“Blair Crimmins uses early New Orleans jazz, Dixieland and Ragtime sounds to deliver dramatic songs with youthful energy. With tunes that could be easily adapted to a Broadway production, they tell tales and sing melodies while showcasing multi-instrumental talent.”

Blair Crimmins: vocals, piano, guitar, ukulele, banjo
The Hookers: drums, bass, organ, accordion, sax, clarinet

An all female hard-rock band.

Crystal Akers: guitar, vocals
Tashia Shamwell: bass, vocals
April Adams: drums

Don Bodie: vocals
Dave Brown: lead & rhythm guitar
Joe Cain: percussion
Mark Sheaffer: drums
Shane Snyder: bass
Paul Songy: lead & slide guitar

Mike Westcott and his band were nominated best blues band in 2005 by the Washington Area Music Association (WAMA). Mike has won Rockville Guitar Centers crown three times.

Mike Westcott: vocals, guitar
Gene Monroe: bass
Dave Wescott: drums

Keep The Blues Alive, 2004, Independent

In their own words: “Blue Plate Special is an eclectic band that plays a wide spectrum of music; including boogie, swing, bluegrass and rockabilly.”

Phil Preston: bass
Beverly Clark: banjo, guitar, vocals
Jim Bagley: mandolin
Steve Urbach: vocals, guitar, harmonica, banjo

“My music is a mix between folk, rock, acoustic and instrumental. I started playing my first gigs about a year ago, and my music has evolved a great deal over that time. My hope is to turn my music into a full time gig. However, even if I don’t make it to that level, I will play, write and record as long as I am able. For now, I play anywhere, anytime, for anybody with open ears.”

Tyler Herring: acoustic, electric, slide-guitar, vocals, harmonica, keys, didg, stomp box

Blunt Head Trauma was voted one of the Top 20 Regional Releases for 2006 on 88.7 FM (WNCW) based on listener votes for songs such as “Tsunami” and “Coconuts and Rum.”

Tim Robinson: guitar and vocals
Larry “LP” Peterson: bass
Bobby Pearson: percussion

This five-piece bluegrass band plays a unique mix of traditional and not-so-traditional bluegrass music. If you’re into the classics, Bobby and Blue Ridge Tradition also performs a heapin’ helping of them, from Bill Monroe to the Stanley Brothers to Flatt & Scruggs. The band also performs crossover material, arranging songs from the likes of Hank Williams, Bob Dylan, Chuck Berry, The Flying Burrito Brothers, The Newgrass Revival.

Bobby Anderson: banjo
Jim Turpin: mandolin
Chuck Wagner: guitar
Pam Crowhurst: fiddle
Cas Haskell: bass

In the 1970s, Bobby G. recorded and toured worldwide with the band Frijid Pink. After a stint with his own band, Bobby G. is now a solo artist based in Canton.

Bobby Gilbert: guitar, vocals, sequencer

Singer/songwriter Burnette describes his music as being in the vein of “Ryan Adams, Wilco, Jeff Buckley, Sunny Day Real Estate and Smashing Pumpkins.” And he’s not far off, as his songs incorporate soulful singing, lush indie overtones and an Americana feel.

Bob Burnette: vocals, guitar and bass
Josh (Marty) Martier: percussion (on recordings)

The Stars In June (2007)

Formerly based in Charlotte, Child is a flutist specializing in Native American tradition. He is also a specialty flute maker.

Bob Child: flute

“An astronomical body full of classical beauty, hypnotic lyricism and staggering musicality. Bodies’ music is the unrivaled embodiment of warmth, fortune, seduction and nature. Bodies began as an acoustic-folk band, but when they discovered the temptations of electricity, took their newly found folk-rock sound on the road for the world to witness.”

Corey Webb: guitar, banjo, voice
Kristin Abbott: bass, voice
Alex Hennessey: keys
Brett Nash: drums

Bonypony’s album Feeling It was named #1 album on XM Cross Country for January 2007.

Scott Johnson: vocals, guitar, harmonica, percussion, bass pedals, drums
Nicolas Nguyen: guitar, banjo, mandolin, dobro, violin, viola, bass pedals, vocals
Kenny Wright: drums and percussion, guitar, mandolin, mndola, dulcimer, stomp board, vocals

Stomp Revival, 1995, Capitol Records
Traveler’s Companion, 1999, SuperDuper Recordings
Funhouse (Live), 2000
Rare Cuts Volume 1, 2002
Jubilee, 2003, SuperDuper Recordings
Feelin’ It, 2006, SuperDuper Recordings
Celebration Highway, 2007, SuperDuper Recordings

“Bookworm reads like a hit-the-ground-running kind of story. Fledgling producer Isaac LeFever started developing his sound in September of 2008 and quickly found himself playing shows, parties and even a renegade set at the Loki Festival with the Tennessee band Two Fresh. Bookworm is a musician to keep an eye on.”

