Some 90 years after her death, the name Mata Hari still has the power to intrigue. In The Last Dance of Mata Hari, White Dog ProjectX explores themes of freedom and liberation—all while honoring the life of the mysterious adventurer and exotic dancer whose influence on modern dance was never fully realized. ACDT dancer Kala […]

The King Khan & BBQ Show is the same as other rock ‘n’ roll acts, only different. They’re a duo, and the only instruments—both onstage and on record—are guitar, percussion and vocals. Sound familiar? Maybe you’re thinking of The Flat Duo Jets, Dexter Romweber’s band from the ‘80s. Or maybe the White Stripes. Or the […]

With their recent second-place tie as favorite local rock band in Xpress‘s Best of WNC readers’ poll, the Reigning Sound is officially an Asheville band. And Friday’s show at Stella Blue is as good a time as any for the curious to join the band’s ever-increasing Asheville fan base. Heartfelt garage and soul: Frontman Greg […]

According to Asheville’s Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, most musicians who release a CD feel like the rest of the world can’t help but love it, too. But to actually get public praise is a sweet surprise. However, when it comes to Easy, his hip-hop album for kids that debuted this time last year, the musician […]

Faith Ringgold has been a painter, writer and performer for half a century. But she doesn’t hesitate to say: “If I woke up white in America, I wouldn’t be an artist.” Ringgold grew up during the Harlem Rennaissance, near painter Aaron Douglas and saxophone player Sonny Rollins. Photo by Grace Matthews One of Ringgold’s ongoing […]

“We’re a Craigslist success story, I guess,” jokes Telepath bassist Curt Heiny. The beginning of the story was typical: A want ad was placed, e-mails were exchanged, practices ensued, etc. But the end result—a global-minded three-piece that won swift acclaim—was anything but. Contact high: The Asheville-rooted trio’s new album blends Jamaican dub, hip-hop and modern […]

Quarters that once sheltered automobiles and provided a living space for the nearby mansion’s gardener are now in the company of ambitious young actors and a stirring play. For the public unveiling of Asheville’s newest black-box theater—i.e., a small, unadorned performance space—the A-B Tech Drama Club presents a 19th-century play that emphasizes the history behind […]

Christopher Oakley is a quiet, thoughtful man who had quiet, thoughtful goals when he moved from Los Angeles to Fairview two years ago, intent on leaving behind the high-pressure world of professional animation. Flash-y: Local artist Christopher Oakley’s computer animations will dance behind Madonna during her Sticky and Sweet Tour. Photo Courtesy The Artist In […]