Show Dates and News

Keep up with Creative Differences Americana Music on our Facebook Page or with the news and events below.  We hope to see you at one of our upcoming shows.  Thanks for our many supporters and friends who help to "Keep the Music Alive!"

Upcoming Shows & Events

  • EVERY TUESDAY NIGHT, 6-9 PM, We host the Open Mic at Sweeten Creek Brewing.   Sign up starts at 5:30 PM.  1127 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville, NC​​   It's an all-arts event.  Bring your talent and perform! ​

  • Good News!  Mike's knee surgery was a success so while Creative Differences Trio will take a short hiatus during his recovery, we'll be returning to doing performances in January so keep an eye out for future bookings.  Thanks to all of our supporters and friends and for all your good wishes.
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  • ​Fri, Feb 13, 2026, 3PM, Arbor Terrace (Private Event) Asheville NC​
  • Wed, Feb 18, 2026, 7:15 PM, Deerfield Community (private Event), Asheville, NC
  • ​Thurs, Feb 26, 2026,  The Joint Next Door, 1185 Charlotte Highway, Fairview, NC
  • ​Sat, Mar 7, 2026, 5:00-8:00 PM, Sweeten Creek Brewing, 1127 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville, NC
  • Tues, Mar 24, 2026, Tryon Estates, (Private Event) Columbus, NC
  • ​Sat, Apr 4, 2026, 5:00-8:00 PM, Sweeten Creek Brewing, 1127 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville, NC
  • Sat, May 2, 2026, 5:00-7:00 PM, Turgua Brewing, 3131 Cane Creek Rd, Fairview NC
  • Sun, Jul 12, 2026, 5:00-7:00 PM, Turgua Brewing, 3131 Cane Creek Rd, Fairview NC
  • Tues, Oct 20, 2026, Tryon Estates, (Private Event) Columbus, NC

