PATIO: Doc Robinson
ALL AGES LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVE DOC ROBINSON Fronted by the commanding tenor vocals of Jon Elliott, the soul of Doc Robinson is a swirl of song-forward sensibility, heartbreak harmonies, and feel-good vibes. Named for the two main influences of the original 2016 collaboration that spawned the band — Doctor Dog and Smokey Robinson — they have catapulted themselves beyond genre categorization into a midwestern gumbo concoction. Known for their captivating live performances, the band draws crowds in with their engaging stage presence and infectious energy. Since its inception in Columbus, Ohio, Doc Robinson has emerged as a driving force in the grassroots indie music movement. The band’s nationwide tours alongside acts like Caamp, Neal Francis, The Brook and the Bluff, and more, as well as song placements on major TV series like The Walking Dead and BoJack Horseman, have helped them reach audiences worldwide.
Etran de L’Aïr
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY ETRAN DE L’AIR Etran de L’Aïr (or “stars of the Aïr region”) welcomes you to Agadez, the capital city of Saharan rock. Playing for over 25 years, Etran has emerged as stars of the local wedding circuit. Beloved for their dynamic repertoire of hypnotic solos and sun schlazed melodies, Etran stakes out a place for Agadez guitar music. Playing a sound that invokes the desert metropolis, “Agadez” celebrates the sounds of all the dynamism of a hometown wedding. Etran is a family band composed of brothers and cousins, all born and raised in the small neighborhood of Abalane, just in the shadow of the grand mosque. Sons of nomadic families that settled here in the 1970s fleeing the droughts, they all grew up in Agadez. The band was formed in 1995 when current band leader Moussa “Abindi” Ibra was only 9 years old. “We only had one acoustic guitar,” he explains, “and for percussion, we hit a calabash with a sandal.” Over the decades, the band painstakingly pieced together gear to form their band and built an audience by playing everywhere, for everyone. “It was difficult. We would walk to gigs by foot, lugging all our equipment, carrying a small PA and guitars on our backs, 25 kilometers into the bush, to play for free…there’s nowhere in Agadez we haven’t played.” From the days of the Trans-Saharan caravan in the 14th century to a modern-day stopover for Europe-bound migrants, Agadez is a city that stands at the crossroads, where people and ideas come together. Understandably, it’s here where one of the most ambitious Tuareg guitar has taken hold. Agadez’s style is the fastest, with frenetic electric guitar solos, staccato crash of full drum kits, and flamboyant dancing guitarists. Agadez is the place where artists come to cut their teeth in a lucrative and competitive winner-take-all scene. Guitar bands are an integral part of the social fabric, playing in weddings, baptisms, and political rallies, as well as the occasional concert. Whereas other Tuareg guitarists look to Western rock, Etran de L’Aïr play in a pan-African style that is emblematic of their hometown, citing a myriad of cultural influences, from Northern Malian blues, Hausa bar bands, to Congolese Soukous. It’s perhaps this quality that makes them so beloved in Agadez. “We play for the Tuareg, the Toubou, the Zarma, the Hausa,” Abindi explains. “When you invite us, we come and play.” Their music is rooted in celebration, and invokes the exuberance of an Agadez wedding, with an overwhelming abundance of guitars, as simultaneous solos playfully pass over one another with a restrained precision, forceful yet never overindulgent. Recorded at home in Agadez with a mobile studio, their eponymous album stays close to the band’s roots. Over a handful of takes, in a rapid-fire recording session, “Agadez” retains all the energy of a party. Their message too is always close to home. The dreamy ballad Toubouk Ine Chihoussay (“The Flower of Beauty”) dives into call and response lyrics, and solos that dance effortlessly over the frets. On other tracks like Imouwizla (“Migrants”), Etran addresses immigration with the driving march parallels the nomads’ plight with travelers crossing the desert for Europe. DAVID NANCE & MOWED SOUND
Southern Culture on the Skids w/ Laid Back Country Picker
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY SOUTHERN CULTURE ON THE SKIDS Southern Culture On The Skids has been consistently recording and touring around the world since 1983. The band (Rick Miller – guitar and vocals, Mary Huff – bass and vocals, Dave Hartman – drums) has been playing together for over 30 years. Their musical journey has taken them from all-night North Carolina house parties to late night TV talk shows (Conan O’Brien, The Tonight Show), from performing at the base of Mt. Fuji in Japan to rockin’ out for the inmates at North Carolina correctional facilities. They’ve shared a stage with many musical luminaries including Link Wray, Loretta Lynn, Hasil Adkins and Patti Smith. Their music has been featured in movies and TV, parodied by Weird Al, and used to sell everything from diamonds to pork sausage. In 2014 the band was honored by the Southern Folklife Collection at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill with an exhibition featuring their music and cultural contributions. Their legendary live shows