Mountain Xpress 12.18.13

OUR 20TH YEAR OF WEEKLY INDEPENDENT NEWS, ARTS & EVENTS FOR WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA VOL. 20 NO. 22 DECEmbER 18 - DECEmbER 24, 2013

plus:

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charting the future of asheville tourism

28

Gingerbread Competition has heart

Holi-DIY

festive handmade projects from across WNC

Asheville’s Oldest Wine Store NOW OPEN WINE BAR/TAPROOM & CHEESE STORE AT THE WEINHAUS

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DEcEmBER 18 - DEcEmBER 24, 2013

3

Pet Problems?

contEnts contact us

We can help!

Asheville Humane Society operates a Safety Net Program: a free resource to all Buncombe County residents.

pagE 36

• • • • •

Crafts, from simple construction paper garlands to elaborate gingerbread houses, go hand in hand with the holidays. Here, Xpress readers offer some of their favorite festive projects and the memories those crafts bring to mind.

letters to the editor to LEttERs@mountainx.com

coVER DEsign Laura Barry

business news to BusinEss@mountainx.com

Holi-DIY

Re-homing Tool Kit & Support Pet Behavior Help Spay/Neuter Assistance Financial Hardship Options Pet Friendly Housing Listings

828.250.6430 • ashevillehumane.org

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Features

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hoLiDay

Holiday Specials & Discounts

wELLnEss

owners retiring

22 winDow wonDERLanD Downtown merchants celebrate the holidays with window decorations

24 BREaking thE siLEncE Our VOICE reaches out to male victims of sexual abuse

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venues with upcoming shows cLuBLanD@mountainx.com

28 housE paRty National Gingerbread House Competition has heart

place a web ad at wEBaDs@mountainx.com question about the website? wEBmastER@mountainx.com

40 outwaRD BounD Rising Appalachia returns to Asheville for a solstice show

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8 DEstination ashEViLLE Local leaders chart course for more tourism development

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By Mountain Xpress aDVERtising copyRight 2013

By Mountain Xpress aLL Rights REsERVED

opinion

T he

Send your letters to the editor to letters@mountainx.com. staff

Original

puBLishER: Jeff Fobes assistant to thE puBLishER: Susan Hutchinson

TAPROOM & PIZZERIA

managing EDitoR: Margaret Williams

sEnioR nEws REpoRtER: David Forbes staff REpoRtERs/wRitERs: Hayley Benton, Carrie Eidson, Jake Frankel, Lea McLellan Gina Smith fooD EDitoR/wRitER: Gina Smith EDitoRiaL assistants: Hayley Benton, Carrie Eidson, Lea McLellan moViE REViEwER & cooRDinatoR: Ken Hanke EDitoRiaL intERns: Brandy Carl, Max Miller, Micah Wilkins contRiButing EDitoRs: Jon Elliston, Peter Gregutt, Rob Mikulak

caRtoon By RanDy moLton

Climate change is more than just politics I’m writing today in regards to a story I recently saw in the Mountain Xpress [“Buncombe Commissioners Set Bar High for Carbon Reductions,” Dec. 17] and felt it necessary to comment on a reported statement from [Commissioner Mike] Fryar.

[Xpress reporter Jake Frankel writes:] “Fryar blasted the move as ‘politics,’ questioning whether there really is any scientific consensus on global warming.”

Mr. Fryar, there is most assuredly consensus on climate change (the preferred nomenclature of most scientists).

Both NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, two of the leading scientific organizations in our country, agree that there is ongoing, man-made climate change.

We trust NASA to take us to the moon and Mars but we won't trust them here?

The American Association for the Advancement of Science, the preeminent scientific organization in the U.S., has also reached consensus regarding this matter.

Do you listen to your dentist when you have problems with your teeth? Or do you listen to your neighbor? When you need surgery, do you go to a surgeon? Or do you let the waiter at your favorite diner do the job?

We need to stop listening to propaganda from TV talking heads, bloggers and the like, and start listening to the professionals. I hope you take the time to look at the evidence I've provided from three amazing sources. I am an unaffiliated voter and I can assure you this has nothing to do with politics.

— Sean McNeal Asheville

Insured for the first time I visited healthcare.gov on the Internet, and thanks to the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, I am now, at age 63, covered by health care insurance for the first time in my adult life.

I’ve had financial ups and downs throughout my life with periods of relative prosperity — at other times, not so much. But the real reason I never before invested in health care insurance is that I was never exactly certain what I was

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buying. There was always so much fine print written into the policies; I felt as if I needed a lawyer to figure out what would be covered and what would not if, God forbid, I needed extensive medical care or hospitalization. I couldn't bring myself to spend the time or money on such an uncertain venture.

I am so thankful that is no longer the case because of the Affordable Care Act. Now there are standards the health care insurance industry must adhere to. All pre-existing conditions are covered and so much more. At healthcare.gov, I found a set of clear and affordable choices — all of which will ensure that I will never be financially destroyed because of a catastrophic illness or accident. I will sleep well tonight knowing that my family and I are much more secure in life.

Thank you President Obama and those in Congress who voted to pass the Affordable Care Act. — Avram Friedman Asheville

Remember Newtown by advocating for gun reform Twenty-seven innocent people were killed in the Newtown, Conn.,

caRtoon By BREnt BRown

tragedy — 20 of those victims were children. In the year since the Newtown shooting, 11,126 people have died from gun violence. This year was marked by 24 mass shootings, which are defined by the FBI as shootings with four or more victims, such as the naval yard shooting [in Washington, D.C.] that killed 13 people. On average, 32 Americans are murdered with guns every day; an estimated eight of those killed are children and teens.

And what is the response from elected officials to all this senseless violence? Well, the U.S. Congress did nothing. Of the less than 60 laws passed in 2013 (a historic low), none dealt with gun reform. Here in North Carolina, the Legislature slashed existing gun control laws, permitting guns on school campuses, playgrounds, restaurants and bars. They limited the ability of law enforcement to restrict multiple handgun permits to individuals and removed concealed-gun permit information from the public record.

Supposing the founders intended citizens to have rights to whatever firearms they desire under

the Second Amendment, which is debatable, no right is entirely unfettered. Certainly, one person’s right should not impinge on another’s safety. How many will die before we make common-sense gun reforms to protect our families?

— Sarah Grace Zambon Fletcher

Crowded sidewalks are a safety issue I live downtown and first noticed the increase in sandwich boards on

the sidewalks this summer. Then I noticed the other obstacles that restrict and narrow the use of the sidewalks for pedestrians. In addition to the sandwich boards, there are trees, trash barrels, magazine stands, bike racks, planters, motorcycles, street musicians and people sitting asking for money! On these crowded sidewalks, there doesn’t seem to be an awareness of where anything is placed and how placement can restrict movement. Our sidewalks look cluttered and are inconsiderate of pedestrians.

— Paul Viera Asheville

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DEcEmBER 18 - DEcEmBER 24, 2013

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N E W S

Destination Asheville Local leaders chart a course for tourism development

By jakE fRankEL

jfrankel@mountainx.com 251-1333 ext. 115

“We must redefine and reinvent what we do. Change or be changed,” declared mike konzen. “You have a chance in Asheville to build something that’s really special on top of what you already have that’s really special. But you need to adapt and change to stay relevant.”

Konzen was addressing a group of about 150 local community leaders, gathered Dec. 11 in downtown Asheville for a forum on “Destination Development” organized by the Asheville Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Chairman of PGAV Destinations, a global leader in the the business of tourism consulting and planning, Konzen flew in from St. Louis to deliver the keynote speech. He’s helped oversee a long list of successful projects around the world, from the pyramids of Giza to the Kennedy Space Center and the Biltmore Estate.

The tourism industry already brings in $2.3 billion annually to Buncombe County. That’s up from roughly $183 million 30 years ago. Traditionally, the big drivers of the local tourism economy have been the Biltmore Estate, the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Grove Park Inn. But to continue to grow local visitation, government officials and business owners need to “anticipate trends that are shaping the future,” Konzen urged.

BRaVE nEw futuRE Those trends include changing traveler demographics, interests and the importance of social media in shaping opinions, he reported.

“This millennial generation is the future. … This generation will redefine American culture and society, just

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DEcEmBER 18 - DEcEmBER 24, 2013

like the baby boomers did,” he said.

“They’re very savvy travelers.”

A term referring to those born roughly between 1980 and 2000, socalled millennials care more about close friendships than money, and travel to learn things more than buy stuff, Konzen said. Their prolific use of technology and social media presents opportunities and challenges, he added. When a traveler is moved by a visit to a local brewery or restaurant to Tweet or post a positive Facebook comment, that shapes opinions in a more powerful way than less personal advertising, he said.

“The experience itself becomes the marketing,” he said. “Those are marketing dollars that you aren’t spending because they’re doing it for you.”

On the other hand, a “negative complaint” via social media “resonates far more than something that’s positive,” he cautioned. And with

mountainx.com

thRough thEiR EyEs: Images like these, taken by Asheville visitors and posted on social media, are increasingly shaping opinions of Western North Carolina. Photos courtesy of Instagram users (clockwise from top left) travelvirtue, andrepece, artliquorlove, cindyallmond, outsidetheden, hrohed

technology putting more and more choices within reach of the push of a button or the click of a mouse, “it actually makes them harder to satisfy,” he reported.

“Lots and lots of choices are great, but they don’t necessarily make our lives as providers any easier,” he added. “People are more stressed.

So when they get away, they have higher expectations.”

The key to growing the local tourist economy in a sustainable way is to maintain Asheville’s sense of authenticity — even as it takes intentional steps to increase visitation, according to Konzen.

“Asheville has a really strong brand.

We hear about Asheville all over the country,” he reported. “Authenticity is what separates Asheville from Greenville or any other place people want to go.”

To that end, he encouraged cooperation and planning. “Placemaking is a key thing, because individual attractions usually don’t do very well on their own,” he said. “They need to synergize with things around them, they need to fit together.” chaRting a couRsE Officials proceeded to tout a number of upcoming projects that could help improve Asheville’s appeal in coming

years. Many of them are in the River Arts District.

Paramount to the discussion was New Belgium Brewing’s plan to invest $175 million in a new Craven Street facility along the French Broad River, tentatively set to open in two years. When deciding where to locate the new brewery along the East Coast, Asheville’s thriving tourism scene — as well as its “progressive community climate” — was key, said Operations Manager gabe Quesinberry.

New Belgium’s Fort Collins, Colo., headquarters attracts 150,000 visitors a year; there’s a two-month waiting list to sign up for brewery tours. And there’s “internal betting that that number will be even higher in Asheville, due to existing tourism infrastructure,” Quesinberry revealed.

Meanwhile, harry pilos reported that his nearby RAD Lofts project on Clingman Avenue will include hundreds of residential units as well as a parking garage, retail space and restaurants. “I take comfort that New Belgium is anchoring this area,” Pilos said, noting the development’s $50 million price tag. “I’m taking a huge personal gamble here. … I think the time for the RAD is there. I think it’s going to create a nice synergy down there.”

But his project “needs to generate tourist interest, or else we’re not going to be able to make payments on that $50 million,” he added. stuart cowles, owner of downtown’s ClimbMax Climbing Center, also revealed plans to open a Smoky Mountain Adventure Center in the RAD next spring that will offer “uniquely Asheville experiences,” such as climbing and other outdoor activities. A new French Broad River Paddle Trail and several new access points will also help attract outdoor enthusiasts, said karen cragnolin, executive director of RiverLink.

City government is helping facilitate the private-sector growth by building pedestrian-friendly infrastructure in the area to lure and accommodate growing crowds, said stephanie monson, riverfront redevelopment coordinator. “One of the things government can do best is provide connections to the places you are building,” she said. Revamped roads — as well as new greenways, bike lanes, sidewalks, trails and public bathrooms — are all in the works for the district, she reported.

Numerous projects in other parts of the county were celebrated as well, such as the Noble Rock Resort & Spa,

“Authenticity is what separates Asheville from Greenville or any other place people want to go.”

— mikE konzEn Photo by Jake Frankel

be a consensus that there’s a need for more transportation infrastructure between local attractions, said Brown.

Thinking big, several attendees even floated the idea of constructing a light rail service.

As for the challenge of maintaining Asheville’s sense of authenticity amid a new planning push, Brown said she doesn’t see a contradiction. “I think it’s about having a commitment to a sense of place. I don’t think that’s inconsistent with planning,” she explained.

“The role that we can help to play is to build connectivity between these ideas that are growing organically. ... And to foster a sense of how we can put these things together and plan for them in a way that all of them are successful, and the whole will be more than the sum of its parts.”

And despite the forum’s focus on luring outsiders to town, ultimately, the idea is that a growing tourism industry will benefit Asheville residents, said Mayor Esther manheimer, who was sworn in to office Dec. 10.

“We want it to be a place where people can afford to live and have a high quality of life,” she said. X

a 290-acre luxury wellness development planning to open in 2016 near Black Mountain.

Going forward, a 1 percent hotel room occupancy tax will continue to be key in funding major tourism projects, said marla tambellini, deputy director of the Asheville Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Administered by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, the tax has generated $14.9 million since 2001. It’s been dispersed in grants for 16 projects that attract visitors, including Pack Square Park, the Grove Arcade and the John B. Lewis Soccer Complex at Azalea Park.

The TDA will accept applications this spring for the next round of grants. About $3.5 million will be available for local projects. stephanie Brown, senior vice president of the Asheville Convention and Visitors Bureau, said a goal of the forum was to spark future grant ideas. “We’re coming together today to think creatively, to dream a little dream,” she said. During a brainstorming session, there seemed to

mountainx.com

DEcEmBER 18 - DEcEmBER 24, 2013

9

nEws

by David Forbes

dforbes@mountainx.com

New mayor in town

changing of thE guaRD: On Dec. 10, Judge Alan Thornburg swore in Esther Manheimer as Asheville’s new mayor.

Photo by Alicia Funderburk

Manheimer sworn in; Hunt named vice mayor

A new Asheville City Council met Dec. 10, with Esther manheimer sworn in as mayor, marc hunt chosen as the new vice mayor, three development decisions postponed and neighborhood leaders raising concerns about issues in East Asheville. nEw facEs By 3:45 p.m., Council chambers were packed for a swearing-in ceremony as residents, supporters and family members gathered to see Manheimer and three Council members sworn in. The newest Council member, gwen wisler, joined reelected members cecil Bothwell and gordon smith.

Council unanimously chose Hunt

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as vice mayor. jan Davis (vice mayor from 2009-11) remarked that he felt Hunt was best suited to “hold up the arms of the mayor” and attend to the position’s administrative role.

Manheimer praised two-term Mayor terry Bellamy as bringing a new level of respect to the mayorship. Council presented Bellamy with a gavel plaque and a proclamation in appreciation for 13 years time as an elected official.

In a brief speech, Manheimer said that Asheville is a diverse city, but that its different populations are united by a desire for an improving quality of life. In pursuing that, she said there are many challenges as well as opportunities. “Even after one hurdle is overcome, there will always be more,” Manheimer said. “We value fostering and supporting our small businesses, things like locally grown food, we want to stay focused on truly affordable

housing. These are the things that build a community.” She emphasized the importance of partnerships with Buncombe County and state government in pursuing these goals.

“What your city needs to do for you is invest to bring about positive change in the community,” Manheimer said. “I believe that together we can work to grow our quality of life and continue to improve.”

DEVELopmEnt DELays Earlier in the month, it looked as if the new Council might have a a trial by fire during its regular Dec. 10 meeting: Three development hearings were on the agenda: a controversial East Chestnut Street project, the 192-housingunit Avalon in South Asheville and a proposed overhaul of River Arts District zoning and development procedures But each was delayed.

The Chestnut Street developer, PBCL, requested a delay; that hearing was postponed until Jan. 28.

As for the Avalon project, some Council members voiced concern that it required a rezoning of industrial land and that it didn’t include an affordable housing component. Triangle Real Estate representatives asserted that the city has rezoned other industrial properties when another goal (such as dealing with its housing crunch) was more important and that the rents will be reasonable for the area. Council delayed the project until Feb. 12.

The River Arts District development overhaul was also postponed to Jan. 14 at staff’s request, to give them more time to prepare the exact details of the changes in oversight.

“We believe the city, working with residents and stakeholders, can create a boulevard entrance into and out of downtown,” MartinEngle told Council. “Presently, the perception of many drivers is [that Tunnel Road is] a roadway designed for speed. Tragically, since November 2012 two pedestrians have been fatally injured on this very corridor.”

Planning Director judy Daniel responded that city reorganizations due, in part, to tight budgets have left staff with less time for community and neighborhood groups like EAST. She agreed, however, that development planning in the Tunnel Road area should be a major priority.

Manheimer noted that the ongoing Haywood corridor study required extra funds from the city for both staff time and consultant fees.

Many Council members, especially chris pelly, a former East Asheville neighborhood activist, praised Martin-Engel and EAST for bringing the issue to their attention. Council referred the matter to its Planning and Economic Development committee for further discussion. That committee is composed of Manheimer, Hunt and Bothwell. Its next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 21.

NORTH CAROLINA STAGE COMPANY PRESENTS

Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol “You know his story, but you donʼt know the whole story...”

cLosED sEssion Council ended with a closed session to discuss an undisclosed personnel matter, but didn’t have a key staff member present (the member wasn’t specified, but City manager gary jackson was absent that day.

Council was to reconvene at 3:30 p.m., Dec. 17, for holding that closed session. Council members reported that they expected no public action at that meeting. X

By: Tom Mula DIRECTED BY ANDREW HAMPTON LIVINGSTON STARRING MICHAEL MACCAULEY

“Scrooge? I have to redeem old Scrooge? The one man I know who was worse than I? Impossible!”

fRustRatED in East ashEViLLE During the public-comment portion of the meeting, kim martin-Engle, a leader of the EAST Community group, said that members are frustrated because city staff had stopped working with them on development planning and safety improvements for East Asheville. Martin-Engle asked staff to resume that work, including a corridor study for Tunnel Road similar to the one the city is conducting for the Haywood Road area.

So begins the journey of Jacob Marley’s heroic behind-the-scenes efforts to save old Scrooge’s soul— and in the process, save his own.

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DEcEmBER 18 - DEcEmBER 24, 2013

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nEws

compiled by Jake Frankel

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aRtfuL mEssagE: Part of a cross-country protest, GMO-labeling activists parked five “art cars” outside the French Broad Food Co-op on Dec. 12.

Photo by Lea McLellan

pEtition sEEks LaBELing of gmos in ingLEs maRkEts An unlabeled, genetically-modified apple might be easy to overlook among the piles of produce at the grocery store. But it was very difficult to miss the Are We Eating Fishy Food?

Tour’s caravan of five “GMO art cars” parked outside the French Broad Food Co-op Dec. 12. The vehicles are fitted with 300-pound, roof-mounted sculptures of “fishy”-looking produce in an effort to raise awareness surrounding GMO labeling. Asheville is the second-to-last stop on the activists’ 6,083-mile journey from Seattle to New York City.

Activist Ben harper says that the cartoonish cars are great conversation-starters and that a “playful” approach to raising awareness about GMO labeling has been successful.

“We’re trying to come at it from a positive approach ... putting giant, goofylooking structures on top of a car actually encourages people to approach you and to ask you about GMOs and to get people talking. It’s very approachable and it also makes people smile.

You’re more likely to raise awareness when people are feeling good about the situation — even when the situation is a scary one.”

Meanwhile, citizens are collecting signatures for a petition to regional supermarket chain Ingles Markets

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asking the store to label genetically modified food products, and to promote the labeling of these products to Monsanto Company and the Grocery Manufactures Association.

“If the grocery chains start speaking up about GMOs like they’ve done in other countries, that’s when you’ll begin to see an effect,” said Deb criss, a local resident who organized the petition through MoveOn.org.

The petition, titled “You Can Do It Ingles!,” went live shortly after Thanksgiving and as of Dec. 13 has gained more than 2,000 signatures, according to organizers. Anyone in the Ingles service area can sign the petition, which will eventually be presented to the Ingles corporate office in Black Mountain.

Criss said Ingles has been accepting literature and listening to arguments from both sides of the GMO labeling argument; she credits the grocery chain with being receptive to community input.

The company is committed to “continuing to monitor the conversation nationally and among manufacturers and retailers on the topic of genetically engineered crops and ingredients, as well as relevant scientific studies and research,” Ingles CFO Ron Freeman said in a statement provided to local media. — Lea McLellan and Carrie Eidson

Former UNC Asheville Assistant Vice Chancellor Brian turner (D) announced Dec. 12 that he’s running for the North Carolina Statehouse in 2014 against two-term incumbent Rep. tim moffitt (R). If any other Democrats decide to run, there would be a Democratic primary to see which candidate challenges Moffitt. No other Democrats have declared their intention to run at this time.

In a press release announcing his political debut, Turner focuses on his local roots as well as education issues.

“My wife and I chose to raise our daughter and build our business here because this is where I grew up, our families are here, and we believe this is a great place to live and work.

Unfortunately, many of the things that make this area great have been threatened and, instead of just standing on the sidelines, I want to do something about it,” Turner said. “We need to be strengthening our schools, community colleges, and universities or we will no longer be competitive in attracting the kind of stable, well-paying jobs this region was built on.”

The Biltmore Forest resident is a small business owner and former head of manufacturing and operations for family business Mills Manufacturing.

Moffitt soon responded to the news via a Twitter message: “I’d like to personally welcome Brian Turner to the race,” he wrote. “I’m looking forward to what I’m sure will be an informative campaign.” —– Jake Frankel fiRE at foRmER Dickson sitE The former site of Isaac Dickson Elementary School at 125 Hill St. suffered from a fire Dec. 12. No injuries were reported in the blaze, although its wafting smoke caught the attention of people across Asheville.

The facility is in the process of being demolished and caught fire when torches used to cut steel beams burned the ceiling of the auditorium.

No students were at the facility when the fire broke out. It was contained by firefighters after a few hours, although nearby streets were closed for much of the day, creating traffic problems. — staff reports X

I stopped by Volkswagon of Asheville on my way to the North Pole to check out their vintage Volkswagon models.

Ho, Ho, Ho! How cool is this place!

I have always enjoyed Christmas in Asheville and Western North Carolina - now I can’t wait to stop by Harmony Motors every year.

Besides the cars, I love to check out their neon signs, local artwork, vintage gas pumps and more!

And the folks who work here are top notch!

I would trust them to work on my sleigh. ... Wishing your family a happy and safe holiday season!

We accept donations during business hours at the store, Monday through Saturday, 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. Drive up behind the store (from Church Street) to our convenient drop off bay. Arrangements can be made to donate an entire house full of contents.

For any large items call 828-696-0625 to schedule a pick-up.

Growing Families‌

One baby at a time.

Providing treatment for In vitro fertilization, inseminations and tubal reversals.

John E. Nichols, MD John F. Payne, MD Local (828) 210-8284 Toll Free (888) 725-PREG (7734) www.pregonline.com

Serving the Western Carolinas and surrounding areas.

Located conveniently at 675 Biltmore Avenue, Suite H Asheville, NC 28803

mountainx.com

DEcEmBER 18 - DEcEmBER 24, 2013

13

C O M M U N I T Y

C A L E N D A R

DEc. 18 - DEc. 24, 2013

Unless otherwise stated, events take place in Asheville, and phone numbers are in the 828 area code.

Day-By-Day caLEnDaR is onLinE Want to find out everything that’s happening today, tomorrow or any day of the week? Go to www.mountainx.com/events.

Calendar Deadlines fREE anD paiD Listings Wednesday, 5 p.m.

(7 days prior to publication) can’t finD youR gRoup’s Listing?

Due to the abundance of great things to do in our area, we only have the space in print to focus on timely events. Our print calendar now covers an eight-day range.

For a complete directory of all Community Calendar groups and upcoming events, please visit www.mountainx.com/events.

In order to qualify for a free listing, an event must cost no more than $40 to attend and be sponsored by and/or benefit a nonprofit. If an event benefits a business, it’s a paid listing.

If you wish to submit an event for Clubland (our free live music listings), please e-mail clubland@mountainx.com.

fREE Listings onLinE (best) http://www.mountainx.com/events/submission

Cityscapes by Ben Aronson will be displayed until March at the Asheville Art Museum. A guided tour will be held Friday, Dec. 20 as part of the Lunchtime Art Break series. (p. 14)

E-maiL (second best) calendar@mountainx.com fax (next best) (828) 251-1311, Attn: Free Calendar maiL Free Calendar, Mountain Xpress, P.O. Box 144, Asheville, NC 28802 in pERson Mountain Xpress, 2 Wall St. (the Miles Building), second floor, downtown Asheville.

Please limit your submission to 40 words or less. Questions? Call (828) 251-1333, ext. 365. paiD Listings Paid listings lead the calendar sections in which they are placed, and are marked (pd.). To submit a paid listing, send it to our Classified Department by any of the following methods. Be sure to include your phone number, for billing purposes.

E-maiL marketplace@mountainx.com. fax (828) 251-1311, Attn: Commercial Calendar maiL Commercial Calendar, Mountain Xpress, P.O. Box 144, Asheville, NC 28802 in pERson Classified Dept., Mountain Xpress, 2 Wall St. (the Miles Building), Ste. 214, downtown Asheville. Questions?

Call our Classified Department at (828) 251-1333, ext. 335.

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DEcEmBER 18 - DEcEmBER 24, 2013

AnimAls Pet Food drive • Through (12/24), 8am-8:30pm - The Animal Hospital of North Asheville, 1 Beaverdam Road, will host a pet food drive. Canned or dry pet food, blankets, pet toys and/or monetary donations will be accepted. Info: ahna.net.

Art AbstrAct PAstels • Through TH (12/19) - Abstract Pastels, paintings by Bridget Risdon Hepler, will be on display at The Junction, 348 Depot St. #190. Info: thejunctionasheville.com or 225-3497.

Art At APPAlAchiAn stAte University 423 W. King St., Boone. Info: tcva.org or 262-3017.

• ONGOING - Photographs by Hugh

mountainx.com

Morton: An Uncommon Retrospective will be on display in Galleries A and B. Art At AsU Exhibits take place at Appalachian State University's Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, unless otherwise noted. Tues.Thurs. & Sat., 10am-6pm; Fri., noon8pm. Donations accepted. Info: tcva.org or 262-7338.

• ONGOING - Susan Webb Tregay: Contemporary Art for Adult Children will be on display in the Community Gallery.

• ONGOING - Orna Bentor: Landscapes Within will be on display in the Mayer Gallery.

• ONGOING - Men Working: The Contemporary Collection of Allen Thomas, Jr. will be on display in the Main Gallery.

Art in the AirPort GAllery Located on the pre-security side of the Asheville Regional Airport terminal.

Open to the public during the airport’s hours of operation. Info: art@flyavl.com or flyavl.com.

• Through FR (1/3) - The gallery's 19th exhibition will feature works from six local artists.

Asheville AreA Arts coUncil GAllery 346 Depot St. Tues.-Sat., 11am-4pm.

Info: ashevillearts.com or 258-0710.

• Through FR (1/24) - A Girl and A Gun: Asheville Artists Cope With Love and Death Asheville Art mUseUm Located on Pack Square in downtown Asheville. Tues.-Sat., 10am-5pm and Sun., 1-5pm. Programs are free with admission unless otherwise noted.

Admission: $8/$7 students and seniors/children under 4 free. Free first Wednesdays from 3-5pm. Info: ashevilleart.org or 253-3227.

