Sons of Ralph on a sold-out Saturday.

Even in Asheville's off-season, where the locals complain it's cold and businesses are closed on Mondays, there is an abundance of fun options most every night...and too many to choose from on the weekends! It was the Fringe Arts Fest in Asheville this past weekend, a dance/music/fun fest put on by the local Bebe Theatre, where people can shamelessly fly their freak flag. My friend Roy and I waited in line for this one, which was to include a theatrical/musical city tour of Asheville on the famous La Zoom bus. We were among a sea of confusion, a man with green hair, a confused box office attendant, there was someone cawing like a bird and feeding people saltines on the street, and sadly we were a mere five people away from the tour being sold out.
So, as my glass is generally half full, I suggested we simply walk up the street and turn the corner in search of something equally as awesome to do (but next year, I'll be sure to get there sooner, to assure that I get a seat for that show!). Roy and I hoofed it up Congress Street and walked up to Patton Ave. (I'm quite proud of myself for learning how to navigate around this city), where he suggested we check out Jack of the Wood, an Irish Pub known for their live music and delicious, local brews.

And we found it. We walked through the door, as we happened upon possibly the two best seats in the house. We enjoyed a few delicious brown ales and porters and danced to Sons of Ralph, a traditional yet alternative bluegrass band. What fun! Check them out: www.sonsofralph.com They were named the best local band in Asheville, 8 out of the last 10 years!

This is Ralph. He's going to be 81 this year and has been playing the mandolin for over 7o years!

It sure was a find...I'll be back to see them again, for sure!

Pop Asheville, part deux.

Night 2 of Pop Asheville. Didn't take as many pictures, but spent the night at the Grey Eagle (my official new favorite bar and club in the area), after riding around in the La Zoom bus because...well, because I could. Man that thing is so much fun! I caught 3 of the bands: Holiday Childress, The Champion and His Burning Flame and HeyPenny (shown below).

It was a more laxed evening, but the crowd was building at the Eagle to see the festival feature: StephaniesId. They were the band that started the phenomenom of PopAsheville last year, and played the last set of the evening. You should check them out on You Tube, if you get the chance...they're not going to be playing small venues for long!

The powerhouse lead singer, Stephanie Morgan, rocked the stage and captivated the audience with her amazing voice. And, she is absolutely adorable.

This was the We Are The World-ish ending to the festival. Oh, and look! It's Ami Worthen from Mad Tea Party over there!

So...that was my first weekend in Asheville. :o)

Pop Asheville! (part one)

So, I roll into town late at night, after stopping at Whole Foods for a couple bottles of cheap wine to share with my new roommates (Chey & Greg), who I was about to meet. I've been in the door a total of 4, maybe 5 minutes and I instantly like them both. Greg Brown, who is a stand-up comedian, happens to have a show that evening, which was beginning in something to the tune of 23 minutes (comedians have minutes down to a T, much like radio deejays, it seems). He was being featured in 'The Beards of Comedy Show,' which was playing at the Rocket Club up the street. The show was pretty funny...I had some broken, funky chair in the front row that kept sinking down to the floor, they had a $1.50 PBR beer special (my friend Josh would approve) and I of course snorted through a few jokes and got called out by at least one comedian on stage. It's funny stuff, this place is great, and I've been here for 47 minutes.

I head to the bar to order another round of these $1.50 beers, which are tasting mighty fine after the six and a half days of travel it took me to get to my destination. I notice that the bartender, Ken, is reading The Mountain Express, and tells me that “Pop Asheville is where it's at this weekend.” I was kind of planning on going anyways, as my roommate Chey had preemptively called me to purchase my ticket, thinking it would be a great introduction to the local music scene. I thank the bartender, decide that I have committed to this Pop Asheville event for the weekend, and grab a newspaper on my way out the door that evening.

Wow. Pop Asheville it was. 3 venues. 2 nights. Something like 34 bands. Transportation included. $15.00 per ticket. Amazing.

This was the bus that tooled us around for the evening: The La Zoom! Live music with every trip! I want to live on it.

Busdriver extraordinnaire.

My rooommate Cheyenne and her friend, Ruby!

Mmmm...$1.50 PBR on draft. Can't go wrong there. And I am monotone. Double bonus.

Umbrella Tree. Very cool.

Dancer vs. the Politician: super neat, Velvet Underground-ish band. The adorable German lead singer completely captivated the audience.

My favorite new band of the night: Ruby Slippers. This supercool Madonna-esque chick had a beautiful voice, which meshed well with some electronic beats and whatever that keyboard-y instrument is that that dude is playing. I will be sure to check them out again!

I took this one for you, Jim. First of all, who knew that Genny Cream Ale comes in glass? Second of all, I didn't know you could buy the stuff at bars!

This was the moment I discovered the sepia setting on my camera. Niiiiice. I will use that one a lot in my travels. Removing the color from a picture seems to capture a certain non-commercialized beauty that I love.

Ummm, so this is my shoe.

Mad Tea Party! I saw these guys play at the Northeast Kingdom Music Fest in Vermont two summers ago, then last winter in Bradford, Vermont. Post show, I said hello to them and it turns out, they live here. Funny I should catch them in Vermont of al places and then Asheville! But now I can catch them hopefully more often!

I love these guys and their unique rockabilly sound. And what's cooler than a chick with a ukulele?

Weeeeeeeeeeee! Ami Worthen rockin' it out!

What a ridiculously fun night! And that was just Friday!