PATIO: Bluestreak
ALL AGESLIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVEBLUESTREAK Bluestreak is a 5 piece rock ensemble who started their musical journey together working through the classic and southern rock staples, throwing in blues and funk jams, and entertaining fans from many generations with their amazing sound. As they are currently working on their debut album of original songs, their music only continues to broaden and stretch to reach new horizons. Their music is an homage to the classics they love, an expression of their evolving views on the world, and a dive into the pure joy they are obviously having as they create music together. Bluestreak draws from the classic sounds of Grateful Dead, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Allman Brothers Band, ZZ Top, REO Speedwagon, Johnny Cash, Charlie Daniels and more, and will be sure to delight with some old favorites at their shows as well as introduce you to their new work. When not performing live at various local venues, these teens from Western North Carolina can be seen around the Asheville area volunteering with kids, working jobs, running track, playing ultimate frisbee, marching with the band, rock climbing, and oh yeah- going to high school.
Rich Rob’s B-day Bash!
-ALL AGES-STANDING ROOM ONLY-FREE ENTRY-LIMITED VIP TICKETS AVAILABLE Come on out and celebrate with Rich Rob! This is basically going to be a 3 ring experimental circus hosted by Calcutta. There will be door prizes, a raffle, costume contests, open mic, multiple musicals acts & more! Comedy with Mario Trevizo, MoTanya’s chill-hop DJ stylings, Ampersand the Band’s debut show, and some head-nod-jazz from After Ours! This event is free to the public, but acquiring a ticket prior to the show is strongly recommended.
Pony Bradshaw
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLYPONY BRADSHAWOn his new album North Georgia Rounder , Pony Bradshaw leads the listener on an exploration of the woods, rivers, and mountains of Appalachia, more specifically, the area for which the album is named and he’s called home for the past 15 years. “It’s got its hooks in me,” Bradshaw says of North Georgia, and it shows, with songs that quickly establish a setting, much like the one he initiated with the album’s predecessor, Calico Jim . The sonic excursion includes stops along the Conasauga River, visits to the holler, and a few diversions—nearby Knoxville plays a supporting role, as do Louisiana and Arkansas. It’s an impressionistic journey of introspection and connection all at once.Will Stewart’s tastefully-understated guitar leads and Philippe Bronchtein’s atmospheric pedal steel provide the perfect backdrop for Bradshaw’s impassioned vocals in lead-off track “Foxfire Wine.” Its swampy, bluesy intro makes way for an interesting amalgamation of Sturgill Simpson and The Grateful Dead, serving as the perfect aperitif for “a hell of a heaven and a hell of a show.” From that point on till the album wraps with the aptly titled “Notes on a River Town,” not only do you see and hear North Georgia, you even smell and taste it.Take, for example, “Safe in the Arms of Vernacular,” a pensive, melancholy track that delights all the senses and is reminiscent of Ray Lamontagne’s mellow side. When Bradshaw sings of the “bonafide gas mask” his Dad brought back from Desert Storm and describes the Saudi Arabian sand as turning to “glass sharp as a sultan’s sword,” one can almost see it. As quickly as it sets the ever-vivid stage, the track shifts its focus to a waitress downtown. “Draped in Bedouin gown, smoking Kent cigarettes in the underground” in an attempt to “escape all those voices,” she naturally drinks white wine—”Riesling room temp from a coffee cup,” to be exact.A voracious reader, Bradshaw credits his talent for expressing such rich details in his songs not so much to other songwriters but instead to books, fiction, short stories, essays, and literary criticism. With such colorful descriptions as “teeth stained red with Lebanese wine, long hair … in sweeps of oil blacker than a cypress pool,” one might assume he bases the subjects of his songs on real-life people he interacts with in North Georgia; instead, Bradshaw describes them as “nameless characters” compiled from “fragments” he’s collected, pieces that usually start with just a line or two. These fragments all add up to a remarkably cohesive 10-song collection, despite Bradshaw being a self-professed admirer of (and writer of) the non-sequitur. This is thanks in no small part to his own masterful vocal delivery and the expert musicianship of his backing band, one that includes the aforementioned Stewart and Bronchtein with Robert Green on bass, Ryan Moore on drums, and Jenna Mobley on fiddle.“The poet soon stops experimenting and innovating and starts his life’s work,” Bradshaw expounds, citing a quote from one of his favorite writers, Wendell Berry. A single album as a life’s work may seem like a grand, overambitious aspiration. But for Pony Bradshaw, North Georgia Rounder is just that – a life’s work, one that, as he describes it, is a culmination of “sweat and work and joy and pain and anger and patience and restraint.”RACHEL BAIMAN
Josh Ward + Braxton Keith
ALL AGESSTANDING ROOM ONLYJOSH WARD“All grit and no quit.” These are the deeply rooted words that Josh Ward lives by to an absolute fault. An anchored mindset that has led this Texas country music rising star from a drifter’s adolescence to the jeopardous game of the rodeo circuit to the punishing toil of the Texas oil fields, and on into the fickle arms of the music business. Some might argue whether it is having nine consecutive #1 hit singles in Texas under his belt that has garnered him staying power, or that he is killing it in the social media world with over 2 million views on YouTube and over 3 million streams globally on Spotify. Maybe it’s his 3 venerated album releases, or maybe because he can not only bat a full house on a 200 plus dates a year touring average, but also rope in crowds on a first time performance in an unfamiliar town. While impressive, all those distinctions can come and go in the world of music. Josh spent 2017 heavily touring off the strength of his previous album “Holding Me Together.” All six radio singles hit the #1 spot on the Texas Regional Radio Chart and Ward quickly found himself going from opening act to the headlining spot in a matter of months. But in the midst of his growing popularity, he gladly bent the knee to fellow country music artist and comrade Cody Johnson who introduced Ward to his West Coast audiences. Getting the chance to be endorsed by Cody Johnson and perform at sold out shows in brand new markets is the kind of opportunity music artists chomp at the bit to have. When Ward and his band returned to those areas a few months later all by their lonesome, he simply could not have guessed at the reception he would encounter. “When we went back to the West Coast by ourselves, it was sold out shows. I was literally blown away.” It was at that very point while far away from his familiar stomping grounds in Texas with new fans slapping him on the back that Ward knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that his music was catching on in a big way.BRAXTON KEITHBraxton Keith calls San Antonio home, but the 20something songwriter hasn’t spent much time there in recent years. As one of the newest exports of Texas’ country music scene, he leaves town nearly every weekend, driving his band — and his own tour bus — toward the next show. “That bus is actually the only vehicle I own,” he says. “I drive it everywhere I go.” Whether he’s onstage or behind the wheel, Braxton doesn’t just play country music. He lives it. Inspired by the traditional twang of storytellers like Marty Robbins and Merle Haggard, he writes songs that blend modern sounds with the best elements of old-school country. It’s a balance of the contemporary and the classic, glued together by a proud Texas native who’s learned to create autobiographical music about universal experiences. “These are songs about love, heartbreak, and drinking, which are things everybody knows about,” he explains. “I’m not the only person to write songs about those things. But I’m the only person to do it my way.”Born and raised in the West Texas town of Midland, Braxton grew up playing piano. His parents were dentists. His brothers were athletes. Nobody else in the family wrote songs, but that didn’t stop Braxton from penning his first tunes as a teenager. He began playing guitar during that time, too, laying the foundation for the country sound he’d eventually pursue as a hard-touring road warrior. “When I starting writing my own songs, I wasn’t trying to be in the music industry,” he explains. “At least not yet. I was just doing it because I loved it.”
PATIO: Shed Bugs
ALL AGES LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVESHED BUGS Conceived in a shed outside of Asheville, NC, the Shed Bugs are comprised of drummer/ producer Charles Graham, bassist/ lyricist Andrew Stevens, and guitarist/ songwriter Morgan Bevis. The Shed Bugs have their roots in the Covid pandemic through the isolated jammings of college friends Morgan and Andrew, who sought to form a band together. The project was shelved until longtime friend Charles signed on as a drummer in 2022, solidifying the power trio. Staying true to their jam band roots, the Shed Bugs treat each show as a fresh canvas in the ever-expanding gallery of live music, striving for sonic exploration and always searching for something new. Written, rehearsed, and recorded in the shed the band took their name from, their debut album Midnight Moth sees the trio unifying their separate songwriting strengths in a genre-bending project that is uniquely theirs.
