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.
Music Explorations is a great way for young beginners to explore music, sound, rhythm, and various instruments in a fun and encouraging group setting. We will be taking a journey around the world to discover the music of diverse cultures and regions. Children will get to dance and move, experiment with various instruments, sing tunes, and experiment with their own music-making. Music Explorations is led by instructors with vast experience in early childhood music education, including Kindermusik, and will encourage social skills and group interactions, develop aural and visual skills, and foster a love of music in your child.
Spend the afternoon playing fiddle tunes! Learn to comp harmonies while your neighbor takes a turn on the melody. We will learn & jam with classic Appalachian and Celtic fiddle tunes and cross over to other American styles of the fiddling tradition including blues and ragtime, establishing roots of musical joy that will last a lifetime.
Students must have a minimum of one month of prior experience. Lessons available.
Acoustic Syndicate
Since 1994, Acoustic Syndicate’s unique blend of bluegrass instruments, rock sensibilities, and conscious songwriting has inspired a generation of musicians. Through 7 albums, thousands of performances, and tens-of-thousands of miles, Acoustic Syndicate has long been heralded as one of the important influences on the modern roots-music revival.
Joe Lasher
Drawing inspiration from icons such as Rodney Atkins, Eric Church, Jon Bon Jovi and Bryan Adams, Joe’s music is influenced by a variety of genres ranging from traditional country to gospel and from rock to heavy metal, creating a sound that is all his own. Joe has been touring the country since the age of 16, where he is focused on creating a full-sensory show filled with big sound and bright lights giving his audience a reason to sing and dance.
Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens and experience our Wild Art outdoor sculpture showcase in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Thursdays and most Fridays through October 1, 2021, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. ArborEvenings are not scheduled on the following Fridays: July 9, August 6, September 3 and 10.
There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.
Please note: ArborEvenings will not be held in the event of rain. Please check the website or Facebook page by 3 p.m. for any cancellation announcements prior to attending.
Beverage Service
Beer, Wine, and soft drinks will be for sale onsite at the Green Gardener’s Shed from 5:30 to 8:15 p.m. each night of the event. Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited, but guests are welcome to bring in water or a favorite non-alcoholic beverage.
Food Available for Pre-Order, Picnics Welcome
Although the Bent Creek Bistro will not be open during the event, we are pleased to share that they will be offering their delicious dining options at ArborEvenings via pre-order this year! Simply place your online order — including alcoholic beverages — up until 11 a.m. on the date you plan to attend, then pick up your order at the Baker Information Desk between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. (In the event of rain cancellation, pre-orders will be fully refunded.)
Guests are welcome to bring in outside food and non-alcoholic beverages. However, outside alcohol is strictly prohibited.
Musician Schedule
Please note, scheduled performances are subject to change.
- Thursday 7/8 – Juan Holiday (R&B/Soul) will play from 5:30 – 6:45 p.m. & Jackson Grimm (Folk/Bluegrass) will play from 7:15 – 8:30 p.m.
- Friday 7/9 – No Event
- Thursday 7/15 – Liz & Elizabeth (Folk/Americana) will play from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
- Friday 7/16 – Kevin Williams (Country/Americana) will play from 5:30 – 6:45 p.m. & Steve Newbrough (Classical/Fingerstyle Guitar) will play from 7:15 – 8:30 p.m.Click here for the full schedule.
Know Before You Go
- Parking fees will be collected at the gate upon arrival, and members must present valid card for free entry. Pre-registration is not required.
- Restroom access will be available during ArborEvenings inside the Baker Visitor Center.
- Guests are invited to explore A Life in the Wild, a breathtaking exhibition of photographs from Thomas D. Mangelsen; however, food and drink are not permitted inside the Exhibit Hall.
- Leashed dogs are welcome at ArborEvenings, but are not permitted inside of buildings.
- To protect our lawn, blankets are not permitted at the event; however, guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs to set up in front of the musicians.
- Due to existing event bookings, ArborEvenings will not take place on the following Fridays: July 9, August 6 and September 3 and 10.
