Calendar of Events

ALEX KRUG COMBO

In their 6th year of writing, performing, and creating art together, the Alex Krug Combo brings their latest single, “My Best” to a dynamic existing collection of music. Along with the newest member, Tina Collins (of Tina and her Pony) the 5 piece band recorded the single at Echo Mountain Studios in Asheville, North Carolina, and had it produced and mixed by Michael Selverne.

As with many songs, “My Best” had a unique way of making it to the finish line which included taking a deeper look behind the meaning of the song and its place in the Alex Krug Combo catalog.

“The chord progression and melody were written fairly quickly, but I had to come back and ask the song what it was really about before it all came to me” stated Alex Krug, Founder of the Combo. With Bill Berg on Drums, Kyle Samples on Electric Guitar, Zack Page on Upright Bass, Jackson Dulaney lap steel, Tina Collina with vocal harmony “My Best” has a dynamic soundscape of strings, harmonies, and bass, as well as peaks and valleys that pull your body side to side while you lean in closer, trying to feel and hear the music just a little bit deeper.

“My Best” in a way, signifies the idea that life, love (and the music industry) will always have their ups and downs. But more importantly, it signifies that even in those hard moments there is still a reason to wear your best and to find enjoyment in the cards that are spread out before you.

There was no way that in January of 2020 that we couldn’t have predicted the hand any of us would have been dealt, including members of the Alex Krug Combo. And now, over a year and a half later- with a new song, a creative business concept on the horizon, and the dream of hugging as many music lovers as possible, the Alex Krug Combo, proudly presents to you, their best for today.

As part of the Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend, enjoy live music by Brian Ashley Jones Duo on the lawn at Appalachian Ridge. Brian is a Nashville-based performer playing the best Blues and Country tunes. Bonfires will be going, and s’more kits will be available for you to purchase and roast as you sit back and enjoy the view and music. The food truck will be on-site with dinner and snacks. Appalachian Ridge’s ciders, wines and beer will be available for you to enjoy. This is an outdoor event, dress for the weather, but we will have fires going to keep you warm and to toast your marshmallows!

Over the past decade, The String Cheese Incident has emerged as one of America’s most significant independent bands. Born in 1993 in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, SCI has since released 10 albums, 5 DVDs and countless live recordings from their relentless tour schedule. Their 20 year history is packed full of surreal experiences, epic moments, groundbreaking involvement and huge accomplishments. They have been recognized for their commitment to musical creativity and integrity, for their community spirit, philanthropic endeavors, and for their innovative approach to the business of music.

When The String Cheese Incident’s growth first started gaining momentum over a decade ago, when the internet was just beginning to take hold and the major-label business model was failing, the band decided to make music on their own terms.

Since then, The String Cheese Incident has gone on to carve out a completely different approach to the business of music; they are truly pioneers of a new way of “making a band.”  With the World Wide Web as their tool, SCI was among the first artists to disseminate information via the internet, such as tour dates, release information, and other news, to their growing fan base.  Rather than doing business on such terms as “the bottom line,” The String Cheese Incident put their music and their fans first, opening companies of their own, including a ticketing company, a merchandise company and a fan travel agency, to best serve their community. The band’s record label, SCI Fidelity Records, has always operated under the same ideals. Even early on, SCI Fidelity embraced downloadable music and file sharing, delivering SCI’s “On the Road” series, where every show the band plays is made available for download on the internet.  Whether they realized it at the time or not, The String Cheese Incident was inventing grassroots band development.  Today, literally hundreds of bands are using some version of this same approach to building a band.

The String Cheese Incident’s commitment goes well beyond their immediate community, and even beyond the music community as a whole. Early on, the band took a serious interest in giving back to the communities that they visited, and they were among the first performers to encourage “Green” shows and tours.  SCI’s support has helped give rise to such not-for-profit organizations as Conscious Alliance, Rock the Earth, and Head Count. In 2002, when the band’s right to sell tickets to their own shows became threatened by ticketing giant Ticketmaster, the band stood strong for the independent music community and filed a lawsuit against the company.  All the while, The String Cheese Incident has stayed committed to music as a creative endeavor, not just in their recordings but also in their live performances.  The list of SCI’s special guests and collaborators is long and diverse. Their annual events such as Horning’s Hideout, and holiday shows such as New Year’s and Halloween, have helped redefine the concert experience and has garnered the band a reputation as live music vibe innovators.

Asheville’s LARGEST vaudeville show featuring WNC’s best comedy, juggling, magic, burlesque, acrobatics, aerial arts, short plays, puppetry, sideshow, music and more!

