GONG + David Cross Band (plays King Crimson)
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY GONG The ever-metamorphosing entity that is GONG launches, as ever, into unknown – and unknowing – territory with new tours destined to be talked about, discussed, and argued over, up and down the land. From its beginnings in a French commune in 1967, through the Virgin Records years, mismanagement, court cases, break-ups and re-joining’s, deaths and rebirths – there has always been a continuous thread of beautiful, dangerous and extraordinary music. The current holders of the flame have come together over the last eight years; sinuous bass player Dave Sturt joined just as the album 2032 was shown to the world; Ian East (Sax, Flute) was the next to blow in through the portal; Fabio Golfetti brought his guitars from Brazil (after working with Daevid Allen for many years); Kavus Torabi (lead vox and guitars) appeared to Daevid in a vision; Cheb Nettles (drums) just sort of turned up. In 2015, Daevid Allen passed away. His influence and legacy were honoured on the band’s subsequent album, Rejoice! I’m Dead! (2016). In recent years GONG has performed with the Steve Hillage Band (himself a former member of the 1970s GONG line-up) and released the critically acclaimed album The Universe Also Collapses (2019) and a stunning new live album Pulsing Signals (2022) captures the band at a creative peak with tracks drawn from their 2019 tour. Their new studio album, Unending Ascending, was release in November 2023. Gong’s musically diverse world includes shades of psychedelia, space rock, jazz, avant-garde, krautrock and surreal soundscapes. DAVID CROSS BAND (plays King Crimson) DAVID CROSS is an English electric violinist and keyboardist best known for playing with progressive rock band King Crimson from 1972 to 1974. Cross appears on their studio albums Larks’ Tongues in Aspic (1973) and Starless and Bible Black (1974), as well as “Providence”, a live track on Red (1974), in addition to numerous concert recordings that have been released by Robert Fripp’s Discipline Global Mobile label in the decades since. After leaving the band, David was a senior lecturer in Music Education at the London Metropolitan University and besides several projects and recording sessions, he kept alive his own band since 1994 releasing 10 albums. In recent years David Cross has toured all around Europe, Latin America and Japan with Stick Men (with other King Crimson alumni, Tony Levin and Pat Mastelotto, plus Markus Reuter), vexing featured on albums Midori and Panamerica; as well with David Jackson, the legendary sax player from Van Der Graaf Generator. In 2023 David toured with his band all around Europe celebrating the 50th anniversary of Larks’ Tongues In Aspic album.
River & Rail w/ Thomas Kozak and Liliana Hudgens
ALL AGES SEATED SHOW LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE RIVER & RAIL Grace and Alex wedded in 2021, moving to Nashville, TN and establishing themselves as an up and coming Folk/Americana duo, River & Rail. Grace’s enchanting lyricism, storytelling, and dynamic vocals lend themselves to Alex’s bed of melancholy acoustic instruments and intentional production. In 2023, the duo released their debut EP “Trees and other Relatives” written by Grace, a collection of rich stories recalled from her own family line, and produced by Alex. LILIANA HUDGENS The Appalachian region is spilling over with terrific up-and-coming musicians these days, many clustered around the beautiful artists’ haven of Asheville, North Carolina. That includes Liliana Hudgens, a singer-songwriter whose new seven-song EP Last Line explores the blurry boundaries between country, folk and a retro brand of pop rock descended from The Everly Brothers whose “So Sad” is covered here. Meanwhile, Hudgens’s originals demonstrate both her knack for writing memorable melodies and her considerable vocal capabilities. Few can flutter around a prolonged note like her. THOMAS KOZAK Thomas Kozak is a singer-songwriter based in Asheville, NC. With a focus on lyricism and structure that stretches convention, he looks to bend an ear beyond the expected. His blend of intricate picking patterns and soft, dark vocals has led his music to be described as meditative and intimate. A poet as well, Kozak places considerable emphasis on his lyrics, which move beyond the classic narrative progression. In 2019, Kozak linked up with the critically-acclaimed Americana artist Jim White (“Wrong-Eyed Jesus”/“No Such Place”) who would produce his first full-length album, “The Rubicon.” Engineered by John Keane and released on June 3rd, 2022, “The Rubicon” is an exploration of the ongoing life of the decisions one makes, traced through to a culminating acceptance, all against the wildly diverse soundscape Jim White is known for. Kozak’s new EP, “Our Lady of Embers,”(released April 20th) plays with the concept of divine intercession and the desire to construct externalizations of interior struggles in order to face them more clearly. All six songs were engineered by Mike Johnson (of Slowpacker) at Citizen Studios and Drop of Sun Studios in Asheville.
