Commissioned to pursue increased diversity in classical music, the masterful quartet plays at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville on Sunday, May 1.
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Free Range Asheville presents Grammy-winning Roomful of Teeth vocal ensemble
Through use of a wide array of supremely challenging and/or obscure vocal techniques, the group creates a sound like nothing else. The modern classical Roomful of Teeth comes to the Masonic Temple on Thursday, April 28, as this month’s marquee event in Free Range Asheville’s inaugural season.
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Smart bets: Robin Tolleson
The journalist brings his mashup of vinyl, interview clips and anecdotes to Asheville Music School’s The Loft on Sunday, May 1.
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Stand Against Racism
As the former director of racial and social justice at the YWCA in Baton Rouge, Roberta Madden has spent her professional career trying to eliminate racism and empower women. Since retiring to Black Mountain in fall 2009, she’s continued to champion these causes. Over the last six years she and group of volunteers have brought […]
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Faces in the crowd: WNC crowdfunding initiatives
Each week, Xpress highlights notable WNC crowdsourcing initiatives that may inspire readers to become new faces in the crowd. This week features facility upgrades for a school of herbalism that’s tucked in the woods; and the debut full-length recording project of local rock band Silicon Soldiers.
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30 Days Out: a look at upcoming concerts
Twice monthly, my blog 30 Days Out spotlights upcoming music shows and events of note, shining a light into some less well-lit corners, where some fascinating artists schedule performances. I do my best to give ample advance notice so you can adjust your budget and calendar in a way that lets you get to the […]
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Conscious party: Sleep Tight Kids envisions safe and cozy nights
Local nonprofit Sleep Tight Kids aims to provide more vulnerable children with simple bedtime amenities like blankets and pajamas after holding an all-ages fundraiser at Bold Rock Hard Cider on Sunday, May 1.
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Smart bets: Grits & Soul
The band’s farewell show, which will include new material and personal stories between numbers, takes place in Isis Restaurant and Music Hall’s upstairs lounge on Wednesday, April 27.
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Celebrating Earth Day in and around Asheville
Western North Carolina is home to a number of Earth Day-related festivities and programs. Here’s a rundown of some of the most notable events.
Smart bets: Midnight Snack
Kicking off the band’s spring tour is a hometown show with Fashion Bath and Maddie Shuler at Asheville Music Hall on Friday, April 22.
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Review: Music Video Asheville 2016
As organizer Kelly Denson explained near the end of the evening’s program, Music Video Asheville began nine years ago and has grown steadily every year. This year’s award ceremony (held Wednesday, April 14) once again made clear the bounty of local talent that exists in and around Asheville. Twenty-five videos competed in several categories, and […]
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Faces in the crowd: WNC crowdfunding initiatives
Crowdfunding platforms make it possible for individuals and organizations of any size to harness social networks and raise startup capital for projects that might otherwise fail due to lack of funding. Each week, Xpress highlights notable Western North Carolina crowdsourcing initiatives that may inspire readers to become new faces in the crowd. Steve Mannion’s Fearless […]
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Acoustic Asheville: Penny and Sparrow
Penny and Sparrow are the Austin, Texas-based duo of Andy Baxter and Kyle Jahnke. They recently released their third full-length record, Let a Lover Drown You, on Single Lock Records and made a recent tour stop in Asheville to promote it. Ahead of the show, they performed “Finery” from the new record in the lobby […]
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Stephen Evans’ Solo Debut at Pulp
“I became somewhat disillusioned with the music biz,” says singer-songwriter Stephen Evans. “So music took a back seat to my relationship, school at UNCA and working as a bartender.” But in June 2015, after several years away from the industry, Evans released his debut album, “Something to Bleed.” On Tuesday, April 26, he will be […]
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Sound track: Self-titled debut by Celia Verbeck
There’s something springlike about the self-titled debut album by Lake Lure-based vocalist and songwriter Celia Verbeck. Lead track “Opposite the Echo” is all fresh burble and sprightly high notes. The music by Adeodat Warfield — synthesized beats and airy melodies — are well paired with Verbeck’s sweet, elastic soprano.
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Beatles’ Abbey Road is centerpiece of Asheville Music School fundraiser event
The fundraiser at Isis Restaurant & Music Hall supports those goals and also provides financing for scholarships and an outreach program. “Since 2012, Asheville Music School and the Paul Thorpe Music Education Fund have awarded over 400 full or partial scholarships, totaling over $30,000,” says Melissa Reardon.
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Eric Bachmann of Archers of Loaf releases a solo album
But as Bachmann — who grew up in Asheville and launched his music career in Chapel Hill — announced the official end to Crooked Fingers, he also heralded in his newest era as a performer. He’ll perform tracks from his just-released eponymous album, the second under his own name, at The Mothlight on Sunday, April 17.
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Smart bets: Dopapod
Before it’s recorded later this year, the band’s new material will surface during a spring tour, New Mountain hosts the quartet on Friday and Saturday, April 15 and 16.
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Pisgah Brewing Co. celebrates 11th anniversary
The Black Mountain brewery has significantly expanded its outdoor concert stage over the past six years and become an annual tour stop for acts like Trampled By Turtles and Dr. Dog.
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Smart bets: The Secret B-Sides
How will you spend Record Store Day 2016? One option is a free show by two local bands. After eight years with the same lineup, The Secret B-Sides know how to stir up a crowd with its “solid-gold baby-making music,” according to the soul band’s website. Also on the bill is Slo_Gold, the side project that sees […]
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Author Fred Chappell and record label founder Josh Rosenthal both give readings in Asheville
Fred Chappell will read from his new fantasy book at Malaprop’s on Friday, April 15. A tour in support of Record Store of the Mind, with accompaniment by local musicians at each stop, brings Rosenthal to Downtown Books and News on Thursday, April 14.