The lights go dark. Your breath quickens. When the curtain rises, what will you see? What will it look like; how will it sound? What will you experience, and how will it affect you after you leave? Live performance instills a particular feeling in a human being, whether it’s a play, a symphony or a […]
I would like to thank Ned Ryan Doyle for his Commentary about the Southern Energy & Environment Expo [“WNC at a crossroads,” Aug. 24 Xpress]. S.E.E. Expo provided great exposure to sustainable technology and lifestyles. It will be missed. Alternative energy is the future of America, but fringe movements have distracted us with cult-like agendas. […]
“After playing together for 15 years, we’re basically brothers,” says Lazybirds bass player Mitch Johnston. And when you hear those brothers harmonize, the emotional connection between them is audible. It takes a band with this much heart to bring life to the music of America’s past. Since the beginning, the Lazybirds have garnered critical acclaim. […]
I'm surprised by the recent mountainx.com article in reference to mayors and commissioners opposing the marriage amendment for the sake of employment recruitment and the economic sustainability of their cities [http://avl.mx/56]. It's a shame that some politicians will accept any lifestyle choices without any moral principles. The institution of marriage is between one (male) and […]
a href=”“The city of Asheville has named two finalists in its search for a new community-media project: Ponderwell, a Web-development firm, and Mountain Xpress. Both are based in Asheville. Ponderwell was founded by Michael Tracey and Martin Haywood. Xpress is an independent media outlet owned by Green Line Media Inc. The winning project, which will […]
The times of holding certain classes of citizens from equal rights must end, and should have ended long ago. Our country is a free society that is the model of the world. As we shame and look down upon other nations that mistreat different sexes, beliefs or religions, we forget that, right here in this […]
A couple of weeks ago, during Raleigh's second annual Hopscotch Music Festival, guests were treated to a rare performance. Famed avant-garde composer Rhys Chatham was recreating his 1978 masterwork Guitar Trio. Building up E chords with a small army of guitarists — 10, to be exact — Chatham's ensemble filled the room with dense, mind-warping […]
As someone who goes barefoot 24/7, and who has attended the N.C. Mountain State Fair barefoot for many years, I was shocked a few days ago to find several very large signs with big red letters at the gates stating, "Shirt and shoes required." The next day I contacted the fair manager, Matt Buchanan, to […]
When I first read the press release about Living on the Edge, I thought it was going to be an exhibition of homeless people’s artwork — an intriguing theme for an art show. Reading closer, I realized that Living on the Edge is an exhibition by two Asheville artists — Chloe Kemp and James Daniel […]
I did speak with Mr. Kriss and I did make the statement that he quoted me on about several concerned mothers asking about our policy concerning women going shirtless. The North Carolina Mountain State is a family event and we want all fairgoers to dress appropriately. Mr. Kriss failed to mention my statement about the […]
How Can I Sing Like A Girl? Shelia Simone, that’s how. Simone has luxurious long blond hair and the body of Miss Piggy, if Miss Piggy had had access to a trainer. Both of my therapists agree that she’s a harmless and emotionally healthy outlet for my feminine energy. Bonus! She’s also the best way […]
In passing a proposal to permit vacation rentals in all zoning districts, the Buncombe County Planning Board did a great disservice to citizens and to the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. The proposal passed by the Planning Board is substantively the same as the one passed back in February and returned by the commissioners to […]
I'll be voting to return Jan Davis to Asheville City Council this fall, and I encourage Xpress readers to do the same. Jan has been a steady hand on Council since 2003, and has always had a pragmatic view about how to get the best outcomes for all stakeholders in city policy. I often see […]
I am writing to endorse Marc Hunt in his bid for Asheville City Council. Marc’s many years of business, nonprofit management and community-service experience will bring much practical value to Council. His deep commitment to his community will bring value to the whole city. Marc has a long and successful record of business and organizational […]
Join Peacetown Asheville, Veterans for Peace and the Mountain Area Interfaith Forum at Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville for singing, dancing and more to celebrate the International Day of Peace on Wednesday, Sept. 21 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Info: http://bit.ly/mWYpBr. Enjoy live entertainment, a silent auction, a raffle, local cuisine and refreshments at Feasting for […]
Although photography was not allowed at Biltmore Estate‘s exquisite Tiffany lamp exhibit (open through Oct. 23), the gardens are open to photographers — and some of the Tiffany lamps’’ themes (dragonflies, butterflies etc.) are in evidence throughout the gardens. From the kitchen gardens to the fish ponds to a great heron in flight, it was […]
In this edition of the Mountain Xpress’ local news podcast: Jake Frankel on the most recent Buncombe County Commission meeting; Susan Andrew with the latest on the CTS cleanup; Tracy Rose on the Women In Business supplement and David Forbes on the Asheville City Council meeting about downtown food trucks.
Local performance painter, graphic designer and all-around groovy guy, Phil Cheney, has paintings hanging at Ananda Hair Studio in downtown Asheville. The opening reception is Saturday, Sept. 17, from 7:30 to 11 p.m.
In this week’s Elitist Bastards Go To The Movies podcast, Mountain Xpress film critics Ken Hanke and Justin Souther discuss Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star, Contagion, Warrior and The Guard.
There’s been some talk in light of the General Assembly’s decision this week to approve the so-called “marriage amendment” that “not much will really change.” According to this line of thinking — promoted mostly by amendment supporters — all their decision to send the amendment to the May ballot does is to preserve the status quo. “So, we’ll have a vote next year on something that’s already barred by law,” say the supporters. “What’s the big deal?”
Whether it’s sincere or knowingly deceptive, this is ridiculous, head-in-the-sand talk. …
I am writing in response to Norman Plombe's Aug. 31 Xpress letter "We Become Heroes by Saving." To quote Mr. Plombe, "Every time a firefighter dies while actually fighting a fire, conventional society jumps into lock step to deify him." Perhaps Mr. Plombe does not realize that firefighters place themselves in harm's way to help […]
