So this week the section is pretty man-heavy. We always try for a balance of genres and venues, but this week's A&E dudeness was striking — one of those things you don't necessarily notice until you're turning your photos in to the designer, and they're all dudes, standing, sitting, rocking, whatever. Oh yeah, and one gal in her underwear. Classy. So anyway, sometimes things tip in strange directions. Enjoy the brodeo.
First up, a dispatch from resident junking expert and music-phile Whitney Shroyer:
"It's been a busy summer for Asheville rock and roller Greg Cartwright, who's performing shows this year with the full trifecta of his most prominent bands, past and present. He's just wrapped up a European tour with his fellow Oblivians (and Detroit legends the Gories), and is now set to play a short series of dates with the Reigning Sound, who are getting ready to release their long-awaited fourth studio album, Love and Curses, on In the Red records. Then next weekend it's off to Memphis to play with the Compulsive Gamblers, as one of many bands who are reuniting to celebrate the legendary Antenna club.
"The August 6 Reigning Sound show at the Grey Eagle also gives Asheville another chance to see the Thomas Function, an excellent jangly power-pop band from Alabama, who are getting ready to follow up their outstanding 2008 release Celebration with an as-yet untitled follow up. Both bands are terrific live, and the Grey Eagle show promises to be a rockin' good time.
"Any Asheville fans who'd love to see the Compulsive Gamblers but can't make it on the 15th of August are advised to mark their calendars for the Sept. 24 to 6 weekend, when the Gamblers will join bands from all around the world (including Asheville resident Don Howland's latest project, now called A Burning Bus) at Gonerfest in Memphis. The sixth Gonerfest, sponsored by the label and the record store of the same name, is the festival's best lineup yet, featuring an outstanding array of cutting edge rock 'n roll. A truly international lineup including France's Magnetix and the Sonic Chicken 4, Puerto Rico's Davila 666, up-and-coming American bands like Thee Oh Sees, Ty Segall, and Nobunny, as well as punk legends like the Reatards and the Cheater Slicks. More info can be found at www.goner-records.com/gonerfest."
Coming back from Memphis, maybe on a train, don't miss Woody Pines at Jack of the Wood on Saturday, Aug. 8. Back from a five-week Western tour including stops at the inimitable Oregon Country Fair and Seattle's Folklife Festival, the country-blues-old-time trio has been in the studio with Gill Landry from Old Crow Medicine Show. While Pines is Asheville-based, he and his lonely backup duo don't stick around for long (they're already planning a 2010 European tour), so catch them while you can. $6. Info at www.myspace.com/woodypines.
Got random and useful news for Spork? E-mail ae@mountainx.com.
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