Back Alley Boutique & Bud Bar is hosting the 2nd Annual Back Alley Hempfest on Sunday 04/21/2024 from 2-7pm. Join us for this free event at 28 Oak St. and at the Depot Plaza right across Trade St. There will be live music, local vendors, live glass-blowing, fire-spinning, stilt-walking, and more! About 30 Local Vendors will be offering a wide variety of arts, crafts, gifts, & goodies! There will be a scavenger hunt to enter for door prizes scattered among the vendors with hourly prizes! There will also be a rolling competition & 420 special smoke session in the back Bud Bar & Lounge area of Back Alley Boutique & Bud Bar. Come check out all the festivities!

Music Schedule:
28 Oak St.
King Chewie 2-3:30pm
Nina Gi 3:45-5:15pm
Acklen Walker 5:30-7pm
Depot Plaza
Moonshine State 2-4pm
The Ribald Riffers 4:20-7pm

Thank You to our growing list of Sponsors!:
Tettra Hydra Glass, Astria Farm, Kaleidoscope Studios Art, Hypnotic Massage Sleep Boutique, Yetees Design Screenprinting, Carrie Bass Photography, eARThly Minds Gallery, Social Shay Photography, The Moth Queen, and Back Alley Boutique & Bud Bar.

Immerse yourself in the extraordinary world of Matilda: The Musical, a delightfully imaginative adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s book. This Tony Award-winning musical weaves the story of Matilda, a young girl with a sharp wit, unbounded imagination, and psychokinetic powers. Despite the indifference of her shallow parents and the tyranny of the oppressive headmistress Miss Trunchbull, Matilda discovers the strength within herself to change her story. Infused with dark humor, whimsical storytelling, and dazzling performances, Matilda: The Musical is a testament to the power of imagination, resilience, and the transformative magic of learning. A must-see for audiences of all ages who love heartwarming tales of triumph against all odds.

A talkback with the cast & crew of Matilda: The Musical will be held following the performances on April 14th and 21st.

Jack’s long-running Traditional Irish Music Session is the perfect way to enjoy the Celtic-influenced sounds of talented pluckers from all over WNC & further afield! Stop in to enjoy a pint or afternoon Irish coffee with the music! Sláinte!

A special spring performance is in store when North Carolina actor Susan King
portrays legendary writer Emily Dickinson in The Belle of Amherst by William Luce (one-hour version) on
Sunday, April 21, 2024 at 4pm in the Parish Hall of the Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness.
The performance is free and open to the public.

When given the opportunity to be part of The Music and Art Series, Ms. King said, “I am deeply honored to
have been invited by my friend, Dewitt Tipton, to participate in this marvelous series as a humble and
hopefully worthy representative of Emily Dickinson, one of the world's masters of the short lyric poem.
Emily Elizabeth Dickinson was born December 10, 1830 to Squire Edward and Emily Norcross Dickinson of
Amherst, Massachusetts. She is remembered from her school days as being clever, charming, and
outstanding among her peers in literary composition. Denied most of the comforts and satisfactions that
sustain humanity, particularly love, marriage, and a secure religious faith, Emily lived intensely, finding in
her books, her garden, and friends with whom she corresponded the possibilities of rich experience and
fulfillment.

To the few people who really knew her, she was a fascinating woman who always wore white, never married,
and was known amongst the Amherst townsfolk as "Squire Edward Dickinson's half-cracked daughter."
Playwright Luce has dramatically woven poems, letters, lines and phrases of Dickinson’s in a conversational
style that is both humorous and deeply moving. We meet in The Belle of Amherst a shy, funny woman who
was a co-conspirator with children, who loved animals, nature, and words, and who lived her solitary life in a
rich and deliberate way.

Ms. King is a graduate of Mars Hill University. The Belle of Amherst remains the defining artistic experience
of Susan’s professional career. She is retired from Appalachian State University and resides in Boone.
The Parish Hall is located across the street from the church at 1905 Greenville Highway. For more
information visit www.stjohnflatrock.org.

Doors Open: 7:00 PM

ALL AGES
STANDING ROOM ONLY

JEREMY PINNELL

When Jeremy Pinnell released OH/KY in the summer of 2015 to stunned acclaim, it felt like an entire career compressed into one knock-out album. Hailed as, a “Mind-blowingly good” (Greg Vandy/KEXP) “ ”tutorial on classic country music” (Popmatters), Pinnell’s debut immediately differentiated as authentic and unflinching. Dogged touring through Europe and the States and celebrated radio sessions followed, cementing Pinnell’s position as a no-fuss master of his craft.

