Unable to rely on touring as venues slowly reopen, local singer-songwriters are taking a new approach to making and sharing music.
Around town: Local musicians cast in ‘Yacht Stops’ reality series
April Bennett, Jaze Uries and Brennan Dugan take to the sea; the Historic Montford Garden Tour returns; and more area arts news.
Around Town: Nina Simone Archive breaks ground
Tryon gets one step closer to honoring the legendary soul singer; the Historic Resources Commission honors local champions; and more area arts news.
Video premiere: Ryan “RnB” Barber’s ‘Funk Yo Feelings’
Xpress talks with singer/songwriter Ryan Barber and filmmaker Kira Bursky about their latest video for Barber’s newest single, “Funk Yo Feelings.”
Saint Disruption, vigilance deadname and Clint Roberts release new albums
Jazz, hip-hop, country, Americana and other traditions are represented across these three new local collections.
Cornerstones of the WNC arts scene navigate distinct reopening obstacles
The Fine Arts Theatre, Flat Rock Playhouse and Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville face unique challenges on the road to resuming operations.
Video premiere: Life Like Water’s ‘Nothing Stays’
Xpress talks with David Matters, singer and multi-instrumentalist of the local band Life Like Water, about the group’s new music video for their song “Nothing Stays.”
Around town: Say Their Names
The YMI Cultural Center and First Congregational United Church of Christ renew their partnership; Asheville Pizza & Brewing reopens its theater; and more area arts news.
Local bands persevere through pandemic shakeups
Local bands have sustained and grown their fan bases through various creative means during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Taking Action: Live on Linden Avenue
Local band Brushfire Stankgrass launched Live on Linden, a porch concert series, in 2020.
Around town: Hide and Seek
Multidisciplinary artist Kira Bursky celebrates her first print collection. Also: new theater, live music, books, exhibits and more!
Video premiere: Kathryn O’Shea’s “Fall”
Local singer/songwriter Kathryn O’Shea celebrates the release of her music video, “Fall,” recorded in the Black Balsam area of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Local videographer Laura Boswell filmed the shoot. Xpress caught up with O’Shea to discuss the release. Below is the interview, along with the video premiere. Xpress: Can you speak to the inspiration behind the song? Kathyrn O’Shea: […]
Local musicians find new creative outlets to sustain them during COVID-19
Unable to perform live, many local musicians have redirected their creative talents and discovered new opportunities during the pandemic.
Local music venues reopen at limited capacities
Representatives from White Horse, The Grey Eagle and The Orange Peel discuss their approaches to welcoming audiences back indoors.
Community efforts seek to stop the rise in musician ODs during the COVID-19 pandemic
Asheville-area musicians and harm reductionists work together to reverse a troubling trend.
Holophonic Theatre debuts with audio-only dystopian cyberpunk musical
Nye and Terran discuss their labor of love and launching a new inclusive theater company.
Around town: The latest in music, magic, quilts and history
The Center for Cultural Preservation is hosting A Special Evening with Dom Flemons. Plus, the Folk Art Center marks National Quilting Day, Kim Ruehl celebrates the release of her debut book, “A Singing Army: Zilphia Horton and the Highlander Folk School”; and more!
Secret Agent 23 Skidoo takes on Bach and folk tales on new album
Secret Agent 23 Skidoo returns with his latest album, “The Beat Bach Symphonies,” a collaboration with the Asheville Symphony Orchestra and several international musicians.
Video premiere: Andrew Scotchie & the River Rats team up with The Get Right Band
Two local bands — Andrew Scotchie & the River Rats and The Get Right Band — cover each other’s songs for a pair of new music videos shot in Asheville.
Around town: Black History Month celebrations, live theater, virtual concerts and more
Rise Up: A Celebration of African American History and Culture returns for a second consecutive year with a virtual twist. Also: Asheville Wisdom Exchange launches; The Magnetic Theatre celebrates its first live performance of 2021; and plenty more.
New digital archive examines Nina Simone’s relationship with Langston Hughes
In 1949, poet Langston Hughes spoke at the Allen High School in Asheville. One of the students in attendance was Eunice Waymon, later known professionally as Nina Simone. In time, the poet and the singer developed a unique relationship, which author and N.C. State University professor W. Jason Miller is currently documenting in an online archive, Backlash Blues: Nina Simone and Langston Hughes.