As part of the Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend, check out Appalachian Ridge for an orchard breakfast and guided farm tour. Breakfast starts at 9:30 with a walking tour of the farm, orchards, and vineyards at 10:30 am. Enjoy coffee, and breakfast on the patio at Appalachian Ridge. The walking tour starts at 10:30, wear comfortable walking shoes!

JOIN US FOR UNCORKED! THIS UNIQUE RAIL LINE AND WINE EXPERIENCE WILL FUSE THE ADVENTURE OF RAILROADING WITH THE LOVE OF GOOD WINE AND GOOD COMPANY.

• About This Trip
• Meal
• How To Purchase
• Where To Go
• Schedule

About This Trip

Passengers will enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride in our First Class cars with a private attendant and plush, well-appointed dining seating. A narrator will accompany the ride to present each pour to guests and share knowledge and history of the wines selected. Passengers on this specialty car will enjoy an exclusive sampling of cheeses and a surf and turf meal prepared fresh.

We have carefully selected our wine samples to accompany the meal. All passengers will receive a GSMR souvenir stemless wine glass, four samples of selected wine, and a dessert that’s perfect
for the season!

Uncorked is offered on the Nantahala Gorge Excursion departing on April 23, May 7, June 4, July 30, Aug 6 & Sept 3.

Tickets for this specialty experience is $139 per person (Adults 21+ only). Due to the exclusivity of this specialty car, tickets will be selling fast so make sure to reserve your seat today!

On Your Plate

Starters –

Enjoy a sampling of  cheeses.

Soup –

Fresh Soup or Salad (Seasonal) served with a Warm Dinner Roll.

Main Course

Fresh fish seasonally prepared at Chefs’ discretion.  Accompanied by Tender Beef slices topped with a Port Wine Reduction and Carrot Soufflé.

Dessert

Chef choice

As part of Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend, enjoy a Wine tasting that includes 6 wines served in Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards’ unique tubular wine flights. Enjoy our award winning French vinifera wines while sitting only steps away from the vineyard where the grapes are grown.

As part of the Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend, participate in a guided wine tasting of Marked Tree Vineyard staff’s five favorite wines and take home a souvenir glass. Reservations are requested. Indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the vineyard with 360-degree views of the mountains is available.

Come join us for our second annual Hemp Festival!

Fun for all ages! Located downtown Asheville in front of the court house at Pack Square Park for April

Wed 4/20 – Sat 4/23. We will be hosting a 4-day event with live music on 2 stages.

Pack Square Amphitheater

&

Instant Karma Bus Stage

One of our main goals is to make something accessible and engaging for the whole community.

In honor of the Hemp Plant, we are getting our community together to celebrate and inform about all the wonderful benefits Hemp has to offer!

In collaborating with local hemp farmers, musicians, community activist and educators, including diverse talent from live glassblowing, fire spinning, live painters, visual arts, and so much more.

This is one you dont wanna miss.

For volunteer, Vending, sponsorship, or more information about involvement visit.

AshevilleHempFest.com

STAY TUNED FOR MORE DETAILS

As part of the Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend, join us all day on the farm to enjoy tasting all our locally grown and produced Normandy-style ciders along with local beer by Oklawaha Brewing. We also offer a tasting of three different North Carolina native grape sweet wines. The tasting room is a refurbished 90-year-old barn set in the middle of the orchards where the apples are grown! Great Views, Great Ciders, Wine and Beer!

Based in Asheville, the Feels are a female-fronted, soulful, rootsy 5-piece group, with a new-throw-back sound & captivating female harmonies. Their original music is a unique fusion of R&B, Groove, Soul, and Americana. Singer-songwriters Lange Eve and Sarah Roberts bring their spunky and engaging energy as they showcase their tunes, backed by the talents of Matt Gardner on lead guitar, Brian Grasso on bass, and Matthew Roberts on drums. If you’ve been in the WNC area long enough, you’ve seen these musicians around the music scene- including The Afromotive, Menage, Plankeye Peggy, and High Flying Criminals. Check out this newer musical formation: The Feels!

Over the past decade, The String Cheese Incident has emerged as one of America’s most significant independent bands. Born in 1993 in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, SCI has since released 10 albums, 5 DVDs and countless live recordings from their relentless tour schedule. Their 20 year history is packed full of surreal experiences, epic moments, groundbreaking involvement and huge accomplishments. They have been recognized for their commitment to musical creativity and integrity, for their community spirit, philanthropic endeavors, and for their innovative approach to the business of music.

When The String Cheese Incident’s growth first started gaining momentum over a decade ago, when the internet was just beginning to take hold and the major-label business model was failing, the band decided to make music on their own terms.

