LIVE! ON STAGE: JONATHAN RICHMAN featuring TOMMY LARKINS on the drums!
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY LIVE! ON STAGE: JONATHAN RICHMAN featuring TOMMY LARKINS on the drums! “Richman is one of America’s most unique and dynamic songwriters…” – Nashville Scene “Richman didn’t need much else besides a beat to work his magic.” – New York Daily News “Buy tickets early. Buy tickets often. This is just good general life advice, but even more so when you’re talking about Jonathan Richman. Don’t get denied at the door, don’t leave things up to chance: You will regret it.” – Nashville Scene “Rhymes worthy of Ogden Nash.” – The New York Times “Richman has spent decades removing barriers between himself and his audience, cultivating an intimacy that is almost extinct in modern music.”- Nashville Scene “As of a few years ago, I was going to just play theaters, cabarets and such, but we ended up by mistake at the Zebulon in Los Angeles and had such a fine time that those kind of shows have to happen too. So, you might see us nowadays in theaters, cabaret-style places, or the right club or bar. The theaters have the best sound, usually, and under-21s can get in, but in the clubs people can dance and get close in to ya, like we like. We’ll keep trying things.”
DANCE WITH THE DEAD + MAGIC SWORD: The Face Off Tour 2026
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY DANCE WITH THE DEAD Drawing inspiration from the dystopian and chilling worlds of cult classic horror and science-fiction films, duo Justin Pointer and Tony Kim have spent over a decade crafting a signature fusion of dark electronic music and metal-fueled synth anthems. Hailing from Irvine, California (USA), DANCE WITH THE DEAD continue to push the boundaries of retro-futuristic soundscapes and cinematic storytelling. The project first emerged on Halloween night in 2013 with their debut release, setting the tone for a career defined by innovation and an ever-evolving sonic identity. Their early work—spanning atmospheric orchestral-leaning pieces and aggressive synth metal—solidified their presence with fan-favorite releases such as Into the Abyss (EP), Near Dark, and crossover hits like “Andromeda” and “Invader.” Their influence within the synthwave world earned them a featured appearance in the acclaimed documentary The Rise of the Synths, narrated by filmmaker John Carpenter. DANCE WITH THE DEAD’s distinctive sound merges analog synth textures with the raw grit of early heavy metal guitars—a combination shaped by influences such as Hans Zimmer, Justice, Daft Punk, The Misfits, White Zombie, Ozzy Osbourne, Alice Cooper, Kavinsky, Metallica, and John Carpenter. Their catalog has featured notable collaborations as well, including guest contributions from John Carpenter and Cody Carpenter (Driven to Madness), as well as Nick Hipa and professional skateboarder Elliot Sloan (Loved to Death). MAGIC SWORD Magic Sword is an ageless tale of good and evil told through an ever expanding graphic novel with each volume accompanied by an original, synth-heavy soundtrack as well as immersive live performances. With the three mediums intertwined from conception, together they create an epic experience for those bold enough to bear witness and come away with a deeper understanding of the ultimate hero’s journey. Armed with a musical and visual aesthetic that has its roots unabashedly buried deep in the golden era of ‘70s and ‘80s fantasy and sci-fi, Magic Sword’s followers are called to another plane of existence where the struggle between light and shadow becomes all too real. The multiverse has aligned to bring the people of the land together for the birth of their album Endless, followed by a tour of the realm searching for the greater good. MEGAN MCDUFFEE Megan McDuffee is a Seattle-based award-winning music producer, composer, and recording artist. She grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area of California, and always had something musical going on, from taking private lessons to 11 years of participating in world-traveling choirs. Megan graduated from the University of California Santa Cruz with a Bachelor of Arts in Film Scoring and a minor in Electronic Music. With a desire to further her education, she went on to the Berklee College of Music, earning a Master’s Certificate in Orchestration for Film and TV. By day Megan scores video games, TV shows, and movie trailers, and by night she produces dark, moody, edgy electronica and rock that rides the line between dreams and nightmares.
