30 Days Out, September 2024 #1: Buckethead, Ménage, Gong, David Cross, Darkside Experience
A mysterious instrumentalist, a local legend, a double-bill of prog heroes and a tribute of one of rock’s greatest: those are the highlights of the live music scene in Asheville over the coming 30 days.
Artist: Buckethead
Venue: Orange Peel
Date: Monday, Sep. 09, 8 p.m.
Door: $35
Popular culture is filled with high-concept artists and projects. Buckethead takes the concept to an extreme, never appearing without his trademark slasher-film mask and, well, that bucket. Ultimately none of that actually matters; he’s jaw-droppingly prolific and astoundingly talented. A shredder par excellence, he’s equally capable of making sweet, soaring and melodic music. What will be do this time? We can’t be sure, other than to predict he’ll remain as mysterious as ever.
Artist: Ménage
Venue: Purple Onion
Date: Thursday, Sep. 26, 7:30 p.m.
Door: $14
One of Asheville’s most beloved acts, Ménage was founded by Mary Ellen Bush and Sarah McDonald so many years ago that nobody quite remembers when. The group was a prominent fixture of the local music scene. Over the years, other members came and went, and in 2012 the group went inactive. Happily they’ve returned with their brand of folk-based blues and swing. Rounding out the group is another Asheville Treasure, Melissa Hyman (The Moon and You, Cowboy Judy etc.). Things inevitably change, but this group is a warm reminder of how things used to be here in Asheville.
Artists: Gong, David Cross Band
Venue: Grey Eagle
Date: Friday, Sep. 27, 8 p.m.
Door: $48.82
Anyone who thinks that Yes holds the record for most personnel changes should consider King Crimson. And then they should consider Gong. The Cantabrigian/French collective makes a unique sort of hippie/space/psych rock/jazz that at its best is fascinating and engaging. The fact that the current lineup has no original members shouldn’t detract at all from the vibe. And speaking of Crim, that group’s ranks once included violinist David Cross; today he’s touring with his own band, playing the music from that era.
Artist: The Darkside Experience
Venue: Asheville Music Hall
Date: Saturday, Sep. 28, 9 p.m.
Door: $20 advance / $25 day of show
Few bands outside the Beatles have seemed to engender the sort of fandom that justifies countless tribute acts. Pink Floyd is certainly one of those, and the group’s relatively faceless character – it was always about the music and visuals – makes the process a bit easier; no dressing up in collarless suits or Sgt. Pepper uniforms. This outfit is from Virginia, and rather than focus upon a particular era, they tackle it all, from Syd to The Division Bell. That in and of itself is worthy of praise.
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.