Though much of the River Arts District was destroyed by Tropical Storm Helene, the recent success of RADFest 1.0 has many artists hopeful that the district can bounce back.
Unstoppable: Second act
“WNC theaters were finally getting close to pre-COVID attendance, and Helene set us all the way back,” says Rose Pillmore, board member of Asheville Theater Alliance
Unstoppable: Creative expression post-Helene
“Our staff stepped up in incredible ways, making home visits to artists and delivering essential supplies where needed,” says Debbie Harris, co-executive director of Open Hearts Art Center.
Smart Bets: Marshall Handmade Market
With Marshall High Studios being renovated following flooding from Tropical Storm Helene, the beloved holiday arts market moves to a new venue.
Smart Bets: Vintage Market Days
This year’s Mistletoe Market will feature three days of holiday shopping with a portion of ticket sales benefiting storm recovery efforts.
Smart Bets: ReClaim the R.A.D.
Opening Nov. 23, the fundraising show and sale features works of art created on pieces of flood debris.
Smart Bets: Off Book: The Improvised Musical
Musical comedy duo Jess McKenna and Zach Reino will turn their popular podcast into a live, improvised musical production at The Orange Peel.
The Snozzberries reconfigures canceled gala event Psychedelic Circus
With its original venue destroyed by flooding, the band reimagined the immersive multimedia experience for a new location.
Smart Bets: Handel’s Messiah
The first post-Helene production from Asheville Symphony and the Asheville Symphony Chorus offers a pay-what-you-can performance.
Unstoppable: An ecosystem of literacy access
“The majority of local students, no matter their race, background and socioeconomic status, were not reading on grade level prior to the storm, and they just lost another month-plus of critical instruction,” says Jessica McLean, co-executive director of Read to Succeed Asheville/Buncombe
Smart Bets: Cocktail Hour: The Show
The pop-infused ballet from Ballets with a Twist lands in Tryon for a one-night show on Thursday, Nov. 21.
Historian Timothy Silver investigates a Yancey County culture clash turned fatal
Timothy Silver’s new book, Death in Briar Bottom: The True Story of Hippies, Mountain Lawmen, and the Search for Justice in the Early 1970s, is a gripping investigative history. He will read from it at two free events: at Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe in Asheville, Sunday, Nov. 17, at 5 p.m. (preregister online), and at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva, Monday, Nov. 18, at 6 p.m.
Smart Bets: Caverns of Gold
The compilation album — a fundraiser to support Beloved Asheville’s post-Helene relief work — features songs from 279 local, regional and international artists with connections to WNC.
Warren Haynes releases new album, organizes Helene benefit
On the heels of a new album release and with 2024 Christmas Jam canceled, the Asheville native is coordinating a Nov. 24 all-star concert at Madison Square Garden to benefit storm recovery in Western North Carolina.
Poet Clint Bowman’s latest collection explores modern-day life in Appalachia
Whereas interstates and nature dominate the first two sections of “If Lost,” the third and final portion, “Don’t Be Afraid,” weaves the collection together through its more direct meditations on death, regret and moments of connection.
Smart Bets: The Palmist of Marshall
All proceeds from the romance story set in Marshall will support storm recovery efforts in Madison County
Smart Bets: Oral history exhibit
The new mini exhibit, “In the Spotlight: How Older Adults in Western North Carolina Serve their Communities,” runs through Feb. 1, 2025, at the Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center.
Women in Business: Sustainable and creative
“I don’t think you should have to sacrifice whimsical patterns, color and structure to dress easier on the environment,” says Megan Authement, owner of Clad.
Smart Bets: The Lost Weekend
John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s long love story is infamous; not as well-known is Lennon’s intimate relationship with his assistant May Pang. The 18-month affair — from late 1973 through 1975 — is often referred to as the Lost Weekend. During that time, Pang snapped candid photos of Lennon and those around him, including Ringo […]
Songwriter Adam Pope shares a story of sorrow and solidarity
Singer-songwriter Adam Pope discusses his live performance at the recent candlelight vigil in downtown Asheville.
Women in Business: Community and mutual support
“For new business owners, it’s crucial to understand that while it may not take long to master the craft of what you’re selling, if you intend to have employees, serving them well as a boss will be an ongoing commitment,” says Jen Lauzon, co-owner of LaZoom Tours