Past Shows & Events

  • Fri, Jan 30, 2026, Shamrock Irons Irish Pub and Restaurant, 4 College St, Asheville, NC​
  • Fri, Jan 23, 2026, Elkhorn Canna Company, 278 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC
  • Fri, Jan 9, 2026, Arbor Terrace, Asheville, NC
  • Sat, Nov 22, 2025,  Shamrock Irons Irish Pub and Restaurant, 4 College St, Asheville, NC
  • Fri, Nov 14, 2025, Sweeten Creek Brewing, 1127 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville, NC
  • Mon, Nov 10, 2025, Tryon Estates, Columbus, NC
  • Fri, Oct 31, 2025,  Special Halloween Show at Sweeten Creek Brewing, 1127 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville, NC
  • Wed, Oct 29, 2025, Tryon Estates  Columbus, NC
  • Sat, Oct 25, 2025,   The Joint Next Door, 1185 Charlotte Highway, Fairview, NC 
  • Fri, Oct 24, 2025, Shamrock Irons Irish Pub and Restaurant, 4 College St, Asheville, NC
  • Tues, Oct 21, 2025, Deerfield Community,​ Asheville, NC
  • ​Sat, Oct 18, 2025,  Guidon Brewing Outpost, 2120 Brevard Rd, Hendersonville, NC
  • Fri, Oct 17, 2025,  Sweeten Creek Brewing John Prine Tribute, 1127 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville, NC
  • Wed, Oct 15, 2025, The Laurels of GreenTree Ridge,  Asheville, NC
  • ​Sun Oct 5, 2025, Creative Differences as the Featured Band at the Asheville Guitar Bar Sunday Jam at Terra Nova Brewing, 101 S. Lexington Ave, Asheville NC
  • Sat, Oct 4, 2025, Claddagh  Irish Pub and Restaurant, 4 College St, Asheville, NC
  • Fri, Oct 3, 2025, Sweeten Creek Brewing, 1127 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville, NC
  • Sat, Sep 27, 2025,  Deerfield Community "Barnyard Bash"  Asheville NC
  • Sat, Sep 20, 2025,  The Joint Next Door, 1185 Charlotte Highway, Fairview, NC 
  • Sat, Sep 13, 2025, Guidon Brewing Outpost,  Hendersonville, NC
  • Fri, Sept 12, 2025, Arbor Terrace,  Asheville, NC​
  • Sun, Sep 7, 2025, Turgua Brewing, Fairview, NC
  • Sat, Sep 6, 2025,  Claddagh  Irish Pub and Restaurant,  Asheville, NC
  • Fri, Sep 5, 2025, Sweeten Creek Brewing, Asheville, NC
  • Sat, Aug 30, 2025, Turgua Brewing in Fairview, Fairview, NC
  • Sat, Aug 23, 2025, Sweeten Creek Brewing Island Jam Jimmy Buffett Show, Asheville, NC
  • Tues, Aug 19, 2025,  Deerfield Community, Asheville NC
  • Sat, Aug 16, 2025, Claddagh  Irish Pub and Restaurant, Asheville, NC
  • Mon, Aug 11, 2025, Tryon Estates, Columbus, NC
  • Fri, Aug 8, 2025, Sweeten Creek Brewing, Asheville, NC
  • Sun, Jul 27, 2025, Turgua Brewing in Fairview, Fairview, NC
  • Sat, Jul 26, 2025, Mike’s on Main, Hendersonville, NC
  • Fri, Jul 25, 2025, Sweeten Creek Brewing, Asheville, NC
  • Tues, Jul 22, 2025,  Deerfield Community, Asheville NC
  • Sat, Jul 19, 2025, Guidon Brewing, 415 8th Ave E, Hendersonville, NC​
  • Sat, Jul 19, 2025, Ooh La La Market, Pritchard Square, Asheville, NC
  • Fri, Jul 11, 2025, Arbor Terrace, (Private Event), Asheville, NC​
  • Sun, Jul 6, 2025, Sweeten Creek Brewing, Asheville, NC
  • Fri, Jul 4, 2025, The Ramble 4th of July Celebration, Asheville, NC
  • Sun, Jun 29, 2025, Turgua Brewing in Fairview, Fairview, NC
  • Fri, Jun 27, 2025, Sweeten Creek Brewing, Asheville, NC
  • Wed, Jun 25,  Tryon Estates, Columbus NC
