Ashvegas still humming from Bele Chere music-thon

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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It seems Ashvegas is still humming about this year’s Bele Chere music lineup, especially Saturday night. Blues Traveler played the ticketed event. There was Ivan Neville and Dumpstaphunk on a stage, Sam Bush on another stage, Drive-By Truckers on another. Ben Harper played the Orange Peel, and a couple of people I talked to said the vibe was unbelievably great. (Pictured is Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band)

Here’s music correspondent McFly –

Thanks for the Neville shout out. You could add, “said McFly, who saw Ivan’s uncle Art in the Meters reunion (and allegedy farewell) show at New Orleans’ Jazzfest this year…”
Saturday night was definitely a tremendous musical convergence in town. We never made it to Blues Traveler, but hung with the DBT show down front. Because Coxe slopes uphill, it was instant amphitheater. Truckers guitarist Mike Cooley was channeling Keith, playing throaty Telecaster licks with Richards’ exaggerated, wiry gestures. The band did itself a favor by playing a melodic, hit-driven set – I was at their last Orange Peel show, and it was only about 1/3 full, but Coxe Ave was shoulder-to-shoulder back toward Patton last night.
Gotta call this festival a success – even the weather turned out OK. I still need a day to dry out…
-MF,

Sorry to keep harping on Bele Chere, but Saturday really was a special night in Ashvegas.