• Live Music, 6:00 p.m. and $8 specialty martinis all day at Leo’s Italian Social

For this year’s Pritchard Park Songwriter Series, the Asheville Association is teaming up with Paloma Madre who are best known for bringing Asheville the wildly successful, international concept, Open Folk. Each week will feature two world class songwriters from our community playing introspective and honest tunes about life in the 21st century. Pritchard Park will once again be filled with the sweet sounding songs of heartbreak, true love, heavy loss, and lots and lots of goofin. It’s a guaranteed good time that won’t cost you a dime!!

Pisgah welcomes back the great Bobby Miller and The Virginia Dare Devils!

The creation of innovative, yet, traditionally steeped music is an ever elusive goal in this day and age. The Virginia Dare Devils’ mission to do just that is most certainly well under way. From their beginnings three years ago in the acoustic music hotbed of Asheville, NC, this group of friends has embarked upon an organic musical journey rooted in traditional melody and tone layered with improvisational solos and textured rhythms reminiscent of jams of the sixties, while tipping the cap to 30’s swing bands. Add gritty arrangements, plus big family-style vocals and you’re in for the real thing.

Outdoor taproom open 4-9PM with music beginning at 6:30PM.

– AGES 18+
– STANDING ROOM ONLY

BIG FREEDIA
New Orleans icon Big Freedia is dreaming of the future of bounce music. Over the past two decades, the Queen of Bounce has expanded the booming sounds of Southern rap on a string of high-energy, twerk-inducing projects, while showcasing her inimitable charisma on blockbuster hits by Drake and Beyoncé. But where some might rest on their laurels, the Queen Diva still sees plenty of opportunity to expand her empire.

“Bounce has been through many iterations—from Triggerman to Sissy to Cash Money Bounce—but my new single is something I call Bigga Bounce,” says Freedia, heralding this new chapter for the genre. “Welcome to Central City, y’all, where I pay homage to my city, my roots, hip-hop, and to the art of creating a new sound.”

The tireless mogul broke into television in 2013 with Fuse’s Big Freedia Bounces Back, released her memoir Big Freedia: God Save The Queen Diva in 2015, launched a cannabis line called Royal Bud in 2022, and is on track to open her very own Hotel Freedia in New Orleans in 2024.

In addition to promoting Central City Freestyle, and $100 Bill Ft. Ciara, the Queen Diva is gearing up to launch a new original series, Big Freedia Means Business, which will explore her prolific entrepreneurial endeavors. Visuals and even more new music are already in the works too. But in the greater scheme of things, Big Freedia hopes her voice and platform as an unapologetically authentic artist will inspire, especially at a time when the rights of LGBTQ+ people are under constant attack.

“We gotta keep pushing, and I hope this album speaks to my community and everyone who feels they don’t have a voice,” she adds. “I am living proof of why you don’t let yourself get dragged down. We keep going. We keep fighting.”

Elevation Nights

featuring Elevation Worship & Steven Furtick

The Folkmoot Summer Fundraising Soirée will take place on July 20th from 7-9PM at The Folkmoot Friendship Center located at 112 Virginia Avenue in Waynesville, NC. 

At the Summer Soirée, you will have the chance to indulge in a variety of culturally-inspired cuisines from different parts of the world. From savory dishes to sweet treats, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. To top it off, everyone will receive two drink tickets to complement your culinary adventure.

As you savor your food, you can tap your feet to live music from local artists and immerse yourself in several culturally-inspired rooms.

And that’s not all! You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in a silent auction with unique one-of-a-kind items and experiences up for bid. Best of all, your attendance at this event will help support the future of Folkmoot and its mission to celebrate many cultures and champion arts, education, creative entrepreneurship and tradition.  

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to taste, listen, bid, and support a great cause. Get your tickets now and join us for an unforgettable evening! Tickets are limited!
Folkmoot preserves local and international cultures, and cultivates opportunities for community education and prosperity. Folkmoot recognizes that a community’s arts and cultural assets are a strong tool for economic development and an essential element of sustaining and improving quality of life.

