Wising up

"Most people don't get so lucky, to just be born into their career, bred for it like a horse," says Jessica Lea Mayfield. The 21-year-old Ohio native isn't exaggerating. She's been performing since the age of 8, first in her parents touring bluegrass band and soon after as a solo singer-songwriter, including a bar residency […]

This weekend on a shoestring

This weekend starts with a bang: a green, beer soaked bang. But it doesn’t end there. We’ve got art openings, music, spoken word, outdoors and even some events for the kids. And as usual, they’re as easy on the wallet as they are entertaining. While you’re here, check out Clubland for a complete schedule of weekend music.

“It’s going to be tricky”

The sound of San Francisco is all over Vetiver. More specifically, the sound of late '60s San Francisco. Since its inception in 2004, the band has been churning out gentle, breezy folk-rock (often with hints of Gram Parsons-inspired country) that's instantly reminiscent of another era. In 2008, Vetiver even released an album of covers, Thing […]

This weekend on a shoestring

This weekend brings a wave of performances that include music, film, spoken word and even a few opportunities to take the stage yourself. As always, these events are low-cost and high-quality, so getting out won’t leave you destitute. While you’re here, check out Clubland for a complete schedule of weekend music. 

Break on through to the store next door

In less than seven years, Harvest Records has grown from a struggling upstart to an Asheville music institution. In addition to serving the region's music-buying public, owners Matt Schnable and Mark Capon have released a host of albums on their own Harvest Recordings imprint, brought dozens of national touring acts to Asheville and spearheaded a […]

“The only thing more intimate would be if I sat on people’s laps and serenaded them”

It’s no shock that Bobby Bare Jr. became a musician. The alt-rock troubadour grew up surrounded by the business.       His father and namesake was a country music star. Waylon Jennings and Shel Silverstein (himself a noted songwriter) were regular fixtures at the house. His childhood neighbors included George Jones and Tammy Wynette. […]

Mountain Medley

Beer and music partnerships are a longstanding tradition in America, and Asheville's breweries are no exception. Week in and week out, local tasting rooms host a seemingly endless stream of regional talent, usually for free. But Highland Brewing Company has gone a step beyond providing a room to perform; the local hop-house actually employs a […]

Confidence a plenty

A little encouragement can go a long way.       Take Sharon Van Etten. The Brooklyn transplant has a piercing voice that is somehow heart-wrenching and uplifting, vulnerable and empowered all at once. It's the kind of voice that is so instantly striking, one assumes she's been doing this forever. But until a few […]