Shifting Ground: Newfangled notions revitalize family farms
Volume
25
/ Issue 51
Cover Design Credit:
Scott SouthwickCover Photography Credit:
Marc Pierre LeMauviel
Keeping family land viable and productive is a challenge for many Western North Carolina farmers. But grants that support diversification efforts are offering new avenues for growth and financial stability. On the cover: Aaron and Anne Grier of Gaining Ground Farm in Leicester
arts
SistaStrings and Nickel&Rose bring the sound of Milwaukee to Isis Music Hall
Teaser videos show this collaboration as a lush, experimental string band that sits somewhere in a Venn diagram between artists like Birds of Chicago, Kaia Kater, and Punch Brothers.Brevard Music Center gets political during ‘A Copland Celebration’
According to cultural historian Joe Horowitz, "You’re not going to be able to attend the event without asking yourself what it has to do with the present moment.”Smart Bets: Che Apalache
The “Latingrass” four-piece plays UNCA's Concerts on the Quad series on July 15.Clan Destiny Circus debuts at Diana Wortham Theatre
The musical shares the story of misfit refugees and performers who band together for survival in a war-torn world.The wellRED Comedy Tour stops at The Orange Peel
Trae Crowder, aka the Liberal Redneck, Crowder will perform in Asheville with fellow standup artists Drew Morgan and Corey Ryan Forrester on Saturday and Sunday, July 13 and 14.Smart Bets: Street to Studio
Local artist Neil Carroll's exhibit of graffiti-inspired, mixed-media art and fine furniture opens July 13 at Grovewood Gallery.Smart Bets: DJ Audio
The Asheville producer/musician has a music video release party for his new single on July 12 at Room Nine.Smart Bets: More Crimes and Missed Demeanings
The comedy stage show runs July 12-14 at The Magnetic Theatre.food
Appetite for Life: ‘Mater matters
Close your eyes and feel the summer heat. Think about the flavor of summer and see what comes immediately to mind. Watermelon, perhaps. Or fire-grilled chicken. Or basil. Or lemonade.…Carolina Beer Guy: Catawba Brewing turns 20
Billy and Scott Pyatt reflect on two decades in the brewing industry.Eat from the forest floor with foraged mushrooms
July marks peak season for gathering wild edible mushroom in Western North Carolina, and many tasty varieties are already popping up on local restaurant menus.Small bites: Ole Shakey’s hosts dog show
Greatest grin, sickest trick and bodacious booty are among the categories at Ole Shakey's Best in Show dog competition. Also: Punk Rock Hot Dog Challenge; Brews, bears and wine; and…living
News Briefs: Buncombe maintains state’s lowest unemployment, bat fungus spotted in Madison County
Buncombe did see its unemployment tick up from the 2.8% April rate; the May rate was also higher than the 2.8% reported for the same month last year. However, the…Diversification grants help a new generation of farmers maintain family land
WNC's family farms are broadening their horizons to explore new avenues for income.movies
Screen Scene: Local film news
The Grail screens a documentary on the band Luxury and the Smoky Mountain Cinema reopens in Waynesville.news
Asheville Archives: Tobacco and the Great Depression
On Dec. 10, 1930, despite the country's economic turmoil, the Carolina Tobacco Warehouse opened in downtown Asheville.About Face
ASHEVILLE, N.C.Rock climbing as therapy
Western North Carolina is a rock climbing mini-mecca, featuring faces such as Looking Glass, John Rock and Rumbling Bald. And for some, this fast-growing sport is a way of life.…E-coli Family Vacation
ASHEVILLE, N.C.Asheville activists honored with life-changing grants
Community activists Sheneika Smith and Nicole Townsend are the recipients of the pilot Tzedek Brilliance Awards, individual grants of $200,000 paid over two years. The Amy Mandel and Katina Rodis…Special session explores state-imposed election districts for Council seats
After much anticipation, Asheville City Attorney Brad Branham presents the city's legal options — and limitations — of addressing state-imposed district elections to Council during a July 2 work session.opinion
Letter: Notes on letters and comments
"It’s all part of the politics of resentment, of ongoing cultural wars and of a pervasive, modern anti-intellectualism that believes college is bad, professors worse, the curriculum tainted and students…Letter: Look south for right-leaning havens
"As a New York-born, 25-year resident of Asheville, I would like to tell Mr. Gilmore that if he moved here because of his disgust with 'left-leaning politicians,' he didn’t move…Letter: Hemp farmers need support, not interference
"Certainly, the last thing that our N.C. farmers need is for a state agency like the SBI to be complaining that they are going to have a harder time arresting…