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Festival Schedule
Plan your music experience at Black Mountain Blues.
Check out which of our Artists are playing at our participating venues each day.
Artists, Times, & Venues are subject to change
Click the date below to access full venue schedules and artists details.
Friday July 12
White Horse Black Mountain
105 Montreat Rd
A non-profit venue dedicated to creating a genuine listening environment where music takes center stage, and the profound connection between artists and audience is celebrated.
COREY HARRIS – VIP ONLY
Friday July 12
2:00 – 3:15pm
- A prodigious guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, and bandleader
- Honors Blues traditions with infusion of reggae, soul, rock, and West African music into his compositions
- Shared the stage with BB King, Taj Mahal and Buddy Guy
COREY HARRIS – ALL PASSES
Friday July 12
3:45-5:00pm
- Featured on PBS miniseries “The Blues”, directed by Martin Scorsese
- Winner of the WC Handy Award
- Multiple acclaimed albums. “Between Midnight and Day” “Greens From the Garden” “Mississippi to Mali”, and “Daily Bread”
MIKE BARNES & FRIENDS
Friday July 12
5:30-6:45pm
- Had a childhood band called Blue Sky with Warren Haynes
- Professor of music at UNCA
- Shared the stage with Jimmy Page, John Scofield, Joe Walsh, The Allman Brothers Band, Jimmy Herring,
- Derek Trucks, Ben Harper, Jeff Sipe, Jerry Jemmott, The Black Crowes, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals.
ASHLEY HEATH
Friday July 12
7:15-8:30pm
- Multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter
- Her voice has been heralded as “velvet soul”.
- Shared the stage with Pat Benetar & others
- Latest release on the WNCW annual top 100 list
- 2024 International Blues Challenge Winner from Nashville, TN
- The group has been playing together since 2000.
- Influenced by Blues, Soul, Pop, Rock, and Gospel
THE RAIL YARD
141 Richardson Blvd
Description
Visit their Page
The RailYard is a community space and hub offering a welcoming atmosphere and commitment to showcasing local talent, The RailYard embodies the essence of Black Mountain’s charm and hospitality, serving as a gathering place for all.
PIPER & THE HARD TIMES
Friday July 12
3:00-4:00pm
- 2024 International Blues Challenge Winner from Nashville, TN
- The group has been playing together since 2000.
- Influenced by Blues, Soul, Pop, Rock, and Gospel
KELLI BAKER W/ NOÈ SOCHA
Friday July 12
4:45 – 6:00pm
- 1 Blues Rock record in the Roots Music Report
- Band records for Bad Ju Ju Records
- Features phenomenal blind guitar & harp player Noe Socha
MELISSA MCKINNEY
Friday July 12
7:00-8:00pm
- 2024 International Blues Challenge Finalist
- Resident artist at LEAF Global Arts
- Founder of the Women To the Front Festival
- Artist curator for the Black Mountain Blues Festival
COREY HARRIS
Friday July 12
8:30-10.00pm
- A prodigious guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, and bandleader
- Honors Blues traditions with infusion of reggae, soul, rock, and West African music into his compositions
- Shared the stage with BB King, Taj Mahal and Buddy Guy
THE BUSH FARMHOUSE
Bush Farmhouse is a family-run South African restaurant. From the cool vibes, delicious, garden-fresh cuisine, and farm animals to hang with, it is truly a one of a kind establishment to enjoy a refreshing drink, share a laugh, and dance among the butterflies.
Kiersi Jolo
Friday July 12
4:00-5:00pm
- Wonderful Blues Artist
BIG RON HUNTER
Friday July 12
6:00-7:00pm
8:00-830pm
- Multiple performance times within same venue
- Piedmont blues player known as the “Happiest man in the Blues”
- Artist with the Music Maker Foundation
- A North Carolina native known as an early joyful participant in the Civil Rights Movement
Foothills Grange
Foothills Grange, home of the famous Foothills Smash Burger, is an eatery and bar located in Black Mountain. The Grange’s expansive space features indoor and outdoor seating with a large patio, covered picnic tables, and a fantastic play space for kids.