Since then, The String Cheese Incident has gone on to carve out a completely different approach to the business of music; they are truly pioneers of a new way of “making a band.”  With the World Wide Web as their tool, SCI was among the first artists to disseminate information via the internet, such as tour dates, release information, and other news, to their growing fan base.  Rather than doing business on such terms as “the bottom line,” The String Cheese Incident put their music and their fans first, opening companies of their own, including a ticketing company, a merchandise company and a fan travel agency, to best serve their community. The band’s record label, SCI Fidelity Records, has always operated under the same ideals. Even early on, SCI Fidelity embraced downloadable music and file sharing, delivering SCI’s “On the Road” series, where every show the band plays is made available for download on the internet.  Whether they realized it at the time or not, The String Cheese Incident was inventing grassroots band development.  Today, literally hundreds of bands are using some version of this same approach to building a band.

The String Cheese Incident’s commitment goes well beyond their immediate community, and even beyond the music community as a whole. Early on, the band took a serious interest in giving back to the communities that they visited, and they were among the first performers to encourage “Green” shows and tours.  SCI’s support has helped give rise to such not-for-profit organizations as Conscious Alliance, Rock the Earth, and Head Count. In 2002, when the band’s right to sell tickets to their own shows became threatened by ticketing giant Ticketmaster, the band stood strong for the independent music community and filed a lawsuit against the company.  All the while, The String Cheese Incident has stayed committed to music as a creative endeavor, not just in their recordings but also in their live performances.  The list of SCI’s special guests and collaborators is long and diverse. Their annual events such as Horning’s Hideout, and holiday shows such as New Year’s and Halloween, have helped redefine the concert experience and has garnered the band a reputation as live music vibe innovators.

The 5th Annual Greenville Blues Festival is returning to Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville at 7 p.m. on April 23. The festival is set to feature a blues honor roll of performers and legends alike, including Tucka, Ronnie Bell, Pokey Bear, Nellie Tiger Travis, Lebrado and Calvin Richardson.

The 5th Annual Greenville Blues Festival is presented by North American Entertainment Group Inc., one of the leading independent promoters of entertainment tours and live events in the United States.

ABOUT TUCKA

Tucka James is a songwriter and amazing artist. He’s in a lane of his own coming out of New Iberia, LA. Tucka James hit the scene in 2010 and never looked back. The ladies love his swag and style. Along with the charming voice. Tucka James has set standards that have never been set, he has performed in many states and cities. He has a unique flavor of music. You can never get enough of his hits such as “Candyland,” “Don’t Make Me Beg,” “Country Road,” “Sweet Shop,” “Booty Roll,” and so many more. He has collaborated with many other artists. They don’t call him Tucka for nothing. He’s a force to be reckoned with. There’s no stopping Tucka James.

ABOUT RONNIE BELL
Ronnie “RnB” Bell grew up in the small town of Walker, Louisiana. Since the age of five years old he sang in his church choir at Gloryland Church of God in Christ in Walker. RnB quickly became popular due to his extraordinary vocal ability at such a young age. At the age of fifteen he began to sing alongside his mother, uncles, and his late Great Uncle George Perkins as a member of “George Perkins and the Voices of Harmony”, a gospel-recording group based in Hammond, Louisisana. A year later after growing restless of quartet singing, he joined Kenneth Mitchell and the Voices of Praise. In college, he became a member of the world-renowned Southern University Concert Choir directed by the great Charles Lloyd, Jr. While under the instruction of the Legendary Dr. Issac Greggs and Mr. Lawrence Jackson, RnB performed at the Bayou Classic Battle of the Bands in the New Orleans Super dome in 2004, 2006, 2008, & 2011 as a guest soloist with the Southern University Marching Band. At Southern University, RnB opened for Juvenile and 112 while performing at the annual homecoming 2006 in both the halftime show and the annual concert. In 2008, RnB opened for Erykah Badu and Bun B in the Spring Fest at Southern University. Currently Ronnie Bell has transformed himself into a new genre of music with two Hit Singles: “Cotton Candy” and “I’ll Pay The Shipping Cost.” Both at one point number one Blues/Southern Soul/Swing Out songs in Louisiana, South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama and sweeping over the Southern Region. Ronnie’s new label R.E.E.L. Entertainment Group has joined forces with Worldbeat Entertainment to take the Blues/Southern Soul/Swing Out genre by storm with his highly anticipated debut album “Ronnie Bell 365” released on May 5, 2020. But he has not forgotten his true love and genre of R&B and Soul. He plans to release a series of EP’s showcasing his talents so all the fans can experience his flavor of music.

