Damien Jurado: ‘All hits & no misses tour’ w/ St. Yuma
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY DAMIEN JURADO “Play on, there’s no such thing as better days,” Damien Jurado sings on “Roger,” the sweeping wash of a song that opens Reggae Film Star, his 18th full length album and second release from Jurado’s own Maraqopa Records label. But as he enters his 25th year as a recording artist, it’s clear these are, at the least, very good days for Jurado on the creative front. In these 12 songs, which evoke half-recalled dreams and overheard conversations, the cosmic rushes headlong into the autobiographical and specific moments on the clock fade from past to future to scenes set only in the eternal now. Playing out like a backlot documentary filmed on the location of an unnamed TV or film set—maybe a sitcom taping, or perhaps it’s a low budget science fiction B-movie, or could it be a talk show?—the album is populated by performers awaiting call times, camera operators praying for their shot, and studio audiences rapt with anticipation. The stars here eschew glitz and glamor. Instead, they wander grocery stores and parking lots in the verdant Pacific Northwest and the desert Southwest, looking for payphones and a sense of purpose. Produced by Jurado with multi-instrumentalist Josh Gordon and recording engineer Alex Bush at Sonikwire studio in Irvine,CA, Jurado’s home away from home and musical headquarters, the record’s compositions are among the most musically rich in his vast discography, encompassing romantic AM gold, ‘60s psychedelia, driving rock & roll, Latin shuffles, and left of the dial ambiance. Strings swell, melodic bass bubbles, and piano sparkles, undergirding Jurado’s unmistakable voice, at once intimately present and ghostly, grounded in the here and now but capable, at any moment, of drifting off into the divinatory. Following threads established by 2021’s The Monster Who Hated Pennsylvania, the album sees Jurado embracing his auteur era, penning vignettes that arrive with little fanfare and depart quicker than you might suspect, only to linger long after they wrap. Seeking a skeleton key to decipher the action is beside the point—Jurado’s songs are worlds meant to be lived in, not picked apart—but on the beatific single “What Happened To The Class Of ‘65?” the singer imagines himself as both the viewer and the viewed, the eye behind the camera and its subject. This emotional and spiritual transference animates Reggae Film Star. Like a masterful director, Jurado offers motivation to the listener, staring unblinkingly from the mise-en-scène in your mind. “Look into the camera,” he commands on “The Day Of The Robot,” “One more time with anger/And sadness/I believe you.” A quarter-century in, Jurado remains gripped by his visions and driven by an unmatched creative drive. Reggae Film Star is one of Damien Jurado’s finest works to date, a stunning new feature from one of indie rock’s most cinematic figures. Here on this sound stage, you are the camera, you are the scene, you are the setting, and you are the viewer. Please try not to blink. -Jason P. Woodbury ST. YUMA
PATIO SHOW: Hillside Ramblers
– ALL AGES- LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVEHILLSIDE RAMBLERS The Hillside Ramblers are a multi-generational folk trio from Asheville, NC, who first met as neighbors. They craft a combination of voices and instruments rooted in New England folk, Appalachian bluegrass, and traditional jazz. Deborah Silverstein spent decades as an award-winning singer-songwriter on the Boston folk scene, writing and performing original songs that linger with the audience long after the show ends. Her songs engage honestly with the full spectrum of the human experience, inviting listeners to feel the highs and lows in equal measure. Chris Cotteta delivers vocals and plays lead guitar with an energy that moves freely between country, folk, and jazz. He adds the same thoughtful touches to songs written a hundred years ago as to ones written yesterday. Maria Raiti plays upright bass and soulfully sings covers and originals. She also leads the prominent local bluegrass/Americana band, Asheville Junction. Together they blend their eclectic backgrounds and styles into a sound tapestry of musical harmony and storytelling that feels all at once fascinating, fresh, and as familiar as your front porch.
FREE PATIO SHOW: We Have Ignition
– FREE SHOW- ALL AGES – LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVE- DONATIONS FOR THE ARTISTS ENCOURAGED! VENMO: @RLMARTIN71 WE HAVE IGNITION We Have Ignition plays high energy original instrumental music. The band was founded by RL Martin on guitar with original members Jeff Manson on bass and Nick Harvey on drums. The bands influences stem from artists such as Man or Astro – Man?, The Dead Kennedy’s, Devo, and Dick Dale among others.
Robin Plemmons: Throbbin’
AGES 18+ SEATED SHOW LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE Asheville artist and comedian Robin Plemmons is back for another round of holleration. Her third one-woman show here at the Grey Eagle is called THROBBIN and she’ll be in her sweet spot- oversharing the hell out of her life: like living with Crohn’s disease, getting through 8 butthole surgeries, being married to an Appalachian beefcake, parenting neurodivergent kids in a hellscape, and dragging her ass to therapy, all while laughing at the absurdity of it all. She’s like Miralax for emotional constipation, organically loosening us all up. You might shit yourself. Your chakras might align. You might run into your therapist (or hers) and have to unpack that later. You might leave with a boner (or the vulva equivalent). You might feel healed. You might feel traumatized. Who’s to say. ADHD and visually stimulated individuals will especially enjoy how she sprinkles her own ridiculous, heartfelt art throughout the show, displayed on the big screen in front of you. Please keep in mind that it’s R-rated material, so don’t bring your MeeMaw unless your MeeMaw is chill. And here’s a fun surprise! The end of the show will morph into a dance party filled with nasty hip hop, power ballads, and splashes of Xennial nostalgic tunes. Think DMX, Celine Dion, Kendrick, Beyoncé, Amy Grant. It’s a delightful sensory buffet that will leave your heart, eyeballs, and crotchal region throbbin’ in all the best ways. Bonus! It’s a Saturday night! There’ll be tacos, beer, and unhinged merch! AND you’ll probably be in bed, snuggled under your covers like a sweet, satiated, milk-drunk baby, by 9:30 or 10:00.
Gimme Hendrix
ALL AGES GIMME HENDRIX Hailing from the vibrant music scene of Athens, GA, Gimme Hendrix stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the greatest band of the psychedelic era, The Jimi Hendrix Experience. Our band is not just a tribute; it’s a journey back in time to when music underwent a revolution, led by the unparalleled artistry of Jimi Hendrix. As a multi-award-winning tribute band, Gimme Hendrix has been honored with seven nominations and four wins for the Best Tribute/Cover at the prestigious Athens Flagpole Music Awards. Our passion for authenticity has taken us across the United States and beyond, with tours reaching as far as Bucharest, Romania. The Jimi Hendrix Experience reshaped the ’60s and left an indelible mark on music history. Their sound—a mesmerizing fusion of blues, soul, R&B, jazz, rock, and more—was nothing short of revolutionary. Jimi Hendrix’s contribution was not just music; it was a cultural phenomenon. In our quest to recreate the Jimi Hendrix Experience, we pay meticulous attention to detail. From our attire to our stage presence, we embody the spirit and style of the era. But above all, our focus is on recapturing that iconic sound. As a three-piece ensemble, just like the original, we deliver electrifying live performances that resonate with the power and passion of the past.
PATIO SHOW: Lotcho Zeo
– ALL AGES- LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVELOTCHO ZEO Lotcho Zeo, a band with 5 high schoolers (Junior-Senior). Our band started as Lotcho trio with Keaton Will and Sean, and we have recently welcomed Zoey and Theo to the group. Zoey is a senior at Asheville High, and he plays the guitar. He lives for playing with other musicians and is so excited to join such a talented group. Theo is a senior at TC Roberson High who plays the French horn and bass guitar. He has a strong passion for music and loves collaborating with others. William is a senior at Asheville High School and is a multi-instrumentalist playing piano, saxophone, and bassoon; he plays piano/keyboard in this group. Keaton is a senior at Asheville High School who plays the drum kit in our group + every other percussion instrument. Sean is a high school junior at Asheville High School and plays the saxophone, and has been for 5 years. We all love playing music and have a shared passion for it.
