Hayley Benton

hbenton@citizen-times.com

Local folk favorite The Moon and You is releasing its new album at a June 24 Mothlight show and variety performance. The evening’s lineup of diverse performers — including circus acts, puppeteers and dancers — will all perform to a song off the album, with burlesque star Deb Au Nare, trapeze artist Laura Marie Souther, bellydancer Sera Sahara and sad clown Daniel Hettinger. Also at the album experience will be giant puppets known as Woopets, created and flown by Mary Wooten, who has also costumed Lady Gaga, Cher and several major theater/film productions. The emcee of the evening will be the fabulous Barbie Angell, who, among many talents, is a local poet, author and occasional comedian. The show starts at 8 p.m., and tickets to the event itself are $10 — $20 for entry and the CD — and can be purchased at themothlight.com.

2. All Go West takes over Haywood Road venues.

The free, multistage West Asheville festival is back for 2016 on June 25. All Go West will bring the community together for a day of arts, music, activities for kids and, of course, beer (the festival is presented by Hi-Wire Brewing this year). The four stages will take over the neighborhood Saturday: the Hi-Wire main stage is located in the parking lot of Isis Restaurant and Music Hall — the Infinite Truth stage is inside the venue — The Mothlight will hold the Pisgah Brewing-sponsored stage and Asheville Grit will take over The Brew Pump with tunes. Lineup highlights include (but aren't limited to) Andrew Scotchie & The River Rats, Onawa, Nest Egg, Midnight Snack, Ashley Heath & Her Heathens, Pierce Edens, Posh Hammer, RBTS WIN, Floating Action, East Coast Dirt, Doc Aquatic and — whew! — there are just too many to mention. This year, the festival is collaborating with the West Asheville Art Walk, with a special gallery of neighborhood artists at The Mothlight. For the lineup or schedule or for more information, head to allgowest.com — and to read up on the art walk, check out provisionasheville.com/artwalk.

For your festival needs before and after All Go West (or instead of, if you'd rather), a new festival is taking place over at the WNC Ag Center Fairgrounds. 1LUV Food and Music Festival has got it all: national touring music acts, food and rides over four days — all in support of local nonprofits Homeward Bound, Brother Wolf and the Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry. Starting on June 23 and continuing until June 26, the fairgrounds will host acts like American Idol winner Caleb Johnson, Joe Lasher Jr., Lyric, Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band and, of course, the Ultimate Air Dogs will be on site to raise funds for Homeward Bound. A raffle will be up-and-running with prizes like a 55-inch TV, a Toyota car and a $1,000 gift card to Sam's Club. There will even be adoptable dogs throughout the weekend, in case you're in need of a new best friend. Admission tickets are $12 at the door ($10 in advance) and ride-tickets are $15 for 12. Children 6 and under get in free. For more information, head to 1luvfestival.com.

4. Rational Discourse rocks the Quad at UNC Asheville.

UNC Asheville's Concerts on the Quad series continues on June 27 with the big-band rock/jazz ensemble Rational Discourse. The free concert series isn't just for students — it's open to everyone. And attendees are invited to bring chairs, blankets and picnics to enjoy during with the music, though meals, snacks and drinks will be available from concession stands scattered throughout the Quad. Rational Discourse is made up of several UNC Asheville faculty members, including leader, reed player and composer Steve Alford, saxophonist Jacob Rodriguez and trumpet player Justin Ray, who double as regular members of Grammy-winner Michael Bublé’s band. The large ensemble includes a full brass section, two bassists, two percussionists and a guitar/synthesizer, The music begins at 7 p.m. — so come ready to spread down your blanket. For more information, visit rationaldiscour.se or unca.edu.

5. The Explorers Club with Brett Harris and Jay Gonzalez at The Grey Eagle.

Harmonious pop-vocal group The Explorers Club hails from coastal Charleston — and their beachside sound was inspired by none other than The Beach Boys. Though they're currently based out of Nashville, Tennessee, The Explorers Club stays true to their warm-water roots, using oldie-rock riffs similar to The Beatles, The Monkees and The Byrds. On stage with the 'Club the evening of June 29 is Durham singer-songwriter Brett Harris, whose 2010 debut album was featured by Paste Magazine's "Best of" list and NPR's "All Songs Considered." His newest release, "Up in the Air," was released in March. Out of Athens, Georgia, Jay Gonzalez, best known as the keyboardist for the Drive-By Truckers, unleashes a power-pop solo project that has a slight 1970s feel. The show starts at 8 p.m., and tickets can be purchased at the door or at thegreyeagle.com for $10.