On Tuesday, September 16th, Asheville Yards turned into a hub of anticipation as fans began lining up as early as 5:30 p.m. for a stacked night of music. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement, and the lineup promised nothing short of magic: Kyle Schuesler to open, Jonah Kagen to follow, Sammy Rae & Friends to light up the middle, and the beloved Vance Joy to close out the night.
Kyle Schuesler set the tone, warming up the crowd with his soulful sound and heartfelt lyrics, laying the foundation for what was about to be an unforgettable evening. But it was clear that much of the crowd came ready for one thing: Jonah Kagen.
When Jonah Kagen took the stage, the atmosphere charged immediately. With raw emotion and understated charm, he drew every eye in the room. He launched into newer material like “Sunflowers and Leather” and “The Reaper” before slowing things down with fan favorites “Save My Soul” and “You Again.”
He closed the night with a powerful run through tracks like “Krissy” and “God Needs the Devil.” By the time the final notes faded, it was clear that Kagen had given the Asheville crowd a glimpse into his world, leaving the stage to a roar of cheers that felt less like applause and more like gratitude.
As Kagen exited, Sammy Rae & Friends swept in, transforming the venue into a dance party with their vibrant stage presence. They mixed in old-school favorites with their signature sound, pulling the audience deeper into the night’s momentum…