Calendar of Events
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.
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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.
FELIX MENDELSSOHN Cello Sonata No. 2
DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH Sonata for Cello and Piano in D minor
EDVARD GRIEG Cello Sonata in A minor
Tickets go on sale to the general public on May 1. To receive early access to tickets for this event, become a donor today! Donor presale begins March 25.
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.
The Fiddle/Mando & Banjo Weeks Concert II on Tuesday, July 2 features the wide-ranging music of mandolin virtuoso Mike Marshall, classical mandolinist Caterina Lichtenberg, progressive bluegrass from mandolinists Emory Lester and John Reischman, and banjo player Bill Evans, Irish music & more from Andrew Finn Magill, Alan Murray and Liz Knowles, and old-time from the college’s own Natalya Weinstein.
All shows begin at 7:30 pm in the college’s Kittredge Theatre. Tickets are $35 per concert (during Old-Time Week, ticket price includes dances following concerts). Children under 12 are $17. Limited tickets are available for check or cash only in Asheville at Malaprops Bookstore, and in Black Mountain at Acoustic Corner.
STANDING ROOM ONLY
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!
– STANDING ROOM ONLY
– RAIN OR SHINE
Free show! Sit ins are encouraged at this open Bluegrass jam.
Sing songs that celebrate Peace & Community, with Resident Teaching Artist Melissa McKinney. Sing, play, drum, and dance while learning songs from the Justice Choir Songbook.
Wednesdays at 6 p.m.
$15 drop-in class
All ages welcome.
Karaoke Night at Hickory Tavern
Legendary British rock band The Kinks are revered for their early
classics: proto-garage rockers like “All Day and all of the Night” and “You
Really Got Me.” Their hits continued into the ‘70s (“Lola”) and even the
1980s (“Come Dancing”), and the group was inducted into the Rock and
Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.
Primary songwriter Ray Davies has always displayed a distinctly English
perspective. The group’s seventh studio album, 1969’s Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British
Empire) is today held in high esteem among critics.
The Kinks turned out many critically-acclaimed and popular records, but they were about more that hit songs.
Ray Davies crafted many conceptually-oriented, rock-opera type albums. Arthur is among his best.
As originally conceived, Arthur was planned as the soundtrack for a TV special set to air in late 1969. Beset by
scheduling and financing challenges, the TV special was never completed nor aired. But the conceptually-
oriented Arthur LP arrived in shops in October 1969, and a single from the record, “Victoria” made it onto the
UK charts.
More than a half century later, Asheville-based
musician and songwriter Chris Tullar has drawn
upon Arthur to create a wholly new work, one
that is also a concept album, Not Arthur. For this month’s Music to Your Ears, Chris will join Bill to discuss the
influential Kinks album and talk about how he found inspiration within it.
Join us for live music and lively discussion as we explore The Kinks’ Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the
British Empire). Music to Your Ears takes place on Wednesday, July 3 at 7pm at the Asheville Guitar Bar in the
historic River Arts District.
ABOUT THE DISCUSSION SERIES
Music to Your Ears is Bill Kopp’s monthly discussion series hosted by Asheville Guitar Bar and co-sponsored
by AshevilleFM. On the first Wednesday of each month, music enthusiasts gather to discuss an important
album, artist or musical movement. An interactive evening, MTYE isn’t a lecture; it’s a discussion – and live
music performance – led by experts and designed to enrich the listening experience.
ABOUT BILL KOPP (blog.musoscribe.com)
With over 500 bylines in regional publications (Mountain Xpress, Bold Life, WNC Magazine and more),
Asheville-based speaker, author and music journalist is an acknowledged expert on popular music. Author of
two books – Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon and Disturbing the
Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave – Bill Kopp writes for publications across the country and
abroad. A contributing editor at Goldmine Magazine, he has authored more than 30 album liner note essays
and conducted more than 1100 interviews. He regularly hosts discussions on artists and albums of historical
importance, and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts.
Iconoclastic pianist and cultural visionary Lara Downes presents THIS LAND, a musical reflection on American imagination, transformation, migration, and innovation, the cycles of our history, the power of resilience and resistance, and the beauty that grows at the crossroads of our American journeys. Music by Copland, Ellington, Bonds, Still, Joplin, and many, many more.
Tickets go on sale to the general public on May 1. To receive early access to tickets for this event, become a donor today! Donor presale begins March 25.
