A SHOWER...
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Holy *@T?$^* Batman! Its been a long time. After sincere reflection, I'm
re-emerging on the Blog Scene. Why would I do this since certain people
predict th...
AskAsheville - Asheville Twitter - Asheville Blog - Asheville Videos - Asheville Social Media The 2011 Wheel Ride for Food will be this Saturday at Carrier Park. Mark your calendars and make plans to ride in our half-metric, metric Century, and 100-mile Century Ride. Additional details for the ride can be found at Then hang out and enjoy the Mountain Sports Festival where there's plenty of music, food and outdoor adventure sports to go around!
Buried Beds are currently wrapping up their tour supporting Dr. Dog all over the East Coast and we're happy to announce that they'll be hitting the road shortly thereafter with Murder By Death for three weeks! The tour will take them through the Midwest and back up the East Coast and, in the midst of it, their sophomore album, Tremble The Sails, hits stores nationally on March 1st! The band crafts upbeat and off-kilter songs that are as heavily percussive as they are nimbly orchestrated. Live, they perform as a five piece featuring a raucous mix of big drums, electric guitars, viola, piano and and heavy doses of three-part harmonies that mesh together with a mesmerizing chemistry. See the Buried Beds website.
Here is a music event that is getting ready to happen at Hole N Da Wall on Saturday February 12, 2011. Doors open at 9pm. For more information, you can tweet @HoleNDaWall and @SocialLifeAVL
A couple weeks ago I happened across one of Asheville's little treasures. After twenty years this town continues to impress me. I attended a meet and greet hosted at the Biltmore Estates newest attraction called Antler Hill. While roaming around to see the features of the Hill I heard the distinctive ringing of a Blacksmiths Anvil, but there was clearly a musical quality to what I was hearing. the. The Biltmore Estate still maintains an full time Blacksmith by the name of Doc Cudd. Doc is a very personable man who loves to tell the rich history and proud heritage of the Anvil. Much more than just a blacksmiths tool, but also a communication devise used by the tradesmen and is classified as an instrument that has been featured in Symphony, Opera, movie scores and more. Doc, as I discovered is one of only 5 anvil masters in the United States. Below is a video recorded during my visit of Doc explaining a little about the history of the anvil and doing his thing.
The Asheville electronic music scene has been growing and growing in the Asheville area each year. Actually, Asheville was recently rated the #1 Small City for Art, and the art coming out of this city is consistently great.
One such Asheville-native electronic music producer is Danny Peck, and he develops music under the moniker "dep." His music is one part film score, one part glitchy electronic beats, and one part ambient, down-tempo groove, and he has been dropping albums at a steady pace on his website, http://justdep.comsince 2005.
His forthcoming new album is titled "Start Loving the Robots," and is set for release this summer. In preparation for the release, dep is performing an experiment that he's dubbed "The I Love____ Global Collaboration Project" where he's asking individuals to phone in to his automated phone line and leave a short message telling him what they love. From "I love strawberries," to "I love my mom and dad," the calls have been flowing in, and dep promises that the best 150 entries will be mixed in to one of his tracks on the new album and sent a free copy as well!
dep is hitting the streets of Asheville as well, asking random individuals what it is they love and recording their responses. If he records you, your voice will appear on this forthcoming release and you'll receive a free copy of the album as well.
To participate roll over to dep's website and follow the instructions to send in your response today! http://justdep.com/
AskAshevile recently got the opportunity to work with Christopher and Jan from the Garage at Biltmore in Asheville and had a great experience. The music venue was great with lots of musical talent and variety on the schedule. We watched them work behind the scenes and throughout the evening making sure all the customers had everything they needed to make the time there enjoyable and successful. Thank you for being a part of the AVL community.
Jan Rogers and Christopher Hart at The Garage at Biltmore
I was working at French Broad (booking the music) and growing Tribe Management when the space (literally a garage) became available. I envisioned a music venue and we turned it into one in May of 2007
We love it here. Our favorite things about the area are the Mountains, breweries, people, rivers, music. What’s not to like? It’s eclectic and artsy, yet still attracts conservative affluence. A true melting pot. From our point of view, the best part of Asheville is the diversity. Many small businesses can still thrive here.