Western Carolina Writers Showcase V
– ALL AGES – SEATED SHOW- LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLEWESTERN CAROLINA WRITERS Here comes the 5th Western Carolina Writers Showcase since the first production in July of 2022! This showcase features these 9 incredibly talented local singer-songwriters: Whitney Mongé, Melissa McKinney, Ben Balmer, Jeff Santiago, Tina Collins (Tina & Her Pony), Siena Christie, Steve Taton, Hunter Andrus, and Jim Swayzee. There will be 3 rounds of 3 performers taking turns playing their original music with occasional spontaneous collaboration creating many magical moments that can only be experienced live. Western Carolina Writers was established in 2019 by Nick McMahon, along with Jesse Frizsell and Thomas Yon, as a traveling “Songwriters-In-The-Round” style show. The idea was to take turns performing original songs with fun moments of collaboration at venues all over Western North Carolina. After about a dozen increasingly successful shows, McMahon started inviting other area songwriters to participate. And now, after around 150 shows featuring close to 80 different local artists, the concept has become even more popular, fun and diverse. In 2022, Mcmahon and current project partner, Stephen Evans, decided to take this show into the listening rooms and out of the noisy bars and breweries so the songs could really be heard and appreciated. With four recent magical & successful songwriter showcases, three at The Grey Eagle and one at Ayurprana Listening Room, this decision has proven to be the right move. So join us for another magical night of music on Sunday, March 10th at The Grey Eagle in Asheville, NC.
PATIO: Company Swing
ALL AGES LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVECOMPANY SWINGIntroducing Company Swing, an all-female swing, jazz, and blues band that is sure to captivate audiences with their soulful melodies and infectious energy. With a perfect blend of vintage charm and modern flair, Company Swing brings a fresh and dynamic approach to the classic sounds of swing, jazz, and blues. The band showcases the exceptional talents of each member, creating a harmonious synergy that is both mesmerizing and empowering. Each member is a seasoned professional with years of experience having performed at renowned clubs, venues, festivals, and private events. Their vibrant stage presence, impeccable musicianship, and undeniable chemistry make every show an immersive experience filled with tight rhythms and musical excellence. Whether they’re belting out blues ballads, swinging to upbeat jazz standards, or putting their unique spin on beloved classics, the band never fails to leave a lasting impression. Their passion for the music they play is evident in every note they play and every word they sing, making them a must-see act for fans of swing, jazz, and blues. Join Company Swing on a musical journey while embracing the power and talent of women in music. Get ready for some timeless tunes, infectious rhythms, and the sheer joy of live performance.
PATIO: The Discs
ALL AGES LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVETHE DISCS Conceived years before their debut album was finally released in October 2020, The Discs officially formed in summer of 2021in Asheville, NC. The power trio is Allan Day (guitar, vocals), Mike Comparetto (bass, vocals), and Greg Radz (drums, vocals). All members are veterans of their respective music scenes. The Discs fuse the best elements of power pop and late 70’s new wave with the urgency and socially-conscious themes of early punk for a concise, compelling live experience. Having released their second collection “Bitter, Sweeter” in June 2023, the band is currently configuring brand new material to their set – more angular and melodic in their musical evolution – for a 2024 full-length release, and will be premiering some of these exciting new songs at this special performance.
PATIO: The Lads
ALL AGES LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVETHE LADSClassic rock and blues. They call it classic for good reason. The Lads will make you want to dance, sing along, or both. Get classic with The Lads avl.
PATIO: Keturah Allgood
ALL AGES LIMITED PATIO SEATING IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVEKETURAH ALLGOODNamed as one of the “Fifteen Best New Artists Of 2023” American Songwriter. The Soulful Americana Troubadour, Keturah Allgood is currently bookingshows for 2024. Her latest album “Shine” was released this past August to the delight of her fans who have been waiting several years for a new record and the press who had this to say: “Keturah Allgood’s album Shine is a horse pill of optimism against chaos and despair.” Rachel Cholst – Rainbow Rodeo “Allgood’s voice is honeyed, allowing her to dig in her teeth and deliver rich emotion. She bares her heart and soul, even if her scars still throb sore and red.” Bee Deloras – B-sides and Badlands “Thank God” we have artists like Keturah with the boldness to open our senses eyes to our deeper, higher natures so that we may, as she sings in another emotional centerpiece, the acoustic blues-driven anthem “Love, “Baby, it’s love that can show us a better way. . .Let it burn through the night/Lead us to a brighter day.” Jonathan Widran – The JW Vibe Keturah and her band have played many shows and festivals throughout the 20 plus years that she has been performing, including, The Grey Eagle, The Bluebird, 3rd & Lindsley, The Orange Peel, Sisters On Stage Festival, The Handlebar, Green River Festival, Apple Valley Festival and Preservation Pub to name a few. Born and raised in the mountains of Western North Carolina, Keturah Allgood is a soulful Americana, queer artist who draws on her myriad of life experiences for inspiration. While traversing the dusty back roads and often forgotten places, she gently taps into the heart and soul of our shared existence, believing that music has the power to bring us together, reminding us that love, kindness and compassion always shine through the darkness of these often-trying times.“I love to express the importance of kindness and compassion,” the Brevard, North Carolina native says. “I feel like it is insanely important, especially in today’s toxic and divisive climate, to promote as much love as you can.”
