Vandoliers: Life Behind Bars Tour
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY VANDOLIERS “Most personal album yet” is a well-worn cliché within the cliché-addled world of music promotion. But Life Behind Bars, the fifth studio album from beloved Texas country-punk ensemble Vandoliers, brings new meaning to that phrase. This album marks a series of firsts for the band, it’s their first release with upstart Break Maiden Records and distributed by storied indie Thirty Tigers, their first with Grammy-winning producer Ted Hutt (The Gaslight Anthem, Flogging Molly, Lucero), and their first recorded at the sprawling Sonic Ranch studios in West Texas. Most importantly, though, this collection of songs offers a window into frontwoman Jenni Rose’s journey through addiction and gender dysphoria — a journey that has culminated in her decision to come out as a trans woman while working in the macho worlds of Texas country and punk rock, at a moment when the rights of trans people are more intensely threatened by the day. “It’s heavier than our other stuff,” says Rose. “Why is this country punk band that’s usually a source of positive energy so melancholy? It’s because I was dealing with accepting my gender dysphoria, while also trying to get sober.” For the uninitiated, even the most melancholy Vandoliers song has a degree of exuberance and verve, full of an irrepressible energy that has led the band to tour with everyone from Flogging Molly to the Turnpike Troubadours to fellow Dallas-Fort Worth natives the Toadies and the Old 97s. Songs like pandemic anthem (only Vandoliers could make those two words fit together) “Every Saturday Night,” “Cigarettes in the Rain,” “Sixteen Years” and their irresistible take on the Proclaimers’ “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” have helped the band find a devoted following across the world, fans who pack out shows that are always life-affirming and usually end with some Vandoliers hopping around onstage shirtless. It was onstage that Rose fully realized who she was for the first time. In early 2023, she was barely six months sober and fighting to stay that way while touring with some of the most raucous bands around; she was also trying to write a new collection of Vandoliers songs responding to the first feedback she’d gotten from Hutt. “Your songs are superficial,” he told Rose. “There’s a barrier between what you’re actually writing and your deeper self.” In the middle of that, Vandoliers happened to be playing a show in Maryville, Tennessee the same day that the state’s governor, Bill Lee, had signed what was generally understood as a “drag ban.” Cory Graves, who sings and plays keyboard and trumpet in the band, suggested they all wear dresses for their show that night in protest. “I was like, ‘Hell yeah, I would love to do that’ — like, how harmless is this?” says Rose. Photos from the show went viral, and were covered by Rolling Stone, among many other outlets. Rachel Maddow did a segment on the band on MSNBC. “That was the first time I had ever worn a dress in public, but not the first time I had worn a dress — and then the entire planet saw it. The wall that I had keeping this side of me invisible was completely shattered. I wrote down in my journal, ‘Fuck, I think I’m trans.'” “We’ve been breaking rules in country for 10 years,” says Rose. “‘You play too fast.’ ‘You’re too loud.’ ‘You sing too high.’ ‘You’re more of a punk band.’ All that matters, though, is that people hear our songs and they help them in any way — that’s all we can hope for. I’m struggling so much on this record, but I hope that another trans girl listens to it and finds something in it for themselves.”
Datrian Johnson & Friends’ Soulful Christmas (feat members of ESB, Funk You & The Fritz): A Benefit for Unity Church
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY A BENEFIT FOR UNITY CHURCH, RAISING MONEY TO BRING CHRISTMAS TO FAMILIES IN NEED THIS YEAR DATRIAN JOHNSON & FRIENDS’ SOULFUL CHRISTMAS featuring members of Empire Strikes Brass, Funk You & The Fritz Join us for Datrian Johnson’s annual “Soulful” Christmas show. A local legend, Datrian is bringing out his friends, including bandmates in Funk You, Empire Strikes Brass, The Fritz and a whole lot more. This year proceeds will benefit Unit Church to help bring Christmas to families in need this year.
