This weekend on a shoestring

Thursday, March 10

• “Sea level rise is developing as a major challenge for the North Carolina coast and for coastlines around the world,” reads a Facebook page for a lecture entitled “The Rising Sea: How Will It Affect North Carolina.” “The waters are rising three times faster along the eastern shores of North Carolina than they did a century ago. In other countries, especially island nations like Indonesia, large populations may be forced to shift inward as coastal lands disappear under water. Dr. Robert S. Young, a professor of geology at Western Carolina University, has co-authored an acclaimed book: The Rising Sea, and will address these and other issues during a free evening forum at the North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement.” Held at UNCA’s Reuter Center. 7 p.m. Free.

• “His songs are meticulously sculpted instrumentally and lyrically, and span the gamut of pop and rock sonic textures, the constant thread being his unmistakable, sweet and acrobatic vocals,” reads Jon Lindsay‘s Myspace. “Live and on records there are traces of his obsessions (Zevon, Elliott Smith, Guided By Voices, Morrissey), but never more than the slightest homage; he’s got more than enough to say about his own agenda, which is always theatrical, full of consummate showmanship and dynamics.” The former Benji Hughes keyboardist plays at Bandwagon (474 Haywood Road, above the Dry Goods Shop) Thursday with experimental indie trio Lookout Mountain. 9 p.m. $3.

• “A young professional woman from Los Angeles goes camping in the Montana wilderness to ‘find herself’ and escape the pressures of family and fiance, about whom she’s having some doubts,” reads a synopsis for Bear Speaks. “Once in the forest, she discovers that she is anything but alone. As she explores the natural world around her, she encounters the trickster coyote, a wise old spider and an adventurous raven, all of whom have the ability to shape shift and communicate with her, mind to mind. And soon she finds herself falling in love with a magnificent bear named Ishmel. 
As she gets to know Ishmel, he transmits to her seven sacred lessons: 1) All your needs will be met. 2) Time is an illusion. 3) Have no fear. 4) Release into love. 5) Create a loving reality. 6) Connect energy lines to heal the world. 7) Vibrate with joy. These lessons are both familiar and new, with the ring of truth from various spiritual traditions. Above all she learns, and teaches us, that the source of your fear can become the guide for your life.” Meet Laura Carpini, author of this “enchanted tale,” at Malaprop’s Bookstore (55 Haywood St., 254-6734). 7 p.m. Free.

Friday, March 11

• The Artery gallery hosts an opening for Falling Into the Sky, a solo exhibition of works by Mark Koven, inspired by “science and the life of the French writer and aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupery.” The reception will include Mobile ART Lab projects (throwing LED magnetic stickies and outdoor video projections), a live DJ, sweets from Artista Cakes and cotton candy by students from Koven’s “Edible Aesthetics” corse at UNCA. 6-9 p.m. Free.

• Bonnaroo approaches, and if you’ve never been, the idea of spending three days in a scorching hot field with 80,000 strangers can be overwhelming. Luckily, author Tara Lynne Groth has got you covered. Groth visits Firestorm Cafe (48 Commerce St., 255-8115) to discuss her guide to the Manchester, Tenn. festival, How Do You Roo? A Survivor’s Pocket Guide to Bonnaroo. 6 p.m. Free.

• While you’re there, stick around for some music. “Lawrence & Leigh play intimate, low key indie/folk that leaves audiences breathless,” reads Firestorm‘s website. But that’s not all: “The Life & Times Of‘s Cedric Lamar’s solo performance conjures Sam Cooke and Jeff Buckley in equal parts, bringing down the house every time.” See them both at the downtown coffee house and community space, 48 Commerce St., 255-8115. 7:30 p.m. 

• Parts and Labour teeter between the droney ambience of ‘80s shoegaze and the frantic, powerhouse percussion and fuzz-laden bass of punk rock. That might seem questionable, but it couldn’t sound more natural. Catch the first stop of the band’s two-month outing at Broadway’s (113 Broadway St., 285-0400). 10 p.m. $6.

Saturday, March 12

• The Constance Williams Gallery (9 Riverside Drive, 225-1762) presents an opening reception for Mis-Community-Caution: Dioramas of Discord, clay works by Greg Vineyard. The reception will also serve as a fundraiser for CERF+, a national craft artist advocacy group.

• “On April 15, 1865, a shot was fired that heralded something no one could have foreseen: the birth of Rock And Roll!” reads John Wilkes Booth and the Black Toothe’s Myspace. See what that cryptic bio is all about when the folk rockers perform at BoBo Gallery (22 Lexington Ave., 254-3426). 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 13

• Good with words? Prove it. Poetry Slam Asheville hosts its latest competition, featuring a special performance by the “well-versed” James Navé. Champion slammer wins a $50 cash prize. Held at the Asheville Masonic Temple (80 Broadway St.). 8 p.m, arrive at 7:30 to perform. $5.