Billy Jonas Band ‘Welcome Spring!’ Family Concert
ALL AGESSEATED SHOWEARLY SHOW BILLY JONAS BAND Fun for All Ages! Bring the family, and welcome spring at an afternoon show on April 7. The Billy Jonas Band loves to engage and delight both young and adult audiences. Whether performing for adults, families, school groups, faith communities, or a mix, they strive for a musical excellence that inspires, entertains, and moves people literally and figuratively. With “wild-winded word magic” (Dirty Linen Magazine), homemade “industrial re-percussion” instruments, exquisite 3 and 4-part vocal harmonies, plus guitar and bass, they love to create community through song and story. Their specialty: finding and pushing your “wonder” button. In 2010, the Billy Jonas Band was honored with a performance at the White House!
Jason Eady with Midnight River Choir
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLYJASON EADY With a decades-long commitment to his craft as a songwriter, Jason Eady has built his career on bringing his unique perspective to a variety ofgenres, from the “groove centered” blues of his native Mississippi to the classic sound of Texas, the place he calls home. Known by critics and fansalike for his thoughtful, soulful writing and multi-genre mastery, Eady’s acumen as an artist is rooted in his ability to balance musical explorationwith tradition – the result is an artist who delivers authentic songs that detail slices of Eady’s life that resonate with audiences, whether he’s accompanied by bluegrass pickers or pedal steel. At the heart of Eady’s music is the song and his ability – proven by time and his extensive accolades – to remain loyal and authentic to himself while pushing his storytelling beyond the conventions of genre and form.MIDNIGHT RIVER CHOIR The Formation Of Midnight River Choir Was Nothing Short Of A Force Of Nature That Now Translates Seamlessly During Their Live Shows. This Band Needs No Labels Or Comparisons. Their Music Speaks Volumes About Who And What They Are. Their Lives Have Been Woven Together By A Strong Thread Of Energy Both On And Off Stage. That Energy Is Raw And Natural And Soaked Up From The Earth Through Their Bare Feet. They Believe That What You Get Is What You Give And They Give Everything They Have To Their Crowds. When That Kind Of Energy Lands Back At The Feet Of The Boys It Is Something Of Supreme Intensity. And No One Ever Forgets It.
Jesse Roper
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLYJESSE ROPER Based in Victoria, BC, Jesse Roper is a blues/Americana artist with a penchant for writing modern indie-infused blues music and delivering bombastic live performances buoyed by his virtuosic guitar playing. His innate and impressive musical talent has served him well, giving him the flexibility to play with soul icon Booker T. Jones, rock veteran Colin James, blues belter Beth Hart, and Canadian legend Burton Cummings. The stage is where Roper shines. It has been his home since overcoming crippling stage fright during his early twenties. Fear is a part of Roper’s past that barely seems real today – especially when you see the in-concert image of a six-string soldier, hair matted to his face, tearing up the stage, without a hint of second-guessing. Roper’s last album ‘Horizons’ marked a sonic high point in his career thus far. Working closely with famed JUNO-nominated producer Gus van Go (Metric, The Stills, Whitehorse, Arkells, The Trews, Sam Roberts) on that new collection of songs has pushed Roper into creating some of his best work. “Recording with Gus and Werner F was on a whole new level. Roper released the first single off his upcoming LP (to be released in late 2023) “Make It All Work Out” on March 29th, 2023. The song charted on Canadian terrestrial and satellite radio throughout the spring and early summer. Now all eyes are on the next release, “Throw This Rope” produced by Gus van Go (Metric, Whitehorse, Sam Roberts Band). The song will be the second of multiple energetic, fresh, soulful and r&b inspired tracks from a forthcoming LP that harkens the voices of JJ Cale, The Teskey Brothers, Ben Harper and others – while maintaining Roper’s strong and unique expression in the genre. When asked to describe the song, Jesse remarks, “Throw This Rope is about being told how to run your life and career by folks who are currently running theirs aground. I sure don’t know everything and I never will but I’ve been given every manner of advice from folks who have no idea what they’re talking about. It’s frustrating sometimes.” Jesse is a master at connecting his personal story and experiences to his songwriting – crafting narratives that hit on life’s challenges and eccentricities – but that remain upbeat, engaging and wildly entertaining songs. Adventuresome doesn’t properly describe Roper as an artist, because when the guitar-wielding dynamo sets out to accomplish something, there’s no telling where his mind will wander, or when his energy will go. PRESSING STRINGSWhen music is given the benefit of instinct, imagination and inspiration, the results are guaranteed to be good. So it ought to come as no surprise that the critically-acclaimed Annapolis Maryland-based trio, appropriately dubbed Pressing Strings, has infused those elements within their musical mantra the beginning. The band —Jordan Sokel (Guitar/Vocals), Nick Welker (Bass, Vocals), and Justin Kruger (Drums, Vocals) can trace its origins to Sokel’s initial fascination with some iconic influences, among them, the usual suspects — Dylan, Marley, Simon, Withers, Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Led Zeppelin, etc., as well as some more under the radar artists like Taj Mahal, R.L. Burnside, Junior Kimbrough, and Nick Drake.
John Mailander’s Forecast
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLYJOHN MAILANDER’S FORECASTForecast is a Nashville-based collective of visionary musicians led by multi-instrumentalist/composer John Mailander. Originally assembled for the live debut of John’s 2019 album Forecast, the group adopted the name for a series of residency shows in Nashville. John Mailander’s Forecast has since developed a dedicated following through their adventurous improvisations, singular collaborations, and genre-bending, joyful musical explorations. Forecast is: John Mailander (Fiddle/Keys/Electronics), Ethan Jodziewicz (Bass), Chris Lippincott (Steel Guitars/Keys), Mark Raudabaugh (Drums), Jake Stargel (Guitar), David Williford (Tenor Saxophone/Bass Clarinet).
