The Purple Onion

Carver, Carmody & McIntire (Farewell Mare!)
2024-09-12 19:30 - 21:30 UTC | The Purple Onion, 16 E Main St, Saluda, NC, 28773, United States
Roots music? Country blues? Americana? You be the judge. Michael “Country” Carver and Mare Carmody discovered a kindred musical spirit upon meeting during a Hendersonville song circle, along with a mutual love of fried green tomatoes. Their voices and guitar styles come together with a blend of grit and honey, covering classics, original songs, and a few unexpected gems too. Always aiming to have a good time, the acoustic bluesy and country tunes will lift your spirits and as well as pull you in deep.

Lonesome Road Band
2024-09-07 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 – thanks in abundance to its founder Larry Keith. The charming yet stark fervency of The Lonesome Road Band’s music instantly takes audiences back to a time where songs told the world of man’s great love and great sorrows. Huddled around a vintage mic, the group would be right at home next to the Soggy Bottom Boys in “O Brother Where Art Thou.”

Brother and The Hayes Acoustic
2024-09-05 19:30 - 21:30
Brother and The Hayes is a sibling led, Americana/folk band based in Tennessee. David (Brother) and Jennie Hayes (The Hayes) found that their love for the blues, traditional country music, and bluegrass was the perfect vehicle for their playful, honest, and story-driven songwriting. You would be hard pressed to find a band that writes more authentically and has more fun playing together. The rapport between brother and sister on stage is something to behold as they draw you in and make you feel like part of the family.

The Local Boys
2024-08-31 20:00 - 22:00
The legacy of bluegrass music lives on in many styles, but the musicians defining themselves in tradition uphold the stories and techniques of yesterday’s music. For more than two decades, one band doing that has been The Local Boys, a Bluegrass and Americana band based in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Local Boys love music that has grown and evolved over decades—old-time, bluegrass, country, and rock ’n’ roll. Beginning their musical journey over 20 years ago in Maryland, The Local Boys have a long tradition of celebrating the deep roots of traditional bluegrass music.

Clay Ross
2024-08-29 19:30 - 21:30
Clay Ross is a multi-Grammy winning artist and the founder of the Billboard chart-topping band Ranky Tanky. Through multiple collaborations with the U.S. State Department, he has toured worldwide as a Cultural Ambassador. Ross’s style is as eclectic as the world influences and the american deep roots he circulates and cultivates. Involved in multiple musical projects, his style and music reaches out to something deep within his audiences, pulling on sounds and themes that everyone can not only relate to, but move to. Clay Ross is a musical experience and nothing beats seeing him in his element, live.

Holler Choir
2024-08-24 20:00 - 22:00
Led by the lyrical craftsmanship of singer, guitarist, and songwriter Clint Roberts, the distinctly Appalachian, old-time sound of Asheville’s Holler Choir combines haunting harmonies, stirring string compositions, and heart-wrenching ballads, yet hardly conforms to a stereotypical genre. Call it a confluence of old-time, Americana, and bluegrass, but, by its own exceptional design, the sound and atmosphere of Holler Choir are singular. Robert’s wordcraft and explosive vocal range is met with the dulcet clawhammer banjo plucking of long-time collaborator Helena Rose, the gutsy timekeeping of upright bassist Joey Brown, and the cracking leads of fiddle player Nat Copeland. Together they create playful songs which explore deep places.

Newfound Gap
2024-08-22 19:30 - 21:30
Newfound Gap is an old-time sound string band from Leicester, North Carolina. Made up of siblings Bayla, Sylvie, and Judah Davis, the three have been playing music together since they were six years old. Newfound Gap has performed on the Kid’s Stage at IBMA World of Bluegrass, and at MerleFest, Folkmoot, Shindig on the Green, and on the Woodsongs Kids television/radio program. This youthful group blends traditional Appalachian music with progressive influences and is a show one would be remiss to pass up.

Funky Junk Joy Peddlers
2024-08-17 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.

Admiral Radio
2024-08-15 19:30 - 21:30
Inspired by their 1941 wooden Admiral radio, this South Carolina- based husband and wife duo creates an Americana sound rooted in tradition that touches the heartstrings of the modern-day listener. With tight vocal harmonies, endearing storytelling and authentic energy, Becca and Coty hold a presence that is palpable and real, both on and off stage. Simply put, Becca and Coty aim to leave listeners better than they found them. With a personal sincerity and honest performance, you might shed a few tears and roll with laughter.

81 Drifters
2024-08-10 20:00 - 22:00
Hailing from the scenic mountain landscapes along Highway 81, the 81 Drifters weave a tapestry of sounds ranging from fearlessly raw singer-songwriter originals to western swing, jamgrass, blues, and Appalachian folk. They captivate audiences with their infectious energy, lyrical depth, and powerful harmonies that take listeners on a journey that transcends time and tradition. The band exudes a remarkable chemistry that brings the songs to life as they improvise around each other, exploring melodies in new ways with each performance.

