Thursday, August 2
• From an event page by City Lights Bookstore, “Stephanie Powell Watts will read from her new collection of short stories, We Are Taking Only What We Need on Thursday, August 2 at 6:30 p.m. Most of the stories in this collection are set in North Carolina and blend humor and gravity. The book was named a finalist for the Pen-Faulkner Award. The story “Unassigned Territory” received the Pushcart Prize and a citation from Best American Short Stories. Author of the Pulitzer-Prize novel Known World, Edward P. Jones, says, ‘Stephanie Powell Watts offers an impressive debut that promises only wonderful work to come.’” 3 E. Jackson St., Sylva. Free.
• Meet fellow cyclists and enjoy the cool night air during the next full moon pedal party. Riders are encouraged to dress in costume and bring lights, music and friends. Meets at the traffic circle in the River Arts District at 9 p.m. Free to attend.
Friday, August 3
• RiverMUSIC, a new concert series presented by RiverLink and New Belgium Brewing at the RiverLink Sculpture and Performance Plaza, 117 Riverside Drive, presents an evening of traditional jazz and swing with The 42nd Street Jazz Band. New Belgium beer and cuisine from food trucks will be available. 5-10 p.m. Free.
• From the Malaprop’s website, “Please join us for an informal party to celebrate our new coffee roaster! Mountain Air Roasting is based here in Asheville, with a mission to give you the best cup of coffee you’ve ever had, every morning. We will offer free drip coffee and gift bags for everyone, as well as a few surprise perks.” 55 Haywood St. 7 p.m. Free.
• Need a good laugh? Disclaimer Underground Comedy presents Mia Jackson at its weekly Friday night stand-up series at Elaine’s Piano Bar inside the Grove Park Inn, 290 Macon Ave. More about Jackson from her bio, “Mia Jackson, a native of Columbus, Georgia, and a self-proclaimed know it all, often finds herself literally the center of attention among family and friends. At six feet tall, with an explosive sense of humor, she’s always the life of the party. She wondered what would happen if she took her sense of humor to the stage. That’s exactly what she did! After graduating from the University of Georgia, she hit the local comedy scene and has thrilled audiences since day one. To her credit, she has appeared on Oxygen’s Girls Behaving Badly and TLC’s Wild Weddings. She was also a writer on BET/Centric’s relaunch of the Soul Train Awards in 2009. Mia is a diverse comedienne with a different voice and perspective. Her energetic, conversational style leaves the audience feeling refreshed and as if they have known her forever. Smart, funny, and versatile, Mia entertains all types of crowds, whether it’s corporate, colleges or comedy clubs.” 8:15 p.m. Free.
• From Bad Weather California‘s website, “Here’s how we see it: A punk band that doesn’t sound like one. A soundtrack to a made up movie about the summer you spent skateboarding, discovering drugs, going to the beach, falling in love … This is American music. Drawing on The Velvet Underground, John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band to the Minutemen and Black Flag, Bad Weather California is both timeless and classic, yet forward-thinking and modern. ‘The songs should write themselves. The performances should look easy … As a kid, I used to have this intense nervous feeling when I would go watch punk bands play. Like anything might go down. Like it was unstable. I’m looking for that again. Striving for it,’ explains guitarist/singer Chris Adolf.” Catch the band at Jack of the Wood, 95 Patton Ave., with Broncho and The Low Counts. 8 p.m. $7.
Saturday, August 4
• Revel in the beauty of WNC during Family Outdoor Day at Julian Price Memorial Park, MP 297 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The afternoon will include a birding hike, a nature photography program, picnic, storytelling, a star party and more. Free. 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Info: 963-5911.
• There’s more to being a successful writer than good ideas and a handle on the English language. Learn how to market yourself as an author, organize finances as a business and establish a professional career as a writer during a free seminar and Q&A session at the West Asheville Public Library, 942 Haywood Road. Info and registration: http://avl.mx/ij or taralynne@taralynnegroth.com. 10 a.m.
• From a website for the new weekly market, “Ooh La La Curiosity Market is a new artist’s market to take place in Pritchard Park, located in the center of beautiful downtown Asheville, showcasing the work of more than a dozen local artists. Taking place over six Saturdays in summer, Ooh La La will feature works by local painters, leather smiths, jewelry makers, potters, up-cycled crafters and other curious delights, all beneath the colored canopies of large market umbrellas. In addition to the artists, the market will also feature live local music with three acts performing each Saturday, including everything from a solo saxophonist to folk, blues, acoustic and jazz acts. Other entertainment surprises are also in the works.” Proceeds benefit Animal Haven, a local no-kill animal shelter. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Learn easy tips for staying healthy at “Virtual Supermarket Tour: Grocery Shopping in Your Best Interest,” presented by Our Family Doctor, 43 Oakland Road. Free. Noon-1 p.m.
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