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.
MASTERS CONCERT
A thrilling full-stage performance of original collaborative compositions created during the Asheville Percussion Festival’s residency week by our world-renowned Residency Artists. The lineup includes four-time Grammy Award winner, Glen Velez; rhythm vocalist, Loire Cotler; and Balinese Gamelan Ensemble from New York, Yowana Sari. We also welcome back Persian daf and tonbak player, Naghmeh Farahmand, and versatile musical prodigy, Adam Maalouf, as well as djembe player, Adama Dembele, from Ivory Coast and members of the Asheville-based Samba group, Zabumba.
THE ASHEVILLE PERCUSSION FESTIVAL ENCOMPASSES A WHOLE WEEK OF EVENTS -MONDAY, JUNE 24th THROUGH MONDAY, JULY 1st- INCLUDING: immersive workshops in frame drum, doumbek, handpan, djembe, samba, marimba, gamelan, and more, as well as concerts and demos for those who enjoy listening more than playing. Complete schedule, details, and ticket sales can all be found at the Info page of our website:
www.ashevillepercussionfestival.com/info
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This year’s theme, Rhythms of Diversity, brings percussionists from around the globe to Asheville to share their musical expertise, including four-time Grammy Award winner, Glen Velez; rhythm vocalist, Loire Cotler; and Balinese Gamelan Ensemble from New York, Yowana Sari. We also welcome back Persian daf and tonbak player, Naghmeh Farahmand, and versatile musical prodigy, Adam Maalouf, as well as djembe player, Adama Dembele, from Ivory Coast and members of the Asheville-based Samba group, Zabumba.
Check out the Residency Artists page on our website (http://www.ashevillepercussionfestival.com/artists) to learn more about the stellar lineup of talent for the 2019 festival. These inspiring musicians will create original compositions during the week to perform in a Masters Concert on Saturday evening, June 29th. Some of the featured artists will also offer workshops during the week-long intensive program and facilitate a sound meditation together on Sunday, June 30th, while several local musicians will facilitate the free community workshops on Saturday, June 29th.
This year’s Festival events, including the intensive program, are offered à la carte; create your own experience! This flexibility allows you to select the festival events you would like to attend, customized to fit your work and travel schedule.
Complete schedule, details, and ticket sales can all be found at the Info page of our website:
www.ashevillepercussionfestival.com/info
ALL TICKETS ARE DISCOUNTED 15% UNTIL MAY 1.
Please note: separate tickets are required for EACH event, including concerts and free workshops, even for intensive participants.
Shawna Jarrett hails from Charleston SC, where she is the head comic on the Charleston Comedy Bus and the host of The Get Up! comedy night. Her material includes such topics as businesses housed in former Pizza Huts, her home state of Florida, and (related) the time she saw her cousin on COPS.
“Half as famous as me” – Television’s Nick Di Paulo through a mouthful of Doritos
shawnajarrett.com
Twitter and Instagram: Shawna Jarrett
Featuring Jess Cooley and Dana Williams
Hosted by Lily Campbell
ages 18+
Tickets $7: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queer-comedy-party-ft-shawna-jarrett-tickets-62957266880
VIP Tickets $10: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queer-comedy-party-ft-shawna-jarrett-vip-ticket-tickets-62957753335
THE ASHEVILLE PERCUSSION FESTIVAL ENCOMPASSES A WHOLE WEEK OF EVENTS -MONDAY, JUNE 24th THROUGH MONDAY, JULY 1st- INCLUDING: immersive workshops in frame drum, doumbek, handpan, djembe, samba, marimba, gamelan, and more, as well as concerts and demos for those who enjoy listening more than playing. Complete schedule, details, and ticket sales can all be found at the Info page of our website:
www.ashevillepercussionfestival.com/info
.
This year’s theme, Rhythms of Diversity, brings percussionists from around the globe to Asheville to share their musical expertise, including four-time Grammy Award winner, Glen Velez; rhythm vocalist, Loire Cotler; and Balinese Gamelan Ensemble from New York, Yowana Sari. We also welcome back Persian daf and tonbak player, Naghmeh Farahmand, and versatile musical prodigy, Adam Maalouf, as well as djembe player, Adama Dembele, from Ivory Coast and members of the Asheville-based Samba group, Zabumba.
