Alien Music Club

Greetings Music Lovers!

Saturday 6/15/24, It's “Raise Another Home Auction/Gala” a Wizard of OZ-themed fundraiser for Beloved Asheville and we've got the entertainment covered! Reggie Headen, Peggy Ratusz, Jonathan Pearlman, Jaron Pearlman, Keith Snyder and Kevin Sanders will be playing a cross section of genres from Jazz standards to Swing to 60's 70's and 80's dance tunes! Contribute to a great cause while sipping on cocktails, mocktails and good local eats! Party Attire encouraged! It’s all happening at The AB Tech Mission Convention Center on the campus of AB Tech - 5pm Cocktail Hour followed by DANCING!

I’m SO excited to be a part of Jonathan Lloyd’s incredible Paul Simon Tribute, once again! If you haven’t seen this show, please put it on your calendar and grab some tickets while they are still available!
Upcoming Shows:
Sunday 6/16/24 - Paul Simon Tribute - Grey Eagle - With Peggy Ratusz and me opening with an acoustic set!
Sunday 8/25/24 - Paul Simon Tribute - Highland Brewing

The Doors: Unhinged featuring Reggie Headen is currently scheduled at many wonderful venues in 2024! In case you haven’t heard about it: 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), Zack Page (bass) and Jay Hoots (drums). Upcoming Shows in 2024:
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 - 7:30pm.   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 glad to be there. 8pm

I’m so excited about our “Sweet Summer Rock & Soul Revue”! This show features Asheville’s and Summer Tracks’ favorite chanteuse, Peggy Ratusz, bringing together the area’s best vocalists and musicians for an evening of classic Rock & Roll. Joining Peggy on vocals are Reggie Headen and Jonathan Pearlman. Pearlman, a talented arranger, instrumentalist, and vocalist, has produced popular tributes to Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen, as well as The Doors. Headen—who fronts Nighttime-Noon Band—possesses a powerhouse of a voice. He most recently blew audiences away singing lead in Pearlman’s Doors tribute. Joining Ratusz, Headen, and Pearlman are Taylor Pierson (keys), Ryan Kijanka (bass), Justin Watt (drums), Ashley Pritchard (sax), and Andrew Lawniczak (trumpet).
Upcoming Shows:
7/19/24 - Sweet Summer R & S Review - Summer Trax Tryon - This is a wonderful, outdoor amphitheater event! https://summertracks.com/

9/8/24 Sweet Summer R & S Review - White Horse Black Mountain!   https://www.whitehorseblackmountain.com/

I’m super stoked that Alien Music Club’s new offering “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, Ryan Kijanka 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

I’m super stoked to be a part of Jonathan Lloyd’s incredible Paul Simon Tribute, once again! If you haven’t seen this show, please put it on your calendar and grab some tickets while they are still available!

Upcoming Shows:
6/16/24 - Paul Simon Tribute - Grey Eagle - With Peggy Ratusz and me opening with an acoustic set!

8/25/24 - Paul Simon Tribute - Highland Brewing

I’m super stoked that Alien Music Club’s new offering “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, Ryan Kijanka 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

12/8/24 The Newly-Renovated White Horse in Black Mountain!

Exciting News! One of my songs “Ways To Die” was commissioned as part of a Brazilian film entitled “VOLT>ReVOLT<R” by film maker Julio Benck! I’m honored and thrilled to be a part of it! Here’s the intro which features my song “Ways To Die”.

https://vimeo.com/934297978?share=copy

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!

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!

Tues April 23rd - HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL FOR Beloved Asheville. It's a concert featuring 4 outstanding acts (including Peggy Ratusz & Daddy LongLegs Blues Band) at River Arts District Brewing 6pm-10:30pm

CITY OF HOPE Fundraiser and Concert. I will be performing along with many others! MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR SUNDAY MAY 5TH - River Arts District Brewing, 13 Mystery Street 4pm-7pm

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

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!

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.

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

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!

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.

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!

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

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/

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!

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!

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

"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."

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/

Published: Friday, February 17, 2012 at 4:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 4:52 p.m.