Los Angeles-based instrumental supergroup Circles Around the Sun is a contemporary instrumental rock band, initially formed with the purpose of creating music for “Fare Thee Well”, a series of reunion concerts played by the surviving members of the Grateful Dead. Those shows celebrated the band’s 50th anniversary and served as their official send-off, while Circles Around the Sun was designed to reflect the Dead’s overall spacy and groove-laden feel. After the tour, the group released a self-titled album from the Fare Thee Well gigs, supporting the record with their own road trip. The response was so positive that they continued on with a follow-up project, Let It Wander, in 2018. This record was less influenced by the Dead and more free-form, delivering on the roots influence of jazz-funk, soul, and fusion. The band underwent a fundamental transition in 2019. After completing the Meets Joe Russo EP and a third album, their guitarist Neal Casal committed suicide on August 26, 2019. He left his bandmates a note asking for them to continue in his absence– to continue recording, touring, and playing together. The band decided to carry on with a rotating cast of guitarists, landing on John Lee Shannon as the permanent replacement.

In this metamorphosis, Circles Around the Sun spans both heartbreak and hope. Doors close; windows open; new directions extend themselves in mysterious ways. But sometimes you know it’s real from the first beat. It just clicks. It’s just how Neal would want it. It’s Circles Around The Sun.

These mountains are known as much for the music that comes out of them as they are for their picturesque vistas, cascading waterfalls and alluring trails.

Some of the world’s finest musicians have come from Western North Carolina and that rich tradition carries on today.

Here in Jackson County, the Town of Sylva, Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department and Jackson County Chamber of Commerce team up to produce the Concerts on the Creek series at the Bridge Park gazebo in Sylva every Friday from 7-9 p.m., typically from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

The 14th annual season will start on Friday, May 26 (Memorial Day weekend) and end on Friday, Sept. 1 (Labor Day weekend). That will be 15 Fridays of Concerts on the Creek, with the Fireworks Festivities and concert on Tuesday, July 4 sprinkled in for good measure.

• Friday, July 28: Lua Flora, folk/reggae (7-9 p.m.)
• Friday, Aug. 4: Tuxedo Junction, classic hits, (7-9 p.m.)
• Friday, Aug. 11: TLQ+2, classic rock and pop hits, (7-9 p.m.)
• Friday, Aug. 18: Get Right Band, psychedelic indie rock originals, (7-9 p.m.)
• Friday, Aug. 25: Maggie Valley Band, Appalachian/Americana folk rock, (7-9 p.m.)
• Friday, Sept. 1: PMA, roots/reggae/dub/fusion, (7-9 p.m.)

These events are free with donations encouraged. Everyone is welcome. Dogs must be on a leash. No smoking, vaping, coolers or tents allowed. Bring a chair or blanket. We will have food trucks available on select nights.

For more information, please contact the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce at 828-586-2155, visit our Facebook page, or visit us online at www.mountainlovers.com.

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

Born blind and weighing only one pound, Jordan Scheffer defied the odds from the moment she entered the world. Growing up in Asheville, NC, her deep love for music became evident at an early age. By the age of six, she was already captivating audiences with her musical talents, performing with the YMI Jazz Band in Asheville.

In 2017, Jordan achieved a significant milestone by winning the Blind American Idol Competition, impressing judges with her rendition of “Jailer” by Asa. Her success continued when she was invited to perform at the iconic Apollo Theatre in Harlem, a remarkable feat for a young singer from the mountains of North Carolina. Jordan’s journey led her to enroll at the University of North Carolina-Asheville, where she pursued her passion for African culture and music through her self-created interdisciplinary major in Afro-musicology.

Throughout her academic journey, Jordan showcased her musical prowess as a member of the UNCA Afro Music Ensemble, playing the djembe and other percussion instruments. She further honed her skills with memorable performances at the Diana Wortham Theater and the LEAF Music & Arts Festival, where she shared the stage with renowned musicians such as John “Papa” Gros and the Naughty Professor Horns.

Jordan’s dedication culminated in the recording of her debut album, “Until We Try,” a collection of covers that resonated deeply with her. To celebrate this milestone, she headlined her first show at the esteemed Isis Music Hall, captivating a sold-out audience and solidifying her newfound confidence on stage. Her musical journey continued to flourish in 2022, with performances at renowned venues like the Grey Eagle Music Hall, LEAF Downtown, and the main stage of the 50th anniversary LEAF Festival.

