Music to move mountains

It’s not all about triathletes and rock climbers, or four-wheel sidewalk surfing and running mountain bikes into a parked car, y’know.

The third annual Mountain Sports Festival (Friday, June 6 through Sunday, June 8, 2003) has 14 slots scheduled for live music, though at press time, only six acts had signed contracts (several other local big-name acts have unofficially committed).

Here’s what’s official right now:

Bio Ritmo

Spice is nice! Spry salsa, from feisty fiesta fare to sweet baladas de amor. This nine-piece Richmond, Va.-based group has made a career tweaking traditional Latin sounds with modern flair (a little jazz and classical; even a touch of heavy metal). But the new self-titled album, the band’s first recording in five years, is more salsified than ever, with all lyrics sung in Spanish. So wear comfy shoes and plan to baile, baby, baile! Scheduled to play Friday, June 6 at 5:30 p.m.

Delta Moon

The Atlanta-based five-piece won this year’s Blues Foundation International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tenn. Vocalist Gina Leigh‘s alto somewhat recalls that of Bonnie Raitt. “And like Raitt,” an Atlanta Journal-Constitution reviewer notes, [Leigh] makes you completely forget that you’re listening to a middle-class white chick singing the blues.” Friday, June 5; 9 p.m.

Red Mango

Veterans of last year’s festival, this local combo includes flute, guitar, bongos and bass. Date, showtime to be announced.

Southern Lights

This local group, also returning from last year, used to be very world-beat, but with a Southern feel, notes James Nichols, Mountain Sports music director. This year, things may get a bit jazzier — the band has added a couple of horn players. Date, showtime TBA.

The Patrick Boland Brew

The Asheville-based Boland “is a fantastic pianist,” gushes Nichols. Boland, originally from Austin, Texas, will lean toward the jazzy end of his playing for the festival, Nichols reports. Peggy Ratusz will handle vocals. TBA.

County Farm

A big old-time good time, this local fiddle-crazed bluegrass combo mixes obscure mountain gems with better-known standards. They put the grin back in the pickin’, and pick like speed-crazed country fools. TBA.

All music is free to festivalgoers.

— Frank Rabey

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

About Webmaster
Mountain Xpress Webmaster Follow me @MXWebTeam

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.