Asheville FM

The home of Asheville FM, WSFM-LP 103.3

Bill Kopp reads from his new book about Concept albums! Plus the music!

Bill Kopp reads from his new book about Concept albums! Plus the music!

by

Professors JD and Ted welcome Asheville author and music journalist Bill Kopp back to the studio for a live interview and readings from his new book, “What’s The Big Idea, 30 great concept albums”! You will also hear a track from the progressive rock records in the book… Tune in Thursday, October 23, from 1-3 PM, and archived after. Bill says, “As long as there has been music, the form has been used as a vehicle for storytelling. And the concept-album form is a logical extension of that storytelling impulse. It allows the writer to tackle bigger themes, more involved story lines, finely textured characters, and explore their thoughts and feelings. Covering 30 remarkable concept albums released between 1967 and 2024, with interviews, WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA includes plenty of progressive rock, but also ropes in pop, new wave, indie rock, hip hop and even comedy.”

Check out, MUSOSCRIBE for past books, interviews and events by Asheville’s music historian, Bill Kopp!


More Posts for Show: Closer to the Edge

Tariq D. Khan on Americanism and Red Scares

by

A conversation with Tariq D. Khan, author of The Republic Shall Be Kept Clean: How Settler Colonial Violence Shaped Antileft Repression, out from University of Illinois Press in 2023. In this conversation we talk about the connections between the anti-Indigenous motivations of the genocidal frontier wars in the US and the inward turn to heretical movements pushing for freedom for the laboring classes through the great upheavals of the period known as the Nadir, between the end of post-Civil War Reconstruction and the 1920’s. We talk about the roots of anti-Leftist violence of the various Red Scares and intersections with the institutions and psychology of white supremacy settler colonialism as well as the importance of resistance and education.

If you’re listening to the radio edition, you can find the full episode at our podcast

A couple of podcasts we like (that have patreons where you get extra goodies) that have with related episodes:

. … . ..

Featured Track:

Written In Red by UNWOMAN (written by Voltairine DeCleyre)


More Posts for Show: The Final Straw Radio

The Implications of Trumps War On Antifa (with Moira Meltzer-Cohen)

by

This week, Moira Meltzer-Cohen, an lawyer with the National Lawyers Guild, speaks about the recent declarations of war by the Trump administration on anteefah, what has changed legally, what they might be telegraphing and smart ways to move forward in this tense atmosphere. Check out our recent chat with Mo about Knowing your Rights and Risks with the police, linked in our show notes, or learn more about their work at NLG.ORG

. … . ..

Featured Track:


More Posts for Show: The Final Straw Radio

Queer Calendar For Week of 9/18

by

  • It’s Thursday – and you can Join Jerri & Christopher every Thursday @6pm for country music, line dancing, and beginner 2 step! At Banks Ave Bar for Butts and Boots every Thursday* No Partner needed Also on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month 
  • Thursday, September 18th from 7-10pm (and every 3rd Thursday) DJ Tamagotchi hosts Haus of Kiki, a new monthly queer social at Potential New Boyfriend, here in West Asheville. 
  • Friday, September 19 at 6 – 9 pm Queer Networking: A Special Pride Edition at The Radical Rooftop. Join us for a vibrant evening of queer business entworking at the stunning rooftop bar of the Radical Hotel. Hosted by WNC Queer Professionals and sponsored by Blue Ridge Pride and Bill Casey with The Blood Connection. Connect with like-minded professionals, build meaningful relationships, and expand your network in a welcoming and inclusive space. Gain fresh perspectives, exchange ideas, and discover opportunities for collaboration and growth. Click here to learn more.
  • Friday, September 19 at 8 pm Drag Karaoke – Divine’s Karaoke Kiki! At Dalton Distillery. DIVINE’s Karaoke Kiki! Is a singing with a twist, hosted by a comedy drag queen. Enjoy the interaction-packed show as she toasts and roasts the singers.
    • This SATURDAY,September 20th, 8-10pm, check out “Date my Queer Friend” event at Daytrip! 5 wingpeople present a queer pal who has been lookin’ for love in allllll the wrong places. PowerPoint presentation-style pitching, followed by a cheeky mixer. Everyone is welcome to come enjoy the first installment of this interactive dating show! 💛Free! Just show up
  • Saturday, September 20 at 1 pm Hendersonville Pride presents Buck Wild at Honeysuckle Holler, a bar with country dancing. Event starts at 1 pm. Doors at 12 pm. Event is for ages 21 and over. Standard admission is $10 presale, and $15 at the door. Get tickets and information here.
  • Saturday, September 20 at 8 pm Queer Line Dancing at Hi-Wire Brewing (Knowxville). We will be boogying to Shania Twain, Bad Bunny, Cowboy Carter, Chappell Roan, etc! Bring your boot-scootin’ shoes – and come make friends! Tickets are $10. Click here for more information.
  • Recurring every Sunday of the month and third Saturday of every month PFLAG Connect Groups. Monthly connect groups are a more intimate way to connect with the parents, families, and allies of LGBTQIA+ folks. Registration is required – RSVP via the link. First Sunday of every month at 10 am at Firestorm Books. Third Saturday of every month at 10 am at EMOTE. 
  • Ongoing until September 21: Our Living Record – Highlighting LGBTQ+ Resilience in the Face of Erasure. The exhibit features artwork from Southern LGBTQ+ community members and allies who aim to preserve queer memory. In full, the exhibition will include photography, sculpture, protection, ephemera and participatory archival interactive installations. Each piece will ultimately work to showcase the broader story of LGBTQ+ resilience, resistance, and joy. Beginning July 10 through September 1, the exhibition will be live at the Revolve Gallery in Asheville. Click here for more information.

