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.
Join us at Olivette’s Riverside Park on Sunday, August 27th for our second annual HarvestFest, presented by Olivette Community and Chatt Hills Music. Join us in celebrating farmers, community, and music while raising funds for ASAP’s Double SNAP for Fruits & Vegetables. Doors open at 3pm with family games and activities. BareFoot Movement will kick off the bluegrass beats at 4pm. Tickets are $25 (kids are free).
In honor of our local farmers and all they do to sustain our community, all farmers and their families will have free entry to the event. There will also be a VIF section (Very Important Farmers) that will pamper our farmers during the busy harvest season.
All ticket proceeds go towards the ASAP Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables program. Thanks to the generous support of Wicked Weed and Vidl Wine, all proceeds from the beer and wine sales will also benefit Double SNAP.
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
– STANDING ROOM ONLY
– RAIN OR SHINE
– FREE SHOW
Phuncle Sam is Asheville’s own Dead-Centric “jam band”. Since their formation in 2004, Phuncle Sam has been firmly rooted in musical exploration. The band serves up inventive interpretations of Jerry Garcia, Grateful Dead, and many others. They have built up a faithful following by using an approach that respects the improvisational traditions of The Grateful Dead, while exploring what can happen when individual band members bring their unique influences and interpretations into the mix.
Please join Old Edwards Inn and Spa for an Alabama takeover with David Bancroft of Acre in Auburn, AL, and Rob McDaniel of Helen in Birmingham. This dynamic duo will present a multi-course menu full of summer’s most delicious flavors alongside pairings from the Old Edwards sommeliers and live music in the beautiful setting of The Farm at Old Edwards.
About David Bancroft
Born in Alabama and raised in San Antonio, TX, David Bancroft’s passion for food began at an early age. Bancroft grew up eating some of the best cuisines the South has to offer, including Alabama’s famous white sauce BBQ and bacon collard greens, along with Texas’ crave-worthy beef brisket and breakfast tacos. Bancroft parlayed his love of food into a passion for cooking, inspired by his family’s approach to home-style dining. Bancroft spent time on the Alabama family farm hunting and fishing with his grandfather and learning how to smoke brisket and barbecue while developing a deep appreciation and care for the meat and its procurement process. After finishing high school, Bancroft returned to his Alabama roots to attend Auburn University, where Bancroft served as the kitchen steward for his fraternity and later went on to serve as the head chef at Amsterdam Café in Auburn during his senior year. Feeling confident in his experiences and looking for a way to utilize his self-taught skills as a farmer, forager, and chef, Bancroft opened Acre restaurant with his wife, Christin in August 2013.
About Rob McDaniel
Chef Rob McDaniel and his wife, Emily, own and operate Helen, a contemporary Southern grill in downtown Birmingham. McDaniel’s passion and respect for traditional Southern cuisine were first inspired by the foods his grandmothers prepared while he was growing up in Haleyville, Alabama. When McDaniel isn’t in the kitchen, he can be found spending time outdoors, whether it’s on a boat with his wife and twin daughters or out in the woods hunting, fishing, or foraging.
Join us for an evening of “swamp soul” on the mountain with Jim Quick and Coastline at Point Lookout Vineyards!
For more information on the band, visit: https://jimquick.com/
Join us for Black Mountain’s original Sunday Jam! Hosted by Spiro and Friends, this jam features original jams and favorite covers. Bring your instrument! Sign-ups at the stage starting at 6 PM!
Pisgah Beer, Gluten Free and N/A options available. Family and dog friendly venue.
The taproom is open from 2:00 to 9:00 PM with music beginning at 6:30 PM.
Join us for our third annual Symphony in the Park pops concert featuring selections from classic movie scores by Ennio Morricone, Nino Rota, Hans Zimmer, John Williams, James Horner and more — FREE GENERAL ADMISSION —
Jenkinson & Hoskins Craft a New Genre of Performance.
An improbable, ceremonial night of words, wonder and spirit work. A Night of Grief & Mystery combines stories and observations by author/culture activist Stephen Jenkinson, drawn from his decades of work in palliative care, with original songs/sonics by recording artist Gregory Hoskins. Concerts for Turbulent Times they surely are. Not poets, maybe, but the evenings are poetic. The Nights are musical and grave and raucous and stilling, which probably means they are theatrical. Love letters to life are written and read aloud. There’s some boldness in them. They have that tone. These nights have the mark of our time upon them, and they’re timely, urgent, alert, steeped in mortal mystery. They’re quixotic. They have swagger.
