2026 Paddling Film Festival World Tour benefiting MountainTrue
ALL AGES SEATED (FIRST COME FIRST SERVE) W/ ADDITIONAL STANDING ROOM DISCOUNTED TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN UNDER 12 PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT MOUNTAINTRUE MountainTrue Presents the Paddling Film Festival World Tour It’s back!! MountainTrue is excited to bring the Paddling Film Festival World Tour back to Asheville, North Carolina on Thursday, April 23rd in honor of Earth Day. All proceeds benefit the work of MountainTrue. What better way to celebrate than by watching the best paddling films and being in community with other clean water supporters?! You’ll be inspired to explore rivers, lakes, and oceans, push extremes, embrace the paddling lifestyle, and appreciate the wild places. Doors to the Grey Eagle will open at 6 PM, and the show will begin at 7. Seats are general admission so come early to snag a good seat and grab some food from the Grey Eagle Taqueria. (If you require subtitles for any reason we highly encourage you to come early to get front seating.) Tickets are being sold by The Grey Eagle and are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Kids under the age of 12 are $5. (*Venue convenience fees not included in ticket pricing). We’ll have several short films before an intermission, which will feature a short presentation about the work of MountainTrue’s French Broad Riverkeeper Program and a RAFFLE featuring a kayak from feelfree kayaks. What are you waiting for? Grab a raffle ticket now! Check back soon for the film line-up! This event would not be possible without the support of our generous sponsors: Presenting Sponsor: Caley Bowman and Mosaic Realty Supporting Sponsors: Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC), Second Gear RAFFLE: There will be a raffle announce at this event, there are two raffle packages featuring a variety of outdoor swag. Please follow this link to enter! https://secure.everyaction.com/Ip8on2Y6T0yOcOEv1AR3DQ2
Michael Gungor (Acoustic Evening)
ALL AGES SEATED SHOW MICHAEL GUNGOR Join us at The Grey Eagle in Asheville, NC for a special acoustic night with Michael Gungor—an intimate, immersive evening designed to bring people together through music, story, movement, and reflection. Known for songs like “Beautiful Things” and for his Grammy-nominated work, Gungor has spent years creating art that reaches beyond categories—equal parts lyrical, soulful, and searching. Many also recognize him from The Liturgists Podcast, where he’s helped spark expansive conversations about faith, meaning, and what it means to be human. This event is more than a standard concert. Expect a warm, close-room experience filled with songs and stories, moments that invite dancing, and meditative practices woven throughout the night—creating space to open the mind, heart, and spirit. Whether you’re a longtime listener or simply looking for a night that feels connected and alive, come be part of something honest, beautiful, and shared.
Asheville Crankie Fest
ALL AGES SEATED SHOWS ASHEVILLE CRANKIE FEST Asheville Crankie Fest is a celebration of artists, musicians, and makers who gather to awaken the ancient art of the crankie — a moving scroll where image and melody weave together to form a tapestry. This is an art form with historical roots in cultures from around the world, but is near and dear to our Appalachian musicians sharing heartfelt ballads as they travel through the valleys. Painted, printed, cut, and sewn scrolls show these stories as the cranker tells and sings them, inviting the audience along on the journey. The handmade meets the heartfelt, and the simple act of cranking becomes a spell — winding time, memory, and imagination together.
