From jamming with an old-time band to performing at open mics and occasionally playing at fundraisers, Billy Bober thrives on the energy of performing. “It’s what keeps the power and flow of music alive for me,” he says.
New Stories
Pop-ups revive holiday spirit for local retailers
Through festive downtown initiatives, Asheville businesses lend support to local shops set adrift by Tropical Storm Helene.
Destroyed athletic facilities leave local sports leagues searching for new homes
Flood waters from Tropical Storm Helene decimated many of the City of Asheville’s premier outdoor athletic facilities, and officials don’t know when — or if — they will be repaired and restored.
Theater review: All is Calm at NC Stage Company
What truly makes this play special is the backing chorus of nine men, who spiritedly sing a capella military favorites while the realities of war dawn on these idealistic young enlistees.
City brings slander lawsuit against ParkMobile
“ParkMobile knows that it is spreading misinformation. ParkMobile knows that it is in the wrong. And ParkMobile has had every opportunity to stop. Yet ParkMobile refuses,” the lawsuit says.
Marquee commits to rebuilding in the RAD
Love for — and support from — the local arts community convinced owner Robert Nicholas to work toward bringing back the storm-ravaged marketplace in its original Foundy Street location.
From CPP: Asheville’s economy still reeling from impact of storm, water loss on tourism
October was a total loss for many restaurants and hotels, a month that usually promises the biggest profits of the year, thanks to leaf-peepers and other seasonal tourists.
Smart Bets: Holiday Spectacular Drag Brunch
The all-ages Dec. 8 performance at The Hideaway will benefit Loving Food Resources.
City expects $39 million Army Corps of Engineers-led filtration system at North Fork Reservoir to start running Friday
The city and the Corps planned to start testing the system this week, and Asheville Water Resources spokesperson Clay Chandler said it should be operational by Friday.
The Big Crafty offers artists warmth and support in a challenging holiday season
The biannual craft show returns Dec. 7-8 to ExploreAsheville.com Arena.
Asheville businesses pick up the pieces post-Helene
Asheville business owners dealing with the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene have a simple message for local customers: We’re still here, and we need your support.
Smart Bets: Asheville Nativity Exhibition
The exhibit runs Dec. 6-15 at First Baptist Church of Asheville, featuring nativity scenes from more than 70 countries.
Smart Bets: The Art of Recovery
Opening Dec. 7, the exhibit at Pink Dog Creative features works by youth and adult artists that explore how Asheville’s Black community is recovering from Tropical Storm Helene.
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners makes history with new chair and member
Buncombe County board sees a woman chair and a Black woman commissioner for the first time.
What’s New in Food: Mattie Lou’s opens in former Geraldine’s Bakery space
The new bakery and café takes over the space recently vacated by Geraldine’s Bakery. Also in this week’s food news: Guajiro Cuban Comfort Food rolls again with a new truck, displaced Marquee beverage businesses forge new paths, a Slovenian wine dinner and much more.
Unstoppable: Serving the community is a key priority
“In an odd series of events, we had actually decided to open a food resource area and onboarded our first mental health intern right before the hurricane hit,” says Amy Upham, executive director of Blue Ridge Pride.
