30 Days Out, Dec. 2022 #2: Russ Wilson, Datrian Johnson, Asheville Jazz Orchestra, Moon Hooch
The end of the year and the cold of winter represent something of a return to form for Asheville; most of the tourists are gone, and locally-based artists who tour are home for the holidays. So this period represents an opportunity to take in some top-notch local/regional talent. All three of those on this roundup are staging holiday-themed shows in December. And right after the New Year, one of the most unique touring acts out there returns to town.
Artist: Russ Wilson
Venue: Isis Music Hall
Date: Sunday, Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m.
Door: $20*
Musical man-about-town Wilson is renowned for his holiday shows. Bringing out the big band and serving up an evening of classic, it’s an event you won’t want to miss. *That said, do be warned of the venue’s usurious minimum purchase policy. You’ll think you died and went to Las Vegas. (Late-breaking news: the venue is up for sale.)
Artist: Datrian Johnson
Venue: The Grey Eagle
Date: Thursday, Dec. 22, 8 p.m.
Door: $15
Johnson is an Asheville-based vocal powerhouse with a wide stylistic range. He fronts The Fritz (funk), the innovative Saint Disruption and hip hop outfit Free Radio, but for this show he’s focusing on holiday-themed material. Could be anything, and for sure it’ll be good.
Artist: Asheville Jazz Orchestra
Venue: White Horse Black Mountain
Date: Friday, Dec. 23, 2 p.m.
Door: $20 advance / $22 day of show
The pandemic put a stop to performances by this big band, so seeing their name on the calendar is welcome indeed. They, too, will be playing holiday faves for their December date.
Artist: Moon Hooch
Venue: Asheville Music Hall
Date: Friday, Jan. 13, 9 p.m.
Door: $18 advance / $20 day of show
Two saxes and a drummer? Could be weird, you say? Indeed it is, but it’s also fantastic, and more accessible than you might guess. I first saw Moon Hooch years ago (2013). Interviewed ‘em too. They visit Asheville a lot – last here in April – and the audiences here love ‘em for good reason.
Happy holidays!
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.