RATBOYS: When the Sun Explodes Tour 2026
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY RATBOYS Despite its title, Ratboys’ new album “Singin’ to an Empty Chair” is not defined by what’s missing. Rather, it’s the beginning of an important dialogue with a close loved one vocalist Julia Steiner finds herself estranged from. The music on the band’s sixth studio album – its first for New West Records – fills the space that person left behind with 11 songs showcasing Ratboys at the peak of their powers — twangy, effervescent, as confident as they’ve ever been, and perhaps more emotionally interrogative than ever before. The four-piece Chicago band followed up 2023’s highly acclaimed “The Window” by reconvening with co-producer Chris Walla to begin tracking at a rural Wisconsin cabin before taking the songs to Steve Albini’s famed Electrical Audio studios in Chicago and later to Rosebud Studio in Evanston, Illinois. The results veer from bubbly power-pop on “Anywhere” to irresistible post-country on “Penny in the Lake,” along with heart-piercing ballads like “Just Want You to Know the Truth” and an exhilarating detour into the extraterrestrial on “Light Night Mountains All That,” which Steiner dubs the band’s mammoth “wormhole jam.” “Singin’ to an Empty Chair” also marks the first Ratboys album written since Steiner began therapy, which the singer/lyricist credits for the clarity found across the album’s unflinching examinations of relationship and self. Fittingly, as the album begins by extending a hand into the void, it concludes with a scene of serenity – all while weaving candid honesty, humor, chaos, and whimsy along the way. “It’s not all doom and gloom,” Steiner says. “The experience of making this record definitely gives me hope for whatever happens next.” FLORRY For ‘Sounds Like…’ Florry’s sophomore effort as a fully realized band, Francie Medosch and Co. decamped to Drop of Sun studios in the nest of the Blue Ridge Mountains to record with Asheville wunderkind Colin Miller, a critical voice behind the records of MJ Lenderman, Wednesday and Merce Lemon and a powerful songwriter in his own right. Three powerhouse days in late 2023 solidifi ed writing work done by the band earlier that summer in the now defunct Haw Creek compound under Miller’s guiding suggestion. The result is a portrait of a ripping band cresting towards the height of their powers, uniquely equipped to capture a wildly loving, barn-burning camcorder clip of a turbulent trip with your best friends, without dipping into nostalgia bait. Lyrically, Medosch’s utterances are both careful and excessive, the product of sifting through the rubble of classic good-time media, and fi nding what works for both her and her community to reach the heights of abandon.“The Jackass theme song was actually a really big influence on the new album.”
DAIKAIJU
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY DAIKAIJU “This is what you need to know about Daikaiju: They’re loud. They’re all instrumental (duh). And they’re the band to see if you want to experience surf rock at its most offensive.” – Kelly Weidman, The Informer Daikaiju is a mysterious chimera of sound and imagery that was first sighted in the winter of 1999. Entities of sonic mayhem, Daikaiju takes the sound of waves crashing and shrieking atomic lizards and makes it rock in a way that instills shock and awe in all who experience their shows-a highly interactive and confrontational performance that literally draws the audience into the massive vortex of sound generated by the band. Concealed behind masks, this troupe of mystery people create a mutant style of epic, high energy instrumental rock that seamlessly incorporates a wide variety of musical styles including surf, punk, noise, metal, psychedelic and progressive rock. Like its namesake, the music of Daikaiju is a great, mysterious beast. Compelling melodies, hard-hitting riffs and shifting dynamics fuse together to create songs that dare the listener to experience the secret history of the universe-a fantastic reality of giant monsters, super humans, and extraterrestrial invasions that unfolds like the soundtrack of the greatest monster movie never made. BAD FIDELITY IMPENDING JOY The absolutely unfettered energy of Asheville’s psych/garage band Impending Joy begs to be heard live. The driving surf punk-esque sound has to be enjoyed communally. It has the unifying spirit that solidifies what it means to be young or young at heart. It gleefully slams the point home, it rocks no matter what sub-genre you want to call it, somewhere between Surf Curse and OSEES is close enough.
