Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Saturday, June 15, 2024
June Jamboree in the Highlands of Roan
Jun 15 all-day
Various Locations
Saturday, June 15.  June Jamboree in the Highlands of Roan. Enjoy your choice from SEVEN guided hikes and outings in the stunning Highlands of Roan, then join us for an afternoon social at SAHC’s Elk Hollow Preserve. All outings are FREE, but space may be limited and pre-registration is required.

We invite you to enjoy a day of free, guided outings in the iconic Roan landscape. Enjoy blooming rhododendron and gorgeous views as we celebrate the conservation of these globally important ecosystems. We offer a variety of outings for different ages, interests, and ability levels — from challenging treks to relaxing yoga or a simple stroll to a waterfall.

Below are brief descriptions of each hike. Follow the links provided to view the full description and register for the hike. These guided outings are all free, but pre-registration is required, and space may be limited.

What to Bring: Water bottle, sturdy footwear, gear/clothing relevant for your specific outing, and a bag to carry personal items. Weather in the Roan can change quickly, so you may want to bring sunscreen, a rain jacket, and multiple layers. Most hikes will have an opportunity to stop for lunch along the way — please plan to bring your own lunch.

Roll n’ Stroll

Time: 10:30 am

Leaders:

Where: SAHC’s Bird House, Jerry’s Creek Road, Newland, NC

Distance: 0.5 miles

Difficulty: Easy (1/10)

Cost: FREE, pre-registration is REQUIRED

Description: Please join this year’s Roll n’ Stroll, at a different location! Due to the Roan Mountain Rhododendron Garden being closed due to construction, this year we are inviting folks to come enjoy the fresh air at our Bird House. Located high in the Roan Highlands this spectacular location offers something for the whole family, participants can hike deep into the woods or watch birds flying from their rocking chair on the porch. Pack a lunch or bring a frisbee to this awesome spot and enjoy the Roan from above.

Participants on this hike will meet at Elk Hollow Preserve and carpool to the Bird House. The driveway to the Bird House requires vehicles to have 4-wheel or all-wheel drive. After the Roll n’ Stroll participants are encouraged to join us for our Drop-in Social at our Elk Hollow Preserve, at noon, located just 10 minutes down the road.

Elk Hollow Falls with Pathways to Parks

Time: 10:00 am

Leaders: Larry Pender & Tanya Marie of Pathways to Parks

Where: Elk Hollow Preserve, 3535 Roaring Creek Road, Newland, NC

Distance: 1.5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate (5/10)

Cost: FREE, pre-registration is REQUIRED

Please join our friends at Pathways to Parks for this classic hike to visit Elk Hollow Falls. Hikers will enjoy our Evertt Bowman Memorial Trail which will take you through golden-winged warbler habitat, deep forests, and scenic vistas, and leave you sitting next to the crystal clear waters of Elk Hollow Branch, permanently protected for your enjoyment. After the hike, I hope you will join us back at the start of the trail for our June Jamboree Drop-in Social!

This hike will be led by our partners at Pathways to Parks whose vision is to motivate Americans of color to get outdoors and enjoy the benefits of nature in our national, state, and local parks and to help make it easy and accessible for them to do so!

Birding at The Bird House

Time: 8:00 am

Leaders: TBD

Where: SAHC’s Bird House, Jerry’s Creek Road, Newland, NC

Distance: 2 miles

Difficulty: Moderate (3/10)

Cost: FREE, pre-registration is REQUIRED

If you like bird watching you won’t want to miss the opportunity to spot neo-tropical songbirds from the comfort of a rocking chair surrounded by beautiful mountains. Our famous Bird House is located at 4,500ft in elevation, surrounded by early successional habitat and thousands of acres of protected land. Please join us along with professional ornithologists as we search for migratory warblers, year-round avian residents, and raptors soaring overhead. This event starts early so we are offering participants the opportunity to camp out at this location the night before and add stargazing to boot.

We hope all birders will stick around and join us at Elk Hollow Preserve, just 10 minutes down the road, at noon, for our Drop-in Social to celebrate our conservation success in the Highlands of Roan!

