Mar 17

Mar 17 This Week in Asheville: March 16-22

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.

Jay Electronica

One of the most highly anticipated debut albums of our time, A Written Testimony (2020) proved that the hype surrounding this New Orleans MC over the previous two decades was indeed merited. His witty rhymes and catchy beats should sound great inside Asheville’s new hip-hop mecca, and it’s little surprise that he’s bringing along top-notch support. Neelam is one of our best female rappers and St. Louis lyricist Landon Wordswell nearly stole the show from GZA during their November stop at this very venue. —Edwin Arnaudin

w/ Neelam + DJ Kelly Green + Landon Wordswell + DJ Kitty Ka$h
at Eulogy
Friday, Mar. 20
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[hip hop]
more info

Jonathan Richman

As frontman of The Modern Lovers in the 1970s, the singer/songwriter helped lay the foundation for what would become indie rock, influencing nearly every artist who followed. Yet despite that outsized impact — and a consistently fascinating solo career spanning decades — Richman has never quite broken beyond cult legend status. His excellent 2025 album Only Frozen Sky Anyway is a reminder that the eccentric musician hasn't lost a step. —Jonny Leather

at Grey Eagle Music Hall
Friday, Mar. 20
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[folk rock, indie rock]
more info

Marc Ribot

Perhaps best known for his long association with Tom Waits, the guitarist has lent his talents to a staggering range of collaborators — John Zorn, Elvis Costello, Caetano Veloso, Foetus, Diana Krall, and many more. But even that eclectic roster barely hints at the full breadth of Ribot's musical pursuits. His willingness to go anywhere the music leads, combined with his sheer mastery of the instrument makes him one of the most compelling guitarists working today. Any chance to see him live is one worth taking. —JL

at AyurPrana Listening Room
Saturday, Mar. 21
Doors: 6pm / Show: 7pm
[avant, jazz, rock]
more info

Good Flying Birds

One can never get enough good lo-fi power pop — there's just something about a sweet, jangly tune that eases the soul and this three-band lineup is about as good as it gets for under-the-radar acts in the genre. The headliner from Indianapolis may top the bill, but Austin-based tourmates Touch Girl Apple and local standout Tanner York are equally deserving of your attention. —JL

w/ Touch Girl Apple Blossom + Tanner York
at Static Age Records
Sunday, Mar. 22
Doors: 8pm / Show: 8:45pm
[indie rock, power pop]
more info