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.

Thursday, June 9, 2022
Well Walkers Walk your way to wellness!
Jun 9 @ 9:00 am
Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Join us in the temperature-controlled Arena to walk on most Tuesdays and Thursdays! Admission is free, masks are required and social distancing will be practiced.

Each lap around the concourse is 1/4 mile and strollers are welcome. Representatives from St. Francis Sports Medicine will be on hand for each event and other health professionals- like dietitians- are frequently scheduled to attend. Free parking is available in the VIP lot off of Church Street.

Support RiverLink at Your Local Caffeination Stations
Jun 9 @ 10:00 am
3 Different locations--see below

RiverLink is honored to be the beneficiary of the community giving program at High Five Coffee in June and July! Stop by for a beverage and add a $5 donation at the register—100% of your gift goes to RiverLink! In addition, 10% of branded merchandise sales will support our efforts to restore the French Broad. Three locations to serve you: 13 Rankin Ave., 190 Broadway St., or (our favorite) the 2000 Riverside Drive location in Woodfin, offering coffee drinks, pastries and smoothies plus outdoor seating and walking trails on the bank of the river. Now that’s a coffee stop!

Of course, you can always donate directly from this newsletter. Thank you for considering a gift today!

Thursday Produce Sorting/Box Prep with Bounty + Soul
Jun 9 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Bounty + Soul

Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.


Bounty & Soul is a community-based non-profit with a mission to connect people to food, education and each other.

This opportunity involves sorting and inspecting produce donations from local grocers and placing them into food boxes that are distributed at weekly drive-thru markets. 

Time Commitment:

  • Thursdays 10am-12pm
  • Thursdays 1-3pm

Requirements:

  • Volunteers should agree to adhere to all the safety measures implemented
  • Ability to lift 25 lbs.
  • Bending, stooping, and twisting may be required
  • Closed toed shoes

Health/Safety:

  • We are asking volunteers to wear/bring their own face covering when delivering items
    • Cloth covering nose and mouth
    • Fabric or disposable face mask
  • Asking volunteers to maintain physical distance of 6 feet or more when possible
    • Note: there are times when the volunteer task requires volunteers to engage closer than 6 feet. Please do not sign up if you feel uncomfortable.

 

1 and older
Is Family Friendly
Is Not Outdoors
Is Wheelchair Accessible
Depression: From Surviving to Thriving
Jun 9 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Pack Memorial Library

Depressive symptoms often present themselves through feelings of isolation, hopelessness, and despair. This course examines different types, common causes, symptoms, and treatment methods for depression, focusing on moving from a place of simply surviving to one of thriving.

Registration Required. To register, go to: www.vayahealth.com…
Or call Pack Memorial Library at 828-250-4718.

Facilitated by the Vaya Health GERO team. CEU’s are provided through NC Department of Health and Human Services.

Foot Care Clinic
Jun 9 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Shiloh Community Center

Foot Care Clinic for older adults in the community with educational materials about healthy aging. Services include: – Toenail trimming – Filing calluses – Checking for common medical problems that impact mobility – Referrals to community services – Baseline cognitive assessments.

No registration required.

For more information about this free event, contact Shira Wolf-Camplin, [email protected], 828-771-2219

Thursday Produce Sorting/Box Prep with Bounty + Soul
Jun 9 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Bounty + Soul

Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.


Bounty & Soul is a community-based non-profit with a mission to connect people to food, education and each other.

This opportunity involves sorting and inspecting produce donations from local grocers and placing them into food boxes that are distributed at weekly drive-thru markets. 

Time Commitment:

  • Thursdays 10am-12pm
  • Thursdays 1-3pm

Requirements:

  • Volunteers should agree to adhere to all the safety measures implemented
  • Ability to lift 25 lbs.
  • Bending, stooping, and twisting may be required
  • Closed toed shoes

Health/Safety:

  • We are asking volunteers to wear/bring their own face covering when delivering items
    • Cloth covering nose and mouth
    • Fabric or disposable face mask
  • Asking volunteers to maintain physical distance of 6 feet or more when possible
    • Note: there are times when the volunteer task requires volunteers to engage closer than 6 feet. Please do not sign up if you feel uncomfortable.