Our Venue features: live entertainment, social connectivity, and micro-brew beer. We’re an alternative place for music. We pride ourselves in setting trends and developing local music.
Garage at Biltmore
Asheville’s Alternative Vibe
101 Fairview Rd. Asheville, NC 28803 (1 block south of historic Biltmore Village)
***Special Thanks to the Garage at Biltmore for hosting the Asheville Social Media School Class #2 in March of 2010 with G Social Media, Trey Pennington, and Justin Brackett.
The Asheville Twestival hosted by Club 828 started with a family time from 5pm - 7pm. Here are some of the beginning clips and then meet some of the people involved including Wendy http://Twitter.com/ItsWendyLou and Jose http://Twitter.com/h0zae. Taylor Martin's Engine gets rolling with some music and the party kicks in. The whole evening was focused on raising money for Concern Worldwide http://www.concern.net/ and allowing people an education, thus increasing the chances of them rising out of poverty. Thank you to everyone that attended, contributed and supported this great local effort with a global focus.
Asheville's own New Cosmic Band touches down on Saturday, March 20 for the first of several shows coming up this spring. Kick off the equinox with the psychedelic love-fest made up of members of Silver Machine, Freak Before Brotherhood, and other local greats.
The brainchild of Asheville guitar virtuoso Dave Lee, the New Cosmic Band is like nothing you've ever heard before. Combining elements of each other band represented, things come together like glitter in water under a blacklight: bright and dark, spinning madly, shooting rays of light out to catch your eyes and ears and hold you in a trance until it's over.
The New Cosmic Band's first show of the spring is March 20 at 10 pm at Fred's Speakeasy on College Street. They're following that up with a show on April 16 at MoDaddy's, and another one is set for May 22 at the New French Bar. To hear the band or learn more, visit their Myspace page.
april is a freelance writer from asheville. read more of her work here or follow her on facebook.
Fireworks in Downtown Asheville North Carolina on December 12th and 19th at 7pm.
Asheville Holiday Party at Elaine's Piano Bar at the Grove Park Inn on December 19th 2009 from 8pm - 1am. Music, fun, dancing, and more! Wear Your Santa Hat!! This is part of the Asheville Seasonal Sizzle.
Highland Brewing Company & Barley's Taproom's 15th Anniversary Bash - Ain't no party like a Highland Party!!! House Party on Friday, December 18, 2009 from 4:00pm - 8:00pm at Highland Brewing Company in Asheville North Carolina
Toubab Krewe in Asheville! (Special 2 Night NYE Run!) Concert on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 from 8:00pm till 1:00am at the Orange Peel in Asheville
Contrawr - A Wild New Year's Eve with the OFB. Tickets Are Limited - You Don't Want to Miss This!! Old Farmer's Ball Holiday Party on Thursday, December 31, 2009 from 8:30pm till 12:30am at the Bryson Gym - Warren Wilson College
Homeless Persons' Memorial Service - Honoring those who died this year while homeless. Saturday, December 19, 2009 from 2:00pm - 3:00pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church at 1 Edwin Place in Asheville NC
Faerie Made Open Studio on Sunday, December 13, 2009 from 1:00pm - 6:00pm at 57 Oakwood Street, Asheville NC
SHOP WEST ASHEVILLE at over 50 businesses on Saturday, December 12, 2009 from 12:00pm - 8:00pm on Haywood Rd. in West Asheville
AshevilleFM.org Presents The Anti-Jam Jamboree Holiday Party on Friday, December 11, 2009 from 8:00pm till 1:00am at the Rocket Club in West Asheville NC
New Years Eve w/ Larry Keel and Natural Bridge "Bawn in the Mash" Thursday, December 31, 2009 from 8:30pm till 2:00am at The Grey Eagle Music Hall, Asheville NC
Warren Haynes' Xmas Comedy Jam feat. Pat Godwin and Vertigo Jazz Project. Thursday, December 10, 2009 from 8:00pm - 10:00pm at the Funny Business Comedy Club in the S&W Building 56 Patton Ave. Asheville, NC. Also the Warren Haynes Christmas Jam on 12/12 at the Asheville Civic Center!
