Swing Music and Dance Calendar for Asheville, NC area
(local/nearby events intended specifically for swing dancing have green backgrounds)
(events with white backgrounds are not specifically intended as dances, but feature bands that often play swing music.)
(separate swing dance lessons in light blue)
(out of town swing dances have orange backgrounds)
(longer “road trip” events have this color)
I’m trying to keep this site narrowly focused on swing dance opportunities within approximately a 2.5 hour radius from Asheville – (mostly) swing-era dance music (or music in a similar style) in venues that facilitate dancing. Related music (like Blues) might also show up here. But I’m not trying to include events unrelated to swing music. I realize that I can’t possible cover every kind of music or dance, so I cover the ones that I’m motivated to cover competently.
When there’s a dance preceded by a lesson, I’m trying to make the “time” column the time at which dancing starts, with additional notes about lessons. For non-dances, the “time” column is when the music starts.
Venue codes (in the “Venue Information” section below): (d) means that there’s space there suitable for dancing, (d+) means a good wooden floor, (d-) means there’s space but the floor is sub-optimal (e.g. concrete, grass, uneven, or something sticky). (d?) means that there’s not much space available for dancing, so ability to dance is questionable and your mileage may vary. (d--) means no room for dancing at all. Some places are arguably hostile to dancers and I might define a code for those. I haven’t been to every venue yet, so absence of a code doesn’t mean it’s not a suitable venue.
Performers/venues: If you want to keep this calendar up to date for your events, the best thing you can do is have a web page that you keep maintained, and make sure that I know what that page’s URL is. I’ll try to check facebook pages and groups and instagram (sigh) also, but these are simply not as reliable as a good web host. And more and more people are abandoning social media, for excellent reasons.
Note: the editorial policy of this site is to NOT list live music events (regardless of venue) unless/until either the venue or the band has publicly announced who the band will be. I will reluctantly list scheduled Djed events without knowing who the DJ is yet, but I’d really prefer to know who the DJ is too.
Note: Crow and Quill bar sells a drink that features burning pipe tobacco., and when they make that drink the smoke fills the air. I won’t tell you what to do or not do, but be aware that patronizing that establishment may endanger your health. Please let me know (at the email address below) if this situation changes.
The Going? Column is a work in progress that isn’t fully implemented yet. The idea is that you will be able to check it if you’re planning to attend an event, and other readers will be able to see who has checked that box.
Send feedback/updates/change requests to flyinhome@pobox.com
last update: November 28


