Squeeze.

(This tour precedes Sherrrill Roland’s In Conversation at 2pm)

Meet at the Museum’s front plaza by the Reflections on Unity sculpture to attend. Explore East End Valley Street in downtown Asheville—home to shops and galleries featuring merchandise and art by African American artisans and artists. Learn about the YMI Cultural Center, the Stephens Lee Community Center, The Block, and significant African American architecture.

Registration is required.

2023 Arts + Crafts Home Tour
Feb 19 @ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Grove Park neighborhood
PSABC is proud to once again participate in the National Arts & Crafts Conference with our Arts & Crafts Home Tour.  This conference draws Arts & Crafts enthusiasts from all over the country for a weekend of seminars, group discussions, demonstrations, selling shows and our home tour.
This year the Home Tour will include historic homes in the Grove Park neighborhood.
Docents will be available in each home to answer questions. Participants should be able to walk several city blocks and negotiate stairs & public walkways. The tour will happen rain or shine, please bring a raincoat or umbrella as needed.  There are no paper tickets for this event.
ADAM MELCHOR
Feb 19 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel
All Ages – under 12 requires venue approval

“Here Goes Nothing” VIP M&G and Pre-Show Acoustic Set includes:
– One (1) General admission ticket to see Adam Melchor live
– Meet & Greet / photo opportunity with Adam
– Intimate acoustic performance before doors open
– One (1) exclusive souvenir VIP laminate
– One (1) exclusive VIP merch item
– Early venue entry
– Early access to merchandise shopping before doors open to the public

Ticket price includes applicable sales tax.

The Gibson Brothers
Feb 19 @ 8:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

– ALL AGES
– SEATED SHOW
– LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE

THE GIBSON BROTHERS
There’s a reason why Ricky Skaggs pulled Eric and Leigh Gibson off the stage at the Ryman two decades ago and offered to produce their debut record. The same thing that led David Ferguson and Grammy Award winning producer and Black Keys frontman Dan Auerbach to co-write and produce their 14th album “Mockingbird” (2018) and release it on his own label Easy Eye Sound alongside cultural icons such as Hank Williams Jr. and Dr. John: the Gibson Brothers are the real deal. They can pick. They can sing. And they can write a damn good country song. They’ve won about every bluegrass award you can name and released albums on almost every premier Americana label you can think of including Sugar Hill and Rounder, and, if that’s not enough, their songs have been recorded by bluegrass legends no less than Del McCoury. It’s a resume almost anybody in country music would be proud to have. But despite all of this, the Gibson Brothers are not yet household names. Their latest album, “Darkest Hour,” produced by dobro master Jerry Douglas might just change that.

As soon as you hear Leigh singing with Alison Krauss [“I Feel The Same Way As You”] on the new project you realize that his voice is as good as anyone in music today. Add the brother harmony to that and they have something truly unique. While “Mockingbird” featured gorgeous production, recreating the sound on stage was difficult. “We put together a little band to go out and try to recreate it,” Eric told me, but we couldn’t. We would have to have such a huge band to try to recreate that record, but we did the best we could.”

Douglas—who has won 14 Grammy awards and backed up everyone from Ray Charles to Paul Simon and George Jones—wanted to make a record they could actually play on the road. So he picked the best songs (out of dozens) and squirreled them away in Sound Emporium’s Studio B.
But then the pandemic hit. “We did our last shows in March of 2020,” Eric told me. “We were in Nashville the week everything was shutting down. It was surreal, but Jerry was like, ‘Guys, the world’s going crazy. Let’s let this be our little cocoon.’ And we did. We cut all of the acoustic stuff and then went home and didn’t play any more gigs until things started opening. Then we went back and finished the record with Jerry in February of 2021.”

The result is arguably the strongest record The Gibson Brothers have ever made. The songs recorded in the first recording period featured Mike Barber (bass), Justin Moses (mandolin), Eamon McGloughlin (fiddle), and of course, Jerry Douglas, adding in John Gardner (drums), Guthrie Trapp (electric guitar), and Todd Parks (bass) for the final tracks, “Darkest Hour” showcases just how easily Eric and Leigh move from what Dan Auerbach dubbed “country soul” (“I Go Driving”) to high octane bluegrass (“What a Difference A Day Makes” and “Dust”) with Douglas always keeping the spotlight on the songs themselves. “That’s what I love about those guys,” Douglas told me, “they are just great songwriters.”