Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band + Eddie 9V
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY REVEREND PEYTON’S BIG DAMN BAND The latest album from Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band was written by candlelight and then recorded using the best technology available . . . in the 1950s. But listeners won’t find another album as relevant, electrifying and timely as Dance Songs for Hard Times. Dance Songs for Hard Times conveys the hopes and fears of pandemic living. Rev. Peyton, the Big Damn Band’s vocalist and world-class fingerstyle guitarist, details bleak financial challenges on the songs “Ways and Means” and “Dirty Hustlin’.” He pines for in-person reunions with loved ones on “No Tellin’ When,” and he pleads for celestial relief on the album-closing “Come Down Angels.” Far from a depressing listen, Dance Songs lives up to its name by delivering action-packed riffs and rhythms across 11 songs. The country blues trio that won over crowds on more than one Warped Tour knows how to make an audience move. “I like songs that sound happy but are actually very sad,” Peyton says. “I don’t know why it is, but I just do.” EDDIE 9V As far back as he can remember, Capricorn Studios was calling Eddie 9V. As a kid scanning the sleeves of his favorite vinyl records, this fabled facility in Macon, Georgia, was always the secret ingredient, adding a little grit and honey to every song born on its floor. Capricorn and the bands who blew through it urged the Atlanta guitarist to ditch school at 15, play his fingers bloody throughout the south, and turn apathy into acclaim for early albums Left My Soul in Memphis (2019) and Little Black Flies (2021). Eddie spent his first quarter-century admiring Capricorn from afar. But in December 2021, the 26-year-old finally put his thumbprint on the studio’s mythology, corralling an eleven-strong group of the American South’s best roots musicians to track his third album. “There was overwhelming excitement at being in such a legendary studio,” he says. “But we hugged and got right to work. Everyone was joyous, loving, and flat-out playing their asses off.” You don’t come to Capricorn Studios for polish. Frozen in time since its opening day in 1969, the mojo from sessions by giants like the Allman Brothers and Bonnie Bramlett still hangs in the air, while the recording philosophy remains gloriously raw. That suited Eddie, whose output has been celebrated for its warts-and-all snapshot of what went down. “In a world where everyone is trying to sound the best, I’m trying to sound like me,” he reasons. “I always want the listener to feel like they’re in the room with us. So I’d leave it in if a drum pedal squeaked or someone laughed during a take on the Capricorn album. It’s our way of putting a stamp on the song.” Eddie’s old-school ethos goes way back. Born Brooks Mason in June 1996, he acquired his first guitar aged six, “One of those with the speaker in it – the most bang for your buck, y’know?”, ignored the prevailing pop scene at Oak Grove High School in favor of local heroes like Sean Costello and studied “older cats” like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Freddie King, and Rory Gallagher “to see what made them groove and tick.” His shoot-from-the-lip lyrics adds Eddie came from family fish fries, where his Uncle Brian “taught me to make people laugh, how to hold an audience’s attention.”
Jimmy Vivino Band
ALL AGES SEATED SHOW LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE JIMMY VIVINO BAND “Although I’m proud to say I am currently a member of Blues Rock pioneers Canned Heat and co-producer of our latest release “Finyl Vinyl”, there’s just too much to list as far as played with this one played with that one. But in the end I will list the people of importance pertaining to my growth as a musician. Yes, I’ve worked in every form of media in the business from Movies to TV to Broadway to Radio to Records to Concerts all the way down to funky little clubs. After all I always say “I’m just a Bluesman with a job.” One thing I did learn over 60 plus years as a musician was how to work. And I did and still am. Nothing beats playing in live music venues and meeting people. I’m just gonna list my close friends (who are really family) and mentors who taught me the “ways.” Levon Helm, Phoebe Snow, Al Kooper, John Sebastian, James Cotton, Joe Louis Walker, Hubert Sumlin, Jimmie Vaughan,Johnnie Johnson, Laura Nyro, Odetta, Lowell Fulson,Son Seals, Donald Fagen, Darlene Love, Felix Cavaliere, Barry Goldberg, Nick Gravenites, Canned Heat with Fito de la Parra, Warren Haynes and just about anyone else who passed through NYC and needed a band that could play the Blues, Soul, Real RocknRoll and R&B. Being involved with the Conan show for 30 years has only deepened my experience and contact with people who stepped out of my record collection and into my life and for that I am truly grateful.” – Jimmy Vivino LADY AND THE LOVERS Lady and the Lovers blends alt-R&B and rock into something smooth, dynamic, and just unpredictable enough to pull you in. Fronted by Katrina Fortier, the sound moves between deep grooves, rich melodies, and a little grit where it counts. Backed by some of Asheville’s finest, it’s a mix of rhythm, soul, and raw musicianship that just feels right.
