“How do we bring literature to the spaces where people already are?” asks Jacqui Castle, an author and Lit Local Mini Bookshops.
Theater review: ‘Elf: The Musical’ sparkles like tinsel
‘Elf: The Musical’ returns to the Asheville Community Theatre for a second consecutive year. Also returning is actor Carson Fox in the lead role of Buddy.
Orbit DVD celebrates 20th anniversary
Staying afloat for 20 years hasn’t been without its challenges. But Marc McCloud’s credo of “Adapt or die” has helped Orbit DVD weather many a storm.
Xmas Jam by Day spotlights local talent
The annual event takes place Dec. 9 at Asheville Music Hall, The One Stop and Jack of the Wood.
Around town: Warren Haynes’ Christmas Jam returns for 32nd year
Christmas Jam returns for its 32nd year. Plus, SART offers “pay-what-you-wish” tickets for its annual Christmas revue; 250 nativity sets on display; and more.
Four of a Kind: Lucario Clemens discusses the local DJ scene
The DJ talks new projects and the city’s music scene.
Best Medicine: Thanksgiving is over, but the leftovers remain
Cayla Clark leads the way for this month’s “Best Medicine.” Thanksgiving leftovers, winter temperatures and dating are among the items discussed.
Four of a Kind: Missy Bell on the local film scene
The filmmaker talks new projects and the city’s moviemaking scene.
Playbill Picks: December local theater highlights
If you’re a fan of local theater, Western North Carolina offers plenty of options.
The story behind Asheville’s reputation as a bonsai destination
“The way [my bonsai] are constructed, it’s not based on what I was taught or what the books tell you to do,” says Arthur Joura, bonsai curator at The N.C. Arboretum. “It’s based on what I’ve seen in my own experience and run through the filter of my knowledge of art.
Four of a Kind: Heather Maloy shares insights on the local dance scene
The choreographer talks new projects and the city’s dance scene.
Around town: Artsville Collective goes virtual
An Asheville arts collective launches a virtual gallery. Plus, a rock-and-roll exhibition returns for round two; UNCA’s art sale; and more.
A lifelong resident’s passion for preserving Bascom Lamar Lunsford’s legacy
“What I’m doing is preserving this important piece of Western North Carolina regional history,” says Whitney Ponder, who purchased a property previously owned by Bascom Lamar Lunsford. “This man did so much for traditional Appalachian music here and throughout the whole region.”
Around town: Local artist pens a children’s book
Asheville sumi-e artist releases a children’s book. Plus, a local teen will dance in the Big Apple; one more weekend to visit a Cherokee mask exhibit; and more.
Behind the scenes of ‘A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas’
The annual holiday extravaganza returns for its seventh year, Nov. 24-Dec. 21.
Whatever it takes: Addressing racism and justice
“Both collaborations with the Vance Birthplace and the Mountain History and Culture Group have been the purest representations of the work we want to do, existing in the intersection of art and activism,” says Aaron Snook, co-founder and curator of America Myth Center
12 Baskets Café’s arts programs build community
The nonprofit’s writing, craft and visual arts groups forge a strong sense of belonging among participants.
Around town: A psychedelic circus comes to town
A local rock band’s musical circus at Asheville Music Hall. Plus, Asheville’s annual holiday parade; a new album from Blue Ridge Music Trails; and more.
Asheville Pizza up for sale after 25-year run
Mike Rangel reflects on the business’ run and the decision to sell the Merrimon Avenue location.
Poet Evan Gray writes against Appalachian stereotypes in debut collection
“I think some folks definitely have assumptions about what makes a book or a poem ‘Appalachian.’ I find most Appalachian writing buying into some of the marketable stereotypes from the region instead of saying or doing anything interesting,” says poet Evan Gray. “I’m not interested in that.”
Steep Canyon Rangers and Pinkeye release new albums
The bluegrass stalwarts welcome a new member while the punks put out their first EP.