Born and raised in Asheville, NC. Active on the local music scene since 2000 he recently released his debut EP "FABULOUS". Aaron's been with Asheville Radio Group a little over 2 years and landed his first on-air gig as a jock on ARG's WTMT 105.9 "The Mountain" shortly after it signed on in May of 2007. Fusing his general knowledge for music with years of experience behind a microphone, the self-proclaimed "Homegrown Homeboy" is proud to be a part of the organic based 98.1 The RIVER, a station that's all about being different, as many Ashevillians are proud to be.
Just played the first "EMERGING ARTIST SHOWCASE" last night as supporting act for Joshua James at the Emerald Lounge. One of the sponsors, Dream Guitars, brought in a real treat for me to play during my set: A Kent Chasson acousic with stereo pick-ups, nice wide neck, and Brazilian rosewood! Anyway , the guitar made me a better player last night and if you're into one-of-a-kind, higher end guitars, check out my man Paul at Dream Guitars. These are the instruments that inspire you to be a better songwriter and picker =o)
Check out my segment every Friday morning, just after 7am on 98.1 the RIVER. Since long before my days in radio I've played and written music. This segment allows me to play one song for you every week that is relevant to some sort of musical trivia, historical event, or upcoming concert in the Asheville area. The Acoustic Coffee Break is sponsored by SMASHING GUITARS. Here is a sample of the segment, taken from October 23rd, 2009. This particular one is about songwriter Leonard Cohen and features a cover of the song "Hallelujah":
As always, love hearing from you =o)
Shoot me an e-mail at:
aaronjamz@yahoo.com
Thanks
Aaron
President Obama to the Students....Your ideas?
The President is set to deliver a speech to the students of the Nation today from Wakefield High School in Alrington, VA. You can read the speech from the White House at:
Send me your ideas and insight: aaronjamz@yahoo.com
We live in a pretty progressive town. Asheville is a melting pot for a variety of cultures, lifestyles, and political views.
Since President Obama announced plans to broadcast his speech to American students, he's received a lot of heat. Some parents say they will omit their children from school today to avoid Obama's influence on their offspring. Others say that the speech is a great idea. It's even gained support from former First Lady Bush.
Let me know what you think on the issue.
A thinking nation is a moving nation..it starts right here.
So yesterday, (June 24th) the Mountain Xpress came out, as it does every WED in Asheville.
As I was flipping through the issue at a local coffee joint, I came across an article in the "Commentary" section that intrigued me from the title and proved to be right on target with my sentiments on development in Asheville throughout.
"The de-greening of Asheville (Rampant development threatens to jettison our quality of life)" is a great piece of mind written by Jesse Junior, a retired civil servant who used to be a radio show host on WPVM. You can read the article on the Mountain Xpress site:
http://www.mountainx.com/opinion/2009/the_de_greening_of_asheville
Now I've never met Jesse Junior, but I can applaud him on speaking up on an issue that I feel weighs heavy on a lot of local minds....and from my experience, there is a lot of emphasis in this town on the wrong kind of green. Now I'm all about progress and making the local economy strong - but we do have to prioritize. The "eco" green benefits us all...keeping Asheville beautiful and desireable to tourists who come here and spend money. The "EGO" green benefits a few developers and possibly politicians and therefore should take a backseat to the ladder.
Maybe I'm just jaded with personal experience, but the condos that are spreading in downtown Asheville like ant farms do nothing for me, or for you, unless you happen to have an investment in one. If anything, the parking has become worse, the views obstructed, and we have complaints on local business that support live music for being "too loud". Asheville use to be a town about the music, the art, positive vibes. All the new buildings in downtown should meet strict green standards. We should be setting an example for other towns in this country and leading the way to the future - instead I fear we are falling behind and mocking the failed customs of larger metro disasters like Los Angeles. Let me know what you think. Like I said, I support progress, but with our priorities in check. E-mail me at aaronjamz@yahoo.com
Thanks - Love and respect,
Aaron LaFalce
The morning guy on 98.1 the RIVER
Phish coming to the Civic Center...No!! Why the Civic Center?
First of all, thanks to listening to 98.1 and visiting the blog. It's good to know there are other people in town that are up early enough to hear my show. okay..
So PHISH is coming to the Asheville Civic Center next Tuesday, June 9th for a show at 7:30. Of course it is sold out, they are a great band. Since their forming in Vermont in 1983 (The year I was born) they have become a Mecca for fans of jam bands. I'm not dissing the band at all in the blog. Actually, I'm dissing the venue. If you have ever seen a show at the Asheville Civic Center you know that the sound is horrible in there. Yet according to ashevillenc.gov , "The facility is the heart of downtown Asheville's arts and entertainment scene." Gees I hope not, what is it saying about our appreciation for the arts if we have only the Civic Center as a performance medium.
The Orange Peel is a great venue, but limited in its holding capacity . The Thomas Wolfe is okay, but the parking is horrible in that part of town, and if there is an event happening at the Civic Center the same evening, forget it.
Having played all three of these venues myself, and witnessed shows at all 3 , here is my rant:
In the 26 years I have lived in Asheville, I have seen lots of change and progress. The Asheville Mall has seen rennovations and growth. I've seen Dunkin' Donuts leave, and then come back. I've seen Beanstreets Coffee House come and go. I've seen Gatsby's, Be Here Now and the Asheville Music Zone tank. But one thing still remains, since my dad was a kid - the Asheville Civic Center. Of all things, why hasn't our largest music venue been remodeled or rebuilt. If that's all we can offer major artistic performances, than we are not as progressive and cultured as we claim to be.
Asheville - level the damn Civic Center and start from scratch...and while you're at it - fix the parking. How about the Biltmore Square Mall location? ? The building is for sale, it's near the interstate, plenty of parking, hotels, and restaurants nearby. I want your feedback: e-mail me at:
