Calendar of Events

These are our regular Public Events. If you want to schedule a private session you can here: https://www.betterthanunicorns.com/play-vr/

We pick the games, you pay a flat admission fee of $15 ($10 for students) and jam!
Come early… we will queue players up as you show up!

Sign our waiver, rules, and media release ahead of time here: https://www.betterthanunicorns.com/play-vr/

Bring your friends and #getyourheadinthegame!

Become a Patreon to join our inner circle to explore how deep the immersive rabbit hole goes: https://www.patreon.com/betterthanunicorns!

https://www.facebook.com/events/302734167026800/?event_time_id=302734223693461

“Bop and Evey” International Debut

Written by Caoimhín Ó Rían
Featuring David Yeates and Erin McCarson

A brother and a sister who have been disconnected in recent years find themselves back in their parents’ home for Christmas only to rediscover and attempt to solve their childhood issues. Watch Robert and Evelyn relive their former selves in this heartwarming comedic drama.

This play evolved from an Acting/Writing Exercise which took place in Coláiste Dhúlaigh in 2010, where two actors (Caoimhín Ó Rían and Megan Keegan) wrote and performed a short scene using language in the most unique and creative of fashions. “Bop and Evey” became one of the most celebrated creative achievements of the year and went on to perform on the Dublin Theatre scene.
(Contains Adult Material)

https://www.facebook.com/events/311797729452277/?event_time_id=311797736118943

Music to dine by. Sessions with Charlie Hunter and Geoff Clapp on drums in The Upper Room. Special entrees, craft beer and wine served at 6:30 with show starting at 7:30. Call to purchase tickets in advance. 828-430-4343

https://www.facebook.com/events/242438726667659/

Music by Tom Snow; Lyrics by Dean Pitchford; Stage Adaptation by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie

A musical version of the 1984 film! When teenager Ren McCormack moves from Chicago to a small town, he isn’t prepared for the stifling local laws, including a ban on dancing and rock music instituted by the local preacher. As he struggles to fit in, he encourages his classmates to defy the local pastor and call for a rock’n’roll prom. Fist pump!

“Footloose” combines songs from the hit 1984 soundtrack with dynamic new songs – and though it might seem like just a lot of fun, it also celebrates the wisdom of opening minds and listening to the voices of young people. Director Jerry Crouch, music director Lynda Ferrell Shuler, and choreographer Tina Pisano-Foor have put together an incredible cast of students and adults from our community to bring “Footloose” to life!

https://www.facebook.com/events/2588474317859196/?event_time_id=2588474321192529

Set sail for laughter as Bertie Wooster revels in life aboard the Vanderley yacht. Bertie is the pampered guest of the lively Lady Stella (very fetching profile), accompanied, as always, by his peerless valet, Jeeves. If only Bertie’s pal Crumpet hadn’t assaulted a prince. In the blink of an eye, Bertie is masquerading as a romance novelist, Crumpet’s posing as his own long-lost twin, and a sinister foreign count is challenging Bertie to a duel. Will this madcap case of mistaken identities end in Bertie’s doom–or worse, his marriage? Have no fear; Jeeves will sort it all out.

https://www.facebook.com/events/207255683399759/?event_time_id=207255743399753

After an amazed crowd and a standing ovation last show here, we had no choice but to bring him back…. Live at The Artisan of Flat Rock, Malcolm Holcombe. Tickets $12.50 plus ticket handling fee.

The voice of Tom Waits, the melodic symphony of that of Leonard Cohen, and guitar picking like you have never heard before live…

“Malcolm Holcombe is possessed by a singular sort of solitary genius that, like the novelist William Faulkner, is yet the voice of an entire region – the South–and even of a generation, though somehow transcendent of it, timeless. If true greatness moves from the particular to the universal, his music speaks for all of humanity while remaining entirely his own.

