PATIO SHOW: Blue Cactus
– ALL AGES- LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVEBLUE CACTUS Rooted in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Blue Cactus got their start among the active honky-tonk circuit, developing an electrified twang that now branches out effortlessly into folk, alt-country, and psychedelic-tinged rock. Having released three records to critical acclaim, they have grown a cult following in the South and beyond, their introspective lyricism and blistering guitar techniques making the band potent in the studio and on stage. Their 2025 album Believer was hailed in Bandcamp’s Best New Country list and earned them slots on SXSW, Hopscotch Fest’s main stage opening for Geese and My Morning Jacket, and PBS’ new original series, Shaped By Sound. Blue Cactus have toured throughout the US, developing a dedicated cult following. From intimate clubs to major festival stages, Blue Cactus is known for connecting deeply with audiences wherever they go.
FREE PATIO SHOW: East Coast Dirt
– FREE SHOW – ALL AGES- LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVE- DONATIONS FOR THE ARTISTS ENCOURAGED! VENMO: @BRAD-BOUGHTON 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.
Dan Tyminski Band at Asheville Masonic Temple
ALL AGES FULLY SEATED GA SHOW AT THE ASHEVILLE MASONIC TEMPLE (80 BROADWAY ST) DAN TYMINSKI BAND Dan Tyminski was six years old when his parents began taking him to fiddle contests, square dances, and bluegrass festivals across New England. For a young musician who would later become one of the biggest names in modern-day bluegrass, those early experiences were life changing. “Watching live music always spoke to me much louder than sitting in front of my record player,” he remembers. “I loved it. Wherever music was being played, I wanted to go watch. Years later, I still feel that way.” Throughout his 30+ year career, Tyminski has left his mark in every corner of modern music. His voice famously accompanies George Clooney’s performance of the Stanley Brothers’ classic song, “I Am A Man of Constant Sorrow,” in the film, Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? and his vocal collaboration with Swedish DJ Avicii on the song “Hey Brother” was a global smash, having been streamed more than a billion times to date. His diverse solo projects and years of work with Alison Krauss and Union Station have yielded troves of award-winning music. In recent years, Tyminski’s live shows with the Dan Tyminski Band have become bluegrass fan favorites and are regularly on the must-see lists among music fans of any genre. With his newest album release – the Grammy-nominated 2024 concert album Dan Tyminski: Live From The Ryman – he captures the magic of those live shows, while also proving that he still has the same passion for live music as he did when he was growing up. His earliest touring and recording work was as a part of the band, Green Mountain Bluegrass. He later joined the influential bluegrass group, Lonesome River Band, before embarking on his three decades of work with Alison Krauss and Union Station. The first album that Tyminski recorded as a solo artist was the soul-stirring Carry Me Across the Mountain (2000), followed by the Grammy-nominated Wheels (2008) which was named the 2009 Album of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association. His work with the EDM artist, Avicii, inspired Dan to create the genre-defying Southern Gothic album, released in 2017 to much critical acclaim. Tyminski would then showcase again his heart for bluegrass with the 2022 EP tribute to Tony Rice, One More Time Before You Go, which included guest performances by Molly Tuttle, Sam Bush, Dailey & Vincent, and Billy Strings. Dan has been honored with 14 Grammy Awards and is a four-time Male Vocalist of the Year honoree by the International Bluegrass Music Association. He has also recorded instrumental or vocal harmony contributions for projects by Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Brad Paisley, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Joan Osborne, Charlie Daniels, Kenny Chesney, LeAnn Rimes, Rob Thomas, and Charlie Haden, to name a few. Tyminski certainly represents the pinnacle of modern bluegrass music. While Dan enjoys a good conversation and a good cigar, he can often be found participating in charitable Pro-Am golf tournaments, as well as competing regularly in the Foosball tournament circuit.
