David Wax Museum recently brought its Mexo-Americana sound to The Grey Eagle to promote the band’s latest record, Guesthouse.
My journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens
After viewing the original Star Wars movie at age 7, a local writer and actor found the course of his life impacted by the film’s imagery and storyline. On the eve of the next Star Wars release, Jeff Messer recounts his personal history with the cinematic franchise.
New Year’s Eve parties around WNC
As we pin our shiniest hopes and dreams on 2016, it makes sense to see its predecessor out in style. Whether that entails peaceful chanting, serious rocking, communing with the undead or benefiting a worthy cause, Xpress has a party for every reveler.
Community Calendar Highlights: Give!Local nonprofit events from 12/23 through 12/31
This is the last week to donate to the Give!Local campaign! So far there have been over 290 donations made, with an average donation of $89. The largest donation so far has been for $2,100 and the campaign has made over $26,000 (as of Monday Dec. 21). Thanks to all those who have donated so […]
WNC’s longest-running New Year’s Eve dance party rages on
Kent Scott uses the New Year’s Eve holiday to book innovative acts. “These are DJs that I, as a music nerd, really appreciate,” he says. “I’ve tried different kinds of approaches. I’ve brought bands in, but that got in the way of the dance party.”
Smart bets: The Nude Party
The Cannonball Jars, Ancient Whales and The Blots open The Nude Party’s vinyl and tape release show at The Mothlight Wednesday, Dec. 30, at 9 p.m. Free.
Holiday events roundup for 12/23 through 12/31
ART/CRAFT FAIRS Caldwell Arts Council 601 College Ave. SW, Lenoir, 754-2486 • Through WE (12/23) – “Satie’s Holiday Sale,” 75 crafters and artists exhibiting. Mon.-Fri.: 9am-6pm. Sat.: 10am-3pm. Free to attend. BENEFITS Dancing, Drums, and Dreams Benefit AshevilleRhythm.org • TH (12/31), 8:30pm – Tickets to this New Year’s Eve celebration with music by Free Planet Radio and Kevin Spears benefit […]
Smart bets: Urban Gypsy Trunk Show
With its bar open for business, Asheville Music Hall hosts the free party on Saturday, Dec. 26, from noon to 8 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 27, from noon to 7 p.m.
30 Days Out: a look at upcoming concerts
This week’s roundup includes the Gonzalo Bergara Quartet, the Screamin’ Js, Andrew Scotchie’s B-Day Bash and The Midnight Riders.
Amplified: Adriano Viterbini and Reed Turchi
Asheville’s own Reed Turchi and Adriano Viterbini from Rome, Italy brought their unique style of blues music to The Root Bar to kick off a recent tour.
Theater review: All Is Calm at N.C. Stage Company
North Carolina Stage Company’s sparsely staged production of All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914, written by Peter Rothstein, tells the tale of these men and these moments with epic emotional impact.
Lex 18 hosts a nostalgic white Christmas
On the evenings of Thursday, and Friday, Dec. 23 and 24, Lex 18 holds a White Christmas Radio Dinner Show, an evening of fine dining, live holiday music, and the re-creation of actual radio plays and commercials from the Prohibition era and jazz age.
Smart bets: A Swannanoa Solstice
The annual event is at Diana Wortham Theatre Sunday, Dec. 20, at 2 and 7 p.m.
Ouroboros Boys launch a single and music video
The local post-punk/neo-surf outfit will release, “Spitfire” / “The Corsage,” the first single from their forthcoming self-title debut, with a free show at The Lazy Diamond Sunday, Dec. 20.
Smart bets: A Path Untold and Aligning Minds
Aligning Minds and A Path Untold co-headline the album release show with Futexture and Bombassic opening at The Orange Peel Saturday, Dec. 19.
Unsigned artists can enter NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Contest, Jan. 12-Feb. 2
PRESS RELEASE: True to its spirit of music discovery, NPR Music is kicking off 2016 with an invite to unsigned artists of all genres: Show them why you should perform in NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Concert series. The winner will secure a spot at the iconic performance space and a U.S. tour with NPR Music. […]
Holiday Events Roundup for 12/16 through 12/24
ART/CRAFT FAIRS Caldwell Arts Council 601 College Ave SW, Lenoir, 754-2486 • Through WE (12/23) – “Satie’s Holiday Sale,” 75 crafters and artists exhibiting. Mon.-Fri.: 9am-6pm. Sat.: 10am-3pm. Free to attend. Holiday Craft Bazaar ashevillemusichall.com • SA (12/19), noon-6pm – Local art and craft vendors with live music. Free to attend. Held at One Stop Deli & Bar, […]
Charles Humphrey III’s Songs From The Road Band plays Jack of the Wood
The all-star bluegrass side project released its third album, Traveling Show, in April. On Friday, Dec. 19, at Jack of the Wood, that band will perform the its new record in order.
Smart bets: Sirius.B, Megan Jean and the KFB, Plankeye Peggy
Sirius.B, Megan Jean and the KFB and Plankeye Peggy will rock Gypsy souls at Isis Restaurant & Music Hall Friday, Dec. 18.
Review: 27th Annual Warren Haynes Christmas Jam
The Warren Haynes Christmas Jam returned to Asheville’s U.S. Cellular Center Saturday, Dec. 12. Ask any dozen concertgoers which sets were their favorite, and you’re assured to get as many different answers. Here are two standouts.
State of the Arts: Women in process
Two local art exhibition, though very different, both present women in dialogue with the artistic process.