The Purple Onion

Paper Crowns
2026-09-03 19:30 - 21:30 UTC | The Purple Onion, 16 E Main St, Saluda, NC, 28773, United States
The Paper Crowns are the multi-instrument, genre crossing power duo of Spiro and Nicole Nicolopoulos. The Paper Crowns are earning their reputation as the genuine article and as a band on the cutting edge of modern roots music. Their musical chemistry is a gumbo of Appalachian folk and bluegrass, Dixieland melodies, delta blues, acid rock, murder ballads, outlaw country and Southern Gospel that they cook up into a sound all their own. As a duo they have a full band sound with drums, bass, acoustic and electric guitars and banjo as well as live looping on the spot compositions. Their mix of modern and traditional performance creates a captivating intensity yet always honors their intimacy and emotional rawness as a duo.

Phantom Clutch
2026-09-10 19:30 - 21:30
Phantom Clutch brings together some of Western North Carolina’s most accomplished musicians for a fresh take on roots rock, Americana, and country-infused originals. Fronted by Ryan Furstenberg of The Moon & You, alongside Andrew Platt, Jackson Dulaney, and an all-star lineup, the band delivers rich harmonies, standout musicianship, and songs that feel both timeless and new. Whether laying into driving rock grooves or stripped-down acoustic moments, Phantom Clutch creates a performance that’s soulful, dynamic, and built for music lovers.

Ryan Taylor Price
2026-09-12 20:00 - 22:00
Ryan Taylor Price crafts richly layered Americana with a songwriter’s precision and a roots musician’s soul. His album The Axe & The Tree blends pedal steel, mandolin, and warm folk-rock textures into songs that feel both cinematic and deeply personal. With a voice that carries grit and grace in equal measure, Price leans into thoughtful lyrics, strong melodies, and dynamic arrangements that move from intimate acoustic moments to sweeping, full-band sound. Honest, resonant, and beautifully crafted—his music lingers long after the last chord fades.

Highway 52
2026-09-19 20:00 - 22:00
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
2026-09-24 19:30 - 21:30
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
2026-09-26 20:00 - 22:00
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

I See Hawks in L.A.
2026-10-01 19:30 - 21:30
I See Hawks in L.A. have spent more than two decades redefining Americana with their signature blend of alt-country, folk, bluegrass, and psychedelic country rock. Hailing from Southern California, the acclaimed band is known for rich vocal harmonies, masterful musicianship, and thoughtful songwriting that celebrates the open road, the natural world, and the characters who inhabit it. With ten critically acclaimed albums and performances across the U.S. and Europe, I See Hawks in L.A. deliver a captivating live show that is equal parts timeless storytelling and adventurous musical exploration.

Eternally Grateful
2026-10-10 20:00 - 22:00
Eternally Grateful is a dynamic band mainly operating as an acoustic guitar and upright bass duo. Their live shows combine influences from different generations in American music to create a timeless, captivating and distinctive style. Working to quickly become a staple on the Charlotte, NC music scene, they have played over 200 shows since 2023. Complemented by the eclectic mastery of Ben Williams on upright bass, and completed by the prolific songwriting and virtuosic talents of Cooper Pearce on guitar/vocals, Eternally Grateful strives to make a true connection with their audiences and is a must see act for any music lover.

Cowboy Judy Xmas Extravaganza
2026-12-13 19:00 - 21:00
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.
