ICYMI, Billy Strings (aka “the future of bluegrass”) is headed to our neck of the woods this weekend for three nights at Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville. These shows became the hottest ticket in Asheville, selling out in the blink of an eye. If you weren’t lucky enough to snag a seat, that’s okay — because Asheville is rolling out the red carpet with plenty of parties and events to celebrate the artist’s weekend residency.
Shady Grove String Band: Billy Strings Pre-Party | Friday, Feb. 16 | 4 p.m. | Jack of the Wood, 95 Patton Ave., Asheville | Free | Eat, drink, and be merry before the show with music from some of Asheville’s favorite bluegrass musicians.
The Well Drinkers: Billy Strings After-Party | Friday, Feb. 16 | 9 p.m. | Jack of the Wood, 95 Patton Ave., Asheville | Free | The WNC bluegrass and Americana band will close out the night with their progressive instrumentation and experimental jams.
Interstellar Hillbilly Hangout | Saturday, Feb. 17 | 1-6 p.m. | Foundation Studios, 27 Foundy St., Ste. 10, Asheville | Free | Jam out to live music, munch on Smokee’s Pizza, sip on a local bev, and check out live screen printing and block printing with Billy-inspired designs.
Dig a Little Deeper: Bluegrass Brunch and Streaming Party | Saturday, Feb. 17 | 1-11 p.m. | The Whale Outpost, 507 Haywood Rd., #10, Asheville | Free | Join in for a beer, food from Haywood Common, and a live-stream of the show on the spot’s projector screen.
Billy Strings Pre-Party with Rossdafareye | Saturday, Feb. 17 | 3-6 p.m. | One World Brewing, 10 Patton Ave., Asheville | $5 | Groove along to the band’s self-proclaimed style of “Appalachian space funk.”
81 Drifters | Sunday, Feb. 18 | 4-7 p.m. | One World Brewing - West Asheville, 520 Haywood Rd., Asheville | $5 | Dance along to the AVL-based Americana band before Billy Strings’ last show of the weekend.
Billy Strings After-Party | Saturday, Feb. 17 | 9 p.m.-12 a.m. | The Draftsman Bar + Lounge, 68 Patton Ave., Asheville | $10 | Groove to local funk band Supatight and play classic arcade games with a drink in hand.
Plus, Asheville Music Hall and One Stop both have Billy Strings after-parties slated Friday through Sunday to keep the music going — check out the venues’ calendars for more details.