[CANCELED] INDIGO DE SOUZA PRESENTS: WIFI MOMMY, BOYS_CAMP, ORIGAMI
THIS SHOW HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO THE IMPACT OF HURRICANE HELENE. REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED AS SOON AS WE ARE ABLE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE AND GRACE DURING THIS UNPRECEDENTED TIME. ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY Indigo De Souza’s Wholesome Evil Fantasy EP Release Dance Party I am throwing two dance parties to celebrate these new songs. One in LA and one in Asheville. I will not be performing, but we will be blessed with sets from some really special DJs from each city. Huge thanks to everyone involved 🙂 Can’t wait to hang with ya’ll – Indigo featuring: WIFI MOMMY BOYS_CAMP ORIGAMI
The Dirty Nil
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY 6PM DOORS / 7PM SHOW THE DIRTY NIL If there’s one rule people should follow when approaching the Dirty Nil, it’s this: Never tell them how to rock ‘n’ roll. Ontario’s Juno Award-winning trio is a finely tuned rock machine that is at its best when the members are pursuing their penchant for thrashy riffs, bashed out drums, and levels-to-the-max volume. And on their fourth album, Free Rein to Passions, the band followed their instincts down to the note to produce their most authentic work to date. The Nil’s back-to-basics approach was a direct reaction to their previous record, 2021’s Fuck Art, a creative process that brought too many industry people whispering in the band’s ears, telling them how to polish and tweak their songs to fit on the radio or streaming playlists or whatever other arbitrary whims the modern music machine demands. “There were all these expectations and pressures, people telling us to try this or that,” says frontman Luke Bentham. “We’re by no means the biggest band in the world, but in our ecosystem it became hard to try to make all these people happy. We were given challenges, and I think we met them, but getting to that place, it made me realize: ‘If we go any further in this direction, then I don’t know what we’re doing anymore.’ It had gotten to a point where the creation wasn’t very fun.” In order to incinerate their apparatus, they had to destroy it completely. So as soon as Fuck Art was in the can, the Nil got back to having fun and doing what they love. They jammed away in their practice space for weeks, not overthinking anything or taking any external input. They didn’t sweat the small details or fret over transitions and arrangements. Less second guessing, more reckless abandon. It’s the same approach to rock they’ve taken since they were kids. “We had the best time pulling these songs together. It made me feel like a teenager in my parents’ basement again,” Bentham says. What came out was the appropriately titled Free Rein to Passions, a palate cleanser for the Dirty Nil, and a reminder for them to stick to the fundamentals of rock and stay true to themselves. “What was it LCD Soundsystem said about trading in guitars for turntables and synthesizers?” Bentham laughs. “I’d say that’s unlikely for us.” Staring into the abyss of entertainment serfdom, the trio spat on it. They smashed the chalice of poison brought to their lips, grinding the shards under their heels. A rock and roll band is partreligion, part small business and part pirate ship. Sabres were wielded and planks were walked for The Dirty Nil to bring Free Rein to Passions into this world. It was a battle well worth fighting. GRUMPSTER HOUSE & HOME
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.
OUTPOST: Wallflower Makers’ Market
– ALL AGES- STANDING ROOM ONLY- RAIN OR SHINE- 10 AM – 2 PM A locally run, BIPOC owned makers’ market focused on supporting artists, growers, and makers in the WNC area. Featuring vintage clothing, handmade jewelry, house plants, fruits & veggies, and so much more!