Looking ahead to next week

  • Saturday, September 27 Blue Ridge Pride Festival 2025 located at Pack Square Park in Asheville. Keep up with updates by clicking here.
  • Saturday, September 27 at 10 pm Beer City Bears Dance at OHenry’s, a kiki for beras, cubs, chubs, and their admirers – a fundraiser event. Click here for more information.
  • Saturday, September 27 at 7:30 pm Pride Open Mic Night at Shakedown Lounge in Hendersonville, NC. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just looking to share your voice, our Open Mic Night is the perfect place to showcase your talent! Come enjoy a night filled with music, poetry, comedy, and more. Bring your friends, your talent, and your enthusiasm.
  • Saturday, September 27 at 8 pm Miss Vee’s Freakshow at Devil’s Foot (131 Sweeten Creek Rd). This September’s special is Neon Fetish: a Kinky Burlesque and Variety Show featuring Von Infinity. Sound bath at 8 pm. Show at 9 pm. Show is ages for 21 and up. Don’t forget to bring cash tips! The DJ will be Spirit Animal and burlesque by Medusa, Sweetie, November Rain, and Mandi Frufru. Click here to view event details.
  • Sunday, September 28 at 1:30 pm Just announced: The Orange Peel is excited to host the official Blue Ridge Pride Closing Party with Nicole Paige Brooks of RuPaul’s Drag Race! Tea Dance and Drag Show + music by DJ @danym3d3. Featuring The Legendary House of Brooks with Beulah Land, Indica Gemini, Josie Glamoure, Leo Scott, and the newly crowned Mx. Blue Ridge Pride. Doors at 1:30 pm. Show at 2 pm. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. $30 for meet and greet. 
  • Sunday, September 28 at 4 pm Beer City Bears Social @Shakeys – A kiki for bears, cubs, chubs, and their admirers. Attention furry mens! A fundraiser event! 
  • Friday, October 3 at 6:30 pm Blue Ridge Drag Bingo at the Hilltop Event Center (21 Restaurant Ct, 28805). It’s time to daub, dance, and donate with hilarious drag queens at Blue Ridge Bingo, the Asheville Drag Bingo show. Asheville’s most whimsical way to give back. Tickets start at $20 and include bingo cards. This event is for ages 21 and up. Click here for more information.
  • Saturday, October 4 at 6 pm LGBTQ Silent Disco hosted at the WagWorld Pub and Event Center in Fletcher, NC. LGBTQ Silent Disco – a night to remember! Tickets are $25 (includes headset) – advanced purchase only. Non-refundable. Three different music channels. Full bar/cash bar – grab a drink, strike a pose, and hydrate responsibly. Not much of a dance? That’s okay! Catch up with friends, make new ones, soak in the patio vibes and fresh air. 
  • Friday, October 10 at 5:30 pm Drag Queen One WoMAN Cabaret Show – I Am What I Am, a Fundraiser located at New Belgium Brewing. Show rating is ages 21+. Cash bar! “I Am What I Am” offers audiences the chance to witness a fusion of live singing, enchanting narrative, and a truly unique exploration of Divine’s origin story. With a perfect blend of raw emotion, heartwarming moments, and dazzling entertainment, the show promises an unforgettable journey.  Click here to buy tickets and for more information.
  • Saturday, October 18 11 am and 1 pm Katarina’s Saturday Cabaret Fundraiser at Banks Ave Bar. The stage is set for glamour, music, and Southern flavor as Katarina’s Saturday Cabaret Drag Brunch returns to Banks Ave Bar on Saturday, October 18 with two dazzling shows at 11 am and 1 pm. This vibrant event, produced by Bearded Lady Productions (a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit), will raise funds for Cornbread and Roses, a local grassroots organization. Guests can expect standout performances, crowd interaction, and delicious biscuit-forward brunch fare – all while contributing to a good cause. Click here for more information.
  • Sunday, October 19 at 12:30 pm Served by Sev Drag Brunch at The Mule/Devil’s Foot (131 Sweeten Creek Rd). Doors at 12 pm. Show at 1 pm. $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Served by Sev Drag Brunch once a month, all year long! Sev’s show brings Asheville talent to the stage for an afternoon of clapping, snapping and jaw-dropping performances. Brunch food truck, build your own blood and mimosa bar, and more! Click here for more information.
