An evening with Songs of the Folk at Cafe No9

Event information

Asheville, North Carolina’s premier folk and blues duo have impressed throughout the States and are now captivating audiences across the UK…
A.T. and Lauren Cason are lifetime musicians who perform original American folk and blues songs that harken back to the roots music of the American South as well as the 1960s Folk Revival artists of NYC’s Greenwich Village. It’s Simon & Garfunkel mixed with early Dylan, with a touch of Leonard Cohen and a helping of true Piedmont blues fingerstyle guitar from North Carolina.

Coming from a family of storytellers, A.T. writes stories and themes of the human condition into relatable songs of the most poetic, yet down-to-earth lyrics. His unique fingerstyle guitar-playing displays both sophisticated and ragtime techniques, and played on his 1935 Gibson L-00, is a most authentic accompaniment to the songs. A Suzuki-trained pianist since the age of three, Lauren enriches the tunes with beautiful countermelodies and pleasing harmonies while sometimes contributing elegant piano parts to certain songs.

Over the years, their unique traits have helped them cultivate a quintessential, yet new American folk sound, and it’s in live settings that their musicianship can be most greatly appreciated. Singing and playing intimately through high-quality condenser mics, their connection during live performance is palpable and gripping, and as they tell their stories alongside the tunes, this connection carries over to audience members to create a truly engaging experience.

A concert of Songs of the Folk is a concert of well-crafted music and lyrics, flawless harmonies, intricate instrumentation, and original storytelling. Audience members will leave impressed by the songwriting and fingerstyle guitar-playing, entranced by the refined vocal harmonies, and enamored with the exceptional lyricism, but most importantly, each person in the audience will leave full of enjoyment, feeling like an old friend of the Casons and a part of their Songs of the Folk.



What others have said…

“Their original songs have a slick, contemporary musicianship underlying them…their tasteful instrumentation always helping to bring their rootsy subject matters to life.” – Folk and Honey, UK

“A.T. and Lauren’s compositions are imbued with the inherent folk spirit with songs that speak to the shared human condition with empathy and integrity.” – Even Butterflies Make a Sound, UK

“Some of the best lyrics I’ve heard live – and I’ve heard Bob Dylan.” – Barry Hopwood, proprietor of Barry’s Blues Barn, UK

“What will stick with you are the stories…you look forward to the next tune like you do the next chapter of a book. One you don’t want to put down.” – WNC Original Music Podcast, US

“That was like a big, musical hug.” – Listener comment following concert

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Rooted in the rolling hills of Yorkshire, Ireland and Spain, Maggie May Treanor brings an authentic approach to UK Americana. Raised on a working horse farm, she offers a truly authentic sound that weaves a line between the classic country traditions of Emmy Lou Harris and emotive storytelling of Jason Isbell.

With her debut single generating over 10,000 YouTube streams, she's quickly catching the attention of the UK Americana scene. Collaborating with top-tier producers and musicians – including 2 x Country No1 producer Dan Mizen and 4 x Grammy winning Chris Wilkinson, who brings a decade of experience from Jack White's iconic Third Man Records in Nashville – she's crafting a sound that's both familiar and refreshingly original.

A gifted lyricist, Maggie May crafts songs that dive deep into heartbreak while celebrating the resilience of the human spirit. Her rich and captivating vocals affect healing and emotion in the audience as she uses her rare ability to turn vulnerability into anthems of survival.

Steeped in the musical heritage of Irish folk and American Roots, her songwriting draws from a deep well of rural experience – as comfortable on horseback as she is on stage. Her English, Irish and Spanish roots infuse each song with a unique perspective, blending American musical traditions with the grit and authenticity of a classic folk storyteller.

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Please note this ticket price DOES include a BYOB fee should you wish to bring alcohol to the venue.

All additional purchases of drinks and sweet treats from the cafe counter are always very much appreciated.