Songwriters Roller Derby Showcase
ALL AGES STANDING ROOM + SEATING, FIRST COME FIRST SERVED SONGWRITERS ROLLER DERBY SHOWCASE The Songwriters Roller Derby Showcase, presented by the Asheville Songwriters Association, is a quarterly music show with no roller skates included – just four performers “rollin’ out the songs, elbows-n-all.” Curated and hosted by Jodi John Pippin and Thomas Kozak, each “Derby Night” at The Grey Eagle will showcase the craft of songwriting in an intimate and welcoming setting. Spending an evening getting folky in “the rink” is a good thing to do. As an added element of the Songwriters Roller Derby Showcase, a guest songwriter will join the performers on stage for an interactive, on-the-spot, feedback session for a portion of the show. The performers will spend most of the evening sharing finished songs with the audience, but for these special feedback rounds, they will share new songs that have not been performed on stage. The entire house will get to experience what it’s like at one of the Asheville Songwriters Association’s “Roller Derby Songwriting Meetings” where the layers of creativity are peeled back, revealing what works with the songs and what doesn’t. Come support the songwriters as they show their vulnerable side and help nurture the art and craft of songwriting in the region and beyond. The performers for this first Derby will be: Thomas Kozak Ben Mackel Evan Veasey Alex Krug
COVERFEST V: Benefit Concert for Asheville Middle School
ALL AGES STANDING ROOM ONLY NET TICKET PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT ASHEVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL’S 8TH GRADE CAPSTONE TRIP Asheville’s favorite night of live music and community spirit, Coverfest, is back for its fifth spectacular year! Coverfest V: A Benefit for Asheville Middle School will take over the Grey Eagle on Sunday, January 18, 2026, from 5:00–11:00 PM, bringing together top local and regional musicians for an unforgettable evening of cover songs—all for a great cause. Over the past several years, Coverfest has become a beloved fixture in Asheville’s music scene, raising thousands of dollars to ensure every Asheville Middle School 8th grader can participate in their annual capstone trip. The event is as much about community as it is about music, creating a space where families, students, and music fans can celebrate collaboration, creativity, and giving back. The Grey Eagle, a longstanding champion of local arts and community initiatives, has been instrumental in making Coverfest V possible. Known for supporting charitable events, youth programs, and live music, the venue provides a stage where both up-and-coming and established artists can shine while helping meaningful causes. This year, 10 incredible local and regional artists (and one student band) will take the stage for 30-minute mini-sets of your favorite cover songs, guaranteeing a night full of energy, nostalgia, and musical surprises. Performers (in alphabetical order): Andrew Thelston Band Blue Dragons Call the Next Witness Longest Distance Relationship Lower Peaks PINKEYE Rockabilly Roy & the Kopy Kats Santiago y Los Gatos Stephen Evans and the True Grits The Corporation (student band) “This trip is one of the most important experiences our students will have during their middle school years,” said Joe Hooten, organizer, performer, and Asheville City Schools teacher. “Our staff has vowed to not let any child stay behind due to their financial situation. This community’s support ensures that promise becomes a reality.” Tickets for Coverfest V are available online through The Grey Eagle’s website and at the door on the night of the event. All proceeds go directly to funding Asheville Middle School’s 8th grade capstone trip, helping ensure every student can participate regardless of financial need.
Blue Dragons: Benefit for Asheville Holiday Fundraiser Album
ALL AGES STANDING ROOM ONLY BLUE DRAGONS: Benefit for Asheville Holiday Fundraiser Album, an IAMAVL & Citizen Vinyl projectA storm passed. The river rose. And now… so does the music. One year later, something powerful is returning to the stage…Blue Dragons are ready to breathe fire!Blue Dragons is a group of musical friends who call Asheville home. Blending original songs with a wide variety of covers, a Blue Dragons show is all about energy, exploration and fun. Lead guitarist and vocalist Jeff Mooney applies well-honed skill to each tune, soaring between mind-blowing solos and tasteful grooves. Songwriter, singer, guitarist and harp player Eddie Dewey creates music that showcases his Americana and jam roots. Bassist and vocalist James Fisher provides original songs that feature Dylan-influenced lyrics and a touch of funk. Holding it all together is drummer Christopher “Z” Zion, always pushing the band to explore deeper and groove harder. Featured in this show is original vocalist, Sara Judy. Sara doesn’t just sing, she embodies the lyrics with passion and grace. Blue Dragons are excited for her return to the stage! Blue Dragons seeks to create a unique experience with every live performance. Setlists are crafted to showcase each player while keeping an engaging vibe for both band and audience. Whether it’s a deep blues cover, Grateful Dead classic, or one their own tunes, the goal is to weave a rhythmic story that gets people moving! In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Asheville’s creative community is slowly recovering. To help celebrate and support our local musicians, executive producers Eddie Dewey, Jeff sipe and Gar Ragland have teamed up to spearhead the recording and release of an Asheville Holiday Album, featuring classic repertoire performed by some of Asheville’s and WNC’s premier musicians. The recording process is underway and the album is being recorded and pressed to vinyl at Citizen Vinyl in Asheville. Proceeds from the sale of the album will support local arts-based organizations that are actively supporting Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.
PATHWAY TO CITIZENSHIP: A Benefit for our Immigrant Friends
ALL AGES GA SEATING AVAILABLE 100% OF NET TICKET PROCEEDS TO SUPPORT CIMA & PISGAH LEGAL PATHWAY TO CITIZENSHIP: A BENEFIT FOR OUR IMMIGRANT FRIENDS Help our WNC Immigrant Community by coming to this uplifting show! Raising $ for pro-bono legal help through Pisgah Legal & CIMA. FREE educational materials & info to help you INFORM others about who & what immigrants are. Celebrate & Take Action with us! Featuring performances from…. DAVID LaMOTTE LA SONORA CAROLINA MELISSA McKINNEY & ADAMA DEMBELE MIRIAM ALLEN BETH LEE
Punch Bucket Literary Festival – Opening Night Rapid Reading & Music!