are a testament to the therapeutic powers of foot-stomping, butt-shaking rock and roll and what Rolling Stone dubbed “a hell raising rock and roll party.” At Home with Southern Culture on the Skids is the latest full length album from the band and was released in March of 2021. It was recorded during the stay at home period of the pandemic when the band was at home and not touring. The album consists of 11 tracks recorded and mixed in Rick Miller’s living room with some additional tracks recorded at his studio, The Kudzu Ranch. The first radio single off the album is “Run Baby Run”—a rocking number with deep garage roots. SCOTS bassist Mary Huff provides an urgent vocal while the band pulls back the throttle on a full race fuzz fest—cause she’s gotta to go fast! Run Baby Run! The other songs on the album are a combination of the band’s unique mix of musical genres: rock and roll, surf, folk and country—all a bit off-center, what Rick proudly calls “our wobbly Americana”. Rick goes on, “We put a few more acoustic guitars on this one, as you would expect if you recorded in your living room, but it still rocks like SCOTS. So put your headphones on, get in your favorite chair/sofa/recliner, put on “At Home With” and let’s hang out for a while.” LAID BACK COUNTRY PICKER The night Laid Back’s high school classmates went on their senior trip, he played his first professional bar gig. It was not his first show, as he had played bass in local bluegrass bands, but it opened the door to smoky bars and honky-tonk survival. Over the years he went on perform and record with many well-known artist, often uncredited, as was the Nashville way. He has played with everyone from the Georgia Satellites to the Kentucky Headhunters. Opening for Thin Lizzy and The Guess Who, recording at Johnny Cash’s studio as well as the now defunct Butcher Shoppe in Nashville (owned by John Prince and Sturgill Simpson) Laid Back has seen some things. LB served as a mentor to a young Tyler Childers, who now has Laid Back signed on his Hickman Holler label. Mr. Childers has made several films with LB and included him in his music videos, as well as having him open a CD release show in New York City and open his sets at the Ryman Auditorium and Red Rocks Amphitheater.
PATIO: Bayla Davis & Cary Fridley
ALL AGES LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVEBAYLA DAVIS & CARY FRIDLEY Bayla Davis (banjo), 15, is a Traditional Appalachian vocalist and multi-instrumentalist from Leicester, North Carolina. At 6-years-old, she started in the Junior Appalachian Musicians Program (JAM) in Black Mountain, North Carolina. Bayla has been playing clawhammer banjo and singing for almost a decade and spends much of her time playing as a member in her siblings’ Old-Time band, Newfound Gap. She has played on the main stage at Bela Fleck’s Blue Ridge Banjo Camp, the Kruger Brother’s Academy Stage, the Cabin Stage at Merlefest, Woodsongs, the IBMA’S Youth Stage and Kids on Bluegrass, Appalachia Sessions, among others. She also won 1st Place in the Galax, Virginia “Old Fiddlers’ Convention” in Clawhammer Banjo, as well as Mt. Airy Fiddlers Convention, Appalachian State Fiddlers Convention, the SC Fiddlers Convention and many more. This year, she recorded tracks for the Fine-Tuned album, a mentorship and collaboration-based project aimed at professional development for emerging artists playing traditional music in Western North Carolina. For the last five years, she has been a scholarship student at the Academy for the Arts in Asheville studying with Jerry Sutton, Bryan McDowell, and Josh Goforth. She plans on attending Berklee College of Music with plans to teach and perform for future generations. Cary Fridley is an Appalachian singer, bassist, and educator from Asheville, NC. Her music has evolved to embrace all styles of traditional country, blues, folk, and jazz. She is a published songwriter, recording artist, and bandleader, singing and performing in western North Carolina since 1992. Cary Fridley is a seasoned performer with an impressive legacy spanning over 20 years, dedicated to celebrating and preserving the cultural tapestry of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Originating from the Alleghany Highlands of Virginia, Cary’s lifelong dedication to upholding and sharing the musical traditions of the region began at an early age, shaping her into a revered figure in the realm of traditional music. Having graced stages across the United States and abroad, Cary’s expertise spans a diverse repertoire that encompasses ballads, fiddle and banjo tunes, and traditional country songs. She served as the lead vocalist and guitarist for The Freight Hoppers old-time string band during its influential period in the late 1990s for 6 years, traveling internationally and creating 3 albums with the group that left an indelible mark on the genre. Cary’s musical journey continued, collaborating with renowned musicians like Travis Stuart in the Haywood Ramblers and fronting her own band in Asheville, Down South. She has 3 solo CDs of her own, and is planning a new album to be released in 2025. Cary holds a Master’s Degree in Music Education from UNCG, and blends academic acumen with an innate understanding of old-time and traditional music. Her teaching methodology is innovative and engaging, offering students a unique learning experience.
