30 Days Out, January 2022 #1: Ska City, Nordista Freeze, James McMurtry, Caravan Palace
Happy New Year! And today also marks another, more personal celebration: This is the seven-year anniversary of “30 Days Out.” Through the years, its mission has never changed: twice a month, letting readers know about upcoming notable live music performances in and around Asheville, North Carolina. With a focus on both local and nationally-touring artists, “30 Days Out” provides some guidance as to how to spend your hard-earned entertainment dollars while supporting live music.
Artist: Ska City
Venue: White Horse Black Mountain
Date: Friday, Jan. 14, 8 p.m.
Door: $15 advance / $18 day of show
One of the things that impressed me about Asheville upon moving here more than 21 years ago was the eclectic nature of the local music scene. Sure, there was (and is) a surfeit of twang, banjos and fiddles and earnest singer-songwriters. But there’s most everything else, too. And some of the city’s best players have put together a ska band. What could be more fun? Not much, I’m here to tell you.
Artist: Nordista Freeze
Venue: Fleetwood’s
Date: Saturday, Jan. 15, 8 p.m.
Door: $12
Super catchy psych-pop from Nashville is the order of the day for Nordista Freeze. This music deserves a wider hearing; it’s clever and accessible while remaining interesting for more nuanced listeners. Also on the bill: Fortezza and Monsoon, each of which sounds totally like the other. A wonderfully eclectic bill at one of Asheville’s most uniue and hip (in as good way!) venues.
Artist: James McMurtry
Venue: The Grey Eagle
Date: Sunday, Jan. 23, 8 p.m.
Door: $22
McMurtry is an institution. Sophisticated, wryly observant songwriting and straightforward delivery. If you haven’t seen him, you simply must. Betty Soo (formerly of Charlie Faye & the Fayettes) opens.
Artist: Caravan Palace
Venue: The Orange Peel
Date: Sunday, Jan. 23, 8 p.m.
Door: $27
From France comes this electronic act, sounding remarkably unlike Air or Daft Punk. “Lone Digger” draws from the jazz-age, while sounding a bit like vintage cartoons crossed with Spice Girls. Weird yet wonderful.
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 4000-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 is co-teaching 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: 40 Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.