Check out the Residency Artists page on our website (http://www.ashevillepercussionfestival.com/artists) to learn more about the stellar lineup of talent for the 2019 festival. These inspiring musicians will create original compositions during the week to perform in a Masters Concert on Saturday evening, June 29th. Some of the featured artists will also offer workshops during the week-long intensive program and facilitate a sound meditation together on Sunday, June 30th, while several local musicians will facilitate the free community workshops on Saturday, June 29th.
This year’s Festival events, including the intensive program, are offered à la carte; create your own experience! This flexibility allows you to select the festival events you would like to attend, customized to fit your work and travel schedule.
Complete schedule, details, and ticket sales can all be found at the Info page of our website:
www.ashevillepercussionfestival.com/info
ALL TICKETS ARE DISCOUNTED 15% UNTIL MAY 1.
Please note: separate tickets are required for EACH event, including concerts and free workshops, even for intensive participants.
Diego Attanasio is a Detroit based comedian originally from Peru who quickly wins over crowds with his quick wit, likability, and sarcastic observations. His rapid-fire delivery and onstage charisma make Diego one of the most notable acts in the midwest.
Diego has performed stand-up in Alaska, Hawaii, and everywhere in between. He was a semi-finalist in the San Diego Comedy Festival and a finalist in the Laugh Your Bluegrass Off Comedy Festival. Additionally he has performed at the Baltimore Comedy Festival, Cleveland Comedy Festival, Memphis Comedy Fest, North Carolina Comedy Festival, Idaho Laugh Fest, Laugh Your Asheville Off Comedy Festival, Beast Village Comedy Festival, Motor City Comedy Festival, Burning Bridges Comedy Festival, Whiskey Bear Comedy Festival, Gilda’s LaughFest, Border City Comedy Fest, Windsor Comedy Festival, Let’s Fest, and Fairbanks Funny Festival. Diego has opened for Tig Notaro (Netflix), Robert Kelly (HBO), Matt Braunger (Comedy Central), and Joe List (Netflix).
ages 18+
Tickets $8 advance, $12 day of
FRIDAY: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-diego-attanasio-friday-tickets-61802141870
SATURDAY: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-diego-attanasio-saturday-tickets-61802355509
Join us for an intimate evening of eclectic music by this local, powerful duo!
Greenblues brings a message of world thought, and is often seasoned with eastern and African musical stylings. Many traditions are blended into a unique eclectic style, creating a very original kaleidoscope of sound, while maintaining the intimacy of a duet. The group consists of: Ashley Rae – vocals & percussion and Mike Gilmore – guitars, bouzouki & hand drums. Concert is free or $5-10 suggested donation.
Eyes Up Here Comedy is back!!! The amazing Erin Terry is back in Asheville with another group of incredible femme comics from all over the South East!
Featuring Allie Steinhoff, Morgan Bost, Chloë Marie Stillwell and more!
Sponsored by Hi-Wire Brewing & BRÖÖ Craft Beer Hair
Don’t forget to bring items to donate to the Homeless Period Project for chances to win great prizes from BRÖÖ and Hi-Wire Brewing!
All VIP tickets will receive a gift bag from BRÖÖ and VIP seating at the shows, but limited number of VIP seats available!
Tickets:
Early Show: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/eyes-up-here-comedy-early-show-tickets-64587077688
Early VIP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/eyes-up-here-comedy-early-show-vip-ticket-tickets-64587138871
Late Show: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/eyes-up-here-comedy-late-show-tickets-64587169964
Late VIP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/eyes-up-here-comedy-late-show-vip-ticket-tickets-64587264246
We invite you to bring your family, friends and neighbors to enjoy our first of many musical evenings in Biltmore Park Town Square. This Saturday, grab a blanket and join us in Cecil Park, the green space near Hickory Tavern and Brixx Wood Fired Pizza. BoogiTherapi, the All Star Funk Band, will be bringing all the energy and tunes! Come enjoy two full hours of live music, dancing and fun – free for everyone!
Rain or shine! In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved inside Hickory Tavern.
Jonathan “Jelly” Ellington is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter based in Austin, TX by way of the mountains of Asheville, NC. His vocals are smooth and soulful with an edgy guitar style, chiming in elements of raw and expressive blues-based rock n’ roll. Jelly has developed a reputation for exciting and untamed live performances, and has shared the stage and recorded with Grammy Award-winning artists. He has been making his mark on the Austin scene, voted Top 10 “Best Guitarist” in 2018 and 2019 Austin Chronicle Austin Music Awards.
