Matt Smith’s Well-Crafted Music Series with Melissa McKinney

Melissa McKinney is a singer/songwriter, musician, educator, and event curator living in Asheville, NC. She is the lead singer of the band, MAMA. Renowned for her powerful vocals, Melissa has a deep love for music and community and is dedicated to using her voice for good and empowering youth to do the same. Her love for the blues began as a child. She was mentored by Nathaniel Reese, a blues musician from the coalfields of West Virginia—an intergenerational experience that laid the foundation for her life’s work. She serves as the Programming & Education Director for LEAF Global Arts, is the founder of the WTF (Women to the Front) music festival, which highlights women in music and she is on the board of AVLFest, a multi venue music festival in Asheville, NC. MAMA  won the Merlefest Band Competition in 2025 and won 2nd place at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in January 2026. She is eager to use her voice to shine a light on Western North Carolina as they continue to recover from Hurricane Helene. Melissa’s biggest joy comes from performing alongside her daughter, McKinney, who is also a musician, singer, and songwriter and just released her first album.

Matt Smith’s Well-crafted Music Series

The Well-Crafted Music Series is a weekly showcase curated by pedal steel guitarist Matt Smith, bringing standout talent to Asheville through fresh, genre-defying collaborations. Drawing from more than 20 years of touring and recording, the series highlights artists Matt has met and worked with along the way, creating one-of-a-kind performances you won’t see anywhere else.

May – October, this series typically takes place on our scenic Meadow stage.  During cooler months, Matt and friends will play in the Taproom.

Chairs, blankets and well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome in the Meadow. Please note that coolers and outside alcohol are not permitted on the premises.