His 2017 album, Ties of Blood and Affection presented a canny lateral move. Instead of doubling down on the stark themes and values of his debut, the sophomore album found Pinnell finding comfort in his own skin, achieving the redemption only hinted at in his previous batch of haunted songs.

If the third time’s a charm, Pinnell is all shine and sparkle on Goodbye LA. Produced by Texan Jonathan Tyler, the tunes buff the wax and polish the chrome on Country music’s deeper roots. Rooted in his steady acoustic guitar, Pinnell’s songs are shot through with honest and classic elements. The rhythm section, all snap and shuffle, finds purpose in well-worn paths.  The pedal steel and Telecaster stingers arrive perfectly on cue, winking at JP’s world-wise couplets .  Here slippery organ insinuates gospel into the conversation.  You can feel the room breathe and get a sense of these musicians eyeballing each other as their performances are committed to tape.  And through it all comes this oaken identity, the devastating centerpiece of his work.  Honest and careworn, Jeremy’s voice can touch on wry, jubilant, and debauched – all in a single line.  At his best, Jeremy Pinnell chronicles the joy and sorrow of being human, which is the best that anyone could do.

TIME SAWYER

Time Sawyer’s name reflects the pull between the past and the future. The character Tom Sawyer evokes the rural background and love of home that the band shares. Time is a muse for songwriting; it’s the thread that runs through life, bringing new experiences and giving us a sense of urgency, while still connecting us with our past.

The folk-rock band has performed on the stages of some of the Southeast’s most iconic festivals, including Merlefest, Floydfest, Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion, Albino Skunk Music Festival, and Carolina in the Fall. They’ve shared bills with American Aquarium, John Craigie, Hiss Golden Messenger, Langhorne Slim, John Moreland, Steep Canyon Rangers, The Wood Brothers, Susto, and many more.

The Mountain Goats

Alternative Folk

Katy Kirby

Alternative Folk

Sigal Music Museum’s current special exhibition, Worlds Apart: Musical Instruments from Secular to Sacred, highlights items from the JoAnn and Frank Edwinn Collection, which hails from all over the world. Showing November 2023 – May 2024, Worlds Apart uses a diverse range of historical instruments, objects, and visuals to bring together musical narratives from seemingly disparate parts of the globe.

 

Worlds Apart: Musical Instruments from Secular to Sacred aims to increase public access to historical instruments from around the world and improve visitors’ understanding of musical traditions at the global level. Expanding beyond the typical parameters of the Western musical canon, Worlds Apart seeks to expose audiences to musical instruments and customs that are often overlooked or exotified. The instruments and other exhibit materials will offer visitors new perspectives on global music and a chance to consider how music is used for prayer and leisure in cultures around the world. By celebrating these stories, the museum intends to further its mission to collect and preserve historical musical instruments, objects, and information, which engage and enrich people of all ages through exhibits, performances, and experiential programs.

 

Displaying various objects from the JoAnn and Frank Edwinn Collection, Worlds Apart: Musical Instruments from Secular to Sacred focuses on international musical instruments and cultures, celebrating rites and traditions with ancient histories and contemporary legacies. Frank Edwinn, a successful basso in the mid-20th century, studied and toured internationally, eventually settling in North Carolina, where he taught music at the University of North Carolina Asheville. Throughout his life, he purchased various objects from around the world, aiming to expose students, and himself, to the wide and wonderful world of musical instruments. This impressive collection occupies a unique position for educating audiences unfamiliar with the vast scope of global music.

And, UNCA’s Ramsey Library Special Collections is now processing the Edwinn’s papers and a few recordings that will be accessible next semester!

Join us in LEAF’s ONEmic Studio generously supported by the Ben Gradison Memorial Fund, which was created to carry on Ben’s mission of connecting cultures and building community through recording studios both locally and globally.

Internationally, the Ben Gradison Memorial Fund has been an integral support for setting up ONEmic studios in Haiti and Costa Rica, in conjunction with LEAF International.

Through LEAF’s partnership with Asheville Parks and Recreation, the ONEmic Studio continues to fulll Ben’s mission of creating opportunities for local youth to nd their voice through music and the arts.

