“I know that music, especially as it resounds from the ancient hammered dulcimer, reflects the invisible human spirit,” says Joshua Messick, Asheville resident and national champion on the stringed, trapezoidal instrument. “This music is a prayer without words and a balm to communicate love, hope and healing.” Messick’s forthcoming Black Mountain show marks his first live performance with instrumental band Acoustic Storm, which features local percussionists River Guerguerian and James Kylen along with renowned Houston-based cellist Max Dyer. Together, the musicians build evocative soundtracks for the soul, brimming with sudden mood changes and rhythmic ingenuity. White Horse Black Mountain hosts the new quartet’s debut on Saturday, July 25, at 8 p.m. $18/$20. whitehorseblackmountain.com. Photo of Messick courtesy of the artist
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