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.

Saturday, January 11, 2020
Abbey Road LIVE! 50th Anniversary of “Abbey Road”
Jan 11 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Ward Davis and Charles Wesley Godwin
Jan 11 @ 9:00 pm – 11:45 pm
The Grey Eagle

Ward Davis

Sunday, January 12, 2020
Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
Jan 12 @ 3:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

 

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/

Tuesday, January 14, 2020
Badfish: a Tribute to Sublime
Jan 14 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel

 

The phenomenon known as Sublime, arguably the most energetic, original and uniquely eclectic band to emerge from any scene, anywhere, ended with the untimely death of lead singer, guitarist and songwriter Brad Nowell in May of 1996. But encompassing the sense of place and purpose long associated with Sublime’s music, Badfish, a Tribute to Sublime continues to channel the spirit of Sublime with a fury not felt for some time. What separates Badfish from other tribute bands is that they have replicated Sublime’s essence, developing a scene and dedicated following most commonly reserved for label-driven, mainstream acts. Badfish make their mark on the audience by playing with the spirit of Sublime. They perform not as Sublime would have, or did, but as Badfish does!

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Citizen Cope
Jan 14 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

Citizen Cope

Wednesday, January 15, 2020
An Evening with Branford Marsalis
Jan 15 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Center

The Branford Marsalis Quartet, first formed in 1986, remains Marsalis’ primary means of expression. In its virtually uninterrupted three-plus decades of existence, the quartet has established a rare breadth of stylistic range and a continuity of personnel. The Secret Between the Shadow and the Soul, recorded in the spring of 2018, contains the mix of challenging original and classic compositions, and the range of moods from the tender to the explosive that has defined the group. With its focus on melodic strength and extrasensory interaction, the album confirms that the Branford Marsalis Quartet remains a paragon of uncompromising jazz excellence.

Emporium Presents Jesse Cook
Jan 15 @ 8:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

“I want to take people to places they haven’t been.” Jesse Cook, Juno winning master guitarist, known for his intoxicating fusion of world music, has travelled the globe looking for sounds that resonate with him. “I like finding common ground for different music traditions, a space where music from around the world can come together,” Cook explains. “A place where modern sounds can mix with ancient timbres.”

He was born in Paris, to Canadian parents. After moving back to Canada, Cook started guitar lessons. “My teacher played flamenco. Then, when I’d visit my dad in France, he was living next door to Nicolas Reyes, the singer of the Gipsy Kings. I saw gipsy kids on the corner playing that way too.” It was as if the world conspired to get me interested in this style and I was hooked.” It was when he heard the Paco de Lucia, Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin album, Friday Night in San Francisco that the die was cast. “I was captivated by the sheer virtuosity and freedom, that people could play whatever they wanted, creating in that space between jazz and flamenco.”

Thursday, January 16, 2020
Appalachian Fire Bluegrass Concert
Jan 16 @ 6:00 pm
Hendersonville Library

Celebrate the new year with live bluegrass music at the library.

 

Free

The Black Market Trust
Jan 16 @ 7:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre, Asheville

The Black Market Trust

Combining the soulful sounds of legendary American crooners with the fire and energy of gypsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, The Black Market Trust have found their niche in the world of American pop and vocal jazz, melding two distinctly different vibes into a single cohesive, stylish sound. Hailing from Los Angeles, these five world class musicians travel the globe recording with music’s most renowned artists and delivering high-energy, crowd-pleasing performances filled with material from The Great American Songbook, infusing some of the greatest songs ever written with jazzy romance and flavor.

 

Chris Smither
Jan 16 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

An Evening With Chris Smither

Friday, January 17, 2020
DOLLY DAY 2020: A birthday tribute to Dolly Parton
Jan 17 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

DOLLY DAY 2020: A birthday tribute to Dolly Parton

Hiss Golden Messenger Lilly Hiatt
Jan 17 @ 9:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Describing the Durham-based Hiss Golden Messenger is like trying to grasp a forgotten word: It’s always on the tip of your tongue, but hard to speak. Songwriter and bandleader M.C. Taylor’s music is at once familiar, yet impossible to categorize: Elements from the American song book – the steady, churning acoustic guitar and mandolin, the gospel emotion, the eerie steel guitar tracings, the bobbing and weaving organ and electric piano – provide the bedrock for Taylor’s existential ruminations about parenthood, joy, hope, and loneliness – our delicate, tightrope balance of dark and light – that offer fully engaged contemporary commentary on the present. And then there’s an indescribable spirit and movement: Hiss Golden Messenger’s music grooves. There’s nothing else quite like it.

hissgoldenmessenger.com

Saturday, January 18, 2020
Mountain Murders: A True Crime Podcast Live Show
Jan 18 @ 5:02 pm
Fleetwood's

Join the Western North Carolina based podcasters from Mountain Murders for an afternoon of true crime, comedy, booze and live audience participation!

