Chatham County Line: “Winter Wilder” Holiday Tour 2026
ALL AGES PARTIALLY SEATED SHOW (seating and standing room options available at checkout) CHATHAM COUNTY LINE For 20 years now, Chatham County Line has undertaken a special tour in December to mark the holiday season and the close of another year. A long set celebrating the 10 albums of original music that the audience requests is followed by a set of covers that celebrate the AM Gold that first dropped instruments in their hands. Always a good time and always special, this is a CCL show not to be missed.Special Guests to be announced in November, get your tickets now!
Billy Jonas Band “Welcome the New Year!” Family Concert
ALL AGESSEATED SHOWEARLY SHOW BILLY JONAS BAND Fun for All Ages! Bring the family, and welcome THE NEW YEAR with a 1pm afternoon show on December 31st! 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!
An Evening With Ellis Paul
ALL AGES SEATED SHOW LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE ELLIS PAUL Ellis Paul has been traversing lands and discovering their riches since 1965. Born in the potato farming country of upstate Maine, he struck out for Boston after excelling as a middle and long-distance runner in high school on the strength of results good enough to earn an athletics scholarship to Boston College. It was there that he turned to guitar and songwriting after fate intervened to sideline his athletics career in the form of a knee injury. Open mic stages and New England coffee houses were the incubator that set him on the fast track to honing his craft as a singer-songwriter-guitarist in the early 1990s. Before long he had emerged as one of the brightest lights in the galaxy of prodigiously talented stars working the Boston-area folk scene at the time, a cohort that included Patty Griffin, Patty Larkin, Vance Gilbert, Dar Williams, and Martin Sexton, among others. Paul’s distinguished discography, released on the Rounder, Black Wolf, and his own Rosella labels, was also launching at around this time. Stories (1994) and A Carnival of Voices (1995) stand out as particularly impressive examples of his precocious command of folk song forms and growing confidence as a lyricist. The 1990s and early 2000s saw him accumulate a cabinet full of music awards, maintain heavy annual touring schedules, and steadily build a nation-wide audience of loyal fans, an audience that continues to grow with the release of each new album. Several critics have noted that Ellis Paul embodies a distinctively Boston school of songwriting, characterized by observational economy, vividly drawn characters and a “show-don’t-tell” philosophy of lyric writing. And indeed, he does exemplify all of these traits in his extensive catalogue, brilliantly and abundantly. But to focus on him as a master of songwriting alone is to miss the bigger picture, for he is and does so much more. An original American renaissance man, he is also an illustrator, poet, children’s book author, producer, music tour leader, collaborator, innovator, educator, commencement speaker, honorary doctorate recipient, respected spokesperson among his peer group of leading folk artists, and esteemed mentor to newer songwriters such as Rebecca Loebe, Antje Duvekot, and Seth Glier. More recently, his 22nd and latest album, 55 (2023), culminates a string of outstanding recent releases stretching back at least as far as Chasing Beauty (2014) and The Storyteller’s Suitcase (2019), each of which has continued to set the bar ever higher on his oeuvre. From the emotionally charged, sophisticated Americana of “Plastic Soldiers” and “Kick Out the Lights (Johnny Cash)” from Chasing Beauty, to the abject pathos of “I Ain’t No Jesus,” the metaphysical heartbreak of “The Innocence and the Afterlife” and the hilariously unreliable narration of “4th of July,” all from The Storyteller’s Suitcase, Paul turns his attention to midlife reflections on 55. Born in Okemah shoes, with the Dust Bowl blues, a friend of the working man,” was how Willis Alan Ramsey described Woody Guthrie, a description that doubles to perfectly situate Ellis Paul’s exploration of the fractured, kaleidoscopic landscape of America’s soul. Ellis Paul shares his land with us. And in sharing it with us, the truth he reveals is that it is also ours. – © Phil Hoffmann, 2023
James McMurtry and the Martial Law Review
