Launched in 2017 as a fundraiser for the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina, Cold Mountain Music Festival returns Saturday, June 4, after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19.
Local author celebrates new trilogy
Author S.E. Chandler discusses her decision to self-publish and the recent success of her new trilogy.
Local musicians double down on their craft after working with famous artists
Zach Cooper, Debrissa McKinney and Seth Kauffman discuss their experiences with well-known musicians.
Around Town: Black Wall Street AVL teams with Wilma Dykeman Legacy for birthday bash
Black Wall Street AVL and the Wilma Dykeman Legacy will mark Dykeman’s 102nd birthday. Plus, a local author publishes a psychological thriller, a pioneering women’s rights advocate is honored and a film remembers presbyterian ministers who fought for civil rights.
Q&A: Marissa Percoco discusses earth skills and the perks of nonprofit status
Xpress speaks with Marissa Percoco, executive director of Firefly Gathering, to learn more about the organization’s new nonprofit status, the inspiration to attain it and some of the pitfalls aspiring nonprofits should aim to avoid.
Asheville Music School emerges from pandemic stronger than ever
The local music nonprofit brings back its Sound Effects Benefit Concert and moves into a new West Asheville home.
Montford Park Players celebrate 50th season
The Montford Park Players started as a no-frills Shakespeare troupe operating out of a neighborhood park. As the nonprofit group embarks on its 50th season, its shows have grown into one of the most popular outdoor theater experiences in North Carolina.
Around Town: Asheville artists find inspiration from Italy
A trip to Italy inspires a new Asheville art exhibit. Plus, Asheville Community Theatre dissolves a partnership after criticism, LEAF Festival Singer-Songwriter Competition names finalists and a local author pens a YA novel.
River Whyless captures creative sparks on new album
The Asheville-based indie/folk rockers discuss the numerous new approaches taken on their fourth LP.
Indigenous Walls Project brings Cherokee language to public spaces
Jared Wheatley’s mural project seeks to stimulate conversations between Native and non-Native people.
Local political candidates offer takes on arts issues
AAAC Executive Director Katie Cornell discusses the latest candidate survey and the 2020 edition’s impact on local policies.
Around Town: New podcast series explores brutal Madison County murder
A new podcast series will try to unravel a 50-year-old Madison County murder mystery. Plus, the Western North Carolina Civil War Roundtable explores the war along the Tennessee border, Henderson County’s Historic Johnson Farm celebrates Mother’s Day and The Magnetic Theatre presents a play written by an Asheville writer.
Salary increases drive Buncombe County budget growth
By far the biggest contributor to Buncombe County’s spending growth in fiscal year 2022-23, accounting for $14.6 million of a projected $20.4 million in new general fund expenses, is salaries and benefits.
Local art collectors reflect on their growing collection
With roughly 250 works by some of today’s most visible artists, local collectors Randy Shull and Hedy Fischer discuss the future of their unintended collection.
Ron Rash rounds out Xpress’ celebration of Poetry Month
Writer, poet and New York Times bestselling author Ron Rash shares with us his poem, “Good Friday, 1995, Driving Westward,” which first appeared in his 2000 poetry collection, Among the Believers.
Around Town: Asheville benefit concert will raise money for Ukrainian relief
Isis Music Hall hosts a benefit for Ukrainian relief efforts. Plus, The Grey Eagle plans to open an outdoor venue, a local author explores an aviation mystery and Asheville Creative Arts returns to live shows.
Color Me Goodwill highlights upcycled fashion and homegrown talent
While other Goodwill organizations hold fashion shows, only WNC has Color Me Goodwill. “We wanted it to be local,” says Jaymie Eichorn, from the designers and models to the emcees, hair stylists and makeup artists. And, of course, the inspiration and materials for the runway collections come from local Goodwill stores.
Is Asheville truly one of the nation’s top music cities?
Asheville’s omission from a recent Best Music Cities study prompts questions from local industry leaders.
Celebrating Poetry Month with Mildred Barya
“Poetry is the language of the soul,” says local poet Mildred Barya. “Before I knew what life was, before I knew what writing was, there was poetry.”
Around Town: Oak Street Gallery exhibit highlights a year of powerful images
First Congregational UCC’s Oak Street Gallery features an exhibit of newspaper collages. Also, a local author spotlights a little-known World War II story, high school students tackle gun violence and Citizen Vinyl and Asheville Music School hold a silent auction.
Cost of Creativity: Ryan ‘RnB’ Barber discusses the finances behind music endeavors
Producer and vocalist Ryan “RnB” Barber discusses the high costs and low moments that come with releasing an album and music video.