The first show of the Playhouse’s 2020 season is sure to rock your world with Music on the Rock® The Music of Queen. Dustin Brayley and Ryan Guerra join forces with Nat Zegree for the first time on the Leiman Mainstage along with Music on the Rock® favorites Eric Anthony, Paul Babelay, and Ryan Dunn. The Music of Queen will feature all your favorite hits from the legendary rock group like “We Will Rock You,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Another One Bites The Dust,” and more!

Finally, on Saturday November 30th after Thanksgiving, we’re excited that it’s Kid Hop time again! Kid Hop Hooray (our awesome indoor family dance party that happens monthly all winter long) is back. This event is for kids of all ages, with family-appropriate music from DJ Oso! Drop in anytime – it goes from 10am til 1pm. There will be FREE Glow accessories for little dancers while they last, plenty of room to run, dance, and get their sillies out while it’s cold outside, and snacks for purchase from Asheville Pizza Co and the Hop Ice Creamery, as well as popcorn and juice boxes! And of course, The Orange Peel bar will be open for mom and dad’s refreshments.

Padded area available for crawlers and new walkers to play and explore.

Cirque du Soleil is back on ice with AXEL, a new electrifying experience fusing world-class ice skating with breathtaking acrobatics. Follow AXEL and his dynamic group of friends whose passion for live music and graphic arts come to life in an exhilarating adventure that reminds us that our dreams are within reach.

Discover this young artist as he falls for the fascinating Lei in a high-speed chase for love and self-realization. Sparks fly as they set out on a fast-moving quest through fun colorful fantastical worlds. Will he fulfill his destiny and find his voice?

Click HERE for our standard arena policies and our most frequently asked questions. Ticket prices are always subject to change without notice. Additional fees apply.

Glitter Ball – Benefit for Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra

$37.50 Advance / $40.00 Day Of Show / $65.00 2-day
Doors: 5:30 / Show 6:30
Back-to-back shows at the ExploreAsheville.com Arena Feb. 14 & 15!
The music of Umphrey’s McGee unfolds like an unpredictable conversation between longtime friends. Its six participantsBrendan Bayliss [guitar, vocals], Jake Cinninger [guitar, vocals], Joel Cummins [keyboards, piano, vocals], Andy Farag [percussion], Kris Myers [drums, vocals], and Ryan Stasik [bass]know just how to communicate with each other on stage and in the studio. A call of progressive guitar wizardry might elicit a response of soft acoustic balladry, or a funk groove could be answered by explosive percussion. At any moment, heavy guitars can give way to heavier blues as the boys uncover the elusive nexus between jaw-dropping instrumental virtuosity and airtight songcraft.The conversation continues on their eleventh full-length album, it’s not us [Nothing Too Fancy Music]which was released January 12, 2018.“It represents the band, because it basically runs the gamut from prog rock to dance,” says Brendan. “We’ve mastered our ADD here. The record really shows that.”“No matter what you’re into, there’s something on it’s not us that should speak to you,” agrees Joel. “This is a statement album for Umphrey’s McGee. The sound is as fresh as ever. The songs are strong as they’ve ever been. We’re always pushing forward.”It is also how the band is celebrating its 20-year anniversary. Instead of retreading the catalog, they turn up with a pile of new tunes.

The music of Umphrey’s McGee unfolds like an unpredictable conversation between longtime friends. Its six participants—Brendan Bayliss [guitar, vocals], Jake Cinninger [guitar, vocals], Joel Cummins [keyboards, piano, vocals], Andy Farag [percussion], Kris Myers [drums, vocals], and Ryan Stasik [bass]—know just how to communicate with each other on stage and in the studio. A call of progressive guitar wizardry might elicit a response of soft acoustic balladry, or a funk groove could be answered by explosive percussion. At any moment, heavy guitars can give way to heavier blues as the boys uncover the elusive nexus between jaw-dropping instrumental virtuosity and airtight songcraft.

