Smart bets: Ras Alan

In addition to celebrating a long history of writing and playing music, Ras Alan’s 25 Years of Appalachian Reggae tour showcases a different type of handiwork by the artist. Alan, a woodworker and former guitar-shop owner, is now designing and building his own guitars, using organic materials that he finishes with his proprietary “Moonshine Polish.” So, each anniversary show will double as a demo of his company, Childres Guitars’, new line of instruments. On them, he’ll introduce fans to new songs from his most recent Love the Way You Love recording session, while saving time for past tunes, too. “Original music deserves an original sound,” he reasons. Alan has two local shows scheduled: a set at Salvage Station on Saturday, Oct. 8, at 9 p.m., (free), and a performance at 185 King Street in Brevard on Saturday, Nov. 5, at 8 p.m. ($10 public/$5 members). salvagestation.com. Photo courtesy of the artist

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About Kat McReynolds
Kat studied entrepreneurship and music business at the University of Miami and earned her MBA at Appalachian State University. Follow me @katmAVL

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