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.
Bring your instruments, families, friends, lawn chairs and blankets and join us for good times at the Bascom Lamar Lunsford Stage. In 2022 Shindig on the Green, which features a stage show and informal jam sessions around the park, continues at its original location — formerly known as City County Plaza, now transformed into the new Pack Square Park. Locals and visitors alike come together downtown “along about sundown,” or at 7:00pm for those who wear a watch, until 10:00p.m. Concessions are available. Come experience the beautiful music and dance traditions of Southern Appalachia on a summer evening in the mountains.
Eats and Treats: Concessions are provided by The Hop Ice Cream Cafe, and there are plenty of other establishments nearby for food and drinks.
Parking: Parking is available in marked and metered spaces throughout downtown Asheville (free after 6pm) and the city’s municipal decks (evening rates vary). Very convenient to Shindig, Buncombe County’s Charlotte Street Parking Deck is directly across College Street from Pack Square Park and the Buncombe County Courthouse. Parking for buses is available at the Asheville Public Works Building parking lot at 161 S. Charlotte Street. This lot is vacant on Saturday nights. It is recommended that passengers unload at Pack Square Park before the bus is parked in the lot.
Dogs or Other Pets: Please leave your pets at home (unless it’s a service animal). The City of Asheville restricts pets from being present at outdoor special events. Pets, even the best behaved ones, are not allowed at Pack Square Park during Shindig.
Public Transit: There is a major transfer point on College St. for public transit. Check www.ridetheart.com for maps and schedules.. Route E1 provides Saturday evening service to and from the ART Station.
Join us to celebrate the power of collective healing through culture and connection. A showcase of Umoja’s youth and programs in Asheville, NC.
Featuring:
- The Hypnotic Band,
- The Free Flow Band,
- Cooking with Comedy,
- Beer City Sisters Silent Auction
- Urban Arts Institute Eternity Dance Group Reunion
- performances from the H.O.P.E. 4 the Future youth & more
Main Event Ticket: $50
- Hors d’ouvres provided by Chef Clarence Robinson of Cooking with Comedy and dessert provided by Brandy Mills of Smallcakes
VIP Event Ticket: $100
- 6:00 PM VIP Networking Event
- Exclusives prior to the main event include dinner by Chef Clarence Robinson & an exclusive musical performance by David LaMotte plus admittance to the Main Event.
Dress in all white for the Midsummer Night White Party!
Contemporary folk quartet Life Like Water will join forces with global sound ensemble Free Planet Radio for a memorable double bill at the Grey Eagle on August 13th. Both bands are based in Asheville with a focus on bringing together world music from a variety of influences.
Since 2001, Free Planet Radio has been bringing its exciting and innovative world-jazz-classical music blend to both concert stages and classrooms. Based in Asheville NC, this musical partnership began as a trio consisting of Chris Rosser, River Guerguerian, and recently deceased Eliot Wadopian. The three co-composed their repertoire with a clear mission statement as “the shared vision of three multi-instrumentalists exploring the infinite and seamless relationships between musical cultures through the universal language of sound.” They now apply this same philosophy to new musical collaborations with an expanding array of guest artists.
Free Planet Radio performances expertly weave the improvisatory element of jazz, and the subtleties and harmonic vocabulary of Western classical music, with Middle Eastern, Indian and North African melodic and rhythmic structures. Performing mostly original compositions, even while playing extremely complex melodies and time signatures, the trio always maintains a sense of accessibility, spontaneity and easy engagement with the audience. They have performed with jazz singer Lizz Wright, poet Robert Bly, Turkish instrumentalist Omar Faruk Tekbilek, bluegrass violinist Casey Driessen, flute virtuoso Rhonda Larson, Armenian singer Mariam Matossian, and Persian violinist Farzad Farhangi. In 2014, Free Planet Radio was awarded a prestigious grant from Chamber Music America commissioning and performances of a new set of works with the Opal String Quartet. In 2016, the trio traveled to the People’s Republic of China for a 20 city tour of their finest concert halls.
The one and only Nat Zegree (Million Dollar Quartet, Amadeus) returns to The Rock to whisk our audiences away on an all-new musical journey through the history and triumphs of music from Mozart to today’s current hits. Joining Nat on stage will be some of the brightest rock and symphonic musicians from the region each commemorating and celebrating the musical masters and masterpieces throughout time!
Raised on an island in South Carolina, singer/songwriter Trevor Hall realized at a young age that music was more than just a passion – it was his life’s art. At sixteen, he recorded his first album. Shortly after, Hall left South Carolina for Idyllwild Arts Academy in California where he studied classical guitar and was introduced to the practices of yoga and meditation, which would greatly influence his life and his music.
Hall’s music, a blend of roots and folk music with touches of electronic elements, is imbued with a deep love of Eastern Mysticism. This powerful symbiosis fostered a deep connectivity with his growing fan base and Trevor quickly matured into a leader of the burgeoning conscious musical community. Along with numerous pilgrimages to India, he has sold out the historic Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado as a headliner and he also completed a series of sold-out international tours with artists such as Ziggy Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Michael Franti, John Butler Trio, Matisyahu, and Brett Dennen.
