Feb 23

Feb 23 This Week in Asheville: Feb. 23-March 1

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.

Makaya McCraven

Even within Chicago’s loaded avant-garde music scene, this innovative percussionist and composer stands out as one of the leading forces — completely obliterating the limited confines of genre through a melting pot of styles. —Jonny Leather

at AyurPrana Listening Room
Tuesday, Feb. 24
Doors: 6pm / Show: 7pm
[jazz, experimental]
more info

Advance Base

To call Owen Ashworth’s melancholy synth-pop ballads “deeply human” and “heartfelt” barely does them justice. The Chicago-based artist, formerly known as Casiotone for the Painfully Alone, has been crafting achingly beautiful songs since the late ’90s — sad in tone, perhaps, but strangely comforting, like a quiet companion on a hard day. And no, you won’t have to be in the depths of despair to get something out of this performance. —JL

w/ Moontype + i26connector
at Static Age Records
Tuesday, Feb. 24
Doors: 8pm / Show: 8:45pm
[indie rock]
more info

Tyler Ramsey & Carl Broemel

Longtime friends who’ve long wanted to collaborate, the Asheville-based singer/songwriter/guitarist and My Morning Jacket guitarist realized that goal last month with Celestun, a nine-track collection of peaceful instrumentals and gorgeous vocal pieces, highlighting two of the most talented guitar players in modern music. Concluding a nationwide tour, the artists play their lone two-night residency of the trek at Ramsey’s hometown venue and are sure to make each night special for their loyal fans. —Edwin Arnaudin

w/David Stevenson
at Grey Eagle Music Hall
Friday, Feb. 27 & Saturday, Feb. 28
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[folk, instrumental]
more info (night one); more info (night two)

Jesse Welles

Sure, the big name on the marquee is a social media sensation, fighting the good fight with a seemingly endless stream of algorithm-ruling anti-fascist folk protest songs. But it’s hard to imagine the supremely talented S.G. Goodman not stealing the show with her opening set. —JL

w/ S.G. Goodman
at The Orange Peel
Friday, Feb. 27
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[folk, alt-country]
more info

Aly & AJ

Combining vocal harmonies and complementary artistry in ways that only siblings can, these California sisters have crafted catchy pop gems for over two decades. They’re also quick to speak up and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, Black Lives Matter, reproductive rights, and mental health, which makes supporting these artists even easier. —EA

w/ Hayden Blount
at The Orange Peel
Sunday, March 1
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[pop, rock]
more info