Madison McFerrin
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLYMADISON McFERRIN Independent artist and musician Madison McFerrin has come into her own. Madison holds a fruitful and robust solo career with three self produced EPs and numerous performances and curatorships across the country and internationally. Madison’s distinct vocal and meticulously layered stylings of a capella and self-harmonizing culminate in work that blends the genres of R&B, pop, soul and jazz, all with a sense of softness. Her genre-bending work has led to Questlove dubbing her early sound “soul-appella,” AdHoc to describe her work as “an oasis of serenity,” and The FADER noting how Madison’s “warm harmonies feel effortless.” The throughline of Madison’s work is independence and she is often looking towards a kind of inner liberation. Whether she is writing about understanding one’s intuition and inner beauty or the cyclical violence of anti-Blackness and sexism, Madison explores how to get free and how to care for oneself along the way. In this, Madison works at the intersection of artistry and community building. She often looks back and honors a Black music canon while creating her own unique style, utilizing her voice as a central instrument and drawing upon lifelong inspirations like Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Erykah Badu, Pharell, Missy Elliot, and the Spice Girls. She is in community with other artists, cultural workers, and activists, and has been able to prioritize the work of women and POC in her curatorial tenures at venues like C’mon Everybody, the WNYC Greene Space and the BRIC Jazz festival. The result of Madison’s work is an enduring commitment to finding ways to think better, express ourselves honestly, and nurture a sense of possibility.
Maggie Rose: No One Gets Out Alive Tour
– ALL AGES- STANDING ROOM ONLY- LIMITED QUANTITY OF “Maggie Rose VIP Experience Package” TICKETS AVAILABLE, INCLUDING: Ticket to the show, Soundcheck Experience with Maggie Rose (performance + Q&A), Photo Op with Maggie Rose, Exclusive Poster Autographed By Maggie Rose, Commemorative Laminate and Lanyard, Onsite VIP Host. **VIP instructions for the preshow Photo Op and Soundcheck Experience will be emailed approximately 48 hours prior to the event. Merchandise items are collected at the venue during the VIP Experience. If you have a question related to your VIP package, please email [email protected] or call (877) 717-5816. Merchandise subject to change.** MAGGIE ROSE Acclaimed singer/songwriter Maggie Rose has shared her empowering new single, “Underestimate Me.” The galvanizing anthem, delivered with an assured confidence, is the launching pad for an exciting new chapter in Maggie’s musical journey, and her first release with her new label partner, independent powerhouse Big Loud. Maggie has been hailed for her passionate individualism and influences spanning rock, soul, Americana, folk and funk. Her previous lauded studio albums were embraced by the likes of Rolling Stone who declared she’s a “star” and NPR Music who called her a “multi-genre powerhouse,” among others. A respected fixture of the Nashville community (she was recently elected Governor of the Recording Academy’s Nashville Chapter and has played the iconic Grand Ole Opry almost 100 times), she has carved out a unique path for herself, refusing to be pigeonholed in any one genre. Maggie comfortably straddles different worlds as evidenced by her dynamic performances at such varied festivals as Austin City Limits, Bonnaroo, and Newport Folk Fest. A true road warrior, she has shared the stage with an impressive array of artists including Kelly Clarkson, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Heart, Joan Jett, Eric Church, Gov’t Mule, The Mavericks, Fitz & The Tantrums, and The Revivalists to name a few. Rose is readying some of her most powerful music to date coming soon.FANCY HAGOODFancy Hagood is an artist from Bentonville, AR who now lives and makes music out of Nashville, TN. In 2021 he released his debut album, Southern Curiosity, which was nominated for Best Country Record at The Libera Awards. His follow-up single “Blue Dream Baby,” featuring Grammy Award winner Kacey Musgraves, was released last summer. Fancy’s music has been streamed across multiple platforms over 30 million times. He has garnered the attention of generational artists like Brandi Carlile who called Fancy “an artist to watch,” and Sir Elton John, who asked Fancy to be a guest on his Rocket Hour Radio Show. Elton proclaimed, “We need more people like Fancy.” Later this year Fancy will release his highly anticipated sophomore album.Beyond creating music of his own music, Fancy has written songs for Christina Aguilera, Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts, Anderson East and more. He is the host of Apple Radios, “Hallelujah Radio” and “Trailblazers Radio” which features interviews with a diverse line-up of co-hosts including Jelly Roll, Brett Eldredge, The War And Treaty, Brothers Osborne and many others.
