You might have noticed that L.A.-based rock band Dawes has all but relocated to Asheville. The quartet opened for Brett Dennen at The Orange Peel in May and open for Alison Krauss & Union Station‘s sold-out show at The Biltmore Estate on Friday, Aug. 12.
And — this just announced — the tireless band swings back by the Orange Peel on Friday, Oct. 21 to co-headline with Blitzen Trapper.
Now Blitzen Trapper, from Portland, is no stranger to Asheville. The alt-country/folk-rock quintet seems to make it to town about once a year. This time around, they’ll be touring in support of American Goldwing, set to be released on Sub Pop on Tuesday, Sept. 13. Blitzen Trapper’s tour kicks off in California on Oct. 7, but tickets for shows go on sale Friday, Aug. 12 (including at the Orange Peel — ticket sales begin at noon.) By the way, that’s the date Dawes will be at the Biltmore. You know, if you’re into synchronicity. Or mere coincidence.
In anticipation of the tour, Blitzen Trapper and Dawes will release a free six-song sampler of 3 previously released songs from each band available for download. And, according to press, “starting this Friday, Aug. 5 at 10 a.m. (EST,) both bands will make a limited number of tickets available for pre-sale through their respective websites (blitzentrapper.net or dawestheband.com) as well as offer an exclusive tour t-shirt and special discounts on catalogue and new material” and “starting Friday, Aug. 5, the first 500 people who pre-order American Goldwing here will receive a limited edition Blitzen Trapper key chain that was inspired by the open road-like nature of the album title, cover, and its songs.”
Also, for those into coincidence, the Blitzen Trapper/Dawes show comes just a couple weeks on the heels of Fleet Foxes’ Asheville show (Oct. 4 at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium). Last time the Fleet Foxes were in Asheville they were opening for Blitzen Trapper at The Grey Eagle. Which is to say it’s possible that Blitzen Trapper is the catalyst for other bands’ rise, so if you were thinking of catching Dawes while they’re still accessible (and under $20), you might want to do it now-ish.
Smoke Fairies open. 9 p.m. show. Tickets $15 advance/$17 doors.
Its shaping up to be an awesome Fall in Asheville for music.
Yes, I agree and am looking forward to this show!!!
I’m suprised there hasn’t been any mention of the fact that The Jayhawks are coming in October as well. Have they EVER played in Asheville before?
The Jayhawks opened for Lucinda Williams at the Thomas Wolfe a few years ago.