Jordan Scheffer’s poignant story is a testament to the power of music and the resilience of the human spirit.

Tickets are $25 online advance and $30 day of show.

All Ages Welcome

TOO MUCH SYLVIA has the ability and desire to please and play something that everyone will enjoy. Their onstage antics and personalities will touch all. Whether it’s a low-key dinner setting, an energetic party, or a festival with all ages attending, the band easily adapts. By NOT working from a “setlist”, 2MS has the ability to pace the song selection and provoke audience interaction to reach a peak at the right moment.
For more information, visit: https://www.toomuchsylvia.com/
NO COOLERS
NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOL
SEATING IS AVAILABLE, BUT YOU MAY BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR. SPACE FOR PERSONAL CHAIRS IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVE.
GATES OPEN AT 6:00PM

“Blending honkytonk & gritty cowboy seclusion, Americana/Country artist Andy Buckner’s music embodies a balance of party anthems & instantly relatable heartache healers. Andy’s grainy, soulful voice embraces his North Carolina roots & shares authentic songs inspired by his upbringing.”

Grammy nominated, American Song-Writer featured, NBC’s “The Voice” alum, songs recorded with & by; HARDY, Tracy Lawrence, Montgomery Gentry, Colt Ford, Charlie Starr of (Blackberry Smoke), Elizabeth Cook, Lillie Mae, The Steep Canyon Rangers, Jerry Douglas, Matt Daniel, Casey Kristofferson, & many more, songs featured on FX’s “Justified” & “Sons Of Anarchy”, former lead vocalist & guitarist of award winning bluegrass band “Sideline”, & East Tennessee State University Bluegrass Pride Band alum.

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If an artist is described as playing Southern music it’s fair to ask what kind. Southern Rock? Outlaw County? Rock and Roll, Blues, Bluegrass? In the case of Andy Buckner, the answer is “all of the above” in one talented musical package.

Buckner absorbed his influences honestly. Born and raised in the mountains of North Carolina, he’s from a long line of musicians and started singing in church at age 4. He knew he wanted to be a performing musician after seeing David Holt play with Buckner’s first cousin Josh Goforth, and became obsessed with trying out every instrument he could find. By the age of 16 he was a multi-instrumentalist playing bass, banjo, guitar, mandolin, fiddle, dobro and more. During this time he discovered his calling as a songwriter, while maintaining a busy schedule competing at festivals, touring and performing with many established artists and bands. After graduating from high school he attended East Tennessee State University while establishing an identity as a solo artist. While there, he became the first freshman since Kenny Chesney to earn a spot in the prestigious ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band.

Grammy winner and Mountain Heart member Jim VanCleve characterizes Andy Buckner as “truly the next generation of country music personified, in my opinion. He’s writing his own material, and he’s playing his own instruments… and excelling at both. He has what it takes to become a household name in country music.”

• Visit the ANDY BUCKNER website
• Listen to the music of ANDY BUCKNER
• View Videos of ANDY BUCKNER

Voted #1 WNC festival in 1977, Black Mountain transforms four streets into a two day festival filled with handcrafted artisan products, two music stages, a petting zoo, food, demonstrations, and of course – Honey!

Ooh La La Curiosity Market is an artist’s market that takes place in Pritchard Park, located in the center of beautiful downtown Asheville and will showcase the work of more than a dozen local artists. Taking place on Saturdays throughout Summer and every Saturday in October. Ooh La La will feature works by local painters, leather smiths, jewelry makers, potters, up-cycled crafters, and other curious delights, all beneath the colored canopies of large market umbrellas. In addition to the artists, the market will also feature live local music with three musical acts performing each Saturday and will include everything from a solo saxophonist to folk, blues, acoustic and jazz acts.

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.

Dress Code: Black Tie & Black Formalwear

Join us for:

Gourmet Dinner

Drinks

Live Music

Entertainment

Exclusive Booking Opportunity

The 57th season of Shindig on the Green, a free event in the heart of downtown Asheville with a stage show and informal jam sessions, takes place on Saturday evenings July 1 through August 26, 2023.