  • Tues, Jun 24, 2025,  Deerfield Community, Asheville NC
  • Sat, Jun 21, 2025, The Laurels of GreenTree Ridge, Asheville, NC
  • Sat, Jun 21, 2025, Sweeten Creek Brewing, Asheville, NC
  • ​Fri, May 30, 2025, Sweeten Creek Brewing, Asheville, NC
  • Fri, May 23, 2025, Arbor Terrace, (Private Event), Asheville, NC
  • Tues, May 20, 2025,  Deerfield Community (Private Event), Asheville NC
  • Sat, Apr 26, 2025, Sweeten Creek Brewing, Asheville, NC
  • Thurs, Apr 24, 2025, The Laurels of GreenTree Ridge (private event), Asheville, NC
  • Mon, Apr 21, 2025,  Deerfield Community (Private Event), Asheville NC
  • ​Tues, Apr 15, 2025, Tryon Estates, Columbus, NC
  • Sat, Apr 5, 2025, John Prine Commemoration in Gulfport.  North End  Gulfport, FL
  • Fri, Apr 4,2025, Farewell to Florida Gig and Happy Hour at the North End Tap House and Kitchen,  Gulfport, FL 
  • Sat, Mar 29, 2025,  Foodie Labs, in conjunction with the Pinellas Trail Party, Saint Petersburg, FL
  • Thurs, Mar 27, 2025, The Chattaway Restaurant, , St. Petersburg, FL
  • Sat, Mar 22, 2025,  The North End Tap House and Kitchen, 2809 1/2 Beach Blvd, Gulfport, FL
  • Thurs, Mar 13, 2025,  The Chattaway Restaurant,  St. Petersburg, FL
  • Sat, Mar 8, 2025, O'Tooles Irish Pub, 1215 W Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL
  • Sat, Feb 22, 2025,  The North End Tap House and Kitchen,  Gulfport, FL
  • Thurs, Feb 13, 2025,  The Chattaway Restaurant, Petersburg, FL
  • Sat, Feb 8, 2025,  Foodie Labs, in conjunction with the St Pete Art Walk,  Saint Petersburg, FL
  • Thurs, Feb 6, 2025, Presbyterian Towers Concert, St Petersburg, FL
  • Sat, Feb 1, 2025,  The Chattaway Restaurant,  St. Petersburg, FL
  • Sat, Jan 25, 2025, The North End Tap House and Kitchen,  Gulfport, Fl
  • Thurs, Jan 16, 2025,  The Chattaway Restaurant, Petersburg, FL
  • Thurs, Dec 19, 2024,  The Chattaway Restaurant,  St. Petersburg, FL
  • Sat, Dec 7, 2024, The Chattaway Restaurant, 358 22nd Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL
  • Mon, Nov 25, 2024, Tryon Estates, Columbus, NC
  • Fri, Nov 15, 2024, Sweeten Creek Brewing,  Asheville, NC
  • Wed, Nov 13, 2024, Deerfield Community Asheville, NC
  • Mon, Nov 4, 2024, The Laurels, Asheville, NC
  • Thurs, Oct 31, 2024,  Root and Bone,  Horse Shoe, NC
  • Sun, Oct 27, 2024,  Wagbar, Weaverville, NC
  • Thurs, Oct 24, 2024, Root and Bone,  Horse Shoe, NC
  • Wed, Oct 23, 2024, Deerfield Community,  Asheville, NC
  • Sun, Oct 20, 2024,  Asheville Guitar Bar Benefit Concert, Blue Note Country Inn, Burnsville, NC
  • Thurs, Oct 17, 2024, Root and Bone,  Horse Shoe, NC
  • Wed, Sep 25, 2024, Deerfield Community,  Asheville, NC
  • Sat, Sep 7, 2024, Sweeten Creek Brewing, 1127 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville, NC
  • Sat, Sep 7, 2024,  Oh La La Market and Animal Shelter Fundraiser,  Pritchard Park, Downtown Asheville, NC
  • Fri, Sep 6, 2024, Arbor Terrace,  Asheville,  NC
  • Sat, Aug 17, 2024,  Sweeten Creek Brewing, Asheville, NC
  • Fri, Aug 2, 2024, The Joint Next Door,  Fairview, NC
  • Sat, Jul 27, 2024,  Boodas Brewing, Hendersonville, NC






























































































