We just checked and, yes, it’s still winter, “economy” is still a dirty word and (here’s the good news) there’s still more to do around Western N.C. than any sane person can accomplish in a single weekend. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.
This week’s roundup includes a bassoon concert, free tunes served alongside some of Asheville’s best pie, and a showcase or two. All for $4 or less. Got $5 to spend? Check the last entry for each date — that’s where you’ll find the big-ticket acts.
Friday, Feb. 20
• Rock Hill, S.C.-based acoustic artist PJ Brunson is at Well-Bred Bakery (26 North Main St., Weaverville) starting at 6 p.m. Free.
• Now You See Them stops by Picnics (371 Merrimon Ave., Asheville) for a 6 p.m. gig. The band suggests that fans “buy some pie.”
• Classical instrumentalist duo Tuple (pictured: Rachael Elliott and Lynn Hileman, who both play bassoon) perform at St. Matthias Episcopal Church (1 Dundee St., Asheville). The 8 p.m. concert is by donation.
• Three bands for four bucks: Steamboat Theory with Steep Winding Road and Gypsy Hangup at The Rootbar (1410 Tunnel Road, Asheville). 9 p.m.
• Hendersonville folk-rocker Damian LeMaster plays a 10 p.m. show at The Rocket Club (401 Haywood Road, West Asheville) with The Broomstars. It’s totally — if inexplicably — free.
• Okay, big spenders, here’s the $5 lineup: Blitch at Shovelhead Saloon (2898 U.S. Hwy. 70, Black Mountain), 9 p.m.; Sonmi Suite at The Boiler Room (11 Grove St., Asheville), 9 p.m.; Sons of Ralph at Jack of the Wood (95 Patton Ave., Asheville), 9 p.m.; Brother Fatback at Mo Daddy’s (77-B Biltmore Ave., Asheville), 9:30 p.m.; Tim Alimena at Town Pump (135 Cherry St., Black Mountain), p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 21
• Religious folky David Eck plays “Music of the Eagles” as part of the Midday Musicals at First Congregational United Church of Christ (Oak St., Asheville). The 12:30 p.m. performance is free.
• At 6 p.m. Picnics (371 Merrimon Ave., Asheville) hosts Juan Holladay of Asheville’s The Secret B-Sides. For free.
• Prog-metal quintet Shake Azalia plays a house party (32 Piercy St., Asheville) with As Sick As Us and Decree of Annihilation at 6:30 p.m. $3 cover.
• And here’s what to do if you’ve got five dollars burning a hole in your wallet: The Kase Project at The Encouraging Cup (3099 Hendersonville Road, Fletcher), 8 p.m.; Melissa Hyman at Westside Barber Shop (755 Haywood Road, West Asheville), 8 p.m.; Arms and Sleepers at The New French Bar (12 Biltmore Ave., Asheville), 8 p.m.; The Space Heaters at Westville Pub (777 Haywood Road, Asheville), 9:30 p.m.; The John Douglas Company at Fred’s Speakeasy (122 College St., Asheville) 10 p.m.
— Alli Marshall, A&E reporter
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