From Thursday, Nov. 6 through Sunday, Nov. 9, the community will commemorate the first commercial recordings of traditional Appalachian music with panels and performances from artists like River Whyless, Tyler Ramsey, and Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show.
Where the magic began
The 1927 Bristol Sessions are lauded as the “Big Bang” of modern country, catapulting artists like the Carter family to fame. But without the prior Asheville Sessions, those Bristol sessions likely wouldn’t have been so influential.
Country music history was made here.
Photo via Blue Ridge Music Center
During a 10-day session in August 1925, OKeh Records A&R Director Ralph Peer brought musicians from across Appalachia to his portable recording studio in the brand new George Vanderbilt Hotel on Haywood Street.
The result was 60 wax masters that combined the influences of West African percussion, Cherokee storytelling, and hymns of the British Isles — all shaped by the landscape of the Blue Ridge Mountains — to create the foundation of Americana music as we know it today.
The Hazy Little Happening | Wednesday, Aug. 20-Saturday, Aug. 23 | Times vary | Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Fletcher | Free | Cheers to National Hazy IPA Day with a week of special flights, new brews, a ticketed Fitz and the Tantrums show on Friday, and free live music from local bands on Saturday.
The Russ Wilson Orchestra | 8-10 p.m. | Fitz and the Wolfe | $5 | Kick off the evening with a swing dancing lesson, then let the high-energy horn music keep you moving all night long.
Thursday, Aug. 21
Tattoos & Romance Novel Bookstore Pop Up | 2-7 p.m. | Drawing Board Tattoo | Free+ | A Thousand Loves Romance Bookshop is hosting its first pop-up event at the tattoo shop, offering romance novels and bookish tats.
Friday, Aug. 22
Cat Trivia | 7:30-9 p.m. | House of Black Cat Magic | $20 per team | Test your knowledge of feline-centric facts, win some purrrfect prizes, and support Binx’s Home for Black Cats.
Saturday, Aug. 23
Car Show | 10 a.m. | Asheville Mall - Red Deck | Free | See a stunning selection of classic cars, shop from local craft vendors, and score sweet treats from food trucks at this show hosted by the Men of Greater Asheville Fellowship.
Atomic Market Outdoor Pop-Up | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Atomic Furnishing and Design | Free+ | After exploring all the incredible vendors inside, shop the outdoor market filled with vintage clothes, home decor, and $2 records.
Summer Cycle 2025 | 2-7 p.m. | New Belgium Brewing | Free | Join Asheville’s cycling community for a group ride and plenty of festivities — you can pick a 5-, 10-, or 20-mile ride.
Sunday, Aug. 24
Pet Sounds Live at The Grey Eagle | 7 p.m. | The Grey Eagle | $22 | The Beach Boys tribute band will take you on a journey through the iconic album, complete with multi-media elements and plenty of historical facts.
Village Artist Market is now open at 32 All Souls Crescent in Biltmore Village, showcasing the work of 30+ artists who are rebuilding post-Helene. You can shop the fine art, ceramics, and jewelry now, but head back on the evening of Thursday, Sept. 4 to celebrate the grand opening with live music and artist demos.
Drink
Starting in September, Cuban coffee shop Haywood Famous will serve coffee in the mornings, opening at 8 a.m. The shop opened about a year ago with exclusively afternoon and nighttime hours, offering a sober and inclusive hangout, late into the night.
Travel
The Asheville Regional Airport has taken off with a new look, tapping local design agency Atlas Branding for a rebrand. Explore the airport’s revamped website (and go ahead and book that beach getaway you’ve been dreaming of).
Coming Soon
As Zillicoah gets back into action, so will Jolly Badger pop-ups, a collaboration between bagel maker Honey Badger Bakes and pitmaster Jolly BBQ. You can score a perfect pastrami, egg, and cheese bagel on the last Sunday of each month — the next is Sunday, Aug. 31 at 10 a.m. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Active
Pilates’ popularity has stretched to the top of the ranks over the last five years, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association. Try out a class at Club Pilates or South Slope Pilates to see if it’s right for you. If not, there are plenty more gyms to try in Asheville.
Number
500+. That’s how many small businesses, manufacturers, and local companies have posted jobs on our Job Board. Try it for yourself. Post unlimited job listings for free + get connected with top local talent.
Health care access is growing in Weaverville. AdventHealth’s planned expansion includes 129 additional hospital beds and more specialty services — providing whole-person care where it’s needed most. Learn more.*
Beginning tonight, Aug. 20, Hi-Wire’s RAD Beer Garden will begin hosting Tails & Ales, a dog-gone delightful weekly hang for all of our four-legged friends.
Your pooch will feel spoiled with pup cups and frozen treats, a doggy photo booth, a craft station, and an “adopt a plush pup” corner. Plus, the event will evolve into a weekly spotlight of rotating rescues and local pet vendors.
Hi-Wire RAD has even more fun up its sleeve, bringing Ace & Eagle on board for pickleball courts and golf simulators.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
If you’re on the high-protein trend, you may want to give cicadas a try (if you can get past the whole “eating bugs” thing). If you want a gourmet intro into cooking up the rare critters, some of Asheville’s finest chefs will be collaborating for a special Cicada Dinner fundraiser this Sunday, Aug. 24. There are still a few tickets left... if you’re brave enough.
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