Executive directors from the John C. Campbell Folk School, Penland School of Craft and Tryon Arts & Crafts School share their experiences since COVID-19 changed their seasonal plans.
Local visual artists find inspiration during quarantine
Maxx Feist, Jen Toledo and Liz Williams discuss the challenges and rewards of making art in the age of COVID-19.
Acoustic Asheville: Stephen Evans
The local folk singer performs three songs on a rainy day in Waynesville.
VIDEO PREMIERE: “Pollyanna” by Carly Taich
Taich wrote the song in one sitting during quarantine and completed it through a distance collaboration with Renew the Arts.
Brushfire Stankgrass returns with a third album and then some
The eclectic Asheville-based band celebrates the releases of a new album with a May 24 livestream show from The Grey Eagle.
The Get Right Band reaches new heights on latest album
The Asheville-based trio discuss the creative perks of taking one’s time and “collaborating” with a famous comedian.
Local arts nonprofits continue toward their missions amid COVID-19 challenges
Leaders from the Asheville Area Arts Council, LEAF Global Arts and Open Hearts Art Center discuss their ongoing struggles to continue providing community services.
Smart Bets: ACT TV
Asheville Community Theater has debuted six creative online video series, adding new episodes each week.
Smart Bets: Lyric and April B. & The Cool
Downtown After 5 goes digital to kick off its 2020 concert series with a pair of local bands.
Local author Marvin J. Wolf examines soldiers’ lives after Vietnam
In his latest book, “They Were Soldiers: The Sacrifices and Contributions of Our Vietnam Veterans,” local author Marvin J. Wolf interviews 48 Vietnam veterans, including Oliver Stone and Colin Powell, about their lives after the war.
Spaceman Jones launches ‘Smoke Break’ video podcast from quarantine
“I’d been looking at how to expand what I do, because I’m always bugged by ideas,” says Davaion Bristol. Launching “Smoke Break” as a video podcast “gave me another outlet to express myself, to connect with people.”
Acoustic Asheville: Miss Tess
The Nashville-based artist and her band perform two tracks from her new album, “The Moon is an Ashtray.”
COVID-19 inspires creative instruction
Local artist Cleaster Cotton confronts COVID-19 on the canvas.
Smart Bets: Kim Jones
The Gerton-based artist’s first children’s book was published on April 20.
Philo Reitzel chronicles his road to sobriety on new album
The local hip-hop artist’s new album “Live the Life” is a complex, honest look at his difficult journey.
Local music teachers pivot to digital lessons
Area music educators have been able to continue teaching digitally, but agree that video lessons are no substitute for in-person learning.
Videographer Ben Phantom combines music with modern dance
“Right now, I’m focused on putting out singles with music videos that tell stories,” says Asheville guitarist/singer/songwriter Ben Phantom, formerly known as Ben Phan.
Xpress Poetry Contest winner announced
James Brooks’ “For Ernst Laursen” was chosen as the top work about a famous or noteworthy person/personality in Western North Carolina.
Jon Stickley Trio proceeds with album release despite COVID-19 obstacles
The eclectic, Asheville-based instrumental band’s first record in three years combines elements of electronic music, ska and bluegrass.
Asheville musicians release quarantine-themed videos
Ryan Barber, The Get Right Band, Drunken Prayer and an all-star ensemble are among the local groups who’ve crafted timely new works.
Acoustic Asheville: Freekbass
The Cincinnati-based spiritual funk quartet performed at Ambrose West in early March.