Pine Knob Hike

Time: 9:30 am
Leaders: Park & Katie Greer
Where: South Yellow Mountain Preserve, Spruce Pine, NC
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate (6/10)
Cost: FREE, pre-registration is REQUIRED

Come and join us to be among the first people to step foot on the newly protected South Yellow Mountain Preserve. You might have heard about this property in the news lately. We’ve recently acquired this 7,500-acre preserve and we’re thrilled to share it with you. Our preserve manager, Park Greer, has gotten know every corner of this property and he has chosen this hike especially for the June Jamboree event. This hike offers magnificent waterfalls, breathtaking views, and vast expanses of protected land. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore conservations at its finest!

We hope participants will join us after the hike at our neighboring Elk Hollow Preserve, just 20 minutes down the road, at noon, for our Drop-in Social to celebrate our conservation success in the Highlands of Roan!

Challenge Hike: Roaring Creek to Big Yellow Loop

Time: 9:00 am
Leader: Travis Bordley
Where: Yellow Mountain Gap Trailhead, Roaring Creek Road, Newland, NC
Distance: 5 miles
Distance: Difficult (9/10), long steep inclines and unmarked trails
Cost: FREE, pre-registration is REQUIRED

The 2024 June Jamboree Challenge Hike promises an adventurous blend of experiences for all participants. Brace yourself for mountain ascents, Appalachian Trail traverses, panoramic views from hidden balds, and exploration of lesser-known SAHC preserves, all intertwined with a bit of bushwhacking. Setting off from the Yellow Mountain Gap Trailhead at the terminus of Roaring Creek Road, this rugged trek will follow the ridgeline along the AT to Little Hump, continue to Big Yellow Mountain, and culminate with a descent through SAHC-protected wilderness. Expect a demanding journey, requiring endurance for long distances and comfort with off-trail navigation across steep terrain.

Afterward, we invite all hikers to gather at Elk Hollow Preserve, conveniently located nearby, for our Drop-in Social, starting at noon or whenever we wrap up. Let’s come together to toast to our conservation triumphs in the majestic Highlands of Roan!

Big Yellow Mountain Hike

Time: 9:30 am
Leaders: Jay Leutze
Where: 45 Birchfield Creek, Newland, NC 28657
Distance: 2 miles
Distance: Moderate (6/10), some steep inclines
Cost: FREE, pre-registration is REQUIRED

Embark on a journey with Jay Leutze, an esteemed author, Senior Advisor to SAHC’s Board of Trustees, and a proud resident of Big Yellow. Together, we’ll explore a hidden gem nestled within the Roan Highlands. Jay will lead a brief yet invigorating hike, offering panoramic views of the Roan while regaling us with tales of the land.

Following our adventure, we invite all participants to join us at Elk Hollow Preserve, a quick 20-minute drive away, for our Drop-in Social at noon. Let’s come together to revel in the conservation victories of the Highlands of Roan!

Elk Hollow Yoga

Time: 10:30 am
Leaders: Lillah Schwartz
Where: Elk Hollow Preserve, 3535 Roaring Creek Road, Newland, NC
Distance: 0.5 miles
Distance: Moderate (4/10)
Cost: FREE, pre-registration is REQUIRED

We are delighted to share the exciting news that Lillah Schwartz, a highly regarded yoga instructor, author, and mentor hailing from Asheville, NC, will be joining us for this year’s June Jamboree. Lillah will lead a nature-based yoga class at our Elk Hollow Preserve, where she will tailor the session to the group and the serene surroundings of the Roan Highlands. We are honored to have her expertise enhance our event.

Following the yoga session, all are welcome to unwind by Elk Hollow Falls or join us at our Drop-in Social, commencing at noon.

Drop-in Social!!

We will hold a drop-in social at our Elk Hollow Preserve in the afternoon after morning hikes conclude. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating friends, family, and shared hike experiences while learning about SAHC’s recent land protection news. Drinks and light refreshments will be provided, so please RSVP so we have enough for everyone!

We look forward to seeing you and hope you all join us in celebrating 50 years of conservation success in the Highlands of Roan!

NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Jun 15 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Second Gear’s 20th Anniversary Block Party
Jun 15 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Second Gear

Second Gear Celebrates 20 Years of Community and Consigned Outdoor Gear + Apparel on Saturday June 15th with an all day MEGA SALE (biggest of the year!) and a celebratory 20th Anniversary Block Party from Noon-5pm with exciting Raffles, Free Kids Activities, Local Makers, Outdoor Vendors + Educators, Sweet + Savory Treats, Puppy Adoptions and more… Stop by for the savings and stay for the fun as Second Gear says THANK YOU to their beloved WNC community for all the support in making it to this amazing milestone!

Yala Cultural Tour
Jun 15 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
LEAF Global Arts

Visit LEAF Global Arts every Saturday for an in-house cultural exchange with Adama Dembele. Experience the Ivory Coast with our Culture Keeper from the House of Djembe.

Yala Cultural Tour + Drum Workshop
Jun 15 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
LEAF Global Arts
Visit LEAF Global Arts every Saturday for an in-house cultural exchange with Adama Dembele. Experience the Ivory Coast with our Culture Keeper from the House of Djembe.
Stay for an all-ages Drum Workshop, no experience necessary.
Art Exhibit Opening “Visionary Art Magick”
Jun 15 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Flood Gallery Fine Art Center

A night of music and art…experimental collage artist & accomplished guitarist “Taumi Swami” Tom Johanson will exhibit repurposed & altered collages and mandalas & play original psychedelic rock!
Taumi Swami, aka Tom Johanson, “paints” with paper, combining imagery and messages from print media into intricate mystical and personal compositions. As of late, he’s been channeling themes like Utopian landscapes and fairy realms, real world scenes with odd characters, the mystical woman, alien goddesses, as well as Dystopian and Paleolithic themes due to the regressive politics of the moment, and heroic themes of good, struggling with darkness. Most of his materials and frames have been found, recovered, or “thrift-stored”.

Johanson has written and recorded 100 songs on his Apple computer and created 500 unique collage album covers for them, and some 50 colored ink covers as well.

Johanson began his musical career in the early 60s playing guitar with Jimi Hendrix, Paul Butterfield, Jose Feliciano, Richie Havens, and many other inhabitants of the East Village in NYC. His band, The Fugitives, was the first rock band signed to Columbia Records, and they had several hits on the charts in NY in the 1960s.

His influences stretch out from the fifties, Little Richard, Elvis, Moody Blues, Beatles, Pink Floyd, The Doors, Santana, Van Halen, and many more. Also jazz and blues artists, like Coltrane, The Blues Project, Charlie Mingus, Paul Butterfield, and dozens of others since, like Jason Mraz.

Johanson lives in East Asheville with his wife Hannah and his cat Lucky.

Doors open at 5:30. Artist reception and live music 6-9pm.
Showing through August 3.

Like all events at the Flood Gallery, this exhibition is free and open to the public. Light refreshments and food will be available. Flood Gallery Fine Art Center is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, and educates, encourages, challenges and inspires the community through music, film, literary, and contemporary art.

An Evening with Christie Lenée
Jun 15 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
AyurPrana Listening Room

Join us for this very special evening with “Acoustic Guitarist of the Year” and award winning singer/songwriter Christie Lenée! Christie is more than a musician – she’s an experience. Symphonic compositions flow from her fingertips effortlessly, with sound ranging from transcendental folk-pop to virtuosic instrumentals. Lenee’s newly released album Coming Alive reminds devout listeners of her spiritual and sublime songwriting, inspirational lyrics, and of course, sensational guitar playing. This is going to be an inspiring experience in every way, and we invite you to join us!

The Last 5 Years
Jun 15 @ 7:30 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center
 Musical Production Presented by Shakespeare & Friends – Directed by Catherine Gillet

Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm, and Sunday at 3:00 pm, June 13-16 at Tryon Fine Arts Center Pavilion.

Catch a Star! Finishing up their National Broadway Tour of Pretty Woman, Bethany McDonald and local favorite Chase Wolfe lead the next production from Shakespeare & Friends — the much-loved and popular musical The Last Five Years.

 

The Last Five Years, a recipient of a Drama Desk, Lucille Lortel and Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Musical, explores a five-year relationship between Jamie Wellerstein, a rising novelist, and Cathy Hiatt, a struggling actress.

An emotionally powerful and intimate musical about two young New Yorkers who fall in and out of love over the course of five years, the show’s unconventional structure consists of Cathy, the woman, telling her story backwards while Jamie, the man, tells his story chronologically.

The inventive musical style draws on a number of musical genres, including pop, jazz, classical, Klezmer, Latin, Blues, Rock, and Folk.

