American Aquarium
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY AMERICAN AQUARIUM 20 years. 20 records. Over 4,000 shows. And somehow, American Aquarium are still finding new ways to surprise us. On New Ways to Lose, frontman BJ Barham and his band of road warriors turn two decades of survival into a driving, deeply-felt rock & roll statement — one built on resilience, reinvention, and the hard-earned clarity that only comes with time. “We’ve always been outsiders,” says Barham, whose songwriting has steered the group through lineup changes, heartache, addiction, recovery, a global pandemic, and every other obstacle imaginable. Long before algorithms and viral breakthroughs spelled out success in the music industry, American Aquarium earned their place the old-school way: through relentless touring and a stubborn refusal to disappear, even when the odds suggested they should. New Ways to Lose turns that outsider status into armor. Produced once again by multi-time Grammy winner Shooter Jennings, the album was recorded in Los Angeles over a 10-day session that captured the band at their most immediate and alive. Much of the record was tracked live, with Jennings encouraging spontaneity and instinct over perfection, while a round of overdubs offered the opportunity to add three-part harmonies and horn arrangements to the songs. The result is a muscular, cinematic record that embraces both sides of American Aquarium’s identity: the bruised confessionals of a songwriter who’s already spent decades sharpening his craft, and the full-throttle release of an anthemic, amplified rock & roll band. Hot-wired with the same electricity as their live show, New Ways to Lose nods to heartland heroes like Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, and Neil Young while remaining unmistakably American Aquarium. For Barham — who formed the band in 2006 in Raleigh, North Carolina — the album isn’t just a snapshot on a band at its peak. It’s a personal turning point, too. “All of my records are yearbooks,” he says. “Twenty years from now, I’ll pull them off the shelf and remember exactly who I was when I wrote them.” If earlier albums offered glimpses of a man in his 20s, making his way through a haze of uncertainty, heartache, and bad behavior, then New Ways to Lose finds Barham writing from a place of hard-won maturity. He’s not just a songwriter anymore; he’s a husband, father, and bandleader who’s fully comfortable confronting the dark corners of the human experience. Across these ten songs, he tackles themes like the downfall of small-town America, the yearning for true connection, the socioeconomic wreckage of unconstitutional politics, and even the devastation of losing a beloved pet, making room for tenderness and gratitude amidst the sonic stomp of his band. “Twin Flames,” written for his wife, stands as one of the most vulnerable love songs of his whole career, a reflection of a full-grown man no longer afraid to say exactly what he means. The album’s title comes from legendary NC State Wolfpack announcer Gary Hahn, whose on-air quips — “and NC State finds a new way to lose today” — became metaphors for both sports fandom and the music business. “No matter what success you find, you’re always looking up the ladder at what you don’t have,” says Barham, who’s hand-carved a fiercely independent career outside the traditional machinery of the industry.
Jesse Roper
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY JESSE ROPER Jesse Roper is a modern-day troubadour; a Canadian artist defined by his authenticity and adventurous spirit; guitar in hand and a grin on his face. Jesse, along with long-time bandmates the Pretty Good Band, has spent much of the last few years travelling the highways, byways and backroads of North America, bringing his own brand of modern, indie-infused Americana blues to fervent audiences across the continent. Known for his powerhouse live performances, Jesse is truly electrifying on stage – his soulful vocals expanding across silky guitars and hard-hitting grooves. You’d never guess that this soldier of the six string – all mischief, mayhem and virtuoso guitar playing – experienced crippling stage-fright long into his 20s. Today, the stage is his home and he’s inviting you in, cold one in hand, for one helluva good time. Of course, he’s more than a magnetising stage presence and great hair – Jesse has the goods to back this up. A master at connecting his personal experiences to his songwriting, he crafts wildly entertaining narratives of the challenges and eccentricities of life, pulling inspiration from all that surrounds him. His musings on love (both won and lost), the call of the road and the promise of what’s round the corner draw similarities to JJ Cale, Leon Bridges, and Alabama Shakes. His innate musical talent and flexibility of style have seen him play with soul icon Booker T. Jones, rock veteran Colin James, blues belter Beth Hart, and Canadian legend Burton Cummings. Across streaming platforms, he’s racked up over 500,000 monthly listeners and millions of streams. While based in Victoria BC, Jesse is back on the road with the Pretty Good Band throughout 2026. All seasoned musicians themselves, the band is Matt Reid (bass), Chris Van Sickle (keys), East Coast Pete (guitar) and Brent Norman (drums). “Each one of these guys on their own is funnier and smarter than I am, but somehow I’m the band leader,” Jesse laughs. “I’m a lucky lead guy to have these cats in my band. They’re Pretty Good.”