A North Carolina son of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Holcombe belongs to a tradition of bardic singer-songwriters that includes such legends as Townes Van Zandt, Blaze Foley, Gurf Morlix and David Olney. He is an acclaimed contemporary of Emmylou Harris and Steve Earle and has shared the stage with Merle Haggard, Richard Thompson, John Hammond, and Leon Russell. Yet Holcombe stands apart, his soul-stirring lyrics are hill country high poetry, the music pure back roads. His musicianship is uncanny, like no other, as though he had invented the guitar.” — Alan Kaufman

https://www.facebook.com/events/375191223004529/

An eccelctic mix of blues, folk, americana msic

https://www.facebook.com/events/235622500693337/

Broadway’s hit crowd-pleaser takes you to the stoops of the Bronx in the 1960s – where a young man is caught between the father he loves and the mob boss he’d love to be.

Bursting with high-energy dance numbers and original doo-wop tunes from Alan Menken, the songwriter of Beauty and the Beast, A Bronx Tale is an unforgettable story of loyalty and family.

Academy Award® winner Robert De Niro and Tony® winner Jerry Zaks direct this streetwise musical – based on Academy Award nominee Chazz Palminteri’s story – that The New York Times hails as “A Critics’ Pick! The kind of tale that makes you laugh and cry.”

https://www.facebook.com/events/432467697173300/?event_time_id=432467707173299

Known for its high-energy, positive sound, Acoustic Syndicate delivers a genre-defying performance, masterfully blending its eclectic influences with trademark finesse that only 17 years of cohesive teamwork can bring.

Acoustic Syndicate is the product of Cleveland County’s McMurry clan. Guitarist Steve “Big Daddy” McMurry is joined by his cousins, Bryon McMurry on banjo and Fitz McMurry on drums. The three McMurrys also bring a trademark vocal trio that only a lifetime of singing together can deliver.

Joining the McMurrys in 1998 on bass, Jay Sanders has become part of the family. A long time resident of Asheville, NC, his seamless blending of musical genres and driving style brought a completion to the band’s sound that continues to characterize and define. When not with Acoustic Syndicate, Jay can now be seen playing with Donna The Buffalo or his own group, The E.Normus Trio.

Formed in 1992, Acoustic Syndicate has had a long and storied career. They spent well over a dozen years on the road, playing at the original Bonnaroo, MerleFest, the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Memphis in May and many many other clubs, festivals and events.

The band had the distinct honor of being invited to perform as a part of FarmAid in 2001, a significant occasion in respect to their family’s agrarian history. The McMurry family are farmers, and continue to cultivate the same land their family has for generations.

In 2005, the band decided to hang up the towel for a little while. They put their touring career on hold with a legendary five hour performance at SmileFest. In a recent interview with Frank Ruggerio from the Mountain Times in Boone, NC, Steve McMurry says “With the music industry in dire straits, the band would have had to commit to another five years of heavy touring to sustain itself. None of us really could see being gone from our families and people for that long a period of time… We had a great run of it, and thought we’d just call it quits and be regular people for a while.”

But the band’s audience felt otherwise. “People wouldn’t let us quit playing,” McMurry said. “They’d keep calling and calling, so after a couple years we decided we’d get together and see if we still knew how to play.” The results speak for themselves, and McMurry said the band is now performing without the pressures touring so often brings, and rather playing for the fun of it.

In 2009, Acoustic Syndicate was honored by being voted the 6th top artist of the last 20 years by the listeners of Western North Carolina’s WNCW radio station.

Their discography includes six official releases including two for Sugar Hill Records. Their 2003 effort “Terra Firma” was voted the number one album of the year by the listeners of WNCW, and 2004’s “Long Way Round” placed number seven. But it is not going to end there. Acoustic Syndicate plans on cutting a new record. The band will visit the studio this winter to craft an album of all-new material.

https://www.facebook.com/events/483739795366044/

Treat yourself to a night of rock n roll as the Andrew Thelston Band returns to the taproom stage at Pisgah Brewing Company on Saturday February 9 at 8PM. FREE SHOW
INFO: http://www.pisgahbrewing.com/shows/andrew-thelston-band/
FOOD TRUCK: D.O.G.S.
—————————————————————————–
Musician Andrew Thelston combines his love of driving grooves with soulful performances and thoughtful production on his debut album. Written and recorded at Ginger Bird Studios in the mountains of North Carolina, Andrew produces, arranged, composed and performed every note on the album. Not only does he Showcase his songwriting talents and virtuosity as a guitarist, he uniquely displays his evolving talent as a multi-instrumentalist. You will hear elements of rock, funk, blues, soul and jazz in a colorful display encompassing both the future of music production with echoes of the past.