Dulci
2024-08-08 19:30 - 21:30
Already being hailed as “the next Woody Guthrie,” Crys Matthews is among the brightest stars of the new generation of social justice music-makers. A powerful lyricist whose songs of compassionate dissent reflect her lived experience as what she lightheartedly calls “the poster-child for intersectionality…” Ear Milk describes, “A passionate and powerful blend of infectious Americana melodies and folky instrumentation, Matthews delivers her honest songwriting through a beautifully raw and unfiltered lens. Oozing soul, her voice bleeds with emotion and gratitude, while simple piano melodies and upbeat percussion fill you with appreciation and love for the people around us who fight for change.”

Dulci Ellenberger
2024-08-08 19:30 - 21:30
Dulci brings an ageless, classic style to pop music, with her smooth vocals and warm melodies. With her repertoire of original songs and updated covers, Dulci is where classic vocal beauty meets 60s pop nostalgia. Connecting with people and taking audiences to a happy place is at the center of every performance. Dulci’s vocals sound smooth and easy, while navigating intricate melodies and rhythms seamlessly. Striving to create meaningful, powerful music that’s also relatable, playful, and fun, Dulci’s mission as an artist is to create a more connected, happier, and healthier world through shared experiences.

Lazybirds
2024-08-03 20:00 - 22:00
A classic American roots band, the Lazybirds Band specializes in good time music, impossible not to move to. Pulling from blues, jazz, and good old ragtime, this band has a hillbilly flare that gets your toes tapping. With a talented ensemble that plays strings, piano, and harmonica, they cover all of the great sounds rooted in Rural America. Gritty Mississippi blues to Dylan classics, with some early American string band thrown in, the Lazybirds are just as comfortable vibing out with an original to covering one of the greats. Founded back in 2000, the Lazybirds have been showing audiences a good time for over 20 years.

Alma Russ
2024-08-01 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 – 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.

Rudy's Rhythm and Revue
2024-07-25 19:30 - 21:30
Rudy’s Rhythm & 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.

Alex Krug
2024-07-20 20:00 - 22:00
Life is, at its very core, about exploring. We can remain stagnant and rooted in place, or we can take a page out of the Alex Krug Combo’s playbook and dive in headfirst. The thrill of adventure looms ahead of this heart-driven blues-rock band. The Asheville-based players strike a stunningly evocative chord about life, being an outsider, and the kind of heartache that transforms your soul. The band includes Bill Berg -drums, Jackson Dulaney -lap steel, Rachel Gramig -harmony, Zack Page -upright bass, Kyle Samples -electric guitar. Though, truly, it is Alex Krug and her mountain-crushing vocals and expressive storytelling driving this industrial-sized apparatus.

Chris Wilhelm
2024-07-18 19:30 - 21:30
Chris Wilhelm is known for bringing positive vibes and an uplifting message to his audience. He plays Americana, folk rock originals that are infectious and insightful, and sprinkles in covers too. Worldwide airplay brought his latest album, “This Too Shall Pass,” to one of the Top 100 Alt-Country Albums of 2020, as well as several months on the national folk charts. Based out of Asheville, N.C., Chris Wilhelm is a songcatcher and thrives on live performances.

West End String Band
2024-07-13 20:00 - 22:00
Dedicated to playing and performing traditional bluegrass music and old country songs with modern appeal, the West End String Band has been walking the perfect balance between nostalgia and a thumping good time. Don’t let the name fool you. The West End String Band is refreshing and invigorating, while holding true to the roots that formed this unique tradition of music. Formed back in 2008, the West End String Band blends the gritty and energetic vocals of lead Charlie McDaniel with harmonies from Kathy McDaniel and the driving banjo of Jim Rollins. Rounded out with the rich baritone and unique mandolin of Matt Purinton, this group is weaving together americana, bluegrass, and country in the best of ways.

Nicholas Edward Williams
2024-07-11 19:30 - 21:30
Host of the popular roots music history podcast American Songcatcher, Nicholas Edward Williams is a multi-instrumentalist and storyteller who is dedicated to “playing it forward” by preserving the songs and styles that have shaped our country: ragtime, Piedmont blues, traditional folk, old time and early country. Pulling from these great building blocks, Williams creates a sound that feels familiar, yet new.

Micheal Flynn
2024-07-04 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.

Dirty French Broads
2024-06-29 20:00 - 22:00
The Dirty French Broads are an Americana Grass band from the mountains of the WNC, bringing smoky originals and boot-stomping southern favorites, with the energy of a thousand golden retriever puppies seeing their first snowfall. With heart-stirring ballads and lively cut-a-rugs, Kate Thomas draws the audience with her rich, smoky timbre and leaves them laughing beer up their noses, wishing they’d worn their dancing shoes. This lively crew plays just about everything with strings and – when the weather’s right – the occasional kazoo. Authentic and endearing with a little spice, they’re a few shades apart from the established Americana and Bluegrass scenes, and you’ll definitely want to join their book club.

Randy Steele
2024-06-27 19:30 - 21:30
Banjo Pickin’ & Guitar Slingin’ Singer and Songwriter from Chattanooga, TN. Throughout his multifaceted musical endeavors over the years, encompassing his solo pursuits, collaborations with High Cold Wind, and his involvement with Slim Pickins Bluegrass, Randy Steele has shared stages and garnered accolades alongside an illustrious array of performers.

Fancy and the Gentlemen
2024-06-22 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.