Isaac LeFever : Akai MPD 32/Laptop

Although many bands are weary of the “retro” tag, Born Broke proudly proclaims themselves to be a “blast from the past.” The group began as a “straight ahead rock band,” but has since incorporated the sounds of ‘70s country rock, bluegrass and blues into their sound.

Jeff: guitar
Adam: bass
Spencer: drums
Nate: guitar

“Bote collects the best of Celtic world-folk songs, utilizing eclectic musical backgrounds and instrumentation to bring popular tunes from history into the limelight of today. They constantly are researching folk tunes and writing new ones, focusing on evolving their sound every time they play. Bote sets sail for the spring of 2009 with heavy winds behind them, hoping to break into the Southeast and become the force of nature that it wants to be.”

Tim: frontman, bodhran, pennywhistle, harmonica, concertina
Eric: guitar, mandolin
Brandon: guitar
Dwayne: bass, guitar, mandolin
Vincent : drums, world percussion

“Both is one of the two loudest folk bands in the world.”

Scott Rexer: guitar, vocals
Jason Kolman: vocals, mandolin
David Penny: bass
Craig Newton: drum, vocals

Braidstream has been a featured performer in the internationally released “Christmas at the Biltmore Estate” filmed for HGTV and A&E channels. They have received rave reviews and standing ovations for their concerts at Deepak Chopra’s Seminar series. They have performed at venues ranging from public elementary and high schools to the Diana Wortham Theater in Asheville; they have performed several times in concert with the Asheville Symphony, at many tri-state colleges and universities, at festivals and First Nights, and in many concert series performances as members of the North and South Carolina Touring Artists Roster.

Rita Hayes: flute, vocals, hammered dulcimer
Paul Ghost Horse: cello
Patrick Boland: piano, keyboards
Jeff Johnson: guitar, sitar
David Cohen: percussion

Lord of the Moon, 1987
Braidstream, 1994
Biltmore Estate Christmas Volume I (Various artists), 1999
On The Wing, 2000
Biltmore Estate Christmas Volume II (Various artists), 2003

“Brandon Lowery first hit the scene drumming for the 200 local hit Minivoid. He writes pop, rock and alt-country that anyone can sing to. He was formerly a member of By Morning.”

Brandon Lowery

Brian McGee & The Hollow Speed plays a hybrid of country, rock and punk, which, in their own words, “satisf[ies] both genres, but that [doesn’t] sell out to either one.”

Brian McGee: vocals, guitar
Darin Gentry: fiddle
Chad Hildebran: drums

An acoustic folk duo, BrieJon consists of sisters Jonna and Brie Capone who claim that they’ve “always rocked out together in the privacy of our own home.”

Brie Capone: guitar, vocals
Jonna Capone: vocals

“Brittany Reilly has played more than 200 shows nationwide with several line-ups. In her evolved project with the Almost Acoustic Band, she recorded her debut solo CD “Good Old Country Sound” released March 1, 2008.” 

Brittany Reilly: mandolin, vocals
Brent Hopper: guitar, vocals
Billy Gilmore: banjo, mandolin, fiddle, vocals

“The Brooke Clover Band plays alternative Americana, folk, rock and story tunes. The band is currently working on their second CD.”

Brooke Clover: vocals, guitar
Sarah Carlyle: upright bass
Karin Lyle: violin, banjo, harp
Mica: drums

The Broomstars are coming for you! From their Asheville, North Carolina beginnings to their new CD release, the Broomstars have blazed forth and are zooming ahead.

Broomstars, how Chinese Dynasties once referred to comets, are few and far between. Voted as one of the best undiscovered bands in Asheville’s Mountain Xpress, this comet plans to circulate around for a while.

Jason’s lyrics and spirit lift one to new heights. Jason Daniello, on lead vocals and guitar, has been in orbit for some time. His former project, Jason and the Argonauts, enjoyed success in the Southwest and from coast to coast.
On bass, Jared White juxtaposes the various musical genres from which the Broomstars draw inspiration, creating a solar system of vibration.  On drums, Clayton Jones lends the fire, fueling the heavenly body of the Broomstars. Liz LeBleu, married to Jason, chimes in with vocals that mirror her man’s as she creates new avenues through the stars with her synth sounds. Jeff Santiago, who recently joined the enterprise, skyrockets out, lending guitar and vocal power.

