“Shindig.” It's a fun, if peculiar word, whose etymology, even after a couple of hundred years, remains suspect and mired in speculation. It's most likely of Scottish origin, the experts say, an alteration of “shindy” or shinty,” a hockey-like game once played by the Scots. Over time, the word has alternately come to be defined […]
I don't like the garish and distracting digital billboard recently installed on Merrimon Avenue. I have decided not to patronize any business that advertises on this billboard and I invite Mountain Xpress readers to join me. Together, we can prevent the proliferation of digital billboards in our city. — Larry Golden Asheville
Calling Pisgah Brewing Company owner/founder Jason Caughman a huge music fan is, well, putting it mildly. "I LOVE MUSIC!” he writes. “Music is a major part of my life. I'm never without a soundtrack. If I can't hear it, it's playing in my head." Growing up in Columbia, S.C., Caughman’s parents weaned the budding beer […]
The first thing you should know about Ringo Deathstarr? They are f—-ing loud. “I honestly can’t tell how loud we are,” founder and frontman Elliott Frazier says, laughing. “They’re always telling me to turn down the guitar, so I guess that’s pretty loud.” As they should be. Twenty years after shoegaze’s heyday, the Texas trio […]
Senior citizens can visit the Pisgah Fish Hatchery as part of the Waynesville Parks and Recreation programs on Wednesday, June 29. Meet at 7 a.m. at the Waynesville Recreation Center, 550 Vance St. $7/$6 members. Info: 456-2030. Bring the kids to Family Night at the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center, MP 384, on Thursday, June […]
• Four suffocated in
drive-by yarn-bombing
• Gov. Perdue vetoes
husband’s restaurant
preference
• 18 charged in indie-film
investment scam;
Jim Jarmusch buys
rights to story
With an old-looking Guild guitar and a smattering of people sitting down drinking local microbrews, Dave Desmelik took the stage at the French Broad Brewery on a warm Thursday evening.
There has been plenty of discussion recently in the Mountain Xpress about the Asheville Police Department's recent changes, allegations of corruption and mismanagement. The truth is that local police forces recruit and maintain exactly whom the system will tolerate. By system, I mean the two-class system that runs the Western world. Sit through a couple […]
At some point, all gardeners find themselves stumped: What the heck is eating my plants? When do I prune my hydrangeas if I ever want them to flower? Master gardeners, the county extension agents’ strong right arm, are the certified experts we turn to when the going gets rough. Here’s a rundown of the questions […]
I am consistently impressed by the quality and originality of the quirky news stories that the Asheville Disclaimer brings to light in our region — stories of the little people that might otherwise be overlooked by major media outlets. In the June 1 Disclaimer piece, "Local Company Offers Organic Way to Rid Your Lawn of […]
A pig secret What do mystery supper clubs, feral pigs, musicians and world-class chefs have to do with one another? Michael Moore, the North Carolina native who founded Blind Pig Asheville, an “underground supper club,” is about to reveal the commonality of these elements. Moore moved here from San Francisco in 2003, and has since […]
Greg Cartwright is a bit of a ghost around these parts. Since moving with his family to Asheville (from Memphis) in 2004, the garage/punk/soul cult hero has played just a handful of local shows with his band Reigning Sound, and released just one studio album (2009’s excellent Love & Curses). Not that he’s been slacking. […]
Please let me point out that food trucks have been a staple in parts of Boston and Cambridge, Mass., and New York City for years. They add to the rich ambiance of these vibrant cities, all of which have always been major tourist destinations. Food trucks can easily be licensed and monitored for health and […]
It’s not often that Asheville audiences get to hear Saharan desert guitar music. Actually, it’s not often that the makers of such music play stateside, but that will happen this week, when Group Doueh plays its first-ever North American show, of its first-ever North American tour, right here. All in the family Salmou Baamar, who […]
Wade Inganamort’s reference to the Organic.com story "Lower Salt Intake May Cause (Not Prevent) Heart Disease" leaves me wondering what can possibly be next [“Wellness Roundup,” June 15 Xpress]. Maybe "a recent study has shown that oatmeal may be a silent killer?” Inganamort surely needs some backup to support his blockbuster claim. — Ralph Dimenna […]
What: ASAP's 2011 Family Farm Tour. The Family Farm Tour is coordinated by Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project and sponsored by Biltmore and Greenlife Grocery. WNC Magazine is a media sponsor. Over one summer weekend, community members can learn how food grows, taste farm-fresh treats, interact with farm animals and meet our community's food producers. Join us to celebrate our agricultural heritage […]
The Suspect: Ike Stubblefield Known as being the modern master of the Hammond B3 organ, Stubblefield began playing keyboards in the late ‘60s for Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and The Temptations. Last year, he lent his skills to a Cee Lo Green recording session; last month, he released his own CD of smooth jazz, Old […]
There are lots of bumper stickers flying around Asheville these days — lots of big, righteous opinions. Inasmuch as it goes to freedom of speech and expression, I guess I have no problem with it, but can we show a little consistency, please? I saw a bumper sticker on the back of a Volkswagen Beetle […]
Amazing Savings, Pho Fusion and hi-fi staying open Although the owners of The Downtown Market, a business and vendor outlet on 45 S. French Broad Ave., have announced that their mortgage is being foreclosed and that the Downtown Market Consignment, home to over 70 vendors, will be closing June 30, three tenants report that they're […]
I recently moved to the Asheville area. I was drawn here by the gorgeous mountain vistas, the delicious food and the friendly nature of the people. I have recently started looking for a home and was surprised to learn that my options are severely limited by the addition of fluoride into the public water supply. […]
It is only decency that prevents me from using colorful metaphors to describe our state legislature’s assault on education and the environment while having the audacity to give themselves some hefty pay raises! Despite the veto of the recent budget proposal by the governor, the Republican-run legislature (along with some foolish Democrats) has succeeded in […]
