May 26

May 26 This Week in Asheville: May 26-June 1

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.

Peelander-Z

A Peelander-Z show is less a concert and more a neon-drenched fever dream. With a Power Rangers-meets-Kaiju vibe and wild, crowd-fueled antics, this Japanese-American punk band is gloriously, unapologetically over the top. —Jonny Leather

w/ Drowning Leo + Player vs Player
at Third Room
Monday, May 26
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[punk rock]
more info

EXTC

Although XTC were one of the most original and influential bands to emerge from England’s post-punk scene in the late 1970s, most fans have never — and likely will never — see them live due to Andy Partridge’s long-standing aversion to touring. I’m generally not one for cover bands, but EXTC includes XTC’s original drummer (the excellent Terry Chambers), and hearing him play “Making Plans for Nigel” should be something special. —JL

at Grey Eagle Music Hall
Tuesday, May 27
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[post-punk, art rock]
more info

TAKAAT

While Mdou Moctar is often defined by the mind-bending guitar work and politically charged vocals of Mahamadou Souleymane, anyone who’s caught the Tuareg band live knows that his rhythm section is just as capable of stealing the show. Performing as TAKAAT, the trio — Ahmoudou Madassane, Mikey Coltun, and Souleymane Ibrahim — delivers a raw, electrifying sound that draws as much from Fugazi as it does from Tinariwen. —JL

w/ Orches Limita + Scribblers
at AyurPrana Listening Room
Thursday, May 29
Doors: 6pm / Show: 7pm
[Tuareg rock, punk]
more info

Found Footage Fest

Since 2004, Joe Pickett (The Onion) and Nick Prueher (Late Show) have been digging through mountains of VHS tapes to unearth the wildest, weirdest, and most hilariously unhinged clips imaginable. It’s a public service many didn't realize they needed until it was far too late. —JL

at Eulogy
Thursday, May 29
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[comedy]
more info

MAYDAY IV

If you’re interested in taking a crash course in the who’s who of local underground rock bands, you’ll have no better option than spending the bulk of your weekend at Sly Grog. Enduring 20 bands in a matter of two days is a bit much, but Fantømex, Pinkeye, and The Jesus Casino will definitely reward your efforts. —JL

Day 1: Yawni + Ton of a Bitch + My Gal Monday + Pinkeye + Tiny TV's + Basement Healer + Fantømex
at Sly Grog Lounge
Friday, May 30
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm

Day 2: Separate Incidents + We Have Ignition + The Discs + Slow Poison + Dark City Kings + Tiny City + Dave Gilbert & The Big Sky + Colossal Human Failure + Saddle Breaker + Busy Weather + Suburban Detour + Paprika + The Jesus Casino
at Sly Grog Lounge
Saturday, May 31
Doors: 4pm / Show:5pm
[indie rock, punk, alternative]
more info

Adam Lion

Unless you’ve already caught this former Asheville resident live, chances are you’ve never been fully swept away by the hypnotic, echoing tones of a vibraphone. A minimalist composer, he’s devoted himself to uncovering the instrument’s full expressive potential. —JL

w/ Mount + Maidens of Delos
at AyurPrana Listening Room
Saturday, May 31
Doors: 6pm / Show: 7pm
[minimalism, experimental]
more info

Field Trip: Cold Mountain Music Festival

Hear the name “Cold Mountain” and one’s mind probably goes to Charles Frazier’s novel or Highland Brewing Co.’s cult favorite winter ale. But this annual Haywood Co. event warrants a spot in the conversation as well. Held in one of the most gorgeous locations in Western North Carolina — seriously, you’ll find yourself staring at the mountains as much as the stage — this year’s fest includes such heavy hitters as Raleigh-based alt-country act American Aquarium and conjunction-loving local favorites like The Moon and You, and Fancy and the Gentlemen. —Edwin Arnaudin

at Lake Logan
Friday, May 30-Sunday, June 1
[alt-country, rock, Americana, bluegrass]
more info