Our jazz trio with Thommy Knoles on keys, Felix Pastorius on bass, and Paul Gladstone on drums will perform an opening set from about 7-8:15 pm.

An open jam session follows. Drop-ins are welcome and encouraged for a suggested donation of $10.

Jazz Jam will feature a diverse array of music from jazz’s rich history, ranging from 1940s bebop up to 1970s jazz fusion, as well as material from prominent present-day composers. Bring your instruments and jam with us, or just come and enjoy!

– ALL AGES
– STANDING ROOM ONLY
– RAIN OR SHINE

Orange Moon
Erykah Badu tribute band based out of Asheville, NC. Performing hits & deep cuts from across Badu’s vast discography, Orange Moon is sure to have you movin’ from the second they hit the stage as vocal powerhouse Saara Maria (of Joomanji) pays homage to the queen of neo-soul over the sultry stylings of keyboardist Charlie Evans (of Leisureville & Big Blue), the infectious grooves of bassist/guitarist Eli Kahn (of After Ours & Mood Ring), & the dynamic drumming of Joe Enright (of HELLCRAB Ensemble). Be sure to catch them at The Outpost on 7/20!

The “One Singular Sensation,” A Chorus Line, is coming to Flat Rock Playhouse for the first time and we are thrilled to share this award-winning musical with everyone! A Chorus Line is a celebration of those unsung heroes of the American Musical Theatre: the chorus dancers. The show follows 17 would-be dancers in their quest to make the cut for a new Broadway Musical. One by one, the dancers come forward to share the stories of their lives, giving it their all and putting themselves on the line to make the cut. Only eight will remain. Capturing the spirit, tension, and hope of an audition, A Chorus Line is the musical for everyone who’s ever had a dream and put it all out there to make it come true!

A Chorus Line once held the record as the longest running show on Broadway with over 6000 performances, and heralds nine Tony® Awards including Best Musical, Best Director and Best Choreographer, as well as the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Conceived and Originally Directed and Choreographed by Michael Bennett. Book by James Kirkwood & Nicholas Dante, Music by Marvin Hamlisch, Lyrics by Edward Kleban. Co-Choreographed by Bob Avian. Original Broadway production produced by the New York Shakespeare Festival, Joseph Papp, Producer, in association with Plum Productions, Inc.

Maestro Kraig Alan Williams leads Brevard’s gifted wind, brass, and percussion students in a colorful program of celebrated music from the symphonic band repertoire.

PERFORMANCE & ARTIST DETAILS
Kraig Alan Williams, conductor

All seating is general admission.

From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the six wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st-century girl power! This new original musical is a global sensation that everyone is losing their head over! Featuring an all-woman cast and all-woman band, SIX has won 23 awards in the 2021/2022 Broadway season, including the Tony Award® for Best Original Score (Music and Lyrics) and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical. The New York Times says SIX “TOTALLY RULES!” (Critic’s Pick), and The Washington Post hails SIX as “Exactly the kind of energizing, inspirational illumination this town aches for!”  The SIX: LIVE ON OPENING NIGHT Broadway album debuted at Number 1 on the Billboard cast album charts and surpassed 6 Million streams in its first month.

Led Zeppelin 2 will be performing LIVE on the Indoor Stage at Salvage Station on Thursday, July 20th, 2023! Doors open at 7pm and the music starts at 8pm. This is an 18 and up show (no exceptions)! On-site parking is free. Root Down will be serving their delicious twist on Southern Soul food PLUS we will have our FULL bar open for you to enjoy!

