This weekend on a shoestring

Thursday, Nov. 11

• Malaprops Bookstore (55 Haywood Street, 254-6734) hosts a reading by Chaplain Patrick McLaughlin, a Lutheran pastor who served two deployments in Iraq and recounts his experiences in No Atheists in Foxholes: Reflections and Prayers from the Front. Says the event’s website, “A fervent believer in prayer, he says, ‘We must all learn to pray for peace and then become an answer to that prayer.’” 7 p.m. Free.

• Catch local rock favorites The Enemy Lovers at their free weekly Stella Blue residency (31 Patton Avenue, 236-2424). The band recently told the Xpress, “The night will consist of music by The Enemy Lovers and eventually others as we begin to feature multiple artists from across the region.” The hope is to establish “a community of artists creating and performing original music together with no initial form or restraint.  We want to provide a time where the creative music culture of Asheville can come together and interact live.” 9 p.m. Free.

Friday, Nov. 12

• The UNCA Art Department hosts an exhibition of paintings and prints by seniors Giedre Krulikas, Stephanie Coppola and Emily Cocherham in the S. Tucker Cooke Gallery of Owen Hall. Opening reception at 6 p.m. Free. More info at 251-6559.

• While you’re in the neighborhood, swing by Lipinsky Auditorium and check out the UNCA Dance Program’s 13th annual “Everybody Can-Can,” a benefit for MANNA FoodBank featuring “more than 100 dancers from the University and the community performing a wide variety of genres, including contemporary, hip hop, step, Bhangra, jazz, African, tap, ballroom and Middle Eastern.” 7:30 p.m. $5 or four canned goods. More info at 232-5652.

• Local psychedelic power-poppers The Alarm Clock Conspiracy drop by the Boiler Room (11 Grove Street, 505-1612) for a performance with Men From Uncle and Fifth House. “Our common thought of a further existence to this existence,” reads the band’s MySpace, “compounded with a contumacious belief system, have become the bases of our way of life, and our music. The ‘conspiracy’ which we speak of, is the conspiracy that all humans must awake to a bellowing alarm clock each morning, only to rush off to work at a job that they truly hate. We are the the spearheads of a revolution against day jobs everywhere.” 10 p.m. $5.

Saturday, Nov.13

• 16 Patton Fine Art Gallery (16 Patton Avenue, 236-2889) hosts an opening reception for Reflections, a solo exhibition by Lori Gene along with a separate exhibition of paintings and drawings by students and staff of the Fine Arts League of the Carolinas. 6-8 p.m. Free.

• This event only happens twice a year, so be sure not to miss the River Arts District Studio Stroll, featuring the work of more than 140 local artists. The event boasts “painters, potters, sculptors, weavers, photographers, jewelers, woodworkers, great food & more … all in revitalized old factories and warehouses along the French Broad River, just minutes from downtown,” according to the website. Ride between studios for free in the Asheville Historic Trolley. Saturday, Nov. 13 and Sunday, Nov. 14. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free.

• Firestorm Cafe invites you to a screening of The Witness, a documentary examining human/animal relationships, with a Q&A session to follow. Reads the film’s website, “How does a construction contractor from a tough Brooklyn neighborhood become an impassioned animal advocate? In the award-winning documentary The Witness, Eddie Lama explains how he feared and avoided animals for most of his life, until the love of a kitten opened his heart, inspiring him to rescue abandoned animals and bring his message of compassion to the streets of New York. With humor and sincerity, Eddie tells the story of his remarkable change in consciousness.” 3 p.m. Free.

• They may not be old enough to drink, but that won’t keep Skinny Legs & All from rocking out the bars. With members ranging in age from 14-19, skepticism is understandable, but, says their MySpace, “Don’t let their ages fool you — they are ‘making waves’ on the local music scene knocking out rockin’ originals and youthful renditions of classic blues, funk and soul. These gifted performers deliver lip smacking, dance inspiring, mood altering grooves with strong soulful vocals that will lead you on a journey from a slow shuffle to booty grooving madness.” Catch them at TallGary’s (4 College Street, 232-0809).

** Rock out and help a family in need as Mike’s Side Pocket hosts a benefit for a local mother who lost everything in a recent home fire. Three local acts — Loose Blues, Twisted and Jay Henderson — provide the tunes, ranging from metal to the blues. $2.

Sunday, Nov. 14

• Are you a vinyl junkie? Then you won’t want to miss this one. Harvest Records and Tomentosa Records present the 4th Annual Asheville Sound Swap, featuring “40 tables of vinyl, vinyl & MORE VINYL (& some cds too!) for you fiends & freaks out there. Many of the region’s finest record stores, record dealers & record nerds converge for an all-out extravaganza of rare vinyl, not-so-rare vinyl, all the missing pieces in your collection, and all the analog warmth to let you swim in sonic sweetness, dancing next to your turntable.” 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Grey Eagle (185 Clingman Avenue, 232-5800). Free.