In 1949, poet Langston Hughes spoke at the Allen High School in Asheville. One of the students in attendance was Eunice Waymon, later known professionally as Nina Simone. In time, the poet and the singer developed a unique relationship, which author and N.C. State University professor W. Jason Miller is currently documenting in an online archive, Backlash Blues: Nina Simone and Langston Hughes.
A recent collaboration between the Buncombe County Special Collections and local nonprofit Engaging Collections creates greater awareness and visibility of Asheville’s African American music and art.
“When All God’s Children Get Together” emerged from the 624-page book by the same name, written in 2015 by Andrews-based artist and public speaker Ann Miller Woodford.
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.
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.
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.
“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.”
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.