Davy Knowles + Jeffrey Gaines
ALL AGESSEATED SHOWLIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLEDAVY KNOWLESWhether playing acoustic, mandolin, national steel, or screaming electric guitar, Davy Knowles has an unmistakable style. Knowles has several top-5 Billboard Blues charting albums under his belt, high profile TV appearances (Jimmy Kimmel Live and CBS Good Morning America among others), and has been praised with high accolades from heroes and press alike – but it’s not just the music industry who has taken note. Knowles was also the very first artist in history to perform live to the International Space Station directly from mission control in Houston TX, and has had his music taken to the Space Station by two astronauts, Nicole Stott and Ron Garan, on their respective missions orbiting Earth. Never one to be satisfied or to sit still, Knowles has explored multiple genres and styles, from the hard-hitting 70’s classic rock influenced album ‘Three Miles From Avalon’, to the haunting acoustic delta blues of ‘1932’, and the sweet, soul-searching folk of 2023’s ‘If I Should Wander’. Whether spending an evening onstage armed with just an acoustic guitar, or wielding his well worn and trusty Telecaster while fronting his blues/rock trio – and at any point in between the two – Davy Knowles is one of the most versatile and formidable songwriters, vocalists and musicians in the world today. A true artist in every sense of the word. JEFFREY GAINESJeffrey Gaines has been heralded for his soul-searching lyrics and his powerful live performances. With only his voice and a guitar for accompaniment, Gaines has earned a reputation as a captivating performer, entertaining his audiences worldwide. Throughout his three-decade recording career, Gaines has maintained an impressive standard for soul-searching, introspective lyrics and catchy, uplifting melodies. Since bursting on the scene with his self-titled 1992 debut album, the charismatic singer-songwriter-guitarist has built a beloved body of recordings that’s won him a large and deeply devoted international fan base.Gaines has been pursuing musical transcendence for much of his life. Raised in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, by soul-music-loving parents, he began his musical life playing guitar in local cover combos, before his songwriting muse became too insistent to ignore. He soon landed his first record deal shortly after graduating from high school, and in 1992 released his widely acclaimed debut album Jeffrey Gaines. The eponymous disc won massive amounts of critical and audience acclaim, spawning the hit “Hero in Me.” Somewhat Slightly Dazed (1994) and Galore (1998) further expanded his audience. Interview magazine described Gaines’ work as “soul-searching” and “refreshingly free of jargon, sentiment or cliché.” With more than a quarter-century of recording and performing under his belt, Jeffrey Gaines is enjoying life and music more than ever. “Nowadays, I know what the job is about so there’s nothing to stress about, he says. “I know that there’s people out there who want it, so I have the opportunity to extend their experience. I guess I could lay my albums all out and see that they tell a story, but personally I prefer to keep looking forward.”
PATIO: Scott Low
ALL AGES LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVESCOTT LOW Scott Low sings songs about things he knows. Since moving from 150-200 shows a year and Athens GA, Low has founded a fly fishing art music camp, Hatch Camp and Art Farm. But Scott still sings songs in the American Folk tradition with a touch of Country and Appalachia performing solo or with his band, The Southern Bouillon. 2024 brought us The Appalachian Blues which everyone is calling Low’s best effort yet. A mash of Piedmont and Delta blues with a touch of Appalachia. With a wide ranging background stretching from jazz to punk to southern rock, Low pulls from all the things that have shaped him. From Townes and Dylan to Miles and Zappa. But what comes out on stage is an intense rendering of original songs (and a few choice covers). In the summer of 2016, Scott released THE NEW VINTAGE, a 2+ year project of songs that fall into the net of Americana and followed it with extensive touring. A more folk album came next with 2018’s BURNING TIRES, SMOKING GUNS. Then 2020 and COVID brought THE SOUTHERN BOUILLON LIVE. Initial comparisons to Jamey Johnson, Ryan Bingham, and Hayes Carll have been written by the more Americana press, but there are touches of Tom Waits, and Nina Simone that linger in the shadows. Over the years Scott has shared the tour stage/road with Jason Isbell, Chris Stapleton, Caleb Caudle, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Sammy Kershaw, Shovels & Rope, Chris Knight, and many more. Please support original music and culture. And, please look for Scott Low music and shows near you!
