Jan 5

Jan 5 This Week in Asheville: Jan. 5-11

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.

Fleshwater

Following in the footsteps of Deftones, this Boston alt-metal group blends explosive, shoegaze-tinged heaviness with catchy, heart-on-the-sleeve vocals, resulting in a sound that still feels fresh and engaging. If you like things on the heavier end of the spectrum, don’t miss the powerhouse grindcore of opener Jarhead Fertilizer. —Jonny Leather

w/ Jarhead Fertilizer + Tarantula
at Eulogy
Wednesday Jan. 7
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[alt-rock, indie rock]
more info

Cliff B. Worsham

While the former Secret Lives! Of The Freemasons frontman has moved on from his noisier punk and hardcore roots, raw emotional intensity still plays a major role in his songwriting. In 2024, his excellent album The Cove Ghost got a digital release. On Friday, the singer/songwriter will finally celebrate the vinyl release of the record. It’s a second life that the album deserves. —JL

w/ Jacob Danielson Moore + Chancelor Lawson + Laney Barnett
at Eulogy
Friday, Jan. 9
Doors: 6pm / Show: 7pm
[folk, Americana]
more info

Caverns of Gold Showcase Benefit

In the wake of Tropical Storm Helene, musicians banded together to do their part, which resulted in a few really excellent benefit compilations. One of those was Caverns of Gold, which contained a jaw-dropping 280 tracks. Artists involved ranged from big names like moe., Milk Carton Kids, and Mekons to just about every local band available. Four of those local acts have joined together, working with Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) for a special benefit concert / clothing drive to support our neighbors in need. —JL

w/ PinkEye + Lower Peaks + Why Why? + John Kirby Jr & The New Seniors
at Pulp
Friday, Jan. 9
Doors: 6pm / Show: 7pm
[punk, indie rock]
more info

Sam Jay

A writer for Saturday Night Live from 2017-20, this stand-up has only leveled up since leaving the show. Fearlessly tackling gender, race, and sexuality with razor-sharp insight, her comedy is as impactful and relevant as anyone working today. —JL

at The Orange Peel
Sunday, Jan. 11
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[stand-up comedy]
more info

Dieterich + Dorji Duo

It’s not every day you have a chance to see two of the most innovative guitarists in recent memory collaborate in such an intimate space. The second installment of this month’s Drones In The Garden series pairs Deerhoof’s John Dieterich and local legend Tashi Dorji. They’ll each be performing solo sets as well. —JL

w/ John Deiterich (solo) + Tashi Dorji (solo) + (readings by) Lynn Fister
at Revolve
Sunday, Jan. 11
Doors: 6:30pm / Show: 7pm
[experimental]
more info