https://www.facebook.com/events/364891667393600/

Clint is putting on a solo show in Hendersonville!

https://www.facebook.com/events/597248690725982/

Come join Sanctuary Brewing Company and Daddy-Rabbit for some pre-valentines day blues and rock on Saturday February 9th, 2019 @ 8 PM. It’s always a great time at The Sanctuary, where folks love great live music and BEER!

https://www.facebook.com/events/506293999866281/

Dallas Danger was born in a small town, raised on country radio and mail order punk records, and grew up to be a punk rock storyteller. Now he fuses the down home storytelling of country with the hard-driving passion of punk rock into songs about love, loss, and life tinged with optimism.

https://www.facebook.com/events/332352330678684/

Dallas Danger brings his unique brand of acoustic rock ‘n’ roll to Mad Anthony’s Taproom and Restaurant!!!

https://www.facebook.com/events/279713056066605/

Worthwhile Sounds Presents: Hawktail w/ Ruglifter Trio (featuring John Herrmann, Leo Shannon, and Meredith McIntosh)

WHEN: Saturday February 9, 2019

WHERE: Ambrose West 312 Haywood Road Asheville, NC 28806

DOORS: 7pm

SHOW: 8pm

SEATING: Seated

TICKETS ON SALE Friday 11/9 10am:
$15 ADV / $18 DOS / $20 VIP (Guaranteed 1st 3 Rows)

Hawktail

Haas Kowert Tice asked the question, what if? After forging their own brand of roots music—one grounded in timeless tradition, crafted by top-shelf musicianship, and performed with jubilant comradery—what if this trio of America’s finest string players became a quartet?

Brittany Haas (fiddle), Paul Kowert (bass), and Jordan Tice (guitar) own the sweat equity of a decade spent stoking the fires of their passion project. Haas, whose 2004 self-titled release instantly became the touchstone for a generation of old-time fiddlers, has since lent her sound to Crooked Still, Live From Here, Michael Daves – and David Rawlings, where she plays alongside Kowert, well known as Punch Brothers’ virtuosic bass player. Tice is a rare guitar player whose music showcases his unique identity and a particular knack for tune-writing. Haas Kowert Tice was a special road they could travel together. Where communication was intuitive, then innovative. Where musical curiosity was boundless and inspiring for each as writers, players, and friends.

Their 2004 album You Got This displays a breadth of acumen and ambition rarely heard on a band’s debut. Norwegian dance rhythms astride traditional Appalachian folk, bluegrass woven progressively into fundamental notions of jazz and chamber music. But for all their success, they found themselves grinding hard through recording sessions for a follow-up record. “I felt like we were missing an element,” says Kowert; “the sound was incomplete.” “We recorded this collection of music first as a trio,” remembers Tice. “Upon listening back to those sessions we kept yearning for more rhythmic energy and robustness in the ensemble sound, so we cut the tunes again with special guests on mandolin and percussion before realizing that what we really wanted was a fourth member to round out the band.”

Enter Dominick Leslie, the versatile mandolinist whose rhythmic sensibility has made him ubiquitous on the acoustic music scene (Noam Pikelny, The Deadly Gentlemen, Brotet). They had all already known each other for years. The trio wanted the rhythmic backbone he offered, and another plectrum to balance the dueling bows of bass and fiddle. His addition thickens the sound and tightens the groove, opening new creative doors. In short, Leslie is a great fit. Says Tice, “because of the time we shared coming up in the same scene, being inspired by the same music, and collaborating in various projects, Dominick was able to instantly find a voice in our music, seamlessly filling it out.” “They have such an established chemistry as a trio, jumping into the mix felt natural,” remarks Dominick.

