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Hawthorne Heightsplus Emery, The Color Fred, Tickle Me Pink & The Mile AfterWednesday, December 3rd 6:30 PM (6:00 PM doors) $18.00 advance / $20.00 door All Ages |
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The post-hardcore/emo-pop quintet Hawthorne Heights came to life in the summer of 2001. Originally called A Day in the Life, the Dayton, Ohio-based collective saw numerous lineup changes and shifting music styles before settling on a permanent formation. Composed of drummer Eron Bucciarelli, bassist Matt Ridenour, vocalist/guitar player J.T. Woodruff, and guitarists Casey Calvert and Micah Carli, Hawthorne Heights built their fan base on a solid demo recording and a series of self-booked national tours that saw them sharing the stage with the likes of From Autumn to Ashes and the Descendents. In 2003, they signed with Chicago label Victory Records, resulting in the 2004 release of their powerful full-length debut, The Silence in Black and White. As the bandmates relentlessly toured behind it, the album became Victory's highest-selling debut, while its lead single, "Ohio Is for Lovers," slowly invaded rock radio, MTV, and teenage hearts across the country. Hawthorne Heights' follow-up effort, If Only You Were Lonely arrived in 2006 alongside the This Is Who We Are DVD. Leading up to the album's release, Victory urged street team members to help it chart above urban singer Ne-Yo, whose own album was slated to be released the same day. Questionable promotional tactics included rearranging store displays to hide Ne-Yo's record and make Hawthorne Heights' more prominent. Lonely debuted at number three on the charts, though, unsurprisingly, more than a few eyebrows were raised in the band and label's direction. Regardless, the album continued to sell well, as its first single, "Saying Sorry," garnered airplay on many a modern rock radio station. However, controversy came to a head in early August when Hawthorne Heights suddenly announced that they were leaving Victory Records (despite a contractual obligation of two more albums for the label) and suing the company over various issues, including unpaid royalties and tarnishing their name and relationship with fans over the aforementioned incident (the band claimed to have no knowledge of the street team letter that was issued as though personally from them). In a statement issued online, the band compared their time at the label to being in an "abusive relationship" and directly attacked "greed driven" label head Tony Brummel. As issues were sorted out behind the scenes (and Victory counter-sued the band, claiming they just wanted to jump to a major), Hawthorne Heights continued touring nationwide and served as headliners on the fall 2006 version of the popular Nintendo Fusion Tour with openers Relient K, the Sleeping, and more. Following several court dates with their label, Hawthorne Heights returned to the road in late 2007. However, guitarist Casey Calvert died in his sleep just several hours into the tour, the victim of a lethal combination of antidepressant medications and Vicodin (Calvert had reportedly undergone a root canal prior to the band's departure, hence his need for painkillers). Soldiering on as a quartet, the bandmates resolved their issues with Victory Records and issued a third album, Fragile Future, in August 2008.
Music video for "Rescue Me" |
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Old Crow Medicine Showplus Justin Townes Earle |
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From busking in the streets of Nashville to headlining the historic Ryman Auditorium, Old Crow Medicine Show (OCMS) have come full circle playing their own brand of American roots music with a rock and roll attitude. The quintet met in New York state and hit the road, traveling city to city in a van and eventually settling for a year in North Carolina, where they ran into a bit of good fortune while playing in front of a local pharmacy to an impressed Doc Watson; the folk icon promptly scheduled the band to play at his MerleFest. Soon after, OCMS relocated to Nashville and found themselves gracing the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, opening for Dolly Parton, touring with Merle Haggard and regularly appearing on NPR’s A Prairie Home Companion. They caught the attention of Nettwerk Records in 2003 and signed on to release their debut album O.C.M.S, which they recorded at RCA’s legendary Studio B and Woodland Sound Studio with producer/guitarist David Rawlings (Gillian Welch, Robyn Hitchcock) at the helm. O.C.M.S was released in 2004 to critical acclaim; the New Yorker said of the album, “Heartbreaking, plunky ballads and unfastened fiddle tunes charged with youthful vigor,” while the Village Voice predicted, “Fame will soon lift her skirt for the band.”