SOUTHERN GROOVE MACHINE
Friday July 12
3:15-4:30pm
- Greatly influenced by Blues Rock
- Lead vocalist Hannah Arnold draws comparisons to big Blues soulful voices like Etta James
- While youthful, the band sounds like Blues veterans
CFG & THE FAMILY
Friday July 12
5:00-6:15pm
- Modern Blues and Soul and a nod to the past
- Soul shouting vocals and a band to match
- A Blues force to be reckoned with
DEUCE ‘N A QUARTER
Friday July 12
6:45-8:00pm
- 2023 International Blues Competition finalist
- A well oiled machine, the band takes the audience from zero to 60 as soon as they start the engine
- Lee Oskar Best Harmonica Player Award
- One of the premier Rock-n-Blues artists in WNC
- Shared bills with Neal Francis, Eric Gales, Dylan LeBlanc, Bob Margolin, Blind Boys of Alabama, Drivin N
- Cryin, Ghost Light and Bettye Lavette
- Writes songs with a unifying social commentary
The Monte Vista Hotel
The Monte Vista Hotel is located just outside Asheville in Black Mountain and is home to a lush landscape, world-class dining, arts and entertainment. The hotel’s modern Southern restaurant, Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails offers regionally inspired and locally sourced comfort food for visitors and area residents alike
Porch Jams
Friday July 12
4:00-6:00pm
- Blues on the big covered porch!
DINNER w / ADI THE MONK
Friday July 12
6:00-7:30pm
- Originally from Illinois along the banks of the Mississippi River
- Fell in Love with Blues in his early teens
- Was a monk for 8 years, and lived in temples in India and Nepal
- Now a full time musician based in Asheville, NC.
The Town Pump
The Town Pump Tavern has been serving cold beer and good times to the town of Black Mountain since 1982. With a down-home local vibe and history covering the walls, you can’t help but feel like you’re in the right place. This is a cash-only establishment with a full bar and plenty of room to boogie while the band is on stage.
JODY CARROLL
Friday July 12
8:30pm-10:00pm
- Wonderful Blues Artist
BLUES JAM HOSTED BY AARON “WOODY” WOOD
Friday July 12
10:30pm-1:00am
- Genre-bending Fusion of Blues, Rock and Cosmic Appalachian Soul
- Has been on the bill with greats like Alabama, Leon Russell, Southern Culture on the Skids, Santana,
- Pavement, and Ziggy Marley
- Recorded with members of Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Rebirth Brass Band, Larry
- Keel, and Trombone Shorty
SATURDAY July 13
White Horse Black Mountain
105 Montreat Rd
A non-profit venue dedicated to creating a genuine listening environment where music takes center stage, and the profound connection between artists and audience is celebrated.
THE 21st CENTURY of the BLUES PANEL w/ ATIBA BERKLEY
Saturday July 13
11:00 – 12:00pm
- The future of Blues music discussion
LADY D AND THE EMPRESS
Saturday July 13
12:30 – 2:00pm
- Born in the coalfields of Cabin Creek in West Virginia, she is known as WV’s First Lady of Soul.
- Performed at the Obama for Change Inaugural Ball in Washington, DC in January 2009
- Influenced by R&B, Blues, Jazz, Reggae, Pop and Soul
SUGARAY RAYFORD
Saturday July 13
2:30 – 3:45pm
- Grammy nominated, BMA Soul Artist of the year
- BB King Entertainer of the year for 2 years running
- Sharess the essence of Stax, gospel and rural blues
- Owns the stage as he belts out the blues and R&B.
KAT WILLIAMS
Saturday July 13
4:15 – 5:30pm
- Asheville’s queen of Blues and Soul
- Finalist on America’s Got Talent
- Tonight Show Veteran
- Emmy Nominated
- Multiple AMG Heritage Awards
- Music Maker Foundation Artist originally from New Orleans
- Shares the mettle, pathos and ocean-deep compassion of the blues singers she idolizes — Billie Holiday, Koko
- Taylor and Etta James
- Despite losing her home twice, she keeps taking her talent and heart to the world
THE RAIL YARD
141 Richardson Blvd
Description
Visit their Page
The RailYard is a community space and hub offering a welcoming atmosphere and commitment to showcasing local talent, The RailYard embodies the essence of Black Mountain’s charm and hospitality, serving as a gathering place for all.
