In August 1925, legendary producer Ralph Peer set up a portable recording studio in the brand-new George Vanderbilt Hotel, capturing the very first commercial recordings made in Appalachia. Now, we’re celebrating that historic moment.

The evening begins with drinks and socializing, followed by an official welcome and an insightful talk on the significance of the 1925 Asheville Sessions from renowned music historians Ted Olson and Tony Russell. The night culminates with a live performance by the Russ Wilson Jazz Orchestra, bringing the vibrant sounds of the era to life.

5:00-5:30 pm – Meet & Mingle
5:30 pm – Russ Wilson Jazz Orchestra plays “Collegiate” & “Rose of the Nile”
5:45 pm – Welcome & Introductions (Vic Isley, Wayne Martin & others)
6:40 pm – Ted Olson & Tony Russell on the Significance of the Asheville Sessions
6:45 – 7:30 pm – Russ Wilson Jazz Orchestra performance

—
TONY RUSSELL & TED OLSON are renowned music historians and authors and they wrote the liner notes for the reissue of the Historic 1925 Asheville Sessions recordings – detailing the fascinating story of the 1925 Asheville sessions with dozens of rare photographs, a complete discography, song lyrics, color reproductions of all original labels, and biographies of all session participants

RUSS WILSON AND HIS FAMOUS JAZZ ORCHESTRA perform vintage 1920s jazz & swing. The Orchestra will premiere two compositions that were recorded at the original Asheville Sessions by the Foor Robinson Carolina Club Orchestra.