Tan & Sober Gentlemen + Driftwood
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY TAN & SOBER GENTLEMEN Born and raised in North Carolina, the Tan and Sober Gentlemen began taking the songs, stories, and tunes that make up their beloved state’s musical tradition before they could talk. The music of the Carolinas, (and Appalachia in general) stems from the marriage of the Irish fiddle and the African banjo, which first met in the American South before the Revolution. The Tan and Sober Gentlemen aim to bring these traditions full circle. They play Irish tunes, ballads, and pub songs right next to the Appalachian fiddle tunes of their youth, melding the two into what they call “Irish-American hillbilly music.” Meanwhile, they have earned a reputation as one of the South’s hardest-hitting live acts, playing at blazing tempos, and putting every last bit of energy they possess into the show. The result is a raucous celebration of the Carolinas’ Irish heritage, with drinking, dancing, and merriment galore. Since their formation in 2017, the six-piece band has toured the US and Ireland, headlining legendary Irish clubs such as Whelan’s and the Roisin Dubh. Stateside, their resume includes festivals such as Bristol Rhythm and Roots, Appaloosa Festival, Tartan Day South, and Shakori Hills. In January of 2023, in their home of Alamance County, they sold 800 tickets to their show at the Haw River Ballroom. They released their sophomore record, Regressive Folk Music, in June 2022, and their debut record, Veracity, was named by Shite’n’Onions as one of the five best Celtic punk records of 2019 and 2020. DRIFTWOOD Music has guided Driftwood to hallowed ground many times since its founding members, Joe Kollar and Dan Forsyth, started making music as high schoolers in Joe’s parents’ basement. Whether the Upstate New York folk rock group—which today also includes violinist Claire Byrne, bassist Joey Arcuri, and drummer Sam Fishman—are converting new fans on a hardscrabble tour across the country or playing to a devoted crowd at hero Levon Helm’s Woodstock barn, the band’s shapeshifting approach to folk music continues to break new ground. And yet in many ways Driftwood’s latest work, the transformative December Last Call, finds the group coming home. Recorded in that very same basement where the Driftwood dream began, December Last Call lyrically reflects on the recent past, musing on the ways the group grew up, together and apart, through curveballs like new parenthood or pandemic shutdowns. But sonically, the band’s sixth album looks confidently to the future, experimenting with new sounds while staying true to the bluegrass roots that built them. Across the album’s nine tracks, the band often leans into hard-rocking electric guitars and driving percussion: On “Every Which Way But Loose,” we get a foot-tapping beat and a sweeping chorus, and on “Up All Night Blues,” the band shines with an ambling, sing-along-able reflection on the challenges of new motherhood. But other tracks, like standout closer “Stardust,” take a simpler route, allowing bare-bones vocals and acoustic instrumentals to underpin a deeper emotional message.
LATE SHOW: Tank and the Bangas
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY 9:30PM DOORS / 10PM SHOW TANK AND THE BANGAS Tank and the Bangas explore the most tender and true parts of life’s journey. Unique and with a vibrance that could only come from New Orleans, the lead vocalist, Tank has stretched her vocals over quirky raps, poetry, and rich melodies since the release of their first album, Think Tank in 2013. Four years later, they had a viral breakthrough as the winners of the NPR Tiny Desk Contest — an eclectic performance that has since been praised by musicians like Miguel and Anthony Hamilton and has now amassed over 14 million views on YouTube. Now, Tank and the Bangas arrive with a new 3-part album The Heart, The Mind, and The Soul. With this offering, Tank opens up about the wisdom she’s gained from new beginnings, endings, and in-betweens. The concept of an album series came to Tank two years ago while traveling on a train with her group members. Its structure makes it different from the rest of the catalog, and so does the special emphasis Tank has put on her poetry, collaborators, and its cohesive sound. “It explores self-discovery, the journey to confidence, believing in your ability, matters of the heart, the mind, and just free thought flowing,” Tank says about the album. On The Heart, the first part to be released and produced by James Poyser, Tank flows back and forth between poetry and a velvety alto that deepens every thoughtful word as she riffs about her deepest sentiments on life. The opening track, “A Poem Is” boasts a feature from Jill Scott — an appearance that Tank is thrilled about especially because her mission with this release is to magnify poetry as a music genre. “I want for poetry to get that much more