Music video for "Wagon Wheel" |
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Richie Havensplus Walter Parks & Stephanie WintersSaturday, December 6th 8:00 PM (7:00 PM doors) $22.00 advance / $25.00 door All Ages |
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Richie Havens is gifted with one of the most recognizable voices in popular music. His fiery, poignant, always soulful singing style has remained unique and ageless since he first emerged from the Greenwich Village folk scene in the early 1960’s. It’s a voice that has inspired and electrified audiences from the Woodstock Music & Arts Fair in 1969, to the Clinton Presidential Inauguration in 1993 - coming full circle with the 30th Woodstock Anniversary celebration, "A Day In The Garden", in 1999. For over three decades, Richie has used his music to convey messages of brotherhood and personal freedom. With more than twenty-five albums released and a touring schedule that would kill many a younger man, he continues to view his calling as a higher one. As he told The Denver Post, "I really sing songs that move me. I’m not in show business, I’m in the communications business. That’s what it’s about for me".
Footage of Richie Havens at Woodstock |
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Mountain Xpress Best of WNC Showcasefeaturing The Trainwreks, stephaniesid & DJ BowieSunday, December 7th 6:00 PM $13.00 advance / $15.00 door |
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Mountain Xpress, Western North Carolina's alternative newspaper, presents a party celebrating the "Best of WNC"! Every year, the readers of Mountain Xpress vote on their favorites in over 120 categories. The Best of WNC Showcase will feature food from over a dozen of the best restaurants, music from The Trainwreks (Best Alt-country/Country Band), stephaniesid (Best Rock and Indie Band), and DJ Bowie (Best DJ/Turntablist). We will also have a mix of other Best of WNC entertainment-a diverse and high-energy evening is guaranteed! Attendees will also receive a free compilation CD of the best Asheville-area music, produced by Mountain Xpress. This big night will also be a benefit for Manna Food Bank, so come party with "the best" and all for a good cause! |
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My Brightest Diamondplus Clare & the ReasonsTuesday, December 9th 9:00 PM (8:00 PM doors) $12.00 advance / $14.00 door All Ages |
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My Brightest Diamond is spearheaded by Shara Worden, granddaughter of an Epiphone-playing traveling evangelist, fathered by a National Accordion Champion, and mothered by a classical organist. Having a family of musical wanderers who migrated across the US every few years, the landscape and the musical influences were constantly changing. Spanish tangos, Sunday morning gospel, classical and jazz were the accompaniment to her home life. Her first song was recorded at age three and by age eight she was studying piano and performing in community musical productions. Picking up an opera degree at the University of North Texas, Shara immersed herself in the songs of Purcell and Debussy. After college, she moved to New York City to simultaneously continue her opera studies and pursue her songwriting ambitions, releasing two albums with her band Awry. Shara frequented downtown clubs such as Tonic, Knitting Factory, and The Living Room, catching performances by Antony & the Johnsons, Nina Nastasia, and Rebecca Moore and inspired by their use of strings, Shara began studying composition with Australian composer Padma Newsome (of Clogs/The National). After the breakup of Awry, Shara assembled a coterie of musicians to accompany her with bass and drums, strings, wine glasses, and wind chimes and thus the sound of My Brightest Diamond was formed.
Music video for "Dragonfly" |
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Hometown Holiday Jam VIIIWednesday, December 10th8:00 PM (7:00 PM doors) $10.00 advance / $12.00 door Ages 16+ |
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Featuring: Marc Keller Band Plus Special Guests Mike Barnes AND.....Surprise Special Guests!
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Ralph's WorldSunday, December 14th3:00 PM (2:00 PM doors) $15.00 flat / $52 Family 4 Pack All Ages |
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When Ralph Covert released his first “Ralph’s World” children’s album in 2001, Billboard magazine called it "the best children's album of this or any year." With six CDs, a video and a Grammy nomination under his belt, Ralph is really making an impression on the world of children’s music. But rather than writing typical, simplistic tunes for kids, he makes it a priority to craft music that parents can enjoy as well. Ralph credits the birth of his daughter, Fiona, for turning him to children’s music. When asked to teach a toddler class at the Old Town School of Folk Music, he agreed with one condition – he would teach the class his way. Using his rock roots as a springboard, Ralph kept the same high-energy approach and attention to melody while integrating age-appropriate lyrics. The result was music that both kids and parents loved.
