The renowned five-string picker and his fellow Blue Ridge Banjo Camp instructors perform Aug. 18 at the Brevard Music Center.
Southern Avenue returns to Asheville for Downtown After 5
Southern Avenue formed after Ori Naftaly, who had a successful solo career in his native Israel, came to the U.S. to participate in the International Blues Challenge.
Local teen band Uncle Kurtis releases a studio recording
Since getting together a year ago (some of the members had played together in other groups before their 10th birthdays), Uncle Kurtis has been booked at Soulshine, LEAF Downtown AVL, Sly Grog, Isis Music Hall, Salvage Station and The Mothlight.
You’re invited: Best of WNC 2018 party
The festivities — honoring the winners of this year’s Best Of survey and the Xpress readers who voted for said victors — will take place in the Meadow at Highland Brewing Co. on Thursday, Aug. 16.
Smart Bets: The Mobros
The South Carolina natives play Isis Music Hall on Aug. 16.
Acoustic Asheville: April Bennett
Catch the front woman of April B. & the Cool at One World Brewing Co. on Friday, Aug. 17, at 8 p.m.
Album review: ‘Kindness, A Rebel’ by River Whyless
After taking listeners on the whirlwind musical trip that is Kindness, A Rebel, the group closes its set of 10 songs with “Mama, Take Your Time,” a return to the sound of River Whyless’ earlier work.
Red Baraat returns to The Grey Eagle
The Brooklyn-based world music ensemble promotes global unity on its energetic new album.
Smart Bets: Nik West
The acclaimed bassist brings her purple Mohawk to Salvage Station on Aug. 12.
Smart Bets: Hiroya Tsukamoto
The Japanese-born guitarist returns to Isis on Aug. 9.
30 Days Out: a look at upcoming concerts
Two local acts (one electronica, one progressive/fusion), one regional artist and a nationally touring act whose front man is more associated with the big screen than music: Those are just some of what’s on offer locally in the next 30 days.
Acoustic Asheville: Random Animals
The musicians’ first EP is in the works right now with no release date scheduled as yet, but you can catch them at The One Stop on Thursday, Aug. 9.
Heather Taylor launches her new album at Isis Music Hall
“Asheville just pulled me in, I feel like,” says Taylor. “I hear that’s a lot of people’s stories.”
Smart Bets: Pan African Music Extravaganza
The celebration of African diaspora music takes place Aug. 5 at The Mothlight.
NYC folk-jazz singer-songwriter Victory Boyd performs at LEAF Downtown AVL
LEAF Performing Arts Director Ehren Cruz emphasizes the nonprofit’s 24-year legacy of “youth educational outreach, equity and diversity programming.” He says that the festival “features cross-over world-, family- and urban-accessible programming while celebrating local culture.”
Theater review: ‘Mamma Mia!’ at Flat Rock Playhouse
FRP’s version is even more entertaining than both the Broadway version and the film — a feat not to take lightly, as this production had the power to draw Tony-nominee Terrance Mann to the opening.
Smart Bets: Mountain Dance and Folk Festival
The 91st annual celebration of traditional and old-time music and dance takes place Aug. 2-4 at the A-B Tech/Mission Health Conference Center.
Black Milk and his band Nat Turner play The Mothlight
The rapper/producer discusses the appeals of performing with a band and shares his thoughts on Detroit’s current hip-hop scene.
Smart Bets: Ben Phan
Backed by Phan’s band The Soul Symphony, the Asheville musicians play a collaborative show July 28 at The Grey Eagle.
Smart Bets: Michael Franti & Spearhead
The eclectic pop rockers play Salvage Station on July 27.
Smart Bets: Jahman Brahman
The local “shred ‘n’ flow” ensemble plays Asheville Music Hall on July 27.