This week’s Book Report is all about The Adventures of Runnel, The Ice Bear, a children’s book for readers who don’t necessarily need lots of illustration with their holiday-themed fiction.
Pat & Alli’s Weekly Winners
Each week Xpress reporter Alli Marshall and WOXL DJ Pat Ryan team up to bring you their entertainment suggestions.
Welcome to A&E
Remember the Flaming Lips’ Zaireeka? That was the album designed to be played on four CDs simultaneously—creating the full harmonic experience of the music. It helps to have quick-draw friends who know when to push play, else it throws things off. But what a startling effect. Now imagine dozens of boom boxes and stereos playing […]
A hybrid-powered party
They come bearing gifts of a musical sort, three bands determined to put a little more bottom end in your stocking and restore a note of celebration to this holiday season. Soul Train: The trio of bands will keep audiences moving as long as they can stand. Shake off the winter blues with a full […]
Learning how to dance with the world
Parents: Do your kids drag their feet in the morning? Kids: Do you have trouble getting going? Local percussionist/songwriter Billy Jonas may have the solution to both your problems. Jonas and the Happy Accidents band: Hoping to help heal the world and have some fun at the same time. His new CD features “The Wake […]
Long dream, come true
There was a time, not all that long ago, when Tyler Ramsey was one of Asheville’s best-kept musical secrets. Despite his 6-foot 8-inch frame, the genial and mellow musician kept a low profile. In fact, he was mostly known for his work as a sideman, adding layers to other people’s CDs or sitting in for […]
SoundTrack: Local CD roundup
Plot/Scheme by Jonathan Scales The mention of steel drums in most circles elicits thoughts of umbrella-topped danger drinks and portly men stuffed inside batik shirts. Asheville musician Jonathan Scales quells these unfair stereotypes by taking his Caribbean-born instrument on a globe-trotting spree through jazz, funk, reggae, Latin and even bluegrass. Scales’ sophomore release, Plot/Scheme, reveals […]
Edgy Mama: Don’t piss off the elves
While some folks think Santa intuitively knows who’s been naughty or nice, my family believes his elf spies are the true reporters of naughtiness and niceness.
Alt-spirits of the season: Gerhard and Mize
Last night’s quiet performance at Jubilee! on Wall Street was quite removed from the splashy Warren Haynes Christmas Jam at the Civic Center, as it exhibited the alternative, silent-night version of the holiday season in downtown Asheville.
It’s the Jam! ***UPDATED with Day One and Day Two photos***
Keep checking Xpress for photo galleries of all the Warren Haynes Christmas Jam action.
Book Report: Christmas Presence
Looking for a holiday read? Christmas Presence compiles the short stories and poetry of 45 regional women writers.
Pat & Alli’s Weekly Winners
Each week Xpress reporter Alli Marshall and WOXL DJ Pat Ryan team up to bring you their entertainment suggestions.
Welcome to A&E
Some of you will be Jamming. Some will not. But whether you Jam or don’t, you might learn something interesting from this week’s A&E section. It’s the 20th anniversary of what’s arguably Western North Carolina’s largest benefit, and this year it’s grown into a two-day phenomenon: music all day and all night, and even some […]
Jam-packed: Your Xpress guide to the Christmas Jam
Once a year, downtown Asheville is overtaken by Jam. This year, the Jam is bigger than ever, but its mission is still the same: To raise money for Habitat for Humanity. Want to know more about the musicians? Looking for something to do during the day? Xpress has you covered. And when the weekend’s over, […]
An “office party for musicians”
The important thing to remember this weekend is that musicians are people, too. They’re just like the rest of us, which is why many jump at the chance after a year on the road to travel to a small city nestled in the mountains for a one-off concert. Spotlight on local: The daytime Jam concerts […]
Gladrags
While many a band has claimed to defy labels and buck trends, Charlotte-based quartet The New Familiars does its eschewing with a grain of salt. It’s only rock and roll: The New Familiars aren’t reinventing the wheel, just their own folk-fueled sound. Photo by Daniel Coston. “It’s indicative of the iPod Generation,” muses founding member […]
Taking it off for Dr. Sketchy
It’s no surprise that Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School has pricked the attention of audiences in New York, Hollywood, Rome, Toyko and Melbourne. After all, is there any better way to spend your Monday night than watching a pretty girl slowly strip and pose? I doubt it. Dolled-up figure drawing: Artist Ben Betsalel sketches Cherry Poppins […]
Making mischief with Santa and his elves
Relive Asheville’s version of SantaCon.
The best of times ***UPDATED WITH VIDEO***
The first Mountain Xpress Best of WNC Showcase at the Orange Peel made us proud to be your paper. Here are some scenes from the party.
Edgy Mama: Buying local for your kids
Recently, I’ve been looking for locally made gifts for kids for the fast-approaching holidays, and I want to share my finds with you.
Your weekend A&E updates
For your weekend: Local teen rock sensations Skinny Legs and All have a CD release party Saturday; DJs, brews and discounts at Hunk on Saturday; party with Xpress on Sunday and catch the Lee Boys on Conan Monday.