Mountain Xpress, August 12 2009

AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 • mountainx.com

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mountainx.com • AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009

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on the cover 1 Year anniversarY PartY

p. 41 Happy anniversary, Harvest

Celebrating 1 Year of Monday Nights at the Rocket Club

Five years ago, with no Admiral, Rocket Club or Wizzy’s in sight, Mark Capon and Matt Schnable quietly opened Harvest Records. They’re still going strong, and this week they’re celebrating with a three-day, three-venue festival that’s got national media outlets buzzing. Here’s their story, and what you need to know about Transfigurations.

Monday, august 17th 9-11pm at The Rocket Club - 401 Haywood Rd., Asheville $5 Cover charge

Cover design by Nathanael Roney Photograph by Jonathan Welch

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news 10 Buncombe commissioners Zoning opponents rally again 13 Sheriff’s deputy suspended Sheriff Duncan’s press conference on “road rage” investigation

15 Charges reduced Alleged cyclist shooter not up for attempted murder

arts&entertainment

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AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 • mountainx.com

44 Folk Ballads to Food Music The Transfigurations lineup that’s got national media outlets buzzing

48 “love over gold” A panel of record label owners talk about preserving lost music

49 smashing tambourines Swedish psych-rockers Dungen return to Asheville

features 5 7 9 12 18 22 20 25 30 31 32 33 34 36 40 51 52 58 63 70 71

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letters Bothwell and Smith are right for City Council As an environmentalist, progressive and lifelong Asheville resident, I will vote in this fall’s election for Cecil Bothwell and Gordon Smith for City Council. These two candidates will protect the character of our lovely city and work in the best interests of the citizens, rather than developers and their lobbyists.

Journalist Cecil Bothwell has covered local government for years and comes to the race with a deep and sophisticated grasp of the problems facing our city. Leni Sitnick, one of the most popular and dynamic mayors Asheville has ever seen, has endorsed Bothwell. That says a lot about his character. Bothwell’s hard work campaigning for Obama last fall also bodes well for Asheville.

I appreciate Bothwell’s focus on the local economy in the form of policy that takes into account the serious environmental problems we face. I’m grateful that Bothwell has focused on the abominable water rules Asheville taxpayers have to bear. Despite living near the infrastructure, Asheville city water customers pay the exact same rate as people in the county. We can thank county and state officials for this and, in turn, the development lobby. Bothwell has a plan that will not only cut Asheville taxpayer costs and help shift some of the rate burden to the county where it belongs, but will boost conservation.

Gordon Smith is also a fine candidate. This

Warren Wilson graduate works as a child and family therapist. He has served the community as an environmental educator and has worked extensively with the mentally ill.

With his blog, Smith helped uncover and publicize the nasty shenanigans behind the Parkside development deal. He also played a role in the fight against an unnecessary power plant in Woodfin.

Compassion, intelligence and reason mark both campaigns. It will be a beautiful thing to see Bothwell and Smith voted into City Council.

— Heather Rayburn Asheville

First, address root causes of health-care crisis Why debate the cost of health care when profit-permission allows the entire Earth to be compromised in a slow boil of blood and poison?

Food, land and water.

Weapons of destruction equal more profit with a constant level of hate, take and separation.

How can we begin to talk about health with such a disconnect to the root causes? We need to hold everyone accountable, even the media of mass consumption.

Health care begins when self-destruction ends.

— DeWayne Barton Asheville

Send letters to: Letters to the Editor, Mountain Xpress, P.O. Box 144, Asheville, NC 28802 or by e-mail to letters@mountainx.com.

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2,500 feet above stress level

Come talk with us in person, Shuler Congressman Heath Shuler’s Aug. 5 newsletter announced, “In an effort to reach as many people throughout the district as possible, I will be holding tele-town hall meetings on August 13, 2009 and September 1, 2009.” Yes, you read that right. On one of the most critical issues of our time — health-care reform — our representative to Congress will be speaking to an RSVP-only crowd on the telephone.

It’s game time for health-care reform, and everyone I know and talk to is on fire to express their opinions. They’re hurting.

They’re losing their homes and their jobs, and they can’t afford to take their kids to the doctor when they are sick. And after the August recess, all Congressmen will be back in D.C. listening to lobbyists from the insurance and pharmaceutical industries — not to our voices.

But instead of having real, live, town-hall meetings in the counties he represents that are open to the public on a first-come, firstserve basis, our democratically elected representative is more worried about the next election’s opposition research team than about openly, publicly listening to what District 11’s constituents need.

I’m tired of Shuler’s watered-down answers on health care. What does he actually stand for? Is he willing to fight for us or is he going to wait for someone else in D.C. to decide our fates? Is he afraid he might sound dumb on camera? Does he have somewhere more important to be or someone more important to talk to than the general public? Perhaps fundraising for the reportedly $1,000,000 he has already collected towards his next election run? Let the public hear from him this August in person in all the counties he represents.

— Mary Alice Lamb Waynesville

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Not buying the Swannanoa plan So let me get this straight: 1) A small group of people got together.

2) They got the minimum amount of signatures to legally apply for the incorporation of Swannanoa by claiming Asheville was threatening annexation (a lie because annexation is illegal for such a vast, unpopulated area).

3) They say increased taxes on Swannanoa residents, at 5 cents per $100 of property value, will satisfy a budget. All other incorporated towns in the area have budgets well over 20 cents per $100.

4) The exact same people pushing incorporation will be unelected officials making up the acting City Council, making and enforcing laws until elections are held in May 2010. They will also be in charge of the

Letters continue

mountainx.com • AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009

AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 • mountainx.com

For other Molton cartoons, check out our Web page at www.mountainx.com/cartoons budget and tax rate. Check the wording out in Senate Bill 553; Article 3.2.

5) They say incorporating will stop development, but only large commercial farms are grandfathered into the submitted charter, and forestry plans are incompatible (farms and forests fall prey to developers when this happens).

6) The legal population density needed to incorporate is minimum 40 percent. They turned in a map with their application that was a little over 40 percent. The map included conservation easements and large tracts of land with minimal housing noted as “developed.�

7) The proposed bill says, �The entities sponsoring incorporation shall be entitled to recover from the Town expenses of sponsoring incorporation.� So we are actually paying these people for this out of our piddly budget?

8) One of these people, who will also sit on the City Council as a voice for Swannanoa residents, [is accused of] removing a antiincorporation sign from someone’s yard a couple of weeks ago.

Supposedly there will be a vote in November now that these people have slipped the bill through the N.C. legislature.

The people living in Swannanoa are not too complacent to show up and vote. I’m just worried the silent majority is not aware of the situation in general, much less the wool being pulled over their eyes. I hope that everyone from Swannanoa will tell their neighbors about the tyrants who are trying to become interim dictators of this beautiful section of WNC we call home.

I had no idea it was so easy to steal a town and get paid back for your efforts. — John Kelleher Swannanoa

An on-ramp plan for you and me Asheville’s population is multiplying like zombies in your favorite B movie, and I know it annoys a lot of locals and recent transplants alike. It is particularly harsh when dealing with increased traffic.

I’d like to make a small suggestion — if it were implemented, it would relieve a lot of daily frustration for all who have to drive anywhere on a highway.

I just recently got a job where my commute quadrupled from one mile to four(!), and today I took the highway rather than surface streets, just for kicks. To my dismay, practically every on-ramp I came upon had about five or six cars bunched up together ready to merge onto the highway all in one clump. I have lived in some pretty large cities: Los Angeles for one, it being the classic traffic hell of history books. Those guys had to resort to spending big bucks on traffic lights at every on-ramp, enforcing only three cars at a time on most on-ramps; heaven is left to help you the rest of the way.

Now one of the many things that charmed me about this region is that folks will even merge into the next lane to give you room to get on the raceway safely. Love it! That is, until traffic gets heavy. All too often I hear remarks about the traffic problem [stemming] from all those people from Florida (or Atlanta), and the road rage escalates.

Whoever you are, from wherever, let’s think together for a minute: OK, imagine it’s rush hour. If we all could space our cars traveling up the on-ramp so that there is enough room to merge with oncoming traffic, there would be a lot less stress for everyone! We don’t need some expensive light to tell us there are too many cars merging at once. We are community minded, well-mannered, considerate and exceptional human creatures who can make it work for all wayfarers. — Lee Stanford Asheville

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mountainx.com • AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009

AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 • mountainx.com

commentary

Mean streets

It’s time motorists and cyclists signed a peace treaty

by Mike Sule As much as I love cycling in Asheville, it is not without its challenges: steep terrain, erratic weather, a lack of infrastructure and harassment by hostile motorists.

The latter peril was graphically illustrated July 26, when Asheville firefighter Charles Diez allegedly harassed Alan Simons verbally, pointed his gun at Simons’ head and pulled the trigger — in front of the cyclist’s wife and 3-year-old child — apparently because Diez disapproved of Simons’ having his child in a bike seat.

Thankfully, the bullet hit Simons’ helmet but missed his head, and our city now has an opportunity to use this spiteful shooting to reflect on the very real tension that exists between motorists and cyclists without having to bury a father.

But for me, this kind of hostility is the most frustrating local cycling challenge, because it’s the product of a pointless malice that has no rational basis.

vulgarity or series of vulgarities shouted by the motorist, though it can also take the form of aggressive horn-honking (or, sometimes, both). Noise assaults tend to come from a vehicle traveling either behind or beside the cyclist. They may continue for an extended period of time, often running in a pattern: “vulgarity, beep-beep, vulgarity, beep; vulgarity, beep-beep, vulgarity, beep” and so on.

This tests the cyclist’s nerves and is particularly disturbing in tunnels.

In the “bully mass,” a driver pits the motor vehicle’s considerable mass against the decidedly lesser mass of a bicycle and rider, highlighting the latter’s vulnerability. An intimidation tactic, the bully mass can easily lead to a collision or the cyclist’s being driven off the road and into whatever unfriendly terrain may begin where the asphalt ends.

Our narrow city roads and lack of bike lanes make it harder for cyclists to avoid ending up in a ditch.

Until recently, I’d understood the fourth form of harassment, the “wild-card combo”

The fact is, cyclists are vulnerable, whereas the motorists who endanger them can all too easily drive off and disappear.

How silly is it that we harass one another based on our transportation preferences? Yet the consequences are severe — and potentially fatal. Fortunately, the more time you spend riding in the city, the more avoidance and defensive strategies you learn, thus reducing the likelihood of injury and death.

But the fact is, cyclists are vulnerable, whereas the motorists who endanger them can all too easily drive off and disappear.

And experienced riders know that while motorist harassment generally lacks creativity and falls into four readily recognizable categories, all of them can threaten cyclists’ lives.

“Projectile harassment” involves throwing something at a bicyclist. Often, it consists of drive-through refuse or a glass bottle, but motorists can and do hurl just about anything that might be cluttering up their vehicle’s interior. I’ve heard stories of everything from shoes to diapers being flung at riders.

Projectile harassment most commonly happens when motorist and cyclist are traveling parallel to each other. Cyclists must learn how to dodge the lobbed obstacle or endure the encounter without losing control and either colliding with the car or going off the road.

Then there is “noise assault” — typically, a

— employing any two of the above harassment strategies simultaneously — to be the greatest threat to the cyclist’s safety. The wild-card combo is terrifying for several reasons, but the fundamental concern stems from the fact that multitasking while driving is always risky business.

Each year, countless vehicular collisions result from a motorist’s texting, phoning or even choosing music while negotiating traffic. Anything that distracts the motorist from the primary task of driving compromises safety and increases the risk of mishap. So imagine what happens when a driver decides to use both projectile and bully-mass harassment.

While approaching the cyclist and sizing up the target, the motorist rummages about the car’s interior in search of an ideal object to lob. That takes one hand off the wheel and divides the driver’s attention between keeping the car on the road, keeping the cyclist in the cross hairs, and finding a suitable weapon.

Meanwhile, the motorist is also initiating the bully mass, steering perilously close to the chosen target and placing the rider’s life in jeopardy. The fact that some motorists find this particular mode of transportation so intolerable that they’re willing to run the risk

of killing someone is ludicrous. It defies all reason — yet it happens on our city streets, daily.

Divisive and angry is no condition to be in when moving about city streets, especially if you’ve taken on the responsibility of maneuvering a 2-ton machine through our neighborhoods and business districts. Nothing good ever comes from armed and angry, and that’s exactly what a motorist is who disregards the cyclist’s lawful right to the roads, practicing annoying harassment at best and, too often, something far, far worse.

Meanwhile, Asheville’s transportation network is changing: The automobile is no longer king of the road. As the city implements its Comprehensive Bicycle Plan and adopts a Transit Master Plan, more and more residents will start taking advantage of alternatives to cars. Bicycles are cheap, efficient, green and healthy. Some cyclists feel called to pedal due to environmental concerns, while others turn to the bicycle out of necessity in these harsh economic times. Still others are looking for quick exercise or affordable, quality, family time. The reasons vary, and the number of local cyclists continues to multiply.

But change is always a challenge, and community leaders, organizers and residents all have roles to play in improving the conditions on our streets. We all have a stake in safe transportation.

I challenge both motorists and cyclists to take personal responsibility for keeping local roads safe for everyone. As our transportation options diversify, it’s time to make road rage and cyclist harassment things of the past. Let’s move beyond the “something worse” and embrace something better. X Asheville resident Mike Sule is the founder of Asheville on Bikes.

mountainx.com • AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009

news

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Buncombe Commissioners: Back to the barricades Opponents protest moves to reinstate countywide zoning

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august 4 meeting

v Board approves $3.1 million Pack Library renovation v Commissioners expand county smoking ban v County transfers Health Center operations to nonprofit

Artwork by: Darrell Loy Scott

by David Forbes

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It was a hot-button meeting for the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. After a monthlong hiatus, the board reconvened Aug. 4 to confront a room packed with anti-zoning protesters and an agenda that included a proposed smoking ban, conservation easements and an extensive renovation of Pack Library.

It all made for a long and sometimes contentious session. The anti-zoning advocates spoke at several points, opposing the approval of zoning maps for Limestone Township (which the commissioners nonetheless unanimously approved) and calling for a referendum on zoning.

The commissioners enacted countywide zoning in 2007, but in March of this year, the N.C. Court of Appeals overturned the zoning laws, ruling that there hadn’t been sufficient public notice before they were approved.

In the aftermath, the board approved a moratorium on certain “undesirable” land uses while it went back to the drawing board to reinstate zoning.

Zoned out

But anti-zoning activists, perceiving an opening, turned out in force, filling the room and making sure their voices were heard. And while many said they personally oppose zoning, they also maintained that it’s undemocratic to take such a step without a plebiscite.

“There needs to be a vote,” declared Jesse Ledbetter, a former county commissioner and state senator. “Anything this big needs to be decided by the people affected by it, not by a small group of bureaucrats.”

During a discussion of Limestone’s zoning map, Swannanoa resident Eric Gorny said, “You’re controlling someone else’s property, and that’s just wrong — it’s not what a government should do.”

Jupiter resident Don Yelton cited Weaverville as an example of the negative impacts of zoning, noting that it limits individuals’ ability to run businesses out of their houses. “Looking at the economy today, we should be doing everything we can to encourage home businesses,” he argued.

“This isn’t about the people who smoke — it’s about protecting those who don’t.”

— Health Director Gibbie Harris on county smoking ban

Alan Ditmore, who lives in Leicester, asserted that zoning causes housing prices to rise, thus contributing to sprawl and unsustainable development.

“More people will live further out, and that will mean more roads, more asphalt, more pollution,” he said, speaking against approving the Limestone zoning map. “If the housing supply is limited, people are going to be busting their butts to pay their rent or mortgage.”

The county held a nonbinding zoning referendum in 1999. Turnout was low, but the vote went against zoning. Decades earlier, Limestone residents had proposed their own local zoning, which was approved by the commissioners.

And while the commissioners declined to comment on the many criticisms

10 AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 • mountainx.com

Head to head: A zoning opponent sports a “Let Us Vote” sticker calling for a referendum on reinstating countywide zoning. photo by Jonathan Welch

that came their way, County Attorney Joe Connolly said the board couldn’t authorize a binding referendum if it wanted to.

“We’re not California: The state doesn’t usually allow referendums on these matters at the county’s discretion,” he noted. “We don’t have the power to do it ... under state law. We would have to request — and get passed — a special act from the General Assembly.”

That was the procedure that produced the 1999 referendum.

Books-a-movin’

On another front, the board approved a $3.1 million renovation of downtown Asheville’s Pack Memorial Library.

“The library is 31 years old, and this will put about another 21 years of life on it,” Ed Sheary, director of the Buncombe County Public Libraries, told the commissioners. “We’re going to go through floor by floor, taking it down to the concrete.”

The library’s location in the middle of downtown makes access for construction crews and equipment more difficult, so it will have to be shut down for nine to 10 months and operate at reduced capacity throughout the rest of the renovations, which are expected to take about a year-and-a-half all told.

The improvements will include freely accessible public restrooms, safer storage for old documents and an expanded children’s area.

But state law, noted Connolly, requires the board to accept the “lowest reasonable bid.” And in this case, the Charlotte-based Gleeson Snyder construction company narrowly beat out Goforth Builders and Perry Bartsch Jr. Construction Co., both based in Asheville.

Most of the commissioners voiced regret at handing a large contract to an out-of-town firm during a recession, but Chairman David Gantt observed, “This is the law, and we have a responsibility to be good stewards of the taxpayers’ money.”

Yelton, asserting that “The most expensive thing to do is remodeling,” asked the commis-

to the lake, fish and have a cigarette? He’s not harming anyone then, and that’s a real infringement on his rights.”

On the other hand, Colleen Daley of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids applauded the board’s move. “My sister has asthma,” the local high-school student explained. “She once caught a whiff of smoke and by the time she got home, had a severe asthma attack. Secondhand smoke is a killer.”

Responding to Gorny, she added, “Maybe nonsmokers in those parks don’t want to be exposed.”

Gantt, meanwhile, asserted, “This isn’t about

“The library is 31 years old, and this will put about another 21 years of life on it.”

—

library

Director Ed Sheary

sioners to instead consider selling the property and building a new library downtown, perhaps at lower cost and using a local company.

But Sheary said the library had extensively explored that possibility and had concluded that it would be much more expensive — about $12 million — to build a new facility.

“We’re on some prime real estate,” he pointed out, and acquiring a comparable location today could prove costly.

Vice Chair Bill Stanley remained unhappy about giving the contract to an out-of-town company, dismissing Connolly’s concern that if Gleeson Snyder didn’t get the bid, it could sue the county for lost profits.

“They’re telling us that we’ll get sued — well, we get sued all the time,” said Stanley, adding, “Tell them to get in line.” He also took issue with the fact that the company is actually a division of a larger firm based in the Midwest, saying, “Remember, they’re from Michigan: They’re Yankees.”

Over Stanley’s objections, the contract was approved on a 4-1 vote.

Smoke ’em if ya got ’em

The commissioners also unanimously approved a ban on smoking in all county-owned properties, facilities and vehicles. Smoking was already prohibited in all county buildings, but new state legislation gives counties the power to set more severe restrictions if they desire.

“There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke,” noted Health Director Gibbie Harris. “This isn’t about the people who smoke — it’s about protecting those who don’t.” The county, she added, has programs that can help county employees who are smokers kick the habit.

Commissioner Carol Peterson endorsed the move. “As always, Buncombe goes one step further,” she observed. “This is a step in the right direction on the public-health front. Most of our employees don’t smoke, and this helps protect their rights.”

Some members of the public, however, took issue with the ban, calling it an unnecessary constraint on personal freedom, especially in open spaces such as parks.

“I don’t smoke, but I have a friend that does,” said Gorny. “I can see banning it inside and around doorways, but what if he wants to go out

on the planned renovations

individuals: It’s about the community.”

In any case, the ban will take effect Jan. 2, 2010 — the same day another recently passed state law will prohibit smoking inside restaurants and bars.

Other business

• The board unanimously authorized a contract transferring operation and maintenance of the county Health Center to Western North Carolina Community Health Services, including permission to renovate the property (at its own expense) to improve the clinic. If the nonprofit fulfills the county’s performance goals, it will have the option of negotiating to purchase the facility at a later date.

The federally approved health clinic receives better reimbursement from the government, enabling it to provide lower-cost medical care than the county can. The move came at the urging of county staff.

• The commissioners also approved two conservation easements, protecting the areas from future development in perpetuity. A 40-acre easement in Sandy Mush will cost the county $18,000 in closing costs, as the owners have decided to donate the property outright. A 170-acre easement in Fairview, part of the Spicer family’s ancestral land, will cost the county $365,000.

• During the public-comment portion of the meeting, the board heard from critics and supporters of the current management of local public-access channel URTV. Ousted URTV board member Richard Bernier asserted that the management has not been transparent and has tried to silence critics raising legitimate issues. “They have failed,” declared Bernier, urging the county to withhold funds collected from cable franchise fees until the issues are addressed. “I’m not here to call on [URTV Executive Director Pat Garlinghouse] to resign.

I’m just calling out there’s violations.”

But URTV producer M. Nelson Staley said that, from his perspective, things are going well.

“I have been a member since September 2008, and I’ve never had any problems,” he reported. “I have no problem with the management, no problem with Pat Garlinghouse. It’s been overall a very positive experience.” X David Forbes can be reached at 251-1333, ext. 137, or at dforbes@mountainx.com

mountainx.com • AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 11

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The phasing out of UNCA’s Environmental Quality Institute has raised concerns about the impact on regional water-quality research and protection.

“We were pretty caught off-guard that the chancellor would choose to close the EQI, given how much we think it benefits the school, the region and statewide,” said Gracia O’Neill of the nonprofit Clean Water for North Carolina.

The late Dr. Richard Maas, who founded the institute, once served on the nonprofit’s board, she noted, and the two groups collaborated on studies of lead, arsenic and copper in drinking water. Affordable test kits helped map contaminants in water sources, O’Neill explained. And the Volunteer Water Information Network, which the institute coordinated in recent years, enabled more intensive research to be done at lower cost.

“By pairing up these two, we get a better, well-rounded idea of [water quality],” she said. “You get a lot of bang for your buck.”

VWIN Coordinator Marilyn Westphal said the data has helped local groups secure grants to clean up water sources. It also fills in gaps in the state Division of Water Quality’s own sampling data and helps determine the effects of things like steepslope construction and storm-water runoff.

Getting funding to fix contaminated watersheds could be more difficult without that information, she said.

On July 13, the school announced it was cutting 43 campus positions in anticipation of a 10 percent reduction in state funding, resulting in eight layoffs and nine employee transfers. Shutting down the EQI will account for three layoffs and one transfer.

“I really hate to see it go. That type of data, with that much data, is really unusual to have in a watershed,” said French Broad Riverkeeper Hartwell Carson of RiverLink.

“I really hope it gets picked up by somebody.”

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The well’s run dry: Activists remain puzzled over UNCA’s closing of the Environmental Quality Institute and the Volunteer Water Information Network, which monitored local waterways. photo by Jonathan Welch

Launched in 1990 by the French Broad River Foundation, the VWIN program was later taken over by RiverLink and then transferred to the institute. Over the years, the EQI’s analysis of samples collected by volunteers has resulted in an unusually detailed map of local stream conditions, said Carson.

In preparation for the funding cuts, however, UNC President Erskine Bowles instructed schools in the state system to review all campus programs, Vice Chancellor Jane Fernandes told Xpress.

“While EQI and [the Mössbauer Effect Data Center] do good work in their respective fields, UNC-Asheville’s core mission of educating undergraduate students was not integral to the work of either center,” she said.

Westphal said she’s puzzled by the closing, planned within six to 12 months, because the EQI is funded by grants.

Fernandes, however, said the move will save the university about $350,000 per year.

“Although ... EQI operates on grant funding, state funding is involved in the center’s operations, including provision of infrastructure, lab space, overhead costs, administrative oversight and the salary of the faculty member who directs the center on a half-time basis,” she explained.

Carson, meanwhile, said Westphal’s transfer to another UNCA department is itself a loss for the study of local water quality.

“She’s the only person I know that you could

randomly name a creek and she could tell you how healthy it was,” he noted.

In an e-mail to supporters announcing VWIN’s closing, Westphal said she hopes the program will be resuscitated by another party, cautioning, “I just don’t know yet what the outcome of the negotiations will be, or if there will be any unexpected roadblocks.”

In light of the budget cuts, some have questioned the $2.4 million allocated for the multipurpose Pisgah House. In the works since 1997, it will serve as Chancellor Anne Ponder’s residence while housing meetings, receptions and concerts. “Perhaps the $600,000 approved for ... Pisgah House could have been spent more wisely,” UNCA alumnus Jason Nolan wrote in a letter in Xpress.

Public Information Director Merianne Epstein explained that every UNC system school must provide housing for its chancellor. The bulk of the funding for Pisgah House, she noted, was raised privately by the nonprofit UNC Asheville Foundation.

“No state funds are being used for the construction of Pisgah House,” said Epstein, “other than the $600,000 in net proceeds from the sale of the Macon Avenue home” that was the chancellor’s former residence.

Unable to accommodate other university functions, that property was sold in 2005, she said. Construction of Pisgah House began in 2007, and it’s expected to be completed this fall.

— Brian Postelle

Deputy accused in road rage incident suspended An undercover deputy accused in a road-rage incident will be suspended without pay for an unspecified period, Buncombe County Sheriff Van Duncan announced Aug. 3. Duncan said the deputy, whose identity was not disclosed due to the nature of his work, had made unprofessional remarks to 911 dispatchers.

Around 7 p.m. on July 9, Clyde resident Julie Brown says she was cut off by an unmarked car at the intersection of Patton Avenue and the Leicester Highway. After she blew her horn, the off-duty deputy got out of his vehicle and approached hers. Getting back in his car, he followed her down the road.

Brown’s account differs significantly from the deputy’s (which was backed up by his wife and child). Brown claims the deputy pounded on her windows and tried to open her door. He says Brown made obscene gestures, which she denies.

Both of them called 911, the deputy first calling the Sheriff’s Office. In his 911 call, he can be heard saying, “She wants to act all stupid, so I want to show her how stupid she is when she finds out who I am.” When told there were no units nearby, he said, “I’ll just get her tag number down and pay her a visit.”

That’s where his actions crossed the line, Duncan explained.

“Once he got on the phone, assessed tag information through our criminal-justice systems, he was acting as a police officer,” said the sheriff. “He should have been communicating in a professional manner, which he did not. We are taking action that will involve corrective training; it will involve a written reprimand that will result in days of suspension without pay.”

Duncan wouldn’t indicate the length of the suspension — or whether there’d been other similar complaints about the deputy, who’s worked at the Sheriff’s Office for 12 years. A written suspension, said Duncan, will stay in the deputy’s file for six months and prevent him from pursuing a promotion.

“If there had been substantiated claims in the past that alluded to this kind of behavior, they would have been taken into account,” noted Duncan.

Brown has also criticized the Asheville Police officers who responded to her call, saying they

“Some very teachable moments”: Buncombe County Sheriff Van Duncan announces the suspension of an undercover deputy accused in a road-rage incident. photo by Jonathan Welch

should have stopped the deputy and heeded her request to check for fingerprints on her truck.

The APD declined to press charges, referring the matter to the Sheriff’s Office as a personnel issue.

At the press conference, Sheriff’s Lt. Kim Martin reported the investigation’s findings, noting that the two accounts differed on several points. The Sheriff’s Personnel Advisory Board, consisting of five members of the public, unanimously agreed with Duncan’s course of action, he said.

If there’d been witnesses or evidence that the deputy had battered on Brown’s truck and tried to open her windows, it would have been cause for termination and possible criminal charges, Duncan noted. But neither surrounding businesses’ security cameras nor attempts to find other witnesses turned up anything conclusive, he said.

“I think there’s definitely been some very teachable moments from this situation for our Sheriff’s Office,” continued Duncan. “We need to take a really hard look at how we communi-

cate, how it’s perceived, and learn a lesson from this thing.”

Brown said she has mixed feelings about local law enforcement’s handling of the incident.

“I’m glad that something’s being done, that [the deputy] will get help with anger management,” Brown told Xpress. “This whole thing was handled really, really badly. If the APD had pulled him over, if they had given him a sobriety test, if they’d bothered to check for evidence, we might have some answers here. I think they just let him go because he was a cop. That’s not justice.”

Brown says she’s lost her job over the incident. “I worked at a Christian organization, and there’s this deputy out there saying I’m making obscene gestures and acting like a maniac, so they didn’t want me representing them. I’ve paid a much higher price than this deputy, just because I did what I thought was right. I just hope this has made things a little safer out there than if I’d done nothing. I can’t say I’ve got no regrets.”

— David Forbes

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Immigration by the numbers Illegal immigrants’ counterfeit documentation can be so plausible that small-business owners may not be able to tell what’s legit and what is not, according to an Aug. 4 presentation by U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials. In fact, said Special Agent Darren Vazquetelles, the department itself is barely staying on top of the counterfeit game.

“We’re not that far ahead of people with fraudulent documents, so we don’t expect you to be either,” Vazquetelles told a group of about 40 local business owners and other interested folks at A-B Tech’s Enka campus.

Titled “Understanding Lawful Employment,” the presentation was sponsored by the city of Asheville. It included talks and Q-and-A periods with staffers from Homeland Security and business groups such as the N.C. Society for Human Resource Management.

The heart of the presentation was educating business owners on steps they can take to check employees’ legal status, including properly filling out the I-9 form and using the agency’s E-Verify database and IMAGE program to verify the legitimacy of documents.

The discussion also touched on the most common mistakes on the I-9 form, such as failing to sign and date it, which can get employers in trouble during an audit.

But the speakers also warned against singling out certain employees for screening.

Demanding extra documentation based on skin color, language or nationality amounts to illegal discrimination, said Carol Rovello of the Asheville-based Strategic Workplace Solutions. And employers choosing to use the E-Verify system must submit information on every employee, not just potential immigrants.

The presentation grew out of a request by

Council member Carl Mumpower at a City Council meeting back in May. Mumpower, who has alleged that local companies as well as contractors hired by Asheville and Buncombe County are using illegal workers, said he was pleased with the session despite the lack of information on steps municipalities can take to enforce federal immigration policy.

But Craig White of the Asheville-based Center for Participatory Change took the panel to task for failing to address the problem of business owners who knowingly exploit immigrant workers. “It is rampant in Western North Carolina,” he asserted.

And in an e-mail later that day, White charged that current immigration law is promoting “racial McCarthyism.” The E-Verify system, he continued, is not only fraught with inaccuracies but is used incorrectly and illegally by employers. (Under federal law, EVerify can be used only to screen new hires, not potential employees.) Discrimination, said White, regularly figures into tips to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, because people report “anyone with brown skin or an accent.”

In answer to a question, Special Agent Vazquetelles noted that I-9 audits are typically triggered by tips coming from fired employees, business competitors or even “a city councilman.” (In City Council meetings, Mumpower has repeatedly cited the presence of Spanish-speaking workers as evidence of illegal labor.)

Mumpower, meanwhile, told Xpress that he plans to request a future seminar by Homeland Security experts helping business owners identify fraudulent documents.

— Brian Postelle

A pint at Pack: The Hayes & Hopson building, which figured into the controversial Parkside condo project, will now become Pack’s Tavern, says developer Stewart Coleman. photo by Jonathan welch

From Parkside to pilsner A Pack Square building once slated for demolition now looks to find new life as a bar and restaurant. The Hayes & Hopson Building, which developer Stewart Coleman had planned to tear down to make way for his controversial Parkside condominium project, is instead being renovated and converted into Pack’s Tavern.

Actually consisting of two adjoining structures, the historic Hayes & Hopson Building came into the public spotlight with Coleman’s under-theradar 2006 purchase of a sliver of Pack Square from Buncombe County and the announcement that he planned to build condos next door to the Asheville City Hall and the $20 million Pack Square Park.

To make way for Parkside, Coleman planned to tear down the Hayes & Hopson Building, which he’d purchased privately in 2006. Activists protesting the condo project soon adopted the historic structure as a cause célèbre, along with a much-ballyhooed magnolia tree. In 2008, the demolition plan cleared several hurdles in the city’s approval process.

But now, Coleman says he sees potential in the building as a tavern and restaurant, and has

already poured $100,000 and three months of refurbishment into the building to make it a reality.

“I would think there’s no turning back,” he said, noting that the renovation aims to preserve the interior’s turn-of-the-century design. “We’re using a lot of the materials inside the buildings,” he explained.

The new establishment, said Coleman, will feature three bars, a small stage, outdoor seating and 15 windows facing the new Pack Square Park, which is now nearing completion. Pack’s Tavern, he predicted, could be open by mid-November.

What’s less certain is the future of the Parkside project. Coleman is appealing an Aug. 28, 2008, ruling that the terms of the deed require the property to be used only for public purposes only (see “Judge Rules on Parkside,” Sept. 24, 2008, Xpress).

“Parkside is on hold for the time being, but that doesn’t mean it’s dead,” said Coleman. “If this doesn’t work, we’d like to go back to plan A. Any businessman likes to keep his options open.”

— Brian Postelle

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14 AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 • mountainx.com

election09

H A R V E S T

Campaign calendar returns next week It’s been nearly a month since the deadline for candidates to file for Buncombe County races, so it’s time once again to fire up the Xpress Campaign Calendar. We invite candidates and campaigners to send us information on events that are open to the public. Xpress will list them, along with important voter information, both in print and online at www. mountainx.com.

Our Campaign Calendar will run in each issue from Aug. 19 through the Nov. 3 general election. Send notices of public campaign events for candidates within Buncombe County to bpostelle@mountainx.com. (Please send this info at least one week before intended publication date.)

With a total of 42 people gunning for municipal seats in Asheville, Biltmore Forest, Black Mountain, Montreat, Weaverville and Woodfin, there should be plenty of opportuni-

ties for even the wonkiest to satisfy the political bug, or for tried-and-true supporters to get out and show their favorite candidate some love.

Readers can also keep up with all of Xpress’ election coverage online at www.mountainx. com/topics/find/election+2009.

Meanwhile, here are some key dates according to Buncombe County Election Services: • Friday, Sept. 11: Deadline to register for the primary election • Thursday, Sept. 17 through Saturday, Oct. 3: Early voting for primary • Tuesday, Oct. 6: Primary election • Friday, Oct. 9: Deadline to register for general election • Thursday, Oct. 15 through Saturday, Oct. 31: Early voting for general election • Tuesday, Nov. 3: General election — Brian Postelle

Attempted murder charge dropped in cyclist shooting A grand jury has dropped the charge of attempted first-degree murder against Charles Alexander Diez, the Asheville firefighter accused of shooting at a cyclist. Diez is now facing a felony assault charge that carries a much lower potential penalty.

Currently free on a $200,000 bond, Diez was served a warrant Aug. 6 on a charge of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. Attempted first-degree murder, a Class B2 felony, carries a 125- to 157-month prison sentence for someone with no criminal record. The assault charge, a Class E felony, carries a 20- to 25-month sentence.

Diez has no prior criminal record and, according to police, was sober at the time of the incident.

Grand juries deliberate in secret, and District Attorney Ron Moore says he submitted both the assault and attempted-murder charges. He told Xpress that he doesn’t know

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why the grand jury rejected the murder charge.

Asheville police had charged Diez, a firefighter since 1992, with attempted first-degree murder after he allegedly fired a .38-caliber handgun at cyclist Alan Simons July 26. The bullet ripped through the lining of Simons’ helmet and, according to police, came within less than an inch of striking him in the head.

Simons was riding with his wife and 3year-old child, and Diez had begun arguing with Simons, saying it was unsafe to have the boy in a child bike seat behind him. When Simons began to walk away, Diez allegedly opened fire.

Moore said he would “talk with the officer involved and see if there’s any new evidence.

If there is, we can re-submit the charge [to the grand jury].”

— David Forbes

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Between thunderclaps, I pondered how it would feel if I were struck by lightning. to find the rain falling with more gusto. I left, vowing to return.

This time, the skies were a calm, Caribbean blue, though much too still to stay that way.

Storm clouds lurked in the distance, the darkest ones emitting rumbles and booms accompanied by jagged, white hisses across the far sky.

But surely, I rationalized, wanting so badly to make the trip out there worthwhile, the storm would pass over or go the other way: It wouldn’t loom all day right over the very area where I planned to ride.

Bad reasoning like this always gets me into trouble.

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16 AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 • mountainx.com

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Muddy legs and all: Riding in the rain at Bent Creek is not for the faint of heart. photo by Jonathan Poston

Wesley Branch, hang a left at Rice Pinnacle, go up to Five Points and descend via Ledford Gap. Then hang a right and eventually pop out onto Bent Creek Gap, a dirt road. Take a left and keep left till you’re back to Hard Times.

On the long pedal up, I plugged in the earphones and cranked up my MP3 player.

Soon, however, I felt the wind sucking at me and brushing the back of my neck — and then the spray and an invisible clap interrupted my music. I snapped around, as if I could somehow stare down the beast. But those darkening skies lurched closer: The creature had caught my scent.

Cranking as hard as I could, my head pulsed and my knuckles turned white on the bike grips. When I finally reached the high road at Five Points, I thought I might have eluded the tempest, but I couldn’t tell for sure amid the eerie fog that hung there like the ghost of something the storm had snacked on and discarded. Apparently still hungry, though, it lapped at my heels again, the ghost fading into the advancing wall of water as I wobbled and rolled down the mountain.

Normal dips in the path were transformed into bogs that yanked my front tire at every turn. Between thunderclaps, I pondered how

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Morning is an especially nice time for a summer mountain-bike ride at Bent Creek: The bugs aren’t mobilizing yet, the thermometer hasn’t hit 90 degrees, and you don’t have to fret about afternoon storms. Hoping to avoid those terrible three, I recently confronted a gray, wet rag of a sky that seemed sure to let loose on me halfway through my ride. (In fact, the drizzle started before I even got out of my car.) One good thing about morning rides is that, when the unexpected happens, you may be able to reschedule for the afternoon.

But I’m not a patient man.

Hoping the clouds would move on, I came back to the trailhead around lunchtime, only

it would feel if I were struck by lightning.

Maybe my earphones would be welded to my inner ear as the electricity zipped around my body. Yanking them out, I tried to focus on the important things, like staying on my bike while threading puddles, slick roots and mercurial orange clay.

Then I saw some other riders coming up the mountain. I didn’t even talk to them: They had to be completely mad to be heading straight into the very storm I was fleeing.

As I descended, rear tire stuck in a perpetual fishtail, I realized my pants were now coated with mud and debris— and some of the gunk was working its way in. Aha moment: Fenders really aren’t just for show!

Damn. Belatedly, the rain was beginning to

ease, though I was practically back to the car by then.

Thankfully, it hadn’t been as battered by the storm as I was. I rode up and patted my trusty vehicle, which seemed to stare back at me as if to say, “You better wash me when we get home — and, by the way, how’d all that peat get up in your seat?”

Long about then, two guys showed up and asked me how the weather was up there. With mud sliding off my legs and puddling at my ankles, I eyed their fenderless bikes as they prepared to take off. “Really,” I replied, “it’s not that bad at all.” X Jonathan Poston lives in Asheville.

outdoorscalendar Calendar for August 12 - 20, 2009 Bike Nites for Autism Bike Nites take place on 3rd Avenue and Main Street in downtown Hendersonville. Family-friendly events for all ages. Info: 698-1616.

• SA (8/15), 5:30pm - Bike Nite.

Blue Ridge Bicycle Club Encourages safe and responsible recreational bicycling in the WNC area. To find out more about the club and its ongoing advocacy efforts, or to see a complete club calendar, visit www.blueridgebicycleclub.org.

• THURSDAYS - Fletcher Blue Sky Road Ride.

Departs promptly at 9:15am. Route and meeting place vary. No one will be left behind. Call or e-mail for details or if weather is questionable: 696-0877 or JohnL9@mchsi.com.

• SATURDAYS - Gary Arthur Ledges Park Road Ride. Departs in the a.m. from Ledges Park, located 6.5 miles off UNCA exit on I-26. Ride north along the French Broad River to Marshall for coffee, then return via Ivy Hill. Email for departure time: jbyrdlaw@ charter.net.

• SUNDAYS - Folk Art Center Road Ride. Departs in the p.m. from the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is a show-n-go ride, meaning there may not be a ride leader. Call or email for departure time: 713-8504 or billcrownover@bellsouth.net.

Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes Led by Blue Ridge Parkway rangers.

• FR (8/14), 10am - An easy-to-moderate hike in search of blueberries. Meet at the Graveyard Fields Overlook, milepost 418.8. Bring water, sunscreen, a Ziploc bag, and wear walking shoes. Be prepared for changeable weather. Info: 298-5330, ext. 304 or 3503822, ext. 209.

Carl Sandburg Home Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site is located three miles south of Hendersonville off U.S. 25 on Little River Road. Info: 693-4178 or www.nps.gov/carl.

• TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS, 3pm - Park rangers offer historic walking tours.

• SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS, 2:45pm - Park rangers share the history and techniques of Mrs. Sandburg’s dairy and cheese-making operations.

Carolina Mountain Club CMC fosters the enjoyment of the mountains of WNC and adjoining regions and encourages the conservation of our natural resources, through an extensive schedule of hikes and a program of trail building and maintenance. $20 per year, family memberships $30 per year. Newcomers must call the leader before the hike. Info: www.carolinamtnclub.org. n Hikes: • WE (8/12), 8:30am - Hump Mountain/Yellow Mountain Area. Info: 484-9132.

• SA (8/15), 10am - Buckeye Gap - Gage Bald - Bear Pen Gap. Info: 698-5208.

• SU (8/16), 8am - Horsepasture River. Info: 2304883 —- 12:30pm - N.C. Arboretum. Info: 697-1579.

• WE (8/19), 8am - Jerry Miller Trail to AT to Fork Ridge Trail. Info: 299-0298.

Hickory Nut Gorge Hikes Explore this unique area with an expert. Hikes last for over two hours, and are steep and strenuous.

Reservations required. $10/$5 children. Info: 3501431 ext., 4 or Mtns_Volunteers@tnc.org.

• WEDNESDAYS & SATURDAYS - Guided hikes.

Lakeview Senior Center 401 S. Laurel Circle, Black Mountain. Info: 669-8610.

• TU (8/18), 9am - The hiking group will lead a walk through Rec. Park and the Community Garden. Info: 669-2052.

Pigeon Valley Bassmasters All interested anglers in the community in WNC, Upstate S.C., East Tennessee and NE Georgia are invited to attend and share fishing ideas. Invitational tournaments are held throughout the area. Info: 8842846 or middlefork2846@gmail.com.

• 2nd MONDAYS, 7pm - Meeting at the Canton Library in Canton.

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farming & gardening

Our tomato plants need more sun, less rain and more heat, my mother declared recently. This wasn’t news, and she made the observation under gray skies that promised yet another unusually cool summer day. It’s rained so much that the plants’ identifying tags have been washed clean, and I can’t remember what varieties I brought home from the Asheville Spring Herb Festival back in May. It all makes tomatoes (and, for that matter, the whole art of gardening) seem even more mysterious than usual.

Some of the fruits are big, and the plants seem healthy, if a bit too tall due to reaching for an elusive sun. The leaves are vibrant green, the stalks strong. My tomatoes haven’t been hit by the damp-induced blight seen on north Georgia tomato farms and thought to

Back up on the mountain, I discovered a surprise: two volunteer tomato plants nestled next to a row of arugula. be creeping toward Western North Carolina.

