Let the season begin
Volume
20
/ Issue 20
Cover Design Credit:
Leah Spicer, Suzie Millions, and Iman Paynearts
Folk-famous
When Dar Williams (who plays Saturday at The Grey Eagle) released her debut album, The Honesty Room, in 1994, she was pretty sure any career she might have would come…Smart Bets: Von Grey
A literal sister act, classically-trained sibs Kathryn, Annika, Fiona and Petra von Grey banded together. The Atlanta-based quartet is known for "four-part harmonies, poetic lyrics and indelible melodies." They've already…Smart Bets: Rodney Laney
Forget the whole "I got no respect" spiel. Rodney Laney (unlike the other Rodney) is considered "one of the most respected comedians in the business." In addition to performing on…Insider perspective
A handmade piece of artwork, whether it’s a ceramic mug or a one-of-a-kind painting, is an insight into the personal narrative of the artist. Buying directly from an artist’s studio…Smart Bets: Les Femmes Mystique and The Savannah Sweet Tease Burlesque Revue
Local troupe Les Femmes Mystique presents the Naughty Is Nice Holiday Soiree. The show features Christmas classics like “Santa Baby” and “Sleigh Ride," performances from The Infinite Hoops and vocalist…Marching orders
Growing up in Ireland, I was well aware of the Artane Boys Band. Famous throughout the country, the group was called upon to play at every important event: St. Patrick’s…Smart Bets: Adam Void
A 15-year veteran of the graffiti underground, Adam Void, is an artist but also "a political activist, a dedicated traveler, and a steadfast train hopper," according to his bio. A…Nocturnal transmissions
A write-up in The New Yorker is a powerful validation. Both immensely respected and incredibly visible, it’s the kind of publication that can help kickstart a project in its infancy…Turn the lights down low
The daylight hours are almost at their shortest, which means it’s prime time to make use of long evenings. Holiday-themed events around Western North Carolina do just that: Shops remain…The twelve plays of Christmas
As the days grow shorter and the mist over the Blue Ridge thickens into a cold, icy fog, Western North Carolinians will be rushing around the region, buying and wrapping…food
Frozen sunshine
Kenneth Cole might be a name that appears on lots of people’s Christmas lists, but if you’re all about shopping and eating locally, you may be more interested in learning…Showing their roots
In October, Xpress correspondent Jonathan Ammons explored a few South Asheville dining options. In this issue, Ammons is back with his take on two North Asheville eateries that offer their…A spoonful of cacao
“I think cacao is nature’s antidepressant,” says Aradhana Silvermoon. Unleashing a radiant smile, she rolls over an exercise ball and starts bouncing her 3-month-old daughter, Perseia, swaddled closely to her…Readers recommend
Xpress invites readers to share their favorite local dining spots. This week, John Meyer writes about the West Asheville eatery, West Asheville Lounge and Kitchen, or WALK. For fans of…Late-night bites
Xpress correspondent Michael Franco continues his quest for late-night dining spots with a visit to MG Road. Night Brunch: Sunday midnight-2 a.m. Dishes: $5-9 No kidding. At MG Road, Sunday…news
Arrested developments: A Buncombe County drug-arrest snapshot
Drug crime in Buncombe County has, in some cases, mirrored statewide trends in the past decade. Arrests for the sale or manufacture of synthetic narcotics or other dangerous drugs have…An inside perspective
Here’s how volunteer navigator Jim Carillon of Pisgah Legal Services sees the process playing out so far: My role isn't to advise people on what policy to choose under the…A few key points
Council on Aging volunteer navigator Kayla Shaffer answers some basic questions: Which specific populations is the Council on Aging hoping to get enrolled? All ages, all demographics. We're responsible for…Common misunderstandings
Executive Director Jim Barrett of Pisgah Legal Services clears up some points of confusion: What specific populations is Pisgah Legal Services hoping to get enrolled? Pisgah Legal Services is most…Numbers, resources and facts
(855) 733-3711 Statewide toll-free number for ACA navigator assistance. Call this number to arrange a personal appointment with a local navigator to discuss your health insurance options and potential eligibility…Conversations
The news that McKibbon Hotel Group is backing out of plans to develop property on Haywood Street in downtown Asheville generated a wealth of responses on various websites. Many readers…Combating chaos
Photos by Carrie Eidson From taekwondo to krav maga, if there is one thing that all martial artists can agree on, it's that practitioners must be prepared to deal with…Float away
It’s a bright and blustery morning in North Asheville, where I am about to embark on a rather unique journey. With my heart pounding and my nerves afire, I am…The hotel not built
The McKibbon Hotel Group will not develop property owned by the city of Asheville across from the Basilica of St. Lawrence. According to an announcement from the company, a lawsuit…opinion
Blame Game
On The List
Code pink
“What did you learn in school today?” “Nothing.” If this sounds familiar to you, you probably have a teen or tween. The good news is, it’s not “nothing” that your…GE Aviation a poor investment
In the Nov. 20 article, “Groundbreaking: GE Aviation Comes To Asheville,” I was shocked to read that poor, broke Buncombe County and poor, broke Asheville were contributing so much cash…Reconnecting with eco-therapy
As a counselor with a focus on eco-therapy, I was pleased to see Mountain Xpress address the important issue of nature deficiency disorder [“Reconnect,” Nov. 20 Xpress]. In addition to…The Unaffordable Care Act
Witch doctor: “A magician credited with powers of healing, divination and protection against others.” Calling all witch doctors who will work for cash, barter or home-cooked meals. We, the tiny,…Asheville Disclaimer 12/04/13
Someone at Mojo Coworking keeps making boobs with 3-D printer