OUTPOST: Fee Fi PHaux fISH
Fee Fi PHaux fISH After four years in the musical nursery of their weekly residency in Downtown Asheville, these phish are swimming out, and you can catch them at The Outpost. Alex Bazemore on Guitar, Hannah Ramsey on Keyboards, Ryan Crabtree on bass, and Benjamin Falcon on drums. Playing the music of Phish and other artist’s material they have covered, the band focuses on performing in their style. Fee Fi PHaux fISH recreates an experience like a live Phish show. Come share in the groove! – ALL AGES- STANDING ROOM ONLY- RAIN OR SHINE
OUTPOST: Fee Fi PHaux fISH
Fee Fi PHaux fISH After four years in the musical nursery of their weekly residency in Downtown Asheville, these phish are swimming out, and you can catch them at The Outpost. Alex Bazemore on Guitar, Hannah Ramsey on Keyboards, Ryan Crabtree on bass, and Benjamin Falcon on drums. Playing the music of Phish and other artist’s material they have covered, the band focuses on performing in their style. Fee Fi PHaux fISH recreates an experience like a live Phish show. Come share in the groove! – ALL AGES- STANDING ROOM ONLY- RAIN OR SHINE
CANCELED: OUTPOST: River & Rail // Luke Vanhine & Samuel Gottlieb // Claire Hoke
– ALL AGES- STANDING ROOM ONLY- RAIN OR SHINE ** THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED ** River & Rail: Grace and Alex Fincher wed in 2021, moving from Missouri to Nashville, TN and establishing Indie Folk/Americana duo, “River and Rail.” They have since performed over 100 shows- opening for acts such as Willi Carlisle, Esme Patterson, and The Arcadian Wild. Possessing a voice that is equal parts haunting and agile, Grace’s songwriting captivates the listener. Alex’s textural, melodic acoustic guitar and mandolin weaves between, adding plaintive supporting vocals. The two have crafted a rich yet close acoustic sound that leans into dynamics, nuanced embellishment, and out-of-the box musical changes. In November 2023, the duo released their debut EP “Trees and other Relatives” a collection of stories mined from Grace’s lineage. Claire Hoke: Claire Hoke is a North Carolina born, soulful song storyteller who weaves melodies that resonate with raw emotion and honesty. With an acoustic guitar in hand and a heart full of vulnerability, Claire’s music serves as a cathartic journey through the complexities of human experience. Drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of folk and pop, Claire’s sound is a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. Her songs are windows into her inner world, exploring themes of struggle, growth, and resilience. As a songwriter, Claire confronts her own problems and feelings of discomfort, transforming them into melodic prose that resonate with authenticity. Through her music, she seeks not only to process her own emotions but also to create a space where others can find solace and connection. Luke Vanhine and Samuel Gottlieb will also be performing as a duo.
OUTPOST: Julianna Jade with Washer Dryer & Kassidy Blount
– ALL AGES- STANDING ROOM ONLY- RAIN OR SHINE Julianna Jade: Julianna Jade, a local musician in Asheville, NC is an up-and-coming singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Her distinctive sound is inspired by life’s most profound and wistful moments, resulting in a collection of songs that are both emotional, inspiring, and passionate. Her lyrics and melodies have the power to transport you back to a special memory leaving you spellbound. With a beautiful blend of warm acoustic guitar and soulful vocals, listeners are left feeling a tug at their heartstrings and wanting more. Music is food for the soul and Julianna Jade’s music is a perfect reflection of that. Washer Dryer: Washer Dryer is a new folk-rock/psychedelia band, originally based in NYC, recently relocated to Tallahassee. The husband and wife duo are releasing their debut EP this fall on Head Bitch Records. Kassidy Blount: Kassidy Blount is a jazz vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter whose expressive music draws influence from genres such as folk, rock, and country. Known for her smooth vocals and honest lyricism, Kassidy’s soulful storytelling invites listeners to share in a captivating and vulnerable performance that is sure to appeal to music fans from all walks of life.
