Music The Back Room
Please scroll down to see and hear the bands that are coming up in the next few weeks.

 Restaurant menu.

We serve "from scratch" soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta, seafood, steaks, and of course homemade desserts.

Thursday, February 4    8:30pm
Kristen Cothron Band

Look up chanteuse, and you just might find Kristen's picture.  Her voice is reminiscent of classic jazz singers, but the songs are edgy and smart and cut right across the lines in an interesting way.  Her musical influences range from Elvis Costello to Led Zeppelin to Patsy Cline and Nina Simone.  Although young by measure of years, she emits the soul of a veteran musician through her music, lyrics, and performance.
  Since the release of "Love Letters from a Fool" in May of 2006 Cothron has been touring regionally and is currently celebrating the release of her music video, "Dangerous."  Whether she's singing a jazz standard, a classic soul tune, or one of her eclectic original songs- Kristen's sound is undeniably her own.
"Cothron is a young singer-songwriter who uses her jazz trained alto to bring unusual dynamics to well-written, confessional material" - The Nashville Scene
   "...Tougher than Fiona Apple, edgier than Norah Jones, Cothron combines cabaret and indie rock as well as anyone since Elvis Costello." -The Memphis Playbook

www.myspace.com/KristenCothron
www.sonicbids.com/KristenCothron
www.youtube.com/KristenCothronMusic

Friday, February 5    9:00pm
Hudson K 

Saturday, February 6    9:00pm
The Fustics 

Hailing from Wilmington, NC The Fustics continue to expand their base along the eastern seaboard with spirited live performances, and constant studio recordings.  Set to release their third full-length album, The Fustics have captured audiences alike with a high-energy live show that incorporates an array of musical styles into the framework of their original compositions.  With a core focus on socio/political issues the band carries on the tradition of the traveling troubadour set to modern themes by infusing lyrics into their music that chronicle everyday life.  Voted Wilmington's "Best Original Rock Band" these poets of the of the underclass continue to create a sound that is as eclectic, as it is American.

www.myspace.com/thefustics
www.sonicbids.com/thefustics

Wednesday, February 10    7:30pm
Dinner Music with Steve Whiteside
followed by
            Open Mic Jam at 9:30
            with drink specials!!!

Friday, February 12    9:00pm
The Honey Dewdrops

The Honey Dewdrops tour nationally and released their debut record, If The Sun Will Shine, in May 2009.  They play original and American traditional acoustic music focusing on harmonies and complimenting instrumentation. It’s fresh, homegrown music with many and long roots. The Dewdrops are A Prairie Home Companion's 2008 talent show winners where they were featured on the show with a listening audience of 4 million. Additionally, they were selected as finalists in the 2009 Mountain Stage NewSong competition and most recently took 2nd place in the 31st annual Eddie's Attic Open-mic Shootout in Decatur, Georgia.

www.thehoneydewdrops.com
www.myspace.com/thehoneydewdrops
www.sonicbids.com/thehoneydewdropsmusic

Saturday, February 13    9:00pm
Mitch Barratt 

In a word Mitch Barrett is an “Appalachianfunkyrastafolksybluesman”,  a great songwriter and a mesmerizing performer.  As one of Kentucky’s most sought-after and talented singer  songwriter sons. His approach to lyrical storytelling is true ‘Americana’, rooted in authentic experience, not just a record label’s genre. Mitch’s music draws from his Appalachian heritage and the values it instilled: agrarian work ethic, simple living, the importance of family and celebrating the joys and the struggles of everyday life through music and song. 
A keen life observer and riveting performer, Mitch Barrett deftly laces thought-provoking subject matter with a satirist’s sense of wit and irony. Whether he’s leading a workshop, headlining a Performing Arts Center, or playing a large festival, Mitch takes his audience on an engaging journey, channeling the inner voice of a truck-stop waitress, a mountain boy seeking spirituality or a socially and environmentally-charged activist.    He is the;
WINNER Kerrville New Folk
WINNER Merlefest Songwriting Competition (twice awarded)
WINNER 2006 Rocky Mt. Festival Songwriting Contest
WINNER 2009 Telluride Troubadour Songwriting Competition 
Selected from over 500 applicants Mitch Barrett took 1st place in the Telluride

