Thursday, Dec. 20
• Christmas is almost here. If you’re having trouble getting into the spirit, check out the Lake Julian Festival of Lights, featuring thousands of colored lights that span more than 50 displays at Lake Julian Park, 406 Overlook Extension, Arden. $5 per car. Info: david.blynt@buncombecounty.org or 684-0376.
• For those who prefer a heavier expression of spirit, the The Get Down offers this thrashing celebration: “After a year of pilgrimage in the dark wood, MEGAHURTZ are back,” proclaims an event page for the local metal outfit’s show. Ink and Sweat and Common Visions open. 1045 Haywood Road. 9:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 21
• Pick up some last-minute gifts during the Brevard Holiday Gallery Walk, featuring extended hours at downtown galleries, stores and restaurants. Free. Info and locations available here.
• Whether you believe the world will ending with this cycle of the Mayan calendar or not, it never hurts to get outdoors with some like-minded folks. From an Asheville Mountain Biking Meetup Group event page, “The end of the world doesn’t come every day (only once or twice a year), so I hope you’ll join us in this end of all rides. This apocalyptic ride will be followed by The Last Supper at Papas and Beer. There may be a special guest joining us for dinner and if he does show, OMG! Because this is the Omega event, this ride will take place under all conditions (unless the weather is bad).” Not for beginners. Group meets at the Bent Creek Rice Pinnacle Parking Area, 63 Rice Pinnacle Road. 5:45 p.m.
• Prefer to make your outdoor excursions on two feet rather than two wheels? ECO hosts a winter solstice hike, departing from the Hooker Falls parking area on DuPont Road in DuPont State Forest. Bring flashlights and a warm drink. 7-9 p.m. Free.
• From Common Foundation‘s bio, “Playing a blend of down tempo reggae, chugging Jamaican rocksteady and upbeat ska, Common Foundation fills the air with infectious danceable rhythms and an easygoing atmosphere. Soaring vocal harmonies and a four-piece horn section add distinct flair to this North Carolina band.” Sounds fun, right? Like a good way to ride out the apocalypse? Join the band as it headline’s One Stop Deli and Bar‘s End of the World Party. 55 College St. 10 p.m. Free.
Saturday, Dec. 22
• From a press release, “108 Sun Salutes with Asheville Yoga Center instructors will benefit our ongoing Yoga for Recovery Class at the Asheville Yoga Donation Studio. This fundraiser event will be held at the Asheville Yoga Center main studio at 211 S. Liberty St. All levels welcome; registration is free. Donations accepted at youryoga.com or at the event. Tea and refreshments will be offered by Dobra Tea. Yoga for Recovery is a therapeutic beginner yoga series designed specifically for individuals in recovery from substance abuse. Run by Addiction, Recovery and Prevention, this program is based on the belief that yoga is an essential tool for transformation and empowerment. Breath by breath, individuals who have coped with life by using substances learn how to embrace the present moment — the good and the bad. For practitioners, the breath becomes the lifeline that we hold to guide us through life’s challenging moments both on and off the mat.” 1-3 p.m.
• From the band’s bio, “Comet West is an indie-rock band started by Samuel Robbins, Britt Benson-Greer and Shane Bennet in early 2012 after their previous project, Elkmont Place, was dismantled. Over the first couple of months, they struggled to find a working lineup, until August, when Nick Rodriguez stepped in on drums. Samuel added lead vocals to his to-do list, and Comet West was formed. Bringing together Samuel’s sincere songwriting, Britt and Nick’s driving rhythm section and Shane’s melodic sensibility, Comet West has developed a sound that is not only powerful and heartfelt, but fun and danceable.” The band plays Emerald Lounge, 112 N. Lexington Ave., with (young) American Landscape and We Killed Vegas. 9 p.m. $5.
• ”The Krektones blend the surf swagger of the Ventures with the scorching guitar of Link Wray and just a wee bit of Tav Falco psychobilly to make a beat that’s pretty much impossible to stand still to,” proudly proclaims the band’s bio. “The Krektones feature Jason Krekel at lead, Dave Gay on bass and Lance Wille on drums. These instrumentalists bring a broad range of musical experience, swinging wide from stints with The Parting Gifts, Freakwater and The Reigning Sound, as well as some seminal Asheville bands, including the Firecracker Jazz Band, Mad Tea Party, The Unholy Trio and White Heat. Don’t let the sequined tuxedo jackets fool you — these boys will rip it up.” The band takes over Jack of the Wood, 95 Patton Ave., for a Christmas-themed performance sure to add new zest to well-worn holiday favorites. 9 p.m. $7.
Sunday, Dec. 23
• Can’t make it home for the holidays? Christmas cheer bringing your down? Biltmore United Methodist Church, 376 Hendersonville Road, hosts a blue Christmas service for anyone who finds the holidays to be a painful time of year. From the church, “We offer a service of solace for those who are ‘blue’ at Christmas. The service will be meditative and focused on healing and hope.” 5 p.m. Free and open to all.
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