In the third installment of Xpress’ limited series “On the Record,” Kim Roney shares her connection to Rodriguez’s 1970 album ‘Cold Fact,’ her own musical journey and the role of creativity in politics.
Author: Thomas Calder
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On the Record: City Council candidate Kevan Frazier on cover songs, multifamily housing and grants
A native to Western North Carolina, Kevan Frazier says cheap rent is what initially drew many artists to the city. If elected to Asheville City Council, one of his top priorities will be to help find solutions to the current housing crisis as a way to assist residents, including those in the creative sector.
On the Record: Asheville City Council candidate Tod Leaven on Billie Holiday, the local theater scene and more
Over the next several weeks, Xpress will sit down with each of the six candidates running for Asheville City Council to listen to an album of their choice while discussing the local arts scene.
Emöke B’Racz discusses her latest poetry collection and the early days of Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe
In Xpress’ latest poetry feature, we speak with Emöke B’Racz about her recent publication, her approach to writing and the influence that Western North Carolina has had on her work.
Taylor Brown’s latest historical novel explores 1921 trench warfare on American soil
If you’re unfamiliar with the story about the Battle of Blair Mountain — the largest labor uprising in American history that resulted in over one million rounds fired as well as bombs dropped on Logan County, West Virginia — well, you’re probably not alone. But author Taylor Brown hopes to change that with his latest novel.
Tessa Fontaine’s debut novel takes readers to an isolated community with dark secrets
Tessa Fontaine’s debut novel, The Red Grove, asks the question: What would life be like for women if they never had to worry about violence?
Guy Mead wins 2024 Xpress Poetry Contest
This year’s competition asked writers to draft an original, previously unpublished piece on the theme of our shared humanity.
Local poet revisits her father’s cocaine trafficking in latest collection
Poet Nicole Farmer describes her father as a true chameleon. “He went from the mean streets of Chicago to being a golden gloves boxer, studying acting with Lee Strasberg, appearing on Broadway and years being a college history professor before he made his bold criminal move to raise money he needed to open his own honky-tonk.”
Look Homeward: Tourism and gentrification in the time of Thomas Wolfe, 1900-38
Local historian and archivist Katherine Cutshall discusses the parallels between Thomas Wolfe’s 1923 play, Welcome to Our City, and modern-day Asheville.
Four of a Kind: Designer Wendy Newman talks art deco and upcycling
Wendy Newman shares upcoming projects and shows she’s excited to participate in and attend.
Four of a Kind: Denise Markbreit on printmaking
Denise Markbreit shares details on “Urban Horizons,” an upcoming exhibit at Asheville Print Studio + Gallery.
Poet Brandon Amico on capitalism, time and why you should ignore everything your high school teacher taught you about poetry
“I think there’s a sense from those newer to the form that poetry is something to be ‘solved’— that there’s a hidden meaning to a poem that requires the reader to find a clue or key and it unlocks,” says local poet Brandon Amico. “It’s hard to say where that sense comes from, but almost every young person seems to be taught that.
Four of a Kind: Melanie Norris on the local visual arts scene
Painter Melanie Norris shares her top picks for upcoming local arts events and releases.
Four of a Kind: Christie Calaycay discusses jewelry-making
Christie Calaycay discusses her latest creative projects as well as upcoming arts shows that she’s excited to attend.
Best Medicine: An inside look on the local comedy scene
Eric Brown and Cayla Clark discuss the local comedy scene, revealing why stand-ups and improv artists don’t always get along.
Asheville Archives: Billy Borne’s 1924 cartoons
Topics featured in Billy Borne’s 1924 collection include concerns about tourism, that year’s presidential campaign and election (which involved the emergence of Robert M. La Follette as a third-party candidate), lack of funding for local education and police, anxieties over real estate and the pressures on everyday citizens due to the high cost of living.
Year in Review: WNC poets and writers share their 2023 must-reads
To celebrate WNC’s 2023 literary accomplishments, Xpress reached out to writers Mildred Barya, Clint Bowman, Michael Hettich, Meagen Lucas and Brit Washburn. All five participants had new publications come out this year.
Year in Review: Chefs toast to the past, look to the future
Katie Button, J Chong, Steven Goff and Suzy Phillips share their takes on top dishes and favorite restaurants.
Look Homeward: The influence of Thomas Wolfe on River Whyless drummer Alex McWalters
We return with the latest iteration of “Look Homeward,” a recurring feature exploring the life, work and impact of Asheville author Thomas Wolfe on our area’s local writers, educators, historians and creatives.
Poet Evan Gray writes against Appalachian stereotypes in debut collection
“I think some folks definitely have assumptions about what makes a book or a poem ‘Appalachian.’ I find most Appalachian writing buying into some of the marketable stereotypes from the region instead of saying or doing anything interesting,” says poet Evan Gray. “I’m not interested in that.”
Asheville Archives: Calls for a more informed and engaged citizenry, 1923
“Except as impelled by the rising temperature of a political campaign, how small is the minority that gives regular and serious study to the public business!” lamented The Asheville Citizen in a Jan. 22, 1923 editorial.