River Shook w/ Nathan James Hall
River Shook is an artist in constant evolution. After a decade spent making their mark oncountry music, River Shook is closing the door on their first project (Sarah Shook & the Disarmers) and entering an exciting new era, debuting as a solo artist. River’s reputation for writing strikingly honest and transformative lyrics and their penchant for tapping elements of indie rock and pop music have forever cemented them as a country artist who exists to energetically push the boundaries of their genre into the future. River has delivered high-energy performances with the Disarmers at major festivals like SXSW, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, Under The Big Sky, Pilgrimage, and the Long Road in the UK. They’ve supported Willie Nelson, Tyler Childers, Lucero, and the Indigo Girls. They’ve sold out headlining shows in venues from New York City to Los Angeles, from Barcelona to Stockholm, and many more. River’s “Talkin’ To Myself” was the theme song on the Apple TV+ show High Desert and two of their songs (“New Ways To Fail” and “Keep The Home Fires Burnin’”) were featured in the 2021 movie Lorelei, starring Pablo Schreiber and Jena Malone. River and the Disarmers will appear as themselves in the Kyle Gallner/Samara Weaving/Kyra Sedgwick upcoming film Carolina Caroline with several songs featured in the film as well. River will also appear as themself in an Ethan Hawke-directed/Rolling Stone-produced documentary about Merle Haggard alongside legends like Steve Earle, Phoebe Bridgers, and Willie Nelson, later this year. To promote the last Disarmers record Revelations, the New York Times ran a full artist profile on River Shook (the article appeared in print and online). Prior Disarmers releases garnered accolades from the likes of Rolling Stone, Billboard, Paste, PopMatters, No Depression, and the Wall Street Journal. The Disarmers’ sophomore album Years was named Best Rock Album of 2018 by the Chicago Tribune. When they’re not writing for their debut solo album, River is back on the road backed by a full band of heavy hitters, a growing collection of never-before-heard songs, and a sterling reputation for raw, emotionally charged performances. River continues to captivate audiences and connect with new fans with an unmistakable sound that appeals to a wide-spectrum of music fans: classic country purists, indie rockers, pop lovers, and beyond. Their handpicked band is stacked with badass talent and musical prowess, from the hypnotic drums to the ripping lead guitar, from the soul-grounding bass to the heart-soaring pedal steel. Onstage and off, River Shook isn’t just an artist – they’re a force of nature
McKinney, MAMA, and Grace Cambell
McKinney is a bass player and singer-songwriter. She spent her formative years in southern West Virginia where she literally LIVED inside a music school. Deeply incapable of leaving the Appalachian mountains, but needing an escape from her 6,000 person hometown, she landed right around the bend in Asheville, NC. When McKinney isn’t on stage you might find her teaching music lessons at LEAF Global Arts, working shows at The Orange Peel, or at lock on the rugby pitch. McKinney’s music genre is about as fluid as the average Asheville resident’s sexuality. Her Indie Pop sound is blended with influence from her blues singer mother, a BFA in Jazz, and the 8 year old version of herself that just wants to play classic rock. Although pinning down her genre may be hard, you can consistently expect sad lyrics. You will probably enjoy her lyricism if you are emotionally suppressed and enjoy listening to sad songs to make yourself feel better. MAMA is a Soul Shakin’ Blues project from Asheville, NC. Fronted by Melissa McKinney, a vocalist known for her raw power, emotional delivery, and genuine connection with her audience, the band is quickly making a name for themselves in the blues world. MAMA earned Second Place at the International Blues Challenge this year in Memphis, TN. They also won the Merlefest Band Competition in 2025. Beyond their accolades, Melissa is a leader in the Asheville arts community. She serves as Programming Director for LEAF Global Arts, is the co-founder of the WTF (Women to the Front) Music Festival, and a board member of AVL Fest.
An Evening With Possum Jenkins
Addison Johnson (album release show) w/ Greg Payne (The Piedmont Boys)
Blue Cactus with Molly & Kate
Rooted in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Blue Cactus got their start among the active honky-tonk circuit, developing an electrified twang that now branches out effortlessly into folk, alt-country, and psychedelic-tinged rock. Having released three records to critical acclaim, they have grown a cult following in the South and beyond, their introspective lyricism and blistering guitar techniques making the band potent in the studio and on stage. Their 2025 album Believer was hailed in Bandcamp’s Best New Country list and earned them slots on SXSW, Hopscotch Fest’s main stage opening for Geese and My Morning Jacket, and PBS’ new original series, Shaped By Sound. Blue Cactus have toured throughout the US, developing a dedicated cult following. From intimate clubs to major festival stages, Blue Cactus is known for connecting deeply with audiences wherever they go.
LIMN (album release show) w/ Being Followed and Wrist
Flat Iron Opry Featuring Carri Smithey Band wsg: Johnny Alright and Stevie Klinefelter
We’re starting a monthly residency with our buds in Carri Smithey Band. A Sunday matinee at 3pm with Carri Smithey Band and special guests! Bring the family and spend the day with us!
Sam Frazier and the Side Effects + Lemon Sparks
Dance From Above Mardi Gras Party
The Ain’t Sisters
Fun, eclectic folk rock. Fronted by the deliciously androgynous duo Arrie Bozeman and Barb Carbon, the Aints deliver high-energy performances of their wildly diverse original music. Joined by the hardest working men in rock n Roll, Richie Jones on the Boom Chick thwackita whackita, and Justin Boudreau, aka BooDreamy, masterfully holding down the rhythm section and making everybody swoon with their gorgeous licks. Think Indigo Girls meets Dream Theater but with a little Birdcloud in the mix. If ya ain’t sisters, what are ya?
