Alien Music Club is an eclectic blend of alternative music in diverse musical genres ranging from all forms of rock to jazz to funk to anything in between with intelligent lyrics and a playful sense of humor.

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December 14, 2025



March 12, 2024

I’m super stoked that Alien Music Club’s new creation “And Now For Something Completely Different!” is taking off!  In addition to some tasty jazz/blues/fusion original material, this show covers a wide range of artists from Tom Petty to John Lennon, Jim Morrison to Tom Waits plus some classic hits from the 80’s!  Members of the band include Chuck Lichtenberger on keyboards/vocals, Connor Law on bass, Jaron Pearlman on drums/vocals and Alex Travers on electric violin/guitar!  So far, here are scheduled dates:
8/11/24  Sierra Nevada Brewing 2 to 5p
10/12/24  One World Brewing West 4 to 7pm



March 12, 2024

What's happening in April:

April 4th, with Peggy Ratusz and guitar guru Duane Simpson at River Arts Brewing! 7pm  https://theradbrewco.com/

April 5th, Peggy Ratusz duo on at Trailside Brewing in Hendersonville from 6 to 9pm.  This is part of a new jazz series by Harry Jacobson! 6 to 9p  https://trailsidebrews.com/

I’ll be part of Peggy Ratusz’s Invitational Blues Jam at One World West on April 6th from 4 to 7pm!  So excited to once again get to be part of this extraordinary event Peggy has created!  https://oneworldbrewing.com

Thursday April 11th Peggy Ratusz Duo at Mills River brewing from 6 to 9pm!  https://www.millsriverbrewingco.com/

Friday April 12th Peggy Ratusz Trio at Highland brewing downtown  from 6 to 8pm!   

Saturday April 13th, Peggy Ratusz Daddy Longlegs band with Jay Hoots and Quinn Sternberg at The Pillar Rooftop Bar at Hilton Garden Inn, downtown  from 6 to 8pm!   

And as I mentioned before:  The Doors: Unhinged at One World Brewing West on April 20 (4/20!).  8 to 11p

Thursday April 25th, I’m with the one and only Eric Congdon at 185 King in Brevard from 7 to 9p!



March 11, 2024

The Doors: Unhinged featuring Reggie Headen is on fire!  The show is currently scheduled at many wonderful venues in 2024!  Here are some of them:

One World Brewing West on April 20 (4/20!).  8 to 11pm. Asheville’s most sought after spot for great live music, wonderful people and awesome beverages.  https://oneworldbrewing.com/

Sovereign Kava in downtown Asheville on May 17th.  This is becoming a real “go-to” place for great vibes and music!  Time TBD.   https://www.ashevillekava.com/

Highland Brewing on August 30th 4 from 7 to 9pm!  What can you say about one of Asheville’s oldest and best breweries but “Fabulous”!   https://highlandbrewing.com/

The Purple Onion in Saluda (encore performance!)  October 17th Time TBD.  I think I could live here!  The food, the people, the intimacy and perfect sound!  https://purpleonionsaluda.com/

The Grey Eagle on December 5th!  This will be the climax of our 2024 “Local Tour”, and I can’t think of a better place!  The people, the food, the sound…an Asheville treasure, and we are so proud to be there.  Time TBD! 



March 3, 2024

I broke my right thumb a few weeks ago (slammed in car door...ouch!) and haven't been able to play guitar for a while. It's pretty bad but could be worse. Lesson learned: take your time; don't be in such a hurry. Sadly, I had to cancel an upcoming gig that I was really looking forward to.

But the good news is I'm now looking forward to the first gigs since breaking my thumb! Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!

Friday March 8th at The Asheville Guitar Bar! I will be Mr. Jimmy's guest, with Pete Falbo on bass and Springs Wade on drums! 7:30p
Saturday March 9th a private party with Blues Chanteuse Peggy Ratusz on vocals, the immortal Zack Page on bass and the legendary Bill Berg on drums.
Lots more coming up in April!


January 15, 2024

Here are some great upcoming performances that I’m very excited about:

Saturday Feb. 24th at One World Brewing West, it’s my original music/band Alien Music Club!  In addition to some tasty jazz/blues/fusion original material, we will be covering a wide range of artists from Tom Petty to John Lennon, Jim Morrison, Tom Waits and some classic hits from the 80’s plus a few surprises!  Connor Law on bass, Jaron Pearlman on drums, Chuck Lichtenberger on keys!  4 to 7pm.    https://oneworldbrewing.com/

Saturday Jan. 27 at The Pillar Rooftop Bar downtown.  Peggy Ratusz on vocals, JP on guitar & vocals, Jay Hoots or drums and Quinn Sternberg on bass!  What a fun place, great for dancing!  6 to 9pm  https://pillaravl.com/

Wednesday January 31st at The Grey Eagle, it’s a fabulous Paul Simon Tribute by the Jonathan Lloyd Mashup band!  I’m so thrilled to be part of this show once again!  It’s an incredible tribute to a true musical genius, poet and inspiration to so many!  You may want to get tickets early as this one’s sure to sell out!  https://www.thegreyeagle.com/event/the-jlloyd-mashup-presents-a-tribute-to-paul-simon/grey-eagle-music-hall/asheville-north-carolina/

I’ll be at The Asheville Guitar Bar on March 8th, with a guest appearance on Mr. Jimmy’s Friday Night Blues show!   AGB is generating quite the buzz with locals as a warm, intimate listening room with fantastic people!  I’m so excited Jimmy asked me to join him, and I’m certainly looking forward to it!  We get started at 7:30pm.   https://www.facebook.com/ashevilleguitarbar/

I’ll be part of Peggy Ratusz’s Invitational Blues Jam at One World West on April 6th from 4 to 7pm!  So excited to once again get to be part of this extraordinary event Peggy has created!  https://oneworldbrewing.com/

More shows to be announced! Thanks so much for reading and supporting Live Music! 



December 24, 2023

I got this very flattering email from an audience member who attended our most recent Leonard Cohen Tribute show:

“The tribute was fabulous but you have ruined me…I put on Leonard’s music yesterday morning and it was missing the band. I want the band. Your arrangements made the songs come to life. Have you considered uploading MP3’s so we could enjoy you and your band?  That would be sweet! Thanks again for a fun night.”
J.R.

So, that got me thinking…I do have some good-quality live recordings. Why not make them available, for free, to fans of the show or anyone interested? Send your email address to jon@alienmusicclub.com and I will reply with the link to a private folder containing MP3’s from a live performance. And you will be the first to know if and when we do “Leonard Cohen: The Deep Cuts” again. Thanks and Happy Holidays! JP



November 30, 2023

So thankful and excited about these upcoming shows:

Stoked to be part of Peggy Ratusz Invitational Blues Jam on Saturday Dec. 2 at One World Brewing West with special guests Sal Landers and Melissa McKinney!  4 to 7pm

Friday Dec. 8 on the Lazoom Bus with Peggy, Micah Thomas and Connor Law!  It’s a 5:30 ride, so join us!

Saturday Dec. 9 with Peggy Ratusz and Daddy Longlegs band at The Pillar (Hilton Garden Hotel) from 6 to 9pm!

The next day Sunday Dec. 10, it’s a Very Special Highland brewing show with Peggy Ratusz, Duane Simpson, Taylor Pierson, Jay Hoots, and Zack Page in the Taproom 2-5pm;  Wow, what a lineup!!!

Friday December 15th, I get to play my original jazz and blues tunes (many which have never been played live) with my buddies Connor Law and Jason DeCristofaro at Cedar Mountain Canteen (near Brevard) for the 21st Century Music Series!  2 to 4pm

All the best to you & yours this Holiday Season!



November 15, 2023

Alien Music Club presents this stunning Leonard Cohen Tribute. Live from Isis Music Hall in Asheville NC, Jonathan Pearlman has created a Rock Show that crosses into Classical and even Country territory. Thought provoking, meaningful songs of love, hate & redemption. Original interpretations/arrangements of songs by this late, great Canadian singer/songwriter, many you’ve not heard before but will not soon forget. A songwriter & poet often compared to the likes of Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Roger Waters & Paul Simon. Hypnotic performances comprised of rich textures and virtuosity by a stellar lineup including Jonathan Pearlman (Musical Director/guitars/vocals), Ryan Kijanka (basses), Micah Thomas (drums/percussion/vocals), Scott Sharpe (pedal steel/guitar), Franklin Keel (electric cello).  Sunday December 3rd White Horse Black Mountain, 7:30pm.  



October 17, 2023

The Doors: Unhinged featuring Reggie Headen is a big hit, and we will schedule more shows over time.  Right now, we have one show on February 3, 2024 at The Purple Onion in Saluda.  Always a pleasure to play there!  We’ve got Reggie on vocals, Taylor Pierson on keys, Connor Law on bass, Jay Hoots on drums and me on guitars.  

I’m super stoked about some gigs this week!  I will be joining My Magnificent Nemesis on their 2nd set at Sierra Nevada next Saturday afternoon!  It will be a challenge to keep up with these guys as they are on fire!  Chuck Lichtenberger on keys/vocals, James Kylen on drums, Zack Page on bass, Alex Travers on electric violin!  Sierra Nevada Oct. 21; 2 to 5pm

I’ll be at Highland Brewing downtown with Peggy Ratusz Trio Friday the 20th from 7 to 9!  Always fun downtown!

We are once again presenting Leonard Cohen: The Deep Cuts at White Horse Black Mountain on Dec. 3, 2023!  This is a terrific show, full of heartfelt emotion and original interpretations of timeless material!  The band features Franklin Keel on electric cello, Ryan Kijanka on upright/electric bass, Micah Thomas on drums/vocals, Scott Sharpe on pedal steel and yours truly on guitars/vocals.  The show starts at 7:30 and tickets should be available on their website.  

It’s a very special Sunday Funday at Southern App Brewing in Hendo on Sunday Oct. 29, with Peggy Ratusz Daddy Longlegs band!  There will be a costume costume contest. 4 to 6pm

I have the honor of playing music with the great Eric Congdon at 185 King in Brevard on November 9!  This will be a mostly acoustic show, and Eric & I will be singing & playing many of your favorite tunes!  7 to 9pm

Equally excited to join Ruth Cooney (vocals), Connor Law (bass) and Jason DeCristofaro on vibes for the artist showcase at Southern App Brewing on Nov. 22!  7 to 9pm



August 29, 2023

Wow, what a blast at Downtown After 5 with the Asheville All-Stars last night!  And the same goes for our premiere of “The Doors: Unhinged” at “Sundays at Snookville”!    Heartfelt thanks to all who made these unforgettable moments possible!  Now, let’s make new unforgettable memories!

“The Doors: Unhinged!” (An AMC Production)

 Friday October 6, we will present “The Doors: Unhinged!” at One World Brewing West!  We are proud to partner with The Dogwood Alliance for this fundraiser!  For over 25 years, Dogwood Alliance has fought threats to our forests and frontline communities.  They promote forest protection as the best solution to climate change. They partner with communities to develop economic solutions that work with and for our forests.   Festivities begin around 7pm and we take the stage at 9pm!  What a great way to support a great, local non-profit!  


The JLloyd MashUp is bringing “A Tribute To Paul Simon” to Salvage Station on Thursday, September 21st, 2023!  I’m so stoked to be a part of this show once again!  We will be performing a variety of Paul Simon songs spanning his career! The band features Ben Falcon on lead vocals who captures Paul’s essence and voice delivering a brilliant performance every time! He is backed by one of Asheville’s most prestigious groups, The JLloyd MashUp, made up of a full 12 piece band for this show!  Doors open at 6PM and the music starts at 7PM. This is a General Admission, 12+ show. FREE PARKING!



June 5, 2023

With an intoxicating, genre-blending sound, provocative and uncompromising songs, and the mesmerizing power of singer Jim Morrison’s poetry and presence, The Doors had a transformative impact not only on popular music but on popular culture.
 
This Asheville-based quintet, fronted by the charismatic and electrifying Reggie Headen, features an all-star, highly sought after group of musicians: Jonathan Pearlman (Musical Director and guitarist), Taylor Pierson (keyboards), Connor Law (bass) and Jay Hoots (drums).
 
Our first show is Sunday August 13th as part of a backyard concert series called “Sundays at Snookville”. It’s a private event, and you are invited! For more info, contact Clint Bernard at americanastage@gmail.com.
Friday October 6, we will present “The Doors: Unhinged!” at One World Brewing West! We are so proud to partner with The Dogwood Alliance fundraiser for this event! The band hits around 9pm but the festivities start earlier.


May 5, 2023

Greetings earthlings!  Summer is here and music is everywhere!  

6/11  Sunday at Sierra Nevada, it’s Alien Music Club/My Magnificent Nemesis!!  So excited to bring All Original Music to the glorious, outdoor stage in Fletcher!  Chuck Lichtenberger, Jaron Pearlman, Connor Law and JP open the show for My Magnificent Nemesis with Chuck, Alex Travers, Jame Kylen and Zack Page!  Come celebrate my birthday with me!  2 to 5pm (Our set is first, so arrive early!)

6/29 Thursday, at The Outpost, a very cool new venue on the French Broad River.  I’m elated to join Peggy Ratusz, Zack Page, Kelly Jones, Taylor Pierson and James Kylen!!  Talk about a killer lineup!!  7 to 9pm

7/13 “Tom Waits: The Early Years” (the acoustic version) at The Purple Onion in Saluda…an icon of the WNC music scene with the best food, atmosphere and people!  We are so delighted to bring this lineup featuring Chuck Lichtenberger, Zack Page and Alex Travers to their intimate stage and fabulous listening room!  