ROAMCK
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY ROAMCK Roamck is a four piece rock band from Asheville, NC. Known for their distinctive sounds of hard hitting riffs, powerful drums and melodic baritone vocals, the band forges a dynamic force in the alternative rock landscape. Consisting of Adam Macera on lead vocals and guitar, Dane Loeffler on guitar, Maddox Collina on bass and Will Holden on drums. The band is currently writing for their third studio album and taking on NC by storm
PATIO: Electric Blue Yonder
ALL AGES LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVEELECTRIC BLUE YONDERElectric Blue Yonder is a musical group like no other, featuring Beth Hataway and Johnny Veres as its core members. Their music takes the listener on a journey through space and time, blending influences from folk, rock, and ambient music into a unique sound that is both familiar and alien.Beth’s haunting vocals and Johnny’s intricate guitar work are the perfect match, creating a sonic landscape that captivates audiences and leaves them spellbound. Their music touches on themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in an ever-changing world, conveying heartfelt emotions and genuine experiences.Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Electric Blue Yonder continued to showcase their music through virtual performances and interviews, captivating audiences with their otherworldly sounds and unique blend of space-folk. Their debut album, “B/TST Between Space and Time,” was released just two weeks before the pandemic began, but the band’s unwavering commitment to their craft enabled them to overcome adversity and continue to create and perform.Their sophomore album, “Mourning Sounds,” takes listeners on a metaphorical journey through the process of loss and grieving, highlighting the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity and find a way forward. The album’s message of friendship, perseverance, and radical acceptance resonates deeply, garnering critical acclaim from prestigious outlets such as American Songwriter, Americana UK, and V13.With their innovative blend of musical styles and themes, Electric Blue Yonder has established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the world of indie music. Their continued growth and evolution as artists, while staying true to their unique sound and vision, is a testament to their talent and commitment to their craft.Their highly anticipated album, “MicroPARTY,” promises to be a celebration of life’s small moments, with catchy hooks and danceable beats that will have listeners grooving along in no time. The album’s production is said to be top-notch, with expertly crafted layers of synths, guitar riffs, and vocals that create a sonic landscape that is both immersive and exhilarating. Electric Blue Yonder’s music is a beacon of hope in a world that is ever more complex and uncertain, reminding listeners that the human spirit is capable of reaching for the stars. Their unique sound and commitment to their craft are sure to inspire and captivate audiences for years to come.
[MOVED INDOORS AT 8pm]: Baby Yaga
ALL AGES LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BABY YAGA Formed in late 2018, Baby Yaga’s sound is reminiscent of 90s post-punk and has been compared by the charleston city paper to Blue Album and Pinkerton era’s weezer. The band’s sophomore ep “ i’ll ruin your life” was in the post and courier’s “the best of south carolina music 2021.” Their newest release “ssdd” touches on the absurdity of reentering the dating world after heartbreak. Producer Wolfgang zimmerman married the band’s angsty sound and anthemic hooks with a heavy hitting, no nonsense delivery.
PATIO: Carbon Harry
ALL AGES LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVE CARBON HARRYHailing from the mountains of Northeast Georgia, Carbon Harry is a four piece rock band featuring kids between the ages of 9 and 11 years old. Don’t be fooled by their small stature, these kids are the next generation of great rock and roll, playing with a spirit and reckless abandon that only comes with having not yet reached middle school. Featuring Izzy on guitar, her brother Davy on bass, Scout on keyboards, and Davis on drums, Carbon Harry plays a mix of original songs along with covers reimagined in their own Carbon Harry style. Their greatest joy comes from inspiring other kids to pick up instruments and start playing so if you have a young music lover at home, you will not want to miss the chance to bring them out to see Carbon Harry live!
PATIO: Drunken Prayer
ALL AGES LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVEDRUNKEN PRAYER Drunken Prayer transcends the bounds of Americana music. Whether a big country soul band, gospel power trio or just a voice and guitar, Drunken Prayer is always Morgan Geer. Morgan writes songs that could emerge from a highly blissed-out biker bar or a swampy ashram. For his most recent release, 2023’s The Name Of The Ghost Is Home, Geer worked from his backyard studio in North Carolina with Paul Oldham (Bonnie “Prince” Billy, Royal Trux), building on drum tracks initially recorded in New Mexico at Empty House, home of doom metal bands like OM and Sleep. The end result evokes an ominous Acid Western feedback-and-driftwood aesthetic. Preceding the last record was the acclaimed LP Cordelia Elsewhere, mixed by Mitch Easter (Let’s Active, REM). Drunken Prayer is currently finishing up an album of gospel covers, recording at the original Fat Possum studio in North Mississippi, with members of Drive-by Truckers and Squirrel Nut Zippers. Morgan Geer and his Drunken Prayer have played hundreds of shows across 18 countries and across the US at venues such as the Newport Folk Festival, Pickathon Music Festival and San Francisco’s Great American Music Hall. Drunken Prayer’s music has been featured on NPR, AMC, WFMU and Little Steven’s Garage on SiriusXM. On the side Morgan is the lead guitar player for alt-country goths Freakwater, writes for a diversity of artists and plays bass in local honky-tonk and soul bands. He’s also been touring internationally; opening for and often joining The Handsome Family. Morgan Geer lives in the mountains of southern Appalachia.
