This weekend on a shoestring

Thursday, March 15

• Take advantage of some instant karma as The Nature Conservancy hosts the latest in its ongoing series of Work and Learn parties, an opportunity for volunteers to pick up free training in exchange for their help. This week’s session will feature a workshop on nature photography, followed by invasive species removal at Bat Cave Preserve. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Info and registration: mtns_volunteers@tnc.org or 350-1431, ext105.

• “A 40-something single mom from the north buys a home in a small southern town, anticipating a cozier life for her and her daughter,” begins a synopsis of Tazerized: Neighborhood walk ends in police brutality. “She has no interest in her town’s police department or courthouse until police brutality rocks her world and a battle begins. The battle pulls her in a new direction and opens her up to a calling, if she can learn how to reach out for help and believe in herself.” Join author Kyle Ann Ross at Malaprop’s Bookstore, 55 Haywood St., as she discusses her ordeal, answers questions from the audience and signs copies of the book. 7 p.m. Free.

Friday, March 16

• Support the local metal scene (and fill your headbanging quota for the week) as Lifecurse celebrates the release of its latest album, Prophecies, with a performance at The Garage at Biltmore, 101 Fairview Road. Burnstitch, SkinKage, MayLay and Too Big for Castles open. 8:30 p.m. $7.

• The Boiler Room, 11 Grove St., hosts an eclectic evening of hip-hop, electronic beats and freestyling, with standup comedy and more, to celebrate the release of True Believers’ (MC Bobby White and DJ Relik) latest album. Hosted by Vinnie the Creep and featuring performances by Bass Harp, Buck Hunt and P.R.O.. 9 p.m. $7 includes free CD.

• “Dopapod exists at the crossroads of full-throttle intensity, deep-pocket groove, intricate technicality and limitless experimentation,” begins the band’s bio. “With no regard towards limiting themselves to stylistic boundaries, the sound that emerges from the quartet both live and in the studio is as varied and diverse as the many influences that they adapt from. Their approach and commitment to complementing a distinct genre-bending sound to top-notch musicianship has set them apart from many of their contemporaries and keeps music lovers eagerly returning to shows.” Catch the jam/fusion outfit at Emerald Lounge, 112 N. Lexington Ave., with Agobi Project. 10 p.m. $8.

Saturday, March 17

• Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day the family-friendly way as downtown Hendersonville hosts its annual March of the Leprechauns, featuring outdoor music, food, a children’s playland and beer from Southern Appalachian Brewery. Held throughout downtown. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free.

• It should come as no surprise that Jack of the Wood takes St. Patrick’s Day seriously. This year, the pub celebrates with a blowout festival, featuring performances by Cutthroat Shamrock, The Pipefitters, The Whiskey Gentry, Chompin’ at the Bit Stringband, Cedric Burnside and more. Music begins at noon and continues throughout the night. Free in the afternoon/$10 after 9 p.m.

• From an event page for the Get Lucky Fashion Festival, presented by The Circle, “‘Fashion at the Circle focuses on upcycled, locally made, sustainable and affordable works of wearable art,’ said owner Shannon Covart. ‘We’re really excited about showing off all of the unique gear that these local designers work so hard to make. It’s fun, unique and totally Asheville.’ … Show kicks off at 6 p.m. with an opening act by River’s Flow and children’s runway. The main runway show will start around 7 p.m. DJ Painter John will be mixing up the tunes and painting his heart out. Hope to see you at this free community event. Peace, love and lots of luck!” Held at the WNC Community Center, 312 Haywood Road. 6-9 p.m.

• Bluesy roots-rock outfit Rooster Scratch can work a harmonica and a world-weary guitar riff. There are shades of Black Diamond Heavies and Tom Petty in these tracks, a certain charming lost cause brokenness that marks it as drinking music with a poetic soul. Led by singer-songwriter Todd Jones, the band performs an acoustic show at Firestorm Cafe, 48 Commerce St. 8 p.m. Free.

• Drone out to found sounds, guitar wails and carefully-constructed feedback loops as Asheville-based Bathetic Records celebrates the release of three new cassettes at Izzy’s Coffee Den, 74 N. Lexington Ave., featuring performances by local artists Villages, Merryl and Difference Clouds. 10 p.m.