PATIO (FREE SHOW!): Dirty Dawg
– FREE SHOW!!! – ALL AGES – LIMITED SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED Members of Dirty Dead play stripped down acoustic Grateful Dead and much more! FREE SHOW!! Show runs 2:30 PM-4:00 PM. Food and drink available from The Grey Eagle Taqueria. Family friendly show! Come fill your Saturday afternoon with food, drink, fun and some of the best live music Asheville has to offer – all in one place.
EXTC – XTC’s Terry Chambers & Friends
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY EXTC – XTC’S TERRY CHAMBERS & FRIENDS North American Cushty Tour 2025 TERRY CHAMBERS – drums STEVE HAMPTON – lead vocals, guitar TERRY LINES – bass guitar, vocals For almost four decades XTC fans could only dream of witnessing the sensational XTC classic songbook played live. That dream has now become a reality. XTC’s legendary drummer Terry Chambers is back on the road with his band EXTC (named and approved by XTC frontman, Andy Partridge). Emerging out of the post-punk and new-wave explosion of the late 70s XTC experienced global success touring with the likes of The Police and Talking Heads. The band put their hometown of Swindon UK on the map. They achieved huge success in North America and Japan. Sadly their legions of loyal fans would be left in limbo when in 1982 XTC stopped touring becoming a studio-based entity.Fast forward to 2017 Terry returned to the UK from Australia and reconnected with XTC bandmate Colin Moulding. The two would go on to collaborate on new venture TC&I releasing an EP and live album. Sadly the project was short-lived with TC&I disbanding in early 2019. By now the flame inside Terry had been reignited. His time with TC&I made him realise he wanted to continue doing what he does best. His love and passion for playing music and performing live gave him the idea for his new project EXTC. Born in early 2019 EXTC would set out to achieve its goals of performing to audiences who had waited so long to hear the EXTC back catalogue performed live only to be bought to a standstill in 2020 due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.Terry was keen to get on the road with EXTC with a tour of the United States scheduled for autumn 2020. Unfortunately this would be postponed due to covid restrictions still in place the tour being rescheduled for the following year. The band eventually began gigging again in 2021 with sold-out dates around the UK. This would include the Isle of Wight Festival and gigs in Terry Chambers and XTC’s hometown of Swindon. The band would go on to do further successful tours of the United States and Canada with EXTC also heading to Japan in early 2023.EXTC has kept much of the original fan base from XTC’s glory days of the late 70s and early 80s as well as gaining a new following of fans in their own right. Enthusiastic fans have lapped up the chance to see Terry and EXTC perform all those classics live once more.Alongside Terry the EXTC line-up features frontman Steve Hampton (lead vocals & guitar – Joe Jackson, The Vapors and Dead Crow Road) and Terry Lines (bass & vocals – The Rams and Dead Crow Road). Originally a four-piece EXTC band members have changed frequently over recent years. EXTC announced in November 2022 that they are now moving forward as a three-piece. Terry Steve and Terry will bring you the full EXTC experience with their mesmerising and engaging live performances as you relive the heyday of XTC. With new material already in the works EXTC is a band on an upward trajectory. With their popularity gaining momentum and international tour schedules increasing it is clear the sky is the limit for Terry Chambers and EXTC!
