"For me, Dax is redefining blues music," wrote Henry Rollins (he of Black Flag, spoken word and massive biceps). "Even though he plays his songs through the guitar-bass-drums model for the most part, he is the self-contained unit. He is, as they say, the whole package and the real deal. Musicians like Dax come along […]
Smart Bets: The Double Crown anniversary party
In business years (as opposed to dog years or lightyears) that first trip around the sun is not for the faint of heart. It takes a sharp plan of action and/or an unwavering trust that the universe and a dedicated clientele will come through. For West Asheville's The Double Crown, launching a new spot with […]
Hot for the holidays
“People need to laugh, especially around Christmas,” says Bombs Away Cabaret performer and coordinator Amber Shehan, (aka Iona Traylor). The performance troupe’s mission is to restore burlesque to its comedic roots, and the group is constantly striving for a balance between inappropriate and socially acceptable, sexual and sensual. Shehan deadpans, “My mom says burlesque is […]
Smart Bets: Project/Object
Celebrating the music, life and Dec. 21 birthday of composer/engineer/visionary Frank Zappa, Project/Object puts on a rare show. The lineup includes founder Andre Cholmondeley (a recent transplant to Asheville) with a stellar lineup of national and local musicians. Eric Slick (Dr. Dog), Derrick Lee Johnson (Booty Band), Jamar Woofs (The Fritz) and Keith Harry (Deja […]
More than just a store
Looking for a different kind of holiday shopping experience? Sifting through Elle Erickson’s vintage, handmade and generally offbeat clothing and accessories at her traveling trunk show isn’t the kind of retail therapy you can find at the mall. In fact, where the Urban Gypsy trunk show will pop up next has always been something of […]
Window wonderland
Each year, the Asheville Downtown Association challenges local merchants to show their festival spirit by decorating their shop windows in seasonal style. It’s exactly the sort of contest where everybody wins — especially passersby who get to gaze in on microworlds. This year’s submissions included a manger scene populated by dogs, angels in retro finery, […]
“Lighting Speed Folk”
Local (though usually out of town on tour) musician Woody Pines plays Jack of the Wood on Saturday, Dec. 21.
Port City Comedy Tour docks in Asheville
Four comics from Wilmington perform at The LAB on Thursday, Dec. 19. 9 p.m., $10.
Jamming out: Scenes from the 2013 Christmas Jam
Warren Haynes celebrated the 25th anniversary of Christmas Jam in style this weekend with two full days of epic concerts at the U.S. Cellular Center and other venues in downtown Asheville.
A Soulful Christmas Gospel Concert
On Saturday, Dec. 21 the Bethel Youth Ministries Department presents “A Soulful Christmas” gospel concert at Tried Stone Missionary Baptist Church. The event will feature the Bethel Chorale, Bethel Gospel Choir and the Gospel Sensations (pictured) from Greensboro, NC. Tickets are $10 per person and proceeds from the concert will benefit the Bethel Bears Pathfinder Club. A Holiday Market featuring local business will be held after the concert.
Have a Comic Christmas: five great graphic novels for younger readers
Has this happened to you? You’re in the library or (worse) the bookstore, and your child approaches full of enthusiasm for a book that turns out to be a graphic novel. As a parent of an 8-year-old, I know I’ve been there, and I’ve talked to quite a few parents who seem gun-shy about spending money for something their son or daughter will read in less than an hour. Or which might contain inappropriate material.
Desire Like a Lion
Asheville (by way of Burlington, VT) singer-songwriter, Matt Townsend, recently made his first music video. Tariq Zeidan, a local filmmaker, directed.
Scenes from Christmas Jam: Photos from Friday night
A festive musical spirit reigned last night as Christmas Jam stretched into the wee hours, with Widespread Panic closing things down at around 4 a.m. This post features a slide show of photos from the concerts. (photo by Nick King)
A Q&A with folk troubadour Greg Brown
The singer-songwriter will be playing with Bo Ramsey at The Grey Eagle on Saturday, Dec. 21. Photo by Sandy Dyas.
Sound Check: Balsa Gliders
Last week, Charlotte/Raleigh/Philadelphia-based Balsa Gliders blew through town for an all-too-brief visit. Before the band’s energetic set at The Odditorium, they talked about keeping the creative impetus going and remaining current in the regional music scene. Click through for the video interview and exclusive performance. Photo by The Balsa Gliders on Instagram.
Cal Cast Dec.13 – Dec.15
This weekend is all about hemp, samba and visions of sugar plum cookies. Podcast hosted by Theresa Amandi of Asheville Free Media’s Bombshell-ter Radio.
Petition seeks labeling of GMOs in Ingles Markets
A group of citizens will deliver a petition to regional supermarket chain Ingles asking the store to label genetically modified food products.
The 2013 National Film Challenge seeks audience votes
More than 120 films were submitted for the National Film Challenge. The jury narrowed that list to 15 currently being considered for Audience Choice voting. Among them is “Joint Effort” by Asheville team Gorilla with a Mustache. Voting is open through Wednesday, Dec. 18.
Down by the River, part 2
“A Girl and A Gun: Asheville Artists Cope With Love and Death,” a group exhibition, curated by Taiyo La Paix, opens today from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Asheville Area Arts Council.
Down by the River, part 1
If every art gallery in Asheville had synchronized first-Friday art openings, we’d never get to half of the shows. Fortunately, there’s room to breath. Two exhibitions opening in the River Arts District this Friday, Dec. 13, help to round out the 2013 arts calendar with an unlikely ceramics/street art combination at Ananda West Salon, and a sampling of 40 of Asheville’s finest painters, printers and makers packed into the Asheville Area Arts Council.
Downtown shop windows reflect the holidays
The Downtown Holiday Windows Contest, held by the Asheville Downtown Association, features an annual theme: this year’s is “Light up the holidays.”