Venue Artist / Event Time Going?
Sunday November 30
Southern Applachian Brewery (HVL) Peggy Ratusz, Bob Songster and Adam Rose 4 - 6 PM
Monday December 1
The Joint Next Door (Fairview) Blue Monday w/Mr. Jimmy and friends 7 – 9 PM
Tuesday December 2
Landmark Hall
156 Landmark Dr. Taylors SC
Upstate Swing (lesson: 7PM) ($10)
https://upstateswing.com
8 – 11PM
Wednesday December 3
Highland Brewing Co. (Taproom) Cynthia McDermott (Well Crafted Music Series) 6 - 8 PM
Coffee Art Music (type) Place
1 Kenilworth Knolls Asheville
Swing Asheville Dance with DJ Keith 8 – 10 PM
1538 Laurel Ave. Knoxville TN Knoxville Swing Dance Association DJ dance ($5)
(lessons: 7:30)
8 – 10 PM
Thursday December 4
River Arts District Brewing (RAD) Peggy Ratusz & Kelly Jones 6 - 9 PM
Crow & Quill (Avl) $10 cover Russ Wilson and the Kings of Jazz 8 – 11 PM
Friday December 5
5 Walnut (AVL) Virginia And The Slims 7:30 - 9:30 PM
First United Methodist Church
501 N. Tryon St. Charlotte NC
Five Buck Friday Swing Dance ($5) (lesson: 7:30)
https://gottaswingcharlotte.com
8:30-10:30 PM
Saturday December 6
One World Brewing West Rhythm & Blues Dance Party w/Peggy Ratusz & Daddy Longlegs 4 – 7 PM
Crow & Quill (Avl) $10 cover Meschiya Lake & The Moodswingers 8 – 11 PM
Fitz and the Wolfe (Avl) Virginia & The Slims "Jump, Jive and Yule" 10 PM - 1 AM
Landmark Hall 156 Landmark Dr. Taylors SC Sleigh Bals Ring: Balboa Workshop
($35 beginner plus, $40 intermediate)
2 – 5 PM
Landmark Hall 156 Landmark Dr. Taylors SC Sleigh Bals Ring: Dance with Poinsett Jazz Syndicate ($20) 8 – 10 PM
Monday December 8
The Joint Next Door (Fairview) Blue Monday w/Mr. Jimmy and friends 7 – 9 PM
Tuesday December 9
Landmark Hall
156 Landmark Dr. Taylors SC
Upstate Swing (lesson: 7PM) ($10)
https://upstateswing.com
8 – 11PM
Wednesday December 10
Coffee Art Music (type) Place
1 Kenilworth Knolls Asheville
Swing Asheville Dance with DJ Mark 8 – 10 PM
13 Stripes Brewery, 250 Mill St. Suite PW3101 Taylors SC (d-, concrete) December Swing Dance at 13 Stripes ($FREE) (lesson: 7:15)
https://www.facebook.com/events/1161516896156676
8 – 10 PM
Thursday December 11
Crow & Quill (Avl) $10 cover Firecracker Jazz Band 8 – 11 PM
Friday December 12
AyurPrana Listening Room
312 Haywood Rd. Asheville NC
Queen Bee and The Honeylovers Annual Holiday Party ($21.49)
https://whitneymoore.us6.list-manage.com/track/click
7 PM
Haw Creek Commons
315 Old Haw Creek Rd. Asheville
Asheville Swing Night w/ DJ TBD (lesson: 7PM) ($10)
8 – 11 PM
Sunday December 14
Highland Brewing Company Russ Wilson and his Orchestra
Have Yourself a Swingin’ Little Christmas
7:30 PM
Monday December 15
The Joint Next Door (Fairview) Blue Monday w/Mr. Jimmy and friends 7 – 9 PM
Tuesday December 16
Whitehorse Blk Mtn Nothin’ but the Blues Jam w/Riyen Roots 7:30 - 9:30 PM
Landmark Hall
156 Landmark Dr. Taylors SC
Upstate Swing (lesson: 7PM) ($10)
https://upstateswing.com
8 – 11PM
Wednesday December 17
Warren Wilson College gym Swing Asheville Dance with Rose Colored Glasses ($15) 8 – 10 PM
1538 Laurel Ave. Knoxville TN Knoxville Swing Dance Association DJ dance ($5)
(lessons: 7:30)
8 – 10 PM
Thursday December 18
River Arts District Brewing (RAD) Peggy Ratusz & Kelly Jones 6 - 9 PM
Crow & Quill (Avl) $10 cover Drayton & The Dreamboats Christmas Special 8 – 11 PM
185 King St. Brevard NC The Pisgah Jazztet 7 – 9 PM
Saturday December 20
Crow & Quill (Avl) $10 cover Meschiya Lake & The Moodswingers 8 – 11 PM
Fitz and the Wolfe The Cool Yule Club: Drayton’s Jazz Holiday Show 9 PM – 12 AM
Monday December 22
The Joint Next Door (Fairview) Blue Monday w/Mr. Jimmy and friends 7 – 9 PM
Friday December 26
Crow & Quill (Avl) $10 cover Firecracker Jazz Band 8:30 – 11:30 PM
Fitz and the Wolfe Virginia and the Slims 8 – 11 PM
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Crowne 1 & 2 Lindy Focus Welcome Dance w/ Lindy Focus Djs 9 PM – 1:30 AM
Saturday December 27
Highland Brewing Company Queen Bee and the Honeylovers 6 – 9 PM
Crow & Quill (Avl) $10 cover Meschiya Lake & The Moodswingers 8 – 11 PM
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Expo center Jonathan Stout and the Lindy Focus All-Stars
https://lindyfocus.com
9 – 11:30 PM
Sunday December 28
Southern Appalachian Brewing (HVL) Sunday/Funday with Peggy Ratusz 4 – 6 PM
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Expo center Michael Gamble and the Lindy Focus All-Stars
https://lindyfocus.com Free for residents of Madison,
Buncombe, Henderson, Transylvania, Haywood counties.
9 – 11:30 PM
Monday December 29
The Joint Next Door (Fairview) Blue Monday w/Mr. Jimmy and friends 7 – 9 PM
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Expo center Laura Windley and the Lindy Focus All-Stars
https://lindyfocus.com
9 – 11:30 PM
Tuesday December 30
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Expo center Keenan McKenzie and the Lindy Focus All-Stars
https://lindyfocus.com
9 – 11:30 PM
Landmark Hall
156 Landmark Dr. Taylors SC
Upstate Swing (lesson: 7PM) ($10)
https://upstateswing.com
8 – 11PM
Wednesday December 31
Crow & Quill (AVL) $15 cover NYE w/Firecracker Jazz Band 8 PM – Midnight
Trailside Brewery
873 Lennox Park Dr.
Hendersonville, NC
Dance with the Hendersonville Swing Band ($no cover) 3 – 5 PM
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Expo center Jonathan Stout and the Lindy Focus All-Stars
Play “The Best of Lindy Focus”
https://lindyfocus.com
9:30 PM – 1 AM

