Signal Slugfest: WPVM charts a new course
Volume
22
/ Issue 15
Cover Design Credit:
Elizabeth Bates
Local-led, volunteer-run radio station WPVM, 103.7 FM, has changed ownership from the Mountain Area Information Network to a new group, Friends of WPVM. But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Xpress explores the station’s troubled history and how it’s charting a new course.
arts
Conscious party: Whitewater Bluegrass Company performs to support local veterans in need
"The Whitewater Bluegrass Company is proud to be a part of this event to support our veterans," says Bill Byerly, the band's guitarist and vocalist of 30 years. "We hope…Diane Chamberlain sets her new novel in Swannanoa
Raleigh-based author Diana Chamberlain will read at Malaprop’s Saturday, Nov. 7, and at the Swannanoa Library Sunday, Nov. 8.Rude Boys Headline WRES-FM’s inaugural Autumnfest
For the Rude Boys, who headline the inaugural Autumnfest at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, a chance meeting with soul singer Gerald Levert led to a signing with Atlantic Records.Smart bets: Jamie Laval
The 2002 U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Champion performs at Waynesville's The Strand at 38 Main Saturday, Nov. 7, at 7:30 p.m.The Milk Carton Kids’ contemporary take on American folk music
The Milk Carton Kids are really just two Los Angeles-based singer-songwriters — Joey Ryan and Kenneth Pattengale — who figured out that they sounded good playing together. But to the…Smart bets: Rosy Kirby and John Faulkner
Both artists' work will be on display at Woolworth Walk's front gallery for the duration of November with a meet-and-greet reception Friday, Nov. 6, from 5-7 p.m. Free.Attic Salt produces Vanya and Sonia at 35below
Christopher Durang’s Tony-winning comedy Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike opens Friday, Nov. 6 at 35below. Rivalries are sparked, regrets are voiced — and all of it may or…Smart bets: The Boys Next Door
Performances are Thursdays through Sundays, Nov. 5-21, at 7:30 p.m., at The BeBe Theatre, with proceeds benefiting Paws on ASD.Community Calendar Highlights: Give!Local nonprofit events from 11/04 through 11/12
This week the Community Calendar is highlighting events that are sponsored by nonprofits that are participating in the Give!Local campaign. The campaign is raising money for 30 worthy local nonprofits that…Smart bets: John McCutcheon
Folk musician John McCutcheon performs at the Trinity Presbyterian Church in Hendersonville Friday, Nov. 6.food
Any way you slice it: Asheville pizza makers dish about what goes into a great pie
People are opinionated about their pizza. Whether its New York-style thin crust, Chicago deep-dish or something completely different, everybody has their likes and dislikes. A few Asheville pizza makers recently…At the controls: The ABCs of alcohol regulation
Alcohol Law Enforcement and the Asheville Alcoholic Beverage Control board have been in the spotlight in recent months due to high-profile stories that centered around citations issued at local beer…Beer Scout: Hi-Wire hosts Stout Bout
Hi-Wire is bringing in 15 breweries for a stout-focused battle of the beers. Also, Catawba Brewing Co. announces expansion plans, and Highland Brewing Co. gets set for its annual Cold…Small bites: CiderFest NC
CiderFest brings local and regional hard ciders together for a third year. Plus, Ashley English stops into Asheville to lead a lesson on DIY dairy; The Hop West celebrates five…living
Local practitioners bring wellness to Buncombe’s prison population
As mindfulness-based healing modalities with prison populations gather attention in the public eye, and research supports their effectiveness generally, more volunteers are coming forward in Western North Carolina to create…movies
Screen scene: Local film news
This week's roundup includes screenings of Frenkel Defects, PlantPure Nation and Monsieur Lazhar as well as a fundraising campaign for the documentary short Love Won: The Fight for Marriage Across…news
Greenway in the sky: Beaucatcher park offers tantalizing prospect
For nearly 100 years, the dream of a high-elevation park offering close-range panoramic views over downtown has entranced yet eluded Asheville visionaries. With a new funding commitment from the Tourism…Torchbearers: Center for Diversity Education honors ASCORE’s legacy
In 1960, a group of student activists at Asheville’s all-black Stephens-Lee High School courageously challenged the racial status quo, bringing the civil rights movement closer to home. Through public demonstrations,…Amid heated controversy, WPVM charts a new course
Local-led, volunteer-run radio station WPVM, 103.7 FM has completed an ownership transition, from Mountain Area Information Network to a new group, Friends of WPVM. Making it through the change of…opinion
Letter writer: Regulate short-term rentals, don’t ban them
"Asheville, I am greatly disappointed that you would allow this to happen."Letter writer: Thanks, Subway, for promising to serve antibiotics-free chicken
"The more that antibiotics are overused — the drugs are routinely given to livestock and poultry at many large industrial farms, whether or not animals are sick — the more…Letter writer: After years of good times, Oktoberfest fizzled this year
"Lesson to be learned: Sometimes it’s better to leave well enough, alone. If it ain't broke, don't fix it — money is the root of all evil!"Letter writer: Wildlife education program takes animals to students
"I believe we may be a unique wildlife organization that is serving Western North Carolina schools."Letter writer: Most newcomers fail to respect or appreciate WNC natives
"How unfortunate it is that most newcomers here can neither appreciate nor respect the lifestyle and ethics of the people native to the area."Letter writer: An anthem for Asheville
'Joni Mitchell's 'Big Yellow Taxi' would fit just fine.'Our survival’s at stake: We can’t afford half-truths about our energy future
"Truth telling is risky business. The science tells us that if we don’t quickly change our energy infrastructure, it’s very likely that our children will inherit a dangerously warm world."It’s the Most Wonderful Time of Next Year…