BONNY LIGHT HORSEMAN
Jun 15 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel
 Show: 8pm | Doors: 7pm
Ages 18+
BUMPIN UGLIES
Jun 15 @ 8:00 pm
Salvage Station

Driven by DIY merit, Annapolis band, Bumpin Uglies is no stranger to the pull of the bootstrap.

Seven successful studio albums have paved the way for the awe-inspiring eighth. Underdog: The Acoustic Sessions, recorded live in studio by the band’s founder, Brandon Hardesty, showcases the songwriting prowess that has been a constant pillar of the band’s music since its inception. Consisting of 16-tracks, the LP introduces seven new songs never before heard and nine fan favorites that have been stripped down to raw, poignant, gut-punching versions that differ from the fast-paced guitar riffs, pulsing drums, and dynamic horn sections of the originals.

“Underdog: The Acoustic Sessions is an anthem for authenticity. It’s for all the artists that choose to embrace their passion as a form of art, rather than a transactional medium. A celebration of the imperfections that make us beautiful”, frontman and singer/songwriter, Hardesty conveys.

Distributed via Silverback’s independent record label, Controlled Substance Sound Labs, Underdog: The Acoustic Sessions maintains the DIY ethos that is the foundation of Bumpin Uglies.


Since the early 2000s, Bumpin Uglies have been carving their own path; channeling their tenacious and relentless attitude into their meticulous craft. Rejecting conventional norms, Bumpin Uglies has established a distinctive sound that is a perfect reflection of their Mid-Atlantic roots – gritty, down-to-earth, and bursting with charisma.

With a genre-defying approach that seamlessly fuses punk energy with ska’s infectious grooves and reggae’s laid-back rhythms, Bumpin Uglies creates a musical experience that captivates audiences far and wide. Their live performances are legendary, infusing the crowd with an electrifying energy that leaves no one untouched.

The band’s influences are as diverse as their sound, drawing inspiration from iconic acts like Sublime, which is evident in their sun-soaked melodies and carefree spirit. Meanwhile, Hardesty embraces the lyrical depth and storytelling dexterity of artists like John Prine, The Avett Brothers, Jason Isbell, and Sturgill Simpson, weaving heartfelt tales of life’s struggles, triumphs, and the beauty found within the chaos.

Bumpin Uglies have been garnering a dedicated following over the course of its multi-decade career. Remaining true to their craft and never compromising their vision or principles, the loyal fanbase, Uglies Nation, is an inviting tight-knit community, sharing a connection that extends beyond the music, built on mutual respect and undying love for the band’s genuine spirit.

With multiple nationwide headlining tours under their belt and countless sold-out shows in venues that have increased in capacity over the years, the band is on a fast-paced upward trajectory. Their previous album, Mid-Atlantic Dub, made waves in the industry, reaching #3 on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart and #21 on the Billboard Heatseeker Albums chart, solidifying their position as a prominent force in the music industry. The band has graced the stages of renowned festivals such as Cali Roots, Cali Vibes, Everwild, Great South Bay, Reggae Rise Up, and the 311 Cruise, captivating audiences time and time again. The band took their passion for music to the next level by curating and hosting their own festival, Weekend at Wolfies, further demonstrating an unwillingness to shy away from elbow grease.

Bumpin Uglies cannot be pigeonholed. Their extensive discography is a testament to that. The band uses its platform to call out villains, spread awareness, and share personal stories. Their songs speak truth and in a world that often feels manicured, Bumpin Uglies unites people under the banner of music, reminding us there is beauty in realness.

The Get Right Band
Jun 15 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
White Horse Black Mountain

“The Get Right Band filters 60’s/70’s psychedelia and 90’s alternative rock through a modern lens–as if Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Nirvana co-wrote an album produced by Danger Mouse and Dan Auerbach.”

-American Songwriter

Here’s The Get Right Band’s website

Check out this video

And this one

Sunday, June 16, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Jun 16 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Jack’s Bluegrass Brunch
Jun 16 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Jack of the Wood

Jack’s Bluegrass Brunch kicks off every Sunday at 12 noon — with lively bluegrass tunes courtesy of The Jack of the Wood Bluegrass Brunch Boys from 1-3pm. Sip a Bloody Mary or Mimosa or a warm Irish coffee. Tasty brunch specials alongside our regular menu and 18 taps of rotating craft brews! Sláinte, y’all!

