Banned From Utopia with Paul Green Rock Academy: WE LOVE ZAPPA Tour
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLYLIMITED NUMBER OF VIP MEET AND GREET TICKETS AVAILABLEBANNED FROM UTOPIABanned From Utopia featuring legendary Frank Zappa alumni Ray White, Bobby Martin and Scott Thunes, will be touring North America with The Paul Green Rock Academy this summer starting in July! The We Love Zappa Tour celebrates the music of Frank Zappa from all eras! Banned From Utopia was formed in 1994 to keep the true spirit of Frank Zappa’s music alive. Covering a variety of Zappa songs, the ensemble lovingly recreates the eclectic virtuoso approach of their former band leader.Ray White – vocals, guitar One of the most powerful and distinctive voices that ever graced a Zappa vocal, Ray White. Ray White’s distinctive, powerful voice was first heard interpreting Zappa’s music in 1976. From that beginning, he became an integral member of Frank’s band through 1984, and can be seen on the DVD recorded the summer of that year in New York, “Does Humor Belong In Music?” A former member of the Edwin Hawkins Singers gospel group, he also brings a solid R&B guitar style to the blend, both as a rhythm player and as a soloist. Looking towards future creative endeavors with Banned From Utopia, Ray is also a gifted writer and lyricist Robert Martin – vocals, keyboards, saxophone, French horn Keyboards, horns, and of course, the voice that always made Frank smile, Robert Martin brings it all. Robert (Bobby) Martin joined Frank Zappa in 1981 and sang and played various instruments on every tour from then on, through the final tour in 1988. In addition to the diverse sonic palette Robert brought to the band with his multi- instrumental skills, Zappa relied heavily on Robert’s unique vocal power and range to enhance the variety of musical styles Frank explored in all his performances. In any moment, Frank might switch from heavy metal to classic Doo Wop, or anything in between, and Robert would be right there. Scott Thunes – guitar, vocals Scott Thunes played with Zappa’s band from 1981 to 1988, and plays on such albums as “The Man From Utopia”, “Them or Us,” “Broadway the Hard Way,” “You Can’t Do That on Stage Anymore,” “Does Humor Belong In Music?,” “The Best Band You Never Heard In Your Life,” “Frank Zappa Meets the Mothers of Prevention,” “Ship Arriving Too Late to Save a Drowning Witch,” “Make a Jazz Noise Here,” and “Guitar,” a double-album compilation of Zappa’s live guitar solos. His most prominent bass performance can be heard on Frank Zappa’s “Valley Girl,” which peaked at #32 on the Billboard Hot 100.also featuring: Robbie Mangano – guitar, vocals / Jamie Kime – guitar / Joel Taylor – drums THE PAUL GREEN ROCK ACADEMY The Paul Green Rock Academy (PGRA) is the latest music program from School of Rock founder Paul Green. From the very beginning of his teaching career Paul has taught the music of Frank Zappa, calling it “one stop shopping for musical education.” While co-headlong the German Zappa festival Zappanale in 2023 Paul and his students got to see Banned From Utopia in action, and vice versa, and an instant bond was formed between the acts.
