Happy New Year to all music lovers in Hendersonville and the surrounding area! It will be almost two years since we had to find creative ways to hear the music of local artists. We zoomed in; attended concerts online; sitting outside, far apart, wearing masks; and, sometimes, just done without. Other times, we decided to take the risk.
Sadly, with the Omicron variant raging across the globe, 2022 doesn’t look much better, but we’re better able to cope. Wearing a mask during a whole musical performance can be a headache (talk about bad breath!), But you get used to it (not really). Local venues have been accommodating, adding outdoor seating, providing free masks, and limiting attendance. Musicians have also adapted, sometimes wearing masks on stage. Remember when COVID first arrived on the scene and we had visions of the virus spewing out of singers’ mouths? Not a pretty thought, but a real concern for those who like to sit in the front row.
I’ve never been the type to make New Year’s resolutions that I can’t keep, but this year I promise to be more understanding of other people’s issues. As for live music in Hendo, I will accept and not get upset when I am denied entry to a musical event because I forgot my proof of vaccination. I learned this lesson the hard way: I now carry my paper proof in my wallet and have added a photo of it to my smartphone. I will continue to step aside and let other people walk beside me, instead of having unnecessary body contact. I will continue to wash my hands, even if my hands are chapped. And, I will continue to nod and wave my hand, instead of shaking my hand. I’m not a hug, and you’re not happy?
All things considered, it’s the last weekend of 2021 and the first of 2022, and the New Year needs to be celebrated with at least some music. Research on local party opportunities reveals that many people want to dance to make a fresh start. There are some pretty cool parties that will have DJs spinning tunes, instead of having live musicians. We will not hold music recorded against anyone – this year.
One of the biggest live music events is – sorry – already sold out: Lazrluvr in Oklawaha. People really love these ’80s tunes, performed by WNC’s best collection of musicians. But there are a few other options. The canoe organizes a masquerade with Graywinds. If you want to rock this is the place to be this Friday night. Awake in the Dream will be in Dry Falls for a slumber party. The Poe House will host ImiJ of Soul, opening with the acoustic blues of Bill Atman. And the Super ’60s will have you dancing the night away at Point Lookout Vineyards. But before you go, check out each location for more details: some have cover charges and meals.
Come Saturday, your sore head might appreciate something a little more calming. There is a lot of live music on the first day of the new year.
Pay attention, all of you. Let’s party responsibly, and here’s some live music in Hendo in 2022!
Appalachian Ridge Craft Hard Cider
749 Chestnut Gap Road, Hendersonville
Saturday January 1, 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Zach Meadows, acoustic, singer, songwriter, alternative folk and country, covers and originals
Sunday January 2, 2:30 p.m., Hummingtree Band, three older men with strings, Dave Miles, Earl Turner and Randy Wykoff, troubadours from WNC and the Carolinas
Scorched Shirt Vineyards
2695 Sugarloaf Road, Hendersonville
Friday December 31 3 p.m.-6 p.m., Seth and Sara, traveling and singing duo, covers and originals
Saturday January 1, 2 p.m.-5 p.m., Wayne Taylor, orchestra of four, bluegrass, based in North Carolina
Sunday January 2, 2 p.m.-5 p.m., Roots and Dore, blues, soul, rock, based in Asheville
Continuum ART
147 Suite C, 1st Avenue E., Hendersonville
Saturday, Jan. 1, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., 5th Annual Russ Wilson New Years Hangover Party, big band, dancing, $ 15
Dry Falls Brewery
425 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville
Friday December 31, 8 p.m., Awake in the Dream, rock group for four, pop, covers and originals
Guidon Brewery
415 8th Avenue East, Hendersonville
Saturday January 1, 6-8 p.m., Bill Loftus and Donald Yelton, singers, guitarists
Oklawaha Brewing Company
147 1st Avenue E. Hendersonville
Thursday, December 30, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., The Maggie Valley Band, Sisters Whitney and Caroline Miller, dark music from the Appalachians, originals
Friday December 31, 9:00 p.m. – 12:15 p.m. Lazrluvr, 80s rock band, several of the best musicians in the WNC, sold out
Point Lookout Wineries
408 Appleola Road, Hendersonville
Friday, December 31, 6:30 p.m., The Super ’60s, party and dance group, dinner, $ 90
The Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards
588 Chestnut Gap Road, Hendersonviller
Saturday January 1 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Bob Zullo, singer, guitarist
Sawyer Springs Vineyard
124 Sandy Hill Lane, Hendersonville
Saturday January 1, 2 p.m.-5 p.m., Myron Hyman, soloist, singer, guitarist, easy listening, rock, country, covers
Sierra Nevada Mill River
100 Sierra Nevada Road, Mills River
Sunday January 2, 2 p.m.-5 p.m., Eric Congdon, singer, songwriter, guitarist
Southern Appalachian Brewery
822, rue Locust, Ste. 100, Hendersonville
Thursday December 30, 6-8 p.m., Trophy Husbands, five WNC friends making music
Sunday January 2, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Dan Keller, all jazz
South Rock Sports Grill
830 Greenville Hwy, Hendersonville
Friday December 31, 8 p.m., Fine Line, rock band
Stone Ashe Vineyard
736 Green Mountain Road, Hendersonville
Friday December 31, 2 p.m.-5 p.m., Izzi Hughes, local musician, singer, guitarist, eclectic
The 2nd Act coffee, wine and craft beer bar
101 E. Allen Street, Hendersonville
Thursday December 30, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Izzi Hughes, local musician, singer, guitarist, eclectic
The Dugout Sports Bar & Taphouse
430 N. Main St., Hendersonville
Thursday December 31 from 8 p.m. to midnight, open jam
Friday, December 31 from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., New Year’s Eve masquerade party with Graywind, classic rock dance group, $ 20
Saturday January 1, 7 p.m., Ricky Gunter, singer, songwriter, country
The Poé House
105 1st Avenue West, Hendersonville
Friday December 31 7 p.m.-midnight, ImiJ of Soul, tribute to Jimi Hendrix
Triskele brewing company
340 7th Avenue East, Hendersonville
Saturday January 1, 7-10 p.m., Izzi Hughes, local musician, singer, guitarist, eclectic
Want to be included in âLive Music? »Email your information to Steve Wong at [email protected] by 8:00 am Monday for upcoming Thursday-Sunday. Remember to send details about your performers along with a good high resolution photo.