Live Music Saturdays
Jun 16 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Grove Arcade
Enjoy live music from local singer-songwriters in the Atrium of the Grove Arcade each Saturday from 12-3pm!
Stop by to kick your weekend off with shopping from local merchants and tunes from local musicians.
Asheville Junior Theater presents- Frozen JR.
Jun 16 @ 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen JR. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, Frozen JR. is sure to thaw even the coldest heart!

Frozen JR. is a 60 minute version of the Broadway hit, perfect for audiences of all ages.

Frozen JR.
Jun 16 @ 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts

Asheville Junior Theater Presents Frozen JR. at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, Asheville, NC
A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen JR. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, Frozen JR. is sure to thaw even the coldest heart!

Frozen JR. is a 60 minute version of the Broadway hit, perfect for audiences of all ages.

Event Details:
- Title: Frozen JR.
- Date: June 15th & 16th 2024
- Time: 2pm and 6pm
- Venue: Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, Asheville, North Carolina

For ticket information and more details visit https://www.worthamarts.org/events/frozen-jr/

The Last 5 Years
Jun 16 @ 3:00 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center
 Musical Production Presented by Shakespeare & Friends – Directed by Catherine Gillet

Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm, and Sunday at 3:00 pm, June 13-16 at Tryon Fine Arts Center Pavilion.

Catch a Star! Finishing up their National Broadway Tour of Pretty Woman, Bethany McDonald and local favorite Chase Wolfe lead the next production from Shakespeare & Friends — the much-loved and popular musical The Last Five Years.

 

The Last Five Years, a recipient of a Drama Desk, Lucille Lortel and Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Musical, explores a five-year relationship between Jamie Wellerstein, a rising novelist, and Cathy Hiatt, a struggling actress.

An emotionally powerful and intimate musical about two young New Yorkers who fall in and out of love over the course of five years, the show’s unconventional structure consists of Cathy, the woman, telling her story backwards while Jamie, the man, tells his story chronologically.

The inventive musical style draws on a number of musical genres, including pop, jazz, classical, Klezmer, Latin, Blues, Rock, and Folk.

TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC SESSION
Jun 16 @ 3:30 pm
Jack of the Wood

Jack’s long-running Traditional Irish Music Session is the perfect way to enjoy the Celtic-influenced sounds of talented pluckers from all over WNC & further afield! Stop in to enjoy a pint or afternoon Irish coffee with the music! Sláinte!

Will Kimbrough | Sundays on the River Series
Jun 16 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Olivette Riverside Pavilion

Musician’s-musician Will Kimbrough brings his mix of roots and rock to Asheville’s Olivette Riverside Pavilion by the French Broad River!

Will Kimbrough has enjoyed a long and winding career as a song writer, performer, recording artist, and producer. Recognized as a young musician by John Prine, Will went on to tour with Todd Snider, Rodney Crowell, and Emmylou Harris. His songs have been recorded by Jimmy Buffett, Radney Foster, Gretchen Peters, Shemekia Copeland and Kim Richey. Let’s just say… he’s a musician’s-musician.

Kimbrough’s eighth solo album “For The Life of Me” is a hopeful expression of love. Be the first to hear his newest songs L-I-V-E in Asheville on June 16 at the Olivette Riverside Pavilion.

The JLloyd MashUp: A Tribute to Paul Simon
Jun 16 @ 6:30 pm
The Grey Eagle
Doors Open: 5:30 PM
ALL AGES
STANDING ROOM ONLY