Jack Of The Wood with Open Windows. Join Erika Jane and Remember The Bees on Thursday, December 10, 2009 at 9:00pm till midnight at the Jack Of The Wood
The Women's Wellness and Education Center presents the First Annual Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, December 12, 2009 from 12:00pm - 6:00pm on 24 Arlington Street, Asheville NC 28801
New Years Eve with the Broomstars !!! Thursday, December 31, 2009 at 9:30pm till Friday, January 1, 2010 at 2:35am at The Rocket Club in West Asheville
Impromptu"... a Musical and Oral tradition journey... Music/Arts - Performance on Sunday December 13, 2009 from 7:00pm - 9:00pm at Jubilee on 36 Wall Street Asheville, North Carolina
The Bright Light Biker Asheville Roadtrip. Saturday, December 12, 2009 from 3:30pm - 5:00pm. A community ride throughout downtown Asheville starting at 3:30pm @ Pack Square Park by City County Plaza.
Salseros 828 Holiday Party and Anniversary Celebration - Friday, December 18, 2009 from10:00pm - 2:00am at Club Eleven on Grove Street in Asheville NC
Paul's Creek Band - Saturday, December 12, 2009 from 8:00pm - 11:00pm at the White Horse Black Mountain
THIS Saturday! NIKKI TALLEY @ FRENCH BROAD BREWERY. Saturday, December 12, 2009 from 6:00am - 8:00am at the French Broad Brewery
Malaprop's Book Signing & Carmel's After Signing Event with Novelist Cynn Chadwick. Friday, December 18, 2009 at 6:00pm at Malaprop's Bookstore & then Carmel's Restaurant for the after-party
The Beacon Pub hosts Craggie for a special tasting of our Swannanoa Sunset! Tuesday, December 15, 2009 from 5:30pm - 8:30pm at the Beacon Pub ~ 204 Whitson Avenue, Swannanoa
The Grey Eagle Presents: Galen Kipar Project and Jen and the Juice. Don't miss GKP's last show of the winter! Thursday, December 17, 2009 from 8:00pm till midnight at the Grey Eagle on Clingman Ave. in Asheville, NC
Holiday Party Supporting Manna Food Bank. Buncombe County Young Democrats host a Fundraiser. Thursday, December 10, 2009 from 6:00pm - 9:30pm at the Manor Inn Ballroom at 265 Charlotte Street in Asheville, NC
FARMGIRL FLOWER & GARDEN SHOPPE GRAND OPENING!!! on Saturday, December 12, 2009 from 12:00pm - 8:00pm on 227 HAYWOOD ROAD-NEXT TO SHORT STREET CAKES
Acoustic Syndicate, one of “North Carolina’s best kept secrets” is returning this holiday season for their very special traditional after Thanksgiving show at the Orange Peel on Saturday November 28th.
Photo By Bright Life Photography
Known for its high-energy, positive sound, Acoustic Syndicate delivers a genre-defying performance, masterfully blending its eclectic influences with trademark finesse that only 17 years of cohesive teamwork can bring.
Acoustic Syndicate is the product of Cleveland County’s McMurry clan. Guitarist Steve “Big Daddy” McMurry is joined by his cousins, Bryon McMurry on banjo and Fitz McMurry on drums. The three McMurrys also bring a trademark vocal trio that only a lifetime of singing together can deliver.
Joining the McMurrys in 1998 on bass, Jay Sanders has become part of the family. A long time resident of Asheville, NC, his seamless blending of musical genres and driving style brought a completion to the band’s sound that continues to characterize and define. When not with Acoustic Syndicate, Jay can now be seen playing with Donna The Buffalo or his own group, The E.Normus Trio.
Formed in 1992, Acoustic Syndicate has had a long and storied career. They spent well over a dozen years on the road, playing at the original Bonnaroo, MerleFest, the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Memphis in May and many many other clubs, festivals and events.
The band had the distinct honor of being invited to perform as a part of FarmAid in 2001, a significant occasion in respect to their family’s agrarian history. The McMurry family are farmers, and continue to cultivate the same land their family has for generations.
In 2005, the band decided to hang up the towel for a little while. They put their touring career on hold with a legendary five hour performance at SmileFest. In a recent interview with Frank Ruggiero from the Mountain Times in Boone, NC, Steve McMurry said “With the music industry in dire straits, the band would have had to commit to another five years of heavy touring to sustain itself. None of us really could see being gone from our families and people for that long a period of time… We had a great run of it, and thought we’d just call it quits and be regular people for a while.”