7.20.23 The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement PULP
What: Stand up Comedy at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge
When: Thursday July 20, 2023. 8p-10p, doors at 7:30p
Where: The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $14 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!!
Feature comic Petey Smith McDowell!
From Asheville, North Carolina Petey Smith-McDowell has been traveling around the country telling jokes since 2009. He has opened up for Beth Stelling, Hannibal Buress, and Trevor Noah. Just to name a few.
We feature the area’s best comics, plus an open mic. Open mic comics signup at door get 3-5m. [Free entry for performing comics, free snacks at comics table]. For more info and other standup comedy shows go to sliceoflifecomedy.com or contact Michele at [email protected]
Host Cody Hughes: Cody is a comedian who cut his teeth in Chicago and Atlanta. He is now based out of West North Carolina and tours the Southeast. He has opened for Lewis Black, John Oliver and Maria Bamford among others and hosts the regular Slice of Life Comedy shows at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge.
About Pulp: The speakeasy inspired hideaway offers a cozy space for show-goers to relax and enjoy a beverage during the concert. Boasting over 200 different Bourbons and Whiskeys, alongside a myriad of other spirits, it is a must-visit for cocktail lovers and Bourbon sippers alike. Pulp will also open various other nights to feature local artists and “Slice of Life” open-mic comedy nights. To stay informed with the happenings at Pulp, visit the Orange Peel’s website, and follow @pulp_avl on Instagram.

7.20.23 The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement PULP
What: Stand up Comedy at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge
When: Thursday July 20, 2023. 8p-10p, doors at 7:30p
Where: The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $14 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!!
Feature comic Petey Smith McDowell!
From Asheville, North Carolina Petey Smith-McDowell has been traveling around the country telling jokes since 2009. He has opened up for Beth Stelling, Hannibal Buress, and Trevor Noah. Just to name a few.
We feature the area’s best comics, plus an open mic. Open mic comics signup at door get 3-5m. [Free entry for performing comics, free snacks at comics table]. For more info and other standup comedy shows go to sliceoflifecomedy.com or contact Michele at [email protected]
Host Cody Hughes: Cody is a comedian who cut his teeth in Chicago and Atlanta. He is now based out of West North Carolina and tours the Southeast. He has opened for Lewis Black, John Oliver and Maria Bamford among others and hosts the regular Slice of Life Comedy shows at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge.
About Pulp: The speakeasy inspired hideaway offers a cozy space for show-goers to relax and enjoy a beverage during the concert. Boasting over 200 different Bourbons and Whiskeys, alongside a myriad of other spirits, it is a must-visit for cocktail lovers and Bourbon sippers alike. Pulp will also open various other nights to feature local artists and “Slice of Life” open-mic comedy nights. To stay informed with the happenings at Pulp, visit the Orange Peel’s website, and follow @pulp_avl on Instagram.

Adama Dembele is a master djembefola (djembe player) from the Ivory Coast, West Africa. Born into a family of musicians, he has toured several continents with various major acts such as Oumou Sangare, Salif Keita, Affou Keita, Sogona Djata and many others. Adama will be joined by breakdancer and djembe player, Irvegg Romerro-Gallegos, for this hands-on workshop. Ages 6 & up. Space limited. Registration required.

• August 18: Asheville All-Stars with Asheville Rock Academy
• September 15: The Sensational Barnes Brothers with Alex Krug Combo

From the local favorites to new regional acts, all live from the river banks of the Nantahala. Raft, dine, then jam with us with Live Music every Friday and Saturday from 5pm-8pm between Memorial Day and Labor Day!

Wanna hear the best local music ​and​ drink the best local beers? Hop aboard LaZoom’s Purple Bus and rock out with a local band while we take you on a journey to Asheville’s premiere local breweries.

We are delighted to welcome Craig Carothers to Bloom WNC’s Outdoor Concert Series! Craig is one of my favorite singer/songwriters from my beloved hometown of Portland Oregon. You will be absolutely delighted by this concert. I am incredibly grateful that Craig has agreed to sing in our little valley and welcome him to our flower farm.

– ALL AGES
– LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVE

CYNTHIA McDERMOTT
Cynthia McDermott pushes the envelope of what is possible with the mandolin. While her diverse musical background spans many decades and genres, her latest album of original music, slated for release later this year, hones in on her love of jazz, bossa nova and R&B to deliver a collection of songs that both soothe and stir the soul.

