City Council and Buncombe Commission­ers to meet in joint session, Aug. 18

Although Asheville City Council members and Buncombe County commissioners frequently attend the same meetings and community events, it’s been at least two years since the two bodies met in an official joint session. Finding a meeting time that works for all elected officials is challenging, explains City Clerk Maggie Burleson, but she believes that most officials will be present for the joint meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 18.

Mountain Dance and Folk Festival preserves traditions

The Mountain Dance and Folk Festival, now in its 88th year, returns to the Diana Wortham Theatre, Thursday to Saturday, Aug. 6 to 8. Entertainers at this year’s three-night gathering include ballad singers, bluegrass and old-time bands, gospel groups, solo and duet instrumentalists and vocalists, clogging teams, buck dancers, flat-footers and traditional Appalachian smooth dancers.