NIGHT ONE: Jazz is Dead
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLYJAZZ IS DEAD Jazz Is Dead – The legacy all-star instrumental ensemble, famous for interpretations of classic Grateful Dead songs with jazz influences, (re)assembled a killer line-up to immense critical and fan acclaim, and box office success in January. To celebrate Mars Hotel 50th Anniversary, original bassist Alphonso Johnson joined by Steve Kimock, Pete Lavezzoli & Bobby Lee Rodgers, performing songs from Grateful Dead’s ‘Wake of the Flood’, in addition to other beloved selections. Reuniting Steve Kimock & Alphonso Johnson, whom together in heavyweight post-Garcia Grateful Dead off-shoot The Other Ones, along with Bob Weir, commanded the instrumental prowess of that band that shines in Jazz Is Dead. Formed in 1998 by bassist Alphonso Johnson (Weather Report, Santana, Bobby & The Midnites, The Other Ones), drummer Billy Cobham (Miles Davis, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Bobby & The Midnites), keyboardist T Lavitz (Dixie Dregs) & guitarist Jimmy Herring (Aquarium Rescue Unit, Widespread Panic), with drummers Rod Morgenstern (Dixie Dregs) & Jeff Sipe (Leftover Salmon) replacing Cobham in 1999, and guitarist Jeff Pevar (CSN, David Crosby CPR, Phil Lesh & Friends) replacing Herring in 2000, recorded 3 acclaimed albums, the second of which ‘Laughing Water’ in 1999 was in fact an instrumental ‘Wake of the Flood’ reinterpretation – so there is precedent. That album also featured Derek Trucks, Donna Jean Godchaux & Vassar Clements.On Laughing Water, the fusion ensemble Jazz Is Dead one-ups the band that it sets out to honor. Laughing Water is a superior remake of the Grateful Dead’s rather ordinary rock album Wake of the Flood. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a Deadhead to appreciate this album. Laughing Water not only fuses jam-rock with jazz, but it possesses a country-bluesy Americana flavor. The songs on Laughing Water are long and improvisational, but they seldom grow boring. From a purely technical standpoint, each musician in Jazz Is Dead is a superior player to his counterpart in the Grateful Dead. But unlike many pop-jazz remakes of rock albums, Laughing Water manages to capture the rock ‘n roll animus of the original. The communal carefree spirit of tie-dyed counter culturalism lives on in this music. Not only should Deadheads come away happy, but fusion freaks and aficionados of improvisational rock should, too. – Ed Kopp, All About Jazz 1999 ‘Wake of the Flood’s’ reimagined interpretations remain in a repertoire that has expanded exponentially to cover most of the beloved, halcyon songs that have transcended generations, as devotees of The Grateful Dead have swelled to numbers far beyond those when Jerry Garcia was with us. Jazz Is Dead returns in June, unleashing 5 additional shows for ‘This Lazy Summer Home’ tour.
NIGHT TWO: Jazz is Dead
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLYJAZZ IS DEAD Jazz Is Dead – The legacy all-star instrumental ensemble, famous for interpretations of classic Grateful Dead songs with jazz influences, (re)assembled a killer line-up to immense critical and fan acclaim, and box office success in January. To celebrate Mars Hotel 50th Anniversary, original bassist Alphonso Johnson joined by Steve Kimock, Pete Lavezzoli & Bobby Lee Rodgers, performing songs from Grateful Dead’s ‘Wake of the Flood’, in addition to other beloved selections. Reuniting Steve Kimock & Alphonso Johnson, whom together in heavyweight post-Garcia Grateful Dead off-shoot The Other Ones, along with Bob Weir, commanded the instrumental prowess of that band that shines in Jazz Is Dead. Formed in 1998 by bassist Alphonso Johnson (Weather Report, Santana, Bobby & The Midnites, The Other Ones), drummer Billy Cobham (Miles Davis, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Bobby & The Midnites), keyboardist T Lavitz (Dixie Dregs) & guitarist Jimmy Herring (Aquarium Rescue Unit, Widespread Panic), with drummers Rod Morgenstern (Dixie Dregs) & Jeff Sipe (Leftover Salmon) replacing Cobham in 1999, and guitarist Jeff Pevar (CSN, David Crosby CPR, Phil Lesh & Friends) replacing Herring in 2000, recorded 3 acclaimed albums, the second of which ‘Laughing Water’ in 1999 was in fact an instrumental ‘Wake of the Flood’ reinterpretation – so there is precedent. That album also featured Derek Trucks, Donna Jean Godchaux & Vassar Clements.On Laughing Water, the fusion ensemble Jazz Is Dead one-ups the band that it sets out to honor. Laughing Water is a superior remake of the Grateful Dead’s rather ordinary rock album Wake of the Flood. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a Deadhead to appreciate this album. Laughing Water not only fuses jam-rock with jazz, but it possesses a country-bluesy Americana flavor. The songs on Laughing Water are long and improvisational, but they seldom grow boring. From a purely technical standpoint, each musician in Jazz Is Dead is a superior player to his counterpart in the Grateful Dead. But unlike many pop-jazz remakes of rock albums, Laughing Water manages to capture the rock ‘n roll animus of the original. The communal carefree spirit of tie-dyed counter culturalism lives on in this music. Not only should Deadheads come away happy, but fusion freaks and aficionados of improvisational rock should, too. – Ed Kopp, All About Jazz 1999 ‘Wake of the Flood’s’ reimagined interpretations remain in a repertoire that has expanded exponentially to cover most of the beloved, halcyon songs that have transcended generations, as devotees of The Grateful Dead have swelled to numbers far beyond those when Jerry Garcia was with us. Jazz Is Dead returns in June, unleashing 5 additional shows for ‘This Lazy Summer Home’ tour.
