arts
Under exposure
“Photographer” can be a identifier in Asheville, or at least an ambiguous one. When someone says they’re a painter, we tend to know they mean artist, rather than house painter.…Westward expansion
All Go West, West Asheville’s daylong music festival, returns for its third year. But the home-grown fete, which skipped 2012, comes back with a few updates. First, it moves into…Straying From the Path
Released five years apart, “Is There a Ghost” and “Knock Knock” are remarkably similar songs, energetic opening numbers that are as catchy as they are fulfilling. And yet, Band of…End of empire
Margaret Curtis’ paintings were once described by an art critic as looking like “the day after the party.” That was 10 years ago, when hyperbolic feminine themes were rampant in…State of the arts
The decals never came off the doors after the Fine Arts League of the Carolinas moved out of its Rankin Avenue location. But that’s OK. In a way, the new…Smart Bets: Dick Dale
Pioneering musician Dick Dale was born in Boston, but when, as a teen, he moved to California's Orange County with his family, he got into surfing and then music. Dale…Smart Bets: Ann B. Ross
Hendersonville-based author Ann B. Ross has been working on her popular Miss Julia series since '99. The feisty Miss Julia is a widow as well as a church member and…Smart Bets: Snatam Kaur
Devotional chant and yoga teacher (and Oprah Winfrey fave) Snatam Kaur leads both a workshop and an evening of kirtan, sacred music and songs of India. The concert is at…Smart Bets: Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan has always done things his own way, and sometimes he misses but mostly he hits. Most recently, the legendary folk/rock musician released 50th Anniversary Collection, a four-CD set…Smart Bets: Hamlet, steam-punk style
You know Shakespeare's Hamlet, right? At least more or less. But what about Hamlet reimagined through the lens of Victorian-era steampunk? "Themes of indecision, revenge and retribution, deception, ambition, loyalty…Smart Bets: Clan Destiny Circus
Local artist collective Clan Destiny Circus performs a "show for the child, for the moonstruck lovers, for our elders with a taste for life.” According to a press release, the…Recitatives on the guillotine
Troubling and divisive situations need most to be discussed, especially when the implications are as severe — for the individual and the broader society — as capital punishment, says pianist…Calendar highlights: Paws on a Mission, YWCA Black and White Gala, Weaverville Art Safari
Clubland features: Reid Weigner, Zomes and Asheville FM
Drum solo!: Local percussionist Reid Weigner is versatile and prolific, performing with experimental indie rock outfits like Hello Hugo, Giant Giants and Reptar. On Wednesday, April 24, Weigner steps out…food
Celebrate food on Saturday
This weekend offers two food-centric festivals.BT’s Burger Joint dares you: Take the 40/20 challenge
The new Biltmore Park eatery offers a free meal to anyone who can eat a 40-ounce burger in 20 minutes.Behind the screens: What happens when the national media comes to town
Asheville chefs talk about their experiences with the pressThe Weinhaus goes hybrid
Wine took awhile to become mainstream in Western North Carolina, recalls Hunt Mallett, owner of the Weinhaus. When his father started the business in 1977, he didn't have many competitors.…Beer Scout: Foothills expands footprint
It’s easy to let brewery openings big and small grab your attention. Here in Asheville, we have a lot of that going on. But when Foothills Brewing made an announcement…living
Taking it to the streets: Urban Dharma brings Buddhist teachings to the heart of Asheville
Take one look at the “spirituality” section of our calendar, and it’s easy to see that the Asheville area aims for wellness of mind and heart in a variety of…In the garden
Plant sales galore The soil is warming, trees are blooming and shoots of garlic are poking out of the ground. As gardeners don their gloves and turn the clay, there's…news
Small-business lending: Growing the local economy, one loan at a time
Businesses need capital to grow. And strong local economies need ways to grow local businesses. But as local business owner Kudzai Mabunda learned, getting the money can be an arduous…Hell or high water: Rep. Nathan Ramsey wades straight into the fray
During a recent visit home, State Rep. Nathan Ramsey says he’s happy to be back in the mountains. “A little cooler up here,” he says. “Closer to heaven; farther from…In the running
Election season is underway for Asheville City Council. So far, a number of contenders have announced that they’ll run: Vice Mayor Esther Manheimer and former Asheville Risk Management Director John…Determination and flexibility
While it is true that a business owner needs to analyze the financials and create an effective marketing plan, success requires more. There are two other crucial ingredients, which may…opinion
Montford Books correction
The April 17 Business Blotter listed Montford Books & More under “Closings,” but omitted the closing date, which is Tuesday, April 30. The store, located at 31 Montford Ave., is…Best of WNC awards come early this year, with more categories
Which bars have the best atmosphere? Best view? Most unusual beer selection? Where’s the best place to buy dress-up clothes? Work clothes? Kids clothes? Who’s the best employer? What company…Here’s to kneading local!
I would like to thank Mountain Xpress, and specifically food writer Emily Patrick, for the April 17 story, “This Bread Is Our Bread.” Ms. Patrick did a stellar job addressing…Molton distinguishes Xpress from the rest
The Mountain Xpress has been quenching my need for entertainment and news for years. The investigative reporting, the columns, the calendar, the movie reviews and the cartoons of Randy Molton…How about a little personal dignity?
In response to Laura Nunley's letter contrasting the criminality of breast bearing with spousal and child abuse, I gotta say I wonder where she got her law degree, not to…Beware, N.C. cities
The city of Asheville is under attack by state GOP Reps. Tim Moffitt, Nathan Ramsey and Chuck McGrady. It is a hostile and irresponsible attack on our infrastructure with their…Another battle
While there is a lot of headway concerning gay-marriage rights, let's remember that discrimination towards LGBT on other matters is left to be fought. Legal discrimination on the federal level…Buncombe County raising taxes under disguise
At the April 13 Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Retreat, under “budget updates and discussion,” County Manager Wanda Greene's body language said it all — even her voice. Questions or…