Paul Simon Meets the Beatles — Performed by Alien Music Club featuring Eric Congdon,Peggy Patusz, Jonathan Pearlman, Micah Thomas, and Grant Cuthbertson.
Tickets — $10
Tickets at the door — $12
Reserved table for four people — $40 (the only way to get reserved seats without first come, first serve)
The concept of scaling down obscure and beloved Beatles tunes hatched during a conversation Peggy Ratusz shared with Jonathan Pearlman several years ago. They figured, with all the tribute and specialty shows taking place around the country, no one had truly done much with Beatles tunes, other than copy them verbatim. Pearlman has been brainstorming arrangements and Ratusz tests them out during their many acoustic shows together. Encouraged by the applause they receive each time they do their versions of classics like Oh Darlin, Two Of Us, Back in the USSR, I’ll Follow the Sun, they decided it was time to put the finishing touches on these songs and present them in a special show. Because the two of them grew up listening to, learning and playing Simon and Garfunkel’s tunes, they determined it to be a no brainer, to throw some of their greatest hits into this special night, bridging the acoustic sensibilities of Simon and Garfunkel with the rock and roll aesthetic of the Beatles. Their buddies Eric Congdon on guitar and vocals and Grant Cuthbertson on upright bass will add the missing links to the arrangements and play key roles in developing and bringing their initial concept to fruition! For ONE NIGHT ONLY: “Bridge”, Simon and Garfunkel meet the Beatles will soothe, move and groove you!
Hendersonville, NC based guitarist Eric Congdon has a low-key virtuosity. His style radiates both skill and charm. Whether playing solo or with a small ensemble, Congdon’s forceful yet delicate style doesn’t flaunt as much as it insinuates. The N.C.-based Congdon has been playing for 35 years. Congdon counts Tommy Emmanuel and Rev. Gary Davis among his influences. His latest album is called “Into the Woods.”
Grant Cuthbertson, now residing in Flat Rock, NC, has been in integral part of the music scene in Asheville for over 30 years. He is one of the main reasons why it thrives as it does. He wears many hats and provides the area’s most notable venues with quality sound equipment. An accomplished bassist both electric and upright, Grant’s love of all things Latin and Jazz as well as Blues, Swing & Gypsy Jazz, has made him one of the MOST sought after players in WNC.
Guitarist and virtuoso, Jonathan Pearlman’s (aka, JP) influences are far-reaching, absorbing Lennon/McCartney, Hendrix, Clapton, and Motown. Jazz-fusion bands of the early 70’s were also influential, like Mahavishnu Orchestra, Weather Report and Frank Zappa. He also hosts the weekly Alien Music Club Jazz Jam at Barley’s Taproom in Asheville every Thursday night. “It’s a great opportunity to meet and share musical ideas with some of the best players while at the same time mentoring young musicians!”
Peggy Ratusz is a well-established presence in the Asheville music scene. Chosen as Best Blues Artist by Mountain Xpress for ten years running, she performs an infectious, sultry, multi-layered brand of original, traditional and modern Blues, Soul and Jazz. Every drop of emotion is authentic and shows all who are present that she’s a willing servant to Jazz, Blues and Old School Soul.
Micah Thomas aka the Lovehammer, is a master of slinky dope beatz and panty dropping rhythms. He’s toured Europe with Tall Tall Trees, and continues to blaze with local institution Brushfire Stankgrass.
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