Summer Sounds: The scoop on AVLFest and Transfigurations IV
Volume
30
/ Issue 45
Cover Design Credit:
Scott SouthwickCover Photography Credit:
Fiasco Media
AVLFest and Transfigurations, two of Asheville’s premier summer music festivals, return in August. Xpress spoke with the organizers of each event about efforts to make the latest editions the best ones yet.
arts
Four of a Kind: Jesse Sawyer talks local craft scene
The woodworker talks new projects and the city's crafts scene.The scoop on the return of AVLFest and Transfigurations IV in August
Mark your calendars for two of Asheville's most beloved summer music festivals.Four of a Kind: Leslee Johnson discusses local literary scene
The writer and educator talks new projects and the city's literary scene.Four of a Kind: Jeff Catanese shares insights on local theater scene
The actor/director talks new projects and the city's theater scene.Four of a Kind: Sandra Bottinelli on the local visual arts scene
The painter talks new projects and the city's visual arts scene.Around town: The Whale hosts Grown-up Book Fair in West Asheville
Plus: Asheville Art Museum expands literacy program, Trillium Arts announces ACE Fellowship winner and more!food
Fresh Dish: Trevor Payne on roasted chicken and neighborhood connection
Xpress sits down with the Tall John's owner to chat about the unexpected popularity of beets, Asheville's need for more Japanese cuisine and the pressing importance of choosing just the…What’s new in food: El Patio opens in the RAD
Guajiro debuts a new bar and seating area. Also in this week's local food news, chef Sam Etheridge presents the next installment of AVL Food Series, chef Khan Kogure offers…news
Local church hosts gun surrender event
On Saturday, June 8, First Baptist Church in Asheville will host a Guns to Gardens firearm surrender event, where donated weapons will be dismantled and repurposed as garden tools.Golden Agers: A new series celebrating residents who have retired but remain active in the community
Writer Carol Kaufman aims to disrupt negative ageist beliefs in Xpress' new monthly series.Wellness roundup: Whooping cough cases rise in Buncombe County
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a bacterial infection that affects the respiratory tract. Symptoms begin with a mild cough that worsens into severe coughing fits, which can lead…Housing Authority restores competitive bidding for early education
"We've been out of compliance for 14 years," Housing Authority of the City of Asheville President and CEO Monique Pierre told a May 22 meeting of the HACA Board of…BCTDA anticipates flat occupancy earnings for fiscal year 2025
The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority unveiled its proposed $34.3 million budget budget for fiscal year 2025 during its May 29 board meeting.Raising firefighter pay may mean tax increases, Council says
The Council chambers and overflow room were at capacity during the Tuesday night meeting where all of the speakers who commented on the proposed budget advocated for increasing pay for…opinion
Letter: Why the Vance Monument should come back
"Zebulon Vance, throughout his life, worked for the welfare and defense of North Carolina. His monument should come back."Letter: Dreaming big for senior cats
"And Kiesa Kay’s insightful interview with co-founder Nancy Gavin about the Laps and Naps organization revealed the careful planning of the new sanctuary that will house senior cats during their…Letter: Take a stand for what’s best in society
"It is we the people who create a more caring world — not corrupt or outdated institutions, power-hungry politicians or wealthy elites. Again, take a stand for what is best…When the music’s over
Letter: The case for infill housing falls flat
"As existing neighborhoods with Asheville’s iconic tree canopy and low population density became saturated — more crowded, hotter, busier and therefore less desirable — property values would definitely drop, diminishing,…Letter: What happens if firefighters can’t afford Asheville?
"As other Asheville firefighters have done, many of them will have to find higher-paying jobs in their chosen craft in another community or make a complete career switch."Peaked interest