Scroll down to see 10 bands/performers, 2 Dance Group

Detective Blind is an indie rock power trio hailing from Asheville, North Carolina, composed entirely of three sisters: Montgomery (guitar and vocals), Andersen (drums), and Kittredge (bass).

With Montgomery leading the band on guitar and vocals, Detective Blind has cultivated a sound marked by catchy riffs, distinctive harmonies, and an energetic indie rock feel. After initially performing as a cover band, the self-taught sister act has transitioned to writing and recording their original music, releasing several singles that are available across major streaming platforms.

The band's close-knit bond informs their creative process, with their shared history and experiences feeding into their songwriting. They are an active presence in the Asheville music scene, regularly playing gigs around the area and beyond, with a goal of eventually performing full sets consisting entirely of their original material. Detective Blind represents a new, vibrant generation of rock music in the Western North Carolina area.

Dirty Bird is a dynamic, four-piece band based in the vibrant music city of Asheville, North Carolina. Known for their high-energy performances and genre-blending sound, the band has been enriching the local scene for years.

The group is led by Lincoln, who helms the band as its charismatic front man. Dirty Bird's sound is often described as pop-fusion, mixing sharp original songs with a wide variety of covers—sometimes with a rock-infused rhythmic flair, and other times with a soulful energy. Their musical blend draws on influences from rock, pop, and blues, creating a feel-good, grooving vibe that encourages dancing and singing along.

Comprised of a charismatic front man (Lincoln), a grooving rhythm section, and smokin' guitar leads, Dirty Bird electrifies the room whether they are playing intimate local watering holes or larger stage venues. They are a staple of Asheville's live music calendar.

Teso & Chilltonic is an Asheville, North Carolina-based band known for their captivating and genre-fluid sound, often described as Alternative Soul. The band is fronted by the charismatic songwriter Teso (McDonald/Ellis), whose golden voice and striking stage presence have made an indelible mark on the local music scene.

Teso, who cut his teeth playing on the streets of Asheville, met fellow founding member Michael Dunham (guitarist) around 2016, and they quickly began collaborating after discovering their musical chemistry. Joined by Dempsey Jones (drums), the trio, known as Chilltonic, fuses their individual styles to create an ever-evolving soundscape of nostalgic, haunting melodies, and laid-back, calming grooves.

The band gained local attention for their spontaneous pop-up performances—sometimes playing from the back of a flatbed truck rolling through downtown Asheville. They have since graced the stages of prominent Asheville venues such as The Orange Peel, The Salvage Station, and The Grey Eagle.

With Teso leading the charge, the band consistently demonstrates a deep respect for various art forms, even venturing into community projects like Teso's "True Noble" art collective. Teso & Chilltonic continue to charm audiences with their passionate, raw talent and commitment to their uniquely independent (indie) sound.

Aché Tropical is a vibrant musical group based in Asheville, North Carolina, known for bringing the "heat" of live Latin rhythms to the mountains. They create an evocative atmosphere with a "Havana state of mind" through their diverse and danceable repertoire.

Aché Tropical specializes in a wide array of Latin and Caribbean genres, showcasing the richness of tropical music. Their performances feature music ranging from:

• Traditional Cuban Son
• Cha-Cha
• Cumbia
• Bossa Nova
• Boleros
• Latin Jazz
• Salsa

The band's music is known for its upbeat rhythms and melodies, often creating a highly dance-oriented experience. They aim to deliver an authentic cultural experience, often pairing their music with traditional Cuban cuisine to reflect the blend of Caribbean roots and Asheville flair.

While the lineup may see variations, the collective includes talented local Asheville players. Members have been noted to include:

• Bill Berg - drums
• Jackson Dulaney - lap steel
• Rachel Gramig - harmony
• Zack Page - upright bass
• Kyle Samples - electric guitar

Aché Tropical is a fixture in the Asheville music scene, providing audiences with a captivating live music experience that transports listeners to the tropics.

TL Tru Loyalty Littlejohn is a rapper, songwriter, and producer. He has been listed as a performing artist and a producer under the name TL TruLoyalty. He is also credited with the composition and lyrics, as well as production, under the name Thomas Littlejohn. One of his songs is titled "Kyrie."

While the search results indicate a number of artists named Littlejohn from the Spartanburg, SC/Asheville, NC area, and one result directly links "TL TruLoyalty" and "Thomas Littlejohn" to the genre of Rap, no further biographical details are available in the context to confirm his residency in Asheville, NC or other personal details.

 The John R. Hayes High Steppin' Majorette & Drum Corps of Umoja is one of Asheville, North Carolina's longest-running and most influential African American artistic and youth development traditions. 

The Corps was founded in 1977 by the late John R. Hayes, an Asheville community leader, civil rights activist, and radio station founder. It was originally known as the Hillcrest High Steppin' Majorettes and Drum Corps, operating out of the Hillcrest Apartments public housing development. Hayes was inspired by the legendary marching bands of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the traditions of the former Stephens-Lee High School, Asheville's Black high school.

The program's mission has always been more than just performance; it is a youth-led initiative designed to honor the talents and voices of young people, instill discipline, camaraderie, and confidence, particularly for those from historically marginalized communities. Since its inception, over 10,000 young people have passed through its ranks. Following Elder Hayes's death in 2021, the group was renamed in his honor.

 Today, the Corps is integrated into the Umoja Health, Wellness & Justice Collective, which continues John Hayes's legacy under the leadership of his son, Michael R. Hayes. The program now blends its marching tradition with Umoja's trauma-informed and resiliency-based healing framework. This approach ensures the youth are supported not only as performers but also as leaders healing themselves and their communities, providing a safe space for growth, belonging, and artistic expression. 

They have performed for nearly every major festival in Lovely Asheville; The Goombay Festival, The Fun Day Festival, The Junteenth Festival, and The Lovely Asheville Annual Fall festival.