The Broomstars’ new recording, The Silvermine Sessions, transports you through atmospheres of space and sound. In particular, the track “My Heart Trembles” is heavily saturated with lush, sonic landscapes using all analog gear. Bass lines pulsate, ring-modulated guitars delicately swoon, and the synth’s bombastic, yet sometimes subtle melodies emerge. Good “old-fashioned” knob twisting provides swirling textures at the end of the song. The result is a remarkably vivid rock sound, rampant with the band’s trademark inventiveness. This indie rock synth pop experience will leave you bathed in moon dust. Get lost in space with the Broomstars.

Jason Daniello: Vocals, Guitars, Moog effects
Jared White: Bass
Liz LeBleu: Moog synth, Vocals
Clayton Jones: Drums
Jeff Santiago: Guitars, Vocals

From the band: “Hobo Junk Rawk its what we call it—bluegrass instrumentation that lends itself to punk, rock, ragtime, gypsy, irish and reggae.”

James butler: mandolin, guitar, banjo, whistle, fiddle
Bryan Smith: guitar
Jason Burke: drums
Steve Tarabokia: electric bass
Jeff Micchelli: banjo, trumpet, guitar, dulcimer
Sterile Darryl: harps, rub board

“Three musicians from varied backgrounds with no musical limits makes up Brother Fatback. They perform originals and tunes from the acoustic catalogue of blues, folk, old country, mountain music, movies tunes, French T.V. and more.”

Tom Ring: guitar, vocals
Danny Tetrault: mandolin, vocals
Phil Edgerton: bass, vocals

“Style: Very energetic, southern rock ‘n’ roll, country and dance. History: We played together in the late eighties, have reunited, and are having a blast.”

Nicky West: bass, vocals
Gene West: guitar, vocals
Kermit Tolley: drums
Craig St. John: guitar, vocals

Brushfire Stankgrass is known for their high energy live performances showcasing heady bluegrass, jazz and rock-influenced sounds.

Will Saylor: guitar, vocals
Ben Saylor banjo, vocals
Ian Cunningham: drums
Bryan White: bass

“Bubonik Funk is a ticking time bomb of musical excellence. The band has been playing the Charlotte underground [music scene] for over four years, growing and expanding their style and skill. Every B-Funk show offers something wild: groove-oriented improvisational jams, drum and bass freestyle over raps, chants and God-only-knows what else.”

Dylan Ellett: vocals, keys
Nick McOwen: bass guitar
Daniel Allsion: drums, vocals
Stefan Kallander: guitar, vocals

This Asheville, NC trio has been inspiring listeners and dancers throughout the region. But don’t let their name and honky-tonking, foot-stomping vibe fool you, sultry harmonies and lilting instrumentation characterize The Buckerettes’ sound, infused with the strong traditionalism of the Blue Ridge Mountains, they call home.

Robin Cape: bass and vocals
Deb Criss: guitar and vocals
Roberta Greenspan: fiddle and vocals

Live and Unfenced, 2004

“We are interested in several types of American music. Our latest project was having a video of our ‘Johnny Cash Celebration’ filmed in front of a very appreciative audience at The Feed & Seed in Fletcher, N.C. for submission to the RFD TV Network. In the meantime, you can catch us playing shows around town.”

Buddy Davis: guitar, vocals
John Humphries: electric & acoustic guitar, mandolin, vocals
Jeff Robbins: bass, banjo, vocals
Michael Baker: drums

“After several lineup changes following the band’s formation, Buffalo has rigorously toured the country, exploring the American-roots music scene. With influences ranging from Conway Twitty, Gram Parsons and George Jones, to classic/neo-punk and the Rolling Stones, the buzz surrounding this relatively young band echoes the rowdy Americana scene and lifestyle each of its members hold dear to their musical personalities.”

Grant Waters: lead vocals, banjo, electric guitar
Kyle Mendenhall: bass
Matt Evans: drums

Album Picker’s Paradise was voted 9th in top 50 of WNCW Bluegrass releases of 2006

Tony Reese: resonator guitar
Griff Martin: guitar, baritone, tenor, & lead vocals
Grace Van’t Hof: banjo, fiddle & backing vocals
Tom Godleski: lead vocals & bass
Sam Wharton: mandolin, Vocals

Blackwater Bottom
Picker’s Paradise, 2006

“Buster plays gritty, in-your-face blues, rock and guitar legend rock. The band features guitarist Alec Fehl, drummer Harry Lewis, bassist Bob Butcher and vocalist Jeremy Abee.”