2018 saw the release of it’s not us and it’s you, [Nothing Too Fancy Music] the band’s eleventh and twelfth full-length studio albums. “[They] represent the band, because [they] basically run the gamut from prog rock to dance,” says Brendan. It’s also how the band celebrated its 20-year anniversary. Instead of retreading the catalog, they turn up with two albums worth of new tunes. “It’d be easy to play the hits from our first five or ten years,” continues Joel. “We’ve never been a band to rest on our laurels, though. New music is key to our continued development. We’re known as a strong live band, but we take so much pride in our writing.”

With over 2,400 gigs and 5 million tracks sold, the band, now in their 21st year, have enjoyed countless milestones and show no signs of slowing down anytime soon. They became the first group to launch its own single artist streaming service with UMLive.net, which houses recordings of every gig since 2005. They recorded ten tracks in one day at Abbey Road for The London Session in 2015. 2016’s studio mash-up album, ZONKEY, smashed the strangest of bedfellows into a critically acclaimed collection that unites Radiohead and Beck, Talking Heads and Bob Marley, Metallica and Gorillaz, and more.

“There’s something uniquely Umphrey’s McGee that could never be mistaken for another band,” Joel concludes. “I hope it makes people think a little bit or shed a tear or two. Maybe, you smile or laugh. Life is hard. We still believe music can heal and motivate.” “We’re here,” Brendan leaves off. “We’re not going anywhere. We’re starting to find our identity.”

One of the funniest musicals ever written. Sondheim’s joyous musical romp through Rome has desperate lovers, scheming neighbors and secrets behind every toga. This unforgettable, hysterical musical allows a terrify ensemble of comedic actors to shine!

Described as “the closest to ABBA you’ll ever get,” Abba The Concert brings one of the 20^th century’s greatest pop groups back to life with their dazzling performances of all the groundbreaking Swedish act’s greatest hits, including “Mamma Mia,” “S.O.S,” “Waterloo,” “Dancing Queen,” and many more. They’ve sold out venues throughout the U.S. and achieved critical and popular acclaim for their energetic performances.

ABBA The Concert visits Brevard as part of its popular BMC Presents series, which brings a diverse range of non-classical artists to the festival stage. In 2020, the series will also host guitarist Bryan Sutton, folk legend Judy Collins, the bluegrass-inspired sounds of Woody Platt and Shannon Whitworth, and the return of award-winning banjo virtuoso Bela Fleck.

For a complete 2020 summer music festival schedule including dates, times, and locations of all performances and events, please visit brevardmusic.org

Flamenco Vivo / Carlota Santana — Friday & Saturday, February 14 & 15, 2020, 8 p.m. Hailed as “the Keeper of Flamenco” by Dance Magazine, internationally renowned artist and educator Carlota Santana has made it her mission to promote flamenco as a living art form — a vital part of Spanish culture. Serving more than 40,000 people nationwide each year, Flamenco Vivo entertains, educates and empowers through the arts. Friday & Saturday, Feb. 14 & 15, 2020 at 8 p.m. at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts.

Engage with Flamenco Vivo in a special Valentine’s Day pre-show V.I.P. tableau performance, featuring a special drink and hors d’oeuvres package at the Henry LaBrun Studio. On Saturday, Feb. 15, join the company once more in the Henry LaBrun Studio for a community dance master class, open to all ages and skill levels.
Engage with Flamenco Vivo:
Tablao Performance
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a pre-show V.I.P. tablao performance featuring a special drink and hors d’oeuvres package, Feb. 14. at 6pm. Space is limited. Henry LaBrun Studio.

Community Dance Master Class
Open to the general public – all ages and skills. Feb. 15 at 1pm. Henry LaBrun Studio.

This public master class will increase the participant’s awareness and understanding of flamenco dance and its cultural heritage. The class is 75 minutes and includes a brief history of the origins of flamenco dance, music and song and how the various cultures that inhabited Spain have influenced flamenco.

This is a hands-on workshop with instruction in rhythmic handclaps (palmas), arm movements (braceo), body posturing (marcaje), and footwork (taconeo). The class is supportive and fun, and flamenco technique is woven into a short choreography. By the end of the class, participants will be able to perform a simple choreographed dance.