Train Songz: An evening with The Asheville Mountain Boys
– ALL AGES – STANDING ROOM ONLY TRAIN SONGZ: AN EVENING WITH THE ASHEVILLE MOUNTAIN BOYS By their name, you know where they are from, and by their sound, you know what they are about. The Asheville Mountain Boys are on a mission to capture not just the style but the spirit of traditional bluegrass. Asheville, NC has long been known for great music and its roots in bluegrass go back to the founding of the genre (Bill Monroe’s first broadcast performance as the Bluegrass Boys was at Asheville radio station WWNC in 1938) A group that firmly stakes its claim to the tradition of the music from the area, The Asheville Mountain Boys spring onto the scene with a thought,” What happened to bluegrass?” It’s not a disparaging one that condemns current styles in the genre but rather asks, “Why do we love this music in the first place” and answers with an approach that is true to the originators of the genre in the sense of both style and philosophy. Train Songz started as an Instagram meme page. As its audience grew, The Conductor and his trusty engineer Promontory Paul derailed the social media train and took their audience offline with a print fanzine. The first issue of Train Songz was released in January 2024, six months after the meme page got its start, and the zine-team has released quarterly issues since. This show, featuring traditional bluegrass from the Asheville Mountain Boys, will be a launch party for the ninth issue of Train Songz—and the first of 2026, our third year in publication. On top of the music, we’ll inject the evening with some Train Songz sensibilities and welcome some friends who dye, bootleg, and peddle other such wares one might find “on lot.” We’ll have offline-exclusive merchandise and zines, as well! Hope you can join us.
Caleb Klauder and Reeb Willms Country Band
ALL AGESSTANDING/DANCING ROOM ONLY CALEB KLAUDER & REEB WILLMS COUNTRY BAND Dust off your boots and gather around for some true and original modern honky tonk music. An all-star cast of master musicians backs these two soul singers of country music, Caleb Klauder and Reeb Willms. These two are known to roots music fans across the globe for their soulful harmonies, driving dance tunes, classic original songs, and commitment to the raw truth of rural American music. They live in the San Juan Islands of Washington, though until recently, home was Portland, OR. They are foundational to the exceptional old-time and country music scene in the Pacific NW with the Caleb Klauder Reeb Willms Country Band and their membership in the Foghorn Stringband, of which Caleb was a founding member. Charismatic performers, they bring their unique set of talents to the stage with an eye towards good times and an ear towards the deepest songs and tunes. Caleb Klauder and Reeb Willms both originally hail from Washington State: Caleb from the coastal islands, and Reeb from the high desert plateau. The two have come together in music and are hailed as some of the most compelling musicians making country roots music in America today. When these two sing together, their honest incantations leave us spell-bound and smiling. Their repertoire is made up of original songs and tunes as well as gems from American roots repertoires, and the music they make is Americana in the truest sense of the word. Music is clearly in their blood. Caleb and Reeb’s originals and interpretations of songs have been covered and recorded by many performers and their musical presence reaches into a diverse and loyal fanbase, giving credence to the impact that this duo has on their listeners. Pillars of the Northwest music scene, they carry the torch of their music around the world, and can be found touring as a duo, as well as with the Foghorn Stringband, and the Caleb Klauder Country Band. Their fans exude admiration for the timeless sound that these two produce, capturing the essence of American roots music. The blend of true harmonies, the sharply-written country songs, and the un-showy authenticity strike a rich vein that makes them seem like they are born and raised in Music City. They quietly pursue a musical vision without much of a care for what’s expected or in vogue at the time. There’s a lot to admire in this singular perseverance and honesty. SPARROW SMITH Sparrow Smith is well loved for her evocative songwriting, tasteful banjo playing, epic accordion chops, and vintage fashion. A longtime member and leader of multiple bands (most notably Resonant Rogues) with Keith Josiah Smith, her husband and collaborator, Sparrow is stepping into the spotlight under her own name with a highly anticipated new album, Carolina Mountains. The Resonant Rogues have an extensive touring history and a national fanbase, over the last couple of years they’ve opened for the likes of Sierra Ferrell, Benjamin Tod & Lost Dog Street Band, Rising Appalachia, Charlie Parr, Pete Bernhard (The Devil Makes Three), & Willi Carlisle.
