The Purple Onion

Cowboy Judy Xmas Extravaganza
2026-07-25 17:35 UTC | The Purple Onion, 16 E Main St, Saluda, NC, 28773, United States
A return performance quickly becoming a tradition at the Purple Onion, this energetic group of ladies is an event you don’t want to miss. Cowboy Judy always brings the show to, well, every show they perform. Couple their infectious stage presence, melodic songs, and penchant for grooving tunes you can’t sit still to? Exhilarating. Throw in some holiday cheer and festive motifs? Pure Magic.
Female fronted super group, Cowboy Judy (formally Sweet Claudette,) is the bringing together of worlds, in the best of ways. Singing an upbeat hybrid of country and motown, you would be hard pressed to find another group as gifted with their harmonies and charisma as you have here.

Highway 52
2026-07-25 17:35
Highway 52 is an acoustic Blues and Americana group that includes four seasoned, local musicians. Playing Blues and Americana favorites, as well as some more eclectic covers and originals, the band knows how to get a room thumping and singing along. Band members are Bill Loftus on guitar/harmonica/vocals; Mike ‘Country’ Carver, guitar/vocals; Paul McIntire, electric violin; and Lauren Bandy, standup and electric bass.

A Tale Of Two
2026-07-25 17:35
This storytelling Americana blues duo blends the sultry jazz vocals of Stephanie Adlington with the swampy guitar stylings of Aaron Lessard. Known for their Southern-Gothic charm and cinematic flair, A Tale of Two crafts vivid, intimate tales of love, loss, and longing. Their vintage-inspired sound bridges folk, blues, and roots traditions, earning them a spotlight at AmericanaFest and acclaim as “blues arias with soul, intrigue and power.” Their dynamic chemistry on stage captivates audiences, creating a live show that feels as timeless as it is emotionally raw.

Shane Meade
2026-07-25 17:35
Shane Meade is a gifted singer-songwriter whose soulful blend of folk, rock, and Americana has earned him a loyal following throughout the Southeast. Whether performing solo or with his band, Shane Meade & the Sound, he delivers heartfelt originals, uplifting lyrics, and feel-good grooves that create an instant connection with every audience. His warm vocals, honest songwriting, and engaging stage presence turn every performance into an unforgettable evening of music that inspires, entertains, and brings people

Cowboy Judy
2026-07-25 17:35
Cowboy Judy is Western North Carolina’s premier Country-Motown supergroup, blending rich harmonies, heartfelt songwriting, and irresistible charm into every performance. Featuring regional favorites Amanda Anne Platt, Amber Sankaran, Dulci Ellenberger, and Melissa Hyman, the band creates a sound that effortlessly weaves country, folk, soul, and Americana into an unforgettable live experience. With equal parts humor, musicianship, and genuine connection, Cowboy Judy delivers a show that will have you laughing, singing along, and dancing from the first song to the last.

Fancy and The Gentlemen
2026-07-25 17:35
An alt-country and honky tonk band based out of Asheville, NC, Fancy and the Gentlemen plays down home roots style originals while paying homage to the greats of country music from the 40s to the 80s. Featuring rich harmonies and family style tele, Fancy Marie leads the band with crisp clear vocals twinged with the stylings of your favorite 60s country starlet. Accompanied by an upright bass, fiddle, keys, pedal steel, and drums, Fancy and The Gentlemen will move your feet just as much as your heartstrings.

Clay & Isla
2026-07-25 17:35
A rare solo evening with Clay Ross, two-time Grammy winner and founder of Ranky Tanky and American Patchwork Quartet. At The Purple Onion, Clay shares the stage with his daughter Isla, a young violinist and vocalist, for a set that moves between jazz standards, American folk tunes, and classical pieces. Casual, family-friendly, and built around the music they play together at home.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast Acoustic Duo
2026-07-25 17:35
Fronted by powerhouse vocalist Caitlin Krisko, this acoustic duo strips the band’s electrifying soul-rock sound down to its raw, emotional core. Known for fiery stage presence and blues-soaked vocals, Krisko blends Southern rock grit with deep soul and heartfelt storytelling. In this intimate format, every lyric lands and every note resonates—offering a stirring, up-close take on the dynamic sound that’s earned The Broadcast a devoted following across the Southeast.

