This Week in Asheville: Aug. 25-31
Asheville’s wealth of live music, theater, and comedy 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.
Bully
Some artists ensure you feel every word they sing — and that’s part of what makes Alicia Bognanno stand out. With new Los Angeles quartet Jawdropped joining the Nashville veterans on tour, expect a healthy dose of ’90s alternative nostalgia. —Jonny Leather
w/ Jawdropped
at Eulogy
Thursday, Aug. 28
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[indie rock]
more info
Boomtown Arts & Heritage Festival
With AVLFest taking the year off, there’s a noticeable gap in this summer’s local happenings. Fortunately, Boomtown is stepping up once again. The free, three-day festival will return to Pack Square Park, featuring local favorites like Papadosio, Toubab Krewe, Empire Strikes Brass, and Secret Agent 23 Skidoo. As a bonus, Gramatik and Dirtwire will headline ticketed late-night shows at The Orange Peel on Friday and Saturday. —JL
at Pack Square Park & The Orange Peel
Friday, Aug. 29 - Sunday, Aug. 31
Show: all day
[eclectic]
more info
Ethel Cain
It’s rare for chart-topping stars to pass through this city. Last year, Chappell Roan delivered a rousing set at Rabbit Rabbit just as her career was taking off. Cain isn’t your typical Disney-star-turned-pop-hitmaker — the transgender singer/songwriter is known for slow, American Gothic–tinged ballads that defy the usual pop formula. Her new LP, Willoughby Tucker, I'll Always Love You, is no exception, steering far from the dance floor. —JL
w/ 9million
at Asheville Yards
Saturday, Aug. 30
Doors: 6pm / Show: 7pm
[singer-songwriter]
more info
Idle County + i26 Connector + Tanner York
You could wait until a local band strikes it big and catch them once in a packed room when they return to town — or you could seek out the next big thing at small local venues and stumble upon gold. If you’ve got a treasure-hunter’s mentality, this show’s for you. If you don’t trust me, just give the new records from Idle County and Tanner York a spin, and apologize for ever doubting. —JL
at Static Age Records
Saturday, Aug. 30
Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm
[alt-country, alternative]
more info
HONORABLE MENTIONS
New Dawn Starkestra (Photo courtesy of the artists)
🎤 = comedy; 🎭 = theater
Aug. 25: Sixpence None The Richer at The Orange Peel
Aug. 27: Pentagram String Band + Yes Ma'am + Gipsy Rufina at Eulogy
Aug. 27: New Dawn Starkestra at Grey Eagle Music Hall
Aug. 27: Disclaimer Stand-Up Lounge Comedy Open Mic at Third Room 🎤
Aug. 28: Caamp + Fruition at Asheville Yards
Aug. 28: Pull Chains + Designer at Fleetwood's
Aug. 28: Night Hawk + Claire Whall + Chrysalis + Wild Roots at Static Age Records
Aug. 29: Smells Like Nirvana - MTV Unplugged Tribute at Eulogy
Aug. 29: Drivin N Cryin at Grey Eagle Music Hall
Aug. 29: King Garbage at Highland Brewing - The Meadow
Aug. 29: Chaos Among Cattle + Blackwater Drowning + Alpha Strain + Saw Gang + Gang Beef at Sly Grog Lounge
Aug. 29: Falling Behind + Deceit + Reality. + Dark Hand at Static Age Records
Aug. 30: Full Time Night Woman + Chandra Shukla + Johnny Elkins + Glue Sniffin Smush Heads at Fleetwood's
Aug. 30: Underhill Rose at Sierra Nevada - Amphitheater
Aug. 31: MaMuse at Grey Eagle Music Hall
Aug. 31: Woman to the Front Blues Band at Highland Brewing - The Meadow
Aug. 31: Bop to the Top at The Orange Peel
Aug. 31: Next 2 Jimmy + Cloutchaser + Star Anise + DJ Tommy M at Static Age Records
Aug. 31: Joe Zimmerman and Friends at Third Room 🎤
For full events listings check out AVL-Live.com
(Ethel Cain photo by Dollie Kyarn)
