May 12

May 12 This Week in Asheville: May 12-18

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.

The Bones of J.R. Jones

Though Jonathon Linaberry hails from New York and was born in the 1980s, his long-standing persona feels rooted in a dustier, whiskey-soaked corner of Americana. The folk singer steps beyond his usual self-produced comfort zone on his new album Radio Waves, enlisting producer Robbie Lackritz to helm the project — an artistic leap that could mark a major breakthrough in his career. —Jonny Leather

w/ Ruen Brothers
at Grey Eagle Music Hall
Tuesday, May 13
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[Americana, folk rock]
more info

Wilco

Given how long Jeff Tweedy and company have been making music — and how steadily they’ve released albums and toured — it’s easy to take Wilco for granted. If you’ve ever wanted to see the Chicago band, chances are you’ve had the opportunity. But as one of the finest American bands of my lifetime, they never disappoint. As an added bonus, fans will also get a set from Waxahatchee, who could easily headline a show at this large outdoor venue herself. —JL

w/ Waxahatchee
at AshevilleYards
Friday, May 16
Doors: 5:30pm / Show: 7pm
[indie rock, folk rock]
more info

Wagging

This local trio blends sugary vocal harmonies — courtesy of guitarist Allison Antaramian and drummer Emily Easterly — with sharp, melodic hooks that call to mind the underrated ’90s power pop band That Dog. Honestly, more bands should sound like That Dog. —JL

w/ Small Country + Camo Face
at Fleetwood’s
Friday, May 16
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[indie rock]
more info

Walt McClements

After years of backing indie staples like Hurray for the Riff Raff, Weyes Blood, and Dark Dark Dark, the multi-instrumentalist has stepped into new creative territory, pushing his sound into a more experimental realm with the accordion at its core. McClements’ new album, On a Painted Ocean, is a stunningly beautiful listen that will reshape everything listeners know about the instrument. —JL

w/ Orches Limita
at Static Age Records
Friday, May 16
Doors: 8pm / Show: 8:30pm
[experimental, ambient]
more info

Kishi Bashi

There’s a profoundly cinematic quality to Kaoru Ishibashi’s music — no surprise, considering the California-based artist (with longtime roots in the Athens, Ga. scene) studied film scoring at Berklee College of Music before making the violin his primary instrument. —JL

w/ Oshima Brothers
at Grey Eagle Music Hall
Sunday, May 18
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[chamber pop, indie pop]
more info

Food House

Electronic duo Fraxiom and Gupi (Tony Hawk’s kid) only joined forces in 2020, but they quickly caught the attention of hyperpop heavyweights 100 Gecs. As an old, I can’t say it’s my thing — but the kids in town clearly disagree: the show sold out well in advance. —JL

w/ Avas + delcarmen
at Static Age Records
Sunday, May 18
Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm
[hyperpop, electronic]
more info