IN AND THROUGH THE BODY, Hall’s latest record, released September 25th, 2020, presents his most mature sound yet, touching on the timeless human themes of love, struggle, growth, and redemption. Hall uses a palette of genres that span from folk, roots-rock, indie, and electronic, all with a consistent wash of authentic far-Eastern influence.
Trevor Hall’s prior release, THE FRUITFUL DARKNESS, was his first independent release and the #1 music campaign of 2017 on Kickstarter. The album was released on June 1st, 2018, and premiered at #4 on the iTunes Alternative Charts. In the lead-up to the new album, IN AND THROUGH THE BODY, Hall released a 2020 single featuring Brett Dennen, Put Down What You Are Carrying, which immediately became one of the top-streamed songs in his scene.
Chapter of the Forest (2014) and KALA (2015), debuted at #3 and #2 on the iTunes singer/songwriter chart respectively.
Hall and his wife, Emory, created the Where the Rivers Meet Foundation in 2020 in order to continue their humanitarian efforts in both India and Nepal. “After decades spent traveling across India and Nepal,” they say, “we were inspired to create a foundation that could give back to those lands and people that touched and impacted our lives so immensely.”
IN AND THROUGH THE BODY was produced by Brad Cook (Bon Iver, Hiss Golden Messenger), with additional instrumentation from Phil Cook (Megafaun) and Matthew McCaughan (Bon Iver), as well as vocal accompaniment from Emory Hall. Hall’s mother and sister also have vocal appearances on a song, making the album truly a family affair. The album was recorded in Durham, North Carolina, and mixed at Great Stone Studios in Oakland, California (former home of Green Day) by Johnny Cosmic (Stick Figure).
Gone Gone Beyond is the synergy of David Block, Danny Musengo, Kat Factor, and Mel Semé, delivering a potent message of hope and the desire to return to humanity. The band seems to capture the story of beautiful uncertainty in an ever-changing world. Their music pays homage to the traditions of folk-Americana songwriting while bringing together a myriad of influences from electronica, jazz, soul, and world music. Gone Gone Beyond is painting a new kind of sonic landscape, and it sits between the roots of the California redwoods and the vastness of the Pleiades constellation.
Their music has been described as “mesmerizing future folk” (Consequence of Sound) that blends organic and electronic music. Since their debut EP in late 2016, they have played a range of events and festivals including Coachella, Lightning in a Bottle, the UN General Assembly, Red Rocks, and many others.
Official 2022 Raffle Rules
PROCEEDS
This raffle is a fundraising event, and all net proceeds benefit the Brevard Music Center (BMC). Brevard Music Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN# 56-0729350
DRAWING
The drawing will take place on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at 3:00pm EDT. All mail, phone, and internet orders must be received by 11:59pm EDT on Monday, November 14, 2022.
TICKETS
The cost to purchase a single entry (“Ticket”) for the Raffle is $125 (U.S. Funds only) and is not tax deductible.
DETAILS
- By entering this raffle, entrants accept and agree to be bound by all the rules, limitations and restrictions set forth here and that their names and/or likenesses may be disclosed to and used by the news media and may otherwise be used by BMC for publicity purposes.
- The winner may choose a new 2022 Volvo, Subaru, or Hyundai prize vehicle from Hunter Automotive Group of Fletcher, NC with an MSRP up to $50,000.
- Vehicle choice will be subject to the current available inventory of the dealer. BMC reserves the right to substitute a Volvo, Subaru, or Hyundai model of equal value.
- The winner is responsible for all taxes, delivery costs, dealer fees, and any options he or she may choose above the vehicle’s manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) greater than $50,000.
- The gross winnings of the raffle will be reported to the federal and state tax authorities at the MSRP and the winner is responsible for income tax withholding prior to taking title to the prize.
- Individuals may purchase as many tickets as they wish; however, only 1,500 tickets will be sold.
- Participants must be 18 years old or older.
- BMC employees, faculty, and students 18 or older are eligible to participate.
- Winnings are not redeemable for cash.
- If a minimum of 600 tickets is not sold, all ticket holders will receive a full refund and the raffle will not occur.
- BMC does not make or provide any representation, guarantee or warranty, expressed or implied, in connection with the car and accepts no liability or responsibility regarding the construction or condition of the car.
WINNINGS
Once the winner has selected a prize vehicle, the Dealer will notify BMC of the award vehicle’s MSRP. BMC will calculate the required federal income taxes due. The raffle winner is responsible for remitting the funds to BMC for the federal income tax. Brevard Music Center is required by law to report the base MSRP of the vehicle the winner chooses as gaming income to federal and state authorities and to withhold and deposit federal income taxes equal to 25% of the MSRP less the wager (raffle ticket). The winner’s payment of the federal taxes to BMC will be deposited with the US Federal Treasury and the winner will receive credit for the taxes remitted. In order for the dealer to release the winner’s vehicle, the winner will need to provide the following to BMC:
- A completed form W-9.
