Thursday, Sept. 2
• Folk/Americana band Mandolin Orange, from Chapel Hill (a duo fronted by songwriter Andrew Marlin and vocalist/instrumentalist Emily Frantz) will be at Mo Daddy’s (77 Biltmore Ave., Asheville, 258-1550). According to the group’s bio, they pair “musical roles to stylize songs inspired by their country, jazz and bluegrass forebears, ornamenting lyrical songs with violin, mandolin, and acoustic and electric guitars. As a band, they are joined by Jeff Crawford on bass and James Wallace on drums.” 9 p.m., $5.
• The Eskatones (who claim that, “We make learning fun”) team up with Spicy Mustache at The Boiler Room (11 Grove St., Asheville, 505-1612). 9 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 3
• Castell Photography (2C Wilson Alley, Asheville, 255-1188) hosts photo-based work by Denver artist Ben Isburg. The series, Pillow Talk, deals with “the ideal of loving relationships. yje facade of perfection, and often utilizes appropriate imagery from 1950s publicity shots.” The opening reception runs from 5-8 p.m. with wine and light hors d’oeuvres.
• The Swayback Sisters (Laura Blackley, Lyndsay Wojcik and Nikki Talley) will perform as part of the monthly free music evenings in Flat Rock. (Presented by the Flat Rock Merchants Association, concerts are held on Little Rainbow Row’s back deck, corner of Greenville Highway and West Blue Ridge Road). 6-8 p.m.
• Celebrating a comeback of sorts, singer/guitarist Jaimee Tomas — formerly frontwoman of The Jaimee Tomas Band — launches her new project, The Jaimee Show, with guitarist Forrest Smith and “a collective of like-minded musicians dedicated to bringing passion and soul to people of all tastes.” The group plays Mo Daddy’s with special guest Suzanna Baum. 9 p.m., $5.
• Shake It Like a Caveman, the experimental one-man-band project of Blake Burris, will be at Good Stuff Grocery (133 S. Main St., Marshall, 649-9711). 8 p.m., tips.
Saturday, Sept. 4
• Psychedelic rockers Doc Aquatic take the stage at Craggie Brewery from 6-8 p.m. The band says, “Local beer and local music equals a great time!” We agree.
• Juan Holladay, the soulful, easy-on-the-eyes frontman of Secret B-Sides, plays a solo set at French Broad Chocolate Lounge (10 S. Lexington Ave., Asheville, 252-4181). 8 p.m., free.
• Julia Ann & Laurel Ridge Bluegrass (the name pretty much says it all, right?) is fronted by singer/manadolin player/cancer survivor Julia Roberts from Weaverville. The groups brings its explosive bluegrass sound to Hannah Flanagan’s (27 Biltmore Ave., Asheville, 252-1922). 9 p.m.
• The Funknastics sound like they’re a funk/jam sort of band. But the lineup does include jazz program grads and is pretty much a super-group of sought-ater local talent. They finish out the evening at Westville Pub (777 Haywood Rd., West Asheville, 225-9782) 10 p.m., $5.
Saturday Sept 5: Brandon Lowery and Tim McGill of By Morning at Stella’s, 55 College St, $5.