Oct 14

Oct 14 This Week in Asheville: Oct. 13-19

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.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

The Los Angeles band founded by high school friends Peter Hayes and Robert Levon Been first hit the scene sounding like what might happen if Brian Jonestown Massacre — of which Hayes was briefly a member — was more indebted to The Jesus & Mary Chain. By the time of their stellar third album, Howl, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club had shifted gears entirely, embracing a more acoustic, roots-inflected sound. To mark Howl’s 20th anniversary, the trio will perform the album in full. —Jonny Leather

w/ Humanist
at The Orange Peel
Tuesday, Oct. 14
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[alt-rock]
more info

MJ Lenderman

The favorite son returns! Last December, the hometown hero played two sold-out nights at The Orange Peel — shows that felt like a much-needed moment of post-Helene healing for the city. For his only local performance of 2025, an even larger crowd will gather to sing along to “She’s Leaving You” and other favorites. —JL

w/ David Nance & Mowed Sound
at Asheville Yards
Wednesday, Oct. 15
Doors: 5:30pm / Show: 7pm
[alt-country, folk rock]
more info

Anamanaguchi

If you’re of a certain generation, you grew up on a steady diet of 8-bit melodies from early video game consoles. So it was only natural that, by the early 2000s, those sounds began seeping into mainstream music. This Brooklyn band was at the forefront of that mid-aughts wave known as chiptune. Joining them is the explosive reunited Nashville punk group Be Your Own Pet. —JL

w/ Be Your Own Pet
at The Orange Peel
Wednesday, Oct. 15
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[chiptune, electronic, alt-rock]
more info

Paper Pills

The local punk quintet celebrates the release of its new single “Shampoo,” joined by a pair of fellow Asheville staples. —JL

w/ Lavender Blue + Porcelain Parrot
at Eulogy
Friday, Oct. 17
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[punk, emo, alternative]
more info

LEAF Festival

Organizers of the multiday outdoor event have assembled a stellar lineup for its 30th anniversary, with Valerie June, Arrested Development, and Jackie Venson headlining the celebration. But this event is about much more than its marquee names — each of the three days is packed with artists worth catching. Pro tip: don’t miss Making Movies’ set on Saturday, Oct. 18. —JL

at Lake Eden, Black Mountain
Friday, Oct. 17 - Sunday, Oct. 19
[eclectic]
more info

Think:X

I’m usually not one for cover or tribute acts — unless they bring something unconventional to the table. But this Pink Floyd tribute is hardly a group of no-name shlubs. Saxophonist Scott Page actually toured with Pink Floyd, Toto, and Supertramp. The rhythm section features Jane’s Addiction drummer Stephen Perkins alongside Fishbone bassist Norwood Fisher. And on vocals, there’s Roberta Freeman, who’s backed both Pink Floyd and Guns N’ Roses. You get the idea. —JL

w/ Santiago y Los Gatos + King Youngblood
at The Orange Peel
Sunday, Oct. 19
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[progressive rock]
more info