Downtown After Five provides free live music entertainment in downtown Asheville. The celebration is every third Friday, May through September, with the goal of encouraging locals and visitors to enjoy downtown Asheville and support local businesses and entertainers. Coordinated by a new team of dedicated volunteers, this year’s series brings some additional surprises:

• Location on North Lexington Avenue (between Hiawassee and the I-240 overpass)
• Time: 5:00 - 9:00 PM, Admission: Free
• Additions to the already stellar line up of food and beverages available include new local restaurants and local breweries

Enjoy the music and food while meeting new and old friends. This year’s musical lineup encompasses a variety of genres.

Downtown After 5 in 2010:
May 21
Headliner: Asheville indie-pop favorites Stephaniesid
Support: Americana, Alt-Country up and comer Jennie Arnau

June 18
Headliner: Southern rock legends Drivin’ N’ Cryin’
Support: Classic rock n’ rollers Velvet Truckstop

July 16
Headliner: Genre defying locals Josh Phillips Folk Festival
Support: High-energy all stars Soulgrass Rebellion

August 20
Headliner: Improvisational electronic funk masters Spam Allstars
Support: Traditional salsa Nuevo Montuno Salsa Orchestra

September 17
Headliner: Powerful and innovative Acoustic Americana ensemble Larry Keel & Natural Bridge
Support: Southern soul backcountry roots rocker Grayson Capps

Photos by Trina Royar.

Each year, the Asheville Downtown Association selects five non-profit organizations to receive proceeds from event wristband sales. This year’s recipients are: YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign, Asheville on Bikes, LEAF in Schools and Streets, Asheville Community Theatre and Moogseum.

DTA5 is committed to continuing reducing its carbon footprint. The concert series features biodegradable food and beverage containers, staffed compost and recycling stations, a solar-powered main stage and a complimentary bike corral.