“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
Ashleigh Shanti’s debut cookbook explores the South that shaped her
From Southern Appalachia to the Lowcountry, the celebrated Asheville chef’s first cookbook traces her life’s journey and the roots of her identity through food.
Smart Bets: Vessels of Merriment
The exhibit features handmade drinking and serving vessels from 17 U.S. ceramics artisans.
Smart Bets: Hurricane Relief Burger Bash
Music, burgers and storm recovery support are on the menu for the Nov. 3 event at Colfax Creek Farm in Bostic.
Best Medicine with Eric Brown: Comedians on Halloween, Helene and humor amid horrific disaster
The impact of Tropical Storm Helene on Western North Carolina has been devastating. But four brave comedians take a swing at finding humor amid this ongoing tragedy.
Smart Bets: Center for Craft Emergency Relief Fund for WNC Artists
Emergency relief grants are being distributed to impacted artists and crafters within 29 counties on a rolling basis.
Smart Bets: Lake Logan benefit concert and volunteer weekend
A weekend of music and food combines with post-Helene river and lake cleanup efforts in Haywood County.
Amanda Anne Platt and the Honeycutters’ new album was made the old-fashioned way
With a goal of combining the vibe of a concert performance with the sonic quality of a recording studio, the musicians gathered in one room to record the album’s 12 songs.
Much of the River Arts District looks shattered, but many buildings can be salvaged, property owners, engineer say
Sagging rooflines and toppled cinder block walls are the order of the day in the River Arts District right now, but a development team that owns 11 buildings in the district says nearly all of their buildings are salvageable.
ArtsAVL focuses on relief resources for the arts community
ArtsAVL is coordinating disaster recovery support for WNC artists. Also: updates from other local arts organizations on relief efforts, events cancellations, opportunities to donate and volunteer and more.