Tep No: Bigger Than God Tour
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLYTEP NOTep No is a chill pop artist based in Hamilton, Canada. Straight from his debut in 2014, Tep No established himself in the chill electronic pop lane with his tasteful production and unique vocals. In 2015 he released his breakthrough hits, “The Last Ones Standing” and “Pacing” which catapulted him to millions of listeners across the world and led him to signing with Ultra Records. From there he continued to release chill pop hits such as “The Best Crew,” “Toluca Lake,” and “Breathe, Be Happy.” Over the course of his career he has accumulated nearly 500 million streams on Spotify and only more recently has started to bring his live set to fans across North America with sold out shows in 2022 and 2023 in Denver and Los Angeles respectively.His music can be heard in yoga studios, coffee shops, beach side restaurants, trendy hotel lobby’s, and many other places. His debut North America tour kicked off in July 2023 to massive success, with shows across the US, Canada, and even one stop in London UK. At the end of 2023 and beginning of 2024 he supported BoomBox on their tour across the US. In January he released his 5th studio album, Do Ya, and announced his Bigger Than God US Tour..
Wayne “The Train” Hancock
– ALL AGES- STANDING ROOM ONLYWAYNE HANCOCKWayne Hancock has more Hank Sr. in him than either I or Hank Williams Jr. He is the real deal.” – Hank III “Hancock, who tosses out a roots mix of old country, roadhouse blues, western dance swing, boogie bop, and straight-up rockabilly, takes what was once old and makes it seem like it’s always been and always will be.”—allmusic.com “The country music scene could do with a lot more characters like Wayne, who push the music’s limits while staying truer to its roots than any well-known names associated with the genre today.” – Slug Magazine Since his stunning debut, Thunderstorms and Neon Signs in 1995, Wayne “The Train” Hancock has been the undisputed king of Juke Joint Swing–that alchemist’s dream of honky-tonk, western swing, blues, Texas rockabilly and big band. Always an anomaly among his country music peers, Wayne’s uncompromising interpretation of the music he loves is in fact what defines him: steeped in traditional but never “retro;” bare bones but bone shaking; hardcore but with a swing. Like the comfortable crackle of a Wurlitzer 45 jukebox, Wayne is the embodiment of genuine, house rocking, hillbilly boogie. Wayne makes music fit for any road house anywhere. With his unmistakable voice, The Train’s reckless honky-tonk can move the dead. If you see him live (and he is ALWAYS touring), you’ll surely work up some sweat stains on that snazzy Rayon shirt you’re wearing. If you buy his records, you’ll be rolling up your carpets, spreading sawdust on the hardwood, and dancing until the downstairs neighbors are banging their brooms on the ceiling. Call him a throwback if you want, Wayne just wants to ENTERTAIN you, and what’s wrong with that? Wayne’s disdain for the slick swill that passes for real deal country is well known. Like he’s fond of saying: “Man, I’m like a stab wound in the fabric of country music in Nashville. See that bloodstain slowly spreading? That’s me.” Little known fact: Wayne is the only Bloodshot artist to have had their CD taken aboard a space shuttle flight. “A rare breed of traditionalist, one who imbues his retro obsessions with such high energy and passions that his songs never feel like the museum pieces he’s trying desperately to preserve.” —AllMusic.com HEARTS GONE SOUTHHearts Gone South plays original, old style country and honky tonk full of heart and soul, laced with wit and woe. Bringing fire and feeling to the age old stories of love, loss, heartache, and victory for the underdog. Entertaining audiences from Asheville to Alaska, Hearts Gone South has a “vintage sound with modern production values” Their catalog is a range of barn burners with smoking leads, to tear soaked ballads, and everything in between.Hearts Gone South is JP Parsons – tele, acoustic guitar, and harmonies, Ian Wade – electric bass, upright bass, and harmonies, Scott Thomas- Drums, Silas Hamilton – pedal steel, Tricia Tripp – lead vocalist and song writer. The band is based in Asheville, with members living in Asheville, Bristol and Shelby. They ride back and forth across the mountain range to bring their absolute best to the stage.
