Thursday, Jan. 28
Dove award winning/Grammy-nominated Aussie-by-way-of-Nashville indie-Christian singer/songwriter Grant Norsworthy puts on a free “word & song” performance at Gaither Chapel (Montreal College, 310 Gaither Cr., Montreat, 669-8012). 11 a.m.
• Outlaw/Americana artist Gregg Aranda, from Toledo, Ohio, makes a stop at The Beacon Pub (204 Whitson Ave, Swannanoa, 686-0006). 7:30 p.m.
• Local indie rockers The Real Local Singles (pictured) share a bill with The Luxury Spirit and The Critters at The Rocket Club (401 Haywood Rd., Asheville, 505-2494). 9 p.m., $5.
• Prog-rockers The Dark Shave play The Boiler Room (11 Grove St., Asheville, 505-1612) at 9 p.m. with Pavane and Galliard. $5.
Friday, Jan. 29
• Americana/bluegrass/folk rock outfit The Big Daddy Love Band will be at Highland Brewing (12 Old Charlotte Hwy., Asheville, 299-3370) for “Friday evening show accompanied by some of the finest brews around!” 6 p.m., tips.
• Make the drive to Marshall: The Madison County Arts Council (649-1301) hosts the openings of two shows. Two Views: From Eye to Canvas. The Paintings of Julyan Davis and Dan Helgemo features figurative and still life painting from two master painters. Helgemo will give a talk on opening night; 6-9 p.m. The Art of Coffins: Paintings and Films by Luca Dipierro also opens. Dipierro (work pictured below) is an Italian-born writer, filmmaker and visual artist. Says press for the event, “Luca Dipierro’s art draws inspiration from a wild range of sources: Northern European Renaissance paintings, 19th Century Mexican chapbooks, the cartoons of Fletcher Hanks, Francois Rabelais, Max Ernst, funhouses, graveyards, marionettes. Dipierro’s figures are paper cut-outs living—or rather dying—on the surface of discarded book covers and other found materials … His latest films are the documentaries ‘I Will Smash You’ and ‘60 Writers/60 Places.’” Watch a film at 7:30 p.m. (Both exhibits run through Sunday, Feb. 28.)
• Singer/songwriter duo Amissville (vocalist Meredith Laney and guitarist/percussionist/vocalist David Holtzclaw) perform at Well-Bred Bakery & Cafe (26 N. Main St., Weaverville, 645-9300). 7 p.m., tips.
• One Tough Cookie is a one-woman “baby accordian, harmonica horn, ukulele, piano, banjo, baby xylophone, etc.” band. Catch the show at Firestorm Cafe (48 Commerce St., Asheville, 255-8115). 8 p.m., tips.
• Also at 8 p.m., acoustic musician Steve Smith brings his unique sound to Craggie Brewing Company (197 Hilliard Ave., Asheville, 254-0360). The show, says Smith, features “Voodoo Wedding, a little project I’m putting together with Andrea Lee, local vocal goddess.” Free.
• Knoxville’s metal group After Elvis (pictured) joins local metal/experiemntal group 105 Howitzer and U.P.A.S.S. take the stage at The Boiler Room (11 Grove St., Asheville, 505-1612). 9 p.m., $5.
• Blues/r&b quintet Bluestopia Highway will be at the Sports Zone (2310 Hendersonville Rd., Arden, 684-2646). 9:30 p.m., $5.
Saturday, Jan. 30
• Something a little different: Black Mountain residents Donna and Don Farrow announce the grand opening of Black Mountain Yarn Shop (203-A West State St., 669-7570) The store specializes in yarn, knitting supplies and needle art classes in a relaxed setting; the grand opening celebrations include prizes and giveaways throughout the day. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Brushfire Stankgrass puts in a happy hour appearance at French Broad Brewery (101 Fairview Rd., Asheville, 277-0222). 5:30 p.m., tips.
• Organic/digital/eclectica band Agobi Project holds a CD release and dinner party at Chameleon Soul Food (333 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, 255-2303). Peripheral performs; live art By Stephen Wells, Andy Reed and Austin Guarasco. 9 p.m. Free; CDs $5.
• ED Boudreaux’s (48 Biltmore Ave., Asheville, 296-0100) hosts a benefit for Hall Fletcher Elementary’s fourth grade trip to the Outer Banks. Raffle and live music by The Jr.s at 9 p.m. and The Cropdusters at 11 p.m. No cover, but donations appreciated. Info: 989-6783.
• Saddle up, space cowboys, The Captain Midnight Band brings “waterbed rock n’ roll” to the Westville Pub (777 Haywood Rd., West Asheville, 255-9782). 10 p.m.
—Alli Marshall, A&E reporter
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