Best of WNC: Part Two
Volume
25
/ Issue 4
Cover Design Credit:
Scott SouthwickCover Photography Credit:
Joe Pellegrino
The second installment of our roundup of WNC’s high flyers — like Rob Sebrell, owner of Push Skate Shop — has arrived. This week, we share our readers’ picks for the best in eats, drinks, the outdoors, media, pets, small towns and more.
arts
Revolve hosts an all-woman electro-pop showcase
Celia Verbeck shares a bill with Tennessee musicians Eve Maret and Dream Chambers and fellow Ashevillean Caroline Cronin at Revolve on Monday, Aug. 20.Smart Bets: Béla Fleck’s Blue Ridge Banjo Concert
The renowned five-string picker and his fellow Blue Ridge Banjo Camp instructors perform Aug. 18 at the Brevard Music Center.Byron Ballard’s latest book gives a prophetic warning
In her new book 'Earth Works: Ceremonies in Tower Time,' Byron Ballard forecasts dark days ahead as patriarchy gasps its last breaths. But she also offers hope with practical strategies…Smart Bets: Jerald Pope
The local writer-illustrator launches his new wordless novel Aug. 18 at Malaprop's.Southern Avenue returns to Asheville for Downtown After 5
Southern Avenue formed after Ori Naftaly, who had a successful solo career in his native Israel, came to the U.S. to participate in the International Blues Challenge.Local teen band Uncle Kurtis releases a studio recording
Since getting together a year ago (some of the members had played together in other groups before their 10th birthdays), Uncle Kurtis has been booked at Soulshine, LEAF Downtown AVL,…Smart Bets: Liminalities
Carmelo Pampillonio's audio installation opens Aug. 17 at Revolve.Theater review: ‘Every Brilliant Thing’ by Different Strokes
This will be Different Strokes! final show in The BeBe Theatre. The company is moving to a new space in the near future called The Downstage Performing Arts Center.You’re invited: Best of WNC 2018 party
The festivities — honoring the winners of this year’s Best Of survey and the Xpress readers who voted for said victors — will take place in the Meadow at Highland…Smart Bets: The Mobros
The South Carolina natives play Isis Music Hall on Aug. 16.food
Needful things: Some culinary options are still missing from Asheville’s food scene
As Best of WNC voters noted, a few types of cuisine remain under- or unrepresented in Asheville's growing food scene.Top-shelf views: Asheville bartenders talk about rum
Good rum lends itself well to sipping as well as mixing in a classic or adventurous cocktail. “The versatility of rum is incredible,” says Leah Howard of H&H Distillery.Beer Scout: Whistle Hop and Turgua offer distinct Fairview charms
The owners of Fairview's two breweries discuss the rewards and challenges of running a taproom just outside of Asheville.Small bites: Eliada Farms Week
Eliada Farms Weeks kicks off Saturday, Aug. 18 at Sovereign Remedies. Also: Ben’s Tune Up hosts Slushie Fest; West Asheville Tailgate Market throws a block party; Haywood Street Congregation introduces…living
Balance is crucial for avoiding falls as we age
Impaired balance brings with it a higher risk of falling and all that a fall can entail. According to the National Council on Aging, falls are the No. 1 cause…A love of farming keeps WNC’s small dairy producers going
Although Western North Carolina's small dairy farms face numerous challenges, the industry continues to be a robust contributor to the area's economy.movies
Screen scene: Local film news
Asheville AIA and the Fine Arts Theatre screen a documentary on a high school design program in Bertie County and more.news
Asheville Archives: The Beaucatcher Tunnel project, 1927-29
In May 1927, work officially began on Beaucatcher Tunnel. Controversy and catastrophe would haunt the two-year project.Local news in brief from our issue of Aug. 15, 2018
Toybrary to launch toy-sharing bus Toys lost their zing? Looking for something new to play with? The Toybrary of Asheville will cut the ribbon on its ToyZazzle bus on Saturday,…Trump administration’s trade war worries WNC businesses
Local farmers and manufacturers express concern about the impact retaliatory tariffs sparked by new Trump administration trade policies could have on their businesses.Local business news in brief from our issue of Aug. 15, 2018
Perhaps your business needs startup capital to make your idea fly. Or maybe rubbing elbows with lawmakers will give you an edge. Opportunities for building business skills, attracting investment and…West Asheville needle exchange, free café raise community complaints
Some say The Steady Collective, Firestorm Books and Coffee, Kairos West Community Center and 12 Baskets Café have reduced the area’s safety by offering services to drug users and homeless…Planned Charlotte Street apartments draw neighborhood worries over zoning, traffic
Although the exact footprint of the building is still under consideration, existing plans call for a first floor of businesses (16,000 square feet in total) topped by 26 efficiency, 93…County to fill top spots through outside search, internal promotions
Even as elected officials and county staff digested word of new indictments of former county employees released less than four hours before the regular meeting of the Buncombe County Board…opinion
Letter: Thanks to Xpress cartoonists
"Especially, thank you for the illustration skills of Irene Olds and Brent Brown."Letter: Yes, we have wildlife in Asheville
"Bears are here. Act accordingly."Letter: Buncombe County should trash Waste Pro contract
"How did Waste Pro get a 10-year contract? Who, at the Buncombe County administration made that decision and why, in view of constant complaints?"Letter: High-rises, trailers are not the answer to affordable housing
"Creating multi-income, multiuse developments and requiring affordable units in new multifamily developments is a much better way of solving this problem and maybe actually helping some folks along the way."Letter: Progressive causes remain intact
"How unfortunate that those three standards appear to have been rejected by Mr. Mumpower and the administration he supports."Letter: The problem with bears is too many people
"Yes, they are a nuisance when they get into our garbage, but they are just trying to survive in man’s world."