Margo Cilker
– ALL AGES- SEATED SHOWMARGO CILKER MARGO CILKER is a woman who drinks deeply of life, and her debut record Pohorylle, released in November 2021 on Portland label Fluff and Gravy, is brimming with it. For the last seven years, the Eastern Oregon songwriter, who NPR calls one of “11 Oregon Artists to Watch in 2021,” has split her time between the road and various outposts across the world, from Enterprise, OR to the Basque Country of Spain, forging a path that is at once deeply rooted and ever-changing. As Pohorylle traverses through the geography of Cilker’s memories—a touring musician’s tapestry of dive bars and breathtaking natural beauty—love is apparent, as is its inevitable partner: loss. For what bigger heartbreak is there than to be a fervent lover who must always keep moving? Cilker seems keenly aware of the precarious footing upon which love stands, and at many turns, the record circles something that is staggeringly beautiful and slipping away. “I am a woman split between places,” Cilker sings on the album’s wistful closer, touching for a brief moment upon the vast dichotomies of her selfhood and her profession, and the negotiation that she conducts between them. “I’m just very inquisitive. I’m a very curious person. Why are things this way? Do they have to stay this way? You know, how can things change?” Cilker asks. It is this part of her nature that expands Pohorylle into the complex journey that it is: her ability to crack open a moment of desperation and lay it out on a table to catch a careful light. Pohorylle, which carries gentle nods to Lucinda Williams, Townes Van Zandt, and Gillian Welch, shines under the instincts of producer Sera Cahoone, whom Cilker first came across in 2019 while planning her first full-length. “I was trying to pin down what kind of sound I wanted and stumbled across a video of Sera and just loved how she performed. I then listened to her last studio record and thought, that’s the sound.” Cilker says. “I found out Sera had produced that record herself with John Askew. My friend put me in touch with her and she liked my demos enough to produce the album. It felt very auspicious—It was truly just a gut feeling.” Cahoone quickly got to work assembling a first-rate band: Jenny Conlee (The Decemberists) on keys, Jason Kardong (Sera Cahoone, Son Volt) on pedal steel, Rebecca Young (Lindsey Fuller, Jesse Sykes) on bass, Mirabai Peart (Joanna Newsom) on strings, Kelly Pratt (Beirut) on horns, and the album’s engineer John Morgan Askew (Neko Case, Laura Gibson) on an array of other instruments. The record also prominently features effortless harmonies from Sarah Cilker, Margo Cilker’s sister and frequent touring partner. Over the last six years, Margo Cilker has toured extensively across the US and internationally, and is a staple in the independent festival circuit. (written by Maria Maita-Keppeler)GABE LEE Nashville-based songwriter Gabe Lee is becoming increasingly known for his ability to detail the intricacies of everyday life, the small distinctions that leave some on the fringe and others in the mainstream, and the particulars that stick around long after a lover leaves.
Andy McKee
– ALL AGES- SEATED SHOW- LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLEANDY McKEE Andy McKee is among the world’s finest acoustic guitarists. His youthful energy and attention to song structure and melodic content elevates him above the rest. He entertains both the eye and the ear as he magically transforms the steel string guitar into a full orchestra via his use of altered tunings, tapping, partial capos, percussive hits and a signature two-handed technique. McKee’s crossover success has helped him to achieve millions upon millions of YouTube viewers, underscoring his emergence as one of today’s most unique and influential artists. He has been featured as a cover story in both Acoustic Guitar Magazine in the U.S. and Acoustic Magazine in the UK, and is also the figurehead of the unique Guitar Masters tours. McKee’s tour dates have taken him through Europe, Asia, Australia and North America, including tours with legendary acts including Prince and Dream Theater. Live performances of Andy’s have become a point of fascination with his loyal followers. So, in late 2015, Andy decided it was time to release a live album. Featuring tracks from his entire catalog, Live Book was recorded live in December 2015 at The Melting Point in Athens, GA, the Red Clay Music Foundry in Duluth, GA, and Workplay in Birmingham, AL. McKee went through the recordings from all three shows and selected the finest takes of each set. Reflecting on the song choices, he looks to provide current fans the chance to relive their favorite shows, and hopes that he can showcase the energy he creates for those who haven’t been able to attend a show and new fans alike. “I’ve always wanted to do a live album; for quite a few years I’ve felt it’s something that has been missing from my collection of releases,” says McKee. “This album will feature some of my YouTube hits like ‘Drifting’ and ‘Rylynn’, some songs from my 2014 EP Mythmaker, and a cover of a Michael Hedges song called ‘Because It’s There’ played on harp guitar that I haven’t released yet.” Live Book is set to be released digitally in Europe on February 12 and worldwide (digitally and physically) on April 22. The album, McKee’s first live record, will be released through CGP Sounds. In support of the new album, McKee will embark on “The Next Chapter Tour” throughout Europe in February and March, and the United States in April and May. CALUM GRAHAM Born in Fort St. John, British Columbia and currently residing in Victoria, Calum Graham has been building a name for himself across the globe for the last 12 years with his passionate solo acoustic guitar prowess and was named one of the World’s Top 30 Guitarists under 30 by Acoustic Guitar Magazine. Calum plays the Acoustic, Baritone, and Harp Guitar in his live set and his original melodies embraces elements of folk, world, soul, blues and jazz – all built upon the foundation of the fingerstyle technique.