  • Monday, October 20 at 4 pm 2025 LGBTQIA Mental Health Resource Fair at the Love and Respect Community for Recovery and Wellness (350 Chadwick Ave, Suite 300. Hendersonville, NC). Join us for a day in the cool October breeze during Mental Health Awareness Week. Come together with your community to celebrate diversity, support mental wellness, and connect with affirming resources in a safe, welcoming space. What to expect: Cactus Rainbow Food Truck, music, LGBTQ Mental Health Providers on site, free mental health infosessions, raffle prizes. Sponsored by Hendersonville Pride and PFLAG. 
  • Saturday, October 25 at 7:30 pm Pride Open Mic Night at Shakedown Lounge in Hendersonville, NC. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just looking to share your voice, our Open Mic Night is the perfect place to showcase your talent! Come enjoy a night filled with music, poetry, comedy, and more. Bring your friends, your talent, and your enthusiasm.
  • Friday, October 31 at 7 pm LGBTQIA2S+ Music Bingo Halloween Party at Southern Appalachian Brewery! Costume contest, food truck, music bingo, beer and wine. Event hosted by Hendersonville Pride. 
  • Sunday, November 2 at 1 pm Asheville Drag Brunch at New Belgium Brewing. Show rating: all ages. Cash bar (wine and beer). Join Asheville Drag Brunch for a community give-back free drag show at New Belgium Brewing in Asheville. Tickets are FREE but required. All proceeds will benefit a local non-profit organization. Suggested donation $5 to $10. Click here for information and tickets.
  • Friday, November 14 at 6:30 pm Asheville Drag Bingo at the Hilltop Event Center. Show rating is 21+. It’s time to daub, dance, and donate with a hilarious queen at Blue Ridge Bingo, the Asheville Drag Bingo Show. Asheville’s mots whimsical way to give back! The first ball drops at 7 pm, the first Friday of the month at the Hilltop Events Center. Tickets start at $20, which includes bingo cards, and are available at BeardedLadyProductions.org. Expect six rounds of spellbinding bingo, prizes, and upbeat tunes. Attendees are encouraged to dress to impress based on each month’s theme! Click here for more information.
  • Saturday, November 15 at 7 pm The Brunch of Oz at Banks Ave Bar. All ages are invited. Full bar. Table sharing seating tickets at www.AshevilleDragBrunch.com. “There’s no place like home…” Because home is where our community shines the brightest.
  • Friday, November 21 at 7 pm Asheville Drag Dinner: Wizard of Oz Themed Fundraiser at Highland Brewing Event Center. Show rating is for all ages. Cash bar includes wine and beer. Tickets are non-refundable. Click here for more information.
  • December 1st through December 13th from 9 AM to 6 PM at Revolve Gallery on Riverside Drive, this year for World AIDS Day, Western North Carolina AIDS Project (WNCAP), the National AIDS Memorial, Campaign for Southern Equality, and Revolve Gallery are partnering together to bring 6 panels of the AIDS Memorial Quilt to Asheville as part of the Community Display Program.The exhibit, “A Tapestry of Love: Echoes of Loss, Voices of Hope,” will be on display The display is free to the public, with any donations received supporting the mission and work of Western North Carolina AIDS Project.
  • Thursday, December 4 at 7 pm Make the Yuletide Gay at Grey Eagle Music Hall. It’s your newest holiday tradition! Don your gay apparel and cozy up next to three award-winning songwriters for a night of holiday classics, original music, storytelling 2025 International Folk Music Artist of the Year aware Crys Matthews is joined by genre-defying artist/activist Heather Mae and shame-slaying singer-songwriter drag queen Flamy Grant for a winter show like no other. We’re making merry and celebrating the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community in a time when so many are trying to silence our voices. Click here for more information.
  • Sunday, December 7 Asheville Drag Brunch Fundraiser at the Ella Event Venue at the Hideaway (49 Broadway Street). Show rating is all ages. Cash bar includes wine and beer. Tickets are non-refundable. There are different ticket levels, a handful which are only for ages 21+. Click here for more information.

More Posts for Show: Sweet Tea