Director Marci Bernstein takes the audience on 11 unrelated journeys in monologues by a who’s who of local talent. Each scene is its own story, and each actress holds the stage alone for those scenes.
Smart Bets: Hiroya Tsukamoto
The Japanese-born guitarist returns to Isis on Aug. 9.
30 Days Out: a look at upcoming concerts
Two local acts (one electronica, one progressive/fusion), one regional artist and a nationally touring act whose front man is more associated with the big screen than music: Those are just some of what’s on offer locally in the next 30 days.
Acoustic Asheville: Random Animals
The musicians’ first EP is in the works right now with no release date scheduled as yet, but you can catch them at The One Stop on Thursday, Aug. 9.
Heather Taylor launches her new album at Isis Music Hall
“Asheville just pulled me in, I feel like,” says Taylor. “I hear that’s a lot of people’s stories.”
Smart Bets: Pan African Music Extravaganza
The celebration of African diaspora music takes place Aug. 5 at The Mothlight.
NYC folk-jazz singer-songwriter Victory Boyd performs at LEAF Downtown AVL
LEAF Performing Arts Director Ehren Cruz emphasizes the nonprofit’s 24-year legacy of “youth educational outreach, equity and diversity programming.” He says that the festival “features cross-over world-, family- and urban-accessible programming while celebrating local culture.”
Smart Bets: Cecil Bothwell
The author reads from his new book Aug. 4 at Malaprop’s.
Jaye Bartell recounts one of Asheville’s literary eras at BMCM+AC
Bartell will present Later: Readings from then and now, as the final BMCM+AC program at its 56 Broadway space.
Smart Bets: Village Art & Craft Fair
The 46th annual gathering of over 100 artisans from across the Southeast takes place Aug. 4-5 on the grounds of All Souls Cathedral.
Theater review: ‘Mamma Mia!’ at Flat Rock Playhouse
FRP’s version is even more entertaining than both the Broadway version and the film — a feat not to take lightly, as this production had the power to draw Tony-nominee Terrance Mann to the opening.
Multimedia artist Dawn Roe tracks down the past
On Aug. 1, Roe Dawn’s ‘essay, v.’ will open at Revolve at the RAMP South Studio; two days later ‘Conditions for an Unfinished Work of Mourning’ will debut at the Tracey Morgan Gallery. The coinciding exhibits capture various elements of Roe’s recent travels to the coastal border of France and Spain.
Smart Bets: Mountain Dance and Folk Festival
The 91st annual celebration of traditional and old-time music and dance takes place Aug. 2-4 at the A-B Tech/Mission Health Conference Center.
Theater review: ‘Hairspray, Jr.’ at Hendersonville Community Theatre
Some folks might be reluctant to take in a “junior” performance of a Tony-award-winning musical that was bawdy and raucous in its original adult version. However, the chance to see young people tackle this show underscores the importance of bringing these essential messages and opportunities to young performers.
David Joe Miller relaunches an open mic night at Habitat
Since moving to Asheville, Miller has been producing storytelling events and open mic nights focused on the spoken word, which he defines as storytelling, poetry, monologues, comedy, and any other verbal artform.
Black Milk and his band Nat Turner play The Mothlight
The rapper/producer discusses the appeals of performing with a band and shares his thoughts on Detroit’s current hip-hop scene.
Smart Bets: Suzanne Joy Teune
The opening event for the Asheville painter’s solo show, “Love Letter to Appalachia,” takes place August 4 at the Stand Gallery.
Visiting Artist Program takes a new approach to public work
Three finalists were recently selected, including Jefferson Pinder; the team of Monique Luck, Flavia Lovatelli and Francisco Gonzalez; and the team of Amir Shakir and Ivette Cabrera.
Smart Bets: Ben Phan
Backed by Phan’s band The Soul Symphony, the Asheville musicians play a collaborative show July 28 at The Grey Eagle.
Asheville style: Have we still got it?
Style has many dimensions, but one of the first that comes to mind is the personal aesthetic expression of those who live, work and pass through here.
Smart Bets: Michael Franti & Spearhead
The eclectic pop rockers play Salvage Station on July 27.