PATIO SHOW: Sunnyside of the Mountain
ALL AGESLIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVESUNNYSIDE DUOSunnyside is a musical enchantment hosted by singer-songwriter Sunnie Rae. This Florida-born songstress is making her new home in the musical mountains and heart of Appalachia of Asheville, NC. Feel the depths of every song with Sunnie Rae’s intrinsic voice that will take you on a timeless journey as she weaves through the rhythms of old souls and stories with a new light. Infusing genres of Americana, Blues, Folk-Grass, Country and Indie in her sound to harness a swampy distinctive tone of her very own. Sunnie Rae gathers inspirations from artists such as Gillian Welch, Molly Tuttle, Sierra Ferrell, Sierra Hull, Peter Rowan, Doc Watson, John Prine, Janis Joplin, Patsy Cline, New Riders of The Purple Sage, Old In The Way, The Grateful Dead and many more. This so called ‘Spirit of Suwannee’ has shared stages and bills with many of her heroes including Keller Williams, Larry Keel, Sam Bush, Peter Rowan, Yonder Mountain Stringband, Railroad Earth, Donna The Buffalo, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, The Grass Is Dead, John Kadlecik, and many more while touring the festival circuit with her former band Free Range Strange. As she nestles into the Appalachia, she now intertwines her original songs of old and new with a breath of fresh mountain air performing solo, duo or with her up and coming band Sunnyside Stringband. Featuring Jackson Weldon in this intimate Duo, while Sunnie sings her heart out, Jackson sings with his strings. With roots in south Mississippi and a home base in Asheville, Jackson Weldon has built a career as a versatile sideman and multi-instrumentalist. For over 15 years, he has performed on mandolin, pedal steel, lap steel, dobro, guitar, and banjo with bands throughout the Southeast. His musicianship is defined by adaptability, collaboration, and a love for live performance.
Scott Low
The Grey Eagle and Worthwhile Sounds Present PATIO SHOW: SCOTT LOW Sunday, July 12 3pm ALL AGESLIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVEScott Low is a Southern songwriter with a bluesman’s heart, a folk singer’s storytelling, and a river guide’s patience. His most recent albums—Struttin’ Round Town (2025) and The Appalachian Blues (2024)—dig deep into the soul of the rural South, blending gritty guitar work, slow-burn vocals, and road-worn lyricism. From swaggering blues-rock grooves to stripped-down acoustic confessionals, these records trace a life shaped by heartbreak, resilience, and the crooked backroads of Appalachia. When he’s not on stage, Scott finds solace with a fly rod in hand, casting into the cold, clear creeks of North Georgia and the Carolinas. That connection to the river shapes his music—intentional, free-flowing, and grounded in something older than the road itself. Fly fishing isn’t just a hobby; it’s a rhythm, a reset, and a reminder that the best songs—like the best casts—come when you stop forcing it.
Bill Kirchen: “Cat Out of the Bag” Album Release Show
ALL AGES SEATED SHOW LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE BILL KIRCHEN Grammy-nominated guitarist, singer, and songwriter Bill Kirchen first gained national recognition as a founding father of Commander Cody and his Lost Planet Airmen. His trademark guitar licks drove their “Hot Rod Lincoln” into the Top 10 in 1972. He has released over a dozen albums under his own name and played guitar live or on record with a Who’s Who of Americana and Roots Rock and Roll, among them Gene Vincent, Link Wray, Bo Diddley, Hazel Dickens, Doug Sahm, Hoyd-Axton Emmy Do Harris, Maria Moldar, Dan Hicks, Nick Lowe, and Elvis Costello. His latest recording, “Cat Out of the Bag,” hit the streets on May 22nd, 2026, on the Last Music Company label.
Widely Grown
THE GREY EAGLE AND WORTHWHILE SOUNDS PRESENT PATIO SHOW: WIDLEY GROWN THURSDAY, AUGUST 27 5:30PM-7PM ALL AGES – LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVEWidely Grown is an Americana/AltFolk band from Jersey City, New Jersey. Widely Grown released their debut album in the summer of 2022 and toured 9 states to follow. The Widely Grown boys are known for their energetic live performances that contain their unique blend of rock, country, grass and soul. 2023 saw them travelin’ again, performing at the Barefoot Country Music Festival, Maplewoodstock, touring through 6 states and performing for the legendary throw down at Miguels Pizza celebration in Kentucky.
Ethan Regan: Young Regan Tour
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY $1 FROM EACH TICKET SOLD DIRECTLY BENEFITS THE SATO PROJECT PLEASE NOTE, THE VIP PACKAGES OFFERED DO NOT INCLIUDE A TICKET TO THE SHOW. PLEASE CART BOTH ITEMS AT CHECKOUT IF YOU’RE PLANNING TO TAKE PART IN ETHAN’S VIP PRE-SHOW HANG & PERFORMANCE. PACKAGES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: Pre-Show Acoustic Performance Q&A and hang with Ethan Individual and group photos with Ethan Commemorative VIP laminate Exclusive VIP merch item Priority access to show merch 1 hour early access to venue *GA ticket required to attend the VIP experience ETHAN REGAN Ethan Regan is just the troubadour Gen Z needs. He’s had a fair share of significant viral moments, but he’s also an accomplished and energetic showman on stage, giving performances I.R.L. that leave a lasting mark. As a songwriter, he’s both intensely introspective and sharply self-aware, espousing the importance of self-care with sensitivity.. In this respect, he makes timeless music with a modern mindset. Beyond playing instruments andsinging, this Charlotte native with a restless, road-worn spirit personally grabs the reins and produces, mixes, and masters his own songs. He has tallied nearly 100 million streams, received critical acclaim, and captivated sold-out rooms as a proven headliner. Creatively, he doesn’t follow a formula. You’re just as likely to encounter a breezy chord progression in one of his tunes as you are to hear a rowdy and boisterous horn section or big screen-sizestrings. Hitting the road, he shined on bills with Sam Barber and Rainbow Kitten Surprise as well as Chelsea Cutler and Jeremy Zucker. Ethan’s self-produced 2025 EP, honey honey honey, saw him gain further traction with “get by” and “spaceman.” In the EP’s wake, he canvased the country, headlining his “I Almost Graduated” Tour and releasing the likes of “fool” and “sweet hunger.” Looking forward, his artistry remains an unapologetic and unfiltered reflection of who he is. You’ll feel like you know him a little better on a series of 2026 singles for Columbia Records and his forthcoming debut album, “YOUNG REGAN.” LILY KERSHAW The strongest tool Lily Kershaw wields is her voice, both in the simmering ferocity it carries and the poetry it speaks. For sophomore album Arcadia, she is ultimately telling a story of acceptance, both of herself and the great mystery that is the universe. Together with producer Ben Cooper (Radical Face), Lily takes her classic folk-tinged songs and weaves warmer analog sounds like organ, harpsichord and guitar with cinematic force, creating her most intimate release to date. In song and spirit, Lily is an old soul, but upon initial meeting she’s kinetic, ebullient, lively, and kind, quick with a joke and an infectious smile. Lily is a compulsive creator, she jots down melodies and lyrics as she’s wandering through her days.
FREE SHOW – PATIO: Dave Desmelik with Laura Blackley
– FREE SHOW – ALL AGES- LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVE DAVE DESMELIK “Desmelik delivers. He is reliable. He is tenacious, steadfast, and solid. His music is earthy and elemental, unpretentious and observational, and when he’s performing, his head is in the song he is playing for you and the rest of the audience.” -ashevillestages.com Dave Desmelik is a singer-songwriter and instrumentalist whose musical focus is on original compositions. What attracts listeners to Desmelik’s tunes, old and new, is the element of authenticity incorporated in them. There is no sugar coating involved. His songs are not wrapped in false smiles, rather they are stark and open and tend to settle on the pulse of everyday life. An unclosed and evolving journal of thoughts set to music and melodies in prose and instrumental performance. If you listen to Dave Desmelik’s songs, whether lyrical or instrumental, you may become pleasantly fixed in the simplistic realness of them and if you hear Desmelik in a live setting you may realize that there are no tricks, just a genuine venture into the highs and lows of life. Laura Blackley Laura Blackley has been making music in Western North Carolina for several years. She’s a singer, songwriter and guitarist who specializes in country, blues and rock with an emphasis on songwriting. BPR News
FREE PATIO SHOW: East Coast Dirt
– FREE SHOW – ALL AGES- LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVE- DONATIONS FOR THE ARTISTS ENCOURAGED! VENMO: @BRAD-BOUGHTON EAST COAST DIRTAfter a 4 year break, the core three members of East Coast Dirt have decided to reunite and play their blend of originals and covers for the first time as a trio. East Coast Dirt was founded in 2005, and its core trio solidified in 2007. For nearly a decade, primary songwriters Brad Boughton, Wilson Hawes and Will Little morphed through different lineups, playing countless shows throughout the Southeast. Now the band is returning to old haunts and new venues alike to give crowds a taste of old-school Asheville, NC with a new guitar-led sensibility. The ECD sound has been reshaped with original songs and choice covers ranging from jammy psychedelia to full-force rock. Look for East Coast Dirt’s new album, “Polarization”, now on Spotify and other streaming services.
Sean Hayes
ALL AGES SEATED SHOW LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE SEAN HAYES Sean Hayes is a San Francisco Bay Area-based singer-songwriter known for a unique, gritty blend of folk, soul, and R&B-inflected roots music. His sound has been described as dusty, warm, and effortless, featuring a gravelly, soulful voice that blends intimate storytelling with danceable rhythms. Hayes has collaborated and toured with artists including Aimee Mann, Frazey Ford, Charley Crockett, Jolie Holland, The Wood Brothers, Ani DiFranco and The Cold War Kids among many more; his work has been remixed by house DJ Mark Farina and featured on NPR, NBC and HBO. Known for his raw vocals and timeless songs, Hayes has built a loyal following across the country, whether stripped-down or with a full-band, his shows are simply a night of good music.