But the band’s audience felt otherwise. “People wouldn’t let us quit playing,” McMurry said. “They’d keep calling and calling, so after a couple years we decided we’d get together and see if we still knew how to play.” The results speak for themselves, and McMurry said the band is now performing without the pressures touring so often brings, and rather playing for the fun of it.
Final Song from the legendary SmileFest “last show”:
In 2009, Acoustic Syndicate was honored by being voted the 6th top artist of the last 20 years by the listeners of Western North Carolina’s WNCW radio station.
Their discography includes six official releases including two for Sugar Hill Records. Their 2004 effort “Terra Firma” was voted the number one album of the year by the listeners of WNCW, and 2005’s “Long Way Round” placed number seven. But it is not going to end there. Acoustic Syndicate plans on cutting a new record. The band will visit the studio this winter to craft an album of all-new material.
When Ruggiero asked about the music of Acoustic Syndicate, Steve McMurry replied “It’s high energy with a definite rock ’n’ roll vibe, but acoustic.”
“I don’t like getting pigeonholed, because we do so many things – bluegrass, soul, funk – whatever feels good,” McMurry said. “And the music we write is not typical of what you hear on the radio, either. We try to stay away from that mainstream cookie-cutter variety, and, honestly, I think people appreciate us doing that. I think there needs to be an alternative.”
Acoustic Syndicate’s all about making sure it’s an honest alternative, a sound that’s 100 percent its own, but steeped in a rich musical history each band member appreciates. McMurry said the band’s influences span the musical gamut, including the Grateful Dead, Little Feat, The Police, The Who, Peter Gabriel, Steely Dan, John Hartford and Bill Frisell.
“I know all this stuff seems weird to be lumping in on top of a bluegrass ensemble, but it works – this is the stuff we grew up listening to,” he said. “Some of the class rock ’n’ roll is there, but also the more traditional music. We grew up singing in a church, and mountain music, ballads that our parents and grandparents taught us … that comes out in there, especially with the harmonies we put together. It’s a veritable melting pot of different influences.”
McMurry’s quick to assert, though, that the music’s never been about the band, but rather for the audience.
“The material we’ve written has consistently had a positive message to it, and very little of it is centered toward the individual,” he said. “We try to send a good message in a very joyful manner, a very pleasant, uplifting manner. People recognize that, and I think that’s why they like it. It’s not about any one of us in the group; it’s about the relationship in the group and the people who listen to our music, and we’re just going to try to keep that conversation going.”
“The dynamics come from 12 years of traveling on the road together,” McMurry said. “We’ve been playing together long enough now to pretty much know what everyone else is doing. It’s more of a reflex action now than anything else. We love to get together and play together, so we’ve been very fortunate in that regard.”
Tonight to be the last club gig for the original DubConscious 6 members!!!
DubC is in Asheville loving the Fall and about to play with Galactic at the Just Because You're in Asheville Event on Lexington Ave. And then a special show at 828 (formerly Nashwa) with Wayfarer's All and Mindelixir to blow it all out. Tonight will be a big reason to celebrate and also will mark an end to an era of the original 6 members playing together. Tonight to be the last club gig for the original DubConscious 6 members. After 7 years of doing it, DubConscious is evolving and changing with the times and certain people are moving on. A more formal announcement will be made later this week.
Tonight's show in Asheville will be the final Club gig and two weeks later at Bear Creek, the original 6 will perform two final sets together as DubConscious.
DubConscious will still be together and will be making new music but with a different look and feel than before. First shows with the new lineup will be a New Year's run with Asheville's amazing Telepath that will culminate with a blowout at hometown venue "New Earth Music Hall". Thank you for taking the time to read this and hope you can make it to 828 tonight.
On behalf of Southern Fried Blues Society, I'm very excited to tell you that our 2nd annual Blues Challenges will be taking place the next two Sundays in Asheville NC. Here's the scoop:
On Sunday, Oct 11th, the Solo/Duo Blues Challenge will be held at Tressa's Downtown Jazz & Blues 28 Broadway http://www.tressas.com in Asheville. Doors open at 3p and cover charge is $5 for the general public and $3 for SFBS members. This is a bargain, as you'll be entertained by up to 6 regional and local area Solo/Duo Blues Artists. They will be competing in this judged competition for a place at the prestigious 27th Annual International Blues Challenge to be held in Memphis, TN Jan 20-23rd 2010.
