Week of Ticket Special:
$25 general Admission; $20 Student
This Thursday and Friday, July 1 & 2,Asheville Skyline presents Playing It Forward 2010, featuring headlinersAcoustic Syndicate andCol. Bruce Hampton. Music starts at 8:00 pm each evening at the Diana Wortham Theatre.
July 1st is a “jam” packed evening of music with Big Daddy Love and Velvet Truckstop setting the stage for the man some would call the “Godfather” of the southern jam sound Col. Bruce Hampton and his “Quark Alliance. While he earned his throne amongst the rockin’ royalty by the jam, with Quark Alliance he shows that he refuses to rest on his musical laurels.Perfectly illustrating one of the ideals of “Playin’ It Forward” Hampton has redefined his style touring with his bandmates Duane Trucks, Kris Dale and Perry Osborne. Bringing on tour a fusion of blues and jazz, that is uniquely Quark. The Asheville Skyline Band will then take the stage in full force “Playin’ it Forward” style. The core group of Jeff Sipe, Ike Stubblefield, Jay Sanders, and Shane Pruitt, alone bring serious expertise to any stage, together they give an almost utopian environment for a group of lesser known (for now) talents who are bending peoples ears. The latest update of players includes : Janell Funk, Dan Smith, Dorsey Parker, Jamie Dose, Bo Henry, Brandon Fox, Tony Kennedy, Craig Sorrells, and more!
Closing out Playing It Forward 2010 on Friday, July 2 is the solid sound of Acoustic Syndicate. Formed in 1992, Acoustic Syndicate has had a long and storied career having spent well over a dozen years on the road, playing at the original Bonnaroo, MerleFest, the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Memphis in May and in many other clubs, festivals and events. Known for its high-energy, positive sound, the band delivers a genre-defying performance, masterfully blending its eclectic influences with trademark finesse that only 17 years of cohesive teamwork can bring.
Opening for Acoustic Syndicate July 2nd are the Asheville-based The Honeycutters, Ash Grass Revival (Jason Flournoy, John Stickley and Billy Gilmore), and singer/songwriter Chris O’Neill. Other special guests TBA!
Aaron “Woody” Wood has a musical background that is as diverse as it can get. His earliest memories are of making the rounds in the bluegrass circuit with his father A.L. Wood, often sitting on stage with Bill Monroe and the Stanley Brothers. He’s dabbled in every genre from folk to rock to blues and was a pivotal member of the Blue Rags, a band signed to Sub Pop in the 90s. He’s had the opportunity to share the stage with R.L. Burnside to Leon Russel to Sara Evans to Carlos Santana as well as a slew of New Orleans finest. He’s currently embarking on a new venture, funding a solo project on his own.
Recently Aaron finished a 5 song EP at Echo Mountain Recording in Asheville, NC. Using the site www.kickstarter.com he is asking people to work with him to finish the album. Kickstarter is a new way to fund creative ideas and ambitious endeavors. It is powered by a unique all or nothing approach where projects must be fully funded or no money changes hands. Aaron has funded the first half of his album himself, and has about 60 days to raise $9000 to finish. The risk is all on him.
Project creators inspire people to open their wallets by offering smart, fun, tangible rewards, i.e. products, benefits, or experiences.
Here’s an idea of some of the incentives that will be offered through the site: The $1 to $5 dollar range will get you downloads of the songs he’s already finished that you can listen to right now. Other levels will offer, hand made screen printed CDs, Posters, Vinyl, and T-shirts. There will be other levels that offer an opportunity to be apart of the recording experience, have Aaron record a mutually agreed upon cover, or have him play a private show for you and your friends.
A special tier will be offered for local and regional fans, that will get you a copy of the full album as well as an invite to a house show/pool party featuring Aaron Wood, Jason Krekel and a few more musicians. Food, drink, pool, yard games and 40 ft slip and slide will be provided. Space is limited for this tier so sign up early.
To hear the first 5 songs of the album, please check out www.aaronwoodmusic.com Be sure to check www.kickstarter.com for updates and to see how you can be a part of making a great record.
