Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
Here’s my list of some of the top music-happenings in Asheville for 2010. This list could have taken many forms, but I’m hoping somebody else with more expertise will weigh in with their own. For example, a list of the top 10 releases by Asheville-based bands, or top local shows.
Instead, my list is a little less well-defined. It’s more about what I thought were big musical moments in Asheville, whether they were connected to Asheville bands or just happened here. In no particular order:
-Moogfest 2010: Bonnaroo promoter Ashley Capps brought Moogfest 2010 from New York City to downtown Asheville and brought in a slew of top-name musicians, which came together in a music festival the likes of which Asheville’s never seen before. Combined with renewed interest in the legacy of inventor Bob Moog, the three-day event put Asheville in a national spotlight and perhaps cemented its reputation as fertile ground for musical creativity. The streets of Asheville have never seen such a Halloween before, and may not again. And the musicians delivered. Big Boi and Jonsi and all the Asheville acts that performed truly brought it.
-Band of Horses rides on: The Asheville-connected Band of Horses released a new album, Infinite Arms, and continues to craft beautifully molded music. Their November show in Asheville was superb. Meantime, word on the street is that the band’s Tyler Ramsey, of Asheville, plans to be back in the studio early next year for more solo work. Awesome.
-The Echo Mountain Studio shop: Echo Mountain Studio has Asheville on the musical map. With its beautifully remodeled space in a former church and its parade of excellent musicians stopping in to record, Echo Mountain is establishing itself as the place for a band to lay down tracks while spending time in a cool town. Last year, Echo Mountain got lots of mentions as the place the Avett Brothers recorded their I and Love and You record. Next year, Echo Mountain will get the same praise as the place G Love recorded his new one, which will be out in February. There are many more examples of artists recording at Echo Mountain, of course. I’m just mentioning two of my favorites.
-Backstage at the LAB: When the elements are properly in place, there’s no better listening room in Asheville than the Backstage music room at the Lexington Avenue Brewery. Period. The room is intimate, and allows for an incredible exchange of energy between artist and audience. That closeness will also reveal a band’s faults, so anyone who plays better come ready to get up close and personal. I’ve heard some folks complain about the acoustics there, but I think that’s a technical issue a good sound man can overcome. With its connection to Echo Mountain Studio (Steve Wilmans owns Echo Mountain and is a partner in the LAB), there’s no shortage of great musicians coming through.
-Dehlia Low flows: Dehlia Low played the cabin stage at Merlefest this spring (as well as a number of other stages at the four-day fest) in an appearance that marked a graduation of sorts for the band. After several years of intense touring and playing smaller venues, Dehlia Low showed the band is ready for the big time. Seen on the same stage as a host of other great Americana acts, Dehlia Low more than held their own – they impressed. Can’t wait to see what 2011 has in store for Dehlia Low.
-Steep Canyon Rangers play on: The Steep Canyon Rangers, based out of Brevard, have always been excellent. But after hooking up a couple of years ago with Steve Martin and his banjo, there’s been no stopping these guys. Late this year, they were back in the studio recordings songs written or co-written by Steve Martin for a new record that will surely keep them in the buzz.
-Elton John concert: Elton John played a sold-out show to adoring fans, his second concert in Asheville in about 12 years. In terms of sheer star status, nobody bigger visited Asheville in 2010. I didn’t see the show, but lots of you did, and had something to say about his 15-minute rendition of Bennie and the Jets.
-Kickstarter campaigns: Several Asheville-based bands used Kickstarter to launch fund-raising campaigns for projects. It’s a great model. One of my local faves, Woody Wood, is just one example and once again, I can’t wait to see his resulting record.
-Truth & Salvage Co. visits: Truth & Salvage Co., the indie rock band comprised of former members of one of Asheville’s beloved bands, Scrappy Hamilton, had a big year. Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes chose Truth & Salvage to be on its record label, with Robinson producing Truth & Salvage’s debut album, released this spring. The band played the Grey Eagle to coincide with that release, and last year played the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium as the Crowes’ opening act. Truth & Salvage shot parts of a new music video in Asheville this year, and they’ll be opening for the Avett Brothers on Dec. 30.
-Sanctum Sully rises: This Americana/blue grass band caught my attention after winning a local Battle of the Bands contest. I saw Sanctum Sully at the Root Bar and they blew me away. I hope to be hearing more from these guys next year.
-Asheville-based bands: This is just a nod to all the fantastic Asheville-based bands that are doing their thing day in and day out. There’s a new and impressive CD release every week, it seems, and variety and creativity of our musicians never ceases to amaze me. Get out and support a local band whenever and wherever you can. You won’t be disappointed.
-Odds and ends: I’ve seen a ton of music this year, and here’s only an iota of some of what stood out: The Blind Boys of Alabama absolutely killing it at LEAF this spring; The Mad Tea Party’s Halloween house show and release of their second spooky novelty tune; a reverent, touching Gillian Welch and David Rawlings surprise show at the Grey Eagle; Now You See Them’s thunderstorm Bele Chere set; just about every Moogfest 2010 act; seeing Woody Wood play live all over town, from Pritchard Park to the French Broad Brewery; sitting just feet away from legend Doc Watson at Merlefest and being held rapt by his every move; grooving to Floating Action at Prom!!; catching Pierce Edens and Woody Pines out in Marshall.
