Nov 17

Nov 17 This Week in Asheville: Nov. 17-23

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.

They Might Be Giants

The fact that this quirky duo from Brooklyn is still going strong after over 40 years warms my heart. In that timespan, the Johns (Flansburgh and Linnell) have released a staggering 23 studio albums, won a pair of Grammys, and have sold over four million albums, all the while maintaining a uniquely geeky cool charm that has not been replicated. The last time they were in town, they delivered their classic album Flood in full. This time around, they’ve got three totally different sets, so fans can expect a satisfying mix of hits and deep cuts. —Jonny Leather

at The Orange Peel
Monday, Nov. 17, Tuesday, Nov. 18, & Wednesday, Nov.19
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[indie rock, alternative]
more info

Angel Du$t + Ovlov + Snooper

This is one of those wild Tuesday night triple bills you’ll kick yourself for missing a few years from now, once all three bands are packing bigger venues. Formed in 2013, Angel Du$t originally featured a pair of current Turnstile members and, much like their fellow Baltimoreans, continues to inject new life into American hardcore. Ovlov channels the noisy, fuzzed-out energy of ’90s indie rock, while late addition Snooper brings a dose of Devo-inspired chaos as one of the defining acts of the current egg punk scene. —JL

at Eulogy
Tuesday, Nov. 18
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[hardcore, punk, alternative]
more info

Jens Lekman

The Swedish indie pop singer-songwriter returns to town for the second time in just a few months. Last time, he appeared at Daytrip alongside author David Levithan to promote their collaborative book Songs for Other People’s Weddings. This time, he’ll be joined by a full band to perform songs from the companion album — and surely a handful of past favorites. It’s the perfect excuse to check out Asheville’s newest venue. —JL

at Revival
Thursday, Nov. 20
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[singer-songwriter, indie pop]
more info

Ben Kweller

Somehow, some way, nearly two decades have passed since the Texas-based singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist last played Asheville. Over that time, he’s released four collections of some of the catchiest indie rock you’ll hear, including this year’s Cover the Mirrors, featuring collaborations with Waxahatchee, The Flaming Lips, Coconut Records (aka Jason Schwartzman), and native son MJ Lenderman. And that’s on top of his 2000 stunner Sha Sha, one of the most impressive solo debuts by any artist in any genre. He’s the ultimate IYKYK musician and I haven’t been this excited about a show since I saw Neil Young for the first time last year. —Edwin Arnaudin

w/ Modern Love Child
at Eulogy
Friday, Nov. 21
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[alternative]
more info

Aziz Ansari

The stand-up recently drew some criticism for performing at the Riyadh Comedy Festival, but if you can look past that questionable decision, you’re in for one of the sharpest, funniest sets around. Though he may now be better known for his acting, Ansari remains most at home on stage with a mic in hand. —JL

at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
Friday, Nov. 21
Doors: 6pm / Show: 7pm
[stand up comedy]
more info

GZA

Liquid Swords stands as one of the most definitive hip-hop albums of all time, and it’s hard to believe it’s been 30 years since its release. To celebrate this masterpiece, the legendary Wu-Tang Clan member will team up with backing band The Phunky Nomads for what promises to be two unforgettable nights this weekend. —JL

w/ Skyzoo + Landon Wordswell
at Eulogy
Saturday, Nov. 22 & Sunday, Nov. 23
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[hip hop]
more info