This weekend on a shoestring

Thursday, Jan. 27

• Horror buffs take note, The Carolina Asheville (1640 Hendersonville Road, 274-9500) hosts a free viewing of vintage horror cinema every Thursday. This week, revisit the movie that made sleeping a dangerous endeavor, Wes Craven’s 1984 classic A Nightmare on Elm Street. 8 p.m. Free.

• “As if the warm familiar melody of rootsy porch music has been plugged in and turned up: The Delta Saints are driving listeners from the comforting recline of their porch swings right to the edge of their seats,” reads the band’s website. “It’s a fusion of traditional southern soul and funk-inspired power, all layered with furious harmonica lines that simultaneously tie the group together and threaten to unseat it all in one sweep.” Catch the Nashville outfit at MoDaddy’s (77 Biltmore Ave., 258-1550). 9 p.m. $5.

• With daily movies for three dollars, Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company (675 Merrimon Ave., 254-5339) is already a deal. But for one night only, it’s making an even sweeter offer: Monty Python’s religious satire and cult classic, Life of Brian, for only a buck. 10 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 28

• Christabel and the Jons have been busy bringing their laid back country swing to venues across the Southeast, earning the band a reputation as an act worth seeing. Don’t miss the quartet when they visit Highland Brewing Company this weekend. 6 p.m. Free.

• “Spoken Nerd — the 21st Century Bible-belt poet prophet — is not crying wolf with his latest sonic scroll ‘Apocalypse Awareness Day’; he’s crying ‘Werewolf,’” proclaims the Tennessee native’s website. “Nerd — ‘The Last Real Farmer Alive’ — breaks into a holy huddle to expose the Dark Lords of Cupcake Forest, celebrate Christmas Time in the Club, and — like a ‘Snake Assassin’ — proclaim it’s the End of Days.” See Nerd’s satirical indie hip-hop in person at Firestorm Cafe & Books (48 Commerce St., 255-8115). 8 p.m. Free.

Saturday, Jan. 29

• Crowded bars and horror movies are no place for small children, so here’s one for the parents (or young at heart). Azalea Mountain Puppeteers present The Princess and the Dragon at Mighty Mites on Coxe Ave. The all ages show features “far-away lands, castles, a fearsome dragon, a daring knight and a brave young princess,” according to organizers. More info: 252-8746 or info@phoenixgymasheville.com. 11 a.m. Free.

• Hello Hugo‘s website is void of any written history or description, but it does host a number of recordings and live videos that say plenty about the four-piece instrumental indie rock outfit. The band is currently wrapping up the recording phase of their debut full-legnth, but you can get a preview of the new album up close and personal as the band performs free at Craggie Brewing Company (197 Hilliard Ave., 254-0360). 7 p.m.

• Pilgrim is the downtempo songwriting project of the Xpress’ own Jaye Bartell, and it often includes a rotating cast of Asheville’s best and brightest on everything from keys to guitars. Catch Bartell and Ahleuchatistas frontman Shane Perlowin as Pilgrim plays BoBo Gallery with The Critters and Neapolitan Children (featuring members of Kovacs and the Polar Bear). 9 p.m. $5.

Sunday, Jan. 30

• Reads the Malaprop’s (55 Haywood St., 254-6734) website, “A former scientist, inventor and Louisianan, Lou Dischler now lives in Spartanburg, SC and writes fiction. His new novel, My Only Sunshine, is set in 1960s Louisiana and inspired George Singleton (Work Shirts for Madmen) to say, ‘Dischler’s raised the bar when it comes to the term ‘romp’. What a great, great addition to the comic southern novel.’” Hear the author speak about his work when he visits the downtown bookstore. 3 p.m. Free.

• Sunday can be for rest … or just the opposite. The Root Bar (1410 Tunnel Road, 299-7597) hosts the most unholy “Melt Your Face Metal Night,” featuring music from Cardinal Deathmatch, Skull Thunder, Envy of the Wicked, Oakmont Place and Bigger Hammer. 9 p.m. $3.