Ages Past, a bluegrass band best known for their powerful sound, original songwriting, and “traditional with a twist” style, has reunited after 25 years to bring you all-new music. Original band members Randy Gallion and Tony Williamson have joined forces with veteran musicians Jaime Carter, Chad Day, and Savannah Reed to form the new group.
Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks at the Isis Music Hall. Advanced Reservations are highly recommended.
The trajectory of Bumpin Uglies started over a decade ago, making music with friends, playing backyard parties and anywhere else they could get a gig. For Brandon Hardesty, lead vocals and guitar, it was a simple time, but one that taught him lessons that stay with him today as he leads the band into the 2020s. One was that he would do whatever it took for him and his band to be successful. Another was in discovering that doing it his way was the only way, which still applies today. Bumpin Uglies do things their way, free to play, think, and write however they feel, critics and the mainstream music industry be damned.
In the early days, Hardesty was hustling waiting tables while stoking his musical fire with every minute of free time he had. A point came years ago when he knew it was time to put up or shut up if he was going to make a career as a musician, so he dug into doing all of the things it takes to grow Bumpin Uglies from a grassroots local band into a nationally touring act. It took a tireless DIY ethic; and it still does, but if Brandon did not have the singular focus on breaking through and achieving his musical dreams, the story of Bumpin Uglies wouldn’t be what it is today.
Bumpin Uglies are a band that have hoisted themselves up and forged their own path, but even as they look around at where they are, how far they have come, it is clear to them that there is so much more work to do and they continue to do it every day. With the help of bassist Dave “Wolfie” Wolf and drummer TJ Haslett, they are doing just that.
Bumpin Uglies recently came off the road, having to cancel their spring tour due to COVID-19. Brandon and the boys have been keeping their rabid fan group “Uglies Nation” entertained with full band live streams, hosting socially distant concerts and even a few Drive-In concerts until the world slowly gets back to a place where Bumpin Uglies can tour once again.
Fresh off the successful release of full length, “Keep your suitcase packed.”, they are in the midst of a new project called “The Never Ending Drop.” The concept is simple, yet groundbreaking..
“For the last ten years, we’ve been on what feels like the never-ending tour. So in a year where the tour is forced to stop, we decided to double down on the music making portion of our job description,” Hardesty explains. The band released their first single, “Fear,” in October and plans to release a single per month indefinitely on the second Friday of each month. Be sure to check out the new material on Spotify or wherever you stream music.
Music on Main features a diverse line-up ranging from pop, oldies, rock, to contemporary music – there’s something for every musical taste! The family-friendly event offers concessions such as hot dogs, ice cream, pretzels and lemonade for sale.
Classic car shows are held in conjunction with Music on Main. The car shows are located in front of the Wells Fargo between Barnwell and Caswell Streets, which will be closed to traffic. For more information about the classic car shows, contact the Carolina Mountain Car Club.
Bring a chair and enjoy an evening of live music from 7 pm-9 pm. The audience seating area opens after 5:30 pm, early admission is prohibited. Admission is free. Alcoholic beverages, backpacks, or coolers are prohibited.
In case of inclement weather, the concert will be postponed until 8pm. If the weather does not improve by 8 pm the performance will be canceled.
Inspired by the “wild open spaces” of America, the New World Symphony represents one of the greatest triumphs of Dvořák’s career. Maestro Lockhart also welcomes pianist Lara Downes to perform the Brevard premiere of Florence Price’s Piano Concerto.
PERFORMANCE & ARTIST DETAILS
Brevard Music Center Orchestra
Keith Lockhart, conductor
Lara Downes, piano
FLORENCE PRICE Piano Concerto
ANTONIN DVOŘÁK Symphony No. 9 , “From the New World”
Please note: Auditorium seating is reserved. Lawn seating is general admission.
Official 2021 Raffle Rules
PROCEEDS
This raffle is a fundraising event, and all net proceeds benefit the Brevard Music Center (BMC). Brevard Music Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN# 56-0729350
DRAWING
The drawing will take place on Monday, November 15, 2021 at 3:00pm EDT. All mail, phone, and internet orders must be received by 11:59pm EDT on Sunday, November 14, 2021.