• ONGOING - Rebels With a Cause, a traveling exhibition of artwork from the Huntsville Museum of Art. • ONGOING - Esteban Vicente: The Art of Interruption will feature paintings, drawings and collages.

• Through SU (3/9) - Cityscapes, works

by Ben Aronson.

• FR (12/20), noon-1pm - Lunchtime Art Break: guided tour and discussion of Cityscapes by Ben Aronson. bellA vistA Art GAllery 14 Lodge St. Hours: Mon., Wed., & Thurs., 11am-4pm; Fri. & Sat., 11am5pm. Info: bellavistaart.com or 768-0246.

• Through FR (1/31) - Works by Karen Jacobs and photographs by Paul Owen. blAck moUntAin center For the Arts 225 W. State St., Black Mountain. Mon.Fri., 10am-5pm. Info: BlackMountainArts. org or 669-0930.

• Through (1/24) - Clay studio exhibit and ceramics sale in the Upper Gallery.

Free. blAck moUntAin colleGe mUseUm + Arts center The center, which preserves the legacy of Black Mountain College, is located at 56 Broadway St., Asheville. Tues. & Wed., noon-4pm; Thurs.-Sat., 11am5pm. Info: blackmountaincollege.org or

350-8484.

• ONGOING - Shaping Craft and Design. blUe sPirAl 1 38 Biltmore Ave. Mon.-Sat., 10am-6pm, and Sun., noon5pm. Info: bluespiral1.com or 251-0202.

• Through TU (12/31) - A group show will feature ceramics by Josh Copus and Marlene Jack, photography by John Dickson and paintings by Peggy N. Root. cAstell PhotoGrAPhy 2-C Wilson Alley. Tues.-Sat., by appointment. Fri. & Sat., 11am6pm. Info: castellphotography. com or 255-1188.

• Through SA (1/11) - NEXT: New Photographic Visions. elements sPA And shoP 29 W. French Broad St., Brevard.

Hours: Sat.-Wed.: 9am-6pm.

Thu: 9am-7pm. Info: 884-2701.

• Through WE (1/8) - Paintings

by Karen Keli Brown.

Folk Art center MP 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Open daily from 9am6pm. Info: craftguild.org or 298-7928.

• Through TU (1/28) - Book arts

by Annie Fain and fiber wearables by Martha Owen will be on display in the Focus Gallery.

FoUndry 92 Charlotte St. Hours: Mon.Sat., 10am-6pm. Info: digfoundry.com.

• Through TU (12/31) - Talula Love Bottoms: Echoes Collection by Maryanne Pappano.

GAllery 86 86 N. Main St., Waynesville.

Mon.-Sat., 10am-5pm. Info: haywoodarts.org.

• Through SA (12/28) - It’s a Small, Small Work featuring Matthew Zedler and others.

Grovewood GAllery Located at 111 Grovewood Road. April-Dec. Mon.-Sat., 10am-6pm & Sun., 11am-5pm.

Info: grovewood.com or 2537651.

• Through TU (12/31) - Beauty from Wood: Natural and Paper Forms, bowls and vessels by Bill Luce and paper works by Leo Monahan. n.c. ArboretUm Located at 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way. 9am-5pm daily.

Info: ncarboretum.org or 6652492.

• ONGOING - A LEGO brick sculpture exhibit will feature works by Sean Kenney.

PUsh skAte shoP & GAllery Located at 25 Patton Ave. Mon.Thurs., 11am-6pm; Fri. & Sat., 11am-7pm; Sun., noon-6pm.

Info: pushtoyproject.com or 225-5509.

• Through FR (1/3)- The Crossroads a multi-media exhibit by Adam Void. seven sisters GAllery 117 Cherry St., Black Mountain.

Mon.-Sat.: 10am-6pm; Sun.: noon-5pm. Info: sevensistersgallery.com or 669-5107.

• Through SU (3/16) - Acrylics and oils by Bridgette MartinPyles. the bender GAllery 12 S. Lexington Ave. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10:30am-5pm; Sun., noon-5pm. Info: thebendergallery.com or 505-8341.

• Through TU (12/31) - Through the Future, Brightly, works

by Eunsuh Choi and Adam Waimon.

Art/crAFt FAirs AnnUAl christmAs Arts & crAFts show • WE (12/18), 9:30am-4:30pm A Christmas arts & crafts show will be held at the Old Armory Recreation Center, 44 Boundary St., Waynesville. Free to attend.

Info: 456-9207. solstice crAFt sAle • SA (12/21), 11am-7pm Solstice Craft Sale will be held at 307 Waynesville Ave. Local artists will be present to discuss their works. Info: ceramicsong@ gmail.com or 423-7119. tcAc's sAntA's PAlette • Through FR (12/20), 9:30am-4:30pm - Transylvania Community Arts Council, 349 S. Caldwell St., Brevard, will hold "Santa's Palette," a holiday show and sale. Free to attend.

Info: artsofbrevard.org or 8842787. tryon holidAy GiFt show • Through TU (12/24), 9am4pm - Tryon Arts and Crafts, 373 Harmon Field Road, Tryon, will hold its Holiday Gift Show.

Info: tryonartsandcrafts.org or 859-8323.

AUditions & cAll to Artists mUrder mystery AUditions • SA (12/21) & SU (12/22), 1-3pm - The Brevard Little

Theatre, 55 E. Jordan St., Brevard, will hold auditions for Agatha Christie’s A Murder Is Announced. Seven females and five males are needed. Info and appointments: 685-0545 or 240463-5542. ncwn writinG contests The North Carolina Writers' Network is nonprofit literary arts service for writers of all stages.

Info and submission guidelines: ncwriters.org • Through (1/30) - Submissions will be accepted for the Thomas Wolfe Fiction Prize. The winner, to be announced in April, will receive $1,000 and possible publication in The Thomas Wolfe Review. $25/$15 NCWN members.

• Through FR (1/17) Submissions will be accepted for the 2014 Rose Post Creative Nonfiction Competition, open to residents of NC and NCWN members. $12/ $10 for members. yoUth tAlent comPetition • Through WE (1/15), 5pm Young artists may sign up for Transylvania Community Arts Council's Performing Arts Talent Competition, held Jan. 31.

Ages 10-17. $5 application fee.

Info: tcarts@comporium.net or 884-2787. {re}hAPPeninG cAll For Artists • Through WE (1/1) - Black Mountain College Museum & Arts Center's {Re}Happening seeks artists for the annual event, which recreates the "happenings," or artists gatherings, at BMC. Info: rehappening.com.

beneFits "home For the holidAy's" FUndrAiser For locAl non ProFits (pd.) This Thursday, December 19, 4pm-10pm. Town and Mountain Realty hosts 2nd Annual FUNdraiser at the orange Peel. Proceeds to benefit local charities including Manna, WNC Alliance, Helpmate, Eblen Charities, Asheville Humane Society, Habitat and More! Visit from Santa for the kids 4-6, good food, DJ dance party. • Sponsors and donations needed and appreciated! Website: http://www.simpleregistry. com/h4h/ • Contact Town and Mountain Realty: (828) 232-2879 for more information.

mountainx.com

DEcEmBER 18 - DEcEmBER 24, 2013

15

by Hayley Benton & Carrie Eidson

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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Send your event listings to calendar@mountainx.com.

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Fun fundraisers

Bikes For Kids • Through SA (12/21) - Donations of new and gently used bicycles and cash will be accepted and donated to children in Buncombe and Madison counties at Weaverville Tire and Wheel, 183 Old Mars Hill Highway, Weaverville; and Fast Lane Auto Sales, 318 Weaverville Highway, Weaverville. Info: slhiggins32@gmail.com, 768-7423 or 645-8330.

CAN'd Aid Benefit at Pisgah Brewing • SA (12/21), 8pm - Pisgah Brewing and Oskar Blues will host the CAN'd Aid Benefit concert and event for Colorado flood relief efforts at Pisgah Brewing's taproom, 150 Eastside Drive, Black Mountain. $12/$10 in advance. Info: pisgahbrewing. com.

‘Tis the Season It’s a notion heard time and time again as the last few weeks of the year wind down into a chaotic frenzy of last-minute shopping lists and panic over the perfect present: December is the season for giving.

But don’t be overwhelmed by the seasonal spirit. Xpress has compiled a list of a few opportunities for giving back to local residents — of all species — this holiday season.

Donations for Kids Give a child the gift of a good read: Through its annual Giving Tree program, City Lights Bookstore, 3 E. Jackson St., Sylva, will offer a 20 percent discount on books for children in need.

Eblen Charities will accept toys for the Ingles Toy Store at Westgate Shopping Center through Christmas Eve as part of the Saint Nicholas Project. You can find a full list of the many drop-off locations at eblencharities.org.

Bikes for Kids will collect new and gently used bicycles for children in Buncombe and Madison counties through Saturday, Dec. 21.

Drop-off locations are Weaverville Tire and Wheel, 183 Old Mars Hill Highwa,y and Fast Lane Auto Sales, 318 Weaverville Highway.

16

DECEMBER 18 - DECEMBER 24, 2013

Animals in Need WCQS will collect bagged or canned animal chow for Asheville Humane Society and Brother Wolf Animal Rescue. Donations can be brought to the station’s office at 73 Broadway.

Donations for homeless animals can also be made to The Animal Hospital of North Asheville, 1 Beaverdam Road. Canned or dry food, blankets, toy or monetary donations will be accepted.

Do Good With Good Food Loving Food Resources invites volunteers to bring some sweetness into the lives of HIV/ AIDS patients and others in home hospice. The organization is asking for cookie donations to fill 200 gift boxes for its clients. Donations can be brought to Kenilworth Presbyterian Church, 123 Kenilworth Road, on Friday, Dec. 20.

And don’t forget, there’s still time to grab a tasty snack for a good cause: Eight Days of Food Trucks, where one food truck per day donates a percentage of profits to Buncombe County Service Foundation to support children in foster care, will continue through Dec. 20. Visit the Bom Bus on Dec. 18, El Kimchi on Dec. 19 or Taste and See on Dec. 20 to participate.

mountainx.com

Deck the Trees • Through TU (12/31) - Deck the Trees, a display of decorated Christmas trees to benefit the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministries, will be held at The Monte Vista Hotel, 308 West State St., Black Mountain. Free to attend with donations encouraged.

• FR (12/20), 5-8pm- Christmas Party LEAF Schools and Streets • WEDNESDAYS, 5-7pm - Wine tasting and jazz, to benefit LEAF Schools and Streets, will be held at 5 Walnut Wine Bar, 5 Walnut St. $5. Info: theleaf.org or Jocelyn@theLEAF.org.

Neighbors In Need Benefit Concert • TH (12/19), 7-9pm - A holiday music concert to benefit Neighbors in Need, a food pantry which also helps with heating bills, will be held at Marshall Presbyterian Church, 165 Main St., Marshall. Donations encouraged. Info: marshallpres.org.

Business & Technology Asheville Makerspace Tech Tuesday • TUESDAYS, 6pm - Asheville Makers, "a group for people who make stuff," meets weekly to discuss projects and welcome new volunteers. Held at Top Floor Studio Coworking, 9 Walnut St. Info: ashevillemakerspace.org.

Goodwill Career Classes Info and registration: 298-9023, ext. 1106.

• ONGOING - Classes for those interested in careers in the food and hotel industries. Hands-on

training includes American Hotel and Lodging Association certification. $25.

• MONDAYS through THURSDAYS, 9am-noon General Education Diploma classes. Intake process required.

• MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS, 5:30-8:30pm - English as a second language class.

• ONGOING - Entry-level computer classes.

• TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS, 1:30-4pm - Classes for those interested in medical office support careers. Fee waived for job seekers.

Classes, Meetings & Events Cribbage Gathering • MONDAYS, 6pm - A weekly cribbage game will meet at Atlanta Bread Company, 633 Merrimon Ave. All levels welcome. Free. Info: peter.ely@ gmail.com.

Four Seasons Toastmasters • WEDNESDAYS, 8-9am - Four Seasons Toastmasters will meet at Lake Pointe Landing, 333 Thompson St., Hendersonville.

Info: fourseasonstoastmasters. com.

Henderson County Heritage Museum Located in the Historic Courthouse on Main St., Hendersonville. Wed.-Sat., 10am-5pm; Sun., 1-5pm. Free unless otherwise noted. Info: hendersoncountymuseum.org or 694-1619.

• Through TU (12/31) - Golden Age: Coming of the Railroad exhibit will includes replicas and relics.

Holiday Events • FR (12/20), 5-9pm - Downtown Brevard art galleries, stores and restaurants will stay open late to accommodate holiday shopping.

Free to attend. Info and locations: 884-2787 or artsofbrevard. org.

Looking for Mr. Goodbar Meetup • SUNDAYS, 1pm - The "Looking for Mr. Goodbar" group, moderated by Patrick Ochsenreiter, meets weekly at Wall Street Coffee House, 62 Wall St., for "banter about what is happening in the world of gay men." Info: pbochsenreiter@gmail.com or avl.mx/yc.

Music Lessons at Asheville Music School • TUESDAYS, 5pm - Asheville Music School, a nonprofit com-

munity music school, offers private lessons and group instruction for all instruments, voices and styles. 126 College St. Info: 252-6244.

Comedy Disclaimer Comedy Info: disclaimercomedy.com.

• WEDNESDAYS, 9pm Disclaimer Stand-Up Lounge open mic is held at the Dirty South Lounge, 41 N. Lexington Ave. Free.

• FRIDAYS, 7-8pm - Disclaimer Comedy presents weekly stand-up at Metro Wines, 169 Charlotte St. $10 includes a glass of wine. Info: disclaimercomedy. com.

Slice of Life Comedy A comedy showcase held at Pulp, below the Orange Peel, 103 Hilliard Ave. Info and booking: sliceoflifecomedy@gmail. com.

• SU (12/22), 7:30pm - Stand-up comedy and booked open mic holiday show. All proceeds going to Eliada Homes. $10 or free with donation of a toy of equal or greater value.

Dance Beginner Swing Dancing Lessons (pd.) 4 week series starts first Tuesday of every month at 7:30pm. $12/week per person.

• No partner necessary. Eleven on Grove, downtown Asheville.

Details: www.SwingAsheville. com Studio Zahiya (pd.) Studio Zahiya, Downtown Dance Classes Monday 7pm Bellydance 1 • Tuesday 8:15am 30 Minute Workout, 9am Hip Hop Workout Dance • Wednesday 5pm Beginner Bellydance, 7pm Bellydance, 7pm High Heels Hip Hop • Thursday 9am Bellydance Workout • 7pm Bollywood • 8pm Hip Hop • Sunday 3pm Yoga for Dancers$13 for 60 minute classes.• 90 1/2 N. Lexington Avenue. • www.studiozahiya.com 828.242.7595.

Line Dance Classes • WEDNESDAYS, 9-10:30am Henderson County Department of Parks and Recreation will host beginner classes in line dancing.

Held at the Athletics and Activity Center, 708 South Grove St., Hendersonville. Registration required. $5 per class. Info: linedanceclass.com or 890-5777.

moUntAin shAG clUb • TUESDAYS - The club meets weekly at Fred's Speakeasy, 2310 Hendersonville Road, Arden. Free lessons from 6:307pm. Shag DJ from 7-10pm. $5.

Info: mountainshagclub.com. old FArmer's bAll contrA dAnce Held at Warren Wilson College, 701 Warren Wilson Road, Swannanoa, in Bryson Gym. Beginner's lesson at 7:30pm. $6/$5 OFB members/$1 Warren Wilson students. Info: oldfarmersball.com.

• TH (12/19), 8pm - Boom Chuck will perform.

• TH (12/26), 8pm - Contraforce will perform. tAnGo lesson • FR (12/20), 6:30-10pm - Tango lessons held at French Broad Food Co-op's Movement & Learning Center, 90 Biltmore Ave. Beginners: 6:30-8pm. $20/ $10 students. Info: tangogypsies.com

eco Asheville Green drinks A networking party which meets to discuss pressing green issues.

Info: ashevillegreendrinks.com.

• WE (12/18), 5:30pm - The group will meet at Green Sage Coffeehouse, 5 Broadway. Emily Coleman-Wolf will present Green Building Council’s "Living Building Challenge." Free to attend. sinG For the climAte • 3rd SATURDAYS, 5pm Asheville's Green Grannies invites the public to "Sing for the Climate" at Vance Monument downtown. Info: avl. mx/prph.

FestivAls brevArd GAllery wAlks A variety of Brevard galleries and art spots open their doors.

Info: artsofbrevard.org. or 8842787.

• FR (12/20), 5-9pm - The Brevard Holiday Gallery Walk will be held in downtown Brevard.

Galleries, restaurants and stores will have extended hours. cArl sAndbUrG home holidAy events Musicians and storytellers will perform every Saturday from Thanksgiving to New Years.

Located at 81 Carl Sandburg Lane, Flat Rock, three miles south of Hendersonville off

U.S. 25. Info: nps.gov/carl or 693-4178.

• SA (12/21), 11am - Pat Corn will sing and play holiday music on the guitar. christmAs At the FArm • Through (12/21), 10am4pm - Christmas at the Farm at Sycamore Farms, 764 S. Mills River Road, Mills River, will include a reading of the Christmas Story and craft demonstrations. $8/$4 children under 3. Additional cost for tour.

Info: 891-2487. coloniAl christmAs • SA (12/21), 10am-5pm Davidson’s Fort, Lacky Town Road, Old Fort, will host "Colonial Christmas," with recreations of 18th century decorations and historic re-enacters.

Admission by donation. Info: davidsonsfort.com holidAy tAilGAte mArkets • Through WE (12/18), 2-6pm - Weaverville Tailgate/ Holiday Market will be held outside the Weaverville Community Center, 60 Lakeshore Drive, Weaverville.

Includes food vendors, artisans, and craft vendors. Free to attend. Info: weavervilletailgate. org.

• Through SA (12/21), 10am2pm - Madison County Farmers and Artisans Holiday Market will be held in the lower level of Fiddlestix, 37 Library St., Mars Hill. Includes food and craft vendors. Free to attend. Info: info@ marshillmarket.org.

JinGle bell trolley trAin • SA (12/21), 4-8pm - Jingle Bell Trolley Train, a holiday-themed train to benefit the Craggy Mountain Line Railroad, will run on a 3-mile section of the historic line. $10/ children under 3 free. Departs from the station at 111 N. Woodfin Ave. on the hour. liGhtinG oF the Green • Through FR (12/20), 6-8pm A-B Tech's Lighting of the Green will feature historic homes on the school's Asheville campus decorated for the season. Free.

Info: abtech.edu. oPerAtion toAsty toes chAPter 7 Makes yarn comfort items that are sent to troops deployed overseas. Info: Info@ OperationToastyToes.org or operationtoastytoes.org.

• Through TU (12/31) Operation Toasty Toes will display Christmas trees dedicated to members of the armed forces at select Henderson County libraries. Families of soliders are

encouraged to provide a photo to Chapter 7 for inclusion. Info: operationtoastytoes.org or 696-9777. school choirs At Avl AirPort School choirs will perform on the pre-security side of the Asheville Regional Airport, 61 Terminal Drive, Fletcher. Free to attend.

• WE (12/18), 10:15am - Rosman High School Choir • WE (12/18), 11am - Clyde A. Erwin High School Choir • TH (12/19), 2pm - Enka Middle School Choir

GArdeninG tAilGAte mArkets • thUrsdAys • 8am-2pm - henderson county curb market, 221 N. Church St., Hendersonville. Ends Dec. 31. sAtUrdAys • 6am-noon - caldwell county Farmers market, 120 Hospital Ave., N.E., Lenoir. Ends Dec. 21.

• 8am-1pm - Asheville city market, 161 South Charlotte St. Ends Dec. 28.

• 8am-2pm - henderson county curb market, 221 N. Church St., Hendersonville. Ends Dec. 31.

• 8am-12:30pm - transylvania tailgate market, 190 E. Main St., Brevard. Ends Dec. 21.

• 9am-noon - Jackson county Farmers market, 23 Central St., in the Community Table, Sylva.

Through March. tUesdAys • 8am-2pm - henderson county curb market, 221 N. Church St., Hendersonville. Ends Dec. 31. dAily • 8am-6pm - wnc Farmers market, 570 Brevard Road.

Ongoing.

JoinUs for

A Stan Kenton Christmas Hymns and Carols performed in Big Band Jazz style by the Asheville Jazz Orchestra

Government & Politics

a Benefit for Hall Fletcher Elementary School and the Asheville Jazz Orchestra

henderson coUnty democrAtic PArty Headquarters are located at 905 Greenville Highway, Hendersonville. Info: myhcdp. com or 692-6424.

• 3rd WEDNESDAYS, 11:30am - The Henderson County Senior Democrats will meet at HCDP Headquarters. Bring a bagged lunch. Info: info@myhcdp.com or 692-6424.

• WE (12/18), noon - A meet-

This Friday, December 20 7pm • Free Admission Trinity United Methodist Church • 587 Haywood Road West Asheville • 253-5471 mountainx.com

DEcEmBER 18 - DEcEmBER 24, 2013

17

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

by Hayley Benton & Carrie Eidson

Send your event listings to calendar@mountainx.com.

Holiday Concert • TH (12/19), 7:30pm - Cantaria, The Gay Men's Chorus of Asheville, will perform a concert of seasonal music from around the world. Held at the Cathedral of All Souls, 9 Swan St. Open dress rehearsal: Sun. Dec. 15, 4 pm. Info: CantariaAsheville.org.

Canton Middle School Chorus in Concert at Canton Branch Library • WE (12/18), noon - Canton Middle School Chorus will perform in the auditorium of the Haywood County Canton Branch Library, 11 Pennsylvania Ave., Canton. Info: 648-2924.

Christmas Festival at First Baptist Church • SU (12/22), 7-8pm - First Baptist Church of Asheville, 5 Oak St., will host a performance by the the church's adult, youth, and children’s choirs, accompanied by a 40-piece orchestra.

Asheville Green Drinks, a networking event for people interested in environmental issues and topics, will meet at Green Sage Coffehouse. Representatives from WNC Green Building Council will discuss living buildings on Wednesday, Dec. 18. (p.17)

ing will be held at the HCDP Headquarters. Social and BYO Lunch at 11:30 a.m. Free.

Kids Asheville Art Museum Located on Pack Square in downtown Asheville. Tues.-Sat., 10am5pm and Sun., 1-5pm. Programs are free with admission unless otherwise noted. Admission: $8/$7 students and seniors/ children under 4 free. Free first Wednesdays from 3-5pm. Info: ashevilleart.org or 253-3227.

• TH (12/26) - FR (12/27) & MO (12/30), 1-4pm - Holiday Art Camp with hands-on art activities. $20/$18 for members, per day.

Holly-days at Hands-On! A month-long educational event with a wintery wonderland & holiday theme. Held in Hands On! A Child's Gallery, 318 N. Main Street, Hendersonville.

Hours: Tues.-Sat.: 10am-5pm. $5 admission not included. Info: handsonwnc.org or 697-8333.

• WE (12/18), 2-3:30pm - A reading of the book The Mitten by Jan Brett followed by a hands on science class about heating. First class of two part series. Ages 6 & up. $8/$2 for members.

• TH (12/19), 2-3:30pm - A reading of the book The Mitten by Jan Brett followed by a hands

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on science class about heating. Second class of two part series. Ages 6 & up. $8/$2 for members.

• THURSDAYS, 4-4:30pm - "Yuletide Shake, Rattle, & Rhythm," will teach simple rhythms on different instruments.

Ages 5 & up.

• TH (12/19), 10:30-11:30am - Elves Workshop: Wooden Gifts. Ages 5 & up. $7/$2 for members.

• FRIDAYS, 10:30-noon & 2-4pm - Winter Arts & Crafts • FR (12/20), 2-3:30pm Gingerbread House workshop.

Ages 8 & up. Registration required. $8/$2 for members.

• FR (12/20), 10:30am-noon Elves Workshop: Felted Bead Gifts. Ages 8 & up. $7/$2 for members.

• MO (12/23), 10am-noon & 2-5pm - Gingerbread cookie decorating with the Hendersonville Community Co-op. $8/$2 members.

• TH (12/26) through TU(12/31), 10am-5pm - "The Spirit of Kwanzaa," will include self-directed educational activities. Free with admission.

Play and Learn for Infants and Toddlers • TUESDAYS, 10:30am & THURSDAYS, 10 & 11am - An 8-week series of pre-literacy classes for parents and children from Buncombe County.

Tuesdays, ages 3-12 months;

DECEMBER 18 - DECEMBER 24, 2013

Thursdays, ages 13-35 months.

Free. Info, location and registration: grace.ragaller@asheville.k12. nc.us. or 350-2932.

Music Song O' Sky Chorus (pd.) Tuesday 6:45-9:30 PM Song O' Sky Chorus (Sweet Adelines International) Covenant Community Church, 11 Rocket Dr., 28803 Asheville's premier a capella barbershop-style chorus!

We welcome all women who love to sing! www.songosky.org 1-866-824-9547 42nd Street Jazz Band • SATURDAYS, 6-9pm - The 42nd Street Jazz Band will perform at Kelsey's Restaurant and Lounge, 840 Spartanburg Highway, Hendersonville. Free. Info: 6939393.

Brio Concert Series • TH (12/19), 7-9pm - The Wendy Jones Quartet, pianist Sarah Fowler, vibraphonist Jason DeCristofaro and the Joyful Noise String Ensemble will perform an evening of holiday songs at the Weaverville First Presbyterian Church, 30 Alabama Ave., Weaverville. Free. Info: fcpweaverville.org or 273-8254.

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Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra Info: hendersonvillesymphony. org or 697-5884.

• SA (12/21), 3pm & 7:30pm - A performance of “A Carolina Christmas" will be held at Ridge Community College Conference Hall, Flat Rock.

Performances at Diana Wortham Theatre Located at 2 South Pack Square.

Info: dwtheatre.com or 2574530.

• SU (12/22), 2-7pm - A Swannanoa Solstice will perform a holiday concert, accompanied by local storytellers, dancers and guest musicians. $38/$33 students/$15 children.

Saxophone Christmas Concert • SU (12/22), 3pm - The Lenior Saxophone Quartet will perform a Christmas concert at St. Matthias Episcopal Church, 1 Dundee St. Donations will be accepted for restoration of the church. Info: leniorsax.org Thomas Wolfe Memorial Located at 52 N. Market St. Info: wolfememorial.com or 253-8304.

• SA (12/21), 6pm & 7:30pm "Christmas On the Mountain" with Appalachian balladeer and folklorist Shelia Kay Adams. $10.

Outdoors Assault on Black Rock Registration • Through SU (3/22) Registration is open for the "Assault on Black Rock" a 7-mile trail race up Black Rock, located

in Sylva. All proceeds benifit the Community Table, a nonprofit food pantry. $30/$25 advance.

Info: barwatt@hotmail.com or 506-2802.

Lake James State Park 6883 N.C. Highway 126, Nebo.

Programs are free unless otherwise noted. Info: 584-7728.

• SA (12/21), 10am - Park Ranger Jamie Cameron will lead an shoreline walk searching for winter birds. Meets at the Paddy's Creek Area bathhouse breezeway.

• SU (12/22), 2pm - Park Ranger Jamie Cameron will lead a program for parents and children ages 5-12. Meets at the Paddy’s Creek Bridge Area bathhouse breezeway.

Winter Solstice Night Hike • SA (12/21), 7-9pm - Winter Solstice Night in the DuPont State Recreational Forest will feature a hike to Hooker Falls in the darkness of the longest night. Meets at the Hooker Falls parking lot on DuPont Road, Hendersonville. Info: 692-0385

Spirituality Astro-Counseling (pd.) Licensed counselor and accredited professional astrologer uses your chart when counseling for additional insight into yourself, your relationships and life directions. Readings also available. Christy Gunther, MA, LPC. (828) 258-3229.

ASHEVILLE COMPASSIONATE COMMUNICATION CENTER (pd.) Free practice group. Learn ways to create understanding and clarity in your relationships, work, and community by practicing compassionate communication (nonviolent communication). 252-0538 or www. ashevilleccc.com. • 1st and 3rd Thursdays, 5:00-6:15.

FREE MEDICAL INTUITIVE (pd.) Ethical high frequency beneficial health information.

Medical school graduate with alternative emphasis. Call (828) 645-0235.

Mindfulness Meditation Class (pd.) Explore the miracle of healing into life through deepened stillness and presence.

With consciousness teacher and columnist Bill Walz. Mondays, 6:30-7:30pm: Meditation class with lesson and discussions in contemporary Zen living.

Asheville Friends Meeting

House, 227 Edgewood Ave. (off Merrimon). Donation. Info: 2583241. www.billwalz.com Asheville Insight Meditation (pd.) Free introduction to Insight or Mindfulness meditation. 2nd and 4th Thursday. 7pm. Asheville Insight Meditation, Suite 200, 29 Ravenscroft Dr, (828) 808-4444, www.ashevillemeditation.com Mindfulness Meditation (pd.) "ASHEVILLE INSIGHT MEDITATION Practice Mindfulness Meditation (aka Vipassana or Insight Meditation) with a supportive group.

Group sessions: Wednesdays, 7pm-8:30pm. Sundays, 10am11:30pm. 29 Ravenscroft Dr., Suite 200, Asheville. (828) 8084444,www.ashevillemeditation. com" AIM Meditation Classes (pd.) "Ramp up your meditation practice with AIM’s Meditation’s Classes: Mindfulness 101 - Basics of Mindfulness Meditation, Mindfulness 102 - More advanced, intermediate class.

Class dates and times: www. ashevillemeditation.com/events, (828) 808-4444" Asheville Open Heart Meditation (pd.) Experience living from the natural connection to your heart and the results of joy, peace and love that emanates from within.

Tues. 7-9 PM, 5 Covington St. Love offering, heartsanctuary. org 296-0017.

Asheville Spiritual Radio • Saturdays, 1pm (pd.) “Guidance For Your Life” a talk show that explains spiritual wisdom. We guide you through the process of incorporating spiritual lessons into your daily life. 880AM. 880TheRevolution.com 1800s Christmas Eve Candlelight Service • TU (12/24), 5pm - Asbury Memorial United Methodist Church, 171 Beaverdam Road, will hold an 1800's Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. Free.

Info: 253-0765.

Celtic Christian Holiday Service • SA (12/21) - Honor the Winter Solstice during this service at a private home in Weaverville. An optional vegetarian potluck will be held after the service. Info and location: avalongrove.org or 645-2674.

JOHN’S coFFee And christ • 1st & 3rd WEDNESDAYS, 7pm - "Coffee and Christ," a casual conversation about Christian cosmology, meets at Edna's of Asheville, 870 Merrimon Ave. Free. Info: MT1128@live.com. eckAnkAr center oF Asheville Located at 797 Haywood Road, W. Asheville. Info: eckankar-nc. org or 254-6775.

• SU (12/22), 11am-12:30pm Spiritual Laws of Life Workshop entitled "The Law of Connecting Diamonds." Free.

First conGreGAtionAl chUrch in hendersonville Fifth Avenue West at White Pine Street, Hendersonville. Info: 6928630 or fcchendersonville.org.

• TU (12/24), 5pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service of Advent Lessons & Carols.

GrAce lUtherAn chUrch 1245 Sixth Ave. W., Hendersonville. Info: gracelutherannc.com or 693-4890.

• WEDNESDAYS - Special Advent worship services will be

held the three Wednesdays in December before Christmas.

A light supper will be served in Stull Hall from 4:45-5:30pm; the service will start at 6pm.

Reservations required for the meal; donations encouraged.

• TU (12/24), 5pm - The church will hold a series of Christmas Eve services. 5pm: bilingual service. 7pm & 9pm: candlelight service. Donations for the women's shelter will be accepted.

circle. $20 or by donation.

kirtAn ceremony • TUESDAYS, 7-8:30pm - Kirtan with Sangita Devi will be held at Nourish and Flourish, 347 Depot St. $10-$15 donation. Info: sangitadevi.com.

• WEDNESDAYS, 7pm Spiritual Development 101 will teach participants how to develop spiritual gifts. Held at the Dove's Nest. Free. Info and directions: 808-3879 or mountaintwin@yahoo.com.

liGht center 2196 N.C. Highway 9 S., Black Mountain. Info: urlight.org or 669-6845.

• DAILY, 10am-4:30pm - Chakra balancing light sessions.

Donations accepted.

• DAILY - Seven Circuit Classical Labyrinth. Daylight hours.

• SA (12/21), 3-5pm - Solstice Meditation & Kirtan with Isham.

Free.

• (12/21), noon-1:45pm Solstice crystal bowls toning

sisters on the JoUrney • WEDNESDAYS, 6:30-8:30pm - Sisters on the Journey women's circle will focus on living genuine, wholehearted and empowered lives. $10. Info and location: 13moons.info or 13moons@gmail.com. sPiritUAl develoPment 101

sPiritUAl enrichment circle • 4th SUNDAYS, 1-3pm - The Opening Heart discussion group explores the ideas of new thought and science of mind.

Meets at Rejavanation Cafe, 909 Smokey Park Highway.

Donations accepted. Info: theopeningheart.sec@gmail. com or 335-3540.

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DEcEmBER 18 - DEcEmBER 24, 2013

19

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

by Hayley Benton & Carrie Eidson

Send your event listings to calendar@mountainx.com.

• Through SU(12/22) - "O Holy Night," a musical adaptation of the Nativity Story. Wed.-Sat: 8pm; Thur., Sat., & Sun. 2pm. $35/$33 seniors, AAA, military/$25 students.

• WE (12/4) through SU (12/22) - A Christmas Story will be held on the MainStage. Wed.-Sat.: 2pm & 8pm; Sun: 2pm. $35.

Hendersonville Little Theatre 229 S. Washington St., Hendersonville. Info: 692-1082 or hendersonvillelittletheater. org.

• Through SU(12/22)- The Gifts of The Magi, a musical from the stories by O.Henry. Thur.-Sat.: 7:30pm; Sun.: 2pm. $20/$10 under age 18.

Montford Park Players

Slice of Life Comedy will hold its Holiday Comedy Showcase at Pulp, below the Orange Peel, on Sunday, Dec. 22. The event includes a toy drive for Eliada Homes foster children, with proceeds benefiting the organization. (p.16)

Spoken & Written Word

Buncombe County Public Libraries LIBRARY ABBREVIATIONS - All programs are free unless otherwise noted. Each Library event is marked by the following location abbreviations: n FV = Fairview Library (1 Taylor Road, 250-6484) n SW = Swannanoa Library (101 West Charleston Street, 250-6486) • WE (12/18), 5pm - Swannanoa Knitters. SW • TH (12/19), 7pm - Book Club: The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo.

FV. City Lights Bookstore Located at 3 E. Jackson St., Sylva. Events are free, unless otherwise noted. Info: citylightsnc. com or 586-9499.

• TH (12/19), 10:30am - The Coffee with the Poet Series.

Bring your favorite Christmas poem to share.

• FR (12/20), 6pm - Gary Carden will recite Appalachian Christmas tales.

• SA (12/21), 6:30pm - The Shepherd of the Hills String Band will perform holiday music.

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Holiday Pop-Up Shop • Through SA (1/4) - Asheville BookWorks will host A Gift of Art, with handmade book and print-related items, at 428 1/2 Haywood Road. Tues.-Fri., 1-5pm; Sat. & Sun. 1-4pm. Info: ashevillebookworks.com.

Spellbound Children's Bookshop 50 N. Merrimon Ave. Free, unless otherwise noted. Info: spellboundchildrensbookshop.com or 708-7570.

• SATURDAYS, 11-11:30am Story time. Ages 2-6.

WRITERS WORKSHOP HOLIDAY GATHERING SA (12/21), 4-6pm - The Writers’ Workshop, 387 Beaucatcher Road, will hold its annual holiday gathering. Reservations required

by Dec. 19. Info and registration: twwoa.org or 254-8111.

Theater Asheville Community Theatre Located at 35 E. Walnut St. Tickets and info: ashevilletheatre. org or 254-1320.

• TH (12/19) through SU (12/22) - The Santaland Diaries, by David Sedaris will be performed Thurs.Sat., 7:30pm; Sun., 2:30pm. $15.

Black Mountain Center for the Arts 225 W. State St., Black Mountain.

Mon.-Fri., 10am-5pm. Info: BlackMountainArts.org or 6690930.

• TH (12/19), 7:30 pm Rediscovering Christmas features Jim and Carol Anderson in a series of original vignettes about Christmas. $15

Asheville Browns Backers

Events at 35below This black box theater is located underneath Asheville Community Theatre at 35 E. Walnut St. Info: 254-1320 or ashevilletheatre.org.

• THURSDAYS - SUNDAYS through (12/22) - All in the Timing, six one-act comedies, will be performed by the Attic Salt Theatre Company. Thur.- Sat.: 7:30pm. Sun.: 2:30pm. $15

• ONGOING - Asheville Browns Backers, a nonprofit organization, invites Cleveland Browns fans to view games at Beef 'O Brady's, 2625 Hendersonville Road. Free.

Info: Ashevillebbw@gmail.com.

Flat Rock Playhouse Mainstage: Highway 225, Flat Rock. Downtown location: 125 South Main St., Hendersonville.

Info: flatrockplayhouse.org or 693-0731.

Sports

DECEMBER 18 - DECEMBER 24, 2013

mountainx.com

Unless otherwise noted, performances are free and take place outdoors at Hazel Robinson Amphitheater in Montford.

Donations accepted. Info: montfordparkplayers.org or 254-5146.

• Through SU (12/22) - The Montford Park Players will be performing A Christmas Carol at the Asheville Masonic Temple, 80 Broadway St. The Naughty List • FR (12/20) & SA (12/21), 8pm - "The Naughty List," a holidaythemed burlesque, will be performed at Toy Boat Community Art Space, 101 Fairview Road.

Canned food donations for Loving Food Resources will be accepted. $12. Tickets and info: bombsawaycabaret.com.

Thriving Children Bedtime in a Bag Drive • Through SU(12/29) - North Carolina Stage Company, 15 Stage Lane, will be holding a "Bedtime In a Bag" drive for Children First/CIS. Items accepted: toothbrush/toothpaste, shampoo, underwear, fuzzy towels, pajamas and bedtime stories. Info: 768-2072.

Children First/CIS • ONGOING - Children First/ CIS seeks volunteers for its learning centers and after school program for elementary school children living in public and low-income housing. Mon.Thurs., 2:30-5:30pm. Info: childrenfirstbc.org, facebook.com/ SuccessEquation or 768-2072.

Volunteering American Cancer Society • WEEKDAYS, 9am-1pm - The American Cancer Society seeks volunteers to provide information to cancer patients and their families. Orientation and screening required.

• The American Cancer Society seeks volunteers to drive cancer patients to treatments in Buncombe County. Must have valid driver's license, vehicle and insurance. Info: 800-227-2345.

Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity • ONGOING - AAHH, a nonprofit whose goal is to provide safe and decent housing to Buncombe County residents, seeks ReStore volunteers.

Opportunities include working with the deconstruction program and assisting with neighborhood pickups and deliveries.

Info: ashevillehabitat.org.

Asheville City Schools Foundation • ONGOING - The Asheville City Schools Foundation seeks volunteers to tutor/mentor students (K-12) in need of support.

Volunteer opportunities available Mon.-Fri., 8am-6pm. Info: jay@acsf.org or 350-6135.

Aurora Studio & Gallery - Special Events • Aurora Studio, a planned collective art space for artists affected by mental illness, homelessness and/or addiction, needs volunteers for planning fundraisers in 2014. Info: aurorastudio-gallery.com or 335-1038.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC Located at 50 S. French Broad Ave., Room 213, in the United Way building. The organization matches children from single-parent homes with adult mentors. Info: bbbswnc.org or 253-1470.

• Big Brothers Big Sisters seeks volunteers 18 and older to share outings in the community twice a month with youth from singleparent homes. Activities are free or low-cost, such as sports, local attractions, etc. Volunteers age 16 and older are needed to mentor one hour per week in schools and after-school sites.

Information session: Dec. 12, noon.

Hands On AshevilleBuncombe Registration required. Youth are welcome on many projects with adult supervision. Info: hand-

sonasheville.org or call 2-1-1.

Visit the website to sign up for a project.

• WE (12/18), 6-8:30pm Volunteers needed to make cookies for hospice patients at CarePartners' John Keever Solace Center.

• SA (12/21), 9am-noon - Help sort and pack food at MANNA FoodBank for agencies serving hungry people in 17 WNC counties.

• SA (12/21), 10am-noon Volunteers needed to copy and collate packets for distribution to individuals and families that benefit from OnTrack's various financial assistance programs.

• MO (12/23), 7-8:30pm Volunteers needed to bake cookies for families staying at the Lewis Rathbun Center, which provides free lodging for out-of-town families who have a loved one in an area hospital.

Supplies provided.

• TH (12/26), 11am-12:30pm - Shake and Bake: Cook and serve a homemade lunch to the men staying at the ABCCM Veterans Restoration Quarters and Inn. Both men and women are encouraged to participate.

Interfaith Assistance Ministry • ONGOING - Interfaith Assistance Ministry offers emergency assistance to Henderson County residents in financial crisis. Four-hour volunteer shifts available as well as substitute opportunities. Info: iamhendersoncounty.org or 697-7029.

Literacy Council of Buncombe County Located at 31 College Place, Building B, Suite 221. Info: litcouncil.com, volunteers@ litcouncil.com or 254-3442.

• Volunteers are needed to tutor adults in basic literacy skills including reading, writing, math and English as a second language. Tutors provide one on one or small group instruction in Buncombe County. No prior tutoring experience or foreign language skills required.

Orientation: Jan. 8 or 9.

Loving Food Resources LFR is an all volunteer special needs food pantry that provides food and personal care items to persons living with HIV/AIDS or in Home Hospice care with any diagnosis. Info: admin@lovingfood.org or 255-9282.

• ONGOING - Loving Food Resources needs volunteers Tue. 9-11am, Wed. 9-11am, Fri. 9amnoon and Sat. 9am-11 and/or 11am-2pm. Help is needed with stocking, helping clients shop, driving, food box delivery, sort-

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by Jordan Foltz. Send your spirituality news to jfoltz@mountainx.com.

Celebrating Yule This week, we will pass through the shortest day of the year and see the beginning of Christmas celebrations. For the occasion, Avalon Grove Celtic Christian Church in Weaverville shared some insights with Xpress about the upcoming winter solstice: Winter solstice, also known as Yule, occurs this year on Saturday, Dec. 21. It is on this day that the sun flees too early from the gray winter sky and the seemingly endless night begins. At dawn the next day, the sun is reborn and stays in the sky just a little bit longer. Therefore, on winter solstice, we celebrate the rebirth of the sun and the return of the sun’s light in a time of darkness.

Yule is an old Anglo-Saxon word for yoke or wheel. It represents the turning of the seasons — in this case, from winter to spring. In the old days, entire families would go

ing, internet related tasks, graphic design and office assistance.

• FR (12/20), 7:30am-4pm Donations for LFR's "Cookie Party" will be accepted at Ace Hardware North, 812 Merrimon Ave. • FR (12/20), 6-8pm- LFR asks volunteers to bring homemade cookies to its annual "Cookie Party" and help fill gift boxes for its clients. Held at Kenilworth Presbyterian Church, 123 Kenilworth Road, in the Fellowship Hall. mAnnA FoodbAnk • ONGOING - MANNA FoodBank seeks volunteers to work in its warehouse. Mon.-Sat. daytime and Thurs. evening shifts available. Info: mannafoodbank. org, mgruber@mannafoodbank. org or 299-3663, ext. 245. memorycAre AdministrAtive sUPPort volUnteer • ONGOING - MemoryCare, a nonprofit dedicated to providing assessment, treatment and support for memory-impaired individuals and their families, seeks a volunteer administrative assistant

deep into the forest to select a tree to become the family’s Yule log for their hearth fire. Once it was found and cut, they would drag the large log back to the home. The Yule log burning in their hearth fire would, for a time, drive away the winter’s cold, filling the house with light and warmth. It was thought that the burning of the Yule log would set the sun free from the darkness of winter.

As Celtic Christians, we celebrate the birth of the Christ child, who brings hope into our hearts for humanity and all creation. We should remember at this time of year to be kind to both humans and animals. We might also place birdseed outdoors for the birds, so that they, too, can enjoy a holiday feast.

For more information on the winter solstice and other Celtic Christian holiday services held throughout the year, visit AvalonGrove.org.

2-3 hours a week on Tue., Wed. or Thur. for general office duties.

Info: alexander@memorycare.org.

cheted, quilted, no-sew fleece or flannel blankets will be accepted.

Info: 645-8800.

moUntAin hoUsinG oPPortUnities • Through (12/31) - The Mountain Housing Opportunities seeks low-to-moderate income families for its Self Help Home Ownership Program, "an alternative path to affordable homeownership." No construction experience or down payment required. Info: mtnhousing.org or 254-4030, ext. 122.

the rAthbUn center • ONGOING - The Rathbun Center, which provides free lodging for patients and their caregivers staying in Asheville for medical treatment, seeks volunteers to support and register guests.

Weekend shifts: noon-3pm, 3-6pm and 6-9pm. Info: rathbuncenter. org or 251-0595.

oPerAtion sAntA • Through (12/24) - The Arc of Buncombe County seeks support for Operation Santa, a program which gives gifts to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program is seeking gift cards or monetary donations. Info: moreaboutthearc@arcofbc.org or 253-1255.

western north cArolinA AlliAnce • WEDNESDAYS, noon-3pm - The WNC Alliance seeks volunteers to sample water in the French Broad watershed for bacterial pollution.

Meets at Westfeldt Park, Highway 280 and Old Fanning Bridge Road near the Asheville regional airport.

Bring water, snacks and old shoes.

Info: wnca.org or cynthia@wnca.org.

ProJect linUs • ONGOING - The local chapter of Project Linus, a nonprofit which donates handmade blankets to children in crisis, seeks volunteers to create blankets. Knitted, cro-

cAlendAr deAdline The deadline for free and paid listings is 5 p.m. wednesdAy, one week prior to publication.

Questions? Call (828)251-1333, ext. 365

Season’s Greetings from Nest Organics Small batch pickles and preserves

Fermenting crocks and other handmade functional stoneware

Cutting boards, salt boxes, serving dishes

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DEcEmBER 18 - DEcEmBER 24, 2013

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Each year, the Asheville Downtown Association challenges local merchants to show their festival spirit by decorating their shop windows in seasonal style.

It’s exactly the sort of contest where everybody wins — especially passersby who get to gaze in on microworlds. This year’s submissions included a manger scene populated by dogs, angels in retro finery, a chorus of sock monkeys, an elegant paper dress and more than one colorful explosion of lights, stars, ribbons and snowflakes.

While tinsel bombs always have a place in our hearts, a team of judges spent one chilly evening making the rounds and tallying scores. The final results? Hip Replacements was awarded “Judge's Favorite”; Kilwin’s won for “Best use of Theme”; Fired Up! Creative Lounge was awarded “Best use of Merchandise”; and Sensibilities Day Spa won for “Wow! Factor.” More info at ashevilledowntown.org. X

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W E L L N E S S

Breaking the silence Our VOICE helps male victims of sexual abuse

By LEa MCLELLan

lmclellan@mountainx.com 251-1333 ext. 127

Six years ago, John Langlois sat in a counselor’s waiting room and began to fill out a standard intake form. At the time, he was a 50-year-old, local family physician and workaholic seeking help after a job-related burnout. One of the questions on the form asked whether he had ever been a victim of physical, sexual or emotional violence or trauma. “No one had ever asked me that question in my whole life,” Langlois says, in a recent conversation with Mountain Xpress. “So I debated how to answer. I lean towards honesty in general in my life, so I checked yes.”

It was the first step toward breaking the silence he had maintained since his childhood, which was marked by a history of sexual abuse by three separate perpetrators. In the wake of the Penn State sex abuse scandal in 2011, Langlois was inspired to speak publicly about his past for the first time. He wrote a letter to the editor for the Asheville Citizen-Times, in which he identified himself as a survivor of sexual abuse.

Few male survivors speak publicly

EzRa Post, the only male counselor at Our VOICE rape crisis center, coordinates the new One in Six project for men.

Photo by Nichole Civiello

about such experiences, which are not uncommon: One in six men have been victims of abusive sexual experiences before age 18, according to a study conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This statistic drives Langlois to speak out about sexual abuse against males, which he says is largely viewed a “women’s issue.” The N.C. Department of Justice defines rape as “the carnal knowledge of a female forcibly and against her will.” Male rape falls under a first-degree sexual offense, which involves any “sexual act,” thus further skewing statistics and potentially minimizing the perceived severity of the crime, according

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to Our VOICE — Western North Carolina’s oldest rape crisis center.

The statistic, as well as increased demand for male services, spurred the creation and funding of the One in Six men’s program at Our VOICE. In 2001, the nonprofit’s counseling staff worked with one male client; by 2011, Our VOICE was helping more than 40. Part of a national campaign, the One in Six program is funded solely by a grant that came through in July and funds the center’s only male counselor, clinical social worker Ezra Post.

Post, who was hired in September, says there has been

a lot of interest in male services in the community, but it’s been incremental. He says the biggest demand for male services was in 2010, when celebrity tyler Perry came out as a survivor of incest and child abuse on “The Oprah Show.” Representatives from Our VOICE attended that show; Post says there was a spike in demand for services then, but public interest is difficult to sustain when male sexual abuse isn’t a national news headline. “When a men’s movement is existing in a culture where the general belief and sentiment is that it’s not really a men’s issue,” says Post, “and that women need to take care of it and pull themselves up by their bootstraps so to speak, there’s not much funding, there’s not much support, there’s not much talk about it.”

Langlois says that the lack of discussion around male sexual abuse is the biggest obstacle standing in the way of survivors seeking and finding the help they need. Both men agree that the issue is as much about public safety as it is about public health — both mental and physical. “If there is something that was threatening our children — some disease, polio or anything — that one-in-six of the male children and one-in-three or four of the female children would be affected by,” says Langlois, “it would be all over the paper. There would be headlines and congressional hearings. There would be runathons and walkathons and everything else, but instead, there is this pall of silence over it.”

As both a doctor and a survivor, Langlois views the cause for concern from two important perspectives. “I had seen thousands of patients over the years, and I know that there were lots of survivors among that group, but I had never guessed at the numbers,” says Langlois. “I was rarely able to identify them, and the health effects are huge.” He adds that victims of sexual abuse are more likely to use medical services and to suffer from disease and other physiological medical issues than those who have not been abused.

Because of stigmatization and lack of awareness, says Post, male victims

of sexual abuse are less likely to report their abusers and less likely to seek help than female survivors. Langlois says that shame, not knowing what response one will get from family and friends and the notion that the victim was somehow “asking for it” are all significant barriers to reporting the abuse.

Langlois also points out the prevalent perception that males who have been abused are more likely to become perpetrators — a notion that he says is largely untrue and presents a unique challenge for male survivors. And Post notes that men are also more likely to question their sexuality or fear that others will perceive them as gay or somehow less manly.

“The male culture is not supportive of communication of important things. So we can talk about football games and stuff like that, but it’s very hard to get into a deep conversation with another male,” says Langlois. “There isn’t much encouragement for sharing emotional issues, traumatic issues, for sharing emotions in general. So those are obstacles to seeking help because it is an emotional issue, a traumatic issue — something that’s held very close and is difficult to share.”

As a result, males are perhaps more likely to minimize the significance of their experience, he explains. “There’s sometimes a tendency to say, ‘Oh, it wasn’t that bad,’” Langlois continues. “‘I got through it and look — I’m working and surviving, and I’m not in a nuthouse so I must be OK.’ Well, maybe you’re not completely OK.” Post, who self-identifies as both a feminist and a “big picture” person, sees these challenges operating on a cultural and societal level.

“It’s important to think about sexual violence in a social context which doesn’t just affect an individual, which is bad enough, but affects the whole society and creates an atmosphere. Whether you’ve been raped or [have been a victim of incest] or know someone who has, this creates a culture where you live too.”

In the interest of the big picture, Post also offers services to perpetrators of sexual violence in his private practice, explaining that they’re a part of our society too. “[Perpetrators] affect us just as rape affects everyone ... so it’s important to work on true,

full-spectrum prevention, and you can’t do that by just throwing the trash away in prison. You have to work with your fellow human beings where they are.”

It’s difficult enough for a male survivor to decide to seek counseling. But even when a survivor does want help, the resources are often not there to support him, says Post.

In an environment where funding for nonprofits is being cut across the board, Post says that new initiatives — like the One in Six program that are “trying to push through the evolution of how we think about sexual violence” — are easily forgotten and cut.

Finding a permanent place for men in an environment that has been traditionally focused on women also brings up concerns in terms of making sure that both genders feel safe in seeking services.

While Langlois recognizes the difficulties of integrating men and women at the rape crisis center, he is hopeful that more awareness will help women to understand that male survivors are “allies and kindred spirits.”

With a time-limited grant lasting through next summer, the longevity of the One in Six program will need sustained support and involvement to continue, both men assert.

The idea that the program could be cut due to lack of funding — after waiting so long for an initiative that could finally give a voice to male survivors — is what inspires Langlois to continue to speak out about a topic that many might find too painful or too personal. “Why would a person like me be sitting here talking about this [to a reporter] who is going to write about it in the paper and publish it in my community?” asks Langlois. “And the answer is, and a part of my hope is, that something good can come out of something that was a very bad thing. If one person can get help, if one person can donate to Our VOICE out of my presence here, then it’s worth it.

It’s made something positive out of something negative.”

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Our VOICE is at 44 Merrimon Ave. in Asheville. Learn more about Our VOICE and the One in Six men’s program at ourvoicenc.org or call 255-7576. To learn more about Ezra Post’s private practice, visit ashevilletherapy.wordpress.com or call 691-1450. For information about the national One in Six movement, visit 1in6.org. X

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DEcEmBER 18 - DEcEmBER 24, 2013

25

wELLnEss caLEnDaR

Eating Right for Good Health presented by

Taste of Local

yoGA For the eyes (pd.) Fridays, 10:45-12:00—Natural vision improvement through Yoga, Qigong and the Bates Method.

Nourish & Flourish, 347 Depot St. River Arts District.

All Levels. Instructor: Nathan Oxenfeld. $12. integraleyesight.com

red cross blood drives Info: redcrosswnc.org or 258-3888. Appointment and ID required for blood drives.

• TH (12/19), 7am-6pm - Mission Hospital, 501 Biltmore Ave. Appointments and info: 1-800-REDCROSS. • MO (12/23), 1:30-5:30pm - Care Partners, 68 Sweeten Creek Road. Appointments and info: 2774800 ext. 4744.

1800 Four Seasons Blvd. --- 7pm - Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, 798 Merrimon Ave. --- 5:45pm - Al-Anon meeting for women, Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, 798 Merrimon Ave. • THURSDAYS, 6pm - Al-Anon meeting for women, New Hope Presbyterian Church, 3020 Sweeten Creek Road.

• THURSDAYS, 7pm - "Parents of Children with Alcoholism," West Asheville Presbyterian Church, 690 Haywood Road. --- 7pm - Pinecrest Presbyterian Church, 1790 Greenville Highway at North Highland Lake Road, Flat Rock. --- 8pm - Fletcher United Methodist Church, 50 Library St., Fletcher.

• FRIDAYS, 1pm - "Keeping the Focus," First Baptist Church, 5 Oak St. Entrance near Charlotte Street.

--- 5:30pm - "Family Matters," First United Church, 66 Harrison Ave., Franklin.

• SATURDAYS, 10am - "One Day at a Time," First Baptist Church, Buncombe and 5th avenues, Hendersonville. --- 10am - "Grace Fireside," Grace Episcopal Church, 871 Merrimon Ave. --- 10am "Saturday Serenity," St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 337 Charlotte St. --- noon - "Courage to Change," Bess Sprinkle Memorial Library, Weaverville.

• SUNDAYS, 5pm - Al-Anon and Alateen, West Asheville Presbyterian Church, 690 Haywood Road.

• MONDAYS, noon - "Keeping the Focus," First Baptist Church, 5 Oak St. Entrance near Charlotte street. --- 6pm - "Attitude of Gratitude," Grace Episcopal Church, 871 Merrimon Ave. --- 7pm First Christian Church, 201 Blue Ridge Road, Black Mountain. --- 7:30pm - First United Methodist Church, Jackson and Church Streets, Sylva. --- 8pm - "Al-Anon Spoken Here," Ledger Baptist Church, U.S. 226 near Bakersville. --- 8pm - Pinecrest Presbyterian Church, 1790 Greenville Highway at North Highland Lake Road.

• TUESDAYS, 4pm - Grace Church, 242 Highway 107 N., Cashiers. --- 5:30pm - "Steps to Recovery," Kenilworth Presbyterian Church, 123 Kenilworth Road. --- 7pm - "One Day at a Time," First Congregational UCC, 20 Oak St. --- 8pm Transylvania men's meeting, Brevard-Davidson River Presbyterian Church, 249 E. Main St.

yoGA For veterAns • MONDAYS, 7-8pm - A yoga class for veterans and their families will be offered at Asheville Yoga Donation Studio, 239 S. Liberty St. All levels.

Instructor: Ashley Poole. Free. Info: youryoga.com or 254-0380.

bAlAnce Point collAborAtive Located at 263 Haywood St. unless otherwise noted.

Info: balancepointnc.com or 348-6922.

• TUESDAYS, 5:30-6:30pm - New Voice, a support group for eating disorder recovery. Free. Info: balancepointnc.com or 348-6922.

UnderstAndinG the AFFordAble cAre Act (AcA) (pd.) Platinum Exchange is offering Free 30 minute public presentations on Understanding the Affordable Care Act (ACA) at the Asheville Chamber, 3rd floor. Mondays at 12:15pm, 1:15pm and 2pm and Wednesdays at 12:15pm. More info: platinumexchange.com

Ingles in Hendersonville - Asheville Hwy Friday, Dec 20th 3:30-6pm

PilAtes mAt (pd.) Monday 6:30pm, Wednesday 1:30pm, Thursday 6:30pm, Saturday 10:30am. Individualized, comfortable classes held at Happy Body. Call 2775741. Registration suggested $12, details at www.

AshevilleHappyBody.com

Say ‘Happy Holidays!’ to some of the local farmers and vendors that supply Ingles, and pick up some treats for your Christmas table:

yoGA (pd.) Tuesday 6:30pm, Wednesday 6am, Friday 6am & 8:30am, Sunday 9:30am. Yoga is for everybody at Happy Body, 1378 Hendersonville Rd. Call 2775741. Registration suggested $12, details at www.

AshevilleHappyBody.com

Annie’s Breads of Asheville

AUtism society screeninG oF elF • SU (12/22), 1pm - Autism Society of North Carolina and Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company will screen a sensory-friendly showing of Elf. All ticket proceeds to benefit ASNC. $3. Info: 236-1547 or ashevillebrewing.com.

Carolina Pig Polish of Whittier Buchi Kombucha of Weaverville Empire Distributors of Asheville Henderson’s Produce of Hendersonville Hickory Nut Gap Farms of Fairview My Gluten Free Bread Company of Hendersonville Slawsa of Cramerton NC (recently appeared on ABC’s “SHARK TANK” Roots Hummus of Asheville Sunny Creek Sprouts of Tryon

Leah McGrath, RD, LDN Corporate Dietitian, Ingles Markets Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/InglesDietitian Work Phone: 800-334-4936

26

by Hayley Benton & Carrie Eidson

DEcEmBER 18 - DEcEmBER 24, 2013

mountainx.com

sUPPort GroUPs AdUlt children oF Alcoholics & dysFUnctionAl FAmilies ACOA is an anonymous 12-step, "Twelve Tradition" program for women and men who grew up in alcoholic or otherwise dysfunctional homes. Info: adultchildren.org.

• FRIDAYS, 7pm - "Inner Child" study group. Grace Episcopal Church, 871 Merrimon Ave. Info: 989-8075.

• SUNDAYS, 3pm - "Living in the Solution," The Servanthood House, 156 E. Chestnut St. Open big book study. Info: 989-8075.

• MONDAYS, 7pm - "Generations," First Congregational UCC, 20 Oak St. Info: 474-5120.

• TUESDAYS, 7pm - Meets at First Congregational Church, 20 Oak St. Info: 273-1280.

Alcoholics AnonymoUs AA is a support group for the family and friends of alcoholics. More than 33 groups are available in the WNC area. Info: wnc-alanon.org or 800-286-1326.

• WEDNESDAYS, 11:30am - "Daytime Serenity," Pardee Education Center at the Blue Ridge Mall,

debtors AnonymoUs 12-step recovery on issues of underearning, debt and learning to live one's vision in life. Info: 779-0077.

• MONDAYS, 7pm - Meets at First Congregational UCC, 20 Oak St., Room 101. Info: debtorsanonymous.org. dePression And biPolAr sUPPort AlliAnce: mAGnetic minds • WEDNESDAYS, 7-9pm & SATURDAYS, 4-6pm Magnetic Minds provides self-help through weekly, peer-facilitated support meetings. Meets at 1316-C Parkwood Road, across from the West Asheville BB&T. Free. Info: MagneticMinds.weebly.com or 367-7660. emotions AnonymoUs: Asheville • TUESDAYS, 7pm- Emotions Anonymous offers a 12-step program for anyone desiring to live a healthier emotional life. Held at Oak Forest Presbyterian Church, 880 Sandhill Road. Info: 631-434-5294. nAmi sUPPort GroUPs The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers three types of groups to support people living with mental health issues and their families, friends and loved

ones. Free. Info: namiwnc.org or 505-7353.

• WEDNESDAYS, 2pm - Dual Diagnosis Support Group. For individuals with MH/ SA diagnoses. 3 Thurland Ave., off Biltmore Avenue.

• 1st SATURDAYS, 10am; 3rd TUESDAYS, 6pm - Family/Caregiver group for people supporting someone experiencing a mental health issue.

356 Biltmore Ave., Suite 315. nArcotics AnonymoUs NA provides support to relatives and friends concerned about the addiction or drug problem of a loved one.

• TUESDAYS, 7pm - West Asheville Presbyterian Church, 690 Haywood Road; enter through back door. Info: robinplemmons@gmail.com.

• WEDNESDAYS, 12:30pm - First United Methodist Chuch, 204 6th Ave. W., Hendersonville. Enter through side parking lot.

Info: 891-8050. overeAters AnonymoUs A fellowship of individuals who are recovering from compulsive overeating. A 12-step program.

• THURSDAYS, 6:30pm - Step Study group at the Cox House, 723 N. Grove St., Hendersonville. Info: 329-1637.

• THURSDAYS, noon - Biltmore United Methodist Church, 376 Hendersonville Road.

Info: 674-2417.

• FRIDAYS, 10am- Step Study group at Biltmore United Methodist Church, 376 Hendersonville Road. Info: 277-1975.

• SATURDAYS, 9:30am - 424 W. State St., Black Mountain. Open relapse and recovery meeting.

Info: 669-0986.

• MONDAYS, 6pm - First Congregational UCC, 20 Oak St. Info: (516) 650-5626.

• MONDAYS, 6:30pm - Balfour United Methodist Church, 2567 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville. Info: 800-580-4761.

• TUESDAYS, 10:30am-noon - Grace Episcopal Church, 871 Merrimon Ave. at Ottari. Info: 609-731-0808.

t.h.e. center For disordered eAtinG 297 Haywood St. Info: thecenternc.org or 3374685.

• WEDNESDAYS, 7-8pm - Support group for adults. Free.

• 3rd SATURDAYS, 10-11:30am - A support group for family members, caregivers and friends of individuals struggling with eating disorders is held at T.H.E. Center for Disordered Eating, 297 Haywood St. Led by licensed professionals. Free. Info: thecenternc.org or 337-4685.

• 1st & 3rd MONDAYS, 5:30-6:30pm - Eating disorder support group for teens ages 15-17. wnc brAin tUmor sUPPort • 3rd THURSDAYS, 6:30-8pm - WNC Brain Tumor Support meets at MAHEC, 121 Hendersonville Road. Info: wncbraintumor.org or 691-2559. wnc brAin tUmor sUPPort • TH (12/19), 6:15-8pm - WNC Brain Tumor Support will hold a Christmas party at MAHEC Biltmore Campus, 121 Hendersonville Road, for adult patients, survivors, families and caregivers.

Info: 691-2559 or wncbraintumor.org. more wellness events online Check out the Wellness Calendar online at www. mountainx.com/events for info on events happening after December 26. cAlendAr deAdline The deadline for free and paid listings is 5 p.m. wednesdAy, one week prior to publication.

Questions? Call (828)251-1333, ext. 365

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recoverinG coUPles AnonymoUs • MONDAYS, 6:30pm & SATURDAYS, 10am - Recovering Couples Anonymous, for couples with at least one member in a 12-step program. Held every other Monday at Foster Seventh Day Adventist Church, 375 Hendersonville Road, and every other Saturday at The Unity Church Center, 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Road, Mills River. Info and schedule: recovering-couples.org.

CALL NOW

to make an appointment

877-876-3783

s-Anon • ONGOING - An anonymous 12-step program for those affected by another's sexual behavior. Four meetings available weekly in WNC. Days, times, locations and additional info: 258-5117.

www.carolinapartners.com

smArt recovery A peer support group to help individuals gain independence from all types of addictive behavior (drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex, etc.).

• THURSDAYS, 6pm - Grace Episcopal Church, 871 Merrimon Ave. Info: smartrecoveryavl@ gmail.com or 407-0460.

• MONDAYS, 6:30pm - An additional group will meet at St. Andrew Celtic Church, 850 Blue Ridge Road, Black Mountain.

Copyright LiveWin, LLC mountainx.com

DEcEmBER 18 - DEcEmBER 24, 2013

27

F O O D

House party National Gingerbread House Competition has local heart

By hayLEy stEinhaRDt

There’s something about the smell of gingerbread that transports me back to childhood, at home on winter break, baking walls and roof pieces in the oven with my mom and brother, the sweet aroma filling the kitchen as we mixed up batches of colored frosting in anticipation of building our edible creations. In homage to delicious memories old and new and in the sweet spirit of the season, The Omni Grove Park Inn has welcomed competitors from all over the country (and one from Canada) to the 21st annual National Gingerbread House Competition.

The contest began in 1992 as more of a fun display of local talent to share with the inn’s patrons than a competition. Over the years, however, it has evolved into a rigorous, competitive event that draws participants from far and wide to vie for awards in the adult, teen, youth and child contests. Still, the heart of the competition remains true to its roots, inspiring people to come together for a fun and creative project in celebration of the season. Hilary Thomas, guest activities and events coordinator for The Omni Grove Park Inn, helps the competitors every step of the way and gets to experience the community that arises around each year’s event.

“I’ve been communicating with all these competitors from start to finish, from the moment they turn in their entry form,” says Thomas.

“To see them arrive — and they’re so excited — and to see the finished product … you don’t even know each other, but you greet each other with hugs because you’ve been communicating for months.

That’s probably my favorite part, just getting to know the competi-

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DEcEmBER 18 - DEcEmBER 24, 2013

joLLy hoLiDay: Lilli McFerrin’s Mary Poppins-inspired entry, “A Spoonful of Sugar,” won third prize in the teen category in this year’s competition.

Photo by Haley Steinhardt

tors and seeing that they’re in it for the right reasons.”

Every entry arrives with a unique story to tell beyond its crunchy walls and candied accouterments.

Special-education teacher Annie Joyce from Reynolds High School, who teaches students with moderate to severe disabilities, entered this year’s competition with her class. “The inspiration behind deciding to do this project was an opportunity for my class to be represented in the community,” says Joyce. “I feel that this population often gets overlooked by society.

mountainx.com

By doing this project as a class, it gives us the opportunity to be a part of a nationally recognized competition. This is a priceless opportunity for each of them.”

Joyce’s class has participated in the competition for the past four years. Their entry this year — an outer-space-themed creation — placed in the Top 10 in the youth category. According to Joyce, participating in the competition is one of the kids’ favorite activities. “We all come up with an idea and then go on a shopping field trip to buy supplies,” she says.

For this year’s space-themed creation, Joyce says they used circle molds to make the planets and cakepop molds to make the aliens and reindeer, then dipped the aliens and reindeer in melted chocolate. The students chose different eyes and candies for decorations. “The hardest part for us is working as a team and agreeing on each part,” she says.

“The best part is seeing the finished product and knowing how much work everyone put into the house.”

Student Kristina Pressley says her favorite part was making the spaceship, while Tyler Ayers and Alexis Strosnider say they most enjoyed decorating the aliens and making the reindeer, respectively. “I liked it when we sprayed the planets with icing to make them different colors,” adds Beth Moseley.

Teenager Lilli McFerrin of Black Mountain has been a lifelong fan of building gingerbread houses and is a multiyear entrant to the National Gingerbread House Competition.

This year she won third place in the teen category. “I have been making gingerbread houses for as long as I can remember,” says McFerrin, “But 2006 was the first year I entered the competition. … This was my eighth and final year to enter before I go to college. … I sometimes joke by saying that everything I ever needed to know, I learned from gingerbread.

Most things I have learned through trial and error, and, over time, I’ve slowly developed a style and a familiarity with the materials and techniques that work best.”

McFerrin says making a gingerbread house is a long process, but it is also fun and rewarding. “There are, of course, ups and downs,” she says, “but my favorite part is watching as the 2D picture in my head slowly becomes a tangible, 3D object [that] other people can enjoy. For me, it is all about the joy of creating and the joy of seeing other people enjoying my work.”

Joy is the most consistent theme among staff and contestants, but there are also some nerve-wracking moments that arise as part of the process. Tracey Johnston-Crum, director of public relations and community outreach for the inn, says transport-

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putting it togEthER: Annie Joyce’s special-education students at Reynolds High constructed their own entry for this year’s National Gingerbread House Competition. Their creation made it into the Top 10 in their category.

Photo by Jenni Wiseman

ing the creations is one of the competitors’ biggest challenges.

“Travel [with] these gingerbread houses is not easy,” says JohnstonCrum. “They spend hours upon hours, months upon months constructing this … but getting it here is not always the easiest part, so you see a lot of heartbreak, too. …

One wrong bump, and you could lose a house. … We have a great triage center that has royal icing and things like that to help people stick it back together if they can.”

McFerrin, whose winning piece had the film “Mary Poppins” as its theme, says the drive over from Black Mountain was very stressful. “We set it on a little cushion and that helped absorb some of the shock. The whole time, [Mary Poppins’] little umbrella was wobbling back and forth, and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh! This is terrible!’ ... It was such a relief to get it here and on the table where it’s supposed to be.”

This year’s grand-prize winner, Kim Thalman, drove all the way from Wisconsin with her entry. “I transported the piece completely finished. We were lucky enough to get a rental van that had a well in the trunk that fit the board perfectly. The only support I used was a blanket underneath to help cush-

ion [the piece and] soften the jostling.

After that, I just crossed my fingers for no breakage, and away we went.”

The inn also offered a special prize for the contestant who traveled the greatest distance to compete. Gail Rice, who flew from her home in Pleasanton, Calif., and created her entry in Asheville, was the winner of that award this year.

“The people of Asheville are gracious and sweet,” Rice says.

“Southern hospitality is as good as it gets in Asheville. I feel very honored to have won.”

So head on over and marvel at these heartfelt and often astonishingly wellmade creations, and let the smell of gingerbread transport you to memories of snow days, crackling fires and cozy times with the ones you love.

The National Gingerbread House Competition had around 175 entries this year and 150 pieces that actually arrived on site. Anyone can enter, and all pieces are displayed. Through Jan. 2, make your way over to The Omni Grove Park Inn to share in a little bit of the joy that each participant put into these projects.

Admission is $10 per car, no matter how many people you pack in, and 50 percent of all proceeds go to local charities. X

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29

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by Elizabeth Reynolds McGuire

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DEcEmBER 18 - DEcEmBER 24, 2013

Tidings of coffee and joy at Filo

There is a little rock building on Tunnel Road in East Asheville.

To me, it has always been a coollooking structure, but nothing more.

Historically, it was a meeting place for the American Legion. However, recently I realized that behind that amazing architectural exterior there’s a cozy, bohemian, Europeaninspired cafe. Honestly, I didn’t know there were funky, cool, possible fika places in East Asheville.

Boy, was I wrong.

Fika (fee-ka) is Swedish for the idea of sharing a cup of coffee and conversation with another person.

It’s the act of slowing down in the midst of the day to simply be — with yourself or with others. Always on the lookout for great new places to sip coffee and meet friends, I was intrigued by Filo (fee-lo).

I opened the cafe’s castlelike door and entered into a huge open space filled with a warm, glowing light that made it bright and yet, still very cozy. I am certain that someone heard me breathe a deep sigh of “perrrrrfect.” I don’t think I said that out loud, but I can’t be sure.

Maria Papanastasiou has owned and managed Filo for almost eight years. She says that she has tried to create a “comfortable and inviting place” that focuses on petite pastries and savory bites. Of course, coffee, tea, wine and beer accompany her yummy goodies, are also part of Papanastasiou’s vision.

An Asheville native and a New York City-educated pastry chef, Papanastasiou was inspired by her family’s Greek roots and her travels in Europe to bring her brand of fika culture to Asheville. She’s always understood the importance of “taking personal time, which gives [her] inspiration and energy” and seeks to spread that focus in her café, she says. Filo fosters these traditionally European values of creating and sustaining friendships while sharing coffee and pastries, which is the heart of fika.

Filo is also a cafe where people meet around big, wooden tables

mountainx.com

EuRopEan fLaVoR: Filo owner Maria Papanastasiou was inspired by her family’s Greek heritage and her travels in Europe to bring her own brand of fika culture to East Asheville. Photo by Elizabeth Reynolds McGuire

or comfortable, plush chairs to conduct business or make new friends. I met Asheville newcomer Shayla Morrigan, who described it as a great place to “really enjoy the chance to meet with new people in such a comfortable setting.” And James MacKenzie agreed, advising, “If you come by for its design, you’ll definitely stay for its delicious lattes.”

Filo’s friendship-nurturing atmosphere comes naturally: The word “filo” is based on the Greek word for “friend,” philos. So, the entire concept of Papanastasiou’s cafe is built around the idea of good food, good coffee and good times with good people. Filo’s European influence and inspira-

tion remind us to make time to enjoy life. That’s what fika is all about.

Especially during the hustle and bustle of this holiday season, it’s important to slow down just enough to savor life’s moments. There is always time for a cup of coffee.

Think how beneficial it would be to take the time to slow down and enjoy something in life for just an hour every day. Think what it would be like if we prioritized that time.

I’m pretty sure that we all would be much more at peace, focused, calm and happy.

This holiday season, as you remember that Filo’s name reminds us about friendship, grab a buddy and stop by for a leisurely, friendly fika. You’ll be glad you did. X

mountainx.com

DEcEmBER 18 - DEcEmBER 24, 2013

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Food trucks revisited

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D.o.g.s. LifE: Decrepit Old Geezers Sausages food-truck owner Bill Drake, right, and his wife, Marlene, started their business as a hot dog cart four years ago. Photo by Michael Franco

A veteran food-truck owner tells his side of the story

In the Oct. 29 issue, we looked at the life of a food truck owner from two different perspectives: the newbie (Roaming in the Raw) and the old-timer (Gypsy Queen). Following that story, Bill Drake, owner of the Decrepit Old Geezers Sausages (D.O.G.S) hot dog and sausage truck, responded to Xpress, “It seems like all the articles about the food-trucks lately have focused on the negativity — how hard it is, how much time it takes and how little money they make. How about an article about the other guys — those of us who are doing well, making money and not working 70 hours a week.”

Xpress sat down recently with Drake to get his take on the business.

Featuring a variety of sausage flavors, including andouille, alligator and crawfish, along with a huge assortment of inventive sauces like berry-chipotle, curried lemon and apricot-mustard, D.O.G.S can be found at many area festivals as well as at Pisgah Brewing in Black Mountain on

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Saturday afternoons. Drake and his wife, Marlene, have been running D.O.G.S. for about five years.

Mountain Xpress: how how did this all get started?

Bill Drake: We were cooking for different re-enactment groups we were involved with — Civil War and some medieval — and everyone was scattered about trying to eat during the weekend, so we started cooking for them.

Then one day I told Marlene that I was going to stop at A-B Tech culinary school to see if there was a couple of classes I could take to pump things up a little bit. At the end of the day I walked out of there enrolled in a two-year course.

Then about four years ago we bought a hot dog cart. Last year I had the hot dog cart over by the Grove Arcade, and it was OK, but it was a lot of work for not a lot of money. That’s when we decided to go big time with a food truck, and it’s been doing good. We use the trailer and haul it with our van so if something breaks down, we can still pull it with something else; I’m not out of work.

for someone getting into this business, what’s more profitable: the festival circuit or a regular spot at a brewery or somewhere else?

I’d say the festival circuit if you could be doing something at least every couple of weeks. It makes good money.

Do you have any future plans that might involve a bricks-andmortar location?

Right now I’m just going to play it out and see how this works. We almost had finalization to move into Loretta’s old space, but the owner decided to refurbish the building.

I’ve worked at the Lobster Trap long enough to know about the headaches of a restaurant. Every time you turn around, you’re writing another check for an inspection or duct cleaning or lots of little things that can nickel and dime you. There’s a lot less overhead with a food truck. what advice would you give someone who has stars in their eyes about starting a food truck?

Check with the health department first, find out exactly what they want you to do. Everything’s got to be NSF [compliant with National Sanitation Foundation food-truck equipment guidelines]. And I’d say do something different. I often get comments that I’m not doing the whole farm-to-table thing, but you can only do that so many months a year. And it seems like there’s quite a few of them out there. So if there are 20 other people out there doing what you want to do, come up with a different idea that’s really your passion.

Also, money’s a big thing — can you afford your trailer? Does your spouse work so that you have money on the side? A food truck won’t initially pay all of your bills, even though ours does now.

what’s the key to your success?

A lot of food trucks have what they want to do and how they’re going to serve it. I’d say to keep your mind open and roll with the flow.

I think the average plate at food trucks is $7-8 like our sausage plate. But a lot of times you’re at a food truck with your kid and you don’t want to spend a lot of money on something he’s not going to eat. So I’ve got a $3 hot dog. And we do french fries, just commercial fries, but people really like them. They’re nice and crispy.

Everybody’s doing fresh-cut sweet potato fries, but the thing is that everyone does them.

Best Latin Breakfast in Town

so what’s up with your name?

We were at a very slow and boring event one time and we just sat there and tried to come up with an acronym for a dog. And we’re both handicapped [Editor’s note: Bill has fibromyalgia and Marlene has a back injury], so that was the decrepit part. And we’re both in our 50s, which isn’t necessarily old but pushing it. And geezer was just kind of an attitude. X

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DEcEmBER 18 - DEcEmBER 24, 2013

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cREpERiE Bouchon’s “sociaL chEEsE pLatE” Want the fun of cooking over a campfire without the smoke, uncomfortable rocks and freezing weather? Raclette could be just the thing. The convivial Swiss dining tradition was recently introduced

by Chef Michel Baudoin to the menu at Creperie Bouchon as the restaurant prepares to remain open all winter for the first time.

Raclette refers to both a soft, creamy cow’s milk cheese by that name, as well as a meal cooked with that cheese right at the table on heated marble slabs — a practice that has been around for hundreds of years.

Legend has it that herdsmen accidentally left cheese on a rock near the campfire, then scraped it off only to discover a delicious treat. The word raclette comes from the French racler, which means “to scrape.”

The basic raclette is a hearty combination of cheese and garnishes such as cornichons, cocktail onions and fingerling potatoes served with bread — the perfect accompaniment to a glass of wine. Diners melt the cheese in a mini-skillet placed under the stone and grill the other ingredients on the stone’s surface. The process can get creative with the addition of extras including fresh strawberries, pear and apple, as well as mushrooms, roasted red peppers, roasted chicken breast, spicy andouille sausage, duck sausage, honey-roasted ham and bacon. There is also a fun dessert option: French s’mores with house-made sugar cookies, Nutella and marshmallows.

Food and Beverage Manager Bill Cooke says the restaurant is introducing raclette “because it’s a social way of eating.” Chef Baudouin agrees.

“Raclette is a great fit because the Creperie is very informal and very convivial,” he says. “It’s sort of a social cheese plate to share where everyone can get involved and create their own small bites.”

Another tasty tidbit is that all crepes at Creperie Bouchon are made with gluten-free flour created especially

moVing on: After Tomato Jam shuts its doors on Dec. 20, Chef Daniel Wright will be looking for new opportunities for putting his award-winning culinary skills to use.

for the restaurant by Moon Rabbit Foods based out of Barnardsville.

And there’s great news for diners who love all-you-can-eat mussels at Bouchon: This winter you can also get them at Creperie Bouchon every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Creperie Bouchon is at 62-1/8 N. Lexington Ave. in the courtyard next to Bouchon. It is open 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and 11 a.m.5 p.m. Sunday. — Toni Sherwood faREwELL (foR now), tomato jam This is the last week for diners to enjoy Chef Daniel Wright’s creative comfort food at the Tomato Jam Café; the Biltmore Avenue breakfast and lunch spot closes on Friday, Dec. 20.

According to Wright, it was business as usual until about six months ago when he got a phone

call from owner Deb Maddox, who informed him that the three-year mark was approaching on his lease-to-own agreement and they needed to renegotiate. “It was a complete surprise to me,” Wright says. “Deb said they had forgotten to put it in the contract.”

“I will be happy to have this chapter close and move on,” says Maddox. “It’s a sad situation all around and I’ve been surprised at the anger from someone who had choices to make.”

Deb and Cory Maddox originally purchased Tomato Jam from former owners Charlie Widner and Rebecca Daun-Widner, and hired Wright as head chef. Wright’s recollection of this arrangement sounds like an episode of “Kitchen Nightmares.” “I can’t tell you how many times they left me with no checks for deliveries and no way to contact them,” Wright explains.

“Professionally they were just uninvolved in this place.”

After a few months at the helm of Tomato Jam, the Maddoxes presented Wright with a lease-to-own contract. “They begged me to take over this business for them. It was hemorrhaging money.” According to Wright, the restaurant was making about $6,000 a month when he took it over, and now it’s making about $16,000 a month.

Despite Tomato Jam’s success, securing a purchase loan is not feasible for Wright, a young father with a family trying to work his way out of debt. But he also believes it doesn’t make good business sense. “It was reported that Deb and Cory own this building. Dr. Bob Owens owns this building. If he sold this place, I would own a name and a few pieces of equipment.”

Maddox is currently negotiating a new contract with a graduate of A-B Tech’s Culinary Institute, “He’s a former student of mine. He was in a public speaking course I taught at A-B Tech about five years ago, and I was so impressed with him we kept in contact.” They are aiming to open after the first of the year, but she is uncertain if he will keep the name Tomato Jam. After winning the 2013 WNC Chef’s Challenge and being featured on “Chuck’s Eat the Street” on the Cooking Channel, Wright is exploring new opportunities without regret. “I’ve taken Tomato Jam as high as it can go,” he says.

“I’ve taken it places it never would have gone.”

Tomato Jam is at 375 Biltmore Ave. Wright can be reached at Deebrewdude@ aol.com. — Toni Sherwood LoVE in a Box Betty Sharpless drives a van adorned with flowers, an “Outrageous Older Woman” bumper sticker and a red kayak perched on top. She’s one of those instantly likable people who emanates charisma, warmth and welcome.

Twenty years ago, Sharpless cooked up the idea of a cookie party to benefit clients of Loving Food Resources, and she’s spearheaded the annual event ever since. The volunteer-run food pantry serves people living with HIV/AIDS or utliizing in-home hospice care; it currently has 225 clients. That means filling 225 boxes with homemade cookies — or, as Sharpless puts it, “love in a box.”

Contributors will gather Friday, Dec. 20, at Kenilworth Presbyterian Church to fill boxes with sugary donations. The nonprofit asks each participant to bring in 48 homemade cookies or bars, plus some extras on a plate to share with their fellow donors. There’ll be plenty of milk, coffee and a bustling, festive atmosphere, says Sharpless, noting, “The kids kind of freak out from seeing so many cookies.”

The event has become embedded in many local families’ holiday traditions.

“People will host their own cookie parties, then bring them in to us,” says Sharpless. “There’s one household that begins baking sugar cookies to freeze in October, and spends late November and December decorating them.”

Every year, she confesses, she worries that nobody will show up, though in two decades that’s never happened. “Even when there was a blizzard and we were snowed in at the church, people came on foot to bring in their cookies,” Sharpless recalls.

The recipients, she continues, “just love it: These are not people who eat healthy, organic, gluten-free diets.

They need the calories.”

“We’re requesting homemade cookies, not store-bought. It’s part of the love we send home with them,” Sharpless says.

Those wishing to participate can bring their cookies to the party 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, at Kenilworth Presbyterian Church, 123 Kenilworth Road, or drop off cookies at Ace Hardware’s North Asheville location on Merrimon Avenue anytime that day. — Mary PembletonX

This holiday season, let DOUGH do the cooking for you.

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DEcEmBER 18 - DEcEmBER 24, 2013

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Holi-DIY

festive handmade projects from across wnc

Compiled by Alli Marshall It starts with that first construction paper garland, or popcorn-and-cranberry chain, or pomander ball (you know, an orange studded with cloves and tied with a ribbon for a closet sachet): Holidays and crafts go hand in hand. Some people make all of their gifts, from knitted scarves to fresh-baked pumpkin bread.

Others craft decorations, from a simple sprig of mistletoe, to an artful blown-glass ornament. And while aluminum trees and strings of electric colored lights have their charms, who doesn’t have a soft spot for a candy-covered gingerbread house or a handmade ceramic menorah?

Here, Xpress readers offer some of their favorite festive crafts and the memories those bring to mind.

MEGAN WATSON etsy.com/shop/TheMiddleSisterCo Natural burlap wreath with a red bow and green spray.

MARY BETH HERMAN My holiday tradition is to create a Christmas house village. The village is huge, very elaborate and has gone up every year for about 15 years. Currently we have about 60 houses and buildings. The platforms have all been constructed, mostly handmade by my husband and me. Every year, this is a huge deal to assemble, it takes a week or more. This year, my 7 year-old granddaughter was finally old enough to help set up the houses and she was over-the-moon thrilled.

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CRYSTAL RODRIGUEZ etsy.com/shop/CrystalKnits77 Knitted hat and scarf for a celebratory bottle of wine.

VIKKI ROGERS pinkhousetreasures.wordpress.com These snowmen are made from vintage chenille bedspreads and embellished with recycled sweaters and buttons. Hand carved “carrot” noses and stick arms add to their character, along with rosy cheeks and a dusting of mica flakes for “snow.”

Handcrafted by Vikki Rogers and available for purchase at The Pink House.

SARA MARSHALL

SUE WILLE These are wrapping paper toy soldiers I made for last year’s liquor gifts. No instructions necessary. They’re mostly all wrapping paper, with some peach paper for faces, pompoms for noses, metallic sticker embellishments, miniature gift and candy cane accouterments and feathers on their hats. They’re put together mostly with glue stick, double-sided tape and a little hot glue; they go together in a flash.

I grew up in an old farmhouse surrounded by woods just outside of Washington, D.C. My mother and I would walk through our woods and gather pine boughs (usually from long-needle pines), creeping cedar and princess pines, and bring them home. The cedar and princess pines decorated the mantel above the living room fireplace, but the pine boughs were fanned out on top and bottom to make a large spray for the white front door. The boughs were fastened together with wire and a big red ribbon placed in the center. Fun and friendship and a beautiful door were the product of this annual adventure, and it has become a tradition, as I make sprays every year to decorate the two front porch pillars on my little bungalow.

Last year, I started taking my preschool-age granddaughter to the woods with me to collect greenery. I told her stories about how her great-grandmother Ginger and how I did the same thing that we were doing. We changed the nature of the sprays a bit by adding holly, dried weeds, grasses, hydrangea blossoms, and red and white berries. We also brought home pine cones to tuck in here and there. For a 4-year-old, most of the fun was in the discovery of what we needed and lots that we didn’t. Getting enough material took much longer and was much more fun than if I had been doing it alone. We sorted out our collection to make two small sprays, tied the center with wire, and put a green bow on one and a red bow on the other. Cocoa and frosted cookies rounded out the day.

I hope that one Christmas, my great-granddaughter will be going to the woods with her mom to hear stories and collect greenery for sprays.

mountainx.com

DEcEmBER 18 - DEcEmBER 24, 2013

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Holi-DIY

greenteasushi.com Open Christmas Day • 12 - 10pm Open New Yearʼs Day • 1pm - 10pm 2 Regent Park Blvd. | 828-252-8300 Like us on facebook.com/greenteasushi

CORINA PIA TORII facebook.com/toriistudios Christmas is about love, and this ornament was created with love by artist couple Tadashi and Corina Pia Torii. What better ornament to add to your holiday decor than a heart-shaped one? A timeless classic, this exquisite blown-glass heart ornament is laced with a filigree of delicate cane work and ribbons of vibrant color. It will bring holiday cheer and can be enjoyed year around.

After taking a glassblowing class during business studies at Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus, Japanese-born artist Tadashi’s life changed when he realized he had found his true calling in art. Over the past 20 years Tadashi and I, a German-born artist, have worked in the arts. Since 2007 we’ve combined our talents, and in 2011 we relocated from Atlanta to join the Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. Torii Studios is opening in downtown Waynesville in the spring of 2014 and will be our creative home.

DARLENE HATCHETT etsy.com/shop/hatchettdesigns Christmas miniature in a silver server piece.

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PHIL CHENEY dynamicartgallerie.com I decorated in origami in an orange overcoat. I was listening to the paint melt in Neapolitan-themed colors and eating a Rocket Pop on the park bench.

One time, in fur-lined suit with biscuits, I walked all the way to the zoo. I have never been very good at gingerbread houses but I do like to break off a wall and have a snack.

I made a beer can pyramid as I peered amid the antlers of reindeer at eyelevel. Never mind the instructions, it’s full-steam ahead from here.

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CATE SCALES thegoodsavl.com My business partner and I have been crafting for Christmas for our booths at The Screen Door and The Regeneration Station. From filling up glass ornaments with paint or glitter, to making festive table runners, we enjoy getting ready for the holidays. Pictured: metal and glass bead snowflake garland at the Screen Door.

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DEcEmBER 18 - DEcEmBER 24, 2013

39

a&E

by Alli Marshall

amarshall@mountainx.com

Outward bound Rising Appalachia returns to Asheville for a solstice show

If you made a word cloud from a conversation with sisters Leah and Chloe Smith, “community” would be the most heavily weighted term.

Music, art, family and travel are all prominent themes, but it’s community that runs like a thread throughout the Smiths’ lives, and the on- and off-stage work of their band, Rising Appalachia.

“What’s powerful about being in parts of Central America, urban Latin America and New Orleans is the relationship to community living,” says Leah. “I come and go, so I’m a nomadic part of the community. But that relationship with building an alternative and tight-knit

who Rising Appalachia whERE The Orange Peel, theorangepeel.net whEn Saturday, Dec. 21, 9 p.m. $12 advance/$15 day of show

reality, which is not connected to this Western way of living, is what I’m attracted to, culturally. It’s also become the main focal point of our music.”

Rising Appalachia, says Leah, is about a relationship to roots music — the kind that’s played on front porches around the world. Used as a storytelling device, it’s a way to hold on to memories and influences as disparate as beat-boxing, AfroCuban percussion, banjo and jazz horns, which all find their way into the sonic brew.

What began as a study of how communities choose to live has funneled into “a life mission,” says Leah.

Reared on hip-hop, the sisters grew up in Atlanta, the daughters

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of a Beat poet father and a flight attendant/fiddle-playing mother.

The household was rich in creativity, and Leah says their parents instilled the value of travel “in the old sense, where it was a means of educating yourself on culture.”

These days, travel is a constant for the Smiths, though they do have a few places that feel more like home. One is Western North Carolina — they’ll perform a solstice show at The Orange Peel Saturday, Dec. 21, before heading out across the country again for a string of dates. The Peel is a big step up from the group’s burstingat-the-seams BoBo Gallery shows a few years back. Earlier this fall, Rising Appalachia headlined The LEAF’s Lakeside Stage for the first time. That set proved so popular that there was no room under the stage’s giant tent — and the crowd outside stood about 10 deep.

Leah says the band has a bigger following in other places: They’ve played FloydFest and on a main stage at a Swedish festival. “We went to Bulgaria and were treated like rock stars,” she recalls.

But the sisters kind of grew up at LEAF, where they started out performing on the lawn. To gain recognition at a festival that feels like family means a lot to them.

“They’re doing a good job with the model of that festival and all its outreach work,” notes Chloe.

Outreach is also important to Rising Appalachia. “My relationship to performance came slowly, out of a bigger desire to do education and front-line work, figuring out how to have an impact in the world,” says Leah. Early on, she questioned the validity of touring as a means of activism, but over time she found that she could extend her influence beyond the stage to “folks who were working on the ground.”

When possible, the Smiths make a point of working in schools or prisons on the afternoons before their shows. Often, outreach takes the form of a story circle, “a space for people to have dialogue and feel heard,” says Leah.

The band rarely performs in those situations, though. “I do

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community cEntER: Sisters Leah and Chloe Smith of Rising Appalachia have developed their approach to music, performance and touring to include outreach and connection to the communities they visit.

Photo by Melisa Cardona

think music is a catharsis,” she explains, “but for me it feels really good to have a relationship first, before we come in as performers, because that can create a barrier.”

Chloe adds, “We have a lot of people in our fan or family base who ask us how to strive and be involved, so we’re also trying to figure out that balance.” To connect the dots, Rising Appalachia taps local nonprofits and performers for each tour leg. The band’s current run of shows includes Atlanta-based spoken-word artist Theresa Davis as the opener; she’ll also connect with poets in each town.

In Asheville, the Smiths have planned an evening-long journey including an Aztec dance ceremony and local West African-influenced band Mande Foly. Soul Visions, a dub-remix project based on Rising Appalachia’s acoustic material, will close the show. “So it’s kind of like a mini-festival environment,” says Leah. “The audience can be involved with what’s going on in their com-

munity, and we can create a container for that to happen.”

Figuring out what’s happening in the underbelly of each tour stop, she notes, feeds her inner anthropologist. “It’s like, how deep can we go in 12 hours?”

One place where the Smiths have gone deep is New Orleans.

Chloe calls it “a soul base and a creative base.” And though the sisters are on the road about 90 percent of the time, whenever they return to the Louisiana city they feel instantly embraced by the network of fellow musicians who also call it home.

“Everyone comes to the mountains and hides out. You write and rest and have a retreat space,” says Chloe. “But you roll into New Orleans, and your creative battery is charged. You’re surrounded by art and music, and you’re taken right back into the river of creativity.” X

mountainx.com

DEcEmBER 18 - DEcEmBER 24, 2013

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a&E

by Toni Sherwood

toni_sherwood@yahoo.com

Hot for the holidays Bombs Away Cabaret’s XXXmas

“People need to laugh, especially around Christmas,” says Bombs Away Cabaret performer and coordinator Amber Shehan, (aka Iona Traylor). The performance troupe’s mission is to restore burlesque to its comedic roots, and the group is constantly striving for a balance between inappropriate and socially acceptable, sexual and sensual.

Shehan deadpans, “My mom says burlesque is OK if it’s for charity.”

XXXmas: The Naughty List, is just that. The holiday-themed revue, which opens this weekend at the Toy Boat Community Art Space, is both a fundraiser for Bombs Away Cabaret’s upcoming full-length show, planned for this spring, as well as a

what Bombs Away Cabaret presents XXXmas: The Naughty List whERE Toy Boat Community Art Space whEn Friday and Saturday, Dec. 20 & 21, at 8 p.m. $12 in advance by credit card or cash only at the door

food drive. Audience members are encouraged to bring canned goods to benefit Loving Food Resources, a volunteer-run food pantry that provides basic needs to people living with HIV/AIDS. As for the show, be prepared for satirical spins on traditional holiday songs, including, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” “Santa Baby,” “Blue Christmas” and “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend.” Audience members may recognize the tunes, but the lyrics are sure to surprise.

The show revolves around four central characters, all members of a cabaret troupe situated in modernday Asheville. Claudette Cleavage

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is the emcee. She’s a shady businesswoman and part-time dominatrix. Ophelia Bottome is a fameobsessed, opera-singing, wannabe socialite. Rod O’Steele is a vapid, self-interested, class-conscious exLong Islander. And Iona Traylor is a sweet, folksy, naive West Virginia native. The audience is both spectator and insider, privy to the behind-the-scenes machinations of the cabaret.

Joining Bombs Away Cabaret’s colorful cast of characters are several local performers, including bar poet Barbie Dockstader Angell, Andrew Benjamin of experimental/cabaret outfit Hellblinki, dancer Elizabeth Evans and juggling troupe 40 Fingers and a Missing Tooth. The revue will include guest geek-burlesque performer Talia de Neko of Asheville-based FTW Burlesque. Geek-burlesque sprang from the Comic-Con culture and incorporates characters sourced from comic books, anime, film, graphic novels and video games such as Catwoman, Barbarella, Betty Draper and Pikachu, to name a few.

The show draws inspiration from more than just the ghosts of Christmas past. Shehan says, “I love the cheesy ’70s Christmas variety shows, especially with really bizarre combinations of celebrities wearing Christmas sweaters, like David Bowie and Bing Crosby.” Performer and publicist Joseph Barcia (Rod O’Steele) adds, “Our show is a cross between that and RuPaul’s Christmas specials in the ’90s.”

They describe Bombs Away’s style as contemporary, fun and irreverent adult humor, with roots in vaudeville-style burlesque, spiked with tongue-in-cheek comedic wit.

Shehan credits George Burns and Gracie Allen as her biggest vaudeville influences: “I love their quick witty banter and the way they sing and dance as if it’s something you’d normally do while talking.” Barcia is inspired by early Bette Midler but also says, “I think we’re heading more in the John Waters direction, especially with meta-cabaret character Claudette Cleavage.”

Santa BaBy: Bombs Away Cabaret’s holiday-themed revue showcases vaudeville, comedy, “boylesque,” geek-burlesuqe and satirical spins on traditional holiday songs. Photo courtesy of Bombs Away Cabaret.

But Barcia insists they will never stoop to being shocking just for the sake of it, aiming for humor created by the disparity between ribald and innocuous personalities.

Shehan goes on to say, “We want to be a comedic reflection of characters happening in the world around us.” The troupe uses present-day situations and references in its comedic sketches.

Unlike the so-called perfect physiques lauded by the fashion industry, modern burlesque embraces all sizes and shapes. This can be especially empowering in a society obsessed with image. “Anyone in our culture is likely to have body dysmorphia,” Barcia says.

When Shehan first joined the group in 2011, she herself felt deficient. But performing burlesque has bolstered her self-esteem.

Shehan says, “I’ve gained a lot of

confidence, and it’s been a big help having a safe, comfortable place to express myself confidently and sensually, and have positive feedback.”

Barcia had a different issue to overcome: “Sometimes people think it’s strange because I’m a male. I have to explain that I don’t do drag. It’s not even androgyny.

I’m basically doing the same thing that the girls are doing except it’s a male experience.” He says his performance is in line with the “boylesque” tradition that began in San Francisco, combining the glam of burlesque with a decidedly masculine aesthetic. One of his characters is a male spin on the Jewish American Princess archetype. “Just having a male member makes us edgier,” Barcia says.

No pun intended. X

mountainx.com

DEcEmBER 18 - DEcEmBER 24, 2013

43

a&E

by Lea McLellan

lmclellan@mountainx.com

More than just a store

DREaming of a gREEn chRistmas: The Urban Gypsy trunk show specializes in upcycled and budget-friendly apparel.

Photo courtesy of Elle Erickson

Traveling trunk show grows roots in Asheville

Looking for a different kind of holiday shopping experience? Sifting through Elle Erickson’s vintage, handmade and generally offbeat clothing and accessories at her traveling trunk show isn’t the kind of retail therapy you can find at the mall. In fact, where the Urban Gypsy trunk show will pop up next has always been something of a sweet surprise for downtown shoppers. But with Erickson making a permanent move from Charlotte to Asheville, customers can expect to see more of her and her eclectic, inexpensive wares.

According to Erickson, shopping should be an event. And she

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knows how to make it the kind of party to which fashion-oriented Ashevilleans want to be invited.

“It feels like more than just a store,” says Erickson, who plans to feature Thai massage and tarot card readings at an upcoming show. “I try to make it a fun experience. I’m an extrovert and I love people. … We dance and we laugh and we get silly — we might even have a mimosa and just keep it light.”

Erickson lived in Charlotte for 13 years — all the while, she says, she dreamed of relocating to Asheville. She visited to set up shop every six months or so.

Now that she is local, she plans to hold a trunk show each month.

Erickson says Asheville is the perfect place for her business. “It seems like Asheville kind of gets it more than other cities,” she says.

“There has to be something kind of funky and different about the item for it to get into the trunk show, and that’s kind of how I feel about the people here. They’re one-of-a-kind, eclectic, funky, artistic people, so they would gravitate towards that.”

what Urban Gypsy trunk show urbangypsytrunkshow.com whERE Hyphen Coffeehouse, 81 Patton Ave. whEn Saturday, Dec. 21, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 22, 1-6 p.m.

Not only is her aesthetic wellsuited to the Asheville customer, but she also says that her trunk shows appeal to eco- and budgetconscious shoppers as well — the average cost of an item is $10.

“Everything that I sell is recycled, so there’s kind of a guilt-free aspect of shopping, which is nice,” she says. “And it’s really budget-friendly for people who are artists and need to watch how much they’re spending on their clothes. ... I think it will appeal to the tourists and the locals because it’s different. When I’m out buying, I have a good eye.

Nothing is just your basic thing.”

And for customers craving locally sourced fashion, Erickson is also looking to buy clients’ used clothes and incorporate more items from local jewelry-makers and artists.

Though she’s officially an Ashevillean now, Erickson will maintain a bit of her wanderlusting ways and isn’t planning on signing a lease for a permanent spot.

At least, not yet. She says she will “pop around to different places to keep it fresh. … I don’t know about landing somewhere. I haven’t figured that out yet. I’m not sure about the store, but it’s definitely a possibility. The trunk shows are fun, but it’s a lot of work. So maybe I’ll end up on Lexington Avenue before you know it.” X

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828-505-1558 • 1067 Patton Ave. Asheville, NC 28806 mountainx.com

DEcEmBER 18 - DEcEmBER 24, 2013

45

a&E

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Send your arts news to ae@mountainx.com.

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by Alli Marshall

Floating Action “Pro tip: Go see Floating Action whenever possible,” writes photographer Rich Orris on his blog, UnofficiallyAsheville.com. Here’s the thing: Multi-instrumentalist/songwriter/ producer Seth Kauffman’s touch can be heard on albums by Benny Yurco (Grace Potter and the Nocturnals) and Juston Stens (Dr. Dog), and his collaborators include Jim James and Dan Aurbach, all of which keeps him hard at work. That, and Floating Action has been at work on a new record, due out in 2014. The band has been busy: The group’s last local show was in May. Good news: Kauffman and company will take the stage at The Mothlight on Friday, Dec. 20, at 9:30 p.m. $10/$12. themothlight.com. Photo by Rich Orris

Dax Riggs “For me, Dax is redefining blues music,” wrote Henry Rollins (he of Black Flag, spoken word and massive biceps). “Even though he plays his songs through the guitar-bass-drums model for the most part, he is the self-contained unit. He is, as they say, the whole package and the real deal. Musicians like Dax come along very seldom. When I listen to Dax’s work, it makes me think of another great stand-alone, the late great Jeffrey Lee Pierce of the Gun Club, who so clearly demarcated his territory.” If Rollins recommends a musician, it’s probably best not to argue. Dax Riggs performs at Broadway’s on Thursday, Dec. 19, at 9 p.m. $10. avl.mx/03h

Project/Object Celebrating the music, life and Dec. 21 birthday of composer/engineer/visionary Frank Zappa, Project/Object puts on a rare show. The lineup includes founder André Cholmondeley (pictured; a recent transplant to Asheville) with a stellar lineup of national and local musicians. Eric Slick (Dr. Dog), Derrick Lee Johnson (Booty Band), Jamar Woofs (The Fritz) and Keith Harry (Deja Fuze) make up the group — the Asheville show will be their first time, collectively, as Project/Object. Guitarist Denny Walley also makes an appearance: He met Zappa when they were both growing up in California and went on to be part of both Zappa’s and Captain Beefheart’s bands.

Of playing with the former he told one interviewer, “It was like being taken to college.” Project/Object will be at The Grey Eagle on Sunday, Dec. 22, at 8 p.m. $12/$15. thegreyeagle.com. Watch for a review at mountainx.com. Photo by Robin Gelberg

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The Double Crown anniversary party In business years (as opposed to dog years or lightyears) that first trip around the sun is not for the faint of heart. It takes a sharp plan of action and/or an unwavering trust that the universe and a dedicated clientele will come through. For West Asheville’s The Double Crown, launching a new spot with “great vibes, great cocktails and great music” (according to the venue’s Facebook) also meant overcoming some serious bad juju from its predecessor. But the good vibes prevailed, and The Double Crown is celebrating in style. Gospel and R&B group Legendary Singings Stars, formed in the ’60s by the late Tommy Ellison, return (they played the Double Crown’s 2012 launched, and performed again at the bar in July). Plus, food from Mama’s Kitchen. Saturday, Dec. 21, at 10 p.m. $10. thedoublecrown.com. Photo courtesy of The Double Crown

Mr. K’s

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Buy a $25 Gift Card & receive a $5 Gift Card FREE! limited time offer

Asheville lArgest Used Bookstore

New & Used: Books • CDs • Video Games • Books on CD • DVDs • Vinyl Records Top Dollar Paid for CDs, DVDs & Text Books. We have a large Christian Section!

Perfect for holiday gift giving!

LOVE YOUR LOCAL

800 Fairview Rd. River Ridge Shopping Center (Beside A.C. Moore) • Hwy 240 exit #8 Open Mon-Sat 9am-9pm • Sun noon-6pm • Shop till you drop!

299-1145 • www.mrksonline.com

advertise@mountainx.com

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25% Discount for locals

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Please check us out on FACEBOOK for our daily specials. facebook.com/ mellowmushroomasheville mountainx.com

DEcEmBER 18 - DEcEmBER 24, 2013

47

C L U B L A N D Vincenzo's Bistro Ginny McAfee (piano, vocals), 7pm

Wednesday, Dec. 18

Water'n Hole Karaoke, 10pm

185 King Street Harper & Motor City Josh (blues, rock, funk, soul), 8pm

Westville Pub Lea Renard & Triple Threat (blues), 9:30pm

5 Walnut Wine Bar Hot Point Trio (jazz), 5-7pm Juan Benavides Trio (Latin), 8-10pm

WXYZ Lounge Jamar Woods (soul, funk, piano), 8-10pm

Adam Dalton Distillery 3D: Local DJ party (electronic, dance), 9pm

Friday, Dec. 20

Altamont Brewing Company Hank West Soul Party (jazz, funk), 8pm

185 King Street The BattleAxe Band (Americana), 8pm

Ben's Tune-Up Karaoke w/ The Diagnostics, 10pm Black Mountain Ale House Bluegrass jam w/ The Deals

5 Walnut Wine Bar Jamar Woods Acoustic Band (funk, soul), 10pmmidnight

Blue Mountain Pizza & Brew Pub Open mic w/ Mark Bumgarner, 7-9pm

Altamont Brewing Company Stuart McNair (folk, country, Cajun), 9pm

Club Eleven on Grove Studio Zahiya Holiday Dance Show, 7pm

Asheville Music Hall Bob Schneider w/ Ruston Kelly (singer-songwriter, rock), 9pm

Club Hairspray Requests w/ DJ Ace of Spade, 8pm

Athena's Club Mark Appleford (singer-songwriter, Americana, blues), 7-10pm DJ, 10pm-2am

Cork & Keg Irish jam w/ Beanie, Vincent & Jean, 7pm Double Crown DJ Dr. Filth (country), 9pm Iron Horse Station Jesse James (Americana), 6-9pm Isis Restaurant and Music Hall Vinyl night, 9pm

Grass Monkey, self-described as “Gonzo-mericana,” will play at both Jack of the Wood on Friday, Dec. 20, at 10 p.m., and Jack of Hearts on Saturday, Dec. 21, at 10 p.m. Hailing from Roanoke, Grass Monkey has been described as “punk-grass” and “bluegrass by way of Fear and Loathing” by critics.

Club Eleven on Grove DJ Jam (old-school hip-hop, R&B, funk), 9pm Cork & Keg Red Hot Sugar Babies (various jazz styles), 8:30pm Double Crown Greg Cartwright (garage, soul), 11pm

Jack of the Wood Pub Old-time jam, 5pm Lexington Ave Brewery (LAB) Eric & Erica (pop, ambient), 9pm

The Social Karaoke, 9:30pm

Jack of the Wood Pub Bluegrass jam, 7pm

French Broad Brewery Tasting Room Buncombe Turnpike (bluegrass), 6pm

Lobster Trap Ben Hovey (dub-jazz, trumpet, electronics), 7pm

Town Pump Open mic, 9pm

Grey eagle music hall & tavern Blonde Blue & Friends (blues), 8pm

Odditorium Wizard Skin w/ Roamer X, Alonaluna, Peace Arrow & Bois (experimental), 9pm

Lexington Ave Brewery (LAB) Colton DeMonte, Steve Marcinowski, Matt White & Louis Bishop (comedy), 9pm

Trailhead Restaurant and Bar Open jam, 6pm

Olive or Twist Swing dance lesson w/ Bobby Wood, 7-8pm 3 Cool Cats Band (vintage rock and roll), 8-11pm Sly Grog Lounge Open mic, 7pm TallGary's Cantina Open mic & jam, 7pm The Mothlight Torche (stoner pop, rock) w/ Midnight Ghost Train & Skullthunder, 9:30pm The Phoenix Jazz night, 8pm

Odditorium Lords of Chicken Hill w/ The Bob Band (rock, punk), 9pm

Vincenzo's Bistro Aaron Luka (piano, vocals), 7pm

Olive or Twist Swing/salsa and bachata dance lessons w/ Randy, 7-8pm DJ Mike Filippone (rock, disco, dance), 8-11pm

Thursday, Dec. 19 185 King Street Jazz night w/ Bill Berg, 8pm 5 Walnut Wine Bar Hank West & The Smokin' Hots (jazz, exotica), 8-10pm

Black Mountain Ale House Lyric (acoustic, soul), 9pm

To qualify for a free listing, a venue must be predominately dedicated to the performing arts. Bookstores and cafés with regular open mics and musical events are also allowed / To limit confusion, events must be submitted by the venue owner or a representative of that venue / Events must be submitted in written form by e-mail (clubland@mountainx.com), fax, snail mail or hand-delivered to the Clubland Editor Hayley Benton at 2 Wall St., Room 209, Asheville, NC 28801. Events submitted to other staff members are not assured of inclusion in Clubland / Clubs must hold at least TWO events per week to qualify for listing space. Any venue that is inactive in Clubland for one month will be removed / The Clubland Editor reserves the right to edit or exclude events or venues / Deadline is by noon on Monday for that Wednesday’s publication. This is a firm deadline.

DECEMBER 18 - DECEMBER 24, 2013

Lobster Trap Hank Bones ("man of 1,000 songs"), 7-9pm

Tressa's Downtown Jazz and Blues Wednesday night jazz w/ Micah Thomas, Tyler Kittle & Mike Holstein, 8:30pm

Ben's Tune-Up Island dance party w/ DJ Malinalli, 10pm

48

Blue Mountain Pizza & Brew Pub Acoustic Swing, 7-9pm

Blue Mountain Pizza & Brew Pub Patrick Fitzsimons (roots), 7-9pm Club Hairspray Karaoke, 8pm Club Remix Reggae dance night, 9pm Cork & Keg Vollie McKenzie & Jack Dillen (Beatles covers, jazz), 8pm Double Crown DJs Devyn & Oakley, 9pm Emerald Lounge Sexy, John Wilkes Boothe and The Black Toothe & Luzius Stone, 8:30pm French Broad Brewery Tasting Room Dave Dribbon (acoustic), 6pm Havana Restaurant Open mic (band provided), 7pm Isis Restaurant and Music Hall An Evening of ThumbPickin' and Jazz, 8pm

mountainx.com

One Stop Deli & Bar Phish 'n' Chips (Phish covers), 6pm Tauk w/ Captain Midnight Band (rock, fusion), 10pm Pack's Tavern Eric Congdon (blues), 9pm Pisgah Brewing Company Chris Padgett of Stereofidelics (indie), 8pm Purple Onion Cafe Jimmy Landry (country, folk), 7:30pm Root Bar No. 1 Kenny Freeman & the Smokey Gringoes (outlaw country), 9:30pm Scandals Nightclub Dance party, 10pm Drag show, 12:30am Southern Appalachian Brewery Hunnilicious (folk, Americana), 7-9pm Spring Creek Tavern Pierce Edens (roots-rock), 6-9pm TallGary's Cantina Rock & roll showcase, 9:30pm The Mothlight Diarrhea Planet (rock) w/ No Regrets Coyote & Future West, 9:30pm

Havana Restaurant Ashley Heath (singer-songwriter), 7pm Highland Brewing Company Chalwa (reggae-rock), 6pm Iron Horse Station Kevin Reese (Americana), 7-10pm Isis Restaurant and Music Hall Town Mountain w/ Larry Keel & Natural Bridge (old-time, acoustic), 9pm Jack of the Wood Pub Grass Monkey (rock, bluegrass), 9pm Jerusalem Garden Middle Eastern music & belly dancing, 7-9:30pm Lexington Ave Brewery (LAB) The Mobros (rock, soul), 9:30pm Monte Vista Hotel Randy Hale (jazz, blues, pop), 6pm Odditorium Nate Hall presents Poison the Snake, American Landscape & Bask (metal), 9pm Olive or Twist 3 Cool Cats Band (vintage rock and roll), 8:3011:30pm One Stop Deli & Bar Free Dead Fridays feat. members of Phuncle Sam, 5-8pm Orange Peel Delbert McClinton (rock, blues) w/ Alyssa Bonagura, 9pm Pack's Tavern DJ Ocelate (pop, dance), 9pm

Timo's House Asheville Drum and Bass Collective, 9pm

Pisgah Brewing Company Vortex II beer release party w/ The Blood Gypsies (funk), 6:30pm

Town Pump Dave Desmelik (singer-songwriter), 9pm

Root Bar No. 1 Darlyne Cain (rock, acoustic), 9:30pm

Trailhead Restaurant and Bar Open jam, 6pm

Scandals Nightclub Zumba, 7pm Dance party, 10pm Drag show, 1am

Tressa's Downtown Jazz and Blues The Westsound Revue (Motown, blues), 9pm

Bloody mary Bar Sundays @ noon

MONDAY-THURSDAY

OPEN 4-8

FRIDAY • DECEMBER 20

CHALWA

SATURDAY • DECEMBER 21

DAVIS ZOLL TRIO

pinball, foosball, ping-pong & a kickass jukebox kitchen open until late 504 Haywood Rd. West Asheville • 828-255-1109 “It’s bigger than it looks!”

FRI 12/20

AN EVENING OF THE BLUES w/ Blonde Blue & Friends 8pm • $10/$12

SAT 12/21

GREG BROWN & BO RAMSEYw/ RB Morris

SUN 12/22

PROJECT OBJECT ASHEVILLE w/ Denny

FRI 12/27

THE BLUE RAGS

SAT 12/28

WHAM BAM BOWIE BAND & THE CHEEKSTERS

8pm • $25/$28

Walley 8pm • $12/$15 w/ Drunken Prayer

9pm • $10/$12

9pm • $10/$12

TUE 12/31

NEW YEAR’S EVE

W/ YO MAMA’S BIG FAT BOOTY BAND and The Broadcast 9pm • $20/$25 ***BLACKLIGHT THEMED NYE PARTY!***

mountainx.com

DEcEmBER 18 - DEcEmBER 24, 2013

49

cLuBLanD

Send your listings to clubland@mountainx.com. cLuB DiREctoRy

Thursday, December 19th

Sexy, John Wilkes Boothe and the Black Toothe, Luzius Stone Saturday, December 21st Winter Solstice Celebration w/ Aaron Woody Wood, George Terry & Zealots, A.J. Usher Band & The Emerald Blues Band Tuesday, December 31st

New Year’s Eve Party

w/ Brushfire Stankgrass

soUthern APPAlAchiAn brewery Pleasure Chest (blues, rock, soul), 8-10pm sPrinG creek tAvern Andy Buckner (Southern rock), 8-11pm strAiGhtAwAy cAFe Wilhelm Brothers (folk, Americana), 6pm tAllGAry's cAntinA OverHead (rock), 9:30pm the mothliGht Floating Action (rock, surf, soul, lo-fi) w/ Coconut Cake, 9:30pm timo's hoUse Earthtone SOUNDsystem (house), 9pm town PUmP Linda Mitchell & the Electric Cabaret (blues, jazz), 9pm toy boAt commUnity Art sPAce Bombs Away Cabaret (variety show), 8pm tressA's downtown JAZZ And blUes Early Spotlight w/ Outside Suburbia (blues, alt-rock, indie), 7pm Peggy Ratusz & Daddy Longlegs (blues, jazz, soul), 10pm vincenZo's bistro Steve Whiddon (old-time piano, vocals), 5:30pm westville PUb Comedy open mic, 10pm white horse Michael Jefry Stevens & Wendy Jones (jazz, Christmas show), 8pm wild winG cAFe A Social Function Trio (acoustic), 9:30pm wxyZ loUnGe Ben Hovey (dub-jazz, trumpet, beats), 9-11:30pm

sAtUrdAy, dec. 21 185 kinG street Cody Siniard (singer-songwriter), 8pm 5 wAlnUt wine bAr Cheeksters (jazz), 10pm-midnight Asheville mUsic hAll Aligning Minds w/ Futexture & Deloscinari (live audio/ visual), Push/Pull & Numatik (IDM, fusion), 10pm AthenA's clUb Mark Appleford (singer-songwriter, Americana, blues), 7-10pm DJ, 10pm-2am

Wed. dec 18

eric & erica

w/ aunt sis,the sweets backstage • 9:00PM • $5

THURS. dec 19

port city comedy tour

featuring colton demonte, steve marcinowski, matt “whitey” white, and louis bishop backstage • 9:00PM •$10

FRI. dec 20

the mobros

backstage • 9:30PM • $5

SAT. dec 21

bubonik funk

blAck moUntAin Ale hoUse Cecil Thompkins Band (Americana, bluegrass), 9pm bywAter Solstice jam w/ The Blood Gypsies, Jonathan Scales Orchestra & Brushfire Stankgrass (bluegrass, folk, jazz), 9pm clUb hAirsPrAy DJ Brian Sparxxx, 8pm cork & keG Hotpoint Trio (gypsy jazz), 8:30pm doUble crown Lil Lorruh (50s & 60s R&B, rock 'n' roll), 10pm emerAld loUnGe Aaron Woody Wood, George Terry & Zealots, A.J. Usher Band & Emerald Blues Band (rock, funk, blues), 8:30pm French broAd brewery tAstinG room Peggy Ratusz (jazz), 6pm

w/ dillon & ashe

Grey eAGle mUsic hAll & tAvern Greg Brown & Bo Ramsey (singer-songwriter, folk) w/ RB Morris, 8pm

SAT. dec 28

hAvAnA restAUrAnt Mande Foly (African, acoustic), noon Noah Stockdale (guitar, harmonica), 7pm

w/ kiernan mcmullen

hiGhlAnd brewinG comPAny David Zoll Trio (retro-pop), 6pm

TUeS. dec 31

iron horse stAtion Mark Bumgarner (Americana), 7-10pm

backstage • 9:30PM • $5

old north state backstage • 9:30PM • $5

wham bam bowie band backstage • 10:00PM

isis restAUrAnt And mUsic hAll Have Yourself a Swinging Little Christmas w/ Russ Wilson (big band), 8pm JAck oF heArts PUb Grass Monkey (rock, bluegrass), 9pm

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DEcEmBER 18 - DEcEmBER 24, 2013

mountainx.com

185 king stREEt 877-1850 5 waLnut winE BaR 253-2593 aLtamont BREwing company 575-2400 thE aLtamont thEatRE 348-5327 apothEcaRy (919) 609-3944 aQua cafE & BaR 505-2081 aRcaDE 258-1400 ashEViLLE ciVic cEntER & thomas woLfE auDitoRium 259-5544 ashEViLLE music haLL 255-7777 athEna’s cLuB 252-2456 BaRLEy’s tap Room 255-0504 BLack mountain aLE housE 669-9090 BLuE mountain pizza 658-8777 BoiLER Room 505-1612 BRoaDway’s 285-0400 thE BywatER 232-6967 coRk anD kEg 254-6453 cLuB haiRspRay 258-2027 cLuB REmix 258-2027 cREEksiDE taphousE 575-2880 aDam DaLton DistiLLERy 367-6401 Diana woRtham thEatER 257-4530 DiRty south LoungE 251-1777 DouBLE cRown 575-9060 ELEVEn on gRoVE 505-1612 EmERaLD LoungE 232- 4372 fiREstoRm cafE 255-8115 fREnch BRoaD BREwERy tasting Room 277-0222 gooD stuff 649-9711 gREEn Room cafE 692-6335 gREy EagLE music haLL & taVERn 232-5800 gRoVE housE thE gRoVE paRk inn (ELainE’s piano BaR/ gREat haLL) 252-2711 hangaR LoungE 684-1213 haRRah’s chERokEE 497-7777 highLanD BREwing company 299-3370 isis music haLL 575-2737 jack of hEaRts puB 645-2700 jack of thE wooD 252-5445 LExington aVEnuE BREwERy 252-0212 thE LoBstER tRap 350-0505 mEtRoshERE 258-2027 miLLRoom 555-1212 montE Vista hotEL 669-8870 natiVE kitchEn & sociaL puB (581-0480) oDDitoRium 505-8388 onEfiftyonE 239-0239 onE stop BaR DELi & BaR 255-7777 o.hEnRy’s/tug 254-1891 thE oRangE pEEL 225-5851 oskaR BLuEs BREwERy 883-2337 pack’s taVERn 225-6944 thE phoEnix 333-4465 pisgah BREwing co. 669-0190 puLp 225-5851 puRpLE onion cafE 749-1179 RED stag gRiLL at thE gRanD BohEmian hotEL 505-2949 Root BaR no.1 299-7597 scanDaLs nightcLuB 252-2838 scuLLy’s 251-8880 sLy gRog LoungE 255-8858 smokEy’s aftER DaRk 253-2155 thE sociaL 298-8780 southERn appaLacian BREwERy 684-1235 static agE REcoRDs 254-3232 stRaightaway cafE 669-8856 taLLgaRy’s cantina 232-0809

tigER mountain thiRst paRLouR 407-0666 timo’s housE 575-2886 town pump 357-5075 toy Boat 505-8659 tREasuRE cLuB 298-1400 tREssa’s Downtown jazz & BLuEs 254-7072 Vanuatu kaVa BaR 505-8118 VincEnzo’s 254-4698 waLL stREEt coffEE housE 252-2535 wEstViLLE puB 225-9782 whitE hoRsE 669-0816 wiLD wing cafE 253-3066 wxyz 232-2838

white horse Bob Margolin (blues), 8pm wild winG cAFe Ryan Perry Duo, 9:30pm wxyZ loUnGe Ritmo Latino w/ DJ Malinalli (Latin DJ, dance), 9pmmidnight

sUndAy, dec. 22 5 wAlnUt wine bAr Mande Foly (African), 7-9pm Asheville mUsic hAll Sky Walkers w/ BomBassic (electronic, hip-hop), 8pm ben's tUne-UP Vinyl night (open DJ collective) blAck moUntAin Ale hoUse NFL Sunday w/ pre-game brunch at 11:30am, 1pm

JAck oF the wood PUb Woody Pines (ragtime), 9pm JerUsAlem GArden Middle Eastern music & belly dancing, 7-9:30pm lexinGton Ave brewery (lAb) Bubonik Funk w/ Dillon & Ashe (soul, rock), 9:30pm lobster trAP Riyen Roots Trio w/ Kenny Dore (blues), 7pm monte vistA hotel Kevin Lorenz (instrumental guitar), 6pm odditoriUm Common Visions, Cube, Rick Weaver & more (punk), 9pm

blUe kUdZU sAke comPAny Karaoke brunch, 1-5pm blUe moUntAin PiZZA & brew PUb Locomotive Pie (blues), 7-9pm clUb hAirsPrAy DJ Ra Mac, 8pm doUble crown Karaoke w/ Tim O, 10:30pm Grey eAGle mUsic hAll & tAvern Project Object Asheville w/ Denny Walley, 8pm isis restAUrAnt And mUsic hAll Sunday jazz showcase, 6pm lobster trAP Leo Johnson (hot club jazz), 7-9pm

olive or twist DJ (50s-90s dance music), 8:30-11:30pm

monte vistA hotel Daniel Keller (jazz), 11am

one stoP deli & bAr Bluegrass Brunch w/ Grits & Soul, 11am

scAndAls niGhtclUb Dance party, 10pm Drag show, 12:30am

orAnGe Peel Rising Appalachia (roots, world), 9pm PAck's tAvern A Social Function (rock, hits), 9pm PisGAh brewinG comPAny CAN'd Aid benefit w/ Sanctum Sully (bluegrass), 8pm

soUthern APPAlAchiAn brewery Todd Hoke (folk, Americana), 5-7pm tAllGAry's cAntinA Sunday Drum Day, 7pm the sociAl '80s vinyl night, 8pm

PUrPle onion cAFe The Deluge (Americana, soul), 8pm

vincenZo's bistro Steve Whiddon (old-time piano, vocals), 5:30pm

root bAr no. 1 Ten Cent Poetry (indie-folk), 9:30pm

white horse Noonday Feast (celtic), 7:30pm

scAndAls niGhtclUb Dance party, 10pm Drag show, 12:30am smokey's AFter dArk Karaoke, 10pm soUthern APPAlAchiAn brewery Junction 280 (bluegrass), 8-10pm strAiGhtAwAy cAFe BullFeather (acoustic), 6pm tAllGAry's cAntinA Rory Kelly (rock), 9:30pm the mothliGht Holiday tango dance, 8pm-midnight the sociAl Karaoke, 9:30pm timo's hoUse Skymatic w/ Electrochemical (electronica, funk, rock), 9pm town PUmP Peace Jones (classic rock), 9pm toy boAt commUnity Art sPAce Bombs Away Cabaret (variety show), 8pm tressA's downtown JAZZ And blUes Ruby Mayfield & The Friendship Train (blues), 10pm vincenZo's bistro Steve Whiddon (old-time piano, vocals), 5:30pm westville PUb Dave Dribbon & the Stomping Rain (country, rockabilly, soul), 10pm

mondAy, dec. 23 5 wAlnUt wine bAr Sufi Brothers (folk), 8-10pm AltAmont brewinG comPAny Old-time jam, 7pm blUe moUntAin PiZZA & brew PUb Patrick Fitzsimons (roots), 7-9pm bywAter Open mic w/ Taylor Martin, 9pm doUble crown Punk 'n' roll w/ DJ Leo Delightful, 9pm emerAld loUnGe Blues jam, 8pm

TAVERN DOWNTOWN ON THE PARK Eclectic Menu • Over 30 Taps • Patio 13 TV’s • Sports Room • 110” Projector Event Space • Shuffleboard • Darts Open 7 Days 11am - Late Night

LIVE MUSIC... NEVER A COVER

THUR. 12/19

Eric Congdon (acoustic blues)

FRI. 12/20

DJ OCelate (pop, dance hits)

SAT. 12/21

A Social Function (rock, classic hits)

Countdown to 2014: New Year’s Eve Bash!

3 Floors, 3 Bars, 2 DJs & Toppers! $14 Bottles of Champagne

Featuring DJ Moto in the Century Room!

ONLY $10! (cover starting at 8pm)

Century Room NYE Buffet from 6:30 - 9pm $60 per person (not including tax & gratuity)

Only 100 tickets available!

Buffet ticket includes the $10 Countdown Bash!

Make Reservations today!

lobster trAP Dana & Susan Robinson (folk), 7-9pm odditoriUm Open dance night, 9pm oskAr blUes brewery Old-time jam, 6-8pm sly GroG loUnGe Trivia night, 7pm vincenZo's bistro Steve Whiddon (old-time piano, vocals), 5:30pm westville PUb Trivia night, 8pm

20 S. SPRUCE ST. • 225.6944 PACKSTAVERN.COM mountainx.com

DEcEmBER 18 - DEcEmBER 24, 2013

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cLuBLanD

12/21 Grass Monkey • 9pm FREE

12/28 Groove 8 • 9pm FREE

12/31 NYE BASH w/ Sons of Ralph • 9pm FREE

1/10 The Riverbank Ramblers • 9pm FREE

1/11 The Bumper Jacksons • 9pm FREE

1/18 Jason DeChristofaro Trio • 9pm FREE

Send your listings to clubland@mountainx.com.

10/25 Guthrie 12/20 Sarah GrassLee Monkey 9pm & Johnny Irion w/ Battlefield • 9pm $10 12/21 Woody Pines 9pm 10/26 Firecracker Jazz Band 12/27 Goove 8 Costume 9pm & HALLOWEEN Party & Contest • 9pm $8 12/28 JAZZ BAND 10/27 FIRECRACKER Vinegar Creek • 9pm FREE 9pm 10/28 Mustard Plug • 9pm $8 12/29 PLEASURE CHESTPants w/ Crazy Tom Banana w/ SHAKE IT LIKE A CAVEMAN 10/29 10pm Singer Songwriters in the Round • 7-9pm FREE w/ Anthony Tripi,w/ Elise Davis 12/31 NYE Bash Sirius.

B 9pm Mud Tea • 9pm FREE Open Mon-Thurs at 3 • Fri-Sun at Noon SUN Celtic Irish Session 5pm til ?

MON Quizzo! 7-9p • WED Old-Time 5pm SINGER SONGWRITERS 1st & 3rd TUES THURS Bluegrass Jam 7pm

95 Patton at Coxe • Asheville 252.5445 • jackofthewood.com

Asheville natives sanctum suLLy describe themselves as “traditionally untraditional.” Strumming out their hybrid of rock and bluegrass, the band will be on stage at the Pisgah Brewing Company in Black Mountain on Saturday, Dec. 21, at 9 p.m. as a part of Oskar Blues Brewing’s CAN’d Aid Foundation benefit for Colorado flood relief.

SAT 12/21 W/ Mande Foly,The Human Experience, (Soul Visions)+ Theresa Davis,Aerialists, Activists, and Poets

tUesdAy, dec. 24 Asheville mUsic hAll Funk jam, 11pm ben's tUne-UP Dance party w/ DJ Rob, 10pm

The Orange Peel •$15 Adv.

A NEW YEAR’S MASQUERADE Zansa//Disc-oh!//Futexture// Kri//Medisin//Push/Pull//In Plain Sight//Brett Rock// Flypaper// Olof // Bombassic // JWOB // Samuel Paradise // Collective One//Intrinsic

TUES 12/31

$20 Adv./21+ Activative.com

NewEarthMuziq.com find us on facebook: facebook.com/NEMUZIQ 52

DEcEmBER 18 - DEcEmBER 24, 2013

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clUb hAirsPrAy Trivia night, 8pm creekside tAPhoUse Bluegrass jam, 7pm doUble crown Punk 'n' roll w/ DJs Sean and Will, 9pm

westville PUb Blues jam, 10pm white horse White Horse Christmas Eve Show w/ Irish music & open mic, 7pm

wednesdAy, dec. 25 olive or twist 3 Cool Cats Band (vintage rock 'n' roll), 8-11pm

thUrsdAy, dec. 26

lobster trAP Jay Brown (Americana, folk), 7-9pm

5 wAlnUt wine bAr Hank West & The Smokin' Hots (jazz, exotica), 8-10pm

odditoriUm Comedy open mic w/ Tom Peters, 9pm

ben's tUne-UP Island dance party w/ DJ Malinalli, 10pm

olive or twist 42nd Street Band (jazz), 8-11pm

blAck moUntAin Ale hoUse Lyric (acoustic, soul), 9pm

tressA's downtown JAZZ And blUes Lyric (acoustic), 8pm

blUe moUntAin PiZZA & brew PUb Locomotive Pie (blues), 7-9pm

vincenZo's bistro Steve Whiddon (old-time piano, vocals), 5:30pm

clUb hAirsPrAy Karaoke, 8pm

clUb remix Reggae dance night, 9pm

JerUsAlem GArden Middle Eastern music & belly dancing, 7-9:30pm

cork & keG Vollie McKenzie & Jack Dillen (Beatles covers, jazz), 8pm

lobster trAP King Leo Jazz, 7-9pm

doUble crown DJs Devyn & Oakley, 9pm hAvAnA restAUrAnt Open mic (band provided), 7pm lobster trAP Hank Bones ("man of 1,000 songs"), 7-9pm o.henry's/tUG Open mic w/ Jill Siler, 8pm olive or twist Swing, salsa & bachata lessons w/ Randy Basham, 7-8pm DJ Mike Filippone (rock, disco, dance), 8-11pm one stoP deli & bAr Phish 'n' Chips (Phish covers), 6pm PAck's tAvern Jeff Anders & Justin Burrell (rock), 9pm

monte vistA hotel Randy Hale (jazz, blues, pop), 6pm odditoriUm Jacked Up Joe w/ Amnesis, Twist of Fate (metal), 9pm olive or twist 3 Cool Cats Band (vintage rock 'n' roll), 8:30-11:30pm one stoP deli & bAr Free Dead Fridays feat. members of Phuncle Sam, 5-8pm Pericles w/ Cleofus (electronic), 10pm PAck's tAvern DJ Moto (dance, pop), 9pm PisGAh brewinG comPAny The Mantras ("alt-grass") w/ Brushfire Stankgrass, 9pm root bAr no. 1 Linda Mitchell (blues, jazz), 9:30pm

PisGAh brewinG comPAny Dave Zoll Trio (rock, jam), 8pm

scAndAls niGhtclUb Dance party, 10pm Drag show, 1am

scAndAls niGhtclUb Dance party, 10pm Drag show, 12:30am

sPrinG creek tAvern Mark Bumgarner (Americana), 8-11pm

tAllGAry's cAntinA Rock & roll showcase, 9:30pm timo's hoUse Asheville Drum and Bass Collective, 9pm

tAllGAry's cAntinA Contagious (rock), 9:30pm timo's hoUse Philo w/ The Professor, DJ Jet (hip-hop), 9pm

town PUmP Doug Neff (guitar), 9pm

tressA's downtown JAZZ And blUes Early Spotlight w/ The Lowdown (jazz), 7pm Al Coffee & Da Grind (soul, blues), 10pm

trAilheAd restAUrAnt And bAr Open jam, 6pm

vincenZo's bistro Steve Whiddon (old-time piano, vocals), 5:30pm

tressA's downtown JAZZ And blUes The Westsound Revue (Motown, blues), 9pm

westville PUb Comedy open mic, 10pm

vincenZo's bistro Ginny McAfee (piano, vocals), 7pm

wild winG cAFe A Social Function Trio (acoustic), 9:30pm

wAter'n hole Karaoke, 10pm

wxyZ loUnGe Ahora Si (salsa), 9-11:30pm

white horse Dance lessons, 6-7:45pm Asheville Tango Orchestra, 8pm @clubname:WXYZ Lounge Shane Perlowin (jazz guitar), 8-10pm

FridAy, dec. 27

185 kinG street Strung Like a Horse (psychobilly), 8pm 5 wAlnUt wine bAr Juan Benavides Trio (latin, jazz), 10pm-midnight AthenA's clUb Mark Appleford (singer-songwriter, Americana, blues), 7-10pm DJ, 10pm-2am

5 wAlnUt wine bAr The Lions Quartet (jazz), 10pm-midnight

blAck moUntAin Ale hoUse The Low Counts (rock, Americana, blues), 9pm

AthenA's clUb Mark Appleford (singer-songwriter, Americana, blues), 7-10pm DJ, 10pm-2am

blUe moUntAin PiZZA & brew PUb Mark Bumgarner (folk, Americana), 7-9pm

clUb eleven on Grove Salsa night, 10pm cork & keG One Leg Up (gypsy jazz, latin, swing), 8:30pm doUble crown Greg Cartwright (garage, soul), 11pm French broAd brewery tAstinG room Matt Walsh (blues, rock), 6pm

clUb hAirsPrAy DJ Brian Sparxxx, 8pm

END OF YEAR “RED

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A True Gentleman’s Club

DOT” BLOW OUT SALE 40% OFF ALL “RED DOT” MERCHANDISE

LINGERIE SALE BUY ONE

PIECE, GET THE 2ND AT 30% OFF

40% OFF ALL BOOTY PARLOR & LELO PRODUCTS 30% OFF ALL COOCHY SHAVING PRODUCTS

cork & keG Zydeco Yayas (zydeco), 8:30pm doUble crown Lil Lorruh (50s & 60s R&B, rock 'n' roll), 10pm

GREAT DRINK SPECIALS EVERY NIGHT

Grey eAGle mUsic hAll & tAvern Wham Bam Bowie Band (David Bowie tribute) w/ The Cheeksters, 9pm hAvAnA restAUrAnt Mande Foly (African, acoustic), noon Noah Stockdale (guitar, harmonica), 7pm

hAvAnA restAUrAnt Ashley Heath (singer-songwriter), 7pm

iron horse stAtion Barb Turner (R&B), 7-10pm

iron horse stAtion Dana & Susan Robinson (folk), 7-10pm

JAck oF the wood PUb Firecracker Jazz Band, 9pm

isis restAUrAnt And mUsic hAll Christmas in Scotland w/Jamie Laval (music, stories), 8pm

JerUsAlem GArden Middle Eastern music & belly dancing, 7-9:30pm lexinGton Ave brewery (lAb) Old North State w/ Kiernan McMullen (bluegrass, Americana), 9:30pm

BACHELOR PARTY & BIRTHDAY PARTY SPECIALS

EVERY UFC FIGHT

French broAd brewery tAstinG room Dave Desmelik (singer-songwriter), 6pm

Grey eAGle mUsic hAll & tAvern The Blue Rags ("rag-n-roll"), 9pm

JAck oF the wood PUb Groove 8, 9pm

MUST PRESENT COUPON. LIMIT ONE PER CUSTOMER. EXP. 1/31/14 Cannot be used on “sale merchandise”

sAtUrdAy, dec. 28

185 kinG street Hometown Holiday Jam w/ Jeff Sipe, Mike Guggino, Mike Ashworth, Corey Bullman & more, 8pm

blUe moUntAin PiZZA & brew PUb Acoustic Swing, 7-9pm

20% OFF of Any One Item

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HOLIDAY HOURS Christmas Eve 8am—9pm Christmas Day 3 pm—12 midnight 2334 Hendersonville Rd. (S. Asheville/Arden)

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½ OFF COVER CHARGE DOES NOT INCLUDE UFC NIGHTS

520 Swannanoa River Rd • Asheville (828) 298-1400 • TheTreasureClub.com facebook.com/thetreasureclub DEcEmBER 18 - DEcEmBER 24, 2013

53

Send your listings to clubland@mountainx.com.

cLuBLanD

Dinner Menu till 10pm Late Night Menu till

12am

Tues-Sun

5pm–12am

COMING SOON

Thur 12/19 AN EVENING OF THUMB PICKIN’ AND JAZZ 8pm • $8/$10

Full Bar

Fri TOWN MOUNTAIN W/ LARRY KEEL AND NATURAL BRIDGE 12/20 9pm • $20/$20 Sat 12/21 RUSS WILSON ‘HAVE YOURSELF A SWINGING LITTLE CHRISTMAS 8pm • $15/$20

Fri 12/27

Alternative-punk band thE LoRDs of chickEn hiLL will bring “fun, upbeat, energetic and surprising” notes to Asheville’s Odditorium along with “environmental peace punkers” The Asheville BOB Band on Thursday, Dec. 19, at 8 p.m.