FREE PATIO SHOW: East Coast Dirt
– FREE SHOW – ALL AGES- LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVE EAST COAST DIRTAfter a 4 year break, the core three members of East Coast Dirt have decided to reunite and play their blend of originals and covers for the first time as a trio. East Coast Dirt was founded in 2005, and its core trio solidified in 2007. For nearly a decade, primary songwriters Brad Boughton, Wilson Hawes and Will Little morphed through different lineups, playing countless shows throughout the Southeast. Now the band is returning to old haunts and new venues alike to give crowds a taste of old-school Asheville, NC with a new guitar-led sensibility. The ECD sound has been reshaped with original songs and choice covers ranging from jammy psychedelia to full-force rock. Look for East Coast Dirt’s new album, “Polarization”, now on Spotify and other streaming services.
All Aboard AVL: The Last Waltz
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY ALL ABOARD AVL: THE LAST WALTZ The Travers Brothers reunite for a rare and unforgettable night, honoring the legendary Last Waltz concert film. Joined by special guests, they’ll bring to life the timeless music of The Band and their iconic collaborators. Asheville natives and former members of the touring outfit Travers Brothership, the brothers return home to celebrate this special occasion with soulful performances, powerful harmonies, and a spirit of community. This marks the fourth annual event of its kind at The Grey Eagle. STARRING: Eric Travers, Kyle Travers, Mac Arnold (Muddy Waters), Chris Bullock (Snarky Puppy), Justin Perkins (Toubab Krewe), Jonathan Lloyd (The JLloyd Mashup), Shane Pruitt (Marshall Tucker Band), Jack Mascari.
Fred Eaglesmith
ALL AGES SEATED SHOW FRED EAGLESMITH Fred Eaglesmith, the Canadian singer-songwriter and roots music icon, has spent over five decades carving out a singular path in the music world. Known for his raw, storytelling lyrics, gravelly voice, and unapologetic independence, Eaglesmith has become a cult hero to fans of Americana, folk, and country music. Born in rural Ontario in 1957, he ran away from home at 15, hopping freight trains and living a nomadic life that would later fuel the vivid, working-class narratives in his songs. With a career spanning more than 25 albums, Eaglesmith has earned a reputation as a prolific and uncompromising artist. His songs, often laced with wit, heartbreak, and a touch of rebellion, have been covered by legends like Toby Keith, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert and countless more. Tracks like “Time to Get a Gun” and “Freight Train” have become anthems for the disenfranchised, while his live performances- equal parts rock show and revival meeting- have cemented his status as a must-see act. Eaglesmith, along with his multi-instrumental wife, Tif Ginn, have teamed up with a new band, The Velvet Frogs, injecting fresh energy into their timeless sound. The Velvet Frogs bring a dynamic, genre-blurring edge to Eaglesmith’s music, blending his signature rootsy grit with psychedelic undertones and a dash of rock ’n’ roll swagger. Together, they’re reimagining his classic tunes and introducing new material that proves Eaglesmith is as vital and inventive as ever. No longer a road warrior, Eaglesmith is now only playing select and curated dates, as a duo with Tif Ginn, as well as with The Velvet Frogs. He continues to push boundaries, defy expectations, and remind us why he’s one of the most enduring and enigmatic figures in modern music. Whether you’re a longtime devotee or a newcomer to his world, one things for sure: Fred Eaglesmith is still writing his story, one unforgettable song at a time.
The Cody Sisters w/ Stella Hansen
ALL AGES SEATED SHOW LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE THE CODY SISTERS The Cody Sisters band is the very heart of contemporary acoustic Folk and Bluegrass music in Colorado, the United States and the UK. Their propulsive instrumental solos and warm harmonies combine to grip the listener. Along with their 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. The Cody Sisters have 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 US and abroad. STELLA HANSEN Stella Hansen, a Nashville native, embodies the sound of her hometown. Starting when she was just 4 years old, she would accompany her dad on his lunch break to the classic honky tonk, Robert’s Western World. This is one of the places she first fell in love with music. Stella grew up surrounded by the sweet sounds of traditional country music and old time alike. She often attended the square dances in her neighborhood and became entranced by the vibrant sound of the fiddles and banjos. Although let it be noted as a mandolin makers daughter, the mandolin will always be near and dear to her heart. This musical foundation pulled her towards the local two step dance halls in Nashville, where as a young adult, her passion was reignited.
