One of the nation’s fringier fringes celebrates its 17th year, Jan. 20-27.
Smart Bets: We Shall Overcome
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. receives a diverse musical tribute on Jan. 22 at Diana Wortham Theatre.
Smart Bets: Steep Canyon Rangers
The bluegrass stalwarts welcome Hiss Golden Messenger for their annual homecoming show, Jan. 19 at the U.S. Cellular Center.
Tellico releases its second album, ‘Woven Waters’
Tellico used a back-to-basics approach to recording, tracking live in the studio instead of layering individual performances. That approach is key to the record’s organic, you-are-there sonic quality.
Asheville Archives: Live music hits the streets, 1919
On May 25, 1919, the Berry Municipal Band performed its first live set in Asheville. The ensemble played a series of free outdoor shows throughout the summer in an effort to expand the city’s appeal to tourists.
Smart Bets: Church Girls
The Philadelphia-based rock/punk quartet plays The Odditorium on Jan. 18.
Acoustic Asheville: Tellico
With the recent release of its sophomore record, Woven Waters, Tellico continues to evolve a traditional country music sound with an innovative and original style.
Video release: “Fake Buddha’s Inner Child” by Jonathan Scales
The film, directed by Daniel Judson, features a number of artists from the Asheville music scene and is set in part at Edisto Island.
Album review: ‘Bright Hills’ by the Appalucians
The debut album from Asheville-based folk quartet the Appalucians, reveals a charming and close-knit vibe within seconds of its opening track.
Guitar League’s Asheville chapter reconvenes in January
Paul Heumiller, owner of Dream Guitars in Weaverville, will be the featured presenter at the Jan. 14 meeting.
Tuareg guitar hero Mdou Moctar returns to Asheville
As a young musician, Moctar was heavily influenced by Tuareg folk music, called “takamba,” but he also fell in love with the wild guitar mastery of Eddie Van Halen.
Smart Bets: Helen Money
Alison Chesley brings her experimental solo cello project to The Mothlight on Jan. 15.
Smart Bets: Sam Bush
The mandolin master and his band play Isis on Jan. 13.
30 Days Out: a look at upcoming concerts
This installment marks the five-year anniversary of the column.
Acoustic Asheville: Freewheelin’ Mamas
The band has a performance coming up on Saturday, Jan. 19, at One World Brewing’s downtown location.
(SATIRE) Crowd-source campaigns worth the ante
Inspired by “Emily Dickinson’s Patreon” by Riane Konc in The New Yorker, Xpress dreamed up for arts-related Kickstarter projects (led by local and international personalities) that would surely be worth funding — if only for the choice perks.
Lake Street Dive returns to Asheville for an Orange Peel show
“We try to incorporate one or two covers into any set,” Mike “McDuck” Olson says. “Because covers tend to be the way that our fans gained entry into our music.”
Smart Bets: April B. & The Cool
The local funk/soul/hip-hop band plays Highland Brewing Co. on Jan. 5.
Acoustic Asheville: Tim McWilliams
Tim McWilliams is part of local country trio Redleg Husky, but he’s also branching out and doing solo shows on occasion.
Noteworthy local album releases
The past year has brought forth a bumper crop of superb albums in every genre from artists local (or with strong connections) to Asheville and the surrounding region.
Creative resistance
In Western North Carolina, 2018 held numerous examples of the arts-infused actions aimed at collective liberation.