www.sonicbid.com/MitchBarrett
www.mitchbarrettmusic.com

Tuesday, February 16    6:30pm
Tony Campbell 

Originally hailing from Charleston,SC, Tony has been playing around the area for several years with a variety of musicians and can be seen with the group Ten Toe Turbo. Drawing on a wide range of influences, Tony plays an array of tunes and instrumentation featuring original music to deep classics. Come out and enjoy some good music to go withwith your fine dinner. 

Friday, February 19    9:00pm
The Swayback Sisters 

Laura Blackley and Lyndsay Wojcik, 2/3 of Asheville-based trio the Swayback Sisters, will perform at the Back Room on Friday, February 19 (as the Swayback Twins!)

http://www.myspace.com/laurablackley
http://www.cdbaby.com/blackley3


www.myspace.com/lyndsaywojcikband
http://cdbaby.com/cd/lyndsaywojcik2

Saturday, February 20    9:00pm
The Deluge

THE DELUGE features former members of Blue Bambooza (2002 New Nashville Music
Conference Featured Artist) and Old Stone Revue (Best Band 2008 by the Winston-Salem Journal). Formed in 2008, this group of veteran Triad-NC musicians put together an acoustic band with a blend of old time mountain music, jazz, country, bluegrass, soul, as well as, a mix of tempos and rhythms, THE DELUGE captures the essences of many styles of music. All members of this group are experienced, recognizable area musicians familiar with the roads and highways that connect the many live music venues of the Carolinas and surrounding states and have put what they have learned about music and life into a new experience for both listener and
performer. This vocally dynamic and acoustically diverse group features Brandon Knox on harmonica and vocals, Chris Lord on guitar, John Holder on bass, Shane Lee on guitar and vocals, and James
Bernabe on mandolin and vocals. These musicians have shared the stage with many of the top
artists in music todaover the past decade, including a recent opener for Sam Bush Band in August 2009 for a packed downtown Greensboro, NC crowd.

www.myspace.com/thedelugenc

Tuesday, February 23    6:30pm
Steve Whiteside

I have been a performing musician most of my life, beginning by singing and playing the acoustic guitar in church when I was nine years old. I began writing my own music as a teenager and later spent three years studying the classical guitar. Over the years I have learned many instruments and dappled in many genres including rock, country, blues, bluegrass, classical. These days, I play frequently with the Flat Rockers, Corinne Gooden, Carol Deurmit, the Hipnecks, Night Shift, WEIRDMOJO, Jesse Norton and as a soloist, and as a guest member of various groups. You can find me many Wednesday evening at the Back Room in Flat Rock hosting the Open Mic JAM!

www.myspace.com/stevewhitesidemusic 

Wednesday, February 24    7:30pm
Dinner Music with
followed by Open Mic Jam at 9:30
 

Friday, February 26    9:00pm
Leigh Glass Band

 The Leigh Glass Band began it's evolution in 2003. Singer/songwriter Leigh Glass changed her focus
from classical music and opera, to acoustic guitar and singing from the soul. She found a jazz guitar an
upright bass player, a rhythm guitarist, a rock and roll drummer and formed the band Voodoo Tavern in
2004. “Artists go through many changes when trying to find their true voice”, Leigh says.
    The sound changed as did the band members.  The new incarnation, The Leigh Glass Band is
infused with deep soul- singing, classic rock and roll, southern rock, delta blues, alternative country and
jazz. Her songs are original and they scratch a musical itch for her fans.
  The lyrics are based on Leigh's journeys, and are filled with beautiful, funny and sometimes eerie
imagery. Leigh loves a good ghost story. She has healed wounds of her own spirit through writing about
heartache and the human condition. The characters of the songs rise out of change with new wisdom and
occasional humor. Leigh's hometown paper wrote,"She has the husky voice of an early Cher and a Nancy
Sinatra attitude to boot.”
    The Leigh Glass Band distinguishes themselves in their musicianship and live shows. This is a
passionate tribe. Observers become participants, and fans become part of the family.
They consistently play festivals and venues in the southeast such as Bele Chere, Montford Arts
Festival and WNC Ribfest .

