It’s spring in Asheville, you say? If only there were some way of showing that visually. Perhaps with a group of rambunctious young adults exploring the city? You know, the sort of video that indirectly shows off many of the city’s highlights without getting bogged down in all details. And all to a world-music influenced indie rock soundtrack, if such a thing is possible. Wait … What’s this? Why, I think I might have found just the thing!
Are you one of the millions of Americans who believe in ghosts? Do I have a story for you! Ten days after Elvis Presley’s death on August 16, 1977, a memorial service was held in the singer’s honor at the Asheville Civic Center. When photos from that event were developed, a strange, swirling form appeared on one. Was it cigarette smoke or some kind of dust swirl? Or was it—dare I say—The Ghost of Elvis himself? Watch this video and draw your own conclusions.
When someone mentions breakdancing in Asheville, chances are they’re talking about local b-boy outfit Hunab Kru. When they’re not teaching classes in proper breaking technique at their studio in Arden, they’re showing of their skills at various local events. But what you might not know about Hunab Kru is just how much time they spend practicing to keep their talents sharp. Just take a look at this practice video to see what I mean.
Of course, some of you are probably thinking “That’s not real dancing! Where are the formal costumes? Where is the live band plucking away? Where are the put-upon children burdened with carrying on hundreds of years of regional tradition?” It turns out that not all Asheville dancing is people spinning about in their heads after all. Here’s the Cole Mountain Cloggers performing at a recent NC Folk Heritage Society event at UNC-Asheville.
For every tradition in Asheville, there’s also something relatively new to complement it. And what could be a more welcome addition to local culture than the highly entertaining, fast-paced competition that is roller derby? Here’s a video of the Blue Ridge Rollergirls training to do what they do best.
Speaking of high-energy performers in Asheville, the Runaway Circus and the Loose Cabooses are an increasingly popular subject for local video uploaders. Given how visually impressive their acts are, that’s hardly surprising. Whether they’re juggling knives, performing choreographed unicycle routines, putting their own spin on cheerleading or showing off some trapeze tricks, the camera just loves these folks. Here’s a little bit of their light acrobatics for your consideration.
Each week, I like to close our local video roundup on a tune. This time, I’m going to change that just a touch, and end on a jam. Here’s a wee bit of funk for your weekend, from a recent jam at the Emerald Lounge, featuring Randy Gilkey, Rob Gross, Sean K. Smith and others.
Each week, dozens upon dozens of interesting local videos are uploaded to YouTube. It’s a lot to keep up with. Did we miss a particularly interesting, recently uploaded local video? Share it by leaving the videos URL (but not the embed code) in the comment fields below. Also, please mark it Not Work Safe if there’s any controversial content to the video.
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