OUTPOST: Memphis & The Misfits with Party Rx
– ALL AGES- STANDING ROOM ONLY- RAIN OR SHINE BIO HERE: Memphis & The Misfits: The rich musical legacy Dave Halstead grew up in undeniably helped shape him into the musician that he is. Born in a resort town in the Catskill Mountains in Upstate New York plus his Mom being a longtime horn player that knew everyone local in the music scene was all that was needed for the stars to align. His Mom set him up with lessons at an early age with one of the busiest drummers in the area that was playing everything from big band to rock and before you know it Dave was sitting in at rehearsals and soon at gigs. Mr. Ray, his instructor, became ill when Dave was 15 and Dave covered many of his gigs that summer. Soon enough Dae was playing 6 nights a week and was one of the most desired drummers in the area. His escapades on stage in this early part of his career put him on stage backing up noted names like Ella Fitzgerald and Dean Martin-even earning him the opportunity to perform at Radio City Music Hall. In addition to becoming a highly respected pararescue specialist in the U.S. Air Force as well as becoming one of the most noted minds on brain injury research in the world (no, really…..) Dave also forged a career playing and recording with bands in every genre you could imagine from his teen years to the present. Dave’s playing is fierce and relentless on stage and always cuts through with surgical precision-not too much, not too little-and this band couldn’t exist with anyone but him as the foundation. His band Memphis & The Misfits has been described as “the new sound of rootsy blues and Americana music.” Their debut album ” Halfway to Number Nine” was released October 2023, with the followup “Further Back” to be recorded in 2024. Sal Landers’ Party Rx: Multi award-winning Asheville-based indie rocker Sal Landers has been rousing audiences with her gritty, high-voltage performances for decades. Touring heavily, she’s logged thousands of miles on the road – nationally and in both Europe and Japan. Sal has shared the stage with Joan Jett, Eddie Money, Alabama, Roy Clark, Will Smith, Linda Perry, Chris Williamson, Holly Near, The Tubes, and many more. Possessing showmanship in spades, she has continued to make her mark as a fiery, impassioned performer who deftly takes command of the stage with her band Party Rx!, dishing up epic grooves, crunchy guitar riffs, and robust vocals. Sal has an easy, natural rapport with the audience and offers crowd-rousing performances that lean into raw, potent, organic sounds featuring the Woodstock era’s iconic artist’s hits and her own passionate originals!
OUTPOST: Claudia Hoyser with Jesse Harmon & Gracie Lane
– ALL AGES- STANDING ROOM ONLY- RAIN OR SHINE CLAUDIA HOYSERAn American country music artist from Upstate New York with 120 million streams and counting. Claudia is capturing hearts around the globe with her sweet, sultry and sassy fingerprint sound and relatable personality. She is also recognized as a social influencer and “the girl in the hat” with her own flourishing coffee and whiskey brand called “Hoyser Country.” Claudia’s an independent artist opening for acts like Keith Urban, Blake Shelton, Riley Green, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, Brantley Gilbert, Ryan Bingham and many more. Her songs have been featured on CMT, in international movies, national advertising campaigns and ESPN’s Reel Talk Radio. She is on the road this summer bringing new music to new friends with her acoustic guitar player and making a special point to stop at one of her favorite states, for her Asheville debut! Make sure to come say hello after the show! JESSE HARMAN Born on the salty marshes of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Jesse Harman cut his teeth as a bass player doing bluegrass music at virtually every hole in the wall dive bar up and down the East Coast, writing songs and performing with the West King String Band for the better part of a decade. Jesse has in recent years devoted most of his time writing and performing with the Asheville blues/punk/soul band The Squealers (Jesse on vocals/harmonica) which is a brainchild of his that has proven to be a vessel for his ribald showmanship and eccentricity as a musician. Solo performances are somewhat few and far between, but provide a much more introspective and sensitive delivery of songs that draw from bluegrass, folk, and blues; delivered with a quit whit and the kind of tongue and cheek sarcasm that has the power to make you laugh or cry at the same time. His far fetched tales of being raised in a bar, living on the road, and the heartache and joy that come from a life lived fearlessly are etched in his songs, with as much truth as here is exaggeration. GRACIE LANE Originally from Arkansas, Gracie Lane has been local to Asheville for close to 10 years now. Lonesome Highway says, “Lane has a haunting voice that brings real character to the recording. [Her debut album is] a very self-assured debut that comes highly recommended.”
