Aug 19

Aug 19 This Week in Asheville: Aug. 19-25

Asheville’s wealth of live music offerings can leave concertgoers feeling overwhelmed when it comes to picking which shows to attend. But have no fear! The Asheville Stages staff is here to help with insights on the week’s most appealing options.

Vision Video

Put on your best black outfit and prepare to dance to some of the best damn post-punk songs ever written about the horror of military combat. The goth rock quartet from Athens, Ga., last haunted The Grey Eagle in 2022, and it was one of the most impressive performances of the year. Armed with another batch or two of songs that showcase the group’s expanding sonic range, this time is sure to be even better. —Jonny Leather

w/ Forrest Isn’t Dead
at Grey Eagle
Tuesday, Aug. 20
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[post-punk, goth rock]|
more info

Sarah Squirm

Following a stint working on multiple Adult Swim shows, including writing for The Eric Andre Show, the young comedian from Long Island was able to crack the cast of SNL in 2021. It didn’t take long for Squirm’s refreshingly unusual brand of humor to make her a standout performer on the show. —JL

at Orange Peel
Wednesday, Aug. 21
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[comedy]
more info

Transfigurations IV: In Stores & Guest DJs

Beloved West Asheville record store Harvest Records is celebrating its 20th year of existence with a weekend full of festivities. It’s the fourth iteration of Transfigurations, and this one is a little different than the music festival format folks may be used to. Still, Friday and Saturday will be loaded with in-store performances, which will include appearances by William Tyler and Avery Tare. On Saturday, there will also be a lot party happening behind the store. —JL

Aug. 23: DJ smallwonder / Fust / Friendship / DJ Lindsey D / William Tyler & Friends / Superflower / Lorg
Aug. 24: Kass Richards / DJ Carlos Niño / Dhana Jeera / Selector HM (from Sublime Frequencies) / Dream Sitch / DJs Lance & April (from Dust-to-Digital) / Yasmin Williams / DJ Avey Tare

at Harvest Records
Friday, Aug. 23-Saturday, Aug. 24
From noon-6pm
[eclectic]
more info

Transfigurations IV: Helado Negro

When the Harvest Records crew announced that Hailu Mergia would be headlining this year’s iteration of Transfigurations — celebrating the store’s 20th year — I was excited to see the Ethiopian jazz legend. It’s unfortunate that a scheduling conflict led to his departure from the bill, but the remaining trio of performers is not to be missed. —JL

w/ Carlos Niño & Friends / Zenizen
at Orange Peel
Saturday, Aug. 24
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[jazz, art pop, soul]
more info

Field Trip: Green Day

The Bay-area punk/alt-rock legends are celebrating the 30th anniversary of their landmark, breakthrough album, Dookie, and also the 20-year milestone of what’s probably their masterpiece, American Idiot — performing both records in their entirety, along with a few other hits as part of an action-packed evening. Billie Joe, Tré, and Mike have yet to play Asheville and haven’t swung through Charlotte in nearly two decades, so a trip down the mountain feels well worth the effort. Bonus points for making it a full-on ’90s week and catching The Smashing Pumpkins the following night at CCNB Amphitheatre in Simpsonville, and Sublime with Rome at Rabbit Rabbit on Friday, July 30. —Edwin Arnaudin

w/ Rancid / The Linda Lindas
at PNC Music Pavilion
Monday, Aug. 26
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[alt-rock, punk, power pop]]
more info