You know the drill: One Friday per summer month, Lexington Avenue is blocked off from Woodfin Street to the I-240 overpass, clearing the way for a big stage and plenty of space for music fans to take in a pair of free performances, beginning around 5 p.m. But with large gatherings not yet allowed and the 2020 Downtown After 5 concert series rapidly approaching, the shows are moving online. On Friday, May 15, following “all requirements from state and local officials in terms of gathering size, sanitizing/hand-washing practices and physical distancing,” the Asheville Downtown Association and IamAVL will livestream an all-local lineup to YouTube and Facebook from The Orange Peel stage. Funk rockers April B. & The Cool kick off the evening at 5:15 p.m., followed by an eclectic set of soul, R&B, funk and hip-hop from the Lyric full band at 6:45 p.m. Performers have yet to be announced for the June 19 edition, though it will also be livestreamed. Depending on government guidelines, the July 17, Aug. 21 and Sept. 18 installments may need to be virtual as well. Free. iamavl.com. Photo of Leeda “Lyric” Jones left, by Mike Berlin. Photo of April Bennett by Elliot Schwartz
Smart Bets: Lyric and April B. & The Cool
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