Ryan Singer is the epitome of a comic’s comic, all the while remaining accessible to mainstream audiences. He is unlike any other comedian working today – through stories of experiences in his own life, he dares to venture into the world of the esoteric, paranormal, and the mystical seeking ways to make us laugh at ourselves and understand our connectedness. At his core he operates from the viewpoint that, “It is more fun to believe,” and that shines through in his humble and head-on approach of confronting hefty topics and taking counter-culture stances. He beautifully takes the audience on a journey of the mind and through imagination to find the inspiringly funny. With an overall positive message in his material, Singer reminds us to re-embrace our intuition and go with our gut, all the while he’s trying to bust it.
Ryan has released 4 full-length albums FREE LOVE, IMMORTAL FOR NOW, COMEDY WONDER TOWN & HOW TO GET HIGH WITHOUT DRUGS, was a recurring character as himself on IFC’s MARON, been seen on Seeso and is the creator and host of one of the top Science & Medicine podcasts on iTunes, ME & PARANORMAL YOU, conducting in-depth interviews with people who possess paranormal abilities or have had extraordinary experiences. His most recent album FREE LOVE was selected as on of the Top 10 Comedy Albums of 2018 by Vulture.com. He was selected by LA Weekly as one of “10 LA Comics to Watch” for 2014, was mentioned in NY Magazine as a “Comic to Watch,” was one of 4 finalists in the original CMT’s Next Big Comic Contest, is a frequent guest on the WTF Podcast w/Marc Maron and the Bob & Tom Show, and his joke “United Snacks of America” has over 9 million listens on Pandora.
ages 18+
Tickets $8 advance, $12 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/comedy-at-fleetwoods-ryan-singer-tickets-64204121255
We’re bringing the beach vibes up to the High Country Wednesday, July 17th!! Come join us down by the river for an evening of music (provided by NC’s premier beach music band The Catalinas), Shag Dancing, fresh seafood and ice cold Sierraveza! Kim from Asheville Fairy Hair-Finklepott’s Original Fairy Hairr will be joining us as well! Grab your dancing partner and make your way to Lower Park!
When: Wednesday, July 17
Where: Lower Park (river front property) at Sierra Nevada
ALL AGES
Doors 6:00pm | Music 6:30-8:30pm
Tickets: $7 in advance | $10 Day of (food not included in ticket price)
Link: https://shagbytheriver.eventbrite.com
Thursdays at Pulp Lounge, part of The Orange Peel in Downtown Asheville, Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic is a mix of professional local comedians, first-timers and everything in between!
Only $5, drink specials and FREE cookies are always part of the show!
Come have some fun with us, while you Sip & Sparkle!
Delicious libations (CBD can be added), and Finklepott’s Original Fairy Hair!
It’s going to be a Fairy-Good Time!
Jesse Barry, known for her soulful blues pipes and contagious enthusiasm on stage, began her music career at the tender age of eight years old. Influenced by Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Carole King, Etta James, and Susan Tedeschi, Jesse has created her own, unique blues sound. She is often described as an “old soul” and audiences are stunned by the huge voice that comes out of her small body. Popularly known as “Skinny Legs” from Skinny Legs and All, a band she created as a teenager, Jesse has placed in the Mountain Xpress “Best Of” blues band category three years in a row, and has performed at B.B. King’s Club for the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee, and at the Springing the Blues Festival in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Jesse competed on the popular TV show “American Idol” in season 9 and has made a lasting impact on her hometown, Asheville, North Carolina. She has recorded 3 albums with Skinny Legs and All and is currently working with her blues, funk, and soul group Jesse Barry and The Jam, special events band A Social Function, and her new Steely Dan tribute band Dirty Logic.
Join us at Hickory Nut Gap to see Jesse Barry and The Jam perform, eat farm-to-fork food, and prepare to dance!
Casey Balsham is a comedian and cheese lover out of New York City. She has been seen on Gotham Comedy Live, Tidal’s No Small Talk series and can be heard as one of the co-hosts of the popular Not Another True Crime Podcast by Betches. Casey was also the lead in the Off Broadway musical HA! and wrote and starred in her own one woman show called “Casey Balsham Does A Thing”. She has an album coming out this summer and would really like you to follow her on Instagram @casefaceb.