- Payment to BMC of the appropriate amount of federal tax withholding in cash or certified check.
Once both of these are received, BMC will authorize the dealer to release the vehicle. The winner will receive a Form W-2G by January 31, 2023 to use in preparing their 2022 income tax return.
Ethno is JM International’s program for folk, world and traditional music. Founded in 1990, it is aimed at young musicians (up to the age of 30) with a mission to revive and keep alive global cultural heritage.
Present today in over 40 countries and on all 6 continents, Ethno engages young people through a series of annual international music camps as well as workshops, concerts and tours, working together with schools, conservatories and other groups of youth to promote peace, tolerance and understanding.
Applications are open for the second edition of Ethno USA, from October 11-23 in beautiful Black Mountain, NC. We are so excited to be back there, and we hope you’ll join us.
We expect to welcome up to 40 musicians. Will you be one of them? Apply now!!
The artistic mentors are:
Anh Phung — Flute, Vocal (Canada)
Dal’Suhu Not-Afraid — Voice, Guitar, Drums(Hopi Nation, USA)
Helen Forsythe — Accordion, Banjo (USA)
Justin Golden — Guitar, Voice (USA)
Fifth mentor TBA!
Sign up! Applications are approved on a rolling basis!
Jazz Sunday at One World Brewing West is a modern jazz jam held every Sunday afternoon from 1-4pm. Previously known as Jazz Monday, the jam has been running non stop since July, 2018 at the West Asheville brewery and is hosted weekly by The Fully Vaccinated Jazz Trio, consisting of Ray Ring on guitar, Jason DeCristofaro on drums, piano and vibraphone, and Connor Law on bass. Jazz Sunday typically features a guest artist for a short set and then welcomes jazz musicians of all levels to sit in for the remainder of the afternoon on One World’s spacious outdoor stage.
Steve Lapointe’s nine years of classical piano as a youth grounded him in music theory. Jazz studies while in Ithaca, NY, opened his ears to extemporaneous improvisation and the music of Keith Jarrett, Chick Corea, Bill Evans, Michel Petrucciani and the American songbook. Steve served as musical director of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Vero Beach, Florida, and occasionally performed at the UU Asheville congregation.
THURSDAY NIGHT LIVE
On select Thursdays, local musicians enliven our spaces with music to complement your visit. As you stroll the galleries, a variety of tunes adds new dimensions to your viewing experience.
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
“Inside Broadway” is a combination of a cabaret-style performance paired with an “Inside the Actor’s Studio” type-interview with Broadway celebrities Jarrod Spector and Kelli Barrett. The performers will tell stories from working on the Broadway productions of Les Misérables, Jersey Boys, Beautiful, The Cher Show, Rock of Ages, and more and then give the audience a chance to hear songs from some of those shows performed live.
Spector was nominated for both a Tony and an Outer Critics Circle Award for his performance as Barry Mann in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. He made his Broadway debut as Gavroche in the original production of Les Misérables and went on to play a record-breaking 1,500 performances as Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys on Broadway as well as originating the role of Sonny Bono in The Cher Show. Barrett is a stage and screen actor with credits in Apple TV’s Dickinson, Marvel’s The Punisher, and the Paramount+ series Younger. She also starred in the original Off-Broadway cast of Rock of Ages and the original Broadway casts of Baby It’s You!, Zhivago, and Gettin’ the Band Back Together.
This new app allows you to listen while also using your phone for other things like texting, browsing, and using other apps (like Dig Local to see where to go and what to do in AVL!) You’re able to pause and rewind the live audio, view the program schedule, and best of all, explore and listen to archived content whenever you want. You can even share stories with your friends and feedback with the station.
Official 2022 Raffle Rules
PROCEEDS
This raffle is a fundraising event, and all net proceeds benefit the Brevard Music Center (BMC). Brevard Music Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN# 56-0729350
DRAWING
The drawing will take place on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at 3:00pm EDT. All mail, phone, and internet orders must be received by 11:59pm EDT on Monday, November 14, 2022.
TICKETS
The cost to purchase a single entry (“Ticket”) for the Raffle is $125 (U.S. Funds only) and is not tax deductible.
DETAILS
- By entering this raffle, entrants accept and agree to be bound by all the rules, limitations and restrictions set forth here and that their names and/or likenesses may be disclosed to and used by the news media and may otherwise be used by BMC for publicity purposes.
- The winner may choose a new 2022 Volvo, Subaru, or Hyundai prize vehicle from Hunter Automotive Group of Fletcher, NC with an MSRP up to $50,000.
- Vehicle choice will be subject to the current available inventory of the dealer. BMC reserves the right to substitute a Volvo, Subaru, or Hyundai model of equal value.