Come to Fleetwood’s to be bewitched and bewildered on a night of dark and wicked Cabaret!
See amazing feats and performances from your favorite local dark artists!
Featuring:
Deviled Eggs
Toybox Theatre
Serpent Haus
Skippy Spiral
– STANDING ROOM ONLY
CHRIS McGINNIS AND MAMAW’S ANGELS
North Carolina musician Chris McGinnis writes songs that exist somewhere in between a hiccup and a heartache. His last EP, 2019’s Songs For You, touches on the absurdity of your hometown morphing beyond recognition. It tells a story of two Baby Boomers drifting together from across the US into the Golden Gate City, then drifting apart, and then together again. It is about connection and disconnection alike. With his debut full-length album, Mamaw’s Angel, Chris veers deeper into these familiar themes.
“I think this album is largely about manic loneliness. These songs are ultimately about people who are afraid of losing their relationships. They refuse to accept that they may have already lost these relationships, and they refuse to accept that they are to blame.”
The manic aspect of the “manic loneliness” manifests itself in the album’s refusal to rest in one genre. “What If We Went to the Moon?” is what Chris describes as “a cosmic country song with a countrypolitan foundation.” Heartland rocker “Home Away From Home” has all the stomp and 12-string firepower to park a Wilbury. Other tracks like “Mailman’s Son” and “Old Chestnut” teeter between lo-fi indie folk and roots freak out. Tying all of these styles together are the lyrics and the characters at the center of them.
Overbearing grandparents and stubborn grandchildren, washed-up fraternity brothers yearning for the New Year’s Eve parties of yesteryear, a missing Winnebago, a tree that just won’t quit, and other wild personalities run throughout the ten tracks found on Mamaw’s Angel. More than just a few are inspired by people and stories Chris had met and heard back towards his home in Western NC’s Linville Gorge Wilderness area. Mamaw’s Angel is a collection of sensationally-delivered tales about characters struggling on the sidelines of their own realities.
“The characters in these songs are all incredibly flawed. I wanted to write songs that expressed truly ugly emotions. Loneliness, anger, denial, regret. The characters are all being eaten away by these feelings, and it motivates their words and actions. But I also think that that is how some of the absurdity is palatable.”
Mamaw’s Angel was recorded at Clubmen Studio in Blairsville, GA, and produced by Atlanta-based artist Jacob Davis Martin. Among the musicians heard throughout the album are Asheville, NC’s Carly Taich, members of Asheville’s Jack Marion & the Pearl Snap Prophets, Atlanta-based strings trio Me Me Me, and Will Easter of Boone, NC.
BOAT COMMAND
Boat command consists of four main components: bass, keys, guitar, and drums. Occasionally accompanied by horns and/or vocals. Described by some as ‘post-lofi yacht hop’ the sound is founded in jazz and fusion roots yet sustained by the methodologies of more modern genres such as hip hop and electronic music. The philosophy is expressiveness through low volume and allowing space to be a fundamental piece of our delivery. The message is to embrace what boating can do for you.
“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas! Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century. Once your appetite for knowledge is satisfied, enjoy sample tastings of flavors like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, and Strawberry moonshine. If the samples are not enough, there will be plenty of Moonshine infused cocktails like Copper Cola or Moonshiner’s Mimosa available for purchase. GSMR is excited to feature multiple craft NC based distilleries to serve our guests only the best! Each jar is handcrafted and authentically infused with real fruit, the way moonshine was meant to be made. Passengers will also enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride with an attendant and our popular Cajun seasoned Pulled Pork BBQ with Sweet Baby Ray’s sauce cooked in our special spices and slow roasted to perfection! During the month of October, 9am departures will feature the option of a delicious Cheesy Shrimp & Grits or Cheesy Ham Hash Brown Casserole while 2pm departures will be served the popular BBQ meal.