Jackson Grimm's Old Time Machine
2026-07-25 17:35
Jackson Grimm marries folk pop melodies with the lonesome sound of traditional Appalachian music. In a region with a strong music culture, it is no surprise that Grimm’s songwriting is representative of his musical birthplace: Asheville, NC. His songs run the gambit from an homage to a traditional country waltz to a drunken partygrass song à la Old Crow Medicine Show.

Rudy’s Bluegrass Revue
2026-07-25 17:35
Rudy’s Bluegrass Revue delivers a health and happiness show, with upbeat songs and positive energy. Five-time, Four Corner States, banjo champion, Rudy is a singer/songwriter, as well as multi-instrumentalist on banjo, guitar, mandolin, and fiddle. ​Rudy’s music spans a variety of​ original compositions, from bluegrass, rhythm & roots, Americana/country, classical, to world chants. The nucleus of the band includes Rudy Cortese and Elizabeth Kronlage on harmony vocals, tenor guitar, cello. The award winning duo presents a traditional and energetic bluegrass mountain experience.

Michael Flynn
2026-07-25 17:35
Michael Flynn is an Americana-adjacent singer/songwriter based in western NC. Though some have likened his style to that of the “Neo-pop” genre. Either way, his music is appealing in its ability to take you on a journey. One moment you will be chuckling along with a quirky turn of phrase and the next closing your eyes to the somber tones flowing from both piano and Flynn’s vocals. There is no denying Flynn’s talent, with songs featured on shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Shameless, and not to mention his numerous awards. Lyrically strong, intimately beautiful, and full of varied song craft, Flynn’s music is playful even when it hurts, bright when it’s bruising, and as catchy as it is clever. In short, his music is like life, a full experience.

Darrin Hacquard
2026-07-25 17:35
Darrin Hacquard is a balladeer of bad decisions hailing from Huntington, WV. Darrin is the soundtrack to doing something you’ll regret, and the repercussions you’ve earned. From being in a string band with acclaimed singer-songwriter John R. Miller, to stints in county lock-up and rehab, to grinding his songs out on the Appalachian songwriter circuit, Darrin’s latest record “Weights & Measures” is the culmination of hard-living, harder work, and honest autobiographical songwriting that admits to life experiences many have but are seldom shared.

The Feels
2026-07-25 17:35
The Feels brings a vibrant blend of Soul, R&B, Funk, and groove-driven rhythms wrapped in warm retro vibes and infectious energy. Fronted by singer-songwriters Lange Eve and Sarah Roberts, the five-piece group delivers heartfelt originals, rich harmonies, and feel-good chemistry that only comes from years of making music together. Backed by Matt Gardner on lead guitar, Brian Grasso on bass, and Matthew Roberts on drums—plus the occasional surprise guest—The Feels creates an uplifting live show full of soulful grooves, deep musicianship, and joyful connection.

Funky Junk Joy Peddlers
2026-07-25 17:35
Funky Junk Joy Peddlers, formerly known as The Shana Blake Band, is an innovative new take on the classic soul cover band. A Purple Onion favorite, the band’s sound is filled with energetic, danceable music of the Motown era through current hits. Throwing in deeper cuts you know and love from R&B, soul, and funk favorites. The group will have you grooving in your seats and keep you smiling with their infectious, upbeat vibes.

Peggy Ratusz Trio
2026-07-25 17:35
A tambourine totin’ Blues Chanteuse named Peggy Ratusz and her Trio perform an infectious, sultry, multi-layered brand of original, traditional and modern Blues, Soul, R&B, and Jazz. She and her backing bands are particularly impressive during live performances where audiences witness her very core as it shines and is inspired by the rhythm, the melodies and content of the stories she tells.