Music video for "Surfin' In My Imagination" |
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105.9 The Mountain presents
featuring Velvet Truckstop, Wilsin, Hollowpoint & Lake Effekt |
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Come out to the Rock the Cause CD Release Party! Over the past 6 months, 105.9 The Mountain has searched high and low for some of the best musical acts in WNC. And we found some amazing examples of what the local music scene is all about. 105.9 The Mountain and Whitewater Recording sorted the hundreds of entries and narrowed it down to the best of best. And the best part of it all is all proceeds from this project and the concert go to Special Olympics-Buncombe County. Every penny. Come out, hear a select number of the bands and ROCK THE CAUSE! |
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Make-A-Wish Holiday Jamfeaturing Motorskills, Laura Blackley, Sharkadelics, Silvergun Superman, Milestone, Ace & Lake EffektWednesday, December 17th 7:30 PM (7:00 PM doors) $10.00 flat All Ages |
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The Make-A-Wish Foundation of WNC and the Orange Peel proudly present the 8th annual Holiday Jam benefit concert. 100% of the proceeds go directly to Make-A-Wish and benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Western North Carolina. All of the entertainers donate their time to support this outstanding charity. Making it an exceptional value! This event is a rare opportunity to see many of the area's top bands in one place, as well as recording artists from the Asheville area. Performing their top-notch stage show or performing with the other exceptional hometown talent. All in the inimate confines of the Asheville's premier (smoke-free) Orange Peel Social Aid and Pleasure Club. This show gros every year and is expected to se new attendence records once again in 2008. The lineup this year includes The Sharkadelics, Laura Blackley Band, Silvergun Superman, Milestone, Motorskills, Lake Effekt, and Ace, plus other surprise "Special Guest" performances. Many souvenirs, gift baskets and memorabilia are available for small donatins plus numerous chances to win collector's items and prizes. All proceeds are also donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundatin! Limited tickets are available for a $10 donatin. Exclusively at the Orange Peel box office and this website. Inidividual tax deductible donations can also be made directly to Make-A-Wish through www.NCwish.org. You won't want to miss this once a year event! |
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ZOSO
Thursday, December 18th |
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In February 1995, ZOSO, The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience was brought together in Los Angeles, California. Bound and determined to create the most mesmerizing and accurate portrayal of the original band, each individual member was selected to portray both the image and playing styles of Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Bonham, and John Paul Jones. Together the quartet pays homage with its powerful and unmistakable Zeppelin sound. Since its formation, ZOSO has kept up a rigorous schedule of dates in the Los Angeles area and throughout California and the Southwestern United States. Their outstanding reputation and following has won them an award from Rock City News (L.A.) as the best tribute act in California and has also kept the band in constant demand. ZOSO has done three tours of the West Coast and in the fall of 1996 the band embarked on a 42-date tour of the Midwest in addition to a repeat Southwestern U.S. tour. After a short holiday break the band set out on its first all out United States tour including Canada. Since its conception ZOSO has played a remarkable 1700 shows (and counting) in just under eleven years. Their passion, musical ability, showmanship and "we don't cancel" attitude has made them America's #1 certified Led Zeppelin show. If you missed Led Zeppelin live in the 70's or are looking for a great chance to relive the Music, Magic and Mystery of Zeppelin, you must experience ZOSO. The sound and visual effects will astound you and bring you back to the "Hammer of Gods" career (from 1968-1980). |
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Laura Reed and Deep Pocket
Friday, December 19th |