respect and for even more young people to get into the expression of poetry,” Tank expresses. “I want it to be seen as even more cool again.” Tank created a different soundscape with each collaborator for each part of the project. Producer Iman Omari, known for his lo-fi dreamy loops, paid attention to every detail of each beat and brought out a more “vibey” side of Tank on The Mind. She built The Soul with producer and jazz musician Robert Glasper, who led free-formed recording sessions that made room for Tank to discover the melodies and let ideas flow. With The Heart, The Mind, and The Soul, Tank and the Bangas affirm the thoughts, feelings, and complexities of these key parts of self. ”I’m writing about my experience and feeling more open, free, and much more confident,” Tank says. “Before, even though I had such a big voice, sometimes I felt quieted. It feels good to stretch on my own terms.” ELLIOTT SKINNER Elliott Skinner is a Texas-raised, Brooklyn-based artist with a multi-faceted approach to folk and soul music. Skinner’s multiple avenues of music-making include singing, guitar, bass, composing, producing, and arranging. Improvisation plays a large role in Skinner’s compositions; He wishes to reflect the history, texture, and roots of Black culture in his music. DJ ZEUS
Nolan Taylor
Tickets purchased for the original date (5/8/25) will be honored on the rescheduled date of 5/24/25. ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY LIMITED NUMBER OF VIP MEET & GREET PACKAGES AVAILABLE INCLUDING (TAKES PLACE AT 6pm, ONE HOUR BEFORE DOORS OPEN): one ticket to the show 3-5 acoustic songs A short Q&A with Nolan Early Merch Access NOLAN TAYLOR When Nolan Taylor grabs a guitar and steps up to a microphone, he speaks for the desperate, the deserted, and the downtrodden who deserve a voice and demand a chance to be heard. The Ohio-raised and Nashville-based singer, songwriter, and guitarist knows the hopelessness of an impoverished upbringing surrounded by addiction firsthand. However, he also knows what the light at the end of the tunnel feels like—because he dug himself out of despair and found that light. Growing up in Blanchester, OH, he initially lived in a small home. His mother fell prey to drugs and mental health turbulence, leaving Nolan and his brother to be raised by dad—who worked several jobs to make ends meet. He bounced around from place-to-place until life settled down during sophomore year of high school. Music offered a semblance of stability. Upon graduating high school, Nolan tirelessly gigged anywhere he could. A live video of “68” (which directly addresses the relationship with his mom and the topic of addiction) went viral and caught the attention of Atlantic Records. He gained traction with the Life & Love EP and Live From The Living Room EP. Beyond sharing bills with everyone from The Revivalists and City and Colour to 49 Winchester, Charley Crockett, and Band of Horses he sold out his headline Cincinnati Heart Tour. He contributed “Driving You Home” to Twisters: The Album, which accompanied Twisters and is nominated for a GRAMMY®. Now, he invites audiences into the heart of where he grew up (and the Heartland of the country) on his 2025 self-titled full-length debut, Nolan Taylor [Atlantic Records]. THE HILL COUNTRY DEVIL
Danielle Nicole
ALL AGES SEATED SHOW LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE DANIELLE NICOLE Hailing from Kansas City, Missouri, Danielle Nicole has spent her life making music and pleasing fans, domestically and abroad. Her stunning new album, The Love You Bleed on Forty Below Records, comprises twelve heartfelt tracks exploring themes of love, loss and perseverance. The new album was produced by Tony Braunagel (Taj Mahal, Eric Burdon, Robert Cray) and co-produced by Nicole, with John Porter (B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Bryan Ferry) mixing. The tight-knit quartet on the songs features Danielle on bass guitar and vocals; Brandon Miller (electric, acoustic, pedal steel, mandolin, and 12-string guitar), Damon Parker (keyboards); Go-Go Ray (drums), and Stevie Blacke (violin and cello). Nicole was initially influenced by her parents. She recalls seeing her father playing blues guitar and her mother singing with the group Little Eva. With her two brothers, she became a member of Trampled Under Foot, which found initial popularity in the Midwest. Danielle embarked on her solo career with Wolf Den (2015), which peaked at #2 on the Billboard Blues charts and amassed 7.5 million Spotify streams. Cry No More (2018) followed, the record was nominated for a Grammy in the contemporary blues category and debuted at number one in the Billboard Blues Charts – it also boasts over Spotify streams in excess of 10 million. Nicole has been inducted into the Kansas City Hall of Fame and has been the recipient of seven Blues Music Awards. She recently did a duet with Dion on the upcoming song “I Aim