30 Days Out, August 2020 #2: Jazz Night, Lovely World, Consider the Source, Steep Canyon Rangers
This edition of “30 Days Out” features four shows in or near Asheville. The roundup is a mix of live-in-person and livestream events. For the non-virtual ones, the standard caveat continues to apply: check your local listings before heading to the venue. You never know what’s going to happen these days.
Artist: Jazz Night at SAB
Venue: Southern Appalachian Brewery (in-person only)
Date: Wednesday, August 19, 6:30 p.m. free
When it comes to jazz in Western North Carolina, Jason Decristofaro is one of the busiest and most respected figures. His regular hosting of events was understandably put on hold as the coronavirus spread, but he’s cautiously returning with safety measures in place. His regular Jazzz Night returns, and for this date the band will feature violinist Drayton Aldridge, bassist Craig Kelberg and Decristofaro on piano and drums.
Artist: Lovely World
Venue: The Orange Peel (livestream only)
Stream: http://www.iamavl.com/
Date: Thursday, August 20, 7 p.m. free
Tip Jar: https://www.paypal.me/TheOrangePeelAVL
From just down the hill in Clemson SC comes this alternative rock quartet. Pre-pandemic they toured widely, and their classic-leaning, radio-ready sound would seem to portend success. No album yet, but six singles and an EP – all on Spotify – give a good indication of the band’s tuneful musical personality. Their latest, “Don’t Lay Me Down” is a catchy number with a yearning, soaring feel.
Artist: Consider the Source
Venue: One World Brewing West (in-person only)
Date: Friday, August 28, 7 p.m.
Door: $10
This world/prog trio is mounting a small-scale tour with dates that include strictly limited seating and rigorous safety measures in an outdoor setting. The innovative, boundary-smashing group’s latest and sixth studio album is You Are Literally a Metaphor.
Artist: Steep Canyon Rangers
Venue: The Riveter (drive-in concert / livestream)
Stream: https://www.facebook.com/SteepCanyonRangers/
Date: Friday, August 28, 8:30 p.m. free
The beloved Americana group has embarked on a “Drive-in” tour. Attendees for this free show will remain in their cars while the band plays onstage. The images will be projected on a large screen and the audio will be broadcast over FM radio as well. Who knows: this may represent the future of medium-scale concertgoing, at least in the near term.
I’ll be back with the next in my twice-monthly “30 Days out” columns on September 1. Meantime, wear your mask, wash you hands, and – if you haven’t already – register to vote. With a bit of national leadership, we just might beat this pandemic.
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.