Thursday, April 7
• It’s time to start thinking about spring planting, and Malaprop’s (55 Haywood Street, 254-6734) is offering some help. “A consulting horticulturalist and field faculty emeritus of NCSU’s Cooperative Extension, Toby Bost has published three previous gardening books,” reads the downtown bookstore’s website. “His newest, The Successful Gardener Guide: North Carolina, is a compilation of the best material from 10 years of research that Bost and co-author Leah Chester-Davis did for the Extension’s Successful Gardener newsletter, an award-winning publication produced by the NC Cooperative Extension.” Pick the gardening expert’s brain on Thursday at 7 p.m. Free.
Friday, April 8
• UNCA will host an opening reception for the 10th annual juried Multimedia Arts and Sciences Exhibition at the Highsmith Gallery of the Highsmith University Union. According to a release for the event, “The student work in 2D and 3D Animation Art, Interactive Art and Design, Video Art, Stop Motion, Sonic Art, Installation and Digital Prints expresses ideas in communication, information technology, science, architecture, literature, music and personal expression.” 3-6 p.m. Free.
• Celebrate Asheville’s thriving poetry scene at the Mountain Xpress Poetry Show, featuring readings by Laura Hope-Gill, Matt Owens, Mesha Maren, Matthew Mulder, Brian Sneeden and the top 10 finalists of the 2011 Xpress poetry contest. The event will also feature a live performance by Keith Flynn and the Holy Men. Held at the Asheville Masonic Temple (80 Broadway St., 252-3924). 7-10 p.m. $5.
• Join Periscope Magazine to celebrates the release of its third issue with a party at Broadway’s (113 Broadway St., 285-0400) in downtown Asheville. The event will include live music by Sirius.B, The Critters, Albert Adams and Mutant League. A Kickstarter video about the upcoming issue will also be screened. 8 p.m. $5.
Saturday, April 9
• Take in the beauty of the night sky in downtown Burnsville at Stars on the Square. The event kicks off with a presentation by chief Hubble telescope engineer Mark Turczyn and continues with an evening of stargazing. The public is welcome to bring their own telescopes, and local astronomers will also be on hand to share theirs. 7 p.m. Free. Info: 682-7331.
• Have you created a short film that you’d like to share for feedback and reviews? The Asheville Culture Project (257 Short Coxe Ave.) invites filmmakers, critics and entertainment seekers alike to its very own Short Film Festival in downtown Asheville. Submissions will be limited to 15 minutes. 7 p.m. Free for participants and viewers.
• Think you’re funny? Put that theory to the test at Wall Street Coffee House‘s (62 Wall St., 545-8502) comedy open mic. 8:30 p.m. Free.
• “Then the Vampirates played and proceeded to absolutely beat the shit out of each other and simultaneously amaze and confuse the audience with the ferocity of the music and the barrroom brawl vibe they have with each other,” reads a review on the Reno-based hardcore band’s Myspace profile. Check them out at The Get Down (1045 Haywood Road, 505-8388), if you dare. 10 p.m.
Sunday, April 10
• Celebrate the season as the Asheville Storytelling Circle presents “Here Comes the Sun! Stories for Spring” at UNCA’s Reuter Center. Lloyd Arneach, Steve Boyer, Sandra Gudger, RoseLynn Katz, Sherry Lovett and Vixie Jill Glenn will share tales of warmer weather. 2:30 p.m. $5.
• “Poetry Slam Asheville proudly and enthusiastically announces the formation of Asheville’s first official slam team in almost a decade,” proclaims the organizations website. “The team will consist of four members plus one alternate. In addition to carrying forth the vision and mission of Poetry Slam Asheville, the slam team will perform in regional and national competitions, engage the community through outreach and raise funds through showcases and various other means.” Members will be chosen this weekend at the Grand Slam Team Selection Finals, held at the Asheville Masonic Temple (80 Broadway St., 252-3924). 8 p.m. $5/free for volunteers.
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