www.leighglassband.com
www.youtube.com/leighglass

Saturday, February 27,    9:00pm
The Last Call Band

The Last Call is a five piece folk/rock ensemble from Asheville N.C. with the charm of "The Avett Brothers",
the stage presence of "The Drop Kick Murphey's", and the song writting stylization of "The Band".
The line up includes:
Jeff Markham - Lead vocals, Guitar
Jon Darconte - Drums
Justin Lee - Banjo, Guitar, backing vocals
Johnathan Hamrick - Bass
Valerie Phillips - Lead and backing Vocals
The Last Call
is constantly touring and can be found online at these locations:

www.thelastcallmusic.com
www.sonicbids.com/thelastcall
www.myspace.com/jeffmarkhamandthelastcall
www.reverbnation.com/thelastcallmusic

Tuesday, March 2    6:30pm
Mike Guggino Italian Trio 

The Mike Guggino Trio consists of Mike, from The Steep Canyon Rangers, who plays mandolin, Nicky Sanders, also of The Steep Canyon Rangers, plays fiddle, and  Barrett Smith from Town Mountain will play guitar.

Friday, March 5    9:00pm
Honeycutters

The product of too much black coffee and not enough hugs, the Honeycutters (formerly the Bee's Knees) came together in the Spring of 2007. Since their first live performance at the Westville Pub in May of 07, when the band included only singer/songwriter Amanda Anne Platt and lead guitarist Peter James, they have steadily gained momentum, audience, and band members. Spencer Taylor (Mandolin), Ian Harrod (bass), and Mike Lott (drums) have been added to the mix, fleshing out the live sound and turning Amanda's soulful tunes into great dance numbers. With the release of their first studio album, "Irene", the group has begun to expand their listening area to the greater Southeast. Their original americana, ranging from country ballads to honky-a-billy and blues, is a memorable blend of catchy melody, skillful composition, and honest songwriting.  www.myspace.com/thehoneycutters

Dave Desmelik has established himself as an accomplished and rising singer/songwriter whose music might best be described as Americana or Alt/Country. Drawing upon influences from country to bluegrass to blues to rock n’ roll, Desmelik writes and performs a unique blend of songs.
“An unpretentious approach to songwriting and performance, gritty and generic without being predictable, Desmelik’s songs show an excellent range.” –americana-uk.com

www.davedesmelik.com

www.myspace.com/davedesmelik

Thursday, March 11    8:30pm
Union County 

"Harmony-driven Acoustic Rock"
All anyone has is their word....and southeast up-and-comers Union County choose theirs carefully. Union County started at Appalachian State University in 2005. Since then UC has shared the stage with national acts like Sister Hazel and they have released 2 full-length studio albums, one of them from the storied Dark Horse Studios in Franklin, TN. Alan and Steve found a home for their particular musical creations based on their mutual love of driving acoustic guitar, tight harmony, and poignant lyrics. Their influences include bands like Simon and Garfunkel, David Wilcox, Foo Fighters, and Sister Hazel. Union County is the result of years of living, learning, and loving. They provide energy-infused honest music all night long and they stick their harmonies to your ears with great care and accuracy. The band is from Boone, NC.

www.myspace.com/unioncounty

Wednesday, March 17    7:30pm
Dinner Music with
       followed by
       Open Mic Jam at 9:30
       with drink specials!!!