The 4SCO (the outgrowth of the Jubilee! Summer Orchestra) returns with a program of lush and evocative orchestral music of Japan. The concert features the magical music of Joe Hisaishi from the classic Studio Ghibli animated films Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, My Neighbor Totoro, and Kiki’s Delivery Service, as well as iconic video game music from Super Mario Brothers, The Legend of Zelda, Halo, Civilization IV, Kingdom Hearts, and much more. Concert pianist Steven Graff, who has performed all over the world, including in eight appearances with the Chicago Symphony, will join the orchestra as guest artist.
This concert will be appreciated by young people who like anime and video games, but this beautiful, dynamic, cinematic music will be enjoyed by all ages.
The concert will also kick off the Stages for Stages campaign to support treatment and care for children affected by cancer.
White Horse is excited to launch a new monthly concert series, BEER AND HYMNS.
Beer & Hymns brings people together to raise our glasses, raise our voices,
and raise funds for organizations that change the world.
The Beer and Hymns concept is simple:
Come together as a community once a month to:
- sing hymns
- drink beer (or other beverages)
- raise money for various nonprofits ( in the Swannanoa Valley in our case)
Group singing is loved and appreciated by many. For some they sing hymns every Sunday with other members of their faith community. Others may not have been inside a church for decade, but they miss the hymns and the sounds of voices joined together in song.
This event is intended for everyone in the community.
The Musical Director for tonight is AARON PRICE of Black Mountain Presbyterian Church
and the beneficiary is
THE SWANNANOA VALLEY CHRISTIAN MINISTRY
In addition to the joy of group singing, you’ll be raising money for various charitable organizations in Black Mountain and the Swannanoa Valley. Each month a different local nonprofit will be selected as the beneficiary of the monthly event.
Lift A Glass
Sing A Song
Help Others
– SEATED SHOW
– LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLEGREG KOCH FEATURING KOCH MARSHALL TRIO
Milwaukee native Greg Koch has forged a successful career as “a guitar player’s guitarist.” He is not only a fiercely creative player with a whole trick bag of impressive techniques, ranging from Albert Lee chicken-pickin’ to Albert King string-bending to all-out Hendrixian abandon, he is also is a clinician for Fishman Transducers and his wildly popular “guitar test drive” videos (4,000 to date) for Wildwood Guitars of Louisville, Colorado have generated 50 million views. Koch also has a signature axe which was released in 2019 by Reverend Guitars, named the Greg Koch Signature Gristlemaster. The guitar colors were given somewhat humorous names like: Kochwork Orange, and Blucifer. He is also a best-selling method book author and video instructor for music publisher Hal Leonard and a contributing columnist for a variety of guitar magazines including Guitar Player. Guitar great Steve Vai, who released Koch’s 2001 album The Grip on his own Favored Nations label, heaped praise on his fellow guitarist: “Greg Koch is one of those rare guitarists that can blend various styles with a light-hearted approach and a tremendous amount of technique. Hearing him play is inspiring to a guitar player to try to achieve greatness on the instrument.”
Dylan Koch gravitated to the drums early on in his life using kitchen utensils to play along with music as soon as he could walk. After digesting an early diet of Ginger Baker, Keith Moon, Mitch Mitchell and John Bonham, Dylan was mentored by the legendary Tom Brechtlein (Chick Corea/Robben Ford). In high school, Dylan participated in the Jazz Institute at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music and furthered his studies at the McNally Smith School of Music in the Twin Cities. While still in his teens he performed with young guitar guns Tallan Noble Latz and Jared James Nichols and has performed alongside his father with such artists as Robben Ford, Little Feat’s Paul Barrere, Jon Cleary, David Grissom, Roscoe Beck and Malford Milligan. Dylan was recently nominated for drummer of the year by the Wisconsin Area Music Awards (WAMI). Says proud papa Koch, “This is the third official recording with the kid. And what’s great about it is, you can’t teach the grease. And he gets it. He gets the filth. I guess he’s just got my filthy DNA.”