Alec Fehl: guitar
Harry Lewis: drums
Bob Butcher: bass, vocals
Jeremy Abee: vocals

By Morning has shared the stage with a wide range of music genres: Sanctity (Roadrunner Records), The Bangkok 5 (Universal Records), The Summer Obsession (Virgin Records), Yearling (Tragic Hero Records) and many more local and regional bands.

Jebadiah Morningside: vocals
Tim McGill: guitar
Brandon Burney: guitar
Lee White: bass
Whit Walker: drums

Illustrations, 2006 (five-song E.P.)

“Caleb Caudle & The Bayonets are hell-bent on writing truly classic and fresh songs. From smokey grooves to bourbon-soaked ballads, Caleb Caudle & The Bayonets tread the waters of timeless American music.”

Caleb Caudle: vocals, guitars, harmonica
Kyle Caudle: bass, vocals
Chad Newsom: drums, vocals
Cameron Thomas: guitars, pedal steel

Whitney has been a singer-songwriter from a very young age. Developing and cultivating her sound, with songs that range from sweet melodic tunes to dark bluesy tales of people and places unknown.

Callie Whitney: guitar, piano, sweet stick and more

“Four musicians with a bloodlust for dirty-south rock ‘n’ roll. Since October 2004, The Campaign 1984 has been furiously writing new music and touring the U.S. Their roots began with DIY-punk ethics and the band has now evolved into an ear shattering musical machine. With three self-released albums, a music video and numerous self-booked national and regional tours behind them, they continue to push their hard-hitting brand of rock ‘n’ roll to die-hard fans and new listeners alike.”

Matt Anderson: guitar, vocals
Justin Biltonen: guitar
Jordan Luff: bass
Jeremy London: drums

In their own words: “The Cardinal Heart is a long-time coming, a project comprised of some moody New England imports with an ear for the Britpop, indie and New Wave scenes of days past.”

Brian Daignault: drums
Charlie Pyron: bass guitar
Dup Crosson: vocals, guitar, keys

The Caribbean Cowboys were voted “Most Popular Rock Band” in a 1995 Asheville Citizen-Times reader poll, and “Best Band in Western North Carolina” by Mountain Xpress readers, 1999 and 2000. They played Duval Street at Meeting of the Minds 1999 (Jimmy Buffett’s Fan Clubs, Parrot Heads in Paradise, National Convention) in Key West, Florida. They are the “official” band of the Western North Carolina Parrot Head Club, a charter member of PHIP.

Steve Weams: rhythm guitar, vocals
Mike Barnes: lead guitar, vocals
Mike Rothacker: bass
Jack Nitterauer: percussion, vocals

From the performer: “Carolina Cracker (a.k.a. Michael Higgins) is a native of Burnsville, North Carolina. As a child he didn’t have much and turned to the outdoors, spending most of his time flying through the woods on his ATV. In school he began writing poetry and his music launched from there. The cracker has been interested in a career in the music industry since he was a young teenager with dreams of being a rap superstar, and at the early age of fourteen, he was exposed to the art of “Hustle”. The Carolina Cracker is determined not only to survive the poverty and seclusion of a small country town and dusty dirt roads, he insists on acquiring it all. He is determined to make the world notice that the woods and mountains of the South also have corners, hoods, streets, and respect for the game.

After facing some trouble with the law and spending 30 days in the county jail. He decided to leave his hometown of Burnsville in 1999 and set out on a mission to get his music out to the world. He had the opportunity to travel the country with the Rennaissance Festival and saw it as his way out. The Cracker traveled all across the country with the goal of networking with people in every facet of the music industry. He has returned home just recently, but is still pushing hard to make his dreams a reality.

The Carolina Cracker is a hip-hop artist whose music is not the typical rap or hip-hop that is in the mainstream media today. It’s the good, bad, beautiful, and ugly sides of life. The music he creates is a testimony of his life. It’s the lessons and the experiences he has been through, and anyone can find something they relate to in the music he makes. His music combines elements from hip-hop, country, blues, bluegrass, and rock. He is currently working on his third album.”

Michael Higgins: vocals

“Adam, a man of the stars, found CaroMia after searching three long-and-lonely years for his astrological match in both the Chinese and Western zodiacs. One day in a foreign city the skies opened and a Libra tiger-pixie who had secretly been watching him play guitar, walks up and asks him to play a song. (Adam and CaroMia) are now living together, writing, playing and dreaming-up music in Asheville.”