Randall Bramblett Band: Album Release Show
ALL AGESSEATED SHOWLIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLERANDALL BRAMBLETT BAND Esteemed singer-songwriter Randall Bramblett is a multi-instrumentalist musician with a career spanning four decades. The Jesup, Georgia native has been highly sought-after for his creativity as both a collaborator and skilled touring sideman. His talent has earned him the respect of his peers and many of rock’s finest luminaries. In 1974 he was part of the Gregg Allman Band for his Laid Back album and tour. In the 1970’s he joined Sea Level with Chuck Leavell. He’s shared stages with artists such as Steve Winwood – a 16 year run, Bonnie Raitt, The Allman Brothers Band and Widespread Panic, among others. He’s also a noted songwriter – he penned the title track for the Grammy nominated Blind Boys of Alabama’s last album, adding to a long catalog of songs covered by Raitt, Gregg Allman, Bonnie Bramlett, Hot Tuna, Delbert McClinton, Chuck Leavell and more. The current exciting news is soul/Motown legend Bettye LaVette released a tribute album, covering 11 of Randall Bramblett’s songs on June 16, 2023 on the Jay-Vee label. Super-producer Steve Jordan brought in Steve Winwood, John Mayer, Jon Batiste, Larry Campbell and more to play on this! But it’s Bramblett’s own career as frontman where his artistry is truly on full display and gives him the most satisfaction. He’s recorded 12 albums for labels Polydor, Capricorn and the last seven for New West Records. Deep into his self-described second act of his solo career, and living in Athens, Georgia, Bramblett’s talents are repeatedly praised by musicians, critics, DJs and fans. Check out the amazing legends he’s played with, written for, and recorded with here!
PATIO: Polly Panic
ALL AGES LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVEPOLLY PANICJenette Mackie is creator and frontwoman of cello shredding rock duo Polly Panic. Built on the back of distorted and often looped cello, drums, and powerful vocals, Mackie and drummer/backing vocalist Chris Medrano are not to be missed in this era of cellos coming to the front. Polly Panic is one of the longest standing cello Art rock forces out there…”References abound, P J Harvey’s bleak and angsty soundscapes, Tori Amos dark dreaming, Apocalyptica’s classical-rock attitudes, Tom Waits belligerence, but whilst you catch fleeting sights of those past glories, Polly Panic creates something totally her own, something wonderfully unique, where classical grunge meets baroque ’n’roll!” (Dave Franklin, Dancing About Architecture, on Losing Form)
Mama & The Ruckus w/ Conor & The Wild Hunt
ALL AGESSEATED SHOWLIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLEMAMA AND THE RUCKUS Mama & The Ruckus is led by Melissa McKinney, who writes songs about the trauma and pain that every person inevitably experiences in their lives. She sings these songs as a cry for hope and inspiration to others and you hear that in every single note that she sings. This intergenerational Roots project features original music that they hope will ignite healing, spread joy, and shine up your soul. Melissa recently advanced to the finals of the International Blues Competition that took place in Memphis, TN, and performed at the historic Orpheum Theater. For the first time, you can catch Melissa with The Ruckus, unplugged in this special evening of music where they will be playing songs off their recently released album alongside some brand new music. Melissa is a resident artist with LEAF Global Arts, the co-founder of the Women to the Front Music Festival, a small business owner, and a passionate member of the Asheville Music Community. You can often find her performing alongside her daughter in her other project, Melissa & McKinney. CONOR & THE WILD HUNT Conor & The Wild Hunt animates soulful original songs with fresh perspectives on Americana, Folk, and Pop traditions. They encompass a wide dynamic range, from irresistible grooves to contemplative cinematic ballads and anthemic explosive peaks, with artful and driving instrumentation, impassioned duets, blooming three-part harmonies, and a compelling stage presence. Conor & The Wild Hunt released their debut album titled ‘You’re Not Alone’ in September of 2019. They’ve shared bills with bands such as The War and Treaty, Stella Donnelly, Christian Lopez, Illiterate Light, Satsang, Falls, Ruen Brothers, Ezra Bell, Kelsey Waldon, Yarn, Dustin Thomas, and Crack the Sky. Conor Brendan has performed with artists such as Peter Yarrow and Trevor Hall. Conor Brendan also has a continuing history of involvement in intersectional progressive activism, including the Free Palestine movement, spending three weeks on the front lines at Standing Rock, and participating in marches with BLM, Native rights, women’s rights, reproductive rights, the Baltimore Uprising, West Wednesdays for Tyrone West, Occupy, and anti alt-right counter protests. A recording of Conor singing his song “We Are Here to Stay” at Occupy Congress at age 17 is featured at the end of an NPR story. GRACE CAMPBELLHailing from West Virginia, Grace Campbell brings her unique charm to the music scene. Her captivating songwriting and magnetic personality have garnered her a dedicated fan base both locally and on social media.Grace has transcended the Appalachian region with her music. She continues to grow her regional fanbase through live appearances, a strong social media presence, and the genuine connection she makes with her audience. Her live appearances have included working with artists such as: Kathy Mattea, Kidd G, Philip Bowen, and Kassi Valazza.
