30 Days Out: a look at upcoming concerts

Twice monthly, my blog 30 Days Out spotlights upcoming music shows and events of note, shining a light into some less well-lit corners, where some 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 to the show.

Two national acts, one international trio and a one-off local-based supergroup of sorts are the focus of this issue. Never mind the cold; these shows make braving the weather worth the effort.

Artist: Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas
Venue: Grey Eagle
Date: Thursday, March 12, 8:00 p.m.
Door: $10 advance / $12 day of show
When hearing Jessica Hernandez‘s voice, the first name that will come to most people’s minds is Amy Winehouse. And while it’s true that the Detroit-based vocalist does bear some sonic similarities to the departed British chanteuse, she has established a strong musical identity of her own. Ably backed by The Deltas, Hernandez wraps herself around her songs in a way that recalls Chrissie Hynde and — because the tough stance isn’t her only angle — KT Tunstall. When the band appeared on David Letterman’s show recently, the host was clearly bowled over by their performance. And in response, Hernandez giggled like a little girl. Asheville people, this could be one of the year’s best shows. Go. Opening act TBD.

Artist: Invisible III + Stephanie Morgan
Venue: Mothlight
Date: Tuesday, March 3, 8:00 p.m.
Door: $7 advance / $10 day of show
Invisible III is an Asheville-based “power trio” featuring heavyweights of the music scene; nominally post-rock, their unconventional instrumental lineup (N/S Stick, keys, drums) allows them a wider musical palette than is typical for a three-man outfit. Stephanie Morgan, is, of course, the face and voice of Asheville-based art-pop group stephaniesĭd. For the occasion of Morgan’s birthday, the four musicians will collaborate on an evening of music by Radiohead. I’m told that the set will survey works from across the British band’s entire catalog, from Pablo Honey through the landmark OK Computer and beyond. Perhaps “fun” isn’t the first word that comes to mind when thinking of Radiohead, but I expect that’s what we’ll find at this show. (Stick around for a second set featuring original material.)

Artist: Capsula
Venue: One Stop
Date: Wednesday, March 11, 10:00 p.m.
Door: $8 advance / $10 day of show
For a serious aficionado of sixties garage/punk like myself, it gets tiresome when modern-day bands claim to be trafficking in the style. Most of them simply don’t get it. They tart their music up with a few stylistic flourishes — fuzztone guitar, combo organ — and think they’re “authentic.” Asheville’s own Reigning Sound is an important exception; they get it, big time. Another band that gets it is the Spain-by-way-of-Buenos Aires trio Capsula. They prove that music really is the universal language, and their music updates the style to something that may remind listeners of Black Sabbath(!) crossed with Kula Shaker. Alias for Now and Severance open.

Artist: Apache Relay
Venue: Grey Eagle
Date: Saturday, March 28, 9:00 p.m.
Door: $10 advance / $12 day of show
They’re based in Nashville, and they’re nominally an Americana band. But Apache Relay have much more going on than the tag would suggest. Their new self-titled album features a track called “Katie Queen of Tennessee” that owes as much to Phil Spector and Brian Wilson as it does to Fleet Foxes. Their arrangements convey a depth of emotionality uncommon in popular music, and they pull it off without getting maudlin. It will be fascinating to see and hear how they present their material live onstage. Folk Soul Revival opens.

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