Cynthia has developed an impressive musical presence in Asheville in the 5 years she has called it home. Currently leading 3 bands — MOOD RING (90s/2000s pop, R&B), Para Gozar (Cuban son, bolero), and The Knockin Boots (honky tonk) — and a frequent contributor to many other local projects, she averages 250+ performances a year. She also surrounds herself with top-notch musicians from the Asheville scene. The band features Duane Simpson (Dirty Logic, Saint Disruption) on guitar, Eli Kahn (After Ours, Orange Moon) on bass, and Evan Martin (The Honeycutters, The Core) on drums.

Presenting her original music is a dream come true for Cynthia, and has been a long time in the making. She spent most of her 20s rambling around the US, Spain and France, formative years that would inform her musical tastes and inspire many songs. Her band during that time would feature these songs occasionally, but only as a supplement to their repertoire of vintage jazz and eclectic covers. Once she settled in Asheville, the name of the game was getting as much work as possible, and again, her original music took a backseat to the development of her nowrobust gigging career. While she loves being able to connect with audiences through cover songs they know and love, she is beyond proud and excited to take this step into sharing an even deeper experience, and she hopes that one day her listeners will sing her own songs back to her.

The beats of the Friday Night Drum Circle have been rocking Pritchard Park for decades and the circle has become so popular that it is featured in magazines and TV commercials.

Greensky Bluegrass will be performing LIVE on the Outdoor Stage at Salvage Station on Friday July 21st and Saturday, July 22nd , 2023 with Big Something! Doors open at 5:30PM and the music starts at 6:30PM. This is a General Admission, 12+ only event.

Root Down will be serving their delicious twist on Southern Soul food, along with a couple of other amazing local food trucks on-site (and, of course, we’ll have several full bars open for you to enjoy)!

The Friday Night Music series will present the familiar 50’s and 60’s
classic rock and beach music from a host of different bands. Food vendors like Babbles Ice
Cream, Blue Ridge Hospitality and Eggs Up Grill will provide a some spice. The Carolina
Mountain Car Club will participate as in years past.

Friday Night Concerts
Super 60’s June 9
Gotcha Groove June 16
It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere June 23
Marsha Morgan June 30
Shades of Gray July 7
Thomas Brown July 14
Emporium July 21
Johnnie Blackwell Band July 28
Rock and Roll Reunion August 4
208 Army Band August 11
Night Moves Band August 18

Bat Boy: The Musical

Book by: Keythe Farley and Brian Flemming; Music and Lyrics by: Laurence O’Keefe

A rock musical, Bat Boy: The Musical expands on a June 23, 1992 Weekly World News tabloid story about a bat boy – half-boy, half-bat – found in a cave and forced into society. The musical – at turns both haunting and hilarious – deals with themes of racism and revenge, hypocrisy and forgiveness. This darkly quirky, compelling musical is not to be missed!

Content Warning: Bat Boy: the Musical contains violence, drug use, and sexual references. Viewer discretion is advised.

Accessibility:

All performances: Accessible wheelchair/scooter seating available.

Saturday, Aug 5, 2023: ASL-Interpreted Performance

World-renowned pianist Jeremy Denk makes his long-awaited Brevard debut in Johannes Brahms’s towering Piano Concerto No. 2. Symphonic in nature and scale, the work represents a culmination of the composer’s lifelong appreciation for the depths and intricacies of pianistic technique. At times passionate, at times playful, the soul of the concerto lies in the sublime second movement, marked by a lyrical duet between the solo piano and principal cello. Maestro Lockhart opens the concert with Richard Strauss’s Suite from his opera Der Rosenkavalier, filled with delicious waltzes, lush tunes, and virtuoso writing for every section. An opulent orchestral showpiece.

PERFORMANCE & ARTIST DETAILS
Brevard Sinfonia
Keith Lockhart, conductor
Jeremy Denk, piano

RICHARD STRAUSS Suite from Der Rosenkavalier
JOHANNES BRAHMS Piano Concerto No. 2 in B flat major, Op. 83

Auditorium seating is reserved.  Lawn seating is general admission.