The Asheville Original Music Series

by Eddie LeShure

The Asheville Original Music Series was created this past spring by bassist Mike Holstein and drummer Justin Watt, both local jazz artists, as a place to feature regional musicians and their compositions.

According to Mike, “We wanted to create an environment where people can come and experience live performances of music being created here and now. We also wished to have a place where composers can bring their own music in to play or be read by others. It’s where composers can share new material, while musicians can at the same time hone their musical reading skills by seeing the latest in modern repertoire.”

Justin added, “This series is a concept that Mike and I talked about for some time and now we’re finally seeing it come to fruition at a wonderful venue. The Altamont Theatre, and its owners Brian and Tiffany, see completely eye to eye with us regarding our goals. These events are totally free to the public and open to all ages: students; professionals; and everyone else in between.”

The performances are divided into two sets — the first set is a performance with the featured guests and their compositions, usually supported by Mike and Justin. Then the second set is an open jam session where musicians in the audience can “sit in” and play with those featured, or in other configurations. What’s played usually falls under the jazz category, but occasionally also has within it elements of contemporary classical, or even rock.

The Asheville Original Music Series, which takes place every Tuesday night at 8 p.m, was initiated June 7, 2011 and featured percussionist Matthew Richmond. Other featured guests have included such greats as Bill Gerhardt, Frank Southecorvo, Shane Perlowin, Liberated State, Michael Jefry Stevens, Mark Guest, Wayne Goins, Steve Alford, Justin Ray and Jacob Rodriguez.

“Mike and I are typically the basic backing rhythm section of bass and drums. We generally leave it up to our featured guest to decide what kind of personnel they want to play with. For example, a pianist or guitarist may opt to just play with Mike and me – as a trio. A horn player may wish to add a pianist in order to have a chordal instrument in the band. It can really work in any combination depending on what the guest wants to hear for their music. That’s part of the excitement – the music is completely different from week to week.”

The Altamont Theatre (828-348-5327, www.myaltamont.com) is located at 18 Church Street in downtown Asheville. The Altamont, a “blackbox” theatre seating 100 people that’s owned by Brian Lee and Tiffany Hampton, is quickly becoming Asheville’s premier performance space and gaining a reputation as THE place to see live music and theatre. It features a beer/wine bar and also includes light food faire. The acoustics there are first rate!

“I feel so incredibly fortunate to have moved into town at roughly the same time that the Asheville Original Music Series began. I was there at the opening bell and have seen the enormous musical talent from the jazz/music community week after week at these original music events! It is exciting knowing that these concerts are now moving to the Altamont Theatre! Thanks guys for keeping the flame going!”
~ Pianist/composer Michael Jefry Stevens

“If people had not supported and listened to new music in the past, we would not now have the genius of Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, etc. I really like hearing current music – some more, some less. That’s an ongoing dialogue. I think the Asheville Original Music series is the best thing to come to town in years! Mike Holstein and Justin Watt are two interesting musicians whose writing and playing are exciting to hear every week by themselves. The effort they have put into generating and supporting other composers in our area is fantastic! Go check it out!”
~ Saxophonist Frank Southecorvo

Asheville Original Music Series January Guests:

• 1/3 – Keith Davis (pianist)
• 1/10 – Bill Gerhardt (pianist)
• 1/17 – Bill Bares (pianist)
• 1/24 – Bill Gerhardt (pianist)
• 1/31 – Matt Dingledine (guitar)

http://ashevilleoriginalmusicseries.blogspot.com

www.facebook.com/pages/
Asheville-Original-Music-Series

www.mikeholstein.info