SOUTHERN GROOVE MACHINE
Saturday July 13
11:30 – 12:30pm
- Greatly influenced by Blues Rock
- Lead vocalist Hannah Arnold draws comparisons to big Blues soulful voices like Etta James
- While youthful, the band sounds like Blues veterans
CFG & THE FAMILY
Saturday July 14
1:30 – 245pm
- Modern Blues and Soul and a nod to the past
- Soul shouting vocals and a band to match
- A Blues force to be reckoned with
MAMA & THE RUCKUS
Saturday July 13
3:45 – 5:00pm
- Intergenerational Blues project with powerhouse vocals and harmonies
- From West Virginia, and known affectionately as the “Appalachian Soul Man”
- Singer-songwriter who blends a rich tapestry of rural Appalachia with infectious rhythms of Black
- American music.
- His music is a celebration of diversity, bridging the gap between rural landscapes and urban rhythms, between
- the past and the present, between cultures and communities.
SUGARAY RAFORD
Saturday July 13
8:30 – 10:00pm
- Grammy nominated, BMA Soul Artist of the year
- BB King Entertainer of the year for 2 years running
- Sharess the essence of Stax, gospel and rural blues
- Owns the stage as he belts out the blues and R&B.
THE BUSH FARMHOUSE
Bush Farmhouse is a family-run South African restaurant. From the cool vibes, delicious, garden-fresh cuisine, and farm animals to hang with, it is truly a one of a kind establishment to enjoy a refreshing drink, share a laugh, and dance among the butterflies.
KIERSI JOLI
Saturday July 13
12:30 – 1:00pm
- 16 year old Blues Harmonica phenom
- Singer/Songwriter/Guitar player
- Youngest player endorsed by Hohner Harmonicas
- Pinetop Perkins Foundation performer
MAC ARNOLD
Saturday July 13
2:45 – 3:45pm
- Played with James Brown, B.B. King, Otis Redding, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker & more
- Mac built the gas can guitar he plays.
- Co-produced Soul Train and played bass on TV’s Sanford & Son television show
- SC Music Hall of Fame 2023 inductee
- 2017 Alabama Blues Hall of Fame inductee
JOSHUA SINGLETON & PATRICK DODD
Saturday July 13
5:00 – 6:15pm
- Asheville power duo, originally from Memphis
- Blues, Rock, excellent vocals, harmonica & guitar
- They offer a wide variety of style and are loved by all
HENRY JONES
Saturday July 13
7:30 – 8:30pm
- Mississippi acoustic hill Country Blues
Foothills Grange
Foothills Grange, home of the famous Foothills Smash Burger, is an eatery and bar located in Black Mountain. The Grange’s expansive space features indoor and outdoor seating with a large patio, covered picnic tables, and a fantastic play space for kids.
LAZYBIRDS
Saturday July 12
11:30 – 12: 45pm
- Blues, the good time variety
- Just about impossible not to move to
- Doc Watson said, “I guarantee you’ll enjoy what they do”
THE PEGGY RATUSZ TRIO
Saturday July 12
1:15 – 2:30pm
- Veteran Asheville musicians
- Hot buttered vocals and powerful fixtures on the WNC Blues scene
- Original and traditional Blues, paying homage to the greats
DANNY GARWOOD
Saturday July 12
3:00 – 4 15pm
- On a mission to keep the Blues alive and pass them on
- Shared the stage with Buddy Guy and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram at The Ryman Auditorium
- Two time Masterclass alum of the Pinetop Perkins Foundation workshop led by Bob Margolin
KELI BAKER WITH NOÉ SOCHA
Saturday July 13
4:45 – 6:00pm
- Signed by Sony Music with Bad Jeu Jeu Records
- National Touring Artist based out of New York City
- Tours with Internationally known guitarist and harmonica player Noé Socha
SPIRO NICOLOPOULOUS BLUES APOCALYPSE
Saturday July 13
6:30 – 7:45pm
- Confronting modern times with the power of Delta Blues
- From reinterpretations of Delta songs to driving new grooves delivering blues music to the next generation –
- Spiro Nicolopoulos and his guitar “Mercy” have something to say
- A modern revelation of guitar driven Blues music
BIG AL & THE HEAVYWEIGHTS
Saturday July 13
8:15 – 9:45pm
- Originally formed in 1996 as the Unknown Blues Band with founding members Al Lauro, Warren Haynes and Rick Gergen
- Has been inducted into The Alabama Blues Music Hall of Fame
- The Vizztone Label Group has released the band’s seventh recording of original roots music entitled “Love One Another” which has been nominated for Blues Rock Album of the Year by Blues Blast Magazine.