In honor of Ben Gradison (1984-2012)
Teaching Artist
Ben Gradison Memorial Fund

To help us in carrying on Ben’s dreams and dedication, please make donations to:
LEAF Schools & Streets
c/o Ben Gradison Memorial Fund

Sigal Music Museum’s current special exhibition, Worlds Apart: Musical Instruments from Secular to Sacred, highlights items from the JoAnn and Frank Edwinn Collection, which hails from all over the world. Showing November 2023 – May 2024, Worlds Apart uses a diverse range of historical instruments, objects, and visuals to bring together musical narratives from seemingly disparate parts of the globe.

 

Worlds Apart: Musical Instruments from Secular to Sacred aims to increase public access to historical instruments from around the world and improve visitors’ understanding of musical traditions at the global level. Expanding beyond the typical parameters of the Western musical canon, Worlds Apart seeks to expose audiences to musical instruments and customs that are often overlooked or exotified. The instruments and other exhibit materials will offer visitors new perspectives on global music and a chance to consider how music is used for prayer and leisure in cultures around the world. By celebrating these stories, the museum intends to further its mission to collect and preserve historical musical instruments, objects, and information, which engage and enrich people of all ages through exhibits, performances, and experiential programs.

 

Displaying various objects from the JoAnn and Frank Edwinn Collection, Worlds Apart: Musical Instruments from Secular to Sacred focuses on international musical instruments and cultures, celebrating rites and traditions with ancient histories and contemporary legacies. Frank Edwinn, a successful basso in the mid-20th century, studied and toured internationally, eventually settling in North Carolina, where he taught music at the University of North Carolina Asheville. Throughout his life, he purchased various objects from around the world, aiming to expose students, and himself, to the wide and wonderful world of musical instruments. This impressive collection occupies a unique position for educating audiences unfamiliar with the vast scope of global music.

And, UNCA’s Ramsey Library Special Collections is now processing the Edwinn’s papers and a few recordings that will be accessible next semester!

Join us in LEAF’s ONEmic Studio generously supported by the Ben Gradison Memorial Fund, which was created to carry on Ben’s mission of connecting cultures and building community through recording studios both locally and globally.

Internationally, the Ben Gradison Memorial Fund has been an integral support for setting up ONEmic studios in Haiti and Costa Rica, in conjunction with LEAF International.

Through LEAF’s partnership with Asheville Parks and Recreation, the ONEmic Studio continues to fulll Ben’s mission of creating opportunities for local youth to nd their voice through music and the arts.

In honor of Ben Gradison (1984-2012)
Teaching Artist
Ben Gradison Memorial Fund

To help us in carrying on Ben’s dreams and dedication, please make donations to:
LEAF Schools & Streets
c/o Ben Gradison Memorial Fund

Beginning & Intermediate youth music classes on traditional and ol’ time instruments including but not limited to, fiddle, mandolin, banjo and guitar. Students will attend 40 minutes of music enrichment, including multiple flat-footing sessions led by Alice Kexel, story-telling, visits from guest musicians, as well as learn about the heritage of the music and the region. They will have 40 minutes of group music classes, and 40 minutes of singing or JAM rehearsal.

Advanced students will have 40 minutes of group instrument lessons, followed by 30 minutes of advanced singing including harmony and shape-note singing, and finish with 50 minutes of coached, small-ensemble rehearsal.

Classes are $15/session, for a total of $210 for the first student, and a 20% discount of $168 for each additional sibling. Parents may choose to split payments when registering. Inquire with Julie Moore at [email protected] or 864-420-6407 about scholarships.

Youth Classes

Wednesdays, 4-6 pm

Weekly mountain music JAM with
players in a round, where the session is focused on regional fiddle tunes and songs, You are welcome to come and listen or to
learn and join in. This event supports the Henderson County Junior Appalachian Musician (JAM) Kids Program, Free but
donations are accepted.

🌟 What to Expect:

Spotlight on Talent: Guided by Billy Litz, our stage is open to a diversity of talents – from music to comedy, poetry, and beyond. It’s a supportive environment for performers and a treat for the audience.

Delicious Bites: Satisfy your cravings with “Trucking Delicious,” serving their renowned burgers and scrumptious dishes right here.

Dog-Friendly Fun: Wagbar isn’t just pet-friendly; it’s a paradise for pups. Bring your furry friend along for the fun. First-time furry guests should have their vaccine records and proof of spaying/neutering ready for a seamless entry. Remember, no dog? No problem! Human guests enter free, with or without a canine companion.

📋 Joining the Fun:

For Performers: Sign-up starts at 5:30 PM. We recommend arriving early as slots are first-come, first-served. Don’t miss your chance to shine!

