YMI’s New Era: Sean Palmer takes the helm at historic cultural center

Volume

/ Issue

March 5, 2025

ONLINE VERSION

Cover Design Credit:

Scott Southwick

Cover Photography Credit:

Caleb Johnson

The YMI Cultural Center — one of the oldest cultural centers in the nation — has turned a new page in its storied history. After a five-year capital campaign, the center has completed major renovations and welcomed new executive director Sean Palmer. With plans to expand the center’s reach both locally and nationally, Palmer is poised to lead the center into a new era.

arts

Smart Bets: Singer Songwriter ROUNDup
-by Kay West
The March 12 benefit show at The Grey Eagle features 16 popular local musicians performing to raise funds for Beloved Asheville's storm recovery efforts.
Smart Bets: Tribal Seeds
-by Kay West
The nine-member San Diego-based reggae-rock band performs on March 11 with Grammy winner Kabaka Pyramid at The Orange Peel.
Smart Bets: Resurrection Studios Collective
-by Kay West
The March 7 grand opening event will showcase the new art gallery and working studios in the re-imagined Moog Music building.
Smart Bets: Free Planet Radio
-by Kay West
The pay-what-you-can performance at White Horse Black Mountain features the Asheville-based world-jazz fusion duo with violin virtuoso Casey Driessen.

food

A Year in Beer: Royal treatment at Wicked Weed Brewing
-by Christopher Arbor
Christopher Arbor explores the beer, a chicken sandwich and some semi-deep thoughts on the local economy at Wicked Weed's downtown brewpub.
What’s new in food: Restaurant closures and reopenings, Mean Pies pop-up and more
-by Gina Smith
In this week's food news, Rhubarb has permanently closed, Wildwood Still and others have reopened, Mean Pies has a temporary new home, and more.
Chefs Ashley Capps and Travis Schultz reinvent their ready-made meal service in Woodfin
-by Kay West
After their River Arts District retail space was flooded in September, chefs Ashley Capps and Trevor Schultz reinvented their ready-made meal business.

news

YMI Cultural Center starts its next chapter with renovations and new leadership
-by Brionna Dallara
With its new executive director, Sean Palmer, the YMI Cultural Center seeks to expand its reach — both locally and nationally.
City Council approves two housing developments
-by Brionna Dallara
Asheville City Council at its Feb. 25 meeting approved, 7-0, an 100% affordable 126-unit housing project off Pine Lane and cleared the way with a 5-2 vote for a 304-unit…
Some tourism-funded projects on hold ‘indefinitely’
-by Brooke Randle
Nine occupancy-tax funded projects are on hold due to unknown recovery costs associate with Tropical Storm Helene.
Concerns about the Trump administration overwhelm Chuck Edwards’ office hours
-by Greg Parlier
Elon Musk, the tech billionaire whom President Donald Trump has entrusted to oversee the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), was front of mind for many in attendance.

opinion

Letter: Memory of Sylva sighting lives on
-by Letters
"In late March of 1986, my then-wife and I, in Sylva, were witnesses to a massive triangular craft silently moving over us at night, barely 200 feet overhead."
Letter: City should rezone residential shortcuts
-by Letters
"What cities should do instead is rezone such shortcuts commercially, so that commercial bidders can buy out quiet-loving homeowners, enabling the latter to relocate to quiet areas that are not…
Letter: 12 Baskets Café is for everyone
-by Letters
"If you care about reducing food waste, building community, breaking down stereotypes and reducing fear — or you just enjoy free food — come share a meal with us!"
Letter: Taking action shows kids that we care
-by Letters
"When children see the adults around them take whatever small steps we can to address climate change and community needs, it helps them feel more secure."
Letter: I-26 should go under Patton Avenue
-by Letters
"It will be this way for the next 50-100 years, so you ought to choose the best plan now."
Letter: Spotting hopeful signs of resistance
-by Letters
"I’m writing this to encourage younger adults, parents, teachers, workers, and peace and justice activists to recognize they are not alone in the longing and quest for a better way…
Gotta go
-by Molton
Letter: Local children need volunteer court advocates
-by Letters
"Currently, there are 326 children in our program in Buncombe County, 37 of whom have no volunteer and therefore no advocate or voice in court."
Letter: Flyover plan recalls Boston’s Big Dig
-by Letters
"Just sayin’, look at the Boston disaster where they destroyed the city with an overhead highway and finally, at huge cost, had to tear it down because of how horrible…
Letter: Buncombe County Schools can take steps to build trust
-by Letters
"The implementation of such guidelines without broader public engagement can lead to misunderstandings and erode trust between the school administration and the community it serves."
Letter: Black Mountain needs a full-service gym
-by Letters
"I’ve spoken with many community members who share the same concern — our town lacks a modern, accessible gym that meets the needs of residents of all ages and fitness…
Letter: Don’t delay the I-26 Connector
-by Letters
"Regarding the design change calling for an eight-lane overpass over Patton Avenue, I feel it’s important to let this project move forward without delay."
Photo opportunity
-by Brent Brown

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