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY JAMES McMURTRY AND THE MARTIAL LAW REVIEW “James McMurtry may be the truest, fiercest songwriter of his generation” – Stephen King James McMurtry released The Black Dog and the Wandering Boy on June 20 via New West Records. The 10-song collection was co-produced by McMurtry & Don Dixon (R.E.M., The Smithereens) and is his first album in four years. It follows his 2021 acclaimed New West debut, The Horses and the Hounds, which Uncut Magazine said “lifts storytelling-in-song to meticulous new levels” and Pitchfork awarded an 8.0, saying “James McMurtry stands out even among the Lone Star State’s finest songwriters…” The Black Dog and the Wandering Boy features appearances by Sarah Jarosz, Charlie Sexton, Bonnie Whitmore, Bukka Allen, and more alongside his trusted backing band—BettySoo on accordion & backing vocals, Cornbread on bass, Tim Holt on guitar, and Daren Hess on drums. As varied as they are, McMurtry’s new story-songs find inspiration in scraps from his family’s past: a rough pencil sketch by Ken Kesey that serves as the album cover, the hallucinations experienced by his father, the legendary writer Larry McMurtry, an old poem by a family friend. A supremely insightful and inventive storyteller, McMurtry teases vivid worlds out of small details, setting them to arrangements that have the elements of Americana but sound too sly and smart for such a general category. Funny and sad often in the same breath, The Black Dog and the Wandering Boy adds a new chapter to a long career that has enjoyed a resurgence as young songwriters like Sarah Jarosz and Jason Isbell (who is namechecked on the new album) cite him as a formative influence. BettySoo It’s the voice that gets you first. “BettySoo may well have the most gorgeous voice in Texas …if not in all contemporary folk – its purity and strength can be downright devastating.” – ACOUSTIC GUITAR BettySoo’s vocal prowess is a thing of wonder. A world-class instrument of deft phrasing and purity, a voice that knows when to hold back and when to dive in. At her own live shows, taking a verse onstage with friends or singing harmonies in sessions with Austin’s finest, BettySoo sings with consummate loveliness and self-assurance. A voice that knows the roots of American music inside and out; coming from a most unexpected place – a diminutive Korean-American with a deceptively girl-next-door demeanor. Then the performance reels you in. “Truly remarkable. BettySoo’s sharp, often self-deprecating humor skillfully wove the songs together. Her clear, evocative voice and poignant lyrics recall Patty Griffin and Joni Mitchell, and did I mention she’s a hell of a guitar player?” – NO DEPRESSION, live concert review
14th Annual Django Reinhardt Birthday Celebration
– ALL AGES – PARTIALLY SEATED SHOW (guaranteed seating and standing room only options are available at checkout) – “BAR ROOM SESSIONS” AND DOORS OPEN AT 7PM DJANGO JAZZ FEST Django Jazz Fest, hosted by Michael Joseph Harris and Hot Club of Baltimore, brings a stellar lineup of top musicians to perform music inspired by legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt from the 1930’s and 40’s swing era in Paris. The legacy of Django Reinhardt has spawned a worldwide community of acoustic musicians who strive to play with the same level of virtuosity, self-expression, rhythmic complexity, and harmonic sophistication. The style of music came to be known as Gypsy Jazz with its soulful, deep grooving swing feel and unmistakable bluesy sound that characterized the era. Musicians from rock, jazz, bluegrass, classical and folk genres have gravitated to the Gypsy jazz style because it demands great skill but in the spirit of fun and showmanship while including a vast repertoire spanning early swing music, musette waltzes, romantic classical music, Latin, Brazilian, and many forms of folk music across Europe. The result is an extremely entertaining, diverse and relatable music for listeners of all ages and a music which unites acoustic musicians from all genres in the common goal of reaching the top of their virtuosity as improvisers. The lifeline that runs through everything we do is about community and family as witnessed each year in France at Samois sur seine where musicians from all over the world gather every summer to play 24/7 at the campsite near where Django Reinhardt spent his final years. The aesthetic is about providing pure entertainment while maintaining a strong emotional connection to the music and bringing audiences into that feeling. The consummate Gypsy jazz artist strives for technical prowess as a musician through diligence and practice, learning the repertoire of songs, and developing a sophisticated harmonic palette for improvisation by playing with others and being inspired and challenged every day.
Patio Show: Juca Camera
– ALL AGES- LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVE Juca Camera Juca Camera is a Brazilian/American pianist and composer born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He is a BFA music major in Jazz and Contemporary Music at the University of North Carolina at Asheville, and he started his new jazz trio: the Juca Camera Trio, in which he plays a blend of Modern Jazz, Funky R&B, and Traditional Swing. His playing seamlessly blends genres such as jazz, impressionism, and Brazilian music, and he continues to push the boundaries of both his playing and these genres. In 2025, he released his debut piano solo album, “Contrails,” a ten-song album of all original compositions.
Hans Williams
ALL AGES STANDING ROOM ONLY ** Hans Williams has partnered with PLUS1 so that $1 per ticket goes to supporting organizations working for equity, access, and dignity for all. www.plus1.org HANS WILLIAMS New Orleans-based singer-songwriter Hans Williams makes soulful, dreamy folk shaped by the people and places closest to him. His debut album, Songs for the Neighbors, was born in the backyard of his Bayou St. John home, where late-night jams and intimate shows regularly spill over fences and through open windows. Recorded largely live at the house with his longtime band and producer Phin Choukas (Noah Kahan), the record blends folk with touches of soul, funk, psychedelia, and country. At its heart, Songs for the Neighbors is about connection with friends, lovers, family, neighbors, and those no longer here. Warm, intimate, and deeply human, the album captures the feeling of people making music together and Williams’ belief that even the smallest act of reaching out can bring us closer. Now, Williams is excited to bring Songs for the Neighbors out of the backyard and onto the stage. To play these songs live, see familiar faces, meet new ones, and share the record with the people who have been listening along the way.
Patio Show: Tom Fenton & the Rhythmic Revolution
– ALL AGES – LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVETom Fenton & The Rhythmic Revolution Tommy Fenton & The Rhythmic Revolution brings a high-energy mix of funk, soul, and rock favorites, built around strong vocals, keys, and deep grooves. Tommy is joined by his brother on keys for a stripped-down, groove-driven set full of familiar songs with plenty of soul.
Patio Show: The 40, 20, 10s
– ALL AGES- LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVE The 40,20,10s started in Asheville NC, during the global pandemic after Galen’s first ( and hopefully last) heart attack! With a lot of down time on his hands he thought… you know what!?… life is short….might as well have fun. So in the kitchen of Springs Wade, the two of them worked out some of Galen’s new songs and went looking for musicians that wanted to play some original tunes. In addition to Galen, The band consists of Jayson Tomlin on bass, Marc Horne on drums, Nick Marshall on Keys and Jay Moye on Guitar. Their latest album NEON— recorded at the historic studios at Citizen Vinyl (Ash.NC) with producer Kevin Moloney (U2, Sinéad O’Connor)—is cutting-edge, classic Americana. The songs elicit images in your mind: photographs, landscapes, perhaps something you’ve lived yourself. A sense of nostalgia. If you can, hop in the car, point that thing west, turn on the radio and just keep going. The band was recently signed to Chicken Ranch Records/ Space Factory Media out of Austin TX.
The Travers Brothership Presents: The Last Waltz
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY The Travers Brothers bring The Last Waltz to life at The Grey Eagle in Asheville this Thanksgiving Eve, November 25th, featuring an all-star lineup of musicians from Snarky Puppy, Toubab Krewe, Hustle Souls, and The Marshall Tucker Band. A night celebrating the timeless music of The Band! STARRING: The Travers Brothership, Chris Bullock (Snarky Puppy), Justin Perkins (Toubab Krewe), Billy Litz (Hustle Souls), Shane Pruitt (Marshall Tucker Band), Jack Mascari, Tony Cafiero, Andre Lyles, Ashley Heath, and Marcus White.