Mar 23

Mar 23 This Week in Asheville: March 23-29

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.

Rosenau & Sanborn

Seven years after their debut, the duo of Chris Rosenau (Collections of Colonies of Bees, Volcano Choir) and Nick Sanborn (Sylvan Esso) released the aptly titled Two on March 20. The expertly constructed blend of acoustic guitar and electronics should appeal to any fan of The Books — and, really, everyone should be a fan of The Books. —Jonny Leather

w/ Joe Westerlund
at AyurPrana Listening Room
Wednesday, Mar. 25
Doors: 6pm / Show: 7pm
[experimental, electroacoustic]
more info

Tara Clerkin Trio

The Bristol trio occupies that rare space where their concoction of art pop, psych, krautrock, and more feels at once eerily familiar and entirely fresh. Fortunately, they're making a stop in Asheville before heading to Knoxville for the Big Ears Festival this weekend.

Get there early for an otherworldly set from fellow Big Ears performer Walt McClements, who will make you rethink what an accordion can do. —JL

w/ Walt McClements
at AyurPrana Listening Room
Thursday, Mar. 26
Doors: 6pm / Show: 7pm
[experimental, art-rock]
more info

Wendy Eisenberg

Over the past decade, the guitarist has earned a reputation as a virtuoso within avant-garde music circles. And while the Brooklyn-based artist inhabits a world often known for challenging listening, their newest album is classic songwriting — warm and simply enchanting. —JL

w/ Sally Anne Morgan
at AyurPrana Listening Room
Friday, Mar. 27
Doors: 6pm / Show: 7pm
[experimental, art-rock]
more info

Powder Horns

The local group was poised to celebrate the release of their stellar new record, Heavy Dreamer, back in January — until a major ice storm swept through the Southeast and forced the show to be postponed. On the bright side, fans have had plenty of extra time to get acquainted with the songs, so expect plenty of singalongs. —JL

w/ Mechanical River + Cheeks + Zeb Camp Wright
at Eulogy
Saturday, Mar. 28
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[indie rock, garage rock]
more info

Field trip: Big Ears Festival

A favorite of area music fans since its inception in 2009, this four-day Knoxville event consistently features one of the most eclectic lineups of any fest, all while feeling laid-back and approachable (and easily walkable). In addition to standalone ticketed events featuring David Byrne and Robert Plant (individually, not together — though if any place encourages a collab, it’s this one), the 2026 edition includes Laurie Anderson, Richard Thompson, MJ Lenderman & the Wind, plus five ensembles with John Medeski and a dozen with John Zorn. Even if you can only get over for one day, it’s well worth the time and dough. I’ll be there Thursday-Friday and special correspondent Brian Ivey will provide supplemental coverage Friday-Saturday. —Edwin Arnaudin