Tomorrow night I strongly encourage folks to get over to the ISIS Music Hall to take in Andrew Scotchie’s birthday show which will feature a performance by Scotchie’s own rock outfit Andrew Scotchie and the River Rats, sublime singer-song writer Danielle Howle and progressive funk-rock band Porch 40.
Fans who attend will also have the opportunity witness to a few unique collaborations between Scotchie and local Asheville musicians such as David Earl Tomlinson, Jack Mascari, Noah Larssen and others.
Although tomorrow’s show is being billed as Scotchie’s 23rd birthday bash, the event will also be taking place with the underlining theme of celebrating the life of Scotchie’s father Tom, whose life was tragically cut short back in 2008.
Back in September I interviewed Scotchie and he briefly touched on his father’s passing and how it affected him and his music.
“My life got turned upside down when I was 15 when my dad was shot and killed in West Asheville. That was the worst thing that had ever happened to me. That fucked up horrible event in a way made me who I am today, it made me want to do this thing so adamantly and with so much vigor,” Scotchie somberly discussed.
“I’ve been writing about that event for years and what it has taught me about people and family. The first album we released in 2012, the songs were not sad but the lyrics I wrote for it were more about helping me work through what had happened. Even the new album has notes alluding to it as I’m definitely still working through it all because that’s who I am but it’s coming from a much different place now.”
Scotchie is the type of individual that revels in life, good times and the continued pursuit of great rock and roll. Come out tomorrow night to help him continue to pursue those endeavors, to take in a some great live music and to help him celebrate the life and times of Tom Scotchie, who by all accounts had a tremendously positive impact on his family, friends and the Asheville community his family still calls home.
I have a sneaky suspicion that somewhere in the interstellar planes that we all eventually drift into Tom will be smiling, rocking out and feeling a tremendous amount of pride as he looks down on his son Andrew knowing that he’s turned out to be one hell of a musician and even more importantly, one hell of a human being.
Who: Andrew Scotchie and the River Rats, Danielle Howle and Porch 40 + special guests
When: Saturday January 16, 2016 / Show 9:00 PM
Where: ISIS Music Hall / 743 Haywood Road