Thursday, Dec. 2
• Voices for Economic Justice presents the Full Plates Project, a fundraiser for Just Economics of Western North Carolina, which aims to “educate, advocate, and organize for a strong and sustainable economy that works for all in Western North Carolina,” according to the organizations mission statement. Thursday’s event promises “an exhibition of ‘Full Plates’ painted by Voices members and a live performance written and performed by Voices members,” says a release for the fundraiser. “The evening will also include music, light refreshments and a silent auction of small, multi-media art works, the proceeds of which will benefit Just Economics.” Flood Gallery (109 Roberts Street, 254-2166). 5-9 p.m. Free.
Friday, Dec. 3
• We take great pride in supporting local businesses in Asheville, so come out and celebrate all our fair city has to offer as Mountain BizWorks (3 South Lexington Avenue, 253-2834) — “a nonprofit community development financial institution which supports entrepreneurship that increases the assets of individuals, families and communities in Western North Carolina” — hosts the Open House and Holiday Bazaar, offering a variety of local goods and services, from “art, to massage, to crafts, to service-based businesses.” Promises the events webpage, “there will be a diverse array of vendors and holiday gifts to choose from. AND, there will be music, delicious food, fantastic door prizes, and much more! So whether it’s shopping, or just stopping in for a visit to see what Mountain BizWorks is all about, PLEASE JOIN US FOR A BIT!” 4-8 p.m. Free.
• Castell Photography (2C Wilson Alley, 255-1188) showcases the year’s best with an opening reception for Salon 2010, “an exhibition featuring a selection of the finest images from our 2010 show season,” according to the gallery’s website. 5-8 p.m. Free.
• “Asheville Downtown Gallery Association invites you to visit the downtown galleries to enjoy the fine art and craft that they have to offer,” reads a release for the year’s final Asheville Art Walk. “The Asheville Downtown Gallery Association has Twenty-two downtown galleries for you to visit that are listed on the Downtown Gallery Guide with a map to help you along the way at any participating downtown gallery, the Chamber of Commerce, or Pack Place.” See guide for details and hours. Free.
• Atlanta garage rockers The Howlies promise to put a pep in your step and a hook in your head with their grungy beats and catchy singalongs at The Get Down (1045 Haywood Road, 505-8388). The band’s Myspace reveals, “The story of HOWLIES is a story of crime. It is a narrative of the course and the consequences of unlawful love. In their strange and romantic history we see this passion portrayed with the most complete and graphic fidelity in all its influences and effects; its uncontrollable impulses, its intoxicating joys, its reckless and mad career, and the dreadful remorse and ultimate despair and ruin in which it always and inevitably ends.” Cobra Horse and Ki Mao open. 9 p.m. $5.
Saturday, Dec. 4
• Black Mountain kicks off the holiday season with a bang, beginning with the annual Holiday Parade downtown at 4 p.m., followed immediately by The Black Mountain Recreation and Parks Department‘s Circle of Lights at Lake Tomahawk Park (401 South Laurel Circle Drive). “350 luminaries will light up Lake Tomahawk for an evening of live music, hayrides and refreshments. Santa will have something for the little ones, and a bonfire and hot dog roast will keep everyone warm!” says a release for the event. 5-7 p.m. Free. More info at 669-8610.
• “The Western North Carolina Plein Air Painters is a network of some of the most accomplished landscape artists in Western North Carolina with an interest in promoting plein air painting,” according to the group’s website. “Their mission is to stay true to the idea of plein air painting by capturing ‘a moment in time’ while painting outdoors in a variety of interesting and diverse locations.” 16 Patton Fine Art Gallery (16 Patton Avenue, 236-2889) hosts an opening reception for a group exhibit featuring the work of nine members of the organization on Saturday. 6-8 p.m. Free.
• Aaron Sizemore “creates works that expose tension through densely layered textures and color. Using idealized form as a central theme, he analyzes how they relate to such issues as nature and modernity,” according to his bio. An exhibition of his work, The Birds on Acid opens Saturday with a reception at The Flood Gallery (109 Roberts Street, 254-2166). 7-10 p.m. Free.
• Savannah-based rock trio Cusses bring their ominous, metal-tinged catalog to The LAB for a performance with local post-punk outfit Big City Bangers. 10 p.m. $5.
Sunday, Dec. 5
• The Town Pump (135 Cherry Street, Black Mountain, 669-4808) honors open mic host David Bryan with a benefit, featuring music by Taylor Martin, WSNB, Paco Shipp, Parker Brooks, Dan Johnston and The Swills with raffles and local food. 1-8 p.m. $5 plus one canned good.
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