J LLOYD MASHUP PRESENTS A TRIBUTE TO PAUL SIMON

On Sunday, June 16th,  The JLloyd MashUp is paying tribute to Paul Simon with a full orchestration of his songs from various points in his career. Ben Falcon will be leading the Vocals along with Debrissa McKinney and Pam Jones. This 12 piece band consists of some of Asheville’s top musicians in the scene boasting a full rhythm section, horn section and vocal choir! Asheville’s JP & Peggy kick things off!
The full band for the night consists of:
Ben Falcon – Vocals (The Lumpy Heads)
Debrissa McKinney – Vocals (Empire Strikes Brass)
Pam Jones – Vocals (Dirty Logic)
Jonathan Lloyd – Vocals/Trombone (The JLloyd MashUp)
Vic Stafford – Drums (Toubab Krewe/Donna The Buffalo)
Duane Simpson – Guitar (Dirty Logic/Pimps of Pompe)
Jonathan Pearlman – Guitar (Alien Music Club)
Thommy Knoles – Keys (The Fritz/Felix Pastorius)
Ben Bjorlie – Bass (Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band)
Tyler Housholder – Percussion (The Broadcast)
Jonathan Cole – Saxophone (Dirty Logic/Electrolust)
Justin Ray – Trumpet (Michael Bublé)
The JLloyd MashUp explores different genres of music including Acid Jazz, Funk, Soul, Afro Beat, Reggae, Break Beat, Latin and world music. Led and curated by Jonathan Lloyd (Dubconscious/Cadillac Jones), the band is made up of some of Asheville’s busiest and hardest working musicians on the scene. The group features special guests with different material every show.

JP & PEGGY

Peggy “Chanteuse” Ratusz & Jonathan “JP” Pearlman have been performing together for 15+ years in various configurations and productions. It’s apparent from the get-go that their musical chemistry is fluid and fun. Their playlist is a mashup of Jazz and Blues Standards, Swing, Pop, Roots, Classic Country and originals.
JP’s talents as guitarist, vocalist, arranger, producer and composer have made him a sought after musician. Asheville has fallen in love with his self-produced shows via his production house Alien Music Club, paying tribute to Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen and The Doors. His original show, “And Now for Something Completely Different” is scheduled to debut in 2024 and is made up of some of the best players on the scene including his son Jaron on drums. He is an avid Paul Simon fan, and has performed material by his hero since childhood.  He continues to pay homage by doing his best to capture the essence of these quintessential tunes.
The “ruby throated” Ratusz is a seasoned, emotive and powerful vocalist and songwriter who has won numerous awards and accolades from The Mountain Xpress, Citizen-Times and The Blues Foundation. Co-producer of many popular and consistent sell-out shows through her Women Who Made Music History LLC, she honors icons Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt, Etta James, Emmy Lou Harris, Lucinda Williams and Rosanne Cash.
OLD GODS OF APPALACHIA
Jun 16 @ 7:00 pm
Gunter Theatre

Old Gods of Appalachia is an award-winning and critically-acclaimed audio drama podcast produced by Asheville, NC based DeepNerd Media. Old Gods of Appalachia was the first professional podcast nominated for a World Fantasy Award in 2022, has received numerous Audioverse Awards, and won Best Overall Podcast in the 2021 DiscoverPod Awards. The podcast boasts over 19 million unique downloads since its launch in late 2019. In 2022, OGoA collaborated with legendary game developer Monte Cook Games to create the Old Gods of Appalachia Tabletop Roleplaying Game, which met its Kickstarter funding goal of $50k within 10 minutes and raised over two million dollars.

About the Show

Old Gods of Appalachia is an eldritch horror fiction podcast set in an Alternate Appalachia, a world where these mountains were never meant to be inhabited. This world feels eerily similar to the hills and hollers we’ve grown up with, but there are some tell-tale differences. Names of towns and counties may be altered. Historical events slide forward or backward in time. And then, of course, there are the monsters. Our live show includes a staged storytelling performance similar to an old time radio play, featuring show creators Steve Shell and Cam Collins, a rotating cast of professional actors, and live musical performances.

Monday, June 17, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Jun 17 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Pritchard Park Arts and Culture Series: Pickin’ in the Park
Jun 17 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Pritchard Park

The Asheville Downtown Association is thrilled to announce the return of the beloved Pritchard Park Arts and Culture Series, made possible through a generous partnership with the Trina Mullen Foundation, City of Asheville Parks and Recreation, ArtsAVL, and Explore Asheville. This summer series will run from May 28 through August 30, featuring exciting activations every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.

 

Mondays: Pickin’ in the Park

Enjoy performances by local singer-songwriters in an intimate and relaxed setting. Experience the rich musical heritage of Asheville as talented musicians share their stories and songs.

The Art Dash 5k
Jun 17 @ 6:00 pm
LEAF Global Arts

Join us for an evening of music and community conversation with Dani Cox, LEAF’s Spark the Arts Artist in Residence for June. The event takes place on Monday, June 17, at 6 p.m., and is free and open to the public!

