It was announced last month that John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown had selected Jerry Jackson as its new executive director. And this week, Penland School of Crafts in Penland named Maria “Mia” Hall as its next director.
Theater review: ‘Gruesome Playground Injuries’ at 35 below
The play is a deeply moving and decidedly quirky look at two damaged people trying to come to terms with their mortality and failings across 30 years. The show is onstage at 35 below through Sunday, July 30.
Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands celebrates 70 years
The biannual event returns to the U.S. Cellular Center Friday, July 21, to Sunday, July 23.
Smart bets: Jazz at Jargon
Andrew LaPrise Trio plays on Friday, July 21, and Rick Simerly Trio on Saturday, July 22, both at 10:30 p.m.
Folkmoot returns for its 34th year
This year’s iteration, running from Thursday, July 20, to Sunday, July 30, features folk dance collectives from India, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Argentina, Russia, Israel, Taiwan and Wales. Traditional Appalachian and Cherokee groups will perform, too.
Asheville Creative Arts stages ‘Click, Clack, Moo, Cows that Type’
A group of barnyard bovines find a typewriter and use it to demand better treatment from their owner: This is the storyline of Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type, a children’s book by author Doreen Cronin and the season-closing production of Asheville Creative Arts. The show, which includes acting, live music, dance and puppetry, will open at The Magnetic Theatre on Friday, July 21.
Single premiere: “Chloroform Pillow” by Tam Tsu
Tam Tsu holds an album release show at The Mothlight on Thursday, Aug. 3, with House and Land and Nathan Olson.
Smart bets: For Rumbough
The full evening of dance takes place at The Academy at Terpsicorps on Friday, July 21, and Saturday, July 22.
Ashley Heath headlines a local music showcase at The Orange Peel
Two short years ago, singer-songwriter Ashley Heath was working by day as a barista and playing music at night. She made the jump to being a full-time musician, releasing her debut album last year.
Smart bets: SIYAH
The positive hip-hop artist will perform at The Pritchard Park Summer Series on Thursday, July 20
Conscious Party: Magic and Mind Reading
WHAT: “Magic and Mind Reading Mysteries” show to benefit Vanishing Wheelchair WHEN: Sunday, July 23, 3 p.m WHERE: St. Mary’s Episcopal Church WHY: Using intuition, clairvoyance and showmanship, esoteric magician Zeke Powerz has three goals for his upcoming benefit performance: to “raise money, raise some eyebrows and raise the dead.” As a professional magician, Powerz’s […]
Smart bets: Nahko and Medicine for the People
The self-described thump-hop group returns to Western North Carolina for The Good Vibes Summer Tour, headlined by Rebelution and also featuring Collie Buddz, Hirie and DJ Mackle.
Faces in the crowd: WNC crowdfunding initiatives
Each week, Xpress highlights notable WNC crowdsourcing initiatives that may inspire readers to become new faces in the crowd. This week features ultra conscious refrigerator magnets, a new album by David Wilcox and a writer’s bike journey to inspire her new book.
Acoustic Asheville: Jordan Okrend
Ahead of an upcoming show on the patio at Isis Music Hall, on Friday, July 28, Okrend shares three songs from his new record.
The Big Crafty returns for its 19th season
Brandy Bourne and Justin Rabuck have seen indie crafts evolve firsthand. Nine years ago, they founded The Big Crafty, a biannual art and craft market. With eclectic products and a convivial atmosphere styled after Taiwanese bazaars, The Big Crafty proved to be an instant hit.
Theater review: ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ at HART
In his director’s notes, Steve Lloyd acknowledges the 1990 production of Fiddler On The Roof that ushered in his role as executive director at Haywood Arts Regional Theatre. Now, 27 years later, Fiddler is back on HART’s stage. The show runs through Sunday, July 30.
Life after retirement for music legends Sidney Barnes and Mac Arnold
After long and successful careers, two veteran musicians settled into retirement in the Asheville area. But the encouragement of friends and family brought both men came back to the stage to entertain audiences around Western North Carolina.
Smart bets: Inheritance
On display through Friday, August 18, Inheritance opens with a reception on Saturday, July 15.
Jane Kramer, Free Planet Radio and Billy Cardine collaborate at The Altamont Theatre
Appalachian and world music collide when the Asheville singer-songwriter teams with the acclaimed trio and Acoustic Syndicate dobro player.
Asheville writer Kyle James launches his travel memoir
Kyle James wrote on boats, planes and trains, and on the back seats of the hitchhiked rides (obtained through a mobile app) that they used to keep within their $150-a-day budget. Writing became a means of letting go.
Smart bets: Southern Migrations
The show will be on view through Sunday, Aug. 20, with an opening reception on Saturday, July 15.