But they’ve been decidedly slow to ripen, though one big fruit is now turning yellow (funny: I don’t recall selecting such a variety).

“They’d make good fried green tomatoes,” said my mom. Indeed, a few weeks earlier she’d picked a few. Sliced, dredged in seasoned cornmeal and pan-fried in one of my cast-iron skillets, they were tasty, although it’s a treat I associate with early fall.

Right now, I’m craving ripe tomatoes: Last year, my partner and I planted more than 100 tomatoes — ‘Cherokee purple’, ‘green zebra’, ‘Williams striped’, ‘Carolyn’s yellow pear’ and a few other varieties — at our old mountain farm. The big ‘Williams striped’ were particularly juicy, delivering old-fashioned beefsteak tomato flavor in a red-and-yellow fruit. This year, however, that old garden lies mostly fallow, awaiting the new owners.

Meanwhile, I downsized at our new house in Asheville, putting in a mere three tomato plants.

But back up on the mountain as I readied for the final move later this month, I discovered a surprise: two volunteer tomato plants nestled next to a row of arugula. I’ve kept an eye on them ever since, pondering which variety they might be.

Last season, this 10-by-10-foot section

18 AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 • mountainx.com

Pretty in pink: The sprawling, prolific ‘Matt’s wild cherry’ keeps producing marble-size tomatoes even after the first frost. photo by Margaret Williams

served as my last-chance garden: At transplanting time, about a dozen tomato seedlings looked too puny to survive the move from greenhouse to garden. Not having the heart to toss them, however, I planted the half-dead zebras, ‘Williams striped’ and ‘Matt’s wild cherry’ in this little plot. The ‘Williams striped’ seedlings died, and the zebras ripened late. But the ‘Matt’s wild cherry’ thrived.

I’d also planted a half-dozen of them in the main garden on the mountain, set 18 inches apart in a neat row between stretches of banana peppers and purple-hull peas. The ‘Matt’s wild cherry’ grew like kudzu, overtaking their neighbors and even extending into the outer rows of my ‘Principe Borghese’ paste-tomato crop. (The seed catalog had mentioned the variety’s “vigorous” tendencies.) Well after the first frost, they were still producing clusters of grape-size fruit. When we were doing garden chores or picking veggies, we’d pick some and pop ’em in our mouths for a sweet treat. But much of that fruit grew close to the ground, often hidden in the dense growth (sparrows and rabbits loved hiding in the wild-cherry jungle). And whenever we waded into the green tangle to harvest them, some would fall to earth.

Meanwhile, over in the last-chance plot, the ‘Matt’s’ throwaways did so well that I got tired of picking them and left them to their own devices. So it shouldn’t have been a surprise when I bent down to examine those volunteers last week. Barely 2 feet tall, the plants were spreading toward the arugula and clambering over some tatsoi. And looking closer, I spied a cluster of round, green tomatoes that weren’t much bigger than the end of my thumb.

Last year, we filled bowls with ripe ‘Matt’s wild cherry’ tomatoes and set them on the kitchen counter. They looked like bright red marbles, except these were a bit sticky and popped sweet in your mouth.

“All right,” I mused, “We’re leaving the asparagus patch to the new owners. And the blueberries. But if I dig up these ‘Matt’s wild cherries,’ will they survive?”

I’m betting they will. And their wild sprawl, highlighted by tiny but flamboyant fruit, will look good at our new house, in a hanging basket by the kitchen door. X Margaret Williams now gardens in Asheville; you can reach her at mvwilliams@mountainx. com or at 251-1333, ext. 152.

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Garden Composters â&#x20AC;˘ Rain Barrels (pd.) Asheville GreenWorks (Quality Forward), Ashevilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Keep America Beautiful, sells Garden Composters and Rain Barrels in the Green Goods Shop at 357 Depot Street. â&#x20AC;˘ 2 kinds of composters: an 11 cubic foot square stacked model for $85 and a 7 cubic foot tumbler that makes compost faster and looks cool for $175. â&#x20AC;˘ Rain Barrels are 65 gallons, are easy to install, and cost $135. â&#x20AC;˘ All are made of 100% recycled plastic. â&#x20AC;˘ All sales benefit plantings in Asheville and Buncombe County. For more information, call 254-1776 or stop on by 357 Depot Street or visit: www.ashevillegreenworks.org Planting Your Fall Vegetable Garden (pd.) Harvest and enjoy eating homegrown vegetables throughout the fall. This free seminar with Ruth Gonzalez will address successful fall gardening, what to plant, and when to plant it. Join us on Saturday, August 15 at 10 a.m. at Reems Creek Nursery & Landscaping, 70 Monticello Road, Weaverville, NC, www.reemscreek.com. Free, but please pre-register at 828-645-3937.

Rain Barrels for Sale (pd.) The Black Mountain Beautification Committee is sponsoring a sale of 80 gallon rain barrels made of 80% recycled plastic. Price per barrel is $117.44 (including sales tax). Only 200 will be sold at this price, so place your order soon. 828-713-2622 for more information.

Ikenobo Ikebana Society The Blue Ridge Chapter of Ikenobo Ikebana Society (Japanese Flower Arranging) is a nonprofit organization that meets monthly at St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in the Wilderness Parish House (Rt.#225 South & Rutledge Rd.) in Flat Rock. Yearly membership is available.

Info: 696-0967. â&#x20AC;˘ 3rd THURSDAYS, 10am-Noon - Meeting.

N.C. Arboretum Events The Arboretum hosts a variety of educational programs. Unless otherwise noted, all events are free with parking fee ($6/vehicle). No parking fees on Tuesdays. Info: 665-2492 or www.ncarboretum.org. â&#x20AC;˘ WE (8/12), 1pm - â&#x20AC;&#x153;Collections Walk: Art in the Gardens,â&#x20AC;? with the Arboretumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Director of Design Clara Curti. Meet at the Baker Exhibit Center lobby.

Wear sturdy footwear for walking on varied terrain. â&#x20AC;˘ TH (8/13), 1:30pm - â&#x20AC;&#x153;In-Depth Walk: Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New in the Garden.â&#x20AC;? Meet at the Baker Exhibit Center lobby. â&#x20AC;˘ TU (8/18), 1pm - â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bird Lecture Series: Birding Near and Far,â&#x20AC;? with Simon Thompson of Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop of Asheville. Held in the Education Center Auditorium.

Regional Tailgate Markets For more information, including the exact start and end dates of markets, contact the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project. Info: 236-1282 or www.buyappalachian.org. â&#x20AC;˘ WEDNESDAYS - 7:30-11:30am - Asheville City Market South at Biltmore Park Town Square. Info: 348-0340; 4:30-6:30pm - Open June-Sept.: Tryon Tailgate Market, across the railroad tracks from the Tryon Theatre. Info: 894-8823; 1-4pm - Open June-Oct.: Valle Crucis Farmers Market behind the Mast General store. Info: 963-6511; 3-6pm - Victory Tailgate Market, 1329 Tunnel Rd., E. Asheville, past the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance. Info: 775-5593; 2:30-6:30pm - Open April-Oct.: Weaverville Tailgate Market at Lake Louise. Info: 450-0708; 3:306:30pm - Open April-Oct.: West Asheville Tailgate

Market behind the West End Bakery and Haywood Road Market. Info: 281-9099; 2:30-5:30pm - Open May-Oct.: Spruce Pine Farmers Tailgate Market on Pollyannaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Porch, next to Wildflowers, on Upper Street in downtown Spruce Pine. Info: 467-2171; 2-6:30pm - Open April-Dec.: Wednesday Afternoon Downtown Tailgate Market next to the French Broad Food Co-op in downtown Asheville. Info: 683-1607. â&#x20AC;˘ WEDNESDAYS - 9am-Noon & FRIDAYS - 2-6pm Open May-Oct.: Burke County Farmers Market. Info: 439-4460. â&#x20AC;˘ WEDNESDAYS & SATURDAYS - 8am1pm - Open May-Oct.: Haywoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Historic Farmers Market at the HART Theater and Shelton House parking lot on Pigeon St. Info: 627-3469; 8am-Noon - Open May-Oct.: Waynesville Tailgate Market. Info: 648-6323; 8am-Noon - Open May-Oct.: Watauga County Farmers Market on Hwy. 105 Ext. in Boone.

Info: 355-4918; WE, 1-6pm & SA, 7am-1pm - Open May-Oct.: Cashiers Tailgate Market. Info: 2304785. â&#x20AC;˘ THURSDAYS - 3-6pm - Open May-Nov.: Flat Rock Tailgate Market. Info: 698-8775. â&#x20AC;˘ FRIDAYS - 10am-2pm - Open June-Nov.: Cherokee Farmers Tailgate Market on Acquoni Road. in downtown Cherokee. Info: 554-6931; 4:306:30pm - Open July-Oct.: Saluda Tailgate Market in the city parking lot on the west end of town. Info: 749-9365. â&#x20AC;˘ SATURDAYS - 8am-Noon - Open June-Sept.: Andrews Farmers Market at First Street in Andrews.

Info: 321-2006; 8am-1pm - Open April through Dec.: Asheville City Market in the Public Works parking lot on S. Charlotte St. Info: 348-0340; 8amNoon - Open April-Dec.: North Asheville Tailgate Market on the campus of UNCA. Info: 683-1607; 7am-Noon - Open April-Nov.: Henderson County Tailgate Market at 100 N. King St. (between First and Second Avenues). Info: 693-7265; 10am-2pm - Open April-Oct.: Cedar Valley Farmers Market in downtown Murphy. Info: 361-7505; 8-11:30am - Open April-Nov.: Polk Tailgate Market in front of the Polk County Courthouse. Info: 894-2281; 8amNoon - Open June-Oct.: Franklin Tailgate Market in Macon County at West Palmer St. Info: 349-2046; 8am-Noon - Open April-early fall: Lenoir Bluegrass Farmers Market at the Hog Waller stage. Info: 2924664; 8am-2pm - Open year-round: French Broad Food Co-op Arts & Farm Market at 90 Biltmore Ave. in downtown Asheville. Art demos and live music.

Info: 236-9367; 9am-Noon - Rutherfordton Farmers Market on Main St. in downtown Rutherfordton; 8am-Noon - Open May-Oct.: Mountain Valley Farmers Market on the downtown square in Hayesville. Info: 389-3022; 8:30am-1pm - Open May-Oct.: Graham County Farmers Market in the United Community Bank parking lot in Robbinsville.

Info: 479-8788; 8am-Noon - Bakersville Farmers Market in the Bakersville Community Medical Clinic parking lot in Bakersville; 8:30am-12:30pm - Open April-Oct.: Yancey County Farmers Market on S. Main St. at Hwy 19E. Info: 682-0601; 9am-1pm - Open April-Nov.: Madison County Farmers & Artisans Market in the parking lot near Pittman Cafeteria up Dormitory Dr. at Mars Hill College.

Info: 680-9890; 9am-Noon - Open May-Oct.: Black Mountain Tailgate Market at 130 Montreat Road in Black Mountain. Info: 582-5039; 9am-Noon Open May-Oct.: Jackson County Farmers Market on Railroad Ave. at Bridge Park. Info: 507-1146; 9am-Noon - Open May-Sept.: Riceville Community Tailgate Market in the parking lot of the Riceville Community Center. Info: 298-6549; 10am-1pm - Open May-Oct.: Big Ivy Market on the grounds of the Big Ivy Community Center, 540 Dillingham Road, Barnardsville. Info: 626-2624; 8am-Noon - Open June-Sept.: Swain County Tailgate Market in downtown Bryson City. Info: 488-3848. â&#x20AC;˘ SUNDAYS, 1-5pm - Open May-Oct.: Greenlife Tailgate Market at 70 Merrimon Ave. Info: 254-

5440; Noon-4pm - Open April-Nov.: Sundays on the Island, cross the river at the courthouse on Main St. in Marshall; 9am-5pm - Open June-Oct.: Topton Farmers Market at the crossroads in Topton. Info: 321-9030. â&#x20AC;˘ TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS, 8am-Noon - Open June-Sept.: Canton Tailgate Market at the town hall in the municipal parking lot on Park St. Info: 2352760. â&#x20AC;˘ TUESDAYS & FRIDAYS, 7am-Noon - Open May-Oct.: Rutherford County Farmers Market on Fairgrounds Road, off Business 74 Hwy. Info: 2876080. â&#x20AC;˘ TUESDAYS, Noon-5pm & SATURDAYS, 8am-1pm Open May-Oct.: Morganton Farmers Market behind Geppettoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pizza on Beach St. in Morganton. Info: 438-5252; TU 3-6pm & SA 8-11am - Open JuneSept.: Marion Tailgate Market in the W. Henderson Street city parking lot. Info: 652-2215. â&#x20AC;˘ TUESDAYS, THURSDAYS & SATURDAYS, 8am2pm - Hendersonville Curb Market at Church St., directly across from the old courthouse. Info: 692-8012 or curbmarket@bellsouth.com; 7am-1pm - Open April-Dec.: Transylvania County Tailgate Market in the parking lot behind South Broad Park, next to the library in Brevard. Info: 884-9483.

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Sat. Aug. 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 10am

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Check out the Gardening Calendar online at www. mountainx.com/events for info on events happening after August 20.

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mountainx.com â&#x20AC;˘ AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 19

calendar

your guide to community events, classes, concerts & galleries

Community Events & Workshops • Social & Shared-Interest Groups • Government & Politics • Seniors & Retirees • Animals • Technology • Business & Careers • Volunteering • Health Programs & Support Groups Calendar C a t e g o r i e s : Helplines • Sports Groups & Activities • Kids • Spirituality • Arts • Spoken & Written Word • Food • Festivals & Gatherings • Music • Theater • Comedy • Film • Dance • Auditions & Call to Artists Calendar for August 12 - 20, 2009 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 — or tomorrow, or any day of the week? Go to www.mountainx. com/events.

Weekday Abbreviations: SU = Sunday, MO = Monday, TU = Tuesday, WE = Wednesday, TH = Thursday, FR = Friday, SA = Saturday

Community Events & Workshops Center for Diversity Education The Center is on the UNCA campus, at 222 Zageir Hall.

Info: 232-5024 or www.diversityed.org.

• TH (8/13), 8:30am-3:45pm - The Many Faces of Asheville Bus Trip will feature a downtown walking tour, stops at

historic and contemporary immigrant communities, houses of worship and a presentation by an ESL instructor. $25 educators/$35 public.

Registration required: dmiles@ unca.edu.

Lakeview Senior Center 401 S. Laurel Circle, Black Mountain. Info: 669-8610.

• TH (8/20), 5pm - Van Clan: Take a trip on the LaZoom Asheville Bus tour and enjoy a “comedy show on wheels.”

Meet at the senior center. $25.

Register by Aug. 12.

N.C. Services for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing Located at 12 Barbetta Dr., just past Biltmore Square Mall. Info: 665-8733 or judith.pittillo@ ncmail.net.

• WE (8/19) - Hearing Service Dogs: A hearing service dog may be your best friend.

Register by August 12.

Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute Info: 862-5554 or www.pari. edu.

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..

Calendar Information 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 To submit a free listing: * Online submission form (best): http://www.mountainx.com/ events/submission * 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.

• FR (8/14), 7pm Presentation on “Near Earth Objects.” Plus, a site tour and celestial observations.

Register by 3pm on Aug. 14. $20/$15/$10.

Public Lectures & Events at UNCA Events are free unless otherwise noted.

• MO (8/17), 11:25am - Humanities Lectures: “Religion in the Middle Ages,” with Dr. Rodge Payne in Lipinsky Hall Auditorium and “Mesopotamia,” with Dr. Merritt Moseley in the Humanities Lecture Hall. Info: 251-6808.

Social & SharedInterest Groups Arise & Shine Toastmasters Ready to overcome your fear of public speaking and to enhance your communication and leadership skills?

This group provides a friendly environment in which to do so.

Guests have no obligation to join. Info: 776-5076.

• THURSDAYS, 7:30am - Meets at UNCA’s Highsmith Student Union.

Asheville Homeless Network Meetings take place at Firestorm Cafe & Books in downtown Asheville. Info: 552-0505.

• THURSDAYS, 2pm - All homeless people and interested citizens are welcome.

Asheville Lesbian Brunch Club Info: www.meetup.com/ Asheville-Lesbian-Brunch-Club or Asheville-Lesbian-BrunchClub-list@meetup.com.

• SUNDAYS - Be a part of creating positive community every Sunday.

Asheville Newcomers Club Women new to the area, or those recently retired, are invited to meet new friends and explore new interests through activity groups. Meetings are held at Living Savior Lutheran Church, 301 Overlook Road.

Info: 277-0542.

• 2nd WEDNESDAYS, 9:30am - Social —- 10am - Program.

Events in Cherokee Info: 438-1601 or www.cherokee-nc.com.

• FR (8/14) through SU (8/16) - Volkswagen car show. See the many different ways that people customize their bugs, sedans and camper vans.

Friends of Asheville Transit Club

20 AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 • mountainx.com

Discuss transit-related issues over pints of beer. Info: 2798349.

• 2nd WEDNESDAYS, 7:309pm - The club meets on the lower level of The Thirsty Monk, 92 Patton Ave. in Asheville. Find the group by looking for the toy buses and maps on the table.

Koinonia Monday Night Potlucks • MONDAYS - Potluck. The gathering invites people of all walks of life to share their ideas and wisdom with those that are interested in fostering an evolved local and global community. Change begins within us. Info: 333-2000.

Scrabble Club Come play America’s favorite word game SCRABBLE. We have all the gear, just bring your vocabulary. Info: 2528154.

• SUNDAYS, 1-5pm - Meets at Books-A-Million in Asheville.

We have all the gear. No dues the first six months. Just bring your vocabulary.

Welcome Club of HC • 3rd TUESDAYS, 10am-1pm - Social group to welcome new people to the community. Meet friends in general meetings and activity groups. Some groups: Coffee and Conversation, book clubs, bridge and card games, day trips, Tea Society and luncheons. Info: 697-5911.

Government & Politics Buncombe County Public Meetings Info: 250-4105 or kathy. hughes@buncombecounty. org.

• 1st & 3rd TUESDAYS, 4:30pm - The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners meets in Rm. 204 of the Buncombe County Courthouse.

Cecil for City Council Events Info: http://cecilbothwell.wordpress.com.

• 1st & 3rd WEDNESDAYS, 7-9pm - Join Cecil for City Council campaign supporters at the Wedge Brewery in the River Arts District.

Free Hugs for Health Care Reform • FRIDAYS, 5-8pm - Join local Obama supporters and give free hugs for health care reform. Pick up signs at Mountain Java in north Asheville at 5pm.

weeklypicks Events are FREE unless otherwise noted.

wed Join astrologer M. Kelley Hunter as she discusses her Ph.D. studies in philosophy and cosmology

before presenting her books Living Lilith: Four Dimensions of the Cosmic Feminine and Black Moon Lilith Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 7 p.m. at Malaprop’s Bookstore. Info: 254-6734.

thur Join park rangers at the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center, milepost 384, for a family night of Jeopardy

Thursday, Aug. 13, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Learn about the Parkway’s Pisgah district and play a game of Parkway Trivia Challenge. Registration is required: 298-5330, ext. 304, or 350-3822, ext. 209.

fri

Folks in Marshall will roll out the red carpet for the French Broad Friday’s “Dog Daze” Friday, Aug. 14, starting at 5 p.m. Visit the galleries and studios along the French Broad River in downtown Marshall, enjoy food, live music and dancing. Info: http://madfbf.blogspot.com.

sat

The fourth annual Come to Leicester Studio Tour will be held Saturday, Aug. 15, and Sunday, Aug. 16, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be 24 stops available along the way of this self-guided tour. For a tour map and more info: 683-2459 or www.cometoleicester.com.

sun Listen to members of the Asheville Storytelling Circle perform a tell-off of “Folktales and Foolishness” Sunday, Aug. 16, at 6 p.m. at the Buncombe County Recreation Park Pavilion 1. Bring chairs or blankets. Info: 658-4151 or 274-1123.

Celebrate one year of live big-band jazz with the Asheville Jazz Orchestra as it takes the stage at West

mon Asheville’s Rocket Club, 401 Haywood Road, Monday, Aug. 17, at 9 p.m. $5. Info: www.ashevillejazz. org.

tue Baritone Kevin Dougherty and tenor Scott Joiner will present a joint recital Tuesday, Aug. 18, at 7:30

p.m. at St. Matthias Episcopal Church, 1 Dundee St., Asheville. The program will include operatic arias and duets with some art songs. Free-will donations for the artists and for the restoration of the historic church will be accepted. Info: 252-0643.

WNC for Change Health Care Campaign Office • MONDAYS through SATURDAYS, 2-8pm - Visit the campaign office inside Mountain Java coffeeshop in north Asheville. Learn how you can fight for health care reform.

Seniors & Retirees Henderson County Senior Softball League The league is always looking for new players, age 50 and older. Weather permitting, they play year-round. Info: 6983448 or www.LJRsoftball.com.

• TUESDAYS & FRIDAYS - Morning games at Jackson Park in Hendersonville.

Animals Animal Compassion Network WNC’s largest nonprofit, no-kill animal welfare organization.

Find a new pet at their pet adoption events. Info: 274DOGS or www.animalcompassionnetwork.org. n Volunteers needed: volunteers@animalcompassionnetwork.org.

• 1st & 3rd SATURDAYS, 11am-3pm - ACN cats and

dogs will be available for adoption at PetSmart.

ChainFree Asheville A nonprofit, all-volunteer effort dedicated to improving the welfare of dogs living outdoors on chains and in pens in Asheville and Buncombe County. Info: www.chainfreeasheville.org or 450-7736.

• SUNDAYS, 11am-3pm - Come help a chained dog experience freedom. No experience necessary. We meet 4 times a month within Asheville or Buncombe County to build a fence for a chained dog.

Parrot Education & Adoption Phoenix Landing is a parrot care, adoption and education group. Info: www.phoenixlanding.org or (866) 749-5634.

• SA (8/15), 10am-Noon - “Behavior Workshop: Empower Your Parrot.” Learn to relate to parrots in ways that encourage communication and respect through training, games and more. At Comfort Suites, Biltmore Square Mall, 890 Brevard Road.

Transylvania Animal Alliance Group For information about T.A.A.G., or donations of time

or resources, 966-3166, taagwags@citcom.net or www.taag.petfinder.com.

• SATURDAYS, 11am-4pm - Adoption Days at PETsMART on Airport Road in Arden. View adoptable animals on our website: www.taagwags.org WNC Agricultural Center Hosts agricultural events, horse shows and farm-related competitions. Located at 1301 Fanning Bridge Rd. in Fletcher.

Info: 687-1414.

• TH (8/13) through SA (8/15) - City League International. The event showcases top national and international riding teams as they negotiate courses of obstacles. Grand Prix Finale on Sat. at 7pm. Info: cityleagueinternational.com.

Technology Basic Computer Classes Opportunity House in Hendersonville offers basic computer classes including: Basic Skills I, Basic Skills II, Basic Skills III, Internet I, Internet II and E-Mail. Courses in MS Word and MS Excel can be scheduled with enough interest. $30 members/$40

nonmembers. To register: 692-0575.

• MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS & FRIDAYS, 9:30-11am or 11:30am-1pm - Classes.

Business & Careers Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce Located at 36 Montford Ave. Info: 258-6101 or www.ashevillechamber.org.

• WE (8/12), 8:30-9:30am - Member orientation in the boardroom.

Events at HandMade in America Located at 125 S. Lexington Ave., Suite 101. All classes are free and open to the public.

Registration is required. Info: mwilliams@handmadeinamerica.org or 252-0121.

• MO (8/17), 6:30pm - DIY Online Marketing: Cost effective ways to improve your art or brand. Plus, tips to snag editors’ and bloggers’ attention.

Volunteering Appalachian Trail Conservancy A volunteer-based, private nonprofit dedicated to the conservation of the Appalachian Trail.

Info: www.appalachiantrail.org or 254-3708.

• FR (8/14) through SU (8/16) - ATC seeks volunteers to participate in an invasive plant workshop on the Appalachian Trail in the Southern Nantahala Wilderness. Learn to identify and manage invasive exotic plants. Info: jodell@appalachiantrail.org.

Ashevillage Institute (AVI) Nonprofit eco-urban education center and living laboratory for sustainable solutions. Info or to RSVP: 225-8820, info@ ashevillage.org or www.ashevillage.org.

• THURSDAYS, 9am-5pm - Volunteer days and potluck lunch. Volunteers needed in: gardening, permaculture, stonework, carpentry, marketing, administration, fundraising, business development.

Asheville City Schools Foundation Seeking Academic Coaches (tutors/mentors) to support students by assisting them with a variety of tasks that support educational success.

One hr/wk min., for one school year, in your choice of school or after school program.

Training provided. Info: 3506135, terri.wells@asheville. k12.nc.us or www.acsf.org.

• MONDAYS through FRIDAYS, 8:30am-4:45pm - Academic coaching in the schools or at after-school programs, once a week.

Beaucatcher Brew Bringing the community to the stage. This musical folklife play is presented by Homeward Bound of Asheville.

Info: 768-2456 or becky@ hbofa.org.

• TUESDAYS, 10am Volunteer meeting at Haywood Street Campus, Central Methodist Church, past the Rescue Mission. Seeking story-gatherers, transcribers, office assistants, grant writers and more.

Bountiful Cities Project A nonprofit that creates, manages and, in some cases, owns community gardens on Asheville’s urban land. Info: 257-4000 or info@bountifulcitiesproject.org.

• WEDNESDAYS, 3-8:30pm Community Garden Workdays.

Volunteers appreciated at Pearson Drive garden located in the Montford neighborhood.

Info: 273-8151 or 257-4000 and leave a message.

Catholic Social Services n Volunteers are needed throughout the week. Info: 255-0146.

• WEDNESDAYS, 1-4pm - Direct Assistance Day. Help sort clothing, shelve food, pack bags of food and more. Call for details.

Donations of Children’s Clothing Needed • Through MO (8/31) - The Salvation Army will be collecting children’s clothing for Back-To-School, a program that distributes outfits to children 12 and under. Drop off items at Salvation Army: 1079 Patton Ave., W. Asheville and at 204 Haywood St. Graffiti Removal Action Teams Join Asheville GreenWorks in combating graffiti vandalism in our community. Removing quickly and keeping covered is the best way to reduce graffiti.

Info: 254-1776.

• THURSDAYS - Graffiti removal.

Habitat for Humanity Seeks Volunteers for the Home Store & Construction Site Help build houses in Buncombe County by volunteering at the Habitat for Humanity Home Store and at the building site in Enka Hills. Volunteers are needed who can make an ongoing commitment to a shift in the Home Store. Info: 251-5702 or brusso@ashevillehabitat.org.

• 2nd FRIDAY, 10am - Volunteer orientation at 30 Meadow Road.

Host Exchange Students • Share a cross-cultural learning experience with an international high-school student eager to experience life in America. Students are 15-18 years old, covered by insurance, and have spending money for personal expenses.

Info: 298-8873 or www. ayusa.org.

Men and Women Wanted Big Brothers Big Sisters is looking for persons age 18 and older to share outings twice a month with youth from single-parent homes. Activities are free or low-cost, such as sports, local attractions etc.

Volunteers also needed to mentor during the 2009-10 school year. Info: 253-1470 or www.bbbswnc.org.

• WE (8/19), Noon - An Information Session for interested volunteers will be held at the United Way Building, S. French Broad Ave., Room 213.

Special Olympics Buncombe County Info: 250-4265 or grace. young@buncombecounty.org.

• MO (8/3) through MO (8/31) - Sign up to be a volunteer cheerleader for the Special Olympic events scheduled for the fall and winter. No experience is necessary. Practice begins in September. Call for details and to pick up a physical and consent form.

The Lord’s Acre A Faith Garden Project organized and sponsored by local churches and volunteers who have come together to help provide food for families in

mountainx.com • AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 21

need. Located in Fairview. Info: www.thelordsacre.org.

• WEDNESDAYS, 6-8pm & SATURDAYS, 8-11am - Volunteers are needed.

Health Programs & Support Groups Freedom from Sugar Addiction and Self-Destructive Eating (pd.) • Turn off the drives and appetites for sugary, fatty foods • Change emotional and mindless eating patterns • Move beyond drugs, diets and surgery • Acquire practical, effective tools to retrain your brain • Cravings for sugary, fatty foods fade • 12 session Wired for Freedom courses starting September 21.• Day and Evening courses available • Call 231-2107 for information/enrollment fees • Nothing tastes as Sweet as Freedom!

Shoji Spa Discounts and Events (pd.) • Locals Discount: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. • SPArty: Wednesday evenings, 6-8 p.m. Drinks, food and music, free. 828-299-0999. www. shojiretreats.com AARP/Walgreens Wellness Tour Offering adult health screenings in bone density, cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure, waist circumference and body mass analysis. Participants

will receive a one-year AARP membership. No appointment is necessary. Free.

• TH (8/20), Noon-6pm Health screening at Walgreens, 1835 Hendersonville Road.

Al-Anon Al-Anon is a support group for the family and friends of alcoholics. More than 33 groups are available in the WNC area.

Info: 800-286-1326 or www. wnc-alanon.org.

• WEDNESDAYS, 12:151:15pm - Step study: First Baptist Church, 5 Oak St. Park in the back of lot between Church and Y. Info: 686-8131.

• WEDNESDAYS, 8pm - Al-Anon in West Asheville: Meeting at West Asheville Presbyterian Church, 690 Haywood Rd., across from Ingles. Separate Newcomers’ Meeting meets also at 8pm.

Info: 258-4799.

• THURSDAYS, 7pm - Discussion meeting for parents of children with addictions: West Asheville Presbyterian Church, 690 Haywood Road, across from Ingles. Info: 242-6197.

• FRIDAYS, 8pm - The Lambda (GLBT) group of AlAnon is a gay-friendly support group for families and friends of alcoholics, and holds their weekly candlelight meeting at All Souls Cathedral, 3 Angle St. Info: 670-6277 (until 9pm).

• FRIDAYS, 12:30-1:30pm - Discussion meeting: First Baptist Church, 5 Oak St. Park in the back of lot between Church and Y. Info: 686-8131.

• FRIDAYS, 6:30pm - Discussion meeting for couples only: All Souls Cathedral, 3 Angle St. Info: 676-0485.

• SATURDAYS, 10am - Al-Anon North: Meeting at Grace Episcopal Church, 871 Merrimon Ave. • SATURDAYS, 10am - Saturday Serenity at St Mary’s Episcopal Church on the corner of Charlotte and Macon. Beginners welcome.

• SATURDAYS, Noon Weaverville discussion meeting at First Baptist Church on N. Main St., next to the library.

Enter via side glass doors.

• SUNDAYS, 5-6pm Discussion meeting: West Asheville Presbyterian Church, 690 Haywood Road. Info: 281-1566.

• MONDAYS, 12-1pm - Discussion meeting: First Baptist Church, 5 Oak St. Park in the back of lot between Church and Y. Info: 686-8131.

• TUESDAYS, Noon - Black Mountain Group meets at St. James Episcopal Church, 424 W. State St. Info: 277-8620.

• TUESDAYS, 7pm Discussion meeting: First Congregational United Church

of Christ, 20 Oak St. Info: 253-6624.

Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Disorders Offered throughout WNC by the Alzheimer’s Association.

For additional listings and more info: 254-7363.

Alzheimer’s Association 24-hour helpline: (800) 2723900.

• WEDNESDAYS starting (9/9) - A five-week EarlyStage Memory-Loss Support Group for people diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer’s disease or dementia and their caregivers. Registration and a confidential phone interview required.

C.L.O.S.E.R.R. Community Liaison Organization for Support, Education, Reform and Referral. The group offers support, networking, education, entertainment and fellowship for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Transsexual, Straight and their Allies.

• TUESDAYS, 7-9pm - Meets in the social room at All Souls Episcopal in Asheville.

Dual Recovery Group Group meets at the Black Mountain Presbyterian Church House, 117 Montreat Road.

For individuals who have a chemical dependency, emotional, and/or psychiatric illness and need support. A

12-step based program. Info: 357-8403.

• TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS, 8pm - Group meets.

Eating Disorders Individuals are welcome to come to one or all of the support group meetings. Info: 337-4685 or www.thecenternc.org.

• WEDNESDAYS, 7-8pm - Support group for adults at T.H.E. Center for Disordered Eating, 297 Haywood St. Free.

End of Life Care Planning • MO (8/17), 5:30-6:30pm - “Making Choices,” is a program available to help families and individuals make informed decisions regarding end-of-life care, especially in the event of medical crisis. RSVP: 255-0231.

Events at Pardee Hospital All programs held at the Pardee Health Education Center in the Blue Ridge Mall in Hendersonville. Free, but registration and appointments required unless otherwise noted. To register or for info: www.pardeehospital.org or 692-4600.

• TH (8/13), 3-4:30pm - Shoulder Pain, a discussion with Jason Morgan, a Pardee licensed physical therapist.

Registration required.

• MO (8/17), 12:30-1:30pm - “Suffering from Varicose Veins?” Daniel Timmerman, M.D., Pardee surgeon, will discuss the current treatment options for varicose veins.

Registration required.

Food Addicts Anonymous A fellowship of men and women who are willing to recover from the disease of food addiction. Sharing experiences and hope with others

allows participants to recover from the disease one day at a time. All are welcome. Info: 242-3717.

• MONDAYS, Noon-1pm & FRIDAYS, 7-8pm - Meetings at Biltmore United Methodist Church, 376 Hendersonville Road, Asheville.

Health Events at Earth Fare South Located at 1856 Hendersonville Rd. Events are free, unless otherwise noted.

Info: 210-0100.

• MO (8/17), 6:30pm - “pH Is Your Family Acidic?” Learn about fun ways for kids and parents to monitor their health with simple pH testing. Call to register.

• TU (8/18), 6:30pm - Heart Disease Solutions. Learn the truth about cholesterol, nutrition and supplements to prevent and even reverse heart disease. Call to register.

• WE (8/19), 6pm - Brain Snacks for Kids and Adults.

Get ahead in school and work with good-for-your-brain snacks and exercises you can do anywhere. Call to register.

• TH (8/20), 6:30pm Pandemic Protection - Arming the Immune System. Guest Speaker: Robert Scott Bell, D.A. Hom. Call to register.

Henderson County Red Cross Red Cross holds classes in CPR and First Aid for infants, children and adults; Standard First Aid in Spanish; Babysitter Training; Pet First Aid. Located at 203 Second Ave. East, Hendersonville. Info: 6935605. : Blood Drive dates and locations are listed below.

Appointment and ID required.

• WE (8/12), 9am-1:30pm - Opportunity House, 1411 Asheville Hwy. Info: 693-5605 or bethg@hcredcross.net.

• MO (8/17), 10am-2:30pm - American Red Cross Chapter, 203 2nd Ave. East.

Info: 693-5605 or bethg@ hcredcross.net.

Horse Sense of the Carolinas The public is invited to tour the farm, meet the horses and therapists and learn more about educational programs.

Free. Reservations are recommended. Info: 683-7304 or www.HorseSenseOTC.com.

• SA (8/15), 10:30am - Tour.

K.A.R.E. Support Groups Kid’s Advocacy Resource Effort offers several ongoing support groups. Info: 4568995.

• WEDNESDAYS, 5:307:30pm - Single Parents Support Group. Dinner and childcare provided. At First United Methodist Church, 566 S. Haywood St., Waynesville.

Call ext. 201 for more info.

NAMI Family-to-Family A free 12-week class for relatives of individuals diagnosed with a severe mental illness.

Trained family members teach the course, which balances education with self-care, emotional support and empowerment. Early registration is required.

• MONDAYS (8/24) through (11/16), 6:30-9pm - The course focuses on schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, clinical depression, panic disorder and other illnesses. Free. To register: 258-5359 or sharonpitts1@gmail.com.

NAMI Western Carolina National Alliance on Mental Illness offers support, educa-

tion and advocacy for families and persons with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression or an anxiety disorder.

Meets at Mountainhouse, 225 E. Chestnut St. across from Fuddruckers. Free. Info: 6876901 or www.namiwnc.org.

• 3rd TUESDAYS, 7pm Group meets.

Narcotics Anonymous A fellowship of recovering addicts that can help those afflicted get clean and stay clean through a 12-step program. The group focuses on recovering from the disease of addiction rather than any particular drug. For WNC NA meeting schedules and info: www.wncana.org. Helpline: (866) 925-2148.

• DAILY - Please call for location details.

Opportunity House Events Located at 1411 Asheville Hwy. in Hendersonville. Info: 698-5517 or 692-0575.

• WEDNESDAYS, 7:30-9am - Low cost medical testing with Linda Garren, RN of Hendersonville. No appointments necessary. Info: 692-0575.

Overcomers Recovery Support Group A Christian-based 12-step recovery program. Provides a spiritual plan of recovery for people struggling with life-controlling problems. Meetings are held at 32 Rosscraggon Road.

All are welcome. Info: rchovey@sos.spc-asheville.org.

• TUESDAYS, 7-8pm Meeting.

Overeaters Anonymous A fellowship of individuals who, through shared experience, strength and hope, are recovering from compulsive

Kitchen Ugly? Don’t replace... REFACE! 1 New look for about /3 the cost of new cabinets Paul Caron, Furniture Magician • 828.669.4625 22 AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 • mountainx.com

overeating. This 12-step program welcomes everyone who wants to stop eating compulsively. Meetings are one hour unless noted.

• THURSDAYS, Noon - Asheville: Biltmore United Methodist Church, 376 Hendersonville Rd. (S. 25 at Yorkshire). Info: 298-1899.

• SATURDAYS, 9:30am - Black Mountain: Carver Parks & Recreation Center, 101 Carver Ave. off Blue Ridge Road. Open relapse and recovery mtg. Info: 669-0986.

• MONDAYS, 6:30pm Hendersonville: Balfour United Meth. Church, 2567 Asheville Hwy. (Hwy. 25). Open mtg.

Info: 1-800-580-4761.

• MONDAYS, 5:15pm Asheville: First Congregational United Church of Christ, 20 Oak St. Beginners mtg. Info: 277-8185.

• MONDAYS, 6pm Asheville: First Congregational United Church of Christ, 20 Oak St. Open mtg. Info: 2778185.

• TUESDAYS, 10:30am-Noon - Asheville: Grace Episcopal Church, 871 Merrimon Ave. at Ottari. Open BBSS mtg. Info: 280-2213.

Park Ridge Hospital Park Ridge Hospital is located in Fletcher and hosts a number of free events, including cholesterol screenings, vision screenings, PSA screenings, bone density checks for women, lectures, numerous support groups and a Kid Power program. Info: 6873947 or www.parkridgehospital.org.

• Through FR (8/28) - August 2009 WOW Events: Free vision screenings, cholesterol screenings and bone-density checks, plus $10 PSA screenings. Call or see Web site for locations and times.

Red Cross Events & Classes Red Cross holds classes in CPR/First Aid for infants, children, and adults; Babysitter Training; Pet First Aid; Bloodborne Pathogens; Swimming & Water Safety;

and Lifeguarding. All classes held at chapter headquarters, 100 Edgewood Rd. To register, call 258-3888, ext. 221.

Info: www.redcrosswnc.org. : Bloodmobile Drive dates and locations are listed below.

Appointment and ID required. n Urgent call for blood donors in Asheville. Especially needed are type 0 negative, B negative and A negative donors.

• TH (8/13), 1-5:30pm Chili’s Grill & Bar, 128 Sparks Crossing, Forest City. Info: 286-0008 —- 1:30-7pm First United Methodist Church, 566 S. Haywood St., Waynesville. Info: 593-9834.

• FR (8/14), 11am-3:30pm - Chili’s in South Asheville, 420 Airport Road, Arden. Info: 684-5067.

• MO (8/17), 3-7pm - Trinity Presbyterian Church, 17 Shawnee Trail. Info: 2993433.

• TH (8/20), 11:30am-4pm - Lowe’s in South Asheville, 19 McKenna Road. Info: 650-8000 —- 2-6:30pm - Skyland United Methodist Church, 1984 Hendersonville Road. Info: 684-7283 —10am-2pm - Haywood Park Hotel, 1 Battery Park Ave. Info: 252-2522 —- 2-6pm - Living Savior Lutheran Church, 301 Overlook Road. Info: 650-0404.

S-Anon For those affected by someone else’s sexual behavior.

Info: 545-4287 or 606-6803.

• WEEKLY - Three meetings are available per week.

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous SLAA is a 12-step fellowship of men and women who have a desire to stop living out a pattern of sex and love addiction. Meetings are held in downtown Asheville. Open to all sexual orientations. Info: AshevilleSLAA@gmail.com.

• SATURDAYS, 10am - First Congregational United Church of Christ, 20 Oak St. Transitions: Job Loss Resource & Support Group

• WEDNESDAYS, 3pm - Meets at the First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville, located at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Church Street in downtown Hendersonville. Info: www. hvlfumc.org/transitions or 693-4275.

WNC Brain Tumor Support Adult support group for newly diagnosed brain tumor patients, brain tumor survivors, their families and caregivers.

Info: 691-2559 or www.wncbraintumor.org.

• 3rd THURSDAYS, 6:30pm - Group meets at the West Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 690 Haywood Rd.

Helplines For Xpress’ list of helplines, visit www.mountainx.com/ events/category/helplines.

Sports Groups & Activities American Singles Golf Association Asheville Chapter Join the group for fellowship and fairways. Visitors are welcome at monthly meetings. Info: 298-9790 or www. singlesgolf.com/chapter. php?chapter_number=3403.

• 2nd THURSDAYS, 5:30pm - Meeting at Lone Star Steakhouse, Airport exit.

Asheville Masters Swimming • MONDAYS through FRIDAYS, 5:45-7:15am & SATURDAYS, 7-9am - Fitness, competitive and triathlon swimmers welcome at Asheville Country Club. Info: www.ashevillemasters.com.

Disc Golf Check the kiosk at Richmond Hill Park for events and nearby tournaments. Info: 680-9626 or www.wncdiscgolf.com.

• SUNDAYS, 4pm - Doubles at Waynesville Rec Park.

• MONDAYS, 5:30pm - Doubles at Black Mountain Park.

• TUESDAYS, 5:30pm - Doubles at Richmond Hill Park.

Monday Night Women’s Road Ride • MONDAYS, 6-8pm - Sponsored by ABRC. Meet at Youngblood Bicycles, 233 Merrimon Ave. Be ready to ride at 6pm Approx. 27 miles at 12-15mph; no one left behind. Info: 254-4578.

Pickleball It’s like playing ping pong on a tennis court. For all ages. $1 per session. Paddles and balls are provided. Info: 350-2058.

• MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS & FRIDAYS, 9-11am - Meets at Stephens-Lee Rec Center, 30 George Washington Carver St. (take S. Charlotte to Max St.).

Thursday Night Track Races • THURSDAYS, 5-9pm - Meets at Carrier Park on Amboy Road. Register at 5pm; races begin at 6pm.

Various races, fixed gear bikes, no brakes. Weather permitting. Info: 254-4578.

Waynesville Parks and Recreation Info: 456-2030 or recathletics@townofwaynesville.org.

• WE (8/12), 1:30-3:30pm - Youth racquetball tournament for boys and girls ages 8 to 11 at the Waynesville Rec Center.

For beginners. All equipment will be provided. $5 for nonmembers.

Women’s Martial Arts • SATURDAYS (through 8/22), 10am - Grandmaster Brian Adams offers a women’s introductory martial arts class, to encourage selfconfidence using Chinese, Japanese and Filipino techniques. Info: 595-1455 or http://integratedmartialarts.net.

