A recent winner of the people’s choice award at the Brown Bag Songwriting Competition, Kozak is better known for leading Thomas Kozak and the Poets.
Album review: ‘Instrumental Conversations’ by Dave Desmelik
Desmelik has parlayed his years as a songwriter into sussing language from the non-verbal compositions.
Tall Tall Trees launches a new album at Ambrose West
“One of the reasons I felt comfortable living [in Asheville was because] there are some amazing musicians here who I’ve become friends with,” says Mike Savino. “I’ve felt very welcomed in this community [and] I’ve been very inspired by a lot of musicians here.”
Valentine’s Day happenings in and around Asheville
Asheville’s newest Valentine’s Day soirée doesn’t quite embody traditional romance.
Album review: ‘Basic Glitches’ by Eleventyseven
‘Basic Glitches’ is packed full of insistent electroclash anthems like “Skip,” tunes seemingly designed as much for singalongs as to drive listeners onto the dance floor.
Smart Bets: Dustbowl Revival
The “California roots orchestra” plays The Grey Eagle on Feb. 9.
Seratones combine introspection and soul-rock
“Really digging into the collaborative process, I learned how a song touched by different hands becomes this really cool thing,” AJ Haynes says. “It doesn’t detract from its uniqueness.”
Smart Bets: The Asheville Opry
Devils in Dust, Rebecca and the Reckoning and Tim McWilliams pay tribute to country music legends, Feb. 9 at Isis.
Acoustic Asheville: Darling West
The musicians stopped by Carrier Park on a warm winter day to perform two songs exclusively for Xpress and Acoustic Asheville. Both songs will be on their upcoming record.
Smart Bets: Sun Studies, Joshua Carpenter & Andy Herod
The longtime friends play individual sets on Feb. 5 at Daidala Ciders/Andy Herod Gallery.
Smart Bets: Jess Klein
The Hillsborough-based singer/songwriter plays the Isis lounge on Jan. 31.
Rahm Squad plays an album release show at The Mothlight
Acclaimed local guitarist Ram Mandelkorn discusses his evolution as a singer/songwriter.
Acoustic Asheville: The Jauntee
The band was in Black Mountain recently for a tour stop at Pisgah Brewing, with a new record in tow.
Album review: ‘Vvitchgang Coven’
Vvitchgang Coven has a local show scheduled for Friday, Feb. 7, at The Odditorium. The all-hip-hop bill also features sets by Flatline Squad, Allii Wayy, Sinker, DirtyBoys, Lil Connie, and Young Fly Mafia.
Smart Bets: The Devil Makes Three
The Americana/bluegrass group swings by The Orange Peel on Jan. 26.
Smart Bets: Jonathan Scales Fourchestra
The acclaimed steel pannist plays Asheville Music Hall on Jan. 25 — his first local show since moving to New York City.
VIDEO RELEASE: “Mistakes Were Made” by Strange Halos
Local singer-songwriter Matt Townsend just returned from hiatus with a new band and new songs.
Asheville Fringe Arts Festival returns for its 18th year
More than 40 local and national acts are scheduled for this year’s Asheville Fringe. The four-day ticketed portion of the festival runs Thursday-Sunday, Jan. 23-26, with additional parties and free events taking place now through Sunday, Jan. 26.
Smart Bets: Girls Rock Rockathon
Registration for the all-levels concert and fundraiser ends Jan. 20.
Smart Bets: Too Many Zooz
The energetic NYC-based Brasshouse trio play The Grey Eagle on Jan. 18.
Smart Bets: Andrew Scotchie’s Birthday Bash
The local rocker celebrates the big 2-7 with talented musical friends, Jan. 18 at Asheville Music Hall.