Sgt. Splendor ft Kate Vargas & Eric McFadden with Jeff Sipe
– ALL AGES- SEATED SHOW- LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE SGT. SPLENDOR(Kate Vargas & Eric McFadden with Jeff Sipe) Before joining forces, the duo behind Sgt. Splendor were already formidable solo artists, Kate Vargas chalking up acclaim at outlets like NPR, SPIN, and Vice (including praise from the “Dean of American Rock Critics” Robert Christgau); and Eric McFadden amassing an impressive resume including stints on guitar with George Clinton & the P-Funk All Stars, Fishbone’s Angelo Moore, and Eric Burdon & The Animals, plus a slew of solo albums, and session work with everyone from Jackson Browne to The Clash’s Joe Strummer. Sgt. Splendor’s intoxicating chemistry has its roots not just in enduring friendships, but also in the love and connection of its creative partners, Vargas and McFadden. After circling each other’s orbits for a time, they finally met at a songwriting retreat hosted by Pat MacDonald (of Timbuk 3 / “Future’s So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades” fame) in Sturgeon Bay, WI, initially bonding over yet another parallel, a New Mexico upbringing. Their Southwestern roots come through with Sgt. Splendor—combining mysterioso desert and carnivalesque Waits-ian vibe
PATIO: Barrett Davis
ALL AGES LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVEBARRETT DAVISFor Western North Carolina singer-songwriter/guitarist Barrett Davis, he chose the life of a ragged troubadour. It’s a whirlwind existence of stages and microphones, of anonymous faces in the crowd eager to see what you have to offer, an arduous trek along that lost highway — constantly in search of your inner truths and honest self. “I just came to this serious point in my life where I realized that if I want to make music and perform, then it’s now or never — I’ve got to make something of it,” the 29-year-old Davis says. That something is Davis’ latest album, “The Ballad of Aesop Finn,” a vibrant tapestry, meandering from modern Americana to classic country, indie-folk to the “high, lonesome sound” of bluegrass. The record itself is a kitchen sink of tones — as heard on “Quiver,” “Lazarus” and “Carolina Still” — one which ideally showcases the wide-range and unknown depths of Davis, his musical pursuits and exploits. — Garret K. Woodward
PATIO: Chris Kasper
ALL AGES LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVECHRIS KASPERChris Kasper is an American songwriter who is currently based in the Philadelphia area. He’s been active in the local and national scene for the last 20 years. Over that time, he has released six records and toured with acts like Amos Lee and The Wood Brothers. His music traverses the americana, blues, folk and rock spectrums, blurring the lines between genres. Kasper’s evolution into a no-nonsense songwriter is heard throughout his latest album, with nods to songwriters of the 70s like Bobby Charles, Lowell George, and Neil Young.
Satsang
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLYSATSANG I just want to write and perform songs that touch the heart and help others”. Letting go of genre, expectation, and boxes, Satsang has leaned into the power of songwriting to drive their forthcoming release, Flowers From The Fray (the band’s 5th album in 6 years) due out Fall 2022. Recorded and self-produced with the help of bandmate and longtime collaborator Parker Brown, this record finds the duo tucked away in a secluded cabin in Southwest Montana digging back into the foundation on which Satsang was founded on. “These songs were all so personal to me” says Drew McManus. “Whether it was really sifting through the stage of life I had found myself in which was a kind of dark night of the soul, or leaning into the love of my wife. This record is truly me bearing my heart. I needed to seclude myself to find out where these songs wanted to go, and having Parker’s musical guidance had a big hand in that.” This record, coupled with the band’s last release All. Right. Now. is a maturing. A growing into the songwriter and musicians that the band was destined to be. A settled and firm foundation of influences and sound that brings every external aspect in and finds it internalized and distilled into “Flowers From the Fray”. TIM SNIDER Whether he’s playing alongside Trevor Hall and the Great In Between, performing his solo show, fronting his band, or jamming with the many artists he’s shared the stage with had the pleasure of sharing the stage with, Tim Snider’s passion for music always shines through. He brings his unique style and energy to the stage and has captivated the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide. Music runs deep for Tim, spanning back generations. His great-grandfather was a doctoral graduate violinist and composer from Harvard. His great-grandmother was an opera singer and his grandmother—a passionate violinist as well—prophesied that he would be the family’s next violinist while holding him on her deathbed when he was two months old. An Itzhak Perlman performance on Sesame Street became his earliest musical inspiration—at just three-and-a-half—and classical music first provided the impetus to learn his instrument. Over the years other influences have come into play: from exposure to the raw energy of rock music he picked up guitar, watching a Ben Harper concert turned him onto songwriting, and sojourns in Spain and Cuba introduced flamenco, salsa, and Afro-Cuban rhythms into his repertoire. Embracing these diverse influences, Tim’s musical odyssey took him to uncharted territories. Returning to college, he spent a year studying jazz and eventually rediscovered his love of classical music. With a career now spanning international borders, music has led Tim to tour throughout Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, and the United States. He has written and recorded countless string arrangements for artists across the globe including hip-hop Icon Talib Kweli, Nickelodeon’s Big Time Rush, Kairo, Baby Fisher, Justine Sky, Hire, Satsang, and many more.
PATIO: Shake a Leg!
