30 Days Out, November 2025 #1: Beach Fossils, Furious Bongos, They Might Be Giants, David Wilcox
If there’s a thread connecting the disparate array of artists spotlighted in this rundown of music coming to Asheville in the next 30 days, it’s critical praise. All are admired by those whose job it is to know what’s musically worthwhile. So whether it’s indie rock, art pop, folk or whatever it is that Frank Zappa did, these shows will all be worth your time. Buckle up!
Artist: Beach Fossils
Venue: Eulogy
Date: Thursday, Nov. 6, 8 p.m.
Door: $38.03
Indie rock from Brooklyn: that doesn’t tell you much, as lots of acts fit that description. But this one, led by singer-songwriter Dustin Payseur makes melancholy songs with sometimes uptempo arrangements. Critics love ‘em, and you may, too.
Artist: Furious Bongos
Venue: Third Room
Date: Sunday, Nov. 16, 8 p.m.
Door: $24.43
The name is your first clue: inspired by the 1974 LP by Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart, this group is an assemblage of musical heavyweights who tackle the work of Zappa. That’s as demanding as it is raucous. Should be way-fun. The lineup includes FZ drummer Chad Wackerman.
Artist: They Might Be Giants
Venue: Orange Peel
Date: Mon.-Wed., Nov. 17-19, 8 p.m.
Door: $44.20
Due to circumstances well beyond their control (Hurricane Helene, illness), TMBG have had to reschedule this run of shows more than once. More than a year after the originally-scheduled date, they return to Asheville for three nights, two of which sold out long ago. My most recent interviews with the band are here and here.
Artist: David Wilcox
Venue: Grey Eagle
Date: Friday, Nov. 28, 7 p.m.
Door: $30.75
An Asheville treasure, singer-songwriter David Wilcox writes and sings about real, relatable topics. This show is both is annual Thanksgiving hometown show and the unofficial launch party for his latest album, The Way I Tell the Story. I’ve interviewed him many times; the latest is in a recent issue of Mountain Xpress.
See you at the show!
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 for several years). The more than 5000 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 -- some 40 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: 30 Great Concept Albums is available now. Read even more about him here.