Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
Fireside Collective is, from left, Alex Genova, Joe Cicero, Jesse Iaquinto, Carson White and Tommy Maher./ Photo courtesy of Mountain Home Music Company
The Asheville Downtown Association will host a virtual Fourth of July celebration this year featuring a group of local musicians who were video taped playing from various venues.
The event is set to begin at 4 p.m., and presented by Ingles Markets, with support from Explore Asheville. It is produced in partnership with the City of Asheville. Here’s the line-up:
–BoogiTherapi with Ryan RNB Barber – funk from Asheville Music Hall
–Jane Kramer and Matt Smith – singer/songwriter from The Grey Eagle
–Lyric – soul, R&B from The Orange Peel
–Peggy Ratusz & Daddy LongLegs – blues, jazz from Isis Music Hall
–Joe Lasher – country from The Orange Peel
–Funk Jam House Band – funk, rock from Asheville Music Hall
–Fireside Collective – bluegrass from Isis Music Hall
–Empire Strikes Brass – New Orleans-style brass band from The Grey Eagle
There are no public fireworks displays in downtown Asheville this year due to concerns about spread of coronavirus. But the Downtown Association said it wanted to have a virtual celebration in an effort to keep people connected.
“Ingles is excited to bring this opportunity along with our friends at the Asheville Downtown Association,” said Melissa Leavell, Director of Advertising for Ingles Markets. “How Asheville has come together to help those in need during the pandemic is extraordinary. Now it’s time to celebrate together and what better way than featuring some of Asheville’s local musicians.”
Drop in to listen for a while or check out the whole four hours. Tune in to IamAVL’s YouTube channel to enjoy a diverse offering of local music on the Fourth of July holiday. Links to the virtual celebration will be posted on a variety of social media channels, making it easy for people to find, including on Visit Asheville, the City of Asheville and the Asheville Downtown Association’s Facebook pages and Twitter feeds.
“We’d like to thank in advance all of the collaborating venues and musicians, who will be paid for their service during this hard economic time,” said Rogers. “The virtual celebration will showcase the flavor of our culture and community.”