To Please.” There has been no shortage of praise; Guitar World stated, “Danielle Nicole has won respect and admiration throughout the American blues scene for her soulful, inventive playing and tireless work ethic.” Blues Music Magazine effused, “Nicole brings it, bakes it, and serves it up blazing on a silver soul-rocking platter.” The Kansas City Star declared, “Blues and soul vocalists tend to improve as they age. Bettye LaVette is among the artists who became increasingly believable as she matured. Danielle Nicole appears to be following in her footsteps.” And the legendary Koko Taylor gets right to the point: “That girl gets down to the nitty gritty!” – At the beginning of the The Love You Bleed recording sessions; Danielle Nicole knew this new album would be different from those in the past. It uplifts the message of love and togetherness in the face of hardship.” “How Did We Get to Goodbye” with its raw and honest lyrics, document a soured love that bears no hero or villain, asking how you get to such a place of disrepair without even knowing it. And Love On My Brain, is a potent hybrid of vintage R&B and driving blues, begins as a flirty feeling inside and turns to an overpowering need and deep desire. Right By Your Side is a vintage soul/R&B ballad about never making the mistake of watching “the one” walk away again. The Love You Bleed gives Nicole a solid place that music has always provided in dealing with love and loss. “It’s been a difficult relationship listening to music outside of professional reasons since the passing of my brother Kris,” she says. “But just being honest in my writing and direction, I find when I’m the truest to myself, that’s when the magic happens. Not trying to find perfection in it so much, but engulfing myself in every moment and being there with the audience is when fun things can happen inside and out.” Many of those feelings are captured in all the songs on the album.
Cliff Cash (SOLD OUT!!)
ALL AGES FULLY SEATED SHOW LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE CLIFF CASH Cliff Cash is a nationally touring standup comic who got his start in North Carolina.People said “you should be a comedian” his whole life but that sounded just as abstract as “you should be president” or “you should be an astronaut”. But you can only run from fate for so long. In 2011 at the age of 31, Cash got up at his first open mic. He was in the middle of big financial troubles, his father in chemo, a failing business and a tumultuous relationship. That four minutes on stage breathed life back into him that he didn’t think was possible. He didn’t miss one after that for two years. Within a year and a half he landed Comedy Central’s UpNEXT and Sirius XM, the next year he appeared on Laughs TV and won Port City’s Top Comic and Comedy Zone’s Almost Famous. He’s gone on to win SLO Comedy festival’s Best of the Fest, Denver Comedy Work’s Thick Skinned (twice) and has headlined shows at Altercation Comedy Festival, Treefort Festival, West End Comedy Festival and BackHand Comedy Festival. He’s also been part of Standup NBC and Rooftop Comedy. Cash has a half hour on DRYBAR Comedy called “ God Needed a Driver” and his debut album “Halfway There” was released by StandUp! Records in 2021 and spent a week at #1 on the comedy charts. Cliff Cash was raised on the far right end of the southern, conservative, evangelical spectrum and the result is the antithesis of what was intended. Cliff’s comedy tackles everything from racism to homophobia, greed and war to death and divorce. Don’t worry there’s some poop jokes mixed in. Cash takes the audience on a journey that’s more than just funny. You’ll think, you’ll feel, you may even cry a little but then you’ll laugh again. His comedy aims to shine the light of levity into the darkest corners or the human experience and by doing so; take some power away from the things that we fear and dread. “Laughter is the best medicine” became a cliche for a reason. It’s true. Cliff hopes it is at least because he doesn’t have health insurance.
Zuma Coffee Recovery Fundraiser ft. Pierce Edens, Pleasure Chest, Ashley Heath and more!
ALL AGESNET TICKET PROCEEDS TO DIRECTLY BENEFIT ZUMA COFFEE’S RECOVERY FROM HELENE ZUMA COFFEE For over 20 years Zuma Coffee & Provisions has been the anchor of our little town along the French Broad River. Some folks call it Magic Town. Zuma Coffee & Provisions is located in the heart of downtown Marshall, less than a thirty minute drive from Asheville. We are proud to serve you the finest coffee, breakfast, lunch and homemade baked goods featuring our very own Zuma Gold cookies in Madison County and beyond! Featuring performances from: Tony LevitasHannah KaminerPierce EdensMany a ShipPleasure ChestAshley Heath
An Evening with Jerry’s Dead
ALL AGES STANDING ROOM ONLY JERRY’S DEAD A tribute to Jerry Garcia featuring songs from The Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia Band.
