Tim McWilliams
2026-05-21 19:30 - 21:30 UTC | The Purple Onion, 16 E Main St, Saluda, NC, 28773, United States
Tim McWilliams is a storyteller at heart, blending Americana, folk, and roots rock into songs that feel lived-in and honest. With a warm, expressive voice and thoughtful songwriting, he captures everyday moments and turns them into something quietly powerful. Whether delivering a driving, rhythm-filled tune or a reflective ballad, McWilliams connects with audiences through authenticity, strong musicianship, and lyrics that linger long after the last chord fades.

Thunder and Rain
2026-05-23 20:00 - 22:00
Thunder and Rain is an Newgrass Americana band based in Nashville. The band weaves together bluegrass instruments in original songs inspired by pop, country, rock and old time. Rich three part harmony supports the memorable choruses and storytelling lyricism. With her clear, angelic voice and memorable pop/country melodies, Erinn Peet Lukes leads her band Thunder and Rain. The acoustic outfit, composed of Laura Ray on banjo and Amelia Ransom on fiddle, executes LukesÕ songs with expert bluegrass-style picking and skilled dynamics. The women-led outfit delivers a powerful performance with skill and heart.

Alma Russ
2026-05-28 19:30 - 21:30
Alma (say it like Alamo) is a vocalist, songwriter, and musician out of Western North Carolina. She plays patchwork music: country, folk, and Appalachian roots sewn together to make something unique. Songwriting is cheaper than therapy, and old songs make her happy. She fell in love with mountain culture and heritage – especially the music Ð at a young age. She remembers frolicking around the yard as a kid, singing Scotch-Irish murder ballads, passed down through generations; songs about old-true loves and murders. Music has taken her lots of places, from the hometown bars, to church, to the highway. Music continues to give her stories to tell.

Alien Music Club Trio
2026-05-30 20:00 - 22:00
The Alien Music Club Trio delivers a cosmic blend of blues, jazz, and indie pop with fearless originality and top-tier musicianship. Led by the ever-creative Jonathan Pearlman, this scaled-down lineup keeps all the adventurous spirit of the full band while leaning into tight interplay and spontaneous grooves. Expect unexpected covers, quirky originals, and a sound that travels from smoky jazz club cool to outer-space explorationÑall in one unforgettable night.

Seth Walker
2026-05-31 19:00 - 21:00
Over the past 15 years, Seth Walker has become recognized as one of the most revered modern roots artists in the United States; a three dimensional talent comprised by a gift for combining melody and lyric alongside a rich, Gospel-drenched, Southern-inflected voice with a true blue knack for getting around on the guitar. Having lived all along the East Coast, heÕs used those experiences imparted by many heritages wisely, soaking up the sounds and absorbing the musical lineage of these varied places. With a bluesmanÕs respect for roots and tradition, coupled with an appreciation forÑand successful melding ofÑcontemporary songwriting, Seth sublimely incorporates a range of styles with warmth and grace.

Ettore Buzzini
2026-06-04 19:30 - 21:30
Internationally acclaimed guitarist Ettore Buzzini brings masterful technique and expressive artistry to every performance. Trained in the rich traditions of European classical music, BuzziniÕs playing is both precise and deeply emotiveÑmoving effortlessly from delicate, intricate passages to bold, dynamic crescendos. His concerts are intimate journeys through timeless repertoire, delivered with passion, grace, and a touch of old-world elegance that lingers long after the final note.

No Man's Band
2026-06-06 20:00 - 22:00
No ManÕs Band is an Asheville-based trio featuring Christina Chandler on guitar, Melissa Hyman on bass, and Marisa Blake on drums. Blending blues, Americana, and soul, the band brings a raw, feel-good mix of covers and originals with easy groove, grit, and plenty of heart. Their sound is loose, lively, and full of good vibesÑmusic made for settling in, singing along, and letting the night unfold.

