Reluctant fashionist­as

Handmade apparel, wearable art, DIY, craft: These are well-worn terms in local lingo. They also call to mind certain retail opportunities, like the artist booths at LEAF and The Big Crafty. But the forerunner to both of these (and, for that matter, to the current crafting craze, Church of Craft groups, Stitch ‘n Bitch circles, […]

On a mission

Apologies for quoting Dave Matthews in a story about Amos Lee, but it was Matthews who penned the line, "Somebody's broken heart becomes your favorite song." That sentiment could easily apply to "Windows Are Rolled Down," the single from Lee's 2011 release, Mission Bell. As musician/road warrior Lee has recounted in a number of interviews, […]

Festival Xpress

Chances are, by the time you read this you’ll already be knocking the dirt off your sandals from a festival or two (Big Love, All Go West and MerleFest came up quickly!) — but fear not. Festival season is only just beginning. Even if you haven’t yet ventured into the great, music-accompanied outdoors, there’s plenty […]

Love will keep us together

“The bottom line is, it’s a love story about Asheville Grown Business Alliance and the Big Crafty loving each other and loving what we do,” says Justin Rabuck. “And truly loving the community with all of our heart and wanting to have a party for everyone who participates.” Rabuck is the co-creator of twice-yearly indie-craft […]