Woody Wood & Abe Reid (of The Blue Rags)
ALL AGES PARTIALLY SEATED SHOW WOODY WOOD & ABE REID (of The Blue Rags) The Blue Rags were a revivalist, ragtime boogie-woogie band from Asheville. Woody and Abe are going to reignite that magic fire! Aaron “Woody” Wood is an old soul as authentic as the foothills from which he emerged. When pressed on it, he calls his music “Cosmic Appalachian Soul.” He is steeped in the old Delta blues and the folk music from these mountains while fearlessly leaning into rock, soul and funk. It’s common to look around in the audience for his local shows and see lots of other musicians in the room just soaking in what Woody does. (from Where Y’at?) Abe Reid is a North Carolina blues musician and one of the modern keepers of the Piedmont blues tradition. Reid won the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, one of the most respected competitions in blues music.
Todd Albright & Arthur Terembula (Country Blues Summit)
ALL AGES SEATED SHOW LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE TODD ALBRIGHT Todd Albright is a country blues, twelve-string guitar player and vocalist based in Detroit, Michigan. Grounded in the pre-war era of the blues tradition (1880-1939), Todd is a mindful purveyor of blues history. His repertoire upholds musical pillars such as Blind Willie McTell, George Carter, Blind Lemon Jefferson and Leadbelly. His life’s work continues the distinguished tradition of the very roots of American music as told by the African American musicians who created it. Todd Albright joined Jack White’s Third Man Records in 2016. Todd’s vigorous, gritty and soulful performances are accompanied by stories of the masters and a deep intuitive sense of respect for craft, providing audiences with a meaningful experience while creating a transcendent moment. One of the top blues guitarists in the world, Todd is the only contemporary twelve string player in his genre. Todd began playing the blues while still a teenager, some twenty-five years ago. Initially, he was drawn to the sound of the finger-picked style and has since immersed himself in the foundational music and narratives of American culture. Over the years, Todd has shared the stage with renowned artists such as Cedric Burnside, The Wood Brothers, Corey Harris, Charlie Parr, Roy Book Binder, and Paul Geremia. Todd has been featured in major publications such as Living Blues Magazine, MOJO Magazine, Premier Guitar Magazine, American Blues Scene, and mentioned on the cover of Acoustic Guitar Magazine. In 2019, Todd produced a 12-string guitar instructional video with the famed Stefan Grossman Guitar Workshop. In addition, Todd has filmed live sessions with Acoustic Guitar Magazine, Fretboard Journal, KEXP, and Daytrotter/Paste Magazine. Todd’s first full-length LP, Todd Albright, was released by Lo & Behold! Records & Books in 2014 (Hamtramck, MI). His second album, Fourth Floor Visitor, was released by Jett Plastic Recordings in Detroit, Michigan (2017). In 2017, Jack White’s Third Man Records released Todd’s critically acclaimed album, Detroit Twelve String: Blues & Rags. Todd’s long awaited fourth album, produced by legendary folk icon Charlie Parr, is set for release on Misfortune Records in 2026. ARTHUR TEREMBULA Arthur Terembula is a translator of the sounds of 1920’s & 1930’s country blues and ragtime music. His guitar playing is reminiscent of the masters recorded on 78s. Reimagining the songs from those times and bringing them to the modern listener.
FREE PATIO SHOW: Canon Tyler
– ALL AGES- FREE SHOW- LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVECANON TYLER Canon Tyler is a singer-songwriter & guitarist from the hills of North Georgia. With sonic elements of Bluegrass and Contemporary Acoustic Music, Tyler’s lyrics blend the story telling aspects of traditional American folk and Laurel Canyon era singer-songwriters. Together this creates a sound that is both fresh and familiar to fans of roots music. Tyler’s latest album, “Thickets & Brambles” is an homage to the rich heritage of North Georgia. Consisting of 10 tracks, “Thickets” delves into the heart of the region’s musical legacy. Through introspective lyrics and narrative storytelling, Tyler invites listeners on a personal journey of life in the foothills. Sonically, the album is a tapestry of Bluegrass, Appalachian Folk music, and Folk-Country, creating a sound that echoes the landscapes of North Georgia. The inclusion of banjo, fiddle, and Tyler’s own flatpicked guitar adds layers of depth and authenticity to each track. “Thickets & Brambles” is a musical exploration that captures the spirit of North Georgia while offering a heartfelt reflection on coming of age in the modern world.
