Local bluegrass band Balsam Range will kick off the 2021 Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre concert series. Also: WNC History Cafe returns; Conserving Carolina hosts photo contest; and more.
Author: Thomas Calder
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Asheville Archives: Miniature golf craze strikes amid the Great Depression
Amid the Great Depression, thousands in Asheville and across the country took to the greens to try their hand at miniature golf.
Local artists work to inspire a picturesque America
For over a decade, local artists Scott “Doc” Varn has been searching out sites depicted in the 1870s publication Picturesque America. In more recent years, he’s put together a coalition of artists to reinterpret these sites as a way to draw greater attention the conversation movement.
Asheville Archives: City residents support clubhouse for women, 1917-26
Starting in 1917, the Asheville Club for Women began raising funds to finance a clubhouse. But World War I and the subsequent economic recession derailed the group’s plans.
Video premiere: Kathryn O’Shea’s “Fall”
Local singer/songwriter Kathryn O’Shea celebrates the release of her music video, “Fall,” recorded in the Black Balsam area of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Local videographer Laura Boswell filmed the shoot. Xpress caught up with O’Shea to discuss the release. Below is the interview, along with the video premiere. Xpress: Can you speak to the inspiration behind the song? Kathyrn O’Shea: […]
Friends of East Flat Rock encourage Henderson County residents to participate in upcoming Planning Board meeting
Press release from Friends of East Flat Rock: The Henderson County-based group known as, Friends of East Flat Rock, has grown to 12,665 according to their Change.org petition. Jeff Shipman’s conditional re-zoning application to construct a new hot mix asphalt drum plant in East Flat Rock is back again and on the agenda for Henderson […]
Around town: New books, Shakespeare, fundraisers and more
Transylvania County youth services librarian Laura Gardner celebrates her debut children’s book, Blue Ridge Babies 1, 2, 3. Also: Blue Ridge Community College Theatre Department presents William Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors; Asheville Area Piano Forum hosts its 15th annual Spring Benefit Concert; and more!
Around town: Author Tommy Hays named to The Order of the Long Leaf Pine and other arts happenings
Tommy Hays, local author and former executive director of the Great Smokies Writing Program, is named to The Order of the Long Leaf Pine. Also: music contests, arts scholarships and more!
Arts programs help students make sense of a challenging year
Throughout the pandemic, local arts programs have rallied and adapted to the demands brought about by COVID-19, providing teachers much-needed relief and students a chance to express themselves during these trying times.
Around town: The latest in music, magic, quilts and history
The Center for Cultural Preservation is hosting A Special Evening with Dom Flemons. Plus, the Folk Art Center marks National Quilting Day, Kim Ruehl celebrates the release of her debut book, “A Singing Army: Zilphia Horton and the Highlander Folk School”; and more!
Local children’s author explores world religions
“Kids don’t actually care about what other people believe,” says children’s author Vicki Garlock. “They don’t care about dogma. A good way to educate kids is through traditions — holidays, rituals, food and stories.”
Story Medicine Worldwide celebrates 10-year anniversary
On March 12, Story Medicine Worldwide will kick off a three-day celebration, recognizing its 10-year anniversary. The local organization focuses on storytelling as a means of healing.
Around town: Emerging Artists exhibit returns to Black Mountain Center for the Arts, plus free kids workshops, virtual fundraisers and more
Nationally recognized wildlife artist Bob Travers returns with his latest batch of students for the 15th annual Emerging Artists exhibit. Also: Wortham Center for the Performing Arts extends free online workshops through the spring; the Center for Craft partners with Mountain BizWorks for a new online series; and more!
Around town: Zelda Fitzgerald Week returns, plus new theater, books and submission calls
Zelda Fitzgerald Week is back, after last year’s annual event was canceled due to COVID-19. Also: North Carolina Stage Company debuts its latest production; Beer Sister Cities of Perpetual Indulgence release its latest online series; and more!
Video premiere: Andrew Scotchie & the River Rats team up with The Get Right Band
Two local bands — Andrew Scotchie & the River Rats and The Get Right Band — cover each other’s songs for a pair of new music videos shot in Asheville.
Mary Othella Burnette writes of growing up Black in WNC
Born in Black Mountain in 1931, Mary Othella Burnette recounts her youth in her debut memoir, Lige of the Black Walnut Tree: Growing Up Black in Southern Appalachia.
Around town: Black History Month celebrations, live theater, virtual concerts and more
Rise Up: A Celebration of African American History and Culture returns for a second consecutive year with a virtual twist. Also: Asheville Wisdom Exchange launches; The Magnetic Theatre celebrates its first live performance of 2021; and plenty more.
Wayne Caldwell celebrates his debut poetry collection and imaginary muse
Over the last two years, writer Wayne Caldwell has written poems based on imaginary conversations with his fictional character Posey Green. His forthcoming poetry collection, Woodsmoke, comes out Tuesday, Feb. 23.
Around town: Actors and poets needed, plus new art exhibits and online events
Want to dance? The Wortham Center for the Performing Arts is hosting a virtual ballet workshop. Want to act? Montford Park Players is currently seeking actors for the 2021 season. Want a free stay at a local bed and breakfast? Submit your poetry to The Writers’ Workshop’s annual contest and see if you win.
New digital archive examines Nina Simone’s relationship with Langston Hughes
In 1949, poet Langston Hughes spoke at the Allen High School in Asheville. One of the students in attendance was Eunice Waymon, later known professionally as Nina Simone. In time, the poet and the singer developed a unique relationship, which author and N.C. State University professor W. Jason Miller is currently documenting in an online archive, Backlash Blues: Nina Simone and Langston Hughes.
Battle of the Badges Blood Drive returns
Press release from American Red Cross: The countdown to the 11th Annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive is on. Buncombe County and Asheville first responders face off every year for a lifesaving cause. Local heroes are rolling up their sleeves and encouraging the community to do the same. Just one donation can save up to three […]