Free and open to the public.

students & seniors/$6 kids 211. Program info or to RSVP: 254-6373, ext. 324. Info: www.thehealthadventure.org.

• MONDAYS through FRIDAYS (through Aug.), 10:30am - Story time.

• Through SU (9/6) - Arthur’s World, the national touring exhibition based on the PBS children’s television series and popular Marc Brown books, will be on display.

Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center • TH (8/13), 7-8:30pm - Join Rangers at the Parkway Visitor Center, milepost 384, for a night of Jeopardy. Learn about the Parkway’s Pisgah district

and play a game of Parkway Trivia Challenge. Free, but registration is required. Info: 298-5330, ext. 304, or 3503822, ext. 209.

Events For Kids At Historic Johnson Farm Located at 3346 Haywood Rd. in Hendersonville. There are two nature trails (free), and guided tours are offered ($5/$3). Info: 891-6585 or www.historicjohnsonfarm.org.

• MONDAYS, 11am - “Grand and Me” is an opportunity for parents, guardians and/or grandparents to bond with children while receiving a hands-on history lesson. Plus,

meet the animals at the barn. $5 adults.

FDNSC Opens Permanent Building • TU (8/18), 4pm - Charter school Francine Delany New School for Children will celebrate the building’s opening. Public welcome. Info: 236-9441.

Kids Corner Market A series of free activities for kids at the Asheville City Market. Organized by Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project to get children excited about fresh food and physical activity.

Info: 236-1282 or brook@ asapconnections.org.

• SA (8/15), 10am-12:30pm - Scavenger Hunt with Healthy Kids/Healthy Parks.

Spirituality 20th Of Each Month • Heal Yourself And Mother Earth (pd.) Participate in worldwide long-distance group EssenceWork TM sessions.

• Registration deadline: 15th of each month. • Private sessions, please call Lania Desmond: (828) 236-1230 or www.soulpoint.com/essencework.html Astro-Counseling (pd.) Licensed counselor and accredited professional

Kids At The Health Adventure Free first Wed. of every month from 3-5pm. Hours: Tues.Sat., 10am-5pm & Sun., 1-5pm. $8.50 adults/$7.50

mountainx.com • AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 23

group spotlight

YWCA After-School Program

Asheville City Schools Foundation The Asheville City Schools Foundation is partnering with three after-school programs to provide trained, volunteer academic coaches to assist students academically, as well as provide a mentoring relationship. Volunteers will be matched with a student at one of the partnering sites: Delta House, Youthful Hand or YWCA. Each of these programs is providing an enriching after-school experience for students, and they each need more volunteers to enable them to serve the needs of the students who want individual tutoring/mentoring. This Ribbon of Hope After-School Partnership is made possible by a grant from GlaxoSmithKline.

The Asheville City Schools Foundation partnership program needs 50 volunteers who are willing to work with a student at least one hour per week for the school year at the after-school location from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. The foundation provides training and ongoing support for the volunteers. Ribbon of Hope After-School Program Coordinator Hanna Woody serves as the liaison between the sites and the foundation, while providing on-site support for volunteers.

Academic Coach Program Coordinator for Asheville City Schools Foundation Terri Wells expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership by saying, “We are excited to be working with these three quality programs to help provide them with volunteers to ensure that they will be able to continue offering their valuable services to students.” To learn more, or to volunteer, please contact Terri or Hanna at 350-6135 or visit www.acsf.org.

Nonprofits interested in being featured in Group Spotlight should e-mail mdalton@mountainx.com for submission details

astrologer uses your chart when counseling for additional insight into yourself, your relationships and life directions. Readings also available. Christy Gunther, MA. (828)258-3229.

Buying And Selling Metaphysical, Occult, And SelfCare Books (pd.) Monday-Saturday. 5428 Asheville Hwy (Hwy 25) 1/2 mile South, I-26 exit 44 next to Crystal Visions. (828) 681-5580. www.newvisionsmarketplace.com Hebrew Language Classes (pd.) By a native Hebrew speaker. Immersion through the Bible. Successful method, for all levels. • Individuals or groups. Call Maria Thomas (828) 507-1622. mariati00@ hotmail.com Tuesday Afternoons • Meditation • Great Tree Zen Temple (pd.) 5:30pm, 679 Lower Flat Creek Road, Alexander. More information: 645-2085 or www.greattreetemple.org A Course in Miracles Classes For anyone sincerely interested in joining a loving group for ACIM study and practice. The group meets at Groce United Methodist Church in East Asheville. Info: 712-5472.

• MONDAYS, 6:30pm - Study group meets.

All One Asheville “Friends of Non-Duality.”

Share silence while exploring non-dual teachers and living in the Now Present Moment. Meetings at various locations. Info: 216-7051 or BeHereNow28804@yahoo. com.

• SUNDAYS, 7pm - Discover true fulfillment. Silent sitting and video satsang with Western spiritual teacher Gangaji. New location at Serventhood House, 156 East Chestnut St., near Greenlife.

An Evening With Spirit All are welcome to communion with Spirit and channel messages. Held at the White Horse in Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Road. No latecomers. Love offering. Info: 713-2439.

• SUNDAYS, 6-9pm Evening events will be lead by Theo Salvucci.

Asheville Chaos Magick Clique A discussion group focusing on chaos magick and related themes. Info: ashevillechaosmagickclique@gmail.com or 777-9368.

• 3rd THURSDAYS, 6-9pm - Meeting. Call for location.

Asheville Meditation Center Classes are held at the Greenlife Community Center, 90 Merrimon Ave., unless otherwise noted. Info: 505-2300 or www.meditateasheville.org.

24 AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 • mountainx.com

• THURSDAYS, 6:30-7:30pm - Meditation Circle. Held at One World Healing Arts Institute, 2 Sulphur Springs Road, W. Asheville. Donations accepted.

Asheville Satsang With Gangaji Info: 216-7051 or nckristinenelson@yahoo.com.

• SUNDAYS, 7pm - Discover true fulfillment. Silent sitting and video satsang with Western spiritual teacher Gangaji. New location at Serventhood House, 156 East Chestnut St., near Greenlife.

Beth Israel Synagogue Located at 229 Murdock Ave. An egalitarian house of prayer, study and assembly in the Conservative Jewish tradition where all are welcome.

Join us for Shabbat services, Minyans, high holidays and festival services and celebrations. Info: 252-8431 or www. bethisraelnc.org.

• FRIDAYS, 7:30pm Services.

Celebrate Recovery Christ-centered, biblically based recovery ministry.

Weekly fellowship and support meetings deal with real-life issues, including divorce, co-dependency, anger, control, chemical dependency, sexual addictions, hurtful relationships, eating disorders, depression, and other addictive, compulsive or dysfunctional behaviors. Info: 687-1111.

• THURSDAYS, 6pm-10pm - Evenings at Biltmore Baptist Church, 35 Clayton Road, Arden.

Centering Prayer as an 11th Step Practice • SA (8/15), 9am-3pm - Contemplative Outreach of WNC presents an introductory workshop on centering prayer in 11th step work, for individuals in recovery and attending 12-step programs. Plus, six optional follow up sessions.

Lunch will be included. $25$35. Held at Grace Episcopal Church on Merrimon Ave. Info: lynnmclure@gmail.com.

Compassionate Communication Practice Group Learn ways to create understanding and clarity in your relationships, work, and community by practicing compassionate communication.

Group uses a model developed by Marshall Rosenberg in his book Nonviolent Communication, A Language of Life. Free. Info: 252-0533 or www.ashevilleccc.com.

• 2nd & 4th THURSDAYS, 5:15-6:15pm - Practice group for newcomers and experienced practitioners.

Conscious Eating • SU (8/16), 4pm - Mountain Area Interfaith Forum and Pisgah View Peace Gardens

will present a program on conscious eating at the gardens, 1 Granada St., W. Asheville. The potluck will include blessings from several faith traditions, group dance and discussion.

Bring a vegetarian dish. Free.

Info: 216-8961.

Ethical Society of Asheville A humanistic, religious and educational movement inspired by the ideal that the supreme aim of human life is working to create a more humane society. Meetings are held at the Botanical Garden’s Visitors Center, 151 W. T. Weaver Blvd. All are welcome.

Info: 687-7759 or www. aeu.org.

• SU (8/16), 2-3:30pm - “Health System Reform: What Are the Options?” will be presented by Karl Katterjohn, PA. Followed by a discussion period led by Kathryn Liss and informal conversation.

Events at Montreat College Events are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted.

• TU (8/18), 11am - Opening convocation in Gaither Chapel.

The guest speaker will be Navy Rear Admiral Chaplain Alan T. Baker.

• TH (8/20), 11am Communion service with Chaplain Steve.

First Congregational Church Located at 20 Oak St. in downtown Asheville. “An open and affirming congregation.”

Info: 252-8729 or www.uccasheville.org.

• SUNDAYS (through 9/6), 10am - Summer worship service with Rev. Joe Hoffman and Rev. Shannon Spencer.

Childcare is provided. FCUCC is an open and affirming congregation; all are welcome.

Healing Fears of Trusting God • TH (8/13), 6:30-8:30pm - Program at OSL ecumenical group dedicated to the Christian healing ministry. At Grace Episcopal Church, 871 Merrimon Ave., Asheville. All are welcome. Info: 242-3260 or mtn_osl@yahoo.com.

Journey Expansion Team (JET) • THURSDAYS, 7-9pm - An inspiration of James Ray featured on Oprah/The Secret.

Join a group of like-minded people who want to share with others The Law Of Vibration and other Universal Laws.

Meetings held in Fletcher/ Asheville. Info: 329-7145 or kimberlycroteau@yahoo.com.

Maharishi’s Transcendental Meditation Technique Transcend the busy, active mind—effortlessly—for peace, bliss and full awakening of creative intelligence.

The most effective, extensively researched meditation.

Revitalizes mind/body, relieves worry and anxiety, improves

brain functioning. Free. Info: 254-4350 or www.meditationasheville.org.

• WEDNESDAYS, 7:15pm - At the Asheville TM Center, 165 E. Chestnut.

Mindfulness Meditation Class Explore the miracle of healing into life through deepened stillness and presence. Info: 2583241 or www.billwalz.com.

• MONDAYS, 7-8pm Meditation class with lesson and discussions in contemporary Zen living. At the Asheville Friends Meeting House at 227 Edgewood Ave. (off Merrimon Ave.). Donation.

Mountain Zen Practice Center Ending suffering through the practice of Conscious Compassionate Awareness.

Located at 156 E. Chestnut St. Info: 253-4621 or www. mountainzen.org. Orientation required for newcomers.

• TUESDAYS, 7-8:30pm Meditation and discussion.

Mystic Gatherings Share in the community of those who are governed both by logic and observing signs around them: gut, spirit, intuition or whatever That is. Bring your stories and experiences.

Gatherings are dynamic and diverse and range from topics such as changes in our society to defining moments in life and much more. Info: 206-2009.

• WEDNESDAYS, 7pm - Meeting.

Namaste Sacred Events Located at 57 Broadway. Info: 253-6985.

• 1st & 3rd SUNDAYS, 68pm - Hare Krsna Love Feast.

An evening of chanting the Holy Names in the association of Asheville devotees, reading Vedic scriptures and enjoying a vegetarian feast. Info: www. highthinkingsimpleliving.org or 586-3919.

Prophetic Encounter Revival at Garden of Prayer • SATURDAYS (through 8/15), 7-10pm - Are you in need of a miracle? Apostle KC Sparks from Chicago, Ill. has a word from God for you. Come have a life-changing encounter with Jesus. Located at 25 Forsythe St., Asheville. Free.

Info: 254-4951.

Psychic Development Class • 2nd & 4th WEDNESDAYS, 7-8:30pm - Develop your intuition in a stress-free environment. Everyone will have an opportunity to read and to be read. Love donation accepted.

Info: 255-8304.

Sojourner Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) A congregation in formation.

The goal is provide a caring, non-threatening environment for the exploration of Christian spirituality. Info: www.sojournerchurch.org.

• SUNDAYS, 9:30am - Worship —- 10:30am - Fellowship. Lower floor of Morningside Baptist Church, 14 Mineral Springs Road, Asheville.

Sri Sri Sri Shivabalayogi Meditation Group Receive initiation into Sri Swamiji’s one-hour meditation technique. One-hour of silent meditation followed by Bhajans (devotional singing).

Free. Directions & info: 2993246 or www.shivabalayogiguru.org.

• WEDNESDAYS, 7pm - Meditation. Holy Ash and meditation instructions provided.

Transmission Meditation Group Join in this group meditation for your own personal spiritual growth, as well as the healing and transformation of the planet. Info: 318-8547.

• TUESDAYS, 6:30pm - Meditation for personal and spiritual growth.

Unity Cafe Looking for a change from the usual Sunday service?

Spiritual conversation and sharing, music, meditation, coffee and pastry. Info: 2548488 or www.SacredNature. com/unitycafe.html.

• 1st, 3rd & 5th SUNDAYS, 10am-Noon - Weekly service at Greenlife Grocery Community Center, 90 Merrimon Ave. Unity Center Events Celebrate joyful, mindful living in a church with heart.

Contemporary music by Lytingale and The Unitic Band.

Located at 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Rd. Info: 684-3798, 891-8700 or www.unitync. net.

• WE (8/12), 7pm - “Rhythm Circle: Drum for Healing, Health & Wellness,” with Debbie Schults. $10 suggested love offering.

• SU (8/16), 12:45pm Unity’s Friendship Potluck will be held after the Celebration Service. Please bring a dish to share —- 2-5pm - “Miracle Shifts for Shifting Times,” with Rev. David Hiller.

• SUNDAYS, 9:30am & 11am - Two Sunday Celebration Services. Children’s nursery available during both services —- 11am - Children’s Sunday School (ages 4 to 18).

• WE (8/19), 7pm - “Aramaic Yeshua: The Realization of the Christ Within,” with Dale Allen Hoffman. $25 suggested love offering.

Art Gallery Exhibits & Openings 16 Patton Gallery hours: Tues.-Sat., 11am-6pm and Sun., 1-6pm

(open on Sun. May-Oct. only). Info: 236-2889 or www.16patton.com.

• Through SU (8/23) Richard Oversmith: Recent Works will be on display.

Aesthetic Gallery Located at 6 College St., Asheville. Hours: Tues.-Sat., Noon-6pm. Info: 398-0219 or www.aestheticgallery.com.

• FR (8/7) through FR (9/11) - Beyond Photography, digital painting giclees by photographer artist Ron Morecraf.

• FR (8/14), 5:30-7:30pm - Reception for Beyond Photography.

Art at UNCA Art exhibits and events at the university are free, unless otherwise noted.

• Through FR (8/28) - Inmate Art, drawings and collages by student-inmates at Avery Mitchell Correctional Facility, will be on display in Blowers Gallery.

• FR (8/14), 6-8pm - UNCA seniors art exhibit opening reception at Highsmith University Union Gallery.

Photographs by Julie Keller and ceramics by Emily Thewlis. Info: 251-6991.

Arts Council of Henderson County D. Samuel Neill Gallery hours: Tues.-Fri., 1-5pm and Sat., 14pm. Located at 538 N. Main St., 2nd Floor, Hendersonville.

Info: 693-8504 or www. acofhc.org.

• FR (8/7) through SA (9/19) - The juried and judged exhibition Bring Us Your Best 6 will be on display.

Asheville Area Arts Council The Asheville Area Arts Council (AAAC) is at 11 Biltmore Ave. Hours: Mon.Fri., 10am-5pm and Sat., Noon-3pm. Info: 258-0710 or www.ashevillearts.com.

• FR (8/7) through SU (8/30) - New artwork by Cynthia Hall and Dawson Fogg will be on display.

Asheville Art Museum The museum is in Pack Place Education, Arts and Science Center on Pack Square.

Hours: Tues.-Sat. from 10am5pm and Sun. from 1-5pm.

Free the 1st Wed. of every month from 3-5pm. Info: 2533227. $6/$5.

• Through SU (8/23) Tradition/Innovation: American Masterpieces of Southern Craft & Traditional Art. • Through SU (9/13) Response and Memory: The Art of Beverly Buchanan.

Asheville Gallery of Art A co-op gallery representing 28 regional artists located at 16 College St. Hours: Mon.Sat., 10am-5:30pm and Sun.: 1-4pm. Info: 251-5796 or www.ashevillegallery-of-art. com.

freewillastrology ARIES (March 21-April 19):

I started producing some good work within ten years of launching my writing career, but I didn’t hit my stride until the 18th year.

From what I hear, many other skills require a long training period as well. According to an Aikido adept I know, for example, a practitioner may require 30 years to master the moves and spirit of that martial art. And as for the ability to carry on a successful intimate relationship: It usually takes a lifetime. I hope this line of thinking helps you get a more practical perspective on the specific prowess you’re trying to develop, Aries. Keep in mind that it probably wouldn’t be worth learning if you could become a wizard in a flash. There’s no rush. Give yourself credit for how far you’ve come already.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20):

Talk to yourself more and better. Not just with streams of chatter that meander aimlessly.

Not with darts of self-deprecation mixed in with grandiose fantasies. No, Taurus. When I urge you to talk to yourself more and better, I mean that you should address your self with focused tenderness. I mean that you should be driven by the bold intention to lift up your mood, praise your skills, shower blessings on your vulnerabilities, and love yourself down to the core. You will attract cosmic assistance if you do this playful work. You will bathe your subconscious intelligence with healing luminosity.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20):

I climbed the endless steps to the sanctuary, brushing off large spiders that kept landing on me. I stood in the rain for hours waiting for the gates to open. The guardian of the threshold wouldn’t let me in until I answered his tricky and sometimes insulting questions. Through it all, I maintained my patience and poise and reverence. At no time did I give in to the temptation to curse the difficulties. And when I finally entered, when I got my chance to penetrate to the heart of the rose petal-strewn labyrinth, my persistence was rewarded. As I knelt there in amused awe, face to face with the sacred jokester, I got a useful answer to the most important question in my life. Would you like a comparable experience, Gemini? It’s possible in the coming week.

CANCER (June 21-July 22):

Visionary philosopher Buckminster Fuller said that “Pollution is nothing but resources we’re not harvesting.” If that’s true, Cancerian, you’ve got a lot of resources available to you right now, although they will have to be converted from their smoggy and effluvial state.

So for example, if you’re a songwriter, the noxious emotions floating around could be raw material for a sparkling tune. If you’re a lover, the peculiar vibes you’re dealing with could inspire you to prevent a dumb pattern from repeating itself.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22):

The monsoon rains have not blessed eastern India with their usual downpours this year.

In response, frustrated farmers have resorted to a radical ritual: asking their unmarried daughters to get naked and plow the fields.

They believe that this will embarrass the weather gods into acting correctly. In general, I approve of being creative in making appeals to deities, but I recommend that you use a different approach. Rather than shaming them into providing you with more love and mojo, try flattering them. As if you were celebrating Halloween early, go around impersonating a god or goddess who is overflowing with love and mojo.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):

Two annoyances that had been bugging you before your exile have been neutralized. But you’ve still got at least one more to go, so don’t relax yet. In fact, I think you should redouble your vigilance. Check expiration dates on your poetic licenses and pet theories.

Scrub the muck from your aura, even if your friends seem to find it “interesting.” And learn to read your own mind better so you can track down any disabling thoughts that might still be lurking in remote corners.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22):

Your upcoming adventures will probably make no sense — unless you redefine what constitutes “sense.” If you do that, your adventures could make absolutely lucid sense in a backward, upside-down way that will rejuvenate you sexually, spiritually, and emotionally. Here’s another approach to understanding the point I’m trying to make: The epic drama you’re about to begin may yield no apparent lesson and provide no practical guidance — unless you empty your mind and give up hope for extracting specific lessons and guidance — in which case you will be flooded with wise insights.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21):

What tricks have you employed to outwit your fears in the past? Remember them. Review them. Next, think about the people who have inspired you to be more courageous than you imagined were capable of. If you take these two actions, you will prepare yourself well for the week ahead. I’m not saying that the things you’re scared of will be any bigger or badder than usual. But I want you to know that you now have the potential to gain a robust new power over them.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):

You are currently getting more miles per gallon and more bang for the buck than you have in a long time. Your IQ is creeping higher.

Your knack for scoring good parking places is at a peak. I’ll even go so far as to say that it’s been quite a while since you’ve been teased by such thoroughly useful temptations. And

get this, Sagittarius: I suspect that you have an enhanced instinct for taking smart risks. The only downside of all this good news is that you may not know your own strength. That means you should test it fast; find out more about its potential. Otherwise, you might break someone’s heart by accident, or prematurely shatter the illusions of a person who’s not yet ready to stop living in fantasyland.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):

I wouldn’t be surprised if your whole life passed instantly before your eyes one day soon. Not because you’ll come close to literal physical death or anything dangerous at all, but rather because you will have a brush with a magic power that could be yours in the future — a magic power that will be possible for you to fully own only if you cut the umbilicus that links you to a dying source. Wow. Did I really say that in a fun little astrology column? And are you really prepared to change your life because of something you read in a fun little astrology column? I hope so. In the coming weeks, it’ll be the fun little things that have the greatest potential to align you more closely with your soul’s code.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18):

In the days ahead, you may not realize what you’re looking for until you find it. I advise you, therefore, to put into action the following five-point plan. 1) Suppress any know-it-all tendencies you might have. 2) Revive your childhood talent for being voraciously curious about everything. 3) Ask more questions than you’ve ever asked before. 4) Figure out how to be receptive without being passive, and how you can be humble without muffling your self-confidence. 5) Consider the possibility that you have a lot to learn about what’s best for you.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20):

I’ve borrowed a fable from the ancient Greek writer Aesop to create a parable you can use in the coming weeks. Once upon a time there was a very thirsty crow. Rain hadn’t fallen in a long time, and the creek from which she’d always drunk had dried up. Searching and searching for a bit of moisture, the crow finally happened upon a tree under which sat a ceramic pitcher with some water in it. But the pitcher’s neck was narrow, and the crow couldn’t fit her beak past it to reach the water.

Inspired by desperation, the crow at last got an idea. Why not drop small rocks into the pitcher, making the water’s level rise? And that’s exactly what she did. How sweet it was when at last she quenched her thirst.

Homework: Do what you must do in order to break a bad habit that’s sapping your vitality. Report results to uaregod@comcast.net. © Copyright 2009 Rob Brezsny

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26 AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 • mountainx.com

• Through MO (8/31) - Internal Landscape, a collection of abstract oil paintings by Cindy Walton.

Bella Vista Art Gallery Located in Biltmore Village, next to the parking lot of Rezaz’s restaurant. Open daily.

Info: 768-0246 or www.bellavistaart.com.

• Through MO (8/31) - New Raku artists: Terry Hagiwara and Lorri Acott-Fowler. New works in pastel by Karen Margulis.

Black Mountain Center for the Arts Located in the renovated Old City Hall at 225 West State St. in Black Mountain.

Gallery Hours: Mon.-Wed. & Fri., 10am-5pm (closed Sat. during winter months).

Info: 669-0930 or www.

BlackMountainArts.org.

• FR (8/7) through FR (9/25) - Captured on Canvas, a solo exhibit by photographer Susan Stanton.

Blue Spiral 1 The gallery at 38 Biltmore Ave. is open Mon.-Sat., 10am6pm. Info: 251-0202 or www. bluespiral1.com.

• Through SU (9/20) - Will Henry Stevens (1881-1949) + Tom Turner: Stevens’ never-before exhibited abstracts paired with Turner’s porcelain. Alice R. Ballard: nature-inspired ceramics.

Alex Bernstein, Julyan Davis, Charles Goolsby: glass sculpture and paintings.

Crimson Laurel Gallery Info: 688-3599 or www.crimsonlaurelgallery.com.

• Through SA (8/29) Anthropogenic, new work by Matt Jacobs and Eric Knoche.

Haen Gallery Located at 52 Biltmore Ave., downtown Asheville. Hours: Mon.-Fri., 10am-6pm, Sat., 11am-6pm and Sun., Noon5pm. Info: 254-8577 or www. thehaengallery.com.

• Through MO (8/31) Summer Samplings, a group exhibition.

Hand In Hand Gallery Located at 2720 Greenville Hwy. (U.S. 25 South) in Flat Rock. Info: 697-7719 or www.handinhandgallery.com.

• Through SU (10/4) - Summertime Memories: W.N.C. Treasures.

Hollingsworth Gallery Located at 147 E. Main St., Brevard. Info: 877-3886.

• SA (8/1) through MO (8/31) - Paintings by local artist Martha D’Angona will be on display.

Madison County Arts Council Exhibits Located at 90 S. Main St. in Marshall. Info: 649-1301.

• FR (8/14), 6-9pm Amalgam exhibit opening and

reception. A solo show by Chukk Bruurseema.

Phil Mechanic Studios Located at 109 Roberts St. on the corner of Clingman Ave. in the River Arts District. Houses Flood Gallery, Pump Gallery and Nook Gallery. Info: www. philmechanicstudios.com.

• FR (8/7) through SA (9/5) - Oh Kaos, a group show featuring local and national artists, will be on display at Flood Gallery. The works address the range of possibilities between the ideas of “OK” and “chaos.”

• FR (8/7) through MO (9/1) - The work of Merlin Strivelli will be on display at the Pump Gallery. Strivelli, who was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome as a child, recently received an “Award of Excellence” at The Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. Satellite Gallery Located at 55 Broadway, downtown Asheville. Info: www.thesatellitegallery.com.

• Through SU (8/23) - Work by acclaimed Miami artist Miguel Paredes will be on display —- of cloudy climes, an exhibit of new work by Brian Mashburn will be on display.

Studio B A framing studio and art gallery at 1020 Merrimon Ave., Suite 104. Hours: Tues.-Fri. 10am-5:30pm & Sat. 10am3pm. Info: 225-5200, (800) 794-9053, studiob4422@ bellsouth.net or www.galleryatstudiob.com.

• Through SA (8/22) Capturing the Equine Spirit, paintings by Patricia Ramos Alcayaga.

Toe River Arts Council The TRAC Center Gallery is at 269 Oak Ave. in Spruce Pine.

Hours: Tues.-Sat., 10am-5pm.

The Burnsville TRAC Gallery is at 102 W. Main St. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10am-5pm. Spruce Pine info: 765-0520. Burnsville info: 682-7215. General info: www.toeriverarts.org.

• Through SA (8/15) Function and Funk: the Pottery of Courtney Martin at the Burnsville TRAC Gallery.

Transylvania Community Arts Council Located at 349 South Caldwell St. in Brevard. Hours: Mon.Fri., 10am-4 pm. Info: 8842787 or www.artsofbrevard. org.

• Through FR (8/21) - Artists of Scenic 276 South will be on display.

WCU Exhibits Unless otherwise noted, exhibits are held at the Fine Art Museum, Fine & Performing Arts Center on the campus of Western Carolina University.

Hours: Tues.-Fri., 10am-4pm

& Sat., 1-4pm. Suggested donation: $5 family/$3 person.

Info: 227-3591 or www.wcu. edu/fapac/galleries.

• Through FR (9/18) - New Gifts: Selections from the Collection of Professor Emeritus Perry Kelly, George Masa: A Photographic Vision of the Mountains and Dean and Nancy Cramer Lettenstrom: Delicate Balance: Painting & Drawing.

YMI Cultural Center Located at 39 South Market St., the community-based organization seeks to enhance the cultural and economic lives of people in WNC, particularly minority and low-income residents. Gallery hours: Tues.Fri., 10am-5pm. Info: 2524614 or www.ymicc.org.

• Through SU (9/20) Working Process, sculptures

by Robert Winkler.

More Art Exhibits & Openings Art at Nova Located at 109 Broadway, Asheville.

• TH (8/20) through MO (8/31) - Work by Stephen Lange will be on display.

• TH (8/20), 6-9pm Asheville/Atlanta artist Stephen Lange and Nova present a collector appreciation show.

All previous and future collectors will be treated to food, drinks, signed prints and original art. RSVP: 275-6243 or langeart@hotmail.com.

Art at the N.C. Arboretum Works by members of the Asheville Quilt Guild and regional artists are on display daily in The Visitor Education Center. Info: 665-2492 or www.ncarboretum.org.

• Through SU (11/1) - H. Douglas Pratt and John C. Sill’s BIRDS: The Science of Illustration. The exhibit celebrates the art and science of birds.

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 www.flyavl.com.

• Through TU (10/27) - More than 30 original pieces of artwork by nine local artists will be on display.

Art League of Henderson County The ALHC meets and shows exhibits at the Opportunity House, 1411 Asheville Hwy. (25N) in downtown Hendersonville. Info: 6920575 or www.artleague.net.

• FR (8/7) through TH (9/10) - Works by local guest artist Gloria Elasky will be on display in the Grace Etheredge Room at Opportunity House.

Artwork by Cyndi

• Through WE (9/30) - Artwork by Cyndi Calhou will be on display at Salsa’s Restaurant in downtown Asheville and at Brixx Pizza in S. Asheville.

Carolina Nature Photographers Association Info: www.cnpa-asheville.org.

• FR (8/14) through SU (11/15) - Celebrating Nature Through Photography, images from the N.C. Arboretum and WNC will be on display at the N.C. Arboretum.

Center For Craft, Creativity and Design The inter-institutional Regional Center of the University of North Carolina is located at the Kellogg Conference Center, 11 Broyles Rd. in Hendersonville.

Info: 890-2050 or www. craftscreativitydesign.org.

• Through FR (8/14) - Are Chairs Just for Sitting, featuring the work of 24 accomplished furniture makers in WNC. Events at First Congregational United Church of Christ Located at 20 Oak St., Asheville.

• Through MO (8/31) - All Things Bright & Beautiful, a photography exhibit by Connie Toops. Toops’ work explores a hummingbird’s perspective as it zips from flower to flower.

French Broad Fridays Folks in Marshall roll out the red carpet for an arts walk.

Visit the galleries and studios along the French Broad River in the Marshall Arts District.

Plus, food, live music and dancing. Info: http://madfbf. blogspot.com.

• FR (8/14), 5-9pm - Dog Daze.

Swannanoa Valley Fine Arts League Classes are held at the studio, 999 W. Old Rt. 70, Black Mountain. Info: svfal.info@ gmail.com or www.svfal.org.

• SA (8/1) through SU (8/16) - Swannanoa Valley Fine Arts League Members’ Exhibit.

Juried art show at Tyson Library in Black Mountain.

Classes, Meetings & Arts-Related Events Attention Artists and Photographers! (pd.) Need your work Captured, Reproduced, or Printed? Digital Resolutions Group specializes in highquality large format digital photography, outstanding fine art reproduction and printing.

(828) 670-5257 or visit www. ashevilledigital.com Asheville Art Museum Located on Pack Square in downtown Asheville. Hours: Tues.-Sat., 10am-5pm and Sun., 1-5pm. Admission: $6/$5 students and seniors/ Free for kids under 4. Free first Wednesdays from 3-5pm.

Info: 253-3227 or www.ashevilleart.org.

• FR (8/14), Noon-1pm - Art Break: Curator Frank Thomson will lead a tour of the exhibition Cherokee Carvers: Tradition Renewed.

• SU (8/16), 2-4pm - Artist Talk: Ask questions and learn about both technique and artistic philosophy as some of the Tradition/Innovation artists talk about their work in this exhibition.

Asheville Arts Center’s 5th Birthday Party Celebrating five years of performing arts education. Food and festivities for the whole family. Info: 253-4000.

• FR (8/14), 5-8pm - Party at South location, 9 Summit Ave., Arden (off of Hendersonville Road before Long Shoals Road).

• SA (8/15), 10am-3pm Party at the main location, 308 Merrimon Ave. Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center The center is located at 56 Broadway, and preserves the legacy of the Black Mountain College through permanent collections, educational activities and public programs. Info: 350-8484 or bmcmac@ bellsouth.net.

• TH (8/13), 7:30pm - Multimedia presentation: “Scientific Foundations in Art and Music,” with Michael J. Ruiz, Professor of Physics at UNCA. $5/$7 nonmembers.

Come to Leicester Studio Tour There will be 24 stops available along this free, self-guided tour. Wildberry Lodge will have an example of each artist’s work on display (www.wildberrylodge.com). For a tour map and more info: 683-2459 or www.cometoleicester.com.

• SA & SU (8/15 & 16), 10am-6pm - Fourth annual Come to Leicester Studio Tour.

Swannanoa Valley Fine Arts League Classes are held at the studio, 999 W. Old Rt. 70, Black Mountain. Info: svfal.info@ gmail.com or www.svfal.org.

• THURSDAYS, Noon-3pm - Experimental Art Group.

Experimental learning and sharing water-media techniques and collage. $20 per four sessions or $6/session.

• FRIDAYS, 10am-1pm Open studio for figure drawing.

Small fee for model.

• MONDAYS, Noon-3pm - Open studio for portrait painting. Small fee for model.

Art/Craft Fairs Anything Fiber Sale and Swap Sponsored by the Fiber Action Cooperative. At the Swannanoa Valley Friends Meeting House, 137 Center

Ave., Black Mountain. Come sell and buy everything related to fiber arts. Spinning circle weather permitting. Info: 2026206 or www.fiberaction.org.

• SA (8/15), 10am-4pm - First annual Anything Fiber Sale and Swap.

Asheville People’s Market Held June through October in the parking lot across from Rosetta’s Kitchen at 93 N. Lexington Ave. Info: rosettastarshine@gmail.com.

• SUNDAYS, 11am-4pm - Search for art, crafts and homemade items made by Asheville artists at this fleamarket style market.

Greenlife Grocery Arts Market Located at 70 Merrimon Ave. Info: 254-5440.

• SATURDAYS, 11am-6pm Browse the wares of local and regional artists on the grass at Greenlife Grocery.

Lexington Avenue Bazaar An outdoor market in the Lexington Avenue Courtyard, enter at 58 1/2 North Lexington Ave. Local indie art, craft and design, food and live music. Info: www.lexingtonbazaar.blogspot.com.

• 1st & 3rd SATURDAYS, 11am-6pm - Bazaar.

Spoken & Written Word Asheville Storytelling Circle A nonprofit dedicated to excellence in the oral tradition that affirms various cultures through storytelling, and nourishes the development of emerging and established artists. Guests and new members always welcome. Info: 274-1123 or 658-4151.

• SU (8/16), 6pm - Storytelling event. Area residents are invited to a tell-off of “Folktales and Foolishness,” held at Buncombe County Rec. Park, pavilion 1. Listeners are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets for seating. Free.

• 3rd MONDAYS, 7pm Tellers and listeners are invited to come to Asheville Terrace Lobby, 200 Tunnel Road.

Buncombe County Public Libraries LIBRARY ABBRVIATIONS - Each Library event is marked by the following location abbreviations: n BM = Black Mountain Library (105 N. Dougherty St., 250-4756) n EA = East Asheville Library (902 Tunnel Road, 250-4738) n EC = Enka-Candler Library (1404 Sandhill Road, 2504758) n FV = Fairview Library (1 Taylor Road, 250-6484) n LE = Leicester Library (1561 Alexander Road, 2506480)

n LL = Law Library (Buncombe County Courthouse, 10th Floor, 2504734) n NA = North Asheville Library (1030 Merrimon Avenue, 250-4752) n PM = Pack Memorial Library (67 Haywood Street, 250-4700) n SA = South Asheville/ Oakley Library (749 Fairview Road, 250-4754) n SS = Skyland/South Buncombe Library (260 Overlook Road, 250-6488) n SW = Swannanoa Library (101 West Charleston Street, 250-6486) n WV = Weaverville Library (41 N. Main Street, 250-6482) n WA = West Asheville Library (942 Haywood Road, 250-4750) • TH (8/13), 6:30pm - Knitty Gritty Knitting Night. EA —1pm - Book Club: Truman by David McCullough. FV. • TU (8/18), 7pm - Mystery Book Club: Smoke Screen by Sandra Brown. BM —- 2pm - Book Club: The Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Kim Edwards. NA —- 6pm - “Job Search Strategies,” a program with Ellen Westbrook of Mountain Area Joblink. WV. • WE (8/19), 3-5pm - Library Knitters meeting. SS. • TH (8/20), 2pm - Book Club: Go Down Moses by William Faulkner. SS —- 7pm - Book Club: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. SW. Events at Barnes & Noble The bookstore is located at 3 Tunnel Rd. Info: 296-9330 or www.bn.com.

• SU (8/16), 3-5pm - Author J. Mark Pressley will sign copies of his biblical studies book A Tabernacle of Worship.

Events at Malaprop’s The bookstore and cafe at 55 Haywood St. hosts visiting authors for talks and book signings. Info: 254-6734 or www.malaprops.com.

• WE (8/12), 7pm Astrologer and mythologist M. Kelley Hunter will discuss her books Living Lilith: Four Dimensions of the Cosmic Feminine and Black Moon Lilith.

• TH (8/13), 7pm - David J. Williams will read from and sign copies of his futuristic thriller Burning Skies.

• FR (8/14), 7pm - Batt Humphreys will present his novel Dead Weight.

• SA (8/15), 2-4pm - Mystery author Chris Cavender will sign copies of his book A Slice of Murder —- 7pm - Maggie Valley author Kathryn Magendie will present her book Tender Graces.

• SU (8/16), 3pm - Fiction author Ellyn Bache will read

from and sign copies of her novel Daughters of the Sea. • MO (8/17), 7pm - Stitch-NBitch. Please bring a current project to work on.

• TU (8/18), 7pm - Literary Trivia Night.

• WE (8/19), 7pm - Teachers and educators of all stripes are welcome to meet and discuss lesson plans, classroom activities and ideas for stress relief.

• TH (8/20), 5:30pm - Women on Words. New members welcome —- 7pm - John S. Buck, co-author of We the People: Consenting to a Deeper Democracy, will present his book and discuss the principles of sociocracy.

Glenis Redmond, Ahrm Choi and Amber Sherer • FR (8/14), 7pm - “From the Core,” an explosion of thoughts and feelings as three women examine how the world has touched them on the subterranean level. Dessert followed by poetry at 8pm at Posana Cafe, 1 Biltmore Ave., downtown Asheville. Info: 505-3967.

Haywood County Public Library Info: 452-5169, ext. 2511 or www.haywoodlibrary.org.

• THURSDAYS, 2-3pm - Teen Writing Workshop at the Waynesville branch. Free, but registration required.

Osondu Booksellers All events are held at Osondu, 184 North Main St., Waynesville, unless otherwise noted. Info: 456-8062 or www.osondubooksellers.com.

• SA (8/15), 11am - Dr. Colleen Patricia Jones, veterinarian and author, will share stories about Dr. Paws. The whole family is invited.

• MO (8/17), 7pm Nonfiction Book Club: Waiting for Snow in Havana by Carlos Eire.

Spanish for Beginners Call International Link for details and to sign up: 2559104.

• MONDAYS, 6-7:30pm Small group six-week Beginner Spanish classes with a native speaker. $10 a class.

• TUESDAYS, 5-6:30pm - Intermediate Spanish classes with a native speaker. $10 a class.

Writers’ Workshop Events WW offers a variety of classes and events for beginning and experienced writers. Info: 2548111 or www.twwoa.org.

• Through SA (8/15) - Deadline for the “Hard Times Writing Contest.” $20 entry fee.

• Through SU (8/30) Deadline for the “Short Fiction” contest. $20 entry fee.

Food Events at Earth Fare South

mountainx.com • AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 27

Located at 1856 Hendersonville Rd. Info: 2100100.

• TH (8/13) & WE (8/19), 4-6pm - Local food tasting and social for August Friends of Earth Fare, Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project. Free.

Festivals & Gatherings The Gathering Of The Peacemakers (pd.) Days of Wisdom and Nights of Conscious Music.

Daily workshops on living a balanced, sustainable and loving life. Nights of celebration with Chalwa, Satta Lions and Inner Visions. August 30-September 5. (828) 2954610. www.onelovepress. com Festivities at Pritchard Park Events are sponsored by The Friends of Pritchard Park, a partnership between the Downtown Asheville Residential Neighbors (DARN) and Asheville GreenWork.

Located at the intersection of Patton Ave., College St. and Haywood St. in downtown Asheville. Free and open to the public.

• WE (8/12), Noon-2pm - Andy Pond will perform jazz music.

• TH (8/13), 5-7pm - Wind Motika will perform flute music.

• SA (8/15) - Movie Night: Scarface, The Shame of A Nation (the 1932 Paul Muni version, not the Al Pacino version) will be screened. Films begin at dark, around 8pm.

• TUESDAYS, 5-7pm - Hula hooping for all ages.

• WE (8/19), Noon-2pm - Classical music will be performed by Intermezzo.

• TH (8/20), 5-7pm - Folkrock music by Galen Kipar.

Music African Drum and History Class Learn djembe from Adama Dembele, a 33rd generation djembe player from the Ivory Coast, West Africa. Info: (520) 243-3123.

• WEDNESDAYS, 6-7pm - Drum class at Koinonia Studio, 178 Westwood Place, W. Asheville.

• TUESDAYS, 6:30-7:30pm - Drum class at Terpsicorps dance studio, 129 Roberts St., River Arts District.

African Drumming With Billy Zanski at Skinny Beats Drum Shop, 4 Eagle St., downtown Asheville. Drums provided. No experience necessary. Suggested donation $10 per class. Drop-ins welcome. Info: 768-2826.

• WEDNESDAYS, 6-7pm - Beginners.

• SUNDAYS, 1-2pm - Intermediates —- 2-3pm - Beginners.

Asheville Jazz Orchestra • MO (8/17), 9-11pm - The Asheville Jazz Orchestra and the Rocket Club will celebrate one year of live big band jazz at the Rocket Club, 401 Haywood Road, Asheville.

The AJO will perform for listeners and dancers alike. $5.

Benefit Concert with Gary Jules • SU (8/16), 7:30pm - Benefit concert at The Grey Eagle with Gary Jules (www.garyjules. com) and Angi West. To benefit a small, nonprofit school in Black Mountain, Swannanoa Valley Montessori School.

Info: www.swanmont.org.

Minimum donation $10.

Bluegrass Slow Jam in Asheville • MONDAYS, 6:30-7pm “Slow” jam for people learning bluegrass banjo, mandolin and guitar —- 7-8:30pm - Regular bluegrass jam. Not held when a Federal holiday falls on a Monday. At Blue Ridge Music, 828 Hendersonville Rd., Asheville. Info: 277-5588.

Concerts at Blue Ridge Community College Info: 694-1743.

• SU (8/16), 5-7pm - The Music by the Lake series presents a concert by Eliza Lynn and Band.

Concerts on the Creek Held in the pavilion at Bridge Park in downtown Sylva. Sponsored by the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce. Free. Info: (800)962-1911 or www.mountainlovers.com.

• SA (8/15), 6-9pm - The Smoky Mountain Brass Quintet will perform.

Events in Cherokee Info: 438-1601 or www. cherokee-nc.com.

• TH (8/20) through SA (8/22) - The 27th annual Cherokee Bluegrass Festival will feature nationally recognized bluegrass bands. See Web site for details.

Haywood Community Band Info: 452-7530 or www.haywoodcommunityband.org.

• SU (8/16), 6:30pm - Free concert at the pavilion next to the Maggie Valley Town Hall.

The concert’s theme will be “The Band’s Favorite Tunes,” and will feature music from West Side Story, “Stormy Weather” and more. Bring a picnic.