Reborn a foursome, they recut the music for the next album. The release of Unless, in reality Hawktail’s debut, is certain to confirm that this quartet has found its wings. “It feels as though this is now a whole band capable of doing anything,” says Haas. “The music of Unless represents hours of creation, founded on our years as close friends. And I think you can hear that,” she continues. Kowert adds, “we strove to write strong tunes that could take us to different places while holding to a simple form, for a natural music that breathes. Melodies and basslines arrived together with a core sound, and arrangements seemed encoded in the tunes.”

With Unless, Hawktail has delivered an album of original instrumental music that showcases their unique talents. A mixture of recordings from the studio and from shows, this album was written to be played live for people in a room. The inclusiveness of that extends beyond the speakers: a finger on the string, a rush of energy when you didn’t expect it – this is music made to be enjoyed.

https://www.hawktailmusic.com/

https://www.facebook.com/events/2191137604243704/

Come one, come all, to a special listening room-style evening of heart-melting singer/songwriters at Static Age Records on Lexington Ave in the heart of downtown Asheville.

SHOW: 8pm
TICKETS: $5 at door

THE LINEUP:

KATHRYN O’SHEA
MEL & FATE (A special duo set by Melanie A. Davis and Fate McAfee)
COWBABY

Info about the artists:

KATHRYN O’SHEA

Kathryn is a banjo-playing singer/songwriter solo artist who was born and raised in Asheville, NC. Perfect for fans of Sufjan Stevens or Sarah Jarosz, Kathryn is known best for her hauntingly poignant lyricism and masterful vocal play. Her minimalistic banjo accompaniment lays a hypnotic foundation for her powerful vocal stylings to shine. This fall, Kathryn placed 2nd overall in the 11th annual Brown Bag Songwriter’s Competition at The Asheville Music Hall and opened for the internationally renowned Los Angeles-based artist Terra Naomi at 7 Stages Theater in Atlanta. She is currently recording with music producer M.G. O’Shea, a talented audio engineer who just so happens to be her big brother. This summer, the two worked together to release Kathryn’s debut single, “Snow.” Immersive Atlanta wrote the following in response to the track: “The moment Kathryn O’Shea’s enormous voice slips into the jaunty bustle of ‘Snow,’ you’ll surely wonder what record label she’s gunning for. With a timbre as dynamic as Florence Welsh, the singer/songwriter strips back the sentimental mush from falling snow to tell a clever tale about getting holed in for the winter; even in just four minutes, she fleshes out a character who wrestles with more than just frozen desire.”

FB: https://www.facebook.com/kathrynosheamusic/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZx6zSq2ehAsZfDCZAdU9iXM6SnoIYX6H
BANDCAMP: https://kathrynoshea.bandcamp.com/

MELANIE A. DAVIS

Emanating from the low hills of western Kentucky are the unmistakable songs of Melanie Davis. A thespian at heart, her ability to craft tunes that are simultaneously poignant and liberating is steeped in an appreciation for the nuances of human relationships. Whether it’s contemplating the potential of her immediate community or considering her own vices and tendencies, she never shies away from the glaring truths therein. Her stage experience translates into a captivating live performance that leaves the listener hanging with each line. She can deliver complex phrases that speak to neuroses we all understand, all within a fresh wave of jazz-inspired folk arrangements that seem to emphasize the range of emotions she describes. With an inimitable voice and a terrific sense of unique rhythms on the guitar, she has created a truly original sound within the vibrant scene of Murray, KY, and the surrounding area.

http://melanieadavis.bandcamp.com/
http://www.facebook.com/melanieadavis

FATE MCAFEE

Fate McAfee began his career as a songwriter at the age of 20, recorded his first full length studio album at 22, and has played small festivals, coffee shops, and dive bars everywhere from the Appalachian Mountains, to the Mississippi River, the streets of New Orleans, to theatres in Kentucky. Originally from West Tennessee, Fate’s insightful perspective into the fragile nuances of the human experience are steeped with the knowledge of beauty, struggle, and stoicism of someone raised in the mid-South. His adept finger picking rooted in traditional Americana cradles the disguised allegoric nature of his lyricism. Originally playing solo, Fate has collaborated with several talented musicians for his debut album, “Little Bill and the Late Fees,” recorded in Paducah, KY. His second studio album, “Diesel Palomino,” is set to release late this winter.

