This weekend on a shoestring

Thursday, Feb. 10

• Don’t blame the baby boomers for sinking America, says author, columnist and commentator J. Walker Smith, who will present a free lecture entitled “Generation Ageless: The Boom That Won’t Go Bust,” at UNC Asheville’s Reuter Center, Manheimer Room. Smith will “speak on the dire predictions often made for the Baby Boom generation, such as depleted nest eggs and reductions to Social Security, and suggest that the future may not be so dark,” according to a release for the event. The discussion will be followed by a Q&A. 7 p.m. Free.

• Space Capone knows how to bring the funk in a big way; the band boasts nearly a dozen members, including a horn section and two back up vocalists. Surprisingly, it manages an authentic ‘70s R&B sound while remaining undeniably modern, although lead singer Aaron Winters sports a collection of leisure suits that would make The King himself jealous. Catch their return to Pisgah Brewing Company (150 Eastside Drive, Black Mountain, 669-0190). 8 p.m. $5.

Friday, Feb. 11

• Often, an artist can find beauty even in devastation. See for yourself when The Satellite Gallery (55 Broadway St., 505-2225) hosts an opening reception for Shallow Water, Oh Mama, an exhibition exploring the impacts of the recent oil spill on New Orleans. 7 p.m. Free.

• The Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville (1 Edwin Pl., 254-6001) hosts a free screening of the Sundance award-winning documentary Gasland, in which filmmaker Josh Fox “tells about the surprising consequences of natural gas drilling,” according to the church’s website. “Fox’s film was inspired when the gas company came to his hometown. It alleges chronic illness, animal-killing toxic waste, disastrous explosions, and regulatory missteps have ensued.” 7 p.m. Donations welcome.

Saturday, Feb. 12

• Just in time for Valentine’s Day: “Local Jungian analysts, writers, and lecturers Bud and Massimilla Harris will discuss their latest book, The Art of Love The Craft of Relationship,” according to the Malaprop’s (55 Haywood Road, 254-6734) website. “A simple guide to creating a lasting, loving relationship, this is the second book from the pair.” 3 p.m. Free.

• Local rock duo The Stereofidelics perform an eclectic mix of tunes that range from rootsy to electronic. The band is about to head north for a month-long tour, so don’t miss your chance to catch them at The French Broad Brewing Company (101-D Fairview Rd., 277-0222). 6 p.m. Free.

• Ten Cent Poetry is the brainchild of singer/songwriter Chelsea LaBate, whose striking vocals and poetic lyricism are reminiscent of artists like Regina Spektor and Emiliana Torrini. LaBate honed her performance skills in the cafe’s of New York’s Lower East Side and has been hard at work recording in Asheville (her current home) for months. This weekend, she’ll celebrate the release of her debut full-legnth, Picking Through the Pawn Shop, at The LAB (39 N. Lexington Ave., 252-0212). Alex Krug opens. 9:30 p.m. $5.

• Flying solo this Valentine’s? Where better to drown your sorrows than at the Anti-Valentine’s Day Hank Williams Tribute at Fred’s Parkside Pub and Grill (122 College St., 281-0920). Join The Critters, The Gin Fits and “the talented Ms. Tracy Thomas” as they reinterpret some of the saddest songs known to man. 9 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 13

• The Swannanoa Valley Fine Arts League will host an opening reception for Paint Your Heart Out, a members exhibit, at the Sourwood Gallery (110 Broadway St., Black Mountain, 669-4975). 2-4 p.m. Free. 

• Music has come a long way in the past 75 years, but some would argue it’s been for the worse. If that’s your take, here’s a performance you won’t want to miss. St. Matthias Episcopal Church (1 Dundee St., 285-0033) presents “Spats Mahoney and His Spit Shine Boys: Music from America’s Golden Age of Song,” featuring local talents Rich Wiley, Hank Bones, Zack Page, Rich Dilling and Wendy Hayes. 3 p.m. Free.