The Mezmer Society
Based out of Asheville, NC, The Mezmer Society demonstrates to the general public that, after a 60 year hiatus, it is once more permissible to dance to an accordion. Hard-riding highwaymen of mayhem, this duo missionize the Mezmer gospel throughout the United States. Uppity bellydance antics, torchsongs, and sinister accordionism are blended at high speed into a tall, cool, glass of delicious and intoxicating performance. Perfect for geeks, goths, and anyone who wants extreme festivity. August taught himself to play accordion as an angsty teenager, and after discovering Middle Eastern music, began working with Tribal dancers in 1999. In addition to The Mezmer Society, August is a member of the quartet Ashes in Order, maintains a career as an internationally represented figurative painter, and travels in the US and Europe teaching and performing. He is the president of the Institute for the Advancement of Occultism and Aerophonics (previously Asheville Accordion Club), and he has released albums with the cinematic trio Soora Gameela, and Greek fusion band Makari. When not running away with the Accidental Circus, August lives in Asheville, North Carolina. He is currently finishing his first solo album.
Official Wrap Party Hosted by The Mill
The Straight 8's
Original Music
The Straight 8s have been delivering their combustible blend of high-octane rock-a-billy music for over a decade. While the band has earned a solid reputation for their live shows, it is the creative process that drives founding member and primary songwriter Robert Striegler (guitar, vocals), Daniel Mebane (upright bass, vocals), and Mark Murphy (drums, howls).
Traditional Swagger
Listening to a Straight 8s record or catching the band live, quickly reveals influences ranging from swing and surf, to jump blues and country. With two full-length records of original music, the Straight 8s are clearly not content with being a glorified cover-band or nostalgia act.
The Straight 8s have been delivering their combustible blend of high-octane rock-a-billy music for over a decade. While the band has earned a solid reputation for their live shows, it is the creative process that drives founding member and primary songwriter Robert Striegler (guitar, vocals), Daniel Mebane (upright bass, vocals), and Mark Murphy (drums, howls).
Traditional Swagger
Listening to a Straight 8s record or catching the band live, quickly reveals influences ranging from swing and surf, to jump blues and country. With two full-length records of original music, the Straight 8s are clearly not content with being a glorified cover-band or nostalgia act.