 

1 and older
Is Family Friendly
Is Not Outdoors
Is Wheelchair Accessible
Let’s Talk Caregiver Resources
Jun 9 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
online

Whether you’re a Caregiver College graduate or are new to caregiving, we invite you to join us as we review and discuss the many resources provided in MemoryCare’s Caregiver College sessions. We’ll highlight the usefulness of these resources and how they can be applied to unique caregiving challenges.

Presented by Lindsey Kremer, MSW & Carly Woods, BSW, MemoryCare Care Managers

To register for this free event, click here.

For more information, call 828-771-2219 or email [email protected]

Pint Night
Jun 9 @ 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Down Dog Yoga Studio and Dog Bar

Pint Night

$1 off draft beers every Thursday!

Gluten-free comedy open mic at Ginger’s Revenge  
Jun 9 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Ginger's Revenge  

  • Gluten-free comedy open mic at Ginger's Revenge
  • 6:00pm – 8:00pm

    Open mic comedy every Thursday from 6-8pm at Ginger’s Revenge Tasting Room.

    Rotating hosts each week Clay Jones, James Burks and Katy Hudson

    No cover
    Signup starts at 5:30, and signup order will not necessarily be show order. Each comic gets 5 mins of stage time

Cannibal Corpse
Jun 9 @ 7:00 pm
The Orange Peel
Game Room Stand up Comedy at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co
Jun 9 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co

Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic and Feature Comedy at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co Game Room Comedy Show (must be 18+)
Cocktails, taps & menu available while you laugh the night away to some of the areas best Standup Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!! Comedy Open Mic plus at least Three Professional featured performers.

Open mic comics signup at door get 3-5m. [Free entry for performing comics, free pizza at comics table]

For more info contact Michele at [email protected]

Thursdays in May 2022 7:30p-till, 18+, $12Doors 6:30p: [Music before show provided by Buzz Radio Asheville, “All Asheville Music & Comedy, All the Time.”]

6/9 Hosted by Morgan Bost
Featuring: Becca Steinhoff, Moira Goree, Rigel Pawlak & Delise Nicholas

Game Room Standup Comedy at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co
Jun 9 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co

Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic and Feature Comedy at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co Game Room Comedy Show (must be 18+)
Cocktails, taps & menu available while you laugh the night away to some of the areas best Standup Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!! Comedy Open Mic plus at least Three Professional featured performers.

Open mic comics signup at door get 3-5m. [Free entry for performing comics, free pizza at comics table]

For more info contact Michele at [email protected]

Thursdays in May 2022 7:30p-till, 18+, $12Doors 6:30p: [Music before show provided by Buzz Radio Asheville, “All Asheville Music & Comedy, All the Time.”]

6/9 Hosted by Morgan Bost
Featuring: Becca Steinhoff, Moira Goree, Rigel Pawlak & Delise Nicholas

Destroy Boys
Jun 9 @ 8:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

Destroy Boys

8PM SHOW / 7PM DOORS

* ALL AGES

* STANDING ROOM ONLY

* A portion of each ticket sold will go to a local mutual aid organization

Friday, June 10, 2022
Red, White, and ‘Que with the Fox Brothers at The Farm at Old Edwards
Jun 10 all-day
The Farm at Old Edwards

Join us at The Farm at Old Edwards for the return of favorites Fox Bros. BBQ. This award-winning Atlanta restaurant is owned and operated by twin brothers and co-pitmasters Jonathan and Justin Fox, who will both be on hand to serve Texas BBQ, ribs, brisket, Texas-style sausage, and prepare all the fixings to go along with the ‘que. To round out the festivities enjoy a DJ, dancing, craft beer, and fine wines.

Fort Worth-natives, Jonathan and Justin are known for their unique Southern-style barbecue infused with Texas flair, serving up pulled pork, smoked brisket, and wings with original side dishes to Atlanta natives and visitors seven days a week. Fox Bros. BBQ has earned raved reviews from top publications including Southern Living, Travel + Leisure, USA Today, and Sports Illustrated. The restaurant was featured on national television programs including The Travel Channel’s “Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern: Southern Barbecue Trail” and Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.” Jonathan and Justin Fox have cooked at the prestigious James Beard House in New York City on three different occasions. Fox Bros. BBQ is the Official BBQ of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United and they serve up their famous fare to hungry fans inside the brand-new Mercedes Benz Stadium.

$155 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

Support RiverLink at Your Local Caffeination Stations
Jun 10 @ 10:00 am
3 Different locations--see below

RiverLink is honored to be the beneficiary of the community giving program at High Five Coffee in June and July! Stop by for a beverage and add a $5 donation at the register—100% of your gift goes to RiverLink! In addition, 10% of branded merchandise sales will support our efforts to restore the French Broad. Three locations to serve you: 13 Rankin Ave., 190 Broadway St., or (our favorite) the 2000 Riverside Drive location in Woodfin, offering coffee drinks, pastries and smoothies plus outdoor seating and walking trails on the bank of the river. Now that’s a coffee stop!

Of course, you can always donate directly from this newsletter. Thank you for considering a gift today!

YMCA Mobile Market at the Library
Jun 10 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Oakley/South Asheville Library

The YMCA Mobile Market will be set up in the lower library parking lot (adjacent to the playground) from 10:30AM-11:30AM. Bring your grocery bags and get fresh food for your family. The market provides fresh produce paired with healthy recipes and a Community Engagement Table.

While you’re here, stop in to get a library card if you don’t have one, pick up a cookbook or two to experiment with your bundle of groceries, or grab a DVD to watch while snacking.

Distributions are FREE.   ALL community members are welcome. 

Brews + Bears Summer Event Series
Jun 10 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
WNC Nature Center

Brews and Bears is an after-hours summer event series where you can enjoy the WNC Nature Center in the evening with a beer or cider in hand. There are also food vendors and educational programming, along with popsicle enrichment for black bears Uno and Ursa!

Brews & Bears happens the second Friday of the month on May 13, June 10, July 8, and August 12, from 5:30 to 8 pm.

The events will feature beer from Highland Brewing; cider from Urban Orchard; food from Gypsy Queen Cuisine and Cecilia’s Food Truck, Blunt Pretzels, and KONA Ice; and music by Mix 96.5, 98.1 The River, and 105.9 The Mountain.

 

PATIO SHOW: Matt Fassas
Jun 10 @ 6:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

PATIO SHOW:  Matt Fassas

Fassas was born in Eastern Kentucky and grew up in the rural mountain town of Irvine. His mother; a skilled artist and horse trainer. His father; a lifelong musician and entrepreneur. MF began to play guitar around age 10, and by age 15 was already teaching lessons as a part time job. The love of music in high school talent show bands became serious study in college. Fassas eventually found himself as a full time guitarist for hire in Upstate South Carolina.

 

Fast forward to now after 20 years of intense practice, songwriting, gigging with a wide variety of bands, recording, jamming, teaching, learning, being completely submersed in music every day. The once proclaimed “child guitar guru” is a true grit working musician, dues paid in full.

 

With guitar influences like Lowell George and Jimi Hendrix, paired up alongside songwriting influences like Jeff Tweedy and Paul Simon, Fassas brings you on a ride across dimensions of joy and pain, clarity and sarcasm. True musicianship and strength on an instrument, matched with honest, heartfelt songs written with the full intent of reaching your heart (and your booty) with a blend of Americana, jam, blues, and rock.

Comedy Night at Tryon Resort: Reno Collier
Jun 10 @ 8:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Tryon International Equestrian Center
JUNE_Comedy Night_Webslider_2022

Returning to the Ridge at Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort, Comedy Night presented by Comedy Zone welcomes Reno Collier to the stage supported by Brandon Rainwater.


Comedian Bios:

Brandon Rainwater:Brandon Rainwater 2021

Energetic with great stage presence and the
ability to pull a room in with creative observations, Brandon Rainwater is not afraid of the truth.

 

The semi-proud father of two children, he gives audiences his brutally honest – yet always hilarious – take on parenting, marriage, and other absurdities of daily life. Born and raised in South Carolina, Brandon brings a sweet Southern flavor to his comedy that makes him hard to hate and easy to love.

 

 

Reno Collier:

A former P.E. teacher, Reno Collier has endeared himself to a wide0 (3) range of audiences. Reno’s journey began at the Punchline Comedy Club in Atlanta, GA where he tended bar to supplement his day job. One night he found himself on stage during the weekly open mic night. His unique outlook on life – mixed with a six-pack – was instantly popular and provided a platform to launch a career as a comedian.
Reno has built a reputation by selling out comedy clubs and colleges nationwide. In 2004 he joined Larry The Cable Guy on the hugely successful Tour of America. Following the success of that tour, in 2005 Reno taped his own Comedy Central Presents half-hour special.

Reno’s other national tours look more like a comedian’s wish-list than a resume, including theater and arena tours with the legendary Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall and Ron White. From January 2007-2016, he re-joined Larry the Cable Guy for his wildly successful arena tour currently spanning the United States and Canada.
Reno’s past TV credits include NBC’s Late Friday, The Martin Short Show, TBS’s Blue Collar Comedy: The Next Generation, his own Comedy Central Special, and The Roast of Larry the Cable Guy. He also appeared in CMT’S holiday special Larry the Cable Guy’s Hula Palooza Christmas Luau and the 2012 special Them Idiots. Reno also made appearances in the feature films Witless Protection (2008) and Jingle All the Way 2 (2014).

Through the years, Reno has headlined the Comics on Duty tour for American troops stationed in the Middle East, Africa, and all over the world. He is a regular cast member on the Bob & Tom syndicated radio show and Country Music Television (CMT), hosting various specials for the network. Reno has performed at prestigious comedy festivals such as HBO Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, CO, as well as Just for Laughs in Montreal where he just performed his third gala. Reno’s personable comedy makes him a hosting favorite, having hosted NBC’s summer family reality show Great American Road Trip, AXIS TV’s Gotham Live, multiple CMT specials and Animal Planet’s competition series, Top Hooker.

He can currently be heard on the Sirius Satellite Radio show Chewing the Fat that he cohosts with fellow comedian Leanne Morgan. Reno is also the national spokesperson for A Soldier’s Child, an organization that serves the children of fallen military personnel.

Gaelic Storm
Jun 10 @ 9:00 pm
The Orange Peel

This show was previously scheduled for February 3, 2022. If you have tickets for the February show, they will be honored at the rescheduled show.

New Madrid
Jun 10 @ 9:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

New Madrid

New Madrid has released 4 albums over the last 10 years. In that same time they’ve performed over 650 times letting people near and far into their world.

 

Their moods are glacial yet frenetic. They conjure wide space for their hypnotic churn to unfurl. Driving mass of sound. Music to move through you. Music as sonic landscapes.

 

New Madrid got closest to those feelings on their most recent album, the self-titled, ‘New Madrid.’ Soaring harmonies, guitars that lead, follow and surround. Glowing sparkles. Embers lay , breathing, till the wind blows them.

 

The rhythm is a driving glue pushing earthly melodies to the stratosphere. A sweet and understanding fury big and full as ever. Watch the earth turn small blue and green floating backward.

 

To date their space rock has been made on earth, but they have always studied their maps. They are always writing. They’ve been building machines to take them beyond. Something to carry the band to a new inner and outer space.

 

They are currently working on the follow up recordings to their fourth album.

Saturday, June 11, 2022
Winery Tour – Dahlonega, GA
Jun 11 all-day
Breedloves Deli

Wines gb33e182f2 1920

Package Includes:
• Breakfast Box with Beverage
• Explore Downtown Dahlonega with Shopping & Lunch on your own
• Frogtown Cellars Wine Tasting
• Wolf Mountain Wine Tasting
• Family Style Dinner at The Smith House
• Snacks & Prizes
• Bus Transportation

$170.00 per person
Reservations required. Limited seating. Buy your tickets now!
Be sure to print and save your receipt, it will serve as your ticket.

Nantahala Outdoor Center 50th anniversary Celebration
Jun 11 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
Nantahala Outdoor Center

50 Years Anniversary Logo

NOC started in 1972 as a small motel and gas station in the Nantahala Gorge offering whitewater rafting trips and kayak and canoe excursions to guests. We’re planning a party for the decades with live music, family-friendly activities, giveaways, adventure, and more!

Event Highlights:

  • Browse our Vendor village from 12 pm to 5 pm where you can hang in hammocks, try out backpacks and footwear with gear fittings, and enjoy boat demos.
  • Kids Fun Pass $20 – Kids can play in unlimited tree nets and on the climbing wall, face painting, bubble party, kids boat demo, t-shirt coloring, and more.
  • Shop the Artisan Village featuring local craftspeople and artisans.
  • Book signings by local authors.
  • Community booths with Leave No Trace and other Non-profit partners.
  • Live Music throughout the afternoon.
  • Giveaways, contests, and prizes!

Join in the fun at all of our locations:

NOC Roswell Outpost

  • From the Earth Brewing food & brewery truck
  • Ice Cream truck
  • Live Music
  • Local conservation advocates tabling
  • Giveaways, prizes, and more!