Hailing from the Twin Cities area, Toby Lee Marshall came from a musical family, playing piano for years until falling under the spell of the sound of the organ while at a baseball game at age seven. His fascination for the Hammond B3 took hold after his Dad took him to see Steve Cherewan playing with Dr. Mambo’s Combo during their legendary residency at Bunker’s in Minneapolis. Steve mentored Toby in the ways of the B3 and he hit the ground running, landing a gig with bluesman Lonnie Brooks while still a teen. He would go on to travel the world as a member of Bernard Allison’s band. Following a long hiatus from music, Toby has returned to the music scene with a vengeance in the smoking Koch Marshall Trio. “Toby had actually retired from music,” Koch explained. “He decided to stop touring for several years to help raise his two young kids. But now he’s so excited to be playing in this trio because it’s just such a perfect format for him to let his freak flag fly. It’s the perfect combination of this kind of churchy, bluesy, funky, jazzy, rock, chicken-pickin’ thing, and he fits right in.”
“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas! Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century. Once your appetite for knowledge is satisfied, enjoy sample tastings of flavors like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, and Strawberry moonshine. If the samples are not enough, there will be plenty of Moonshine infused cocktails like Copper Cola or Moonshiner’s Mimosa available for purchase. GSMR is excited to feature multiple craft NC based distilleries to serve our guests only the best! Each jar is handcrafted and authentically infused with real fruit, the way moonshine was meant to be made. Passengers will also enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride with an attendant and our popular Cajun seasoned Pulled Pork BBQ with Sweet Baby Ray’s sauce cooked in our special spices and slow roasted to perfection! During the month of October, 9am departures will feature the option of a delicious Cheesy Shrimp & Grits or Cheesy Ham Hash Brown Casserole while 2pm departures will be served the popular BBQ meal.
DATES
These programs will be offered on the first Tuesday and last Tuesday of each month (with the exception of July).
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
Tuesday, May 30, 2023
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
Tuesday, July 11, 2023
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Tuesday, August 1, 2023
Tuesday, August 29, 2023
Rock Crawlers is an outdoor educational program offered through the Pisgah Visitor Center for ages 4-7.
Event Details
Rock Crawlers is an outdoor educational program offered through the Pisgah Visitor Center for ages 4-7. Programs are 1.5 hours long and begin with the reading of a forest-themed story and include fun activities, games, and a craft. Beginning on May 2nd through August 29 from 10:30 till 12:00. These programs will be offered on the first Tuesday and last Tuesday of each month. Perfect for families looking to expand their children’s knowledge of the forest and all the treasures that are hidden within.
Email: [email protected] to reserve your space!
SCHEDULE
10:30 am-12:00 pm
WHAT TO BRING
This program will utilize both indoor and outdoor spaces. Assure that your child is wearing the proper clothing for getting dirty.
Camera
Water Bottle
Comfortable Shoes for walking and getting wet!
LEAF isn’t just for kids! Join us in the Mezzanine while you wait for your youth to finish their class or just to hang out!
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Come down the Pack Memorial Library and play with LEGOs! Please leave your personal LEGOs at home, because we’ve got plenty.
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| Bullington Gardens invites you to experience the epitome of exclusivity with their new and exciting offering – twilight parties in the enchanting gardens. Now accepting reservations, this is your chance to indulge in a truly magical evening with your own private group of eight. From August 15 to October 14, 2023, Tuesday through Saturday, 4:30-6:30p.m., immerse yourself in nature’s wonders while delighting your palate with locally-sourced wines and cider, all in the company of the resplendent Dahlias in full bloom.
Picture this: you and your closest companions, relishing the serenity of the gardens, sipping on delectable beverages, and taking leisurely strolls amidst the breathtaking flora. To ensure an intimate experience, each group of up to eight will have their own private party. Whether you prefer the charming pavilion or the festive tents, the choice is yours. And fear not, for even if the rain tries to dampen the mood, the horticultural therapy greenhouse is ready to shelter you. With only two groups accommodated each evening, you’ll have the pleasure of enjoying your own secluded space. Each group’s table will be beautifully set in separate venues, adorned with fresh floral arrangements that you can take home as a keepsake. As the host, you have the opportunity to curate a culinary masterpiece by bringing your own hors d’oeuvres or even an entire meal. Imagine the delight of savoring delicious food amidst an unparalleled view, creating an unforgettable private party. The cost for a table of eight is $300 per group, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. If you’re interested in elevating your involvement, consider a sponsorship level of $500. By participating in this extraordinary event, you will not only create cherished memories but also support the Educational and Horticultural Therapy programs dedicated to children and adults with special needs. To secure your spot for the Wee Wine & Dahlias evening of your dreams, reserve below or give us a call at 828-698-6104. Remember, availability is limited, so make sure to secure your reservation early. Get ready to immerse yourself in an evening of enchantment at Bullington Gardens! August 15th through October 14th, 2023. Tuesday-Saturday, 4:30pm-6:30pm. |
Players of all skill levels gather at Shakedown Kava Lounge (Hendersonville’s kava
bar) every Tuesday for the kava bar’s weekly Table Tennis Tournament, Games to 11, best of 3, double elimination, paddles
included, winner receives eternal glory and a $25 bar tab, Entry is free.