Coverfest IV: A Benefit For Asheville Middle School
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY 100% OF TICKET PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT ASHEVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL’S 8TH GRADE TRIP TO DC Coverfest IV: A Benefit for Asheville MiddleGet ready for an evening of incredible live music, community spirit, and heartfelt support at Coverfest IV, a one-of-a-kind benefit concert happening at The Grey Eagle in Asheville on January 19, 2025. The annual event will feature 10 outstanding local and regional acts, each performing mini-sets of cover songs from a wide range of genres and eras, Coverfest promises something for everyone — all in support of a great cause!100% of ticket sales will go directly to benefit Asheville Middle School’s 8th Grade Capstone Trip to Washington, DC, which gives students the opportunity to experience history in the making with visits to monuments, museums, and landmarks in the nation’s capital. This trip is a unique educational experience, and Coverfest IV is dedicated to helping make it possible for every student to attend. The Grey Eagle is the perfect venue for this high-energy, family-friendly event, known for its intimate atmosphere and excellent acoustics. Attendees can expect not only an incredible night of music but also the chance to connect with fellow community members, show their support for Asheville Middle School, and help send a group of deserving students on a life-changing trip to Washington, DC. Don’t forget to come hungry, the Grey Eagle Taqueria will serve dinner all evening, so bring the family!“We are thrilled to once again have Coverfest at the Grey Eagle, they are top-shelf supporters of the community,” said event organizer, local musician, & Asheville Middle teacher Joe Hooten. “This event is a fun way for our community to come together and help give our students an unforgettable experience that will help shape their education and memories for years to come. And the music is always great at Coverfest, this year’s lineup will certainly not disappoint”. Bands (not in order of appearance) Why, Why?Double Love & the TroubleSantiago y los GatosEleanor Underhill & FriendsMoon and YouMoon WaterFancy & the GentlemanJohn Kirby JR & New SeniorsPaul Edelman (Jangling Sparrows) PINKEYE
TOGETHER WE RISE: A Benefit Concert for BeLoved Asheville ft. John Cowan, Darrell Scott, Andrea Zonn, Jeff Sipe
ALL AGES SEATED SHOW 100% OF NET TICKET PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT BELOVED ASHEVILLE ABOUT BELOVED ASHEVILLE’S HURRICANE HELENE RELIEF EFFORTS: Hurricane Helene has left a wake of devastation and tragedy. Through this hardship, we’ve been surrounded by stories of generosity and solidarity, pouring in from across the nation. We are dedicating all of our resources to help everyone in our mountain home. Our immediate focus has been on critical necessities like food, water, and healthcare for survival and stability. As winter looms, we are securing warm and safe housing for the displaced. Looking further ahead, recovery from the vast destruction will be a large-scale investment over several years. We believe that we can unite to rebuild a community that embodies home, health, equity, and opportunity for all. The response from our community and beyond has been nothing short of extraordinary. We’ve received an overwhelming amount of support. Our country has exemplified the BeLoved mission to bring people together from all walks of life to tackle the toughest challenges: housing insecurity, homelessness, food insecurity, racism, poverty, climate change, and social injustice. The overwhelming support from our community has been beautiful. We are deeply grateful for the first responders, volunteers, and donors who have supported us thus far by putting love into action. Your generosity has brought hope and relief to many in dire need. At BeLoved, we dream of rebuilding our mountain home to embody the actions and empathy of our community. CLICK HERE TO MAKE ADDITIONAL DONATIONS TO BELOVED ASHEVILLE FEATURING PERFORMANCES BY: JOHN COWAN, DARRELL SCOTT, ANDREA ZONN, JEFF SIPE
Naked Giants: Shine Away Tour 2025