The first show of the Playhouse’s 2020 season is sure to rock your world with Music on the Rock® The Music of Queen. Dustin Brayley and Ryan Guerra join forces with Nat Zegree for the first time on the Leiman Mainstage along with Music on the Rock® favorites Eric Anthony, Paul Babelay, and Ryan Dunn. The Music of Queen will feature all your favorite hits from the legendary rock group like “We Will Rock You,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Another One Bites The Dust,” and more!

When Kamasi Washington released his tour de force LP, The Epic, in 2015, it instantly set him on a path as our generation’s torch bearer for progressive, improvisational music that would open the door for young audiences to experience music unlike anything they had heard before. The 172-minute odyssey featuring his 10-piece band, The Next Step, was littered with elements of hip-hop, classical and R&B music, all major influences on the young saxophonist and bandleader, who exceeds any notions of what “jazz” music is. Released to critical acclaim, The Epic won numerous awards, including the inaugural American Music Prize and the Gilles Peterson Worldwide album of the year. Washington followed that work with collaborations with other influential artists such as Kendrick Lamar, John Legend, Run the Jewels, Ibeyi and the creation of “Harmony of Difference,” a standalone multimedia installation during the prestigious 2017 Biennial at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City. In June 2018, Washington released Heaven and Earth to wide praise. The album garnered “best of” awards from Pitchfork, NPR, Variety, GQ, MOJO, and Complex among others. Collaborating with cutting edge filmmakers Bradford Young, Jenn Nkiru, Terence Nance, and Marc Thomas, Washington helped direct AS TOLD TO G/D THYSELF, a film inspired by Heaven and Earth which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2019. The film has also screened at The Broad, Stony Island Arts Bank, The Apollo Theater, and 180 The Strand in London.
kamasiwashington.com

One of the funniest musicals ever written. Sondheim’s joyous musical romp through Rome has desperate lovers, scheming neighbors and secrets behind every toga. This unforgettable, hysterical musical allows a terrify ensemble of comedic actors to shine!

Matthew Richmond of UNC Asheville’s music faculty will perform his own original works for percussion, together with many guest artists, at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 16 in Lipinsky Auditorium. This concert is free and open to everyone.

Richmond, a percussionist, composer, recording artist, and educator who can’t stick to one genre, is perhaps best known for his work on vibes, and he will perform an extended original composition written for vibes and percussion. Joining Richmond will be guest artists Kevin “Kalimbaman” Spears, percussionists Jordan Arnold, Jason DeCristofaro, Diana Loomer, Victoria Nelson, Kari Richmond and Justin Watt, and vocalist Christine Boone.

Matthew Richmond Bio

Matthew Richmond appears most frequently with Like Mind Trio and the Asheville Symphony Orchestra and has extensive experience in classical music, rock, funk, jazz, Latin music, and marching percussion. He contributed vibraphone and percussion to Infinity Plus One by Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, which won the 2017 Grammy Award for Best Children’s Album. He has also performed and/or recorded with Jonathan Scales, Steve Reich, Gordon Stout, Lizz Wright, Jeff Sipe, Billy Jonas, Kevin Spears, Kat Williams, and many others.

Matthew loves musical theater, and has played more than 70 local and regional productions from Amélie to Zombie Prom. He served as music director of TheaterUNCA’s productions of Into the Woods and Marat/Sade, and for the latter he composed an original score. He has also composed and directed music for dance and drama performances by Asheville Ballet, Norte Marr, Black Swan Theatre, and The Road Company, and created the score for the feature film Flight of the Cardinal (Gaston Pictures).

Visitor Parking on the UNC Asheville Campus – Visitors may park in faculty/staff and non-resident lots from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 a.m., Monday through Friday, and on weekends, holidays, and campus breaks. Visitors are not permitted to park in resident student lots at any time.

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

http://www.jackofthewood.com/

The 4 Seasons Orchestra presents their winter concert, which includes Elgar – Serenade for Strings, Vaughan Williams – Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis, Richter – Mercy and Michaelson/Bareilles – Winter Song at Grace Lutheran Church.