Henderson County Public Library System Unless otherwise stated, all events take place in the Kaplan Auditorium of the Main Branch Library, located at 301 N. Washington St. in Hendersonville. The county system includes branches at Edneyville, Etowah, Fletcher

and Green River. Info: 6974725 or www.henderson. lib.nc.us.

• WE (8/12), 7pm - Singer/ songwriter Angela Easterling will perform a concert of folk and Americana music. Plus, CD signing.

Land of the Sky Men’s Harmony Chorus Male singers invited to weekly meetings at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 51 Wilburn Place, W. Asheville. Info: 298-9248 or www.ashevillebarbershop.com.

• TUESDAYS, 7:30pm Regular meeting at Emmanuel Lutheran Church. See website for details.

Music at the Asheville City Market The market is held in the parking lot of the Public Works building on South Charlotte Street. Info: 242-6881.

• SA (8/15), 8am-1pm - Wayne Erbsen, old-time country and bluegrass.

Music at the Asheville City Market South The market is held at Biltmore Square Park. Info: 348-0340.

• WE (8/12), 7:30-11:30am - Rickie Castrillo, guitar.

• WE (8/19), 7:30-11:30am - Galen Kipar, singer/songwriter.

Music on Main Street Live music and dancing at the Visitors Information Center, 201 S. Main St. in Hendersonville. Bring a chair. No pets or alcoholic beverages allowed. Free. Info: 693-9708, 1-800-828-4244 or www.historichendersonville.org • FR (8/14), 7-9pm - Oldies rock with Sound Investment.

Shindig on the Green A celebration of traditional and old-time string bands, bluegrass, ballad singers, big circle mountain dancers and cloggers. At Martin Luther King Jr. Park in downtown Asheville. Stage show and informal jam sessions. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Free.

Info: 258-6101 ext. 345 or www.folkheritage.org.

• SATURDAYS (through 9/5), 7pm - Shindig.

St. Matthias Musical Performances These classical music concerts take place at St. Matthias Episcopal Church in Asheville, 1 Dundee St. (off South Charlotte). Info: 252-0643.

• SU (8/16), 3pm - Concert of old time and Celtic music performed by the Sweetwater Trio. A free-will offering will be taken for the restoration of the historic church.

• TU (8/18), 7:30pm Baritone Kevin Dougherty and tenor Scott Joiner will present a joint recital. The program will include operatic arias and duets with some art songs.

28 AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 • mountainx.com

Free-will donations for the artists and for the restoration of the church.

West African Drumming • SA (8/15), 7-8:30pm Bolokada Conde and Friends will be performing at Skinny Beats Drum Shop, 4 Eagle St. Info: 768-2826.

WNC Parrot Head Club The local chapter of “Parrot Heads in Paradise, Inc.,” a national organization of fans of Jimmy Buffett. Info: www. wncphc.com or tickets@ wncphc.com.

• WE (8/12), 7:30-9:30pm - WNC Parrot Head Club presents Scott Kirby with Dave Edmisten. As seen on Radio Margaritaville, frequently performing in Key West at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville and the Hogs Breath. At the Watershed in Black Mountain. $15.

Theater Brevard Little Theatre For locations, prices and other information, visit www. brevardlittletheatre.com.

Reservations: 884-2587.

• TH & FR (8/20 & 21), 7:30pm & SA & SU (8/22 & 23), 3pm - Winnie the Pooh.

Presented by the Brevard Little Theatre Youth Troupe at 55 E. Jordan St., Brevard. $7 students/$11 adults.

Carl Sandburg Home Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site is located three miles south of Hendersonville off U.S. 25 on Little River Road. Info: 693-4178 or www.nps.gov/carl.

• Through SA (8/15), 10:1510:45am - The Carl Sandburg Home and The Vagabond School of Drama present Sandburg’s Lincoln and Rootabaga!. Held rain or shine at the Carl Sandburg Home amphitheater. Free.

Events in Cherokee Info: 438-1601 or www. cherokee-nc.com.

• Through SA (8/29), 7:30pm - Unto These Hills, a drama that tells of the Cherokee Indians from Desoto to today. Held in the renovated Mountainside Theatre.

Performances are held Monday through Saturday.

A preshow begins at 7pm. $18/$8 children.

Flat Rock Playhouse The State Theater of North Carolina is on Hwy. 225, 3 miles south of Hendersonville.

Info: 693-0731 or www. flatrockplayhouse.org.

• WE (7/22) through SU (8/16) - Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, an energetic, high-kicking musical comedy. Entertaining for all ages. $34/$32 seniors/$24 students.

• WE (8/19) through SU (9/6) - Real Estate, a light drama about relationships and selling a house, will be performed. $30, with discounts available.

Montford Park Players Unless otherwise noted, performances are free and take place outdoors Fri.Sun. at 7:30 p.m. at Hazel Robinson Amphitheater in Montford. Bring folding chair and umbrella in case of rain.

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

• Through SU (8/23), 7:30pm - Taming of the Shrew.

NC Stage Company Performances are at 33 Haywood St. (entrance on Walnut St., across from Zambra’s, in downtown Asheville). Info: 239-0263 or www.ncstage.org.

• TH (8/6) through SA (8/15), 7:30pm - Crazy Bag, a touching one-woman comedy will be performed. $12 on Thursdays/$15 on Fridays & Saturdays.

Performances at the Parkway Playhouse The historic Parkway Playhouse is located at 202 Green Mountain Dr. (just north of the downtown square) in Burnsville. Tickets & info: 682-4285 or www.parkwayplayhouse.com.

• TH (8/13) through SA (8/22) - The Man Who Came to Dinner by Moss Hart and George S. Kauffman and featuring film, stage and television star Andrew Prine. Shows Thursdays through Saturdays. $10-$20.

Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre Performances are held at Mars Hill College’s Owen Theatre. Tickets: 689-1239.

Info: 689-1384 or www. sartplays.org.

• WE (8/12) through SU (8/23) - The Foreigner, a hilarious farce of absurd situations and homespun American characters. $10-$28.

Theater at UNCA • TH (8/13), 7pm - Theatre Directors Panel Discussion at the Reuter Center. Info: 251-6140.

Comedy Gag Order Improv Comedy Comedy theater based on audience suggestions at Brightwater Yoga Studio, 506 1/2 N. Main St., downtown Hendersonville. Free. Info: www.gagorder.org.

• 2nd & 4th FRIDAYS, 9pm - Improv. BYOB. The Feral Chihuahuas Asheville premiere sketch comedy troupe can be reached at 280-0107 or feral-

comedy@yahoo.com. Info: www.feralchihuahuas.com.

• FR & SA (8/14 & 15), 8pm - Performances at the Asheville Arts Center, 308 Merrimon Ave. $10.

Film Asheville Filmmakers Group Meeting • 3rd WEDNESDAYS, 6:308:30pm - Filmmakers and all types of video and media creators are welcome to join the monthly meetings at the Fine Arts Theater to discuss aspects of the moviemaking process.

Blue Moon Cinema • FR (8/14), 8-11pm - Alfresco Movie Night on the grounds of the historic Black Mountain Inn. Free. Info: 669-6528.

Marshall Movie Night • WE (8/12), 8:30pm - The Devotional Cinema Series presents Marshall Movie Night, featuring short films from local filmmakers in “The 649,” including Anthony Abraira, Francine Cavanaugh, Jimmy O’Neal, Bruno Seraphin, Harrison Topp and Tony Torn. At The FBI, 68 N Main St., Marshall. $3.

Outdoor Movie Night Grab a lawn chair or blanket and attend a movie free of charge. Sponsored by the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce. Weather permitting. Info: 586-2155.

• FR (8/14), 9pm - Babe will be screened at Monteith Park in Sylva.

Dance Ballroom Dance Instructors (pd.) Have fun and make your own schedule. • No experience necessary. • Call for interview: (828) 274-8320.

Asheville Ballroom.

Beginning Scottish Country Dance Offered by the Haywood Scottish Country Dancers at the Harvest House recreation center in Asheville.

Registration required. $20/person. To register, or for more info: 622-0071.

• FRIDAYS (8/21 through 9/4), 7-8:30pm - An introduction to Scottish Country Dancing.

Classes at Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre No registration necessary; just drop in. All dancers are welcome. The studio is located at 20 Commerce St. in downtown Asheville. Info: 254-2621.

• THURSDAYS, 6-7:30pm - Modern dance class with ACDT and White Dog ProjectX International. Taught by Diana Cabrera. $10 suggested donation.

• TUESDAYS, 6-7:30pm - Modern dance class with Jenni Cockrell. $10 suggested donation.

• TUESDAYS, 6-7:30pm - Adult Ballet.

Morris Dancing Learn English traditional Morris dances and become a member of one of three local teams as a dancer or musician.

Music instruction provided to experienced musicians. Free.

Info: 994-2094 or www.ashevillemorris.us.

• MONDAYS, 5:30pm - Women’s Garland practice held at Reid Center for Creative Art. Opportunity House Events Located at 1411 Asheville Hwy. in Hendersonville. Info: 698-5517 or 692-0575.

• FRIDAYS, 7:30pm - Ballroom dance class.

Couples and singles welcome. $5. Snacks and drinks provided. Info: 254-0814.

Skyland Twirlers Western square dancing at the Senior Opportunity Center (not just for seniors), 36 Grove St., near the Federal Building in downtown Asheville. Info: 650-6405.

• FR (8/14), 7-9:30pm - Square dance. A workshop begins at 7pm, followed by Mainstream and Plus tips, along with Round dances. $5 for non-members.

Southern Lights SDC A nonprofit square-dance club.

Info: 625-9969 or 698-4530.

• SA (8/15) - “Back to School” dance. Bring school supplies for elementary school kids —- 4pm - Round dance workshop —- 6pm - Advanced squares —- 7pm - Early rounds —- 7:30pm - Squares and rounds. At the Whitmire Activity Center, Hendersonville.

Southside Dance Studio Located at 4110 Hendersonville Road in Fletcher. Info: 684-2118 or www.southsidedancenc.com.

• SA (8/15), 1-7pm - Adults and children (over 3) are invited to an open house at the studio’s new location. Enjoy free dance classes throughout the day.

Summer Street Dances in Hendersonville Mountain music and dancing on the street in front of the Visitors Information Center, 201 S. Main St., downtown Hendersonville. Bring a chair, but please leave pets at home. No alcoholic beverages allowed. Free. Info: 693-9708 or www.historichendersonville. org.

• MO (8/17), 7-9pm - The Buddy Davis Band and Forever Young Cloggers.

Caller: Walt Puckett.

Auditions & Call to Artists Absolute Theatre Company Auditions • SA (8/15), 9am Auditions for Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream Southern Style. Roles for males and females ages 6 to 60. Director likes to work with new as well as experienced actors. Families are encouraged to audition. Info: 693-0087.

Celebration Singers of Asheville Community children’s chorus for ages 7-14. For audition info: 230-5778 or www.singasheville.org.

• TH (8/20), 6:30-7:30pm - Auditions for singers. The show choir presents two concerts plus additional performances. Bring a song you like to sing. At First Congregational Church, 20 Oak St.

NC Stage Company Performances are at 33 Haywood St. (entrance on Walnut St., across from Zambra’s, in downtown Asheville). Info: 239-0263 or www.ncstage.org.

• SA (8/15), 10am-3pm - Auditions for the 2009-2010 season. By appointment only.

Seeking Equity and non-Equity actors; performers of all ethnic and racial backgrounds are encouraged to attend.

CALENDAR DEADLINE The deadline for free and paid listings is 5 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, one week prior to publication.

BYBF SundaY Special

Buy one eyebrow wax and your friend gets an eyebrow wax for $7.50.

Only for Sundays, both services must be done together. mountainx.com â&#x20AC;˘ AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 29

No MexicaN discouNt airliNes were harMed iN the MakiNg of this satirical page. that beiNg said, a lot of corNers were cut.

Elaborate head-fake pays off for Stewart Coleman

Enjoyed by newspaper-reading sissies everywhere

Briefs Mexican discount airlines grounded by safety violations Main violation: operating Mexican discount airline

Opinion, cont. from page 4

You only need 7 more dollars to get your family a $60 hotel room?

The glass is half-full, my man, so forget your family and lets get high with the $53 you do have, because I’m exactly $53 short for a $53 bag of crack.

Wait, you don’t have $53, a family, or crack? Sir, I’m just working the door, what can I do for you?

The Asheville Disclaimer is parody/entertainment. editor@ashevilledisclaimer.com.

Contributing this week: Michele Scheve, Tom Scheve

People have called Stewart Coleman many, many foul things in the past few years, and now they can add one more to the list: PR wizard.

Pack Square, Monday — When socialnetworking genius Stewart Coleman recently announced his intentions to turn the Hayes-Hopson building into an establishment named Pack’s Tavern, a lengthy avante-garde marketing scheme that had been two years in the making finally came to fruition.

“You thought I was going to do what now?” laughed a now out-of-character Coleman. “You fell for that? I was just drumming up publicity for the friendly neighborhood bar I’m opening, see?”

According to Coleman, Pack’s Tavern will feature around 40 locally brewed beers on tap, which Coleman himself will occasionally slide to the customer down the length of the custom-built bar, handcrafted from locally harvested magnolia wood. (“Or unicorn dreams,” Coleman added, “whichever comes available first.”)

“My partners told me, ‘Stew, 30 local beers on tap is crazy, don’t do it,’ and I growled, ‘Then make it 40 local beers on

Pack Tavern will honor its namesake, tap, you sons-of-bitches,’” Coleman recounted to Asheville Citizen-Times inves- says Coleman. “That tavern’ll know everyone’s name, it’ll look like a black-and-white tigative reporter Tony Kiss.

Acting as his comic persona “Developer photograph come to life, and customers will Stewart Coleman,” the guerrilla-marketing have mustaches and derby hats, just totally guru has performed a series of wacky tav- honoring our forefathers and making toast ern-promoting stunts over the years, such after toast to this great community.”

“Now that we’re all in on the joke, we as back-slapping his way into owning a can share a good laugh piece of Pack Square “The mold reappears and we — and a beer,” said a Park and then fighting have moisture in the basement a series of legal battles and, pretty soon, the water will former member of the now-defunct organito cut down an old magdeteriorate the foundation.” nolia on the parkland he — Stewart Coleman, announcing to zation Save Parkside obtained, and turning it WLOS reporters late last month his From The Bastard Stewplans to open a tavern in art Coleman, which has and an adjacent histori- imminent the Hayes Hopson building. since been reconstical building next to the courthouse into a highrise luxury condo- tuted as Stewart Coleman’s No Bastard, He menium. Coleman says he regrets that Serves Local Beer After Running Out Of the drawn-out marketing scheme put the Options (Maybe)!, a 401(c) nonprofit.

Having finally revealed the true nature members of Drinking Liberally in such a of his efforts, Coleman hopes all hard feelcompromising position.

Coleman proudly announced his tavern ings can now be put aside.

“Just no pagans,” Coleman added. “I will incorporate not only the name of the benefactor who provided to Asheville in per- tease. Everyone’s money will be welcome petuity the very same public land Coleman at my bar, located inside the highrise I’ll once pretended to try to develop, but also af- build on the Parkside property right after the man whose descendants successfully ter the court rules in my favor this fall. I tease!” sued Coleman to prevent his doing so.

Bob Barker red-blooded over Cherokee bear treatment Discord in the spirit world prompts unprecedented WNC ‘dark spell’

cherokee, Several MoonS ago — Attempting to force the Cherokee to ban the exhibition of bears in pits, former game-show host and longtime animal-rights activist Bob Barker recently shocked Cherokee officials by declaring he was one-eighth Sioux.

Michell Hicks, chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee, did not take the news well.

“Are you threatening us? Is he threatening me?” Hicks yelled while other members of the Tribal Council forcibly restrained him. “That’ll be the eighth of your ass I’ll whip, pal.”

Moments later, it dawned on the attendees of the press conference that Barker has actually been saying for weeks that he “will Sioux the Cherokee,” and most likely will attempt to do so in a parking lot and not in a court of law.

30 AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 • mountainx.com

Suddenly, two men disguised as Scotch-Irish reporters sprang forth toward the podium and revealed themselves to be 1/16th Iroquois, a clear signal that the Sioux-Cherokee Accord of Feathers negotiated by the neutral Iroquois in 1365 A.D. was now null and void.

Reacting quickly, Hicks transmogrified into the form of his spirit animal, an out-of-shape bear raised in captivity.

Barker, putting aside his cup of coffee, noticed. By all accounts, the retired game-show host then transformed into a “strange man-bird.”

“We think he was going for eagle, but being only 1/8 Indian, he just grew feathers,” said one witness. “But after Hicks turned into a lethargic bear, it was all quite confusing.”

The two reportedly then “chased each other” into the woods, and over a hill, and across a deep river, refusing along the way to come together and share first a bounty of pheasant, then an of-

fering of corn, and, finally, the two adversaries rejected a feast of fish they encountered along the river bank.

That, meteorologists believe, is why the sun has not risen in nine days.

“This is the first nine-day Dark Spell on record,” said a spokesperson for the National Weather Service, “but we’ve only been keeping track since 1972.”

newsoftheweird Lead story

A Whiff of Injustice: William Dillon was released in November after 26 years in prison after a DNA test ruled him out as the murderer.

He was the second Florida man recently freed

by DNA after being positively identified at trial by star police dog Harass II, whose trainer, Bill Preston, had sworn could amazingly track scents through water and after months of site contamination. In June, the Innocence Project of Florida said as many as 60 other convicts might have been “identified” by Harass II. According to an Orlando Sentinel report, only one judge (who’s now retired) thought to actually test Harass II’s ability in a courtroom, and he wrote that the dog failed badly.

Great art!

• “If I had portrayed Hitler in his underpants,” Belgian artist Jan Bucquoy explained at the opening of his Brussels museum in July, “there would not have been a war.” Bucquoy has displayed, in glass cases, the drawers of prominent Belgians, but also exhibits “Warhol-type” drawings of celebrities such as Margaret Thatcher as he imagines them in underwear. As Bucquoy told Reuters: “If you are scared of someone, just imagine them in their underpants. The hierarchy will fall.” Whose knickers does the artist most covet? French First Lady Carla Bruni’s would be nice, he said, but the pope’s would be even better.

• Meanwhile, judges for the Venice Biennale gala rejected the work of another Belgian artist, Jacques Charlier: poster-sized sketches of other artists’ genitals idiosyncratically drawn to suggest whose belong to whom. For example, Charlier’s representation of the artist Christo (famous for “wrapping” locations such as New York City’s Central Park in cloth panels and ribbons) depicts genitals wrapped up to resemble a parcel. The artists aren’t named, and guessing their identities is part of the show, with prizes for guests who can name 20 of the 100 pieces.

• The British Broadcasting Corp. announced in May that it would “revive an art form” by dispatching a poet to the front lines in Afghanistan to embed with UK troops. BBC selected prominent poet Simon Armitage to mark “a new era in war

poetry for the 21st century.”

Government in action

• Small-Town Management: (1) After haggling for a while on June 16, the Lincoln, Neb., county board finally voted 2-1 to reimburse Shum Darwin for his pants, which went missing at the jail after Darwin was arrested. The city’s liability was clear; the debate was about whether the pants were worth $12 or $10. (2) On a 4-1 vote in June, the Brooksville, Fla., City Council adopted a policy requiring all municipal employees to wear underwear while on the clock and to make sure it’s not visible.

• Small-Town Politics: In June, the Indian Trail Town, N.C., City Council voted 4-1 to declare Mayor John Quinn’s comments about the council in the town newsletter “whiny” and to ban his remarks from subsequent issues and from the town’s Web site. The new policy also prohibits Mayor Quinn from talking to any municipal employee unless the town manager is at his side and requires Quinn to get express permission to enter the town hall except for areas open to the general public.

• An investigation by U.K. TV channel More4 revealed in June that, in the cause of “fairness,” local U.K. councils spend the equivalent of $80 million a year translating their documents into dozens of languages, including obscure ones that few residents speak — and even given evidence that in dozens of cases, no one has ever tried to access the documents. Translations were found in Albanian, Bengali, Kurdish, Somali, Urdu, Gujarati, Punjabi, Sierra Leonean Creole, Karen (eastern Burma) and Ga (Ghana), among others.

Urban legends come to life

In the American version, cynical cops use a photocopier “connected” by a crude wire to the suspect, and a sheet of “He’s Lying” paper in the output tray, as a “lie detector test.” In July, the Tel Aviv, Israel, Police Department used a “memory

Read News of the Weird daily with Chuck Shepherd at www.weirduniverse.net.

Send items to weirdnews@earthlink.net or PO Box 18737, Tampa FL 33679

Late Summer Fling?

machine” to change the mind of a murder suspect who swore he couldn’t remember anything about the night of the crime. Hooked up to an electrocardiogram machine, the perp was informed that certain squiggles on the paper proved that he did indeed remember and must be hiding details.

Andrei Polokhin, 47, then confessed and was charged with fatally stabbing his neighbor.

Recurring themes

In a July issue of the journal Paleontology, Argentine researchers called News of the Weird’s favorite animal “heroic.” Had it not been for high-performance South American scarab dung beetles, they wrote, gargantuan prehistoric mammals would have choked vast areas of the continent knee-deep in manure. The researchers found that, by burying tennis-ball-sized “food supplies” for their young, the beetles also improved surface sanitation by leaving less dung available for “disease-carrying flies.”

The new District of Calamity

For years, News of the Weird has touted the magnificently dysfunctional municipal government of Washington, D.C., as the “District of Calamity,” but improvements have been made, and the nation’s capital has been overtaken by the disaster that is Detroit. (1) A Detroit News investigation revealed in June that the police department has routinely downgraded obvious murder cases to make the city seem less unsafe. (2) A Detroit Public Schools auditor reported in June that the system has been issuing regular paychecks to 257 nonexistent employees. (3) A May Detroit Free Press survey revealed that the population of three large Detroit jails has mysteriously declined, which it suggested was because police have simply stopped investigating certain crimes.

A News of the Weird classic (June 1995)

In early 1995, Chesapeake, Va., inmate Robert Lee Brock filed a $5 million lawsuit against Robert Lee Brock — accusing himself of violating his own religious beliefs and civil rights by getting drunk enough to commit the crimes that put him behind bars. He wrote: “I want to pay myself five million dollars but ask the state to pay it in my behalf since I can’t work and am a ward of the state.” (The lawsuit was eventually dismissed.) X

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edgymama

parenting from the edge

by Anne Fitten Glenn

Daily screen time for kids: how much?

National Public Radio recently reported that American kids average seven hours a day interacting with some type of screen.

Seven hours per day? That’s an average? That’s like a full-time job playing video games and watching movies and television. Who are these kids whose days are equal parts school, screen time and sleep? And what does that mean for them?

The amount of designated screen time is an ongoing kid vs. adult battle in my household.

During the school year, my kids are allowed one hour per day, though they rarely have time even for that when school’s in session.

During the summer, we’re a bit looser. They’re allowed an hour in the morning and another in the afternoon. Again, two hours per day rarely happens. Activities like camps, swimming, play dates, eating and sleeping intrude. We don’t offer make-up screen time.

Different rules work for different families. I know parents whose kids get no screen time during the school week, but are allowed unlimited weekend access. Others let their kids decide how much time they think is adequate. One friend

let her kids come up with a summer screen plan and was pleasantly surprised when they decided that six hours per week was sufficient. Seven hours per day never crossed their crunchy little Asheville-bred minds.

At the moment, I mostly control my kids’ screen time, although my girl’s been known to sneak her Nintendo DS up to her room and light up the covers with Mario races. In a few years, when my kids will be old enough to stay at home alone for a few hours at a time, my control will lessen. So my current goal is to help them learn to entertain themselves by reading, writing, playing together, or doing just about anything legal that doesn’t require a screen.

Screens aren’t all bad. My son likes to play educational games on the PBS Kids Web site. My girl likes to play chess and look up baseball stats.

There’s evidence that proficiency at video games increases hand-eye coordination and has been a boon to surgeons who need to manipulate tiny instruments during surgeries using, yes, a screen.

One of my kids could surprise me, but I don’t see M.D. coming after either of their names.

On the other hand, screen time is sedentary

time, and a more sedentary lifestyle contributes to childhood obesity and its resultant health problems. Also, there’s evidence that watching screens induces a semi-catatonic state. Clearly, watching TV rarely builds problem-solving skills or stimulates the brain to profundity.

I’ve read that even Microsoft founder Bill Gates limits his daughter’s screen time. I imagine if she was developing new software instead of playing video games, he might expand her limit.

I’m resigned to fighting the screen time battle for the next several years. My son, in particular, is at that prosecutorial stage where every decision I make is up for debate. He argues that although we don’t watch TV, his Dad and I spend more than an hour per day on our computers — which isn’t fair.

The fact that we’re working, to earn money, to buy pizza and toys for his royal highness, doesn’t seem to matter. Particularly as he’s figured out that while his Dad truly does work on a computer most of the day, Mom only needs about 15 hours a week to pound out this column plus whatever other articles she needs to produce. But hey, Facebook’s a great place to research parenting

issues.

Regardless of the hypocrisy, I’m still in charge.

My biggest problem this summer is that we added on a room last summer that the kids have dubbed the “media room.” That’s a grandiose name for a cubbyhole containing a 20-year-old television, a cranky DVD player and my old, tortoise-slow laptop computer. But, this means that the kids are no longer interacting with screens in my home office (otherwise known as the living room).

What I want someone to invent is this: a simple device that plugs into all household screens and records the number of minutes each kid spends on each screen per day. It’d be set up so they can’t access a screen without a password that starts the countdown clock. They’re kids, so they might eventually figure out a way to outsmart the device.

But in the mean time, having a good way to measure their screen time would offer me some serenity. And while serenity and summer both start with an “s,” that’s about the only thing they have in common when you’re a parent of young kids. X

Anne Fitten “Edgy Mama” Glenn writes about a number of subjects, including parenting, at www.edgymama.com.

Parenting Calendar for August 12 - 20, 2009 Attention Parents (pd.) Do you have children who struggle learning to control their emotions or behavior? Children who don’t seem to pay attention in school? • We invite you to hear about a new technology that’s making it possible to train children (or adults) to be more attentive, more productive and more in control, by simply playing a video game. • This technology (called Neurofeedback) is being employed in schools, clinics,

by NASA, in the Olympics and in World Cup trainings and can help your child create lasting change. Call (828) 281-2299, for more info or our schedule of upcoming public seminars, ask for Dr Ellis. Focus Centers of Asheville.

Crisis Counseling • Multicultural/ Diverse Lifestyles (pd.) • Teens • Young Adults/Adults • Eclectic/ diverse therapy: Cognitive-Behavioral, Equine, Afro-

centric, Parent Coordination/Mediation. • Tracy Keene, LPC, 828-318-3991, tracy@KeeneCounseling. com • 13 1/2 Eagle Street, Suite P, Asheville, 28801. www.KeeneCounseling.com Improvisational Theatre Classes (pd.) Fun class helps develop confidence, life skills and personal freedom. • Teens: 14-18, Children: 9-14. Begins September. Registration/information, please call Maria Thomas: (828) 507-1622. mariati00@hotmail.com Involve Your Partner In Your Child’s Birth • Empowered Birthing Classes (pd.) Increase confidence, learn hands-on tools, enjoy your birth! 828-231-9227. Classes monthly: Wednesdays, 6p.m. $175. Next begins August 19. www.AshevilleWomensWellness.com Holistic Parenting Forum The group meets monthly to provide an opportunity for a diverse community of parents committed to

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natural living to gather. It provides support, education and resources to parents who desire to create a healthy environment for their children at home and in their community. All meetings take place at the Westgate Earth Fare. Children are welcome. Info: 230-4850 or shantisunshine@gmail.com.

• WE (8/12), 6-7pm - “Hot! Hot! Hot! Summertime Wellness for Kids,” a talk by pediatric chiropractor Dr. Jennifer Liming. Learn how to beat burns, bites and blisters, naturally. Get practical tips for building your children’s wellness and yours.

La Leche League Meetings • 3rd MONDAYS, 7pm - Monday Evenings: Meeting at Awakening Heart, Merrimon Ave. Pregnant moms, babies and toddlers welcome. Info: 713-3707 or 254-5591.

Montessori Learning Community • FR (8/14), 11am-2pm - Open House at the Unity Center, 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher.

Come check out this ecologically minded, community-centered educational cooperative. Info: 687-1018.

Parenting Group: The Highly Sensitive Child A free group on parenting the highly sensitive child led by parenting author Maureen Healy. Learn new skills, meet other parents and build a stronger community for highly sensitive children to thrive in. Info: www.growinghappykids.com.

• TH (8/13), 6:30pm - Group meeting at Earth Fare South.

Parents Night Out at the YMCA of WNC Take a night off and let your kids have fun at the YMCA. Activities for ages 2-12 include swimming, arts and crafts, an inflatable obstacle course, snacks and movies. Register at least 24 hours in advance.

Fridays: $12/$24 nonmembers. Saturdays: $15/$30 nonmembers. Info: www.ymcawnc.org or 210YMCA. • 1st SATURDAYS, 6-10pm & 3rd FRIDAYS, 6:309:30pm - Parents Night Out. Toddler Fun A free group that provides an opportunity for parents to have some structured fun with their toddlers including 45 minutes of songs, stories, finger-plays, parachute play and more. To register: 213-8098 or shantisunshine@gmail.com.

• TUESDAYS, 9:30am-10:15am - Toddler Fun. At the Reuter YMCA in the Mission Hospitals Room.

Call 213-8098 to register.

MORE PARENTING EVENTS ONLINE

Check out the Parenting Calendar online at www. mountainx.com/events for info on events happening after August 20.

CALENDAR DEADLINE

The deadline for free and paid listings is 5 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, one week prior to publication.

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fun fundraisers

School of Jules “All around me are familiar faces ... .” So begins Gary Jules’ dark, distinguished hit, an arrangement of the song “Mad World.”

That line may as well spell out part of the philosophy of Swannanoa Valley Montessori School. At the school, founded in 2003, students of all ages interact in classrooms, supporting one another in what is called “selfdirected activity,” says LuAnn Wilkes, head of the school. “The big catch phrase with Montessori schools is ‘follow the child,’” she says.

The singer/songwriter Jules, himself an

alumni of a Montessori school in California, recently relocated with his family to Asheville; a year ago, his child became a student at Swannanoa Valley.

Now he’s bringing his act to the Grey Eagle to help raise funds for the nonprofit school to get new fire doors and playground equipment.

“They are great, supportive people, and they saw the need for us being more secure,” says Wilkes.

Swannanoa Valley Montessori school opened its doors in 2003, founded by a group

Benefits Calendar for August 12 - 20, 2009

Golf Tournament • WE (8/19), Noon - The tournament will be held at the at the Cherokee Hills Golf and Country Club in Murphy.

All proceeds benefit the N.C. Recreation and Parks Association, which benefits local parks and recreation departments. Registration will be held from 9:3010:45am. A BBQ lunch will be served at 11am. Info: 837-6617 or 360-4398. Register by August 14.

Green Gate Gathering • SA (8/15), 6pm - Music by the Jay Storm Project, a dinner, door prizes and Silent Calcutta, where you can bid on a horse-riding team. At the WNC Agricultural Center in Fletcher. Proceeds will benefit the Green Gate Fund, which assists local cancer patients. Info: (803) 507-7006.

Jewish Community Center Events The JCC is located at 236 Charlotte St., Asheville. Info: 253-0701.

• SA (8/15) - The JCC will host its biennial Gala Fundraiser at the Biltmore Doubletree Hotel. This year’s theme, “L’Chaim: To Life,” is a celebration of the vibrant life of the JCC. There will be a cocktail hour, open bar, dancing and live music. Info: Rochelle@ jcc-asheville.org.

Mercy For Animals A nonprofit animal advocacy organization that believes non-human animals are irreplaceable individuals with morally significant interests and hence rights, including the right to live free of unnecessary suffering. Info: 231-6859 or kaylaw@mercyforanimals.org.

• TH (8/20), 10am-11pm - Partial proceeds from food and book sales at Firestorm Cafe & Books, 48 Commerce St., will be donated to Mercy for

“Back to School” Fundraising BBQ • SA (8/15), 1-5pm - The Fletcher Area Business Association will host this event at the Fletcher Park Pavilion in order to collect school supply donations for local elementary school students. Bring school supplies and enjoy some BBQ. Info: 650-2724.

Black Mountain Center for the Arts Benefit Located at 225 West State St. in Black Mountain. Info: 669-0930 or www.BlackMountainArts.org.

• SA (8/15), 2pm-1am - Benefit Band Concerts for BMCA —- 2-6pm - Nick Coker, Linda Mitchell and Jeff Robbins will perform at the center. BBQ and kids’ activities —- 6pm-1am - Velvet Truckstop, High Windy, Jimmy Landy, Wooden Toothe, Dan Johnston and The Swills will all perform at the Watershed Pub. $10 donation.

Children First Fundraiser This group’s mission is to improve the lives of children, youth and their families through community collaboration, advocacy and programming. Info: 259-9717 or www.childrenfirstbc.org.

• SA (8/15), 8am-Noon - Children First/Communities In Schools of Buncombe County will host a Back-toSchool Rummage Sale at the Emma Elementary School Cafeteria. Info: 252-4810.

Fine Art and Craft Benefit Auction • SU (8/16), 1pm - Doors will open for a silent auction, with a live auction at 2pm, at Penland School of Crafts. The Toe River area art-and-craft community invites everyone to this event to benefit Liz Zlot Summerfield, a local ceramic artist just diagnosed with cancer. Info: lzsbenefit.etsy.com or 688-3599.

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of parents in order to foster, as Wilkes puts it, “creative active learning environment for their young children.” About 70 students, from 18month-olds to 6th graders, attend the school.

“We do a lot of fundraising to keep tuition low,” Wilkes says. “One of our big goals is to try to be accessible to everyone.”

Gary Jules will perform a benefit concert with special guest Angi West on Sunday, Aug. 16, at the Grey Eagle. Tickets are available at the door for a minimum donation of $10.

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— Brian Postelle Animals. Info: www.FirestormCafe.com or kaylaw@ MercyForAnimals.org. n Volunteers needed. Info: 231-6859.

Pack Place Front Gallery Located at 2 S. Pack Place Square. Hours: Tues.-Sat., 10am-5pm and Sun., 1-5pm. Info: 257-4530.

• FR (8/14) through SA (8/29) - Freaks of Asheville Calendar and Lexington Avenue Arts and Fun Festival exhibit, featuring photographs from the calendar and LAAFF. • FR (8/14), 5-7pm - Opening reception for the first annual Freaks of Asheville Calendar and Lexington Avenue Arts and Fun Festival exhibit.

Tails and Trails 5K Adventure Race • SA (8/15), 9am - Registration —- 9:30pm - Race for dogs and their humans at Buncombe County Sports Park. Prizes will be awarded. Entry fee: $5, plus 2 cans or 1 bag of dog food. The dog food and a portion of the proceeds will go to the Asheville Humane Society.

Info: 250-4260.

The Hope Chest for Women A nonprofit organization committed to providing WNC women with educational cancer resources, including limited financial support to those with breast or gynecologic cancer. Info: www.hopeawcc.com.

• FR (8/14) & SA (8/15) - Hope Chest nights at the Asheville Tourists game. Buy general admission tickets through the Hope Chest for $5 each ($2 savings). Info: 418-1344 or khaney@hopeawcc.com.

Yard Sale & Lunch Fundraiser • SA (8/15), 9am-3pm - The event will be held at VegIn-Out, 148-C Weaverville Hwy., Woodfin. Vegetarian lunch $7. All proceeds will go to the animal sanctuary at Goat Mountain Ranch in Leicester. Info: 775-5709.

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It is our privilege to serve victim families of domestic/family violence in Western North Carolina. We hope that during your visit to these pages you will come to see our passion and commitment to helping the families we serve find healing and restoration and their own place in our community. We are committed to fighting the epidemic of domestic violence and its effects on the families, children and our communities.

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mountainx.com • AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 33

greenscene State will more closely monitor coal-ash dams

Those dam power plants: New state regulations will give coal-ash dams a closer look while encouraging utilities to replace older coal-fired plants with natural gas units. photo by Jonathan Welch

A December 2008 coal-ash spill in Tennessee appears to have spurred North Carolina legislators to increase oversight of 12 dams that hold back the toxic material — two of them in Buncombe County. Gov. Bev Perdue signed Senate Bill 1004 into law July 31. The legislation requires Department of Environment and Natural Resources staff to inspect the dams at least every two years instead of every five, as private contractors have previously done.

The Kingston, Tenn., spill was the largest of its kind in U.S. history: 5.4 million cubic yards, enough to flood 3,000 acres 1 foot deep, The New York Times reported last year. Coal ash, a largely unregulated waste product of coal-fired power plants, contains toxins such as arsenic,

lead and mercury. The failed impoundment (at a Tennessee Valley Authority power plant west of Knoxville) wasn’t lined, as even municipal landfills must be. And when the earthen dam collapsed after heavy rains and freezing weather, the deluge destroyed three homes (one was swept off its foundation), heavily damaged about a dozen others and poured millions of gallons of contaminated sludge into the Emory River.

The cleanup cost and environmental damage are still being assessed, and in June, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released a list of 44 “high-hazard” coal-ash-pond dams in the nation. (Prior to the Dec. 22 spill, the EPA didn’t identify these dams, citing national

34 AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 • mountainx.com

environmental news by Margaret Williams

security concerns. There are about 400 coal-ash impoundments nationwide.)

North Carolina — which derives about half its electricity from coal-fired plants — has more high-hazard coal-ash impoundments than any other state. Both Buncombe dams are at Progress Energy’s Skyland plant. About 90 feet high, they loom over Interstate 26 beside the French Broad River. Neither dam has any reported structural problems, state officials have said, explaining that the high-hazard designation isn’t limited to coal-ash facilities and does not describe the dam’s condition: It can apply to any dam that, if it failed, would endanger human life, disrupt major transportation routes and/or public utilities, harm water supplies or cause significant property damage.

The dams at the North Fork and Bee Tree drinking-water reservoirs are high-hazard structures, noted Buncombe County Emergency Services Director Jerry VeHaun.

The new state legislation removes an exemption that kept coal-ash dams from falling under the purview of North Carolina’s Dam Safety Law (which, in addition to requiring increased inspections, allows DENR to impose criminal and civil penalties in the event of violations.

In a July 31 press release, Gov. Perdue stated, “We must provide greater oversight and more frequent inspections.”

According to Progress Energy spokesperson Scott Sutton, the company conducts monthly in-house dam inspections, supplemented by annual independent ones. “This bill provides for an extra set of eyes to verify that our dams are indeed structurally sound,” he said.

The new law, noted Sutton, also includes Eco Calendar for August 12 - 20, 2009 Asheville GreenWorks Our area’s Keep America Beautiful affiliate, working to clean and green the community through environmental volunteer projects. Info: 254-1776 or info@ashevillegreenworks.org.

• TUESDAYS (through 9/22), Noon-1pm - Create a healthy body and a healthy environment at the same time with this active community cleanup. Starts at Pritchard Park. Cleanup supplies provided. RSVP. ECO Events The Environmental and Conservation Organization is dedicated to preserving the natural heritage of Henderson County and the mountain region as an effective voice of the environment. ECO advocates for green infrastructure, protects water quality, educates about energy conservation/renewable energy, and promotes recycling. Located at 121 Third Ave. West, Hendersonville. Info: 692-0385 or www.eco-wnc.org.

• SA (8/15), 12:30pm - Annual Picnic for VWIN and Bio-Monitoring Volunteers at Jackson Park, Shelter #2. Celebrate efforts toward improving mountain water quality.

• TH (8/20), Noon-6pm - ECO Open House. Visit the office, enjoy refreshments and talk with staff and board members about current and upcoming projects.

Wild Birds Unlimited Events Located at 1997 Hendersonville Road, Asheville. Info: 687-9433 or www.asheville.wbu.com.

provisions that could help both Progress Energy and Duke Energy finance the construction or purchase of large-scale, zero-emission power facilities fueled by solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, ocean-current or wave energy.

Another provision streamlines the permitting process for bringing natural-gas-powered plants online. “Given the conversation nationally on carbon offsetting, we want to be able to close coal-fired units and build natural-gas units,” said Sutton, explaining that the latter emit less nitrogen, sulfur oxides, mercury and CO2 than coal-fired plants. Progress Energy, he said, has spent about $1.4 billion installing scrubbers to reduce these emissions at the Skyland facility and other coal-fired plants. But the company might not have enough time to upgrade some older units in the eastern part of the state by 2013 (the deadline set by North Carolina’s Clean Smokestacks Act), said Sutton. The new law, he noted, specifies that utilities must shut down the coal-fired plant to qualify for the fast-track permitting.

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that 900 of the next 1,000 power plants in the nation will be fueled by natural gas. The nation has a substantial supply of the fossil fuel, most of it located in Texas and the Gulf of Mexico. But relatively new, controversial technologies allow it to be harvested from coal and shale beds as well, including some in southwest Virginia, and environmentalists have raised concerns about ground-water contamination. X Send your environmental news to mvwilliams@ mountainx.com or call 251-1333, ext. 152.

• TH (8/13), 9am - Transylvania County Butterfly Count. Meet in front of the Bi-Lo Grocery Store at the intersection of US 64, 276 and NC 280 in Brevard.

Info: reyoung1227@bellsouth.net.

• FR (8/14), 10:30am - Habitat for the Birds. Program at Infinity Investment in Arden. Providing homes and water are sure ways to bring birds to your property.

• SA (8/15), 8am - Bird walk at The Orchard, Altapass, Mitchell County. Meet at the Loops Overlook, milepost 328 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Info: CrabillV@aol. com —- 8am-Noon - Beaver Lake Work Day. Info: www.main.nc.us/emas/. Rain date is Aug. 16.

WNC Nature Center Located at 75 Gashes Creek Rd. Hours: 10am-5pm daily (closed on Wednesdays from Dec. 17-Feb. 25).

Admission: $8/$6 Asheville City residents/$4 kids. Info: 298-5600 or www.wildwnc.org.

• Through MO (9/7) - The Beauty of Butterflies exhibit features native species of butterflies and moths and the plants they need for survival.

MORE ECO EVENTS ONLINE

Check out the Eco Calendar online at www.mountainx. com/events for info on events happening after August 20.

CALENDAR DEADLINE

The deadline for free and paid listings is 5 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, one week prior to publication.

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mountainx.com • AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 35

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While outsiders might associate mountain cuisine with ramps and corn liquor, Western North Carolinians know the region’s most iconic local-food product of the 21st century is goat cheese.

It’s not surprising that a region as devoutly locavore as ours would embrace goat cheese, which elegantly encapsulates all the best attributes of local food. Goat cheese is fresh, affordable and terrifically versatile — even those who can’t figure out how to cook with it can spread it on a cracker and revel in distinctively local flavors. Unlike some value-added products, goat cheese can be made entirely on the grounds of a family farm. (And it certainly doesn’t hurt that goat cheese comes from cheek-squeezingly cute goats, who’ll happily pose for agritourists’ photographs.)

There are now more than half-dozen goat dairies in the greater Asheville area. Amazingly, the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project reports the industry doesn’t seem to have reached its saturation point. Propelled partly by chefs seeking to establish their dedication to local food without having to absorb too many stringing, peeling, slicing and processing tasks, the goat-cheese market is apparently growing.

With so many local goat cheeses now available, it can be difficult for the average consumer to distinguish among them. Of all the cheeses that regularly surface at tailgate markets, which one is best for stuffing figs? Which

should be saved for dessert? Is there an ideal local goat cheese for grilled-cheese sandwiches?

