Local Musicians Enhance Our Regional Diversity
Story by Frances Figart | Photos by Megan Authement
We recently spoke with three musicians whose sounds and rhythms contribute to our local music scene.
Mike Brubaker, Montford
Profession: Musician
Band or group: Asheville Symphony Orchestra
Instrument: French horn (also Alphorn, recorders, and Renaissance wind instruments)
Started playing at age: 10
How it was chosen: With only three finger keys, it looked easier than the alto saxophone, and I liked the shiny plumbing too.
Hardest thing about learning to play: Unlike a saxophone, which uses a reed, the sound of a horn comes from the lips.
Best thing about being a musician: I get to be on stage with a team of exceptionally talented musicians playing the art of great music.
Musical goal: I hope Asheville will one day have the modern symphonic concert stage that our city deserves, and that I will be around to perform on it.
Hannah Furgiuele, Marshall
Profession: Minstrel of Appalachia Festival director and program coordinator for the Liston B. Ramsey Center for Regional Studies
Band or group: Honey Be Nice (folk trio)
Instrument: Violin/ fiddle
Started playing at age: 9
How it was chosen: In school the violin was the first instrument available to us, so I was quick to join the orchestra. As I grew older, I learned other instruments but I always came back to the violin. I loved how many different styles could be played.
Hardest thing about learning to play: Learning all the different bowing patterns as I’ve transitioned away from classical and more toward a mountain fiddling style.
Best thing about being a musician: Collaborating with others—having a group to sing with, learn with, and explore different musical ideas with.
Musical goal: I’d love to have a couple full-length albums out in the next five years and be playing as many shows as time and money affords.
Matt Evans, West Asheville
Profession: Budget analyst for Buncombe County Government
Band or group: Old Flings (punk-inspired rock)
Instrument: Guitar
Started playing at age: 13 How it was chosen: I was staying at my Dad’s place in Georgia, bored out of my mind. While exploring his house, I found a VHS titled “Learn How to Play Guitar” and an accompanying acoustic guitar. Three months later, I played my middle school dance with my first band.
Hardest thing about learning to play: The hardest thing (even to this day) is to learn to take criticism and use it to your advantage. No matter what anyone says, you can never stop learning.
Best thing about being a musician: A combination of expression, travel, communication and goal setting.
Musical goal: To learn how to balance my newfound professional life with the life I’ve made for myself through music.