7/17 Monday at One World Brewing West, I’m stoked to be featured at Jonathan Lloyd’s Mashup!  Everyone knows this is the place to be on Mondays. Acid-Jazz, Funk, Soul, Afro-beat, Reggae, Breakbeat, Latin and other world music. Led and curated by Jonathan Lloyd (Dubconscious/Cadillac Jones), the band is made up of some of Ashevilles busiest and hardest working musicians!  8:30 to 11:30

7/28 and 8/11, it’s Peggy Ratusz Trio at Highland Brewing downtown!  This is always a great hang and so much fun!  7 to 9pm


Sunday July 30, I am happy to be included in a FUNraiser for vocalist Jesse Barry, who has been very ill.  It will be at Salvage Station from 5 to 9pm.  This will be a virtual who’s who of Asheville talent.  Details forthcoming.  



April 16, 2023

Spring has sprung!  And so has the music scene in & around Asheville!  Here are some events I’m really looking forward to…hope to see you at one of them!  

4/29 “Tom Waits: The Early Years” at One World Brewing West!  We are so excited to bring this show to Asheville’s premiere venue!  The Big band with Chuck Lichtenberger on keys/vocals, Connor Law on bass, Ben Bjorlie on drums, Alex Travers on violin, Dylan Hannan on sax, and JP!  Love this show and love this venue!  8pm

4/20 Peggy & JP at Mills River Brewing!  6 -9pm

4/23  Peggy Ratusz Trio at a beautiful, new winery in Fletcher, Souther Williams Vineyard;  3 - 6pm

5/5 Chuck Lichtenberger and JP at Barleys in Spindale!  We will open the show for My Magnificent Nemesis; 7pm

5/12 Peggy & JP at a cool new brewery: Guidon Brewing company in Hendersonville. 7- 9pm

6/11  Alien Music Club/My Magnificent Nemesis at Sierra Nevada!!  So excited to bring All Original Music to the glorious, outdoor stage in Fletcher!  Chuck Lichtenberger, Jaron Pearlman, Connor Law and JP open the show for My Magnificent Nemesis with Chuck, Alex Travers, Jame Kylen and Zack Page!  3 to 5pm

7/13 “Tom Waits: The Early Years” (the acoustic version) at The Purple Onion in Saluda…an icon of the WNC music scene with the best food, atmosphere and people!  We are so delighted to bring this lineup featuring Chuck Lichtenberger, Zack Page and Alex Travers to their intimate stage and fabulous listening room!  

More to come!!!



March 28, 2023



March 14, 2023



March 13, 2023



March 12, 2023



March 12, 2023

So much going on right now! I’m very excited about these upcoming shows and events:

Saturday March 18th, 8pm “Tom Waits: The Early Years” Saturday March 18th at White Horse Black Mountain!! My Magnificent Nemesis opens! We could not be more excited to bring this one-of-a-kind Epic Tribute to this great stage! https://https://www.whitehorseblackmountain.com/product/2023-03-18-tom-waits-tribute-with-the-alien-music-club-sun-mar-18th-at-8pm-tickets-20/881?cp=true&sa=true&sbp=false&q=false

Tuesday April 4th, 8pm “Leonard Cohen: The Deep Cuts” an encore performance at The Grey Eagle! The Moon & You opens, and they will be joining us onstage for some very special songs! https://www.thegreyeagle.com/event/alien-music-club-presents-leonard-cohen-the-deep-cuts/grey-eagle-music-hall/asheville-north-carolina/
Tickets via www.etix.com/ticket/servlet/s/38202024

3/31 LaZoom bus with Peggy Ratusz & Daddy Longlegs band featuring Bob Songster and James Kylen!

4/7 Alien Music Club “Pop-up” show at Shiloh and Gaines, a very cool, new club off Hendersonville Road! Featuring Ben Bjorlie, Alex Travers Connor Law & JP! 9 - 12

4/8 Peggy Ratusz invitational blues, jam at One World Brewing! Invitational blues jam, featuring Melissa McKinney, Bill Loftus, Kelly Jones & JP! 4-7pm

4/29 “Tom Waits: The Early Years” at One World Brewing West! We are so excited to bring this show to Asheville’s premiere venue! The Big band with Chuck Lichtenberger, Connor Law, Ben Bjorlie, Alex Travers, Dylan Hannan and JP! Rumor has it that we may be featuring some Wayne Shorter tunes during the first set! 8pm

4/23 Peggy Ratusz Trio at a beautiful, new winery in Fletcher, Souther Williams Vineyard; 3- 6pm

5/12 Peggy & JP at a cool new brewery: Guidon Brewing company in Hendersonville. 7pm to 9pm

6/11 This is a big one! Alien Music Club/My Magnificent Nemesis at Sierra Nevada!! So excited to bring All Original Music to the glorious, outdoor stage in Fletcher! Chuck Lichtenberger, Jaron Pearlman, Connor Law and JP open the show for My Magnificent Nemesis with Chuck, Alex Travers, Jame Kylen and Zack Page! 3 to 5pm

7/13 “Tom Waits: The Early Years” (the acoustic version) at The Purple Onion in Saluda…an icon of the WNC music scene with the best food, atmosphere and people! We are so delighted to bring this lineup featuring Chuck Lichtenberger, Zack Page and Alex Travers to their intimate stage and fabulous listening room!

More to come!!!

#livemusicasheville #musicislife #musicinthemountains



February 28, 2023

I want to express my deepest gratitude to all who came out Saturday at One World Brewing West! It was a very enthusiastic, full house! So many new and familiar faces and just a wonderful experience all in all! Can't wait to do this show again!  Coming up:

Thursday March 2nd, I’ll be rocking out with Eric Congdon at 185 King Street in Brevard!  So happy to be doing this again!  Expect Beatles, Paul Simon, classic rock, blues and much more!  7-9pm

Saturday March 18th,  “Tom Waits: The Early Years”  Saturday March 18th at White Horse Black Mountain!!  We could not be more excited to bring this one-of-a-kind Epic Tribute to this great stage!  https://https://www.whitehorseblackmountain.com/product/2023-03-18-tom-waits-tribute-with-the-alien-music-club-sun-mar-18th-at-8pm-tickets-20/881?cp=true&sa=true&sbp=false&q=false

Tuesday April 4th“Leonard Cohen: The Deep Cuts” and encore performance at The Grey Eagle!!  https://www.thegreyeagle.com/event/alien-music-club-presents-leonard-cohen-the-deep-cuts/grey-eagle-music-hall/asheville-north-carolina/
Tickets via www.etix.com/ticket/servlet/s/38202024



February 16, 2023

This, I am so proud to say, is my Band! Chuck Lichtenberger Jaron Pearlman Connor Law! #alienmusicclub #rockjazzfusion #ashevilleoriginalmusic

 



February 9, 2023
 
What do Frank Zappa, David Bowie, Green Day, The Beatles, Pink Floyd. Tom Petty, Tom Waits, Jeff Beck, Wes Montgomery & John Scofield all have in common? Original songs by JP & Alien Music Club. These are my heroes, so my stuff is a Petri dish of all this & more. Saturday 2/25 at OWB. My Magnificent Nemesis opens. 4-7pm


January 6, 2023

We are so excited to announce an Alien Music Club Rock Show featuring all original jazz/rock/fusion on Saturday Feb. 25th!!!  This will be a very special afternoon show at One World compositions by AMC and My Magnificent Nemesis featuring compositions by my friend Chuck Lichtenberger.  I’m especially excited to be performing with my son, Jaron, on drums for the first time in over a decade!  More details to come, so mark your calendars!

So pleased to share the stage with Jonathan Lloyd’s Mashup on January 22nd at 9pm at Asheville Music Hall as we present a stellar Tribute to the immortal Paul Simon!!!  We will be including Simon & Garfunkel tunes this time around as well as many more tunes from Graceland!  This amazing group of musicians will astound you!  Tickets available at https://www.ashevillemusichall.com/info-page-sg/e/the-jlloyd-mashup-presents-a-tribute-to-paul-simon-at-asheville-music-hall-483681232587/

Saturday Feb. 18th, I’ll be at Highland Brewing downtown with Peggy Ratusz!  7-9pm

Thursday March 2nd, I’ll be rocking out with Eric Congdon at 185 King Street in Brevard!  So happy to be doing this again! Expect Beatles, Paul Simon, classic rock, blues and much more! 7-9pm

This just announced!  “Tom Waits: The Early Years”  Saturday March 18th at White Horse Black Mountain!!  We could not be more excited to bring this one-of-a-kind Epic Tribute to this great stage!  Details to come!



December 24, 2022

I must say I greatly appreciate the kind words and support from those of you who have been on this mailing list for years!  It’s always great to connect a name with a face!  Happy Holidays and all the best in 2023!
I am stoked about a lot of things, musically, in the coming year!  I’m very Grateful to be part of the ever-growing music scene in WNC.  I’m holding out hope that Isis Music Hall will continue offering live music under new ownership.  Meanwhile, I’m pursuing other venues/shows that I hope you will enjoy! 



November 28, 2022

It’s official!  We are doing “Tom Waits: The Early Years” at Isis Music Hall (in the Lounge!) on Friday December 16th, 7-8:30pm!  This will be our 2nd performance of this show, and I can’t think of a better way to end a 10-year run of so many wonderful shows at this very special venue. Call them to reserve a table early, as this could well be a full house!

Isis Music Hall Tickets



November 16, 2022



October 31, 2022



October 10, 2022



October 8, 2022

Big News! November 23rd, we will unveil “Tom Waits: The Early Years!”  This is the latest Alien Music Club Tribute Show, and I’m really stoked about it! This is material from albums like Heart of Saturday night, Swordfishtrombone, Franks wild years, Nighthawks at the Diner & Rain Dogs 122-002 College St/Asheville - 7:30 to 10pm



August 30, 2022

Hi everyone!  Hope you are enjoying your Summer and taking advantage of the wide and varied musical happenings going on everywhere!  I’m continuing to work on the Asheville Sessions at Isis Music Hall as Musical Director/Guitarist, and performing with Peggy Ratusz at various venues.  I’m also working on a showcase for my original material, and planning several Tribute shows similar to the Leonard Cohen show which many of you attended.  We will hopefully do that one again soon, as well!  Hope to see you soon!  JP

Upcoming featured singers for The Asheville Sessions Vocal Showcase in the Lounge at Isis Music Hall, 7pm http://www.isisasheville.com for tickets!


hurs Sept 8th, Dame Linda Mitchell, 7pm Lounge
 We welcome back the Matriarch of Asheville: Jazz & Blues vocalist & songwriter, Dame Mitchell. The depth of her emotions emerges via her sultry alto voice. Musical compadre, Ray Ring will be on guitar as they explore a variety of topics, tales & territories. She sells out performances so make your reservation today! Peggy Ratusz opens.
 
Sept 15, Claire Hoke, 7pm Lounge
Claire Hoke is a singer songwriter born and raised on North Carolina land and music. She’s been performing around WNC since 2018 in various groupings. Her influences include James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, and Sarah Jarosz, Usually behind the sound board for these weekly ‘sessions’ she’ll step onto the stage and share her lovely, expressive voice with us for an intimate taste of her beguiling song interpretations of Jazz and Folk music, including a few of her own material. It’s time for her to shine! Peggy Ratusz opens.
 
Sept 22, Albi Podrizki, 7pm Lounge
Albi arrived to Asheville, NC from Miami Beach, FL in 2014. His decision to leave a career in real estate to peruse his true passion for music is paying off big time! Growing up with a French father and Mexican mother has given him a rich cultural perspective which has influenced his musical style and sensibilities.
Singing in French, Spanish, Portuguese and English along with his classic jazz guitar playing is what identifies and distinguishes Albi in the rich and bubbling music scene of Asheville. Peggy Ratusz opens.

Sept 16, Peggy Ratusz and I will be at 2nd Act in Hendersonville - 7pm

Sept 17, Peggy Ratusz Trio at Highland Brewing downtown - 7pm



July 18, 2022

This Thursday July 21, Asheville Sessions at Isis Music Hall Asheville Sessions curators, Jonathan Pearlman & Peggy Ratusz trade vocals from their combined, eclectic & extensive repertoires. From Jazz Standards to Vintage Pop & Rock, the playlist will be a succulent buffet for your ears! Taylor Pierson on piano, Connor Law on bass - 7 to 8:30pm

Thursday July 28, Asheville Sessions at Isis Music Hall features Jesse Barry and friends! This Blues Ingenue has been wowing the Isis audience for many years. Jesse Barry never fails to bring all the feels with her delicious renditions of Jazz/Blues/Pop and Rock songs, tonight you’ll hear her all the way scaled down to bass, keys and guitar accompaniment. Her voice satiates every craving from soft buttered ballads to rich and spicy serenades! This one is sure to sell out! Taylor Pierson on keys, Kelly Jones on guitar, and Zack Page on upright bass! Show will be opened by the wonderful Mare Carmody - 7 to 8:30pm

Sunday 7/24, Peggy and I will be at Burntshirt Vineyard/Winery in Hendersonville from 2 to 5pm!

Thursday 7/28, “Something You’ve Got” featuring Reggie Headen and Peggy Ratusz at One World Brewing West!  Something You’ve Got is a genre exploring collaboration with two quintessential vocal interpreters, Reggie Headen and Peggy Ratusz. They join hips this evening and sing some of the greatest duet songs of ALL time! Think Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, Koko & BB, Dinah Washington & Brooke Benton, Stevie Nicks & Tom Petty, Johnny & June.  For this concert, their musical landscape will be cultivated by skillful arbitrators: Jonathan Pearlman on guitar, Paul Banman on keys, Neil alexander on bass and Justin Watt on drums.

