PATIO: Moon Water
– ALL AGES- LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVEDMOON WATER The mother/daughter duo whose tight blood harmonies drive the music, came to be during the covid-19 pandemic when Jenny Renee, a single mom, moved her two kids, Blu Belle and Bud, to The Appalachian Mountains from Manhattan, New York. Having grown up in the south, Jen got reconnected to her roots and started playing old hymns and mountain music with her kids. They began posting videos and getting positive feedback. Without much work due to the pandemic and being free of the bustle that is NYC, Jen had time on her hands to write more music and contemplate what’s important in life. As a cancer survivor, she found new joy and appreciation for life and nature on the mountain top and began singing about it. Blu started experimenting with fiddle, lap steel and bass when Moon Water was born. Bud sits in occasionally on drums as well. Why Moon Water? A month after arriving in Western North Carolina, Blu collected rain water before the Flower Moon and then sat it out the night of the full moon. There the water became moon water and they keep it in a mason jar as their positive energy force for musical inspiration. Their new album Deep Medicine, recorded at Citizen Studios and featuring Matt Smith on pedal steel and Lyndsay Pruett on fiddle, is available on all streaming platforms.
PATIO: Charlie Marks & Jay Skaggs
– ALL AGES- LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVEDCHARLIE MARKSCharlie Marks is an old-time, roots banjo and guitar picker. His sets blend traditional folk tunes with originals, ranging from foot-stomping banjo tunes to heartfelt ballads. With a sound described “as fresh as it is timeless”, Charlie brings a raw energy and earnestness to the stage that has captivated audiences across the country.JAY SKAGGSJay Skaggs is an alt country singer out of central KY, with influences ranging from traditional music to alternative music. His songs tell tales from traveling the states, living in the street and dealing with our times today. Jay has been described as “grunge country” and “a highly caffeinated John Prine” (American songcatcher) and also drawn comparisons from Bob Dylan to Colter Wall. His music is found on YouTube and bandcamp. You can also stream Jay’s Red Barn Radio performance where ever you stream music. Take a listen to the *Okay Lucky You* EP @ jayskaggs.bandcamp.com
[CANCELED] PATIO: Liz Hopkins (of Delta Rae) + Azul Zapata
– ALL AGES- LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVEDLIZ HOPKINS (of DELTA RAE) Liz Hopkins has been singing since she could talk, and probably sings more than she talks–.in choirs of all kinds, musical theater productions, open jams, sitting in with all kinds of bands, and as a proud member of North Carolina born DELTA RAE. She started harmonizing with Ian Eric and Brittany Holljes during her highschool years — and they are still harmonizing today. DR has played the Eagle many times! But now, Liz is coming at you with her own distinct flavor. As a vocalist with Delta Rae has toured all over the US, and internationally, released 4 full length albums, played music festivals including Bonnaroo, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, Austin City Limits, Lollapalooza and more- performed on National TV (Jay Leno, Conan O’Brien, Seth Meyers), and had the honor of meeting Michelle Obama, and shared the stage and had a sign off with Melissa Etheridge. She was real nervous. After 2 rounds with labels. In 2019, Delta Rae left the label they were on (again) and set out on their own and became the most funded independent band until the history of Kickstarter. It has been a wild ride and 13 years into full time musician life, she hasn’t slowed down. She remains proud to be part of Delta Rae, who just released 2 albums in 2020 and 2021 – and is back on tour this year!When Liz is not on the road or in the studio with Delta Rae, she is singing in professional musical theater productions, leading shows of her own around North Carolina, and practicing piano, teaching kids and adults to sing and now finally starting to write her own songs and put together plans for an album of her own. We’ve only just begun… AZUL ZAPATA Azul is a queer Latinx musician that oscillates from tender moments of grief and love to disco dance, music numbers on betrayal and the stress of living in our modern world. Oh and sometimes it is in Spanish. She sings and plays trumpet with her best friends and her goal is connect with her listeners. After releasing her debut original EP in 2021 “The View From Here,” Azul played all over NC and opened for several nationally touring acts. You can hear released music here. You can watch some of the performances here. And the website with everything and socials is here.