ALL AGES STANDING ROOM + SEATING, FIRST COME FIRST SERVED Punch Bucket Literary Festival – Opening Night Rapid Reading & Music! Punch Bucket Lit kicks of their 2nd annual literary festival with a Rapid Reading by featured authors Xhenet Aliu, T. Bambrick, Daniel Tam-Claiborne, Mariah Rigg, Jesse Van Eerden, Mackenzie Kozak, Austin Segrest, LaTanya McQueen, and others, along with music by Thomas Kozak and the Poets!For the opening night Rapid Reading ticket only, purchase here. For full festival passes, including the opening night event, go to Punch Bucket Lit.
Jules!
ALL AGES KIDS UNDER 1 ARE FREE SEATED SHOW JULES! Jules! (they/them) is a GRAMMY-considered children’s artist, songwriter, and educator known for their original, inclusive music that inspires empathy, self-regulation, and self-expression. Their debut album Jamming with Jules! was released in fall 2024 and was featured on the 2025 GRAMMY ballot for Best Children’s Album. Jules! has been featured on Ms. Rachel’s Songs for Littles on Netflix and has built a vibrant community through their YouTube channel, Jamming with Jules!, which has over 4 million views. Joining Jules! is their best friend and musical collaborator, Catho (she/her), a talented multi-instrumentalist, producer, and songwriter. Catho co-produced Jamming with Jules! and brings creativity, heart, and musical sophistication to every performance. Together, Jules! and Catho create joyful, high-energy shows that celebrate imagination, kindness, and connection for kids and grown-ups alike. Their next album, Thanks A Lot: Raffi Reimagined—a tribute to the legendary children’s artist Raffi—will be released in summer 2025. Follow Jules! on all socials @julessingsforlittles to join them on their musical journey.
Mercy in the Mountains: A Blues and Soul Celebration benefitting Habitat for Humanity and LEAF Global Arts
– ALL AGES- STANDING ROOM ONLY – NET TICKET PROCEEDS TO DIRECTLY BENEFIT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY AND LEAF GLOBAL ARTS – PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MERCY IN THE MOUNTAINS MAMA Winner of the 2025 MerleFest Band Competition. Melissa McKinney writes songs about the pain that every person inevitably experiences in their lives. She sings these songs as a cry for hope, healing, and inspiration. She is passionate about creating music in a way that makes a positive impact on the world. Melissa is the lead singer of MAMA—Melissa McKinney’s Band, a resident artist with LEAF Global Arts, the co-founder of Women to the Front Music Festival, a board member of AVLFest, and the director of The One Voice Project. Recently, she advanced to the finals of the International Blues competition in Memphis and was given the opportunity to sing at the historic Orpheum Theatre. Melissa’s biggest joy comes from performing alongside her daughter, K McKinney, who is also a musician, singer, and songwriter. MAD DOG BLUES BAND A blues and soul collective with roots in the 1990s, The Mad Dog Blues Band is made up of musicians and singers from Asheville, New York City, Washington D.C., and North Georgia. For this show, original members Mark McDaniel, Brian Harvey, Jacob Keller, Bob Walters, and Kate Brown Walters, are joined by a gifted group of performers including Andy Hunter, John Caldemeyer, Wes Snoddy, Mary Grace Walters, Ashley Berger and others. Their goal is to pay homage to the blues, roots, and soul music from the 50s, 60s, and 70s that laid the foundation for almost all popular music we have played and listened to since. ERIC FREEMAN Eric Freeman, aka The Blueridge Boy, is a genuine bluesman who shares classic acoustic blues from the Delta to the Piedmont — ragtime tunes, minstrel songs, plus a healthy dose of country and other favorites. Originally from a rural north-central Virginia community known as Gid Brown Hollow, Eric has traveled America playing the blues and living the hard life of a traveling blues man, sharing authentic roots music that is getting harder and harder to find. Brendan Boyle at Folk Arts Rare Records in San Diego says this about Eric: “He has brought the house down every time he’s played at Folk Arts. Eric has an in-depth knowledge of many different pre-war blues styles, and he never stops learning. He also has a deep understanding of what the blues is really all about.”
