Both local artists host an opening reception at Woolworth Walk Friday, Jan. 8, from 4 to 6 p.m. Free.
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Bill Bowers brings ‘It Goes Without Saying’ to ACT
The play, about how the 29-year resident of New York City’s East Village became a mime and where that life has led him, debuts in Asheville Saturday, Jan. 9, at Asheville Community Theatre.
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Smart bets: Beer and How To Drink It
The Magnetic Theatre performs Beer and How To Drink It at Magnetic 375 on Thursdays-Saturdays, Jan. 7-16, at 7:30 p.m., and Friday-Saturday, Jan. 15-16, at 10 p.m.
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How to contact @MXArts
Here’s how to reach the Mountain Xpress Arts & Entertainment department with story pitches, events for publication, news tips, arts happenings, concert info and ideas for freelance stories.
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Conscious party: Asheville Foam Party’s bubble-less benefit
Asheville DJs Justin Mitchell and Marley Carroll will spin at the after-party for the 2016 Cyclocross National Championships in Asheville. Event planner Megan Archer has also arranged a bike-themed raffle to benefit Trips for Kids WNC.
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Sound Track: Mystic Canticle by Marta Richardson
At turns cozy and exposed, myopic and panoramic, Mystic Canticle is felt as much as it’s heard. These are compositions that go deep, living in the listener’s subconscious and resonating long past the album’s final notes.
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Top 5 local young adult and middle grade books of 2015
Standouts include Sound, by Alexandra Duncan; The Dragon Lantern, by Alan Gratz; and Mr. Puffball: Stunt Cat to the Stars, by Constance Lombardo.
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No-cover New Year’s Eve
Looking for budget-friendly New Year’s Eve parties? These free shows promise big fun.
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Smart bets: Fred Eaglesmith
Fred Eaglesmith’s fans call themselves “Fredheads,” and that group knows that the singer-songwriter’s live performances include comic monologues and rock ’n’ roll treatments of new material and back catalog offerings.
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Top 5 dreamiest local album releases of 2015
It’s hard to choose just five favorite albums. From hip-hop to soul and roots music to lush dream-pop, the offerings are as varied as the fanbase.
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Tuning into Asheville’s teen bands
It makes sense that Asheville’s music scene is not only broadening in terms of numbers of bands, venues and genres, but in the range of ages of its musicians. And, as local music gains wider recognition, more talent moves to town — or grows up here.
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Smart bets: Sean Patton
The New Orleans-raised comedian shares gems of wisdom at The Odditorium Wednesday, Jan. 6, at 8 p.m.
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Top 5 theater productions of 2015
Standouts include An Iliad, Art, Young Frankenstein and more.
Smart bets: Asheville Mardi Gras’ 12th Night
All are welcome to dance their way into 2016 in an imaginative getup (optional). The kickoff event is at The Grove House Wednesday, Jan. 6, at 7 p.m.
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Infamous Unknown Hinson rings in the new year at The Grey Eagle
What to expect when Unknown Hinson plays a special New Year’s Eve show with opening acts Drunken Prayer and Little Lesley & The Bloodshots? “Unknown Hinson is still alive, baby, doing what I do and I ain’t about to damn stop at all,” the musician says. “If you will be there, I will be there singin’ my guts out for you.”
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Smart bets: Sarah Addison Allen
Allen holds a reading and signing for the paperback release of her book (the hardcover debuted last January) at Malaprop’s Monday, Jan. 4, at 7 p.m.
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Top 5 comedy shows of 2015
From stand-up open mics featuring local talent to national acts, Asheville delivered some big laughs.
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Top 5 concerts of 2015
I’m always amazed and grateful that despite being a comparatively small market, Asheville draws high-end touring talent. 2015 was no exception. Among a long list of local shows, these are my Top 5 for this year.
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ICYMI: Xpress feature reads of the week
Looking for some longform (or longerform) reads to cozy up with over the weekend? Here’s a round-up of our leading feature stories from the last seven days. Happy reading!
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Asheville Art Talk: John Almaguer
Glassblower John Almaguer’s journey to his craft — and to Asheville — has been a complicated one.
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Local actress Jennifer D. Taylor performs in Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors
The TV movie, based on Dolly Parton’s autobiographical song, airs at 9 p.m. Christmas Day, on NBC.