Dec 8

Dec 8 This Week in Asheville: Dec. 8-14

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.

Mike Cooley

The past 13 months have been especially good for local Drive-By Truckers fans. Mere weeks after the Southern rock legends played consecutive nights at The Orange Peel last November, co-frontman Patterson Hood mesmerized the Asheville Music Hall faithful with a solo show, and now it’s his partner in crime’s turn to capitalize on the “Evening with” treatment. Odds are pretty damn good that he will. —Edwin Arnaudin

at Grey Eagle Music Hall
Tuesday, Dec. 9
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[alt-country]
more info

Hip-Hop For Housing 2.0

DJ Jet, ResoNate, Hunter, Peter.The.Poet, NateR & Friends, No Lag Click, Colston, and Eaze Dogg will all take the stage in support of BeLoved Asheville — a perfect chance to see what the local hip-hop scene has to offer while supporting a worthy cause. —Jonny Leather

at Eulogy
Thursday, Dec. 11
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[hip-hop]
more info

Lydia Lunch + JT Habersaat

The Queen of No Wave and an underground comedy powerhouse make for an inspired pairing, especially in the wedding chapel dive bar setting. Expect a thought-provoking night of sharp, unconventional storytelling. —JL

at Fleetwood’s
Friday, Dec. 12
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[Spoken word, no wave, punk, stand up comedy]
more info

Magnolia & Johnson Electric Co.

We lost Jason Molina far too soon. In the decade since his passing, his legacy has only deepened, as the musicians he influenced have continued to rise. Earlier this year, artists such as MJ Lenderman, Hand Habits, and Friendship honored him on the compilation I Will Swim to You: A Tribute to Jason Molina. On Friday night, Molina’s former bandmates and frequent collaborator Will Johnson will carry that spirit of remembrance forward. —JL

at Grey Eagle Music Hall
Friday, Dec. 12
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[alt-country]
more info

Weirs

The central North Carolina folk collective — featuring members of Fust, Sluice, and Magic Tuber Stringband — released its excellent new album Diamond Grove in October. It’s a record that summons the ghosts of old-time Southern folk and invites them into the room as collaborators. The group will make its Asheville debut on this tour, and with Shane Justice McCord and Landon George also sharing the bill, the show promises to have a great communal spirit. —JL

w/ Shane Justice McCord + Landon George
at Static Age Records
Friday, Dec. 12
Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm
[folk, experimental]
more info

Dean Johnson + Esther Rose

This pair of touring singer/songwriters taking the APLR stage on Saturday each released an exceptional, timeless record in 2025. If you’re looking for the concert equivalent of a warm blanket on a cold December night, it’s tough to find a better option. —JL

at AyurPrana Listening Room
Saturday, Dec. 13
Doors: 6pm / Show: 7pm
[folk, country]
more info

Warren Haynes Presents The Christmas Jam

Warren Haynes & Friends + Stone Temple Pilots + MJ Lenderman & The Wind + Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country + Tribute to Phil Lesh + Maggie Rose + Bob. + Edwin McCain + Songbird Holler

After last year’s understandable cancellation, Christmas Jam is back — and the excitement is palpable. As always, the lineup blends jam-band and alt-rock royalty, but this year also brings a set from rising local folk-rock star MJ Lenderman. A special tribute to Grateful Dead legend Phil Lesh will provide an extra emotional charge, while the headlining performance by Stone Temple Pilots is sure to get fans on their feet during this marathon night. —JL

at ExploreAsheville.com Arena
Saturday, Dec. 13
Doors: 6pm / Show: 7pm
[jam, alternative, folk rock]
more info