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.
Country-rock. Funk-jazz. Singer-songwriter. Pop-absurdity. Those hyphenated musical styles are showcased in this, the latest entry of “30 Days Out.”
Artist: Supersuckers
Venue: The Mothlight
Date: Saturday, March 26, 9:30 p.m.
Door: $15
If Michael Jackson could hubristically anoint himself King of Pop, it stands to reason that Supersuckers should be allowed to crown themselves the Greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll Band in the World. Though past efforts have found the rowdy trio cranking out hard rock, they’re not a one-dimensional act. Supersuckers can turn out hard-bitten Americana-flavored rock that combines the best of singer-songwriter with the Western end of c&w. There’s a boot-scootin’ ambiance to the songs, but it’s knowingly grounded in rock ‘n’ roll. And despite real life’s intrusions — bassist/vocalist Eddie Spaghetti is in cancer treatment — the band’s humor is always present. Jesse Dayton opens.
Artist: Flood: Electric Herbie Hancock Tribute
Venue: Isis Restaurant & Music Hall
Date: Friday, March 25, 9 p.m.
Door: $10
Though he’s worked extensively in many subgenres (hard-bop jazz, fusion, etc.) Herbie Hancock is best known for his forays into the funkier end of jazz. Along with George Duke, Hancock was a pioneer in integrating electronic synthesizers into the jazz idiom. Hancock’s 1973 Headhunters album featured the now-classic “Chameleon” and an ace remake of his oft-covered “Watermelon Man.” Drawn from the cream of Western North Carolina’s jazz talent pool, Flood presents an evening in tribute to the funk era of the (still very active) keyboardist.
Artist: Don Dixon & Marti Jones
Venue: White Horse Black Mountain
Date: Sunday, March 20, 7:30 p.m.
Door: $15 advance / $18 day of show
Don Dixon is perhaps best known as a producer; his work with R.E.M., The Smithereens and Tommy Keene (among many others) excelled at showcasing the best qualities of those artists. His production work often threatens to overshadow his own music. Since the mid 1980s he’s been releasing fine records, both as a solo artist and in collaboration with his longtime musical partner (and spouse) Marti Jones, a successful singer-songwriter in her own right. Dixon and Jones have two albums together so far — 2008’s Lucky Stars: New Lullabies for Old Souls and Living Stereo from 2011.
Artist: They Might be Giants
Venue: The Orange Peel
Date: Thursday, April 7, 9 p.m.
Door: $23
The skewed pop of the two Johns (John Flansburgh and John Linnell) has been going strong without pause since they got together to make music more than 30 years ago. Theirs is a highly intelligent and witty sort of pop, knowingly combining rock, pop culture references, the odd history lesson — “Istanbul (Not Constantinople)” for example — and Dada absurdity. Asheville is a regular stop on TMBG tours; we always give them a warm welcome. (Put another way, the place will fill up, so get your tickets soon).
You may also enjoy: With over 2000 entries, my new and improved Musoscribe blog features new content — interviews, reviews and more — every business day. A proud tradition since 2009.
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