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.
AJ Lee & Blue Summit w/ The Cody Sisters
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY AJ LEE & BLUE SUMMIT AJ Lee & Blue Summit are an award-winning energetic, charming, and technically jaw-dropping band quickly rising on the national roots music scene. Based in Santa Cruz, California, the group met as teenagers, picking and jamming together as kids at local music festivals and jams until one day, they decided they would be a band. “Our roots go really deep,” explains de facto band leader Lee. “We met when we were young kids… We definitely decided to choose each other as a chosen family band later on in life, but in a lot of ways it was naturally just like that in the beginning.” “It was like one of those late at night things,” she continued. “We were sitting on a trailer at Grass Valley” at the annual Father’s Day Bluegrass Festival held in the Sierra Nevada foothills – “Someone said, ‘All of us right here, we’re a band now.’ We kind of didn’t take it seriously, but we were like, okay, we’ll be a band!” THE CODY SISTERS The Cody Sisters band is the very heart of contemporary acoustic Folk and Bluegrass in Colorado, the United States, and the UK. Their propulsive instrumental solos and warm harmonies combine to grip the listener. Along with bass player Will Pavilonis, sisters Megan (guitar, mandolin, vocals) and Maddie (guitar, banjo, vocals) have forged a new sound that has no equivalent match in the acoustic world today. In May of 2023, The Cody Sisters released their self-titled EP marking a new beginning for the band. It is their first release since parting ways with their former image of “young girls in a family band” and it portrays a sense of maturity and musical understanding that reveals a new dimension to their artistic expression. They set out to explore new sounds and styles while still holding true to their Bluegrass roots, and they have done just that. This new music is an invitation to connect, to feel, and to journey together through original lyrics and captivating instrumental arrangements. With their brand-new Archipelago, The Cody Sisters contineu to refine and explore a sound that is original, exhilarating, and heartwarming all at the same time. With strong ties to traditional American acoustic music, they continue to stun their audiences both in the U.S. and abroad.
Neal Francis
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY NEAL FRANCIS Neal Francis’ music is an intoxicating blend of funk, soul, and rock that evokes the glory days of the 60s and 70s but is undeniably fresh. His 2019 debut album, Changes, drew lavish applause, hailed as “the reincarnation of Allen Toussaint” by BBC Radio 6 and lauded by KCRW and more. Francis’s acclaimed 2nd LP, In Plain Sight, followed in 2021. Led by top 5 Americana radio favorite, “Can’t Stop The Rain,” the album earned international praise from such publications as MOJO, who wrote, “Francis digs deep on guileless rock and soul with bold flourishes.” Accolades followed, including a 2022 Americana Music Awards nomination and Libera Award nominations in 2022 and 2024. Francis has sold out shows globally, shared the stage with Wilco, The Meters, My Morning Jacket and Black Pumas, appeared at major festivals such as Bonnaroo, Fuji Rock, Newport Folk, Lollapalooza, and performed on national TV. Francis’s live performance was captured in 2023’s double live album & concert film, Francis Comes Alive. The 3rd album from Neal Francis, Return To Zero, emerged from a kind of visionary fever dream. Equal parts heady and hedonistic, pensive and euphoric, the LP echoes his deep-rooted psych-rock sensibilities and lifelong love of classic funk. Amid a relentless touring schedule, Neal immersed himself in creating a beautiful, strange, all-analog entangling of timeless rock & roll and ’70s-era dance music, merging supremely heavy guitar riffs with lush, pulsating grooves. SAM FRIBUSH ORGAN TRIO
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.
My Magnificent Nemesis
The Grey Eagle and Worthwhile Sounds Present PATIO SHOW: MY MAGNIFICENT NEMESIS Sunday, July 19 4:30pm Doors // 5:30pm Show All Ages LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVE My Magnificent Nemesis is an Asheville-based progressive cinematic pop rock band with a jazzy edge, led by composer/drummer James Kylen alongside Chuck Lichtenberger (keys), Jonathan Pearlman (guitar), Ryan Kijanka(bass), and Alex Travers (violin). Known for their high-powered musicianship and playful stage vibe, their sets showcase the band’s imaginative original music, shifting between driving rock, quirky and silly moments, sweet melodic sections, and sweeping cinematic feels—so you never quite know what’s coming next, but it’s always exciting and engaging. Cleverly placed covers keep audiences invested and guessing, reimagining everything from Led Zeppelin and The Beatles, to Coltrane and Chick Corea, to modern pop favorites like Katy Perry and more.
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.
Dana and Alden: Papa’s Boat Tour
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY DANA AND ALDEN Jazz duo Dana & Alden have always had a wanderlust, something they credit to their maternal grandfather. Affectionately known as Papa, he was the kind of person others naturally gravitate towards. It was a photograph from one of his trips to Asia that inspired the Eugene, OR duo’s new album Papa’s Boat. In the image Papa is looking out across the horizon and stood next to his boat Sŵn y Môr (Welsh for “Sound of the Sea.”) “I think so much of what Alden and I are doing comes from just watching him live his own unique life,” says Dana. Alden agrees. “His emboldened, passionate personality gave us permission to be our own selves, to be unconventional and draw outside of the box.” Recorded with Malcolm Catto in London in March 2025, Papa’s Boat combines all their childhood love and global experience to create an ecstatic sound built on Dana’s saxophone and Alden’s drums. Recorded with the duo’s backing band, Ebba Dankel (vocals and keys), Andrew Mitchell (bass), Eli Torgersen (vocals and guitar) and Salim Charvet (sax and synths), Papa’s Boat is rooted in jazz but pulling influence from indie, pop, rap, bossa nova, and beyond. A hypnotic combination of sax and buzzing synths on “Lighthouse” sets the tone for an album that uses water as both a reflective surface and a body to get lost in. Elsewhere there are collaborations with Mei Semones, Melanie Charles, and legendary Brazilian songwriter Marcos Valle, a hero figure to the band who appears on “El Gaucho” and “Friendship Is A Boat.” Throughout its runtime Papa’s Boat sails purposefully between memories of the past and visions of a brighter future. It doesn’t just commemorate their Papa as a beloved character, but shares him with the world.