Press Quotes:
“Aaron “Woody” Wood is using a unique approach – call it social networking, or crowd-sourced funding – to get a full-length album recorded and produced… I love this model for getting an album created and honestly… In this digital age of online connectedness, it’s all about creating a vibrant network that wants to be invested.” ~ Ashevegas Blog
“I’ve been a fan of Wood’s since seeing him play the first time and wondering who the hell it was that was shredding the guitar like that. I think I’m gonna pony up.” ~ Blog Asheville
Asheville Skyline presents an ONLINE TICKET GIVEAWAY for “Playing it Forward” with Acoustic Syndicate, Col Bruce Hampton, Ike Stublefield, Jeff Sipe, Shane Pruitt, Jay Sanders, the Honeycutters, Vevlet Truckstop, Big Daddy Love, Chris O’Neill, the Ash Grass Revival and more!
This is contest hosted by the Asheville Skyline’s Facebook Page. Become a “fan” and click “like” or write a creative comment below to be entered to win a pair of tickets for each night of “Playing it Forward” at the Diana Wortham Theatre in Asheville on Thursday, July 1st & Friday, July 2nd!
Check in here before THIS FRIDAY June 25th at Midnight and enter to win. The winner will be announced online through facebook on Saturday.
WANTED byAn Honest Tune: “White male, squirrelly hair, known to make strange mouth noises, last seen with the bluegrass Bonnie and Clyde. He is known to make even the whitest man dance; approach at your own will. ”
Keller and the Keels are still on the Lam….
They’ve run through the woods,
and shortly thereafter, David Shehi and Josh Mintz from an Honest Tune caught up to them to steal some time to talk about Thief:
Here’s part of the interview explaining how Keller and the Keels met:
Honest Tune: (To Keller) You have a new record out with Larry and Jenny Keel. Would you mind giving a brief introduction to The Keels – how you guys came together, and how the whole creative process has grown to the force that it is now?
Keller Williams: We have now known each other for years and this is our second record together withthe last one being Grass in 2006. I met the Keels back in the early ’90s in a bar in my hometown of Fredricksburg, Virginia, and Larry was playing with a group called Fizzawah, which was a side project to Mcgraw Gap, which is another amazing bluegrass band. I was a fan of that group andgot to open for them and play with them some.
Then Larry and I just kept in touch over the years. Larry and Jenny are just real. Collaborating with them is just so natural. They bring an authenticity to my world, as far as the bluegrassthing goes. They are so authentically steeped in the bluegrass world andin all honesty, I am simply appreciative that they have sunk to my level. (Laughs)
Honest Tune: (To Larry) Andwhat was your original impression of Keller?
Larry Keel: Well, Ihad been hearing about him and my recollection of the meeting is entirely the same. Everything that I had ever heard about him was how hard of a worker he was, particularly in the Virginia area. Then I met him and I was like, “I like what this guy has got going on.” It is totally unique, and it is his ownthing, which is something that I have always tried to do in terms of having my ownsound.
Since then, my respect has remained in the utmost of ways. He has stayed on his own path, doing his own thing steadfastly. Then there is the simple fact that he is just a good guy who has become one of our very best friends.
…. and now they may even up on YOUR COUCH. Find out how:
KELLER, LARRY AND JENNY ARE ON THE LAM…..and we have no idea where they’ll end up! In a never ending quest to do things that have never been done, we present a opportunity like no other, and if you play your cards right, you may be the lucky one able to assist in their capture and collect the REWARD…..a 90 minute acoustic performance by Keller and The Keels in YOUR living room for you and up to 49 of your friends! All you have to do is buy the new album “Thief” at Keller’s OFFICIAL MERCH STORE by August 31, 2010, and you’ll be automatically entered into the contest.
Yes, it’s true. A statewide NC NORML Chapter is now underway (but not yet nationally certified) and we are getting together, and getting down, this Sunday, June 27th. The time for action is now, as we enter the last weeks of the legislative session where the North Carolina Medical Marijuana Act, HB 1380, is pending. Come be a part and learn how to best convey your grassroots support! Part 1 is an organizational meeting; Part 2, an awesome musical celebration!
It all starts at 7pm at the French Broad Brewery with a private organizational meeting. This group will be limited to 50 people, and we will explore ideas, such as:
public educational events
legal education and action
music and arts events, festivals
adventures in public assemblage
documentary and film making
French Broad Brewery is opening special for us and OFFERING $3 PINTS AND DONATING $1 back to help NC NORML get 501(c)(3) status. So come on out, drink awesome local brew (as your initial donation) and throw your ideas into the mix. RSVP to Jen Foster at jnfoster@mindspring.com if you want to get involved.
______________________________________________________________
THEN…..DRUM ROLL, PLEASE…….AN AMAZING SHOW RIGHT NEXT DOOR!
