This weekend on a shoestring

Thursday, Jan. 19

• “Fleta Monaghan is the founder and director of River’s Edge Studio and 310 ART Gallery,” according to the artist’s website. ”’ … I am always seeking an essence of thought and feeling when I combine imagery with materials. There is an unbroken thread that weaves through all my work, no matter what materials I use or which techniques I employ. The Gulf of Mexico strongly influenced my visual, spiritual and philosophical senses as have the mountains here in North Carolina.’” Nourish and Flourish, 347 Depot St., hosts an opening reception for a collection of Monaghan’s new work on Thursday. Drinks and snacks provided. 6-8 p.m. Free.

• ”Two People Playing Music is keyboardist Chase Hudson and drummer Sean Sullivan,” begins the band’s painfully straightforward bio. “These two friends enjoy playing music together very much, so much in fact that they agreed on the decision to start an instrumental duo called Two People Playing Music. Similar tastes and a shared musical vision motivated Hudson and Sullivan to form the duo in Northwest Florida, where they met.” Luckily, the band’s jazzy percussion and analog key blips are far more interesting than its bio. See for yourself when Two People Play Music live at BoBo Gallery. 10:30 p.m. $5. 

• “The Krektones blend the surf swagger of the Ventures with the scorching guitar of Link Wray and just a wee bit of Tav Falco psychobilly to make a beat that’s pretty much impossible to stand still to,” claims the band’s bio. “The Krektones feature Jason Krekel at lead, Dave Gay on bass and Lance Wille on drums. These instrumentalists bring a broad range of musical experience, swinging wide from stints with The Parting Gifts, Freakwater and The Reigning Sound, as well as some seminal Asheville bands, including Firecracker Jazz Band, Mad Tea Party, The Unholy Trio and White Heat. Don’t let the sequined tuxedo jackets fool you — these boys will rip it up.” The Krektones play The Get Down, 1045 Haywood Road on Thursday.

Friday, Jan. 20

• From a press release for the event, “UNC Asheville will host “Come Together and Create,” a two-day showcase and celebration of local performing artists, Friday and Saturday, Jan. 20 and 21. These performances, part of the university’s Martin Luther King Jr. Week, will take place in the Carol Belk Theatre on the campus. The performances will include spoken word and poetry, African dance and percussion, hip-hop dance, theater and traditional and contemporary gospel singing. In addition to providing an exciting two nights of entertainment, the event aims to strengthen campus connections with the broader Asheville community and also provide a platform for further civic engagement through the East Riverway Sustainable Communities Initiative.” Performances begin at 6:30 p.m. both days. Free on Friday/$8 at the door Saturday. See website for complete schedule.

• Join editors of the Pisgah Review, a local literary journal which features fiction, nonfiction and poetry, as they read from recent works and discuss the Review‘s latest issue, a retrospective of the most compelling fiction from its first five volumes. Hosted by Malaprop’s Bookstore and Café, 55 Haywood St. 7 p.m. Free.

• “Born out of a university art-rock collective, The Bright Light Social Hour has evolved into an unabashedly wide-screen rock group, melding fists-up rock and roll with muscular funk, soul and psychedelia,” explains the group’s website. “The band recently swept the 29th Annual Austin Music Awards during SXSW 2011, with an unprecedented six wins, including Band of the Year, Album of the Year and Song of the Year (“Detroit”). … In culmination of their studied development, the band released their debut full-length album in late 2010, simply titled The Bright Light Social Hour. … The album is founded on sun-drenched optimism, raucous youth and an innovative brew of American music of varying types — hard rock and roll, indie, rhythm and blues, dance and soul.” The Texas natives visit Asheville for a free show at Pisgah Brewing Company, 150 Eastside Drive, Black Mountain. 9 p.m.

• Blue Jeans and Khaki Pants have quite a story to share, though it’s difficult to tell how much of it is true. The self-described “X-rated honkey-tonk” outfit claims to have spent the last six years honing its craft in Japan (the most obvious embellishment), may have just finished a 50-date national tour, did appear on a recent episode of Judge Karen’s Court, occasionally performs with a chorus of hillbilly puppets, stars in its own Youtube web series and seems to be the subject of a documentary in progress. The only thing about BJKP that’s certain is that its music is not for the faint of heart or the easily offended. Tracks like “Black, White or Gay” and “Down to F**k” may be in jest, but they certainly (and intentionally) tread on some controversial and inflammatory ground. Catch the Asheville natives (complete with a backing puppet chorus) at The Get Down, 1045 Haywood Road, with comedian Pat Fudgin’ Hinson and Slim Chance and the Can’t Hardly Playboys. 9 p.m. $7.

Saturday, Jan. 21

• Growing frustrated by chewed shoes and soiled rugs? Join the recently opened Patton Avenue Pet Company, 1388 Patton Ave., for a free puppy info session detailing age-appropriate behavior, effective training methods and proper socialization. For owners of pets under 5 months of age. Please leave puppies at home. 10 a.m.-noon.

• Enjoy warming weather and the beauty of the great outdoors on the ironically titled “Walking in a Winter Wonderland” hike, an easy-to-moderate trek along the Mountains to Sea Trail. Trip departs from MP 381.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway at 10 a.m. Bring water and a snack and be prepared for inclement weather. Registration and info: 298-5330.

Sunday, Jan. 22

• Here’s a twofer for those who love cute animals and loud music. Rosetta’s Kitchen, 111 Broadway St., hosts a “Sick Kitten Benefit,” featuring music by ENTS, Just Die!, ER Airplane and House of Building. A dance party with DJ Abu Disarray will follow. All proceeds go toward medical bills for the ailing kitten of two Rosetta’s employees. 6:30 p.m. $3.