Celebrating John Prine with The Knotty G’s
– ALL AGES- PARTIALLY SEATED SHOW THE KNOTTY G’S The Knotty G’s will be joined by some of the finest musicians from the “big ‘ole goofy” town of Asheville to celebrate the music and legacy of one of America’s most influential and beloved songwriters, John Prine, on his birthday, October 10th. This incredible lineup features Felix Pastorius on bass, Lyndsay Pruett on violin, Jackson Dulaney on pedal steel, Daniel Combs on organ and keyboards, Kent Spillman on drums as well as other special guests throughout the evening. The Knotty G’s- Gillian Francis H.E. Knott (vocals/guitar) and Charles Knott (vocals/guitar): The Knott’s goal is simple: to create music and an experience at their shows they feel is genuine. Gritty yet funky performances fuse with the band’s jovial nature and invite audiences to take part in the revelatory power of music while still managing to tap into plenty of fun. In the short time they’ve been a team, they have amassed an impressive list of stages and festivals, including: the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, The Blue Ridge Pride Festival, Strangecreek Campout, Wormtown Music Festival, and The Ladybug Festival. In December 2021, they released “Set Sail,” their first full length studio album recorded with award winning producer Matt Williams at The Eagle Room located just outside of Asheville. The album showcases genre jumping compositions tied together with the same singular soul-soaked thread that weaves its way through all of their music.
WellSpring: Album Release Show
– ALL AGES- SEATED SHOW- LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLEWELLSPRING Molly Hartwell and Laura Boswell of WellSpring met in early 2019 at a brewery in Asheville, NC where Laura was performing at a songwriter’s event on International Women’s Day. Both accomplished singers, songwriters, and performers in their own right, they quickly discovered a mutual love of folk music and duo-centric, harmony-driven songs. In their own words… ”Finding our voices in harmony was like slipping on the most well-worn, comfortable pair of jeans; as natural as if we’d been doing it forever. Our singing chemistry seemed to have a life of its own and before long a committed collaboration began, deepening immensely during the onset of the pandemic and throughout 2020. We sang with no purpose but for the joy of it and to find our voices in the delicious dance of harmony that is so healing all in itself. We sang through hard days and better days, we sang to the neighbors and we sang to the birds. Mostly we sang to our own hearts, to help ourselves through the hardest year.” After sharing a few of these songs on social media, they quickly gained a loving and loyal following that requested (demanded!) more music from them. Seeds were planted for a recording project and in 2021 they launched a successful crowdfunding campaign to record their first full-length album. With the help of their amazing supporters, producer & engineer Daniel Shearin (River Whyless), and nearly a dozen exquisitely talented local musicians, WellSpring brought this album to life at Asheville studios Citizen Vinyl and Sleeping Dogs. Self-titled, the album memorializes the full spectrum of emotion that the first year of the pandemic contained, celebrates artists of many genres and eras, and has a couple of originals thrown in for good measure. Molly and Laura reside in Asheville where they plan to continue recording, writing, and sharing their music wherever there is a home for it. They look forward to premiering their album at The Grey Eagle with a full band that includes Bill Berg & Zack Page. ZACK KARDONZack Kardon is a multi-instrumentalist and song-writer that has been living in Asheville for the better part of a decade. As a sideman Kardon has collaborated with notable artists such as Indigo De Souza, The Dead Tongues and Midnight Snack. Kardon’s own music has a gentle intensity to it. He writes songs that look inward, rooted in a belief that the best way to touch upon the universal is to take a magnified glass to ones own experience. Kardon’s songs don’t seek to explain or preach, but simply, capture the essence of a feeling before it disappears into the ether.