We view our Open Mic as a service to the community, providing performance opportunities for musicians who rarely get to play on a nice stage. We like to provide opportunities for community members to come enjoy live music for FREE at least once a week, and sometimes more than once a week.
You’ll hear a variety of wonderfully talented folks on their way up. You never know what you’ll hear… original songs, covers, guitar, piano….. and often something quite surprising.
Each performer gets 15 minutes or three songs.
Our Open Mic has been so popular that we typically have more folks wanting to perform than we’ve had room for. After consulting with some of our regular attendees and participants we want to make sure that everyone has a fair chance to perform on stage.
So we are trying out a new process and it seems to be very popular.
We’ve expanded the number of available performance slots to 10 per night.
- Note: There are actually 12 spots on the list each night. . The host of Open Mic is spot 1, and the owner of White Horse (Bob Hinkle) is spot 3. That leaves 10 available spots to be drawn from the hat.
In place having folks lineup in advance for the signup list, we now pull names out of a hat.
We suggest that those desiring to perform on stage arrive prior to 6:30pm.
When you arrive, check in with the bartender and they will give you a piece of paper where you will write your name and drop it into “the hat”
Sometime between 6:30 and 6:45, the bartender will announce that the names are being drawn. You must be present when the names are drawn to confirm your participation. Participants will be added to the nights performer list in the order in which they are drawn.
Any names left in the hat that do not make the performer list for the night , are automatically put first on the list for the following week. PLUS…. they get a free bottle of beer or soft drink “on the house” as a thank you for their patience and support of fellow musicians.
“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas! Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century. Once your appetite for knowledge is satisfied, enjoy sample tastings of flavors like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, and Strawberry moonshine. If the samples are not enough, there will be plenty of Moonshine infused cocktails like Copper Cola or Moonshiner’s Mimosa available for purchase. GSMR is excited to feature multiple craft NC based distilleries to serve our guests only the best! Each jar is handcrafted and authentically infused with real fruit, the way moonshine was meant to be made. Passengers will also enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride with an attendant and our popular Cajun seasoned Pulled Pork BBQ with Sweet Baby Ray’s sauce cooked in our special spices and slow roasted to perfection! During the month of October, 9am departures will feature the option of a delicious Cheesy Shrimp & Grits or Cheesy Ham Hash Brown Casserole while 2pm departures will be served the popular BBQ meal.
Archetype Brewing is proud to open a third location in the South Slope, offering an
elevated dining experience with world inspired cuisine. Enjoy food and cocktails with a
full bar alongside its complex and mindfully crafted Belgian & American inspired brews.
The open-concept space welcomes all individuals, with roll-up street facing doors, an
intimate mezzanine and a rooftop patio, all adorned in modern decor while highlighting
its historical attributes, dating back to the 1920’s.
The event is free to the public and will include music, food, drink specials, and a
giveaway! Come celebrate with drinks or food prior to the Tourists’ Industry Night
ballgame at McCormick Field. Bring your ticket in before or after the game to show your
server and receive 20% off any one full priced food item. We look forward to seeing you!
See the full MENU HERE: https://archetypebrewing.com/abk-food-menu/
| Bullington Gardens invites you to experience the epitome of exclusivity with their new and exciting offering – twilight parties in the enchanting gardens. Now accepting reservations, this is your chance to indulge in a truly magical evening with your own private group of eight. From August 15 to October 14, 2023, Tuesday through Saturday, 4:30-6:30p.m., immerse yourself in nature’s wonders while delighting your palate with locally-sourced wines and cider, all in the company of the resplendent Dahlias in full bloom.
