Asheville Music Scene

On a recent trip to Asheville we learned that this town had perhaps the most vibrant music community outside of Austin and Nashville. Besides the larger music venues, it seemed that every restaurant provided some form of musical entertainment - and an array of street performers at every corner. The weekend we visited Asheville was hosting national acts such as Robert Randolph's Revival, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, and Marc Broussard plus regional acts like the Sons of Ralph. Besides the Asheville Civic Center, most national acts perform at the The Orange Peel and the Grey Eagle Tavern & Music Hall. Smaller venues such as Emerald Lounge and Stella Blue host an occasional national act, but primarily host regional and local performers. Our favorite source of live music are the local breweries and wineries. The Biltmore Estate hosts a summer concert series in August, with the likes of B.B. King, Gladys Knight, and The Beach Boys performing. The Garage, located in the same facility as the French Broad Brewing Company hosts a wide array of musical talent in the Biltmore Village. Finally, our overall favorite was the brewpub, Jack of the Wood, located in downtown Asheville. Besides brewing great lagers and ales, the venue books great national and local acts. In June look for - The Belleville Outfit, the Firecracker Jazz Band, the Jamie McLean Band and in July, the Sons of Ralph return followed by Bill Kirchen and Geoff Achison & The Souldiggers later in the month. These are just the artists that we are familiar with - check their music schedule for the remaining performers. Father's Day was perfect, enjoying several Belgium styled Jack of the Wood brewed beers - while listening to a circle of local folk-Celtic performers.

Bamboo Room Closing for Summer

With painful regret we learned this weekend that the best live music venue in south Florida is closing for the summer. The Bamboo Room, located in downtown Lake Worth was a mecca for national blues, roots and Americana acts . For example, in one two week period the venue hosted The Bastard Sons Of Johnny Cash, The Gourds, the Asylum Street Spankers, and Chris Cain. Since the venue is somewhat isolated from the rest of the southeast, national acts have been reluctant to visit south Florida because of the higher gas prices. In fact, members of the Asylum Street Spankers noted the high costs of touring due to gas prices when we last saw them. Then add the seasonal fluctuations in summer attendance and its not difficult to foresee the financial squeeze facing the venue. Thus, last week owner, Russell Hibbard, announced that the venue will go dark starting June 1st for an indeterminate period. See the news release here. Let's hope that by the winter season the economy has rebounded and gas prices stabilized so that the Bamboo Room can reopen. We hope to be able to schedule an "emergency" trip to the Pam Beach area by May 31st. For those readers living in south Florida or planning a trip there for Memorial weekend plan a visit - they host blues artist Debbie Davies Friday night and guitarist Andy Stein's CD Release Party Saturday night.