Asheville live music best bets: Free Planet Radio, Americana, Funk at The Meadow, Shindig

For more than 20 years, the members of Free Planet Radio have treated local fans to a variety of world sounds and innovative jazz. 

Last year, though, the group lost one of its core members, when two-time Grammy-winning bassist Eliot Wadopian died Sept. 13.  

The two remaining members, River Guerguerian and Chris Rosser have continued to play together and perform. In fact, the duo, along with bassist Jake Wolf, will play at 8:30 p.m. on Aug.13 at The Grey Eagle on a double bill with Life Like Water. 

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“Since Eliot’s sudden passing last September, it’s been a pretty difficult grieving process, not only for the loss of our musical brother and friend, but the loss of a sound that we created together as a trio,” said Rosser, who plays a variety of instruments including 17-stringed Indian dotar and guitar. “As a result, we haven’t performed much as Free Planet Radio, but have focused more on finishing an EP recording that we began with Eliot.” 

This upcoming show will be one of the first without Wadopian on bass. 

Guerguerian added that losing Wadopian was “shocking.” 

“I not only lost a friend but a musical soulmate, a special bond that drummers and bassists have,” he said.  “A couple of years before he passed away, he spoke to us of retirement, and that he would still want the band to live on. Instead of replacing him, Chris and I would stay as the core and keep a revolving cast of artists that we would collaborate with depending on the project. In honor of Eliot we still get together each Friday to create new music and record. It feels like a healthy way to grieve and to keep his energy alive.” 

Free Planet Radio began in 2001 and has performed around the world, including a 20-city tour of China in 2016. The group has released five albums, including 2019’s “Pursuit.” 

The music continuously progresses, Rosser said. Take for instance the albums they have done. According to Rosser, the group leaned into its meditative and ambient side on 2018’s “Stillness,” incorporated a string quartet on 2015’s “Global Symphony Project,” and explored more jazz on “Pursuit.” 

“I think our music has evolved quite a bit over the last 20 years and seems like the best way to keep things from getting stale for us and the listeners,” Rosser said. “The process of putting an album together always pushes us to reimagine ourselves a bit. … Lately, River and I have been writing new tunes that start from solo drum compositions that River wrote for his percussion classes, and creating melodies on top of that foundation.” 

The show with Life Like Water will give Rosser and Guerguerian the chance to perform with the other group, as there will certainly be different musicians popping up on stage for collaborations.  

Night of Americana at Isis 

Two Americana singer-songwriters, Jay Byrd and Danielle Howle, have toured this summer together and will perform at 7 p.m. on Aug. 13, at Isis Music Hall. 

Byrd, whose roots music is influenced by artists such as Cat Stevens, Jackson Browne, and Paul Simon, released a new album, “At Home Again,” earlier this month. 

Howle, who was born in Columbia, South Carolina, has been a staple on the touring circuit for more than 20 years. Over the years she has opened for big-named acts like Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, Sam Bush, and The Avett Brothers. 

Getting funky at The Meadow 

Two nights of funk music will liven up the mood at Highland Brewing’s The Meadow, which is the venue’s outdoor stage area. 

Asheville’s own Funk’n Around will perform at 7 p.m. Aug. 12, while Atlanta’s Adam and the Testifiers will play at 6 p.m. Aug. 13. 

Funk’n Around is inspired by New Orleans funk and includes King Garfield on Trombone. With Lenny Pettinelli on keys, McKinney on the bass, Nik Hope on drums, Datrian Johnson on vocals. 

Year’s last Shindig to take place 

Pack Square will, again, be filled with southern Appalachian music and dancing as the final Shindig on the Green event of the season takes place at 7 p.m. Aug. 13. 

The event, which features a stage show and informal jam sessions around the park, is produced by the Folk Heritage Committee.