NOC Ocoee Outpost

  • Blue Grass Music with Blue
  • Grand Opening of our Beer Garden celebration
  • Yard games, giveaways, prizes, and more

NOC Gatlinburg- The Great Outpost

  • The North Face vendor
  • A Walk in the Woods – Gatlinburg Trail hike
  • Local conservation advocates
  • Giveaways, prizes, and more!

NOC Chattooga, French Broad, Pigeon Rivers, and Grove Park Inn

  • Local Conservation advocates
  • Giveaways, prizes, and more!

 

Support RiverLink at Your Local Caffeination Stations
Jun 11 @ 10:00 am
3 Different locations--see below

RiverLink is honored to be the beneficiary of the community giving program at High Five Coffee in June and July! Stop by for a beverage and add a $5 donation at the register—100% of your gift goes to RiverLink! In addition, 10% of branded merchandise sales will support our efforts to restore the French Broad. Three locations to serve you: 13 Rankin Ave., 190 Broadway St., or (our favorite) the 2000 Riverside Drive location in Woodfin, offering coffee drinks, pastries and smoothies plus outdoor seating and walking trails on the bank of the river. Now that’s a coffee stop!

Of course, you can always donate directly from this newsletter. Thank you for considering a gift today!

Asheville Outlets Hosts All About Safety
Jun 11 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Asheville Outlets in the parking lot in front of Gap Factory

The center is teaming up with The Western and Southern Life Insurance Company, to help families be more safety conscious, understand the risks their kids might face, and recognize the steps they can take to help avoid those risks.

The day will include valuable tips from several organizations including WNC Safe Kids. The non-profit will educate parents and caregivers on bike helmet safety. Attending children will receive free bike helmets (while supplies last). In addition, Child ID kits, fire trucks, free blood pressure screenings, self-defense exhibitions, disaster training and meet and greets with local law enforcement will also be a part of the day’s activities. Children can enjoy a complimentary cereal bar and hot dog giveaway.

All About Safety is complimentary and open to the public.

Dumplings From Around The World Cooking Class
Jun 11 @ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Asheville Mountain Kitchen

We will make, various Asian dumplings and steamed buns, pierogi. Vegetarians are welcome.

Free concert at Firehouse Subs: Cruise + Groove
Jun 11 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Firehouse Subs

Super 60s performs a free concert at Firehouse Subs in Hendersonville. Classic cars will be on display from the Carolina Mountain Car Club. Free line-dance classes from Betty Busch from 5:30-6:30pm. Concert to follow from 6:30-8:30pm. Please note: no smoking, coolers or pets.

Summer 2022 Concert Schedule:
May 14 | Super 60s
May 28 | 3 Cool Cats
June 11 | Super 60s
June 25 | Fine Line
July 9 | Deano & The Dreamers
July 23 | Fine Line
August 6 | Sound Investment
August 20 | Fine Line
August 27 | 3 Cool Cats
September 10 | Deano & The Dreamers
September 24 | 3 Cool Cats
October 8 | Sound Investment
October 15 | Super 60s (Halloween event)

An evening with Shep Rose
Jun 11 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Shep is a cast member of Southern Charm, which ranks among the top 10 original series on Bravo. The show is set to premiere its eighth season, filmed in the popular coastal town of Charleston, SC later this year. As a beloved character and fan favorite, he was given his own spinoff, Relationshep, where he traveled the country in search of love. In addition to appearing on these Bravo series, Shep is a successful businessman and restaurant owner. Launched in 2016, Shep Gear is an apparel brand sold online and in a growing number of retailers in the U.S. He is also the owner of the popular bar, the Commodore located in downtown Charleston. His first book titled, Average Expectation Lessons in Lowering the Bar was published by Simon & Schuster in 2021. The book features witty and an engaging collection of essays from the charismatic star offering rip-roaring stories and tongue-in-cheek advice on everything from relationships to travel to popular culture and beyond.

Cut Worms
Jun 11 @ 8:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

Cut Worms

Cut Worms visits Asheville NC to make their Grey Eagle debut with special guests John Andrews and The Yawns on Saturday June 11th at 8pm.

COVID-19 POLICY: The Grey Eagle requires all patrons attending performances to provide proof of vaccination or negative test within 48 hours prior to the event. We strongly suggest you mask up while indoors and interacting with TGE staff. Patrons will need to provide physical or digital documentation of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test. Professional negative test results must be dated no more than 48 hours prior to the event. At-home testing will not be accepted.