FREE PATIO SHOW: Woody Wood
– ALL AGES- FREE SHOW- LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVEWOODY WOODCosmic appalachian soul.
4/20 with Jerry’s Dead
ALL AGES STANDING ROOM ONLY JERRY’S DEAD Jerry’s Dead pays tribute to the music of Jerry Garcia. Not exactly a Grateful Dead cover band, this quartet from Asheville, North Carolina, shines a spotlight specifically on songs lead by Jerry Garcia, who fronted the Grateful Dead in an alternating fashion with his bandmates. The “long strange list” of Garcia compositions and his own wide range of cover songs comes to life with Jerry’s Dead’s exciting interpretations from this iconic catalog. Further extending their tribute, Jerry’s Dead includes songs lead by Garcia in his many side projects throughout his accomplished career, including the Jerry Garcia Band and his work with mandolinist David Grisman. To date Jerry’s Dead has performed well over 150 different Garcia pieces, reinterpreting each in unique fashion to the delight of their growing fan base. Jerry’s Dead features Tim Marsh on guitar and lead vocals and includes Dan Pederson on bass and vocals, Gus Vigo on keys and vocals, and Lee Kram on drums and vocals. Since their debut on June 21, 2021, at The Straightaway Cafe, Jerry’s Dead has brought Garcia’s music to many of Western Carolina’s well known breweries and music venues, including Highland Brewing Company, The Grey Eagle, Pisgah Brewing Company, The Asheville Music Hall, and The French Broad River Brewing Company, which hosts Jerry’s Dead every Thursday evening for two sets of free music. This weekly residency has become a real draw for the band, creating a space for vendors, dancers, and music lovers to commune regularly. On occasion, Jerry’s Dead has hosted some very special guests, including Rob Barraco of The Dead, Dark Star Orchestra, Phil Lesh Quintet and Zen Tricksters; Lisa Mackey, also of D.S.O.; Julian Pinelli, who played fiddle with Peter Rowan, a bluegrass bandmate of Garcia in Old and in the Way; and Joe Marcinek of the Joe Marcinek Band and Dead Funk Summit, featuring George Porter Jr. of The Meters and Melvin Seals of the Jerry Garcia Band. After opening for Joe’ Marcinek’s Dead Funk Summit featuring Melvin Seals, it was Tim’s great honor to sit in with Melvin Seals, Joe Marcinek, and Tony Hall of Dumpstaphunk that night.