LowDown Brass Band
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY LOWDOWN BRASS BAND Embodying the vibrant Chicago music culture, LowDown Brass Band is a one-of-a-kind horn ensemble weaving the rhythm of the streets with conscious hip hop, reggae, and soul. Rigorously touring, LowDown has performed on the most unique stages, from the Montreal Jazz Fest to the Cotai Jazz Fest. Despite the last four years, LowDown has stayed busy, releasing Three albums, “The Reel Sessions, LowDown Nights and $itizens of the World”, which showcase their unique sound and further push the boundaries of their genre. Leaning on their talent and unconventional style, LowDown Brass Band continues to carve out a path, defying convention and charting their own course in the ever-evolving landscape of music.
Datrian Johnson & The Family Tree’s Annual Soulful Christmas
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY Datrian Johnson & The Family Tree’s Annual Soulful Christmas feat Sasha Brown, Daniela Risquez, Doug McElvy, Melissa McKinney + Special Guests Join us on December 21 at The Grey Eagle for Datrian Johnson & The Family Tree’s 4th Annual Soulful Christmas. This year’s celebration will feature Sasha Brown (formerly of Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds), Daniela Risquez, Doug McElvy (of Red Clay Revival), Melissa McKinney + Special Guests! As always, the show will feature holiday favorites and soul classics for the whole family to enjoy. DATRIAN JOHNSON Prepare to be captivated by the unstoppable force of Datrian’s innate talent and boundless energy. From his earliest days, he commanded attention with his soul-stirring vocals resonating through the halls of the church. By the tender age of 12, he had already made his mark, gracing the stage of BET’s prestigious Bobby Jones Gospel.Hailing from North Carolina, Datrian has become one of the most sought-after vocalists, his magnetic presence transcending boundaries. He has commanded stages alongside musical luminaries such as the North Mississippi Allstars, The Word, and the electrifying Funk You. Collaborating extensively with icons like Luther Dickinson and John Medeski, Datrian’s artistry knows no bounds.His ventures with Saint Disruption, including a breathtaking rendition of “Imagine” featuring Warren Haynes, showcase his ability to breathe new life into classics. Datrian effortlessly steals the spotlight when sharing the stage with heavyweights like Steve Kimock, Oteil Burbridge, Vernon Reid, DJ Logic, and Brian Jackson.Not content with resting on his laurels, Datrian has embarked on his own journey with the launch of Datrian Johnson & The Family Tree.As he prepares to unveil his debut album, Datrian Johnson is poised to redefine the musical landscape, leaving an indelible mark on the world stage. Get ready to be swept away by the sheer brilliance of his artistry.
Ondara Presents The Jet Stone Conspiracy
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY FULL BAND SHOW ONDARA PRESENTS THE JET STONE CONSPIRACY Every artist’s journey is a quiet revolution. For some, there comes a moment when Robert Zimmerman becomes Bob Dylan, when Reginald Dwight becomes Elton John, when David Robert Jones becomes David Bowie, when Ali Ibrahim becomes Ali Farka- it’s a moment, when such an artist leaves behind the comforts of history in search of boundless expression- a moment when they metaphorically move out of their home, stepping into the unknown, and surrendering to the wild embrace of their muse. This chapter of my journey mirrors that kind of transformation. My new band, The Jet Stone Conspiracy, is the culmination of my rebirth- It’s a surrender to the currents of free expression- an invitation to explore new realms of sound, movement, and poetry. The first mission of this new chapter is to come visit you with my band and share the songs from Tales of America, Tales of Isolation, and Spanish Villager No:3– all brought to life for the first time in a full-band setting. This will be my first time touring with a band– an invitation to experience with you the music that has led us to this point, in an expanded and dynamic form, and to hear the new material I’m exploring for the upcoming