______________________________________________________________
Starting around 9:30pm, the Garage will host an amazing night of music to celebrate:
Aaron "Woody" Wood, Jay Sanders, Jason Flournoy
Whenever Aaron Woody Wood, Jay Sanders, Jason Flournoy and Mike Rhodes get together, it is always Trouble. Long time friends and musical companions, these fearless adventurers have long been an exciting and pivotal part of the Asheville music scene. Their collective resume spans such influential groups as Acoustic Syndicate, The Blue Rags, Donna The Buffalo, Larry Keel and Natural Bridge, Hollywood Red and Shanti Groove just to skim the surface. But none of the individuals have ever been bound to a singular identity. Rather, each player has forged a unique and celebrated voice in the musical community. You can expect to be entertained by their virtuosic skills as the four travelers embark on another epic adventure. Just be sure to have your seat belt fastened, we wouldn’t want to lose anyone during take-off!
Closing out the evening are The Screaming Js! Boogie woogie baby! The Screaming Js are: Jake Hollifield, Jason Krekel, Abe Reid, Mike Gray, Jonathan Paul Hess, Underwood, + Special guests as announced…
Minimum $10 door to help gain 501(c)(3) status, additional contributions always welcome!
Bring yourself and ALL of your friends and be part of this historic formation of NORML in North Carolina. Spread the word.
Stephen & Damian Marley have been officially added to this years line-up!!!
R.A.L.A.K. 2010 will feature local and international music, arts and crafts rooted in the ancient Rastafari traditions. As well, as representatives of various Interfaith Communities based in inity, peace, and global change for Africa, the earth, and its inhabitants.
“A clear hint at the mistakes politicians and the economy leaders constantly make”~Bruno Michel – CMJ
“ ‘Did we really start that war… did they really lie about what for?’, Tokyo asks over a dramatic fusion of swirling fiddle and bombastic drums.” – COUNTRY MUSIC PEOPLE MAGAZINE
Award winning singer/songwriter Tokyo Rosenthal announced today that in light of the hard economic times the world over that he would offer free downloads of his original recording, “Mister Tell Me ‘Bout The Great Depression”. This is being done in conjunction with Rosenthal’s record label, Rock & Sock Records and is available on Rosenthal’s web site www.tokyorosenthal.com. The song also appears on Tokyo’s latest CD, “Ghosts“, which recently was #5 on The Euro Americana Chart, and has received rave reviews and airplay the world over.
Rosenthal’s tune documents the causes for the economic turmoil that has become a global phenomenon. “It was inspired by the stories my grandfather, ‘Poppy Jack‘, used to tell me about the 1929-1939 Depression,” said Rosenthal. “But this song is about now. And it’s futuristic. Picture a young man sitting on the door step of his neighbor asking what happened back in 2009-2010. Hopefully he’s not saying 2009-2019!”
Critics such as No Depression said, “It’s a song for these times, for all time, and big thanks to him for writing it.” Americana UK was even more direct as they said,”Epic!, This song truly has balls”.
Rosenthal felt that offering the tune at no charge was the best way to get his message across and at the same time make it affordable to all who want to have it and pass it on. “I hope people the world over take advantage of this opportunity and both like the song musically and relate to some if not all of what I’m saying,” Tokyo added.
Rosenthal, along with Charlie Chamberlain on mandolin and guitar, just completed his fourth tour of the United Kingdom and his planning a 40 city US Tour beginning in late August. For more information log on to www.tokyorosenthal.com and www.myspace.com/tokyorosenthal.
“‘Mister Tell Me’ why this next song shouldn’t be a miracle of a cross over hit, just enough rough, just enough dirt, the smile this induces, is an intimate thing.” ~THE NEXT BIG THING
“Rosenthal can draw you into his lyrics much the same way that James Taylor and Don Henley can”.
“Take Jackson Brownes’ personal confessions and wrap them in Kris Kristofferson’s world weary tales of broken relationships and you have an idea of what to expect from Tokyo Rosenthal.”
“This is Americana with real teeth in the lyrics”
This and more is what the critics are saying about Tokyo Rosenthal. But it wasn’t an overnight trip. Hardly, as “Toke” has spanned the music scene for three decades. But it was in 2007 when recognition finally reached him through the recording of his CD, “One Score And Ten”.
