Community leaders and local musicians bring the annual celebration of African American culture online, a local screenwriter’s film debuts online and more area arts news.
A&E Roundup: Digital music showcases bring seasonal cheer
Asheville Music School and A Swannanoa Solstice go digital for the holidays, Moves places a song on TV and more area arts news.
Word on the Street establishes permanent home at Edington Center
The arts-based after-school program centers the leadership and creativity of Black and Brown youths ages 13-19.
Asheville Fringe Arts Festival’s summer series moves online
Fringe Digital Summer offers a virtual alternative. It returns via the Zoom conferencing platform on Wednesday, Aug. 19.
Asheville’s social dance scene practices social distancing
Solo dance workshops are especially accessible for quarantined dance enthusiasts and, Annie Erbsen points out, “There’s also still a lot of music being streamed.”
Videographer Ben Phantom combines music with modern dance
“Right now, I’m focused on putting out singles with music videos that tell stories,” says Asheville guitarist/singer/songwriter Ben Phantom, formerly known as Ben Phan.
ACDT launches Festival of New Dance
“This is an experiment for us to try a different concept with what’s called ‘new dance,’” says Susan Collard. “[It] involves a lot of projection, video and film, and almost everyone in this concert is using some type of collaboration with a filmmaker, a video projector or experimental music.”
Smart Bets: Flamenco Vivo
The acclaimed dance company performs at Diana Wortham Theatre, Feb. 14 and 15.
Asheville Fringe Arts Festival returns for its 18th year
More than 40 local and national acts are scheduled for this year’s Asheville Fringe. The four-day ticketed portion of the festival runs Thursday-Sunday, Jan. 23-26, with additional parties and free events taking place now through Sunday, Jan. 26.
Smart bets: Asheville Mardi Gras Twelfth Night
The party takes place at Eleven on Grove on Monday, Jan. 6.
WNC’s New Year’s Eve celebrations usher in the ’20s
Where will you welcome in the next decade? Check out Xpress’ extensive list of ideas.
Smart Bets: Jamie Laval’s Celtic Christmas
The holiday tradition returns to Asheville Community Theatre on Dec. 28.
Holiday-themed productions around Asheville
Local offerings range from classic ballets, poignant soul searches and snarky send-ups of this month of family drama and heightened emotions.
Smart Bets: Bannerman Folk Camp
The 50th edition of the annual folk dance camp returns to Blue Ridge Assembly, Nov. 28-Dec. 1.
Smart bets: Queer Prom
The “fabulous night of dancing and joy” takes place at Sly Grog Lounge on Saturday, Nov. 23.
Halloween events in and around WNC
With Halloween proper falling mid-week, the opportunities to celebrate span several days leading up to and following the quintessential autumnal observance.
Bold Mama Elle premieres her one-woman show
Combining dance, speaking and singing (to pre-recorded music), the one-woman show is “designed to push the edge of personal and collective freedom,” performer Elle Swan explains.
Smart Bets: BalletX
The Philly contemporary ballet company performs Oct. 11-12 at the Wortham Center.
Smart Bets: Lunsford Festival
The 52nd celebration of authentic mountain music and dance returns to Mars Hill University on Oct. 5.
Smart Bets: NC Dance Festival
The 29th season kicks off Oct. 4-5 at the BeBe Theatre.
Blue Ridge Pride Festival rolls out the welcome mat
“I find that, in Western North Carolina, the vast majority of people and institutions at least aspire to be welcoming,” says Blue Ridge Pride Executive Director Tina White.