Sunday 7/31, for “Sunday Fun Day at Southern App Brewing in Hendersonville, we bring you “Duos in the Round”!  Featuring Jesse Barry and Kelly Jones; Peggy Ratusz and Jonathan Pearlman; This is a free-form, gleeful trading of songs and musings for your listening pleasure!  4 to 6pm

Thurs Aug 4th - Sharon LaMotte is the featured singer for The Asheville Sessions Vocal Showcase on the main stage at Isis Music Hall, 7pm. http://www.isisasheville.com for tickets!

Saturday 8/6, it’s the Peggy Ratusz Trio with Zack Page and Jonathan Pearlman at Highland Brewing Downtown!!  Not to be missed!  7 to 9pm!

Thurs Aug 11th - Frances Eliza is the featured singer for The Asheville Sessions Vocal Showcase on the main stage at Isis Music Hall, 7pm http://www.isisasheville.com for tickets!

Thurs Aug 18th - Harry Schultz is the featured singer for the for The Asheville Sessions Vocal Showcase on the main stage at Isis Music Hall, 7pm http://www.isisasheville.com for tickets!

Friday Aug 26th - Top of the Grade Summer Music Series in Saluda with Peggy Ratusz & Daddy LongLegs Blues band, 7p-9phttps://saluda.com/top-of-the-grade-concert-series/



July 14, 2022

Great big THANK YOU to iamavl.com for capturing this performance of “Leonard Cohen: The Deep Cuts” at Salvage Station last Sunday! https://iamavl.com/pxbqhgcpohy/



July 12, 2022

Feeling fulfilled and humbled by the kindness and generosity of Salvage Station and the small but mighty crowd that lifted us up so high last night! Reggie Headen and Connor Law lit up the crowd and set the mood and the bar quite high. I believe we met the challenge! I LOVE performing this material with this group: Franklin Keel, Ryan Kijanka, Micah Thomas and Scott Sharpe! Hoping this, our 2nd presentation of "Leonard Cohen: The Deep Cuts", will not be our last. I'm on a Mission! Thanks, again, to all who came out, and especially to Jason G, Scarecrow, Tyler, Jamie and the whole crew at Salvage Station!



July 4, 2022

Tickets still available to our Leonard Cohen Tribute at Salvage Station this Sunday July 10th!  Original interpretations/arrangements of songs by the late, great Canadian singer/songwriter, many you’ve not heard before but will not soon forget. A songwriter & poet often compared to the likes of Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Roger Waters & Paul Simon. Hypnotic performances comprised of rich textures and virtuosity by a stellar lineup including Jonathan Pearlman (Musical Director/guitars/vocals), Ryan Kijanka (basses), Micah Thomas (drums/percussion/vocals), Scott Sharpe (pedal steel/guitar), Franklin Keel (electric cello). Here's a preview of what to expect:
https://youtu.be/lrN5HdvxhLk

Tickets:
https://salvagestation.com/events/alien-music-club-presents-leonard-cohen-the-deep-cuts/


Wednesday July 13th, Peggy Ratusz Trio at The Purple Onion in Saluda!  JP on guitar/vocals and Jeff Hersk on bass!  8pm  https://purpleonionsaluda.com/the-purple-onion/

Friday July 15th, “Something You’ve Got” featuring Reggie Headen and Peggy Ratusz at Summer Trax in Tryon with JP on guitar, Justin Watt on drums, Paul Banman on keys and Neil Alexander on bass. http://www.summertracks.com/


Thursday July 7, Asheville Sessions at Isis Music Hall welcomes Brian Hilligoss! Brian was singing on the Grand Ole Opry by the time he was twenty-one and performing stand-up comedy with his friend and mentor, Minnie Pearl.  A well-honed singer-songwriter inspired by the likes of Darrell Scott, Rodney Crowell, and Nanci Griffith, Brian is an experienced stage performer and storyteller. He brings the audience into his songs and repartee in such a way that leaves folks feeling better for being there.  Look forward to a night of Classic Country songs; 7:00pm. Peggy Ratusz opens.

Thursday July 14, Asheville Sessions at Isis Music Hall welcomes Melissa Hyman! With whimsy & sweet soulful charm, Melissa warms her audiences up & keeps us cuddled up close. Her love for lyric & melody shine on the rays of her smooth, evocative & confident voice. We’ll be hearing jazz standards & more from this  seasoned vocalist/multi instrumentalist. Peggy Ratusz opens.



June 19, 2022

Great news! We're doing it again at Salvage Station here in Asheville on July 10th!

Alien Music Club presents a stunning Leonard Cohen Tribute. Jonathan Pearlman has created a Rock Show that crosses into Classical and even Country territory. Thought provoking, meaningful songs of love, hate & redemption. Original interpretations/arrangements of songs by this late, great Canadian singer/songwriter, many you’ve not heard before but will not soon forget. A songwriter & poet often compared to the likes of Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Roger Waters & Paul Simon. Hypnotic performances comprised of rich textures and virtuosity by a stellar lineup including Jonathan Pearlman (Musical Director/guitars/vocals), Ryan Kijanka (basses), Micah Thomas (drums/percussion/vocals), Scott Sharpe (pedal steel/guitar), Franklin Keel (electric cello). Here's a preview of what to expect:

https://youtu.be/lrN5HdvxhLk

Tickets:

https://salvagestation.com/events/alien-music-club-presents-leonard-cohen-the-deep-cuts/

 

 



May 26, 2022

Some Upcoming Gigs:

Sunday June 5, Peggy Ratusz & Daddy Longlegs @ Sierra Nevada, Amphitheater stage, 6 to 9pm. That will include Ryan Holgerson (from Austin TX) as well as Aaron Price, Jon Price, Justin Watt!

Saturday June 18, Music on Main Weaverville opening for Abby Bryant & the Echos; 5:45pm-7pm with Zack Page, Justin Watt and Kevin Sanders!



May 6, 2022

Saturday May 28th on the Main Stage at Isis Music Hall! “Leonard Cohen: The Deep Cuts” will feature Thought provoking, meaningful songs of love, hate & redemption & Original interpretations/arrangements of songs by this late, great Canadian singer/songwriter; many you’ve not heard before but will not soon forget. Cohen was a songwriter & poet often compared to the likes of Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Roger Waters & Paul Simon. Expect hypnotic performances comprised of rich textures and virtuosity by a stellar lineup including Jonathan Pearlman (Musical Director/guitars/vocals), Ryan Kijanka (basses), Micah Thomas (drums/percussion/vocals), Scott Sharpe (pedal steel), Franklin Keel (cello). I could not be more excited about this! It is something I’ve wanted to do for many years! Here’s the link to info/tickets on the Isis site: https://isisasheville.com/event/alien-music-club-5-28-2022/



May 5, 2022

Saturday May 7, I’ll be at Highlands Brewing Live in the Meadow with Daddy Longlegs featuring Peggy Ratusz, Jay Hoots and Rob Giesler. 6 to 9pm

Saturday May 14, Peggy & I will be back at The 2nd Act in Hendersonville! 7 to 9pm

Thursday May 12, Asheville Sessions at Isis Music Hall welcomes Melody Cooper to the Upstairs Lounge! Join us in the lounge for an evening of scintillating, percolating, soulful styled Jazz with Melody Cooper at the front. This warm, charismatic crooner will take your ears on a beautiful ride through some of her favorite & familiar tunes from The Great American Songbook. A lovely evening is sure to be had by all.
Peggy Ratusz opens. 7- 8:30pm
Taylor Pierson: Piano
Connor Law: Bass
Jonathan Pearlman: Guitar

“Celebrating Frank! A Musical Tribute to Frank Zipperer”, May 15th at Salvage Station includes three sets of live music performed by dozens of musicians from the Asheville community who will gather with Frank’s family to honor him. This will be a big party to celebrate the life of our dear, departed friend Frank Zipperer, on what would have been his 85th birthday on May 15, 2022 at Salvage Station, from 2:30 to 5:30pm.   Music will be a big part of this, although not the only part! As part of the musical celebration, we have decided to make one set a sort of “Barley’s style” set with a sign up sheet for those who wish to participate.  There will be a backline for drums, keys and bass.  Guitarists/bassists should bring their own instruments, of course!  We’re doing 3 sets, a jazz set, a blues/R&B set, and a “Barley’s” set.  There will be many Vocalists and special guests! Please join us for an afternoon of great music.  Hope to see you there!

Thursday May 19th, Asheville Sessions at Isis Music Hall welcomes Ryan Barber to the Main Stage for a very special Marvin Gaye Tribute! Lets Get it On, Marvin Gaye tribute with Ryan “RnB” Barber & the magnificent Asheville Sessions full Band. Oh what Mr. Barber can do with a song! Swoon-Soul is an accurate way to describe Ryan’s performing essence. From his romantic high notes to his gravel good low ones, you’ll be movin’ to the groovin’ that this phenomenal singer puts out! Grapevine? Check! What’s Goin On? Check! And many more hits from the “Crowned Prince of Cool.” Let’s Get it On! Go grab your tickets while they last!
Ryan Barber/Peggy Ratusz/Jesse Barry (Vocals)
Jonathan Pearlman (Guitar)
Ben Bjorlie (Bass)
Jay Hoots (Drums)
Thommy Knoles (Keyboards)

Thursday May 26, Asheville Sessions at Isis Music Hall welcomes Vollie McKenzie to the Upstairs Lounge! Swing & Sway with Vollie Mckenzie :: A “Walter Hyatt Lookalike/Soundalike” Vollie is tall on musically pleasing tales & tall in stature. You’ll be high on the sound of this quintessential crooner. His throw back vibe is as pleasing as music & singing gets. His inviting & cozy style is a perfect match to this intimate, lovely listening room. You’ll be in exceptionally good hands with Mr. McKenzie. Peggy Ratusz opens.
Bob Strain: Piano
Ryan Kijanka: Bass
Jonathan Pearlman: Guitar

Saturday May 28th on the Main Stage at Isis Music Hall! “Leonard Cohen: The Deep Cuts” will feature Thought provoking, meaningful songs of love, hate & redemption & Original interpretations/arrangements of songs by this late, great Canadian singer/songwriter; many you’ve not heard before but will not soon forget. Cohen was a songwriter & poet often compared to the likes of Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Roger Waters & Paul Simon. Expect hypnotic performances comprised of rich textures and virtuosity by a stellar lineup including Jonathan Pearlman (Musical Director/guitars/vocals), Ryan Kijanka (basses), Micah Thomas (drums/percussion/vocals), Scott Sharpe (pedal steel), Franklin Keel (cello). I could not be more excited about this! It is something I’ve wanted to do for many years! Here’s the link to info/tickets on the Isis site: https://isisasheville.com/event/alien-music-club-5-28-2022/

 

Peggy Ratusz & Daddy Longlegs on June 5 @ Sierra Nevada, Amphitheater stage, 6 to 9pm. That will include Ryan Holgerson, from Austin TX, as well as Aaron Price, Jon Price, Justin Watt and JP!

 



April 28, 2022

Some upcoming gigs in & around town:

 

Peggy Ratusz and Jonathan Pearlman: Hilton Garden Inn off Hwy 191, 6pm-9pm

Peggy & Daddy Long Legs @ Highland Meadow on May 7th, 6pm-9pm - Jonthan Pearlman, Jay Hoots and Rob Geisler


Peggy Ratusz & Daddy Longlegs on June 5 @ Sierra Nevada, Amphitheater stage, 2pm-5pm. That will include Ryan Holgerson, from Austin as well as Aaron Price, Jon Price, Justin Watt and JP!



April 19, 2022

Thursday April 28th, Asheville Sessions at Isis Music Hall welcomes Aaron Price to the upstairs Lounge! Another Asheville Sessions alum, Aaron Price is an all in one entertainer! This multi-genre vocalist, multi-instrumental Phenom is a true charmer, a brilliant band leader & a truly gifted musician. A sought after music producer & sound engineer, Aaron’s reputation is held in high esteem. Peggy Ratusz opens. 7- 8:30pm
Aaron Price: Piano
Jonathan Price: Bass
Jonathan Pearlman: Guitar

Sunday 4/24, it’s Sunday Funday at Southern Appalachian Brewing in Hendersonville. Our featured guest will be Linda Shew Wolf on saxophone.  Peggy Ratusz (vocals/percussion); Jonathan Pearlman (vocals/guitar) & Ryan Kijanka (bass) - 3 to 5pm

“Celebrating Frank! A Musical Tribute to Frank Zipperer”, May 15th at Salvage Station includes three sets of live music performed by dozens of musicians from the Asheville community who will gather with Frank’s family to honor him.  This will be a big party to celebrate the life of our dear, departed friend Frank Zipperer, on what would have been his 85th birthday on May 15, 2022 at Salvage Station, from 2:30 to 5:30pm.   Music will be a big part of this, although not the only part!  As part of the musical celebration, we have decided to make one set a sort of “Barley’s style” set with a sign up sheet for those who wish to participate.  There will be a backline for drums, keys and bass.  Guitarists/bassists should bring their own instruments, of course!  We’re doing 3 sets, a jazz set, a blues/R&B set, and a “Barley’s” set.  There will be many Vocalists and special guests! Please join us for an afternoon of great music.  Hope to see you there!

Saturday May 28th on the Main Stage at Isis Music Hall!  “Leonard Cohen: The Deep Cuts” will feature Thought provoking, meaningful songs of love, hate & redemption & Original interpretations/arrangements of songs by this late, great Canadian singer/songwriter; many you’ve not heard before but will not soon forget. Cohen was a songwriter & poet often compared to the likes of Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Roger Waters & Paul Simon.  Expect hypnotic performances comprised of rich textures and virtuosity by a stellar lineup including Jonathan Pearlman (Musical Director/guitars/vocals), Ryan Kijanka (basses), Micah Thomas (drums/percussion/vocals), Scott Sharpe (pedal steel), Franklin Keel (cello). I could not be more excited about this!  It is something I’ve wanted to do for many years!  Here’s the link to info/tickets on the Isis site: https://isisasheville.com/event/alien-music-club-5-28-2022/



April 2, 2022

So excited to announce a new Alien Music Club concert premiering May 28th on the Main Stage at Isis Music Hall in West Asheville! It's been a long time since I've produced a live show, and this is one that I've wanted to do for a long time.

What you will hear
Thought provoking, meaningful songs of love, hate & redemption
Original arrangements & interpretations of songs by a songwriter & poet often compared to the likes of Bob Dylan, Tom Waits & Paul Simon
Video Teaser/Promo:


March 5, 2022

Thursday March 10th, Asheville Sessions at Isis Music Hall welcomes Hank Bones! They call him the “man of a thousand songs.” We’d like to add, that they’re all the good ones! Hank has vetted a dozen of his best cover tunes as gifts for you in tonight’s showcase for The Asheville Lounge Sessions.This troubadour has been charming audiences for almost 40 years. He’s blessed with one of those singing voices you could listen to all day long. Pitch perfect, compelling and truly captivating, his comedic prowess is just icing on the cake! With mad guitar skills and a penchant for making you laugh one minute only to bring you to sentimental-driven tears the next, make no mistake, Hank Bones is the quintessential crooner! 7- 8:30pm
Taylor Pierson: Piano
Ryan Kijanka: Bass
Jonathan Pearlman: Guitar
Peggy Ratusz opens

Thursday March 17th, Asheville Sessions at Isis Music Hall welcomes Mare Carmody!  To ask a premiere, award winning singer/songwriter to formulate a set list of cover tunes can be sacrilege. But for the songwriters whose influences flow in and out of their own material while they bring freshness to familiarity, Mare Carmody’s strength as a song interpreter is evident from the first note no matter who wrote the song. Tonight’s playlist is a wonderfully rich gamut of songs made famous by Bonnie, Lucinda, Doc, Levon and Ella. We pull her away from her own band to join ours for one night only! We invite you to make your reservations now for what’s sure to be a gratifying, endearing and lovely show. 7- 8:30pm
Aaron Price: Piano
Zack Page: Bass
Jonathan Pearlman: Guitar
Peggy Ratusz opens

Thursday March 24th, Asheville Sessions at Isis Music Hall welcomes Ellen Trnka! Ellen Trnka is a vocal musician from the NYC area residing in WNC since 2002. She’s been singing professionally for over 30 years in blues and jazz bands, trios, duos and as a solo singer songwriter. Trnka’s extensive experience has landed her dates in prestigious venues from NYC all the way down the Eastern seaboard. Ellen has opened for international acts Pheobe Snow, Saffire -”The Upitty Blues Woman”, Marshall Tucker Band and John Pizzarelli. 7- 8:30pm
Taylor Pierson: Piano
Connor Law: Bass
Jonathan Pearlman: Guitar
Peggy Ratusz opens



February 24, 2022

Tonight February 24th, As part of our "Asheville Sessions" series at Isis Music Hall, we welcome Melissa McKinney. From Jazz to Blues to Rock, Melissa’s path has been lined with songs from early Jazz greats to iconic rock goddesses. In this intimate listening concert, we’re invited to sit back and enjoy the luxury of her rich and captivating voice. Single Mom, entrepreneur, philanthropist, booking manager, band leader, producer and owner of a successful music school, Melissa splits her time between NC and WV. This Leaf Global Artist in Residence is taking time out of her incredibly busy life to share with us, an eclectic mix of her genre-influences through the years. The Asheville Sessions is proud to facilitate a show with such an accomplished, versatile, dedicated and forward-thinking advocate of the arts.
Taylor Pierson: piano :: Connor Law: bass :: Jonathan Pearlman: guitar:: Ben Bjorlie:: drums:: Peggy Ratusz opens

Next Thursday March 3rd, As part of our "Asheville Sessions" series at Isis Music Hall, we welcome Ruth Cooney. An interior designer by day; a Jazz Belle by night, singer Ruth Cooney, brings her ‘styling’ skills to the intimate Lounge Stage at the IsisMusic Hall. With her favorite Great American Songbook tunes at the ready, those of you who have yet to hear her sell-out tribute show to Joni Mitchell will be treated to a select few of those tunes as well!  Ruth’s smooth and polished voice coupled with her composed but radiant stage presence welcomes us to come on in, sit down and take a load off. We invite you to make your reservations now for what’s sure to be a gratifying, endearing and lovely 75 minute show. Peggy Ratusz opens.
Bob Strain: piano :: Zack Page: bass :: Jonathan Pearlman: guitar:: Peggy Ratusz opens

 

 



February 8, 2022

This Thursday February 10th, As part of our "Asheville Sessions" series at Isis Music Hall, A Tribute to the Incomparable, Ella Fitzgerald!

Our very own incomparable Jazzabelle, Wendy Jones will serenade you all the way into next week, with her stunning renditions of some of Fitzgerald’s most beloved songs. And just in time for Valentine’s Day! So grab your sweetheart because we invite you both to this compelling celebration,  featuring:

Jonathan Pearlman on guitar, Taylor Pierson Piano, Zack Page: Bass, Rick Dilling: Drums Peggy Ratusz opens!



January 4, 2022

Thurs Jan 13th is the kick off concert of Asheville Lounge Sessions - hosted by Jonathan Pearlman and Peggy Ratusz. Though most Thursdays we'll be playing in the upstairs lounge, for the kick off launch party, we'll be on the main stage. Featured singers for the launch party concert are Mare Carmody, Reggie Headen, Aaron Price, Peggy Ratusz & Elaine Scott.  8:30pm $10 cover!

 

 



December 5, 2021
Rehearsals have begun for an Alien Music Club, all original music Live Show sometime in 2022! Very excited to be putting this together with long-time friend and collaborator, Chuck Lichtenberger and my very talented son Jaron Pearlman! This is a full circle in many ways, as I have worked with these two in a "past life" well over a decade ago. Stay Tuned!


November 23, 2021

Exciting News!

I am thrilled to announce a new music series starting in January 2022 at Isis Music Hall! Peggy Ratusz & I have been asked to start a regular Thursday evening series in the Upstairs Lounge at Isis. We've decided to spotlight vocalist musicians; a different person each week. Some nights will take place on the Main Stage. On those nights, an open jam will follow the first set!
Think of it as Barley’s with more of a Listening Room atmosphere. The series won't officially start until Thursday January 13th.



November 14, 2021

Excited to announce that rehearsals are underway for a live Alien Music Club show, consisting of mostly original, genre-twisting tunes! Drawing from decades of material, this show promises to kick ass! Long Overdue!! Especially excited that this is a reunion show of sorts with my son Jaron Pearlman on drums (of Indigo Girls fame) and Chuck Lichtenberger on keys (Get Right Band and many, many others) Stay tuned!



September 23, 2021

Excited for future endeavors with Alien Music Club! Coming up is our outdoor One World West show featuring vocal dynamo Reggie Headen on Thursday October 7th! Also working on a potential revival of the AMC Jazz Jam! And putting together a jazz trio/quartet as well as a power trio/quartet! Also working on a new album. Looking forward to a productive, musical Winter & Spring. Can’t let COVID keep us down.



September 22, 2021

 

Excited to announce an Alien Music Club Encore Presentation featuring vocalist Reggie Headen, Thursday October 7th at One World Brewing in West Asheville from 6 to 9pm. Reggie Headen is a native North Carolinian and graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC. He sees the stage as a medium of many possibilities to connect and engage an audience. He started his professional career as a featured performer at New York’s famous Broadway concert venue Town Hall, playing to giants and peers in the industry. In fall 2018, Reggie moved to Asheville and since moving he’s had what he calls “A Return to Jazz”.  Though recently around town, he can be heard singing anything from Aretha Franklin to Jefferson Airplane. The power and panache of his live performances are ones for the history books.  Headen beguiles and astounds. A fearless performer and heartfelt old soul vocalist. This promises to be an electrifying performance, not to be missed!

 



September 11, 2021

Please join Peggy Ratusz and Daddy Longlegs as we present, “Jazz in the Night” Sunday September 12th at Isis Music Hall in West Asheville.
The playlist is hip, swingin’, beautiful and sultry. We bring our own arrangements to Jazz Tunes recorded by Peggy Lee, Imelda May, Diana Krall, Madeline Peyroux, Astrud Gilberto, Kay Starr, Blossom Dearie, Norah Jones, Melody Gardot and more! This is an outdoor show!
 Jonathan Pearlman on guitar, Taylor Pierson on keys, Justin Watt on drums and bassist, Jon Price.  7:30pm



July 30, 2021
BLUES IN THE NIGHT SHOW
WITH PEGGY RATUSZ & FRIENDS

Isis Music Hall Sunday, August 15th, 7pm
 
Come celebrate the 64th birthday of Blues Chanteuse, Peggy Ratusz, tonight as she reprises her sell-out show, “Blues in the Night.” The playlist is hip, swingin’, beautiful and sultry. Peggy and her outstanding backing band will bring their own arrangements to songs by Ella Fitzgerald, Bonnie Raitt, Ann Peebles, Joan Osborne, Etta James, Diana Krall, Jaco Pastorious and more.

 Ratusz has won Best in Blues for twelve of the past 18 years and is known for pulling from the endless pool of talented, all-star players of Asheville. Jonathan Pearlman will play guitar and sing. Aaron Price is on keys and vocals. The rhythm section is comprised of Justin Watt on drums and bassist, Connor Law.


July 14, 2021

SUMMER TRACKS
AND ALIEN MUSIC CLUB presents!

BAD GIRLS AND THE ALIENS OF SOUL!

DISCO, FUNK AND ROCK N ROLL!

ROGERS PARK AMPHITHEATER, TRYON, NC
 FRIDAY, JULY 16, 2021, 7PM
 - Featuring Paula Hanke, Peggy Ratusz, Jonathan Pearlman,Taylor Pierson, Ben Bjorlie and Jay Hoots! 

Summer Tracks, the area’s most popular summer music series, welcomes The Bad Girls & Aliens of Soul on Friday, July 16. Featuring Peggy Ratusz and Paula Hanke on vocals, this review takes audiences back to the days when the sounds of Soul, Funk, and Disco blared from the radio, and bell bottoms and miniskirts reigned supreme in fashion. As usual, Ratusz and Hanke will be joined on stage by some of Asheville’s finest musicians under the direction of Jonathan Pearlman. 

 



June 26, 2021

So proud for Alien Music Club to once again be part of Summer Tracks at Rogers Park Amphitheater Tryon, NC!  Be sure to check out all the great shows happening there at http://www.summertracks.com/. Special thanks to Peter Eisenbrown for making this happen!
July 16 The Bad Girls & Aliens of Soul:Featuring Peggy Ratusz and Paula Hanke on vocals with the Aliens of Soul backing them up. Soul! Funk! Disco! Dance party.



June 6, 2021
Couldn't be more stoked to be opening for Dirty Logic at Salvage Station in Asheville this Thursday June 10th with Peggy Ratusz & Daddy Longlegs! Show is almost sold out so grab your ticket while you can! BIG thanks to Patrick Armitage for asking us to open. Can't wait to hear this fantastic band rock out on some Steely Dan! Feels wonderful to be playing live music again! Please be safe out there so we can keep it going!


May 31, 2021

Incredible night playing live music to a beautiful crowd at Isis Music Hall last Friday! It felt like being back, being home! So many great memories both onstage & in the audience! Thank you thank you thank you all you wonderful people: the overly generous & enthusiastic crowd, the staff & Scott Woody family, my fantastic lineup for the evening (Reggie Headen, Ben Bjorlie, Taylor Pierson and Jay Hoots)! It feels like the New Normal is finally here. Live Music & Good Times straight ahead! If you'd like to see the show, Here's the YouTube Link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9J133ZNMLCA



May 21, 2021

Here are some upcoming shows we're so happy to bring you in the coming weeks!

Friday May 28th at Isis Music Hall, Alien Music Club featuring Reggie Headen! Reggie got is first “call” to sing jazz after hearing a recording of Lena Horne singing “Old Devil Moon”. He was featured as a performer in Broadway’s Rising Stars 2007 at New York’s famous Broadway concert venue, Town Hall. Over the years Reggie has fronted many bands in various styles, ranging from funk to rock and roll. The band is Ben Bjorlie on bass, Jay Hoots on drums, Taylor Pierson on keys and JP on guitar/vocals. Tickets on Sale now - Please Call the Venue
https://isisasheville.com/event/alien-music-club-5-28-2021/

Friday 6/4, We are back on the Lazoom Band & Beer Bus!! The Daddy Longlegs band featuring Peggy Ratusz on vocals/percussion, Ben Bjorlie on bass and James Kylen on drums! https://www.lazoomtours.com/

Thursday 6/10, at Salvage Station, Daddy Longlegs opens the show for Asheville’s incredible Steely Dan Tribute Band “Dirty Logic”!
https://salvagestation.com/events/dirty-logic/

Saturday 6/19, Peggy Ratusz and I will be at The 2nd Act in Hendersonville! 6pm

Friday 6/25, we’re back on the Lazoom Bus with The Daddy Longlegs Band! https://www.lazoomtours.com/



April 25, 2021

So amazing to be playing live music again after such a long time! Here's video from our Friday night performance at Isis Music Hall here in Asheville, NC! It was awesome to feature some of our original material, much of it for the first time in front of a live audience! Great band with Peggy Ratusz (vocals, percussion), Aaron Price (vocals, piano, guitar), Ben Bjorlie (bass) and James Kylen (drums).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wT3ySBKYEKg



April 8, 2021

Upcoming gig, the first full band performance in quite a while! Hope to see your masked face there!

Peggy Ratusz and Daddy LongLegs
FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2021
Isis Music Hall
Asheville NC
7pm to 8pm

Blues/Jazz/Swing/ Old School Soul/R&B chanteuse, Peggy Ratusz has been performing for nearly 45 years; the last 17, in WNC.
THIS NEARLY ALL ORIGINALS SHOW will feature songs written by the BAND! Sit back and enjoy a show that gives you a front row seat to hear songs by Jonathan Pearlman, Peggy Ratusz and Aaron Price! They'll be supported by the fabulous rhythm section Jay Hoots on drums and Ben Bjorlie on bass!

Tickets
isisasheville.com/event/daddy-longlegs-4-23-2021



April 5, 2021

Glad to be out and about playing music, again! Here are two shows coming up in April!

Fri April 23rd - 7pm A VERY SPECIAL ORIGINALS SHOW! - Peggy Ratusz & Daddy LongLegs play ORIGINAL BLUES AND ROCK AT ISIS MUSIC HALL'S MAIN STAGE! PLENTY OF TABLES STILL LEFT TO RESERVE! Jonathan Pearlman on guitar, Aaron Price on keys, Ben Bjorlie on bass and Jay Hoots on drums! It is going to be fantastic!

Thurs, April 29th - Jonathan Pearlman and Peggy Ratusz will be playing everything under the sun at The 2nd Act Coffee/Wine/Beer 6p-9p.



January 29, 2021

Thanks to everyone who listened, commented and downloaded tunes from “They Call Me Pizzle” and "Earth Is Bipolar". A donation to BeLoved Asheville has been made on your behalf. Alien Music Club is proud to support this wonderful group of caring individuals. Donate or Volunteer if you can, and thanks for listening!



January 16, 2021

Two, brand new albums available now. Wow! It took 9 years and a pandemic, but we finally got it done! "They Call Me Pizzle" and "Earth Is Biploar" both on Bandcamp, soon to be on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon and other streaming locations. Thanks for listening!

https://alienmusicclub.bandcamp.com/album/earth-is-bipolar

https://alienmusicclub.bandcamp.com/album/they-call-me-pizzle-2

 

 



October 19, 2020

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020 AT 6:30 PM EDT – 8:30 PM EDT
Lawn Concert: Alien Music Club Jazz Quartet
Isis Music Hall
The Alien Music Club Jazz Quartet has been entertaining loyal, local audiences as the house band at Barley’s Taproom in downtown Asheville every Thursday night for the better part of a decade. The band features Jonathan Pearlman on guitar, Taylor Pierson on piano, Zack Page on bass and Ben Bjorlie on drums. Specializing in innovative takes on well known jazz standards, the group intuitively creates fresh, new arrangements on the fly. This performance will delight jazz aficionados as well as those less familiar with the genre.
Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks at the Isis patio and lawn. Reservations are highly recommended.
https://isisasheville.com/event/alien-music-club-jazz-quartet-10-22-2/



September 3, 2020

Wonderful night playing great jazz with my buddies at Isis Music Hall as Alien Music Club Jazz Quartet! And we’re doing it again on Thursday September 24th! The weather was perfect for a socially distanced, outdoor setting and the crowd was receptive & very generous! Big thanks to Isis and the Scott Woody family, especially Harris & Martin who held it down while Scott & Lil went to meet their new grandchild in Colorado. Thanks to Zack, Taylor & Ben for great musicianship & Dan for making us sound so good!



August 18, 2020

So pleased to announce these early September appearances for the Isis Music Hall Lawn Series! Grateful to Scott Woody and family for making these shows happen. Be sure to check out the many live and online shows they have planned!

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2020 AT 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Lawn Concert with the Alien Music Club Jazz Quartet
Isis Music Hall
The Alien Music Club Jazz Quartet has been entertaining loyal, local audiences as the house band at Barley’s Taproom in downtown Asheville every Thursday night for the better part of a decade. The band features Jonathan Pearlman on guitar, Taylor Pierson on piano, Zack Page on bass and Ben Bjorlie on drums. Specializing in innovative takes on well known jazz standards, the group intuitively creates fresh, new arrangements on the fly. This performance will delight jazz aficionados as well as those less familiar with the genre. Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks at the Isis patio and lawn. Reservations are highly recommended. Lawn Concert with Dinner on the patio and on the lawn - reservations highly recommended.
COVID-19 safety protocols in place! Call venue for tickets and reservations. (828) 575-2737
https://isisasheville.com/event/alien-music-club-jazz-quartet-9-3/



SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2020 AT 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Lawn Concert: Peggy Ratusz and Daddy LongLegs
Isis Music Hall
Put on your Psychedelic 60’s and Motown 70’s togs and slide over to Isis Music Hall for a rockin’ good time with Peggy Ratusz & Daddy LongLegs on the Lawn! Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks at the Isis patio and lawn. Reservations are highly recommended. Lawn Concert with Dinner on the patio and on the lawn - reservations highly recommended. COVID-19 safety protocols in place! Call venue for tickets and reservations. (828) 575-2737



July 25, 2020
So excited to get the band back together to play some Live Jazz for the Lawn Concert Series at Isis Restaurant and Music Hall here in Asheville this coming Thursday July 30th! Here's the info:
The Alien Music Club Jazz Quartet has been entertaining loyal, local audiences as the house band at Barley’s Taproom in downtown Asheville every Thursday night for the better part of a decade. The band features Jonathan Pearlman on guitar, Taylor Pierson on piano, Zack Page on bass and Ben Bjorlie on drums. Specializing in innovative takes on well known jazz standards, the group intuitively creates fresh, new arrangements on the fly. This performance will delight jazz aficionados as well as those less familiar with the genre.
Come enjoy an evening of live music, food and drinks at the Isis patio and lawn. Reservations are highly recommended.


July 7, 2020

More new tunes to be featured on an upcoming album. This one called “Please Don’t Make Me Cry”. Written with my dear friend Chuck Lichtenberger and originally performed in the group The Archrivals with Tim Haney on drums. This recording features Chuck on piano and Jaron Pearlman on drums and mixinghttps://youtu.be/BjgYAUNfT6c

And this one called “Mr. Positive”.  A positive song from a dream I had...a message of love and hope. Featuring Carol and Leo Bjorlie on Cello and Upright Bass.  https://youtu.be/FH5RbMzsE7I

Enjoy!



June 8, 2020

 

I want to say thank you.
Thanks for the music…jazz, blues, latin, soul, rock…pretty much all of it came from you. I can’t even begin to list all the names but they include Miles, Coltrane, Herbie, Ella, Billie, Hendrix, BB King, Wes Montgomery, Marvin Gaye, Aretha, and on and on and on.
Thanks for the humor…Pryor, Murphy, Chapelle, Chris Rock, Katt Williams, Steve Harvey, Tracy Morgan, the list goes on forever.
And all the sports heroes and role models. The actors and actresses. The doctors and scientists and educators.
Thanks for giving us our culture, our language, our ways of greeting each other, our mannerisms, everything hip and cool.
Just thank you.

 



June 2, 2020

Yes I’m still here. Yes, I’m still making music! Like so many artists, I’ve used this time in seclusion to compose new material and rediscover material from the past. Much more to come! Here is a new offering called “St. Lucia”.  A beautiful place with equally beautiful people.

https://youtu.be/ld2o9IC3I00



May 27, 2020

Like so many others, I have been very busy in my studio! This is a very Beatlesque tune which has stood the test of time, written with an old friend (Donald Lehman) in the early 80’s. A very memorable, catchy song from many moons ago with a Latin feel (like “And I Love Her”) with classic Everly Brothers style harmonies. I had fun recording it and look forward to playing it for you, my friends, when we get back to playing live music again.

https://youtu.be/PI-DDrU1CwQ



April 21, 2020

Greetings to all during these difficult times. We are all anxious to get out and about again, and to hear some live music, but no one knows when this will happen or what the “New Asheville” will be. Here’s a very informative article on this subject:

https://avlwatchdog.org/the-long-road-back/?fbclid=IwAR2mCJkcEXMBrSI8HIWNqacu6LzDdI7eCaUoyb0zxpbMopN8mjjbwamxJbo

Also, as you can imagine, local musicians have been hit hard during this crisis, along with business establishments catering to the music industry. Many people have asked where they can contribute to the cause and one good place is the Musician Relief Fund here:

https://iamavl.com/

Another way is to contribute to virtual tip jars at the many online performances on Facebook. 

We don’t know how or when, but we hope to resume the Jazz Jam at Barley’s at some point in the near future. We also hope to see live music reappear in this new environment we find ourselves in. We know it will happen because we are resilient, and we will bounce back better than ever!

Stay tuned!

JP
Alien Music Club



April 2, 2020

As this crisis unfolds, we are hoping you are safe and secure. All Jazz Jams and gigs have been cancelled due to Covid 19, of course, and we are hopeful that the situation will resolve in a reasonable time frame. In the meantime, help those nearest to you, and keep in mind the suffering of those less fortunate. Here's to a bright future full of music, love and laughter!



March 10, 2020

I am pleased to report that Alien Music Club raised $1,200 for BeLoved Asheville last Friday night at the “Bad Girls and the Aliens of Soul” Dance Party at Isis Music Hall! Every cent of the proceeds are going to this amazing, grass roots organization which continues to do so much good for so many people! My heartfelt thanks goes out to the many people who showed up and partied with us, despite the inclement weather! The same goes out to Isis Music Hall and Scott Woody & family for co-hosting this event and contributing their support. And to my incredible bandmates without whom none of this would be possible! Please consider volunteering or donating to this grassroots, people powered non-profit at www.BeLovedAsheville.com.



February 18, 2020

Alien Music Club is again sponsoring and event to benefit BeLoved Asheville at Isis Music Hall at 8:30 on Friday March 6, 2020!  Soul! Funk! Disco! Come strut your stuff! The Bad Girls & Aliens of Soul gonna take you back when bell bottoms & miniskirts reigned fashion supreme! Donna Summer and the Bee Gees were at the top of the charts! Put on your polyester and get on down!  It's all for an very worthy cause, so come party with us!



January 19, 2020

I am beyond pleased to report that we raised well over $1,000 for BeLoved Asheville last night at the Alien Music Club Dance Party at Isis Music Hall! Every cent of the proceeds are going to this amazing, grass roots organization that continues to do some much good for so many people! My heartfelt thanks goes out to the many people who showed up and partied with us, despite the inclement weather and the overwhelming entertainment choices Asheville has to offer any given night! The same goes out to Isis Music Hall and Scott Woody & family for hosting this event and contributing their support. And to my incredible bandmates without whom none of this would be possible! Looking forward to doing it again in the near future! THANKS!



January 2, 2020

Very happy to announce that Alien Music Club is sponsoring a fundraiser for BeLovedAsheville.com on January 18th, 2020 at Isis Music Hall! This amazing, grassroots organization is doing beautiful things for our city, and we are pleased to join the effort. The event is a Dance Party with a terrific 7-piece band fronted by fabulous vocalists Peggy Ratusz and Paula Hanke! You can party down knowing that your dollars are helping those less fortunate right here in Asheville! The ticket link follows some information about some of what this great organization does.

BeLoved Asheville Village
This is a ground-up community funded and built project for people getting pushed out of our community via gentrification, those who face housing discrimination, or people who are currently homeless.

Proud to be Brown
A new cultural arts and leadership initiative with LatinX youth that involves cultural history, creating communal art pieces and community projects, and learning from local LatinX community leaders.

Free Farmers Markets for Elders
Our Farmers Markets share food with tables spread with table cloths and food in baskets and are often accompanied by live music, food tasting, and nutrition lessons. We host multiple free markets throughout the week in our community!

BeLoved Liberation Station
The community center works off of mutual support meaning that we do not have one class of people serving another, but all of us helping and resourcing each other in community. Everyone shares their gifts and everyone cares for each other!

Rise Up Studio is an artists collective where artists who are living in poverty or are experiencing homelessness can create art and music, heal through creativity, and sell their art to support themselves and their families.

Our Street Musicians Guild supplies street musical artists with donated instruments, strings, recording support and free workshops/lessons.

Get your tickets here: https://isisasheville.com/event/bad-girls-the-aliens-of-soul/



December 22, 2019

We're doing it again! "The British Are Coming" tribute to the British Invasion at Isis Music Hall in the Lounge on Saturday January 25th, 2020! Expect a scaled down, acoustic version of some of the best music ever captured on vinyl!



December 22, 2019

Coming up soon! "Bad Girls and The Aliens of Soul" at Isis Music Hall January 18th, 2020! Soul! Funk! Disco! Come strut your stuff! The Bad Girls & Aliens of Soul gonna take you back when bell bottoms & miniskirts reigned fashion supreme! Donna Summer and the Bee Gees were at the top of the charts! Put on your polyester and get on down! Proceed to benefit BelovedAsheville.com!



December 1, 2019

Sold out show at Isis Music Hall last night for our reprise of our Etta James Tribute! Fantastic crowd, wonderful band, great sound, great stage, great food and staff! What more could you ask for?



