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.
There’s a unifying theme to the four Asheville shows previewed in this edition of 30 Days Out. They’re all free. The next 30 days provide four great opportunities to check out some new live music without breaking the bank. So go, but please give generously when the hat or tip jar passes ’round.
Artist: Chuck Brodsky
Venue: Salvage Station
Date: Saturday, Aug. 6, 8 p.m.
Door: FREE
Asheville’s own Chuck Brodsky has 10 albums to his credit. Even a quick look at his catalog discerns his love of baseball, but his lyrical concerns extend well beyond America’s pastime. He’s a storyteller in the grand tradition, and he’s skilled at setting those stories to appealing music. Like the most effective storytellers, Brodsky can make you laugh and pause to think at the same time.
Artist: Tin Foil Hat
Venue: The Mothlight
Date: Monday, July 25, 9 p.m.
Door: FREE
Tin Foil Hat is the nom de musique of Jared Hooker. He’s a multi-instrumentalist, but his music is built primarily around synthesizer textures. If you dig Depeche Mode and similarly thoughtful electronic-based music, he’s worth checking out. Asheville-based Hooker has a strong, melodic voice, and he applies it effectively to songs that are alternately melancholy, futurist, doom-laden and irresistibly hook-filled. Tony Mozz and Celia Verbeck are also on the bill.
Artist: Dana Massive
Venue: Altamont Brewing
Date: Tuesday, July 26, 8:30 p.m.
Door: FREE
Portland, Maine’s Dana Massive is Ralph Miro. His music is wonderful varied, incorporating styles that suggest Ben Folds, Elton John and any number of lo-fi/indie acts all at once. His has a strong pop sensibility, leavened by a DIY approach that keeps things grounded. His voice leans a bit in a twee direction — think The Three O’Clock‘s Michael Quercio — but it’s well-suited to the music. Dana Massive is the featured performer on this open mic night.
Artist: Justina Shandler Trio
Venue: The Block Off Biltmore
Date: Saturday, July 30, 7 p.m.
Door: FREE
The delightful singer-songwriter pop of Florida’s Justina Shandler invites comparisons to Lisa Loeb and Jill Sobule. There’s a bouncy feel to her original songs, but the tunes aren’t of the lightweight, disposable-pop variety. Shandler has won awards and critical plaudits for her work, much of which seems ideal for placement in TV or film.
You may also enjoy: With over 2000 entries and more than 300 interviews, my Musoscribe blog features new content — features, reviews and more — every business day. A proud tradition since 2009, now in its eighth year.
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