BJ & BJ (Billy Jonas & BJ Leiderman)
– ALL AGES- SEATED SHOW- LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLEBILLY JONAS Some ask: “What is the sound of one hand clapping?” Billy Jonas asks: “What is the sound of 600 sets of keys jingling on the downbeat? And how shall we inspire the audience to do it?”For over thirty years, Billy Jonas — performer, singer-songwriter, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and educator — has perfected the art of the neo-tribal hootenanny* with audiences around the globe. Using voice, guitar, and industrial re-percussion,* each concert is a soul-spelunking, heart healing, joy-filled journey.“It began around an evening campfire in the summer of 1972 — Leaving on a Jet Plane and Blowing in the Wind rising with the sparks into the darkness… communal singing, guitars strumming, and a bucket thumping the back beat. 40 summer campers and 8 counselors became one big, glorious, harmonizing being. I remember thinking: wouldn’t it be great to carry this ecstatic connectedness, and musical magic out into the world?” – BillyBilly developed his craft in the late 1980‘s as a founding member of the Oberlin College Big Bang Theory performance art collective. He refined things further in Chicago during monthly “Bangalong with Billy” shows at the No Exit Cafe, and subsequently in the 1990‘s as a co-founder (with Bill Melanson) of the funky folk* duo The Billys.He currently tours with the Billy Jonas Band, with Abraham Jam (Muslim-Christian-Jewish trio), and solo. The Billy Jonas Band was honored with an invitation to perform at the White House in 2010.Jonas has received numerous honors and awards, including an American Federation of Independent Musicians 1st place/Gold, multiple Parents Choice Golds, and a New York Times “Best” listing.*BJ LEIDERMANBJ Leiderman is the award-winning composer of some of the best known theme music on Public Radio. For over five decades, Leiderman’s melodies have graced programs including Morning Edition, Weekend Edition, Marketplace, Science Friday, Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me! and the “Stump The Chumps” theme from Car Talk. Leiderman, who now lives in Asheville, has been touring the country on behalf of Public Radio member stations.BJ will be performing original songs from his debut album entitled “BJ” as well as some of his favorite cover tunes. As always, he will include the crowd-pleasing medley of his most popular Public Radio themes. So be sure to reserve your tickets now. “A splendid time is guaranteed for all!“ PLUS… Billy Jonas After Dark BandThe FunDadaMentalists
PATIO: Dirty French Broads
– ALL AGES- LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVEDTHE DIRTY FRENCH BROADSAuthentic and endearing with a little spice, The Dirty French Broads pick a few shades apart from the established Americana and Bluegrass scenes. Born in the mountains of Western North Carolina, this lively crew brings smoky ballads and boot stomping cut-a-rugs with the energy of a thousand golden retriever puppies seeing their first snowfall. With a phenomenal ability to connect with every room, fireside, and barn they play, they always bring the party and never leave without a few dozen new friends.
OUTPOST: AVL Punk Fest
– ALL AGES- STANDING ROOM ONLY- RAIN OR SHINE Janx SpiritAVL rec league indie rock. Never been too loud enough since 2020. Faux SkaterIntroducing Faux Skater: The Ultimate Tony Hawk Pro Skater Soundtrack Tribute Band, a high-octane ensemble that transports audiences back to the golden era of skateboarding with their electrifying performances, reviving the adrenaline-pumping tunes that defined the iconic video game series. Prepare to shred to the rhythm of nostalgia as Faux Skater delivers a sonic experience that pays homage to the unforgettable soundtracks that fueled countless virtual skate sessions. The DeathbotsIt’s widely accepted by Asheville locals that everything was better back in the day and the Deathbots do their part by making the punk rock that your older sister used to listen to before she sold out and went to law school. They bring a delicious blend of old-school melodic punk, classic country songwriting sensibility, and completely random sci-fi references. Tiny TVsLo-tech, medium fidelity, hi-life Bonny DaggerA loud, feminist punk band whose witty riotous live shows and cocktail blend of nineties riot girl agitation and bluesy thick sonorous rock n roll will have you, grab you until you’re sore. PINKEYEIt’s a car wreck on synthetic heroin
ONDARA: THE REBIRTH TOUR at Asheville Masonic Temple