The Monte Vista Hotel
The Monte Vista Hotel is located just outside Asheville in Black Mountain and is home to a lush landscape, world-class dining, arts and entertainment. The hotel’s modern Southern restaurant, Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails offers regionally inspired and locally sourced comfort food for visitors and area residents alike
PORCH JAMS
Saturday July 13
4:00-6:00pm
- Blues on the Big Covered Porch!
DINNER w/ ROOTS AND DORE
Saturday July 13
6:00 – 7:30pm
- American blues duo from Asheville with wailing harmonica and screaming guitar
- Their album The Blues and Beyond features Bob Margolin (Muddy Waters Band), and David Holt (Longtime
- Doc Watson Sideman)
- Always a good time when these guys are doing their thing
The Town Pump
The Town Pump Tavern has been serving cold beer and good times to the town of Black Mountain since 1982. With a down-home local vibe and history covering the walls, you can’t help but feel like you’re in the right place. This is a cash-only establishment with a full bar and plenty of room to boogie while the band is on stage.
- Music Maker Foundation Artist originally from New Orleans
- Shares the mettle, pathos and ocean-deep compassion of the blues singers she idolizes — Billie Holiday, Koko
- Taylor and Etta James
- Despite losing her home twice, she keeps taking her talent and heart to the world
DEUCE ‘N A QUARTER
Saturday July 13
10:00 – 12:00
- 2023 International Blues Competition finalist
- A well oiled machine, the band takes the audience from zero to 60 as soon as they start the engine
- Lee Oskar Best Harmonica Player Award
SunDAY July 14
White Horse Black Mountain
105 Montreat Rd
Description
Visit their Page
A non-profit venue dedicated to creating a genuine listening environment where music takes center stage, and the profound connection between artists and audience is celebrated.
REGGIE HEADEN
Sunday July 14
11:30 – 12:45pm
- Jazz, Rock, and Soul meet at a Bluesy crossroads
DATRIAN & THE FAMILY TREE
Sunday July 14
1:15 – 2:30pm
- Gospel inspired powerhouse Blues vocalist
- Sang lead for North Mississippi Allstars
- Has written, recorded and performed with Luther Dickinson and John Medeski, Warren Haynes, Steve Kimock,
- Oteil Burbridge, Vernon Reid, DJ Logic and Brian Jackson
E’LON JD
Sunday July 14
3:00 – 4:00pm
- Progressive Soul artist, bass player, songwriter, and educator
- Shared the stage with Belá Fleck, Members of Snarky Puppy, Victor Wooten, and Weedie Braimah
- Currently the bass player is in the internationally touring band Jonathan Scales Fourchestra.
- Burns up stages and warms hearts
BOB MARGOLIN
Sunday July 14
4:30 – 6:00pm
- Played in Muddy Waters’ band from 1973-1980
- Chicago Blues Legend
- Played in the original Last Waltz feature film in 1976
- Won several Blues Blast Magazine awards
THE RAIL YARD
141 Richardson Blvd
Description
Visit their Page
The RailYard is a community space and hub offering a welcoming atmosphere and commitment to showcasing local talent, The RailYard embodies the essence of Black Mountain’s charm and hospitality, serving as a gathering place for all.
LEAF LIGHTS
Sunday July 14
11:00 – 11:30am
- Lights are a group of young musicians who make a commitment to use their voice for good.