On Wednesday, July 3, the Fiddle/Mando & Banjo Weeks Concert III will highlight an extraordinary lineup of great players featuring jazz violinists Sara Caswell and Evan Price and swing mandolinist Joe K. Walsh, bluegrass mandolinists Matt Flinner and Alan Bibey, bassist Kevin Kehrberg and guitarists Ed Dodson and Greg Ruby.
All shows begin at 7:30 pm in the college’s Kittredge Theatre. Tickets are $35 per concert (during Old-Time Week, ticket price includes dances following concerts). Children under 12 are $17. Limited tickets are available for check or cash only in Asheville at Malaprops Bookstore, and in Black Mountain at Acoustic Corner.
A fifty-year flood is a remarkable and unforgettable event that lingers in the mind long after the floodwaters have receded. The same can be said of Asheville, NC rock band Fifty Year Flood – their infectious grooves and powerful live show exceed all expectations and leave witnesses dumbstruck.
From the sexy, soulful vocals of lead singer Elise Jones, to the double-threat guitar work of Ken Jones and Chris Stivers, and the indelible groove of drummer Jon Gott and bassist Greg Terhune – their passion for their music rises, crests, and breaks on the shores of all who bear witness, leaving a joyous flotsam in their wake.
Founded by Ken and Elise Jones, Fifty Year Flood’s original sound is hard rocking, hook-laden and soulful – their songs tell stories of joy, desire, and armageddon, of blue-eyed desperation and ecstasy, of guaranteed exits and the healing power of rain.
The band has truly evolved from a husband and wife project into a great fellowship of friends, all contributing their passion and talents to something much greater than themselves. Chris Stivers has evolved into a strong creative voice of the band, with his unique, swampy guitar work brought to the foreground of the band’s new material, while Greg has breathed new life into the rhythmic foundations of FYF’s sound. Newest member, Jon, is proving himself to be the missing piece of the FYF puzzle, elevating the band to new sonic levels with his tight yet fluid grooves.
The band is in high gear, writing their best material to date, so look for them performing at a venue near you. The Flood cometh…”
Killer Queen’s first public shows were at London University, following in the footsteps of the real
Queen who had played their first shows there decades earlier.
Killer Queen’s UK popularity grew to such an extent they soon secured a residency in London’s
Strand Theatre attracting nationwide BBC coverage – the first tribute to have a show in the West
End .
The band’s reputation continued to grow both in the UK and abroad leading to an awards ceremony
in Leicester Square, hosted by Suggs from Madness who presented them with the award for
“Worldwide Best Tribute Band”. They also scored a number one hit when they they were asked to
recreate Queen’s harmonies for “The Real Life” with Fatboy Slim.
By now they were in demand in European arenas playing Ahoy, where the now reformed Queen
would be performing only a few months later. They were delighted to sell out Forest National Arena
where Queen filmed the concert set piece videos such as Hammer To Fall and Don’t Stop Me Now.
Killer Queen then joined forces with Bjorn Again and The Bootleg Beatles for a Waverley
Stadium show in Edinburgh. It was this performance that led to the band being selected to represent
Queen in a re-staged tribute LiveAid concert held by Sir Bob Geldof. They performed with him at
his arena charity concert to raise funds for the homeless.
In 2016 Killer Queen set their sights on America including the awe inspiring Red Rocks Arena in
Colorado – one of the countries most prestigious venues. The Beatles, Springsteen, U2 have all
played there and the band are delighted it’s become a regular fixture on Killer Queen’s tour sheet.
By 2020 the band were pulling huge arena audiences in Cardiff Motorpoint, Liverpool and
Nottingham. 2021 sees them back on the road ready to delight huge audiences the world over.
Celebrate Independence Day with Patriotic Pops at Brevard Music Center. Hear the Brevard Symphonic Winds joined by members of the Janiec Opera Company, as they perform inspirational American music, traditional Sousa marches, and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture complete with the sounds of live cannon!
Tickets go on sale to the general public on May 1. To receive early access to tickets for this event, become a donor today! Donor presale begins March 25.
Join us for our annual 4th of July Celebration! A Low Country Boil with The Silo Cookhouse & Root & Bone + Live Music + FIREWORKS!
