This Week in Asheville: Oct. 19-25
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 Residents
Active since the early 1970s, the mysterious art collective is unquestionably one of the most innovative and influential groups in U.S. history. With 47 studio releases, the Residents have an imposing discography, but the band’s ’70s output is the most highly regarded, including the 1979 album Eskimo, which they’re performing in full on tour for the first time. The strange ambient masterpiece inspired by Inuit culture is one of those records that truly transports listeners to another world — one that’s bizarre, creepy, and unlike anything else. —Jonny Leather
w/ Rushadicus
at The Orange Peel
Monday, Oct. 19
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[experimental, ambient]
more info
Telehealth
Inspired by the angular synth punk of early Devo and the tech-driven dystopian future that corporate greed has society plunging towards, the Seattle band is one of the best signings to Sub Pop Records in recent memory. —JL
w/ Razor & The Boogiemen + Glue Sniffin Squish Heads + Paper Pills
at Static Age Records
Wednesday, Oct. 21
Doors: 8pm / Show: 8:45pm
[synth punk, indie rock, punk, emo]
more info
Guerilla Toss
Formed in the early 2010s and drawing heavily from the late-’70s no wave scene, the under-appreciated NYC group has smoothed out some of the more abrasive sounds of its early days while incorporating more neo-psychedelic elements and ultimately growing into a weirder, more idiosyncratic act. The band’s 2025 release, You’re Weird Now, produced by Stephen Malkmus, is arguably its best. It’s a 21st-century mutant disco classic. —JL
w/ King Garbage + Ear Pwr
at Static Age Records
Thursday, Oct. 22
Doors: 8pm / Show: 8:45pm
[art rock, dance-punk, neo-psychedelia]
more info
Wagging
The local power pop quartet releases its sophomore album last Friday, and you’re gonna want to check it out. To celebrate the occasion, the band will be playing a release show with Blithe and Real Companion. Best of all, it’s free! —JL
w/ Blithe + Real Companion
at Eulogy
Friday, Oct. 23
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[indie rock, alt pop, alternative]
more info
Gillian Welch & David Rawlings
Sure, the Americana/folk heroes were “just here” 18 months ago. But every time their combination of instrumental prowess — particularly Rawlings’ jaw-dropping guitar playing — and powerful vocals swings through the area, it’s a must-see event. Plus, their Grateful Dead Acoustic Reckoning show presents an enticing new wrinkle for even seasoned fans, making either (or both!) nights a win-win. —Edwin Arnaudin
at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
Friday, Oct. 23 & Saturday, Oct. 24
Doors: 6:30pm / Show: 7:30pm
[folk, bluegrass]
more info
Benjamin Tod & Lost Dog Street Band
For a well-rounded weekend of raw folk music, pair one of the Welch/Rawlings shows with this singer/songwriter and his talented ensemble. Touring on the power of two new albums — one of originals and the other of the covers that shaped him as a young Nashville busker — he’ll look to build on his already strong local fanbase. —EA
at The Orange Peel
w/ Conrad Moore + Resonant Rogues (10/24 only)
Friday, Oct. 23 & Saturday, Oct. 24
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[country, folk]
more info
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Karina Rykman (Photo courtesy of Big Hassle)
🎤 = comedy; 🎭 = theater
Oct. 19: Glimmer + Rhodo Hell at Static Age Records
Oct. 20: Dope Lemon at The Orange Peel
Oct. 21: The Asheville Gay Mens Chorus Halloween Sing-A- Long at Fleetwood's
Oct. 21: Golden Folk Sessions at Grey Eagle Music Hall
Oct. 21: PUP + NOBRO + PONY at The Orange Peel
Oct. 22: Rooftop Comedy featuring Shelley Gruenberg at Antidote 🎤
Oct. 22: Karina Rykman at Asheville Music Hall
Oct. 22: True Loves at Eulogy
Oct. 22: Big Al's Mountain Service + Johnny Elkins + Safety Coffin at Fleetwood’s
Oct. 22: Nick Shoulders at Grey Eagle Music Hall
Oct. 22: Wishy at Revival Asheville
Oct. 22: Goodgoat & Beekeepers Band at Third Room
Oct. 23: MVTANT + Pink Stiletto + Midnight Choir + Saint Cure at 27 Club
Oct. 23: Pierce Edens at Eda’s Hideaway
Oct. 23: Mongo + Werewolf Hours + Drugula at Fleetwood's
Oct. 23: Comedy at The Funk: Jordan Doll at Funkatorium 🎤
Oct. 23: AJ Lee & Blue Summit + The Cody Sisters at Grey Eagle Music Hall
Oct. 23: Dish + Horsesitter (OH) + Clinton (OH) + Aunt Ant at Static Age Records
Oct. 24: Seán Johnson & The Wild Lotus Band at AyurPrana Listening Room
Oct. 24: Lucille Klement + Paprika + Kaleb Scherer and the Fender Benders at Fleetwood's
Oct. 24: The Get Right Fam Jam Band at Pisgah Brewing
Oct. 24: Dogwood Tales + Tombstone Poetry at Static Age Records
Oct. 25: Grieves + Mouse Powell at Asheville Music Hall
Oct. 25: Pentagram String Band at The Odd
Oct. 25: Unihorn (afternoon show) at Sierra Nevada
Oct. 25: King Garbage at Sierra Nevada
Oct. 25: Old Pup + Claire Whall + Fourth Moon at Static Age Records
For full events listings check out AVL.LIVE.com
(Wagging photo courtesy of Having Fun Records)
