Word among economists (at least the ones on Good Morning America, for what that’s worth) is that the recession is over. But, since it might be a while before we’re all making bank and rolling around in gold-plated Hummer limos, there’s no sense blowing a whole week’s paycheck on one night out. Right? So here’s another roundup of budget-friendly music options. From benefits to new bands; from honky tonk to hip-hop (like Funk-Sway, pictured), there’s nothing on this list over $5 (except for one worthy show—but even it comes with a get in free option).
Friday, May 22
• Indie-electro duo Sydney and Boston (they’re actually local) audition at 10 a.m. for the Senior Skits to be held on Class Day at Enka High School in Candler. Free.
• Brushfire Stankgrass brings bluegrass to the French Broad Brewery (101 Fairview Rd., Asheville, 277-0222). 6 p.m. free.
• Zirconia, N.C.-based David a.k.a. “Krucifyd” hosts “Holy Hip Hop” night (performers TBA) at The Encouraging Cup (3099 Hendersonville Rd, Fletcher, 329-8210). 8 p.m., $3.
• Local experimental rockers Spy Satellite play co-bill with The Death of Analog and Two Planes in a show “bound to rock the f**k right out!” It’s at the Boiler Room (11 Grove St., Asheville, 505-1612). 9 p.m., $5.
• Jamband Chesterface will be at the Shovelhead Saloon (2898 Hwy 70, Swannanoa, 669-9541). 9 p.m., free.
• Fletcher-based Alien Music Club perform “great blues and R&B with Peggy Ratusz and Daddy Longlegs” at Razcal’s (831 Old Fairview Rd., Asheville, 277-7117). 9 p.m., $5.
• Groove Collector plays indie-rock at Fred’s Speak Easy (122 College Street, Asheville, 281-0920). 10:30 p.m., $3.
Saturday, May 23
• Quirk-pop trio Now You See Them kicks off Saturday with a noon set at the very first Lexington Avenue Bazaar (Lexington Ave. Courtyard, Asheville). It’s free.
• Humdinger Records holds a benefit show for Joel of Static Age and TV Eye who suffers a back injury. Held at Izzy’s Coffee Den in West Asheville (373 Haywood Road, 258-2004), bands include Witch Hunt, Flies Around It, Kakistocracy, Soft Opening, Ahleuchatistas, Resistor, Sunshine SS and more. There’s a also a raffle (buy tickets in advance at Static Age, Harvest Records or Izzy’s) for goods and services from Harvest Records, Hip Replacements, Rosetta’s, Doc Chey’s and more. 4 p.m.
• Chris Cates (of The Master Plan) performs a free solo acoustic set for the dining crowd at Sadie’s Seafood Pub (54 Patton Ave., Asheville, 505-3364). 6 p.m.
• Honky tonk + lobster? Why not! Cary Fridley and Down South entertain at the Lobster Trap (35 Patton Ave., Asheville, 350-0505). 9 p.m., free.
• Breaking with the $5 rule here, but bear with me: The Evergreen Charter School benefit at Stella Blue (31 Patton Ave., Asheville, 236-2424) with Erica Jane & Remember the Bees, The Imperial Fire, Summertime Whiskey Band, Galaxy Jam, Vandelay Studios and Mabrak Sound Systems is $7 at the door. But, if you bring an instrument to donate, you get in free. As Erica Jane puts it, “Do you reallly need that old tambourine?” 9 p.m.
• The Machiavillains all the way from South Asheville, make an appearance at Firestorm Cafe (48 Commerce St., Asheville, 255-8115) “with our good friends the Spy Satellite.” 9 p.m., $2.
• Greenville, S.C.‘s Retro Vertigo gets funky at Wild Wing Cafe (161 Biltmore Ave., Asheville, 253-3066). 10 p.m., free.
• Hip-hop-funk-jazz act Funk-Sway (pictured) takes over Emerald Lounge (112 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville, 232-4372). 10 p.m., free.
—Alli Marshall, A&E reporter
