Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
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Leave a comment on this post to be entered to win a pair of tickets to see singer-songwriter greats Malcolm Holcombe, Mary Gauthier, Greg Brown and R.B. Morris at the White Horse Black Mountain in Black Mountain.
The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and is a benefit concert for the immigrant rights group CIMA. You can buy tickets here.
Here’s more from a press release:
The debate over immigration is one of the defining issues of our national life, but in the minds of songwriters Malcolm Holcombe, Mary Gauthier, Greg Brown, R.B. Morris there’s no ambiguity regarding the right of immigrants to humane treatment.
The idea for the concert came from WNC songwriting legend Malcolm Holcombe, whose work often examines the lives of those on the margins of society, sought out friends and fellow songwriters to help create a night of music in support of those working in support of immigrant rights. The Mission of CIMA also hit close to home for co-headliner Mary Gauthier who says, “I just feel strongly that we need to join hands right now and not be divided. Underneath so much of the problems in the world is trauma; it’s the central issue humanity is dealing with.”
The Associated Press has named Mary Gauthier as one of the best songwriters of her generation. Her songs have been recorded by dozens of artists, including Jimmy Buffett, Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, Bettye Lavette Mike Farris, Amy Helm and Candi Staton, and have been heard on film and television soundtracks, most recently on “Yellowstone”, ABC’s “Nashville”, HBO’s “Banshee”, and Masterpiece Theater’s “Case Histories”. Mary has released 9 studio albums that have established her as a major artist, her powerful newest CD entitled “Rifles and Rosary Beads”. She’ll be performing with rising young Austin-based Americana artist Jaimee Harris.
Greg Brown’s name is instantly recognized by any longtime Prairie Home Companion listener. His rumbling baritone, wry and laconic delivery and deceptively understated songs were part of the national consciousness during his years as the program’s musical director. He continues to be an influential force on the indie folk roots music scene, and is the founder of the Red House record label, home to many talented contemporary folk artists.
RB Morris is a poet and songwriter, solo performer and band leader, and sometime playwright and actor. He has published books of poetry including Early Fires, Keeping The Bees Employed, and The Mockingbird Poems.
The intensity of Malcolm Holcombe in performance is hard to overstate. He flings his rough-hewn voice and percussive guitar style into insightful songs about some of America’s more invisible people. These are songs about working-class America and the distinct sorrows and triumphs therein. Holcombe gives voice to this population through the ages, from the era before labor reform as in the ironically chipper “Good Ol’ Days,”, to the present, when, despite all of our advances, the problems faced are just as sinister. The eloquent yet unassuming Holcombe could fairly be called the voice of the South’s forgotten people.
Have been a huge fan of Malcolm since moving here in the 80s. He’d play upstairs at Sonny’s Porch back in the “secret garden” off Lexington Avenue. Would love to win!
Thank you!
I would love to go!
Have been a huge fan of Malcolm since moving here in the 80s. He’d play upstairs at Sonny’s Porch back in the “secret garden” off Lexington Avenue. Would love to win!
Malcolm gives one of the best live performances I’ve ever seen in my life!
Grumpy old liberal singing about grumpy old liberal topics. No thanks
Would love to go!
Sounds like a wonderful show.
Sounds awesome- great cause!
Great group of songwriters
Great cause and wonderful musicians
What a line up!
A great line up for a great cause. A nation of immigrants need to remain a nation FOR immigrants. Sad that so many have forgotten their roots.