Sierra Green & The Giants
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLY SIERRA GREEN & THE GIANTS Emerging as a vibrant musical force from the bustling streets of New Orleans, Sierra Green embodies a fusion of timeless soul with an irresistible contemporary allure, evoking the depth and grit of the genre’s raw essence. Revered as the “Queen of Frenchmen Street,” Sierra’s roots delve deep into the rich musical soil of the city’s 7th Ward—a historic breeding ground that nurtured legends such as Jelly Roll Morton, Sidney Bechet, and Allen Toussaint. Sierra’s musical destiny is woven into the tapestry of this storied neighborhood, where her voice resonated in the church choir from the tender age of eight. Sierra’s artistic odyssey mirrors the resilience and profound soulfulness of her surroundings. Originating from humble beginnings, she captivated audiences along the iconic Frenchmen Street, eventually securing residencies in New Orleans’ most esteemed clubs. Here, she meticulously curated her band, The Giants, handpicking the city’s finest musicians to refine her distinctive sound and command the stage with an undeniable presence. A transformative moment unfolded in Fall 2023 when Sierra, alongside The Giants, collaborated in the studio with the esteemed David Torkanowsky, a musical luminary synonymous with New Orleans. The outcome was a five-song collection showcasing Sierra’s artistry, revitalizing classics like The Meter’s “Break in the Road” and infusing her unique essence into David Shaw’s “Promised Land.” Tracks such as “One Thing” and “He Called Me Baby” resonate with emotional depth and unfiltered passion, marking Sierra’s trajectory—a burgeoning artist leaving an indelible imprint on the soul music landscape. Further expanding her horizons, Sierra journeyed to Nashville, collaborating with producer and guitarist J.D. Simo, celebrated for his work with icons like Beyoncé, Stevie Nicks, and Jack White. These recording sessions promise to elevate her forthcoming debut album, infusing her captivating vocals with sultry guitar, potent horns, and infectious basslines—a nod to the legends of Detroit and Memphis as she forges her own path among contemporary torchbearers. Sierra stands poised and primed, where each moment behind the microphone holds the promise of an unforgettable evening—an embodiment of soulful melodies and magnetic performances that leave audiences moved, captivated, and inspired. Sierra Green isn’t merely crafting music; she’s etching her legacy in the revered annals of musical history.
The Dirty French Broads: Kate’s 30th Birthday Boondoggle!
ALL AGES STANDING ROOM ONLY Come celebrate Kate’s big Dirty 30 with The Dirty Frenchies and their swamp grass friends The Shoaldiggers! (no pressure but the more costumes and glitter, the happier Kate will be) THE DIRTY FRENCH BROADS This rowdy grass band from Asheville, NC brings sultry ballads and boot-stomping cut-a-rugs with the energy of a thousand golden retriever puppies seeing their first snowfall. Leading lady Kate Thomas captivates you with her smoky Tyler Childers timbre, endearing songwriting, and sharp Donkey-from-Shrek wit, then steals your heart with her crooked smile and spirited storytelling. She and her lively crew have a warm authenticity and contagious energy that wears holes in shoes and fills them in hearts. Toss a handful of groovy Newgrass, a sprinkle of Jeannie’s magic fairy dust, and whatever Americana is into a blender, and you’ve got The Dirty French Broads. THE SHOALDIGGERS The Shoaldiggers’ nine pieces produce a one of a kind sound that is completely unique, yet familiar enough to embrace. From rolling seascapes to the hollers of the smokey mountains,Shoaldiggers shows are a swamp grass blast!
[CANCELED] PATIO: 5J Barrow
ALL AGES LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVE 5J BARROW From the historic Apollo Theater to the open air of Washington Square Park, 5j Barrow has inspired audiences with soulful music, evocative imagery, and lyrics that tug at the heart. Founded by Broadway performers and newlyweds, Eryn Murman and Jason Hite in the fall of 2011 in NYC, 5j Barrow was named “Best Band in NY” after winning The Greene Space WNYC/WQXR’s ‘Battle of the Boroughs 2014’. They’ve built a loyal following on the streets of the city and just completed a year-long tour of North America with performances that are both intimate and rousing. 5j Barrow released their debut album From the Dim Sweet Light in 2014, and their first two installments of three upcoming EPs produced by Grammy nominated David Mayfield, were released in October 2017 titled The Journey, Vol. 1 and May 2018 The Journey, Vol. 2. Volume 3 was released in May 2019. While they continue to tour extensively, they are now based out of Asheville, NC.