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY NAKED GIANTS When Naked Giants formed in 2014, the Seattle trio—vocalist/guitarist Grant Mullen, bassist/vocalist Gianni Aiello and drummer Henry LaVallee—were all eighteen years old, and full of the reckless, restless energy of youth. A decade on, both they and the world have changed immensely. Shine Away—the band’s third full-length, following on from 2018’s SLUFF and 2020’s The Shadow—is very much an acknowledgement of that. It’s an album that doesn’t just reflect on the personal life and times of the three of them and the world at large, but casts a discerning, self-reflective eye on what it’s like to be in, and be, Naked Giants. It’s the sound of a band coming into, and becoming, themselves. Of course, that’s a never-ending process, but for the first time in their career, Naked Giants are taking stock of their journey—who and what they were, are, and want to be. “Our first record was still running on fuel from starting the band as 18 year olds with a rock’n’roll dream,” says Mullen. “Since then, life has changed. We all got day jobs or went back to school, and really grew into ourselves individually. Before, we were anxious to express ourselves in whatever way we could through music. Now, we have more to say, and I think we’ve made a record with more meaning and purpose.” Despite these personal changes Shine Away contains the same sense of impetuous urgency that defined SLUFF. and the band’s preceding 2016 debut EP, R.I.P., and was still to be found within the fabric of The Shadow’s songs, too. So while the band might be removed from their younger selves, there are still traces of those people in these nine songs. “I’ve realized that being an effective communicator is such an important part of being a musician,” adds Aiello. “We’re carrying the typical garage-rock ‘throw it at the wall and see what sticks’ ethos with us to this new phase of life. This time around, there’s room in the music (and in ourselves) not only for the young raucous kids we used to be, but also for the fully emotional people we’re becoming – people with hearts that love and break and ache and all that kind of stuff.” GIRL AND GIRL In one sense, it’s easy for artists—songwriters, specifically—to express their feelings in their work. After all, that’s what the lyrics are for! But it’s much harder to convey emotional energy in how you play, slash at the guitar, and the structure of the music itself. That’s precisely why Girl and Girl’s Sub Pop debut, Call A Doctor, feels like such a vital, electrifying shock to the senses. Not since the early work of Car Seat Headrest or Conor Oberst’s widescreen emotional brutality as Bright Eyes has indie rock managed to come across as this intimate and grandiose, as the Australian quartet led by Kai James lay a lifetime’s worth of woes—mental health, the human race’s planned obsolescence if you’ve been living on this cursed rock you know what we’re getting at—across a canvas of indie rock that feels both timeless and in-the-moment.
PYLETRIBE, Andrew Thelston Band, Ashley Heath, Solvivor
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY PYLETRIBE ANDREW THELSTON BAND ASHLEY HEATH SOLVIVOR
PATIO: Chris McGinnis + Nick Shanahan
ALL AGES LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVE CHRIS McGINNIS North Carolina musician Chris McGinnis writes songs that exist somewhere in between a hiccup and a heartache. His last EP, 2019’s Songs For You, touches on the absurdity of your hometown morphing beyond recognition. It tells a story of two Baby Boomers drifting together from across the US into the Golden Gate City, then drifting apart, and then together again. It is about connection and disconnection alike. With his debut full-length album, Mamaw’s Angel, Chris veers deeper into these familiar themes. “I think this album is largely about manic loneliness. These songs are ultimately about people who are afraid of losing their relationships. They refuse to accept that they may have already lost these relationships, and they refuse to accept that they are to blame.” Overbearing grandparents and stubborn grandchildren, washed-up fraternity brothers yearning for the New Year’s Eve parties of yesteryear, a missing Winnebago, a tree that just won’t quit, and other wild personalities run throughout the ten tracks found on Mamaw’s Angel. More than just a few are inspired by people and stories Chris had met and heard back towards his home in Western NC’s Linville Gorge Wilderness area. Mamaw’s