ABOUT POKEY BEAR

Wardell “Pokey Bear” Brown was born on February 2, 1970 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He is known for his soulful sound of music in the Blues/Southern Soul genre; however he did not start out that way. Pokey Bear began his career as a rap music artist, but after doing it for a while decided to try other styles. His venture off into other styles of music would lead him to be the soulful singer that he is today. He was first recognized in music for his first two projects produced by Beat Flippa. Particularly his songs entitled “They Call me Pokey” and “Side Piece,” The song “Side Piece” happened as a result of a hook that was written by Heavy in which he asked Pokey to write lyrics to. He has worked with artists such as Tyree Neal, Adrian Bagher, Ms. Pat, Veronica Raelle, and Cupid.

ABOUT NELLIE TIGER TRAVIS

Nellie Tiger Travis couldn’t be more destined to sing the blues. Born deep in the delta in Mound Bayou, Mississippi, Nellie grew up singing gospel music. During the mid-eighties, Nellie was lead vocalist for the Mississippi based group “SSIPP,” opening for acts from Dee Dee Warwick to Ray Charles. Since relocating to Chicago in 1992 Nellie has been an undeniable force in the Chicago Blues Community. Koko Taylor was a major influence, mentor and friend to Nellie. Koko took Nellie under her wing after she witnessed an extremely emotional performance immediately after Nellie’s mother had passed away. Nellie has headlined at the Chicago Blues Festival and performed at numerous national and international festivals and clubs. Nellie has performed in Japan, Greece, Italy, Germany, Brazil, as well as her hometown in Mississippi. She has shared the stage with such greats as Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Koko Taylor, Glady’s Knight, Ronnie Baker Brooks to name a few. Nellie’s latest release “I’m Going Out Tonight” was released on March 18, 2011 with a star-studded release party at Buddy Guy’s Legends.

ABOUT LEBRADO

Lebrado Wilson first broke out into the music industry with his guest vocal appearance on his older brothers’, K-Ci and Jo Jo’s single entitled “Suicide” from their year 2000 album “X.” Continuing and expanding on his brother’s legacy, Lebrado’s released his debut album, Try Me, in 2006, which included his first hit single “Missing You, Babe.” His highly anticipated sophomore LP entitled Fire was subsequently released in 2009; its popular single “Fire” featuring his brother K-CI.

ABOUT CALVIN RICHARDSON

Born and raised in Monroe, North Carolina, Calvin Richardson is the fifth of nine children and the son of a Gospel singer. His life as a performer goes back to childhood: as a kid, Calvin’s mother led a Gospel act called The Willing Wonders and Calvin was the group’s youngest member. His first solo album, Country Boy, was released in 1999 by Universal Records and featured the singles “True Love” (featuring Chico DeBarge) and “I’ll Take Her” (featuring K-Ci Hailey). After being dropped by Universal, Calvin eventually rebounded and landed another record deal, this time with Hollywood Records. In September 2003, he released his second album, 2:35 PM.

The album, which was named after the time that his son Souljah was born, featured the Grammy-nominated hit “More Than A Woman,” featuring Angie Stone. Other singles from the album were “You’ve Got Me High” (featuring Slum Village) and “Keep On Pushin’.” Most recently, Calvin signed with Shanachie Records. His first Shanachie album, When Love Comes came out May 27, 2008. It was followed by the Grammy-nominated Bobby Womack tribute album Facts of Life in 2009 and an all-new album, America’s Most Wanted, in 2010.

As part of the Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend, check out Appalachian Ridge for an orchard breakfast and guided farm tour. Breakfast starts at 9:30 with a walking tour of the farm, orchards, and vineyards at 10:30 am. Enjoy coffee, and breakfast on the patio at Appalachian Ridge. The walking tour starts at 10:30, wear comfortable walking shoes!

As part of the Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend, check out all the fun that Bold Rock Hard Cider has to offer! We will have hard cider tastings as well-as pints, flights and locally crafted beer. The Bold Bites Mobile Kitchen prepares fresh food daily and features an expansive Cider Garden ensures plenty of space for guests to spread out and relax. Since a delicious food truck is on-site, outside food is not allowed. We are dog and kid-friendly!

As part of Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend, enjoy a Wine tasting that includes 6 wines served in Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards’ unique tubular wine flights. Enjoy our award winning French vinifera wines while sitting only steps away from the vineyard where the grapes are grown.

In WNC we are so lucky to have a bounty of incredible natural spaces surrounding us. These ancestral lands of the Cherokee Indian are full of life, beauty, and magic that deserves to be experienced by everyone. This Earth Day we want to celebrate our planet and natural resources with you and your family!

