30 Days Out, June 2026 #1: Samara Jade, Kiefer Sutherland, Robyn Hitchcock, Sunny War
Folk. Folk-punk. Dada-esque wordplay and jangle. And Americana from a Canadian-born personality best known as an actor. Those are among the highlights in live music in and around Asheville in the coming 30 days.
Artist: Samara Jade
Venue: AyurPrana Listening Room
Date: Friday, June 12, 7 p.m.
Door: $18.19
This self-described folk troubadour is based right here in Asheville. Her 2018 self-released album Wave of Birdsong exemplifies her bend of soul, blues, jazz and other styles, all worked into an acoustic, rootsy style deeply immersed in the proud folk-protest tradition. But there have been many others; her Bandcamp page lists at least seven. Her latest track “Turn a Blind Eye” showcases a keen perspective on all that bad stuff currently going on worldwide. Set that aside for a moment: This gig is a celebration of her birthday.
Artist: Kiefer Sutherland CANCELLED; DUNNO WHY
Venue: Orange Peel
Date: Thursday, June 18, 8 p.m.
Door: $48.44
Mention the name Kiefer Sutherland and most people think of his starring role in 24, or maybe the more recent Designated Survivor, or his role in some of those brat pack films of yesteryear, or perhaps his father, the late Donald Sutherland. What one might not think of is his music career. But not only does Sutherland have three albums to his credit, he own a record label. His second and third albums charted respectably in Germany and the UK. Rocco Deluca opens.
Artist: Robyn Hitchcock
Venue: Grey Eagle
Date: Saturday, June 20, 8 p.m.
Door: $35.90
Hitcock’s career is filled with gems. From his early work with the Soft Boys to his solo releases (and/or with the Egyptians, Venus 3 and so forth), he has always turned in compelling music that starts with an ear-candy pop foundation, but always twists it into something greater, more substantial. And his surreal and playful wordsmithery is legendary. I’ve interviewed him a couple of times over the years (including for my first book) but have never seen him with a full band. This is my (and your) chance, as he comes to town in support of his new The Confuser. Hitchcock’s immensely talented partner Emma Swift opens.
Artist: Sunny War
Venue: Asheville Music Hall
Date: Friday, June 26, 9 p.m.
Door: $24.15
This contemplative folk-punk artist debuted on record with a 2014 EP, Worthless. Ironic title, that: her 2023 album Anarchist Gospel made quite a few end-of-year best-of lists. A critics’ darling, singer-songwriter Sunny War makes music that encourages listeners to think.
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.