– ALL AGES- SEATED SHOW- AT ASHEVILLE MASONIC TEMPLE (80 BROADWAY ST) ONDARA Ondara’s new album, Spanish Villager No: 3, was predominately produced by Ondara and Mike Viola (Jenny Lewis, Dan Wilson) with contributions from Taylor Goldsmith and Griffin Goldsmith of Dawes, Sebastian Steinberg, Tim Kuhl and Jeremy Stacey. The new collection of songs features a much more full, electric sound. Of the album, Ondara states, “This collection of work and the work that lies ahead in presenting it to the world, is a metaphor for my spiritual path. There is death and resurrection in it, a peeling of layers, a pursuit of the truest form of the self in the universe. Ironically, the adaptation of the Spanish Villager character has made me more acquainted with myself. By creating an obvious demarcation between the art and the artist, I have charted two paths of maturation. One path is the maturation of the Spanish Villager as a work of art, as a character in a narrative, as a commodity partaking in the mandatory sport of capitalism; The other is my own personal maturation into a spiritual, integrated, and useful member of society.” The namesake behind the new album is The Spanish Villager: a mysterious man with a potent message who has proven to be a versatile guy: he’s the subject of a short story Ondara wrote and turned into a graphic novel, and now a new album. Spanish Villager No: 3 follows his 2020 sophomore album, Folk N’ Roll Vol 1: Tales of Isolation, and his 2019 debut album, Tales of America, which received a nomination for Best Americana Album at the 62nd Grammy Awards. Ondara also received a nod for Best Emerging Act at the 2019 Americana Awards. Ondara grew up in Nairobi, Kenya listening to American alt-rock and making up his own songs for as long as he can remember. At an early age he fell in love with the music of Bob Dylan and was granted a visa through the immigration lottery system. He chose Minneapolis as his home to pursue a career as a singer and songwriter with Dylan in mind. He began making his way in the local music scene, continually writing songs about what he saw, felt and experienced in a place far different from home. KATACOMBS Katacombs is the name Katerina Kiranos landed on after years of building sculptural furniture of bone and wood. Born in Miami to a Spanish mother and Greek father, she spent the majority of her early life bouncing between multiple cultures and wanting to adapt. The common thread anywhere she landed was her love for music. Piano lessons as a child led to days on end of writing and recording from her makeshift bedroom-studio as a teen, which turned into years of collecting songs- all just to store them away. Though she took a detour career-wise, she continued to play where she could and could never escape the urge to spend every day honing her first true passion.
Banditos + The Pink Stones
– ALL AGES- STANDING ROOM ONLYBANDITOS “Everything we write is from the point of view of the everyman. We’re all in it together. I think the undertone of most of the music we write is inclusivity. Everyone can relate to it. Everyone can feel it.” That’s Mary Beth Richardson, lead vocalist of the beloved roots rock outfit Banditos. She’s talking about the song “On My Way,” a standout track off the band’s genre-defying new album Right On, on Egghunt Records. But she gets at the core of what makes Banditos so special, the secret sauce that built a rabid following for the Nashville-based, Birmingham, AL-born quintet, who first burst on the scene with their acclaimed self-titled Bloodshot Records debut in 2015. Right On is the third studio album from Banditos, following 2017’s ambitious, kaleidoscopic Visionland, an album that signaled a greater well of potential from Banditos and their chameleonic, ever-evolving sound. In a way, Right On is the final piece of one hell of an introductory trilogy, one that shows just how far the band has come since forming while signaling a dynamic, exciting future. The band — Mary Beth Richardson (vocals), Corey Parsons (vocals, guitar), Randy Wade (drums), Jeffery Salter (guitar) and Stephen Pierce (vocals, banjo, bass) — wrote and recorded Right On with producer Jordan Lehning (Caitlin Rose, Joshua Hedley) in late 2019, wrapping up the project barely a month before the COVID-19 pandemic ground the music industry to a screeching halt. It’s been a long time for the prolific, energetic band to sit on new material, but that passing time has only served to underscore just how special this music is. “We’re excited about getting her out there,” Richardson says of Right On. “She’s been ready.” THE PINK STONES“The Best of 2023 (So Far)” – Raven Sings the Blues “The Pink Stones are the very definition of their talent-rich town.” – Magnet Magazine “…these Stones roll with the same surly twang and honky-tonking attitude that made the likes of The Flying Burritos and early Poco sound so fresh… The multi-talented Pinkston turns in a set every bit as enticing, organic and charming as his first… Fire up the lava lamp, black lights and your recreational substance of choice and dig in.” – Holler “…a brilliant mix of classic Country and Indie Rock.” – Americana Highways “Heart full and hummin’ or with the wolf of woe barking at their door, The Pink Stones thread yarns like seasoned vets. The record finds the Pink Stones coming into their own, cutting out the fat and wiping the haze from their eyes… The LP is the band at their best.” – Raven Sings the Blues “If you don’t find yourself singing along with The Pink Stones on at least a couple of these songs, then something must be amiss. It will also inevitably evoke those glory days of hazy, country rock in the ’70s and might have you reaching for some of Parsons’ Sweetheart of the Rodeo fare. If so, that’s all good. It all fits so well together.” – Glide Magazine
