Dec 15

Dec 15 This Week in Asheville: Dec. 15-21

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.

Thievery Corporation

For three decades, Rob Garza and Eric Hilton have treated Thievery Corporation as a true musical melting pot, drawing inspiration from every corner of the globe and simmering it all into their signature laid-back, psychedelic groove. Onstage, they level up even further, surrounding themselves with a killer touring band and immersive visuals — a reminder that their live show is anything but two guys pushing buttons. —Jonny Leather

w/ City Of The Sun
at The Orange Peel
Thursday, Dec. 18 & Friday, Dec. 19
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[IDM, electronic]
more info

Blankstate + Motocrossed

Pairing two of Charlotte’s most exciting young indie rock bands with two solid, rising local acts, Friday night’s bill at The Odd is stacked from top to bottom. —JL

w/ Dish + Porcelain Parrot
at The Odd
Friday, Dec. 19
Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm
[indie rock, emo]
more info

Floating Action

A longtime local fixture, Seth Kaufman is easy to take for granted — maybe because he keeps quietly turning out gems. His excellent new album, A Hand Carved Garden Tool, arrived in November, offering another batch of unpretentious, dreamy, lo-fi pop rock perfection that he’s honed over the years. With collaborator Michael Libramento’s rumba project Coconut Cake sharing the bill, and the holiday season upon us, this show promises plenty of warm, celebratory vibes. —JL

w/ Coconut Cake
at Eulogy
Saturday, Dec. 20
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[indie rock, psych pop]
more info

Datrian Johnson & The Family Tree’s Annual Soulful Christmas

Arguably the most talented and versatile vocalist in Asheville — if not the entire Southeast — Johnson somehow still isn’t a household name. Dead Blues Vol. 1, his recent collaboration with Luther Dickinson, is helping change that status, as will his forthcoming solo debut, The Medicine Cabinet. In the meantime, don’t miss this showcase of holiday tunes that’s sure to put all who attend in a cheerful mood. —Edwin Arnaudin

at Grey Eagle Music Hall
Sunday, Dec. 21
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[soul, R&B]
more info