Freight hoppers: Trains, freedom and the traveling culture
Volume
22
/ Issue 50
Cover Design Credit:
Scott SouthwickCover Photography Credit:
Max Hunt
While most of today’s hobos hitchhike or otherwise get around, a minority continues the tradition of riding the rails — despite risk of personal injury, legal hassles and run-ins with violent individuals. Xpress takes a look.
arts
Conscious party: Blacklist Improv supports Our VOICE with a night of local comedy
Family Dinner Improv will make its debut on Saturday as the opening act before two traditional stand-up sets by Minori Hinds and Mallory Denae plus a headlining performance by Blacklist…David Bazan’s solo tour brings him to Asheville
David Bazan will perform songs from his new album, Blanco — along with other tunes from his back catalog — when he appears onstage at The Grey Eagle Wednesday, July…Asheville artists take their crafts abroad
Every year, several of Asheville’s local artists pack their suitcases and catch flights to teach their crafts abroad. From basketry to pottery and painting to fiber arts, these forms are…Montford Park Players perform Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus
Director Michael MacCauley discusses his introduction to Shakespeare's first tragedy and how its bloody commentary on the senselessness of violence remains timely.Smart bets: Purgatory Pie Press
The exhibit's free opening reception is Asheville Bookworks on Thursday, July 7, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.Smart bets: The Hummingbirds
The rootsy duo brings its twangy tales to 185 King St., in Brevard on Friday, July 8.Smart bets: wellRED Comedy Tour
The trio of stand up comics cover political issues and lighter, day-to-day subject matter at New Mountain on Thursday, July 7, with shows at 7 and 9 p.m.Smart bets: M.C. Richards exhibit
Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center will celebrate alumnus and former teacher Mary Caroline (M.C.) Richards by displaying her work and memoribilia in an exhibit that runs through Saturday,…food
Keep cool and carry on: Beat the heat with Asheville summer eats
Local restaurants and watering holes chill out with refreshing summer options.Small bites: Tuesday Tease at Trade and Lore
In this week's food news, Trade and Lore launches evening events, Urban Orchard Cider Co. hosts a fundraising event focused on Lyme disease, The Imperial Life plans a bartending class,…A spoke in the wheel: WNC’s cheese scene furthers sustainability
Artisan cheesemakers and small dairies work collaboratively to support each other's businesses and grow Western North Carolina's cheese scene.Woodpecker Pie offers a handy little feast at The Mothlight
On June 25, after more than a year of planning, friends Vincent Gagnon and Matt Bailey officially opened Woodpecker Pie inside The Mothlight on Haywood Road.living
Combining two of Asheville’s favorite pastimes — booze and fitness
It is not uncommon for area athletes to chase their workouts with a beer. A look at what health experts say about this combination, and whether drinking after a workout…Farm & Garden: Biodynamic farming catches on in WNC
Interest in biodynamic growing practices is strong both locally and across the nation. In a two-day workshop July 9-10, Barefoot Farmer Jeff Poppen will share practical and spiritual wisdom drawn…movies
Ken and Ken at the cosmic movie theatre
One less Crank[e] amongst us: On the passing of Ken Hanke, by Jeff Fobes Out-riffing us all: Remembering Ken Hanke, by Marc McCloudScreen scene: Local film news
The Fine Arts Theatre hosts a benefit screening of "Synchronicity," Asheville Parks & Rec show "Back to the Future" at Pack Square Park and Asheville School of Film announce new…news
New law increases access to overdose reversal medication
A new state law allows wider access to the drug naloxone, which can temporarily reverse overdoses. Mental health professionals, emergency responders and public health advocates have hailed the bill as…Off the beaten track: Freight trains, freedom and the traveling culture
Americans love to celebrate the iconic "hobo" lifestyle, yet we're often quick to stereotype or judge the modern-day iteration of the traveler. Despite the risk of legal repercussions and personal…opinion
Letter writer: Use discretion about dogs in cars
"I urge readers to use some discretion and not revert to a knee-jerk reaction of calling Animal Control every time they see a dog in a car."Letter writer: A letter from Fido
"This is old Fido, writing from the fear and discomfort and relentless frustration of instinct of my life now, in a little cage at the incredibly stressful and incessantly noisy…HepKat & YoDawg
Letter writer: Repeal N.C. certificate of need law
"These outdated laws severely limit the development of health care facilities such as ambulatory surgical centers and diagnostic imaging centers."Letter writer: Pop culture has negative effect on teen girls
"I challenge you to tell a girl she's beautiful with or without makeup, or that extra 15 pounds. And not only say it, mean it, too."Letter writer: Remembering the inimitable Ken Hanke
"I feel like I have lost a comrade in arms, a fellow lover of cinema and history, another movie buff who saw something more in those moving images than just…