Angel is a collection of sensationally-delivered tales about characters struggling on the sidelines of their own realities. “The characters in these songs are all incredibly flawed. I wanted to write songs that expressed truly ugly emotions. Loneliness, anger, denial, regret. The characters are all being eaten away by these feelings, and it motivates their words and actions. But I also think that that is how some of the absurdity is palatable.” Mamaw’s Angel was recorded at Clubmen Studio in Blairsville, GA, and produced by Atlanta-based artist Jacob Davis Martin. Among the musicians heard throughout the album are Asheville, NC’s Carly Taich, members of Asheville’s Jack Marion & the Pearl Snap Prophets, Atlanta-based strings trio Me Me Me, and Will Easter of Boone, NC. NICK SHANAHAN With a career spanning over 15 years, Nick Shanahan has established himself as a distinctive voice in the indie-country music scene. As a songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist based in Black Mountain, NC, his unique blend of storytelling and melody infuses his songs with the ethos of Cosmic American Music championed by Gram Parsons. Shanahan’s modern sound, deeply rooted in tradition, offers a fresh perspective to the country genre. His music resonates on various levels—tightly constructed, emotionally charged, and melodically rich, yet revealing layers of subtlety and thematic complexity on closer listening.
Freedy Johnston
ALL AGES SEATED SHOW LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE FREEDY JOHNSTON Freedy Johnston is one of those rare singer-songwriters who counts critics among his biggest fans — and whose heroes consider him a peer. Not bad for a self-proclaimed “geek in glasses who never left his room.” On September 9th, Forty Below Records will release Johnston’s 9th album, Back on the Road to You. It’s a record steeped in wit, humor, pathos, love, and friendship drenched with memorable, infectious melodies. Johnston recorded the album in Los Angeles with producer Eric Corne after setting up house in nearby Joshua Tree. The new surroundings have imbued the album’s mood and instrumentation with echoes of The Byrds, Jackson Browne, Joni Mitchell, and Neil Young. Joining Johnston in the studio were Aimee Mann, Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles, and long time collaborator, Susan Cowsill, along with an all-star roots music band, including Doug Pettibone (Lucinda Williams), Dusty Wakeman (Jim Lauderdale), Dave Raven (Shelby Lynn) and Sasha Smith (Priscilla Ahn). In 1994 Rolling Stone named Johnston the ‘Songwriter of the Year’, describing him as “A master storyteller, (who) sketches out full-blown tragedies in a few taut poetic lines.” Adding, “He joins that elite cadre of songwriters—Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Elvis Costello—whose brilliant pop compositions turn magical with the addition of a defiantly idiosyncratic singing voice.” Freedy Johnston has taken an unpredictable path throughout his 30-year career. It’s a true underdog story. He has a wicked gift for turning a melodic phrase with equal parts’ heart on his sleeve’ troubadour and weaver of mysteries. The Kansas native released his first two records with the widely respected indie label Bar/None. Can You Fly made many ‘Best of the Year’ lists, including, The New York Times, Billboard, and Spin Magazine, to name a few. Robert Christgau for The Village Voice called it “a perfect album,” and Playboy declared it “the best album by a new male singer-songwriter in at least a decade.” Can You Fly was also cited in music critic Tom Moon’s book, 1,000 Recordings To Hear Before You Die. Back on the Road to You is a return to grace for this gifted songwriter. It embodies the sound of an American original, reminding us that he is still considered one of the best songwriters of his generation. TIN ROOF ECHO Since his 2014 debut, The Original Plan, six studio albums have been released under the Tin Roof Echo moniker-each demonstrating the DIY recording style that ultimately allows his uniquely introspective songwriting & production to be highlighted along with his varied influences. In 2021 he released Mornings Are For Singing an exceptionally unique live album captured in various stairwells at his day job. Hooten has recently released his seventh studio album, Flowers Falling.