Sufficiently stumped, Xpress recruited cheese expert Montserrat Almena-Aliste (see sidebar) to evaluate goat cheeses from local dairies, which gamely participated in the process. The cheese-makers themselves chose which cheeses to submit.

Almena-Aliste, a native Spaniard who’s on the faculty of the Vermont Institute for Artisan Cheese, obliquely confesses to a smattering of European snobbery on her Web page: “One of the things that surprised me most about Americans (in a positive way) is their appreciation for gourmet foods,” she writes. Her evaluations of cheeses from three area makers are printed here verbatim.

Dark Cove Pottery and Farm

Cullowhee, www.darkcove.com Dark Cove uses milk from a small herd of 10 Alpine goats for its cheeses. The farm also produces honey, trout and wildflowers.

Lightly salted plain chevre: Very pleasant goaty flavor, with tangy and lemony notes.

Dense and creamy texture with very smooth mouthfeel. (Note: not so lightly salted!)

Garlic chive: Thick and creamy texture. Very pleasant and balanced flavors. Fresh chive aromatics with delicate garlic notes and perfect levels of acidity and sweetness.

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Looking Glass Creamery

Fairview, www.ashevillecheese.com Helmed by a former cheesemaker for the Inn at Blackberry Farm, Looking Glass Creamery is the latest addition to the area’s goat cheese lineup.

Plain chevre: Delicate texture, moist texture yet slightly chalky. Granular mouthfeel. Dominant acidic flavors with very pleasant lemony aftertaste.

Peppercorn chevre: Gorgeous appearance, with a luxurious creamy texture mottled with peppery bites. Rich mouthfeel with outstanding flavoring.

Ginger chevre: The first-taste experience is a surprising intense sweetness, followed by spicy ginger notes and some tanginess. Interesting blend but not my perfect combination!

Early bird: Beautiful little cheese with a perfectly developed velvety white rind, edge-coated with delicate orange tones. Cutting reveals a cheese perfectly ripened with creamy texture, almost semi-liquid appearance and silky mouthfeel.

Clean flavors in the mouth, with delicate goaty notes and slightly salty taste.

Ellington: Another gorgeous delicious cheese from Looking Glass Creamery! Perfect ash-coated rind contrasting an immaculate white interior. The cheese interior is intentionally unevenly ripened, resulting in a contrast of two yummy layered textures: a creamy exterior and a dense slightly chalky center. Delicate taste of fresh goat milk.

Three Graces Dairy

Marshall, www.3gracesdairy.com Three Graces Dairy, whose founders drew their inspiration from France’s Burgundy region, employ Swiss Saanens, Nubians and Nigerian Dwarves as milkers.

Small bloomy rind cheese: Strong aromatic and powerful cheese, shelf life at the very end. Rind with characteristic ammonia smell, meaty and “cooked” notes. Cheese mass with piquant taste, ammonia and “cabbage” notes. Soft and smooth texture.

The Bee’s Knees: Surprising aromatics in the noise, combining fresh lactic notes with characteristic floral aromas (wild daisieslike notes and delicate lavender). In mouth, very rich texture, sticky but soluble with very acid taste and dominant floral notes.

Plain Jane: Very pleasant aromatics, mainly fresh lactic notes. In mouth, fine texture and great taste (nice combination of acidity and saltiness) with a spicy and peppery aftertaste. Overall a very well-made cheese that includes a perfect blend of delicate and fresh aromas with spicy and peppery notes. X Xpress food editor Hanna Rachel Raskin can be reached at food@mountainx.com.

The cheese-meister: Our evaluator

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Almena-Aliste is the co-author of a sensory book in Spanish and the author of scientific publications about the factors that contribute to the characterization and textural quality of dairy products. Her technical expertise covers both the food industry and academia.

She is responsible for the formulation of the first series of water buffalo milk yogurt in the U.S. and the technology transfer between Italian and American cheese-makers to make fresh WB mozzarella. She has managed sensory panels for research, product development and quality-control purposes for a large range of food products such as coffee, tomato sauce and cheese.

Currently, Almena-Aliste is a faculty member at the University of Vermont and a key technical member of the Vermont Institute for Artisan Cheese, the only comprehensive center to support artisan cheese-making, where

she provides technical education and support to cheese-makers. In addition to her technical work at VIAC, she also teaches a sensory course to UVM students and has served as a technical judge on multiple cheesejudging events, including the Big E and the American Cheese Society competitions.

Her current research areas include characterization of sensory quality of artisan and raw-milk cheeses and identification of the factors associated with “Vermont Terroir” on cheese and other Vermont agricultural products like maple syrup. She is also working with other state groups and technical experts on a culinary working group for the state. Her most recent sensory work is a pairing guide for Vermont specialty products with a major focus on cheese entitled “The Flavors of Vermont.” She lives in Shelburne, Vt.

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smallbites SHORT STREET CAKES: Jodi Rhoden is finally phasing out the coffee shop she never wanted in the first place.

When Rhoden (pictured here) opened a retail outlet for her immensely popular Short Street Cakes at 225 Haywood Road in West Asheville, friends prodded her to include a breakfast nook where customers could linger over coffee and cupcakes.

Much to Rhodenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s relief, the envisioned throngs of cafĂŠ-goers never materialized. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We really donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a lot of people hanging out, eating cupcakes,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great because I never wanted to have a coffee shop.â&#x20AC;?

What Rhoden wanted was a cakery, and sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spent the last week reconfiguring shop space to better showcase her focus. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s repositioning her cake case at the front of the store, allowing her to expand production space. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The production space will feel more open, and the public portion will be tighter and cozier,â&#x20AC;? Rhoden explains, adding the renovation was partly necessitated by an almost fully booked fall-wedding season.

Short Street customers may notice a few subtle changes when the shop reopens Aug. 12 after a weeklong closure: Rhoden is considering â&#x20AC;&#x153;streamliningâ&#x20AC;? the storeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hours, and sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s planning to start offering a few cash-and-carry cakes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You can just come in, grab a cake and go,â&#x20AC;? she says.

Rhoden, who will roll out a new cake menu in October, is delighted to have more room in which to bake her coconut, hummingbird and banana-pudding cakes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m just doing my cakes,â&#x20AC;? she says excitedly.

For more information, call 505-4822.

THIRSTY MONK SOUTH: In keeping with its monkish devotion to service, the Thirsty Monk is readying to open a south Asheville location. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really nowhere to drink down there,â&#x20AC;? owner Barry Bialik says of his expansion plans.

Bialik says he hopes his pub in Gerber Village on Hendersonville Road will become a gathering spot for area ale drinkers. Like the Thirsty Monk downtown, the south Asheville offshoot will feature an extensive beer selection and a limited menu of small plates.

At press time, Bialik planned to open the new bar this month. To find out more, call 254-5470.

FIG BISTRO: Brunch has been added to the offerings at Biltmore Villageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fig Bistro, which announced in a recent

photo by Jonathan Welch

e-newsletter that it plans to approach Sunday mornings with the same culinary seriousness itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s long brought to Saturday nights. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re pulling out all the stops,â&#x20AC;? writes Treavis Taylor, who co-owns the eatery with his wife Traci.

Menu items include smoked salmon salad, quiche, hanger steak with poached eggs and lemon-cornmeal pancakes.

Fig, at 18 Brook St., is open every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. To learn more, call 277-0889.

THE CELLAR DOOR: Balmy weather this summer has inspired The Cellar Door in Black Mountain to expand its outdoor seating and add a few informal, patioworthy dishes to its lunch menu.

The new kid-friendly options â&#x20AC;&#x201D; which are available to diners of all ages â&#x20AC;&#x201D; include pepperoni pizza, hot dogs, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, chicken tenders and cheeseburgers. Owner Sandra Ewing confirms that the restaurantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soups, salads and upscale entrĂŠes will remain on the menu.

In other kitchen news, some of The Cellar Doorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dinner-cooking chores are now being handled by the team behind â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chefs on the Go,â&#x20AC;? the mobile food cart profiled in the June 17 edition of Xpress.

According to co-owner Scott Schronce, the pair will continue to operate the cart.

The Cellar Door, at 117-C Cherry St., is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 to 9:30 p.m. The restaurant serves Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is closed on Mondays.

For more information, call 669-9090.

Send your food news to food@mountainx.com

40 AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 â&#x20AC;˘ mountainx.com

arts&entertainment Happy anniversary, Harvest

How a little record shop in West Asheville flouted a turbulent industry and grew into a community stronghold

by Justin F. Farrar On a recent Saturday afternoon, when clouds climb over the mountains and spit a little rain every half hour or so, Harvest Records teems with customers — customers who don’t come in just to consume, but who seek safe haven among fellow fans, freaks and collectors. They hang out (oftentimes for hours), shoot the breeze, dig the current art exhibit pasted to the walls and probe co-owners Matt Schnable and Mark Capon for possible recommendations.

Their knowledge is needed. For five years, Capon and Schnable have stuffed the place with all manner of rare and exotic treats: the latest indie rock, boxed sets full of archaic mountain folk and blues, esoteric psychedelia from around the planet, experimental noise, vintage free jazz and tons of new vinyl albums, which have oh-so-quietly broken out of the underground in recent years.

“Yesterday we did double the amount of new vinyl sales that we did new CDs,” Schnable says. “That’s a first.”

So yeah, Harvest isn’t exactly Coconuts.

In addition to looking after their patrons, Capon and Schnable are busy unpacking two boxes of product and stocking yet another newly handcrafted record shelf, now their fifth.

On top of all this, these dudes are somehow finding time to work with their friend Liz Harrison. She sits behind the counter computer, designing a sponsor sheet for Transfigurations, a three-day, 16-band celebration of Harvest’s five-year anniversary. Already generating serious buzz around the country, the festival is the duo’s biggest undertaking to date.

That said, Transfigurations is more than just

a killer birthday party. “It’s about us paying off the $70,000 loan we took out to open this store,” Capon says. “Five years was always the goal in terms of getting clear of debt.”

“There are no more loan payments,” his partner adds, looking more satisfied than a cat napping in the late-morning sun. “We own everything in the shop.”

This everything of which Schnable speaks is a selection of music that’s choice enough and unique enough to earn the store honorable mention in Spin magazine’s recent article, “America’s 15 Best Indie Record Stores.”

Harvest, according to editors Abigail Everdell and Charles Aaron, rivals “any big-city shop.”

To put Capon and Schnable’s accomplishments into perspective, as well as appreciate Harvest’s everyday vibrancy, kindly Google the queries “record stores closing” and “record sales down”; both will return endless lists of articles and essays documenting the mass extinction of the American record store, both corporate and independent. You’ll also get to examine several graphs charting the decline of CD sales, many of which claim between a 16 and 25 percent drop since the beginning of the millennium.

Because stats are abstract, let’s ground them in a little anecdotal evidence. A couple decades ago, back when college towns and mediumsized cities across this country boasted their own funky, little independent record stores, Harvest’s success wouldn’t have seemed like such an anomaly. “Unfortunately, those days are long gone,” counters Amy Stevens, a hardcore record nerd who adores Capon and Schnable.

For years now, Stevens has been road tripping

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JONATHAN WELCH

between her family’s vacation home in Maggie Valley and Kalamazoo, Mich., where she and her husband Scott co-managed Flipside, that city’s equivalent to Harvest back in the 1980s and ’90s. Those long, circuitous drives used to entail regular stops at a string of local record shops. But not any longer. “A hollow remnant remains here and there,” she says. “But it’s pretty much a sad, desolate scene.”

The Recording Industry Association of America would have us believe (for reasons that are too tangled and contentious for this little article to tackle) that illegal downloading is the primary culprit behind the music industry’s sorry-ass state — that and our dismal economy.

But while stealing music should not be taken lightly — even when the music in question is string of 1s and Os produced by billionaire blowhards like Metallica — there is more to the story than just online theft.

It’s the Internet itself that’s the issue.

“We are basically witnessing the death of the music industry as we know it,” explains Harvest habitué Greg Lyon. A longtime radio disc jockey and trustee at Princeton University’s WPRB, Lyon currently spearheads Asheville Free Media, a community-driven Internet radio station. “There are three big forces at work,” he says. “First off, downloading and the iPod have shifted listening habits away from the traditional album. Secondly, the retail sector has died off as media has become available cheaply on the Internet. And thirdly, people now find out about music mostly online, so that’s where they go to get it, too.”

In other words, the world’s century-old infra-

structure for producing, distributing, selling and consuming music is more or less crumbling like a fine Gorgonzola. The music collection of the now is no longer a wall of multitiered CD racks. It’s a tidy row of external hard drives full of playlists, with a custom-built case of rare and limited-edition vinyl off to the side.

Call them old-fashioned, but Capon and Schnable still worship the sound artifact. “For our generation, it’s hard to fathom not having that object,” Capon says. “And for the newer generation, it’s hard to fathom buying a CD off a rack.”

Even more endearing is the social dimension to the record store. Just about everyone interviewed for this article, the Harvest boys included, turns intensely nostalgic when reminiscing about that one all-time favorite shop from his or her youth. Most of the talk revolves not around music, but the experiential stuff: making friends, having laughs, learning of new jams, debating the top 10 proto-punk albums of the mid 1970s.

Those are things you just can’t get hanging around the house in your skivvies browsing iTunes.

Grounded like turnips

James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va., is where Schnable, a native Virginian, and Capon, who grew up in Jacksonville, Fla., met in the early aughts. “We were involved in the college radio station WXJM,” says Schnable, as he sifts through a fat sack of used CDs. (The kid selling them needs to generate some extra scratch for a move to the Bay Area.)

“The radio station puts together this festi-

mountainx.com • AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 41

val every year called the Mid-Atlantic College Radio Conference,” he says. “We were on that committee. That’s where we started getting pretty tight.”

MACRoCk, as it’s commonly called, served as a get-your-asses-whipped boot camp for the two music-obsessed students, who were quickly becoming best buds. In the months leading up to the conference, they lost their music industry cherries by spending countless, and I’m sure thankless, hours wheeling ‘n’ dealing with too many bookers, promoters, club owners, musicians and managers from around the country.

It was a pivotal experience in Harvest’s development. Right from its earliest inception, the summer between their junior and senior years, Capon and Schnable’s vision entailed far more than just a record store. They planned to create a hydra-headed brand also encompassing show promotion, art exhibitions and multivendor record fairs (aka the Asheville Sound Swap).

This they’ve done. Harvest is like a tiny entertainment conglomerate, a mark of quality behind which one cool endeavor helps reinforce the cultural import and media visibility of the others. It’s a big reason why Schnable and Capon succeed in these desperate times. “The money from the store doesn’t go into our pockets,” Schnable says. “It keeps the art openings alive. It keeps shows coming to town. Someone spends a dollar at our shop, and it’s going to come back to him in some kind of culturally viable way.”

Since opening its doors in August 2004, Harvest has brought an insane amount of topshelf talent to this town: Bonnie “Prince” Billy, Band of Horses, Cat Power, Deerhoof, MGMT, Joanna Newsom, Sharon Jones, Earth, Jack Rose and about 200 other artists, hipsters, mavericks and bands who probably wouldn’t be visiting our little mountain paradise were it not for these two characters.

As we rap about their days at James Madison, I envision them spending late nights waxing philosophic about The Ultimate Record Store while smoking doobs and staring at the stars over the Shenandoah Valley. But reality is far less romantic. The more you get to know Capon

42 AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 • mountainx.com

and Schnable, the more it’s apparent they’re as grounded as a row of fully matured turnips.

Here’s what I mean by that: What did their parents think of their decision to relocate to Asheville in 2004 to open Harvest?

Both claim disapproval. “Our parents are totally, normal, nice and reasonable,” says Capon, whose father, Richard, is also their accountant.

“But I know mine had reservations. There were a few arguments, a few blowouts.”

“Mine went to college, graduated and became school teachers, so it was The Plan,” adds Schnable.

“They were freaked out for sure. It took a couple years before they were not stressed all the time, but now they’re super proud.”

Two 20-something kids not following in their parents’ professional footsteps and instead opening an independent record store specializing in left-of-the-dial sounds is, in some sense, a rejection of their middle-class backgrounds — of The Plan. At the same time, Schnable and Capon are hardcore middle class when it comes to business. They are sharp, meticulous and pragmatic. Listening to them talk shop about how they chose Asheville, how they scoured the city for a location and how they found this building is like reading a success story ripped from the American Dream’s Official Handbook: Success is predicated upon earning a college degree.

Working hard. Saving money. Living frugally.

Building good credit. Making sound business decisions. And paying off your debts in a timely fashion.

Amen.

These two even headed on over to A-B Tech and put together a business plan in hopes of securing that $70,000 bank loan. “We met with this guy Harry Ponder,” says Schnable, referring to the director of the school’s Small Business Center at the time. “He’d give us guidelines and advice. Then we’d go back for more.”

Now it’s been my experience that establishments specializing in alternative culture — record stores, anarchist book shops, DIY music labels, experimental theater troupes, etc.

— are sometimes owned by individuals who don’t make the most, how shall we say, informed business decisions. Possible explanation for this: These folks consider themselves way too underground, too punk, too hippie, to learn

Upcoming Member Events

Thursday, August 20 • 5:30-7 pm

Meet Our Local and Regional Elected Officials Reception presented by: Mountain Council for Accountable Development

Held at The Asheville Chamber of Commerce how to turn a profit in the marketplace. That stuff, as so many of them tend to believe, is for mainstream squares and capitalist drones.

Capon and Schnable didn’t fall into this trap.

Sure, they dig a lot of music, art and literature that a large chunk of the population would think is weird and strange. And yes, Matt is a bit of a cosmic longhair at first blush. But these two possess a solid feel for how the game is played. In order for a business to work, be it a store full of oddball sounds or your neighborhood florist, the rules of commerce and finance, however lame, have to be understood and engaged, especially in the current economy.

Who knows — maybe this knowledge has made the difference between Harvest staying in business for five years instead of two.

“We are a counter culture”

Asheville deserves some serious props here.

This town obviously loves its music. In addition to Harvest, we can boast of three other independent record stores: Voltage Records, Karmasonics and Static Age Records. That last place is owned and operated by Joel Hutcheson, who says, “If there is a difference in how many record-store consumers there are in Asheville as opposed to other places, I would credit it to the fact that Asheville likes to be turned on. We are a counter culture.”

Capon concurs. Whenever a customer men-

tions the Spin article or some big-city musician passing through town says to him, “Man, I can’t believe your record store even exists,” he invariably passes the credit on to Asheville.

“Although it did take some time to build this place up — the first year was kind of rough — it seemed like there were a certain amount of people kind of waiting for something like Harvest,” he says. “Our success is a reflection of how great this town is for supporting small business and for being filled with strange and interesting people. This store could not survive in any other city this size, let alone tons of other cities bigger than this one.”

A little food for thought: No one can predict how the radical changes within the music industry will affect Asheville in the coming years.

Will we plunge into the future and abandon the sound artifact altogether? Or stubbornly clutch it to our breasts, with all the conviction of an organic farmer who stands by thousand-yearold methods?

Regardless of how things shake out, Schnable and Capon are good at what they do. Savvy, too. And they stand more than a puncher’s chance at making it to Transfigurations 2.0. X

register with Jeff Joyce at 258-6122

“We’re for Business” for more information on the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce visit us:

ashevillechamber.org • 36 Montford Ave. Asheville info@ashevillechamber.org

Justin Farrar is a freelance music writer whose work has appeared in the Village Voice and the Seattle Weekly, among other publications.

300 Pages | 1,200 Photographs SEE RECENT UPDATES

Looking Glass Falls | Downtown Asheville | Rafting Visit www.RomanticAsheville.com for more! mountainx.com • AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 43

arts

X

harvest records

From folk ballads to food music and Champagne Bar two floors of used & new books …and one floor of wines, beers & champagnes dog-friendly patio Downtown, across from north entrance of the Grove Arcade 1 Battle Square, Asheville, NC 28801

(828) 252-0020 exchanging books and wine daily

Learn about the lineup that’s got national outlets from Pitchfork to Tiny Mix Tapes abuzz To celebrate five years of music, discovery and community, Harvest Records is bringing 16 bands to town, for a three-night, three-venue extravaganza dubbed Transfigurations. Each night features an earlier show and a later show, so no one has to miss any of the music. Plus on Saturday, Harvest brings in four independent record-label heads to talk stories and share videos. Check out www.ashevillefm.org for the simulcast. For more info, check www.harvestrecords.com.

Akron/Family set em free

Brooklyn-born Akron/Family has explored quite a bit of territory, geographically and sonically, in its five years of making records and touring. Early on, the multi-instrumental quartet — Dana Janssen, Seth Olinsky, Miles Seaton and Ryan Vanderhoof — were given invaluable support form ex-Swans frontman Michael Gira, who signed the burgeoning neo-psychedelic-folk band to his Young God label in 2005. Since then the band has collaborated with avant-jazz greats Hamid Drake and William Parker and toured exhaustively, winning acclaim for their genrehopping, improvisation-heavy performances. It’s not uncommon to find hippy and hipster, indie kid and fratboy, Deadhead and Pitchfork devotee rubbing shoulders at their shows.

TRANSFIGURATIONS Thursday, Aug. 13 @ the Grey Eagle. 8:30 p.m. $10.

Kurt Vile, The Coathangers, Floating Action Friday, Aug. 14 Evening show @ Diana Wortham Theatre.

7 p.m. $27.50 Bonnie Prince Billy (solo), Espers, Brightblack Morning Light, Steve Gunn Late show @ the Grey Eagle. 11 p.m. $18.

Budos Band and Ice Cream Saturday, Aug. 15 Four Brothers, One Mother: afternoon panel discussion & film screenings. $5. Fine Arts Theatre Eric Isaacson (Mississippi Records), Lance Ledbetter (Dust-to-Digital label), Nathan Salsburg (Twos & Fews Records/Alan Lomax Archive), Hisham Mayet (Sublime Frequencies) Evening show @ Diana Wortham Theatre.

5:30 p.m. $25.

The Books, Mount Eerie, Villages Late show @ the Grey Eagle. 8 p.m. $20.

Akron/Family, Circulatory System, War on Drugs, Jonathan Kane For details and ticket info, visit www.harvest-records.com.

44 AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 • mountainx.com

THE COATHANGERS (Photo By BOBB LOVETT)

The departure of songwriter and guitarist Vanderhoof following the release of 2007’s Love is Simple resulted in a brief expanded live band featuring North Carolinian tour mates Megafaun and Greg Davis, but Olinsky says the remaining three members decided to forge ahead as a threepiece.

“We always love to play with other people, but we wanted to focus on the three of us, because we felt there’s still room for us to develop creatively as a trio,” Olinsky explains on the phone from a tour stop in Chicago. “Overall, the energy level as a three-piece is a lot more demanding, and it’s taken us quite a while to be able to maneuver a whole show. But it’s exciting right now, it feels like we’re getting back but also moving forward.”

This back/forward dynamic is evident throughout their latest album, Set ‘Em Wild, Set ‘Em Free, their first for the Dead Oceans label.

All the classic Akron elements are there — group vocals, extended improvs, pastoral folk ballads that lead to mid-song freak-outs — but it sounds as if some new territory has opened up for the band. Consider album opener, “Everyone is Guilty,” where a percussive intro prefigures a thick funk groove over which strained Beach Boys-like harmonies float, culminating in a barely restrained Eddie Hazel-style guitar solo accompanying plodding doom metal drums, which end abruptly as the song slips back into the funk groove for a few seconds before ending in a coda featuring horns and strings. That’s just the first six minutes of the album.

Set ‘Em Wild, Set ‘Em Free finds the band moving away from the free-jazz flirting, musiqueconcrete-dabbling and song fragmenting that characterized earlier releases to produce their most focused, cohesive record yet. There’s also (somehow) more group singing than ever, per-

haps a byproduct of increased group songwriting since Vanderhoof’s departure.

As exciting as the albums are, however, the band seems more holistically itself when performing before an audience. Akron/Family’s live shows are lengthy, boisterous affairs, and while they’re not exactly a jamband, there is some credence to that often-used descriptor. But whereas your classic jamband can often seem solipsistically lost in their own groove, Akron/Family interacts seamlessly with the audience, whether chatting amiably with the crowd during the show, inviting the audience on stage for a dance party or encouraging group singing.

“We’re definitely most successful playing live with people responding to our music,” Olinsky says. “Things happen when you’re performing, when people are into what you’re doing we respond to that. When the crowd’s ready to go with you it frees us.”

Akron/Family is an inspired choice to close out Transfigurations, as the performance will have a particular resonance for the band.

“We played our first Asheville show, on our first tour, at Harvest,” Olinsky says. “They had just opened and we had just started touring, so it’s kind of like we’ve come up together. It almost didn’t work out because of scheduling, but we decided we had to do it.”

— Eric Dawson

Bonnie Prince Billy: Rare Beauty

He of many names, many fine albums, many honest lyrics, many startling moments of utter beauty, Bonnie “Prince” Billy returns to Asheville mere months after his last Grey Eagle show, to give an even more rare solo performance. Expect chills, teary eyes and looks of wild-eyed wonder from the listeners going into the gentle night after his Diana Wortham show.

— Rebecca Sulock

The Budos Band, signed to Daptone Records (along with Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings), is a purveyor of instrumental jazz, soul and Afro-beat fusion the band calls â&#x20AC;&#x153;Afro-Soul.â&#x20AC;? The end result is a skilled melding of Ethiopian jazz, bossa nova swagger, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;60s-era psychedelia and plenty of old-school soul. (That the deep grooves and global rhythms are the product of 11 caucasian dudes from Staten Island is perhaps surprising, but hardly lessens the infectiously melodic and dancable thrill.) Love clubnight-meets-globe-trekker acts like Dengue Fever, Os Mutantes and The Daktaris? Then the Budos Band is just your cup of Yirgacheffe. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Alli Marshall

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Espers: Crisp but fuzzy

Hailing from Philadelphia, a city ripe with artistic and musical talent, Espers achieves a sense of familiarity with their music, the feel of an aged photograph in oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hand, a recurring dream. The lo-fi feel of their selftitled 2003 release is a study in contradiction, well-mixed but still raw, crisp but fuzzy. Brooke Sietinsons, Greg Weeks and Meg Baird are masters of duality, achieving both indulgence and affliction. Other than percussive

Brightblack Morning Light: Chant down Babylon

Though fellow travelers in the contemporary neo-psych/folk/whatever scene have some affinity with the back-to-the-land counterculture of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;60s and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;70s, few talk the talk or walk the walk as intently as Brightblack Morning Light.

In interviews, Alabama natives Nathan â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nabobâ&#x20AC;? Shineywater and Rachel â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rabobâ&#x20AC;? Hughes discuss ecology and environmental activism as much as music. They speak seriously about crystals and refer to mainstream American culture as Babylon. They look like old school hippies, live mostly off the grid in the desert of New Mexico and record their music using solar power.

It all makes for an interesting backstory, to be sure, but the reason Brightblack Morning Light are in our consciousness at all is because of their music, an intriguing mix of folk, dub, psychedelia, soul and gospel.

The folk sound is most apparent on their debut album Ala.Cali.Tucky (when they were simply Brightblack), while their follow-up self-titled album on Matador moved away from the woozy Southern Gothic country-blues of their debut, adding horns and pushing to the fore a vintage 1979 Rhodes organ that give the tracks a more spacey, stoner vibe. Last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Motion to Rejoin increased the gospel stylings that were always present (perhaps stemming from Hughesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; childhood memories of her Baptist preacher grandfather), and the album can sound like one long variation on the same theme â&#x20AC;&#x201D; trance-inducing, if you go with it.

Live, the band can be an immersive experience, as the heavy bottom of the dub rhythms intermingles with Shineywaterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fuzzy guitar and

28 Years Experience

AL

The Books go beyond experimental into their own genre: â&#x20AC;&#x153;food.â&#x20AC;?

According to guitarist/vocalist/found-music collector Nick Zammuto, when he and cellist Paul De Jong get together, they make food and they make music. That music is a stewed mix of found recordings, electronica, stringed instruments and haunting vocals. Their haunting albums do go well with cooking, as it turns out, and are full of the best kinds of surprises: The striking vocals of the (at one time) WNC-based old-time player Anne Doerner, for one. Zammuto through-hiked the Appalachian Trail several years ago and came to rest in Hot Springs, where parts of The Booksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; debut album were recorded. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Rebecca Sulock

ON

The Books: Food music

Licensed Psychotherapist

ITI

BRIGHTBLACK MORNING LIGHT

Atlanta girl punk group The Coathangers has synthesizers, thrashing percussion and screamy vocals. The band also has edgy-adorable press photos that recall Karen O, The Donnas and â&#x20AC;&#x201D; reaching farther back â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Â The Fabulous Stains. But for all the shaggy black hair and torn tees, the Coathangers shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be dismissed as cute or niche. The bandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s three minute, three chord numbers combine the classic thrum of drums and bass with more experimental synth sounds and quirky, hooky lyrics. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Once I had a tambourine and one day it broke. It wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t shake shake ... why does everything I love have to break?â&#x20AC;? they sing on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shake Shake,â&#x20AC;? a song that would be completely at home on a beach horror flick soundtrack. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Alli Marshall

TR

The Coathangers: Quirky, hooky

â&#x20AC;˘ Life Transitions â&#x20AC;˘ Relationship Issues â&#x20AC;˘ Increase Self Esteem â&#x20AC;˘ Addiction Recovery â&#x20AC;˘ Sexuality/Sex Therapy â&#x20AC;˘ Career/Financial Support â&#x20AC;˘ Trauma/Grief/Loss Support â&#x20AC;˘ Anxiety/Depression/Stress

NU

If the Elephant 6 Collective were a tree, Circulatory System would be a thriving branch. With its roots in that famous group of musicians (that spawned Neutral Milk Hotel, Olivia Tremor Control, Apples in Stereo and others), Circulatory System is the psychedelic/string-heavy rock project of musician/visual artist/Elephant 6 cofounder Will Cullen Hart. Its second album, Signal Morning, is due out Sept. 8. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Rebecca Sulock

L

Budos Band: Old-school soul

Healing The Whole Self

PH YS I CA

Hughesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; soulful electric piano to form a thick, swampy sound. A split EP and tour with Will Oldham in 2004 first brought them attention, and Asheville was one of the few places lucky enough to see the band in its early form. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Eric Dawson

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mountainx.com â&#x20AC;˘ AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 45

rock ‘n roll or what Michael likes to call ‘sounds from the motherland’ — Evan digs that,” says their bio. A quippy account, their music has the same sense of dynamic humor as they do.

— Lydia See

N at u ra l

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Jonathan Kane: Indefatigable force

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elements created by flute, recorder, keys and stringed instruments (everything from dulcimer, autoharp, bass, violin, cello, and viola to traditional six- and twelve-string guitars both plucked and bowed), the only real percussion comes from finger cymbals and chimes.

After releasing a record of cover songs entitled The Weed Tree (2005), their second record of original material, II (2006), feels darker, and, still achieving the duality of their 2003 release, a slightly more electrified sound. The use of a buzzing, droning tone under many of their arrangements pushes a vibration through the layers, creating a full-bodied effect, and with the addition of Otto Hauser, Helena Espvall,Chris Smith and an even wider range of instrumentation, their ability to be extremely versatile and maintain a distinct style endures.

— Lydia See

Floating Action: Absolute sway

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Having just returned from a Western tour that stretched from Montana to Texas, Black Mountain-based Floating Action brings its fresh tropical-pop sound back to town. Masterful local player and producer Seth Kauffman writes songs woven from his travels, bringing in sounds from South America, Africa, the Caribbean and other far-flung locales. Expect surf influences, impossibly-catchy melodies, singalong lyrics and contagious dancing. With Michael Libramento and Evan Martin (also playing with their own side project, Ice Cream), and the veteran Joshua Carpenter.

— Rebecca Sulock

and heard a lot of inspiring musicians. I traveled all around and came back with some instruments and a whole new cassette collection.”

— Alli Marshall

Ice Cream: Just the two of them

Ice Cream, from Asheville, exemplifies this balance between the expected and the unexpected, accessible enough for anyone to enjoy, dynamic enough to be appreciated by the pickiest of audiences.

Evan Martin and Michael Libramento bring exceptional versatility and a passion for their craft. The combination of Martin’s varied and explosive percussion style and Libramento’s gospel-and-electronica-infused organ swells creates a full cloud of sound. Both musicians play or have played with a cornucopia of bands in Asheville, from stephaniesid to Floating Action, and let loose a different side with Ice Cream.

Since it’s just the two of them, their prowess and raw talent shines. The band has developed a small but loyal following of fans, and the array of sounds created by Ice Cream runs from gospel to drum and bass. “Often it ends up sounding like

Steve Gunn: Moroccan inspiration

Guitarist Steve Gunn (who calls Brooklyn home) is sometimes rocking out with side projects Orleans Gunn and HGQ and sometimes finessing quiet, thoughtful intonations, solostyle. His EP Sundowner (on indie label Foxy Digitalis) runs on the shy side of a half-hour but reveals some gorgeous compositions that call to mind sun-bleached beach towns, deserted isles and lone dusty roads. When asked about his influences in a recent interview, Gunn replied, “I traveled to Morocco a few years back, and met

46 AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 • mountainx.com

BONNIE “Prince” Billy (Photo By JESSE FISCHLER)

How many guitarists have played with minimalist composers La Monte Young and Rhys Chatham over the years? Given the number of ensembles and guitar armies assembled by the two, it’s possible they don’t even know. It’s easier to count the drummers, because quite often it was Jonathan Kane behind the kit, anchoring 100 guitars in a Chatham epic or propelling a three hour-long performance of Young’s “Young Dorian Blues in A” along.

A frequent collaborator with musicians in the experimental and No Wave scenes of early ‘80s New York, Kane was also a founding member of art-brut greats Swans, where his drumming contributed heavily to the brutal, often oppressive sound that band could create. He’s also the driving force behind the Transmission EP, recorded in 1982 but unreleased until 2006. Across six brief tracks, Kane pummels up a percussive whirlwind accompanied by Daniel Galliduani’s treated, buzzing saxophones. At times it sounds like a locomotive barreling down on the listener.

His playing is generally not so aggressive today, as three albums released in the last few years find him keeping a steady beat for lengthy, guitar-based instrumentals with blues foundation. It’s not gut-bucket or Delta blues he seems to be interested in on his new album, Jet Ear Party, so much as a blues-rock tradition that touches on everyone from John Lee Hooker and Led Zeppelin to the Velvet Underground and Sly and the Family Stone (a very loose interpretation of the latter’s “Thank You Falletin Me Be Mice Elf Agin” appears on the album).

These songs take a while to build, and Kane’s beat rarely changes within them, metronomically shuffling, swaying or chugging along for minutes, occasionally interrupted by a short fill or slight tempo change. The music can be a hypnotic experience, especially live, where Kane is the indefatigable force pushing band and audience toward ecstatic heights.

— Eric Dawson

THE WAR ON DRUGS

Mount Eerie: Eaten by vultures

Mount Eerie takes its name from the 2003 studio album by The Microphones. In fact, Mount Eeerie is the Microphones — after releasing the epic record, band leader Phil Elverum (who, in the album’s trajectory, dies, is eaten by vultures, and experiences a transcendental epiphany) decided to adopt the disc title (also the name of a mountain on Fidalgo Island, Washington, where Elverum grew up) as the band moniker. Elverum recently announced on his P.W. Elverum & Sun Ltd. Web site that Mount Eerie’s long-awaited next effort, the double-album Wind’s Poem “is almost almost ready. It’ll be released for sale at What The Heck fest, and for sale in our store soon after.” Rumor has it that previouslydebuted songs from the record make prominent use of a delay pedal.

— Alli Marshall

Villages: When he’s not at Izzy’s...

Local act Villages is actually the one-manband of Ross Gentry. He artfully layers guitar and synthesizer sounds to create landscapes, soundscapes and dreamscapes. Song titles like “Seas,” “Harrowing” and “Winter Windows” may well be names of paintings as Gentry seems to color a sonic canvas with his moody, slow-core compositions.

— Alli Marshall

Kurt Vile: Long and glorious slumber

Kurt Vile describes his sound as “when u wake from a long and glorious slumber, then u realize u don’t have to go to work, then u fall back into long and glorious slumber” and, actually, the Philadelphia indie-pop artist is right.

There’s a tantalizing, jangly beat and dreamy, intriguing lyrics. His vocals are all fuzzy and distorted but also warm like a vintage Daniel Lanois recording. The thing about listening to Vile (his album, Childish Prodigy, is due out this fall on Matador Records) is that he composes exciting songs sure to incite even the sleepiest listener to (if not full-out dancing) some serious toe-tapping.

— Alli Marshall

Stone” and “Born to Run.” It’s a classic American anthem, featuring killer harmonica, a twangy splendor and I’m-going-hoarse-singing-this-song histrionics. What’s more, it also boasts a wordy, winding narrative that can be reduced to that greatest of all existential truths: Life might be glorious, but it’s also scary as all hell and oftentimes fueled by loneliness and a piercing sense of alienation.

Since Wagonwheel’s release last summer, I must’ve given this tune something like 120 spins, easy. That’s an average of one spin every 3.04 days. After all that, I’ve come to love three lines in particular: 1)“…now that you realize that planets are spheres/ with oil on the inside/ and your god is only a catapult, waiting for the right time to let you go/ into the unknown/ just to watch you hold your breath.”

2)“There’s a song you hear on the radio/ It’s a funeral march, so you change the channel/ But it’s all you hear, as you’re driving up the 101 from Mexico to California.”

3)“…by the time they get your letter of explanation/ You’ll be dead and gone/ barking up a new tree…”

Because “Arms Like Boulders” is also a powerhouse in terms of avant-pop production, it will be interesting to see how The War on Drugs handles the song’s myriad layers of atmospheric distortion and the phantom jangle zinging in n’ out of singer Adam Granduciel’s poetry (as well as his Springsteen-like yelps). I have the sneaking suspicion these dudes will go for the epic-rockshow approach. And if that’s the case, boy are we in for a treat.

— Justin Farrar X

The War on Drugs: This one tune

Philadelphia’s The War on Drugs are all about one song: “Arms Like Boulders.” Of course, I feel like a jerk for saying this, like somehow I’m unfairly shortchanging them. But hey, the overwhelming majority of indie bands out there can’t even produce a single, halfway-decent melody.

Plus, I rank their debut, Wagonwheel Blues, as one of the 15 best albums of 2008. It’s just that this tune is one of them career-defining achievements, a .370/40-dinger season from a player who bats .305, with 20 HRs, every other.

“Arms Like Boulders” is the lo-fi love child of — are you ready for this? — “Like a Rolling

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76 Patton Ave., Downtown Asheville • 253-8511 mountainx.com • AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 47

arts

X

harvest records

“Love over gold”

Record labels talk music, show films, as part of Saturday’s Transfigurations

by Eric Dawson There are still a few small record labels committed to hunting down hidden sounds, releasing obscure music from all corners of the globe, reissuing forgotten classics and unearthing overlooked gems. And Harvest is bringing four of them to town on Saturday for a 1 p.m. panel at the Fine Arts Theatre.

Representatives from four vanguard labels will join in a panel moderated by Asheville Free Media’s Greg Lyon. Eric Isaacson (Mississippi Records), Lance Ledbetter (Dust-To-Digital), Hashim Mayet (Sublime Frequencies) and Nathan Salsburg (Twos and Fews) will discuss their labels, play music from upcoming releases and show film footage.

About half of the session will be videos with discussion, and a Q and A will follow, Lyon says. Expect short videos on Abner Jay, Bishop Perry Tillis, Michael Hurley, Omar Souleyman and Group Doueh, moonshiner Hamper McBee, Gnawa music and whole lot more.

One of the connecting threads for these labels is their championing of a genuine folk music created largely by working people with little or no link to the music industry.

• Twos and Fews is the youngest of the labels, with a sole recording of Appalachian coal miner and singer Nimrod Workman under its belt, and an upcoming CD of music from Marrakesh.

• Dust-To-Digital specializes primarily in American folk music, but has also released a few anthologies of old 78s from around the world.

• Sublime Frequencies focuses on music from places few of us will ever visit, allowing us access to such amazing fare as Thai surf music, Syrian and Myanmarian pop music, and Tuareg guitar music from the Sahara.

• Mississippi Records is all over the map, with a hefty catalogue of raw blues and gospel, music from Africa, India and Thailand, obscure punk reissues, and records championing bands from their hometown of Portland, Ore., where they operate a record store.

The labels have received glowing press and

48 AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 • mountainx.com

attracted a loyal fan base who snatch up their releases, regardless of genre.

“I feel like we are just part of a tradition that has been around for quite some time, of labels specializing in, for lack of a better word, esoteric music,” Isaacson says in an e-mail exchange, when asked about the popularity of the labels.

“We probably have a certain mystique because we are a bit of an anachronism in that we have no Web presence or do advertising, and distribute our LPs in a very old-fashioned, person-toperson way. I think all of these companies are doing pretty unique work that it’s hard not to pay attention to, thanks to the great packaging and sounds.”

Dust-to-Digital in particular produces covetable packaging (their six-CD sacred-song anthology, Goodbye, Babylon, is housed in a pine box), and Sublime Frequencies’ limited pressings of their ornate gatefold vinyl LPs generally sell out in a matter of weeks. Mississippi releases exclusively vinyl with jackets featuring folk-art paintings or collages, usually for around $10, in limited runs that collectors scurry to acquire.

Scan eBay for their releases and you might find a markup of 400 percent for a record a few years old.

Isaacsson is slightly miffed about such speculative record buyers. “The whole point of the label was to make things available for cheap on vinyl that are hard to find. I would love to keep everything in print, but our profit margins are too small to afford to have unsold back stock collecting dust.”

It’s clear no one on the panel got in it for the money, or expected to see many monetary returns on their time and financial investments.

But for those who love their records, these labels are performing a service by rescuing amazing music that might otherwise slip through the cracks. Mississippi Records has a sign hanging in its store that serves as their motto, but could just as well serve for all of the labels, as well as the artists performing at Transfigurations itself: “Always — Love Over Gold.” X

arts

X

music

Smashing tambourines

Swedish psych-jazz rockers Dungen (that’s DOON-yen) return to Asheville

by Bill Kopp Swedish multi-instrumentalist, composer and band leader Gustav Estjes describes the music of his band Dungen as “heavy, but soft as well.” While Dungen is unabashedly heavy, there remains great subtlety in the songs, conveyed through extensive use of flute, violin and keyboards. Dungen’s sound is a swirling mix, informed by psychedelic rock and European folk. Echoes of Axis: Bold As Love-era Hendrix can be heard in their compositions, as can the complexities of Miles Davis’ Bitches Brew. Over the course of four (or five) albums, the group has refined its sound further, adding stronger elements of jazz, at the same time constructing more concise pop songs.

Formed in 1999, Dungen was originally Estjes as a one-man studio band. These days — especially since the release of 2007’s breakthrough Tio Bitar — Dungen (pronounced DOON-yen) is viewed more as a proper band. But it’s still unmistakably Estjes’ show.

“It’s a little bit complicated,” he says. “It’s my songs. I have been arranging, recording, producing the songs together with friends and musicians. And they have a huge impact on how the records sound.

But at least in the recording process, I am ...” he pauses, “a little bit of a control freak. I have a lot of finished ideas of how a song should sound, even before I start recording. So it’s no band in the traditional sense that we arrange the songs together. In the end,” Estjes says, “it’s my stuff.”