Locals and visitors alike come together at downtown’s Pack Square Park “along about sundown,” or at 7:00 pm for those who wear a watch, and continues until 10:00 pm. Concessions are available! The remaining Shindig on the Green events will be held on July 1, 8, 15, 22 and August 12, 19, 26, 2023.

The stage show takes place on the Bascom Lamar Lunsford stage, named for the founder of the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival. Since the outdoor event’s inception in 1967, hundreds of thousands of individuals from across the region and throughout the world have shared and enjoyed the rich traditional music and dance heritage of the Southern Appalachian Mountains in this outdoor setting.

Shindig on the Green remains a free event due in part to net proceeds from ticket sales to the nation’s longest continually running festival, the granddaddy of all festivals, the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival.

The 4th installment of the 4-part concert series with The Julie McConnell Quartet returns to The DFR Lounge on Saturday, August 12th, 7-9:30pm! Featuring some fun and interesting new tunes, as well as fan favorites, with the second set featuring jazz harmony duets with Ruth Cooney on 2 songs!

-Julie McConnell, vocals
-Michael Jefry Stevens, piano
-Bryan McConnell, bass
-Bill Berg, drums
*special guest appearance: Ruth Cooney, vocal harmonies

-doors open at 6:00pm
-music starts at 7:00pm
-total of 88 seats

What an inspiring merging of worlds this evening will be as the music of Free Planet Radio converges with the work of master puppeteer Hobey Ford. This will be a very special and magical evening, not to miss!

Free Planet Radio, local Asheville favorites, are a dynamic and genre-defying band that blends elements of jazz, world music, and improvisation into a gorgeous and exciting musical experience. With their rich and textured soundscapes, intricate rhythms, and virtuosic instrumentation, the band takes listeners on a captivating journey across cultural boundaries. Comprising renowned musicians River Guerguerian on percussion, and Chris Rosser on piano and multi-instruments, Free Planet Radio’s performances are a fusion of musical exploration and improvisational brilliance that will wow you!

Hobey Ford is a renowned puppeteer known for his exceptional craftsmanship and captivating performances. With a career spanning over four decades, Hobey has delighted audiences worldwide with his unique blend of artistry, storytelling, and puppetry. He is particularly recognized for his expertise in the art of shadow puppetry, creating intricate and expressive puppets that come to life on stage. Through his shows, workshops, and educational programs, Hobey Ford continues to inspire and enchant audiences of all ages with his imaginative puppet creations and the magic they bring to the world of theater.

All ages welcome. Tickets are $30 online advance and $35 day of show.

AN EVENING WITH THE KINGSMENS QUARTET, ONE OF AMERICA’S TOP 5 !

The South Carolina New Play Festival is proud to present a posthumous staged reading of Essential Alice with music and lyrics by the late Broadway composer Michael Friedman (Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson) and book by Annie Weissman (Physical on Hulu), directed by 2-time TONY-winner Des McAnuff (Jersey Boys, Ain’t Too Proud, Tommy, Big River). The musical, which has never had a production, will present its first public showing on August 12 in Greenville, South Carolina.

Essential Alice combines the two books of Alice in Wonderland with Lewis Carroll narrating the story to the Liddell family on a rowboat in 19^th century England. It is a beautiful unheard musical by Michael Friedman and Annie Weissman. Michael was a brilliant composer and lyricist, and a person who was as dazzlingly talented as he was abundantly kind.

Cast Members

• Derrick Baskin – Broadway: Ain’t Too Proud, Little Mermaid, Memphis
• Drew Gehling – Broadway: Waitress, Almost Famous, On a Clear Day
• Grace McClean – Broadway: Bad Cinderella, Great Comet
• Nick Blaemire – Broadway: Glory Days, Godspell, CryBaby
• Kim Blanck – Off-Broadway: Octet
• Molly Wareham – Recent Fine Arts Center graduate

Voted #1 WNC festival in 1977, Black Mountain transforms four streets into a two-day festival filled with handcrafted artisan products, two music stages, a petting zoo, food, demonstrations, and of course – Honey!

We are gearing up for a youth talent showcase to be held at Burial Beer (South Slope location) at our August 13 event: LEAF Famtastic Sunday. The Talent Showcase will kick off at Burial starting at 1 p.m. Want to be part of it? Auditions are on Saturdays in July at LEAF Global Arts. The talent showcase is free to enter and the August 13 event is free as well.  Please pass this along to any young performers who might be interested! For more information, email Melissa McKinney at [email protected].