Nicholas Jamerson & The Morning Jays + Sam Burchfield & The Scoundrels at Asheville Music Hall
– AGES 21+- STANDING ROOM ONLY- AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL (31 PATTON AVE) NICHOLAS JAMERSON & THE MORNING JAYS In the last ten years or so Nicholas Jamerson has put together a catalogue that reaches across broad spectrums in both substance and style. The eastern Kentucky native has endeared himself to fans in the region and beyond as a founding member of the duo, Sundy Best. In recent years Nicholas performed extensively solo and with his band The Morning Jays. Both with band and on his own Nicholas has made his mark on the most hallowed stages and events in the region. From the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium to Americana and Master Musician Festivals. He is among an esteemed group of todays artists who have shaped , redefined, and expanded the notions of Appalachian and Southern music , and reminds people why they love it and enjoy its many splendors. Jamerson’s songs are known for their attention to the natural world, warm hearted characters , and the plight and triumphs of the modern day hillbilly. The Morning Jays are comprised of gentlemen from across the state lines of Kentucky and Tennessee. A blend of country, rock, folk, bluegrass, r&b, and 4 part harmony creating a sounds Taylor made for square dances to summer time, living rooms to lazer shows.SAM BURCHFIELD & THE SCOUNDRELS Sam Burchfield’s latest record ‘Scoundrel’ begins a new saga. The record dives into 11 tales of greed, betrayal, desire, heartache, despair- and redemption. “We recorded these songs on my friend’s farm in South Georgia, tracking live in the same room. It felt right,” Sam recalls of the pre-pandemic recording sessions. “It’s nice to finally have this record out. It’s sort of a marker of a new chapter for me. A new sound, a new direction, and a return to my roots really.” Ironically, the album artwork is an early 1900s photo of ‘Sam Burchfield, a veteran moonshiner of the Appalachians.’ A very distant Great-uncle, Burchfield claims. Sam grew up in Seneca, South Carolina, with roots in eastern Tennessee and western Carolina. Burchfield was raised on the mountains, and it’s an evident theme throughout his two EPs and two full length records. Reconnecting to the earth, and reconnecting to each other is the underlying passion that pushes the young songwriter to carry on. Sam is now settled in Jasper, GA with his lovely wife (artist Pip the Pansy) and newborn son. Catch Sam Burchfield & The Scoundrels (aptly named) on tour in a city near you.
Gabe Dixon
– ALL AGES- STANDING ROOM ONLYGABE DIXON Born and raised in Tennessee, Gabe Dixon is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Since he first emerged in 1999, he has been penning honest and heartfelt tunes that continue to garner fans and crowds across the globe. Gabe’s songs have been covered by many; Garth Brooks, Parachute, Ben Rector, and Erin McCarley to name a few. Gabe’s music has also appeared in major films such as The Proposal and TV shows such as Nashville, Grey’s Anatomy, Vampire Diaries, and Parks & Recreation. Along with his own appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and The Late Late Show, Dixon has performed with notable acts like Paul McCartney, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Supertramp, Loggins & Messina, and O.A.R. In 2019, he became the full time Keyboardist/Vocalist with Tedeschi Trucks Band and recorded and helped write most of the songs on their 2022 4-album tour-de-force, I Am The Moon. Over the past 2 years, Gabe has stayed busy, releasing his own full-length studio album, Lay It On Me, along with 3 live EPs and a studio EP; and he has yet another studio album and EP currently in the works. Last summer he was on the bill along with Tedeschi Trucks Band and Los Lobos for the 36-show “Wheels Of Soul” tour.SAHARA MOON Sahara Moon is a singer-songwriter and artist who comes from the coastal region of New Jersey and is currently based in Nashville. Her soulful vocals blend “the classic seventies vibe” with a modern feel. With an eclectic sound, Moon’s style of music is an Uptown Americana with an influence of jazz, folk, and blues; similar to Norah Jones. She has shared the stage with Gabe Dixon, Blackberry Smoke, The Marshall Tucker Band, Robert Cray, Stephen Kellogg, Billy Currington amongst others and has performed for notable festivals such as Let’s Go! Music Festival, Mayday Music Festival, and Americanafest. Moon has new music releasing in Fall 2023. She released her debut “Worthy” EP in 2020 which features “Everything Will Be Alright” and “Beauty In A Rose.” Her debut single, “New York” was released in 2018.