There is certainly a strong precedent for this approach. Brian Wilson famously produced the Beach Boys’ finest studio works (Pet Sounds, the unreleased SMiLE) in a studio using the Wrecking Crew sessioners, while the “real” Beach Boys toured without Wilson. And Trent Reznor created Nine Inch Nails albums working alone, only later assembling a touring band to perform the songs live. Estjes’ band members aren’t his puppets, though: “The songs have improvised parts that we rearrange for the live shows. That makes it interesting for us, and in those moments, we are definitely a band.”

Dungen’s latest album, 2008’s 4, is their most accessible yet. But don’t look for pearls of wisdom in the lyrics: As with all of Dungen’s music, the songs on 4 are sung in Swedish. “For me, the lyrics are personal. I work a lot on them,” Estjes says. “But it’s not that important that other people understand them. That’s the beautiful thing about music: Even if you don’t understand the words, you get a certain feeling anyway.”

When asked what is on his current personal playlist, Estjes names

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Hooked on a feeling: Fans of Dungen don’t have to understand the Swedish lyrics to get the sentiment behind the song.

who:

Dungen, with Woods

what:

Swedish psych-jazz-rock

where:

The Grey Eagle

when:

Tuesday, Aug. 18 (9 p.m. $12/$14. www.thegreyeagle.com) ‘70s rocker J.D. Blackfoot and Chile’s Aguaturbia, the latter familiar only to psych-rock fetishists. Then he mentions his love for Italian opera. But he also reveals that there are many times when he finds himself “only listening to hip-hop.” His interest in those seemingly disparate corners of the musical landscape is as complex as Dungen album titles. The latest — and first easily pronounceable one (4) — is actually the fifth long player of Dungen music. “I just did that to piss you off,” Estjes laughs. He then explains that the compilation of early material titled 1999-2001 isn’t really considered part of the band’s “official” catalog.

Estjes gets as much fulfillment — though of a different sort — from live performance as he does in the recording studio. “When I make music in the studio, I’m really picky about sounds. It’s like a painting; the colors have to be exact. But live, you’ve got just one chance, one ‘take.’ There’s so much going on there. The audience is part of what’s happening as well.”

Aug. 18 marks Dungen’s third Asheville performance; Estjes considers the band’s 2006 Grey Eagle gig “one of the best shows.” He recounts an Asheville story: “There was a period where I bought one wood tambourine a week, because I smashed them onstage; they always break. In Asheville, I had a new tambourine. And I have played that tambourine since then, until last week when it finally broke. A girl in Asheville, her number was actually written on the tambourine. I had plans to call that number this trip, but now the tambourine is gone. If she comes to the show, she needs to sign my new tambourine!” X

ART ON OUR WALL! Craggie Brewing Company’s Mural Contest Contest details at: craggiebrewingco.com

Bill Kopp is an Asheville-based music journalist whose features and reviews can be found at blog.billkopp.com and www.musoscribe.com.

mountainx.com • AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 49

50 AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 • mountainx.com

smartbets

(ANDBLOWN 'LASS 0IPES

Cookie La Rue For anyone who’s been wondering where Asheville-based “irritainer” Cookie LaRue has got to, she of the Tammy Faye eye makeup and polyester wardrobe is back with Can You Dig It?, a live recreation of Cookie’s 1972 Emmy-winning TV special.

(LaRue reports it was filmed only a week before her horrible accident on Circus of the Stars where she and Sandy Duncan collided in mid-air during a trapeze act.)

Guests include Donnie and Marie, Karen Carpenter, Little Michael Jackson and Cher. ‘70s attire is encouraged. Fridays, Aug. 14, 21 and 28. 10 p.m. $10. At La Rue’s backdoor, 237 Haywood St. Reservations to 252-1014.

AND /THER !SHEVILLE %SSENTIALS

285.8999

78 N. Lexington • Asheville,NC

A Day of Tradition + Innovation Head to the Asheville Art Museum for an afternoon talk and question-and-answersession with some of the very fine regional artists of the current Tradition/Innovation: American Masterpieces of Southern Craft & Traditional Art exhibit. The artists include Alice Ballard, Elizabeth Brim, Cynthia Bringle, Clay Burnette, Kristy Higby, Mark Peiser, Richard Ritter, Billie Ruth Suddeth and Julia Woodman, who will talk about their pieces in the show. Sunday, Aug. 16. 2 to 4 p.m. Free with museum admission ($6 adults, $5 seniors, students and children).

Pictured is Penland artist Elizabeth Brim’s “Catch” Apron with Flowers (photo by Luis Quiles).

by Larry Shue • produced by Asheville Savings Bank

August 12 – 23 A Southern Comedy of Manners - At a fishing lodge in rural Georgia, things are not what they seem to be in this hilarious farce of absurd situations and homespun American characters!

828-689-1239 • SARTplays.org

Sky Jazz with Richard Shulman With veteran players Mike Holstein on bass and Sonny Thornton on drums, Richard Shulman creates a new genre: Sky jazz, a blend of traditional jazz elements with a deliberate intent to help people relax, meditate and heal. Shulman has long been playing new age music; this trio finds him adding harmony, pulse and improv to the equation. Friday, Aug. 14. 8 p.m. $7. White Horse Black Mountain. www. richheartmusic.com and www.whitehorseblackmountain.com.

Club phone numbers are listed in Clubland in the (828) area code unless otherwise stated; more details at www. mountainx.com/clubland. Send your Smart Bet requests to ae@mountainx.com for consideration by the Monday the week prior to publication.

mountainx.com • AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 51

clubland

restaurant â&#x20AC;˘ lounge â&#x20AC;˘ live music

#OME 4RY /UR .EW 3EASONAL -ENU FEATURING ,OCAL 6EGGIES

where to find the clubs â&#x20AC;˘ what is playing â&#x20AC;˘ listings for venues throughout Western North Carolina C lubland rules

3EE #LUBLAND FOR MUSIC LISTINGS %AST %XIT Â&#x201E; /LD &AIRVIEW 2D Â&#x201E; 2AZCALSLOUNGE COM

â&#x20AC;˘To qualify for a free listing, a venue must be predominately dedicated to the performing arts. Bookstores and cafĂŠs with regular open mics and musical events are also allowed. â&#x20AC;˘To limit confusion, events must be submitted by the venue owner or a representative of that venue. â&#x20AC;˘Events must be submitted in written form by e-mail (clubland@mountainx.com), fax, snail mail or hand-delivered to the Clubland Editor Aiyanna Sezak-Blatt at 2 Wall St., Room 209, Asheville, NC 28801.

Events submitted to other staff members are not assured of inclusion in Clubland. â&#x20AC;˘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. â&#x20AC;˘The Clubland Editor reserves the right to edit or exclude events or venues. â&#x20AC;˘Deadline is by noon on Monday for that Wednesdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s publication. This is a firm deadline.

Open mic

Grove Park Inn Great Hall

Tressaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Downtown Jazz and

Blue Ridge Performing Arts

Blues

Center

This Frontier Needs Heros (American folk duo) w/ Steve Smith

Bill Covington (classics), 6-7pm Maddy & Masterpiece (dance band), 7-11pm

Hump day dance party w/ The Free Flow Band

Pick~N~Jam

Boiler Room

Handlebar

Vincenzoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bistro

Future Islands w/ Javelin & Lonnie Walker

Aslyn & Toby Lightman (singer/songwriters)

Marc Keller (variety)

Boiler Room

Shag music w/ DJ

Horizons at Grove Park Inn

Scott Kirby (folk, rock)

The Native Sway w/ BoB & Fight for Pacifist (rock)

Broadwayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Lajos Pagony (piano), 6-10pm

Waynesville Waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;n Hole

Boscoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sports Zone

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;80s Night

Jack Of The Wood Pub

Funk jam featuring local artists

Open jam w/ Mirage

Decades Restaurant & Bar

Old Time Jam, 6pm

Acoustic Soul

White Horse

Broadwayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Mo-Daddyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bar & Grill

Ray Bonneville (acoustic, blues)

Elaineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dueling Piano Bar

The Screaming Jays

Asshole Parade (hardcore, thrash) w/ Pox Americana & Just Die

Non-stop rockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;n roll sing-a-long party show, 8pm-1am

Never Blue

BoBo Gallery

Vortex Cabaret (variety show) Boscoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sports Zone

Emerald Lounge

Reggae Resurrection Firestorm Cafe and Books

Celtic & eclectic jam Frankie Bones

Wed., August 12

Chris Rhodes (singer/songwriter) Garage at Biltmore

Curras Dom

Mixed Bag Open Jam hosted by Michael Tao

Mark Guest (jazz guitar) Back Room

Grey Eagle Music Hall & Tavern

Open mic Blue Mountain Pizza Cafe

The Low Anthem (Americana, folk, indie) w/ Langhorne Slim

Cabo Verde (Flamenco, jazz) Razcalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Watershed

Wild Wing Cafe

Caribbean Cowboys

Club 828

Music w/ Mack Brown

Thu., August 13

Courtyard Gallery

Bluegrass jam night (band 8-10pm, open jam 10pm)

Club 828

Open mic w/ Jarrett Leone

Red Stag Grill

Back Room

Anne Coombs (jazz, swing)

Dry Run Bluegrass (traditional bluegrass)

Non-stop rockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;n roll sing-a-long party show, 8pm-1am

Scandals Nightclub

Beacon Pub

Emerald Lounge

Latin dance

Live music

Screaming Js w/ Grant DaSantos & friends

The Hookah Bar

Blu Lounge

Five Fifty Three

Open Mic w/ Sven Hooson

Johnny Blackwell (folk-rock, bluegrass)

Steve Wolrab & guests (jazz, guitar)

Town Pump

Blue Mountain Pizza Cafe

Frankie Bones

Open Mic w/ David Bryan

Patrick Fitzsimons

Chris Rhodes (singer/songwriter)

DJ dance night

Elaineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dueling Piano Bar

Wed. 8/12

sundays

are

Come

Pool & board Game niGhT-

ouT and

Play!

Valorie miller

Fri. 8/14

SaT. 8/15

sweeT sulTry CounTry thurSday, auguSt 20 Free!

JaysTorm & ComPany

Sun. 8/16

Saturday, auguSt 22 $5

TueS. 8/18

FunK, FolK & soul

Graham wilKinson &

The Low Anthem 8:30pm Kurt Vile, Coathangers & more 8:30pm

Saturday, aug 15 $5

Kelley & The Cowboys

Langhorne Slim w/

ThurS. Transfigurations 8/13

thurSday, auguSt 13 Free!

asheVille FaVoriTe sonGsTress

BoBo Gallery

Transfigurations 11pm Budos Band w/ Ice Cream

Transfigurations

Akron / Family, Circulatory System & more 8pm

Gary Jules: Swannanoa Valley Montessori Benefit w/ Angi West

Dungen w/ Woods 9pm

The underGround TownshiP ameriCana / roCK

- Mon. 7:30 OPEN MIC hosted by Scott Stewart

- tueS. -

blues Jam Featuring the

Westville All Stars hosted by Mars

- Fri. -

Trivia Night with Prizes 9pm

SMoke-Free Pub â&#x20AC;˘ Pool & dartS 777 Haywood Road â&#x20AC;˘ 225-wPUB (9782)

52 AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 â&#x20AC;˘ mountainx.com

232-5800 www.thegreyeagle.com 185 Clingman Ave.

French Broad Brewery Tasting Room

Johnson’s Crossroad (acoustic, country) Garage at Biltmore

Resounding Sound w/ Severed Martyr, The Never Hads & Or Was It Nothing Grey Eagle Music Hall & Tavern

Transfigurations feat: Kurt Vile, Coathangers & more Grove Park Inn Great Hall

Bill Covington (classics), 6-7pm Maddy & Masterpiece (dance band), 7-11pm Horizons at Grove Park Inn

Lajos Pagony (piano), 6-10pm Jack Of The Wood Pub

Bluegrass Jam, 9:30pm Lobster Trap

Hank Bones Magnolia’s Raw Bar

A Social Funk-tion (party covers) Mela

Belly dancing Mo-Daddy’s Bar & Grill

Bluestopia (blues, R&B) Never Blue

Singer/songwriter showcase New French Bar Courtyard Cafe

August Orange Peel

John Brown’s Body & Dubconscious w/ Passafire (reggae) Pisgah Brewing Company

Wiseapple (bluegrass, Americana) Purple Onion Cafe

Vendetta Creme (cabaret music) & Aaron Price Razcal’s

Mark Keller (singer/songwriter) Red Stag Grill

Robert Thomas (jazz standards, blues) Rocket Club

Ivan the Terribles w/ Michael Burgin & The Drinker’s Union (rock) Scandals Nightclub

Drag show w/ music by The Bandits & NoName Soul Infusion Tea House and Bistro

Singer-songwriter showcase The Hookah Bar

Local short film showcase hosted by Elephant Shoes Productions Tressa’s Downtown Jazz and Blues

Peggy Ratusz’ Invitational Blues Jam Vincenzo’s Bistro

Live music w/ Aaron Laflace (singer/songwriter) Watershed

DJ night Westville Pub

Valorie Miller (singer/songwriter) Wild Wing Cafe

Matt Stillwell Band Zuma Coffee

Thursday night bluegrass jam

Fri., August 14 Bosco’s Sports Zone

Mind Echo (rock) Back Room

Woody Wood and Friends (jazz, blues, rock) Blu Lounge

Dance mix w/ local DJ’s Blue Mountain Pizza Cafe

Acoustic Swing Blue Ridge Dining Room & Wine Bar

Chris Rhodes (r&b, blues, pop), 5:30-10pm BoBo Gallery

The Mumbles Boiler Room

Machiavillains, Spandrels & Solito (rock) Bosco’s Sports Zone

Live music Chaser’s Nitelife

DJ Diva & The Lee Whitaker Band Club Xcapades

Live music Decades Restaurant & Bar

Dancing w/ Darin Kohler & the Asheville Katz feat: Susie Hall Diana Wortham Theater

Transfigurations presented by Harvest Records Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar

Non-stop rock’n roll sing-a-long party show, 8pm-1am Eleven on Grove

Salsa & Mambo Dancing, 10pm-2am Dance Lessons, 10:30pm Emerald Lounge

Chicago Afrobeat Project w/ Avec la Force Feed and Seed

Red Eye Ramblers CD release party French Broad Brewery Tasting Room

Nikki Talley (indie, rock) Garage at Biltmore

Sanctum Sully (bluegrass) Gottrocks

Ancient Harmony (rock, psychedelic) Grey Eagle Music Hall & Tavern

Transfigurations feat: Budos Band & Ice Cream Grove Park Inn Great Hall

Bill Covington (classics), 6-7pm Maddy & Masterpiece (dance band), 7-11pm Hangar

The Sharkadelics (classic rock, metal) Hannah Flanagan’s

Project Anomoly (blues, rock) Holland’s Grille

Good Ol’ Mountain Dudes (bluegrass) Horizons at Grove Park Inn

Lajos Pagony (piano), 6-10pm Iron Horse Station

Butter Hollar Jack Of The Wood Pub

Robin Rogers (blues) Jerusalem Garden

Rocket Club

Stella Blue

Crystal Kind w/ Spontaneous Earth, Sa Stateside Lion, MC Dredda & The Livitysound Crew (roots, rock, reggae) The Hookah Bar Tolliver’s Crossing Irish Pub

Chuck Beattie (blues, soul) The Catfish Hodge Band (blues) Bobby Sullivan (piano) White Horse

The Richard Shulman Jazz Trio CD release party (jazz) Wild Wing Cafe

Moonshine Jenny (rock)

Sat., August 15 Curras Dom

Mark Guest & friends (jazz-guitar ensemble) Bosco’s Sports Zone

The New Cosmic Band (psychedelic, rock) Back Room

Dave Turner Band (singer/songwriter) Beacon Pub

Live music w/ Wink Keziah & Deluxe Motel Blu Lounge

Music w/ Lady DJ Christian M. Blue Mountain Pizza Cafe

Mark Bumgarner Blue Ridge Dining Room & Wine Bar

Gringo Star w/ Dever Blair O’Malley’s On Main

Smokin’ Section (blues, Southern rock) Pisgah Brewing Company

Actual Proof

Hay Sugar

Fri. 08/21

MUSE

music, comedy, dance, fashion

1/2 off appetizer with 2 can donation for MANNA 7-9pm

August 13th Bluestopia

$3 Well Rum Drinks

August 14th

Greenland is Melting with Oh Geography & Billy Wallace $3 Well Gin Drinks

August 15th Blue Dragons

$3 Seagrams 7 Drinks

August 18th

Classic Blues Night with LDT $3 Well Drinks

All shows at 9:30 pm unless noted 77b Biltmore Ave., Asheville, NC 828-258-1550 • mo.daddys@gmail.com Check out our music online! mo-daddys.com

Peer Boiler Room

Fundraiser for Gordon Smith feat: Sirius.B (soul, funk) & Oddstar Bosco’s Sports Zone

Live music Chaser’s Nitelife

DJ Diva & The Lee Whitaker Band Club 828

Back To Cool w/ DJ Lunchmoney Decades Restaurant & Bar

Rotating guest bands Diana Wortham Theater

Transfigurations presented by Harvest Records Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar

International dance w/ DJ Carlos C. & DJ Angelo Emerald Lounge

Colonel Bruce Hampton and the Quark Alliance (rock, jazz, blues) w/ Moon Taxi Feed and Seed

Cane Creek Bluegrass & Tucker Town French Broad Brewery Tasting Room

Woody Wood (rock, soul) Garage at Biltmore

Southern Silk Duo w/ DJ Dday Red Stag Grill

Grey Eagle Music Hall & Tavern

Robert Thomas (jazz standards, blues)

Thur. 08/20

Widespread Wednesday The Screaming Jays

BoBo Gallery

Benefit Party w/ Brushfire Stankgrass, Viper’s Dream, The Never, Ben Riva and friends & The Hunz Family Circus

Red Room at Temptations

Open Mic Night

August 12th

Come Support MANNA!

Chris Rhodes (r&b, blues, pop), 5:30-10pm

Eleven on Grove

New French Bar Courtyard Cafe

Wink Keziah & The Deluxe Motel

Tues. 08/18

Vincenzo’s Bistro

Mike’s Tavern

Greenland is Melting (bluegrass, folk) w/ Oh Geography & Billy Wallace

Thur. 08/15

Tressa’s Downtown Jazz and Blues

Non-stop rock’n roll sing-a-long party show, 8pm-1am

Mo-Daddy’s Bar & Grill

Dwtn Swannanoa

Garro (reggae)

Belly dancing w/ live music Greasy Kitty (punk, rock) w/ King-Sized Killers

LIVE MUSIC beaconpub.info

The Aquatic Senators feat: Steve “Big Daddy” McMurry, Jay Sander, Fitz & more

Transfiguration feat: Akron/Family, Circulatory System & more

mountainx.com • AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 53

PAUL TAYLOR Since 1965 Vintage & Modern Belt Buckles Custom Cut Belts Artisan Made Leather Sandals

Better Buckle Up...

Rough Road Ahead

Listen to Bad Ash & entertainment writers

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Mon, Tues, Fri, Sat. 12 ‘til about 4 12 Wall St., Asheville • 828-251-0057 www.paultaylorsandals.com

clubdirectory Complete clubland directory: www.mountainx.com/clubland. Questions or errors? E-mail (clubland@mountainx.com).

Asheville Civic Center & Thomas Wolfe Auditorium 251-5505 The Back Room (OSO) 697-6828 Barley’s Tap Room (SH) 255-0504 Beacon Pub 686-5943 Blue Mountain Pizza (OSO) 658-8777 Blue Lounge 650-5198 Blue Ridge Performing Arts Center 693-0087 BoBo Gallery (OSO) 254-3426 Bosco’s Sports Zone 684-2646 Broadway’s (SA) 285-0400 Chaser’s (SA) 684-3780 Club 828 252-2001 Club Hairspray (SA) 258-2027 College St. Pub (SA) 232-0809 Courtyard Gallery 273-3332 Curras Dom 253-2111 Decades Restaurant & Bar 254-0555

Diana Wortham Theater 257-4530 Dock’s Restaurant 883-4447 Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar 252-2711 Eleven on Grove 505-1612 Emerald Lounge (OSO) 232- 4372 The Encouraging Cup 329-8210 Feed & Seed + Jamas Acoustic 216-3492 Firestorm Cafe (OSO) 255-8115 Five Fifty Three 631-3810 Frankie Bones 274-7111 Fred’s Speakeasy (SA) 281-0920 French Broad Brewery Tasting Room 277-0222 The Garage 505-2663 Gottrocks 235-5519 Grey Eagle Music Hall & Tavern (OSO) 232-5800 Grove House Eleven on Grove 505-1612

T O

The Grove Park Inn 252-2711 Guadalupe Cafe 586-9877 The Handlebar (864)233-6173 The Hangar (SA) 684-1213 Havana Restaurant 252-1611 Holland’s Grille 298-8780 The Hookah Bar 252-1522 Infusions 665-2161 Iron Horse Station 622-0022 The Lobster Trap 350-0505 Mack Kell’s Pub & Grill 253-8805 Magnolia’s Raw Bar (ISS) 251-5211 Mela 225-8880 Mike’s Tavern 281-3096 Mo-Daddy’s Bar & Grill (SH) 258-1550 New French Bar Courtyard Cafe 225-6445 Never Blue 693-4646

O’Malley’s On Main 246--0898 The Orange Peel (OSO) 225-5851 Picnics 258-2858 Panther’s Paw 696-0810 Pisgah Brewing Co. 669-0190 Purple Onion Cafe 749-1179 Rankin Vault 254-4993 Razcal’s 277-7117 Red Stag Grill at the Grand Bohemian Hotel 505-2949 Rocket Club 505-2494 Root Bar No.1 299-7597 Ruby’s BBQ Shack (ISS) 299-3511 Sadie’s Seafood 505-3364 Scandals Nightclub 252-2838 Shovelhead Saloon (SA) 669-9541 Soul Infusion Tea House & Bistro (OSO) 586-1717 Steak & Wine 505-3362

Stella Blue 236-2424 The Still 683-5913 Switzerland Cafe 765-5289 The Red Room at Temptations (SA) 252-0775 Temptations Martini Bar (SA) 252-0775 Tolliver’s Crossing Irish Pub 505-2129 Town Pump (SA) 669-4808 Tressa’s Downtown Jazz & Blues (SA) 254-7072 Vaso de Vino Wine Bar & Market 687-3838 Vincenzo’s Bistro 254-4698 The Watershed 669-0777 Waynesville Water’n Hole 456-4750 Westville Pub (OSO) 225-9782 White Horse 669-0816 Wild Wing Cafe (SA) 253-3066 Xcapades 258-9652

S MOKE OR NO T T O S MOKE

OSO: outdoor/patio smoking only • SH: smoking hours, call clubs for specfics • ISS: indoor smoking section • SA: smoking allowed Grove Park Inn Great Hall

FRIDAY • AUGUST 14

Robin Rogers 2009 BMA Nominee

Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year SATURDAY • AUGUST 15

Dry Run Bluegrass Features Fiddle Champ Carrie Webster

Bill Covington (classics), 6-7pm Maddy & Masterpiece (dance band), 7-11pm Handlebar

Battle of the Bands: Trend Kill Omega, Krooked Blaze, The Pedestrians, Facing Yesterday, Malyce, As Sick As Us & more Hangar

Live music Havana Restaurant

Ahora Si (salsa, jazz, tropical) Horizons at Grove Park Inn

Lajos Pagony (piano), 6-10pm Jack Of The Wood Pub

THURSDAY • AUGUST 20

The Cheeksters & Firecracker Jazz Band FRIDAY • AUGUST 21

Trent Wagler & Steel Wheel Stationmaster & his Americana driven train

SATURDAY • AUGUST 22

Sons of Ralph

Long awaited CD Release

The Red Light Trio (jazz)

Red Stag Grill

Blue Mountain Pizza Cafe

Robert Thomas (jazz standards, blues)

John Cook

Rocket Club

BoBo Gallery

DisFUNKtional

R.I.S.E.

Scandals Nightclub

Bosco’s Sports Zone

DJ Dance Party & Cabaret Show

Shag music w/ DJ

Stella Blue

Grey Eagle Music Hall & Tavern

The Wax Poets w/ Project Loungecore Switzerland Cafe

Swannanoa Valley Montessori Benefit feat: Gary Jules (indie, acoustic) & Angi West

Donovan Keith (guitar)

Grove Park Inn Great Hall

The Hookah Bar

Marley Carroll

Dry Run Bluegrass (traditional bluegrass) feat: Carrie Webster (fiddle)

Tolliver’s Crossing Irish Pub

Jerusalem Garden

Tressa’s Downtown Jazz and Blues

Live music w/ Bentley

Belly dancing w/ live music

The Free Flow Band (soul, funk)

Mike’s Tavern

Vincenzo’s Bistro

Roland Floyd and Friends w/ Hillbillionares

Live music w/ Marc Keller (variety)

Mo-Daddy’s Bar & Grill

Watershed

Blue Dragons Never Blue

Secret B-Sides (soul, R&B) New French Bar Courtyard Cafe

If You Wannas (pop, indie) w/ Diacon-Panthers & Klustafuk O’Malley’s On Main

Summertime Whisky Band Orange Peel

BM Center for the Arts benefit feat: Dan Johnston, The Swills, Jimmy Landrey, High Windy, Velvet Truckstop & Wooden Toothe Westville Pub

Jack Of The Wood Pub

Irish session, 5pm Tom Waits time, late Lobster Trap

Chris Rhodes New French Bar Courtyard Cafe

Live music w/ Bad Sports & Badways Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge

“Vinyl at the Vault” w/ DJ Chris Rocket Club

Sunday jazz jam

White Horse

Scandals Nightclub

Menage (indie, soul)

DJ Dance Party & Cabaret Show

Wild Wing Cafe

The Hookah Bar

Villa Nova

Sun., August 16

Purple Onion Cafe

Curras Dom

Red Room at Temptations

The Two Guitars of Yasmin & Lou, 10am12:30pm Bob Zullo (guitar), 630-10:30pm

Kelly & the Cowboys (country, swing)

Doug Stanhope (comedian) Uncle Mountain Band

54 AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 • mountainx.com

Southern Silk Duo w/ DJ Spy-V

Eleanor Underhill (singer/songwriter) Barley’s Taproom

Belly dance showcase w/ live bands Town Pump

Pickin’ at the Pump, open acoustic jam Vincenzo’s Bistro

Johnny Blackwell (variety, covers)

Mon., August 17

Curras Dom

Greg Olson & Richard Graham (world, folk) BoBo Gallery

Fox Teeth Broadway’s

Whiskey & Company (Southern rock) w/ Me and the Devil, Company of Ghosts, Cartwright & Tony Wain and the Payne Grey Eagle Music Hall & Tavern

Contra dance Grove Park Inn Great Hall

Bob Zullo (guitar), 630-10:30pm Guadalupe Cafe

Chad Hallyburton (jazz guitar), 7-9pm Hangar

Open mic night Mike’s Tavern

Tony Wain and the Pain (country, crunk) w/ Cartwright

Caleb Burress Razcal’s

Bluegrass jam night (band 8-10pm, open jam 10pm)

Motown classics w/ The Mixx

Red Stag Grill

Temptations Martini Bar

Anne Coombs (jazz, swing)

Open mic w/ Pierce Edens

Rocket Club

The Hookah Bar

Selector Cleofus Williams & friends

Hatemonger (grime, other) & Project Loungecore (punk, ska)

Tressa’s Downtown Jazz and Blues

Scandals Nightclub

Chuck Lichtenberger presents “An Evening of Jazz” with special guests

The Hookah Bar

Latin dance

Vincenzo’s Bistro

Open Mic w/ Sven Hooson

Marc Keller & Company (variety)

Town Pump

Watershed

Open Mic w/ David Bryan

Live music w/ Robert Greer

Tressa’s Downtown Jazz and Blues

Westville Pub

Hump day dance party w/ The Free Flow Band

Blues Jam w/ Mars Fariss

Vincenzo’s Bistro

White Horse

Marc Keller (variety)

Irish session, 6:30pm Open mike w/ Parker Brooks, 8:30pm

Waynesville Water’n Hole

Wild Wing Cafe

Wild Wing Cafe

Bluegrass & clogging

Caribbean Cowboys

Tony Ballew (guitar and vocals), 5:30 pm — The Oxymorons (improv comedy), 8 pm

Wed., August 19

Thu., August 20

Curras Dom

Club 828

Rocket Club

Mark Guest (jazz guitar)

DJ dance night

Asheville Jazz Orchestra (swing, jazz)

Back Room

Back Room

Tressa’s Downtown Jazz and Blues

Open mic

Live music w/ D Mack Vocal jazz session w/ Sharon LaMotte, 7:30pm

Blue Mountain Pizza Cafe

Trent Wagler & The Steel Wheels (Americana, roots)

Open mic

Beacon Pub

Vincenzo’s Bistro

BoBo Gallery

Hay Sugar

Zevious, King Tut & S. Perlowin

Blu Lounge

Boiler Room

Johnny Blackwell (folk-rock, bluegrass)

Grammer School (indie, funk)

Blue Mountain Pizza Cafe

Bosco’s Sports Zone

Mark Bumgarner

Shag music w/ DJ

Blue Ridge Performing Arts Center

Broadway’s

Pick~N~Jam

Eric Congdon (blues, country)

‘80s Night

BoBo Gallery

Barley’s Taproom

Decades Restaurant & Bar

The Creek Jumpers (bluegrass)

Acoustic Soul

Now You See Them (indie, folk) w/ Moses Atwood

Beacon Pub

Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar

Boiler Room

O’Malley’s On Main

Chris Williams from Empty Slate Razcal’s

Marc Keller & Company (variety) Westville Pub

Open mic w/ Scott Stewart 7:30pm Apres OM, 11pm

Tue., August 18 Back Room

Open mic Blu Lounge

Open mic w/ Earl Clarence, Dick Frost & more Blue Mountain Pizza Cafe

Patrick Fitzsimons BoBo Gallery

Listen Listen Eleven on Grove

Non-stop rock’n roll sing-a-long party show, 8pm-1am Eleven on Grove

Zydeco dance Emerald Lounge

Reggae Resurrection Firestorm Cafe and Books

Sway (acoustic, folk)

Swing & tango dance w/ live music by Swingaholics

Frankie Bones

Emerald Lounge

Garage at Biltmore

Ashevegas All-Stars presents Tuesday Night Funk Jam

Gottrocks

Chris Rhodes (singer/songwriter) Mixed Bag Open Jam hosted by Michael Tao

Grey Eagle Music Hall & Tavern

Boombox

Dungen (rock) w/ Woods

Grove Park Inn Great Hall

Grove Park Inn Great Hall

Bill Covington (classics), 6-7pm Maddy & Masterpiece (dance band), 7-11pm

Bill Covington (classics), 6-7pm Maddy & Masterpiece (dance band), 7-11pm

Horizons at Grove Park Inn

Guadalupe Cafe

Lajos Pagony (piano), 6-10pm

Ian Moore’s Mountain Music Miscellany

Jack Of The Wood Pub

Iron Horse Station

Old Time Jam, 6pm

Open mic w/ Yorky

Never Blue

Lobster Trap

Cabo Verde (Flamenco, jazz)

Jeoffrey Weeks (piano)

Orange Peel

Mo-Daddy’s Bar & Grill

Classic blues night w/ LDT

Candlebox (grunge) w/ Midnight To Twelve & Parmalee

New French Bar Courtyard Cafe

Pisgah Brewing Company

Dido Mao w/ Endless Bummer (rock)

County Farm

O’Malley’s On Main

Razcal’s

Funk jam featuring local artists

Circlebirds w/ Michael Burgin and the Drinker’s Union, Conversations with the Enemy & Lindsay Rea Spurlock (indie, rock) Bosco’s Sports Zone

Open jam w/ Mirage

ASHEVILLE’S ONLY TRUE GENTLEMAN’S CLUB

Asheville’s Upscale Adult Club & Sports Lounge is

ALL NEW...

Hot new Feature Entertainers... and now the Lowest Dance Prices in Town!

Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar

Non-stop rock’n roll sing-a-long party show, 8pm-1am Emerald Lounge

WiLSiN (funk, soul-punk) w/ The Pond Brothers & Sol Driven Train

-G@EE@E> *FC< THROWDOWN THURSDAYS

HOT OIL WRESTLING

Five Fifty Three

Steve Wolrab & guests (jazz, guitar)

Dave Desmelik (Americana) Garage at Biltmore Grey Eagle Music Hall & Tavern

Benefit concert feat: This Twilight City w/ Captured & The Chase and We Got This

*R-rated humor

go to our website to be a contestant!

675 Merrimon Ave • Asheville, NC www.ashevillepizza.com

IJ7HJI <H?:7O

IJ7H JH;A 1pm, 4pm & 7pm 8H{DE 10pm

LUNCH BUFFET

Restrict This

Handlebar

Saturday, August 15 9pm • Free!

Join us at both locations for our

French Broad Brewery Tasting Room

Bill Covington (classics), 6-7pm Maddy & Masterpiece (dance band), 7-11pm

The Asheville Dating Game

Delivery or Carry Out until 11pm • 254-5339

Chris Rhodes (singer/songwriter)

Grove Park Inn Great Hall

wants to hook you up!

Join us for

$3 Admission • Movie Line 254-1281

Frankie Bones

Cadillac Sky (acoustic, bluegrass) w/ North Fork Switchgrass

The Asheville Brewing Company

... this area’s only

Courtyard Gallery

Open mic w/ Jarrett Leone

Thur. 8/13: Wiseapple 7pm Fri. 8/14: Actual Proof 8pm Wed. 8/19: County Farm 6pm Thur. 8/20: Funknastics 7pm Fri. 8/21: One Leg Up 8pm

COUPLES & LADIES WELCOME GREAT NIGHTLY DRINK SPECIALS

M-F 11-3pm • Now open Sundays!

Pizza, salad, baked potatoes and more!

(828) 298-1400

Asheville Brewing Company 77 Coxe Ave. Downtown Asheville

520 Swannanoa River Rd, Asheville, NC 28805

255-4077

mountainx.com • AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 55

Horizons at Grove Park Inn

Lajos Pagony (piano), 6-10pm Jack Of The Wood Pub

Bluegrass Jam, 9:30pm Lobster Trap

Hank Bones Mela

LIVE MUSIC BIG SCREEN GREAT SPIRIT

Belly dancing Mo-Daddy’s Bar & Grill

~ WEDNESDAY 8/12 ~

Ray Bonneville Slow-Burning Blues - $8 - all ages - 8 PM

BAr OpENS 6 pm

~ THUrSDAY 8/13 ~ $3 Movie niTe HiGH SoCieTy - all ages - 7 PM nachos available

BAr OpENS 6 pm

~ FrIDAY 8/14 ~

THe RiCHaRD SHUlMan JaZZ TRio CD ReleaSe PaRTy for “Sky Jazz” $7 - all ages - 8 PM “Chefs on the Go” Food available

BAr OpENS 6 pm

~ SATUrDAY 8/15 ~

MenaGe Soul, Swing, Pop, Country & Blues $8 - all ages - 8 PM “Chefs on the Go” Food available

BAr OpENS 6 pm

828-669-0816

whitehorseblackmountain.com

thurSday, auguSt 13

the SwillS & CoalduSt American Grass

Friday, auguSt 14

Live music w/ Aaron Laflace (singer/songwriter) Watershed

Dancing w/ Darin Kohler & the Asheville Katz feat: Susie Hall

DJ night

Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar

Westville Pub

Jaystorm & Co. (funk, folk)

Non-stop rock’n roll sing-a-long party show, 8pm-1am

Wild Wing Cafe

Eleven on Grove

Contagious (alternative rock) Zuma Coffee

Thursday night bluegrass jam

David Earl & The Plowshares (blue, rock) w/ The Trainwreks & The Humbuckers

Never Blue

Back Room

Feed and Seed

Singer/songwriter showcase

Anon Dixon Day (country)

Mark Bumgartner

New French Bar Courtyard Cafe

Beacon Pub

French Broad Brewery Tasting Room

“Euro Pop”

“MUSE” music, comedy, poetry, dance & more

Leigh Glass Band (Americana, blues, rock)

Orange Peel

Blu Lounge

Garage at Biltmore

The DIG Festival (local & regional music) feat: The Enemy Lovers, Chris Cates and The Master Plan & Kovac & The Polar Bear

Dance mix w/ local DJ’s Blue Mountain Pizza Cafe

“Caffiend - The Resurrection” Benefit feat: Sick As Us, Kings of Prussia, Shake Azalia & Ocoai

Acoustic Swing

Grey Eagle Music Hall & Tavern

Pisgah Brewing Company

Blue Ridge Dining Room & Wine Bar

Chris Rhodes (r&b, blues, pop), 5:30-10pm

The Hellsayers (folk-rock) & The Unholy Trio w/ The Weight

BoBo Gallery

Grove Park Inn Great Hall

Live music w/ Funknastics Purple Onion Cafe

Diane Durrett (Americana, soul) Razcal’s

Nikki Talley (singer/songwriter) w/ Galen Kipar Project & Jeff Santiago

Bill Covington (classics), 6-7pm Maddy & Masterpiece (dance band), 7-11pm

Mark Keller (singer/songwriter)

Boiler Room

Handlebar

Cravin’ Melon w/ Mac Leaphart

Robert Thomas (jazz standards, blues)

Back Pages w/ 105 Howitzer & Layman’s Envy (rock)

Hangar

Scandals Nightclub

Bosco’s Sports Zone

The Sharkadelics (classic rock, metal)

Drag show w/ music by The Bandits & NoName

Live music

Hannah Flanagan’s

Soul Infusion Tea House and Bistro

Chaser’s Nitelife

Chris Cates & the MasterPlan (Americana)

Singer-songwriter showcase

DJ Diva & The Lee Whitaker Band

Holland’s Grille

Tressa’s Downtown Jazz and Blues

Club Xcapades

The Jarvis Jenkins Band (Southern rock)

Peggy Ratusz’ Invitational Blues Jam

Live music

Horizons at Grove Park Inn

Vincenzo’s Bistro

Decades Restaurant & Bar

Lajos Pagony (piano), 6-10pm

Red Stag Grill

club xcapades :gdi^X! :mdi^X4

Saturday, auguSt 15

3 New Satellite Stages & “Exotic Cage Stage”

& the CaveMen

wedneSdayS!

open MiC night

SundayS!

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8:30 pmw/ David Bryan open acoustic Bluegrass Jam

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IN T H E CL U B S MONDAY Mack Kell’s Tressa’s Downtown Jazz and Blues TUESDAY Decades Getaway’s (Eleven on Grove) Headlights • Mike’s Side Pocket W EDNESDAY Beacon Pub • Fred’s Speakeasy The Hangar • Blu Lounge Temptations Martini Bar O’Malleys on Main • Infusions Holland’s Grille T H URSDAY Chasers • Club Hairspray Razcals • Shovelhead Saloon FRIDAY Infusions • Mack Kell’s Shovelhead Saloon SATURDAY Club Hairspray • Holland’s Grille Infusions • The Still Shovelhead Saloon SUNDAY

Bosco’s Sports Zone • College St. Pub Getaway’s (Eleven on Grove) The Hangar • Mack Kell’s Wing Cafe Iron Horse Station

Melody and Friends

pond water experiMent

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Emerald Lounge

Fri., August 21

Pierce Edens & The Dirty Work (folk, rock) w/ Ian Thomas & Lewis

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Salsa & Mambo Dancing, 10pm-2am Dance Lessons, 10:30pm

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Jack Of The Wood Pub

Trent Wagler & The Steel Wheels (Americana, roots) Jerusalem Garden

Belly dancing w/ live music Mo-Daddy’s Bar & Grill

Oso Rey’s Soulgrass Rebellion w/ Laura Blackley (singer/songwriter) & Erika Jane & Remember The Bees O’Malley’s On Main

8db[n! 8VhjVa4 Just Relax in Our Upscale Lounge Area & Take in the Scenery. Great Nightly Drink Specials, Pool Tables, & Interactive Games.

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56 AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 • mountainx.com

Empty Slate (Southern rock) Orange Peel

The DIG Festival (local & regional music) feat: Josh Phillips Folk Festival, Josh Blake & The Big Money Band & more Pisgah Brewing Company

One Leg Up (Gypsy, jazz) Red Room at Temptations

Southern Silk Duo w/ DJ Dday Red Stag Grill

Robert Thomas (jazz standards, blues)

Mon. - Sat. 7pm - 2am • 21 to Enter

828-258-9652 99 New Leicester Hwy.

(3miles west of Downtown -off Patton Ave.)

Stella Blue

Nosaj Thing (electronica) Tolliver’s Crossing Irish Pub

Live music w/ singer-songwriters Tressa’s Downtown Jazz and Blues

Peggy Ratusz and Daddy Longlegs (blues, soul) Vincenzo’s Bistro

Bobby Sullivan (piano) White Horse

David Holt and Josh Goforth’s CD release show Wild Wing Cafe

Electric Boogaloo

Emerald Lounge

Pisgah Brewing Company

Kellin Watson Band

Inner Visions (reggae)

Feed and Seed

Purple Onion Cafe

Carolina Blue French Broad Brewery Tasting Room

Bob Burnette (singer/songwriter) Garage at Biltmore

Sat., August 22

Papadosio (jam) w/ Moving Temple vs.

Peripheral & The Cosmic Jam

Curras Dom

Grey Eagle Music Hall & Tavern

Mark Guest & friends (jazz-guitar ensemble) Skinny Legs and All (blues, funk)

Secret Agent 23 Skidoo (children’s hip-hop show), 2pm Truth & Salvage Co. & Mad Tea Party

Beacon Pub

Grove Park Inn Great Hall

Back Room

Julia Ann & Laurel Ridge Bluegrass Blu Lounge

Music w/ Lady DJ Christian M. Blue Ridge Dining Room & Wine Bar

Chris Rhodes (r&b, blues, pop), 5:30-10pm BoBo Gallery

13th Day Mission (progressive, rock) Boiler Room

Electronica w/ Jason Ross Martin, Sven Hoosen, O Mello Cello Tree, Roberto Hess, Andrea Lee & Doug Rodgers

Bill Covington (classics), 6-7pm Maddy & Masterpiece (dance band), 7-11pm

Trent Wagler & The Steel Wheels (Americana, roots) Red Room at Temptations

Southern Silk Duo w/ DJ Spy-V Red Stag Grill

Robert Thomas (jazz standards, blues) Scandals Nightclub

DJ Dance Party & Cabaret Show Stella Blue

Spill The Blood Switzerland Cafe

Hangar

Dave Desmelik (Americana)

Live music

Tolliver’s Crossing Irish Pub

Havana Restaurant

Live music w/ singer-songwriters

Ahora Si (salsa, jazz, tropical) Horizons at Grove Park Inn

Lajos Pagony (piano), 6-10pm Jerusalem Garden

Belly dancing w/ live music Mo-Daddy’s Bar & Grill

Tressa’s Downtown Jazz and Blues

The Nightcrawlers (blues, rock) Vincenzo’s Bistro

Live music w/ Marc Keller (variety) Watershed

Bosco’s Sports Zone

Dangermuffin (Americana, roots)

Utility Village (rock, alternative)

Live music

New French Bar Courtyard Cafe

Westville Pub

Chaser’s Nitelife

DJ Diva & The Lee Whitaker Band

Today the Moon Tomorrow the Sun (indie, electro) w/ Nevada

Graham Wilkinson & the Underground Township (Americana, rock)

Decades Restaurant & Bar

O’Malley’s On Main

White Horse

Rotating guest bands

Live music w/ Bobby G.

Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar

Orange Peel

Non-stop rock’n roll sing-a-long party show, 8pm-1am

Soundclash Benefit for AshevilleFM feat: Doom Ribbons, IO, J.R.R. Foolkiller, Aurascene, Kimathir, sys:ex & Pomme de Terre

Jean & Anna of The Barrel House Mamas (sultry-mountain music) Wild Wing Cafe

Crocodile Smile (covers, rock)

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mountainx.com • AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 57

crankyhanke

theaterlistings Friday, AUGUST 14 - Thursday, AUGUST 20

Due to possible last-minute scheduling changes, moviegoers may want to confirm showtimes with theaters.

Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co. (254-1281) n

movie reviews and listings by ken hanke

JJJJJ is the maximum rating

additional reviews by justin souther • contact xpressmovies@aol.com

Bruno (R) 10:00 Star Trek (PG-13) 1:00, 4:00, 7:00

pickoftheweek

Please call the info line for updated showtimes.

Julie & Julia Director: Nora Ephron Players: Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Stanley Tucci, Chris Messina, Linda Emond

Comedy/Drama/Biopic

Rated PG-13

The Story: The stories of Julia Child and Julie Powell told in a series of crosscut events.

The Lowdown: A thoroughly charming and winning entertainment with great characters and acting. It may not be terribly deep, but it’s funny and invariably pleasant.

Owing to a scheduling mix-up, I arrived about an hour into Nora Ephron’s Julie & Julia the first time it was screened locally. As a result, I saw the second half of the movie then, and went back to see the first half (and stayed for the part I’d already seen) at a later date. I’m actually glad this happened, because I think seeing the end of the film and liking it and thinking about it helped put the overall experience of the film into perspective. It’s easy to watch the film and find it uneven, owing to its structure and the manner in which Meryl Streep embodies Julia Child (this is less a performance than a kind of possession). Knowing this, I think, increased my appreciation for the whole movie on the complete viewing.

If you’re not familiar with the approach taken by Ephron’s film, it’s a dual biopic on the famous chef Julia Child (Streep) and the notas-famous blogger Julie Powell (Amy Adams), who made her way — and her name — by preparing all 524 recipes in Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking and blogging about them.

The film — drawn from Powell’s Julie & Julia and Child’s My Life in France — essentially tells the story of how Julia Child became Julia Child and Julie Powell became Julie Powell. More correctly, it might be said that the film shows how each found herself and created herself.

To this end, Ephron has crafted a film that cuts back and forth between each woman’s life (the two never share the screen) and it can be a little daunting.

More than daunting, however, is the inescapable fact that Amy Adams is faced with the nearly hopeless task of competing with Meryl Streep’s Julia Child. It isn’t as if Adams can’t hold her own with Streep. She already proved she could in last year’s Doubt. The problem — if you choose to view it that way — is that Streep has the larger-than-life role of a character of true iconic proportions. Child was an immense

Meryl Streep embodies Julia Child in Nora Ephron’s dual biopic Julie & Julia. personality who, in her own way, actually changed the world (or at least America) with her cookbooks and her TV shows. Julie Powell is simply not in this realm — nor does the film attempt to place her there.

In a sense, what Julie & Julia offers is almost two movies in one. With the Julia half, you get a slick Hollywood product that hits all the expected — and in this case oh-so-right — notes. It’s a lush, rich period piece as magnificently satisfying as the most complex Child recipe — and as polished and sophisticated, but with a touch of unpretentious quirk. With the Julie half, you’re presented with a more low-key work — almost like an indie film that’s been worked into a more mainstream movie. Were you to take the Julie half out of the movie and make it a film of its own, it would be a perfectly fine little indie comedy.

Within the broader context of Julie & Julia it suffers by comparison. There’s just no way that Julie Powell can compete with Julia Child’s casual outrageousness. There is no moment in Julie’s story that is as effortlessly funny as Julia matter-of-factly instructing the duck she’s trussing to “put your legs together, darling.” Julia has the added advantage, it might be noted, of coming to us as a person we’re already familiar with. But Julie’s story is the justification of Julia’s legacy — she is the actual “servantless cook” for whom Julia was writing — and her part of the film actually serves to make the overall movie work the way it does.

Looking at the film in this light reveals the cleverness of Ephron’s approach.

This may not be a great movie — in fact, it almost certainly isn’t — but it’s a sweet, funny, enjoyable work with characters it’s possible

58 AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 • mountainx.com

to care about and fine performances straight across the board. Streep is a marvel and Adams is marvelously appealing, but don’t sell the other players short. This is especially true of the always wonderful Stanley Tucci, who hasn’t had a role this good since his last pairing with Streep in The Devil Wears Prada (2006). For pure entertainment, Julie & Julia scores pretty darn high marks — and it might even be inspirational on some level. I know I’m determined to master that stuffed-duck-in-pastry recipe before the year is out. Rated PG-13 for brief strong language and some sensuality.

— reviewed by Ken Hanke Playing at Carolina Asheville Cinema 14, Cinebarre, Epic of Hendersonville, Regal Biltmore Grande Stadium 15, United Artists Beaucatcher Cinema 7.

Cinebarre (665-7776)

n

n

Aliens in the Attic (PG) 12:45, 3:00, 5:05 The Collector (R) 9:55 District 9 (R) 12:35, 1:45, 3:05, 4:20, 7:10, 8:05, 9:45, Late show Fri-Sat only 10:35 G-Force (3-D) (PG) 12:20, 2:35, 4:50, 7:05, 9:20 The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard (R) 1:00, 3:15, 5:30, 7:45, 10:00 The Hurt Locker (R) 12:45, 3:45, 7:00, 9:45 Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (3-D) (PG) 12:40, 2:50, 5:00, 7:10, 9:30 Orphan (R) 7:10, 9:50 A Perfect Getaway (R) 1:45, 4:30, 7:10, 9:35 Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (PG-13) 12:30, 7:00 The Ugly Truth (R) 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:45 Up 2-D (PG) 12:30, 2:55, 5:20, 7:40

District 9 (R) 12:20, 3:05, 5:50, 8:40, 11:15 G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (PG-13) 12:00, 2:55, 5:55, 9:00, 11:40 Harry Potter and the HalfBlood Prince (PG) 11:00, 2:30, 6:00, 9:30 Inglourious Basterds (R) 12:01 (midnight) Thu Aug 20 only Julie and Julia (PG-13) 11:45, 2:45, 5:45, 8:50, 11:35 The Time Traveler’s Wife (PG-13) 12:10, 3:10, 6:05, 8:55, 11:25

Carmike Cinema 10 (298-4452)

JJJJ

A Perfect Getaway (R) 11:45, 2:10, 4:50, 7:40, 10:10 The Proposal (PG-13) 1:55, 7:25 The Time Traveler’s Wife (PG-13) 11:40, 2:15, 4:50, 7:45, 10:10 The Ugly Truth (R) 11:15, 1:30, 4:10, 7:10, 9:50

Carolina Asheville Cinema 14 (274-9500) n

n Co-ed Cinema Brevard (883-2200)

Aliens in the Attic (PG) 1:30, 7:00 The Ugly Truth (R) 4:00, 9:00 n Epic of Hendersonville (693-1146) n Fine Arts Theatre (232-1536)

(500) Days of Summer (PG-13) 1:00 (no 1:00 show Sat Aug 15), 4:00, 7:00, Late show all week 9:15 Ponyo (G) 1:20, 4:20, 7:20, Late show Fri-Sat only 9:30

The Lowdown: A well-intentioned, intelligent documentary with a clever hook at its center, but one that never quite soars thanks to rather uninspired filmmaking.

(500) Days of Summer (PG-13) 11:25, 1:40, 4:20, 7:35, 9:45 Afghan Star (NR) 11:10, 1:35, 3:50, 7:00, 9:30 Away We Go (R) 11:40, 2:15, 4:45, 7:50, 10:25 Bandslam (PG) 11:20, 2:00, 4:5, 7:25, 10:00 District 9 (R) 11:30, 2:25, 5:05, 7:40, 10:30 Food, Inc. (PG) 11:05, 1:10, 3:30, 8:05, 10:15 Funny People (R) 10:35 G-Force (3-D) (PG) 11:50, 2:05, 4:30, 7:05, 9:25 G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (PG-13) 11:05, 1:45, 4:25, 7:15, 10:30 The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard (R) 12:)5, 2:20, 5:00, 8:00, 10:20 Harry Potter and the HalfBlood Prince (PG) 11:35, 2:50, 7:10 The Hurt Locker (R) 11:55, 3:05, 7:20, 10:25 Julie and Julia (PG-13) 11:00, 1:50, 4:40, 7:30, 10:15

I’d like to be more enthusiastic about Havana Marking’s Afghan Star than I am, but the fact is that it’s simply not as compelling as it ought

For some theaters movie listings were not available at press time.

Please contact the theater or check mountainx.com for updated information.

Afghan Star JJJJ

Director: Havana Marking Players: Raafi Naabzada, Hameed Sajhizada, Setara Hussainzada, Lima Sahar, Daoud Sediqi

Documentary

Rated NR

The Story: An overview of the Afghan version of American Idol with the focus on four finalists.

Flatrock Cinema (697-2463) n

Away We Go (PG-13) 4:30, 7:00 n Regal Biltmore Grande Stadium 15 (684-1298) n United Artists Beaucatcher (298-1234)

Bandslam (PG) 1:40, 4:15, 7:20, 10:05 Funny People (R) 1:10, 4:25, 7:50 G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (PG-13) 1:30, 2:00, 4:00, 4:40, 7:10, 7:40, 9:40, 10:10 Harry Potter and the HalfBlood Prince (PG) 1:00, 4:20, 8:00 Julie and Julia (PG-13) 1:20, 4:10, 7:00, 9:45 The Time Traveler’s Wife (PG-13) 1:50, 4:30, 7:30, 10:00

nowplaying (500) Days of Summer JJJJJ

Authentic Beauty, LLC presentsâ&#x20AC;Ś

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra J

Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Zooey Deschanel, Geoffrey Arend, Chloe Moretz, Matthew Gray Gubler Comedy/Romance A young man falls in love with a woman who doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t share his romantic worldview, but she canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help but be drawn to him. A breath of spring â&#x20AC;&#x201D; even in the late summer â&#x20AC;&#x201D; (500) Days of Summer is a clever, funny and very perceptive comedy/romance thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a must-see. Rated PG-13

Channing Tatum, Sienna Miller, Marlon Wayans, Christopher Eccleston, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Dennis Quaid Big Dumb Loud Action A super covert group of high-tech soldiers must stop an evil arms dealer from taking over the world. A loud, cheesy, dumb action picture that closes out the summer moviegoing season in a blaze of property damage, bad dialogue and hokey CGI. Rated PG-13

Afghan Star JJJJ

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince JJJJJ

Raafi Naabzada, Hameed Sajhizada, Setara Hussainzada, Lima Sahar, Daoud Sediqi Documentary An overview of the Afghan version of American Idol with the focus on four finalists. A wellintentioned, intelligent documentary with a clever hook at its center, but one that never quite soars thanks to rather uninspired filmmaking. Rated NR

Aliens in the Attic JJJ

Carter Jenkins, Austin Robert Butler, Ashley Tisdale, Ashley Boettcher, Kevin Nealon Family Sci-Fi A group of vacationing kids must prevent an alien invasion at their lake house. An occasionally clever â&#x20AC;&#x201D; if unoriginal â&#x20AC;&#x201D; fantasy that will appeal more to youngsters than adults, but is consistently harmless for all ages, and wholly forgettable. Rated PG

The Collector J

Josh Stewart, Andrea Roth, Madeline Zima, Juan FernĂĄndez Sadistic Horror An ex-con breaks into his employerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house to burgle it, but someone of a more lethal bent turns out to be there already. More repugnant tortureporn horror. Do you need to know more? Rated R

Funny People JJ

Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, Jason Schwartzman, Jonah Hill, Eric Bana Comedy/Drama A rich and famous comic finds he has an almost certainly fatal disease and starts exploring his life. An overlong, plodding movie that lurches from scene to scene with fewer and fewer laughs and debatable depth. Rated R

G-Force JJJ

(Voices) Sam Rockwell, Nicolas Cage, Jon Favreau, PenĂŠlope Cruz, Tracy Morgan Kiddie Action/Adventure A covert government task force made up of guinea pigs must go rogue in order to stop an arms dealer from taking over the world. A likable cast and some dandy use of 3-D makes for a harmlessly entertaining kiddie flick. Rated PG

lows. Tacky, tasteless and finally preposterous horror that moves so slowly the film seems to be running backwards. Rated R

A Perfect Getaway J

Steve Zahn, Milla Jovovich, Timothy Olyphant, Kiele Sanchez, Marley Shelton, Chris Hemsworth Psycho-Killer Thriller A pair of psychos could be among any of three couples on a remote Hawaiian island. A laughably transparent mystery structure undermines any fun that might have resulted from this trashy thriller. Rated R

Public Enemies JJJJ

Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Michael Gambon, Jim Broadbent, Alan Rickman Fantasy/Adventure/Horror Harry and company move one step further toward adulthood and the inevitable confrontation that must one day take place. A surprisingly adult and even somber entry in the popular franchise that neatly builds to the two-part climax to come, while offering solid entertainment and artistry of its own. Rated PG

Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard, Billy Crudup, Stephen Graham, Stephen Dorf Fact-Based Gangster Drama The story of â&#x20AC;&#x153;folk heroâ&#x20AC;? bank robber John Dillinger and G-Man Melvin Purvisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pursuit of the notorious criminal. The machine guns blaze, guys ride around on the running boards of cars, plus everything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d expect, but the film is just not as compelling as it ought to be in the end. Rated R

The Hurt Locker JJJJJ

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen J

Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Brian Geraghty, Guy Pearce, Ralph Fiennes, David Morse War/Drama A look into the lives of a bomb squad on the last few weeks of their tour of duty in Iraq. A rivetting, suspenseful war film that packs a wallop unlike any other film to date on the war in Iraq. Rated R

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs JJ

(Voices) Ray Romano, Queen Latifah, Dennis Leary, John Leguizamo, Simon Pegg Animated Comedy/Adventure The various prehistoric creatures of the Ice Age franchise return, this time only to stumble upon a world inhabited by dinosaurs.

The worst kind of sequel, one with zero originality and zero effort, making this whole mess nothing more than one really expensive Saturday-morning cartoon.

Rated PG

Julie & Julia JJJJ

Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Stanley Tucci, Chris Messina, Linda Emond Comedy/Drama/Biopic The stories of Julia Child and Julie Powell told in a series of crosscut events. A thoroughly charming and winning entertainment with great characters and acting. It may not be terribly deep, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s funny and invariably pleasant. Rated PG-13

Orphan JJ

Vera Farmiga, Peter Sarsgaard, CCH Pounder, Isabelle Furhman, Jimmy Bennett, Margo Martindale Creepy Child Horror A couple unwisely brings a creepy Russian orphan into their home. Mayhem fol-

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Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, John Turturro, Kevin Dunn Mind-Numbing Sci-Fi Action Bad robots versus good robots out to destroy and save the world, respectively, while interrupting Shia LaBeoufâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s college education. Long, tedious, offensive and just plain awful.

Rated PG-13

The Ugly Truth JJ

Katherine Heigl, Gerard Butler, Bree Turner, Eric Winter, Nick Searcy, Cheryl Hines Mildly Raunchy Romantic Comedy Rom-com antics involving the battle between a TV producer and her unwanted star performer that plods down a well-worn path. An attempt to make the romantic comedy more â&#x20AC;&#x153;adultâ&#x20AC;? by grafting on low jokes and rough language. It almost never works â&#x20AC;&#x201D; in large part due to mismatched leads. Rated R

Up JJJJJ

(Voices) Edward Asner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai, Bob Peterson, Delroy Lindo Animated Fantasy/Adventure Faced with being sent to a retirement home, the 78-year-old Carl Fredricksen â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a former balloon vendor at a zoo â&#x20AC;&#x201D; ties an unbelievable number of balloons to his house and floats away in search of an obscure part of South America that he and his wife always planned to see. An altogether remarkable â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and remarkably moving â&#x20AC;&#x201D; film thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on the very short list of best of 2009. Rated PG

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mountainx.com â&#x20AC;˘ AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 59

startingfriday AFGHAN STAR

See review in “Cranky Hanke.”

BANDSLAM

You might remember Todd Graff’s Camp (2003), if you’re one of the dozen or so people who saw it, a likable, but hardly extraordinary movie about kids at a musical theater camp (yes, the title has a double meaning). Well, six years later, Graff is back with a movie with a similar theme. This round it’s about forming a rock group for a battle of the bands scenario. There might be a reasonably high tween appeal thanks to High School Musical refugee Vanessa Hudgens, but what her drawing power is minus Zac Efron and the HSM crew is debatable. It certainly hasn’t been screened for critics. (PG)

DISTRICT 9

It was a huge hit at Comic-Con and has scored high marks with the trades, but most of the ink spilled about first-time feature director Neill Blomkamp’s District 9 comes from the more fan-oriented reviewers. That doesn’t keep this science-fiction opus — with socio-political overtones — from being one of the most interesting things coming out this week. With an unproven (largely unknown) director and no stars to sell, the film will rise or fall on the level of interest of genre fans. The fact that it’s R rated and apparently very violent may increase the interest. Theater chains are certainly expecting something, since nearly all of them have midnight showings on Thursday.

(R) Early reviews samples: • “Upon the ashes of his aborted Halo vidgame adaptation, producer Peter Jackson has erected District 9, an enjoyably disgusting sci-fier set in and around a rubble-strewn war zone where extraterrestrial refugees have taken up indefinite residence.” (Justin Chang, Variety) • “Combining the very best of the postwar sci-fi movies with their trenchant political undertones and pulse-pounding dynamism and contemporary movie technology that can blend aliens seamlessly into a realistic human world of urban and moral decay, District 9 flirts with greatness.” (Kirk Honeycutt, Hollywood Reporter)

THE GOODS: LIVE HARD, SELL HARD

No one seems to have figured out that Jeremy Piven can’t carry a film — at least every attempt to prove otherwise has failed — so here’s another shot at it in a movie by TV director Neal Brennan and a pair of newcomer writers. Piven stars as a hotshot salesman who’s hired to save a failing car dealership. Ving Rhames may help, but the trailer looks just plain awful. This thing is being let nowhere near critics. (R)

PONYO

Hayao Miyazaki’s new animated film — an adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid — opens this week. Word is that it’s more kiddie-centric than the Miyazaki of Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle, but chances are that it will carry enough visual punch to make it worthwhile for fans. (G) Early review samples: • “Its magic comes from someplace deeper. We constantly see movies that contradict their own messages — celebrations of mavericks that are slavishly formulaic, testaments to selfless love suffused with snobbery and narcissism. But when Miyazaki makes films that decry the threat to the natural world, every molecule onscreen resonates with that belief — a belief that dissolves the boundaries between form and content.” (David Edelstein, New York Magazine) • “Until its fizzle of a finale, Ponyo, Hayao Miyazaki’s latest artisanally-crafted animé daydream, brims forth with an appealingly willynilly inventiveness pitched to a child’s sense of wonder.” (Ed Gonzalez, Slant Magazine)

THE TIME TRAVELER’S WIFE

With reasonably bankable stars — Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams — and a best-selling source novel, one is bound to wonder why The Time Traveler’s Wife hasn’t been screened for critics. The fact that director Robert Schwentke’s last film was Flightplan probably isn’t enough to warrant secrecy on its own. Is the fanciful story — Bana has the weird ability to time travel, but lacks the ability to control it, making a relationship with him difficult to say the least — a little too fanciful? Or is the film just plain not good? Friday will provide that answer. (PG-13)

60 AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 • mountainx.com

to be. It’s well made. It offers a fascinating look into our culture as applied to another culture. It’s shrewdly structured to contain an element of drama — even two of them.

But it’s just a little too flat-footed as filmmaking to suck you completely in. Ms. Marking lacks the sense of urgency to pull it all together.

Don’t misunderstand. This documentary about the Afghani version of American Idol is good and worth a look, but I was never swept up by it emotionally. I think I know why, but let’s look at what works about the film first. The idea of following the four finalists in the show — and looking at their diverse tribal backgrounds — provides the film with a solid framework. Better still, it offers the inherent drama of finding out which contestant will win. And since one of the two female contestants — Setara Hussainzada — is a rule breaker who goes beyond the dictates of Islamic religion (she shows her hair and dances during a performance), we’re given a much more potentially dangerous drama, since this results in death threats. (One interviewee simply states that she “should be killed.”)

All four contestants — Raafi Naabzada, Hameed Sajhizada, Setara Hussainzada, Lima Sahar — are likable, even if their talent might seem fairly limited to anyone without a taste for the kind of songs they perform.

That’s simply a case of cultural difference and is beside the point of the film, which is to examine the possibility of a show like this cutting through the regional and tribal differences of the contestants and the people voting for them. The program is seen not so much as a talent show, but as a popculture phenomenon that has the ability to move Afghanistan a little closer to a sense of national unity. This aspect of the film is fascinating and what makes it important.

However, I think the film falls down in its emotional impact mostly due to Marking’s heavy reliance — which may have been inevitable — on the technically crude footage of the actual show. Here’s a case where a little technical panache would have gone a long way toward making the question of who will win as exciting to the viewer of the film as it is to the contestants and the TV viewers. Instead, it’s just sort of there. The

results are sadly lackluster, even if the concept and the intent are admirable. Not rated.

— reviewed by Ken Hanke Starts Friday at Carolina Asheville Cinema 14.

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra J

Director: Stephen Sommers (Van Helsing) Players: Channing Tatum, Sienna Miller, Marlon Wayans, Christopher Eccleston, Joseph GordonLevitt, Dennis Quaid

Big Dumb Loud Action

Rated PG-13

The Story: A super covert group of high-tech soldiers must stop an evil arms dealer from taking over the world.

The Lowdown: A loud, cheesy, dumb action picture that closes out the summer moviegoing season in a blaze of property damage, bad dialogue and hokey CGI. To begin with, if you’re someone who carries a nostalgic childhood love of G.I. Joe — and the Hasbro action figures, cartoons and comic books that promote them — or simply just like watching things blow up on a movie screen, then you’re likely to get more out of Stephen Sommers’ G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra than I did. Any number of moviegoers will certainly defend G.I. Joe for being the big, dumb, mindless junk it purports itself to be.

And to a certain extent, they’re right. The movie is certainly big, dumb and mindless, which, on occasion, can be fun. Except G.I. Joe forgot all the entertaining stuff. Instead it’s the Baby Huey of action movies, running roughshod over the audience’s senses for two hours before finally exhausting itself.

It’s not quite as bad as this summer’s other example of toy-based excess, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, but that’s only because Michael Bay’s film is a perfect storm of obnoxious juvenilia — not to mention half an hour longer than G.I. Joe. Really, from the first time someone got shot and lifelessly toppled over a balcony, I realized G.I. Joe has little in common with the Transformers films and is more like the long lost brother of cheesy ‘80s and ’90s action goofs, like the

Dolph Lundgren vehicle Masters of the Universe (1987) or Street Fighter (1994), featuring JeanClaude Van Damme and his blond-dye job.

G.I. Joe might’ve worked as the hokey popcorn flick it really is if Sommers (Van Helsing) didn’t take the film so seriously. A lot of this stems from what seems to be a desire to make a straight-faced actioner to please the Joe faithful. But let’s be honest, what might work as Saturday-morning animation, or with plastic toys and their kung-fu antics, will not necessarily translate to real-life actors on a movie screen. This is, after all, a movie where grown men and women gallivant around in rubber suits, going by names that sound like sex positions — Heavy Duty, Dr. Mindbender and Hard Master — yet the film never acknowledges how downright inane any of this is.

Instead, we get a movie with a lot of corny dialogue, surprisingly shoddy CGI (especially considering the film’s $175 million price tag) and a ton of explosions, all the while borrowing liberally from Star Wars and the Bryan Singer X-Men entries. The plot is nothing more than good-guys-versus-bad-guys stuff, with evil arms dealer McCullen/Destro (Christopher Eccleston, Shallow Grave) and his army of masked, anonymous henchman trying to take over the world for no discernible reason other than they can. They hide out in a giant underwater base hidden beneath the polar ice cap like any reasonable evil organization would.

Destro’s plan hinges on some sort of nanotechnology that can eat buildings or control minds. Out to stop him are “the G.I. Joe,” a covert, international group of soldiers who — not to be outdone — also have a secret base below the Sahara and appear to spend their time blowing things up. Putting the bro in Hasbro is new recruit Duke (Channing Tatum, Fighting), some sort of thick-necked special-forces type who’s after Destro now that his old flame Ana — now the improbably named Baroness (Sienna Miller) — is working for the fiend, doing all sorts of evil deeds and such. We know she’s truly evil because the blond locks she sports in flashbacks have now been dyed black, and she traipses around in a leather cat suit that accentuates her cleavage.

There’s also a subplot involving the mute, rubber-suit wearing (I kept expecting him to come out of a steamer trunk in the basement of a pawnshop) G.I. Joe ninja named Snake Eyes (Ray Park, X-Men) and his old rival Storm Shadow (Byung-hun Lee, Hero). This is supposed to pass for characterization, but instead the subplot just becomes tedious. We also get a half-baked romance for the ladies in the audience, between Duke’s comic-relief sidekick Ripcord (Marlon Wayans) and Scarlett (Rachel Nichols, Star Trek), G.I. Joe’s resident genius and opposition cleavage. It’s also worth noting that G.I. Joe accomplishes a cinematic first by having a Wayans Brother not be the worst thing in a movie.

But none of this really matters, because there’s a lot of things that can be exploded in two hours. A good bit of Paris — including the Eiffel Tower — gets Joe’d into oblivion, which has led some to peg an anti-France slant to the film. While this is probably a legitimate

world cinema

Tune In to Cranky Hanke’s Movie Reviews

Boudu Saved From Drowning

5:30 pm Fridays

JJJJJ

Director: Jean Renoir Players: Michel Simon, Marcelle Hainia, Sévérine Lerczinska, Charles Granval

Satirical Comedy Rated NR If Jean Renoir’s Boudu Saved From Drowning (1931) seems familiar to modern viewers, that might be because it’s the source for Paul Mazursky’s Down and Out in Beverly Hills (1986), which presented the same material in new clothes with added modern complications (and a longer running time). Renoir’s original is simpler and more straightforward.

A tramp, Priape Boudu (Michel Simon), attempts to drown himself in the Seine, but his act is witnessed by middle-class bookseller Edouard Lestingois (Charles Granval) who has been ogling women through a telescope. Rushing to his aid (“One of our own class is rescuing him,” notes another middle-class onlooker in some kind of reflected glory), Edouard saves Boudu and finds himself saddled with the ungrateful fellow. Not surprisingly, Boudu’s presence in the Lestingois household turns their little bourgeois world upside down with the precision of French farce.

Renoir laces his film with little barbs at the foolishness and hypocrisy of the middle class, but, being Renoir, he’s never really unkind to anybody. This gives the surprisingly fluid early talkie a rather sweet — if undeniably earthy — tone. Seen today, the film takes on an extra quality in that it’s an invaluable look into a Paris from 78 years ago — a world that in many ways no longer exists, but is here captured forever on film. That, however, is merely a bonus. The film needs no justification outside itself as a rich, funny, rewarding experience.

— reviewed by Ken Hanke Boudu Saved From Drowning, part of a series of Classic Cinema From Around the World, will be presented at 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, at Courtyard Gallery, 9 Walnut St. in downtown Asheville. Info: 273-3332.

pritchard park series Scarface

JJJJJ Director: Howard Hawks Players: Paul Muni, Ann Dvorak, Karen Morley, Osgood Perkins, George Raft, Boris Karloff

Gangster Drama Rated NR Forget Brian De Palma’s remake; Howard Hawks’ original Scarface from 1932 is the goods as far as classic gangster flicks are concerned. Taken together with Mervyn LeRoy’s Little Caesar (1930) and William Wellman’s The Public Enemy (1931), it marks the essence of the genre — yet it takes everything to new heights. Of the three movies, it’s the nastiest, most brutal and kinkiest (the incestuous nature of Tony Camonte’s fixation on his sister is undisguised) — and the darkest of the lot. Paul Muni stars in his breakthrough role as the more-or-less screen version of Al Capone — and for an actor who would come to be known for his “prestige” performances, he pulls out all the stops in his portrayal of completely insane and unchecked evil. Muni was often a bit hammy, but here the ham is like a terrifying force of nature.

Scarface is fascinating entertainment on so many levels that it’s impossible to even scratch the surface here. It’s an atypically stylized and symbol-laden film for Hawks — fascinatingly so. The constant use of the symbol “X” (in various forms) as a harbinger of impending death may be on the more-clever-than-good level, but it’s certainly creative and entertaining. In addition to Muni, the film also offers George Raft (doing his trademark coin-flipping shtick) in his breakthrough role — along with Boris Karloff in something other than his breakthrough role. There’s also one of the rare screen appearances of Broadway star Osgood Perkins, who is best known today for having been Anthony Perkins’ father. All in all, it’s simply the quintessential classic gangster picture.

— reviewed by Ken Hanke Scarface will be shown Saturday, Aug. 15, as the third in a series of four films being screened Saturday nights at dark in Pritchard Park. Presented by the Alvy Fund and the Friends of Pritchard Park, in association with the Hendersonville Film Society. Film historian Chip Kaufmann will introduce the films, which were all made in 1932, the year the park opened.

on Matt Mittan’s Take a Stand.

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hendersonville film society The Killers JJJJ

Director: Don Siegel Players: Lee Marvin, Angie Dickinson, John Cassavetes, Ronald Reagan, Clu Gulager

Crime/Thriller

Rated NR

Disabuse yourself of any notion that this second film adaptation of Ernest Hemingway’s The Killers (1964) is going to have any of the moody film noir feel of Robert Siodmak’s 1946 film of the same name. This take on the story by the invariably overrated Don Siegel is probably the most brightly lit, atmosphere-challenged movie ever to be tagged as noir.

The film was made for TV (and looks it), but was quickly shunted into theaters when the results were deemed too violent for home consumption. While the violence doesn’t seem all that extreme today, it still has a kind of offhand, almost casual quality that makes it slightly distasteful. In truth, its approach to violence — along with its status as Ronald Reagan’s last acting stint — is probably the main thing The Killers has going for it. A case could be made, however, for the fact that there’s scarcely a likable character among the major players in the entire film.

The basic story — a man is executed by hit men at the onset, and the bulk of the film is devoted to finding out why and at whose orders — is largely the same as that of the Siodmak film, yet the details are quite different. (Considering that Hemingway’s story only concerns the hit, screenwriters on both occasions were free to embellish.) This film is interesting because of its mean-spirited quality (whether or not that’s a plus), but it’s constantly compromised by the flat high-key lighting (there are home movies with better lighting) and an over-reliance on shoddy rear-screen and process work that attempt to place characters in backgrounds they were obviously never near.

— reviewed by Ken Hanke The Hendersonville Film Society will show The Killers at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, in the Smoky Mountain Theater at Lake Pointe Landing Retirement Community, 333 Thompson St., Hendersonville. (From Asheville, take I-26 to U.S. 64 West, turn right at the third light onto Thompson Street. Follow to the Lake Point Landing entrance and park in the lot on the left.)

Director: David Twohy (The Chronicles of Riddick) Players: Steve Zahn, Milla Jovovich, Timothy Olyphant, Kiele Sanchez, Marley Shelton, Chris Hemsworth

King of Hearts

Psycho-Killer Thriller

JJJJ

Director: Philippe de Broca Players: Alan Bates, Geneviève Bujold, Adolfo Celi, Jean-Claude Brialy, Michel Serrault

Rated NR

Philippe de Broca is probably the least appreciated of all French New Wave filmmakers, and the bulk of his reputation today rests primarily on King of Hearts (1966), a work that might be viewed as the original cult movie. In some areas of the U.S., this multilingual fantasticated anti-war comedy played for more than a year. (The biggest claim is that it ran for five years at a theater in Cambridge, Mass.) The appeal was obvious: It was light and playful, yet heavy-handed in its anti-war statements, and it had just the right touch when it came to romanticizing mental illness (the old gag about how the insane are more sane than the sane — something that works better when the sane are engaged in war). Though not as well-remembered today as it might be, the film still has its adherents — and it is still a good, if not great, movie.

The setup has a British army private (Alan Bates) mistaken for an explosives expert during World War I, which causes him to be sent into a small French town to defuse a bomb left by the German army. The town’s real populace has fled, which has allowed the inmates of the local (and apparently thriving) insane asylum to take over their positions in the little burg’s hierarchy. Not surprisingly, their odd behavior perplexes the soldier, though, of course, he ultimately succumbs to the spell. To add to the mix, the town is also full of escaped circus animals. Depending on your taste and mood, this will all be charming or more than a little cloying. But can you really hate a movie with a white camel in it?

— reviewed by Ken Hanke King of Hearts will be shown as part of the Wedge Brewing Company’s Outdoor Cinema series Saturday, Aug. 15, at 9 p.m. at 125-B Roberts St.

62 AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 • mountainx.com

A Perfect Getaway J

wedge brewery

Whimsical Comedy

gripe, the thought that G.I. Joe has any kind of thought behind it — even wrongheaded, simple-minded ideas — is probably giving this numb-skulled fit of a movie too much credit.

Cars, buildings, airplanes, submarines and the North Pole (yes, the North Pole) are all at the mercy of saving the day. Sure, the action scenes are all shot with the precision of a Palsy sufferer in a helicopter and edited with the coherency of an ADD-afflicted youngster hopped up on Pixy Stix, but it definitely looks and sounds — very, very loudly — like something exciting is going on.

About the only one who seems to realize this is junk — and has any sort of fun with it — is Joseph Gordon-Levitt as mad scientist Cobra Commander, a pasty amalgamation of Darth Vader, House of 1,000 Corpses’ Dr. Satan, The Nightmare Before Christmas’ Dr. Finkelstein, a dash of Edward Scissorhands and a smattering of leftover plumbing fixtures. But the idea of Gordon-Levitt saving this movie by his lonesome is more a Sisyphean dream than anything else. G.I. Joe is not so much a movie as it is a big, clamoring force of nature — think a gigantic swarm of really idiotic locusts — and it’s here for better or for worse. Rated PG-13 for strong sequences of action violence and mayhem throughout.

— reviewed by Justin Souther Playing at Carolina Asheville Cinema 14, Cinebarre, Epic of Hendersonville, Regal Biltmore Grande Stadium 15, United Artists Beaucatcher Cinema 7.

Rated R

The Story: A pair of psychos could be among any of three couples on a remote Hawaiian island.

The Lowdown: A laughably transparent mystery structure undermines any fun that might have resulted from this trashy thriller.

David Twohy’s A Perfect Getaway is in no way what its title suggests. It may be perfectly awful, but that isn’t what its double-meaning title is aiming for. What we’ve got here is a trashy thriller that takes most of its length to get to the level of enjoyable trash. Most of the film’s energy is spent trying to prove that it’s more than a trashy thriller — with an occasional time-out to undeservedly pat itself on the back for being clever. It’s a film where its only possible identity lies in it having a twist revelation. The problem is that there’s really only one possible twist, making the revelation something of a nonstarter in terms of shock. Achieving a ho-hum level of “Yeah, that’s what I thought” from viewers isn’t exactly an accomplishment of note.

The film concerns characters presented to us as a honeymooning couple — Cliff (Steve Zahn) and Cydney (Milla Jovovich)

— who set out for a hidden-beach hike on one of the smaller Hawaiian islands (played with great conviction by Puerto Rico). On the hike they cross paths with a couple presented to us as a shifty pair of hitchhikers, Kale (Chris Hemsworth, Star Trek) and Cleo (Marley Shelton, W.). No sooner have Cliff and Cydney divested themselves of the sketchy duo than we learn of a gruesome killing committed by a man and woman in Honolulu. Since this is a thriller, it’s apparent that the killers will be on Cliff and Cydney’s island in short order — in fact, they’re probably there already. It’s no surprise then that Cliff and Cydney meet up with another couple — Nick (Timothy Olyphant) and Gina (TV actress Kiele Sanchez) — who are presented as a little too friendly. Suspicion sets in, as suspicion is wont to do in such movies.

The question then arises: Which couple is other than they seem?

Without giving too much away, I’ll note that it’s not that hard to work out. Now, it might be giving too much away to address the question of whether or not the film cheats to make its supposed surprise work. With this in mind, you might want to skip to the next paragraph if you plan on seeing A Perfect Getaway (don’t do it) and feel like giving Mr. Twohy and company a shot at pulling the palm fronds over your eyes. So does the film cheat? The answer to that depends entirely on whether or not you’re willing to accept the concept of method-acting maniacs. If you don’t, you’re apt to think certain conversations that take place between a certain couple are pretty darned hard to believe.

It really doesn’t matter if you think the film is clever. The film is happy to think that for you. And it will go out of its way to sum things up and show you just how clever it was — and just how unimaginative you were for not seeing the twist without it having to show you. It’s an attitude that’s kind of insulting when you think about it. Worse, it’s an attitude A Perfect Getaway has no business copping.

The unfortunate thing is that the whole film could have been amusingly gory trash with over-the-top performances. Instead the movie offers an interminable buildup to some fairly tame mayhem, which in turn offers a smattering of unintentional laughs and plot points brought home to roost in a wholly predictable manner. And due to the film’s mystery structure, our resident psychos only get to play psycho after they’re thoroughly unmasked (never mind that they were pretty fairly obvious from the onset and certainly so by the midway point). The lesson to be learned here is simple: If you’re going to make a cheesy psycho-killer thriller, just go ahead and embrace the Roquefort.

Pretending it’s anything else is only annoying — and not much fun. Rated R for graphic violence, language, including sexual references, and some drug use.

— reviewed by Ken Hanke Playing at Carmike Cinema 10, Carolina Asheville Cinema 14, Epic of Hendersonville, Regal Biltmore Grande Stadium 15.

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Painting

WEST ASHEVILLEMALVERN HILLS â&#x20AC;˘ Attractive 1950s bungalow, hardwood floors, appliances, 1280 sq.ft., 3BR, 1BA, full basement. $229,900. Barbara at 828.505.2958.

Condos For Sale $129,500 â&#x20AC;˘ BILTMORE COMMONS Convenient to I40, I-26. Well-maintained 2BR, 2BA , pool, clubhouse, all appliances convey. New AC. FSBO: (828) 665-8731. $135,000 â&#x20AC;˘ CLINGMAN AVENUE Between Downtown and the River Arts District. New 1BR, 1BA urban condo. Parking, storage, private balcony.

The Real Estate Center, (828) 255-4663. www.recenter.com

$179,000 CHARMING TOWN HOME â&#x20AC;˘ One level, 2BR, 1BA, 950 sq.ft., attached garage. Cathedral ceilings, skylight. Hardwood floors, fireplace. Central AC/Heat. Front and back porches. Pool, tennis court, community room. Wonderful neighborhood. 5 minutes to downtown/Blue Ridge Parkway. 828-277-6502. wimberley65@msn.com CLINGMAN LOFTS Own for $650/month. Includes taxes, dues and insurance.

Heating/cooling cost guaranteed at $16/month.

Mike Vance, 254-4030, ext. 117.

CLINGMAN LOFTS

DOWNTOWN KRESS BUILDING Custom Condo in the historic Kress Building.

2 PINs, adjoining spiral staircase. Original maple floors, private balconies, high ceilings. â&#x20AC;˘ $525,000, lease/purchase also available for $1800/month.

MLS#423787. The Real Estate Center, (828) 2554663. www.recenter.com

First time buyers receive up to $8000 tax credit when buying a home in 2009. â&#x20AC;˘ With rates at 40 year lows, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never been a better time to buy! All move-in ready 3BR, 2BA with many upgrades, $139,900.

Mountain views, pet friendly, owner-occupied.

Call Brickton Village today!

Nitch Real Estate. (828) 654-9394 or bricktonvillage.com

Real Estate Services OFFICE WAREHOUSE. Asheland Avenue. Close in, 2,400 sqft, Merchandise, wholesale, service business, $2,500/month, Call 216-6066.

Home Services HISTORIC S&W CONDOS New condos in the heart of downtown in historic art deco building. 3rd and 4th floor units w/elevator access and city or mountain views. From $290,000. The Real Estate Center: (828) 255-4663, www.recenter.com â&#x20AC;˘ info@recenter.com

LEXINGTON STATION Downtown condos, garage parking, wood floors, private balconies, stainless appliances, fitness center. â&#x20AC;˘ 3BR penthouse: $499,000. â&#x20AC;˘ 2BR, 2BA: $289,900. â&#x20AC;˘ The Real Estate Center: (828) 255-4663. www.recenter.com

ACE TO THE RESCUE! Custom grading â&#x20AC;˘ Lot clearing â&#x20AC;˘ View enhancements â&#x20AC;˘ Driveways â&#x20AC;˘ Tree removal â&#x20AC;˘ Ponds â&#x20AC;˘ Mulch/gravel. â&#x20AC;˘ 15 years experience, â&#x20AC;˘ Insured â&#x20AC;˘ Free estimates. Call Britt: (828) 216-0726. Ace Grading and Landscaping

Heating & Cooling MAYBERRY HEATING AND COOLING INC â&#x20AC;˘ Service â&#x20AC;˘ Repairs â&#x20AC;˘ Replacements AC/Heat Pumps â&#x20AC;˘ Gas/Oil Furnaces â&#x20AC;˘ New Construction/Renovation s â&#x20AC;˘ Indoor Air Quality Products.

(828) 658-9145.

ELK MOUNTAIN ASSOCIATES We specialize in â&#x20AC;˘ re-fitting Bathrooms and Kitchens and finishing Basements â&#x20AC;˘ adding Garages, Porches and â&#x20AC;˘ Sunrooms. â&#x20AC;˘ Professional education and experience.

Call (828) 242-1950 or (for all our information): elkmountainassociates.com

Fine Grading and Site Preparation Complete Landscape Design/Installation

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64

Commercial Property

â&#x20AC;˘ E x c av at i on â&#x20AC;˘ Roads â&#x20AC;˘ Wate r Ha r v e s t i n g / Management â&#x20AC;˘ Ston e w or k â&#x20AC;˘ Outdoor Rooms â&#x20AC;˘ Wate r Fe atu r e s â&#x20AC;˘ Renewable Energy

â&#x20AC;˘ Small Jobs â&#x20AC;˘ Repairs. â&#x20AC;˘ Call Greg: 230-1132 or

Cleaning

258-1107.

A PROFESSIONAL HOUSEKEEPER â&#x20AC;˘ 7 years experience â&#x20AC;˘ Reliable â&#x20AC;˘ Honest â&#x20AC;˘ Great references available upon request from upscale clientele. Call Cheri Ostman: 674-2750.

Services

HOUSEKEEPER/PERSONAL ASSISTANT has an opening to work for you. Call (828) 216-4592

Computer COMPUTER SERVICE AT

YOUR NATURAL CLEANING SOLUTION A superior clean at no cost to your health.

Earth, kid, and pet friendly.

(828) 582-0335

YOUR DOORSTEP We Come To You! â&#x20AC;˘ PC and Mac â&#x20AC;˘ Slow computer? Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll speed it up. â&#x20AC;˘ Repairs â&#x20AC;˘ Upgrades â&#x20AC;˘ Networking â&#x20AC;˘

GET RESULTS! â&#x20AC;&#x153;When we started advertising, we quickly determined that our best response was from our inexpensive ad in the Mountain Xpress Classifieds! Thanks for 10 years, Asheville.â&#x20AC;? Dale Mayberry, Mayberry Heating and Cooling, Inc. You too, can benefit from advertising in Mountain Xpress. Call today! (828) 251-1333.