PATIO SHOW: Laurel Canyon East
– ALL AGES- LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVELAUREL CANYON EAST Laurel Canyon East brings their trademark, Folk Rock vibe. Experience the music that came out of Laurel Canyon in the 60’s and 70’s. Groups like CSN, The Eagles, The Byrds, Linda Ronstadt, Stevie Nicks, Jackson Brown, Joni Mitchell, and many more. Capturing the spirit of collective creativity and spreading the love, we hope you will join us in celebrating, enjoying friendship, and live music!
FREE PATIO SHOW: The Riverbreaks
– ALL AGES- FREE SHOW- LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVETHE RIVERBREAKS The Riverbreaks deliver a powerful blend of Americana and Rock, defined by lyrical depth, rich orchestration, and electrifying live performances. Their distinctive sound has been shaped on the road through tours spanning 14 countries and 45 states, earning them a devoted following and critical acclaim. The band has collaborated with an impressive roster of producers — including Chris Stamey (The dB’s, Whiskeytown), Skylar Wilson (Justin Townes Earle, Kesha, ABC’sNashville), Jordan Lehning (Caitlin Rose, Kacey Musgraves), Ken Coomer (formerly of Wilco), and Jon Estes (Steelism, Dolly Parton) — further refining their dynamic, cinematic sound.
Golden Folk Sessions
ALL AGES 6PM DOORS / 7PM SHOW FULLY SEATED SHOW GOLDEN FOLK SESSIONS Golden Folk Sessions (formerly Open Folk AVL) offers an intimate, carefully curated listening experience that celebrates the art of original music. Each event showcases six handpicked artists, performing three-song sets in a quiet, seated environment where the music takes center stage. To add a sense of surprise and discovery, the lineup is revealed only when the show begins. Running from 7–9 PM, these early shows create the perfect evening for music lovers who value live performances and a good night’s rest. With over 100 shows hosted and extraordinary artists from around the globe gracing our stage, Golden Folk Sessions is entering an exciting new chapter. Under a new name and with a new home at The Grey Eagle—one of the Southeast’s most iconic venues—we’re thrilled to continue fostering community through music. Staying true to our values of accessibility, we aim to make music available to everyone. Presale tickets guarantee your seat and support both Golden Folk Sessions and The Grey Eagle. For those attending on the day of the show, our “pay what you can, if you can” option ensures that all are welcome to be part of this unique and meaningful experience. • $10 General Admission (presale) • $0-$25 Day-of-Show (no minimum) We can’t wait to see y’all there.
Golden Folk Sessions
ALL AGES 6PM DOORS / 7PM SHOW FULLY SEATED SHOW GOLDEN FOLK SESSIONS Golden Folk Sessions (formerly Open Folk AVL) offers an intimate, carefully curated listening experience that celebrates the art of original music. Each event showcases six handpicked artists, performing three-song sets in a quiet, seated environment where the music takes center stage. To add a sense of surprise and discovery, the lineup is revealed only when the show begins. Running from 7–9 PM, these early shows create the perfect evening for music lovers who value live performances and a good night’s rest. With over 100 shows hosted and extraordinary artists from around the globe gracing our stage, Golden Folk Sessions is entering an exciting new chapter. Under a new name and with a new home at The Grey Eagle—one of the Southeast’s most iconic venues—we’re thrilled to continue fostering community through music. Staying true to our values of accessibility, we aim to make music available to everyone. Presale tickets guarantee your seat and support both Golden Folk Sessions and The Grey Eagle. For those attending on the day of the show, our “pay what you can, if you can” option ensures that all are welcome to be part of this unique and meaningful experience. • $10 General Admission (presale) • $0-$25 Day-of-Show (no minimum) We can’t wait to see y’all there.
