This weekend on a shoestring

Thursday, March 1

• Shane Conerty fronts the indie pop trio Now You See Them regular fixture of the busking scene downtown. Lately, the singer-songwriter has been busy with an album of electronic remixes under the Leann Grimes moniker, which he describes as an “album inspired by music blogs” and “humble arrangements of bands that I really enjoy.” Catch Conerty returning to his acoustic roots during a solo performance at Black Mountain Ale House, 117-C Cherry St., Black Mountain. 6 p.m. Free.

Friday, March 2

• Nearly everyone enjoys a rich scoop of ice cream. So why not support a local business and a neighbor in need as The Hop, 640 Merrimon Ave. and 721 Haywood Road, hosts a fundraiser for three local men who lost everything in a house fire on Brevard Road last weekend. Ten percent of Saturday’s profits will help Parker Sloan, Grey Nelson and Adam Bowers get back on their feet. In addition, Altamont Brewing Company, 1042 Haywood Road, will host an afternoon of music, featuring members of Dehlia Low and Chompin’ at the Bit String Band, The Demijohn Varmits and more, to raise funds for the fire victims on Sunday, March 4 beginning at 4 p.m.

• “Kirsten Stolle makes abstract and often narrative paintings and drawings based on human and natural forms,” explains a page on The Artery‘s website. “Her pieces are built up using a variety of mediums: gouache, acrylic paint, ink, oil, graphite, collage and sometimes wax. She invents worlds that are frequently strange and ambiguous, owing much of her inspiration to ecological issues.” This weekend, the gallery celebrates the opening of Stolle’s latest exhibit, Genetically Commodified, “a series of nine narrative gouache/graphite/collage drawings of fantastical morphing dolls commenting on the unintended consequences of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The exaggerated doll bodies, a mash-up of biological forms (cells, viruses, bacterium) and colorful clothing (ribbons, bows, skirts, hats) aims to stimulate the curiosity of viewers by using a blend of the familiar and the strange, the organic and the manufactured and the imagined and the real.” Browse the works at an opening reception. 346 Depot St., River Arts District. 6-9 p.m.

• If you’ve been itching to make the leap from audience member to performer, here’s your chance. Every week, Wall Street Coffee House, 62 Wall St., invites performers of all genres to share music, poetry or other arts at its downtown location. So dust off that guitar, manuscript or poem and finally share it with the world. 9-11 p.m.

• From a feature in this week’s Xpress, “After five years of rehearsal, two years of touring, several months of recording — and one big name change — River Whyless has its first album. Formerly known as Do It To Julia, River Whyless is celebrating the album at CD release parties in Boone, its former home, and Asheville, its current address. A Stone, A Leaf, An Unfound Door is a concept album, built around the idea of the changing nature of relationships. And its creation is full of literary references. ‘There’s a saying that you can’t step into the same river twice,’ violinist Halli Anderson says. ‘We like that because it means you have to embrace change. ‘Whyless’ is in a poem by E.E. Cummings. It’s a serious word, but it doesn’t have a definition. We just like the question it puts in people’s mind when they hear it.’ … River Whyless recorded much of the album in an old house that lead singer O’Keefe’s uncle has on Martha’s Vineyard, with high ceilings and interesting acoustics. Anderson, a classically trained violinist, played her parts in a tiled bathroom that echoed, giving her just the kind of sound the band was looking for. O’Keefe, who recorded the album, found other rooms and miked them for similarly haunting sounds. What the band (bass and banjo player Matt Rossino is the fourth member) ended up with is an album that puts listeners in a contemplative mood, one that brings up memories semi-cherished and half hidden.” Help the band celebrate its latest effort at a star-studded release party featuring opening performances by Kovacs and the Polar Bear and Little Tybee. Held at The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave. $8 in advance. 9 p.m.

• Albert Adams is anything but straightforward. For starters, Albert Adams is a duo, not a solo act. It’s experimental drum and bass-driven rock is laced with squealing synth and frantic keys, resulting in a sound that’s as infectious as it is gritty. But don’t let the band’s quirky sense of humor and appreciation for the silly fool you; Jordan Adams and Thomas McNeely are serious about rocking, and they’re seriously good at it. Catch the duo at The LAB, 39 N. Lexington Ave., with The Critters and Free Lunch. 10 p.m. $5.

Saturday, March 3

• From a synopsis of A Seeker’s Guide to Inner Peace, “Inspired by the works of Eckhart Tolle, Byron Katie, Adyashanti and many other well-known (and not so well-known) spiritual teachers, this book chronicles the journey of a man enamored with the idea of Enlightenment. Not only are the great wisdom teachings of Advaita brought to life in this book, the inspirations, meditations and revelations experienced by the author are also eloquently expressed. This book is written in such a way that it appeals to those who have been actively seeking spiritual Enlightenment, as well as those who only have a mild curiosity. The teachings and experiences shared in this book are actually lessons on how to live a happier and more peaceful life. Since this book shares real life experiences with which most of us can relate, it also serves as a road map to bring about a deeper understanding of what Awakening means in our daily lives.” Join author and Asheville native Trey Carland as he reads from his guide at City Lights Bookstore, 3 East Jackson St., Sylva. 2 p.m.

• Browse works by students, learn craft techniques during hands-on workshops and observe live demonstrations by current faculty at Penland School of Crafts’ community open house, 67 Dora’s Trail, Penland. All ages are welcome. More about the school, from its website, “Penland School of Crafts is a national center for craft education dedicated to helping people live creative lives. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Penland offers one-, two-, and eight-week workshops in books and paper, clay, drawing, glass, iron, metals, photography, printmaking and letterpress, textiles and wood. The school also offers artists’ residencies, community collaboration programs and a gallery and information center.” 1-5 p.m. Free.

• It’s not often we bring you events at The Orange Peel, but this weekend, the nationally-lauded venue hosts The Crunksters Ball 2012, a “wondrous multi-media environment with mind bending visuals and cosmic decor” that’s just within our budget. An event page invites locals to “wear your crunkest attire and come ready to get down to the dankest dubstep, future bass and psychedelic crunk!” Featured performers include GalaxC Girl, Tha Dub Brothaz, Quetzatl, Graviton Project, Johan Ess and more. $10 in advance. 9 p.m.

Sunday, March 4

• St. Matthias Episcopal Church continues its ongoing classical music series this weekend with the Asheville Cello Choir, who will perform works by O’Brien, Rabinowitz and Leyden. 3 p.m. Free-will offering.