- The winner is responsible for all taxes, delivery costs, dealer fees, and any options he or she may choose above the vehicle’s manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) greater than $50,000.
- The gross winnings of the raffle will be reported to the federal and state tax authorities at the MSRP and the winner is responsible for income tax withholding prior to taking title to the prize.
- Individuals may purchase as many tickets as they wish; however, only 1,500 tickets will be sold.
- Participants must be 18 years old or older.
- BMC employees, faculty, and students 18 or older are eligible to participate.
- Winnings are not redeemable for cash.
- If a minimum of 600 tickets is not sold, all ticket holders will receive a full refund and the raffle will not occur.
- BMC does not make or provide any representation, guarantee or warranty, expressed or implied, in connection with the car and accepts no liability or responsibility regarding the construction or condition of the car.
WINNINGS
Once the winner has selected a prize vehicle, the Dealer will notify BMC of the award vehicle’s MSRP. BMC will calculate the required federal income taxes due. The raffle winner is responsible for remitting the funds to BMC for the federal income tax. Brevard Music Center is required by law to report the base MSRP of the vehicle the winner chooses as gaming income to federal and state authorities and to withhold and deposit federal income taxes equal to 25% of the MSRP less the wager (raffle ticket). The winner’s payment of the federal taxes to BMC will be deposited with the US Federal Treasury and the winner will receive credit for the taxes remitted. In order for the dealer to release the winner’s vehicle, the winner will need to provide the following to BMC:
- A completed form W-9.
- Payment to BMC of the appropriate amount of federal tax withholding in cash or certified check.
Once both of these are received, BMC will authorize the dealer to release the vehicle. The winner will receive a Form W-2G by January 31, 2023 to use in preparing their 2022 income tax return.
Ethno is JM International’s program for folk, world and traditional music. Founded in 1990, it is aimed at young musicians (up to the age of 30) with a mission to revive and keep alive global cultural heritage.
Present today in over 40 countries and on all 6 continents, Ethno engages young people through a series of annual international music camps as well as workshops, concerts and tours, working together with schools, conservatories and other groups of youth to promote peace, tolerance and understanding.
Applications are open for the second edition of Ethno USA, from October 11-23 in beautiful Black Mountain, NC. We are so excited to be back there, and we hope you’ll join us.
We expect to welcome up to 40 musicians. Will you be one of them? Apply now!!
The artistic mentors are:
Anh Phung — Flute, Vocal (Canada)
Dal’Suhu Not-Afraid — Voice, Guitar, Drums(Hopi Nation, USA)
Helen Forsythe — Accordion, Banjo (USA)
Justin Golden — Guitar, Voice (USA)
Fifth mentor TBA!
Sign up! Applications are approved on a rolling basis!
The Street Dances have been a tradition for over 100 years in Downtown Hendersonville! They began in 1918, at the end of World War I, when the city welcomed home its soldiers from the War by celebrating in the streets. The Street Dances feature bluegrass music, square dancing and demonstrations of clogging, a traditional southern Appalachian style of dance.
Enjoy the fresh air, bring a chair and delight in the one-of-a-kind experience you’ll get from this fun event!
This week, enjoy the music of Hightop Mountain Harmony, a four-piece band that plays a mix of bluegrass, country and gospel music. This week’s clogging performance will be the Southern Connection Cloggers!
In case of inclement weather, the concert will be postponed until 8pm. If the weather does not improve by 8 pm the performance will be canceled.
This Concert Series is sponsored by Burger King, Kathy Watkins of Preferred Realty, Firehouse Subs, Blue Ridge Hospitality and Mast General. This event is hosted by the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority.
This new app allows you to listen while also using your phone for other things like texting, browsing, and using other apps (like Dig Local to see where to go and what to do in AVL!) You’re able to pause and rewind the live audio, view the program schedule, and best of all, explore and listen to archived content whenever you want. You can even share stories with your friends and feedback with the station.
Official 2022 Raffle Rules
PROCEEDS
This raffle is a fundraising event, and all net proceeds benefit the Brevard Music Center (BMC). Brevard Music Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN# 56-0729350
DRAWING
The drawing will take place on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at 3:00pm EDT. All mail, phone, and internet orders must be received by 11:59pm EDT on Monday, November 14, 2022.
TICKETS
The cost to purchase a single entry (“Ticket”) for the Raffle is $125 (U.S. Funds only) and is not tax deductible.
DETAILS
- By entering this raffle, entrants accept and agree to be bound by all the rules, limitations and restrictions set forth here and that their names and/or likenesses may be disclosed to and used by the news media and may otherwise be used by BMC for publicity purposes.
- The winner may choose a new 2022 Volvo, Subaru, or Hyundai prize vehicle from Hunter Automotive Group of Fletcher, NC with an MSRP up to $50,000.
- Vehicle choice will be subject to the current available inventory of the dealer. BMC reserves the right to substitute a Volvo, Subaru, or Hyundai model of equal value.