OUTPOST: Quinn Sternberg’s Mind Beach + Danny Ianucci Trio
-ALL AGES- STANDING ROOM ONLY- RAIN OR SHINEQuinn Sternberg is an Asheville bassist, composer and bandleader recently relocated from New Orleans and originally from Bloomington, Indiana. His four albums “Weird World,” “Mind Beach,” “Cicada Songs,” and 2023’s “Walking On Eggshells” draw influence from Quinn’s Midwest musical upbringing, his decade performing in New Orleans, and contemporary musical elements. The result is a fresh perspective on the Jazz tradition that is simultaneously melodic and groovy, “complex but digestible” (DownBeat Magazine), and soulful while highly interactive. Quinn’s band has wowed audiences at venues ranging from listening rooms, to rock clubs, to festival stages with their intense live energy.Jacob Rodiguez: Sax Alex Taub: KeyboardJoe Enright: DrumsQuinn Sternberg: Bass and CompositionOpening the night is the Danny Ianucci trio performing a set of all original music. The trio features three of Asheville’s best and most in demand musicians: Jason DeCristofaro (keyboard), Micah Thomas (Drums), and Danny Ianucci (bass).
OUTPOST: THE TORTURED PARTIERS DEPARTMENT (Taylor Swift album listening/dance party) – ASHEVILLE
– ALL AGES- STANDING ROOM ONLY- RAIN OR SHINE It’s a new soundtrack … an album-listening party that you cannot miss!And so we enter into evidence… All’s fair in love and partying… Sincerely, The Chairman of The Tortured Partiers Department (@22andgood4u)
OUTPOST: CLUB SALTBURN – A Dance Party Tribute Night to Saltburn
– ALL AGES- STANDING ROOM ONLY- RAIN OR SHINE Get ready to lose your mind at “CLUB SALTBURN.” Join us for a night of cinematic excitement as we spin your favorite songs from the movie and other indie rock, sleaze, and Y2K pop hits of the era. Dance the night away in a whirlwind of lights and pulsating beats. Dress as your favorite character or come as you are! Don’t let this opportunity slip down the drain, get your tickets now at AshevilleOutpost.com!Sounds by @russellrosemusic @thedanceparties
PATIO: JM Stevens – “Nowhere to Land” Tour
ALL AGES LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVEJM STEVENS Hailing from Austin, Texas by way of West Point, Mississippi, critically acclaimed Americana and roots-rock/pop singer, songwriter, and producer, JM Stevens returns three years after his well-received solo debut, Invisible Lines. Releasing in April 2024, the 10-song Nowhere to Land is an overall mellower, more vulnerable record than its predecessor, though still speckled with some up-tempo rockers. It’s a thoughtful album further set apart by Stevens’ nuanced songcraft, intimate vocals, and organic production. DittyTV praised Stevens as, “In that sweet spot of pop-rock represented by guys like Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, John Cafferty, Tom Petty, [and] Don Henley,” while The Big Takeover noted how his “Supremely tasteful arrangements keep excess far at bay.” From contemplative, optimistic opener “Dry Creek” and the more jaunty but no less questioning title track, it’s a record that preserves the raw emotions of Stevens’ songcraft through admirably restrained production. “I wanted to keep it real open,” he said. “And it sometimes sounds bigger that way, because there’s more space to sink into, more room to breathe.” Pangs of love, loss and loneliness punctuate Nowhere to Land’s bouts of doubt, jealousy, and recurring hope. Songs search for that old spark as lovers grow apart but often, tempered by empathy, resolve into acceptance and letting go. “After the Storm” came to Stevens almost fully formed while out running in the wake of Texas’ infamous 2021 ice storm, while fellow standout “Cherry Sunburst” takes doing whatever it took to acquire a coveted guitar as a metaphor for losing our senses in all manner of other situations. Catch Stevens on tour in 2024 supporting Nowhere to Land. “Recalls records from the Jayhawks, Drive-By Truckers, and Uncle Tupelo, blending acoustic, electric, and pedal steel guitars around smooth, upper tenor vocals.” – Brian Standefer, Texas Monthly “The majority of these songs sound as if they’ve been lingering in the ethos forever, uncannily familiar yet edgy enough to catch immediate attention and resonate well beyond.” – Lee Zimmerman, Goldmine
Randall Bramblett Band: Album Release Show
ALL AGESSEATED SHOWLIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLERANDALL BRAMBLETT BAND Esteemed singer-songwriter Randall Bramblett is a multi-instrumentalist musician with a career spanning four decades. The Jesup, Georgia native has been highly sought-after for his creativity as both a collaborator and skilled touring sideman. His talent has earned him the respect of his peers and many of rock’s finest luminaries. In 1974 he was part of the Gregg Allman Band for his Laid Back album and tour. In the 1970’s he joined Sea Level with Chuck Leavell. He’s shared stages with artists such as Steve Winwood – a 16 year run, Bonnie Raitt, The Allman Brothers Band and Widespread Panic, among others. He’s also a noted songwriter – he penned the title track for the Grammy nominated Blind Boys of Alabama’s last album, adding to a long catalog of songs covered by Raitt, Gregg Allman, Bonnie Bramlett, Hot Tuna, Delbert McClinton, Chuck Leavell and more. The current exciting news is soul/Motown legend Bettye LaVette released a tribute album, covering 11 of Randall Bramblett’s songs on June 16, 2023 on the Jay-Vee label. Super-producer Steve Jordan brought in Steve Winwood, John Mayer, Jon Batiste, Larry Campbell and more to play on this! But it’s Bramblett’s own career as frontman where his artistry is truly on full display and gives him the most satisfaction. He’s recorded 12 albums for labels Polydor, Capricorn and the last seven for New West Records. Deep into his self-described second act of his solo career, and living in Athens, Georgia, Bramblett’s talents are repeatedly praised by musicians, critics, DJs and fans. Check out the amazing legends he’s played with, written for, and recorded with here!
Banned From Utopia with Paul Green Rock Academy: WE LOVE ZAPPA Tour
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLYLIMITED NUMBER OF VIP MEET AND GREET TICKETS AVAILABLEBANNED FROM UTOPIABanned From Utopia featuring legendary Frank Zappa alumni Ray White, Bobby Martin and Scott Thunes, will be touring North America with The Paul Green Rock Academy this summer starting in July! The We Love Zappa Tour celebrates the music of Frank Zappa from all eras! Banned From Utopia was formed in 1994 to keep the true spirit of Frank Zappa’s music alive. Covering a variety of Zappa songs, the ensemble lovingly recreates the eclectic virtuoso approach of their former band leader.Ray White – vocals, guitar One of the most powerful and distinctive voices that ever graced a Zappa vocal, Ray White. Ray White’s distinctive, powerful voice was first heard interpreting Zappa’s music in 1976. From that beginning, he became an integral member of Frank’s band through 1984, and can be seen on the DVD recorded the summer of that year in New York, “Does Humor Belong In Music?” A former member of the Edwin Hawkins Singers gospel group, he also brings a solid R&B guitar style to the blend, both as a rhythm player and as a soloist. Looking towards future creative endeavors with Banned From Utopia, Ray is also a gifted writer and lyricist Robert Martin – vocals, keyboards, saxophone, French horn Keyboards, horns, and of course, the voice that always made Frank smile, Robert Martin brings it all. Robert (Bobby) Martin joined Frank Zappa in 1981 and sang and played various instruments on every tour from then on, through the final tour in 1988. In addition to the diverse sonic palette Robert brought to the band with his multi- instrumental skills, Zappa relied heavily on Robert’s unique vocal power and range to enhance the variety of musical styles Frank explored in all his performances. In any moment, Frank might switch from heavy metal to classic Doo Wop, or anything in between, and Robert would be right there. Scott Thunes – guitar, vocals Scott Thunes played with Zappa’s band from 1981 to 1988, and plays on such albums as “The Man From Utopia”, “Them or Us,” “Broadway the Hard Way,” “You Can’t Do That on Stage Anymore,” “Does Humor Belong In Music?,” “The Best Band You Never Heard In Your Life,” “Frank Zappa Meets the Mothers of Prevention,” “Ship Arriving Too Late to Save a Drowning Witch,” “Make a Jazz Noise Here,” and “Guitar,” a double-album compilation of Zappa’s live guitar solos. His most prominent bass performance can be heard on Frank Zappa’s “Valley Girl,” which peaked at #32 on the Billboard Hot 100.also featuring: Robbie Mangano – guitar, vocals / Jamie Kime – guitar / Joel Taylor – drums THE PAUL GREEN ROCK ACADEMY The Paul Green Rock Academy (PGRA) is the latest music program from School of Rock founder Paul Green. From the very beginning of his teaching career Paul has taught the music of Frank Zappa, calling it “one stop shopping for musical education.” While co-headlong the German Zappa festival Zappanale in 2023 Paul and his students got to see Banned From Utopia in action, and vice versa, and an instant bond was formed between the acts.
