Come one, come all, and revel in the weird and wacky, the raucous and outrageous — the spectacle that is the Best of WNC! On Friday, Dec. 2, at 7:30 p.m., the doors of the Orange Peel (this year’s Best Live Music Venue) will part like a curtain, unveiling a spectacularium of splendor not seen since the days of Steeplechase.

Kipper Schauer, WNC's favorite DJ and and trivia host, plays ringmaster to an awe-inspiring smorgasbord of aural delights visual thrills.

Mad Tea Party's blistering blend of rockabilly swagger and multi-instrumental mayhem are sure to stir the room into a frenzy when the mountain region's favorite fraggle rockers answer the burning question, "What the hell is fraggle pop?" Wondering that yourself? Then don't be afraid, step right up! After all, what carnival would be complete without a ukulele-wielding siren and howling one-man band weaving tales of love and destruction?

Surrender to mystery as the enchanting and intoxicating melodies of Sirius.B transform the party into a rambling gypsy caravan with accordion-laden polkas, worldly traditionals and a slew of absurdist creations so eclectic even the band isn't sure how to classify itself. Gypsy? Absolutely! Folk? Sure! Funk? Now and then! Punk? At least in spirit! So gather ‘round, music lovers, and embrace the wonder, the glory, the awe of WNC's Next Big Thing!

Throughout the evening, behold the breathtaking, gravity-defying, altogether astonishing artistry of Runaway Circus as acrobats leap and tumble, jugglers toss their wonders and clowns stumble and blunder, all for your viewing pleasure! Don’t miss these fascinating feats of physical strength, mental concentration and intellect-pleasing wit, all under the same roof, for one night only!

But wait, there’s more! Try your hand at games, test your luck at a raffle of local goods or feast on a banquet of popcorn, pretzels, ice cream, pizza and, of course, local beer. Proceeds benefit Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, MANNA FoodBank, ASAP and Riverlink.

Doors at 7:30 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door (available at The Orange Peel the Mountain Xpress offices at 2 Wall St.). Read more about this year’s Best of WNC at http://www.mountainx.com/bestof.

Please note: This is a later (post-dinner) start time than in past years and will not include the same food offerings.