This weekend on a shoestring

Thursday, Jan. 31

• “This January 31st, we will kick off a campaign of awareness as we build toward the Wave Around the World, where at noon on Sept. 21st, 2013, people across all 38 time zones will join together and physically stand up for peace and solidarity,” according to a release for Folk Cabaret: Stand Up for Peace. “There will be music, spoken word, art, food and drink, all provided by local musicians, artists and friends. Let’s talk about all of the different ways we each see the need for peace. This will be a celebration of what building peaceful and joyful community looks like. Invite your friends and neighbors. Come be part of the magic, and if you’re inspired, get up there and share what peace means to you.” Hosted by Timo’s House, 5 Biltmore Ave. Free. Info: rachel.fifer@gmail.com.

• “While post-punk is the most obvious classification for Grass Widow’s sound, there are also nods to surf-rock, gospel and straight-up indie-rock,” according to an event page for the band’s upcoming performance at Emerald Lounge, 112 N. Lexington Ave. “No matter what the genre, the harmoniously sweet combination of the trio’s vocals is what makes Internal Logic sparkle. Even though there are often melodies on top of melodies, they are never muddled or claustrophobic; instead they seem to reflect off of each other, opening up the musical space and creating a lightness that is in keeping with the cosmic theme. While this tactic is used on Grass Widow’s previous albums as well, on Internal Logic the overlapping feels less like interrupting backing vocals fighting for the lead and more like three equal parts of the same conversation. It is appropriate, then, that the album is titled Internal Logic, as that type of three-way inner monologue is exactly what it takes to create such balanced vocals on each track.” That’s a Thing and Dos Tornados open. 9 p.m. $8.

Friday, Feb. 1

•  “Magnetic Midnight is a magical, mysterious, monthly event in which the best of The Magnetic Theatre meets the best of you,” according to The Magnetic Field. “Arrive at 10 p.m. to participate with an original script, song, dance or routine no more than five minutes long, or if you wish to act or direct. Up to 13 acts accepted as they appear. Each month we also have a featured act and an opening song which kicks off the evening. Magnetic Midnight usually sells out — so arrive early!” Show begins at 11 p.m. 372 Depot St. $5.

• From Selling It for a Song, a feature in this week’s Xpress, “‘Can you squeeze art into commerce?’ asks John Jeter, author of Rockin’ a Hard Place: Flats, Sharps and Other Notes from a Misfit Music Club Owner. ‘I have serious doubts that you really can.’ Jeter has spent nearly 20 years as co-owner of live music venue The Handlebar in Greenville, S.C. Rockin’ recounts the hard lessons Jeter has learned as a self-taught talent buyer and promoter. Which sounds cool, and more than a little bit glamorous (the Handlebar has hosted legends like Joan Baez and up-and-comers like Sugarland and The Zac Brown Band when those acts were just getting started). In fact, Rockin’ is a cautionary tale.

“So is Clive: Working for the Man in the Age of Vinyl by Asheville-based author Don Silver. (Silver joins Jeter and writer Michael Supe Granda at the Malaprop’s event ‘Three Music Biographies’ this week.) That memoir recalls the two years Silver spent working in artists and repertoire (aka A&R) for Arista Records under the tutelage of music industry executive Clive Davis. ‘Clive didn’t believe a record would or wouldn’t be a hit. He knew,’ Silver writes of the man who inspired his foray into hit-making — a foray inspired by a love of music. It was the late ‘70s, Silver was in his early 20s and living in New York City: ‘I was one of maybe 50 people in the country with a job that everyone I met found fascinating. I got into any club I wanted and was generally treated like a rock star,’ he writes.”

Jeter, Silver and author Michael Supe Granda present their music-themed novels, followed by a book signing, at Malaprop’s, 55 Haywood St. 7 p.m. Free. 
Story by Alli Marshall

• “Are you a talented Transylvania County kid between the ages of 10 and 17?” asks a page for the Transylvania Community Arts Council’s Performing Arts Talent Competition. The event will feature local youth performing music, dance, theater, poetry and more, evaluated by “professional judges” at the TC Arts Council, 349 S. Caldwell St., Brevard. 7 p.m. $5. 

Saturday, Feb. 2

• “The circus is coming to town with an anti-bullying message for your youngest grades,” begins a synopsis of Bright Star Touring Theatre‘s Bella Under the Bullying Bigtop. “Under the bigtop, things are not going well. A new monkey would rather spend his time bullying the performers than building friendships. Ringmaster Bella works with the audience to come up with a number of anti-bullying tools to help teach the monkey kindness while stressing teamwork, compassion and respect.” The company presents the story at Asheville Community Theatre, 35 E. Walnut St., followed by a performance of the educational story Harriet Tubman. 10 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. $5 per show.

• The Westville Pub, 777 Haywood Road, hosts a Tom Waits tribute night, “featuring shenanigans and a night a of music by Asheville’s own Asheville Waits Band. AWB is an inebriated tribute to the great Tom Waits in all his strange brilliance. Mixing musical and theatrical themes. New songs, old songs and everything in between.” 9:30 p.m. $5.

• ”Angela Perley and the Howlin’ Moons formed in 2009 after Angela’s homemade demos, which were wrapped in brown paper lunch bags, caught the ear of Fred Blitzer from Vital Music USA. … Fred was drawn to Angela’s vision, unique style and rootsy, soulful songwriting. He called up musicians Chris Connor (guitar) and Bill Zehnal (bass) to check out Angela’s music, and they immediately began recording a four-part EP series which culminated with their latest EP, Nowhere Is Now Here.  … With underlying roots in old-time country, it’s hard to put Angela Perley and the Howlin’ Moons in one category because they are always evolving and pushing musical boundaries with their songs and unique sound. The group takes on rockabilly, Americana, blues and alt-country, and have an energy that is captivating, fresh and haunting.” The band plays an Asheville double header with shows at Jack of Hearts, 10 S. Main St., 8:30 p.m., and Jack of the Wood, 95 Patton Ave., midnight. Free and $7, respectively.

Sunday, Feb. 3

• “Furthering the mission of bringing a broad range of fine orchestral music to a broad audience, the Blue Ridge Orchestra Chamber Players perform chamber works in smaller venues than those which are accessible to a 70-piece orchestra,” according to an event page. Catch the ensemble, along with the Apollo Winds Woodwind Quintet, performing works by Vivaldi, Mozart and Bach at Deerfield Retirement Community’s St. Giles Chapel, 1617 Hendersonville Road. 4 p.m. Donations encouraged.

• “Join us as we interpret rare compositions and enhance the already stunning acoustics of St. Matthias Episcopal Church,” invites the Pan Harmonia classical music series. “This Sunday’s selections include modern music rarities from Charles Koechlin, Robert Muczynski and Mabel Daniels. We predict the sound quality will be wonderful!” 3 p.m. Donations encouraged.