On Sunday, Oct 18th, the Band Blues Challenge will be held at Mo Daddy's Bar and Grill 77 Biltmore Avenue in Asheville. Doors open at 4p and the cover charge is $5 for the general public and $3 for SFBS members as well. Again, this is quite a bargain since you'll be entertained by up to 6 regional and local Blues Bands. They will also be competing in this judged competition for a place at the prestigious 27th Annual International Blues Challenge to be held in Memphis, TN Jan 20-23rd 2010.
Cover charges go directly toward the winning Solo/Duo Artist and Blues Band's traveling expenses to Memphis. In these hard economic times, we thank you in advance for supporting the careers of these fine and deserving artists who would not otherwise be able to afford to participate.
The atmosphere on both afternoons will be non-smoking and your silence as an audience member during the time they are each playing their 20 minute sets, to 3 judges who are local and regional industry leaders is appreciated. Please come out in support of your newly formed Blues Society and help us become even more viable and instrumental to uplifting our region's music community and community at large. Prove that the Blues are alive in this area!
David Gans, a musician from Oakland California, and Friends play at MoDaddy's on October 15, 2009. Show starts at 9 pm. Earlier that day, David will also be on WNCW radio.
David Gans is coming to Pittsboro NC, to the Shakori Hill festival hosted by Donna the Buffalo. After that he is headed Durham to meet some friends, and then to Asheville NC for the show at MoDaddys on October 15th.
Jay Sanders of Donna the Buffalo, Bobby Miller of Virginia Daredevils, and Bill Cardine are some of the local Asheville talent that will be a part of the David Gans musical event on Oct 15, 2009 at MoDaddy's (about 100 feet up the street from the Orange Peel) .
David Tours alone but loves to contact his local connections in the different areas where he is playing. I would say that is an awesome example of being a musical networker: Coming into a City like Asheville and many others and using the local talent that he is connected with. David has played at Stella Blue, Grey Eagle, and many other spots in Asheville over the years. It has been a few years since he has been in the area and is excited about visiting Asheville again. He says: “I am very fond of Western North Carolina, the hills, the beauty...”. I mentioned to him how Erykah Badu was recently in the area and how she was giving Asheville all sorts of props via her Twitter handle (FatBellyBella).
After David leaves Asheville, he is heading to do a few house concerts in the Atlanta area, a coffee house in Cullman Alabama, and then a 4 day music festival in Live Oak Florida. For more info about the Florida festival, please visit: www.MagMusic.com
After a brief hiatus we're back in action Friday night (10-2-09) at the Wild Wing Cafe in Downtown Asheville. Show should start around 9:30pm and there is no cover. This is our first actual gig at Wild Wing and we'd love to show them what Stankgrass shows are all about. So come on out, even if it's for a little while, and let 'em know you're there to see brushfire!Also, we've been working on adding new music over at archive.org. We just finished posting our 8-7-09 show from the French Broad Brewery featuring Matt Williams on violin. Definitely worth checking out! Hopefully we'll have a trio show we played at the French Broad Brewery from back in January featuring Phil Barker on the Mandolin (Town Mountain) up soon as well as our set at the Orange Peel from the Last Band Standing contest. Still working out the bugs... www.archive.org/details/BrushfireStankgrass See you Friday!
Friday, October 2, 2009 at 9:30pm till Saturday, October 3, 2009 at 1:00am at Wild Wing Cafe on Biltmore Ave Asheville, NC
In a chill spot called Booty Band Land, musicians and artists will flourish through an epic celebration not to be missed… or forgotten. This festival was created to provide an affordable and interactive, yet top-quality event that will showcase the excellent emerging artists in the region, as well as some world-class greats. Having the festival in the breathtaking Tennessee mountains, at the perfect time of year, only makes it that much better. Explore the website to check out the incredible lineup, the funky theme camps, the Saturday night effigy burning of the Booty mama, DJs, art and craft, performance artists and so much more. Then, make your plans for Booty Band Land! There will also be a Bootygras Masquerade, so your costume and boogie!