PATIO: Shake a Leg
– ALL AGES- LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVEDSHAKE 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 WNC, northern Florida, Kentucky and now back in Asheville. Along the way Josh has continued to honor his passion for live music (LIVE MUSIC IS BETTER) and songwriting. Blending elements of folk, blues, country, and rock and roll, Josh aims to connect with the audience…and have a good time along the way. After years of playing open mics, restaurants, and bars as a solo artist, Josh knew that it was now or never to start a rock and roll outfit. When moving back home to Asheville in 2022, he quickly reconnected with friend (and bass player) Jody Stevenson aka “Skilly” to form SHAKE A LEG. “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
PATIO: Stephen Evans & The True Grits (CD Release Show)
– ALL AGES- LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVEDSTEPHEN EVANS & THE TRUE GRITS After many years of vacillating between being a professional musician and building a nest in Asheville, NC, Stephen Evans finally asked his friends, Brian Shoemaker (bass), Sam Hess (drums), and Woodstock (mandolin), to form the True Grits and make some music together in 2014. The very next year, Stephen Evans & the True Grits released their first LP “Something to Bleed”. Inspired to release more music, they followed two years later with their EP “Under the Bridge.” Both records have received local and regional praise for their passion and creativity. Stephen’s strong melodic songwriting style is a blend of vivid imagery, darkness, and hopeful optimism. There’s no denying the feeling that shines through with his evocative vocals and lyrics. Songs like ‘Ghost Among the Trees’, ‘The Garden’, ‘Cherokee Hills’, ‘Shining Star’, and ‘1000 Roses’ are beacons of his folk rock song craft. With radio play on Western North Carolina radio stations, as well as shows around the region, Stephen Evans & the True Grits are becoming a local favorite. “Buzz of Bees” is their latest album, released in December of 2022, of folk rock with some songs dipping their toes into other styles like Americana, Latin Folk, and Vaudeville. Singles from the LP, ‘Ghost Among the Trees’, ‘Winning the Day’, and ‘Estefania’, are already receiving radioplay on local stations as well as national online radio and music podcasts. Look for Stephen Evans & the True Grits playing fun live shows all around the area to support this beautiful album.
PATIO: Acoustic Light Brigade
– ALL AGES- LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVEDACOUSTIC LIGHT BRIGADEAcoustic Light Brigade (ALB) is the project of Jess Wells, Josh Batenhorst and Ginny Andino – three unique voices blending in harmony. Pulling inspiration from the high plains of Texas, las playas de Puerto Rico, and the Georgia heat, ALB is determined to spread light into the darkness…and occasionally vice versa. Bring your shades and your shiny attire – it’s gonna be a party.Jess Wells (guitar, vocals, violin) is a performing musician and theatre professional. His work as a composer has been seen on stages in Atlanta for more than 15 seasons. A multi-instrumentalist – he plays violin, mandolin and bass in addition to his unique electric-acoustic sound on the guitar. Previous bands include Jyve Tractor, Almighty Sol Shakers, and Cosmic Fire, playing stages from small venues to large festivals. In 2023 and in life, he hopes to be intelligent, brave and kind.Josh Batenhorst (aka “Capt. Josh,” aka “Capt. Happy,” aka “CEO” – vocals, guitar, percussion) has been writing songs since his teenage years on the plains of West Texas. A devotee of the Texas troubadour tradition he finds inspiration in whimsical, thoughtful, heartfelt lyrics and simple songs that seek the truth – be it light or dark. He has been a veteran of Asheville stages both on stage and behind the scenes since 2002. A prolific writer, he decided to turn his focus to music in 2022 to share all the stories in his heart.Originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Ginny Andino has been performing since she was 5 years old, both in PR and throughout the USA. She plays guitar, flute, recorder, accordion and piano. She is trained in opera, classical choral, ballet, jazz and modern dance, and musical theatre. She is a public school educator but she hasn’t let that break her spirit yet! With a voice that can penetrate your soul with sweet solo soprano à la Joan Baez, or disappear into a blended harmony like Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls, her sound is specifically tuned to shed light on YOU!