Cole Chaney
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY COLE CHANEY When it comes to his latest album, In the Shadow of the Mountain, 25-year-old singer-songwriter Cole Chaney is pretty candid and blunt about who he is and what kind of music he wants to make — the result of which, this stunning offering from an artist wise beyond his age. “There’s a yin to every yang,” Chaney says. “I want nothing more than for people to be creatively fulfilled, and to do what they want. But, for me to preach that? I have to practice it.” That attitude resides at the core of the record, where the trajectory of the songs seemingly — more so purposely — shoot off in the opposite direction of many of his contemporaries in the Americana, country and folk music scenes. In truth? Chaney is summoning his rock roots. “I’m not concerned with being labeled as ‘country’.“There’s not a lot of music being released right now that is doing anything for me. I made something that I would want to listen to.” Pointing to his lifelong admiration for 1990s rock — specifically Soundgarden, Alice in Chains and Stone Temple Pilots — as a vital influence on the sonic landscape of the album, Chaney aimed to find a melodic balance between that raw and real rock sound and the bluegrass and folk music of his native Kentucky. “I wanted to make something that sounded like Ralph Stanley went in and got backed up by Soundgarden,” Chaney jokes. “I write what I listen to. And whatever I listen to is going to come out in my music.” In the Shadow of the Mountain was captured by famed producer Duane Lundy at his legendary studio in Lexington, Kentucky. While talking at-length about the possible collaboration, Lundy spoke of his love for Soundgarden, Alice in Chains and Stone Temple Pilots. “I know plenty of bluegrass guys that could have recorded this for me,” Chaney says. “But, I wanted to take that string band and folk sound and bring it to a rock producer, to bring that big sound out of these acoustic instruments — [Duane] was about to do that.” The album was also co-produced by guitarist Zachary Hamilton, a close friend of Chaney, who is also the brother and bandmate of rising Lexington singer-songwriter Abby Hamilton. “[Zach] has that ability to fill a room with his guitar, his voicings, and all the choices he goes for down the neck of the guitar,” Chaney says. “When Abby was opening for us, I got to sit there and watch him play every night. I knew when I was going to do another album, he needed to be involved in some capacity.” Heading into the recording sessions, Chaney brought along his band, which included Ella Webster (fiddle), Kyle Kleinman (mandolin), Joel Murtaugh (upright bass) and James Gooding (drums). Acclaimed Kentucky musician (and former bandmate) Aaron Bibelhauser also makes an appearance. With this pivot in his tone and intent compared to his 2021 debut album, Mercy, Chaney sees this current path as more in-tune with what he’s not only wanted to do all along, but has slowly shifted towards in recent years amid endless touring and performing.
Songwriters Roller Derby Showcase
ALL AGES SEATED SHOW SONGWRITERS ROLLER DERBY SHOWCASE The Songwriters Roller Derby Showcase, presented by the Asheville Songwriters Association, is a quarterly music show with no roller skates included – just four performers “rollin’ out the songs, elbows-n-all.” Curated and hosted by Thomas Kozak and Jodi John Pippin, each “Derby Night” at The Grey Eagle will showcase the craft of songwriting in an intimate and welcoming setting. As an added element of the Songwriters Roller Derby Showcase, a surprise guest will join the performers on stage for interactive, on-the-spot commentary ~ a “look under the hood of the songwriting process” of sorts. The audience will have a chance to share comments as well, if they are inspired to do so. For most of the evening, the songwriters will perform finished songs, but they will also each share a brand new song that has not yet been performed on stage. Come support the songwriters as they show their vulnerable side and help nurture the art and craft of songwriting in the region and beyond. The performers for this 3rd Derby are:Chuck BrodskyChuck Brodsky is a storytelling, songwriting, modern-day troubadour, whose genuine warmth and quirky, finely-crafted songs touch hearts, funny bones, and a nerve or two. With irony and wit, his 13 CDs celebrate the eccentric, holy, courageous, inspiring, and the beautiful, while poking fun at what needs poking. Over the past 33 years he’s played concerts all across the USA and in eleven countries. Several of his songs have appeared in movies and on tv, and 22 of his Baseball story songs have been enshrined in the Hall of Fame’s sound recording library.Claire WhallClaire Whall is a songwriter who creates from the shadow realm of a 3 am mental breakdown and balances it out with the hope and certainty of a morning sunrise. She blends folk, grunge, and indie genres and has no concept of lyrical stoicism. There is nothing emotionally reserved in her work, all the cards are on the table, all the mirrors are pointed outward.Sun BrotherSun Brother is the musical moniker for Asheville based Billy Toulson. His songs are moments in life, captured in three minute durations. A personal tale here. An observation there. It’s all grist for the mill and an opportunity to create meaning.Michael FlynnMichael Flynn is an Americana-adjacent singer/songwriter from Saluda. His songs have been featured on shows like Grey’s Anatomy and he’s won a few awards for his songwriting, most recently the Newsong Music Grand Prize in 2021. He mostly releases music under the name Slow Runner and has a new album called ‘Dog Years’ coming July 2026.