CaroMia: guitar, keys, vocals
Adam Neher: guitar, mandolin, banjo

Chris Tullar has been writing and recording his unusual pop music for over 10 years.  His music has been featured on WNCW, as well as NPR’s “All Songs Considered” Podcast. In his own words, his songs “tend to be highly contagious and tote excellent grammar.”

Chris Tullar: keyboards, guitars, bass, drums, accordion, etc.

“Cary Fridley’s powerful vocals soar on an all-star group featuring honky-tonk guitar, bluesy pedal-steel and hot Appalachian fiddle stylings. The music shows true love for Southern music – black and white, rural and urban, mountain and Mississippi delta – and the notable ability to tie it all together. Cary’s singing evokes centuries of Southern voices from Memphis Minnie to Maybelle Carter, breathing new life into the music of her Southern background.”

Cary Fridley: vocals, electric bass
Stephen Trismen: fiddle, vocals
Jon Stickley: electric guitar
Matthew Smith: pedal steel
Jacob Baumann: drums

“Solo jazz guitar (a la Joe Pass). Jazz standards, modern jazz and blues.”

“Charlie’s on Acid started at Brevard College as a rock covers band. They soon moved to Charlotte, where the band focused on creating original rock music. Charlie’s on Acid toured with many bands including Swervedriver, Blind Melon and White Zombie. They are now writing new material and booking select shows.”

Toby: guitar, space toys
Eric: bass
Rusty: drums
Sean: vocals

Mark Casson and Shannon Hines have been performing and recording together since 1992, and the last 15 years have done nothing to diminish their unapologetic obsession with ‘60s pop music. The group claims to be heavily influenced by act such as “The Beatles, David Bowie, Curtis Mayfield, Van Morrison, Donovan, Neil Young as well as a wide variety of soul music.”

The Cheeksters’ 2007 release Movers and Shakers was reviewed in the 2007 Xpress CD round up “Sound Investment.”

Descolada plays thrashy, experimental, melodic music. The group has spent much of the last few years touring around the country, and plans to head to Europe for fall 2008. The band has released two albums to date, both of which are now sold out. A third album, tentatively titled Paleolithic Re-Wilding of the West, is slated for release in late 2007.

Since Descolada is terrible at describing their music, here are some nice things that other people have said about them:

“Their music is eerie, disconnected, and intense….One thing that’s clear throughout this record is the superb musicianship throughout from all the band- who manage to create such a thick and rapturous sound without compromise.” Doll Eyes

“This band has destroyed the borders of hardcore. I have never heard a band incorporate so much in one song. They go from haunting to beautiful to brutal all in the blink of an eye, and they manage to do all this without sounding sloppy. I am so impressed with this record, I can’t wait to see how they destroy musical borders in the future.” Our Reviews

“Descolada manifests as a sophisticated rock curio.” Sea of Tranquility

“Theirs was just the first conglomeration of this crashing wave that I heard, and their combined melodic rage has continued to define the new downtown sound for me.” Mountain Xpress

“Descolada evoke both rage and excitement while simultaneously exploring the unconventional use of the violin. All of which induces mind-blowing crescendos both beautiful and tragic.” Charlotte Observer

“They are a must-see act for anyone who hasn’t seen them.” Creative Loafing

Meghan Mulhearn: violin
Davis Lynch: guitar
Tony Plichta: drums
Paul Anderson: bass

De Lions of Jah opened for Morgan Heritage and Yellow Man.

Dave “Da General”: lead vocals
Chris “Natti” : keyboards, backup vocals
Thomas “Lil Mont”: percussion, backup vocals
Joey “Linkyman” : bass
Stirling “Pirate”: rhythm guitar
Jeremy: lead guitar
Desmond: drums

Music, 2007, DBT

Die By The Sword blends elements of modern influences such as NOFX, Thrice, and Lagwagon with the bottom-heavy southern sound of Pantera, the dueling-guitar licks of Iron Maiden, lightning-fast solos reminiscent of early Metallica and an ever-present love for Slayer (the name “Die By The Sword” was borrowed from the third track on Slayer’s “Show No Mercy”). The group is currently planning multiple small tours around the east coast of the US.

Bryan Thurman: bass guitar
Travis Wray: guitar, vocals, keys
Sam Frame: drums
Skippy: “throat”
Chris Rod: lead guitar, vocals

There are few local bands that proudly proclaim to be as “mindbendingly weird” as Dig Shovel Dig. With a sound that is ever-evolving and a reputation for memorable live shows, the group has established their own niche in the local music scene. The duo have steadfastly refused to fit into any clearly defined musical category, and have produced a surprising variety of recordings in their 5-year history. The group, through their cassettes/CD-Rs-only Searchwielder label, has also helped bring other like-minded performers into the public eye.