Date, Times, & Details: The festival will start on Thursday, September 14th for those lucky enough to make it, with music starting at 6pm and continuing on all three stages until the early AM. Booty Band Land will rock a FOUR-day weekend through Sunday September 27th, with music on three stages. Ticket process stated off low with early bord being $59, They are $79 at the gate and extra perks are available to purchase. Booty Band Land is going to be held at The Sneedville Yacht Club Ranch, located at 343 Lawson Road in Sneedville, TN 37869. It is about 2 hours from Asheville, 1 hour from Knoxville. Call for more info: 404-255-6100.
Festival Performers include (bands in bold have members living in Asheville area): Two sets of Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band on Friday and Saturday nights; The Big Ol Nasty Get Down closing out the festival on Sunday night; two night of Donna the Buffalo (Thurs and Fri); Sipe, Sears, and Fountain (WNC); Gent Treadly & Steven Molitz (NYC); Mad Tea Party (Asheville), The Asheville Horns (Avl); Eymarel (Avl); Jonathan Scales Fourchestra (Avl); Jen and the Juice (Avl), Electrofunkadelica (San Francisco), Sci Fi (Wilmington); the Mantra’s (Greensboro); Stereofidelics (Avl); Danny Bedrosian’s Secret Army (Tallahesse); Ga Na Si Ta (Knoxville), the Soular System (Tallahassee), Lefty Williams Band (Atlanta); Hot Politics (Greensboro); Dot Line Projekt (Atlanta); Agobi Project (Avl); Wezooga; BPL (Boone); Tennessee Jed (AVl); Rollin in the Hay (Birmingham); Bums Lie (Charlotte); Matt Williams and the Ocean (Avl); Susannah Masarie (Atlanta/Boone); Blue Haired Ladies (Atlanta), and more . . .
About the Venue:The Sneedville Yacht Club Ranch is located in Sneedville, TN. This is about 2 hours from Asheville and definitely worth the trek. Sneedville Yacht Club Ranch is a beautiful 135-acre farm located on the Clinch River in the mountains of NE Tennessee. Along with camping, disk golf, canoeing, kayaking and mountain biking are also available.
Theme camps will be encouraged at Booty Band Land. A theme camp is a group of people collaborating to camp together and create a common theme to present to the Booty Band Land participants at large through services, activities, a great place to hang out, art, performances, etc. Just about anything goes and the themes and offerings span a wide range. A theme camp could center on a dance club, a bar, a classroom, a chill crash space, a stage for wild performances, an amazing art installation, etc. Creativity rules!
Theme camps often provides their own water, power, building equipment, labor, etc. And everything that comes in, goes out, leaving no trace. PERIOD! Theme camps will often also have their own schedule of events, classes, presentations, etc. A theme camp doesn’t have to be big. It could be three friends camped around their art project or the base that launches a mobile theme camp or troops carrying services out into the city.
Other items scheduled: Morning & Evening Yoga, The High Noon Patriots discussion session, a 12 step community support… maintain your clean lifestyle while supporting others, Workshops hosted by Al Al on Bass, Jeff Sipe on Drums and Lefty Williams on Guitar, and early morning DHJs for those wanting to party til Sunrise with the Booty Band! Johnny Blue Ray will also be filming a DVD of the entire event
Friday, May 15,2009 at The Grey Eagle on 185 Clingman Ave, Asheville. NC $10 adv/ $12 at the door. Doors open at 8pm, all ages, 828-232-5800 http://www.thegreyeagle.com/
"...Joyously inventive..." is how Jazz Times describes the work of Asheville-based steel drummer Jonathan Scales. Mixing a traditional Caribbean instrument with a contemporary jazz attitude, Jonathan Scales' music pushes the steel pan into the realms of funk, rock, jazz, and even bluegrass while still digging into the roots of traditional world sounds such as reggae and Latin. His intricate, instrumental writing combines with metric complexities to weave seamlessly between musical styles.
The music world was introduced to Jonathan with his 2007 release, 'One-Track Mind', which brought him acclaim from steady regional press, consistent radio airplay, and a jammed schedule of live performances ranging from small clubs to packed theaters. This year ushered in the release of Jonathan's 2nd studio album 'Plot/Scheme', featuring drum guru Jeff Sipe and Grammy-award winning sax man Jeff Coffin. "Plot/Scheme is an innovative and energetic journey into what the steel pan can do in a modern jazz context,"- Bold Life.
