The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina ushered bassist Dave Baker and drummer Elzy Lindsey out of New Orleans and into Asheville in 2006, fracturing their band, Paradise Vendors (and eventually landing them in Fritz Beer and the Crooked Beat). But Baker resolved to keep making music with his former bandmates and other distant peers through a project he has rather literally dubbed The Long Distance Relationship. The collective’s debut album includes work that was contributed remotely (and art by Baker’s recently departed parents), but collaborators also reunited to record their alternative, psychedelic and sun-warped sounds in Asheville, New Orleans and Durham. The well-networked frontman says he’s already started a follow-up to feature more Asheville musicians, and his release party, too, will see a new batch of guests performers interpreting his songs. The Mothlight hosts that show on Thursday, June 23, at 8 p.m. $5. themothlight.com. Photo by Michael Oppenheim