Heather and Dylan will discuss truly terrifying Appalachian true crime cases!

Come hang out with the biggest creeps in town & Warm up with a hot blooded murder

Too Many Zooz
Jan 18 @ 9:00 pm – 11:45 pm
The Grey Eagle

Too Many Zooz

Sunday, January 19, 2020
Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
Jan 19 @ 3:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

 

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/

NFM Wroclaw Philharmonic
Jan 19 @ 3:00 pm
Peace Center

The National Forum of Music Wrocław Philharmonic is at the heart of the Polish music scene.

Founded in 1945 as both a symphony and an opera orchestra, it became the State Opera Orchestra in 1949 and held symphonic concerts sporadically until 1954, when it became an independent symphony orchestra. In 2016, the city of Wrocław (pronounced VRA-Slav) was hailed as the European Capital of Culture, and the orchestra’s performances accompanied the celebrations that season.

The NFM Wrocław Philharmonic regularly performs works commissioned by the National Forum of Music and has a growing international presence presenting classical and romantic masterworks, 20th and 21st century symphonic repertoire, and contemporary Polish composers. The orchestra has worked with all of Poland’s great 20th century composers including Witold Lutosławski, Paweł Mykietyn, Krzysztof Penderecki, Elżbieta Sikora, Stanisław Skrowaczewski, and Agata Zubel. Promoting Polish music is a special focus of the orchestra, which regularly performs in prominent venues in Poland and throughout Europe and the United States.

Program (Subject to Change)
Szymanowski: Concert Overture in E major, Op. 12 [14′]
Lutosławski: Concerto for Orchestra [28′]
Dvořák: Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 ‘From the New World’ [40′]

Monday, January 20, 2020
Bailen
Jan 20 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

Bailen

BRB with Circle Verse
Jan 20 @ 8:00 pm
The Pulp

Tuesday, January 21, 2020
Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson for “An Astrophysicist Reads the Newspaper”
Jan 21 @ 7:00 pm
US Cellular Center

Join us a sit down discussion with famed astrophysicist, author, and pop culture sensation Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson for “An Astrophysicist Reads the Newspaper” at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. Neil deGrasse Tyson brings his trademark academic and illuminating prowess to exploring the world’s and Asheville’s current events. Known by the masses from his social media posts about pop culture subjects and movie premises, his effortless blend of topical modern culture and scientific logic have made him a favorite among people of all ages. In recent years, Tyson has brought his captivating personality to shows such as Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey, The Big Bang Theory, and cult-favorite Futurama.

Tyson is the fifth head of the world-renowned Hayden Planetarium in New York City and the first occupant of its Frederick P. Rose Directorship. He is also a research associate of the Department of Astrophysics at the American Museum of Natural History. On the lighter side, Tyson was voted “Sexiest Astrophysicist Alive” by People Magazine in 2000.

VIP tickets are available for this event. The tickets include:

  • (1) Premium Seat at the event
  • (1) Signed Commemorative Poster
  • Photo Opportunity with Neil deGrasse Tyson after the event
  • Access to Pre-Show Event Reception with open and hors d’oeuvres. Tyson will not be present for this event.
Cory Wong
Jan 21 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Music motivates at the most primal level.

You instinctually hum a tune in order to get pumped up in the morning, for fuel on the treadmill, to soundtrack your commute, or as the pre-game to a big night out. As much as he treasures his roles as a guitarist, composer, and producer, Cory Wong fashions himself “a hype man,” first and foremost. Living up to this classification, he slings a Stratocaster and hurls “dad jokes” from the stage with the same panache, poise, and power.

Moreover, he consistently translates motivation into seismic six-string transmissions throughout his independent third full-length record, Motivational Music for the Syncopated Soul.

“For me, it’s all about the listener’s experience,” he explains. “I want them to have a visceral response like: ‘I feel better,’ ‘That was really fun,’ or ‘I got to escape for an hour.’ You’ll hear my voice through the guitar, but I’m just a hype man. To uplift audiences with instrumental music that has no singing or lyrics is a fun challenge. I’m trying to solve the riddle. If I can get one person to feel good this way, it’s a success. So, I’m giving you Motivational Music for the Syncopated Soul.”