http://www.facebook.com/fatemcafeemusic https://soundcloud.com/fatemcafee/sets/diesel-palomino-rough-mixes/s-9Sy2s

COWBABY

Cowbaby is an Asheville, NC based folk duo that combines the angelic voices of Claire Hoke and Annie Jo Buchanan. Drawing inspiration from a range of old-time and bluegrass-influenced artists like Gillian Welch and Dolly Parton, Cowbaby uses banjo, acoustic guitar, and velvety warm harmonies to evoke nostalgia for the tumult of childhood. Since their origin in late 2017, Hoke and Buchanan have explored themes from blurring the lines between girlhood and womanhood to feelings thought but never shared. Their rich, effortless harmonies and dreamy, poetic lyricism offer a cathartic depth of sound and content. Their debut studio recordings are set to release in late January, but clips of their sound, show dates, and other information can be found by following their instagram page: @cowbabyband.

https://www.instagram.com/cowbabyband/
https://www.facebook.com/Cowbaby-222544204930166/

https://www.facebook.com/events/2190030684543760/

Catch Rossdafareye at this funky spot nestled in the Smoky Mountains! Free show.. Cold Beer.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2386793621362477/

Lazy Hiker welcomes back Hiker faves Porch 40 to the taproom stage as part of the “Pour 40 Tour” , promoting great music, craft beer and community! We’re gonna rawk! www.porch40.com

https://www.facebook.com/events/2295464704005284/

It’s a Pre-V-Day Rock Show!!!
Featuring Rock Hard Heart-Throbs;
Rory Kelly, Crimson Soil, Gutterhound , & Electric Phantom!
Saturday Feb 9th, Doors – 8:00 PM, Show – 9:00 PM!
Cover – $7.00.
Join us for a POWER Packed Line-Up of PURE ROCK,
Sure to get your heart pounding in PRE-V-DAY Preparation!
PLUS Heart shaped Goodies & Plenty of Prizes !

https://www.facebook.com/events/1973802669588673/

Young the Giant
With special guest Sure Sure
Show: 8pm
Doors: 7pm
$32 – $139
Ages 18+

Tickets & Info: www.theorangepeel.net/event/young-the-giant/

Los Angeles quintet Young the Giant expertly juxtapose their adventurous spirit with fearless grace on their new album Mirror Master, that features singles “Simplify” and “Superposition.” As the band’s fourth album, Mirror Master follows 2016’s critically acclaimed album Home of the Strange.

Mirror Master comes at a time when we are engulfed in points of conflict and scrutiny, yet with this album Young the Giant have found some space to breathe.

Lead singer Sameer Gadhia explains “What we forget to realize is that the image that reflects is just an illusion. Like the world, we are made up of fictions of things people tell us. How we should dress, what we should believe in, what type of stock to invest in, how we should vote. What is our free will, if we trudge across tracks already traveled?

If there is nothing else we control; nothing else new, we are at least in control of ourselves; can make our paths novel and undefined; shatter categories, stereotypes, and roles. Do what we want to do, think freely and not how others tell us to—live beneath the surface of things.”

Young the Giant first broke through with their 2010 self-titled debut album, which featured the RIAA-gold certified hits, “My Body” and “Cough Syrup.” This was followed by the release of 2014’s Mind Over Matter, which was both a commercial and critical success and prompted The New York Times to call [Lead singer Sameer Gadhia] “one of the great contemporary rock voices.” Young the Giant continued to brave new themes and sonic landscapes with their wildly adventurous third album, Home of the Strange, anchored by the perspective of the modern American immigrant as most members of the quintet are immigrants or first-generation Americans. Gadhia had an in-depth conversation with NPR’s Ailsa Chang on the topic (see here). The album features hits “Amerika,” “Something to Believe In,” and “Silvertongue.”

