In my twice-monthly blog 30 Days Out, I spotlight upcoming music shows and events of note. While the most well-known venues in town (Orange Peel, Grey Eagle, and whatever they’re calling the Civic Center) consistently book popular and worthwhile acts, I’ll shine a light into some less well-lit corners, where some equally fascinating artists schedule performances. I do my best to give ample advance notice so that you can adjust your budget and calendar in a way that lets you get you to the show..
This time ‘round, I’ll cover a tribute to some legends, a locally-based sensation, and a pair of in-demand artists who visit Asheville for gigs as often as they can.
Artist: André Cholmondeley
Venue: The Mothlight
Date: Sunday, Feb. 9, 8:00 p.m.
Door: $7
André has been in Asheville less than ten years, but he’s quickly made his mark. When, that is, he’s even in town. In addition to heading the Frank Zappa tribute band Project Object, Cholmondeley (pronounced kinda like “Chumley”) plays lead guitar in Asheville’s own Wham Bam Bowie Band, and works as stage manager for world-famous acts, often in the arena- and prog-rock idiom (Yes, Greg Lake, etc.). This gig is a rare local solo/duo show in which he’ll perform his wide-ranging original material and – along with everyone in attendance – celebrate his 49th birthday.
Artist: Eric Slick
Venue: Jack of the Wood
Date: Tuesday, Feb. 11, 8:00 p.m.
Door: Free (donations encouraged)
The prodigiously talented Slick is perhaps best known as drummer for always-popular-in-Asheville Dr. Dog, though he’s lent his percussive expertise to ex-King Crimson guitarist Adrian Belew, André Cholmondeley (see above) and many, many others. So it’s a bit of a surprise to learn that this show is in support of a new collection of Slick’s acoustic guitar-based music, perhaps aptly titled Out of Habit. Apparently there’s not much the guy can’t do.
Artist: Randall Bramblett
Venue: Isis Music Hall
Date: Friday, Feb. 21, 9:00 p.m.
Door: $12 / $15 door
Bramblett has long been the go-to guy for all manner of high quality acts (Gregg Allman, Widespread Panic, Traffic, etc). Part of his broad appeal owes to his style: a soulful amalgam of several American musical forms. The Athens, GA-based Bramblett (no relation to Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett; note the spelling) visits Asheville often; he performed at last year’s Bele Chere as well as an Isis date in June 2013, and the enthusiastic response to both all but guaranteed his return. Read my green-room conversation with him.
Artist: Various Artists: “Meet the Beatles”
Venue: White Horse Black Mountain
Date: Friday, Feb. 28, 8:00 p.m.
Door: $18 / $25 door
Sure, everyone and their grandmother is mounting some kind of commemoration of The Beatles’ historic February 1964 conquering of America. Why shouldn’t WNC performing artists get in on the action? As it happens, with a virtual who’s-who of local performing talent on the bill, ticketholders can rightly expect a wide range of interpretations of Beatles material, from spoken-word to acoustic guitar to who-knows-what. And it’s all for a very good cause, MANNA Food Bank and Homeward Bound.
You may also enjoy: With over 1200 entries, my Musoscribe blog features new content — interviews, reviews and more — every business day.
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