Western Carolina Writers’ Showcase
– ALL AGES- SEATED SHOWWESTERN CAROLINA WRITERSEstablished in 2019 with the purpose of showcasing local, up and coming artists in venues all around WNC, Western Carolina Writers presents this Songwriters in the Round showcase that features 9 singer-songwriters from all over the Western Carolinas. This show puts the spotlight on local songwriting and original music with a touch of tasteful collaboration between some of the most talented performers in the area. With 3 rounds of 3 different writers taking turns playing their songs, the night promises some exciting eclectic music with some beautiful, unique and spontaneous collaboration.Featuring: Dulci Ellenberger Galen Holland Troy Crossley Scott Stetson Carey Leigh Billy Litz Lillie Syracuse Melanie Ida Chopko Andrew Thelston
JigJam
– ALL AGES- SEATED SHOW- LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLEJIGJAMWhen virtuoso Irish playing jumps the pond running naked through the wide open fields of bluegrass/Americana JigJam is born. Bluegrass and American Folk music originated from their homes and now JigJam are here to take it back!This Offaly and Tipperary born band have started The first wave of attack in the new Irish invasion of Americana! ‘Foot stomping’, ‘high energy’ and lots of badass is what you’re in for when you see this musical powerhouse live in concert.Founding members from Offaly Jamie McKeogh (Lead singer and guitar) and Daithi Melia (5 String Banjo and Dobro) were joined by Tipperary born Gavin Strappe (Mandolin and Tenor Banjo) in 2016. Scottish man Danny Hunter (Fiddle) joined JigJam in 2021 to make up this iGrass (Irish Bluegrass) Quartet.Described as ‘The best Irish band in bluegrass’ and ‘sparkling, infectious’ these lads have been hailed as ‘Ireland’s answer to New Grass Revival’ Bluegrass has it’s roots in Irish music and Irish immigration. iGrass and JigJam is what happens when the Irish find their prodigal son.
Bob Dylan’s 82nd Birthday Celebration: Hosted by George Trouble and The Zealots
– ALL AGES- SEATED SHOW- LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLEGEORGE TROUBLE AND THE ZEALOTS CELEBRATE BOB DYLAN’S 82ND BIRTHDAYThe Zealots and friends will pay tribute to Bob Dylan ahead of his 82nd birthday at the Grey Eagle, Sunday, May 21st at 7pm. To salute the work of one of the most influential and complex artists of our times, the Zealots are drawing from their roots. Asheville based singer/songwriters and rockers George Trouble and The Zealots, with special guests, bring their exuberance, strong craft and diverse range of styles to the Dylan songbook, promising a night of celebration. Wear your leopard skin pill box hat!
David Childers & The Serpents + Tin Roof Echo
– ALL AGES- SEATED SHOW- LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLEDAVID CHILDERSSinger-songwriter David Childers is the proverbial study in contradictions. A resident of Mount Holly, North Carolina, he’s a former high-school football player with the aw-shucks demeanor of a good ol’ Southern boy. But he’s also a well-read poet and painter who cites Chaucer and Kerouac as influences, fell in love with folk as a teen, listens to jazz and opera, and fed his family by practicing law before turning in his license to concentrate on his creative passions.The legal profession’s loss is certainly the music world’s gain. Childers’ new album, Run Skeleton Run, releasing May 5, 2017 on Ramseur Records, is filled with the kinds of songs that have made him a favorite of fans and fellow artists including neighbors the Avett Brothers. Scott Avett contributes to four tracks, and Avetts bassist Bob Crawford co-executive-produced the effort with label head Dolph Ramseur. (Crawford and Childers, both history buffs, have recorded and performed together in the Overmountain Men).In fact, it was Crawford who kickstarted this album, Childers’ sixth solo effort, by suggesting he reunite with Don Dixon (R.E.M., the Smithereens), who’d produced Crawford’s favorite Childers album, Room 23 (done with his band the Modern Don Juans). Crawford also suggested tracking at Mitch Easter’s Fidelitorium Recordings.“I’ve made records in my living room and been perfectly happy with it. But I think ol’ Bob wanted to give it one more shot,” Childers says. “It’s kind of like the Wild Bunch at the end of the movie, on their last train robbery.”Not that he’s suggesting this is his “last train robbery.” Not with songs as rich as these. Sounding like literature and playing like little movies — several are under three minutes long — they’re populated by sailors, hermits, lovers and killers, facing off against fate, skeletons, good, evil, or simply the trials of everyday existence. Lust, virtue, guilt, innocence; alienation, desperation, sorrow, gratitude … he examines these conditions with such precision — combined with music that draws on folk, rock, rockabilly, country and Cajun influences — he doesn’t need lengthy exposition.TIN ROOF ECHOAlthough originally hailing from the musically rich city of Macon, GA, Joe Hooten has called Asheville, NC home for many years. Since his 2014 debut, “The Original Plan”, seven albums (six LPs and one EP) have been released under the Tin Roof Echo moniker-each album demonstrating the DIY recording style that ultimately allows his uniquely introspective songwriting & production style to be highlighted along with his varied influences. He’s shared the stage with a diverse range of talents such as alt-country hero Scott Miller (The V-Roys) and punk pioneers Agent Orange. His solo shows- whether in a festival setting, radio show, or intimate listening room- are not to be missed.He also makes a lot of noise with Asheville’s all-star punk band PINKEYE & the legendary outlaw Americana-tinged Dark City Kings.