The group was featured on an episode of the URTV program Mount Dungeon.

Mountain Xpress articles featuring Dig Shovel Dig:

Do sequencers dream of electric banjos? (5/23/2007)

Digging for recognition (7/23/2003)

Ted Robinson: bass, keyboards, vocals, laptop, pedals, mixers
Mark Williams: drums, vocals, keyboards, pedals, tape machines

Number Yum Taste (2003, Searchwielder)
It’s under The Blanket (2004, Searchwielder)
dsdlive! (2005, Searchwielder)
Recent Works From the Two Greatest Composers in the Universe (2005, Friends and Relatives)
Real Healer Revealer (2006, Searchwielder)
So Wha Bou ME? (2007, Searchwielder)

“The Discordian Society is an eclectic combination of funk, jazz and rock, with influences that range from Zappa and John Xorn, to Jaco Pastorius and Primus. Formed by bassist/composer Davz ‘Not’ Heare,The Discordian Society has awed crowds across the country. The band is currently working on a second full-length album titled Primordial Soup, with a tentative release date set in early 2010.”

Max Melner: keys
Alfonso Grissefo: guitar
Dave Annareli: bass
Paul Jewel: tenor saxophone
Jason Moore: tenor saxophone, flute
Scott Poe: drums

Rise of the Molecule, 2006

Originally conceived by bassist Bryan White as a side-project, Done For The Evening quickly grew into an entity of its own. Their repertoire includes original material and choice standards.

Frank Southecorvo: saxophones
Bryan White: kontrabass
Ian Cunningham: drums

“Live shows consist of looping tonal-drum feedback and performing with partially dismantled pianos. A new album should be out by the end of 2008.”

James Owen: drums, vocals, electronics
Shane Perlowin: guitar

Downbreak is an aggressive, powerful and energetic metal band from Asheville.

Jarrett Hodge: vocals
Shaun Blanton: guitar
Gene Rice guitar
Tony Harp: drums

Drew Holcomb: vocals and guitar
Ellie Holcomb: vocals
Nathan Dugger: guitar
Jon Radford: drums
Rich Brinsfield: bass

Washed In Blue, 2005
Live from Memphis, 2006

This Hendersonville-based hardcore metal act tours regionally.

Jay Adams: guitar
Chad Baldwin: guitar
Jaysun Brenneman: vocals
Jason Miller: bass

East Coast Dirt describe their sound as “sneaker boogaloo,” explaining that it is a fusion of many genres, both retro and progressive, into “a danceable blend of original music.”

Wilson Hawes: bass, guitar, vocals
Brian Steel: guitar, bass, vocals
Will Little: keyboards, guitar, vocals
Brad Boughton: drums, vocals

“Dark rock grunge style. Most influences are from the early 90’s grunge scene, with a mix of heavy Black Sabbath riffs (and) creative modern lyrics. Eat The Sun is in the process of auditioning a bassist to complete the band, but they are a duo at this point with a great sound. The future is bright for these talented young men.”

Nik Robinson: vocals, guitars
Ben Moore: percussion

Organic, intelligent and accessible songs define Einstein’s Dream, even if their music itself never fits comfortably in a single genre.

The group claims to be far more concerned with creating a tight rhythm section and strong melodies than they are with the standard rocker concerns, namely “eyeliner or retro chic clothing.”

Jared Hooker: guitar, vocals
Billy Seals: drums
Brad Gaddy: bass guitar

Wordy and rhythmic, Elam doesn’t really play folk music, instead creating more of an architecture of images. He began playing the guitar ten years ago while attending Warren Wilson College, and has since been honing the craft of song the world around.

Elam Blackman: vocals, guitar

“My music is pretty mellow,” says Wyman. “Most of my releases follow themes. I’ve written an album of short, morbid stories with ghosts, and murder, and such, an EP of songs based on fan submitted stories named after them, and most recently an album that chronicles my battle with kidney failure which ended with a transplant.”

Elijah Ebenezer Wyman: guitar and various other things

Eliza Lynn was voted best singer/songwriter in the 2006 Mountain Xpress Reader’s Poll. Her song, “Sing a New Song” is featured on the Putumayo World Music release, Americana.

Eliza Lynn: singer-songwriter, vocals, guitar, banjo
Sean Foley: keyboard and accordion
Jon Corbin: guitar
Mike Alexander: upright bass
Ian Cunningham: drums
Jill Fromewich: harmonica

Frisky or Fair

“The Elkville String Band, from Wilkes County, performs old-time mountain music.”

