Friday was the perfect evening for an outdoor concert. The rain stopped just before the doors opened, letting people camp out of the lawn of The Biltmore to do some fanciful tailgating that included a large bag of wine or two.
As the sun set, the sold-out crowd began to filter onto the South Terrace. Dawes started slightly before schedule, but the seats were certainly full by the time they were done. Dobro master Jerry Douglas joined in for a few songs towards the end of the set. The night was just a teaser of the vintage-rock style that they will bring back to town on Oct. 21 when they co-headline the Orange Peel with Blitzen Trapper.
Alison Krauss & Union Station took the stage just after the sun dipped below the mountains. No photography was allowed, but the band did not disappoint their dapper fans. (Did you know red blazers are fashionable for both men and women this season?)
If you couldn’t get (or afford) a ticket to this show, but want some outdoor bluegrass action this summer, check out Del Yeah at Pisgah Brewing on Sept. 3. Tickets are $20 and you’ll be able to get quality local beer instead of the paltry Bud Light options favored by The Biltmore.
I really dig the Dawes and am looking forward to their OP show … I will not attend another Biltmore show after what they did to the dancers at the B52s show!