30 Days Out, Sept. 2023 #1: Train, Jon Auer, Judy Collins, Old 97s
Mainstream pop rock, a leading light of alternative rock, an acclaimed and esteemed folk legend and a critical favorite from Texas: those are the highest of highlights in the next 30 days – musicwise – here in Western North Carolina. Details below.
Artist: Train
Venue: Harrah’s Casino
Date: Friday, Sept. 1, 8 p.m.
Door: $90+
Train has been making accessible pop rock for nearly three decades, landing more than a dozen of its singles on Billboard’s Hot 100 charts. Their wide appeal is undeniable, and the group has won GRAMMY awards and other honors. I recently interviewed founding member and leader Pat Monahan; that feature will be on Musoscribe soon, but since the show is tonight, here’s a link to the article where it first ran. Parmalee opens.
Artist: Jon Auer
Venue: House Concert (location TBA)
Date: Friday, Sept. 8, 8 p.m.
Door: $25
The Posies made some of the best melodic alternarock of the ‘90s and beyond. The creative duo at the core of the band would go on to become part of Big Star, and in recent years they’ve split, with singer-songwriter-guitarist Jon Auer continuing his association with an impressive list of associates. He’s also, of course, a solo artist, with much going on. I’ve interviewed him before – years ago – and will be doing so again the day after this special house concert. Don’t be dissuaded by the lack of venue details; I’ve been there, and it’s lovely. Keeping those details hidden until tickets are purchased is standard procedure for house concerts. And this one will be special: Do. Not. Miss.
Artist: Judy Collins
Venue: Wortham Center
Date: Thursday, Sept. 14, 7:30 p.m.
Door: $65.50
You don’t sustain a career as a singer-songwriter for seven decades if you’re not something truly special. Multiple GRAMMY Award winner, Library of Congress inductee and prolific recording artist (more than 36 albums), Judy Collins is a musical treasure. Ari Hest opens.
Artist: Old 97s
Venue: The Orange Peel
Date: Sunday, Sept. 17, 8 p.m.
Door: $25
Rock energy meets Texas twang. If there’s one group that has been successful combining the best qualities of country and rock while steering clear of both Americana and Eagles-lite, it’s Old 97s. The group combines power pop aesthetic with classic country values, and the result is superb. I took a deep dive into the band’s story with Ken Bethea earlier this year, and am beyond thrilled at the prospect of seeing them live – my very first time – when they return here to Asheville. John Hollier opens.
See you at the shows!
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.