Dani Cox is a local musician and active community member. She is a teacher and a student, a passionate performer, and accomplished vocalist. With a background in dance, theater, and writing she has a lot to offer our community both creatively and professionally. A former member of Secret Agent 23 Skidoo and founding member of the Women to the Front Music Festival, Dani is beloved by so many in our community.

We welcome her to the stage of LEAF Global with open arms and heart. We know we will have the opportunity to not only hear beautiful music, but we will experience lively conversation, some big laughs, and an opportunity to learn.

Tuesday, June 18, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Jun 18 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Pritchard Park Arts and Culture Series: Hoop Jam
Jun 18 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

The Asheville Downtown Association is thrilled to announce the return of the beloved Pritchard Park Arts and Culture Series, made possible through a generous partnership with the Trina Mullen Foundation, City of Asheville Parks and Recreation, ArtsAVL, and Explore Asheville. This summer series will run from May 28 through August 30, featuring exciting activations every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.

Tuesdays: Hoop Jam

Join the fun with hula hoops and a live DJ. Whether you’re a seasoned hooper or a beginner, this vibrant event invites everyone to dance, spin, and groove to the music in a welcoming and energetic atmosphere.

Kim Gordon
Jun 18 @ 8:00 pm
The Grey Eagle
Doors Open: 7:00 PM

ALL AGES
STANDING ROOM ONLY

KIM GORDON
There was a space in Kim Gordon’s No Home Record. It might not have been a home and it might not have been a record, but I seem to recall there was a space. Boulevards, bedrooms, instruments were played, recorded, the voice and its utterances, straining a way through the rhythms and the chords, threaded in some shared place, we met there, the guitar came too, there fell a peal of cymbals, driving on the music. We listened, we turned our back to the walls, slithered through the city at night. Kim Gordon’s words in our ears, her eyes, she saw, she knew, she remembered, she liked. We were moving somewhere. No home record. Moving.

 

Now I’m listening to The Collective. And I’m thinking, what has been done to this space, how has she treated it, it’s not here the same way, not quite. I mean, not at all. On this evidence, it splintered, glittered, crashed and burned. It’s dark here. Can I love you with my eyes open? “It’s Dark Inside.” Haunted by synthesised voices bodiless. Planes of projections. Mirrors get your gun and the echo of a well-known tune, comes in liminal, yet never not hanging around, part of the atmosphere, fading in and out, like she says – Grinding at the edges. Grinding at us all, grinding us away. Hurting, scraping. Sediments, layers, of recorded emissions, mined, twisted, refracted. That makes the music. This shimmering, airless geology, agitated, quarried, cries made in data, bounced down underground tunnels, reaching our ears We recalled it – but not as a memory, more like how you recall a product, when it’s flawed.

 

She sings “Shelf Warmer” so it sounds like shelf life, it sounds radioactive, inside our relationships, juddering, the beats chattering, edgy, the pain of love in the gift shop, assembled in hollow booms, in scratching claps. Non-reciprocal gift giving, there is a return policy. But – novel idea – A hand and a kiss. How about that. Disruption. I would say that Kim Gordon is thinking about how thinking is, now. Conceptual artists do that, did that. “I Don’t Miss My Mind.” The record opens with a list, but the list is under the title “BYE BYE.” The list says milk thistle, dog sitter…. And much more. She’s leaving. Why is the list anxious? How divisive is mascara? It’s on the list. I am packing, listening to the list. Is it mine, or hers.

 

She began seeking images from behind her closed eyes. Putting them to music. But I need to keep my eyes open as I walk the streets, with noise canceled by the airbuds rammed in my ears. quiet, aware, quiet, aware, they chant at me. What could be going through Kim’s head as she goes through mine?
-Written by English artist Josephine Pryde

BILL NACE

KING’S X
Jun 18 @ 8:00 pm
  The Orange Peel
 Show: 8pm | Doors: 7pm
Ages 18+
Wednesday, June 19, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Jun 19 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

OLD-TIME JAM Old-Time Mountain + Folk Music
Jun 19 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Jack of the Wood


Grab some dinner and a pint while enjoying our long-running Old-Time jam! Featuring many talented musicians from the local WNC area, our traditional Appalachian mountain music jam runs from 5-9pm every Wednesday night at Jack of the Wood!