VENUE INFORMATION



VENUES Website/FB


13 Stripes Brewery, 250 Mill St.
Suite PW3101
Taylors SC (d-, concrete)
https://13stripesbrewery.com/
https://www.facebook.com/13stripesbrewery



5 Walnut (AVL) https://www.5walnut.com/visit


Anything Goes www.anythinggoesmuzik.com


Asheville Guitar Bar (AVL) https://www.facebook.com/ashevilleguitarbar/


Battery Park Book Exchange (AVL) http://batteryparkbookexchange.com/


Bold Rock Cidery (Mills River) https://boldrock.com/visit/mills-river-cidery


Continuum (HVL) (d)
147c 1st Avenue East
Some free parking nearby.
https://www.continuumartnc.com


https://www.meetup.com/continuum-dance/
https://www.facebook.com/ContinuumArtNC/events/?id=100064848851336&sk=events


Cork & Keg Bar Weinhausn
(d, limited space)
https://www.facebook.com/corkandkegbar


Crow & Quill (AVL)
(d-, limited space, tobacco smoke)
Notes: no sign on the outside; look for lanterns and “106” above the door.
https://www.thecrowandquill.com


Fitz and the Wolfe
(d, vinyl plank floor)
1 Battery Park Ave, Asheville NC
Parking on the street (free during dances if you can find a space) or in Wall St. garage




Fountain Inn Farmers Market Pavilion
110 Depot St. Fountain Inn SC
(d-, concrete outdoors)
Free parking across the street.




The Grey Eagle https://www.thegreyeagle.com/


GottaSwing Charlotte (d, tile floor)
First United Methodist Church
501 N. Tryon St. Charlotte NC
https://www.gottaswingcharlotte.com
https://facebook.com/gottaswingcharlotte



Highland Brewing Company (AVL)
(d-, concrete)
https://highlandbrewing.com/events


Jack of the Wood (AVL) https://www.jackofthewood.com


The Joint Next Door (Fairview)
(d-, limited space)
1185 Charlotte Hwy, Fairview, NC
https://thelocaljointnc.com/fairview-the-local-joint-joint-next-door


Landmark Hall (Taylors, SC)
(d+, wood floor)
155 Landmark Dr, Taylors SC 29687


LEAF Global Arts 19 Eagle Street, Asheville NC 28801


https://theleaf.org/

Mills River Brewing http://millsriverbrewingco.com/events/


One World Brewing https://oneworldbrewing.com


Oklawaha Brewing Company (HVL) https://oklawahabrewing.com/


Outpost https://ashevilleoutpost.com/


Palmetto Swing Dance Association https://palmettoswing.org


Pillar Rooftop Bar (d) 309 College St. Asheville
https://pillaravl.com/events/



Point Lookout Vineyards (HVL) https://pointlookoutvineyards.com/whats-happening/


The Railyard (Black Mountain) 141 Richardson Blvd. Black Mountain NC


Rootbar https://www.facebook.com/rootbarnumberone


Salvage Station (AVL) https://salvagestation.com/


Shiloh & Gaines https://shilohandgaines.com


Sierra Nevada Brewing https://sierranevada.com/events


Silverados (Blk Mtn) https://www.silveradoswnc.com


St Paul Farms – Appalachian Hard Cidery Appalachian Ridge Hard Cider | Saint Paul Farms | HVL)


Souther Williams Vineyard https://southerwilliams.com/events/


Southern Appalachian Brewing (HVL) Southern Appalachian Brewery (sabrewery.com)







WEB AND FACEBOOK PAGES


Asheville Dance Venues https://www.facebook.com/groups/1936870243266339


Asheville Blues Dance https://www.facebook.com/groups/ashevillebluesdance


Carolina Swing Dance (Taylors, SC) https://carolinaswingdance.com


Charlotte Swing Dance https://charlotteswingdance.com
https://facebook.com/charlotteswingdance



Company Swing https://www.facebook.com/companyswingmusic


Cynthia McDermott (Mood Ring) http://www.mandocynmusic.com/


GottaSwing Charlotte https://www.gottaswingcharlotte.com


Hendersonville Blues & Fusion https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085268660470


LIVE MUSIC ASHEVILLE: www.livemusicasheville.com


The Lads AVL www.facebook.com/theladsavl/


Swing Asheville www.swingasheville.com


Palmetto Swing Dance Association palmettoswing.org


Peggy Ratusz https://www.reverbnation.com/peggyratusz


Russ Wilson https://russwilsonmusic.com


Upstate (SC) Swing http://www.upstateswing.com


Virginia and the Slims https://virginiaandtheslims.net/


Whitney Moore
(Queen Bee and the Honeylovers)
www.queenbeeswing.com







Compiled by Kenneth D Guess DDS and Keith Moore.


Kenneth Guess’s contributions are used with his permission.


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