Elliot Poston
2026-06-08 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-08-06 19:30 - 21:30
Meet Elliot Poston, the real deal in modern country music. Hailing from the heart of South Carolina, Elliot is quickly proving why authenticity and hard work are the next big things in the genre. Blending traditional country heart with a powerful, modern sound, his music is a genuine tribute to faith, family, and southern values—the very foundation of country music.

Holler Choir
2026-06-11 19:30 - 21:30
Holler Choir brings AshevilleÕs mountain sound into vivid new territory, led by multi-instrumentalists and songwriters Clint Roberts and Jackson Grimm. Their music blends Appalachian indie-pop with old-time, Americana, and bluegrass roots, layering haunting harmonies, stirring strings, and heart-wrenching ballads into something deeply felt and hard to pin down. With a rotating cast of gifted Appalachian musicians, Holler Choir creates performances that feel both timeless and freshly alive.

Fayssoux McLean and Brandon Turner
2026-06-13 20:00 - 22:00
Fayssoux McLean and Brandon Turner create a sound that is both timeless and deeply rooted in Southern tradition. Fayssoux, once hailed by Emmylou Harris as one of country musicÕs Òbest singers,Ó brings a pure, soulful voice that has graced classic recordings and continues to captivate with its warmth and grace. Guitarist Brandon Turner complements her perfectly, adding dazzling musicianship and sensitive accompaniment that elevates every performance. Together they blend folk, country, and bluegrass influences into music that feels as familiar as an old friend while still carrying the spark of discovery. Their songs and harmonies invite listeners into an intimate space where heart and craft meet.

MŽnage
2026-06-18 19:30 - 21:30
MŽnage is a swing/soul/roots band. Original members Mary Ellen Bush and Sarah McDonald are now joined by Melissa Hyman to create a sound that is intimate, harmonic, and invokes melodic landscapes of our hills. Folk-rooted, the trio will take you on a journey unlike most, where bluesy swing is conveyed in rolling grooves ranging from rich smokey vocal textures to rambunctious roadhouse to whimsical. Sweet harmonies and distinct songwriting are the backbone of this band’s novel style. Solid stringed riffs laced with distant artful flashes of harmonica and accordion are siren songs to those lucky enough to be within earshot. The songwriting and the talent of this trio/duo will draw you in, and bring you back to see them again

Lonesome Road Band
2026-06-20 20:00 - 22:00
The Lonesome Road Band regularly travels as a three piece group, featuring banjo, guitar, and bass. In a nutshell, the band plays country and folk, but that wonderfully rustic country that walks you down a dirt road, with a pleasant breeze tickling your face, while the grasshoppers chirp. Founded back in 1995, the band has gone through a few changes in members, but has never lost its heart and soul Ð thanks in abundance to its founder Larry Keith. The charming yet stark fervency of The Lonesome Road BandÕs music instantly takes audiences back to a time where songs told the world of manÕs great love and great sorrows. Huddled around a vintage mic, the group would be right at home next to the Soggy Bottom Boys in ÒO Brother Where Art Thou.Ó

Redbud
2026-06-25 19:30 - 21:30
With stunning harmonies, infectious melodies, and driving rhythms, Redbud brings both reverence and innovation to their sound. The group features Lucas Ward on guitar, Griffin Decker on mandolin, Addy Quinn on fiddle, and Dayne Watson on banjo. Together, they create music that is both timeless and freshÑfilled with grit, grace, and the kind of chemistry that lights up a stage. From toe-tapping barn burners to heartfelt ballads, Redbud delivers performances that captivate and uplift.

The Jesse Williams Band
2026-06-27 20:00 - 22:00
Singer/songwriter and guitarist Jesse Williams delivers a rich blend of Blues, Soul, and mountain-born storytelling. Raised in North Georgia, her music simmers with smoky vocals, earthy lyricism, and deep emotional honesty. Backed by groove-driven guitar work and rhythms that lean into feeling over flash, Jesse creates performances that are both grounding and soulful. Her songs wander through lifeÕs twists and turns with warmth, grit, and spiritÑoffering listeners an intimate experience that lingers long after the final note.

