Sep 16

Sep 16 This Week in Asheville: Sept. 14-20

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.

LCD Soundsystem

Back in 2011, when James Murphy & Co. finished their Madison Square Garden farewell performance with “New York, I Love You but You’re Bringing Me Down,” it appeared to be the end of the band, and the end of the era for the music scene the band was so entrenched in. It only took a few years for the band to return to the stage and begin touring again — and, incredibly, we’re lucky enough that Murphy hasn’t shut down the project for good.

If you’re the kind of person who’s inclined to skip the opening act, don’t. Experimental lo-fi pop project Victoryland is destined for a rise similar to that of like-minded artists This Is Lorelei and Water From Your Eyes — especially after this tour. —Jonny Leather

w/ Victoryland
at Hellbender
Thursday, Sep. 17
Doors: 5:30pm / Show: 7pm
[synth-pop, post-punk, dance-punk]
more info

El Ten Eleven

If you didn't get your hands on those LCD tickets, you could sit at home and sob, or you could watch this outstanding, long-running post-rock duo blow the roof off Asheville Music Hall. Plus, the incredible Tall Tall Trees opens. —JL

w/ Tall Tall Trees
at Asheville Music Hall
Thursday, Sep. 17
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[post-rock, psychedelic rock, folk]
more info

Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals

This incredibly stacked night of music also includes this gifted singer/songwriter/guitarist’s first Asheville show in over a decade. Naturally, it sold out a while ago but extra tickets always seem to be floating around for big concerts as they approach, so if you’re motivated, it’ll happen. —Edwin Arnaudin

w/ Peter More
at The Orange Peel
Thursday, Sep. 17
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[folk rock, soul]
more info

Mastodon + Deafheaven + Alcest

Months after being kicked out of the band in early 2025, Mastodon guitarist/vocalist Brent Hinds died in a motorcycle crash that August, leaving no chance of a reconciliation. On new album Marrow Deep, the band officially begins a new era, retaining its status as prog-metal titans. Much like the recent Acid Bath/Neurosis/Melvins/Kylesa bill at Hellbender, this one goes way beyond the headliner — a pair of black metal giants, Deafheaven and Alcest, all but guarantee downtown Asheville will combust before Mastodon even takes the stage. —JL

at Asheville Yards
Friday, Sep. 18
Doors: 5:30pm / Show: 6:30pm
[metal, black metal, blackgaze]
more info

Mdou Moctar

Earlier this year, the legendary Nigerien guitarist played a pair of sold-out shows at AyurPrana Listening Room. If you missed it, here's your chance to rectify that mistake. Once again, Mahamadou Souleymane will be performing solo, and while his incredible rhythm section is a huge part of the full-band experience, his guitar sorcery is more than enough to leave anyone stunned. —JL

at AyurPrana Listening Room
Friday, Sep. 18
Doors: 6pm / Show: 7pm
[world, Tuareg]
more info

Todd Barry

Long before every comedian on TikTok was posting videos of their mediocre crowd work, the veteran stand-up was mastering the craft. But Barry's status as one of the best living comedians goes beyond “eviscerating fans.” He's also one of the most skilled joke writers, equipped with a deadpan delivery that rivals Stephen Wright. —JL

at The Orange Peel
Saturday, Sep. 19
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[stand-up comedy]
more info

Jane Kramer

Since the release of the local singer/songwriter/guitarist’s Valley of the Bones in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic and Tropical Storm Helene have rocked the Asheville area — and on top of that, the artist has experienced multiple seismic personal changes with the death of her mother and becoming a mother herself for the first time. A wise lyricist, Kramer funnels these turning points into her new LP, Moon & Mother, which receives a record release show in West Asheville’s best listening room. In the realm of authentic music, few artists are better. —EA

at AyurPrana Listening Room
Saturday, Sep. 19
Doors: 6pm / Show: 7pm
[folk, americana]
more info