TICKETS
The cost to purchase a single entry (“Ticket”) for the Raffle is $125 (U.S. Funds only) and is not tax deductible.
Guarantee Your Seats for All 9 Shows!
Premium Seating
Peacekeepers may purchase up to TWO Premium subscriptions per $250 donation. Box seating is available with annual gifts starting at $1,500 for upper boxes and $2,500 for lower boxes. Gifts must be renewed annually to retain season tickets in this section. Please note, due to demand, this seating area is limited.
Patron Accessibility
The Peace Center offers a variety of accessibility services including assistive listening, ASL interpreted performances (Saturday matinees), audio described performances, wheelchair accessible seating, and transfer chairs. For the best experience, please discuss your specific need with a Customer Service Representative. Some services require advance notice.
The Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville is proud to announce The Glass Animals’ “Dreamland” Tour in the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium on March 28, 2022. Tickets for the event will go on publicly via ONLINE ONLY on Thursday, May 6 at 10:00am via Ticketmaster.com. Adding to an already incredible year, Glass Animals have announced their North American “Dreamland Tour.” The run kicks off August 30th in Lewiston, NY and takes the band across North America well into 2022. The shows add to their already sold out UK tour dates, previously announced Red Rocks shows and confirmed festival performances at Bonnaroo, Life Is Beautiful, and Outside Lands. For more information about this event, please click here.
In addition, last week the band was selected as 2021 Billboard Music Awards finalists for Top Rock Song “Heat Waves” and Top Rock Album Dreamland. This is the first time the band has been recognized by the BBMAs. The Billboard Music Awards LIVE will take place Sunday, May 23rd at 3pm EST/5pm PT on NBC.
Earlier this month, Glass Animals performed “Heat Waves” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where the band took over Margate’s Dreamland Theme Park and brought it back to life with an electrifying performance—watch HERE. In addition, they performed on The Ellen Degeneres Show where they took over a skate rink and used fan submitted footage to fill the television screens behind their performance—watch HERE.
After spending 12 years based in Southern California, songwriter Alice Wallace became a Nashville resident a year ago – bringing her West Coast-infused Americana to Music City. Named the 2017 Female Vocalist of the Year at the California Country Awards, Alice draws influence from iconic voices ranging from Linda Ronstadt to Patsy Cline, not to mention keeping the country yodel alive with songs from classic artists like Patsy Montana and Don Walser.
Since her move across the country, Alice released a two-song vinyl single via Need to Know Records that features her rendition of the Linda Ronstadt classic “Long, Long Time.” The project was produced by Nashville’s Doug Lancio, who worked with Patty Griffin for some 14 years and has also produced and played with artists like John Hiatt and Todd Snider. Alice’s last full-length album, “Into the Blue”, released on Los Angeles-based Rebelle Road Records in 2019, received praise across the country from publications ranging from Paste Magazine to Rolling Stone Country.
“Sometimes you hear an album and the only way you can think to describe it is stunning,” wrote Gary Schwind of Americana Highways.
Alice will be joined on stage by Grammy-nominated guitarist, multi-instrumentalist and producer Andrew Sovine, whose long list of credits include playing with artists such as Ashley McBryde, Wynnona, Kelsey Waldon, Ian Noe and many more.
Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks at the Isis Music Hall. Reservations are highly recommended.
We are thrilled to welcome Bryan McKnight to our Outdoor Concert Series.
Come and enjoy an amazing night of R&B music from this icon right here in the Swannanoa Valley.
GATES OPEN: 5pm
SHOW STARTS: 7PM
AGE LIMIT: All Ages Show
WEATHER: Rain or shine – No refunds will be issued due to inclement weather.
PARKING: Parking available at Appalachian Tool (One Minute Away) 121 Lytle Cove Rd for $10.
SHUTTLE: Free shuttle service provided starting at 6pm.
THE GOOD STUFF: Food trucks and full bar service available onsite. Outside food & beverage is not permitted
SEATING: Festival Style General Admission – we don’t provide seating. Feel free to bring your favorite camping chair to enjoy the show. . Bags are not permitted.