- LEAF Global students who develop songwriting, performing, and musicianship skills while exploring music from
- around the world
- Share the LEAF Global mission to connect cultures and create community through music, education, and
- experiences
WHITNEY MONGÉ w/ BEN BALMER
Sunday July 14
12:30 – 1:45pm
- Americana Roots Soul singer-songwriter & guitarist
- Spent 16 years as a street performer
- Has supported Ziggy Marley, KT Tunstall, Amy Helm, Allen Stone, & Big Bo
- In 2018 released “Whitney Mongé Live with the Seattle Symphony”
LAZYBIRDS
Sunday July 14
2:45 – 3:45pm
- Blues, the good time variety
- Just about impossible not to move to
- Doc Watson said, “I guarantee you’ll enjoy what they do”
WOMEN TO THE FRONT BLUES BAND
Sunday July 14
4:45 – 6:00pm
- All female band of Asheville musicians
- Formed during the first annual Women to the Front music festival
- Featuring Anne Coombs, Nicole Nicolopolous, Kim Butler, Aryan Graham, Laura Blackley, and Rhoda Weaver
THE BUSH FARMHOUSE
Bush Farmhouse is a family-run South African restaurant. From the cool vibes, delicious, garden-fresh cuisine, and farm animals to hang with, it is truly a one of a kind establishment to enjoy a refreshing drink, share a laugh, and dance among the butterflies.
KIERSI JOLI w/ NOÈ SOCHA
Sunday July 14
1 – 12:30pm
- 16 year old Blues Harmonica phenom
- Singer/Songwriter/Guitar player
- Youngest player endorsed by Hohner Harmonicas
- Pinetop Perkins Foundation performer
JODY CARROLL
Sunday July 14
1:45 – 2:45pm
- Blends flavors of old blues, folk, jazz and mountain music into a fine gumbo
- Shared the stage with Buddy Guy, John Mayall, Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeski, Robert Cray, Charlie
- Musslewhite, Canned Heat and many more
- Finger style/slide guitar master
ABBY BRYANT
Sunday July 14
3:45 – 4:45pm
- Sultry Blues powerhouse vocalist
- Captures the spirit of old Soul while emphasizing its youthful energy and fresh songwriting
- Asheville based band brings a fresh take on Blues and Soul to an ever-growing fan base
Foothills Grange
Foothills Grange, home of the famous Foothills Smash Burger, is an eatery and bar located in Black Mountain. The Grange’s expansive space features indoor and outdoor seating with a large patio, covered picnic tables, and a fantastic play space for kids.
ROCK ACADEMY
Sunday July 14
11:00 – 11:30am
- Students jam with peers to some of the best rock songs ever written
DANNY GARWOOD
Sunday July 14
12:00 – 1:15pm
- On a mission to keep the Blues alive and pass them on
- Shared the stage with Buddy Guy and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram at The Ryman Auditorium
- Two time Masterclass alum of the Pinetop Perkins Foundation workshop led by Bob Margolin
WHITNEY MOORE
Sunday July 14
1:45 – 3:00pm
- Best known as “Queen Bee” from Queen Bee and the Honeylovers, who have won the Xpress “Best Of Jazz” poll several years
- Featured nationally on NPR and PBS Woodsongs,
- Original compositions licensed for TV and film.
- She specializes in classic swing/blues from the 1920’s-40’s in homage to great pioneers like Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith.
ROOTS & DORE
Friday July 14
3:30 – 4:30pm
- American blues duo from Asheville with wailing harmonica and screaming guitar
- Their album The Blues and Beyond features Bob Margolin (Muddy Waters Band), and David Holt (Longtime
- Doc Watson Sideman)
- Always a good time when these guys are doing their thing
SOLVIVOR
Friday July 14
5:00 – 6:00pm
- Country Rock Blues w/ Ian Harrod, Dorsey Parker, and Joe Medwick
The Monte Vista Hotel
The Monte Vista Hotel is located just outside Asheville in Black Mountain and is home to a lush landscape, world-class dining, arts and entertainment. The hotel’s modern Southern restaurant, Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails offers regionally inspired and locally sourced comfort food for visitors and area residents alike
BRUNCH w/ KELLI BAKER W/ NOÉ SOCHA
Sunday July 14
12:00 – 1:30pm
- Signed by Sony Music with Bad Jeu Jeu Records
- National Touring Artist based out of New York City
- Tours with Internationally known guitarist and harmonica player Noé Socha
PORCH JAMES
Sunday July 14
3:00 – 5:00pm
- Blues on the Big Coverd Porch!
The Town Pump
The Town Pump Tavern has been serving cold beer and good times to the town of Black Mountain since 1982. With a down-home local vibe and history covering the walls, you can’t help but feel like you’re in the right place. This is a cash-only establishment with a full bar and plenty of room to boogie while the band is on stage.
HENRY JONES
Sun July 14
3:00pm-4:30pm
- Wonderful Blues Artist