- The winner is responsible for all taxes, delivery costs, dealer fees, and any options he or she may choose above the vehicle’s manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) greater than $50,000.
- The gross winnings of the raffle will be reported to the federal and state tax authorities at the MSRP and the winner is responsible for income tax withholding prior to taking title to the prize.
- Individuals may purchase as many tickets as they wish; however, only 1,500 tickets will be sold.
- Participants must be 18 years old or older.
- BMC employees, faculty, and students 18 or older are eligible to participate.
- Winnings are not redeemable for cash.
- If a minimum of 600 tickets is not sold, all ticket holders will receive a full refund and the raffle will not occur.
- BMC does not make or provide any representation, guarantee or warranty, expressed or implied, in connection with the car and accepts no liability or responsibility regarding the construction or condition of the car.
WINNINGS
Once the winner has selected a prize vehicle, the Dealer will notify BMC of the award vehicle’s MSRP. BMC will calculate the required federal income taxes due. The raffle winner is responsible for remitting the funds to BMC for the federal income tax. Brevard Music Center is required by law to report the base MSRP of the vehicle the winner chooses as gaming income to federal and state authorities and to withhold and deposit federal income taxes equal to 25% of the MSRP less the wager (raffle ticket). The winner’s payment of the federal taxes to BMC will be deposited with the US Federal Treasury and the winner will receive credit for the taxes remitted. In order for the dealer to release the winner’s vehicle, the winner will need to provide the following to BMC:
- A completed form W-9.
- Payment to BMC of the appropriate amount of federal tax withholding in cash or certified check.
Once both of these are received, BMC will authorize the dealer to release the vehicle. The winner will receive a Form W-2G by January 31, 2023 to use in preparing their 2022 income tax return.
Ethno is JM International’s program for folk, world and traditional music. Founded in 1990, it is aimed at young musicians (up to the age of 30) with a mission to revive and keep alive global cultural heritage.
Present today in over 40 countries and on all 6 continents, Ethno engages young people through a series of annual international music camps as well as workshops, concerts and tours, working together with schools, conservatories and other groups of youth to promote peace, tolerance and understanding.
Applications are open for the second edition of Ethno USA, from October 11-23 in beautiful Black Mountain, NC. We are so excited to be back there, and we hope you’ll join us.
We expect to welcome up to 40 musicians. Will you be one of them? Apply now!!
The artistic mentors are:
Anh Phung — Flute, Vocal (Canada)
Dal’Suhu Not-Afraid — Voice, Guitar, Drums(Hopi Nation, USA)
Helen Forsythe — Accordion, Banjo (USA)
Justin Golden — Guitar, Voice (USA)
Fifth mentor TBA!
Sign up! Applications are approved on a rolling basis!
East Nashville indie artist, Kristen Englenz, paints musical stories both intimately aching and defiant with hope. A misfit renaissance woman, Englenz is a classically trained pianist, french hornist, guitarist, bird calling champion, and visual artist. She’s also a UNC Asheville grad!
Roots music journal No Depression called Englenz’s music “stream of consciousness Beat poetry imbued with good-down-home Southern sensibility.” And Stomp and Stammer said, “There is a stirring intimacy to these performances that holds you in their grasp.”
Englenz’s debut album, ingénue, was recorded in Nashville by three-time Grammy nominee and producer Ken Coomer, former drummer for Wilco. It includes a collaboration with five-time Grammy winning gospel legends, The Blind Boys of Alabama, recorded at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals.
Englenz attributes her melodies to be partially inspired by the natural world. Her interest in environmental activism is shared in her popular web series “Caterwauling with Kristen” where she mimics birdcalls and teaches about avian species. “I don’t know why a certain chord progression makes us want to cry or to laugh,” says Englenz. “If we figured that out, we would probably understand birds and nature much better!”
With ten multi-platinum albums and 16 Top 30 hits, FOREIGNER is universally hailed as one of the most popular rock acts in the world with a formidable musical arsenal that continues to propel sold-out tours and album sales, now exceeding 80 million. Responsible for some of rock and roll’s most enduring anthems including “Juke Box Hero,” “Cold As Ice,” “Hot Blooded,” “Waiting For A Girl Like You,” “Feels Like The First Time,” “Urgent,” “Head Games,” “Say You Will,” “Dirty White Boy,” “Long, Long Way From Home” and the worldwide #1 hit, “I Want To Know What Love Is,” FOREIGNER still rocks the charts more than 40 years into the game with massive airplay and continued Billboard Top 200 album success. Streams of FOREIGNER’s hits are approaching 10 million per week.
A singer, composer, and actor, Lyle Lovett has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans 14 albums. Coupled with his gift for storytelling, the Texas-based musician fuses elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel, and blues in a convention-defying manner that breaks down barriers.
Whether touring as a ‘Duo,’ with his ‘Acoustic Group’ or his ‘Large Band,’ Lovett’s live performances show not only the breadth of this Texas legend’s deep talents but also the diversity of his influences, making him one of the most compelling and captivating musicians in popular music.