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Laura Reed & Deep Pocket fill the stage with captivating, soul shaking, conscious music. The crowd is emerged with lyrics of truth and a voice of intensity backed by bass, organ, and drums, horns, and harmonies reminiscent of the past days of motown and funk. The roots of their sound and message stem from Laura’s diverse experience of growing up in South Africa and the American South. Formed in the summer of 2006, the band switches up the music between funk, progressive R&B, and pure SOUL behind Laura Reed’s captivating stage presence. Laura Reed’s tasteful rhythm section, Deep Pocket, consists of Ryan Burns on piano, synth, and Mama Lou (his 1936 model-A Hammond organ). Ben Didelot brings it all together on the low end with his solid bass lines and occasional dance steps. Jimbonk holds down the rhythm on the drum set with an amazing ability to keep the dynamic just right for not only the song but also the energy of the crowd. Debrissa McKinney has been a recent addition to the group, being referred to as the "masta harmoniza”. She elevates the music to the next level of sublime with her positive energy and smooth vocals. You will also catch Deep Pocket with the addition of tasteful guitar by Silas Durocher, the funky Asheville Horns, Soul Revolutionary Sidney Barnes, music master Josh Phillips, and visionary DJ Kurfu. Singer, guitarist, and percussionist of Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band, Josh Phillips has recently left the Booty Band in pursuit of his new project, Josh Phillips Folk Festival. Though the Folk Festival plays some of the same songs that Josh has written with the Booty Band, the overall vibe is more song oriented and less of the party vibe that is synonymous with the Booty Band experience. While the music seamlessly bounces between folk, world, reggae, and R&B, the common theme of the music is heart felt lyrics with a strong focus on the song itself. Josh Phillips began the Folk Festival as a recording project back in June of 2007, made up of members of Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band, STRUT, Trainwreks, and Laura Reed and Deep Pocket. Also helping make the CD a true Folk Festival, Justin Perkins of Toubab Krewe, Bryon McMurray of Acoustic Syndicate, Nick Hope of Hope Massive, Woody Wood of the Blue Rags, and many other local musicians came through the studio to lay down a piece to the album. Defying traditional genres of music, Sci Fi incorporates elements of jazz, funk, dub, blues, house, latin, and others to supply steady intricate melodies that, quite frankly, will make you want to dance. Without musical boundaries, the versatility of this band allows them to design sets that can accompany many types of venues. From live music halls to house parties to jazz restaurants they can do it all. These guys rely heavily on being in the moment to provide fuel for their highly improvisational styles, and have a truly symbiotic relationship with fans, exchanging energy and feeding off one another during shows. |
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Satisfaction
Saturday, December 20th |
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"Satisfaction/A Rolling Stones Experience" is the international touring tribute production dedicated to the World's Greatest Rock & Roll Band. Now in it's sixth year of production and over 1000 performances, this highly acclaimed production showcases the most authentic cast & costuming of it’s kind. The likes of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and cast bring a colorful performance to over 40 years of classic hits. Featured in Rolling Stone, People, Las Vegas Today, CBS Sunday Morning news and hundreds of national newspapers, magazines, television & radio. Internationally recognized as the world’s greatest show honoring the Rolling Stones and their legacy. |
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The Avett Brothers
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If you put your ear to the street, you can hear the rumble of the world in motion; people going to and from work, to school, to the grocery store. You may even hear the whisper of their living rooms, their conversation, their complaints, and if you're lucky, their laughter. If you're almost anywhere in America , you'll hear something different, something special, something you recognize but haven't heard in a long time. It is the sound of a real celebration.
Music video for "Murder In The City" |
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Donna The BuffaloTuesday, December 30th
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17-year career. 100,000 records sold. 100 gigs a year. 15,000 attendees at the 2004 Grassroots Festival. No, this is not a MasterCard commercial. It's just that numbers don't hold a lot of value for Donna the Buffalo. For this eclectic upstate New York band, success isn't quantitative. It isn't being in constant rotation on Top 40 radio stations or video networks. It isn't how much money's rolling in or even how many people are in the band. "We just do what we do. And it's a very natural thing. It's a thing we find joy in and it's a lifestyle that we've pursued for... ever," says guitarist/vocalist Jeb Puryear, one of the band's two primary songwriters. "We don't manipulate any of our circumstances for the market." That includes the band's sound, which piles reggae, rock, country, zydeco, Cajun, and folk on top of old-time fiddle music to create a combination best described as original American dance music. |
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