Featuring Robby Slowik
Hosted by TBA
ages 18+
Tickets $8 advance, $12 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-casey-balsham-tickets-64181881736
Put on your dancing boots and join Friends of the Smokies for the 2nd annual “Smokies Stomp” Barn Party just outside of Asheville, NC. The Smokies Stomp supports projects and programs in Great Smoky Mountains National Park like Parks As Classrooms, which brings thousands of schoolchildren into the Smokies every year. Folks will be treated to a gourmet farm-to-table dinner, live music, drinks, square dancing, and the opportunity to visit with rangers from the National Park Service. So come on out for fun and fundraising at the Smokies Stomp Barn Party!
Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.
Every Wednesday Epic Karaoke at Alley Cat Social Club.
Anything Goes 9pm until 2am

Bascom Lamar Lunsford founded the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival as a means for people to share and understand the beauty and dignity of the Southern Appalachian music, dance and storytelling traditions that have been handed down through generations in Western North Carolina. He saw the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival grow to be the oldest gathering of its kind in the nation and it continues in this way, a platform for the talented of the high country lying between the Great Smoky and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Come celebrate the 92nd Anniversary of the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival in our brand new, luxurious venue! Doors open each night at 5:30pm with performances starting promptly at 6:30pm.
If you like Shindig on the Green, you’ll love the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival! Proceeds support Shindig on the Green.
Advanced Purchase through July 31, 2019:
Adults $20.00, Students & Children (6-12 years) $5.00, 3-night package $50.00, Group (10 or more) $15.00/person.
At the Door:
Adults $25.00, Students $10.00, Children (6-12 years) $5.00, 3-night package $50.00, Group (10 or more) $20.00/person

Bascom Lamar Lunsford founded the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival as a means for people to share and understand the beauty and dignity of the Southern Appalachian music, dance and storytelling traditions that have been handed down through generations in Western North Carolina. He saw the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival grow to be the oldest gathering of its kind in the nation and it continues in this way, a platform for the talented of the high country lying between the Great Smoky and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Come celebrate the 92nd Anniversary of the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival in our brand new, luxurious venue! Doors open each night at 5:30pm with performances starting promptly at 6:30pm.
If you like Shindig on the Green, you’ll love the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival! Proceeds support Shindig on the Green.
Advanced Purchase through July 31, 2019:
Adults $20.00, Students & Children (6-12 years) $5.00, 3-night package $50.00, Group (10 or more) $15.00/person.
At the Door:
Adults $25.00, Students $10.00, Children (6-12 years) $5.00, 3-night package $50.00, Group (10 or more) $20.00/person

Bascom Lamar Lunsford founded the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival as a means for people to share and understand the beauty and dignity of the Southern Appalachian music, dance and storytelling traditions that have been handed down through generations in Western North Carolina. He saw the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival grow to be the oldest gathering of its kind in the nation and it continues in this way, a platform for the talented of the high country lying between the Great Smoky and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Come celebrate the 92nd Anniversary of the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival in our brand new, luxurious venue! Doors open each night at 5:30pm with performances starting promptly at 6:30pm.
If you like Shindig on the Green, you’ll love the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival! Proceeds support Shindig on the Green.
Advanced Purchase through July 31, 2019:
Adults $20.00, Students & Children (6-12 years) $5.00, 3-night package $50.00, Group (10 or more) $15.00/person.
At the Door:
Adults $25.00, Students $10.00, Children (6-12 years) $5.00, 3-night package $50.00, Group (10 or more) $20.00/person
DJ Drew is having his birthday bash and throwing down 80’s and 90’s hits.
Dance party starts around 9pm and goes all night.
This Friday, August 16th, we are excited to bring back what is becoming a cult favorite this summer! Fave local DJs Molly Parti and DJ Oso Rey will take turns spinning songs from the hits of the 80s vs. 90s, all for your dancing and reminiscing enjoyment. Make plans to get your crew together for a night filled with fun, friends, nostalgia and great tunes and craft beer at the Peel for just $5 in advance! The only decision is whether to wear leg-warmers and jelly bracelets, or bust out your favorite flannel shirt and your Docs.
Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.
Curious about dance classes for your child, but want to be sure? Join us at any of our free classes at our Open House on August 24. Reserve your spot today, or go ahead and register for Fall classes at our website, terpsicorpsacademy.org.