ALL AGES LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVESHAKE A LEG! Local singer-songwriter Josh Pierce has been writing and sharing songs for 25+ years. Originally hailing from central Illinois, Josh initially made Asheville his home in 1995. Since then, his zig zag travels have included Sylva (NC), Tallahassee (FL), Weaverville (NC), Lexington (KY) and now back in good ol’ west Asheville. All the while, Josh has continued to feed his passion for live music (LIVE MUSIC IS BETTER) and songwriting. Blending elements of rock and roll, folk, blues, and country, SHAKE A LEG! aims to connect with the audience…and have a good time along the way. Songs are often improvised and/or composed in the moment depending on the audience/situation, making each performance unique and fun for all. SHAKE A LEG! includes Josh Pierce (vocals/guitar), Jody Stevenson aka “Skilly” (bass/background vocals), Patrick Thomas (drums), and other AVL music freaks depending on the show… “SHAKE A LEG! brings unique and energetic songs that come straight out of Josh’s daily life and travels.” David Boughner – local roots rock weirdo
OUTPOST: Caged Affair
– ALL AGES- STANDING ROOM ONLY- RAIN OR SHINE Caged Affair is an alternative rock band based out of Asheville NC. Their neo-grunge punk hybrid sound has drawn parallels to bands like Queens of the Stone Age, Nirvana and Royal Blood. Led by guitarist/vocalist Tyler Kemmerling, whose music has been heavily influenced by the Foo Fighters, Nirvana, My Bloody Valentine and Smashing Pumpkins, Caged Affair delivers music written with a sense of both despair and whit, a counterculture look at modern day society. “Falling into Madness,” a recently released single, vividly illustrates youths’ disillusionment with the fading American dream. The Appalachian RenegadesA rock band that fuses classic sounds and modern tones, The Appalachian Renegades call upon guitar heavy riffs mixed with soaring saxophone melodies and clean vocals to form their core sound. Having spent 7 years playing shows across WNC, the renegades are currently writing music for their 4th studio release. Devil’s Wish, the third of their career, had two #1 singles in the summer of 2022 on Buzz Radio Asheville. The guys produce a sound reminiscent of rock bands like Greta Van Fleet, Clutch, Volbeat, Government Mule, Jack White, Black Stone Cherry, and My Morning Jacket among many other influential contemporary and classic rock artists.
OUTPOST: The Ain’t Sisters + Brother Fat
– ALL AGES- STANDING ROOM ONLY- RAIN OR SHINEThe Aint Sisters Musicfest News calls The Ain’t Sisters “A legendary must-see.” Described by Holler magazine as “A jolt of energy,” their sound is perhaps best summed up by Chat GPT: “The Ain’t Sisters’ music is so eclectic they can play you down the aisle at your wedding and fight your ex at the Waffle House parking lot all in the same night.”Brother Fat is a band formed as a tribute to the late Count M’Butu, a Grammy Award-winning member of The Derek Trucks Band. Their name honors Count M’Butu’s nickname from his youth, and the band’s formation, initially for his memorial show, has grown into a passionate endeavor dedicated to honoring his legacy. Prepare for some percussive FUNK and trippy blues!
PATIO: Jim Swayzee & Annie Myers
ALL AGES LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVEJIM SWAYZEEJim Swayzee moved to Asheville in 2016 and has been performing in the WNC area ever since then. He writes melody-driven original folk rock songs and draws his influence from classic rock songwriters such as Neil Young, Jackson Browne, and even Tom Waits. ANNIE MYERS Annie Myers is a singer/songwriter with roots in folk country and classic americana music. Influenced by musical pillars such as Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, and John Prine, Annie’s music reflects her love of storytelling through song. Annie moved to Asheville via Philadelphia in 2012 and has been performing solo, as well as alongside Erin Kinard in folk rock duo “Rooster” ever since.
OUTPOST: Palmyra
– ALL AGES- STANDING ROOM ONLY- RAIN OR SHINE Palmyra“Like the best folk often does, [Palmyra] balances melancholic yearning with intimate beauty, crafting a dance of lovely harmony and unadorned instrumentation.” -Under The Radar, 2023 “Their voice(s) drips with a beautiful desperation, every single word holding an earnestness you don’t find just anywhere anymore.” -The Alternative, 2023 Established in the Shenandoah Valley, Palmyra’s set explores the fusion of traditional folk string instruments, three part harmonies, and earnest songwriting. The trio captures the collective spirit of three Virginia natives, Teddy (he/him), Manoa (he/him), and Sasha (they/them), often described as a distant cousin of the progressive folk band, Punch Brothers, mixed with elements of Oliver Wood or the Avett Brothers. Palmyra’s songs are intimate and contemplative, with arrangements that allow them to create the illusion of a full, larger-than-three ensemble. The trio’s sound is a nod to Appalachia and Midwestern Americana, apparent through their stirring craftsmanship and dedication to a folk-driven, innovative experience throughout each unique live performance. Palmyra has supported Watchhouse, Mipso, and Illiterate Light on the road and had the honor to play the historic Newport Folk Festival in both 2022 and 2023, Americanafest, Bristol Rhythm and Roots, and Floydfest where they were named the “On The Rise” competition winner in ’22.Time Sawyer Time Sawyer’s name reflects the pull between the past and the future. The character Tom Sawyer evokes the rural background and love of home that the band shares. Time is a muse for songwriting; it’s the thread that runs through life, bringing new experiences and giving us a sense of urgency, while still connecting us with our past. The folk-rock band has performed on the stages of some of the Southeast’s most iconic festivals, including Merlefest, Floydfest, Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion, Albino Skunk Music Festival, and Carolina in the Fall. They’ve shared bills with American Aquarium, John Craigie, Hiss Golden Messenger, Langhorne Slim, John Moreland, Steep Canyon Rangers, The Wood Brothers, Susto, and many more.
OUTPOST: Kindred Valley
– ALL AGES- STANDING ROOM ONLY- RAIN OR SHINE Kindred Valley is an indie folk band out of Huntington, West Virginia focused onintentional lyrics and good music. They are passionate about story telling andinfusing the character of their Appalachian home into everything they release. Theyare a young group eagerly looking forward to a long life spent with music andcrowds.Opening sets by Spruce & Hollow and Malachi Fletcher
