From Staff Reports

The annual Concerts on the Quad outdoor summer series will open with the Latin-rock fusion band Making Movies from 7 to 8:30 p.m. June 18 on the grassy quadrangle in the center of UNC Asheville’s campus.

Admission to the four-concert series is free. Attendees are urged to bring lawnchairs and/or blankets and/or picnics — or they may purchase meals, treats and drinks from adjoining concession stands.

The remaining concerts will be held June 25, July 9 and 16 — all beginning at 7 p.m.

Regarding the opening band, Making Movies, UNCA noted in a press release that “this quartet has toured with Ozomatli, Los Lobos and Hurray for the Riff Raff, has played at the Kennedy Center, and released three albums, including the 2017 release, ‘I Am Another You,’ praised by NPR (National Public Radio) as ‘lyrically and sonically one of the best albums of the year.’ Made up of two brothers, Enrico and Diego Chi, and Juan-Carlos and Andres Chaurand, Making Movies describes its music as a mix of psychedelia, experimental rock, son Cubano, cumbia and various rhythms descended from Yoruba music.”

The rest of the lineup includes:

• June 25 – The Steve Alford Collective/UNCA Faculty Jazz – “Multi-reedist Steve Alford and colleagues teaching in UNC Asheville’s music programs will present an evening of improvised music oscillating between genres,” a UNCA press release noted. Alford, leader of the ensemble Rational Discourse, will be joined by Tim Doyle, Justin Ray, Matthew Richmond, Jacob Rodriguez, Richard Shulman, Mark Small, Vance Thompson and Justin Watt.

July 9 – The Get Right Band – “Described as ‘hip-shaking, earthquaking pure funk fun’ by The Alternate Root, The Get Right Band also was voted Best Jam/Progressive Band two years ago by Mountain Xpress readers,” according to UNCA. “The band combines the talents of singer/guitarist Silas Durocher and bassist Jesse Gentry, who have been friends since middle school, and drummer Jian-Claude Mears. The Get Right Band’s third and most recent album, ‘Who’s in Charge?’ was recorded in Asheville at Echo Mountain Studios.”

July 16 – Rissi Palmer – “Palmer, who describes her style as ‘Southern soul,’ has appeal for fans of country music as well as soul,” UNCA noted in a press release. “Her 2007 debut single, ‘Country Girl,’ ‘became the first song recorded by an African-American woman to hit the country music charts in 20 years. Last year, she teamed with Brian Owens on ‘Soul of Cash,’ a tribute album of Johnny Cash’s music. In between, she has performed at the White House, the Grand Ole Opry, Lincoln Center, appeared on Oprah & Friends, and recorded a children’s album, ‘Best Day Ever.’ Palmer is working on a new album to be released later this year.”

Concerts on the Quad are sponsored by the Asheville Citizen Times and Ingles.