October 30, 2019

 Put on your best 60s-70's costumes cause it's gonna be a Peggy Ratusz  & Daddy LongLegs epic dance party on Saturday, Nov 2nd! Only $5 cover will get you a 6 pc band playing nostalgic Motown, Blues, Old School Soul, 60's and 70's Rock, 70's Disco and Swing! Every foot will have a beat to dance to! Isis Music Hall Main Stage 8:30pm! www.isisasheville.com

Bonnie Raitt turns 70 on November 8th so what better time to reprise our very successful show “Love Letter”, that pays tribute to the Queen of Bottleneck Blues! Featuring Peggy Ratusz and Paula Hanke on vocals, Jonathan Pearlman (guitar/vocals), Kelly Jones (guitar/vocals), Aaron Price (piano/vocals), Ben Colvin (saxophone), Rob Geisler (bass) and Ben Bjorlie (drums). Ambrose West at 8pm. Tickets are available NOW! http://www.ambrosewest.com



October 8, 2019

So much happening right now! We have booked two repeat shows of "The British Are Coming" one at Isis Music Hall (a more intimate, scaled down version) in the Lounge on Saturday January 25th, 2020; A full band version at White Horse Black Mountain on April 18th, 2020. Closer in, we're looking at a Peggy Ratusz & Daddy Longlegs Dance Party at Isis on Saturday November 2nd, 2019; a Bonnie Raitt Tribute at Ambrose West on Friday November 8th, 2019; an Etta James Tribute at Isis on Saturday November 30th, 2019; and numerous other shows that I will post on Facebook! Very excited and thankful for all these gigs and shows! At the same time, looking forward to getting back to work on new, original material that has been in the works for quite a while.



September 17, 2019

Our British Invasion Tribute show “The British Are Coming” last Saturday at Isis Music Hall was a huge success! All I can say is thank you thank you thank you! To everyone who helped make this dream a reality, this magnificent band, wonderful venue, amazing friends and appreciative crowd that filled the fabulous Isis Music Hall to capacity! I sincerely hope we get to present “The British Are Coming” again in the future, don’t know where or when. Right now just basking in the glow and feeling so much gratitude! Much love and peace to you all!

 



July 26, 2019



July 26, 2019

On Saturday September 14th, Alien Music Club Presents "The British Are Coming"! The British Invasion Re-Imagined, with elements of Jazz, Country, Western Swing, Alt Rock and Funk! Great fun with top notch musicians in a fantastic setting, Isis Music Hall in Asheville! Featuring Peggy Ratusz (vocals/percussion), Bruce Lang (guitar/vocals), Jonathan Pearlman (guitar/vocals), Grant Cuthbertson (bass), Micah Thomas (drums/percussion/vocals), Ryan Stigmon (saxophone/pedal steel), and Aileen “Big Al” Pearlman (vocals), this is an event not to be missed! Expect tears of joy and an uplifted spirit! Tickets $10/advance $12/door. Doors 6:00pm, Show 8:30pm
Tickets and Information Available at: http://isisasheville.com/events/ 

 



July 12, 2019

Friday August 9th at 7pm, "Paul Simon Meets The Beatles at Summer Tracks"! This will likely be the last performance of this consistantly sold out show. Join us in Rogers Park Amphitheater in the Town of Tryon, North Carolina Bring a comfy chair, and cooler if you like. Summer Tracks is a "cooler friendly" event for sensible, of-age patrons, but we do NOT sell alcohol. You can certainly bring your own, but we encourage you to purchase your evening's beer/wine from The Tryon Bottle just down the street.



July 3, 2019

The Bonnie Raitt Tribute show at The Grey Eagle here in Asheville was a huge success! What a wonderful, sold out audience! We look forward to doing it again on November 8th, which is Bonnie's birthday! Big thanks to everyone who came out! Peggy Ratusz killed it, as did Ben Bjorlie, Aaron Price, Rob Giesler and Kelly Jones. There are some video clips on Facebook.

Also, here are some recent videos from our Paul Simon/Beatles tribute show that we will again present at The Tryon Fine Arts Summer Tracks Series on August 9th, 2019:

https://vimeo.com/343327693

https://vimeo.com/343323768

https://vimeo.com/345486828

 

 



May 30, 2019

Coming up on Sunday June 30th, we reprise our sold out show from 3 years ago: Love Letter: Bonnie Raitt Blues at The Grey Eagle. It will be a partially seated show, with plenty of room to dance! TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE AT THE GREY EAGLE WEBSITE! FOLLOW THIS LINK:
https://www.thegreyeagle.com/event/1860883-love-letter-bonnie-raitt-asheville/



May 2, 2019



April 3, 2019

Great News! Another Encore Performance of "Paul Simon Meets The Beatles" is scheduled for one of Asheville's finest venues Isis Music Hall! Sunday, April 21st at 7:30pm! Tickets at https://public.ticketbiscuit.com/IsisAsheville/Ticketing/371224

Scaling down obscure and beloved Beatles tunes, and bridging the acoustic sensibilities of Simon with the rock aesthetic of the Beatles, Paul Simon Meets The Beatles will soothe, move and groove you!
Guitarist and virtuoso, Jonathan Pearlman’s (aka, JP) influences are far-reaching, absorbing Lennon/McCartney, Hendrix, Clapton, and Motown. Guitarist and virtuoso, Jonathan Pearlman’s (aka, JP) influences are far-reaching, absorbing Lennon/McCartney, Hendrix, Clapton, and Motown. Jazz-fusion bands of the early 70’s were also influential, like Mahavishnu Orchestra, Weather Report and Frank Zappa. He also hosts the weekly Alien Music Club Jazz Jam at Barley’s Taproom in Asheville every Thursday night. “It’s a great opportunity to meet and share musical ideas with some of the best players while at the same time mentoring young musicians!”
Hendersonville, NC based guitarist Eric Congdon has a low-key virtuosity. His style radiates both skill and charm. 
Peggy Ratusz is a well-established presence in the Asheville music scene. Chosen as Best Blues Artist by Mountain Xpress for ten years running, she’s a willing servant to Jazz, Blues and Old School Soul.
Where would most any notable act in the area be without Drummer/percussionist Micah Thomas plays with panache and with the heart of an old soul. An affable and charming young man, his professionalism and skill are what make him an “in-demand” and “go-to” player.
Plus, for this performance, we are adding electric violinist Paul McIntire. Paul McIntire is a seasoned professional Violinist with decades of varied experience. He creates a unique blend of artistic expression, technical prowess and audience appeal. His extensive repertoire encompasses a diverse collection of musical styles.
 

 



February 27, 2019

Sold out show (again!) for Alien Music Club's "Paul Simon Meets The Beatles" show at The Artisan of Flat Rock last Saturday! This will be the last performance of this particular show, at least for the time being, but another is in the works! BIG thanks to everyone involved...band members, audience and the management of this outstanding venue!  And especially to Ken Voltz for this photo!!!



February 11, 2019

Saturday February 23rd at 7:30pm, Alien Music Club presents “Paul Simon Meets The Beatles” at the Artisan of Flat Rock. Paul Simon and The Beatles provide the soundtrack for many peoples’ lives! No matter where else I may go, musically speaking, I seem to always return to my roots with Simon/Lennon/McCartney for inspiration. That’s why I’m stoked to bring this heartfelt, rocking show to the new Artisan of Flat Rock! This is an mostly-acoustic show features Peggy Ratusz (vocals; percussion), Eric Congdon (guitar; vocals), Grant Cuthbertson (bass), Micah Thomas (percussion) and myself (guitar; vocals). Many of these tunes ring true now more than ever! Expect an exciting, thoughtful and uplifting performance!
https://www.facebook.com/events/502811560249594/



February 10, 2019



December 23, 2018

Lots of exciting developments on tap in 2019! The Alien Music Club Jazz Jam at Barley's begins new, earlier Winter hours in January (8-11pm), and continues to draw nice crowds and new talent. "Elvis, The Early Years" takes the stage at Ambrose West on Tuesday, January 8th at 8pm! We reprise our "Paul Simon Meets The Beatles" show on Saturday, February 23rd at 7:30pm in Flat Rock, NC at a wonderful, new venue called The Artisan of Flat Rock. Also, Another "top secret" tribute show is in the works! And, two album projects are progressing! Happy New Year to all, and thank you for your interest in all things Alien! JP



November 2, 2018

I am at a loss for words but I’ll try anyway! Packed house full of happy people singing along to our favorite Paul Simon and Beatles tunes at the BLOCK off Biltmore last night! My Heart is full of gratitude and we will be making a generous donation to one of our favorite charities, the Eliada Home for Children! Special thanks to Campbell MacQueen and crew for making us feel so welcome & at home. Michael our engineer was fantastic and it just happened to be his 50th Birthday! My Alien Music Club bandmates outdid themselves: Peggy Ratusz, Eric Congdon, Micah Thomas & Grant Cuthbertson ! And all our wonderful friends who came out to show their love...just overwhelming! Thanks to all, and let’s do it again soon!



September 13, 2018

We are happy to announce an encore presentation of last May's Paul Simon/Beatles Tribute! It will be Friday November 2nd, 2018 at THE BLOCK off biltmore in Asheville, NC!
The concept of scaling down obscure and beloved Beatles tunes hatched during a conversation Peggy Ratusz shared with Jonathan Pearlman several years ago. They figured, with all the tribute and specialty shows taking place around the country, no one had truly done much with Beatles tunes, other than copy them verbatim. Pearlman has been brainstorming arrangements and Ratusz tests them out during their many acoustic shows together. Encouraged by the applause they receive each time they do their versions of classics like Oh Darlin, Two Of Us, Back in the USSR, I’ll Follow the Sun, they decided it was time to put the finishing touches on these songs and present them in a special show. Because the two of them grew up listening to, learning and playing Paul Simon tunes, they determined it to be a no brainer, to throw some of his greatest hits into this special night, bridging the acoustic sensibilities of Simon with the rock and roll aesthetic of the Beatles. Their buddies Eric Congdon on guitar and vocals and Grant Cuthbertson on upright bass along with Micha Thomas on kit and percussion, will add the missing links to the arrangements and play key roles in bringing their concepts/arrangements to fruition! For ONE NIGHT ONLY: “Bridge”, Paul Simon meets the Beatles will soothe, move and groove you!



September 13, 2018



July 13, 2018

This will be a rocking reprise of a show we did a couple of years ago! Can't wait!



May 16, 2018

Friday night was AMAZING! (Alien Music Club’s Paul Simon/Beatles tribute show at Ambrose West!) The room was full, and everyone had a great time, especially the band! Feeling very thankful and grateful. And so much love, applause and even standing ovations! I’m kind of sad and relieved at the same time after so many months of preparation and rehearsals, but hopefully we will do it again. Gracious thanks to everyone, especially my band mates, Peggy Ratusz, Eric Congdon, Grant Cuthbertson and Micah Thomas! You Guys Rock! And to Ambrose West where everyone made us feel so welcome, especially our Sound Tech (Bernard)! He made it sound SO good! (Thanks to Kate Kinney Barber for the photo! Video to come from Frank Zipperer!)



March 16, 2018

Friday May 11th, Alien Music Club presents “Simon & Garfunkel Bridge The Beatles” at the new Ambrose West. Paul Simon and The Beatles provide the soundtrack for many peoples’ lives, mine included! No matter where else I may go, musically speaking, I seem to always return to my roots with Simon/Lennon/McCartney for inspiration. That’s why I’m stoked to bring this heartfelt, rocking show to the gorgeous, new Ambrose West listening room in West Asheville (thanks to Sam Katz)! This is an all-acoustic show featuring Peggy Ratusz (vocals; percussion), Eric Congdon (guitar; vocals), Grant Cuthbertson (bass), Micah Thomas (percussion) and myself (guitar; vocals). Some of these tunes ring true now more than ever! Expect an exciting, thoughtful and uplifting performance!
https://www.ambrosewest.com/peggy?mc_cid=27c56e01e4&mc_eid=a9a5dd3f4e



February 16, 2018



January 11, 2018

Announcing our Encore Performance of Alien Music Club featuring Best in Blues Vocalist Peggy Ratusz: “Out of the Blue(s)” at Isis Music Hall Sunday January 14th at 7:30pm! This REPEAT performance is BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND and features inspired interpretations of tunes by diverse artists such as Gregg Allman, Chuck Berry, Joan Osborne, The Eurythmics, and many more, crossing over in styles from Jazz to Blues to Soul and beyond. Peggy Ratusz, Best in Blues vocalist will be featured as well as saxophonist, Frank Southecorvo and Alex Taub on keys! If you didn't catch the show back in November at Altamont Theatre, here's your chance again, cause this is guaranteed to be one you don’t want to miss!

 



January 11, 2018



December 12, 2017



December 12, 2017



December 12, 2017

Here are some excellent pictures from Alien Music Club "Out of the Blues" performance at The Altamont Theatre here in Asheville, November 18th, 2017. Video is forthcoming. All images and video Copyright©2017 Frank Zipperer, The Music Shooter.



October 18, 2017

I’m pleased to announce the first Alien Music Club show (other than the weekly Jazz Jam) in 12 years at the Altamont Theatre November 18th, 2017!  It will feature Peggy Ratusz, chosen as Best Blues Artist by Mountain Xpress for ten years running! More information to follow.



August 31, 2017

Dosta (Remastered) is now available on CD Baby and Bandcamp along with Bonus Tracks! Check it out on the Music Page! Thanks for listening!



May 19, 2017

The Alien Music Club Jazz Jam family! Seven years and still going strong!



May 13, 2017

Great picture by Frank Zipperer of us at The Salvage Station is Asheville! Looking forward to playing there again next Saturday May 20th!



