This weekend on a shoestring

Thursday, June 6

• The first installment of Western Carolina University’s free concert series kicks off Thursday with the summery sounds of Asheville’s favorite surf/soul/rock outfit Floating Action. Performances are held on the UC lawn; UC Grand Room in case of rain. 7 p.m.

• From the author’s website, “David Sedaris is a playwright and a regular commentator for National Public Radio. He is also the author of the bestselling Barrel Fever, Naked, Holidays on Ice, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, When You Are Engulfed in Flames and Me Talk Pretty One Day. He travels extensively though Europe and the United States on lecture tours and lives in France.” The humorist and This American Life contributor visits Asheville for a stop at Malaprop’s, 55 Haywood St. Discussion is sold out, but free book signing and reception open to the public at 9 p.m.

• “After four years together, these very special and talented artists have honed their musical abilities as students of the uniquely cool Rock Academy,” begins an event page for the Rock and Roll Revue at Isis Restaurant and Music Hall. “Performing everywhere from Bele Chere to The Orange Peel, festivals and other top local venues, they’ve even headlined in the big holiday ‘Make A Wish’ Jam for the past two years. Rock Academy is compromised of three classes in high demand. Two teen bands and “Section 8,” our adult group, will perform from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. You will hear some of the best rock music ever recorded! Be prepared to be amazed!” 743 Haywood Road. $8 advance/$10 doors.

Friday, June 7

• “On June 7, guests will enjoy a guided tour and discussion of the current exhibition, PLAY, with museum education and curatorial staff,” according to the Asheville Art Museum. “Hosted on a monthly basis, Lunchtime Art Breaks are a unique and engaging opportunity for audiences of all ages to enjoy a guided tour and discussion of current exhibitions. These affordable events are often led by the curator or a featured artist of the exhibition. Art Breaks are held during the lunch hour, offering visitors and members a convenient and entertaining mid-day break at the museum.” 2 S. Pack Square. Noon. Free with membership or museum admission.

• Team ECCO Ocean Center and Aquarium offers the public a chance to visit the aquarium after dark during “Lite of the Moon.” “See how fish rest, change color and hide at night.” Flashlights provided. 511 Main St., Hendersonville. 6:30-8 p.m. Free; donations appreciated.

• From a Clubland feature in this week’s Xpress, “Apothecary hosts a night of subdued, experimental electronics featuring the melodic intricacies of Pressed And, ‘frenetic pop’ by It Is Rain in My Face, a solo performance by Alligator Indian’s Christian Church and the ‘psychedelic drowning’ of Onawa on Friday, June 7.” 39 S. Market St. 9 p.m. $3-$5.

Saturday, June 8

• The Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah National Forest will offer free admission in honor of National Get Outdoors Day. The afternoon will include skill teaching and demonstrations by the area’s outdoor recreation community, exploring nature and creating outdoors-inspired crafts. 11250 Highway 276. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

• From a Smart Bet in this week’s Xpress, “More than a year after a weekend-long film shoot at the Masonic Temple wrapped on Ben Lovett’s Black Curtain, the music video/short film is set to screen during a night of live music performances at Isis. A preview of the lush, dramatic video reveals a slick, professional work of art. But it’s also rife with mystery, dark magic and a stunt or two. A local cast and crew of 200 volunteers (and co-star cabaret performer Mandy Lauderdale) deliver chills and nuanced emotion in the Edwardian-themed eight-minute narrative. The Saturday, June 8 premiere includes a performance by contortionist Yanni, behind-the-scenes footage, original artwork and photography from the production. The John Henrys close the evening. 7 p.m., free.”  743 Haywood Road.
Story by Alli Marshall; Photo by Nate Dorn

• Comedians from Atlanta’s Laughing Skull Lounge will make a trek to the mountains for a showcase at The Orange Peel featuring Tanner Inman, Samm Severin, Ben Evans, Bob Place, Andrew George and Asheville’s own Cary Goff. Hosted by Kelly Row. 101 Biltmore Ave. 8 p.m. $8 advance/$10 door.

• The Grey Eagle hosts “Dogapalooza,” a fundraiser for Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, featuring performances by The Archrivals, Rory Kelly’s Triple Threat and Alarm Clock Conspiracy. More on the organization from The Grey Eagle’s website, “Brother Wolf Animal Rescue is our area’s largest no-kill adoption center and shelter which saves the lives of 3,000 animals each year. Our adoption center is one of a kind, open to the public 365 days a year. In addition to adoptions, our other life-saving programs, including our Northern Transport Program, our Help Me Heal program and our Humane Education program, help save lives and teach compassion to others.” 8 p.m. $8.