Culture

Immerse yourself in local music history at these Asheville Sessions events

The centennial celebration of the historic commercial recordings of Americana music is this Thursday, Nov. 6 through Sunday, Nov. 9.

November 5, 2025 • 
Grace Powers
asheville sessions album

The album art is mimics the classic OKeh records look.

Photo by AVLtoday

To mark the 100th anniversary of the historic Asheville Sessions — the first commercial recordings capturing the sounds of Appalachian music — AVLFest, Blue Ridge Music Center, and Explore Asheville are throwing a citywide celebration: “The Asheville Sessions: Celebrating 100 Years of Americana & Appalachia.”

The Asheville Sessions heavily influenced the 1927 Bristol Sessions, which are lauded as the “big bang of country music.” To commemorate the event, there are a host of panels and concerts happening this Thursday, Nov. 6 through Sunday, Nov. 9.

Here are some events we have our eye on:

Find the full schedule of events.

More from AVLtoday
The Majestic
Food
The Scheffer Group brings Chinese-American cuisine to Merrimon at The Majestic
The group behind Gan Shan, Jettie Rae’s, and Vinnie’s is setting out to capture the magic of NY’s Mott Street with its fourth concept, The Majestic.
April 2, 2026
 · 
Grace Powers
artemis II patch.jpeg
City
WNC’s ties to NASA’s Artemis II mission
A Weaverville company stitches itself into the history of space travel, while a historic former NASA facility in Rosman returns to its original mission 60 years later.
April 2, 2026
 · 
Grace Powers
VISUALS.png
Food
35+ outdoor dining spots in Asheville
Make the most of good weather by taking your meals al fresco on one of Asheville’s many beautiful patios.
April 1, 2026
 · 
London Gibson
MSK 2.jpg
Food
Asheville reps two James Beard Award finalists
Chef Montgomery Taylor of Montgomery Sky Farm and Meherwan Irani and Molly Irani of Chai Pani Restaurant Group pushed past the semifinalist round for the accolades.
March 31, 2026
 · 
Grace Powers
914A4443.JPG
Food
Baba Nahm to bring Mediterranean street food to The S&W Market
Mezze, wraps, and Mediterranean favorites are spicing up the lineup at the historic food hall.
March 30, 2026
 · 
Grace Powers
third room
Arts
Three local art exhibitions to see this spring
Three Asheville exhibitions are showcasing craft, light, and Impressionist landscapes in fresh perspective this spring.
March 26, 2026
 · 
Grace Powers
A hand holds a vibrant cross-stitch depicting a witch and a haunted house against a blue, starry sky, bordered with green polka dots. Vinyl records form a colorful background.
Arts
Analog hobbies are all the rage — here’s where to try them in Asheville
Put down the tech and pick up one of these hands-on hobbies by joining a local club or class.
March 26, 2026
 · 
Grace Powers
A plate with home fries and an egg Benedict on an English muffin on Hollandaise sauce.
Play
25+ great brunch restaurants to try in Asheville
Asheville restaurants, cafes, and diners serving up all the eggs, pancakes, shakshuka, mimosas, and other brunch favorites that will start your day off right.
March 25, 2026
 · 
STAFF
ASO-SITP-2021-Concert-130-min
Business
Asheville’s music economy by the numbers
New ArtsAVL-backed studies show a $436M economic impact, but a leaner, more independent workforce is reshaping how the region’s music economy operates.
March 25, 2026
 · 
Grace Powers
Downtown Asheville. Photo by @robertfilm_fx
BizBrief
5 Asheville podcasts to level up your business game
Maximize your commute with these reader and editor picks of Asheville NC podcasts for business, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
March 24, 2026
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto