Not be confused with the U.S. government's military-aided prohibition of illegal drug trade, The War on Drugs is a Philadelphia-based rock band fronted by and created around singer/songwriter/guitarist Adam Granduciel. While the Springsteen comparisons run rampant, the band is really about pushing boundaries: "overexposing studio limitations, piling tape upon tape to maximum density, and then, […]

Once a year, dozens of tribal and folk dancers — along with dance enthusiasts — descend on Hendersonville's Camp Tekoa for four days of study, performance and family fun. This year's gathering (the group's sixth) runs Thursday-Sunday, Oct. 6-9, with shows on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 7 and 8. Performers include North African dancer Amel […]

Alabama-native self-taught folk artist Michael Banks has a style that's both alien and familiar. "He paints images as they occur, willing to paint contradictory ideas within a single painting; illustrating the complexities of being human, the beauty alongside the darkness," says a press release for Banks' upcoming show at American Folk Art & Framing. "A […]

Not only is bluegrass band Hot Rize a star-studded super group (original members are mandolin player Tim O'Brien and Pete Wernick on banjo; bassist Nick Forster joined three months in and WNC guitarist Bryan Sutton was added in 2002), the band has been playing for more than 30 years. They're calling the current lineup with […]

Rack up some serious good karma at the Green Carpet Gala. The evening of earth-friendly art and fashion is righteous enough — an art sale, raffle, silent auction and live auction all showcase local artwork made around a "Green Carpet Gala" theme. That the proceeds benefit Planned Parenthood makes this event downright saintly. Plus, there's […]

It's one thing to be a one-man band, but self-described "island-infused, drum 'n' bass, gospel-ninja-soul" performer Zach Deputy is (and we paraphrase) a one-man dance party. Thanks to singer/songwriter savvy, live-looping prowess and an infectious grin, Deputy is a rhythmic whirlwind of feel-good sounds and reggae-tinged grooves. His just-released album, Another Day, is "best described […]

Local metal band Telic describes its sound as creative, moving, epic, listenable and bursting with power. The group has been getting comfy on The Orange Peel stage (for their own This Path is Overgrown CD release party and as support for All That Remains and Nonpoint), but this time around, Telic wants to keep things […]

It's the third year for this annual festival, and this time around it's held in memory of late Swannanoa resident John Heffner. The festivities take place at Shovelhead Saloon (2898 U.S. Highway 70, Black Mountain) on Saturday, Sept. 24, starting at noon. The Krektones, The Go Devils, As Sick As Us, Campaign 1984 and others […]

After collaborating with the likes of Madonna, New Order and Seal; after a Grammy nomination, owning a record label and being the driving force behind successful acts like Sasha … what do you do? Apparently you play BoBo Gallery. At least that's what British dance music innovator Barry Jamieson is doing. On Friday, Sept. 23 […]

The group Voices from the American Land uses poetry to “move the message of the land,” which means to celebrate and protect the environment. The organization hosts educational activities and readings, and publishes collections of writings about the environment. The most recent of these, Every Breath Sings Mountains, is set to launch on Friday, Sept. […]

No, it's not a city that exists inside a giant library, nor is it a rogue (though literary) robot. BookOpolis is the annual showcase of contemporary book arts and original prints at Asheville Bookworks (428 1/2 Haywood Road). The grand reception and unveiling takes place on Friday, Sept. 23, 6-9 p.m. An open house is […]

When The Magnetic Theatre says adult comedy, they're not joking about mature themes. Shangri-La, a premiere by local playwright Lucia Del Vecchio, is set in a senior citizen retirement trailer park in Florida. According to press, the characters "deal with nosy neighbors, gossip, possibly inappropriate behavior and dress, Internet dating, golden years’ love and sex, […]

The year was 1981, Reagan was president and a trio of Senate staffers set out to stage a holiday program of songs and skits that parodied the headlines of the day, along with many of their coworkers. And so The Capitol Steps was born, and continues to this day. The group has so far released […]

Although "play" is in the name, an Asheville Playback show is not your typical theatrical performance. To start with, there's no script. "At a playback show you will encounter real life rather than a scripted production," says an explanation of the event. "The actors and musicians improvise, guided and inspired by true life/personal stories provided […]

It's been a long time coming, but the several-times-delayed production of Pete 'n' Keely is finally on stage at Altamont Theatre Company. The off-Broadway show, set in 1968, is the story of "America's swingin' sweethearts" who reunite on a live TV special to relive their career highlights, despite the fact that they haven't spoken since […]

When you think of reggae you probably don't immediately consider the tropical breezes of Savannah, Ga., or the production techniques of various enduring punk bands. But Passafire might just change that. The Savannah-based reggae-rockers (formed in 2003 by SCAD students) just-released fourth album Start From Scratch under the tutelage of Butthole Surfers, Sublime and Meat […]