Young the Giant is composed of Sameer Gadhia (vocals), Jacob Tilley (guitar), Eric Cannata (guitar/vocals), Payam Doostzadeh (bass), and Francois Comtois (drums/vocals). They’ve sold out performances at historic venues such as Radio City Music Hall (New York), The Greek Theatre (Los Angeles), The Aragon Ballroom (Chicago), Red Rocks Amphitheater (Morrison), and more. They have become a festival mainstay at high profile outings such as Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits, Lollapalooza, Outside Lands, and Governor’s Ball among others. Over the course of their career, Young The Giant has charted 5 singles on the Billboard Alternative Top 10.

For more information and artist updates, visit www.youngthegiant.com.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxJhrwyn0M4

https://www.facebook.com/events/163340717950884/

Live music

https://www.facebook.com/events/404550290314192/

Somebody’s Child Summed Up in their own Words:
“We are soul mates who have the privilege of writing and living music together. Through musical harmony, we attempt to convey and better our own understanding of existence. We hope you enjoy the show. As always, we adore you all!”

https://www.reverbnation.com/somebodyschild

https://www.facebook.com/somebodyschild2/

https://www.facebook.com/events/2029422437124131/

Dan Keller trio is an instrumental jazz project comprised of upright bassist Ryan Kijanka, drummer Micah Thomas, and guitarist Dan Keller. They put their own spin on timeless standards and melodies, without losing the grit and authenticity of jazz. Many eras from early swing, latin jazz, bebop, and soul-jazz are represented. They strive to entertain both casual listeners and connoisseurs.

kellerjazz.vpweb.com

https://www.facebook.com/events/819186291762262/

Young the Giant Live Concert at Asheville, NC
February 9, 2019, 8:00 pm

Tickets: https://goo.gl/E7T7Z4

https://www.facebook.com/events/1152975624858741/

Join us for some old time/bluegrass/country/acoustic rock fun with Rob Mangum, Parrish Ellis, James Johnson, Doug Sharkey and Kevin Kehrberg.
The Barsters bring a sound that draws from all sorts of styles from the past. Strong singing and harmonies with flat-out hot pickin’ makes for an entertaining evening, come join us!

https://www.facebook.com/events/219747885512310/

$35 Advance / $40 Day of Show

Isis Music Hall welcomes David Bromberg, the Godfather of Americana back to our stage

You can tell a lot about a person from the company he keeps. When that company has included Bob Dylan, The Beastie Boys, George Harrison, Emmylou Harris, Doc Watson, John Hiatt, Jerry Garcia, Reverend Gary Davis, Dr. John, Pete Seeger, Willie Nelson, John Prine, Phoebe Snow, Jerry Jeff Walker, and Mississippi John Hurt, you realize you’re dealing with a very special case

Standing Show with limited seating :: Seating is First Come First Serve :: General Admission :: Please Call Venue for Dinner Reservations in the dining room only

https://www.facebook.com/events/467756827084812/

Join us at The Black Cloud for Descent. Descent is a monthly showcase of local and regional electronic artists spinning their sets for your aural enjoyment. Fall down the rabbit hole and dance the night away with us.

Rob Breax
Oneiric
Bongwater

Genres: Minimal techno/synthwave

The Black Cloud
723 Haywood Rd Basement, 28806
Music starts at 9:30 PM.
21+.
No cover but cash donations to the performing artists are highly suggested.

https://www.facebook.com/events/524633888051047/

You all know Guns n Roses… We’re bringing the next best thing! Their Tribute band!

https://www.facebook.com/events/791854454481937/

We are breaking out the Disco Ball and clearing out the chairs in the back at the lounge to get our groove on with a live band every Saturday night in February, beginning the 9th!
House band is Cara Rimmer, Tyler Kittle, Katie Hutchinson, Isaac Capers, and Curt Collins, all local musicians who are gonna groove your shoes off!

https://www.facebook.com/events/2419904934896705/?event_time_id=2419904948230037

Super Heavy
Metal Show!!
Mega Colossus
https://music.meltedfaces.com/

Velvet Reaper- New local face rockers!

Earth Collider
https://earthcolliderusa.bandcamp.com/

Children of the Reptile
https://cotr.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/events/310428416348148/