by James Cassara Over the course of a scant five years the three piece collective known as Underhill Rose have become one of the most respected and creative voices in the Asheville music scene. Proudly steeped in the Appalachian traditions of our mountain culture the three sirens that comprise theContinue Reading
by James Cassara As the leader of local contemporary bluegrass favorites Buncombe Turnpike, Tom Godleski wears many hats. He writes and sings lead on virtually all their songs, plays bass, handles the booking arrangements, publicity, and all the myriad details necessary in keeping the ship afloat. And while the band’sContinue Reading
by James Cassara The Western swing revivalist trio Hot Club of Cowtown have defied many odds during their almost two decade tenure, persevering with a nimble mix of musical expertise, showmanship, and a love of the genre that has guided their existence. The group, formed out of New York inContinue Reading
by James Cassara From the start Dar Williams has always been a bit of an outsider, an anomaly amongst the male dominated folk music scene of her day. Even with the emergence of such female artists as Shawn Colvin, Lucy Kaplansky, and Suzanne Vega, Williams stood slightly apart. While theContinue Reading
by James Cassara While she’s best known as a voice for bluegrass, the music that helped shape Claire Lynch goes far beyond the confines of a single genre. Born in Kingston, Kentucky it would seem only natural that Lynch would fall under the spell of music that emanates from thatContinue Reading
Interview with Ashley Capps by James Cassara In the weeks following the 2012 edition of MoogFest rumors began swirling that big changes were in store for what had, in three short years, become one of Asheville’s premiere music events. While attendance for the two day festival had been down —Continue Reading
by James Cassara In the three short years since Chelsea Lynn La Bate rolled into Asheville – her ’95 Honda overflowing with her belongings – she has quietly observed and participated in our town’s vibrant and accepting music community. Hitting the road with the most Spartan of belongings, including herContinue Reading
by James Cassara While many bands might stake such a claim for my money, no group better captures the spirit of 1990s American indie rock than Superchunk. The pride of Chapel Hill, NC, Superchunk followed the do-it-yourself ethic to the letter; they operated by their own rules, largely ignored whateverContinue Reading
by James Cassara In anticipation of the upcoming release of a still untitled EP (due later this year), The Yonder Mountain String Band will appear at venues and music festivals across the country, including a July 27 performances at Floyd Fest (just north of Greensboro), and at Pisgah Brewery inContinue Reading