Drake Walsh: fiddle, mandolin
Herb Key: guitar, vocals
Bill Williams: vocals, bass
Jeff Michael: banjo, fiddle, guitar, vocal

“A rhythm-and-groove band with a soulful singer and killer horns.”

Christa Shuford: lead singer
Jerry Collins: saxophone, keyboards, vocals
Deborah Collins - saxophone, keyboards, vocals
Jared Pennington: guitar, vocals
Sam Choat: trumpet, percussion
Jeff Haas: drums
Casey Cloer: bass

From an early age, Empress Tsade has had an extreme love for music. It is this same love that propelled her to form a band while still in elementary school. Due to lack of enthusiasm and band members’ choices to pursue other pathways, the band was forced to dismantle. However, Tsade quietly honed her writing abilities for many years by joining groups which encouraged her to continue perfecting her craft. While in college Empress Tsade once again felt such a strong love and musical vibration from the locals while attenting school in Philadelphia. After visiting many of the local clubs and through her affiliations on South Street, she garnered the attention of bredrin Ras Al. A studio date was set and a anxious Tsade entered. The meeting would produce a CD that would be played by those closely affiliated with the empress’ Fiyah Wire Camp. After relocating back to her hometown, Tsade now had to again form proper links with the right idren who would produce a righteous sound. Currently, Tsade is working on a new CD-yet to be titled-and has teamed with Big Dropz Recording Studio. Now as a burgeoning artist Empress Tsade has now matured her lyrical and conscious capabilities to a standard that is ready to be heard by all who hail up the king and see the righteousness of His and Her Majesty.

Empress Tsade: vocalist

Empty Slate was originally born in New York City in 1998. Chris Williams had a vision for the band that he wanted and needed to come together, but “not all the resources and frankly, exact talent” that he would later find in the mountains of WNC. “The Slate” connects roots from reggae to country and from rock to funk, and incorporating “heavenly harmonies from the lowest low to the highest high.”

Chris Williams: vocals, rhythm guitar
Caleb Hensley: lead guitar, vocals
Brian Keith: bass guitar, vocals
Lee Kram: drums, vocals

“The Enemy Lovers are a new band coming out of Asheville, N.C.  Brothers Tim and Steven Scroggs started (the band) in the middle of 2008, while in the studio recording what would become their debut album. (Their) musical style is everything rock and roll. The Enemy Lovers’ music is a blend of different things at different times and the overall feel is authentic and melodic with a forward energy centered around the lead vocals of Tim Scroggs.”

Tim Scroggs: guitar, vocals
Steven Scroggs: electric guitar, vocals

“As beekeepers in 2006 began reporting, nearly one third of all honey bees have been leaving their hives, never to return again. Much of our food supply is dependent upon pollination, so please, remember the bees. Erika Jane & Remember the Bees’ goal is to communicate this information through blogs and by having local beekeepers at their shows to answer questions.
Their latest album, Live at the Orange Peel, layers Erika Jane’s ‘don’t-wake-the-neighbors’ melodies with uncomplicated string section to create simply beautiful music.”

Erika Jane: guitar, piano, vocals
Jacob Waller: guitar
Steven: drums

The Hill Creek Sessions, 2006

“Everett James is the new impresario of electro funk, heralding the return of sincerely raw and passionate, vintage-futuristic music.  Like early 80’s dance jams, his head spinning rhythms are accented with synthesized melodies that sparkle through struggles for personal freedom with love-drunk optimism.  By summoning his stylistic ancestry, Everett James offers an over-saturated digital world with music that is as straight forward as it is ambitious.”

Everett James: vocals, guitar, bass, keyboard & drums

Sam Quinn’s song T.V.A. from halfway there: electricity and the South won first place in the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest 2005 at Merlefest.
Photo by david butler via http://www.theeverybodyfields.com

Jill Andrews: vocals, guitar, bass
Sam Quinn: vocals, guitar, bass
Josh Oliver: keys and electric guitar
Tom Pryor: pedal steel

halfway there:electricity and the South, 2004
plague of dreams, 2005
nothing is okay, 2007

Jay Kaiser and Mandy Carter have been making music as a pair since 2001. Jay, who was trained in classical guitar at the University of Illinois, moved to Asheville to join a local rock band. Mandy was fresh on the singer songwriter scene, testing her new found talent in local showcases. Noticing the matching stickers on one another’s guitar cases, the two found musical common ground.