There’s a whole string of shows I missed – I can’t even begin to list them all. Just a stellar year on the Asheville music scene.
The French Broad River Festival continued to do in 2010 what it has done for the 12 years before, Produce an outstanding festival with a very comfortable family feel. Lots of activities for folks of all shapes and sizes. A great mix of national, regional and local bands in a fantastic setting up in Hot Springs. Not to mention that all proceeds go to charity! My favorite festival in the region by far!
ashevillian, more excellent information. 2010 was action-packed. damn.
Ash, that is correct….the Pulp opening and the Orange Peel expansion were both definitely in 2009.
Club closings: The Rocket Club, Club 828 and the New French Bar all closed in 2010.
Under the radar: The Diana Wortham Theatre played host to back to back nights of regional rock & roll. With the newly formed and ever rotating lineup of the Asheville Skyline Band headlining night 1 and longtime regional favorites Acoustic Syndicate headlining night 2, the Diana Wortham Theatre sure got the dose of rock that it has lacked over the years. Perhaps the most traditional use of the theater's acoustics during the two night stand was the opening song of Acoustic Syndicate's set, "Where the Soul of a Man Never Dies", sung a cappella and unplugged at the front of the stage. In my opinion it was revealed that this is both Asheville's best acoustically sounding room and classiest venue. I wish more concerts were held there but I can see why they might not want to highlight the DWT too brightly on the rock & roll map….it's just too nice.
The only show I can think of that I've seen at the DWT to come close to rock & roll prior to this was Bela Fleck & the Flecktones in 1998.
Note: The latest incarnation of the Asheville Skyline Band will be in effect at Mo Daddy's on January 15, 2011.
Orbit, more great additions, though i think the Orange Peel expansion, and opening of Pulp, happened in late December 2009. The opening of the Get Down is definitely a great addition. Thank you for mentioning it!
Boy you opened a can of worms Ash!
Couple more…
Wasn't the Orange Peel expansion this year?
To me, the Cinderella story of 2010 is The Get Down Club which took over the Cowboys bar at the end of Haywood Rd. This place has filled a HUGE void by booking punk, metal, and all other types of acts. Every show I have attended has been well-attended to flat out packed. Congrats to Mikki!
What? No Colt Ford at the Orange Peel? Guess ya'll hipsters don't got no love for country up in this web piece.
-=WL=-
AW, you're right on both counts – it's a worthy addition, and i need to see a little symphony. !
Thanks for the Sanctum Sully mention. Too often, Bluegrass bands end up playing rigidly traditional tunes and can seem almost mechanical at times. While this discipline holds a place in the musical realm, in particular traditional bluegrass, it's refreshing to hear a group of young guys exploring their varied and diverse musical influences through the medium of bluegrass. Y'all keep an eye on these boys cuz they sure know how to work a crowd and are writing some of the best songs in town right now…of any genre.
Jason, how could you overlook the Asheville Symphony's Free Labor Day Concert on Pack Square (estimated attendance at 5,000) and the Symphony's 50th Anniversary? Maybe we need to get you to a Symphony concert.
Hey, j, sanctum sully will be opening for soulgrass rebellion on Jan 8 at the grey eagle. Should be a great way to start off the year.
Great additions, Ashevillain!
I can think of a few that you missed (not to worry there was A LOT to cover!):
– Pisgah Brewing Company's outdoor stage: It officially kicked off with a July 3rd beer and bbq festival headlined by Black Mountain's own Velvet Truckstop. Other artists to grace the stage (into the early fall when the stage shut down until next spring) were Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, and Keller & the Keels. I think most everyone I talked to that saw a show at this new outdoor venue absolutely loved it and is hoping for a productive 2011 outdoor concert season!
– RALAK Festival: Held at the same location as LEAF at Camp Rockmont this was a reggae festival the likes of WNC has most likely never seen. Sunny daytime acts including Ras Michael and Bunny Wailer set the vibe for Damian & Stephen Marley's nighttime set in a torrential downpour of rain. Portions of this festival were featured on WNCW's Dubatomic Particles.
– LAAFF: No local music list is complete without mentioning that the Lexington Avenue Arts & Fun Festival was voted Best Local Festival by Mountain Xpress readers!
– new stage at Pack Square Park: Highlighted by the City of Asheville's and Pack Square Conservancy's complete and utter failure (I feel like I'm being too generous here) to plan and allow for the stage to be used for anything but Shindig on the Green and random political and religious gatherings. No Bele Chere. No Downtown After 5. The stage faces directly into the afternoon sun which doesn't help the performers. A multi million dollar park which has extremely limited use. Fail. Just remembered about the Beer City Fest and the Symphony. Still though….massive fail.