Fresh off win at MVA, Ian Ridenhour pops along

Ian Ridenhour's video "Dancy Children" at Music Video Asheville last month brought forth a rousing applause, not only for the direction and editing by Kira Bursky of All Around Artsy, but also because of the solid pop song Ridenhour had created.

Long known in the Valley, this teen with pop star looks stars and sings in the video awarded Best Editing and tied for Judge's Choice at the 2017 Music Video Asheville Awards (see the video at ianridenhour.com). Ridenhour and the Ian Ridenhour Band return to White Horse Black Mountain Friday, May 12. Also on the bill are Bri and the Astrotones.

Ridenhour’s career is at an important crossroad as he negotiates the transition from prodigiously talented prodigy to adult artist. The teen musician has long been remarkable for his precocious command of rock, jazz, funk, classical and choral music, but he writes pop-savvy songs that exhibit a preternaturally mature sensibility. With the release of his new album "Cry About It," Ridenhour is staking out territory as a young adult performer with a highly evolved  personal style.

Ridenhour's performing career started at age four with the African drumming group, Djibola Jr. While still in his pre-teens he was winning awards on the Bismarck, North Dakota music scene for his solo work and his playing with the bands Blind Mice, Hex Radio and Tigirlily. Since moving to the Asheville area, he’s earned the enthusiastic support of local heroes BJ Liederman and David LaMotte, who said "it is thrilling to watch an artist begin a public career with as much promise as Ian’s”.

The crackling Ian Ridenhour Band features the titular founder on keyboards and vocals, joined by James Kylen on drums, Michael Hynes on bass and Jamieson Ridenhour on guitar.

Catch a rising star

What: The Ian Ridenhour Band

When: 7:30 p.m. May 12

Where: White Horse Black Mountain

Cost: $10 advance, $12 door