GUEST SAFETY: No Weapons of any kind allowed on the property. Metal Detectors will be at the gates to ensure the safety of all guests.
REFUNDS: Refunds only issued in the event of a cancellation.
Silverados is on the public bus route.
NC Covid Protocols will be followed.
UBER/LYFT HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Make sure to get your $1 membership in advance for entry. Available at silveradoswnc.com
Some music cannot be found on a map or within iTunes categories. Some music is so original it seems snatched from the great, invisible substrata that runs below all human activity, a sound aching to be born without a flag or fixed allegiance – free, questing, overflowing with immediate, tangible life. This is the music of Toubab Krewe, the vibrant Asheville, NC-based instrumental powerhouse that creates a sonic Pangaea that lustily swirls together rock, African traditions, jam sensibilities, international folk strains and more. While nearly impossible to put into any box, it takes only a few moments to realize in a very palpable way that one is face-to-face with a true original who recognizes no borders in a march towards a muscular, original, globally switched-on sound.
Formed in 2005, Toubab Krewe has tenaciously honed their craft through relentless touring and a fierce dedication to carving out something they can truly call their own. The fruits of this hard work can be heard on their latest release, STYLO, (March 2nd, 2018). What Justin Perkins (kora, kamelngoni, guitar, percussion), Terrence Houston (drumset), Drew Heller (guitar, organ), Justin Kimmel (bass, keys), and Luke Quaranta (djembe, dunun, sangban, kenkeni, kryn, karenye) have wrought on STYLO reflects the many miles and musical journeys that have transpired since their last studio album, TK2.
This is a band that actively draws inspiration from whatever source floats into their purview, something they’ve exhibited in their decade and a half of heavy gigging, including regular appearances at major U.S. festivals like Bonnaroo, High Sierra, Electric Forest, Wakarusa, Hulaween, and abroad at such legendary gatherings as the Festival In The Desert in Essakane, Mali, Shanghai World Music Festival, and Jam Cruise. Whether on their own or collaborating with luminaries like the Last Poets’ Umar Bin Hassan, Uncle Earl’s Rayna Gellert, or Weedie Braimah, Toubab Krewe has already earned the attention and respect of a broad musical community.
Toubab carries echoes of African greats like Ali Farka Toure, Orchestra Baobab and Salif Keita, no doubt picked up during the group’s travels to study and live in Guinea, Ivory Coast and Mali. But what truly differentiates Toubab Krewe from other Statesiders inspired by African music is how they innovate on what they’ve learned instead of simply recreating tradition. Toubab Krewe carves out a new trail honoring the African originators they admire by making something alive and contemporary.
Maestro Lockhart leads the Brevard Music Center Orchestra in a program of “old wine in new bottles” as he explores Baroque influences on three wildly Romantic masterpieces.
PERFORMANCE & ARTIST DETAILS
Brevard Music Center Orchestra
Keith Lockhart, conductor
Christine Lamprea, cello
OTTORINO RESPIGHI Trittico Botticelliano
P. I. TCHAIKOVSKY Rococo Variations
RICHARD STRAUSS Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme
Please note: Auditorium seating is reserved. Lawn seating is general admission.
WORTHAM CENTER PRESENTS
Yolanda Rabun
Celebrate the experience of live music in an evening of sultry soul and jazz with songstress Yolanda Rabun.
A skilled singer with a natural storytelling instinct, Yolanda Rabun comes out the gate stunning her live audiences with her endless energy, commanding vocal power, and inventiveness. Her stage shows are engaging, full of passion, and include straight-ahead and contemporary Jazz, Blues, Folk, Pop, and even Gospel. A rich-voiced chanteuse and North Carolina-based recording artist, Yolanda has opened for and sung with such iconic artists as Jennifer Holiday, Howard Hewitt, Ron Isley and the Isley Brothers, R&B singer KEM and the world-renowned iconic drummer, Sheila E.
Yolanda has traveled the world to Japan, South Korea, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, and Jordan delivering her sultry blend of smooth jazz and soul. Those experiences opened up the possibilities of international stardom for Yolanda as a composer, producer and arranger, and her fans have confirmed that her time is now.
This performance is part of the Asheville Area Arts Council‘s Arts Benefit Series.
Official 2021 Raffle Rules
PROCEEDS
This raffle is a fundraising event, and all net proceeds benefit the Brevard Music Center (BMC). Brevard Music Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN# 56-0729350
DRAWING
The drawing will take place on Monday, November 15, 2021 at 3:00pm EDT. All mail, phone, and internet orders must be received by 11:59pm EDT on Sunday, November 14, 2021.
TICKETS
The cost to purchase a single entry (“Ticket”) for the Raffle is $125 (U.S. Funds only) and is not tax deductible.
Guarantee Your Seats for All 9 Shows!
Premium Seating
Peacekeepers may purchase up to TWO Premium subscriptions per $250 donation. Box seating is available with annual gifts starting at $1,500 for upper boxes and $2,500 for lower boxes. Gifts must be renewed annually to retain season tickets in this section. Please note, due to demand, this seating area is limited.
Patron Accessibility
The Peace Center offers a variety of accessibility services including assistive listening, ASL interpreted performances (Saturday matinees), audio described performances, wheelchair accessible seating, and transfer chairs. For the best experience, please discuss your specific need with a Customer Service Representative. Some services require advance notice.
Jack’s Bluegrass Brunch is every Sunday! Our menu kicks off at 12Noon with live tunes by Supper Break from 1-3pm. Try our $6 Bloody Mary or Mimosa, or grab a $15 Bottles of Champagne & OJ! Try one of our tasty brunch specials or order from our artisanal sandwich menu. Sláinte Y’all!
Jackson Arts Market is WNC makers and music festival every Saturday rain or shine on Main street in downtown Sylva 1 – 5. Connect with local creators where everything for sale is handmade. Learn their artistic processes with demonstrations and workshops with live music.
more info at jacksonartsmarket.com
FIRST SET BY THE HOUSE BAND & SECOND SET IS A JAZZ JAM
In conjunction with Sunday Sessions Live (and virtual) music: Food Truck Sundays will bring a new or rotating “staff favorite” cuisine each week to the Beechams Curve offerings.
Gan Shan West, our main culinary provider 6 days a week, is closed on Sundays. Enjoy the convenience, delicious variety and the music – all in one Sunday Funday stop!
Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
Sundays
1 till who knows when?
Traditional Irish music is kept alive at Jack of the Wood with our unplugged Sunday session.
Jack of the Wood
95 Patton ave
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 252.5445
Double duos Aditi and Jay (of Shantavaani) and Angie and Cas (of the Blushin’ Roulettes) join together as The Appalucians. The original folk and roots band from the hills of North Carolina blend lyrical depth, humor and harmonies to create their signature sound.
Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks at the Isis Music Hall. Reservations are highly recommended.
A fresh, progressive bluegrass group birthed straight from the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina, Fireside Collective blends the characteristic interplay of bluegrass instrumentation and harmonies with strong original material and exuberant energy to deliver a blast of electrifying creativity to the music scene. They draw on folk, blues, funk and a wide variety of bluegrass sounds to create a distinctive body of work that’s all their own.
Please note: Auditorium seating is reserved. Lawn seating is general admission.
Donors of $75 or more receive priority access to this event beginning June 1.
Join us for Animoday! Every Monday all day. Listen to anime music, play anime games, watch anime, and talk anime!
Monday night live music is here! Karen is a solo singer-songwriter from Greenville, South Carolina. She is an indie alternative artist exploring her sound one song at a time. If you like soft-edge guitar picking and soulful vocals, grab your pup and join us for a drink and some jams!
Join us every MONDAY for our 2021 Summer Bike Night Series with special musical guest Contagious rocking our stage. Fresh catered BBQ Plates will be available for sale. Hop on your bike and come on down for bike nights in the Swannanoa Valley!
Just a friendly reminder, the State of NC requires a MEMBERSHIP to enjoy our venue.