Hannah Kaminer & The Wistfuls: “Heavy On The Vine” Album Release Show
– ALL AGES- SEATED SHOW- LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLEHANNAH KAMINER Hannah Kaminer makes modern American roots music that blurs the boundaries between genre and generation. As a songwriter, storyteller, and producer, she nods to the Appalachian traditions of her native North Carolina while creating a contemporary sound that’s woozy, wistful, and evocative of the landscape where it was created. She turns a new page with her third record, Heavy On The Vine. Written and recorded in Kaminer’s adopted hometown of Asheville, it’s a reflective, resilient album that finds the artist making sense of her new world—a place where boutique hotels block the view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, childhood habits have given way to adulthood realities, and the Christian faith that once offered easy answers to life’s big questions has lost its magic. Heavy On The Vine isn’t just a soundtrack for Kaminer’s loss of faith; it’s a battle cry of hope and defiance, delivered by a songwriter who’s learned to live with uncertainty. “The idea of estrangement shows up everywhere,” says Kaminer, who kickstarted her career with 2015’s Acre By Acre and expanded her sound with 2018’s Heavy Magnolias. “These songs are about estrangement from myself, from family and old friends, from the Christian faith of my childhood, and from the world as I used to know it.” Kaminer’s world began taking shape in the small towns of western North Carolina, where she grew up singing hymns in church. Later, while living in central Texas as a college student, she heard a bluegrass song on the radio and found herself pining for the home she’d left behind. “I heard the banjo and thought, ‘That’s the sound of home!'” she remembers. “It took me moving halfway across the country to realize how much I gravitated toward those sounds.” Those sounds took her back to North Carolina, where Kaminer settled in Asheville and found a supportive musical community that prioritized collaboration over competition. “It was a great place to try something different,” she says. Inspired by Gillian Welch, Iris DeMent, and Patty Griffin—three artists who nodded to the old-school folk singers who came before them, yet still made modern music that balanced gorgeous melodies with grit, hard truths, and haunting arrangements—she started writing her own songs. The Grammy-winning audio engineer Julian Dreyer became one of her earliest champions, engineering her 2015 debut album and co-producing its 2018 follow-up. By the time Kaminer began writing material for Heavy On The Vine, though, she’d become more than a sharp songwriter. She’d started to think like a producer, too.THOMAS KOZAKThomas Kozak’s writing pulls myth and religion through the split-open skull of an obsessive-compulsive, anchoring the past to a new body and giving it voice through and beyond the conventions of folk and Americana.
The Moon and You, Ménage, Amanda Anne Platt (solo)
ALL AGESSEATED SHOWLIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLETHE MOON AND YOU At its core, The Moon and You is a charismatic husband-and-wife team. Melissa Hyman plays cello and bass, Ryan Furstenberg plays guitar and banjo. But whatever you might assume based on their gorgeous vocal blend and heartfelt lyrics, this ain’t your basic duo. With a rotating cast of talented friends to add unexpected instrumentation to their lineup, The Moon and You never plays the same show twice. This ever-evolving, expandable and collapsible model leaves the band constantly reinventing itself in ways both surprising and satisfying. Together, the two form a sound that is warm and inviting, atmospheric and playful. Each is a well developed songwriter with a distinctive voice, and their songs range in style from classic to quirky. Lyrics-driven and intellectual with a keen ear for arrangement, they make music perfectly suited to a listening room or a pair of good headphones. MENAGEAsheville’s original skirt and boots female trio returns to the Great Eagle stage after a 16 year hiatus. Rich and soulful three part harmony defines the sound of this fun and sultry group. Melissa Hyman (cello) from The Moon and You join original band members Sarah Roberts (guitar), and Mary Ellen Davis (bass) for this freshened up reunion-style performance which will include many original favorites from the early days of the band.AMANDA ANNE PLATTAmanda Anne Platt has been writing and performing her original songs in front of live audiences for almost two decades. With her band The Honeycutters she has released nine albums of her own original material and toured extensively in the US as well as Europe and Canada. In 2022 she released a double album, The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, which has been called “her finest work yet” by The Bluegrass Situation and landed on top ten lists across the globe. The much anticipated follow up LP, The Ones That Stay, which was co produced by Scott McMicken (Dr Dog) and Greg Cartwright (Reigning Sound), is slated for release later this year. Platt delivers a live performance as captivating as her songwriting and has been privileged over the years to share the stage with the likes of Guy Clark, Amy Ray, Billy Joe Shaver, Tift Merrit, and Radney Foster.