For this year’s Pritchard Park Songwriter Series, the Asheville Association is teaming up with Paloma Madre who are best known for bringing Asheville the wildly successful, international concept, Open Folk. Each week will feature two world class songwriters from our community playing introspective and honest tunes about life in the 21st century. Pritchard Park will once again be filled with the sweet sounding songs of heartbreak, true love, heavy loss, and lots and lots of goofin. It’s a guaranteed good time that won’t cost you a dime!!
BLUEGRASS JAM
Hosted by Drew Matulich
Don’t miss your chance to check out some of the best pickers from all over WNC at our amazing Bluegrass Jam curated by the talented Drew Matulich — every Thursday starting at 7:00 pm! A real show-stopping performance only at Jack of the Wood! Open jam starts at 9:30 pm.
JAZZ Jam is a special part of the LEAF Community. Meet us every Thursday at LEAF Global Arts from 7-10 P.M. for a night of smooth jazz that you can participate in or simply enjoy.
Plan to collaborate with other musicians at Sideways Farm & Brewery in Etowah. Bring your instruments and voices and enjoy making music and networking with other artists, while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Food truck is on site and beverages available for purchase from Sideways (small
batch craft beers, hard jun, ciders, wine, and non alcoholic drinks). Family, fans, friends, and leashed dogs are all welcome!
During winter months enjoy playing under the covered, sheltered, heated porch! And during the summer months enjoy
collaborating in the fields, on the stage, or under the patio
The beats of the Friday Night Drum Circle have been rocking Pritchard Park for decades and the circle has become so popular that it is featured in magazines and TV commercials.
FOMO Collective presents – Juan Holladay + Resonate + Isa Ibn Wali Featuring DJ Sporelax Visuals by Littlest_Hex
Tickets will be $10 at the door, there is NO presale. This event is 21+
An evening of rap, R&B, and artistry! On Friday July 5th visit our art market at The Getaway on the River Bar accompanied by live painters, a visual installations, and smooth, hard hitting music.Art vendor spaces available – message [email protected] or @fomomusicandart for sign up and more information.
Musicians include locals –
Juan Holladay(@juanholladay) https://www.youtube.com/@juanholladay
Isa Ibn Wali – (@isawhitaker) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBcF8q0ay8DxOn9QEfynJGg
ResoNate. – (@resonate_nc) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfkm_I5vJEOhEF4nPEf3-JQ?view_as=subscriber.
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.
Drum Circle
The Asheville Downtown Association is proud to facilitate the return of Asheville’s iconic Drum Circle. Feel the rhythm and join the beat as the community comes together for an evening of drumming, dancing, and camaraderie.
Brevard Sinfonia
JoAnn Falletta, conductor
Lara Downes, piano
GEORGE ENESCU Romanian Rhapsody No. 1
QUINN MASON Piano Concerto (world premiere)
ANTONÍN DVOŘÁK Symphony No. 6
Tickets go on sale to the general public on May 1. To receive early access to tickets for this event, become a donor today! Donor presale begins March 25.
– STANDING ROOM ONLY
– RAIN OR SHINE
Jack Marion and The Pearl Snap Prophets bring a youthful-exuberance and high-country swagger to the doorsteps of modern country music. The North Carolina-based band has spent the past 6 years in honky-tonks, bars, and mountain roadhouses, collecting fodder for songs along the way. There are songs about living; written in the shadows of the Blue Ridge Mountains. They are straight-from-the-hip and straight-from-the heart. No bull-honky. All truth. But they are just as catchy as any songwriting-factory-formed mega hit that will ever curse your ear.
Opening set by Chris McGinnis
Founded in 2012, ESB has grown from a party band of friends playing New Orleans-originated or inspired second-line and funk tunes with elements of rock and jam. Now, it consists of a collective of players, singers, songwriters, and producers who have found an original sound that fuses their individual musical influences with fresh ideas while still holding true to their foundation.
Featuring rich group and lead vocals from several members including Grammy Award-winning artist Debrissa McKinney (Secret Agent 23 Skidoo), keyboardist/producer Lenny Pettinelli, and guitarist Kelly Hannah, ESB has played over 300 shows all over the country. Since their conception, they have been a constant fixture at various festivals throughout the east coast. The band has had the pleasure of having Warren Haynes (Allman Bros. Band and Gov’t Mule) sit in with them at New Mountain Amphitheater in Asheville, NC and the honor of performing at the Jazz and Heritage Festival celebrating the life of Dizzy Gillespie in his hometown of Cheraw, SC for the past 6 years in a row. Empire has also co-billed with some of the biggest names in funk and soul including Mavis Staples, Dr. John, and Lettuce as well as a recent co-bill in November of 2019 at Woodlands Festival with jam band giants Umphrey’s McGee. ESB is also announced to play 2 huge shows at the US Cellular Center in Asheville with Umphrey’s and Billy Strings.
