Jan 20

Jan 20 This Week in Asheville: Jan. 20-26

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.

Daikaiju

During its recent trips to Asheville, the masked, Alabama-based surf punk quartet cut a lasting impression through over-the-top performances that made them one of the most talked about artists of the first two AVLFests. If you missed those shows, you’re in luck because they’ll return for four nights this week to play at several of the city’s smaller rock venues, featuring support from an array of excellent local opening acts.

w/ Cam Girl / Two Planes
at Static Age Records
Wednesday, Jan. 22
Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm
more info

w/ Powder Horns / Long Distance Relationship
at Sly Grog Lounge
Thursday, Jan. 23
Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm
more info

w/ Harriers of Discord / Bombay Gasoline
at Eulogy
Saturday, Jan. 25
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
more info

w/ Harriers of Discord / Monster Wave
at Fleetwood’s
Saturday, Jan. 25
Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm
more info

[surf, punk, garage rock, indie rock]

Geordie Greep

British prog-rock trio Black Midi called it quits in 2024 after building a wildly devoted fanbase over the course of three head-spinning albums. But don’t fret — the band’s frontman released an adventurous record in October, and will be in town Tuesday night.

w/ NNAMDÏ
at Eulogy
Tuesday, Jan. 21
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[prog rock, art rock]
more info

A Celebration of the Life & Songs of Daniel Johnston

In 2018, the mayor of Austin, Tex., declared Jan. 22 to be “Hi, How Are You Day” in honor of Daniel Johnston’s birthday, and the annual celebration has gradually spread beyond the songwriter’s hometown. This year, legendary producer/musician Kramer has assembled an impressive lineup of local singer/songwriters to perform their favorite Johnston tunes. Asheville Stages recently caught up with Kramer to discuss the event, and his personal connection with the idiosyncratic songsmith.

w/ JD Pinkus / Lo Wolf / Drunken Prayer / Nate Hall / Kramer
at Citizen Vinyl
Wednesday, Jan. 22
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[singer-songwriter, folk ]
more info

Soccer Mommy

In the nearly three years since Sophie Allison’s last local show, she’s released two phenomenal albums of layered, shoegaze-y indie rock, plus the surprise treat of the Karaoke Night EP, featuring covers by Sheryl Crow, R.E.M., and Slowdive. All signs point to a well-curated setlist from across her rich discography with an emphasis on late 2024 gem, Evergreen. —Edwin Arnaudin

w/ L’Rain
at The Orange Peel
Thursday, Jan. 23
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[indie pop, indie rock]
more info

Hiss Golden Messenger

This is the type of double bill that would reasonably sell out a room the size of The Orange Peel, but I’m sure fans are more than delighted to see the pairing of top notch folk rockers in the more intimate and seated West Asheville venue.

w/ Rosali
at AyurPrana Listening Room
Friday, Jan. 24
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[folk, alt-country]
more info

Greg Morton

A recent run on America’s Got Talent introduced this 67-year-old comedian as a wacky master of cartoonish impressions, earning him comparisons to the legendary Michael Winslow. As much fun as his uncanny voice work is, he’s also a seasoned professional stand-up with greater depth than just a guy who does silly voices.

at Wortham Center for Performing Arts
Friday, Jan. 24 & Saturday, Jan. 25
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[stand-up comedy]
more info