Hello all, I hope you are having a fantastic week. I had a great father's day this past Sunday as I spent all day with my wife and kids and after church, just enjoyed them. My band Restored just finished a fundraiser concert with some local and not so local artists and it was great, but I am very glad it is over. Along with us was Sarah McCoy, Winston Holder, and Katy Kinard. Katy came from Nashville, Winston from Charlotte and Sarah is a hometown girl. I want to talk about some local options for hearing and being exposed to local bands and venues to see such bands within the contemporary Christian genre. First, is probably my favorite place to spend a Friday or Saturday evening in downtown Asheville, strategically situated between two bars and that is Creature's Cafe. It's a great and family friendly place to go hang out, meet people and listen to some great music. Bands from all over the area come and play there, and their windows are huge and swing open so anyone walking between bars are likely to hear some great Christian music. They offer "mocktails" which are non-alcoholic drinks, coffee and the likes as well as some amazing cheesecake. Go check them out, they are right off of Patton Ave. in downtown Asheville beside Tupelo Honey Cafe. Also in the area is Rodney's Auto on Main St. in Weaverville. While it is not a typical concert venue as through the week it is a functioning auto repair shop, it is great for the family to enjoy some outdoor music while cruising along Main St. in Weaverville. Every third Thursday night is bike night I believe, and so you can hang out, look at cool bikes and hear great music! I might add that Restored and Relentless Flood will be playing there August 13th!
Now for some local musicians/bands that I love. Mainly because I know them and I know their heart, but also because they have some great music! First of course, is my band Restored. We play mostly praise and worship music with some southern classic rock influenced in there. You can check us out at www.reverbnation.com/restoredband Second, is a band called Relentless Flood, they are from the Spruce Pine/Newland area and are some great friends of mine. They tend to play more rock music, so if that isn't your thing, I have told you. You can check them out at www.reverbnation.com/relentlessflood Third is the lovely yet hard rocking band Bestowed. They are a little more heavy than the previous, but their message is awesome. You can check them out at www.reverbnation.com/bestowed
There are tons more that I could talk about, but it is that time yet again...time to get the kids ready for bed. Maybe I'll make a part 2 soon!
Nate
