This weekend on a shoestring

Thursday, July 28

• The Mountain Protectors Action Alliance invites the public to join “fellow activists working to protect theses ancient mountains from the threat of nuclear waste transport and storage” at a bonfire picnic and meeting at 26 Ivy St. in North Asheville. Vegetarian food and drinks will be provided. Bring a folding chair or blanket. 6-9 p.m. Free. RSVP: monticanow@yahoo.com.

• According to Firestorm Cafe (48 Commerce Street, 255-8115), “Most widely known as the harpist collaborator with mewithoutYou and Anathallo, Timbre‘s solo project is a distinctly unique musical experience. She combines the sounds of harp with a gentle soprano voice … Her live performances are always met with an awed hush, whether it be in front of thousands of people at a festival or in a music venue or a bar, and are most often described as breathtaking and enchanting.” 8 p.m.

Friday, July 29

• “Vincent’s Missing Ear plays upbeat indie pop infused with a healthy dose of elegant counterpoint, Dylanesque lyrics and thoroughly catchy melodies,” according to its bio. Catch the local quartet this weekend at MoDaddy’s (77 Biltmore Ave., 258-1550). 10 p.m. $5.

• Cusses’ Facebook profile describes the band as “weirdo bllsy guitar stuff,” but its music is more along the lines of dark and dissonant hard rock with a heavy dose of howling fuzz. The Savannah natives spent the week recording at Echo Mountain and will end their stay in Asheville with a performance at The LAB (39 North Lexington Avenue, 252-0212). Wages and The Treatment open. 10 p.m.

• There’s been a lot of talk about the lack of hip-hop in the official Bele Chere lineup, but that’s not to say that there will be no hip-hop in Asheville this weekend. If you’re seeking an MC fix, check the the One Stop Deli and Bar‘s Local Hip-Hop Showcase, featuring Neck Breaka Society, Crazyhorse and Colston, Bobby White, Campaign and PyInfamous. 55 College St. 10 p.m. $5.

Saturday, July 30

• “Join us at Reems Creek Nursery (70 Monticello Road in Weaverville) to discover how to attract one of nature’s most beautiful creatures into your yard — butterflies!” invites the nursery’s website. “Butterfly gardens can be as simple as a container on your deck, or you can purposely plant an oasis of nectar-producing blooms in your yard that butterflies can’t resist. Find out about plant selection, butterfly habitat requirements and more.” 10 a.m. Free, but registration is requested: 645-3937.

• Looking for a tougher winged insect? The N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation invites you to “join Park Ranger Jamie Cameron for an expedition to identify the dragonfly species of Lake James State Park. Dragonflies are a colorful and diverse tribe of predatory insects, many of which can be identified by thoughtful examination with the use of binoculars and a field guide. Help us document and better understand the dragonfly population at the park. It promises to be an exciting morning of discovery. Meet Jamie in the breezeway at the Paddy’s Creek Area park office at 2:00 p.m. and come prepared for a short hike around the parking area retention ponds and lakefront trails.” Free.

• When people hear Nashville, they tend to think modern country, ten gallon hats and two-for-one cowboy boots. Think again. Music City’s Space Capone is about as far from country as it gets. This seven-to-eight member powerhouse of ‘70s-inspired funk, soul and R&B comes complete with a full horn section and backup singers. The band brings its retro stylings to Wild Wing Cafe (161 Biltmore Ave., 253-3066) with local soul rockers The Broadcast. 10 p.m. $5.

• Need a break from the madness of Bele Chere? Escape to the west side for the upbeat indie folk and playful stage banter of Now You See Them. Last year, the band performed as part of the festival’s official Sunday lineup, a show that ended with the band joining the crowd for its final number after an approaching storm knocked out power to the stage. That shouldn’t be an issue this time around as the band performs in the comfort of the Westville Pub (777 Haywood Road, 225-9782). 10 p.m.