debut release of The Jet Stone Conspiracy. Much love,JS Ondara Announces Special Winter Run: Introducing His New Band Project — The Jet Stone Conspiracy Some transmissions don’t come through a radio. They arrive in a dream, unannounced, and crystal clear. Born in Nairobi and reborn in America, J.S. (Jet Stone) Ondara’s path has always been one of restless searching — from discovering Bob Dylan in a teenage dispute to teaching himself guitar after moving to Minneapolis alone, eventually earning a Grammy nomination for his debut album Tales of America and sharing stages with Neil Young, The Lumineers, and Lindsey Buckingham. After years of quiet searching and restless wandering, Ondara returns to the stage transformed. Following his Rebirth Tour, he stepped away from the spotlight, journeying across continents in pursuit of new personal and creative horizons. From that search, he emerges as Jet Stone — his true name — stepping into a new chapter with his new band project, The Jet Stone Conspiracy. This fall, Ondara will embark on the first full-band tour of his career. This special run is more than just a series of concerts; it’s an invitation into a world rebuilt from the ground up. A chance to witness a rare moment of transformation in real time. Each night, Ondara, now performing as Jet Stone, will breathe new life into beloved songs from his catalog while offering a first look at new material from his upcoming debut as The Jet Stone Conspiracy. For longtime fans, it’s an opportunity to reconnect with the music that started it all — now charged with a fresh, urgent energy. For new listeners, it’s an entry point into an evolving story of transformation, reinvention, and artistic freedom.
New Belgium’s Battle of the Bands
– FREE SHOW w/ SUGGESTED DONATION – ALL AGES – STANDING ROOM ONLY NEW BELGIUM’S BATTLE OF THE BANDSFour acts featuring New Belgium coworkers battle it out on a night of friendly musical competition and fundraising for the River Arts District Artists Foundation!
Mustache The Band: The World’s Most Powerful ’90s Country Party Band
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY MUSTACHE: THE BAND Mustache The Band is the ’90s Country Party Band that’ll grow on you. Mustache delivers a powerful performance of all of your favorite country hits from the 1990s. With well over 125 songs under their buckles, you are guaranteed to have a non-stop party on your hands. Mustache The Band will take you on a journey back into the 90s….when sleeveless tanks, high-tops, cowboy boots, two-paneled button downs, and mustaches ruled country music. In order to set the tone at every show, fans are provided with their very own mustaches to enjoy. If the crowd is ready to get down on the farm, Mustache The Band will take them there.
HARMONIES FOR HOMES: A Benefit for Homeward Bound of WNC
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY HARMONIES FOR HOMES Join us on Sunday, October 26th at The Grey Eagle from 3 to 10 PM for Harmonies for Homes, a special evening of music and community in support of Homeward Bound of WNC and their mission to end homelessness in Asheville. This family-friendly fundraiser brings together some of the region’s most dynamic bands, including Coconut Cake, Las Montañitas, Rahm Squad, Eleanor & Friends, King Garbage, After Ours, Hype Machine, and Dr. Funky Squirrel. With genres spanning funk, jazz, soul, Latin, and beyond, it’s a celebration of the diverse sounds that make Asheville’s music scene special. In addition to an incredible lineup, guests can take part in a silent auction featuring unique items and experiences generously donated by local businesses, with all proceeds directly supporting Homeward Bound’s vital housing programs. Food and drinks will be available from The Grey Eagle’s renowned taqueria, making it a perfect night out for families, friends, and music lovers alike. Harmonies for Homes is made possible through the support of our presenting sponsors: Fred Anderson Subaru, McKibbon Hospitality, Moxy Hotel, Aloft Hotel, Infinity Wealth Management, and Town Mountain Realty. Come enjoy great music, bid on great local items, and help create lasting solutions to homelessness in our community.