10:15 AM – 11:00 AM
(ages 3-5) Creative Movement
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
(ages 5-6) PreBallet / Tap 2
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM
(ages 3-5) Boy’s Creative Movement
12:00 PM – 12:45 PM
(ages 7-9) Ballet 1
12:15 PM – 1:00 PM
(ages 3-4) PreBallet/PreTap 1
1:00 PM – 1:45 PM
(ages 8.5-10) Ballet 2
1:15 PM – 2:00 PM
(ages 6-9) B-Boy Break Dancing
An all star evening of secrets and truths. This immersive cabaret event will initiate you into a society of mysteries by our talented performers. High in the air or down on the earth, this show will amaze and enlist you to a wondrous otherworld.
Featured performers:
Carmel Clavin – Your Host
Luke Schares – Your Musician
Dana Beaufait Stevens – Your Bellydancer
Boo Velvet – Your Pole Artist
Satya Jvala – Your Aerialist
with Ella Minnope rounding out the cast
Encounter the Very Serious & Not At All Silly Disorder of the Key at this sumptuous display of variety talent!
Speakeasy, your loose lips could sink ships…
Produced by Spectacle & Mirth
$20 – General Admission – STANDING room only!
$28 – General Seating
$40 – VIP with preferred seating and swag
Mia Jackson is a bonafide Georgia peach (that’s Georgian for “native”) and self proclaimed know-it-all. After graduating from the University of Georgia she hit the local comedy scene and has thrilled audiences since day one. To her credit she has appeared on NickMom’s Night Out, Viceland and was a semi-finalist on Season 9 of NBC’s Last Comic Standing. She has appeared on Inside Amy Schumer and the movie Mother’s Day. In 2017, she was named a New Face at the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal and Atlanta’s Creative Loafing named her the city’s Best Stand-Up. Smart, funny, and versatile, Mia entertains all types of crowds. She just filmed her Comedy Central special at the end of January.
Featuring Petey Smith McDowell
Hosted by Morgan Bost
Sponsored by BRÖÖ Craft Beer Hair
ages 18+
Tickets $10 advance, $12 day of
FRIDAY: Doors at 8pm, show at 9pm
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-mia-jackson-friday-night-tickets-64202408131
SATURDAY: Doors at 9pm, show at 9:45pm
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-mia-jackson-saturday-night-tickets-64203472314
Mia Jackson is a bonafide Georgia peach (that’s Georgian for “native”) and self proclaimed know-it-all. After graduating from the University of Georgia she hit the local comedy scene and has thrilled audiences since day one. To her credit she has appeared on NickMom’s Night Out, Viceland and was a semi-finalist on Season 9 of NBC’s Last Comic Standing. She has appeared on Inside Amy Schumer and the movie Mother’s Day. In 2017, she was named a New Face at the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal and Atlanta’s Creative Loafing named her the city’s Best Stand-Up. Smart, funny, and versatile, Mia entertains all types of crowds. She just filmed her Comedy Central special at the end of January.
Featuring Petey Smith McDowell
Hosted by Morgan Bost
Sponsored by BRÖÖ Craft Beer Hair
ages 18+
Tickets $10 advance, $12 day of
FRIDAY: Doors at 8pm, show at 9pm
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-mia-jackson-friday-night-tickets-64202408131
SATURDAY: Doors at 9pm, show at 9:45pm
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-mia-jackson-saturday-night-tickets-64203472314
Attention all knights, pages, jesters, jousters, kings, queens, princesses and princes! Get your costumes ready, and come out and have some fun on September 7th! Boys, girls, moms, dads, come one, come all to the First Annual Renaissance Fair at the Farm. We have all sorts of fun demonstrations planned, such as fencing, sword fighting, and juggling. Other activities to be announced, including a costume contest!
A born & raised Cincinnati comedian, Ran Barnaclo has proven himself a front runner in the local scene after winning the title of 2017’s Funniest Person in Cincinnati. Ran has also been nominated as ‘Best Comedian’ in Best of Cincinnati’s 2018 locally voted contest.
Ran’s comedy is full of calculated descriptions that have audiences laughing for days. His story telling abilities are so aggressively masterful they can take the crowd out of their seats and into the mind of a tattooed wizard.
Ran has been able to build a fan base at his home club, Go Banana’s Comedy Club; located right outside of Cincinnati. He has shared the stage with national headliners such as Cy Admundson, Sean Patton, Kyle Kinane, and has done CYSK in NYC and The Brew Ha-Ha comedy Festival.
-Anna Mazza
Tickets $10 advance, $12 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-ran-barnaclo-tickets-67290350249

