This weekend on a shoestring

Thursday, Feb. 3

• Start your weekend early with the “delicate and intricate beats” of local producer/multi-instrumentalist Dep as he performs at Pulp (103 Hilliard Ave., below the Orange Peel). According to his website, “The songs contain a mix of glitchy beats, sweeping ambient strings, and cut up real-world recordings that combine to make up this electronic/instrumental release.” 9pm. $5.

Friday, Feb. 4

• Whether you’re an aspiring writer, horror fanatic or just like to be prepared, head to UNC Asheville’s Laurel Forum (Karpen Hall) for a creative writing workshop with Max Brooks, author of The Zombie Survival Guide: Complete Protection from the Living Dead and The New York Times bestseller World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War. The workshop will be followed by a discussion, “10 Lessons for Surviving a Zombie Attack,” and book signing. Workshop, 4pm; Discussion, 6pm. Free.

• The Wine Cellar at Saluda Inn (229 Greenville St., Saluda, 749-9698) hosts an opening reception for local wood carver and sculptor BJ Precourt. “This is an opportunity to discover a true folk artist,” reads a release for the event. “You can’t reach him easily; he does have a telephone (in his house), but you can’t find his work on your handheld, your laptop or through any other technology. His art is shown in a couple local galleries, you can visit his small out-of-the-way barn/workshop, which is next to his home, or you can attend one of his rare exhibits.” 7-9pm. Free.

• “The Messengers bring a high energy, global sound from deep down in the funk pocket,” says the band’s Facebook. “With influences ranging from Soulive & Thelonious Monk to N.E.R.D. & The Roots, The Messengers bring something for everybody and are sure to get you up on your feet and dancing.” Catch them at Pisgah Brewing Company (150 Eastside Drive, Black Mountain, 669-0190). 8pm. Free.

Saturday, Feb. 5

• The Madison County Arts Council will celebrate the opening of From Marshall to Mongolia, an exhibit featuring the work of local painter Charles “Chuck” Rice, with a reception at the the Arts Center (90 S. Main St., Marshall, 649-1301). Reads a release for the exhibit, “In June 2003, Rice began a great adventure of living in Mongolia for nearly two years. During his time in Mongolia, he traveled in virtually every Aimag (province): a truly inspiring journey. The paintings in this exhibit represent Rice’s impressions of each of these places.” The event will include a multi-medeia presentation and discussion by the artist. 6-8pm. Free.

• Tressa’s Downtown Jazz and Blues invites you to soak in the smooth, sultry sounds of Ruby Slippers’ vocal jazz. These days, mastermind Molly Kummerle generally performs with her new electronica project Paper Tiger, so don’t miss this increasingly rare opportunity to catch her solo. 10pm.

• Every Thursday, Arthur Hancock and Katie Brugger explore ideas about life, love, meaning, religion and identity during their hour-long program, A Question of Meaning, on URTV. This weekend, they’ll visit Firestorm Cafe (48 Commerce St., 255-8115) to discuss their show and perform original songs. 7:30pm. Free.

• If the $10 price tag at the Highland Mountain Medley Mix CD release party is a bit out of your budget, don’t fret. The Root Bar is throwing an official after party, featuring music by Chicago indie rockers The Sweeps and $3 Highland drafts all day. 9:30pm.

Sunday, Feb. 6

• If you’re the type to kiss and tell, earn some dough instead of a slap in the face at Poetry Slam Asheville‘s Erotic Poetry Slam. Winner receives a $50 cash prize. Asheville Masonic Temple (80 Broadway St., 252-3924). Sign-up, 7:30pm; Slam, 8pm. $5/free for performers.

• Feeling classy? Do Sundays make you want to go to church? Check out this free chamber music performance at St. Matthias Episcopal Church (1 Dundee St., 252-0643). Kate Steinbeck, Polly Feitzenger and Michael Jones will perform works by Debussy, William Grant Still, Bach, Laurence Perkins and Madeline Dring. 3pm. Free will offerings appreciated.