Possibly the hardest job in theatre is taking charge of an established institution after the founder departs. Founders tend to be indefatigable forces, spending decades building startups into substantial organizations, and commanding a fierce loyalty from colleagues, audiences and supporters that makes it nearly impossible for a newcomer to take the theatre in a fresh […]

For The Glory began life as Frank Wildhorn's The Civil War: Our Story in Song, with a book by Gregory Boyd and Wildhorn, and lyrics by Jack Murphy, which debuted at Houston's Alley Theatre in 1998, played Broadway for a few months in 1999, was nominated for a Tony Award for best musical, and toured […]

Singer/songwriter Holly Golightly doesn't call herself a songwriter. "I don't call myself a singer either, and whenever I'm asked what I do, I never mention music," she says. But Golightly doesn't tend to color within the lines. Take her name: She was actually born Holly Golightly Smith in the U.K., but — with her surf-guitar […]

Singer/songwriter Eliza Lynn returns to Asheville as a headlining performer at MANNA FoodBank's 11th annual Blue Jean Ball (see sidebar for event details). After moving to Nashville from Asheville two years ago, Americana songstress released an album titled Haven, toured the Northeast, sang with folk star Dougie MacLean at a Scottish festival and is working […]

In my job as a junker, I make a lot of house calls, and when I show up on someone's doorstep, things can get weird. Buying someone's old stuff is a very social business transaction. It often puts the seller in a reflective mood, especially if you're buying some cultural arcana they've held onto for […]

Some songwriters decide to focus on one style, which tends to make their work exist only in that genre. That doesn't apply to Jim Lauderdale, who has penned songs and produced records that have permeated the scenes of Nashville country, jam-rock, bluegrass, soul, blues and alt-country. Thanks to his considerable creative energy and natural sense […]

From the author: "I see 'The Profiler,' as a light-hearted resource for music lovers. My profiles of the audience are meant to amuse but not restrict…there is something in all these acts that everyone can appreciate.' The Suspect: Camera Obscura; This band started in Glasgow, Scotland almost fifteen years ago.  Let's Get Out of This […]