Thursday, March 18    8:30pm
Herb & Hanson

Acoustic Duo of Destruction, have been working hard to substantiate themselves as a premiere act in the growing climate of acoustic roots music over the past four years. Recognition is growing from New York City to North Carolina and beyond through their non-stop touring and performing.
In 2000, Herb Manila (mandolin and guitar) and Michael Hanson (guitar) began performing at various open mics and smaller music venues. With a short list of original compositions, they leaned heavily on their various influences, ranging from The Grateful Dead and Bob Dylan, to Robert Johnson and Bill Monroe. In early 2001, they released their first record, self titled, showcasing ear opening examples of what this duo is capable of. Over time, their song writing and musicianship grew by leaps and bounds, creating a unique style that blends traditional stylings with their contemporary voices. Over the next few years, a small cult crowd turned into a loyal local following in the Washington DC area.
In 2005 the Duo decided to hit the road full time, constantly expanding their touring radius in the Mid Atlantic region. They released their second studio record, The Whiskey Fund, the following year. Showcasing their strong development, this album is undefinable in terms of genre. Rags, blues, bluegrass, ballads, folk rock...All can be found on this exhilarating record. Met with praise from fans and critics alike, The Whiskey fund has continued to be played on acoustic music programs across the east cost.
At present time, Herb & Hanson are working on three recording projects, relentlessly touring, and maintain positions as Artists In Residence at the Strathmore Music Facility in Bethesda, MD.
www.herbandhanson.com

Friday, March 19    9:00pm
Ten Toe Turbo

Ten Toe Turbo brings together an entertaining mix of various musical styles and instrumentation. They feature the musical trynamics of Tony Campbell and Heath Patrick on guitars, bass, mandolin, and vocals with Isaac Wells on percussion. Joined by an assortment of musical guests, this funkadelic sound blends the rhythm of reggae, the ride of rockabilly, puts some hip to the hop and the roll to the rock. Come on out for a good time and great music! 
 
 

Saturday, March 20    9:00pm
Brian Mcgee and the Hollow Speed

Having spent his musical adolescence in Pennsylvanian punk rock trio Plow United, Brian McGee is not the most natural figurehead for a movement of new Americana. However, having spent the last ten years in Western North Carolina and immersing himself in the rich roots sound of the area, the musician has altered his songwriting palette and taken to fusing his punk rock heritage to some raw country sounds. The result is a blue-collar line in melodic country rock that sounds like the bastard love child of Guthrie and Springsteen.
His self-titled 2008 release, “BRIAN MCGEE & THE HOLLOW SPEED,” blends old-school country romps (Keep On Going) and doses of country-pop (Clouded Glass) with more hooks than a fisherman’s hat. The album maintains the same gritty, rockabilly speed across its entire first half, with the help of Transylvania County Fiddler, Darin Gentry. Further into the album and McGee's punk root's become more prevalent. It's evident in the music's unrelenting thrust and is equal parts rabble-rousing and poignant. This is music for beer-drinking, hard-living, American everymen and it's a joyful thrill ride from beginning to end.
Brian McGee & The Hollow Speed are on the road in support of their self-titled record, with tours taking them all over the East Coast. McGee is also playing solo shows with other Asheville songwriters for itimate "in-the-round" concerts. The band has shared the stage with THE EVERYBODYFIELDS, BLUE MOUNTAIN, JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE, TWO DOLLAR PISTOLS, ANDY FRIEDMAN & THE OTHER FAILURES, GILL LANDRY, IAN THOMAS, THE DIXIE BEE-LINERS...to name a few.

Tuesday, March 23    6:30pm
Steve Whiteside

I have been a performing musician most of my life, beginning by singing and playing the acoustic guitar in church when I was nine years old. I began writing my own music as a teenager and later spent three years studying the classical guitar. Over the years I have learned many instruments and dappled in many genres including rock, country, blues, bluegrass, classical. These days, I play frequently with the Flat Rockers, Corinne Gooden, Carol Deurmit, the Hipnecks, Night Shift, WEIRDMOJO, Jesse Norton and as a soloist, and as a guest member of various groups. You can find me many Wednesday evening at the Back Room in Flat Rock hosting the Open Mic JAM!

www.myspace.com/stevewhitesidemusic