Dec 22

Dec 22 This Week in Asheville: Dec. 22-Jan. 4

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.

5AM Trio + Dredlok + Maxfield + Murkury + NotLö

Local artist-management team Rhizome Music has pulled together a full showcase of the acts they represent — and if you’re into EDM, this one’s a monster. Consider it an early New Year’s Eve and plan to be out all night. —Jonny Leather

at Asheville Music Hall
Saturday, Dec. 27
Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm
[electronic, dance]
more info

Bad Fidelity + Blistering Dissonance + In Dog Years + Rhine Jive Clique

Good shows are good for your mental health, and this local punk benefit for the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) takes these good vibes a step further by supporting the mental health of others. —JL

at Fleetwood’s
Saturday, Dec. 27
Show: 8:30pm
[punk]
more info

The Cheeksters

Watch Asheville Stages’ own Jay Moye pull double duty with this pair of local acts, showcasing his prowess with Brit-pop and indie Southern rock. —JL

w/ Doss Church and the Unholy Noise
at Grey Eagle Music Hall
Saturday, Dec. 27
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[pop rock, folk rock]
more info

The Avett Brothers

Folk music can often sound like a stale genre, but the brothers from Concord, NC, pack an energy and creativity that has long felt fresh. Look no further than the pair’s recent collaboration with Mike Patton for proof of their willingness to challenge themselves. Scott and Seth nimbly bounce between heartfelt croons and more raucous rambles, which will keep the NYE crowd stimulated after a hearty warm-up from beloved prog-bluegrass outfit The Infamous Stringdusters, featuring Brevard-based bassist/vocalist Travis Book. —JL

w/ The Infamous Stringdusters
at ExploreAsheville.com Arena
Wednesday, Dec. 31
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[folk, bluegrass]
more info

Caleb Synan

If you’re looking to get in a few more laughs before the year comes to an end, Modelface Comedy has you covered. The L.A.-based Synan is a preacher’s kid from smalltown Georgia, so you know he’s got stories. And with it being an early show, you’ll have plenty of time to get shitfaced at several other bars before the night is over. —JL

at The Funkatorium
Wednesday, Dec. 31
Doors: 6:30pm / Show: 7pm
[stand-up comedy]
more info

Electro Lust

When it’s late at night and all you want to do is dance, there’s no form of music better suited to get you moving than funk. Composed of members of Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band, The Fritz, Empire Strikes Brass, and Marcus King Band, that group has booty-shaking jams built into its DNA. Like our own Mr. Moye, Jamie Hendrickson will rock both sets, first in his all-star solo fusion project Auspicious Golden Fish. —JL

w/ Auspicious Golden Fish
at Grey Eagle Music Hall
Wednesday, Dec. 31
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[funk]
more info

RJD2

For the second straight NYE, the legendary DJ and producer will be in town to usher in the new year. It’s hard to imagine just about anyone better to be manning the turntables when the clock strikes midnight. —JL

w/ DJ Molly Parti + DJ Mad Mike
at The Orange Peel
Wednesday, Dec. 31
Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm
[hip hop]
more info