Rock Academy – Hindsight Is 2023 Tour
-ALL AGES-STANDING ROOM ONLY- TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE DOORRock Academy students perform rock songs of various genres, including blues, classic rock, hard rock, heavy metal, punk, and more.
PATIO: Gordie Tentrees & Jaxon Haldane
– ALL AGES- LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVEGORDIE TENTREES & JAXON HALDANE International touring award winning Canadians Gordie Tentrees & Jaxon Haldane have performed 950 concerts together since their Texas stage debut in 2014. Armed with 10 instruments (banjo, mando, cigar box guitars, fiddle- saw, harmonica, resonator, acoustic, porch bass, snare) never repeating themselves onstage with brotherly harmonies & masterful storytelling . From headlining Celtic Connections (Glasgow) to the Woody Guthrie Festival (Oklahoma) they never repeat, juggling the dark with the light, brotherly harmonies & masterful storytelling. You can also find Gordie touring with friends Fred Eaglesmith, Mary Gauthier, Kelly Joe Phleps & Steve Poltz. Gordie Tentrees is also a 2023 International Acoustic Award Winner! https://inacoustic.com/winners/ “Organic & holistic folk, this is the wild sound of freedom and the freedom to fly” Midwest Record USA “Majestic songwriting, incredible insight, genuine authenticity ” Americana UK”In the rough cut vein of Fred Eaglesmith, Tentrees is gifted” GLOBE & MAIL- CAN
A. Savage (of Parquet Courts)
– ALL AGES- STANDING ROOM ONLY A. SAVAGE Parquet Courts frontman A. Savage presents his new single/video, “Thanksgiving Prayer,” and announces a fall North American tour. “Thanksgiving Prayer” marks Savage’s first new solo music since 2017’s Thawing Dawn — “a handy guide for keeping your cool as the world degenerates into a hot mess” (Pitchfork) — and follows the release of Parquet Courts’ acclaimed 2021 album, Sympathy For Life. “Thanksgiving Prayer” is anchored by Savage’s poetic musings, observations that are accentuated by saxophone flourishes from Euan Hinshelwood. “Thanksgiving Day is every day I write a song like this,” Savage croons atop instrumentation from Magdalena McLean (violin), Jack Cooper (guitar), and Dylan Hadley (drums/percussion). “When I get down on all four paws and drag myself // by my own jaws toward a feeling.” Of the single, Savage adds: “Well, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, and every year on that day I write down some words having to do with gratitude. Some years are better than others, but the last one I celebrated these words just sort of came out of me. It was a pretty special holiday actually, because in fact we were recording this song, but I made everybody take a day off. [Producer] John Parish and his wife Michelle were kind enough to allow me to take over their kitchen to cook the meal for everyone. Dylan and I were the only Americans, so there was a bit of explaining to do. So it was the band, the studio staff and the Parish family, and it was an absolutely lovely day. I was in awe of the kindness and mercy, and that’s what the song is about; being in awe of humans. When I got back to my room I was on such a high so I started writing and this song is what was on the page the next morning, when we recorded it.” The accompanying “Thanksgiving Prayer” video — directed by Tiff Pritchett —is a black-and-white homage to silent film, with Savage adorned in makeup and surrounded by his band and handmade decoration. Of the “Thanksgiving Prayer” video, Savage adds: “The video is directed by a brilliant young director Tiff Pritchett, and she had this idea to sort of do a silent film tribute. The scene from Renoir’s film Rules of the Game where Danse Macabre is played was referenced, as was Klaus Nomi.”SLUICESluice is the recording project of Durham based musician/engineer Justin Morris (Fust, Weirs, Aunt Sis). Radial Gate, the second release as Sluice, features a wide collection of local talent including Avery Sullivan (Fust, Indigo De Souza), Oliver Child-Lanning (Fust, Weirs), Luke Norton (HC McEntire), Frank Meadows (Fust, Tomberlin, Bellows) and Natalie King (Toss) to name a few. Radial Gate continues the Sluice theme of nature’s intersection with industry, and lyrically explores the ideas of isolation and depression giving way to community and personal growth. ‘Could you pass me a beer, oh no it fell in the river. Hey man that’s all right, goodnight.’