For Spectators: Here to watch? Fantastic! Enjoy the diverse performances, indulge in great food, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere created by our host, Billy Litz.

📅 Mark Your Calendars:

When: Every Wednesday Night

Time: 6 PM – 8 PM (Sign-up begins at 5:30 PM)

Where: Wagbar, the place where dogs and culture meet.

Wagbar’s Open Mic Night is the midweek pick-me-up you didn’t know you needed. It’s a celebration of talent, community, and the love for our four-legged friends. Whether you’re stepping into the spotlight, cheering from the sidelines, or just here for the puppy love, it’s the perfect way to spend your Wednesday evening.

Bring your friends, your appetite for adventure, and of course, your dogs (don’t forget their paperwork for their first visit)! Let’s make every Wednesday from 6-8 PM a time to gather, perform, and create unforgettable memories at Wagbar.

Karaoke Night at Hickory Tavern

RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles is an electrifying concert experience celebrating the timeless music of the legendary fab four. With note-for-note precision, this mind-blowing performance transports you back to the iconic eras of Sgt. Pepper and Magical Mystery Tour, along with all your favorite hits. From energetic classics to reflective favorites, the band delivers an unforgettable performance that appeals to fans old and new. With vibrant costumes and psychedelic visuals, RAIN creates a stunning concert full of nostalgia and good vibes. RAIN – A Tribute to the Beatles promises an extraordinary journey through the eras that captivates hearts and inspires all generations.

“Hayes & The Heathens” does not mean Hayes Carll with “opening act” The Band of Heathens or the other way around. It means ONE hellaciously talent-stacked band from downbeat to encore, fronted by three acclaimed singer-songwriters (Carll and The Heathens’ Ed Jurdi and Gordy Quist), armed to the teeth with guitars, swagger, and some of the most irresistible American rock ’n’ roll, folk, country, and soulful blues anthems of the last two decades.

Far from coming out of nowhere, Hayes & The Heathens is a union born out of years from mutual respect. Their respective award-winning careers have run parallel and criss-crossed many times, most recently back in October of 2023, when Carll and The Heathens shared a freewheeling family jam in Luckenbach, Texas.

“We had such a blast collaborating and playing together out in Luckenbach, that we wanted to take this on the road and share it with more people,” says Quist.

Whether through combining their celebrated catalogs, writing and recording new music, or reinterpreting their favorite musical works by others…There’s a whole lotta roots-rocking funky coolness coming your way. The kind gets exponentially cooler when two of the scrappiest and most respected acts to ever tumble out of Texas — Hayes Carll and The Band of Heathens — join forces.

“We’ve played a lot of music together over the last 10 years,” says Carll, “and our creative relationship continues to evolve into its own thing. Hayes & The Heathens is that thing.”

“This sort of medicine show, revival, rock and roll circus is a unique presentation of our music,” adds Jurdi. “I think anyone who loves the spontaneity and chemistry of a live performance is going to be in for a magical evening. I know we’re going to have a good time!”

And whether that magical good-time lasts for one quick fling or continues to evolve into who knows what more down the road, this much is a given: The collective stomp and holler of Hayes & The Heathens is gonna be righteous.

After Elephant Revival disbanded in 2018 after playing their last show to a sold out Red Rocks, Daniel Rodriguez set out as a solo artist.

“Daniel cements himself as a solo performer with forthcoming album Sojourn of a Burning Sun.”  – ROLLING STONE

Daniel released his debut collection of songs as an EP titled Your Heart, The Stars, The Milky Way on February 15, 2019. His debut full-length album, Sojourn of a Burning Sun, was released on August 28th, 2020 on BMG Records. Both albums, produced by longtime friend and bandmate, Darren Garvey.
The Lumineers recorded and released Daniel’s song “This Is Life” after adding the words “Merry Christmas” to the chorus, turning it into an instant dark humored Christmas classic. “This is Life (Merry Christmas)” feat. Daniel Rodriguez was released in December of 2021.

Rodriguez and his band supported The Lumineers on their BRIGHTSIDE World Tour in July and August of 2022, playing to sold out arenas and stadiums across North America, with a special homecoming show in front of 40,000 fans in Denver, Colorado.

He has also performed with some of his talented friends and heroes such as Gregory Alan Isakov, John Craigie, Todd Snider and many more.

His second full length LP, Vast Nothing, is set to be released on March 1st, 2023.