Jonathan Scales has also performed with acts such as The Wooten Brothers Band, Larry Keel and Natural Bridge, Matt Butler's Everyone Orchestra, The Duhks, Jon Fishman, Toubab Krewe, and Keller Williams.
Roy “Futureman” Wooten is an artist known for bridging the gap between the past, the present and the future. Deriving from a rich musical background, Futureman is an inventor, scientist, musician, composer and four time Grammy award winning performer with Bela Fleck and the Flecktones. The Flecktones are highly regarded for their outstanding virtuosity in live performances. The group includes Bela Fleck on Banjo, Victor Wooten on Bass, Jeff Coffin on Sax and wind instruments, and Futureman on Electronic and Acoustic Drums and Percussion.
Futureman is one of the most innovative, forward thinking figures in modern music. Part of what makes Futureman such an innovative musician is the incorporation of science and invention into his work. His first invention, called the Drumitar is used extensively in the music of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, which allows him the ability to replicate the sound of an entire contemporary drum kit, with the movement of just a few fingers on a guitar shaped instrument. The great jazz drummer Max Roach said once to Futureman that after seeing him perform he knew that “that was the most creative approach to drumming he had ever seen.” His second invention, the “RoyEl,” resembles a piano but plays notes not found in the traditional western music scales. His third invention, the Dorothy Graye, also resembles a smaller piano and is dedicated to his mother Dorothy who inspired a practice method to learn the keys. This instrument is based to play off of the composer’s scriabin color to sound keys, with the universal mathematics guiding the exploration of tunings, such as the periodic table of elements and the golden ratio.
Futureman is an artist that is able to bring many gifts to his music. While widely admired for his ingenuity, imaginative spirit, and eclectic style, it is his world class musicianship and stage presence that has earned him the respect of some of the best musicians in the industry, and fans alike.
This Asheville video was taken by my 8 year old son who is a "blogger in training". Great footage, especially for his first shoot. The Flip Video camcorder makes it easy for anyone to do nice videos with minimal experience or effort.
These musicians were having a great time playing and singing in Downtown Asheville on Pack Square. Passed by about an hour later and they had some guy with a harmonica who joined in with them. I love walking around Asheville, listen to the music, spare a few bucks, and make some new friends.
Asheville pied piper ~ Billy Jonas ~ visited my school today and performed with the kids!
He's gearing up for his
FINAL 2008 SHOW: HAPPY ACCIDENTS CD RELEASE CONCERT / HANDS OF HOPE COMMUNITY BENEFIT SHOW: SUNDAY, DEC 21, 1 pm, THOMAS WOLFE AUDITORIUM, ASHEVILLE, NC.
Come! Make a holiday weekend of it! It’s the first night of Hanukkah, it’s Solstice, it’s practically Christmas and Kwanzaa, and it’s a good cause! Not only will we celebrate the release of the new CD, we’ll be giving away a large portion of the proceeds to 3 Asheville schools and 3 local not-for-profit service agencies. The schools (Maccabi Academy, New Classical Academy, New City Christian School) have just completed 3-month projects with the agencies (Manna Food Bank, Pisgah View Community Peace Gardens, and the Animal Compassion Network) and will have their accomplishments on display. Also, Michelle Bevans of Asheville Face Painting will be at the Hands of Hope Benefit … be sure to arrive early to get your hand, cheek, face painted! A portion of the proceeds will go to Hands of Hope. For more information, check out her website: http://www.ashevillefacepainting.com/. Get your tickets early!
What a day! Skinny Legs and All's first CD - Get the Skinny - arrived. How exciting! The band members along with Ellen and Jonas came over to my house and we all sat down at the dining room table to eat Circle in the Square pizza - our favorite! Then we started an assembly line to package the CDs. Paul - the Keyboardist - and Patricks mom Naiya did all of the CD graphics. Avi drew the "skinny Legs" on the cover. What an amazing group of talented kids! View more on Skinny Legs and All by clicking Here!
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It happens every year...Halloween comes and goes and then it seems like the
already shorter days fly by with such determination to the end of the year
and ...
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