This Week in Asheville: May 4-10
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.
Wolf Eyes
Over the course of its existence, this legendary Detroit noise duo has amassed a discography hundreds of releases deep — nearly impenetrable in its breadth. It's all likely worth your time, but your best option is simply to show up Monday and let them guide you through whatever strange sonic universe they've conjured. —Jonny Leather
w/ Nicht Weltraum + Grotto Lung 3
at Eulogy
Monday, May 4
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[experimental]
more info
Built To Spill
Doug Martsch and company have released just two albums over the past 15 years, yet they've remained a reliable touring presence with several stops at The Grey Eagle in recent years. This time, fans will be treated to a rare performance from The Hypos, the collaborative project of Greg Cartwright (Reigning Sound) and Scott McMicken (Dr. Dog). —JL
w/ The Hypos
at Grey Eagle Music Hall
Monday, May 4
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[indie rock]
more info
Asheville Improv Festival
Although Asheville sees its fair share of quality standup throughout the year, improv options remain relatively thin, sustained mostly by a handful of solid local troupes. That's what makes this annual event such a special treat — a special chance to experience world-class performers from across the country, bringing their unpredictable, top-notch spontaneity to our stages. —JL
at Multiple Venues
Wednesday, May 6 - Sunday, May10
Various times each night
[improv comedy]
more info
Joan Shelley
The Kentucky-born singer/songwriter should be considered a national treasure by now. She’s consistently released the kind of timeless folk records that touch you deep in your soul. —JL
w/ Grace Rogers
at AyurPrana Listening Room
Wednesday, May 6
Doors: 6pm / Show: 7pm
[folk]
more info
El Khat
Built around Eyal El Wahab and rooted in Yemeni heritage, this trio crafts music that’s equal parts earth-toned and otherworldly — homemade instruments and a DIY spirit channeled into something genuinely enchanting, where hypnotic Middle Eastern rhythms form the foundation of a sound that feels both timeless and entirely their own. —JL
w/ Coconut Cake
at AyurPrana Listening Room
Saturday, May 9
Doors: 6pm / Show: 7pm
[desert blues, Arabic music]
more info
Failure
During its original run in the 1990s, this distortion-heavy Los Angeles band never quite broke through like its Seattle peers, but left a lasting enough impression that it sounds right at home among the current wave of noisy, shoegaze-adjacent alt-rock. Now, with Paramore's Hayley Williams — a longtime fan — appearing on the trio's new album Location Lost, there's little doubt they're finding a whole new audience. —JL
w/ All Under Heaven
at Eulogy
Saturday, May 9
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[noise rock]
more info
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Jonathan Scales Fourchestra (Photo by Sandlin Gaither)
🎤 = comedy; 🎭 = theater
May 5: Dance With The Dead + Magic Sword + Megan McDuffee at Grey Eagle Music Hall
May 5: The Wallflowers at The Orange Peel
May 5: Chained + Powerplay + Shot with a Gun + Sydney's Fatal Scream at Static Age Records
May 6: Pride and Prejudice at Flat Rock Playhouse 🎭
May 6: Jonathan Scales Fourchestra at Grey Eagle Music Hall
May 6: No Child at NC Stage Co. 🎭
May 6: Jaguar Sun at Revival Asheville
May 7: D’Angelo Tribute at Asheville Music Hall
May 7: Nawa Siã of the Huni Kuin Tribe at AyurPrana Listening Room
May 7: Purification at The Bebe Theatre 🎭
May 7: Pride and Prejudice at Flat Rock Playhouse 🎭
May 7: Ryan Montbleau (solo) at Grey Eagle Music Hall
May 7: No Child at NC Stage Co. 🎭
May 7: Folk Bitch Trio at Revival Asheville
May 7: USX (U.S. Christmas) + Vulture Feather + Two Planes at Static Age Records
May 8: Laura Jane Grace & Band + LUNG + Black Guy Fawkes at Asheville Music Hall
May 8: Purification at The Bebe Theatre 🎭
May 8: Drug Church + White Reaper + Spy + Public Opinion at Eulogy
May 8: Pride and Prejudice at Flat Rock Playhouse 🎭
May 8: No Child at NC Stage Co. 🎭
May 8: Arcy Drive at The Orange Peel
May 8: CAM GIRL + Tiny TVs + Psychlops at Static Age Records
May 9: Purification at The Bebe Theatre 🎭
May 9: Pride and Prejudice at Flat Rock Playhouse 🎭
May 9: Tanasi at Grey Eagle Music Hall
May 9: No Child at NC Stage Co. 🎭
May 9: Secret Saturday Late Nite Comedy Show at RAD Brewing 🎤
May 9: Alexis Wax (ft. Ex-Thee Oh Sees drummer) + M. Ledes & Lyberarchelulo at Static Age Records
May 10: Purification at The Bebe Theatre 🎭
May 10: Pride and Prejudice at Flat Rock Playhouse 🎭
May 10: Bella White at Grey Eagle Music Hall
May 10: No Child at NC Stage Co. 🎭
May 10: Spoonbill at Third Room
For full events listings check out AVL-Live.com
(El Khat photo courtesy of Batov Records)