Join RiverLink and a host of local environmental organizations to learn about: plants and animals, mountains and streams, composting and recycling, and so much more. Every participating organization will have fun games and activities, interactive displays, arts and crafts, etc for kids to engage with. We hope that these future stewards will have a chance to connect deeper with their environment and learn about what these groups are doing to protect it.

At the festival we will also be showcasing entries and announcing the winners for RiverLink’s Voices of the River: Art and Poetry contest. Our mountains and rivers are an incredible source of creative inspiration and artistic exploration. These talented young artists and writers have created beautiful works that honor our rivers and Mother Earth herself.

We hope you’ll join us for a day of fun, education, and creativity as we celebrate everything that our planet does for us.

“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”

NATIVE AMERICAN PROVERB

This event is free and open to the public

In WNC we are so lucky to have a bounty of incredible natural spaces surrounding us. These ancestral lands of the Cherokee Indian are full of life, beauty, and magic that deserves to be experienced by everyone. This Earth Day we want to celebrate our planet and natural resources with you and your family!

Join RiverLink and a host of local environmental organizations to learn about: plants and animals, mountains and streams, composting and recycling, and so much more. Every participating organization will have fun games and activities, interactive displays, arts and crafts, etc for kids to engage with. We hope that these future stewards will have a chance to connect deeper with their environment and learn about what these groups are doing to protect it.

At the festival we will also be showcasing entries and announcing the winners for RiverLink’s Voices of the River: Art and Poetry contest. Our mountains and rivers are an incredible source of creative inspiration and artistic exploration. These talented young artists and writers have created beautiful works that honor our rivers and Mother Earth herself.

We hope you’ll join us for a day of fun, education, and creativity as we celebrate everything that our planet does for us.

Each ticket includes one hand-crafted bowl (all donated by area potters) and a soup-based meal
(a variety of soups, breads and desserts). Tickets are available at St. John in the Wilderness
Parish House Office, from Backpack team members or at the door on the day of the event. For
more information, call 828-693-9783. Credit cards are accepted; checks should be made out to
SJIW, noting Empty Bowls.
Please join us for this fun community event. Donations are gratefully accepted throughout the
year.
Updated COVID-19 restrictions will be in place.

Flat Rock Backpack Program: Each week during the school year, volunteers gather at Hubba
Hubba Smokehouse on Friday mornings to pack between 100-125 grocery bags of food;
nourishment for area nursery and school age children identified as those in need of weekend
food. Food includes oatmeal, tinned meat, rice, pasta, beans, vegetables and fruit. To do this,
volunteers buy food and supplies (with supplemental food from MANNA FoodBank), organize
packing, pack, and then deliver bags to the schools where the administration slips the bags into

backpacks for discreet delivery home (when there is a home). Annually, the group buys for, and
packs approximately 6,000 backpacks which cost about 22 thousand dollars. Neighbors from
throughout the community donate their time while Saint John in the Wilderness acts as the
‘home’ base providing technical and administrative assistance (including 501c3 status). To
meet our budget, we rely on corporate and individual donations, and our local pottery artists,
pivotal partners, who generously donate their time and talents for this annual fundraiser.

Empty Bowls was started over 25 years ago in Michigan as a high school service project. The
goal is to address hunger needs in local communities. The event concept is a simple one. The
community is invited to a meal of soup, bread and dessert (donated by local businesses and
organizations). As part of the admission fee, the ticket holders choose a
handmade bowl (crafted/donated by local artists) to take home as a thank you gift. The bowl
serves as a reminder that, as long as children in our community go hungry, we will help.

A video of the mission was produced by volunteers to show how the program works. Here’s the
link: https://youtu.be/AYKbzLHI_zM The video is also available by visiting YouTube – St. John
in the Wilderness, Flat Rock NC

The S&W Market is hosting a weekly Brews & Blues series featuring Mr. Jimmy & Friends. From 1pm-4pm every Sunday, there will be beer and mimosa specials in Highland Brewing’s Downtown taproom and great live blues in the building. Also enjoy delicious brunch specials from all vendors!

Jazz Sunday at One World Brewing West is a modern jazz jam held every Sunday afternoon from 1-4pm. Previously known as Jazz Monday, the jam has been running non stop since July, 2018 at the West Asheville brewery and is hosted weekly by The Fully Vaccinated Jazz Trio, consisting of Ray Ring on guitar, Jason DeCristofaro on drums, piano and vibraphone, and Connor Law on bass. Jazz Sunday typically features a guest artist for a short set and then welcomes jazz musicians of all levels to sit in for the remainder of the afternoon on One World’s spacious outdoor stage.