May 13, 2017

CLC at Salvage Station (photo by Frank Zipperer)



January 15, 2017

Every once in a while, as a musician, you get unsolicited praise from unexpected places. A teacher from London asked permission to use an Alien Music Club song in a school project by 9 and 10 year olds in a science film they made! “We are a small school in south-west London, and have used your amazing song ‘Crash Landing’ in a science film we have made. We were wondering if we could have your permission to use it in the film and then submit to a school competition…Lots of lovely 9 and 10 years olds would be thrilled at this opportunity and we really hope you could help us out. A new generation awaits to discover your music!” Of course, I was more than happy to grant permission!  https://youtu.be/L1dMu4p268A



December 29, 2016

The AMC Jazz Jam January Lineup Poster!! Brad Pope does it again!!



December 19, 2016

What better time than the Holidays, and just days before Christmas, to come together as one – audience and entertainers - to lift up our voices in song? Best of WNC 2016 in 3 categories, Peggy Ratusz brings together some of the finest instrumentalists and vocalists in the area for this annual concert tradition! ‘Everybody is a Star’ is a fitting moniker to umbrella 2 sets of gospel, inspirational, uplifting affirmation songs made famous by Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Al Green, The Beatles, Mary Gauthier, Nina Simone, The Staple Singers, Patty Griffin, Sting, Maria Muldaur, Curtis Mayfield, Joan Osborne and more! Sharing the stage is this stunning line up of Asheville Stars: Rhoda Weaver, Ryan Barber, Aaron Price, Paula Hanke, Jonathn Pearlman, Mare Carmody, Ben Bjorlie, Ashley Heath, Grant Cuthbertson, Peggy Swain and Linda Mitchell. And of course your hostess for the evening, Blues Chanteuse, Peggy Ratusz! Everybody is a star; One big circle goin’ round and round!



December 19, 2016



June 30, 2016

Etta James Tribute



June 30, 2016

Great Photo by stephen houseworth photography from our Etta James Tribute at Isis Music Hall back in April 2016! Peggy Ratusz and Paula Hanke on vocals; Jim Arrendell on drums/vocals; Alex Taub on piano; Grant Cuthbertson on bass; Jonathan Pearlman on guitar and Frank Southecorvo on saxophone.  It was a sold out show! We're doing it again on November 18th, 2016 at The White Horse in Black Mountain! http://www.whitehorseblackmountain.com/



April 30, 2016

New AMC original song "You Leave Me Speechless". https://soundcloud.com/alienmusicclub/speechless



March 17, 2016

Brad Pope does these fantastic posters promoting our free Jazz Jam...very cool! Thanks Brad!



March 17, 2016



February 24, 2016

Great photo by Stephen Houseworth (copyright © stephen houseworth photography) from our 9/12/15 Bonnie Raitt Tribute at Isis Restaurant and Music Hall — with Peggy Ratusz, Michael Barnes, Ben Bjorlie, Aaron Price and Michael Hynes.



February 24, 2016

Bonnie Raitt Tribute



January 20, 2016

https://youtu.be/xJJ7hkX4NEk?list=PLxmOhiKtP49f1viNUQCuz454ggwvoDF96

Blast from the past! I forgot about this one. Kudos to the great Robin Tolleson on drums!



January 15, 2016

R.I.P. David Bowie. You will be missed. It's all been said. I can only add my voice. His life was his art and his art was inspiration personified. He died with dignity, humor and creativity.



December 8, 2015

Sunday December 13th on the ISIS Main Stage in Asheville, it’s "Peggy Ratusz presents Jingle Belles and Beaus, a Holiday & Christmas Celebration!" — 8pm
Blues Chanteuse Ratusz puts together a cavalcade of Asheville’s best singers and instrumentalists for an exceptionally exciting show filled with traditional popular Christmas & seasonal songs. The Belles and Beaus Peggy’s brought together is a stellar line up indeed: Paula Hanke, Caitlin Krisko (lead singer of the Broadcast), Jesse Barry, Sidney Barnes, Krista Tortora, Evalina Everidge, Darlyn Cain, Aileen Pearlman, Charlotte Sommers and Briana Hollifield. Aaron Price on piano/keys, Jonathan Pearlman on guitars, Michael Hynes on bass and Justin Watt on drums!



November 25, 2015

Excited to announce that an independent film company in Brazil has expressed an interest in using one of my tunes in an upcoming production! Julio Benck, director for Fradê Produções will be using the track "Ways To Die" from the album "Dosta" (see music page), in the film  "Compreensão".  Big thanks, Julio, and can't wait to see the film!



August 14, 2015

AMC Jazz Jam off the hook last night! Smokin' Sonny Rollins set followed by an "army" of badass sax players including a rare appearance by Ruby Mayfield, an unexpected performance on tubular bells(?) by Jason DeCristofaro, and those anonymous "tips" in the tip jar! Check out the Alien Music Club Facebook page (see 'Links') to see what I'm talking about!



June 19, 2015

Very excited to be performing a Bonnie Raitt Tribute this summer and fall, playing guitar with the very talented vocalist Peggy Ratusz, accompanied by a kick-ass group of musicians! We will be at the Tryon Fine Arts Center on July 3rd (http://www.tryonarts.org/)and in the fall at ISIS Restaurant and Music Hall in Asheville. The band includes veteran musicians like Mike Barnes on guitar, Aaron Price on keys, Ben Bjorlie on drums and Michael Hynes on bass, among others!



April 6, 2015

This Wednesday April 8th, I’m very excited to be featured at Jazz Night at the Phoenix in Brevard along with the fantastic house band: Jason DeCristofaro on Vibes, Cameron Austin on Bass, and Bill Berg on Drums. We’ll be doing some of my original material along with some tasty jazz standards! — 8 - 11 PM, no cover.

Sunday, April 12th is a very special event at Tressa’s from 6 to 9pm —“Hitsville, Hipsters to Hippies, Sounds of the 60’s” an ultra-cool and groovy fundraiser for Multiple Sclerosis. The house band will be Alex Taub (Keys), Jim Arrendell (Drums/Vocals), JP (Guitar/Vocals) and Jake Wolf (Bass). Peggy Ratusz and Anne Marie Garic put this event together and Peggy reached out to many great vocalists and assigned iconic tunes to match their vibe! Tax deductible cover/donation for the event is $15.00 adults; $10.00 teens and college students; $5.00 for kids 12 and under. Don't let the suggested donation deter you. NO ONE will be turned away at the door. Give what you can. It will be a "FUN"raiser for MS after all!



March 3, 2015

AMC Jazz Jam at Barley's in Asheville keeps going strong, and I'm proud to say is a vital part of the music scene! The band killed last night, burning through a set of tunes by the great Lee Morgan! Meanwhile, new tunes always in the works, and frequent gigs with wonderfully talented musicians. All this and a vibrant, beautiful city! What more could a person ask for?



February 24, 2015

The Alien Music Club Jazz Jam is still going strong, in spite of the winter weather! The quality of musicianship and variety of players is astounding! I'm quite honored to be part of it all. The studio work continues, albeit at a slower pace...waiting for the next wave of inspiration. Last Sunday night's performance "I Got A Right To Sing The Blues" at The ISIS in Asheville featuring vocalists Peggy Ratusz and Harry Schulz was a huge success! Upcoming gigs include Southern App Brewing in Hendersonville this Saturday 2/28 with Peggy Ratusz, The Purple Onion in Saluda, NC with Joseph Hasty on 3/21.



December 1, 2014



August 17, 2014

It has been a very busy summer with the AMC Jazz Jam, gigs with the Archrivals, with Stephaniesid and Crybaby...plus several guest appearances with local jazz artists! Really fortunate to have so many talented and gracious friends to perform with! Laying down trax for the new Stephaniesid album, and continuing my own writing and recording. Taking a breather from live performances this fall as Crybaby and The Archrivals go on hiatus. Just added a new CD Baby music player. Enjoy!



June 15, 2014

Two, groovy Archrivals shows coming up this weekend! Saturday 6/21 at The Phoenix Lounge in Brevard, NC 9pm, and ISIS Sunday Jazz Showcase in West Asheville 6/22 @ 8pm!



May 8, 2014

So proud to have been a part of this wonderful band/event!



April 4, 2014

SO glad Spring is finally here! Working on new tunes as always, plus some cover tunes. One is a collaboration with my son, Jaron Pearlman. The Alien Music Club Jazz Jam every Thursday night at Barley's Taproom in Asheville continues to thrive and grow! Who would have thought we'd still be doing this almost three years straight? I'm so fortunate to be able to share the stage night after night with world class players and singers!



March 1, 2014

Looking forward to opening for Jonathan Scales Fourchestra at Gottrocks in Greenville, SC tonight with my band The Archrivals! Planning to sit in on song or two with Jonathan and his amazing band!



January 6, 2014

Here is a link to my son Jaron Pearlman's new CD "Musings". It is amazing!    http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/thenoonefaction2



January 2, 2014

What an incredible way to bring in 2014 playing with my dear friends in Stephaniesid at ISIS in Asheville! Special thanks to FRANK ZIPPERER for this perfect picture!



January 2, 2014



December 28, 2013

Happy New Year from Alien Music Club! If you are near the Asheville area, please join us at THE ISIS Restaurant & Music Hall where I am pleased to be performing with two of my favorite bands "Crybaby" and "Stephaniesid"! Details here: http://isisasheville.com/calendar/full-calendar/



November 23, 2013

Free AMC downloads on Bandcamp! Individual tracks or entire albums. Enjoy...Cheers!



September 10, 2013

So much going on these days! The weekly AMC Jazz Jam at Barley's continues to grow in popularity. I am looking forward to numerous bookings with The Archrivals and with Crybaby! If you are in the Asheville area and would like information on these and other musical events, email me at jpearl9@charter.net and I will add you to my weekly email blast! Cheers, JP



July 3, 2013
BIG thanks to all who came out for our Wes Montgomery Tribute last week at the Jazz Jam, to the Archrivals show at Jack of Hearts, and to the Crybaby show at ISIS! What a wonderful, memorable week. We love you!

June 14, 2013

Man, LOTS of guitarists, bassists and keyboardists at The Jazz Jam at last night...probably because of John Mclaughlin and his band down the street at The Orange Peel! Big, energetic crowd filled with mostly stunned musicians. After the Chick Corea set, stage was packed all night and the music off the hook! Highlights include Stephanie Morgan, Andy Page, Chris Morgan and an amazing drummer/keyboard couple from DC, as well as this funky as hell badass bassist who's name I didn't get. Perhaps we should get McLaughlin to play here more often?



May 14, 2013

This Thursday, May 16th, marks the 2-year Anniversary of the AMC Jazz Jam at Barley's! It's hard to believe that it was May 2011 when we first got the okay to bring our jazz jam to Barley's! We're very happy to say it is alive & well, thanks to all of you! Come help us celebrate with music by Wayne Shorter! Barley's Taproom, downtown Asheville, Thursdays from 9-midnight!



April 12, 2013
Nice review of the latest AMC album "Dosta"! Thanks to Bold Life Magazine and Brent Fleury!


April 12, 2013



April 8, 2013

A lot has been happening in Alien Music Club Land of late. We are performing songs from the new album in two bands I am proud to be part of, THE ARCHRIVALS and CRYBABY. In fact, The Archrivals will be headlining at Charlotte's Visulite Theatre on April 19th and featuring tunes by AMC! Meanwhile, the weekly AMC Jazz Jam at Barley's Taproom in Asheville, continues to grow! The sheer number and virtuosity of musicians is astounding. It takes place every Thursday at 9pm if you happen to visit our fair city. If you would like more information about when and where, this and that, please feel free to contact me (jon@alienmusicclub.com) and ask to be added to the "Asheville Jazz & Blues" update newsletter, which is emailed out once a week. Thanks for your interest in Alien Music Club, and all things alien and music!



February 5, 2013



February 5, 2013



February 4, 2013



January 5, 2013

The new Alien Music Club CD "DOSTA" is here!
Influenced by Roger Waters, Tom Waits, Donald Fagen, Ian Hunter, Dizzy Gillespie, Django Reinhardt, The Beatles, and so many others. No love songs, no politics. Introspective and wryly humorous. A bit of a manifesto...a document for anyone who cares.

This one is very special because my son, Jaron Pearlman, acted as producer and played/sang on several tunes. Will Mitchell added tracks and acted as co-producer and mastering engineer. Their prowess made this project come alive! Both of these young men are tremendous artists in their own right, so check them out on the "Links" page!



December 7, 2012

Great clip from last year's Archrivals show at The One Stop in Asheville!



December 7, 2012



October 28, 2012

Thanks to Frank Zipperer for this awesome pic from Stephaniesid Bele Chere performance 2012!



August 2, 2012

In the final stages of production on the new release! Expect the unexpected as AMC continues to morph and evolve. I am so excited to have my son Jaron Pearlman as co-producer on this project!  He's currently drummer for the Indigo Girls among his many projects and has been touring the country, playing some of the world's finest venues to sell-out crowds!  In addition, he's an excellent audio engineer with a degree from the Art Institute of Atlanta.  This is AMC's first project produced entirely on the ProTools platform, so the sound quality is superb!  The material, as I mentioned, is...well, different! All vocal tunes, no instrumentals. Stay tuned!



June 15, 2012

Excellent pics by Frank Zipperer of the AMC Jazz Jam at Barley's in Asheville!



