30 Days Out, Jan. 2026 #1: Caverns of Gold, Jazz is for Everyone, Coverfest V, Beach Floyd
Happy New Year! Today 30 Days Out begins its 13th year of previewing upcoming live music in and around Asheville. This time I’m spotlighting two benefit events, both of which feature all local talent. Another one is a lecture on jazz, and the last brings the music of Pink Floyd to town.
Event: Caverns of Gold
Venue: Orange Peel
Date: Friday, Jan. 9, 8 p.m.
Door: $21.40
There’s an old saying: adversity brings out the best and worst in people. Here’s an example of the former. In the wake of the devastating storms and floods brought by Helene in fall 2024, 280 (yes, two hundred and eighty!) musical artists banded together to create a benefit album, Caverns of Gold. Proceeds went to those who needed help the most. Now, a year later, many have forgotten about the disaster and/or simply moved on. But the needs remain. This showcase features four of those: Pinkeye, Lower Peaks, Why Why? And John Kirby Jr, & the New Seniors.
Topic: Jazz is for Everyone
Venue: Wortham Center
Date: Sunday, Jan. 18, 3 p.m.
Door: $18
Customarily, 30 Days Out focuses on live music. This even, however, is a lecture that more than warrants an exception. Jeremy Walker presents an installment of his Jazz is for Everyone series; this one explores bebop. Walker’s foundational premise – that jazz is the people’s music – is underscored by his accessible, listener-friendly approach to the subject.
Event: Coverfest V
Venue: Grey Eagle
Date: Sunday, Jan. 18, 5 p.m.
Door: $18.45
Speaking of benefits (as we were with Caverns of Gold), Coverfest is a long-running even put together by Asheville public educators. Proceeds benefit Asheville Middle School 8th graders as the plan their capstone trip. (In previous years it’s been D.C.; not sure anybody wants to go there right now while it’s under fascist occupation. But I digress.) Eleven local bands tackle your favorite covers. At least two of those bands feature friends of mine: The Long Distance Relationship, Pinkeye (again) and Santiago y Los Gatos.
Artist: Beach Floyd
Venue: Asheville Music Hall
Date: Sunday, Jan. 31, 9 p.m.
Door: $18.65
We are truly living in the age of tribute bands. And it’s understandable: With many if not most of the classic acts having broken up or otherwise ceased operations, top-flight musicians have moved in to fill the void, performing beloved songs for audiences who (a) still want to hear them live and/or (b) weren’t around to enjoy them the first time. Pink Floyd is among the most popular choice for tribute bands, and this Virginia Beach-based outfit is among the busier groups paying tribute to them.
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.