Sep 22

Sep 22 This Week in Asheville: Sept. 21-27

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 War on Drugs

The long-running indie rock outfit from Philly recently shared its first taste of new music since its 2021 album I Don't Live Here Anymore. The synthy alt-country ballad "Who's That" finds the band evolving while still drawing inspiration from the same tried-and-true heartland rock influences such as Petty, Springsteen, and Dylan. —Jonny Leather

w/ Okonski
at Asheville Yards
Monday, Sep. 21
Doors: 6pm / Show: 7pm
[folk rock, indie rock, alt-country]
more info

Deltron 3030

By the time Del tha Funkee Homosapien caught the attention of the masses with his scene-stealing appearance on Gorillaz’s "Clint Eastwood” in 2001, Ice Cube's cousin was already an underground, alt-hip-hop icon. Just a year prior, the rapper had teamed up with Gorillaz producer Dan the Automator and Kid Koala as Deltron 3030. The trio's dystopian hip-hop opera concept album, which features multiple appearances from Damon Albarn, was an instant stunner and holds up today as a genre-defining masterpiece.

The hip-hop supergroup's focus on social commentary and human rights via the lens of science fiction is perfectly suited for the now, so this should be a cathartic performance.—JL

w/ Kid Koala + Kylerapps
at The Orange Peel
Tuesday, Sep. 22
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[hip-hop]
more info

Damien Jurado

With over 20 albums to his name, the Seattle singer/songwriter has been the ultimate model of consistency since releasing his debut album, Waters Ave S., via Sub Pop Records in 1997. Perhaps too melancholy to gain commercial appeal, his misty brand of folk akin to Nick Drake has nevertheless earned him a devoted fan base. —JL

w/ St. Yuma
at Grey Eagle Music Hall
Friday, Sep. 25
Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
[folk, indie rock]
more info

Gov’t Mule + Ziggy Marley + YOLA

Any time Warren Haynes returns to his hometown is cause for celebration, foremost in that a great night of music awaits. With his band’s usual outdoor venue Salvage Station a victim of Tropical Storm Helene, it only makes sense that they would be one of the first acts to play its riverside equivalent a few miles away. Sets from reggae icon Ziggy Marley as well as the talented YOLA (in DJ mode) only sweeten the deal. —Edwin Arnaudin

at Hellbender
Friday, Sep. 25
Doors: 4pm / Show: 5:30pm
[rock, jam, reggae]
more info

Rising Appalachia

In addition to crafting high-quality, genre-blending music, sisters Leah Song and Chloe Smith have been some of the highest-profile local artists to raise funds for and awareness of post-Helene recovery. As the storm’s two-year anniversary approaches and area needs remain high, the siblings host a two-day, family-friendly, festival-style residency in Black Mountain with an array of creative arts that’s sure to uplift all who attend. —EA

at Pisgah Brewing Co.
Saturday, Sep. 25
Doors: 6pm / Show: 7pm
w/Street Creature Puppet Collective, Castanea, Numatik & Jade Sanchez

Sunday, Sept. 26
Doors: 2pm / Show: 3pm
w/ Creature Puppet Collective, Sparrow Smith & The Resonant Rogues
[folk, americana, world]
more info