Honky Tonk Ball ft. John Howie Jr & the Rosewood Bluff and Hearts Gone South
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLYJOHN HOWIE JR & THE ROSEWOOD BLUFF In 1995, John Howie Jr.’s honky-tonk band, the Two Dollar Pistols, emerged out of the North Carolina alt-country explosion that gave the world Whiskeytown and the Backsliders, among others. The Pistols spent twelve years traveling around the United States and Europe, making records for the esteemed Yep Roc label with an updated, soulful take on old-school country and honky-tonk sounds. Over the course of seven albums – including a series of duets with Grammy nominee Tift Merritt – Howie and the band developed a sizable following, packing clubs on the East Coast and being flown to festivals in Europe, while the band’s albums regularly appeared on the Americana chart. In that time, the Pistols shared the stage with a veritable who’s-who of country music legends, including Merle Haggard, Billy Joe Shaver, Dale Watson, BR-549, the Derailers, and many more, and were invited to play at Opryland in 2003. When the Two Dollar Pistols went on an extended hiatus in 2008, Howie set about forming a new group, an expansion on the Pistols’ sound that broadened its musical scope to incorporate other influences that had crept into John’s songwriting, like Southern soul, rhythm and blues and country-rock. That group, John Howie Jr. and the Rosewood Bluff, has released two full-length albums, and, like the Pistols, the Rosewood Bluff has shared the stage with big names like the legendary George Jones, Wayne Hancock, Shovels and Rope, Dale Watson and many more. Both of the Rosewood Bluff’s albums, 2011’s Leavin’ Yesterday and 2014’s Everything Except Goodbye, were met with critical acclaim and received steady airplay on key programs like Sirius/XM’s Outlaw Country. The band’s five piece line up – that includes Nathan Golub on pedal steel guitar, Tim Shearer on electric guitar, Mark Connor on bass and Dave Hartman on drums, with Howie on acoustic and lead vocals as always- allows for movement between honky-tonk shuffles, driving country-rock numbers, and deep soul ballads, all delivered via Howie’s rich baritone. Howie spent the majority of 2016/2017 in the studio and on the road playing drums for Bloodshot Records artists Sarah Shook and the Disarmers, receiving a co-writing credit for the song, “Fuck Up,” from the album Sidelong. He left the Disarmers in late 2017 to continue to work on his own music, and released his critically acclaimed solo album, Not Tonight, which featured members of the Disarmers and the Rosewood Bluff, in September 2018. 2020 found John and the Rosewood Bluff releasing the “Better Things” single and video and working on a new album of original material, Never Enough, for release in 2023. HEARTS GONE SOUTH Original classic-style country and honky tonk full of heart and soul, laced with wit and woe. Bringing fire and feeling to the age-old stories of heartbreak, love,loss, and victory for the underdog. They shoot straight from the hip with impassioned vocals, a tight rhythm section, and smoking leads to hit their target dead on. Hearts Gone South is based out of Asheville, NC, with members hailing from Asheville, Bristol TN/VA and Shelby NC, they have played sawdust strewn floors to festival stages everywhere from Anchorage to Atlanta. Hearts Gone South has 3 albums under their belts, with a fourth one on the way, capturing hearts and putting a wiggle in the walk in folks near and far.
OUTPOST: The Plate Scrapers
– ALL AGES- STANDING ROOM ONLY- RAIN OR SHINE The Plate ScrapersBorn from the tradition of Bluegrass jams and potlucks, The Plate Scrapers — Derek Kretzer (banjo), Andrew Jordan (guitar), Robbie Mann (fiddle), Jody Mosser (dobro), and Kevin Johnson (bass) — have been putting in the work and showcasing their love for the genre since 2014. They have since released 3 studio albums, 3 live albums, and have toured relentlessly up and down the east coast and into the midwest. In 2019, they won the Podunk Bluegrass Telefunken Band Contest. They have been featured on WAMU Bluegrass Country Radio, performed as an IBMA Official Showcase artist, and their latest release, Destination Horizon (2020) debuted at #9 on the Bluegrass Album Billboard charts with rave reviews from Bluegrass Today. Jackson Grimm & the Bull Moose Party Jackson Grimm is an accomplished and respected multi-instrumentalist and teacher in the Asheville music community. His songs marry folk pop melodies with the lonesome sound of traditional Appalachian music. In a region with a strong music culture, it is no surprise that Grimm’s songwriting is representative of his musical birthplace: Asheville, NC. Grimm studied Traditional Music at Warren Wilson College under the tutelage of great players like Wayne Erbsen and Kevin Kehrberg. Grimm lives in Asheville, North Carolina, and can be found playing solo or around Western North Carolina with bluegrass band, The Bull Moose Party. Audience members can expect a tight and dynamic unit replete with fast picking, harmony singing, and modern stringband swagger. Blending modern original folk music, traditional stringboard music, and bluegrass covers that you’ll sing along with, Jackson Grimm & the Bull Moose Party are esteemed members of Asheville’s traditional music scene. Jackson Grimm stands out as a artist who stays true to his roots while pushing the boundaries of the genre in the ever-evolving world of country, bluegrass and old-time music
Sona Jobarteh
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLYLEAF Global Arts and Outer Ear Projects PresentSONA JOBARTEH“Sona Jobarteh is Africa’s first female griot kora virtuoso, and also a fine singer and composer, blending traditional music, blues and Afropop to impressive effect” – Robin Denselow, The Guardian Preserving her musical past, Sona Jobarteh innovates to support a more humanitarian future. The spirit of Sona Jobarteh’s musical work stands on the mighty shoulders of The West African Griot Tradition; she is a living archive of the Gambian people. With one ear on the family’s historic reputation, one on the all-important future legacy and her heart in both places, she is preparing a place today for the next generation. Her singing and Kora playing while fronting her band, spring directly from this tradition. The extent of her recognition today is evidenced by more than 23 million+ viewers on YouTube and considerable numbers on other digital platforms. Sona Jobarteh has performed to crowds from the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles to Symphony Space in New York, and she’s sold out the Barbican in London, Cologne’s Philharmonie, and the Seine Musicale in Paris. These performances are under-pinned by her skills as a composer arising from early days at London’s RCM and Purcell School of Music. Sona Jobarteh scored the film Motherland in 2010 & in 2022 the Hollywood blockbuster Beast, starring Idris Elba. She co-wrote a track on LL Cool J’s latest with Q Tip, and filmed several of her live shows for CBS’ 60 MINUTES. Sona’s dedication to spreading powerful humanitarian messages through her songs and her stage performances makes her much more than a musician; she is active in social change and leads by her own example. Sona single handedly set up The Gambia Academy, a pioneering institution dedicated to achieving educational reform across the continent of Africa. This Academy is the first of its kind to deliver a mainstream academic curriculum at a high level, whilst also bringing the culture, traditions and history that belong to its students, to the front and centre of their everyday education. These efforts have gained her invitations to deliver speeches at high profile events around the world – including summits for the UN, the World Trade Organization and UNICEF.
OUTPOST: Wallflower Makers’ Market
– ALL AGES- STANDING ROOM ONLY- RAIN OR SHINE- 10 AM – 2 PM A locally run, BIPOC owned makers’ market focused on supporting artists, growers, and makers in the WNC area. Featuring vintage clothing, handmade jewelry, house plants, fruits & veggies, and so much more!
