Thursday, July 26
• “While managing a bookstore in Kansas in the 1980s, Carolyn Sakowski noticed that a book about traveling the backroads of Colorado sold consistently well,” begins the author’s bio. “When she returned to her native North Carolina, she decided to write a similar book about the mountains of North Carolina. … As her research progressed, each of the 21 tours that make up Touring the Western North Carolina Backroads took on a life of its own. By the time the book was published in 1990, Sakowski had written a popular history of the entire western section of North Carolina — most of which can be relived by driving some of the finest scenic byways in America. … Now, more than 20 years later, Sakowski drove more than 4,000 miles to update the same tours for the third edition of what has become a classic travel guide for the area.” Meet the author when Sakowski visits the Henderson County Public Library, 301 N Washington St., to discuss the book. 2 p.m. Free. Info: 697-4725.
• From the band’s bio, “The Honeycutters are, at the heart, the musical collaboration of singer-songwriter Amanda Anne Platt and lead guitarist/producer Peter James. While their sound has drawn comparisons to such artists as Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris or Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, Platt and James produce a refreshingly unique blend of Americana music that is comfortingly familiar while being entirely original. Whether performing as an acoustic duo or a full fledged honky-tonk five piece, The Honeycutters leave smiles on the faces of the ears that they catch.” The band performs a free concert at Lake Tomahawk, 401 Lake Circle Drive, Black Mountain, as part of the Park Rhythms concert series. 6 p.m.
The Honeycutters for My Side of the Mountain from Jesse Hamm on Vimeo.
Friday, July 27
• Not one for crowds? Escape the Bele Chere madness on a moderate, 3.2-mile hike along the Big Butt Trail, culminating at the top of Point Misery. Trip departs from Walker Knob Overlook, MP 359 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Bring water and hiking shoes and be prepared for inclement weather. Info: 298-5330.
• “Pushing deep into the wilderness, William Linville and his son would give their lives near the river and the spectacular waterfall that still bears their names today,” according to an event page for Mountain Murder Mysteries: Death on the Long Hunt. “Join the ranger to learn how they met their tragic end.” Presented at Linville Falls Campground Amphitheater, MP 316 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Free. Info: 765-6082.
• If you’re still not eager to head back to town, join Blue Ridge Parkway Rangers for “Where the Wild Things Are,” a presentation on snakes, spiders and bears. Held at Crabtree Falls Campground Amphitheater, MP 340 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Free. Info: 765-6082.
• Disclaimer Underground Comedy presents an evening of free stand-up with Chelcie Rice, “Atlanta-based diabetic comedian and co-host of The Connected Comedy Podcast. Creator of the blog How to Suck at Comedy and Sugar Free Comedy.” More, from the comedian’s Facebook page, “Originally from Toccoa, Ga., most of my influences are from classic comedians like Godfrey Cambridge, Redd Foxx, Don Rickles, Nipsey Russell and Flip Wilson. I got my start the typical way — by letting my friends talk me into trying stand-up comedy.” Held at Elaine’s Piano Bar in the Grove Park Inn, 290 Macon Ave. Free. 8:15 p.m.
Saturday, July 28
• Interested in a festival without all the chaos and boozing? The Greater Ivy Community Citizens Association, in cooperation with 10 local churches, hosts an all-day, family-friendly celebration featuring a country breakfast, flea market, lunch, inflatables, singing and more at the Beech Glen Community Center, 2936 Beech Glen Road, Mars Hill. 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Free to attend/$5 breakfast/$7 lunch/$5 inflatables. Info: 206-4663 or andersnanc@gmail.com.
• WNC has seen plenty of rain this season, but there’s no telling what next week brings. Join the Leicester Garden Club for a program on drought tolerant plants at the Leicester Library, 1561 Alexander Road. Complimentary refreshments provided. 1-3 p.m. Free. Info: LGCmember@yahoo.com or 683-7159.
• Tod’s Tasties, 102 Montford Ave., hosts a closing party for an exhibition of paintings by Veronika Tuskowski, Taylor Rae Bunch and Eleonore Malarchik, featuring “live art demonstrations, a group interactive art project, chair massages, dance parties and surprises,” according to an event page. A portion of proceeds benefits Bela Watson’s medical expenses. Free to attend. 6-10 p.m.
• Full Momentum Wrestling presents an action-packed evening of athletic theatrics featuring Randy Wayne, Joey Agony, Dirty, White Mike, Brotherhood, Luscious LeAnn, Big Jim and more. Held at the Fairview Community Center, 1357 Charlotte Highway. $5/$2 children ages 6-10/children 5 and under free. 8 p.m.
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