Bele Chere and domineerin­g?

When walking through the crowds at Bele Chere this past weekend, I normally see everything between the music stages as commercials. I skip right by them, ready to see and hear what is beyond all of the marketing. Not that there's anything wrong with commercials, they're just not my bag. I didn't drink beer from […]

The Silver Drummer Girl changed my tune

Having written many letters to the editor, and being rather vocal on some comment threads on the Mountain Xpress website, I am ready to admit a first: I was wrong. As a landscaper, I scoffed at the idea of dressing like a statue and standing still being considered “work.” After shoveling gravel in 90-plus-degree weather, […]

Feathers come from birds

Feathers are obviously the new fashion trend. There were multiple vendors at Bele Chere selling feather hair extensions, feather hair clips, feather earrings, etc. I encourage everyone to do a little research as to where these feathers come from. Consumer awareness is especially important when animals are involved. — Kira Poteat Clyde

Local Matters: The Bele Chere hip-hop controvers­y, food trucks and Buncombe County Commission update

In this edition of Local Matters — the Xpress weekly news podcast — reporter David Forbes talks about the controversy over the Bele Chere committee’s reluctance to book hip-hop artist DJ Kool, and gives updates on the ongoing food truck ordinance battle. Reporter Christopher George also gives a rundown of the recent Buncombe County Commission meeting.

Omitted email: City staffer believed Bele Chere head would consult with APD about hip-hop act

Sandra Travis, program director for Asheville’s festivals, has denied consulting with the Asheville Police Department before deciding not to book a hip-hop act for the Bele Chere festival. However, a new email reveals that one of Travis’ staff believed otherwise, asserting her boss would consult with the APD “about community temperament.” The city omitted the email from an earlier release to Xpress.