Asheville Music Hall Presents Custard Pie
Posted 9.29.12
Story by EMILY FOLEY | Photo by CUSTARD PIE
To become a popular and admired Led Zeppelin cover band, quite frankly, you have to be good. Zeppelin listeners won't settle. On Halloween, devoted fans of the band Custard Pie can expect a performance full of the high energy and raw musical talent that the band is known for.
David Connor Jones, Custard Pie’s bassist and manager, experienced his first Zeppelin moment of Zen with their hit, “Over the Hills and Far Away.” He recalls, “I can remember listening to mainstream radio as a kid and hearing Zeppelin for the first time … and realizing instantly that this was something very different.”
This “something very different” was enough to spark the adoration of Zeppelin fans over the years and world. Since 2005, Custard Pie has paid tribute to these groundbreaking musicians and attracted crowds who enjoy Pie’s original spin.
Because Zeppelin has done what they do so well, Custard Pie has been challenged in their homage. They have found their niche in Asheville, which attracts and fosters musical talent. “Most of the folks I know are pretty passionate about music, be it one particular style, or many styles, as long as they are done well,” David shares. “All the roots are represented here [in Asheville]: bluegrass, jazz, country, blues, old time, zydeco, surf, pop, rock, hip-hop, funk, you name it. It's being done and done well.”
Other band members include Aaron “Woody” Wood (guitar), Rhett Thurman McGahee (vocals), and Jamie Stirling (drums). All of them loved Led Zeppelin while they were growing up and hoped to bring the same live enthusiasm to Asheville venues.
Katherine Powell, owner of Asheville’s Geniass Productions, put the show together. She warns fans that they shall “rage all night long” at the upcoming Halloween show.
“They are awesome and we want to keep the show local, but we wanted to do something special. Custard Pie is arguably one of the best Led Zeppelin Tribute bands, ever. Jimmy Page himself has sung the praises of guitarist ‘Woody’ Wood,” Katherine says.
Soul Jam Wednesdays kicks off after the show, as well. Hosted by Preston Cate of Vertigo Jazz Project, a soul-jazz jam will take place downstairs at the One Stop.
Custard Pie has played at local venues like Westville Pub, Jack of the Wood, the Grey Eagle, and Orange Peel. Katherine explains, “[Those associated with Geniass Productions and the Asheville Music Hall] are music fans first and foremost …. We have our feet firmly planted in the local music scene and we intend to be here for many years to come, bringing great music and great vibes to our beautiful little town.”
Custard Pie’s 9:00 p.m. performance on October 31 at Asheville Music Hall is for adults 21+. Doors will open at 8 p.m. and tickets are $10 dollars in advance ($12 at the door).
David explains the exciting addition to this Custard Pie appearance: “This Halloween show will be interesting as we are going to integrate some music by other hard rocking bands, namely Black Sabbath, along with a few other tricks and treats.”
To purchase advance tickets for the Custrd Pie show, visit online at ashevillemusichall.com. Asheville Music Hall is located at 31 Patton Avenue. The One Stop is located downstairs of the Music Hall at 55 College Street.
