Press release from the Asheville Downtown Association:
The 31st season of Downtown After 5, presented by Prestige Subaru, kicks off Friday, May 17 from 5-9pm. Downtown After 5 takes place the 3rd Friday of the month May – September and is held on North Lexington Avenue. Events are free and open to the public.
2019 Lineup
• May 17
Eric Gales Band
Hailed as a child prodigy and frequently compared to Jimi Hendrix, Eric Gales has recorded 18 albums. His 2017 album, Middle of the Road, featured Gary Clark, Jr and Lauren Hill and reached #4 on the Billboard Top Blues Album Chart. Gales unique hybrid blues/rock sound has put him on many to guitarist lists. In fact, Carlos Santana, Dave Navarro and Joe Bonamassa consider Gales a favorite.
Support: Alvin Youngblood Hart’s Muscle Theory
Known as a “musician’s musician,” Alvin Youngblood Hart’s praises have been sung by everyone from Bob Dylan to guitar gods Eric Clapton and Mick Taylor. After two decades on the road, Alvin continues to delight audiences worldwide, whether as a solo performer or with the eternally rockin’ Alvin Youngblood Hart’s Muscle Theory.
• June 14
Tameca Jones
Austin native, Tameca Jones’ powerful vocals fill the air. Her debut single, Hot and Bothered, has an old-school Motown vibe that makes the singer’s vocals shine bright. Jones’ sweet, honeyed, soulful got her pegged as the “queen of Austin soul” and crowned best female vocalist at the 2018 Austin Music Awards.
Support: Secret B-Sides
Locals the Secret B-Sides produce a fresh sound, rooted in the classic feel of R&B and soul music, updated with the modern sensibilities of hip hop.
• July 19
Shamarr Allen (of Galactic and The Underdawgs)
The definition of New Orleans, Allen’s influences ranger from jazz and hip hop to rock and funk. Allen was the longtime trumpet player for Galactic and has collaborated with the likes of Willie Nelson, Patti LaBelle, Harry Connick Jr and Lenny Kravitz. His unique sound and exemplary talent transcends musical boundaries.
Support: April B. & the Cool
Expressive vocals and impressive guitar work are just part of what makes April B. & the Cool special. Drawing style and inspiration from Hip-Hop, Soul, R&B, Funk, Rock, Jazz and Reggae music, April B. puts it all together in sultry and alluring fashion.
Opener: Natural Born Leaders
With a uniquely powerful, thought provoking, and lively stage show NBL is a bite of hip-hop-gumbo-funk with strong, musical burst of soul that will make your soul hungry for more and your feet aching from dancing.
• August 16
The Artisanals
The Artisanals’ blend of heartland 70s rock and alt-Americana coupled with influences like Bruce Springsteen, My Morning Jacket and The Cars. Their four-track debut EP received critical acclaim from Huffington Post, Paste Magazine and Day Trotter.
Support: The National Reserve
The National Reserve mine an archetypal musical seam, marrying gutbucket R&B, Laurel Canyon lyricism, New Orleans funk workouts, late night soul, and bluesy, boozy rock ‘n’ roll to create their own timeless brand of American music.
Opener: Emma’s Lounge
Emma’s Lounge has the unique ability to morph from rootsy folk to rollicking rock and powerful soul, to head-turning electronic-tinged psychedelic funkiness. Their strange range of creative influence is united by the band’s raw energy on stage.
• September 20
Asheville All Stars
The All Stars show has quickly become a favorite of the season, featuring some of AVL’s best musicians making music together. Stay tuned for more info on the lineup of all local talent.
Opener: Asheville Rock Academy
Students from Asheville’s Rock Academy will open the September show. Rock Academy gives young musicians the opportunity to meet and play together while learning from professional musicians. They may be young, but these kids rock!
Each summer the Asheville Downtown Association partners with five local nonprofits to sell wristbands at the event. Each group receives a grant of $2000. The ADA has given more than $200,000 to area nonprofits through this program. 2019 partners are: Asheville GreenWorks, Children First, Food Connection, Open Hearts Center and REACH (a fund of Homeward Bound).
Lots of local beers on tap including: Pisgah Brewing, Sierra Nevada, Hi-Wire Brewing, Asheville Brewing Company, Catawba Brewing, French Broad Brewing, Green Man Brewery and Bold Rock Cider, as well as beers from Western North Carolina and regional and national brands. Wine, soda, water and locally crafted Devil’s Foot beverages are also available for purchase.
We’re serving up plenty of local yumminess with food vendors: Delia’s Tea Time, D.O.G.S., El Kimchi, FroZen Monkey, Gypsy Queen Cuisine, Kernel Mike’s Kettle Corn, Moe’s Original BBQ and Sunshine Sammies.
More information on Downtown After 5 and the Asheville Downtown Association can be found at ashevilledowntown.org.
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