Matt Williams featuring Royal Suits share the feel-good single, “2020.”
Clubland editor Lauren Andrews and Community Calendar editor Deborah Robertson reflect on 2019
From exhibits to fundraisers, Lauren Andrews and Deborah Robertson kept readers up-to-date on the latest happenings around town in 2019.
Acoustic Asheville: Arouna and Biko
The duo once called Asheville home and were back in town earlier this year for a tour stop.
Life Like Water celebrates its first full-length release
The globe-spanning vibe of ‘I Am Listening’ will be captured at the Grey Eagle album release show with the help of guest musicians River Guerguerian (percussion) and flautist Scott Sheerin.
WNC’s New Year’s Eve celebrations usher in the ’20s
Where will you welcome in the next decade? Check out Xpress’ extensive list of ideas.
Local artists and influencers recount their favorite happenings
From theater and live music to art exhibitions and literature, 2019 produces great works across genres.
Smart Bets: Papadosio
The Asheville-based electro-synth/prog-rock quintet plays Dec. 27-28 at Isis.
Smart Bets: Ashley Heath
The local singer/songwriter debuts new songs in acoustic form, Dec. 27 at The Grey Eagle.
Tryon couple open a multifocused creative and retail space
Inherited vintage clothing, previously online-only, recently opened as not only a brick-and-mortar store in downtown Tryon, but also as a collaboration with Heise’s husband, the singer-songwriter and recording artist Steven Fiore (aka Young Mister), who runs Reunion Tour, a recording studio and skate and music shop in the same space.
How local music ministries soundtrack spiritual experience
Xpress looks into the musical ministries of a number of local churches and explores what such programs, at the intersection of art and worship, offer to parishioners as well secular fans of a good concert.
Smart Bets: Jamie Laval’s Celtic Christmas
The holiday tradition returns to Asheville Community Theatre on Dec. 28.
Russ Wilson hosts annual Christmas show and releases career retrospective album
“We’ve got a few new arrangements that we’re bringing in, but we’re going to play all the old favorites,” Wilson says. “Wendy [Jones] has a big band arrangement of ‘White Christmas.’ And last year we started doing ‘Silent Night.’”
Smart Bets: Elves in the Piano
Pianist David Troy Francis, cellist Franklin Keel and singer Carol Duermit perform a Christmas program at White Horse Black Mountain on Dec. 22.
Smart Bets: PrettyPretty
The Asheville alt-pop duo’s monthlong Fleetwood’s residency continues Dec. 20 and 27.
Smart Bets: Giri and Uma Peters
The youthful brother-sister old-time duo opens for Pretty Little Goat on Dec. 20 at Isis.
Acoustic Asheville: CW Stoneking
He’s released just three albums over the last 14 years but managed to catch the ear of Jack White.
Kat Williams and Richard Shulman present a holiday concert
Shulman notes that a perennial favorite at the holiday shows is James Brown’s “Santa Claus Go Straight to the Ghetto.”
EP review: ‘Christmas on a Greyhound Bus’ by Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters
The five-song collection is primarily a gift to the band’s existing fans, but will likely be a treat for new listeners, as well.
Smart Bets: The Harmaleighs
The Nashville-based duo play The Grey Eagle on Dec. 15.
Smart Bets: The Reel Sisters
The pipes and harp duo brings its Celtic Celebration to Isis on Dec. 15.
Smart Bets: Tony Grant
The Tyler Perry collaborator and R&B singer brings his Soulful Christmas concert to Tryon Fine Arts Center on Dec. 14.