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/

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.

Death Grips

Teso and Austin

The Legubrian Orchestra, a shadowy and unheard-of music collective, quietly emerges from the fringes of anonymity, evading the spotlight with remarkable finesse. The group remains hidden, never before seen or heard in public. Yet, their lack of visibility does not deter the intrigue surrounding their elusive persona. Whispers of their existence circulate among a select few, lending an air of exclusivity to their enigmatic allure. Their existence comes to light through cryptic messages and underground whispers, igniting curiosity and fascination among music enthusiasts. This ensemble infuses beloved melodies with a somber allure, transforming the familiar into haunting masterpieces.

Edvard Tchivzhel, conductor

You’ll be brimming with holiday cheer when you leave this annual seasonal celebration! Gather your family and friends for Greenville’s favorite Christmas spectacular, which always features your favorites combined with fresh, new themes. Whether you’re carrying on a yuletide tradition or feeling inspired to start a new one, this concert is the perfect way to get into the spirit of the holidays.

CAROLINA CELTIC, is a monthly concert series which showcases Irish and Scottish musical traditions and often explores their commonality with the Appalachian ballads and stories of the Carolina mountains..

Tonight’s show will be a solo concert by series hosts, ROBIN BULLOCK and SUE RICHARDS

A major new duo of two award-winning American masters of traditional Celtic music, Sue Richards and Robin Bullock blend the ancient and magical tones of the Celtic harp with the powerful resonance of the steel-string guitar, cittern and mandolin, drawing on Irish, Scottish, Welsh and Breton traditions to create something truly unique: beautiful and timeless, yet fresh and current.

Their individual achievements speak for themselves, with (among many other accomplishments) Sue being a four-time National Scottish Harp Champion and Robin being a longtime touring sideman with Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award winner Tom Paxton.

Sue and Robin have been friends and colleagues for decades, having both recorded WAMMIE Award-winning solo albums for the Maryland-based Maggie’s Music label and collaborated on many other projects over the years; now both transplants to the western North Carolina mountains, they’re delighted to be joining forces in a long-overdue chamber-Celtic duo. The magic of their combined artistic excellence and mastery of Celtic traditions is captured on their brilliant duo debut CD Highland Ramble.

SUE RICHARDS, four-time National Scottish Harp Champion, has performed numerous times for the Embassy of Ireland in Washington DC, as well as for President Bill Clinton (twice!) and Queen Elizabeth II. She has served as president and distinguished judge for the Scottish Harp Society of America (SHSA) and founded the Washington DC Folk Harp Society. She has appeared on A Prairie Home Companion, sat in with The Chieftains, toured Norway and Scotland with the Harpa ensemble, and can be heard on dozens of award-winning recordings. Sue is a popular instructor at workshops around the country and has written several books of arrangements and original tunes. In addition to her solo work, Sue is a founding member of the Grammy-nominated Ensemble Galilei.

ROBIN BULLOCK has been hailed as a “Celtic guitar god” by Baltimore City Paper, “one of the best folk instrumentalists in the business” by Sing Out! Magazine and one of the 100 Greatest Acoustic Guitarists by DigitalDreamDoor.com. His honors include the Association for Independent Music’s prestigious INDIE Award (with the world-folk trio Helicon), Player’s Choice and Album of the Year Awards from Acoustic Guitar Magazine, and the Swannanoa Gathering’s Master Music Maker Award. Robin has played hundreds of concerts as touring sideman with Grammy Award-winning folk legend Tom Paxton, and was the sole support musician on four of Tom’s “Together at Last” tours with fellow Grammy winner Janis Ian. Writing about Robin in The NPR Curious Listener’s Guide to Celtic Music, Thistle and Shamrock host Fiona Ritchie says “Bullock’s music accents the connections between Celtic and American traditional and acoustic music. That he is able to do so by playing almost any stringed instrument to perfection is his specialty.”

With the release of their duo CD Highland Ramble joining their many critically-acclaimed solo albums, Sue and Robin prove that their individual talents together create a world-class combination, carrying Celtic tradition into new and transformative realms.

• VISIT THE ROBIN BULLOCK and SUE RICHARDS WEBSITE