• The Montford Park Players open productions of The Patient by Agatha Christie and The Real Inspector Hound by Tom Stoppard. Shows run Thursday through Sunday, Feb. 10 through 20. with performances Feb. 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m., and matinees Saturday, Feb. 19 and Sunday, Feb. 20 at 2:30 p.m. Special shows on Thursdays, Feb. 10 and 17, 7:30 p.m. are “Pay What We’re Worth” nights (no reservations; first come, first served). Advance tickets online: $12 adults/$10 seniors/$6 children. Day of Show: $15/$12/$8. Special VIP seating for $25.
• American Folk Art & Framing holds its 7th Annual Beloved Miniature Show from Thursday, Feb. 10 through Monday, Feb. 28 with an opening reception on Friday, Feb. 11 from 5 -8 p.m. Says the gallery, “Inspired + colorful + strong + revealing + madcool. Oh yes, small… wait … small.” Work is by Spencer Herr, Lucy Hunnicutt, Cornbread (his painting is pictured), Cheri Brackett, Kent Ambler, Liz Sullivan, Darrell Loy Scott, Karl Mullen, Sarah Hatch, Tim Saunders and Mitzy Jonkheer.
• Big-hearted locals Big Daddy Love and their special guests The Nikki Talley Band share the stage at The Emerald Lounge on Friday, Feb 11. 9:30 p.m., $7. Says Big Daddy Love, “Our albums ranked 24th and 23rd on WNCW’s top 100 Countdown and we’re doing an Asheville show to celebrate.” Woo-hoo!
• Gary Wiley, “original and longtime bass player for the Sons of Ralph. I’ve since been the bass guy for Dave Desmelik, Ras Alan & the Lions, occasionally with The Honeycutters, etc.” is now touring with bluegrass band Josh Slone & Coaltown. They’ll be at Jack of the Wood on Friday, Feb. 11 and at the Westville Pub on Saturday, Feb. 12.
• Heather Luttrell plays Mo Daddy‘s for her fourth time (but who’s counting?) on Saturday, Feb. 12. 9 p.m., $5. According to her publicist, Heather “is enjoying her best year to date, [playing] two cruise events (Lynrd Skynrd Simple Man Cruise for the 5th consecutive year-playing the cruise again in 2011; and the Kid Rock cruise).” Stream Heather’s latest album, Live from the Kirkwood Public House.
• According to press, “Dan Bern (above) is best known for his prolific songwriting and magical stage presence. He has released some dozen albums since 1997, while performing everywhere from small clubs to Carnegie Hall. Fresh off the heels of 2010’s Live in Los Angeles, Bern will release, Live in New York for this tour. His first-ever Songbook, which has sheet music for 18 of his songs, will be available on the tour as well.” He brings his magic to The Grey Eagle on Sunday, Feb. 13. 8 p.m., $10 advance/$12 day of show.
PRIME RIBBING, a NEWSical revue, inaugurates The Altamont, a new entertainment venue, with it’s first theatrical production, tonight at 8, and Saturday at 2:30p and 8. The show is a topical, satircal revue of “replace the lyrics” numbers and skits, written and directed by Asheville resident and Broadway veteran Stephan de Ghelder. The Altamont is located at 18 Church Street, in a LEED certified, renovated space. Tickets are available at http://www.thealtamont.com and by calling 828-270-7747