Events

Prime Country Band of Asheville is a 5-piece ensemble that celebrates the best in country music. Several members of the band have played together for years in various groups, with Prime Country Band forming in 2024. Front man for the band Tim Austin is a Nashville recording artist who has been on stage since the age of 18. Mark Crawford is the bass player and has toured with several national acts. Ron Hoeben is the lead guitar player who has played since age 11 and at the age of 13 began working with country music legend Ferlin Husky as a member of his Nashville based touring band. If you love good country music and love to dance, do not miss this band’s performance.

Bruised Rhino is an Americana jam band from Shelby, N.C. The group boasts multi-instrumentalists that play an eclectic mix of Americana/blues/soul and psychedelia backed by outstanding vocals. Bruised Rhino offers a genre crossing and boundary pushing musical experience. Making up this 5-member band is Joe Hindsley on harmonica/vocals; Mike Claprood on bass; Randy Mach on guitar/mandolin/vocals; Pedro Fraginals on guitar/vocals; and Cornelius Logan on drums/vocals.

Friday, Nov. 28 | Rick Hornyak & The Highway Companions is an Americana band based out of Asheville but featuring WNC musicians from around the area including Saluda resident Angelo Zullo on drums; Matt Blanks, keyboards/vocals; Larry Runion, bass guitar/backup vocals. Band leader is Rick Hornyak, a talented singer/songwriter with a list of original tunes and two albums. In addition to sharing his originals, the band runs down a list of some 30 popular cover songs from Americana and classic rock greats like Tom Petty, Steve Miller, The Beatles and even Chuck Berry.

The Paper Crowns Electric Band is a 5-piece electric ensemble featuring Spiro and Nicole Nicolopoulos. The band’s songs are a medley of blues, psychedelic and Southern rock, folk and funk steeped in the tastiest traditions of Americana music. Known for its top-tier improvised jams, soulful harmonies and richly cultivated songwriting, it offers a show not to be missed.

Linda Conner is a Spartanburg singer and acoustic guitarist bringing renditions of country and classic rock. As an entertainer, she enjoys sharing a large mix of tunes that are familiar to the audience and encourages people to sing along. Some of her favorites include Linda Ronstadt, the Eagles, Marshal Tucker and more. In addition to her solo work, she keeps a busy schedule in the music world as lead singer in the popular Moore Junction Band.

Blues Underground is a variety band from the Rutherfordton area that plays rhythm and blues, funk and classic rock with a little country thrown in the mix. The group loves to bring the fun, sharing tunes from Fleetwood Mac to Joplin! Providing lead vocals is Stacy Rollins, who is backed up by Todd Rollins on guitar/vocals; Chuck Faile on bass guitar/vocals; and Richard Byrd on drums.

Esther Rose & Grey Wolf travels up the mountain from Traveler’s Rest to share some rock’n’roll favorites. Offering authentic performances, the band is guitar rhythms led by veteran musicians fronted by a charismatic young singer, Esther Rose. Joining her are guitarist Gary Davis, bassist Don Hartke, drummer Winston Claiborne, and keyboardist Wryley Bettis.

The Pace Brothers are a local brother duo, Jadon and Holden Pace. Together, the multi-instrumental, multi-talented vocalists bring some sweet harmonies to their eclectic catalogue of tunes. Whether they play in church or on the Saluda Outfitter stage, audiences are drawn to the Saluda natives’ music.

Next of Kin is one of Upstate South Carolina’s favorite multi-generational bands that brings vibes of soft rock, pop, blues, country and soul. Consisting of four seasoned musicians, all of whom were raised in musical households, the band has a set list of well-known tunes from the past sprinkled with more current day favorites. Their strong musicianship draws crowd interaction. Band mates Jason Martin, Adam Caston, Isaiah Caston and Russell Milner say they strive to leave the audience wanting more.

Seth and Sara are a husband/wife duo from the Asheville area that puts a unique touch on favorite Americana/rock/pop/country covers. Both singer/songwriters, the couple has produced some award-winning originals, as well. Seth Brand serves as lead vocalist and guitarist for the duo, while Sara backs him up on percussion and vocals.