Picture this: you and your closest companions, relishing the serenity of the gardens, sipping on delectable beverages, and taking leisurely strolls amidst the breathtaking flora. To ensure an intimate experience, each group of up to eight will have their own private party. Whether you prefer the charming pavilion or the festive tents, the choice is yours. And fear not, for even if the rain tries to dampen the mood, the horticultural therapy greenhouse is ready to shelter you. With only two groups accommodated each evening, you’ll have the pleasure of enjoying your own secluded space. Each group’s table will be beautifully set in separate venues, adorned with fresh floral arrangements that you can take home as a keepsake. As the host, you have the opportunity to curate a culinary masterpiece by bringing your own hors d’oeuvres or even an entire meal. Imagine the delight of savoring delicious food amidst an unparalleled view, creating an unforgettable private party. The cost for a table of eight is $300 per group, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. If you’re interested in elevating your involvement, consider a sponsorship level of $500. By participating in this extraordinary event, you will not only create cherished memories but also support the Educational and Horticultural Therapy programs dedicated to children and adults with special needs. To secure your spot for the Wee Wine & Dahlias evening of your dreams, reserve below or give us a call at 828-698-6104. Remember, availability is limited, so make sure to secure your reservation early. Get ready to immerse yourself in an evening of enchantment at Bullington Gardens! August 15th through October 14th, 2023. Tuesday-Saturday, 4:30pm-6:30pm. |
Every Wednesday
Trivia Night
Trivia Night at Hickory Tavern
White Horse is excited to launch a new concert series, DARK CITY SONG SWAP.
This exciting new series focuses on talented local, regional, and national songwriters who both write and sing their original compositions. Many of the participants are award winners in their field and we’re thrilled to present them on our stage.
The series is hosted and curated by Black Mountain songwriter, BETH LEE.
Her writing is heavily influenced by bluegrass and traditional country music. She is passionate about writing lyrically diverse songs – songs that are sometimes sweet, sometimes tough, sometimes swampy, but always speak truth. She seeks to present the song so it invites the listener to go on a journey, taken away by the story, reminding us of who we are, who we want to be, or who we have been. Her goal is to make a genuine connection with listeners by telling relatable stories with memorable melodies.
Beth placed first in the 2018 MerleFest Chris Austin Songwriting Contest in the Gospel Category and won first place in three categories in the 2020 Walnut Valley Festival Newsong Showcase. She has performed songwriter showcases at the Cactus Cafe in Austin, the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, and at the IBMA Songwriter Showcase in Raleigh.
Sample’s of Beth’s artistry can be found at :
- “Hellbender”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyChKaNr3o4
- “Maria’s Dusty Shoes”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOD6vIoQNLk
This month Beth welcomes to the stage two fine songwriters:
Todd Hoke and Hannah Kaminer
——
Todd Hoke’s first public performance was at Miss Bonnie’s Elvis Shrine and Literary Salon in Baltimore, Maryland, way back in the early 90s. It was precisely as fancy as it sounds. Todd recorded his first album way back in the year 2000, with Ray Wylie Hubbard as producer. In the years since, Todd has written many songs and played many more shows – he and his wife moved to Western North Carolina in 2005 and he jumped right into the local music scene. Todd’s latest project is as ½ of “Possum Royale” – a duo with his longtime friend and side guy Richard Brock.
“My Baby”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=el0ksvoH0sI
——
Hannah Kaminer is a folk/Americana artist based in Asheville, NC. Raised in small towns in western North Carolina, she fuses echoes of Appalachian traditions with wistful, Americana-style songwriting. Kaminer’s songs have been recognized in the finals of the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest (MerleFest 2019), with a Regional Artist Project Grant by a coalition of North Carolina arts councils, and by Asheville’s Brown Bag Songwriting Competition. Kaminer has released two studio albums, Acre by Acre (2015) and Heavy Magnolias (2018), the latter of which she co-produced with award-winning engineer Julian Dreyer. In 2020, she pivoted to produce Music for Quarantine, connecting musicians to virtual gigs performed for loved ones in isolation.
Performance highlights over the last few years include opening for the Steep Canyon Rangers, serving as opener and tour nanny for Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters, and playing Warren Haynes’ annual Christmas Jam by Day event. Kaminer is currently working with her band Hannah and The Wistfuls on a third studio album, to be released in 2023.
“Heavy Magnolias”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOF0PfSHGiM