Since his self-titled debut in 1986, Lyle Lovett has evolved into one of music’s most vibrant and iconic performers. Among his many accolades, besides the four Grammy Awards, he was given the Americana Music Association’s inaugural Trailblazer Award and was named Texas State Musician.
His works, rich and eclectic, are some of the most beloved of any artist working today.
Some years ago, a young collective of extraterrestrials arrived on this planet and happened upon a small college town in Alabama. Home to both otherworldly jazz guru Sun Ra and rocket scientist Wernher von Braun, it is clear that Alabama is a direct linkage to outer space. In order to integrate into human society, these aliens would disguise themselves as a rock band, the perfect vehicle in which to traverse the globe and further their research. They would soon be known to the people of Earth as Man or Astro-Man?.
Unearthing thrift store records by the likes of Link Wray, The Ventures, Dick Dale, Duane Eddy, The Marketts & The Safaris – Man or Astro-Man? began to formulate their own blend of the retro-futuristic inspired by their offbeat musical discoveries. Innovative stage sets and designs by Kraftwerk, The Spotniks, The Residents, Devo, Sun Ra, and The B-52s also had an impact on the emerging ensemble.
Man or Astro-Man? began playing countless shows in the Southeast with bands like Southern Culture on the Skids, The Woggles, Hillbilly Frankenstein, The Subsonics, and The Flat Duo Jets. The group soon caught the attention of Estrus Records’ owner Dave Crider who released their full-length debut, Is it…Man or Astro-Man? (1993).
The label’s design aesthetic revolved around the other-wordly concepts of designer Art Chantry whose works melded perfectly with the Astro-minds. Destroy All Astro- Men (1994), Project Infinity (1995), and several EP’s were also released by Estrus.
Touch and Go Records released all later Astro-transmissions. Experiment Zero (1996) was recorded in three days with engineer Steve Albini at Zero Return Studios in Alabama. Now drawing influences from the future (as well as the past), the band began to extend their use of samples, computer programming, homemade instruments, electronic gadgetry, tape splicing, and other bits of Earth technology. Both the 1000X EP (1997) and Made From Technetium (1997) were darker steps into the futuristic soundtrack realm.
Now, Man or Astro-man? have returned to Earth and unveiled their finest recorded work to date. Defcon 5…4…3…2…1 is here now with a striking validity that the band is unquestionably as both tuneful and energetic as they ever have been. The record combines ever-familiar Astro audio tones and the well-established playing ferocity that the band is known for, but yet now, there is an undeniably evolution to the band that is both intuitive, logical and well crafted. Man or Astro-man? has arrived in the present (and future, of course) with imminent purpose. And of course, they still bring an over-the-top, sensory overloaded show, which has always gained them a reputation for always being an undisputedly amazing band to see live.
Shutups was born in a leaky storage container in the winter of 2015— Oakland-based singer/guitarist Hadley Davis had just rekindled his friendship with ex-college housemate Mia Wood, who immediately took it upon herself to learn the drums. Fueled by the unbridled potential of a new creative outlet, the DIY-bred two-piece began writing and recording at a lightning pace.
Pasting pop fantasies upon obscenely distorted guitars, Shutups borrow equally from 2000s alternative and 70s soft rock balladry—like Dave Grohl pounding his way through ELO covers compressed through the blown-out speakers of your shitty car. Davis’ vivid lyricism paints romantic yet self-deprecating portraits of suburban life in a world spun out of control, gaining the band a co-sign from modern-day garage rock icon Mike Krol.
A year after their Cody Votolato (Blood Brothers)-produced debut LP Every Day I’m Less Zen, Shutups joined the roster of revered indie label Kill Rock Stars in 2020. With the addition of Bud Armienti on bass and Eric Stafford on lead guitar, the group matured into their most prolific form yet, releasing three EPs over two years.
Now with a career spanning an LP, seven EPs, and nearly a dozen self-produced music videos, Shutups are on the cusp of their most ambitious era to date and they don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.
For decades, the concept of the American Dream has felt like an immutable entity that burst into existence fully formed. But even those concepts that get hammered into society until they become inescapable cliches were constructed from a distinct sociopolitical perspective–a breakdown in the system that post-punk outfit Seriously pick at on their latest, Built Environment, due February 2023 via Earth Libraries. “There are inherent inequities woven into the American Dream, in the ways it was designed, how it was sold to us,” insists bassist/vocalist Chayse Porter. “We want to pull back the curtain on the complacency, vanity, and follies of rugged individualism that sprawl through the suburbs.”
The trio of Porter, Jonathan Crain (guitar/vocals), and Michael Harp (synth/guitar) set that anxious eye immediately at their target with the album’s paranoiac opening track, “Dark Room”. Here and throughout the album, Porter’s bass rains down like chunks of cement onto icy waves of guitar and drum machine, dark new wave harmonies emerging from the mix.