The Shaun and Rich Duo is a combination of Shaun Mitchell and Rich Pocock from the band Take 3. Shaun is a vocalist that also plays harmonica and guitar and will be backed up by Rich on drums. The two will share some blues-based rock’n’roll tunes.

Borderline Therapy is that Landrum based rock’n’roll band that brings the crowd to its feet every time. This 5-piece ensemble of ultra-talented musicians has a flare for getting the audience involved in the performance. Their eclectic mix of the best generations of rock mixed with some old school country, provides a show that has a little something for everyone. Lead singer Reggie Fowler is backed by guitarists Ben Smith and Brady Caldwell with Michael Jackson on drums and Jason Martin on bass.

The JackTown Ramblers is a primarily bluegrass and string band that combines an eclectic performance with some swing and gypsy jazz arrangements. As one of the region’s most popular bluegrass bands, the Ramblers are known for their powerful instrumentation and vocals. Their shows include a lot of laughs. Don’t miss Gabriel Wiseman, Shannon Leasure, Brett Setzer and Mike Street and if you are lucky, the JTR autograph van.

Casey Ray is a young up and coming country singer/songwriter from Shelby. He fronts the Casey Ray Band and has been actively recording. He is known for bringing the true spirit of country music to life. If you enjoy hearing young talented artists, join Casey Ray for a Sunday funday

Echo Operative is a 5-piece party band hailing from Spartanburg. They primarily play rock, country and pop popular in the ‘70s to 2000s. The talented ensemble is led by a husband-and-wife team, Dr. Joseph Bocia, lead vocalist/guitarist and Dr. Sue Boscia, harmonica/vocals. Flushing out the team is Rob Gillum, drums, Chris Bryant, keyboard/harmony vocals, and Henry Steil, bass and harmony vocals.

Casey Ray Band hails from Shelby in Cleveland County and is a country rock band with four members. Casey Ray, a country singer/songwriter, fronts the band that brings a genuine sound and high energy performance. The group plays a good selection of country, southern rock, bluegrass and Christian music.

Izzy Hughes is an Asheville solo artist, originally from Hendersonville. Izzy began her music career while still in high school and has continued to develop her style after college where she majored in music and business production and currently works with WTZQ FM radio in Hendersonville. A singer/songwriter, she delivers youthful and energetic performances.

Craig St. John’s early evening New Year’s Eve show is open to the public at no charge during the dinner hours. This singer/songwriter is a virtual one-man show, offering up a wide variety of music and tremendous vocals. As a solo artist (and lead singer for the band Saints & Sinners), Craig never fails to draw the audience to the dance floor. He’ll be warming up the evening for the reservation only main event with the Carolina Players of Greenville.

The Carolina Players of Greenville will play a Reservations Only show for New Year’s Eve. The 6-piece party band who loves to dress in black tie, provides catchy melodies and soulful vocals reminiscent of the rich cultural legacy of Motown, mixing in some jazz, a little country and Americana. They will be focused on drawing dancers of all ages and styles to the floor, even shaggers and line dancers. Reservations are $35 single/$60 couple. Call now for reservations and more details at 828-848-4060.

One of the Upstate's favorite multi-generational bands, Next of Kin will take the stage to kick off the 2026 music season at Saluda Outfitters. The band offers soft rock, pop, blues, country and soul tunes. Join Jason, Adam, Isaiah and Russell for some great live music, free to the public.

Coming to you straight out of Five Points in Asheville are the Hillside Ramblers. Bringing together the talents of the award-winning singer-songwriter Deborah Silverstein, acclaimed guitarist Chris Cotteta and Maria Raiti on vocals and stand-up bass, the Hillside Ramblers will have you swinging from the melodies and lyrics of toe-tapping bluegrass and country standards to heavenly tunes, new to eager ears. Mesmerizing singer and lively fiddler, Tierra Raiti, will be joining the stage for a four-piece lineup that’ll fill your evening with high spirits and hypnotic sounds.