Paul Juhl, ESB’s founder and saxophonist, put together a crew of characters that have a rich and diverse musical background. The horn players including JP Furnas (bass/tuba/trombone), Alex Bradley (trumpet), Kyle Snuffer (trombone/sax), Debrissa McKinney (sax) and Juhl all have a deep love of many styles including funk, jazz, R&B, outlaw country, hip hop, and almost everything else! In May of 2019, Empire Strikes Brass horns played 3 performances at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado – 2 shows with psy-trance icon Shpongle and 1 show with friends and livetronica legends Papadosio. Over the years, the horns have also sat in with such artists as The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Galactic, Rubblebucket, The Big Something, and many others. Other notable side projects and performances from members include Lenny Pettinelli recording and performing with Jazz is Phsh – and instrumental tribute to the music of Phish founded by the Chase Brothers featuring Grammy Award-winning saxophonists Jeff Coffin (Bela Fleck, Dave Matthews Band) and Chris Bullock of Snarky Puppy as well as legendary jazz trumpeter Michael Ray (Sun Ra, Cosmic Krewe) and many other heavy hitters. Paul Juhl has performed with John Oates (Hall and Oates) at MerleFest. In addition to her work with Skidoo, Debrissa McKinney has performed with Karl Denson and George Clinton. Alex Bradley, Kyle Snuffer, Debrissa & Juhl have sat in with Andy Frasco. Furnas, Juhl, and Bradley were also featured playing horns on the live album compilation from world-renowned artists Beats Antique entitled “Creature Carnival” released in 2015.
When Empire Strikes Brass comes together, whether live or in the studio, the sound is undeniably strong and solid. The band’s debut album was recorded at Asheville’s own renowned Echo Mountain Recording Studio was released in 2017. Entitled “Theme For A Celebration”, it was tapped as one of the year’s top 100 releases by WNCW 88.7 radio. ESB’s newest release “Brassterpiece Theatre”, also recorded at Echo, is a fierce followup and both albums are available through all major music distribution streaming, sales and listening platforms. Look for the band on the road and at festivals in a town near you!!
STANDING ROOM ONLY
SCYTHIAN
Washington DC-based Scythian (sith-ee-yin) began over 12 years ago as a bunch of college buddies playing Celtic music in the streets and has grown to be a headliner on the US Celtic Festival Circuit as well as a name in the Bluegrass/Americana Festival Circuit. They found that their brand of high-energy folk music found a resonance that led The Washington Post to state: “Scythian’s enthusiasm is contagious, and shows seem to end with everyone dancing, jumping around or hoisting glasses.”
For over 12 years they have found success as an independent band and have played over 1,300 shows all over the united states, Europe, Canada and as far aways as Australia.
Founded by brothers Alexander and Danylo Fedoryka who are first-generation sons of Ukrainian immigrants, Scythian from the start has been a search and love for the “old time, good time music” of many cultures. They were inspired by a tale told by their 92-year-old grandmother of a roving fiddler who came into her farming village every six months or so. Once he was spotted, messengers were sent to all the outlying fields and mills and worked ceased; everyone gathered in the barn where they danced all night and danced their cares away. This spirit is what has motivated Scythian from its inception and their success as an independent band is due largely to their finding a resonance of soul amongst kindred spirits that span all ages and races. This spirit took them from the streets to playing for the US president on St. Patrick’s Day and its the enthusiastic response they receive that has made each of their 1,300+ shows unique.
THE calling card of Scythian is their ability to engage their audience no matter the venue or circumstance and truly every Scythian shows ends with people dancing, smiling and covered with sweat. This is best summed up by The Camel-City Dispatch (Winston-Salem, North Carolina): “[Scythian gives] no quarter in their quest to entertain and bring a joy to their music that gives it an irony-free, wide open feel of manic possibility. The playing is technically brilliant, but it is the energy that carries the day.”
STRANGER AND PILGRIM
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.