Time Sawyer
2026-07-02 19:30 - 21:30
Time SawyerÕs name reflects the pull between the past and the future. The character Tom Sawyer evokes the rural background and love of home that the band shares. Time is a muse for songwriting; itÕs the thread that runs through life, bringing new experiences and giving us a sense of urgency, while still connecting us with our past. A folk-rock band whose songs call out the attitudes and behaviors that lead to our divisions Ð the way that we show understanding to our friends and family, without thinking about how folks outside our social circle are experiencing their own problems, and are, at heart, just like us.

Passerine
2026-07-04 20:00 - 22:00
Passerine brings a fresh, genre-blurring approach to folk and bluegrass, weaving together rich harmonies, dynamic instrumentation, and a modern Americana spirit. Their performances move effortlessly from tender ballads to edgier, high-energy originals, balancing tradition with fearless creativity. Rooted in acoustic storytelling yet unbound by expectation, Passerine crafts a sound that feels both timeless and adventurousÑinviting listeners into songs filled with heart, grit, and a touch of wanderlust.

Nicholas Edward Williams
2026-07-09 19:30 - 21:30
Nicholas Edward Williams is a folk musician, multi-instrumentalist, and self-described flame-keeper Ñ a man who has spent years on the road tracing American music back to its roots and playing it forward. Blending Piedmont blues fingerpicking, old-time, ragtime, and early country with a voice that rolls like a mountain stream, Williams doesn’t simply perform these songs Ñ he resurrects them. His critically acclaimed recordings have charted internationally, and as the host of the roots music history podcast American Songcatcher, his dedication to preservation runs bone-deep. Live, it’s the intimacy that leaves its mark: one voice, a well-worn guitar, and a set of songs that feel like they’ve always existed.

Michael Flynn
2026-07-16 19:30 - 21:30
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.

The Feels
2026-07-18 20:00 - 22:00
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.

Darrin Hacquard
2026-07-23 19:30 - 21:30
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.

Funky Junk Joy Peddlers
2026-07-25 20:00 - 22:00
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.

Nikki Talley
2026-08-01 20:00 - 22:00
Talley is an award winning vocalist & songwriter. Nikki’s powerful and beautiful voice, often accompanied by Jason’s – husband- lush guitar tones, create a complete rustic sound. Nikki plays guitar as well as mountain clawhammer banjo while Jason accompanies her on guitar and sings harmony. At its core, Nikki Talley’s sound is wonderfully rural and heartfelt; Country belonging to Nashville and the likes of Johnny Cash. Yet, Talley’s style goes beyond just traditional Country. Bridging the sounds of Country and Americana Root music, she flows flawlessly between styles while bringing raw energy to her shows. Her powerful vocals and heart wrenching lyrics twist around you and bring you home at the same time.

Kellin Watson
2026-08-08 20:00 - 22:00
Kellin Watson brings a soulful blend of folk, blues, pop, and Americana to every performance, pairing heartfelt songwriting with a warm, expressive voice that has captivated audiences across the country. A North Carolina native, she has spent decades crafting music rooted in Appalachian tradition while embracing contemporary influences. Her albums, including Paper Bird, No Static, and Halo of Blue, showcase thoughtful lyrics, memorable melodies, and collaborations with acclaimed musicians. Whether delivering an intimate acoustic set or a full-band performance, Kellin creates an evening filled with authenticity, emotion, and songs that linger long after the final note.

Jackson Grimm's Old Time Machine
2026-08-13 19:30 - 21:30
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.

Peggy Ratusz Trio
2026-08-15 20:00 - 22:00
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.

Cowboy Judy
2026-08-20 19:30 - 21:30
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
2026-08-22 20:00 - 22:00
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
2026-08-27 19:30 - 21:30
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
2026-08-29 20:00 - 22:00
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.