More Available From Previous Years

News

  • It's Official:  We Are Now the Creative Differences Trio!
Creative Differences is now officially the Creative Differences Trio, with Heather joining the band on percussion as an enduring addition.  Heather plays a variety of percussion instruments and will be a great addition to the Creative Differences sound.  Mike said "Our style of music lends itself to the very dynamic style of percussion that Heather plays.  She fits in very well with our music and fills out our sound with just the right touch.  And she's a terrific personality who is a pleasure to work with.  We're very pleased to have her join us and look forward to making a lot of great music together."
  • The Creative Differences Trio!  Sep 5-7  
​Join us at one of three gigs this weekend as we're going by our friend Heather on percussion!  We'll be playing together at Sweeten Creek Brewing on Friday Sep 5th, 5-8, Then Claddaugh's Saturday, Sep 6th from 9-midnight, the Sunday Sep 7th at Turgua Brewing.  Heather brings great energy and just the right precision sound to our music.  We're going to have a great time together and hope you can join us and join in the fun!
  • The North Carolina 2025 Summer Tour!  
Mike and Pat will be headed back to North Carolina and perform at a variety of venues starting in April.  Their first public performance will be at Sweeten Creek Brewing on April 26th, but check the web page "Upcoming Shows and Events" to see the schedule, which is frequently being updated with new events at a variety of venues.  
  • The Florida Tour 2024-2025 is on!
​Creative Differences has headed to Florida for their annual winter tour!  From December 2024 to March 2025, they will be performing at some of your favorite venues and haunts in the Tampa Bay area.  Several bookings are in place and we expect more in Gulfport, St Petersburg, Brandon, and other communities in the Tampa Bay Area.  Check our website or follow us on FaceBook (Creative Differences Americana Music) to remain up to date on our upcoming shows.
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  • Creative Differences to Host Open Mic at Sweeten Creek Brewing (Aug 2024).
Beginning om Tuesday, August 27th, Mike and Pat will be hosting the Open Mic at Sweeten Creek Brewing, Tuesday nights from 6-9 PM at Sweeten Creek Brewing.  Mike said "It's an honor to host here at Sweeten Creek Brewing, one of our favorite spots in Asheville.  Owners Joey and Erica and the bar manager Kelly are wonderful folks, and we love meeting with some of th tremendous talent that exists here in Asheville on Tuesday nights.  We'll do our best to make everyone sound the best they can be".  Seven Creek Brewing has a great selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and is co-located with Bears BBQ at 1127 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville, NC.
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  • Article in the Gulfport Local Newspaper: The Gabber (May 2024)    Gulfport’s Creative Differences Band Hosts St. Pete Radio Show     
​May 20, 2024 by Patrick Heinzen

