Singer-songwriter David LaMotte has been performing for audiences for over 35 years. During that time, he’s entertained audiences in all 50 states and on five continents. Given the impressive expanse of his career, one might understandably think that his recent performance at the Flat Rock Cinema’s Magnolia Concert Series would have been just another stop in the road for such a seasoned performer.

That assumption, however, would be wrong.

DAvid Lamotte performing at the Magnolia Concert Series

When asked about his opportunity to play in Flat Rock, LaMotte’s enthusiasm for the intimate venue provided by Flat Rock Cinema is palpable. “I like to go and listen to shows where I can really soak it in,” he explains while sitting in the quiet theatre two hours prior to his performance. “So, I really treasure this kind of room as a listener as well as a performer. There are major metropolitan cities in the U.S. that don't really have listening rooms as nice as this.”

LaMotte’s words are high praise indeed from someone who should know a thing or two about performance venues.

The Magnolia Concert Series

The Magnolia Concert Series was started several years ago by the original owners of Flat Rock Cinema, Howard and Barbara Molton. The series took a serious hit during the pandemic, however, and by the time audiences were finally ready to come back for intimate music performances, Howard and Barbara were winding down and ready for the next “post-cinema” chapter of their lives.

Enter Bryan Byrd. Bryan bought the Cinema in 2023 and the idea of reviving the Concert Series was top of mind for the cinema’s new owner. “I am a fan of the movie business and I love it,” says Bryan. “Movies are the core thing here, but it is the music business that really sold me on this space. I was looking for a listening room, a place where bands could play and could actually be heard.” Bryan flashes his characteristic grin and adds, “Oddly enough, that is why I got in the movie business!”

Bryan reintroduced the Magnolia Concert Series in October of 2023 and has never looked back. The cinema’s regular customers, aficionados of live music, and the enthusiastic fans of the artists that make the pilgrimage to Flat Rock have filled the listening room from the start. “Many of the people that come to the shows were already movie patrons,” says Bryan. And they have not been disappointed by the quality of the shows booked at the cinema. “Our goal was to create a listening room where people could really experience the music.”

The concert series typically schedules for Wednesday evenings – with the occasional Thursday performance – and dovetails nicely with the Cinema’s movie schedule. “Our sweet spot for movies, is Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday. And that's still the core business,” says Bryan. Then he quickly adds, “But my passion is the live music.”

The current series runs from now through April with a total of 12 acts that were booked for this winter/spring. Bryan says there will be some acts over the summer, but that the number of alternative activities in the warmer months make the intimate concerts a harder sell.

Ryan Taylor Price

A key reason for the early success of the return of the Concert Series is Bryan’s partnership with Laurel Park resident and Magnolia Concert Series co-producer, Ryan Taylor Price. A singer/songwriter himself, Ryan and Bryan got to know each other as volunteers for the Arts Council and occasionally crossing paths in the local live music scene.

Ryan came to Henderson County seven years ago from the Seattle area where he had experience working in a 400-seat theatre in Kirkland, WA. Before Bryan’s decision to purchase Flat Rock Cinema, he consulted with Ryan on how to produce shows and book bands.

When the purchase was finalized, the partnership swung into action. Ryan’s connections in the music industry – and his technical expertise as a sound engineer – have been instrumental (pun intended) in making the return of the Magnolia Concert Series a success. “I'm a songwriter myself,” explains Ryan. “So, I'm involved around the region, and I see the great artists that are playing similar-sized venues.”

Like Bryan, Ryan also recognized the unique opportunities provided by a venue such as the cinema. “This kind of environment is inviting - especially for solo artists. If you're a band, it doesn't matter. You can overpower anything happening in the room. But if your performances are more intimate, a space like this is perfect.” Another key to success, according to Ryan, is the timing of the performances. “A lot of our acts have their weekends booked. But their Wednesdays are usually open.”

Bryan concurs. “Ryan books top-quality acts that normally would not be able to have a show in Henderson County because they are playing in Charlotte, Knoxville, Nashville, or New York on the weekends. We can book them between those gigs.”

Ryan also credits the strong music tradition of the Appalachians for providing fertile ground for promoters looking to book acts in their venue. “There’s a lot of places with great music scenes but western NC has a great tradition of music coming out of the combination of Irish and African music heritages. There are not very many places – maybe New Orleans or New York City - that have a music tradition that's such an important part of their culture like we do here.”

Going Forward

There are nine dates left on the current Magnolia Concert Series schedule and Bryan is excited that many of the acts are repeat performers - “Magnolia Alums” - who enjoy his venue and are making a point of returning to Flat Rock. “Ryan Taylor Price has helped me create something where people want to play,” he explains. “The fact that these folks would come back means a lot to us.”

Perhaps David LaMotte best sums up the Flat Rock experience from an artist’s perspective. “There are so many places you can go and hear music in the background, right? But there’s a massive difference between a place where beer is featured and music is provided, and a place where music is featured and beer is provided.”

After pausing for a moment to gaze around the room, LaMotte continues. “People who want to listen closely to the music are starving for opportunities to do so. A venue like Flat Rock is a real treasure.”

For now, Bryan Byrd is soaking up the experience of full houses at the Magnolia Concert Series. “I'm having the most fun that I can have. Providing a place for people to experience music together - for the musicians and the audiences - is a joy and a gift. That's why I do it.”

Magnolia Concert Series
2025 Winter/Spring Schedule

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