PATIO: The Scatterlings
– ALL AGES- LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVEDTHE SCATTERLINGS The Scatterlings are a three-piece acoustic/Americana band based in Asheville, North Carolina. The members share a fondness for songs about heartbreak, whiskey, and killings, although they promise they are actually all very peaceful people. Many of their original songs offer masterful personal storytelling, while others are steeped deep in local history. The Scatterlings are: Elfy Kornfeld on lead vocals and baritone ukulele, Brad Pope on guitar and mandolin, Kevin Gary on guitar, mandolin, and harmony vocals The Scatterlings have released two albums–‘Being Human’ and ‘The Scatterlings’
PATIO: Eleanor Underhill & Friends
– ALL AGES- LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVEDELEANOR UNDERHILL & FRIENDS Eleanor Underhill & Friends creates sonic landscapes like you’ve never heard before. Underhill is a banjo-wielding frontwoman armed with soulful vocals, launching from well-crafted original songs to fun, upbeat cover tunes. By her side are some of Asheville’s finest musicians drawing from backgrounds of jazz, rock, and soul. The result is captivating, sometimes dizzying, and always inspired. In 2014, with a desire to create a band rooted in the Asheville music scene, Eleanor Underhill (of the internationally-acclaimed Americana group, Underhill Rose) pulled together several top-notch performers to create a powerhouse side-project: Eleanor Underhill & Friends. Each member brings their own musical instincts and influences, resulting in music that is fresh and far-reaching. Featuring all of the members of “& Friends,” Underhill’s debut solo effort, Navigate the Madness, was released in 2018 to wide acclaim: Named one of the Top 10 Releases of 2018 by Bill Kopp (Musocribe) and voted in the Top 100 International Releases by WNCW radio listeners. Asheville Citizen-Times called it “…a stunning work of a gifted, visionary singer-songwriter. With her open-back banjo, soulful and luminous vocals as the common thread, there isn’t a cliched lyric anywhere among the collection of playful, sublime and deeply affecting songs.” (Jim Simpson) The group’s follow-up release in 2020, Land of the Living, digs even deeper into Underhill’s psyche and reaches even farther into new musical landscapes. The result? American Songwriter premiered the track “Strange Chemistry” and said the album was “…Tales told in motion, with dynamic harmonies.” PopMatters weighed in, saying that it was, “…An emotionally powerful collection that inspires repeated listens.” In 2021, a live performance by Eleanor Underhill & Friends was featured on PBS-syndicated Echo Sessions along with a cover story in CenterPiece Magazine. 2022 is shaping up to be another hallmark year with the release of the group’s third album Got it Covered, packed with sixteen tracks of fan-favorite cover songs.
PATIO: Griefcat + Brittany Ann Tranbaugh
– ALL AGES- LIMITED PATIO SEATING IN FIRST COME FIRST SERVEGRIEFCATGriefcat is an all-women musical comedy duo hailed as “local favorites” by Washington City Paper in their hometown of DC. Often referred to as “Tenacious Double D’s” due to their musicality and hilarious lyrics, their sequin studded shows have been referred to by attendees as “the most fun [we’ve] had since Lizzo.” They recently finished recording their 2nd studio album, “late stage capitalism,” with singles expected in Spring of 2023. A live clip of one of their upcoming singles, “Revolution (Poop at Work), ” recently garnered over 1M views on Instagram and counting. BRITTANY ANN TRANBAUGHBrittany Ann Tranbaugh is a singer songwriter hailing from Philadelphia. Her queer country song “Kiss You” won Song of the Year in the 2021 John Lennon Songwriting Contest, and she regularly tours with Carsie Blanton. In October, she recorded a 5 song EP in LA with Grammy-nominated producer Tyler Chester, and will be releasing a single every 6 weeks beginning in March.
PATIO: 5j Barrow
– ALL AGES- LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVE5J BARROWInspiration seeped through the windows of apartment 5J on Barrow Street looking out over the Hudson River in NYC’s Greenwich Village, where singer-songwriters and Broadway performers, Eryn Murman and Jason Hite, soaked up the energy and passion of musicians, painters, poets and writers who created the Village vibe. Together, they paid tribute to those creative spirits and named their band 5j Barrow, writing music and lyrics with a unique folk/rock sound, touring as a duo, and often picking up Drew Jones on bass and Gerard Canonico on drums. The band has inspired audiences with soulful music, evocative imagery, and lyrics that touch the heart, from the historic Apollo Theater to the open air of Washington Square Park, from the streets of New Orleans to the Rocky Mountains, from California wine country to New England forests. Woody Platt of the Steep Canyon Rangers says his interest was piqued when he came across their live show at the Asheville Regional Airport of all places. “I checked out 5J Barrow and was totally impressed; killer vocals, cools songs and overall great energy, vibe.” The duo of Eryn Murman and Jason Hite who originally formed the band in 2011, forged an even stronger bond when they married in 2017. Since then, they’ve toured the country and discovered new inspiration in the mountains of Asheville, NC, a supportive artistic community that resembles the old Village vibe that sparked 5j’s values in independent artistry, community and collaboration. They still travel and tour, a favorite of Sofar Sounds in dozens of cities, and play diverse music venues, house concerts, and festivals all over North America. 5j Barrow was named “Best Band in NY” after winning The Greene Space WNYC/WQXR’s Battle of the Boroughs 2014. 5j Barrow released their debut album ‘From the Dim, Sweet Light’ in 2014, and their EP trilogy of The Journey Volumes 1, 2, and 3 were released from 2017-2019.