Gulfport musicians Mike Jones and his wife Pat run The Cover Hour as the Creative Differences duo every Thursday on Radio St. Pete.
New Host for The Cover Hour on Radio St Pete, FM 96.7 FM (Apr 2024)  Beginning in April, Mike will begin to host "The Cover Hour", which highlights local musicians in the Tampa Baty area playing their favorite cover tunes.  Mike said "we love the music community in the Tampa Bay area.  There are so many talented musicians; it's an honor for me to host a show that lets them share their music with fans, not just in the Tampa Bay area but all over the country and world with live streaming."  The show will feature a large variety of genres and artists every week.  It airs every Thursday and can be heard on FM 96.7, or streamed at RadioSt Pete.com, or heard using the Radio St Pete app.    See the entire article at : https://thegabber.com/gulfports-creative-differences-band-hosts-st-pete-radio-show/​
  • Florida Folk Show Appearance (Jan 2024)  Mike and Pat will appearing on the Florida Folk Show on Radio St Pete, being broadcast live from the Craftsman House in St Petersburg, FL. Listen on FM 96.7 in St Pete or stream it on RadioStPete.com.  The other and primary guest is the renowned blues artist Roy Book Binder who will no doubt be highly entertaining with his stories and unique blues style.  The show is from 10 -12 AM;  Mike and Pat will appear during the last part of the show.
  • Join Us For Applefest!  (Aug, 2023)   Creative Differences will be in Hendersonville, North Carolina for the Applefest Celebration on Sunday, September 3rd.  Come enjoy Applefest and all it has to offer, and stop by 305 Lounge and Eatery at 305 N. Main St and enjoy our Americana music, and some great food and beverages.  We'll be playing from 1:00 to 5:00 PM.  ​
  • The Cover of The Rolling Stone! (Jul 2023)  Creative Differences didn't make the cover of the Rolling Stone, but they were featured on the cover of the Biltmore Stroll!  Pat and Mike were featured in an article in the local community magazine.  The article highlighted their evolution to become Creative Differences.  Thanks to the Biltmore Stroll team for a very nice article and some fun pictures.
  • At Club 201 For A Late Night Set (Mar 2023)  Creative Differences will be performing at Club 201 at 10PM on April 4th as special guests of the great Dave G.  Dave, a long time an well known singer and guitarist in the Tampa Bay area, has started a series called Dave G and Friends on Tuesday night's, playing a set starting at 9 PM with special guests following with 45 minute sets.  Come join us at the fabulous Club 201 in downtown St Pete at 201 Central Ave.  Check out their food and drink menu and story at www.club-201.com  
  • Listen to the Radio! (Feb 2023)  It's not just a great Nanci Griffith song, you can hear Creative Differences on Radio St Pete, (Sunshine 96.7 FM or stream at https://radiostpete.com/ ) on Friday, March 10th from approximately 3:20 to 3:40 PM.  Mike and Pat will participate  in the March Fundraiser for the station with an interview and a few songs.  Listen in; even better, listen and make a contribution to Radio St Pete, a station dedicated to local musicians in the greater Tampa Bay area.
  • Creative Differences "Chilled to the Bone Tour" (Jan 2023)  Creative Differences will travel to North Carolina this January to play three shows.  They will be at the Deerfield Community in Asheville for a private event on the 24th, then at The Joint Next Door in Fairview on the 26th where their good friend Art Smith will sit in, and finally on the 27th at Sweeten Creek Brewing. Hopefully there will be some of that wonderful Asheville mid-winter mild weather and they won't actually get chilled to the bone!  Regardless, all three of these venues are cozy places and there will be plenty of fun for all.
  • John Prine Commemoration Show (Dec 2022). On December 12th, Creative Differences will be doing a John Prine focused show at The Chattaway in St. Petersburg , FL.  John loved Christmas- he kept Christmas decorations year round and often had a Christmas Tree with him when touring.  What better way to celebrate John’s legacy than to play his songs during the Christmas Season.  The show is from 5:30 to 8:30.
  • Florida Winter Tour Kicks Off (Dec 2022)  Creative Differences kicked off their winter Florida Tour at the world famous Chattaway in St Petersburg, FL on the 6th of December, the oldest continuously serving restaurant in St Petersburg.  Mike said "We love playing at the Chattaway.  It's a great outdoor venue in the old Florida tradition, and especially at this time of year when they add their Christmas lights to their already beautiful garden lighting.  Tonight before playing we got to talk to Jo, the matriarch of the Chattaway clan, and Pat and I were really pleased that she stayed to listen to our first set."  They will be returning to the Chattaway for two more dates this month, the 12th and 26th of December.  They are also currently booked at MiraBay in Apollo Beach on the 10th of December, and at Presbyterian Towers in St Petersburg for a concert on January 12th to kick off the 2023 calendar.  "We hope to see many of our Florida friends at an upcoming show."
  • Guest Performers ​(Nov 2022) Barry Brandt (flute, harmonica, and guitar) and Tommy Turchin (percussion) will sit in with Mike and Pat at Sweeten Creek Brewing, Friday, November 4 from 6-9 PM.  Mike said “Tommy and Barry are good friends and very talented musicians.  We love playing with them and they always add a lot to our performances “.  This will be the last Sweeten Creek Brewing performance this year for Creative Differences.  “We hope to see many of our friends at Sweeten Creek one last time this year before we head south.  It’s going to be a great party Friday night for us to say thanks to our fans and the Sweeten Creek Brewing team”.
  • Florida Winter Tour!  (Oct, 2022). Creative Differences will begin their 2022-2023 Winter Florida Tour with a performance at the world famous Chattaway in St Petersburg, Florida on December 6.  Enjoy Creative Differences Americana Music at the oldest continuously serving restaurant in St Petersburg.  The outdoor restaurant and bar, in the old Florida tradition, is beautifully decorated with plants and flowers, and the extraordinary lighting at night make this a fun venue to play.  Mike says “We love playing at The Chattaway.  It’s family owned and operated, family friendly, and has a crowd that appreciates acoustic music.”  There is no cover at The Chattaway, and they serve a wide variety of beer and other beverages, and have a menu of American fare.  Come join Creative Differences as they kick off their Winter Florida Tour.
  • ​Barry Brandt Sits In With Creative Differences (Asheville, July 2022)  Local Asheville artist Barry Brandt will sit in as a guest performer with Creative Differences on Saturday, July 30, 2022 at Sweeten Creek Brewing starting at 5 PM.  Barry will accompany Mike and Pat on guitar, flute, and harmonica on a number of songs as they play a variety of Americana and Roots Rock music.
  • Creative Differences at the Swannanoa Gathering (Asheville, July 2020) Mike and Pat from Creative Differences will be attending the Swannanoa Gathering for Contemporary Folk Week.  The Swannonoa Gathering is a continuing education program hosted by Warren Wilson College, and will be celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year.  Instructors at this year's Contemporary Folk Week include Grammy-winners Janis Ian, Jim Lauderdaye, Don Henry, as well as Tom Paxton, Gohn Gorka, Cliff Eberhardt, David Wilcox and many others.  Mike commented "This will be a great opportunity to spend a week of intense study to improve our songwriting skills with some of the best contemporary songwriters in America."
  • Creative Differences at the Kaufman Music Camp   (Maryville, TN, June 2022.)  Creative Differences fans are used to the numerous instruments Pat plays in their performances.  Using the 8-string tenor ukulele, flute, mountain dulcimer, melodica, banjolele, or keyboard to achieve a specific sound for a song is normal business.  Get ready to add more to the list.  Creative Differences attended the Kaufman Music Camp in Maryville Tennessee for their Old Time Traditional week to begin taking lessons on two more instruments.  Pat began working on the fiddle (violin for you sophisticated types), and Mike began working on the mandolin.  We'll let you know when they begin to incorporate these new instruments into performances.

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Photo from re:publica 2022