But for every ounce of grit, Seriously know how to balance with Talking Heads funk as on “No Salvation”, or bleary-eyed Talk Talk-esque synthpop, as on “With Delight”. That latter song’s ability to weave acoustic strumming in through the midst of raindrop synth plinks, church bells, and drum machine claps highlights Seriously’s eye for clever pop pleasures. Similarly, “Monument” charges forward on head-banging square-wave riffs, a pure adrenaline shot to the heart. “In the cracks, something grows,” the trio repeat as the track reaches its peak, only to leap off and soar unencumbered. Later, “The Architect” bounces grandiose percussion rolls with wobbly ‘80s bass and samples of bird calls for a slice of oddball chill, a playful meditative moment of escape.
The band’s careful push and pull between the voices and the synths and drum machine add a layer of steady momentum. More than a musical choice, that iconoclastic duality is drawn directly from the trio’s lived experiences. All three members of Seriously were born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, though Porter now splits time in San Francisco, and the album draws its themes from the increasingly entangled dualities of that journey: past and present, North and South, and relentless capitalism and the hope of the DIY scene, where all three have spent years managing venues and art spaces, booking shows, and playing in bands. “Built Environment observes the insularity that technology introduces, the frailty of modern landscapes, and the manufactured dependencies we all crave—what we now know as the American Dream,” Porter explains.
That conflict plays out in the boiling energy of these songs, each of which redoubles live band verve with intensifying electronic structures. The songs were steadily road-tested and rewritten as Seriously rolled across the country, and then strengthened by engineer Brad Timko at Communicating Vessels studio in Birmingham. Recorded and mixed entirely analog to tape, Built Environment employs complex layering while retaining a raw, organic edge. “It was an adventure employing ancient equipment in a studio setting,” Porter says. “Some things, like our Alesis HR-16 drum machine from the mid-’80s, proved to be quite fussy when translating to tape. It took at least 2 full-weekend sessions just to capture that.”
That work pays off on propulsive songs like the standout “What if the Dream Comes True?”. The jagged interplay between vocals and guitar carries the weight, while a wash of synths stretches out limitlessly. Even the six-minute title track feels entropic in its constant pushing at the edges, a smoldering core buoyed by an ascending chord progression.
After decrying the pains of life under the oppressive assumptions and inequalities of America, closing track “Under the Boot of God” offers a painful reminder. “Are we made to suffer/ At the hands of others/ Under the boot of God?” the trio wonder, before twisting the knife just a little deeper: “The god we made ourselves.” It’s a heady cry, one that deserves the thoughtful treatment received here and the repeated unraveling that will follow after the last chorus fades. But yet again, Seriously deliver that subtle pang in a starry night tableau, flashes of whistling, glistening harmonies, and shimmering guitar. In that way, Built Environment draws the listener in closer and closer only to reveal that the one twisting the knife has been yourself all along.
This new app allows you to listen while also using your phone for other things like texting, browsing, and using other apps (like Dig Local to see where to go and what to do in AVL!) You’re able to pause and rewind the live audio, view the program schedule, and best of all, explore and listen to archived content whenever you want. You can even share stories with your friends and feedback with the station.
Official 2022 Raffle Rules
PROCEEDS
This raffle is a fundraising event, and all net proceeds benefit the Brevard Music Center (BMC). Brevard Music Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN# 56-0729350
DRAWING
The drawing will take place on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at 3:00pm EDT. All mail, phone, and internet orders must be received by 11:59pm EDT on Monday, November 14, 2022.
TICKETS
The cost to purchase a single entry (“Ticket”) for the Raffle is $125 (U.S. Funds only) and is not tax deductible.
DETAILS
- By entering this raffle, entrants accept and agree to be bound by all the rules, limitations and restrictions set forth here and that their names and/or likenesses may be disclosed to and used by the news media and may otherwise be used by BMC for publicity purposes.
- The winner may choose a new 2022 Volvo, Subaru, or Hyundai prize vehicle from Hunter Automotive Group of Fletcher, NC with an MSRP up to $50,000.
- Vehicle choice will be subject to the current available inventory of the dealer. BMC reserves the right to substitute a Volvo, Subaru, or Hyundai model of equal value.
- The winner is responsible for all taxes, delivery costs, dealer fees, and any options he or she may choose above the vehicle’s manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) greater than $50,000.
- The gross winnings of the raffle will be reported to the federal and state tax authorities at the MSRP and the winner is responsible for income tax withholding prior to taking title to the prize.
- Individuals may purchase as many tickets as they wish; however, only 1,500 tickets will be sold.
- Participants must be 18 years old or older.
- BMC employees, faculty, and students 18 or older are eligible to participate.
- Winnings are not redeemable for cash.
- If a minimum of 600 tickets is not sold, all ticket holders will receive a full refund and the raffle will not occur.
- BMC does not make or provide any representation, guarantee or warranty, expressed or implied, in connection with the car and accepts no liability or responsibility regarding the construction or condition of the car.