June 15, 2012



June 15, 2012



May 31, 2012

Here is a link to a recent article written about me in Rapid River Magazine by Eddie LeShure!

http://www.rapidrivermagazine.com/category/columns/wnc-jazz-profiles/

 



April 11, 2012
Tomorrow night is my singing debut at Barley's here in Asheville! It's COLE PORTER night & these tunes must be sung! It's gonna be fun! Here's the setlist: Night and Day - I Love You - What Is This Thing Called Love - I’ve Got You Under My Skin - Just One of Those Things - All of You - I Love Paris

March 21, 2012



March 21, 2012



March 21, 2012



March 19, 2012
Tomorrow Night, March 20th, Alien Music Club will perform original jazz compositions at the Asheville Original Music Series at The Altamont Theatre. JP on guitar, Chuck Lichtenberger on piano, Zack Page on bass, Justin Watt & Tim Haney on drums! We start around 8pm. The first set features my original compositions, and the 2nd set is an open jam! For more info: http://www.facebook.com/events/207770259323970/ http://myaltamont.com/

March 18, 2012
Last night I had the opportunity to play with a living legend...Ike Stubblefield! What a thrill! He's the real deal...cut his teeth with Motown artists like Four Tops, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder. Backed up Al Green, Ike & Tina Turner, Curtis Mayfield, B.B. King, The Pointer Sisters and George Benson. He's still going strong kicking off 2012 with a new CD, featuring 5, new 2012 Grammy winners performing on it, and he himself performing on 29 Cd's last year CeeLo, Jimmy Herring and most recent Ruthie Foster"s "Let It Burn" to name a few...

February 21, 2012
The AMC Jazz Jam features tunes by the great Sonny Rollins this Thursday 9pm at Barley's! tenor madness - st. thomas - strode road - doxy - airegin - pent up house (latin) - oleo - "Rollins is recognized by many for the length and quality of his career, one not easily matched in the world of music. His melodic sensibilities, playing style and solos have influenced several generations of musicians."

February 21, 2012

Great article from Blue Ridge Now written by Robin Tolleson about me and the AMC Jazz Jam:

Published: Friday, February 17, 2012 at 4:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 4:52 p.m.

I kind of got into jazz backwards," admits guitarist Jonathan Pearlman ("JP") of Alien Music Club. "I grew up listening to Clapton, Hendrix, Allman, blues-oriented stuff. Steely Dan had some of the best jazz guitarists ever. Jeff Beck has always been a huge influence. I listened to Stevie Wonder, and got into Brian Setzer.

"The more you listen, the more you realize that it all came from jazz and blues originally. That's the reservoir, and the deeper you get into it, the more hooked you are. (John) Scofield is one of my heroes because he straddles those worlds. He'll jump from traditional jazz into blues in a heartbeat."

Alien Music Club hosts a jazz jam session every Thursday at Barley's in Asheville. Keyboardist and co-emcee is Chuck Lichtenberger, with whom Pearlman also performs in the rock-jazz group The Archrivals. "Chuck's really the one that mentored me about jazz," he says, "and got this jam going too."

There's no one set lineup in Alien Music Club, but you'll often find Ben Bjorlie on drums, Zack Page on upright bass, Jason Rodriguez on sax and Justin Ray on trumpet. "The idea of a ‘club' fits it, actually. It's a great opportunity to meet people, rub elbows and talk about jazz and music in general. It's a shmooze," JP says.

"We have subs," he explains.

"Anybody who comes out on a regular basis and is interested and knows the tunes could sub when Chuck and I have a gig out of town. There's a great pool of talent here."

Aspiring young players have been joining the jam too. "A lot of 12- to 16-year-olds have been coming out and getting their first chance to play with more experienced guys," he says. "They're sharing their newfound love of jazz with us. We've also had a lot of vocalists come out. You never know what's going to happen."

Each week they highlight the music of a different jazz superstar during the first set. Pearlman posts the tunelist online in advance so that participants can "learn the head and get comfortable soloing over the changes."

"We do seven tunes by a specific composer — Wayne Shorter, Miles or Coltrane, Horace Silver, Ellington, Dizzy, Monk or Herbie (Hancock). All that fun, great stuff. It's timeless," JP says. "Some nights are a little harder than others, like Mingus. It's educational for me."

Most of the material is taken from the popular jazz songbook called The Real Book. "We're trying to put easier tunes first in the set so that kids can get up and play, and then go home and get ready for school the next day. Tunes like ‘Footprints,' ‘Night In Tunisia,' standards," he says.

"My goal is to be able to play the head on ‘Donna Lee,' to solo over ‘Giant Steps.' You can spend your life trying to conquer that hill," the guitarist says, smiling. "I love watching other people just play circles around me. That keeps me from getting smug. There's always somebody better."

There is no sign-up sheet at the jam. Lichtenberger patrols the floor to see who might perform during the more open-ended second set. "Chuck's good at pairing people together," he says. "He finds out who's there and who wants to play, and then puts together little bands. Each lineup plays a couple songs, and there are no rules except that you know how to play the song you call."

Occasionally, as at any jam, the train slides off the track. "You pick it back up," Pearlman says. "I've learned from this experience that you don't apologize, you don't admit defeat, you don't say anything about it, you just keep on going. You plough through it because maybe the next tune or the one after will be a real gem."



February 20, 2012



February 15, 2012



February 14, 2012
Alien Music Club has been asked to appear as part of the Asheville Original Music Series at the Altamont Theatre on March 20th. We will be performing my jazz compositions, many of which have never been played in public in a beautiful, acoustically-perfect, black box theatre setting! The show starts around 8pm. For more info: http://www.avlmusic.org/

February 14, 2012
Also, my band The Archrivals will be performing live on the air at WNCW this Friday Feb. 17th @ 3pm! Tune us in if you can (you can stream from the website!) and come see us at Barley's in Spindale the same evening!! http://www.wncw.org/

February 14, 2012
The first Asheville Improvisational Music Festival is coming to The Magnetic Field Thursday Feb. 16th thru Saturday Feb. 18th! Here is a link to event pages: https://www.facebook.com/avlimprov?sk=events Performers include Like Mind Trio, Spork, Jonathan Scales, Shane Perlowin, The Page Brothers, and many more! The Archrivals will be performing on Saturday. This great event will shine a light on the Asheville music scene in new and exciting ways!

February 14, 2012
The AMC Jazz Jam at Barley's, 9pm this Thursday Feb. 16th features compositions by DIZZY GILLISPIE! tour de force - a night in tunisia - woody n you - con alma - groovin high - manteca - salt peanuts - FREE as always!

February 7, 2012
The AMC Jazz Jam at Barley's, 9pm this Thursday Feb. 9th features compositions by Horace Silver! song for my father - nica's dream - sister sadie - peace - senor blues - opus de funk - mexican hip dance - Hope to see you there!

January 31, 2012
The AMC Jazz Jam at Barley's, 9pm this Thursday Feb. 2nd features compositions by Wayne Shorter! adam's apple - armageddon - black nile - fee fi fo fum - footprints - witch hunt - yes and no - FREE & FUN, as always!

January 2, 2012
The AMC Jazz Jam features Thelonius Monk this Thursday at Barley's 9pm! These are some of the more challenging Monk tunes!: bemsha swing - off minor - green chimneys - brilliant corners - ruby my dear - criss cross - epistrophy (latin)

December 23, 2011
I'm very excited about the new material we are working on for the next CD! It's definitely a departure from anything that's gone before! At the same time, it's drawing FROM everything that has gone before. No release date as yet, but I will keep you informed, right here! Happy New Year to all!

December 18, 2011
The AMC Jazz Jam really rocked last week! This Thursday, December 22nd, we will be covering tunes by Thelonius Monk: i mean u - blue monk - in walked bud - round midnite - rhythm a ning - well u needn't - straight no chaser - No Cover, All Ages Welcome, 9:00-12 midnight!

December 13, 2011
The AMC Jazz Jam Thursday night 12/15 @ Barley's will feature tunes by Herbie Hancock! maiden voyage - one finger snap - dolphin dance - eye of the hurricane - oliloquai valley - chameleon - watermelon man (headhunters)---- The jam goes from 9 to midnight! This one's gonna rock, so come join us!

November 29, 2011
Here are the artists whose music we are featuring this month at the AMC Jazz Jam: Dec. 1st-John Coltrane; Dec. 8th-Chick Corea; Dec. 15th-Herbie Hancock; Dec. 22nd-Thelonius Monk; Dec. 29th-HOLIDAY(no jam)

November 25, 2011
AMC Jazz Jam at Barley's 9pm this Thursday featuring Coltrane's Favorites: body and soul -- my favorite things -- night has 1000 eyes -- but not for me -- inchworm -- dear old stockholm -- afro blue -- Hope to see you there!

November 22, 2011
No Jazz Jam this week due to Thanksgiving! We'll be back next Thursday though, 9pm at Barley's Taproom in Asheville!

November 14, 2011
It's John Coltrane Night at the AMC Jazz Jam next Thursday @ 9pm! Special Guest piano master: Pavel Wlosok! Setlist: blue train moment's notice syeeda's song flute spiral (latin) impressions naima giant steps

November 6, 2011
Thursday 9pm at Barley's, the AMC Jazz jam features tunes made famous by icon Miles Davis: walkin'-- joshua -- someday my prince will come -- blackbird -- you don't know what love is -- if i were a bell -- freedom jazz dance

October 30, 2011
It's Miles Davis Night #1 at the AMC Jazz Jam at Barley's 9pm Thursday! Come join us on these tunes or any others you care to play: So what -- Four -- Tune up -- Nardis -- Solar(latin) -- 7 steps to heaven -- Milestones -- All ages welcome and No Cover!

October 23, 2011
The AMC Jazz Jam this Thursday 9pm at Barley's will feature tunes by Joe Henderson: isotope -- jinrikisha -- black narcissus -- home stretch -- inner urge -- mamacita -- recordame.

October 17, 2011
This week's AMC Jazz Jam, Thursday 9pm at Barley's features tunes by the incomparable Cole Porter: Night and Day (Latin A section) (Key of C) -- I Love You (Fast) (Key of F) -- What Is This Thing Called Love (New Orleans Style) (Key of C) -- I've Got You Under My Skin (Latin-Bb) -- Just One of Those Things (C) -- All of You (Eb) -- I Love Paris (Latin A section-Swing B section) (Key of C) -- Come on out & enjoy this beautiful Fall weather with some seriously hot jazz!

October 2, 2011
The AMC Jazz Jam Thursday at Barley's features Charlie Parker! Setlist: cool blues, donna lee, little suede shoes, ornithology, segment, anthropology(latin), confirmation. As usual, we start at 9pm. No Cover, all ages!

September 26, 2011
We're going to start posting the AMC Jazz Jam setlist here each week for those who want to get a head start on learning the tunes. This Thursday is Bill Evans night. Here's the setlist: Minority, Stella By Starlight, Alice in Wonderland, Green Dolphin Street, Israel, Gloria's Step, Beautiful Love

July 15, 2011
The Alien Music Club Jazz Jam is going like gangbusters at Barley's Taproom here in Asheville, every Thursday night at 9pm. It's becoming a gathering place for the best musicians and jazz fans, just as we'd hoped! Friend us on our Facebook page to get details each week as we spotlight a different jazz composer...Herbie Hancock, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Sonny Rollins, Horace Silver and many more!

July 15, 2011

The new greatest hits CD, "Flashback" is now available at CD Baby! You can link to it from the music page on this website. It's 12 of carefully chosen tunes spanning a period of about 10 years and many musical styles/genres! A great overview of what we do.



June 20, 2011

Outstanding show at Mo' Daddy's last Friday! The first ever Alien Music Club live performance was a great success! Thanks to The Archrivals for opening/closing the show, and everybody who came out to celebrate with us!



May 25, 2011
The first EVER Alien Music Club LIVE SHOW will be happening on June 17th at Mo' Daddy's in Asheville and will coincide with a "Best of" CD release. The new CD is called "Flashback" and will be available here and on CD Baby. We're really looking forward to this event! If you live in this area or plan to visit, we'd love to see you there!

April 30, 2011
The AMC Jazz Jam is going on NOW, every Thursday at 9pm at Barley's Taproom in Asheville, 42 Biltmore Avenue! The quality and number of musicians joining us has been stellar! It seems to get better each week. If you live in the Asheville area or plan to visit, and if you're a jazz fan, come join us at Barley's. If you want to know who the featured artist is this week, go to our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/jpearlman3#!/pages/Alien-Music-Club/159691987395778

March 5, 2011
The Alien Music Club weekly jazz jam begins this month at Barley's Taproom here in Asheville, NC! Each Thursday night, we will feature a different composer for the first set, like Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, John Coltrane, Horace Silver, and many others. Musicians are welcome to sit in with the band! During the second set, you can choose the tunes you want to perform with us! We hope this event will become a fixture in the ever-expanding Asheville Musical Universe!!

October 22, 2010
We've been extremely busy recording and playing live with Stephaniesid, The Archrivals, Crybaby, and Peggy Ratusz Daddy Longlegs band. The new material is sounding fantastic...sort of John Scofield meets Donald Fagan. I'm attempting to get all my gig information updated on Facebook where you can friend me to keep up with what's happening. Cheers, JP!

October 20, 2010

Stephaniesid, a band I am very proud to be part of, was just voted Asheville's Favorite Rock Band in the Mountain Express Poll! For more information, go to http://www.stephaniesid.com/



May 25, 2010

Played a wonderful gig with Stephanies ID at Downtown After 5 last Friday! HUGE crowd, thousands of adoring fans! The band played very well. It was quite an experience. Video clips can be found at http://vimeo.com/11958979 and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5YmT8J55FI



April 4, 2010
Very excited about new tunes taking shape! Hopefully, a new CD will be forthcoming in the not too distant future! If you live in the Asheville, NC area, you can catch some of my gigs by going to www.myspace.com/alienmusicclub. April and May are turning out to be busy months. Cheers! JP

March 8, 2010
Great weekend playing with Stephanie's ID on Saturday and Peggy Ratusz on Sunday. Lots of money raised for Haiti! What a pleasure to be in the company of so many fine musicians. Link up with me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jpearlman3

December 15, 2009






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