Marco Benevento
Jan 21 @ 8:00 pm – 11:30 pm
The Grey Eagle

Marco Benevento

Wednesday, January 22, 2020
Steeped in Time: Tea and Traditions Exhibit
Jan 22 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Mountain Gateway Museum & Heritage Center

Mountain Gateway Museum & Heritage Center celebrated the opening of its newest traveling exhibit, “Steeped in Time: Tea and Traditions” on Saturday, January 18, 2020. The exhibit will run through the July 4th weekend at MGM, located at 24 Water Street in Old Fort. Admission is free.

 

Thursday, January 23, 2020
An Evening with Jacob Johnson
Jan 23 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Isis Restaurant and Music Hall

An Evening with Jacob Johnson

“The guitar is not just an instrument in the hands of Jacob Johnson – it’s his soul-mate.” – No Depression

Seated Lounge Show:: Limited Tables Available with a Dinner Reservation :: All Other Seating is First Come First Serve General Admission :: Please Call Venue for Dinner  Reservations

Jeff Anders & Jesse Barry – Acoustic Rock
Jan 23 @ 8:00 pm
Pack's Tavern

Live Music – never a cover charge!

Nicholas Jamerson
Jan 23 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Ambrose West

Worthwhile Sounds presents: Nicholas Jamerson

“With his dreamy acoustic picking and a voice that runs molasses-thick, old-soul Nicholas Jamerson writes earnest songs that are filled with heart. His songs spin tales of southern gothic drama woven with an intricate emotional framework, underscored with delicate Americana instrumentation and country-folk melodies.

Slim Gambill, Guitarist for Lady Antebellum: “Fake Jazz & Theme Songs” LP Launch Tour
Jan 23 @ 8:30 pm
Isis Restaurant and Music Hall

Slim Gambill, Guitarist for Lady Antebellum: "Fake Jazz & Theme Songs" LP Launch Tour

Fresh off of features in ROLLING STONE, BILLBOARD, PARADE, JAZZ GUITAR TODAY, Lady Antebellum guitarist Slim Gambill is making his Asheville debut with his instrumental jazz/rock/jam band project!

Main Stage Seated :: Limited Tables Available with a Dinner Reservation :: All Other Seating is First Come First Serve General Admission :: Please Call Venue for Dinner Reservations

Jesse Malin Tuk Smith & The Restless Hearts Kelley Swindall
Jan 23 @ 9:00 pm – 11:30 pm
The Grey Eagle

Jesse Malin

Who’s Bad Presents THE EVOLUTION OF POP
Jan 23 @ 9:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Like its name implies, “The Evolution of Pop” is a visionary musical continuum saluting the icons of the past who paved the way for the Jumbotron-sized pop stars of today. As the musical landscape constantly shifts, “The Evolution of Pop” boasts years of performance experience at the world’s most renowned stadiums and pavillions, leaving international audiences awed and yearning for more. This assembly of superior performers provides hardcore fans a seamless bridge between James Brown’s signature funk; Earth, Wind, and Fire’s energetic soul, the sick choreography of the Black-Eyed Peas, and the “24 karate magic” of Bruno Mars. With a single cue, “The Evolution of Pop” brings together some of America’s most outstanding musicians to offer epic renditions of the most timeless and recognizable pop favorites. “Who’s Bad 20/20” binds music’s past, present, and future to deliver the most mind-blowing tribute to pop music’s infinite canon.

Friday, January 24, 2020
American Kennel Club Dog Agility Trial
Jan 24 @ 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Western North Carolina Agricultural Center McGough Arena,

The Blue Ridge Agility Club of Western North Carolina will host an American Kennel Club (AKC) agility trial , Friday & Saturday 8am-4pm, Sunday 8am-12pm.  The event will be held at the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center McGough Arena. The object of agility is for the handler to navigate the dog through a timed obstacle course without the dog making a mistake.  Spectators are welcome to attend and admission is free. Please leave your dog comfortably at home.

An Evening with Edwin McCain, Maia Sharp, and Jason White
Jan 24 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Center

The Peace Center’s Songwriters Concert Series returns! Led by Greenville favorite Edwin McCain and accomplished songwriter Maia Sharp, each concert brings a new guest singer-songwriter to the Upstate for a one-of-a-kind listening room experience in Genevieve’s theater lounge.