Local arts leaders in various mediums identify up-and-coming or underseen peers that readers should be on the lookout for in 2021.
Asheville Fringe Arts Festival embraces digital format
The festival’s 19th edition features shows designed for online presentation, plus a few socially distanced outdoor events.
A&E Roundup: ‘Minari’ wins top honors from NC critics
Lee Isaac Chung’s ’80s-set drama wins four awards from the NCFCA, Jonathan Ammons releases a new album and more area arts news.
(HUMOR) Mime plot silenced
Proposed changes to the city noise ordinance were part of a nefarious, multiyear plot by mimes, hell-bent on monopolizing the vibrant arts scene with their quiet ways.
Dave Desmelik ruminates upon the months with “The Calendar Album”
With time on his hands, songwriter Dave Desmelik decided to complete a long-shelved project that focuses on the 12 months of the year — but not necessarily 2020.
Corrective lens: Edwin Arnaudin’s favorite articles in 2020
Our A&E Editor was inspired by creative work from social justice advocates and an increased sense of community.
New KISMET, Slow Packer and Carly Taich EPs share creative DNA
The three EPs were recorded at Cat’s Claw studio and feature brothers Mike Johnson and Jack Victor.
A&E Roundup: YMI, local artists celebrate Kwanzaa
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.
MOTHER HOOD and Joe Grisly combine talents on new album
Cliff B. Worsham and Joey Metcalf discuss bringing their long-held goal of a collaborative album to fruition.
Local hip-hop artists share messages of hope
“I believe I’m talented and gifted but because of my messages, a lot of times people will disregard it,” says hip-hop musician Kia Rice. “It’s evident that there aren’t a lot of artists who are faith-based who are given the opportunity or the stage to present their music to the community.”
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.
VIDEO PREMIERE: “Montana” by Hustle Souls
The Asheville-based soul rockers go poolside and underwater in their latest video.
Allan Day realizes new wave musical dreams after 40-year journey
In 1979, teenage guitarist Allan Day was inspired to write his own songs in the style of the Buzzcocks, the Ramones and other punk heroes. Now, in 2020, he’s finally recorded and released that album.
Show review: St. Paul and the Broken Bones
The Alabama-based soul rockers made history (twice) during the final show in The Grey Eagle’s drive-in series at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds.
C. Shreve the Professor releases first post-academia album
The Deep Gap-based hip-hop artist is benefiting from a full-time commitment to music.
CoThinkk reimagines the future at 5th annual grant awards
At its fifth annual award celebration, local giving circle CoThinkk reimagined the possibilities and recognized the work of community activists and leaders.
Laura Boswell taps into natural world on chamber-folk EP
Classical music informs the songwriting and arrangements of this Asheville chamber-folk artist.
VIDEO PREMIERE: “You Should Know” by Tü Koyote
The video for the latest collaboration between Jaze Uries and Ted Marks was directed by Asheville-based Anchor Heart Films.
Mike Martinez is grateful for friends in trying times
“I’m very grateful for the love and support from my community of friends. If not for them, I might have lost my mind completely this year. In my professional work, I’m grateful for space and time. Over the past year, our band has been able to get a space to be our most creative versions […]
Samara Jade, Awen Family Band release new albums
The itinerant singer/songwriter and the Asheville-based musical collective took decidedly different paths in crafting their latest works.
Show review: Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires
The husband-and-wife duo put on a high-quality show at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, but the overall audience experience has room for improvement.