If a star-studded all-night concert with a couple dozen artists coming together in any number of configurations isn't enough, the annual Warren Haynes Christmas Jam also packs two days worth of events into the daylight hours (and even some evening hours). The ongoing happenings include an acoustic jam, local band performances, film screenings, standup comedy […]
Year: 2009
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Looking for laughs? Or great local music?
Comedy Jam The all-new Funny Business Comedy Club hosts the first-ever Comedy Jam on Thursday, Dec. 10. It's an evening of music and hilarity, featuring guitar comedy virtuoso Pat Godwin, who's performed on NBC's Last Comic Standing, Comedy Central, The Bob and Tom Show, the Howard Stern show and just about every top morning show […]
Artillery
In general, the stereotype of a painter is that of a solitary figure, probably dressed in black, cooped up in his studio and creating work in isolation. This typecast might explain why the act of live painting is so fascinating for audiences. The opportunity to see an artist working in the flesh is a chance […]
Soundtrack
It's a well-documented fact at this juncture: Asheville's sound is a melting pot, a smorgasbord, a sonic gumbo. But just in case you needed further proof, this week's roundup — pulled at random from a stack of submitted CDs — turns up rock, Americana, world/spiritual, bluegrass and jazz guitar. Consider it potluck listening. Shed by […]
Askville
Stewart David knows how to stir the pot. The longtime Asheville resident has been a persistent presence in the Mountain Xpress Letters section since the early '90s. He's also contributed several commentaries (most recently "Greenwashed," July 1 Xpress). Spreading the word: Animal-rights activist Stewart David has been speaking up ad speaking out in Asheville since […]
Finding equilibrium
I want drivers to know how to safely share the road with cyclists. Many of you don't, and my daughter enjoys having a dad. Although my demise will cure most of my many personality defects, I'm in no hurry. I enjoy riding my bicycle, no matter the terrain. It's fun; sometimes it's even relaxing. But […]
Bagging a holiday bird, part one
I'm sitting in the West Virginia woods, crouched against a tree, my fingers balled up in the palms of my camouflage gloves and my eyes trained on a point about 30 yards away. Through my itchy woolen facemask, I see brittle piles of leaves. I see weather-beaten twigs, which become exponentially more interesting after an […]
Outdoors: Night sky trackers
To the naked eye, the night sky is a drizzle of starlight beacons that pierce the tarry black. But the moon is there too, often shining so brightly it overpowers its celestial brethren. That's why serious astronomers schedule their viewings during the new moon phase — and as far away from city lights as possible. […]
Justice? Shooter gets four months and robber gets four years?
It's a sad fact, but it probably happens everyday across our "fine" country. [Last week], in our city, a white man who fired a weapon at a bicyclist's head (hitting his helmet) was sentenced to four months in jail, and a black man who stole from someone without firing a weapon was sentenced to [nearly […]
Law-enforcement officers need to respect traffic rules
Mr. [Asheville Police Chief Bill] Hogan: First, let me say thank you to you and your entire police force for the work that you do protecting our community. It is sincerely and graciously appreciated. Next, I'd like to bring up an (admittedly minor) complaint that I've had for a few months now: specifically, the widespread […]
Stop using credit cards
It is truly sad to see how our politicians in our two-party nightmare turned their backs on millions of American consumers. Five months ago, Congress passed a law curbing credit-card companies and banks from imposing fees and interest rate hikes on consumers. To everyone's amazement, these institutions were given until February 2010 to make corrections. […]
Fear of a "weed eater" planet
Once again I find myself compelled to respond to an omnivore hater. Now we are responsible for global warming! I will admit that the U.S. is a leader in the production of greenhouse gases, however, the EPA released its annual greenhouse-gas survey and reports that all agriculture in the country accounts for only 6 percent […]
Corrections
• Last week's Conscious Party feature had some incomplete and inaccurate information about upcoming Asheville FM fundraising events and celebrations. Here are the correct details: The station will host a holiday party at the Rocket Club the evening of Friday, Dec. 11; local DJs will play and tickets are $5. Then, on Saturday, Dec. 12, […]
Small Bites
• The Wine Studio Of Asheville
• Nothing "Crummy" About It; A Correction
• United Way Fundraisers
• The Blackbird
• Organic Growers School
From felted figures to burlesque dancewear, it’s gonna be a party in West Asheville
Support local businesses, independent artists and crafters, and just plain have a good time this Saturday, Dec. 12, at the second annual East-West Asheville Holiday Art Walk — which teams up with the inaugural Shop West Asheville event, a day of sales and discounts that includes some 50 businesses and artists. Simone Wilson’s marionettes — […]
Junker’s Blues
For the last several months I've shared some of my adventures acquiring junk around the Asheville area, but I haven't really talked a whole lot about what I do with it. This is only natural – it's a whole lot more fun to hunt for junk than it is to sell it. Acquisition rocks. Dissemination […]
What to do with the kids (and their adults)
Looking for something to do with the wee ones? Here are some ideas that ought to keep both kids and parents amused, from watching Santa rappel to taking a ride on the Polar Express. Crafting for kids: Campers create at the Asheville Art Museum’s holiday arts extravaganza, one of a few local holiday camps. Photos […]
As the dreidel turns
Dreidel: A Yiddish word meaning "turn around." Sevivon: the Hebrew word for the same. The dreidel itself is a four-sided top, with a Hebrew letter on each of the four sides: nun, gimmel, hey, shin for a dreidel spun in the diaspora; nun, gimmel, hey, pei for a sevivon spun in Israel. The letters stand […]
Are the holidays in full effect yet?
Did last week feel a little early to start the holidays? As someone known for extreme holiday procrastination, I'm planning to get my local shop on earlier than the night before said gifts are to be given. Local wares are being sold at many different markets, check our Community Calendar for details. Or head over […]