An Evening with Colicchie
-ALL AGES-STANDING ROOM ONLY COLICCHIEPittsburgh rapper Colicchie rose up from years of struggling with addiction to find success and hope in his music. A rapid decline into drug addiction in his teenage years led to troubles with the law and multiple stints in rehab in his early twenties. After getting clean at age 23, Colicchie began writing raps, turning stories from his life into confessional, unflinchingly honest songs. A video for “Drug Addiction” went viral in 2017, reaching millions of listeners, many of whom were struggling with addiction themselves and took inspiration from Colicchie’s story.
PATIO: Chris Kasper
ALL AGES LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVECHRIS KASPERChris Kasper is an American songwriter who is currently based in the Philadelphia area. He’s been active in the local and national scene for the last 20 years. Over that time, he has released six records and toured with acts like Amos Lee and The Wood Brothers. His music traverses the americana, blues, folk and rock spectrums, blurring the lines between genres. Kasper’s evolution into a no-nonsense songwriter is heard throughout his latest album, with nods to songwriters of the 70s like Bobby Charles, Lowell George, and Neil Young.
PATIO: Shake a Leg!
ALL AGES LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVESHAKE A LEG! Local singer-songwriter Josh Pierce has been writing and sharing songs for 25+ years. Originally hailing from central Illinois, Josh initially made Asheville his home in 1995. Since then, his zig zag travels have included Sylva (NC), Tallahassee (FL), Weaverville (NC), Lexington (KY) and now back in good ol’ west Asheville. All the while, Josh has continued to feed his passion for live music (LIVE MUSIC IS BETTER) and songwriting. Blending elements of rock and roll, folk, blues, and country, SHAKE A LEG! aims to connect with the audience…and have a good time along the way. Songs are often improvised and/or composed in the moment depending on the audience/situation, making each performance unique and fun for all. SHAKE A LEG! includes Josh Pierce (vocals/guitar), Jody Stevenson aka “Skilly” (bass/background vocals), Patrick Thomas (drums), and other AVL music freaks depending on the show… “SHAKE A LEG! brings unique and energetic songs that come straight out of Josh’s daily life and travels.” David Boughner – local roots rock weirdo
Murder By Death
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLYMURDER BY DEATHAs trailblazers of the early 2000s indie-Americana style, the Louisville, KY-based quintet finds a way of taking tried & true rock-and-roll and knocking it slightly off axis, into tottering revolutions of something eerie, emotional, immediate, lush, and uniquely theirs. On the surface, Murder By Death is a Louisville, KY sextet with a wry, ominous name. But behind the geography and moniker is a band of meticulous and literary songwriters matched by a specific brand of brooding, anthem-riding balladry and orchestral indie rock. Murder By Death’s path began in the early 2000s as most Midwestern college-town groups do, by playing to small crowds at ratty venues and frenzied house parties. While many of their formative-year scene-mates failed to make it much further than campustown’s borders, Murder By Death translated their anonymous beginnings into a 20+ year career founded on a bedrock of eight full-length albums, tireless D.I.Y. touring and performing ethics, and, most importantly, a dedicated, cult-like fanbase. J RODDY WALSTON
PATIO: The Whiskey Charmers
ALL AGES LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVETHE WHISKEY CHARMERSDusty Americana duo The Whiskey Charmers, are returning to the Grey Eagle on the heels of their fifth album release (set for May 2024). Their captivating Spaghetti Western sound evokes imagery of a lonesome desert highway. William P Davis (Former Deputy Director of the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville) says of the band “I’ve heard a lot of good musicians. The Whiskey Charmers remind me of no one – and to me, that is one of the best compliments an act can receive.” Check out The Whiskey Charmers music on all streaming platforms. More info at www.thewhiskeycharmers.com
SCYTHIAN
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY SCYTHIANWashington DC-based Scythian (sith-ee-yin) began over 12 years ago as a bunch of college buddies playing Celtic music in the streets and has grown to be a headliner on the US Celtic Festival Circuit as well as a name in the Bluegrass/Americana Festival Circuit. They found that their brand of high-energy folk music found a resonance that led The Washington Post to state: “Scythian’s enthusiasm is contagious, and shows seem to end with everyone dancing, jumping around or hoisting glasses.”For over 12 years they have found success as an independent band and have played over 1,300 shows all over the united states, Europe, Canada and as far aways as Australia.Founded by brothers Alexander and Danylo Fedoryka who are first-generation sons of Ukrainian immigrants, Scythian from the start has been a search and love for the “old time, good time music” of many cultures. They were inspired by a tale told by their 92-year-old grandmother of a roving fiddler who came into her farming village every six months or so. Once he was spotted, messengers were sent to all the outlying fields and mills and worked ceased; everyone gathered in the barn where they danced all night and danced their cares away. This spirit is what has motivated Scythian from its inception and their success as an independent band is due largely to their finding a resonance of soul amongst kindred spirits that span all ages and races. This spirit took them from the streets to playing for the US president on St. Patrick’s Day and its the enthusiastic response they receive that has made each of their 1,300+ shows unique. THE calling card of Scythian is their ability to engage their audience no matter the venue or circumstance and truly every Scythian shows ends with people dancing, smiling and covered with sweat. This is best summed up by The Camel-City Dispatch (Winston-Salem, North Carolina): “[Scythian gives] no quarter in their quest to entertain and bring a joy to their music that gives it an irony-free, wide open feel of manic possibility. The playing is technically brilliant, but it is the energy that carries the day.”STRANGER AND PILGRIM
