This weekend Ashefest brings a number of acts together for a festival that pledges to offer longer sets from each groups. As the event says in its mission statement, Festivals today are trying to have as many bands as possible, which can detract from the longevity of the music. Up and coming bands are often left out or left with too little stage time. Forty-five minutes to one hour of music per band is just not enough! That’s when the music is just getting warmed up. New Monsoon, Particle, RAQ, Larry Keel and Natural Bridge, the Code Talkers, UMelt and Yo Mamas Big Fat Booty Band are among the artists heading to Southeastern North Carolina for the fest.

I’m really looking forward to playing Ashefest says New Monsoon guitarist/mandolinist/vocalist Jeff Miller, We love playing in Asheville and the festival is being held at a great location with an even better lineup! An unspoiled wilderness called Deerfields will represent home for festival goers for the weekend. The camping area is nestled inside the Queens Creek Mountains – surrounded by ponds, apple orchards and rhododendrons. Perhaps best of all, it is on private land which is always most conducive to revelry. In addition, there will also be nightly drum circles and workshops hosted by the enigmatic ‘Drum Dok.’ Two-day and one-day passes are each available and these, along with additional information can be found at the festival web site. Report by Rob Turner