WINNINGS
Once the winner has selected a prize vehicle, the Dealer will notify BMC of the award vehicle’s MSRP. BMC will calculate the required federal income taxes due. The raffle winner is responsible for remitting the funds to BMC for the federal income tax. Brevard Music Center is required by law to report the base MSRP of the vehicle the winner chooses as gaming income to federal and state authorities and to withhold and deposit federal income taxes equal to 25% of the MSRP less the wager (raffle ticket). The winner’s payment of the federal taxes to BMC will be deposited with the US Federal Treasury and the winner will receive credit for the taxes remitted. In order for the dealer to release the winner’s vehicle, the winner will need to provide the following to BMC:
- A completed form W-9.
- Payment to BMC of the appropriate amount of federal tax withholding in cash or certified check.
Once both of these are received, BMC will authorize the dealer to release the vehicle. The winner will receive a Form W-2G by January 31, 2023 to use in preparing their 2022 income tax return.
Ethno is JM International’s program for folk, world and traditional music. Founded in 1990, it is aimed at young musicians (up to the age of 30) with a mission to revive and keep alive global cultural heritage.
Present today in over 40 countries and on all 6 continents, Ethno engages young people through a series of annual international music camps as well as workshops, concerts and tours, working together with schools, conservatories and other groups of youth to promote peace, tolerance and understanding.
Applications are open for the second edition of Ethno USA, from October 11-23 in beautiful Black Mountain, NC. We are so excited to be back there, and we hope you’ll join us.
We expect to welcome up to 40 musicians. Will you be one of them? Apply now!!
The artistic mentors are:
Anh Phung — Flute, Vocal (Canada)
Dal’Suhu Not-Afraid — Voice, Guitar, Drums(Hopi Nation, USA)
Helen Forsythe — Accordion, Banjo (USA)
Justin Golden — Guitar, Voice (USA)
Fifth mentor TBA!
Sign up! Applications are approved on a rolling basis!
On Wednesday, August 17, enjoy the stylings of singer-songwriter Nicole Witt during the live concert series, Orchard Sessions. Nicole Witt is a nationally-touring, award-winning Nashville songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for the soaring melodies and clever turns of phrase that have brought her national acclaim in the country, bluegrass, and Christian music scenes. With a voice that’s part Adele, part Patty Griffin, she conveys a level of emotion and sincerity scarce in modern music. Whether she’s behind a piano or upfront with her guitar or fiddle, Witt delivers live performances led by that gorgeous voice and anchored by her charm.
The Orchard Sessions concert series brings a stellar lineup of well-known musicians to The Farm at Old Edwards – located at 336 Arnold Road in Highlands. For more information about Orchard sessions – And to book online visit oldedwardshospitality.com/orchardsessons. Online ticket sales open to the public on August 3.
Come and join the upcoming dulcimer jam sessions this summer at Black Mountain Center for the Arts – The Sweet Sound Circle. All ability levels are welcome and the sessions are FREE of charge! We will gather on the back porch and share old songs and new songs, old time, gospel, folk and more in a comfortable relaxed atmosphere. Our community is blessed with numerous dulcimaniacs who need a place to play and meet others who are in love with this instrument’s sweet sounds – we are rare breed for sure!! If you play other instruments and would like to come and listen or try out your accompaniment skills you are most welcome as well!
With equal parts swag and sophistication, acoustic R&B mashup outfit Pimps of Pompe are built on the power of 90s hits and a passionate devotion to undeniable groove. With a mission to deliver a live show that entertains all ages, where your grandma Louise snaps her fingers while your millennial cousin snaps a selfie, the Pimps adapt familiar hits from the golden age of hip-hop to an eclectic string band format.
Providing fresh takes on old favorites is the driving ethos behind bandleader Cynthia McDermott’s development of this classy, sassy blend — “I got tired of thinking I had to make a choice between old and new, or jazz and hip-hop. These arrangements give me everything I want; the bold, sexy swagger of modern rap and R&B, combined with the sultry, romantic moods that jazz evokes.”
Featuring mandolin, guitar, and upright bass pumping out “la pompe,” the rhythmic technique developed by hot jazz guitar players in the absence of a drum kit, the Pimps pay homage to their selections from the vintage jazz, bossa nova, pop, hip-hop and R&B schools while infusing a fresh and lively resonance all their own.
McDermott’s love of jazz harmonies and respect for rhythm and groove drive her arrangements to be lush, colorful and danceable. At the end of the day, the band strives to have fun, be themselves, and do a really good job at whatever crazy combo they attempt, whether it’s rapping Big Poppa over a samba groove or turning Ginuwine’s Pony into a gypsy jazz waltz. Invention, exuberance, integration — this is what it means to pimp the pompe.
The band celebrates their 3 year anniversary this year, and have asserted themselves as a must-see act in the region. The Pimps can be found weekly at several local favorite venues such as The Foundry Hotel Lounge, The Lobster Trap, and Battery Park Book Exchange.