LOVE IS A ROSE: Celebrating the Music of Linda Ronstadt (ft Paula Hanke and Peggy Ratusz)
ALL AGES SEATED SHOW LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE LOVE IS A ROSE: Celebrating the Music of Linda Ronstadt An exciting and critically acclaimed tribute to Linda Ronstadt, Paula Hanke and Peggy Ratusz belt out her hits in perfect harmony, while adding personal stories of her impressive career! A Must see, featuring Musical Director, Bob Bencze on keys and vocals, Kelly Jones on guitar and vocals, Zack Page on upright and electric bass with James Kylen on drums and percussion. Paula Hanke and Peggy Ratusz and their superlative 4-piece backing band shift effortlessly between genres with ease & control. These two lead and backing vocalists have been mesmerizing audiences together & separately, worldwide. Hanke, hailing from Wisconsin and Ratusz from Ohio, they have performed professionally for over 35 years. From high school to present day, ruby-throated Blues Chanteuse, Ratusz, has toured the USA with show bands, acoustic trios, jazz & dance bands. Voted WNC’s Best in Blues for 15 years, in 2016 she was also voted Best Vocalist and Artist Who Gives Back. A semi-finalist at the International Blues Challenge, Peggy has capitalized on these opportunities, landing her on television, radio, festivals, performing arts theaters and showcases. Opening for Tedeschi-Trucks Band in 2011, she’s also opened for Taj Mahal & The Beach Boys. With 2 original CD releases & a song chosen for inclusion on Jomar Records, The National Women in Blues compilation CD in 2005, her dedication and support promoting local and regional female music artists, is also notable. Paula’s reach has been far & wide. She started playing classical piano and alto sax at age 10. Singing became her focus after being chosen for several young performing troupes in the Mid-West, Disney, & the Burt Reynolds Dinner Theater in Florida. After an appearance on Star Search ’88, Paula performed at the Plaza Hotel & the Bitter End. Through extensive touring, she’s performed for Joan Rivers, Jerry Seinfeld & shared the stage with James Taylor & Willie Nelson. WNC is her home now, & you’ll find her center stage in several versatile musical configurations. Her original record, The Only Voice, was released in 2012 to critical acclaim. She appears on records by NPR composer, BJ Leiderman and international recording artist, David LaMotte. Ronstadt was the voice of a generation, & both of these fervent, adaptive singers are natural catalysts for these iconic, nostalgic tunes. Their bandmates are exceptional artists in their own rights and bring their strong suits to these genre-hopping songs with panache and dedication.
Golden Folk Sessions
ALL AGES 6PM DOORS / 7PM SHOW FULLY SEATED SHOW LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE GOLDEN FOLK SESSIONS Golden Folk Sessions (formerly Open Folk AVL) offers an intimate, carefully curated listening experience that celebrates the art of original music. Each event showcases six handpicked artists, performing three-song sets in a quiet, seated environment where the music takes center stage. To add a sense of surprise and discovery, the lineup is revealed only when the show begins. Running from 7–9 PM, these early shows create the perfect evening for music lovers who value live performances and a good night’s rest. With over 100 shows hosted and extraordinary artists from around the globe gracing our stage, Golden Folk Sessions is entering an exciting new chapter. Under a new name and with a new home at The Grey Eagle—one of the Southeast’s most iconic venues—we’re thrilled to continue fostering community through music. Staying true to our values of accessibility, we aim to make music available to everyone. Presale tickets guarantee your seat and support both Golden Folk Sessions and The Grey Eagle. For those attending on the day of the show, our “pay what you can, if you can” option ensures that all are welcome to be part of this unique and meaningful experience. • $25 for Priority Seating (first three rows) • $10 General Admission (presale) • $0-$25 Day-of-Show (no minimum) We can’t wait to see y’all there
Secret Agent 23 Skidoo: The Imaginarium Showcase
ALL AGES, KIDS UNDER 3 FREE DANCING ROOM ONLY SECRET AGENT 23 SKIDOO 23 Skidoo & The Imaginarium will be performing a set of lively, uplifting family hip-hop on Sunday, Feb 9 at 2:30. GRAMMY winning hip-hop artist 23 Skidoo has launched a series of rhyme writing workshops collectively called “the IMAGINARIUM”, where kids learn to write and perform their very own pieces. In addition to a high energy dance party filled with witty wordplay and sci-fi storytelling, the audience will also get to experience the participants of The IMAGINARIUM performing their brilliant creations onstage! Bring your dancing shows and your open hearts and get ready for a day filled with community collaboration and creativity! $20 PER PERSON, and KIDS UNDER 3 are FREE!!!