NIGHT ONE: Jazz is Dead
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLYJAZZ IS DEAD Jazz Is Dead – The legacy all-star instrumental ensemble, famous for interpretations of classic Grateful Dead songs with jazz influences, (re)assembled a killer line-up to immense critical and fan acclaim, and box office success in January. To celebrate Mars Hotel 50th Anniversary, original bassist Alphonso Johnson joined by Steve Kimock, Pete Lavezzoli & Bobby Lee Rodgers, performing songs from Grateful Dead’s ‘Wake of the Flood’, in addition to other beloved selections. Reuniting Steve Kimock & Alphonso Johnson, whom together in heavyweight post-Garcia Grateful Dead off-shoot The Other Ones, along with Bob Weir, commanded the instrumental prowess of that band that shines in Jazz Is Dead. Formed in 1998 by bassist Alphonso Johnson (Weather Report, Santana, Bobby & The Midnites, The Other Ones), drummer Billy Cobham (Miles Davis, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Bobby & The Midnites), keyboardist T Lavitz (Dixie Dregs) & guitarist Jimmy Herring (Aquarium Rescue Unit, Widespread Panic), with drummers Rod Morgenstern (Dixie Dregs) & Jeff Sipe (Leftover Salmon) replacing Cobham in 1999, and guitarist Jeff Pevar (CSN, David Crosby CPR, Phil Lesh & Friends) replacing Herring in 2000, recorded 3 acclaimed albums, the second of which ‘Laughing Water’ in 1999 was in fact an instrumental ‘Wake of the Flood’ reinterpretation – so there is precedent. That album also featured Derek Trucks, Donna Jean Godchaux & Vassar Clements.On Laughing Water, the fusion ensemble Jazz Is Dead one-ups the band that it sets out to honor. Laughing Water is a superior remake of the Grateful Dead’s rather ordinary rock album Wake of the Flood. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a Deadhead to appreciate this album. Laughing Water not only fuses jam-rock with jazz, but it possesses a country-bluesy Americana flavor. The songs on Laughing Water are long and improvisational, but they seldom grow boring. From a purely technical standpoint, each musician in Jazz Is Dead is a superior player to his counterpart in the Grateful Dead. But unlike many pop-jazz remakes of rock albums, Laughing Water manages to capture the rock ‘n roll animus of the original. The communal carefree spirit of tie-dyed counter culturalism lives on in this music. Not only should Deadheads come away happy, but fusion freaks and aficionados of improvisational rock should, too. – Ed Kopp, All About Jazz 1999 ‘Wake of the Flood’s’ reimagined interpretations remain in a repertoire that has expanded exponentially to cover most of the beloved, halcyon songs that have transcended generations, as devotees of The Grateful Dead have swelled to numbers far beyond those when Jerry Garcia was with us. Jazz Is Dead returns in June, unleashing 5 additional shows for ‘This Lazy Summer Home’ tour.
NIGHT TWO: Jazz is Dead
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLYJAZZ IS DEAD Jazz Is Dead – The legacy all-star instrumental ensemble, famous for interpretations of classic Grateful Dead songs with jazz influences, (re)assembled a killer line-up to immense critical and fan acclaim, and box office success in January. To celebrate Mars Hotel 50th Anniversary, original bassist Alphonso Johnson joined by Steve Kimock, Pete Lavezzoli & Bobby Lee Rodgers, performing songs from Grateful Dead’s ‘Wake of the Flood’, in addition to other beloved selections. Reuniting Steve Kimock & Alphonso Johnson, whom together in heavyweight post-Garcia Grateful Dead off-shoot The Other Ones, along with Bob Weir, commanded the instrumental prowess of that band that shines in Jazz Is Dead. Formed in 1998 by bassist Alphonso Johnson (Weather Report, Santana, Bobby & The Midnites, The Other Ones), drummer Billy Cobham (Miles Davis, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Bobby & The Midnites), keyboardist T Lavitz (Dixie Dregs) & guitarist Jimmy Herring (Aquarium Rescue Unit, Widespread Panic), with drummers Rod Morgenstern (Dixie Dregs) & Jeff Sipe (Leftover Salmon) replacing Cobham in 1999, and guitarist Jeff Pevar (CSN, David Crosby CPR, Phil Lesh & Friends) replacing Herring in 2000, recorded 3 acclaimed albums, the second of which ‘Laughing Water’ in 1999 was in fact an instrumental ‘Wake of the Flood’ reinterpretation – so there is precedent. That album also featured Derek Trucks, Donna Jean Godchaux & Vassar Clements.On Laughing Water, the fusion ensemble Jazz Is Dead one-ups the band that it sets out to honor. Laughing Water is a superior remake of the Grateful Dead’s rather ordinary rock album Wake of the Flood. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a Deadhead to appreciate this album. Laughing Water not only fuses jam-rock with jazz, but it possesses a country-bluesy Americana flavor. The songs on Laughing Water are long and improvisational, but they seldom grow boring. From a purely technical standpoint, each musician in Jazz Is Dead is a superior player to his counterpart in the Grateful Dead. But unlike many pop-jazz remakes of rock albums, Laughing Water manages to capture the rock ‘n roll animus of the original. The communal carefree spirit of tie-dyed counter culturalism lives on in this music. Not only should Deadheads come away happy, but fusion freaks and aficionados of improvisational rock should, too. – Ed Kopp, All About Jazz 1999 ‘Wake of the Flood’s’ reimagined interpretations remain in a repertoire that has expanded exponentially to cover most of the beloved, halcyon songs that have transcended generations, as devotees of The Grateful Dead have swelled to numbers far beyond those when Jerry Garcia was with us. Jazz Is Dead returns in June, unleashing 5 additional shows for ‘This Lazy Summer Home’ tour.
