This time of year, Michael Porterfield’s farm turns into one giant pumpkin patch. He grows other cool-weather crops now, too — from carrots to radishes — at New Sprout Organic Farms near the Ingles warehouse on the way to Black Mountain. But, he’s got an entire acre dedicated to the festive fall veggie. Some find […]
Find a last-minute Jack-o’-lantern at area farmers tailgate markets through this weekend. Hugh Wright of Arbor Studios is even slated to offer pre-carved, porch-ready pumpkins at Asheville City Market Saturday. Or, head out to roadside farm stands (perfect places to shop while on a leaf-peeping drive) or area farm’s fields to pick your own. Visit […]
In the Personal Services category of the 2011 Best of WNC, I wish you had mentioned Black Mountain Tire Connection [Oct. 12 Xpress]. I had a flat tire at my residence and the mechanic not only drove to my place to add air, but also followed me to his shop to fix my flat to […]
I was thrilled to read that Carl Mumpower intends to endorse a liberal slate of candidates in the 2012 state and federal elections [“Mountain ‘X’ Should Change Its Name to Mountain ‘L,’” Oct. 12 Xpress]. Of course he's right. There are far too few liberals in almost every area of elected representation throughout the U.S., […]
The story of Krautrock — a story that is largely the product of English and American mythologizing rather than insider historical knowledge — has been told and retold. But at its core sits a handful of vitals who are worth revisiting. In the late ‘60s, Germany gave birth to a generation of underground musicians whose […]
Carl Mumpower seems to be upset that democracy in action in Asheville has resulted in a progressive/liberal majority on City Council [“Mountain ‘X’ Should Change Its Name to Mountain ‘L,’” Oct. 12 Xpress]. In his letter, he says, "time will find Asheville losing its luster under the watch of a panel of progressive eyes constricted […]
Beak is the buzzy, droney, industrial, experimental side project of Portishead's producer/multi-instrumentalist Geoff Barrow. He formed the group in 2009 with bassist Billy Fuller of Fuzz Against Junk and Matt Williams of Team Brick. (When Beak backs singer Anika, live, Andy Suitor fills in for Barrow on drums.) Unlike Portishead, known for taking forever to […]
No genre better epitomizes the work of Bob Moog than progressive rock. Characterized by complicated thematic arrangements, symphonic ambitions and an experimental demeanor, the genre was born out of the sounds of the Minimoog Model D in the early ‘70s. Moog gave keyboardists like Rick Wakeman and Keith Emerson an otherworldly instrument to push the […]
I would like to start by saying that I am an Asheville native. My family has been in Asheville for almost 80 years and my father has owned or been a partner in two businesses, one of which covered five locations and employed dozens of workers. Unfortunately, the ‘90s brought lots of out-of-town corporate competition […]
Baltimore's Dan Deacon has many interests. For almost a decade, he has produced some of the most uniquely entertaining indie electronic music around, a bright collage of layered effects, cartoon vocals and enormous hooks. He's also the founder of Wham City, an arts collective in his home base, and an integral member of the group's […]
If you were going to target a “most underrated band of all time,” New York duo Suicide would be a great candidate. Its uncommonly fruitful, three-decade career notwithstanding, the band also lays claim to one of the most influential albums in rock history (a 1977 self-titled debut). Martin Rev's bare, haunting synths and Alan Vega's […]
Fans of indie rock and electronic music will find plenty of music at this year's Moogfest that fits easily into common archetypes of those genres. That's not a bad thing. Seeing familiar styles executed to perfection can be one of the most rewarding experiences in music. But what's the fun of spending an entire festival […]
Capitalism is morally good. It also happens to work remarkably well, raising millions around the world out of poverty and providing the marketplace with a myriad of life-enhancing material goods. This social system of economic and political freedom is the only one that fully recognizes, respects and protects individual rights. It is a system that […]
Friday, Oct. 28 Local group Johnson’s Crossroad (“described by friends and fans as everything from ‘Appalachian soul’ to ‘Hillbilly Metal’”) brings the lush dark side of new album Mockingbird to the LAB. OK, it may not be a Halloween show outright, but wear a mask or something. No tricks, but plenty of treats: The Whiskey […]
On behalf of the Greater Cashiers Area Merchants Association we would like to thank everyone who contributed to the 2011 Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival. The Festival, held Oct. 7-9 once again brought thousands of visitors and tourists to the Valley and was a resounding success in every way. Numerous volunteers, local attendees and their guests, […]
Enjoy comedian Bo Burnham’s unique brand of autobiographical comedy on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. in WCU’s Bardo Arts Center. Info: http://www.wcu.edu/29354.asp. A pre-Moog fashion festival will present local designers and highlight "upcycled" clothing on Thursday, Oct. 27 from 6-10 p.m. Held at One Stop Bar and Deli, 55 College St. Info: http://ashevillemusichall.com. Masquerade […]
While I voted for several of the top vote getters in last week’s City Council primary election, I also voted for Jan Davis. I believe that it’s important that we have a balanced representation on Council. Jan Davis brings a mature, experienced background to the table. His investment through his downtown business is invaluable, as […]
Michelle Moog-Koussa almost has his iconic hair, and she sure shares two other things with her famous father: his generosity and his painstaking determination. And while her mission to build a museum to showcase Bob Moog’s legacy to the world is still years in the making, Moogfest-goers don’t have to wait nearly that long to […]
Be it analog instruments or a bad-ass new headquarters, Moog Music sure knows how to make them. Less than a year ago, the buildings that now house the new Moog factory were just another dilapidated eyesore on the northern edge of downtown. But since opening on May 31 after seven months of renovation, they’ve quickly […]
As a neighbor, I have known Lael for years and have always appreciated her never-met-a-stranger approachability and her ready smile. As an Asheville resident, I can’t think of another candidate who better represents the values that are important to me, and important for Asheville. Lael’s professional experience in and of itself is enough to get […]
Take this handy Halloween Quiz to help you decide what shows to check out this week. 1. You’re mostly likely to wear a costume that is: a. Politically motivated: Look out Rick Perry, I’ve got shoulder pads! b. Gender-bending: It’s the one time of year your wife doesn’t get weirded out when you put on […]