JAMIE LAVAL’S CHRISTMAS IN SCOTLAND 8pm

$24/$28 • Student $12

Sat 12/28 JIM ARRENDELL DANCE PARTY 9pm • $5 Tue NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION W/ CRY BABY 12/31 AND STEPHANIESID $50 Dinner and Show; $15 show only Every Sunday JAZZ SHOWCASE 6pm - 11pm • $5 Every Tuesday BLUEGRASS SESSIONS 7:30pm - midnite

743 HAYWOOD RD • 828-575-2737 • ISISASHEVILLE.COM

lobster trAP Sean Mason Jazz, 7-9pm monte vistA hotel Laura Thurston (acoustic, folk-grass), 6pm odditoriUm Jenny Lou's Sweet 16 Pinup Show w/ The Go Devils (rock), 9pm

scAndAls niGhtclUb Dance party, 10pm Drag show, 12:30am smokey's AFter dArk Karaoke, 10pm sPrinG creek tAvern Natty Love Joys (reggae), 8-11pm

olive or twist WestSound Band (rock, Motown), 8:30-11:30pm

tAllGAry's cAntinA Unit 50 (rock), 9:30pm

one stoP deli & bAr Bluegrass Brunch w/ Grits & Soul, 11am Daryl Hance w/ Woody Wood (Southern rock, blues, funk), 10pm

the sociAl Karaoke, 9:30pm

oskAr blUes brewery Riyen Roots Duo w/ Kenny Dore (blues), 7pm PAck's tAvern Aaron Luka (piano, rock, hits), 9pm

timo's hoUse Subterranean Shakedown: Ho-Tron w/ Soundpimp, D:Raf, Selector Cleofus (bass), 9pm tressA's downtown JAZZ And blUes Bayou Diesel (Cajun, zydeco), 10pm vincenZo's bistro Steve Whiddon (old-time piano, vocals), 5:30pm

PisGAh brewinG comPAny Asheville Horns (funk, jazz-fusion), 9pm

westville PUb Wilhelm Brothers (folk rock), 10pm

PUrPle onion cAFe Clay Ross (acoustic), 8pm

wild winG cAFe Sarah Tucker Duo, 9:30pm

root bAr no. 1 Thicket (prog-rock), 9:30pm

wxyZ loUnGe Vinyl Time Travelers (DJ duo), 9-11:30pm

mountain xpress

FREE EVERY WEDNESDAY

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M O V I E S C

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by Ken Hanke & Justin Souther

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HHHHH = max rating contact xpressmovies@aol.com

PicK oF tHE WEEK

tHEatER ListinGs

American Hustle

FRiDay, DEcEmBER 20 tuEsDay, DEcEmBER 24

HHHHS

Due to possible scheduling changes, moviegoers may want to confirm showtimes with theaters.

DiREctoR: David O. Russell PLayERs: Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, Jennifer Lawrence, Jeremy Renner cHEERFuLLy amoRaL somEtimEs Fact-BasED comEDy DRama RatED R tHE stoRy: Vaguely fact-based (Abscam) comedy drama about notvery-bright people trying to out-con each other. tHE LoWDoWn: Funny, cynical and even a little demented, David O. Russell’s latest boasts incredible turns from its high-powered cast, a genuine sense of the late 1970s and a pop soundtrack to die for.

It’s less appealing than his Silver Linings Playbook (read: warm and fuzzy this is not), but David O. Russell’s American Hustle just might be more excitingly stylish filmmaking. It also qualifies as a contender for the title of most amusingly amoral film of the holiday season, though it faces some serious competition from a certain Christmas Day opener that I have seen but that I am forbidden on pain of death from talking about till Christmas Eve. I will note that the Christmas Day movie boasts more dynamic filmmaking, but it’s a very near thing. ‘Tis the season to be cynical, I guess. I don’t mind that, but I find it interesting.

American Hustle takes particular delight in its utter disregard of any historical truth. In fact, it opens by announcing, “Some of this actually happened” (something that should be applied to all fact-based movies), and then proceeds to do what it likes with the

amy aDams and cHRistian BaLE star in David O. Russell’s cheekily amoral dark comedy American Hustle.

barest of facts about the late 1970s Abscam bribery scandal. How much is true and how much is fantasy matters very little to the viewer and even less to the filmmaker. Russell is out to paint an outrageous story about three basically delusional people who insist on burying themselves ever further in duplicitous behavior that cannot end well. Like most con men, they’re all easy marks because they think they’re all too smart to be conned. Worse yet, these folks tend to con themselves.

Russell opens his film in mid-con — focusing on the quirks and stupidities of its main characters. We have Irving Rosenfeld (an out-of-shape Christian Bale) primping his elaborately augmented, glued-down and lacquered comb-over. Then there’s his maybe ex-girlfriend, Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams), with her phony Brit accent, and the apparent mastermind, Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper with tightly curled hair). They’re at odds with each other, but still primed to bribe their mark, Mayor Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner with a Wayne Newton coiffure). As one might expect with this crowd, it goes wrong. It hardly matters though, since it will be set “right,”

and is only the overture to the screwiness to come. It’s a screwiness I am not even going to attempt to synopsize — partly because it would take far more space than is available here.

Also, it’s just more fun to watch this convoluted yarn unravel on its own in a spectacular manner that, in itself, is something of a con.

The great strength of the film lies in two areas — its gleefully demented characters and its ability to look, feel and sound like a genuine product of the 1970s. It’s not just the two con artists (Irving and Sydney) and the glory-seeking FBI man (Richie), who forces them into what can only be called “conning for the bureau.”

Everyone in the film is at least a little cracked — and sometimes more.

The sometimes more is embodied

by Irving’s wife, Rosalyn (a trashedup Jennifer Lawrence), who is both magnificently dumb and venal (a dangerous combination). For that matter, the FBI itself is pretty bozoridden. Seriously, what rational group would try to palm off Michael Peña as an Arab sheik? Why would they listen to Richie’s hare-brained scheme in the first place? Even Richie’s relatively rational imme-

mountainx.com

Asheville PizzA & Brewing Co. (254-1281) Please call the info line for updated showtimes. elf (Pg) 1:00, 4:00 (Free admission) Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 (Pg) 7:00 last vegas(Pg-13) 10:00 CArMike CineMA 10 (298-4452) no shows after 7:30 p.m. Christmas eve American hustle (r) 12:45, 4:05, 7:05, 10:10 The hobbit: The Desolation of smaug 3D (Pg-13) 12:00 (Fri-Sat), 3:30, 7:00, 10:30 The hobbit: The Desolation of smaug 2D (Pg-13) 11:30,1:30, 3:00, 5:00, 6:30, 8:30, 10:00 The hunger games: Catching Fire (Pg-13) 1:05, 1:45, 2:15, 4:10, 4:50, 5:30, 8:15, 8:45, 10:20 saving Mr. Banks (Pg-13) 1:00, 4:00, 6:50, 9:45 Thor: The Dark world 2D (Pg-13) 1:20, 4:20, 7:20, 9:55 walking with Dinosaurs 3D (Pg) 4:15, 9:15 walking with Dinosaurs 2D (Pg) 11:45, 2:00, 6:55 CArolinA CineMAs (274-9500) note: Theaters usually close early on Christmas eve American hustle (r) 11:30, 2:15, 5:30, 8:00, 10:00, 10:30 Anchorman 2: The legend Continues (Pg-13) 11:00, 12:00, 1:35, 2:15, 4:15, 5:30, 7:00, 8:15, 9:35, 10:50 The Book Thief (Pg-13) 10:30. 1:15, 4:00, 9:45 Dallas Buyers Club (r) 11:40, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15, 9:50 Frozen 2D (Pg) 10:45, 1:00, 3:30, 6:00, 8:30 The hobbit: The Desolation of smaug 3D (Pg-13) 12:30, 6:00, 9:30 The hobbit: The Desolation of smaug 2D (Pg-13) 11:20, 3:30, 7:00, 10:20 The hunger games: Catching Fire (Pg-13) 10:45, 1:45, 4:45, 7:45 nebraska (r) 10:30, 1:00, 3:45, 6:15, 9:00 Philomena (Pg-13) 11:15, 1:30, 3:45, 6:00, 8:15 saving Mr. Banks (Pg-13) 11:30, 2:15, 5:00, 7:30, 10:00 Tyler Perry’s A Madea Christmas (Pg-13) 11:00, 1:15, 3:30, 5:50, 8:10 walking with Dinosaurs 3D (Pg) 10:30, 4:00 walking with Dinosaurs 2D (Pg) 2:00, 2:30, 5:00, 6:00, 8:00 CineBArre (665-7776) Co-eD CineMA BrevArD (883-2200) The hobbit: The Desolation of smaug (Pg-13) 12:00, 4:00, 8:00 ePiC oF henDersonville (693-1146) Fine ArTs TheATre (232-1536) Dallas Buyers Club (r) 7:20, Late show Fri-Sat 9:50 nebraska (r) 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, Late show Fri-Sat 9:30 Philomena (Pg-13) 1:20, 4:20 FlATroCk CineMA (697-2463) Philomena (Pg-13) 1:00 (no 1:00 show Wed). 4:00, 7:00 (no 7:00 show Tue) regAl BilTMore grAnDe sTADiuM 15 (6841298) uniTeD ArTisTs BeAuCATCher (298-1234)

DEcEmBER 18 - DEcEmBER 24, 2013

55

Carpentry

by Lucy • Insured • Over 30 Years Experience • AGC Certified Master Residential Carpenter • NC Licensed Journeyman Carpenter • Residential and Commercial Remodeling • Interior Painting

658-2228

moViEs

by Ken Hanke & Justin Souther

diate superior (Louis C.K.) is not without his quirks. In essence, it’s a profoundly entertaining collection of none-too-bright folks who think they’re smarter than everyone else.

And it’s all set to the best soundtrack of the year with especially fine use of ELO’s “10538 Overture,” Elton John’s “Goodbye, Yellow Brick Road,” David Bowie’s “Jean Genie,” Paul McCartney’s “Live and Let Die” and even the Bee Gees’ “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart.”

Rarely has rampant duplicity and stupidity sounded so good. Rated R for pervasive language, some sexual content and brief violence. reviewed by Ken Hanke Starts Friday at Carolina Cinemas and other as yet undetermined area theaters.

The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug HHH DiREctoR: Peter Jackson pLayERs: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Ken Stott, Luke Evans fantasy aDVEntuRE RatED pg-13

Offer expires 12/31/13

thE stoRy: Hobbit Bilbo Baggins and his dwarf companions travel through Middle Earth to breach the lair of a deadly dragon. thE LowDown: Yet another overlong Tolkien adaptation, this one suffers from a sense of corner-cutting and a lack emotional center or any real dramatic arc.

We’re now twelve years, five films and somewhere in the neighborhood of 15 hours into Peter Jackson’s J.R.R. Tolkien adaptations. If the edges were starting to fray with last year’s The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, then its follow-up, Desolation of Smaug, shows Jackson’s latest sequence of movies slowly unraveling. As the middle film in The Hobbit series, there are the obvious, inherent flaws in construction, namely, that its sole reason for existing is to set up for next year’s The Hobbit: There and Back Again. That means this film’s big climax is just establishing the even

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bigger climax of another movie.

Judged by itself, there’s no dramatic arc to the film. This is something to be expected — and possibly even allowed — if it weren’t for the film’s other myriad problems.

Much like the middle entry in Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Two Towers, Desolation of Smaug lacks any real emotional involvement. The plot can be reduced to one sentence: Hobbit Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and a group of dwarves travel to a distant mountain to steal a precious gem from a malevolent, surprisingly chatty dragon (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch).

That’s fine, but beyond that sentence, the film becomes a massive 160 minutes of fantasy set pieces — a mix of jumbled fight scenes against various CGI beasts — most of which feel rote and uninspired.

Martin Freeman is good as our titular protagonist, but he is given few chances to let his personality come through (it’s no coincidence that the film works best when it’s just him onscreen). All of the dwarves besides Thorin (Richard Armitage), Balin (Ken Stott) and Kili (Aidan Turner) are fairly interchangeable and given nil to do.

For a film so built upon effects and action, The Desolation of Smaug is unfortunately of lessthan-the-highest quality. Much of the solid make-up effects of the original Lord of the Rings have been abandoned for computer effects, and the CGI work is surprisingly uneven, often looking cartoonish and flimsy for such a big-budget production. The jailbreak by Bilbo and company is, in theory, a clever bit of action filmmaking, but it feels rushed

by Jackson’s standards — like an afterthought. Maybe if this sequence didn’t remind me so much of the much-superior climax to Gore Verbinski’s The Lone Ranger, I could cut it some slack.

Overall, there is a sense that Jackson simply isn’t juggling the movie properly and worse, that he’s slowly become a less distinct and idiosyncratic filmmaker. Especially with small flashes of that old brilliance — a composition here, a small moment there — this is the most disappointing aspect of Jackson continually plumbing the depths of Tolkien’s canon. I, for one, miss Jackson’s early heyday making cheap horror films, but even the original Lord of the Rings movies had vestiges of Jackson’s signature angles and camera movements.

That’s all but gone here. Desolation

HHHHH = max rating of Smaug — with its sweeping shots of New Zealand backcountry and fantasticated production design — looks like a Tolkien adaptation, not a Peter Jackson film. It’s a huge distinction, and one that makes for a well-made film, but with little personality of its own beyond its established fantasy trappings, and a whole lot of been there, done that. Rated PG-13 for extended sequences of intense fantasy action violence, and frightening images. reviewed by Justin Souther Playing at Carmike 10, Carolina Cinemas, Co-ed of Brevard, Epic of Hendersonville, Regal Biltmore Grande.

Nebraska HHHHS DiREctoR: Alexander Payne pLayERs: Bruce Dern, Will Forte, June Squibb, Bob Odenkirk, Stacy Keach. Mary Louise Wilson, Rance Howard DRama comEDy RatED R thE stoRy: A delusional old man insists on traveling to Lincoln, Neb., to claim his “winnings” in a contest he hasn’t actually won. thE LowDown: A sometimes unpleasant look at small-town life that’s nicely balanced by a warmly human — and sometimes very funny — take on family relations and how little we know of each other. Another awards-season keeper.

On the one hand, Alexander Payne’s Nebraska is a sweetly sincere movie about a delusional old man on a road trip with his unwilling son to pick up some entirely imaginary sweepstakes winnings. Much of it has to do with how little we often know about our own parents’ youthful pasts. On the other hand, it’s an unflinching look at the decay, stagnation, avarice, small-mindedness and downright meanness of small-town America in decline. I suspect this balancing act is what makes the film work. Either aspect by itself would be too much of a good or bad thing. As Payne and first-time theatrical film screenwriter Bob Nelson present it, it’s an almost perfect blend — sometimes alarmingly bitter, sometimes sadly — and amusingly — sweet.

®

On the surface, the film is all about Woody Grant (Bruce Dern), an elderly, not-always-genial drunk whose grasp on reality is slipping.

He has received one of those comeon adverts that suggests you have won a million dollars. In reality, of course, it’s an attempt to sell magazine subscriptions. But Woody cannot be persuaded that he hasn’t actually won the million. Worse, he refuses to entrust his claim to the mail and insists on making the trip from Billings, Mont., to Lincoln, Neb. — no matter that he no longer has a driver’s license and his old truck hasn’t started in years. He’s even willing to walk to Nebraska — if only the family wouldn’t call the cops on him when he tries. His wife Kate (June Squibb) thinks he ought to be put away. In an act of desperation, his younger son, David (Will Forte), opts to drive him.

After all, David’s own life isn’t going all that well and Best Buy can surely do without him for a few days.

Naturally, things do not go well.

Woody is hard to control. He tends to get drunk and get into scrapes.

Occasionally, he loses his teeth. The idea to stop in Woody’s hometown — the mythical Hawthorne, Neb., — isn’t an especially good one. Woody’s family and old friends are mostly cold, taciturn and slightly ossified.

They only come to any kind of life when they learn that Woody has won a million dollars — and their morelively reactions aren’t pretty. These folks are apparently firm believers in trickle-down economics and they expect Woody’s nonexistent windfall to trickle down on them — by making up nonexistent loans that need to be repaid and other attempts to bamboozle the confused old man. Like Woody, they can’t be convinced that the money isn’t real, and when they do find out, they’re hardly improved.

If this was all of the film, it would just be ugly and it wouldn’t amount to much. Thankfully, as I said, it’s only one side of the story. The other side — where David and his brother, Ross (Bob Odenkirk), learn more about their father than they ever imagined (mostly from an old girlfriend of Woody’s and from their outspoken mother who steps in to fill in the blanks and put Woody’s “friends” and family in their places) is another matter altogether. None of this — including a sort of bittersweet, happy ending — erases the nastiness, but it does shrewdly balance it. Shot in often-gorgeous black and white, which gives the decaying small town a stark look, the film is a small gem.

It’s a beautifully acted gem, too, espe-

cially Dern’s performance as the befuddled (but not entirely gone) Woody. You should see this one.

Rated R for some language. reviewed by Ken Hanke Starts Friday at Carolina Cinemas and Fine Arts Theatre.

Saving Mr. Banks HHHHS

DiREctoR: John Lee Hancock (The Blind Side) pLayERs: Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, Colin Farrell, Ruth Wilson, Paul Giamatti, Bradley Whitford, B.J. Novak, Jason Schwartzman fact-BasED comEDy DRama RatED pg-13 thE stoRy: Highly colored version of Disney getting the rights to make Mary Poppins. thE LowDown: Realistic?

Hardly. Factual? Only in its barest outline. First class entertainment?

Oh, my, yes. And Emma Thompson is superb.

I genuinely resent Saving Mr. Banks. If ever there was a movie I was primed to dislike, this was it. I am not a fan of Walt Disney and am completely resistant to his Magic Kingdom. I am not especially keen on the 1964 film, Mary Poppins. (In some regards, that’s an understatement.) I have not been impressed by John Lee Hancock’s previous movies. And the whole thing just looked like saccharine sweetened, treacly rubbish. What I resent, however, is how very much I liked Saving Mr. Banks. I spent the entire time knowing I was being lied to — or at least being fed an incredibly glossy and highly fictionalized story that never let pesky facts get in the way of its agenda. I never for one moment felt like I was watching anything other than Tom Hanks with a mustache playing a cozy, fantasy Uncle Walt, or that Emma Thompson was really anyone other than Emma Thompson playing a crowd-pleasing construct of author P.L. Travers. Despite it

staRting wEDnEsDay

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues Three terrific movies hit town on Friday, so the Wednesday opening of this sequel to the unaccountably popular 2004 Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy will give you time to get it out of your system. This is assuming you haven’t reached Burgundy burnout from Dodge commercials and the character showing up on what passes for real newscasts.

You already know if this Will Ferrell comedy is in your future. (pg-13)

staRting fRiDay

Walking with Dinosaurs There are two — equally overemphatic — trailers for Walking with Dinosaurs. One suggests a semi-serious computer-animated attempt to “document” the life of dinosaurs. The other looks like the usual anthropomorphic kiddie-movie with an empowerment message — only with talking dinosaurs. My guess is that the second interpretation is nearer to the mark.

Check out the array of voice actors like Karl Urban, John Leguizamo and Justin Long, not to mention dinosaurs named Ricky, Uncle Zack, Alex and Patchi. You have been warned. (pg)

Saving Mr. Banks See review in “Cranky Hanke”

American Hustle See review in “Cranky Hanke”

Nebraska

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See review in “Cranky Hanke”

Community Screenings

Jimmy stewArt Film series All films are shown at Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St. All events are free unless otherwise noted. Info: 250-4700.

• TU (12/24), 3pm - It’s a Wonderful Life

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moViEs

all — even while cringing at some of those Sherman brothers songs and Dick Van Dyke’s faux-Cockney end-of-the-pier foolishness in clips from Mary Poppins — I was largely enchanted by what took place on-screen. It takes a harder heart than mine to resist this.

In order to enjoy this movie, it’s necessary to realize only that the principal characters did indeed exist. Walt Disney did indeed woo P.L. Travers for years to be allowed to turn her Mary Poppins into a film. It is true that she resisted because she didn’t want a cartoon, she didn’t want songs and she didn’t want schmaltz. It is also true that she ultimately gave in. Beyond that, you just have to go with it — even with full knowledge of the fact that she did (in part) end up with some animation, a full serving of songs and a large dose of schmaltz.

There’s more than a little schmaltz — oh, hell, there’s lots of schmaltz — in this fantasy version of the events, but little bits of truth are wedged in around the edges. Not the least of those nuggets of truth is that the Disney film — however you feel about it — opened up her books to a new and wider readership. That the film also at least attempts to get at the core of Travers’ feelings about the Mary Poppins character is admirable, if not entirely successful. That it doesn’t present the whole story of P.L. Travers is no great sin. The film is about the making of Mary Poppins. It is not a biopic on Travers.

Saving Mr. Banks is a confection and should be viewed as such. In that regard, it works admirably, which is all you can reasonably ask. It is beautifully cast. Emma Thompson is wonderful. Without her performance, the film would be unthinkable. Tom Hanks is ... well, Tom Hanks, but he does pull off the public Disney. (The film only hints at the private figure with the secret smoking, the “pre-signed” autographs of Walt’s art-departmentdesigned signature and the undercurrent of steely determination.)

Colin Farrell, who plays Travers’ father in cross-cut flashbacks, is very good — as are the way the flashbacks play against the contemporary (1961) scenes. (One scene, in fact, verges on brilliant.) Bradley Whitford as beleaguered screenwriter Don DaGradi, and B.J. Novak and Jason Schwartzman as the similarly browbeaten songwriting Sherman brothers are exceptionally good, while Paul Giamatti

manages what should have been an impossibly gooey role with aplomb.

The scenes of Travers locking horns with the Disney creative staff are frankly delightful — and the “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” segment is thoroughly charming, even if you’re resistant to the song itself.

I make no apologies for falling for this obviously spruced up, sanitized and, yes, Disneyfied version of events. It’s simply splendid entertainment. Letting yourself be put off by its loose depiction of the facts is cutting yourself off from a very pleasant moviegoing experience. (And let’s be honest, not many of this year’s holiday offerings are necessarily pleasant — regardless of how good they are.) If it’s only true in the broadest strokes, so what? Anyone who goes to the movies expecting a history lesson is already in trouble.

As a story of the creative experience — no matter how candycoated — it’s pretty darn good.

Rated PG-13 for thematic elements including some unsettling images. reviewed by Ken Hanke Starts Friday at Carolina Cinemas and other as yet undetermined area theaters.

Tyler Perry’s A Madea Christmas H DiREctoR: Tyler Perry pLayERs: Tyler Perry, Anna Maria Horsford, Tika Sumpter, Eric Lively, Larry the Cable Guy, Kathy Najimy aLLEgED comEDy RatED pg-13 thE stoRy: Madea goes to rural Alabama with her friend Eileen for Christmas. Supposedly funny things happen. thE LowDown: Thoroughly dispiriting and often just meanspirited Madea film represents another step back for Tyler Perry.

This will not keep it from making a healthy profit.

The uneasy peace that has existed lately between the cinema of Tyler Perry and me has been sorely tested by this one. Tyler

Perry’s A Madea Christmas is not the worst film the man has ever made, but it’s probably the most amateurish thing he’s slapped together in years. It looks like it cost a buck and a quarter to make, and the constant barrage of video-generated seasonally themed optical wipes (complete with animated glitter) for scene transitions only make it look cheaper.

