This weekend on a shoestring

Thursday, June 21

• The Artery, 346 Depot St., invites the public to bring art supplies and draw a sculpture by Susannah Zucker as part of the ongoing Drink and Draw series. Alcohol will be available for purchase; free to attend. 6-9 p.m. Info and registration: hillary@ashevillearts.com.

• The Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center, MP 384, hosts a family night, featuring ranger-led presentations on the survival strategies of Parkway animals, games and more. 7-8:30 p.m. Free. Info and registration: 298-5330. 

Friday, June 22

• From a press release, “A Culture of Resistance Roadshow will be coming to Asheville on June 22! A traveling group of activists from Deep Green Resistance (DGR), on a tour of the Southeast, will speak at Firestorm Café and Books … They will advocate a new strategy for resistance to industrial capitalism. ‘We will speak about topics ranging from a radical feminist analysis of environmentalism to strategic planning for application of political force,’ says DGR organizer Xander Knox.” 5 p.m. Free.

• From a website for Waynesville‘s Mountain Street Dance series, “Dances are held Friday evenings, 6:30-9 p.m., in front of the historic Haywood County Courthouse. The Main Street area, immediately in front of the courthouse, is closed to traffic and parking at 5 p.m. Instead of the usual cars‚ attendees will find a stage, bleachers and asphalt covered with a thick dusting of corn meal to create a dance area. Bring a lawn chair or blanket; limited bleacher seating is available. Bring your dancin’ shoes but please leave pets at home as they are not allowed by Town ordinance. Light refreshments are available at the venue for purchase and downtown restaurants are open for dinner. Lively instructions are given by master of ceremonies and dance caller, Joe Sam Queen, who, throughout the evening, teaches audience members some basic square dancing in the traditional Appalachian style. Each night features a bluegrass band, performances by a local clogging team and intermission entertainment by The Trantham Family.” Free.

• From a feature in this week’s Xpress, “Antique Firearms is an amalgamation of tastes, influences and proclivities toward experimentation, but there are also certain consistencies that serve as a foundation to the sound. There’s a moody, atmospheric quality — kind of Mazzy Star and kind of Sparklehorse — and a velvety lushness that underscores each song on the band’s self-titled full-length, whether the tempo is a waltz (‘Something’s Wrong’) or a languid rocker (‘Crooked Grin’).” The band headlines a local showcase at The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave., with Red Honey and The Hermit Kings. 9 p.m. $5.
Story by Alli Marshall

• Oleander Tea Co. is salty and sweet,” according to the band’s bio. “Steeped in solid groove, with a dynamic rock foundation, OTC is ready to take you on a musical journey of epic proportions. Every member contributes a bit of their own savory flavor to this dark, sunny mix. From the soulful melodies to the pulse pounding rhythms, this will not be a blend you will soon forget. No sleepytime remedy here my friends. Nothing short of solid gold fun!” The local rock/soul quartet plays One Stop Deli and Bar, 55 College St., with The Leigh Glass Band. 10 p.m. $5.

Saturday, June 23

• The Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy will host a day of free guided hikes in the Highlands of Roan, including a birding hike, yoga class, kids’ play day in the creek and ridgeline hikes to see flowering plants. Light refreshments and fellowship will be held at Roan Mountain State Park before and after the hikes. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Info, exact locations and registration available here or at 253-0095, ext. 205.

• The Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center‘s Outdoor Adventure Day will feature a hike for kids, games with rangers, music by Appalachian Fire and campfire cooking. Free to attend; food from The Hop and Gypsy Queen Cuisine available for purchase. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Info: 298-5330.

• From a website for Asheville Art in the Park, an outdoor market of local handcrafted goods, “At the event you are sure to find the finest in handcrafted art that Asheville area artists have to offer. Skilled workers of glass, ceramics, wood, jewelry and metal make their shops open to display to the public at every market. Positioned in the center of downtown Asheville, the market has created over $200,000 in needed income for area artists. Many artists return to the market to welcome customers that return each year.” Held throughout Pack Square Park. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free to attend.

• Find out if there are treasures hiding in your attic as the Council on Aging for Henderson County presents an antique appraisal fair at 97 Etowah Shopping Center, off Highway 64. $5 per item or $10 for three.