In a career that started with the country rock boom, Rosenthal has honed his craft and “rootsy/ Americana with a little blues thrown in” sound to perfection. His recent move to Chapel Hill, North Carolina has allowed him to team up with the famed producer and recording star Chris Stamey in the studio.
While content to let the critics compare his style to others Tokyo doesn’t hesitate to point out his influences, who include The Band, The Byrds, The Indigo Girls, Gene Clark, Emmylou Harris, and believe it or not Janis Joplin. Toke’s version of “Piece Of My Heart” always sets off a crowd reaction.
In 2008 Rosenthal released a new CD entitled “Love Won Out”, that featured the single “St. Patrick’s Day”, to critical acclaim. This CD broke into the charts reaching #11 on the Euro Americana Chart, #14 on the Far Chart and #10 on the North Carolina Roots chart. He completed a Northeast US tour in March and a UK tour in April of that year. In August of that year he toured Japan and debuted in The Netherlands in October. In November Toke was back in New York City followed by Woodstock and Boston and then made a “Heartland” tour from North Carolina to Texas and back, headlining along the way at the World Music United Festival in San Marcos.
He began 2009 with the release of the timely and moving single, “Mister Tell Me ‘Bout The Great Depression”. Then he returned to Holland and Scotland for two weeks in February for a radio concert tour. This was followed by Germany in the spring and another tour of the UK in the fall. And of course he played all over North Carolina while recording his next album, “Ghosts”, that was released in January 2010. His most successful release to date, “Ghosts”, reached #5 on the Euro Americana Chart and the critical acclaim and US airplay was overwhelming. “Toke” then once again toured the North East U.S. with the highlight being his headlining at the world famous Bitter End in New York City. Toke then completed “UK Tour IV”. Extensive US touring is on the agenda for the balance of 2010. Always writing and always gigging, his musical journey continues.
Ashevillians to Join Hands As part of The Largest Gathering against Offshore Oil Drilling In History
What: Gathering to show solidarity for the Gulf Region, protest off shore oil drilling and promote clean energy
Where in Asheville: Carrier Park at the French Broad River
When: Saturday, June 26th, speakers and displays-11am-noon, Joining hands by the river- noon to 12:15
Contact- Jenny Drum- phone- 786-543-1163
*** VISUALS: Prominent Speakers, Participants Carrying Signs, Music ***
On Saturday, June 26th, 2010 Asheville will participate in the largest gathering against offshore drilling in the US. At noon, in Carrier Park, participants will join hands along with participants on beaches and in parks and cities all across America as well as the Dominican Republic, Japan, New Zealand and Australia. All participants of “Hands Across the Sand” will be united against the dangers offshore oil drilling present to our oceans and marine wildlife, fishing industries and coastal economies.
Hands across the Sand’s mission is to steer America’s energy policy away from its dependence on fossil fuels and into the light of clean energy. The aim is to convince our leaders to abandon expanded offshore oil drilling and adopt policies that encourage clean and renewable energy sources. In Asheville, on Sat. June 26 from 11am to noon, speakers and musicians will talk about the Gulf disaster and offer ways for participants to reduce their dependence on oil and encourage renewable energy.
The Gulf Coast water after the spill. Photo by Bobby Jindal
“The image is powerful, the message simple,” said event founder Dave Rauschkolb. “No to offshore oil drilling, yes to clean energy. We are drawing a line in the sand against offshore oil drilling along America’s beaches and in solidarity events across America and around the world. No one industry should be able to place entire coastal economies and marine environments at risk with dangerous, dirty mistakes.”
Hands across the Sand was founded by Dave Rauschkolb, a restaurant owner in Florida, in October of 2009. He organized a statewide gathering on February 13, 2010, to send a message to Florida’s legislators and Governor Crist that Floridians did not want them to lift the bans on near and offshore oil drilling. Ten Thousand Floridians joined hands, from Jacksonville to Miami Beach and Key West to Pensacola Beach, to protest the efforts by the Florida Legislature and the US Congress to lift the ban on oil drilling in the near and off shores of Florida. Shortly after the event the Florida Legislature tabled the effort.
Hands across the Sand is endorsed by numerous national environmental organizations including: Sierra Club, Audubon, Greenpeace, Defenders of Wildlife, Alaska Wilderness League, Ocean Conservancy, Friends of the Earth, Environment America, 350, MoveOn.org,Center for Biological Diversity and CleanEnergy.org
Here is a video from the beaches when people gathered in February:
Dreamspider's Blog 