Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
We’re starting a list of New Year’s Eve shows in and around Asheville. What’s on your radar?
Floating Action with Ice Cream at Jack of the Wood
Asheville’s hottest band.
A special New Year’s Eve throwdown with our buds ICE CREAM. Floating Action at 10pm and Ice Cream as the clock strikes midnight and 2013 is upon us.
Blue Rags at Black Mountain Ale House
The Black Mountain Ale House announces a New Year’s Eve celebration and midnight champagne toast. wtih the Blue Rags, a well-known, old school Asheville-based band. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door.
A to-be-determined opening band will kick-off at 8 p.m. followed by the Blue Rags at 10:30 p.m. The group, which gained a devoted local fan base in the mid-to late 90s, is best known for their unique blend of blues and ragtime or “rag-’n-roll.”
Original group members Abe Reid, Jake Hollifield and Scott Sharpe will reunite for the New Year’s show. In addition, Mike Rhodes and Korey Dudley will join in on drums and bass.
Emancipator at the Orange Peel
Emancipator is Douglas Appling, who is joined in the live setting by Violinist Ilya Goldberg.
To some, it must seem like this young electronic producer came out of nowhere this year, but those in the know have been following Emancipator since he self-released his first album, “Soon It Will Be Cold Enough,” at the age of 19 in 2006. His agile melodies layered over headnodic, immaculately-produced beats captivated fans across the internet and across the world. “Soon It Will Be Cold Enough” was picked up by Japanese super-producer Nujabes, pressed in Japan and sold 5,000 copies in the first six months. Emancipator landed a Puma sponsorship, gave an interview to Rolling Stone Japan, and even had his song “Maps” played at the Bejing Olympics.
Hackensaw Boys, Danny Barnes & Woody Pines at the Grey Eagle
Click here for more.
New Years Eve Throwback Throwdown Featuring The Fritz w/ The Broadcast

More here.
Gauche Vibrations and Circuitree Records NYE Party feat. Panther God, Samuel Paradise, Woodwork, Deflon, D: Raf
Emerald Lounge. More here.
I’ll be in Black Mountain with the Blue Rags- Black Mountain Ale House
The Broadcast and the Fritz at Asheville Music Hall
I absolutely love Floating Action, but I don’t really think of them as a party band, so might have to hit up that Hackensaw Boys show for NYE