(It feels like the work of a video geek who just got a new bundle of gimmicky “effects” for his editing program.) There’s a torturously cobbled-together plot that rarely makes good narrative sense, a good deal of unpleasant mean-spiritedness and a startling array of unfunny comedy. When Larry the Cable Guy isn’t the worst thing about your movie (though Larry the Cable Guy sans shirt isn’t something I needed to see), you’re in trouble.

There’s a thoroughly unnecessary sequence at the beginning of the movie with Madea (Mr. Perry, of course) working as a greeter at some hightoned Atlanta department store. The idea of malapropism-mad Madea in this setting is promising, but almost all the gags land with the amusement value of a dead fish. This is all a setup to get Madea to accompany her friend Eileen (TV actress Anna Maria Horsford) to Bucktussle (no kidding), Ala., so said friend can spend Christmas with her daughter, Lacey (TV actress Tika Sumpter). The idea made marginal sense when Madea was going to drive, but makes none whatever when Lacey’s ex-boyfriend, Oliver (TV actor and football player JR Lemon), opts to drive them down in order to deliver a sponsorship contract that will save Bucktussle’s Christmas Jubilee. It doesn’t matter — the point is to get Madea to Alabama where she can try to score laughs by walking into a Klan meeting and other assorted kneeslapping rib-ticklers of a similar nature.

The movie fights with a variety of uninteresting plots — Lacey keeping her marriage to hunky, white farmer Conner (TV and direct-to-video actor Eric Lively) a secret from her mother, Lacey fighting with ill-tempered town bully (Chad Michael Murray), Lacey fighting for her job, Lacey fighting to save the Christmas jubilee, etc. Lacey, as you can see, is very busy. Meanwhile, Madea gets to mangle the Nativity story, trade barbs with Mr. The Cable Guy and crucify a snotty school girl by tying her with Christmas lights to the mystifying 5-foot cross in Lacey’s classroom. Frighteningly — even with Larry pausing to shill for Prilosec (I’m sure they paid for this) — these are the most likable parts of the movie.

Otherwise ... well, every time Madea said “Come on, Eileen” to her friend, I was hoping for some Dexy’s Midnight Runners on the soundtrack, but no. We do get to see some “war on Christmas” nonsense mixed in with an anti-corporate message (an interesting combination) before the movie culminates in a typically silly Perry melodrama — and the flattest ending since the evolution of the flounder. Perry’s films have been many things — many of them not good — but this is the first time I’d accuse one of lacking energy. Even the outtakes at the end looked bored. But being a Madea Christmas comedy, it will probably make a mint, and I will be called names for not loving it. Rated PG-13 for sexual references, crude humor and language. reviewed by Ken Hanke Playing at Carolina Cinemas, Epic of Hendersonville, Regal Biltmore Grande, United Artists Beaucatcher.

spEciaL scREEnings

The Spirit of the Beehive HHHHS aLLEgoRicaL DRama Rated NR

World Cinema closes out 2013 (they return on Jan. 10) with an encore screening of Victor Erice’s acclaimed The Spirit of the Beehive (1973), a

mountainx.com

story about a fanciful little girl in an isolated Spanish town in 1940, who is deeply affected by seeing the 1931 Frankenstein — to the degree that she believes that a Loyalist soldier hiding in a barn is the Monster.

Classic World Cinema by Courtyard Gallery will present The Spirit of the Beehive Friday, Dec. 20, at 8 p.m. at Phil Mechanic Studios, 109 Roberts St., River Arts District (upstairs in the Railroad Library). Info: 273-3332, www.ashevillecourtyard.com.

The Sentinel HHHH hoRRoR Rated R Critically savaged at

the time of its release in 1977 for being excessively gory and in shockingly bad taste, Michael Winner’s The Sentinel has managed to become, well, almost respectable in the intervening years.

Almost. It no longer seems that excessive (which may not be a good thing), even though its central premise of the entrance to hell being in a Brooklyn apartment building is still pretty silly.

Now, its glossy professionalism and its undeniably creepy atmosphere are what stand out. No matter how dumb its premise seems, while the movie’s on the screen, it’s deliciously unsettling.

The Thursday Horror Picture Show will screen The Sentinel Thursday, Dec. 19, at 8 p.m. in the Cinema Lounge at The Carolina Asheville and will be hosted by Xpress movie critics Ken Hanke and Justin Souther.

DEcEmBER 18 - DEcEmBER 24, 2013

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PRESENTS

Your guide to area restaurants & bars NEW GUIDE COMING IN MAY! Contact advertise@mountainx.com for details!

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DEcEmBER 18 - DEcEmBER 24, 2013

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M A R K E T P L A C E REaL EstatE | REntaLs | RoommatEs | sERVicEs | joBs | announcEmEnts | minD, BoDy, spiRit cLassEs & woRkshops |musicians’ sERVicEs | pEts | automotiVE | xchangE | aDuLt

Want to advertise in Marketplace? 828-251-1333 x111 tnavaille@mountainx.com • mountainx.com/classifieds

REaL EstatE reAl estAte homes For sAle historic Grovemont!

Beautifully maintained Greystone bungalow. Tons of character, built-ins, views, 3 Fireplaces, luxurious red oak flooring. Two car garage and detached workshop. Beautifully landscaped level yard. $249,900. Cornerstone Real Estate 779-2222 828-779-2222

lAnd For sAle 1.5 Acre lot Adjacent to Reems Creek Golf Course in Weaverville, zoned R-2 for Single family or Duplex villa, utilities. Owner financing: $67,000.

813-949-7944. wcfunding@ tampabay.rr.com 3.86 Acres Gently rolling, mostly wooded, long range views, water and electricity at adjacent property. Candler. $165,000. Call Terry 828-2165101. twp@beverly-hanks.com

commerciAl ProPerty

NEar uNCa • NOrtH aSHEville AreA 2BR, 1BA, w\ new bath remodel, small private porch/yard, W/D hookup. $675/month includes water/ sewer. Plenty of parking! 1 cat ok w/fee. Year's lease, security deposit, credit check and references required. For appt: Graham Investments: 253-6800. north Asheville 3BR/1BA townhouse style apt with new floors, one mile from downtown on the busline, no pets. $745/ month. 828-252-4334. north Asheville Townhouse style apartment: 2BR, 1BA for $645/month. Very nice, all new floors. On the bus line, only 1 mile from downtown Asheville. • No pets. 828-2524334.

homes For rent Asheville eAst-dUPlexHalf house close in. 3BR, 2BA, hardwood floors, fireplace, dishwasher, WD. Woods and trails.

No pets/smoking. $825/month, plus utilities. 828-273-6700.

oFFice sUites Downtown Asheville. 1-5 office suites from 490 sqft to 3,200 sqft. Modern finishes, elevator, central air.

Affordable, full service rates.

G/M Property Group 828-2814024. jmenk@gmproperty. com

For sAle by owner tiny treetoP home! Hardwood floors, sunroom, skylight, garage. 2BR, 1BA. Large lot with mountain view. Shopping, entertainment nearby. $124,900. Call (865) 898-4017. mo55@juno.com

mobile homes For sAle $43,000 • WESt aSHEVILLE convenience! 2009 Singlewide, Ideal Lease-Purchase Option, affordable payments!

Move-in ready, 2 beds, 1 bath on .21 acre. 828-423-1349, Vickie Regala, vista real estate.

rentAls

west Asheville West Asheville 2BR/2BA mobile home with WD connections, 3-4 miles from downtown Asheville on the busline, very nice. $595/month.

828-252-4334.

roommAtes roommAtes All AreAs - roommAtes. com Browse hundreds of online listings with photos and maps. Find your roommate with a click of the mouse! Visit: http://www.Roommates.com.

(AAN CAN) Golden Girl seeks roommAte Beautiful furnished bedroom with private remodeled bathroom.• Looking for mature female roommate in exchange for minimum house keeping.

• Share food and utilities. • Located in Hendersonville, off Spartanburg Hwy. • Contact 828-692-3024.

emPloyment GenerAl

eAst Asheville beverly hills home For rent 3 Bedroom / 1 Bathroom home with bonus sun room (200-plus sq. ft.). Hardwood floors throughout. Large wooden fenced backyard. 1 car attached automatic door garage. 2-yr old ceramic top kitchen stove, fridge, washer/dryer, and monitor heater all included. Wood burning fireplace. 1,300-plus sq. ft. 12-month lease, credit check, and first and last month's rent required. No smoking. Available for rent first of week of 1/14. 1 block from municipal golf course. 43 Gladstone Road Contact: Louis 828.279.6895 rentAl in blAck moUntAin Newly refurbished , 3BR 2BA Full Basement, Residential or Commercial $950 mo. Call 828-669-8999

APArtments For rent

short-term rentAls

Arden town villAs Accepting applications for 2BR Townhouse apartments. • Family oriented. • From $395/ month, varies depending on income. • Handicapped accessible units when available. Airport Road, Arden. Equal Housing Opportunity. Call (828) 684-1724.

15 minUtes to Asheville Guest house, vacation/short term rental in beautiful country setting. • Complete with everything including cable and internet. • $150/day (2-day minimum), $650/week, $1500/ month. Weaverville area. • No pets please. (828) 658-9145. mhcinc58@yahoo.com

joBs

mobile homes For rent

wArehoUse worker needed Golden Needle Acupuncture, Herbal and Medical Supply is seeking someone to work in our warehouse/shipping/receiving department.

The applicant must be selfdirected and able to work with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail. In addition, applicant must have computer skills. Knowledge of natural products and healing is preferred. Detailed job description is as follows: Assist in unpacking and checking in daily shipments, placement of product in designated areas of warehouse, keeping warehouse neat and orderly, insuring the rotation of stock, labeling and organizing samples and brochures for distribution to customers and prospects, organizing catalog bulk mailings, pulling orders from pick sheets, shipping orders using UPS worldship and priority mail. barry@goldenneedleonline.com www.goldenneedleonline.com

skilled lAbor/ trAdes

medicAl/ heAlth cAre

ccwnc.org and note which region you are interested in "CM-South" or “CM-Central” in the subject field.

hUmAn services

we Are hirinG! Full-time factory workers. Join a team that encompasses a positive atmosphere and good work ethic!

Call us at (828) 254-3934 or http://beststaffingonline.com/

AdministrAtive/ oFFice two Positions At cArolinA moUntAin lAnd conservAncy Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy is seeking applications for two full-time positions: Finance Director and Donor Relations & Events Manager. Full position descriptions and application instructions are available at www.carolinamountain.org. www.carolinamountain.org

sAles/ mArketinG exPerienced inside sAles We are looking for a full-time experienced Inside Sales employee to join our team. Candidate will be responsible for order entry, customer service, and increasing sales revenue by anticipating customer needs and suggesting new products/ up-selling. Our business is fast paced, so the ideal candidate must be very organized and have strong phone and computer skills. We are looking for someone who is self motivated, positive, focused, reliable and detail oriented. Previous sales experience is preferred. Benefits include competitive pay with commission incentives, comfortable atmosphere w/ casual dress, holiday and vacation pay, and great office hours.

Interested parties please fax or email resume and cover letter, Attn: Jacqui fax# 828-236-2658 or email: Jacqui@afgdistribution.com oUtwArd boUnd Admissions Advisor Outward Bound has openings for seasonal National Admissions Advisors from January through July 2014.

Accepting cover letters and resumes now through December 20, 2013. Contact Ed Parker at eparker@outwardbound.org. eparker@outwardbound.org. www.outwardbound.org

(2) rn cAre mAnAGers (temPorAry) Buncombe County Region. Community Care of Western North Carolina is seeking to fill 2 Care Manager positions in the Central Region (Buncombe County). These are temporary positions where funding is available until the end of the fiscal year (6/30/14). The ideal candidate has 2+ years of Care Management experience; the position(s) requires an RN. • If interested, please send resumes to HR@ccwnc.org and note job code "CM-Temp" in the subject field. Added benefit: Please keep in mind that if a "regular" (non-temporary) CM position becomes available due to natural attrition, we will consider the Temp Care Managers before outside candidates, since they will have already been trained and more familiar with CCWNC. Pt or Prn PhysiciAn's AssistAnt or FAmily nUrse PrActitioner needed to Join oUr teAm Mountain Health Solutions-Asheville, a member of CRC Health Group and CARF accredited is an outpatient program specializing in the treatment of opiate dependence.

We are currently seeking a PRN or PT t PA or FNP to conduct routine annual physicals for program patients. contact krubendall@crchealth.com or 828-2256050 ext 120

rn cAre mAnAGers Buncombe Co.,Tran/Polk/Hndrsn Co’s. The ideal candidate has 2+ years of Care Management experience; the position(s) requires an RN. If interested, please send resumes to HR@

aVaILaBLE pOSItIONS • meridiAn behAviorAl heAlth Child and Family Services Team Clinician Seeking licensed/Associate licensed therapist for an exciting opportunity to serve youth and their families through Intensive InHome and Basic Benefit Therapy. For more information contact Julie Durham-Defee, julie. durham-defee@meridianbhs. org cherokee county Peer support specialist Assertive Community Treatment Team – (ACTT) Position open for Peer Support Specialist to provide community-based services.

Being a Peer Support Specialist provides an opportunity for individuals to transform their own personal lived experience with mental health and/or addiction challenges into a tool for inspiring hope for recovery in others. Applicants must demonstrate maturity in their own recovery process and must have basic computer skills. For further information, contact Erin Galloway, erin.galloway@meridianbhs.org haywood and Jackson county Recovery Education Center Peer support specialist Multiple positions open for Peer Support Specialist working with in our recoveryoriented programs for individuals with substance abuse and/or mental health challenges. Being a Peer Support Specialist provides an opportunity for an individual to transform personal lived experience into a tool for inspiring hope for recovery in others. Applicants must demonstrate maturity in their own recovery process and be willing to participate in an extensive training program prior to employment. For further information, please contact Reid Smithdeal, reid.smithdeal@ meridianbhs.org haywood county Recovery Education Center clinician recovery education center Seeking a passionate, values-driven professional to work within an innovative MH/SA recovery-oriented program. Will be responsible for facilitating assessments and individual sessions as well as teaching classes within the REC. Must have a Master’s degree and be licensed/license-eligible.

For more information, please

ProFessionAl/

contact Julie Durham-Defee, julie.durham-defee@meridianbhs.org • For further information and to complete an application, visit our website: www. meridianbhs.org/open-positions.html

mAnAGement AFFordAble hoUsinG ProGrAm sPeciAlist Mountain Housing Opportunities is seeking a part-time program specialist.

Responsibilities include recruiting low-income families for our Self-Help Homeownership Program through a variety of marketing and outreach efforts; assisting families in preparing loan applications; verifying employment, income, credit, and debt. Excellent writing, phone, computer and interpersonal skills a must. Bilingual in English and Spanish a plus.

EOE. Salary based on experience. • Send cover letter and resume with references to: Joe Quinlan, Self-Help Program Manager, Mountain Housing Opportunities, 64 Clingman Ave., Suite 101, Asheville, NC 28801.

CSaC COuNSELOr • maLE therAPist Established Counseling Center looking for a male therapist. Must have CSAC credentials. Prefer someone with Substance Abuse work background. Should be familiar or have worked with Domestic Violence Abuser programs in past. Our center runs the 26 week Domestic Violence Abuser program and we're seeking a male counselor to help run our Saturday group. Additional Substance Abuse contract work available. Please contact Colleen directly at The Relationship Center, (828) 388-0011.

sUPerFUnd site technicAl Advisor POWER Action Group seeks a technical advisor to provide review and analysis of remedial action at the CTS of Asheville site. Superfund experience required. For full job description visit www.poweractiongroup.org

FAmily PreservAtion services The Hendersonville office of Family Preservation Services of NC is experiencing significant growth. We have employment opportunities in the following positions: licensed outpatient therapist; community support team lead therapist; community support team QP; and day treatment QP. Please send your resume to dreynolds@fpscorp.com

teAchinG/ edUcAtion dAnce teAcher ArtSpace Charter School, a K-8 public school near Asheville, NC, has an immediate opening for an innovative, energetic, dance teacher to join its arts integration team, beginning January 2014. Candidates must be willing to work in a collaborative environment and willing to teach various subjects through dance to students in grades kindergarten through eight. Dance

therAPeUtic Foster PArents needed If you are interested in making a difference in the life of a child, and live in the Asheville area, please give me a call. Free training. Call Debbie Smiley (828) 258-0031 ext. 348 or debbie.smiley@thementornetwork.com

Pets of

Adopt a Friend Save a Life

the Week Kelsey•

Female, Domestic Shorthair/Mix 11 years old

Kelsey is an 11 year old cat, she is a calm girl.

Content to just keep an eye on the world around her, while is purrs quietly in your lap!

This special little girl is front declawed so she must be an inside only kitty. If you are interested in a mellow companion, then stop in and visit with Kelsey!

Braveheart •

Male, Retriever/Lab Mix, 1 year old Braveheart is an amazing dog. He would do great in a family with kids of all ages, dogs, cats and even chickens. Braveheart is loyal and eager to please. He walks well on a leash, though he does like to stop and sniff the roses. Come adopt this seriously big ball of love today, he will be your new best friend forever!

More Online!

Goldie

Snickers

Treagle

Emerson

Asheville Humane Society

14 Forever Friend Lane, Asheville, NC 828-761-2001 • AshevilleHumane.org mountainx.com

DEcEmBER 18 - DEcEmBER 24, 2013

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FREEWILL ASTROLOGY

by Rob Brezny

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

“Life is best organized as a series of daring ventures from a secure base,” wrote psychologist John Bowlby. Some of you Aries enjoy the “daring venture” part of that formula, but neglect the “secure base” aspect. That’s why your daring ventures may on occasion go awry. If you are that type of Ram, the first half of 2014 will be an excellent time to correct your bad habit. Life will be offering you considerable help and inspiration in building a strong foundation. And if you already appreciate how important it is for your pursuit of excitement to be rooted in well-crafted stability, the coming months will be golden.

Derrick Brown has a poem titled “Pussycat Interstellar Naked Hotrod Mofo Ladybug Lustblaster!” I hope that at least once in 2014 you will get up the nerve to call someone you love by that name. Even if you can’t quite bring yourself to utter those actual words, it will be healing for you to get to the point where you feel wild enough to say them. Here’s what I’m driving at, Capricorn: In the coming months, you will be wise to shed any inhibitions that have interfered with you getting all the free-flowing intimacy you’d love to have.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Here’s a tale of three renowned Taurus brainiacs: Immanuel Kant, John Stuart Mill and Bertrand Russell. They all had IQs over 175 and all made major contributions to philosophy. Yet all three were physically inept. Kant had trouble keeping a sharp point on his writing instrument, the quill, because he was clumsy using a knife. Mill was so undexterous he found it a chore to tie a knot. Russell’s physical prowess was so limited he was incapable of brewing a pot of tea. Chances are that you are neither as brilliant nor as uncoordinated as these three men. And yet, like them, there is a disconnect between your mind and body — some glitch in the way they communicate with each other. The coming year will be an excellent time to heal the disconnect and fix the glitch.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) A horticultural company in the U.K. is selling TomTato bushes that grow both cherry tomatoes and white potatoes. The magic was accomplished through handcrafted hybridization, not genetic engineering. I foresee a comparable marvel in your longterm future, Gemini. I’m not sure about the exact form it will take. Maybe you will create a product or situation that allows you to satisfy two different needs simultaneously.

It’s possible you’ll find a way to express two of your talents in a single mode. Or perhaps you’ll be able to unite two sides of you that have previously been unbonded.

Congratulations in advance!

CANCER (June 21-July 22) “To destroy is always the first step in any creation,” said the poet e.e. cummings. Do you buy that idea, Cancerian? I hope so, because the cosmos has scheduled you to instigate some major creative action in 2014. In order to fulfill that potential, you will have to metaphorically smash, burn and dissolve any old structures that have been standing in the way of the future. You will have to eliminate as many of the “yes, buts” and “I can’ts” and “not nows” as you possibly can.

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DECEMBER 18 - DECEMBER 24, 2013

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) When did you first fall from grace? Do you remember? It has happened to most of us.

We spend time being privileged or cared about or respected, and then, suddenly, we no longer are. We lose our innocence.

Love disappears. Our status as a favorite comes to an end. That’s the bad news, Leo. The good news is that I think the months ahead may be time for you to climb back up to one of those high states of grace that you fell from once upon a time. The omens suggest that even now you’re making yourself ready to rise back up — and sooner than you think, there will be an invitation to do so.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Leonardo da Vinci created the painting “St. Jerome in the Wilderness” around 1480. It now hangs in the Pinacoteca Vaticana, a museum in Vatican City. For several centuries, though, the treasured work was missing. Legend tells us that in the early 19th century, Napoleon’s uncle found the lower half of it in a junk shop in Rome. Years later he stumbled upon the top half in another back alley, where it was being used as a wedge in a shoemaker’s bench. I foresee the possibility of a comparable sequence unfolding for you in 2014, Virgo. You just might manage to restore a lost beauty to its proper place of honor, one step at a time.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) The Italian painter Tintoretto (1518-1594) was a Libra. He worked with such vigor and passion that he was nicknamed Il Furioso — The Furious. One of his crowning achievements was his painting “Paradise,” which is 74 feet long and 30 feet tall — about the size of a tennis court. It adorns a huge wall in the Doge’s Palace, a landmark in Venice. I propose that Tintoretto serve as one of your inspirational role models in 2014. The coming months will be an excellent time for you to work hard at crafting your own personal version of paradise on earth. You may not be so wildly robust to deserve the title “Il mountainx.com

Furioso.” But then again, you might.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Between 2002 and 2009, Buddhist monk Endo Mitsunaga spent 1,000 days meditating while making a ceremonial walk around Mount Hiei in Japan. In 2006, English writer Dave Cornthwaite took 90 days to skateboard across the entire length of Australia, a distance of 3,618 miles. The first man’s intentions were spiritual, the second man’s adventurous. The coming months will be prime time for you to contemplate both kinds of journeys, Scorpio.

The astrological omens suggest that you will generate extra good fortune for yourself by seeking out unfamiliar experiences on the open road. To get yourself in the mood, ruminate on the theme of pilgrimage.

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SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Many farms in California’s Tulare County grow produce for supermarket chains. Here’s the problem: Those big stores only want fruits and vegetables that look perfect. So if there are brown spots on the apples, or if the zucchinis grow crooked, or if the carrots get too big, they are rejected. As a result, 30 percent of the crops go unharvested. That’s sad, because a lot of poor people who live in Tulare don’t have enough to eat. Fortunately, some enterprising food activists have begun to work out arrangements with farmers to collect the wasted produce and distribute it to hungry folks. I gather there’s a comparable situation in your life, Sagittarius: unplucked resources and ignored treasures. In 2014, I hope you take dramatic action to harvest and use them.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) “Artists who are content merely to hone their gifts eventually come to little,” says the Belgian writer Simon Leys. “The ones who truly leave their mark have the strength and the courage to explore and exploit their shortcomings.” I’d like to borrow that wisdom and provide it for you to use in 2014, Aquarius.

Even if you’re not an artist, you will be able to achieve an interesting kind of success if you’re willing to make use of the raw materials and untapped potential of your so-called flaws and weaknesses. Whatever is unripe in you will be the key to your creativity.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) In 2014, you will have the mojo to escape a frustration that has drained you and pained you for a long time. I mean you can end its hold on you for good. The coming months will also provide you with the chance to activate and cultivate a labor of love that will last as long as you live. While this project may not bloom overnight, it will reveal its staying power in dramatic fashion. And you will be able to draw on the staunch faith you’ll need to devote yourself to it until its full blessings ripen.

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Pets

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ACROSS 1 Beverages in the a.m.

4 9-Across buy 9 Company founded by a 17-year-old Swede

33 Recipe instruction #3 38 Tarzan creator’s monogram 39 Bell Labs operating system 40 Nifty

61 What you get when you blend the results of this puzzle’s recipe instructions 62 Bugling beast

13 Young boxer

41 Seller’s caveat

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14 Cry of fear or hilarity

42 Renaissance, literally

2 Dench who played Elizabeth I

15 Housecat’s perch

45 Recipe instruction #4

16 Foofaraw

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17 Recipe instruction #1

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19 Slips and such 21 Tony of “Taxi” 22 Recipe instruction #2 25 Owners of an infamous cow

49 Tilter’s weapon 50 Renders unnecessary 53 Recipe instruction #5

3 Squarish TV toon 4 Minimum age for a U.S. senator

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6 Muscle strengthened by curls, informally

56 An ex of Frank 57 Painter Mondrian

8 Heart test letters

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5 ___ Army (golf fans of old)

7 Van Cleef of “High Noon”

27 Banshee’s cry

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Pet services

No.1113 Edited by Will Shortz

edited by Will Shortz

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lost Pets

AUtomotive services

For mUsiciAns

Crossword

thE nEw yoRk timEs cRosswoRD puzzLE

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58 Term of address for a nobleman 28 Slaps the cuffs on 29 Number of pecks 59 Altoids container in a 34-Down 60 Impersonal letter 30 U.K. bestowal starter

10 Ceramists’ fixtures

PUZZLE BY JEAN O’CONOR

11 Pupil of ’enry ’iggins

32 O.T. book read during Purim

37 “The Red Tent” author Diamant

46 Pizza cuts, essentially

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE

12 ___ Highway (historic route to Delta Junction)

34 Farmer’s basketful, maybe

41 Items at a haberdashery

47 Hypnotized

35 Have ___ (surreptitiously imbibe)

43 “Green,” in product names

36 Emphatic assent, in Baja

45 Sounds of appreciation

JAnswer E T S toR Previous A T E D GPuzzle H O P E A R P A D R U G S MP UO SG SE E A B EB RA R ND IR GA HF TT D OO HD NG OE R C O RL I T O AI BS HM O RW A SR AD I D I T CNMO OT N SD I I TR ST UY PD AMNOCN I T NE G CC AA NN TO FN OS O L I BD E E R S E T T S OE RX AA TM E S S A AN LE LR T CO AT D M D IE SM OO L I AT RI MO AN DD A E R B Y BE ES TE W EO ER NA YL OS U A NBD AM LE E D NU AR NA TN E S T A Y B E BA ER D HD AU TN K GI IN SD O N CU A TMS A R O OI SR WA AE L D TR AO L T KA I N S T AO S W H A L E M O M G M D O U B VL EE I DNU T C H DL OE NE T SO CN AS RI ET E T UNR AB TO O A R G O Y D S S ST PA AT RE S A T I A NR 2 I D H E S S A S H Y S E G A L

9 Lost Tribes’ land

14 Lipstick slip 18 Be a fan of 20 Get, as a concept 23 Mil. truant 24 Brother of Fidel 25 As soon as 26 Cowardly Lion portrayer 29 Tough spot 30 Fudge, say 31 Patrolman’s rounds

42 PC start-over

44 Physique

48 Year-end airs 51 Bad to the bone 52 Put in the cup, as a golf ball 54 Mischievous sort 55 Contend

For answers, call 1-900-285-5656, $1.49 a minute; or, with a credit card, 1-800-814-5554.

For answers: Call 1-900-285-5656, online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle Annual subscriptions area available themore bestthan of Sunday 2,000 past puzzles, $1.49 a minute; or, with credit card, forand nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a 1-800-814-5554. crosswords from the last 50 years: 1-888-7-ACROSS. year).

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DEcEmBER 18 - DEcEmBER 24, 2013

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