Jay Kaiser: vocals, guitar
Mandy Carter: vocals
Jeff Dewhirst: drums
Joe Bruno: bass
Aimee Sullivan: sax

No Complaints With The View, 2003, Shinemusic
Big Blend, 2006

“Eve of Redemption is a metal band [making] odd, melodic, somewhat creepy music combined with kick-your-skull-in riffs. Expect to hear Eve of Redemption performing stronger and more defined music than ever.”

Marklar: vocals
Pinky Paul: guitar
Jester: guitar
Legs: drums
The Sloth: bass

Corey Bullman: lead vocals, guitar
Kevin Scala: keyboards
Rob Heyer: bass guitar
Daniel Yount: drums, percussion

Place

“We are a rock/blues band and we are looking forward to coming to Asheville to play in the future.”

Dave Rome: vocals
Chris VanSong: guitar
C.E.Denman: bass
Bryant Burgess: guitar
Jack Eastep: drums

“If Muse and Ben Folds threw a party in Thom Yorke’s head while he listened to “Rubber Soul” on repeat, it might sound a bit like The Fire Tonight’s debut album, No One Is Fine. Why-the-heck-can’t-I-stop-listening catchy, No One Is Fine tiptoes into your head space and refuses to leave. But after listening to all 10 tracks – thrashing rock-riffs and soulful piano licks side by side – you won’t want it to.”

Collin Derrick: vocals, keyboard, guitar
Jamie Heiting: electric guitar
Stephen Russ: drums

No One Is Fine

“The Fist Family was formed by a group of friends who had a passion for nightlife and a love for rap music. Through that passion these young men, who started off free-styling at a local party, ended up making numerous CDs and throwing the shows that helped define Asheville’s small, but vibrant hip-hop scene. The group was voted best hip-hop band by Mountain Xpress readers in 2005 and 2006. Since then, the group has extended their presence to the West Coast by promoting their own brand of Carolina-rap music.”

Philo : Beat maker, MC
Frost: Beat maker, MC
Gus Cutty : MC
J -Ease: MC
Ronny Mac: MC
Johnboy: MC
Macon Beats: DJ
DJ Football: DJ

Horseshoes and Hand Grenades

“Folsom was born from the desire of five talented musicians to pay tribute to the classic sounds of Johnny Cash. Using a combination of exceptional musicianship and an energetic presentation, Folsom consistently delivers show after show. Folsom performs at all types of venues including, festivals, fundraisers, private events, weddings and in nightclubs.”

Robert Beall: vocals
Eric Upton: guitar
John Ruppe: guitar
Jamie Scruggs: bass
Tim Jones: drums

“The Folsom Prison Gang is a Johnny Cash tribute band. Operating since 2007, The Folsom Prison Gang has performed at festivals, theaters and events from South Carolina to Maryland.”

Tony: vocals
Brandon: guitar
Ryan: guitar
Jackie: drums
Roger: bass

The Foolish is a one-man psychedelic pop band, formerly known as Murray the Cop. Brian Nesbit is an ex-member of numerous bands and projects including The Skipping Class, Linus, Legoland, Loaded for Bear, and Dark Factory.

Brian Nesbit: everything

You’ve Come The Wrong Way, Baby, 2007

“Free Planet Radio’s world/jazz/classical music fusion is a trans-cultural canvas that is, at times, deeply reflective and at other times rhythmically mind-bending. An evening with Free Planet Radio offers a richly unique aural experience which includes the exotic sliding string sounds of the Indian Dotar dancing around a pulsing jazz bass, accented by the shimmering jingles of an Egyptian Riq Tambourine. Free Planet Radio weaves Middle Eastern, Indian and North African melodic and rhythmic structures, blending them with the subtleties and harmonic vocabulary of Western classical music, underscored with the improvisatory element of jazz.”

River Guerguerian: award-winning multi-percussionist & composer
Eliot Wadopian: string, electric bass
Chris Rosser: an accomplished pianist, composer / producer

“Frozen Head & the Squirrels is a diverse, modernistic band that combines rock, reggae, surf and funk [music]. Front-Man Broughton Aycock brings up-beat riffs and eclectic vocal style into the mix, while Jayson “Mole” Hicks brings a fusion of funky rock and reggae. Stephan Carbocci [brings] a heavy sub sound.”

Broughton Aycock: guitar, vocals
Stephan Carbocci: upright, electric bass
Joshua Martier: percussion

In their own words, the Funk 4 Corners “mix old with new with skill that far exceeds their years, and effortlessly their roots are reborn.”

Joshua Singleton: vocals, harmonica, guitar
and a rotating line-up that often includes ...
Tom Leiner: guitar
Duane Simpson: guitar,
Rob Geisler: bass
Jake Wolf: bass
Joey K: drums
Jim Arrendell: drums