30 Days Out, October 2023 #2: Tennis, Nation of Language, Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band, Graham Nash
Modern-day intelligent pop, homegrown funk, and rock royalty are just some of the highlights of live music in Asheville over the coming 30 days.
Artist: Tennis
Venue: The Orange Peel
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 1, 8 p.m.
Door: $25
They don’t look or sound like The Captain and Tennille, but Tennis nonetheless reminds me of that duo and its high quality pop. This should be a fun and lively show. I last interviewed them in 2018.
Artist: Nation of Language
Venue: The Grey Eagle
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 8, 8 p.m.
Door: $22 advance / $25 day of show
Classified as indie pop, Nation of Language reminds me of early ‘80s synth bands like Depeche Mode, New Order, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark and… you get the idea. Robotic drum machines are juxtaposed against lush synthesizers and heartfelt, dreamy vocals. Unlike those bands, though, this outfit is based in Brooklyn (though you wouldn’t know it from their sound). Good stuff. Miss Grit opens.
Artist: Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band
Venue: Salvage Station
Date: Saturday, Nov. 11, 8 p.m.
Door: $20 advance / $25 day of show
This Asheville-based band has seen its share of changes during its two decades-plus. But one thing that hasn’t changed is the band’s consistent delivering on its promise of a goooood time. I last spoke with them in 2022. Also, albeit with one of the worst band names since Fudge Tunnel, Sexbruise? opens the evening’s music.
Artist: Graham Nash
Venue: Wortham Center
Date: Sunday, Nov. 12, 7:30 p.m.
Door: $85+
I don’t need to explain who Graham Nash is. What you should know, though, is that his voice hasn’t diminished, even now at age 81. his live shows are superb. I interviewed Nash this time last year and wrote two stories based on our conversation. Here’s one, and here’s the other.
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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.