YMI Cultural Center starts its next chapter with renovations and new leadership

Posted on March 7, 2025March 7, 2025 by Brionna Dallara

With its new executive director, Sean Palmer, the YMI Cultural Center seeks to expand its reach — both locally and nationally.

Around town: Pan Harmonia celebrates 25 years

Posted on September 24, 2024September 24, 2024 by Edwin Arnaudin

The Asheville-based chamber music company reflects on a rich body of work, the WTF Festival returns, plus more area arts news.

Q&A: Tonia Plummer, operations manager at the YMI

Posted on February 24, 2022February 21, 2022 by Brooke Randle

Plummer shares her thoughts on the Young Men’s Institute Cultural Center, which celebrated its 129th birthday Feb. 12.

Around town: Goombay Festival celebrates 40 years

Posted on August 31, 2021September 1, 2021 by Justin McGuire

The Goombay Festival celebrates African and Caribbean heritage in Asheville. Plus, the N.C. Apple Festival returns for its 75th year, Weaverville gets ready to open a new community center and a local author publishes a children’s book.

Small bites: Goombay Festival celebrates diversity in the mountains

Posted on September 5, 2017September 4, 2017 by Thomas Calder

African and Caribbean flavors return to Pack Square Park during the Goombay Festival. Also: Catawba Brewing hosts Grill & Chill; Olivette Riverside Community and Farm hold a benefit dinner for Asheville GreenWorks; The Hop Ice Cream raises money for and awareness of multiple sclerosis; and plenty more.

Living soul: Goombay Festival partners with GO Kitchen Ready culinary training program

Posted on September 7, 2016September 8, 2016 by Eliza Stokes

Asheville’s annual Goombay Festival offers learning and networking opportunities for culinary trainees.

Urban, soul and African cuisines collide at Goombay Festival

Posted on September 14, 2015September 14, 2015 by Jonathan Ammons

With its second appearance at Pack Square Park, the 35th annual Goombay Festival celebrated African and Caribbean culture with music, activities — and lots of food.

Asheville native Chance the Artist headlines Goombay’s Sunday gospel celebration

Posted on September 7, 2015September 4, 2015 by Edwin Arnaudin

Gospel-rapper Chance the Artist, an Asheville native currently based in Atlanta, headlines the Goombay on Sunday, Sept. 13. After turning his life around an devoting himself to positive rhymes, Chance finds himself on the cusp of some potentially major turning points, including the forthcoming debut of an official website, a DJ to enhance his live shows and a team to assist him on the business side.

Goombay! is back

Posted on August 4, 2012August 4, 2012 by Alli Marshall

This year’s African and Caribbean Cultural festival, Aug. 24-27, includes a few new features: A Friday night block party and a Sunday night concert at the Orange Peel by Arrested Development (photo from the band’s website).