– 7PM DOORS / 8PM SHOW

– ALL AGES

– STANDING ROOM ONLY

CUT WORMS

Nobody Lives Here Anymore.

The shopping malls have closed down, the dressing rooms are filled with ghosts, and the carousel is covered in cobwebs. Nobody Lives Here Anymore, the latest and greatest from Max Clarke as Cut Worms, is the haunted reverie of an American landscape in-and-out of Clarke’s mind. Recorded between May and November 2019 in Memphis, Tennessee, the album is a snow globe of the mid-twentieth-century’s popular music filled with chiming guitars, honkey tonk pianos, and Telstar organs.

 

A constant creator – be it his Cut Worms alter-ego or his day-job illustration work (designing brand logos and beer labels with madhouse technicolor pictures) – writing and making records has always been Max’s driving force. So after an extensive eighteen-months of touring in support of 2017’s Alien Sunset and 2018’s Hollow Ground, he set about sifting through the fragment pieces and sketches of tunes he’d accumulated, along with a jet-stream of new compositions, mining his life-long devotion to the lost American songbook for inspiration. By the time he flew to Memphis to work with producer Matt Ross-Spang at Sam Phillips Studio, he’d stockpiled more than thirty new songs.

 

Unlike earlier works that were meticulously demoed, Clarke opted for rough drafts as he would with one of his drawings, seeking to capture something more immediate and honest. Most of the initial takes were tracked live with Noah Bond on drums, while Max sang and played rhythm guitar. He then built lush arrangements around these intimate performances. Max’s longtime partner Caroline (Gohlke) contributed backing vocals (she also shot the cover photo), and a skeleton crew of friends and Memphis all-stars were called in to lay down pedal steel, sax, and strings. When all was said and done, they had recorded seventeen songs.

 

With an overstuffed bag brimming with certifiable cosmic Americana gems and no shortage of new material in sight, Max saw no sense holding back – deciding to include the whole batch of recordings and release it as a double-LP. “It takes a lot to do this,” he explains. “If I can only say something every so often, I’d like to say a lot more if I can”.

 

Clarke sees this record as a figurative shot across the bow to the modern attention span. He says Nobody Lives Here Anymore is about “throwaway consumer culture and how the postwar commercial wet dreams never came true, how nothing is made to last.” He considers the golden years of a society on its last leg with poignant curiosity, suggesting not only that nobody lives the American dream, but that nobody lives here, in this moment, anymore. “It’s about homesickness for childhood, for a place that never really existed,” says Max.

 

A loss of innocence lingers through this 80-minute opus as Clarke attempts to harbor love and meaning inside a world that sold itself out. He explores the wistfulness of the past in search of answers for tomorrow. And while his grand anthems overflow with timeless pop charm, his ability to dig deeper than lollipops and holding hands sets his work apart from the days of 45s and Top of the Pops.

 

 

JOHN ANDREWS AND THE YAWNS

Beaming out from New Hampshire, John Andrews and his “band” The Yawns return with Cookbook, their follow-up to 2017’s Bad Posture, and an airy collection of laid-back country rock, gentle AM ballads, and breezy cantina instrumentals with more than a dose of Guaraldi-imbued jazz. Andrews is a communal artist: generally lending a hand in projects such as Woods, Hand Habits, Cutworms and Widowspeak. As such, his sound emits a close-knit, homespun warmth, not unlike the familial coziness that the album’s title suggests. Gather around the table and dig in, you’re amongst friends. ~ Aquarium Drunkard

Sunday, June 12, 2022
Support RiverLink at Your Local Caffeination Stations
Jun 12 @ 10:00 am
3 Different locations--see below

RiverLink is honored to be the beneficiary of the community giving program at High Five Coffee in June and July! Stop by for a beverage and add a $5 donation at the register—100% of your gift goes to RiverLink! In addition, 10% of branded merchandise sales will support our efforts to restore the French Broad. Three locations to serve you: 13 Rankin Ave., 190 Broadway St., or (our favorite) the 2000 Riverside Drive location in Woodfin, offering coffee drinks, pastries and smoothies plus outdoor seating and walking trails on the bank of the river. Now that’s a coffee stop!

Of course, you can always donate directly from this newsletter. Thank you for considering a gift today!