Robert Lester Folsom
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY ROBERT LESTER FOLSOM Robert Lester Folsom is a Georgia-born singer-songwriter and guitarist whose music blends soft psych, Americana, and sun-faded AM gold into a sound unmistakably his own. First self-released in 1976, his cult-classic LP Music and Dreams quietly circulated in the Southeast before slipping into obscurity—until crate diggers and reissue labels revived his recordings in the 2010s. The album was re-released in 2014 by Anthology Recordings (a Mexican Summer imprint), bringing Folsom’s homegrown vision to a new generation of listeners. Following that rediscovery, Folsom’s previously unheard material was brought to light through Ode to a Rainy Day: Archives 1972–1975 and Sunshine Only Sometimes: Archives Vol. 2—two acclaimed compilations of heartfelt demos that deepened his reputation as a lost master of homespun pop. A wave of younger fans has discovered Folsom’s music through Instagram, TikTok, and sync placements in hit shows like Outer Banks and Gossip Girl. After only a handful of rare appearances over the years, he’s now riding that resurgence—actively touring and performing to packed rooms nationwide, including a sold-out night at The Troubadour and a celebrated set at Newport Folk Festival. Folsom’s latest archival single, “Sitting on the Moon,” is out now as part of Mexican Summer’s latest eponymous compilation, offering yet another lost gem from this storied vault. A third full-length collection of archival material, Archives Vol. 3, is slated for release in 2026. LILY SEABIRD Since 2023, Vermont songwriter Lily Seabird’s life has been in perpetual motion, spending nearly half of that time on the road performing her own music and as a touring bassist with Greg Freeman, Lutalo, and Liz Cooper. While she thrives in transit, back home she is anchored by “Trash Mountain,” a pink house surrounded by other artists and creatives situated on a decommissioned landfill site at the back of Burlington’s Old North End. Here, Seabird has found belonging, friendship, and inspiration. It’s a place that hosts artists, puts on shows, and has been passed along in her friend group for the better part of the decade. It’s a symbol of transition and stability: something always evolving and growing but never losing its soul. It’s only fitting that Seabird named her new album Trash Mountain, as it also contains its namesake’s qualities. Over nine delicate but sturdy tracks of intimate folk rock, she pares her songwriting down to its most resonant essentials. It’s an album of unwelcome exits and uncertain futures, but there’s resiliency and hope at its core. It is Seabird’s most confident and immediate effort to date.
PATIO: Jodi John & Todd Hoke
– ALL AGES – LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVE JODI JOHN & TODD HOKE Longtime friends and fellow songwriters, Jodi John and Todd Hoke (JoJo ToHo for short), will share the stage and swap songs for any and all Grey Eagle patio-loungers on a beautiful fall evening in North Carolina. With the combination of Todd’s wit and Jodi’s appreciation of Todd’s wit, smiles and good times are expected. (See bios for more information). Jodi John discovered the joy of songwriting as a teenager, listening to hip hop in Central and South Florida. “It’s Tricky” by Run DMC inspired her to write rap songs, eventually leading her to write folk songs after receiving her first guitar as a high school graduation gift. Now based out of Asheville, NC, Jodi leads the Asheville Songwriters Association, whose mission is to nurture the art and craft of songwriting in Western North Carolina and beyond. When things line up, Jodi tries to write at least one song per month, actively participating in local songwriting events, workshops and inspirational opportunities. Her backlog of original songs stands at over 250 written. However, Sybelia is Jodi’s first published EP. Most of Jodi’s songs reflect a narrative lyric style on top of strong melodies. She believes that stories lead us to understanding others and ourselves alike, both when we tell them and when we hear them. Todd Hoke waded into the songwriting pool while he and his wife were living in Austin and was quickly welcomed into the lively community of pickers, poets, and singers. He wrote about big skies, desert prophets and the slippery passing of time (a recurring theme for Todd, that last one). When Todd and Mrs. Hoke moved to WNC in 2005, his writing took on a more southern- fried tone – kudzu and catfish, anyone? In performance, Todd seeks to connect and entertain (or vice-versa) as a soloist or with his beloved Hendersonville-based trio, Possum Royale. Todd is currently working on his 6th album with Chris Rosser steering the ship. Todd’s mother cannot wait to hear it. More stuff and things/thangs about Todd and his music at toddhokemusic.com.