Bywater Call
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY BYWATER CALL Bywater Call, is a powerhouse seven-piece Southern soul, roots rock band from Toronto, Canada, made up of Meghan Parnell (vocals), Dave Barnes (guitar), Bruce McCarthy on drums, Mike Meusel on Bass, newest member, John Kervin on Keys, Stephen Dyte on Trumpet and Julian Nalli on Tenor Sax. Bywater Call has received multiple Independent Blues and Maple Blues Award nominations including Entertainer, Electric Act and Best Female Vocalist for the 2024 Awards Season. They have toured extensively in Europe where shows have been praised by Dutch, German and UK media, with references to Meghan as one of the best female voices in blues and roots today. In August 2023, the band participated in Joe Bonamassa’s third Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea Mediterranean Cruise alongside headliners Blackberry Smoke and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, and were invited to perform at the All-Star Jam on the mainstage with Bonamassa himself. Guitarist Dave Barnes was also asked to join legendary blues artist Jimmy Vivino (Conan O’Brien’s Basic Cable Band) on stage. Bywater Call have commanded festival stages in Canada and around the world, often referred to as the “find of the fest”. In May of 2023, they opened for Canadian Award-winning band White Horse at the inaugural Smokestack Music Festival in Hamilton, Ontario. In July, Meghan joined renowned pedal-steel guitarist Robert Randolph on stage at his request, at the Briggs Farm Festival in Nescopeck, PA. On October 24, 2023, Bywater performed a live stream performance for the famed German TV show and festival Rockpalast. In 2023 alone, the band played a total of 96 shows in 10 countries, 89 Cities, 19 US States and 3 Canadian Provinces. This is not including a month long duo tour in Europe and the UK where Meghan and Dave opened for Southern California rockers Robert Jon & The Wreck, who have recently partnered with Joe Bonamassa’s Journeyman Records. The band’s music is an exploration of life’s highs and lows. From intimate ballads that lay bare the complexities of human emotion to electrifying anthems that demand to be played at full volume, their catalogue is a journey through the human experience, incorporating influences from the likes of The Band, The Wood Brothers, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Otis Redding, Little Feat, Sly and the Family Stone, among others.
Save UNCA Woods Benefit Show
ALL AGESIF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND THIS EVENT, YOU CAN ALSO DONATE BY CLICKING HERE UNC Asheville’s 45-acre urban forest has been a cherished community resource and wildlife habitat for decades. It’s now under threat of development despite its status as one of the last remaining urban forests in Asheville. This show is a benefit for Friends of the Woods, a group of concerned citizens, students, UNCA faculty, neighbors, and more who have the support of the Five Points Neighborhood Association and other local organizations committed to the preservation of this precious urban forest. Given the time-sensitive nature and Friends of the Woods being an entirely volunteer-run effort, we are fundraising for a campaign to seek transparency and accountability, and to positively influence the university’s use of the forest. The money raised will be used to further the campaign’s efforts. Because this is a volunteer effort, none of the members of the Friends of the Woods group will be paid from any funds collected. If any money is left after all is said and done, we will donate it to a local land conservancy. For more information, please visit www.saveuncawoods.org LEAH SONG PROJECT (featuring members or Rising Appalachia) Leah Song is a storyteller, song-catcher, musician, poet, and community builder known primarily for her role as frontwoman of Rising Appalachia, alongside her sister Chloe. As a soloist, she incorporates sultry vocals, storytelling, folklore, ballads and boleros into her laid-back troubadour performances. Her music is based in the traditions of Southern soul, the diasporic music of the Celtic Isles and her deep studies of traditional folk music from across the Americas. WILD ROOTS Wild Roots is an independent, women-led band based in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina. Headed by Julia Houghton and Olivia Moore, the group released their debut album, Wild Roots Rising, in 2021 and have since continued to tour, playing stages and festivals across the country. Olivia and Julia have co-created music for nearly a decade and collaborate in many areas of life; in addition to being soul sisters, the two share a deep passion for sustainable living and environmental justice. DAVID EARL TOMLINSON David Earl Tomlinson is among Asheville, North Carolina’s more soulful singers and performers.
