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.
This time around we’ve got soul, big-band pop/jazz, alt-country and experimental/avant-garde music. There’s something for most all musical tastes here, and it’s all found on the stages of Asheville music venues.
Artist: Goldie & the Screamers
Venue: White Horse Black Mountain
Date: Sunday, Aug. 6, 8 p.m.
Door: $10
Asheville’s CaroMia Tiller has one of the strongest set of pipes you’re ever likely to encounter live onstage. With her band, Goldie & the Screamers, she applies her vocal instrument to deeply soulful music that maintains a consistently high melodic quotient. It’s irrepressibly romantic, deeply felt stuff delivered with high energy, even on the slow jams. At times the band — which includes guitarist Jesse Lapinsky, drummer Jacob Coats and bassist Chandler Brewer backing Tiller on vocals and keys — faithfully conjures the vibe of the Stax/Volt Revue, or, for a more modern corollary, the Tedeschi Trucks Band. The Virginia Slims open.
Artist: Ahleuchatistas
Venue: The Mothlight
Date: Monday, Aug. 22, 9 p.m.
Door: free
Asheville based duo Ahleuchatistas offers up a challenging and inventive spin on the guitar-and-drums duo format: those who find value in applying musical labels end up describing the music made by Shane Parish and Ryan Oslance using phrases like “avant-garde” and “noise rock” and words like experimental. None of those is exactly wrong, but neither does any of those labels get quite at what this duo does live. Their sometimes abstract instrumental music touches on a wide variety of styles; let’s just say that it’s both demanding and intriguing. And while it might sound like Parish and Oslance don’t know where a particular song is headed, they really do. Ahleuchatistas are not a jam band. Expand your musical horizons and check them out. Also on the bill for this free show: Ava Mendoza and Jessica Pavone.
Artist: Rick Dilling and Time Check
Venue: Isis Restaurant & Music Hall
Date: Sunday, Aug. 28, 7:30 p.m.
Door: $15
Buddy Rich is remembered mostly for two things: he was an uncompromisingly demanding bandleader who often berated his musicians in public, swearing like a sailor all the while; and he was a thunderous drummer par excellence who helped bridge the gap between the big-band generation and rock ‘n’ roll. Rich’s swinging, Vegas-y live sets of the 1960s often spotlighted thrilling big-band readings of tunes like Sonny & Cher‘s “The Beat Goes On,” The Doors‘ “Soul Kitchen” (no, really) and the Beatles‘ “Norwegian Wood” alongside older classics. Rick Dilling aims to capture the essence of this musical omnivore and his band (albeit without the cursing and screaming, I suspect). If you’ve ever sought an entry-point into big-band music, this show may well be just the (reasonably priced) ticket.
Artist: BJ Barham
Venue: The Grey Eagle
Date: Tuesday, Aug. 30, 8 p.m.
Door: $15
In the decade since its debut, North Carolina-based alt-country band American Aquarium has earned respect as one of the genre’s best-loved acts. The music that draws in listeners who think they don’t really dig country and western music. Front man, guitarist and singer BJ Barham recently stepped outside the band framework to record his solo debut, Rockingham, set for release later this month. The tour to promote that album swings through quite a few cities in the American southeast, but Barham’s Grey Eagle set is one of only three shows in his home state of North Carolina. I met him last year at the AmericanaFest in Nashville when we were on a music industry discussion panel; I found him to be a musician who deeply understands, appreciates and values the connection with his fan base. Justin Osborne opens.
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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