Friday, Nov. 25
• Asheville Zipline Canopy Adventures holds a “green Friday” special. “Instead of standing in shopping lines, you can ride on ziplines Friday November 25th. It’s being called Green Friday because instead of getting caught up in the pain and suffering of Black Friday shopping you will be helping raise money to plant trees with Asheville Green Works while having the time of your life flying through the trees!” Admission is $79 and 50-percent (on Nov. 25) goes to local green initiatives.
• The Smith MacDowell House has its annual 19th Century Carolina Christmas on display through January 4. The exhibit features a “time-line of authentically decorated period rooms showcase the evolution of Christmas celebrations and decorations.” Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4p.m.; Sunday noon to 4 p.m. $10 adults and $5 children.
• Get in the seasonal spirit with Virgins, Saints & Angels, the new exhibit at American Folk Art & Framing. Says the gallery, “From candlesticks adorned with angels, paintings of the saintly neighbor, to dream or transcendent visions and Old Testament interpretations, the artists of American Folk are opening their hearts to share their spiritual & transcendent creations.” And opening reception is held from 5-7 p.m. with many artists present.
• Acoustic Syndicate announces a show at The Orange Peel with this tempting offer: “After the turkey and pumpkin pie are gone, Western North Carolina fans can revel in the vocal harmonies of Cleveland County’s McMurry family featuring Steve “Big Daddy” McMurry (guitar / mandolin / vocals), Byron McMurry (acoustic banjo / electric banjo / six string banjo / vocals) and Fitz McMurry (drums / congas / percussion) alongside Jay Sanders (acoustic bass / electric bass) and recent addition Billy Cardine (dobro / electric resophonic guitar).” (It might be nice to have all that and a pumpkin pie, in this writer’s opinion.) 9 p.m., $15 advance or $17 at the door.
Saturday, Nov. 26
• The Secret B-Sides perform at Pisgah Brewing. The show includes a couple of Xpress’ Best of WNC winners: The Secret B-Sides were voted best R&B and soul band, Pisgah won best music venue in Black Mountain. The free post-Thanksgiving show starts at 9 p.m. with $2 Pisgah Pale all day.
• In a post-Thanksgiving funk? Greensboro’s The Mantras understand, what with their self-described “high-energy collaborative of funk-rock, electronica, metal, and fusion that will shake your knees and rattle your toes.” They play The Grey Eagle with Common Foundation and Cindercat. 9 p.m., $10.
• Asheville’s own Vertigo Jazz Project teams up with keyboardist/flutist Kofi Burbridge (of the Derek Trucks Band) for a performance at Asheville Music Hall. The evening also includes opener Overflow Jug Band, and a late-nigh set from Zansa. 10 p.m., $6 in advance or $8 at the door. Advance tickets here.
Sunday, Nov. 27
• In case you were wondering how The Bywater (that awesome backyard-party-by-the-river venue) was going to get through the coming season of indoor weather, they’ve gone an added a heated deck. In case you were wondering what to do with all of your Thanksgiving leftovers, you can bring them to said heated deck for a Bring Yer Leftovers post-Thanksgiving party. The dining is done pot-luck style. Miriam & the Passionistas (pictured) perform. 6-10 p.m.
• Thanksgiving weekend proves to be the homecoming of the Davids. Local folkie David Wilcox plays his annual Thanksgiving show at The Grey Eagle on Friday, Nov. 25 (see Smart Bets for more info) and then David LaMotte takes the stage on Sunday. For those who don’t know, LaMotte is a former local and a major player on the ‘90s folk scene of Asheville and Black Mountain. In addition to touring and singing, he is also a noted speaker and peace worker. Eliot Bronson opens 8 p.m. show. $12 advance or $15 day of show.
Is there not any non-music related events or daytime events going on?
actually the deck is covered, but not heated yet. they would love to have it heated, but it will be a few weeks at least
the Bywater-that is…….