Adults and children will find themselves reading the play on many levels. It reminds us that sometimes we need both escape and escapism.
Smart Bets: Carly Joy Miller and Gabriel Houck
The 2017 winners of the Orison Prizes in Poetry & Fiction read from their works on Aug. 23 at Malaprop’s.
30 Days Out: a look at upcoming concerts
A power pop legend, a rocking modern-day troubadour, clever re-inventors of pop and a collective of local rockers who don’t dig the Dead are just some of the local music offerings in the next 30 days.
Acoustic Asheville: Eric Congdon
You can catch Congdon doing a solo set on the patio at The Grey Eagle on Wednesday, Aug. 29 at 5 p.m.
In Photos: Best of WNC party at Highland Brewing Co.
In a celebration of all things voted Best of WNC in 2018, Mountain Xpress and Highland Brewing Co. (winner in several beer and brewery categories) partnered to throw a party for the second year in a row. With nearly double the attendance from the previous year, the fun was flowing in Asheville.
Revolve hosts an all-woman electro-pop showcase
Celia Verbeck shares a bill with Tennessee musicians Eve Maret and Dream Chambers and fellow Ashevillean Caroline Cronin at Revolve on Monday, Aug. 20.
Smart Bets: Béla Fleck’s Blue Ridge Banjo Concert
The renowned five-string picker and his fellow Blue Ridge Banjo Camp instructors perform Aug. 18 at the Brevard Music Center.
Byron Ballard’s latest book gives a prophetic warning
In her new book ‘Earth Works: Ceremonies in Tower Time,’ Byron Ballard forecasts dark days ahead as patriarchy gasps its last breaths. But she also offers hope with practical strategies for rebuilding from the waste.
Smart Bets: Jerald Pope
The local writer-illustrator launches his new wordless novel Aug. 18 at Malaprop’s.
Southern Avenue returns to Asheville for Downtown After 5
Southern Avenue formed after Ori Naftaly, who had a successful solo career in his native Israel, came to the U.S. to participate in the International Blues Challenge.
Local teen band Uncle Kurtis releases a studio recording
Since getting together a year ago (some of the members had played together in other groups before their 10th birthdays), Uncle Kurtis has been booked at Soulshine, LEAF Downtown AVL, Sly Grog, Isis Music Hall, Salvage Station and The Mothlight.
Smart Bets: Liminalities
Carmelo Pampillonio’s audio installation opens Aug. 17 at Revolve.
Theater review: ‘Every Brilliant Thing’ by Different Strokes
This will be Different Strokes! final show in The BeBe Theatre. The company is moving to a new space in the near future called The Downstage Performing Arts Center.
You’re invited: Best of WNC 2018 party
The festivities — honoring the winners of this year’s Best Of survey and the Xpress readers who voted for said victors — will take place in the Meadow at Highland Brewing Co. on Thursday, Aug. 16.
Smart Bets: The Mobros
The South Carolina natives play Isis Music Hall on Aug. 16.
Acoustic Asheville: April Bennett
Catch the front woman of April B. & the Cool at One World Brewing Co. on Friday, Aug. 17, at 8 p.m.
Album review: ‘Kindness, A Rebel’ by River Whyless
After taking listeners on the whirlwind musical trip that is Kindness, A Rebel, the group closes its set of 10 songs with “Mama, Take Your Time,” a return to the sound of River Whyless’ earlier work.
Red Baraat returns to The Grey Eagle
The Brooklyn-based world music ensemble promotes global unity on its energetic new album.
Smart Bets: Menopause The Musical
The long running stage show — with strong local ties — plays Diana Wortham Theatre through Aug. 19.
Smart Bets: Nik West
The acclaimed bassist brings her purple Mohawk to Salvage Station on Aug. 12.
Asheville Comedy Festival provides laughs — and connections
This year’s Asheville Comedy Festival features four separate comedy showcases with 44 comedians from across the United States and Canada. It kicks off Thursday, Aug. 9, at Highland Brewing Co., before moving to The Diana Wortham Theatre for three more showcases on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 10 and 11.