A musical, a comedy and a courtroom drama lead the way this month.
In photos: AVLFest 2024
The multivenue gathering included hundreds of local and touring acts, with headlining performances by Papadosio and Washed Out — both of which drew massive crowds.
Around town: Venture Shakespeare presents ‘Hamlet’
Venture Shakespeare performs Hamlet, Warren Wilson hosts a puppet festival, Blue Ridge Public Radio revamps its programming and more!
Best Medicine: Comedians offer tips for dodging the summer heat
“I actually fried an egg on my mailbox this past weekend,” notes comedian Cayla Clark in the latest round of Best Medicine. This month, she is joined by fellow local comics Evelyn Pekarek, Corey Day and Larry Griffin.
Around town: Orison Books hosts literary and musical fundraiser
Orison Books holds a fundraiser, Asheville Comedy Festival returns, Museum of the Cherokee People hosts its signature arts festival and more!
Theater review: ‘Legally Blonde The Musical’ at Hendersonville Theatre
The adaptation of the beloved film is far from boring, but too wild and untamed to belong in the league of great or even very good musicals.
Emöke B’Racz discusses her latest poetry collection and the early days of Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe
In Xpress’ latest poetry feature, we speak with Emöke B’Racz about her recent publication, her approach to writing and the influence that Western North Carolina has had on her work.
Around town: New collection charts Buncombe County’s history
New book explores Buncombe County history, Asheville Symphony retains pivotal music director, Asheville Community Theater turns 78, and more!
Working together: Coffee, art and playing possum
Artist Jen Toledo shares the story of her original piece, “Opossum Joey” — the unofficial mascot of Izzy’s Coffee Den.
Four of a Kind: Ashton Zager talks local fiber arts scene
The fiber artist discusses the Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair, Art in the Park and more.
Terpsicorps’ new season riffs on iconic artwork
The Asheville-based dance company’s Season 2024 runs July 25-27 at the Wortham Center.
Four of a Kind: Jordan Julius discusses local comedy scene
The stand-up talks Asheville Comedy Festival, new projects and more.
SART celebrates its 50th season
C. Robert Jones, Chelsey Lee Gaddy and Will Ezzell look back at the Mars Hill theater company’s history, and ahead to its future.
Four of a Kind: Lauren Moody on the local jewelry scene
The jewelry designer talks new projects and the city’s crafts scene.
Working together: Eye-catching, business-building
“We’re a spectacle. Sometimes people are rubbernecking as we drive down the road,” says Move It Or Lose It owner Amalia Grannis.
Four of a Kind: Trevor Darden shares insights on local music scene
The singer-songwriter talks new projects and the city’s music scene.
Working together: All hands on decks
Local artists teach students about creativity, skate culture and the art world.
Around town: Big Secret Family Festival is back
The Big Secret Family Fest returns, Story Parlor resident artist presents, an improvised play comes to NC Stage, and more!
Local author shares her tale of finding her biological family
“Finding my birth parents seemed as insurmountable as knowing where humanity came from,” says author Valerie Naiman. After multiple DNA tests, she continues, “I turned to psychics and detectives. Wading through a muck of secrets, lies and falsified documents, I finally found my mother when she was 94 years old.”
Cayla Clark’s quest to make fun of everyone in Asheville
Local comedian Cayla Clark has developed a big following on Instagram through her videos that poke fun at all things Asheville. But her backstory and how she wound up in Western North Carolina is far from slapstick comedy.
balm. and Yarn release new albums
Lush, looped vocals and diverse alt-country are featured on this month’s selections.