Tutoring. Senior Citizen/Nonprofit Discounts.

Call Christopherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Computers, 828-670-9800.

Member Better Business Bureau of WNC. christopherscomputers.com

Business

SANTA FE LOOK â&#x20AC;˘ PLASTERING â&#x20AC;˘ STUCCO Interior â&#x20AC;˘ Exterior â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Greenâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;˘ Residential â&#x20AC;˘ Commercial â&#x20AC;˘ 30 years Asheville area. Call Perry: (828) 301-2323 or 258-2443. â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ See my work (click Products, Venetian Plaster Base): www.earthpaint.net

Health Insurance is a valuable defense against costly medical expenses.

Looking for affordable Health Insurance? For a Free no obligation Quote

Handy Man

visit www.NC-Smart-

HIRE A HUSBAND Handyman Services. 25 years professional experience, quality, reliability. References available. Free estimates.

Insured. Stephen Houpis, (828) 280-2254.

AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 â&#x20AC;˘

mountainx.com

COMMERCIAL FOR SALE â&#x20AC;˘ Downtown, Coxe Avenue newer building, groundfloor office/retail w/onsite parking, $349,000. â&#x20AC;˘ Heart of Downtown, 3 large offices in the point of the historic Flat Iron building, $319,000. â&#x20AC;˘ Gateway to Broadway Corridor, 3 buildings, 2 lots, home to many new developments, $1,650,000. â&#x20AC;˘ North Asheville, 3000+ SF auto repair shop in great condition on corner location, $295,000. The Real Estate Center, (828) 255-4663. www.recenter.com DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE: For sale. Renovated 1,227 sqft office building. $259,900. Call G/M Property Group, 828-281-4024. jmenk@gmproperty.com

Business Rentals

at 828-775-2828.

Home ACCENT PAINTING â&#x20AC;˘ We specialize in the residential market.

Interior/exterior painting, deck finishing, concrete coatings, pressure washing. No VOC paint at no extra charge. Ask about our 30% discount.

828-318-1447. accent@rodbailey.net www.rodbailey.net

Heirloom Quality Homebuilding & Custom Woodworking Cabinetry and Fine Furniture Making Utilizing Local, Ecologically Sound Materials

P r e c i s i o n @ e a rt h a v e n . o r g

Co-Creating Your Natural Landscape

CENTRALLY LOCATED PROFESSIONAL OFFICE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 26 NORTH LIBERTY STREET Corner lot with offstreet parking. 1918-built converted residence featuring 3,089 sqft + basement storage.

Configured with private offices, conference room and reception area.

Separate entrance to upper floor provides opportunity for apartment or second office. $649,000. Call Russ Towers, Lewis Real Estate 828-274-2479. lewisrealestatenc.com

Insurance.com or call Bruce

RELIABLE REPAIRS! Quality work! All types maintenance/repair, indoor/outdoor.

Excellent water leak detection/correction! 38 years experience!

Responsible! Honest!

Harmonious! References!

Call Brad, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be Glad!

(828) 273-5271.

Brandon Greenstein â&#x20AC;˘ Paul Caron (828) 664-9127 | 301-7934

AFFORDABLE â&#x20AC;˘ BRAND NEW! Be the first at Bent Creek Knoll on busy Brevard Road! Great space options and visibility with high traffic count. 1250 sqft, priced from $1250.

Owner/broker: 215-9823.

Carpentry â&#x20AC;˘ Minor Electrical

Kitchen & Bath

79,*0:065 EARTHWORKS

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1 DAY ROOM TRANSFORMATION Custom painting, decorative finishes, wallpaper installation/removal. â&#x20AC;˘ 15 years experience. â&#x20AC;˘ Meticulous â&#x20AC;˘ Timely â&#x20AC;˘ Reasonable. Heather, (828) 215-4365. Custom Home Interior Accents.

General Services Lawn & Garden

FANTASTIC SPACE â&#x20AC;˘ Across from and within sight of the new Bohemian Hotel in the heart of Biltmore Village.

Approximately 1,800 sq.ft. $3,900/month. Excellent traffic and lots of parking.

Call 828-467-3240.

Commercial Listings

Built to Last

Jeremy Brookshire

828-779-2119

brookshire.woodworking@gmail.com

ATTRACTIVE, 2,000 SQ,FT. DOWNTOWN OFFICE â&#x20AC;˘ 55 Grove Street. Four offices, break room, large reception area. $11/ sq. ft. Practical and beautiful.

(828) 253-9451. $10/NNN â&#x20AC;˘ TUNNEL ROAD ANCHOR SPACE! Great space for medical/professional office .

Completely modernized for dental care. Also suitable for walk-in clinic or other service oriented business.

Easy access with ample parking. Close proximity to VA Hospital. Approximately 3500 sqft, one level with client and separate service entrance. Contact (828) 215-9823 for details.

ARTISTS STUDIO Space for rent in North Asheville off Merrimon Avenue. 200plus. 200-plus sqft., $275/month, Call Ray at 828-254-3415, BE ON TUNNEL ROAD! High traffic count with great location and convenience to downtown and East Asheville. $650/month. Call (828) 215-2865 for showings.

COMMERCIAL RENTALS â&#x20AC;˘ Downtown, office suites above Tops for Shoes, from $1183/month. â&#x20AC;˘ North Asheville, basement level of Sherwin Williams building, 6500 sqft, $3000/month. â&#x20AC;˘ West Asheville, nice building w/many options, large to small, ample parking, $12/sqft. â&#x20AC;˘ Black Mountain, 4 units in newly improved shopping center from $1300/month.

The Real Estate Center, (828) 255-4663. www.recenter.com DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T MISS THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY For street corner presence on busy Tunnel Road!

Great visibility, suitable for both commercial or business needs. Over 1000 sqft for $850/month and ask about the rent concession! Contact (828) 215-9823 for showings.

Davenport Properties.

DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE: For lease. Retail and office suites, 222 to 2,964 sqft.

Very prominent locations.

Call G/M Property Group, 828-281-4024. jmenk@gmproperty.com DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE Office space in historic building at 50 College Street. Available now. 3300 sqft heated, upfitted for office @ $14/sqft. Elevator.

City parking garage adjacent. Original oak woodwork, marble entrance stair, windows in all work spaces. Call 254-4778, ext. 35.

DOWNTOWN CORNER: (1) Loft Manhattan style brick/wood private Biltmore Ave. entrance office and/or apartment w/kitchen, bath, storage & parking. $1,500/month +; (2) Small office brick & private entrance w/kitchen & bath $400/month +. Both available NOW. Bernie, 828 230-0755.

DOWNTOWN OFFICE SPACE For lease. Above City Bakery, Biltmore Avenue. 785+/- sqft.

Natural light. Spacious.

253-1124 or info@ sycamorepartners.net

NICE SUBURBAN OFFICES South of Airport, Hwy 280.

4,400 sqft. freestanding building. Possible office/live-in. Approximately $3,000/month.

HENDERSONVILLE ROAD Close to Asheville. Deluxe suite of offices, 160, 280 sqft. Ample parking. Cheap!

828-216-6066.

LIVE-IN ARTIST STUDIONear Biltmore Village. 1,000 sqft +Cheap! $675. 216-6066.

RIVER DISTRICT 6,000 sqft shell - artists; flexible uses.

Owner will upfit for Class A office. Call G/M Property Group, 828-281-4024. jmenk@gmproperty.com SHORT OR LONG TERM LEASE For Classes, Dance, Yoga, Theater, etc, at Studio 11, located in the West River District. 4000 sqft 50â&#x20AC;&#x2122; ceiling with stage. Plenty of parking spaces and available from 9 to 9, 7 days per week. Call (828) 259-3663.

Rentals

Rooms For Rent ARDEN â&#x20AC;˘ FULLY FURNISHED Near Airport, shopping, I-26. Beautiful, private setting. Organic peaceful house, gardens. â&#x20AC;˘ No smoking/substances. â&#x20AC;˘ Employed â&#x20AC;˘ Responsible.

No lease. $395/month. 6872390.

Apartments For Rent $325/MONTH CANTON; $450/MONTH CANDLER Nice, renovated 1BR apartments; minutes from downtown Asheville. No smoking; no pets. Call (828) 337-5447.

1 FREE MONTH! (w/contract). Walk to everything downtown, live, work and play! â&#x20AC;˘ Studio: $545/month. â&#x20AC;˘ 1BR: $650/month. â&#x20AC;˘ 2BR: $695/month (reduced!).

Water/heat included. Call 254-2029. APM. 1 MONTH FREE RENT* Escape to the woods today!

Apartment living in a parklike setting. Convenient South Asheville. * Limited time offer. Call (828) 274-4477. freewebs.com/woodsedge Woods Edge Apartments 1 YEAR NEW Very nice garage studio apartment.

West Asheville. AC. WD. $600/month, utilities included. (828) 768-3890.

1-2BR, 1-1.5BA, SOUTH, Skyland Heights,* 2nd month free*, $555$655/month, 828-253-1517, www.leslieandassoc.com

1-2BR, 1-2BA, ARDEN, Glen Beale, *2nd month free*, $585-$685/month, 828-253-1517, www.leslieandassoc.com

2BR, 1BA, SOUTH, 1020 Hendersonville, a/c, storage, carport, $705/month, 828-693-8069, www.leslieandassoc.com

1BR APARTMENT - NORTH ASHEVILLE • 5 minutes to UNCA, 7-10 minutes to downtown. Lots of space and storage. $650/month.

All utilities included.

(828) 484-9213.

2BR, 2BA, CENTRAL, 484 Windswept, w/d hookups, fireplace, view, $850/month, 828-693-8069, www.leslieandassoc.com

1BR, 1BA, DOWNTOWN, Asheville Hotel, above Malaprops, wood floors, $1,175/month, 828-693-8069, www.leslieandassoc.com 1BR, 1BA, NORTH, 365 Weaverville, w/d hookups, $485/month, 828-693-8069, www.leslieandassoc.com 1ST CALL US! Studio, 1 and 2BR apartments from $425-$800. Pet friendly.

(828) 251-9966.

Alpha-Real-Estate.com 2 BLOCKS TO MISSION HOSPITAL Nice 1BR, 1BA with hardwood floors throughout. Off-street parking. Heat and water furnished. Washer and dryer available. Small storage area included. $600/month with $600 security. Contact Tom, 828-230-7296.

2-3BR,1-2BA, NORTH, 81 LAKESHORE, A/C, coin-op laundry, deck, $725/month, 828-253-1517, www.leslieandassoc.com 2BR, 1-2BA, HENDERSONVILLE, 2010 LAUREL PARK, coin-op laundry, $525-$625/month, 828-693-8069, www.leslieandassoc.com 2BR, 1.5BA, HENDERSONVILLE, 902 Hillcrest, **2nd. month free*, $575/month, 828693-8069, www.leslieandassoc.com 2BR, 1BA BASEMENT With lots of light in peaceful Haw Creek neighborhood, minutes from town. WD connection. • Non-smoking.

• Pets considered. $600/month. Deposit.

References.

(828) 768-2998.

2BR, 1BA, EAST, 453 KENILWORTH, a/c, w/d hookups, dishwasher, $610/month, 828-693-8069, www.leslieandassoc.com 2BR, 1BA, EAST, 7-9 LINDSEY, A/C, W/D hookups, $595/month, 828-693-8069, www.leslieandassoc.com 2BR, 1BA, EAST, 119 Liberty, a/c, w/d hookups, $625/month, 828-2531517, www.leslieandassoc.com 2BR, 1BA, EAST 7 Violet Hills, wood floors, $575/month, 828-253-1517, www.leslieandassoc.com

65 LOOKOUT ROAD Adjacent to UNCA. Nice 2BR, 1BA, living room, large eat-in kitchen, washer/dryer hookups, water and trash pickup included. Off-street parking. Available immediately. Pets considered. $645/month + $645 deposit, year lease.

Contact Tom, (828) 230-7296.

ABOVE GROVE PARK INN Furnished 1BR, 1BA in private home. WD. $675/month, includes all utilities. • No pets/smoking.

658-0491 or 301-4592.

ACCEPTING SECTION 8 NOW! Mobiles like new.

In quiet, very nice park.

• 3BR, 2BA, $625/month. • 2BR, 2BA, $615/month.

(828) 252-4334.

ACTON WOODS APARTMENTS • Beautiful 2BR, 2BA, loft, $850/month. • 2BR, 2BA, $750. Include gas log fireplace, water, storage.

828-253-0758.

Carver Realty BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAIN SETTING-FAIRVIEW • All utilities included. Own deck with view. 15 minutes to downtown Asheville. 650 sq.ft. 1BR. Laundry privileges. $625/month, 1 year lease. Available Aug. 22. Julie (510) 932-1329.

BETWEEN DOWNTOWN AND UNCA • Cute, sunny, small 1BR, hardwood floors, ceillng fans, gas heat. $565/month including hot and cold water. Year’s lease, security dep., credit check req. No dogs, 1 cat ok with fee. Elizabeth Graham: 253-6800.

CUMBERLAND AVENUE CLOSE TO UNCA • Charming 1BR with Sunroom. Hardwood floors, gas heat, ceiling fans, porch. $645/month includes. hot and cold water. Year’s lease, security deposit, credit check req.

For appt: Elizabeth Graham 253-6800.

DOWNTOWN CORNER: (1) Loft Manhattan style brick/wood private and secure Biltmore Ave. entrance apartment and/or office w/kitchen, bath, closets & parking. $1,500/month +; (2) Small office brick & private entrance w/kitchen & bath $400/month +. Both available NOW. Bernie, 828 230-0755.

The area’s largest selection of Rental Homes under one roof.

Tel: (828) 650-6880 Toll Free (800) 789-1135 x 6880

EFFICIENCY APARTMENT • Available immediately. 289 E Chestnut ST. Ground floor units available, $450/month. No pets. 828350-9400.

ELEGANT QUEEN ANN VICTORIAN IN MONTFORD • Spacious 1 or 2 bedroom with forman livingroom or dining room. Porches, balconies, FP, hardwood floors. $795/month. Years lease, security deposit, credit check required. One cat okay with fiee. No dogs.

For appt: Elizabeth Graham.

253-6800.

GET QUALITY RESULTS! I received calls from a lot of high quality renters, as opposed to other publications I’ve tried. I will continue to advertise with Mountain Xpress. Patricia H. You too, can find the ideal renter, just call us! (828) 251-1333. Mountain Xpress Classified Marketplace.

GLEN BRIDGE APARTMENTS • 1BR, 1BA. $450/month. Includes water/garbage. Small complex in Arden. Move in special with one year lease. www.arcagencyasheville.co m. 828-350-9400.

KENILWORTH Wonderful, large apartment close to Tunnel Road and downtown. 1BR, 1BA, WD, dishwasher, full-size kitchen, huge storage/studio area. Private yard and patio. Hi-speed DSL, cable TV, water, sewer and electric allowance included. $850/month. No smokers. 828-699-1475 NORTH ASHEVILLE • Farrwood Ave. 2BR, 1BA. Hardwood floors throughout, very nice unit.

Coin laundry in basement.

Covered parking for one car per unit. No pets/no smokers. $750/month.

828-350-9400.

WEST ASHEVILLE • 1BR, 1BA unit available. 856 Haywood Rd. $595 per month. 828-350-9400. Pets with deposit.

CENTRAL • S. French Broad Ave. 1BR, 1BA, office. $615 per month.

828-350-9400.

NEAR UNCA 1BR DOWNSTAIRS APARTMENT. Own entrance. $515/month inclueds cable/wireless internet, laundry. Garden. Deposit. No pets. No smoking.

828-337-7549.

ACCEPT SECTION 8 West Asheville. 2BR, 2BA. Like new. Includes water. Heat pump, central air, W/D connections. In nice park. $615/month.

828-252-4334.

BLACK MOUNTAIN 14’X70’, 2BR, 2BA. Private, wooded lot w/views. • All appliances. Covered porch.

Convenient location. Cedar storage shed. Paved drive. $675/month includes water, trash pickup. • No pets/smoking. 669-9156.

EAST ASHEVILLE Warren Wilson area. Small trailer.

Private and secluded.

Wooded. 686-5634.

OAKLEY AREA 3BR, 1BA. Central heat/AC, WD connections. $525/month, includes water. Deposit, lease. • No Pets. 298-8939.

SWANNANOA • DOUBLEWIDE 3BR, 2BA on private 1/2 acre. Mountain views, garden space, storage building, fireplace. $775/month. 230-6264.

Condos/ Townhomes For Rent 2BR, 2BA • ASHEVILLE RACQUET CLUB Membership to ARC and Fitness Center. Fireplace.

Balcony. WD connections.

Non-smoking. $875/month.

(828) 684-2444.

A BIG THANX! “Thanx Xpress! The recent rental ad attracted a steady stream of quality applicants, thanks to your quality publication.”

Mark K. • You too can find quality renters by placing an affordable ad in the pages of Mountain Xpress Classified Marketplace: 251-1333.

DOWNTOWN LUXURY CONDOS Brand new loft in historic 52 Biltmore Avenue Building. 1BR, 1.5BA with 250 sqft 2nd floor mezzanine. Gourmet kitchen, oak floors, exposed brick, modular lighting, large windows, W/D, concrete, granite, stone, stainless upgrades. Indoor parking. Best Downtown location; walk to anything. $1,250/month. Year lease.

828-301-8033 or 954-6841300. Oxford Ventures

We’ve Got Your Home!

Asheville Property Management NORTH:

• 5/3.5, Large Cape Cod, bsmt, $1900.

• Mobile Homes $500 - $650.

WEAVERVILLE: • 2/2, 1750 sqft, sunroom, gas logs, pool & clubhouse.

FLETCHER • 2BR, 1.5BA townhouse available for immediate rental. Very nice unit with one car garage.

Duplex style living, very convenient to I-26 and south Asheville shopping/restaurants. One small pet considered. $800 per month. 828-350-9400.

WINDSWEPT VIEWS • 2BR,

NORTH ASHEVILLE TOWNHOUSE In safe, quiet neighborhood of working professionals and retirees.

Close to MAHEC, UNCA, and downtown. 3BR, 2.5BA, full kitchen, WD, central heat/AC, gas fireplace.

Private terrace. Lots of storage, 2 assigned parking spaces. No smoking. $950/month. Deposit, 1 year lease. Available now.

Call: JD Jackson at (828) 258-2222 or 1-800-232-0199.

www.arcagencyasheville.co

SPECTACULAR VIEW • Luxury downtown condo.

60 N Market. 1BR,1.5BA, 7th floor balcony, clubroom/fitness. New, top quality. $1,700/month.

Bright Star Realty 828-301-8033.

parking. No smoking.

WEST ASHEVILLE • 1100 sq.ft. 2 BR, 1.5BA townhouse available immediately. Nice unit, very convenient to everything West Asheville has to offer.

No pets. $675/month. arcagencyasheville.com 828-350-9400.

WESTPOINTE • 3BR, 2BA $1095/ month. arcagencyasheville.com.

828-350-9400.

LEICESTER:

• 3/2 Gas heat, quiet neighborhood $850.

• 2/2 Gas heat/logs, 1 car garage $850.

• 3/3 Townhome, gas logs, 1 car garage $895.

SOUTH:

• 3/2 Biltmore Park, 2 car garage $1550.

CANDLER:

• 3/2 Hardwood floors, private setting $995.

WEST:

• 3/2 Large porch, quiet clean neighborhood $895.

• 3/2 Hd, carpet, remodeled, large front porch $995.

Pet friendly

Call for details: (828) 254-2229 www.ashevillepropertymanagement.net

3BR, 2BA • EAST • HAW CREEK Sunny home.

Hardwood floors, 1 car garage. • New paint, deck, covered porch. $1000/month. • Nonsmokers only. Call 2309412 for details and showing.

2BA. One lower unit for $800/month, one upper unit for $700/month, another upper end unit for $795/month. Available immediately. m 828-350-9400.

Homes For Rent 1/2 MILE TO DOWNTOWN North Asheville. Close to UNCA. Downstairs w/separate entrance. 1BR, 1BA, living room, kitchen, AC, WD, backyard, off-street $750/month, includes utilities, cable and wireless internet. References. Corey, (828) 712-7709.

1ST CALL US! 2, 3 and 4BR homes from $600-2000. • Pet friendly. (828) 251-9966 Alpha-Real-Estate.com 2BR, 1BA • CHUNNS COVE DUPLEX $750/month. Call (828) 253-0758. Carver Realty

2BR, 1BA + BONUS ROOM and bath on lower level in walkable West Asheville neighborhood. Completely renovated bungalow.

Refinished wood flooring.

Washer and dryer included.

Lots of extra storage lower level workshop/storage room.

New heating and cooling system, new windows. No smokers. Pets considered. $1,100/month. Call 828-230-7775.

2BR, 2BA CUSTOM LOG CABIN on 18 acres in Fairview. Stream and waterfall, 2 decks, hardwood floors, carport, washer/dryer, central heat and AC. $1200/month.

Available Sept 1. Contact ncfarm@bellsouth.net 3BR, 1.5BA • SOUTH ASHEVILLE 1400 sqft.

Renovated with new hardwood and slate floors.

Fireplace, washer/dryer.

Covered porch, private driveway, fenced yard. Dogs ok. Available now. $1050/ month. W. Chapel Road. Call Heather: (904) 718-1942.

3BR, 2.5BA, NORTH, 5 Foxwood, a/c, garage, view, $1,095/month, 828-6938069, www.leslieandassoc.com

3BR, 2BA REMODELED RANCH • $1000/month.

One year lease. Nonsmoking. Hardwood floors, central A/C, W/D, deck, shed, walk to downtown.

828-776-3786.

ADORABLE WEST AVL BUNGALOWALL AREAS HOUSES FOR RENT. Browse thousands of rental listings with photos and maps. Advertise your rental home for free! Visit: www.RealRentals.com (AAN CAN) APPRECIATE OUTDOORS AND WILDLIFE • Bearwallow Mountain between Edneyville, Asheville, and Gerton. 15 minutes to Hendersonville.

2BR, 1.5BA. Garage, porch.

Beautiful views. Electric heat, fireplace, spring water, cable. Nonsmoking environment. $695/month.

615-491-2495.

ARDEN • ROYAL PINES Available September 1.

Charming 3BR, 1BA. Very convenient. Wood floors, paneling, and woodburning fireplace create a cozy feel.

WD, AC, dishwasher and disposal. Brand new, heat pump. Large yard. Dog negotiable. $1000/month.

(904) 718-1942.

AFFOR DA BL E REN TA L S RENTA

LARGE INVENTORY OF RENTALS WITH 6 MONTH & 1 YEAR LEASES

Great Rentals in West Asheville, North Asheville, Woodfin, Black Mountain & Hendersonville NOR TH MOBILES LIKE NEW ASHE VILLE T O W NH O U SE S Off Merrimon Ave.

1 BR/1 BA ............... $495 2BR/1 BA ................ $525

• 3/2 Doublewide, private lot near N. Buncombe rec center, $850.

PO Box 580, 2602 Hendersonville Road, Arden, NC 28704

www.tonsofrentals.com

Mobile Homes For Rent

3BR/1BA ................. $625 Walking distance to town, incl. water

ACCEPTING SECTION 8 NOW! In quiet, very nice park.

3BR, 2BA. ............................ $ 6 2 5 / M ON T H 2BR, 2BA. .......................... $ 6 1 5 / M ON T H

BLACK MOUNTAIN 2 BR, 1BA apartment.

Heat pump with central air, washer/dryer connections.

Also includes water.

$6 2 5 / M ON T H

HENDERSONVILLE 1BR, 1BA apar ment with new berber carpet. Small deck with sliding glass door. Walking distance to Main Street. Includes water.

$ 4 2 5 / M ON T H

CALL AAA PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, LLC 828.252.4334 EMAIL: WNCRENTALS@YAHOO.COM

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• AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009

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RENTMATES.COM • Browse hundreds of online listings with photos and maps. Find your roommate with a click of a mouse!

Visit http://www.rentmates.com.

(AAN CAN)

employment ARDEN, HADLEY PARK • Wonderful 2 year old home available. Pets considered with increased security deposit. 3BR, 2BA. $1200/month. $30 application fee.

828-350-9400. arcagencyasheville.com ARDEN, OAK FOREST • 3BR, 2BA with full basement/garage. Nice area. Reduced to $1100/month. $30 application fee.

828-350-9400. arcagencyasheville.com ARDEN • Very nice house.

3BR, 2BA, family room/kitchenette downstairs, Appian Way. $1095/month. $30.00 application fee.

828-350-9400. arcagencyasheville.com ASHEVILLE AREA RENTALS $550$1950/month. • 1-East. • 3-West. • 3-North. • 3South. • Century 21 Mountain Lifestyles: (828) 684-2640, ext 17.

For more details: www.KristieFrizsell.com BILTMORE PARK. 4BR, 2.5 BA, 2,200 sqft, Rent for $2,300. Carver Realty, 828253-0758.

COTTAGE • Oakley. $650/month. 2BR, 1BA. 750sq.ft. Just redone. Big kitchen, all new appliances and heat-pump. Sunny, quiet, convenient. Nice deck and yard.

Glennsara@verizon.net ETOWAH • 4BR, 2BA on 2 acres. Hardwood floors, huge garage. Small barn.

Very private. Lease option. $1400/month. 828-6980902.

FLETCHER • STAFFORD HILLS New, immaculate 3BR, 2.5BA, 1250 sqft townhome. Hardwood floors, marble in bath, gas fireplace, 1 car garage.

Patio. Convenient to Hendersonville, Asheville. $1050/month. • Pets considered. References.

Deposit. (864) 723-1049.

HOUSES FOR RENT • Browse thousands of rental listings with photos and maps. Advertise your rental home for free. Visit http://www.RealRentals.co m. (AAN CAN) MARS HILL • 3BR, 2BA. Family room downstairs, wonderful views. One pet considered with increased deposit. $895 per month.

828-350-9400.

BLACK MOUNTAIN • All new deluxe studio apt. in quiet mountain setting.

Deck, trails, views. $650/month. Utilities included. Available now. No pets/smoking.

828-669-5342.

CENTRAL OFF MERRIMON 2BR, !BA. $725. Carver Realty. 253-0758.

CONVENIENT TO DOWNTOWN • 3BR, 2BA with large office/den space.

Stove, refrigerator, dishwasher and washer/dryer, storage, open deck overlooking private backyard. $1300/month.

Includes utilities. Lease.

Sandy McCall, Realtor/Property Manager.

Sandy@ SouthernLifeRealty.com

NORTH ASHEVILLE • UNCA Coleman Avenue at intersection of Murdock Avenue. 3BR, 1.5BA, back deck, covered porch, hardwood floors, 1820 sqft, unfinished basement. $1550/month. • Pets allowed. Call owner/broker: Jay Lurie, (828) 216-8462.

NORTH ASHEVILLE Beautiful 2BR, 1BA house with 1/2 acre fenced backyard. Full unfinished basement. Pets allowed. $1,200/month. Call Bob, (828) 259-9328.

SOUTH ASHEVILLE • 4BR, 2.5BA. All brick. Closed sunporch, huge kitchen/dining area.

Fireplace. Large lot. Quiet neighborhood. Available Sept. 1. 828-277-1492.

OAKLEY • 3BR, 2.5BA Beautiful, 2-year-old, 1,500 sq.ft. home on cul-de-sac.

2-car garage, fireplace, hardwoods. Quiet neighborhood. No smoking.

Deposit and references required. Cool landlord. $1,300/month. Now available. www.rent-this-house.com

PROFESSIONAL OFFICE PLUS QUALITY HOME IN ONE Near Asheville Chamber of Commerce. Has “billboard” signage seen from Interstate I-240. On site parking. Handicapped accessible. Rare combination of flexible design to meld a successful business with a very comfortable home. 2300 sqft for $1950/month. Can sublease. Contact: Doug (828) 777-6746.

OFF THE HOOK! We got a great response from our ad for our Rental house in the Mountain Xpress! The phone rang off the hook! Thanks, Ander, owner, Design Painting. Get your Apartment or House rented quickly and affordably. Call (828) 251-1333. Mountain Xpress Classified Marketplace.

REEMS CREEK, MUNDY COVE 3BR, 2BA, $900/month. Call (828) 253-0758. Carver Realty

SOUTH OAK FORREST 4 BR, 2BA $1,750. Call Carver Realty 828-253-0758.

SOUTH, DEANWOOD 3BR, 2BA, $1,200/month. Call (828) 253-0758. Carver Realty SWANNANOA • 3BR, 2BA. Cherry Blossom Cove, $1095/month. www.arcagencyasheville.co m 828-350-9400.

WEST ASHEVILLE • 3BR, 2.5BA Hardwoods, tile, carpet, granite. Stainless steel and ENERGY STAR appliances. W/D hookups.

Front porch and private, wooded back deck. 2-car garage. Great for family. 5 minutes from downtown Asheville. $1,650/month.

Call Lisa: 828-808-2651.

BLACK MOUNTAIN HOUSE • Convenient, 3BR, 1BA, appliances, fenced. No smoking. Pets negotiable. $875/month plus security.

Available. Sept 1. Heather, 279-9943, CANDLER • 3BR, 3BA, 4700 sq.ft., 10 acres, barn, $1600/month. $30 application fee.

828-350-9400 arcagencyasheville.com

Vacation Rentals BEAUTIFUL LOG CABIN Sleeps 5, handicap accessible. Near Warren Wilson College, Asheville, NC. (828) 231-4504 or 277-1492. bennie14@bellsouth.net

Help Others while

Helping Yourself

DONATE PLASMA, EARN COMPENSATION Plasma Biological Services (828) 252-9967 interstatebloodbank.com 66

AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 •

mountainx.com

Share Sweet W. Asheville Home $450 inc communal kitchen, bath,utl, WiFi, W/D, storage space, organic gardens. Mature, ecofriendly, quiet female wanted. 258-9386.

Roommates 1BR in 2BR Home Cute home. great location near downtown. quiet, down-toearth woman in late 20s looking for roommate $400/mo+utilities. call Chris 545-2714 .

Arden. Furnished room, beautiful/private setting.

Organic garden. Chemicalfree household. Seeking responsible, clean roommate(s). No pets. $395/month, utilities included. No lease. (828) 687-2390.

Beautiful Mountain Getaway Looking for friendly, mature roommate to share our solar/wood heated home in Boone.

Beautiful mountain views/acreage 20mindowntown Boone. $330+1/3 utilities. Abigail 828-713-0814.

Close to Town and Greenlife Elegant environment for a quiet, neat professional. Call for pics to cell: 828-781-1499.

Female preferred, to share 2BR West Asheville home, close to everything. $375/month, share utilities.

Deposit. References. • Pet considered. Call Sherri: 242-6119.

Female Roommate Needed North Weaverville.

15minutes to Ashevile. 2BR, 1BA farmhouse. $350/month. Cleanliness, peacefulness. Female with 5 month old baby, two dogs. No cats.

828-645-9028.

House in Oakley Huge backyard with high fence, great for dogs. Shared bath, w/d, internet, furnished. I am super clean, eco conscious and active. $550/month + utl. Avail.

Sept. 1.

Employment

General $$$HELP WANTED$$$ • Earn extra income assembling CD cases from home. Call our live operators now. 800-4057619 ext. 150. www.easywork-great pay.com. (AAN CAN) $600 WEEKLY POTENTIAL $$$ helping the government part-time. No experience, no selling. Call 1-888-213-5225. Ad Code L-5. VOID in Maryland and South Dakota. (AAN CAN) 1 DAYTIME POSITION Available for a reliable, and environmentally conscious person to join our cleaning team. An energetic nonsmoker with great PR skills a must. Reliable transportation and cell phone required. Pay based on experience and efficiency, average $10/hour. Please call (828) 215-3830.

A SEASONAL OPPORTUNITY Inspect apples during harvest.

August-October. Will train.

Henderson County. Mileage paid. Indoor/outdoor work.

Call (828) 253-1691 extension 31. Leave message.

BOMBARDED WITH CALLS! “We’ve literally been bombarded with calls from the employment ads we’ve placed in Mountain Xpress. It’s allowed us to carefully screen our applicants to find just the right employees that help our business grow.” Shay Amber, Manager, Pristine Clean. • What more can we say? Mountain Xpress Classifieds get results! Call 251-1333 Get results and grow your business!

CAB DRIVERS Needed at Blue Bird; call JT 258-8331.

Drivers needed at Yellow Cab; call Buster at 253-3311.

FIND QUALITY EMPLOYEES FAST! We found more than a dozen highly qualified job applicants in less than a week with just a single classified ad in the Mountain Express. • Chris Dennen, PhD, President of Innovative Healing Inc. • Your business can quickly and affordably find the right employee. Call 251-1333, Mountain Xpress Marketplace!

HIRE QUALITY EMPLOYEES “Our employment advertisements with the Mountain Xpress garner far more educated and qualified applicants than any other publication we have used. The difference is visible in the phone calls, applications and resumes.”

Howard Stafford, Owner, Princess Anne Hotel. • Thank you, Howard. Your business can benefit by advertising for your next employee in Mountain Xpress Classifieds. Call 251-1333.

HOUSEKEEPERS Year-round consistent employment, Asheville. Professional, reliable and responsible.

Full-time and part-time for upscale B&B. Must be flexible and able to work weekends. Background check required. Call 828254-3878 for interview.

Black Walnut Bed And Breakfast Inn. TOUR GUIDE If you are a “people person” with a passion for Asheville and have a Commercial Drivers License (CDL), you could be a great Gray Line Trolley tour guide! Training provided. Part-time or fulltime. Contact Elaine at (828) 251-8687 or elaine@ graylineasheville.com WORK FROM HOME • 29 serious people to work from home using a computer. Up to $1,500-$5,000, PT/FT. financialsecurity123.com

Skilled Labor/ Trades GRAPHIC DESIGNER • East Asheville. Experienced, CS3/MAC/HEAVY PRINT PRODUCTION. $15/hour. rosemaninc@gmail.com

Administrative/ Office BOOKKEEPER Part-time (20 hours/week) bookkeeper needed for local non-profit early learning center.

Knowledge of AR/AP, Excel and payroll data entry necessary. Experience with SAGE and MIP financial software systems a plus.

Verifiable excellence in past performance required.

Please complete employment application at www.macfc.org or call 2980808 for more information.

DALI DECALS • Needs an assistant to help answer phones, place orders and assist with regular office tasks in our fast-paced work environment 9 am to 5 pm, Mon-Fri. through Friday. Send email to DaliDecalsJobs@gmail.com - include some information about yourself as well as a contact number. If you have professional references and a resume, be sure to include those also. We are a drug-free workplace. www.dalidecals.com RECEPTIONIST OFFICE ASSISTANT Full time opportunity for an energetic and highly organized individual with exceptional phone and clerical skills and strong reception and interpersonal competency.

Successful candidate will have experience with multiterminal phone system, typing proficiency and basic PC literacy including MS Windows and Word. One year experience in a service setting with intense customer interactions required. Knowledge of Act!, Excel and Outlook with some accounting software experience preferred. For immediate consideration send resume with cover letter to Jobs@onewhoserves.com.

E.O.E.

Salon/ Spa Employment Opportunities • Call (828) 225-6122 or visit: biltmore.com

LOLA SALON Is looking for one full-time booth rental chair, available Sept. 1.

Submit resume Tues.-Sat. at 60 Biltmore Ave. No phone calls please!

How Much Is YOUR Home Worth?

You can put a value on your house, but not on your home.

Especially when you open your home to a child at risk.

For over 20 years children with emotional and behavioral challenges have found caring homes through MENTOR. By opening your home to a child in your community, you can become a MENTOR, too.

MENTOR offers the opportunity to work independently at home, a competitive tax-free monthly stipend, access to 24-hour support from licensed professionals, respite and offers opportunities for skills development. Find out how valuable your home really is!

Please call 828-253-8177, ext. 23, in Asheville or 828-696-2667 in Hendersonville for more information and directions. Together, we can make a difference!

NAIL TECHNICIAN/ESTHETICIAN • Busy downtown salon expanding. Experience preferred or double license.

Will be offering organic services. Please bring resume in person to: 82-B North Lexington Ave. No phone calls please.

Sales/ Marketing HAVE FUN, CHANGE THE WORLD, MAKE MONEY. The Carolina Purple Pages, the LGBT Friendly City Guide and Business Directory, is expanding and needs more team members.

We’re looking for energetic, LGBT Friendly people with great communication skills.

If this sounds like a good fit for you, please e-mail your resume to Bethany@carolinapurplepag es.com.

SALES PROS • Time to get paid what you are worth AND have a life. Call 1-888700-4916.

Restaurant/ Food “150 CALLS! At some point, I was hoping they’d stop! The best vehicle for finding quality employees, and advertising your business.” Russell, The Skyclub. Your business can benefit with low cost, efficient advertising. Call 251-1333. Mountain Xpress Marketplace Classifieds.

APOLLO FLAME • WAITSTAFF Full-time needed. Fast, friendly atmosphere. Apply in person between 2pm-4pm, 485 Hendersonville Road.

274-3582.

CHEF NEEDED IN BLACK MOUNTAIN Casual Fine Dining Restaurant looking for full-time chef.

Experience preferred. Call 230-2750.

MOUNTAIN X JAMS! As a growing business that relies on the face put forward by our employees, Mountain Xpress Classifieds is where we turn to find them. The volume of high-quality applicants replying to our ads can be hard to choose from, and it is always worth our investment. Thanks Mountain X! Rebecca and Charlie, owners, Tomato Jam Cafe.

Hotel/ Hospitality HOUSEKEEPING Busy downtown B&B seeking meticulously detail-oriented person for housekeeping.

Must have respectable appearance. Weekend position with possible 1-2 days during the week. Only those with good work ethics need apply. Experience a plus. Call 828-989-6618 for appointment.

LUXURY B&B POSITIONS • Resident Assistant Innkeeper, Onsite furnished apartment available. • B&B Assistant second shift: (4pm-10pm) • Housekeepers. Inquiries and resume: brenharr@aol.com PT MAINTENANCE PERSON AND FT/PT DESK CLERKS needed at Downtown Inn. Apply at 120 Patton Avenue.

Medical/ Health Care CNA’s PART-TIME WEEKEND Positions available 1st and 2nd Shift Come join a Great Nursing Team! We offer: • Competitive new wage scale • Excellent benefits • Paid time off • Holiday pay • Direct deposit • 401(k) with company match.

Asheville Healthcare Center.

To apply, call or email resume to: Tim Sparks, Human Resource Manager: 298-2214. tsparks@mfa.net

Accounting Analyst - F/T Executive Chef - F/T Server - F/T Line Cook - F/T Dining Room Supervisor - F/T Steward - F/T Lead Linen Aide - F/T Washperson - F/T Cafeteria Attendant - F/T

MEDICAL CASE MANAGER. Access II Care seeks FT Medical Case Mgr to work w/uninsured patients in Madison/Yancey/Mitchell Co. Bilingual English/Spanish and RN or SW w/2 year min. CM exp. preferred. No call, no weekends, competitive salary. Resume and cover letter to hr@accessiicare-wnc.org MEDICAL OFFICE MANAGER, FULL-TIME POSITION Well established family medicine practice seeks organized, enthusiastic manager, Job entails managing office of five doctors ad small staff, coordinating billing scheduling and day-to-day office needs. Experience with computer medical records is a plus.

Competitive salary depending on experience and excellent benefits. Fax resume to 828-252-9420.

MEDICAL OFFICE MANAGER, FULL-TIME POSITION Well established family medicine practice seeks organized, enthusiastic manager, Job entails managing office of five doctors ad small staff, coordinating billing scheduling and day-to-day office needs. Experience with computer medical records is a plus.

Competitive salary depending on experience and excellent benefits. Fax resume to 828-252-9420.

Human Services ASHEVILLE HOUSING AUTHORITY EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING SERVICE COORDINATOR GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB: Under supervision of the Director of Special Programs, assists residents of public housing to upgrade their employability and improve their self sufficiency with the goal of moving up and out of public housing.

Employee is responsible for working with low income, disadvantaged families and tracking their progress towards self sufficiency.

Work includes case management, working with the Family Self Sufficiency team, working closely with housing development managers, and attending meetings and training sessions. Some meetings may be after regular working hours and some training will be out of town.

Employee is responsible for coordinating services and programs for client referral.

These include, but are not limited to, social services, employment services, educational opportunities, employment training opportunities, life skills training, and employment readiness skills training. It is desirable that employee have a knowledge of grant writing and knowledge of the local job market as well as contacts with local employers. Other Requirements: An Undergraduate Degree in the Human Services or related field or three years experience working with low and or undeserved families. Please submit all applications to Kameelah Robinson Salary is commensurate with experience and education.

Closing Date: August 14, 2009

Massage Therapist - P/T Spa Programmer - F/T Spa Executive Assistant - F/T Spa Café Manager - F/T Nail Technician - F/T Spa Shift Supervisor - F/T Front Desk Agent - F/T Public Relations Manager - F/T Operator - F/T

Apply in person, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm, Saturday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, Human Resources at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa, 290 Macon Ave., Asheville, NC 28804, or visit our website, www.groveparkinn.com (828) 252-2711, ext. 2083. EOE Drug Free Workplace.

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ACCESS FAMILY SERVICES • Is seeking caring and compassionate individuals and families to become foster parents to children ages 12-17. We provide training, 24 hour support and a monthly stipend of $900.00 per month. If interested visit the programs section on our website at www.accessfamilyservices. com and call 704-787-3049 AGAPE SERVICES • Is looking for foster families in Buncombe, Henderson, and Transylvania counties. We provide training and 24 hour support and a generous, tax free stipend.

Contact Nickie, 828- 3295385 for more information.

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL For more information: (828) 2993636. Mountain Area Residential Facilities, Inc.

FAMILY PRESERVATION SERVICES OF HENDERSONVILLE has immediate openings for Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Professional Counselors and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialists to provide individual and group therapy to the MH population. Please email resumes to wfhoward@fpscorp.com

EXPERIENCED FULL TIME LICENSED CLINICIAN • To serve as the Clinical Lead for 3-person team providing Intensive-In Home services for up to 8 high risk families and outpatient therapy.

Must be licensed in NC & Medicaid Enrolled. rnicolai@compassadult.com

FAMILIES TOGETHER INC. Now hiring LCSW’s, LPC’s, LMFT’s. Flexible schedules, team culture, Paid time off, health and dental offered, creative and innovative culture. Please visit our website: www.familiestogether.net and email your resume to sstevenson@ familiestogether.net

FAMILIES TOGETHER INC. Now hiring for Mental Health Professionals in Brevard and Asheville offices. Positions available: Day Treatment, and Family Service Coordinator.

Please visit our website www.familiestogether.net and email resume to sstevenson@ familiestogether.net

FAMILY PRESERVATION SERVICES OF ASHEVILLE is seeking QMHPs to provide enhanced services for child and adult consumers. Applicants must have at least 2 years postdegree experience with the MH population. Email csimpson@fpscorp.com

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FAMILY PRESERVATION SERVICES OF RUTHERFORD CO. • Is seeking a Clinical Director.

Applicants must have a Master’s Degree in counseling, social work or related field, NC licensure, clinical experience with adult and child MH population, a minimum of 5 yrs. supervisory experience.

Email resume: sholloway@fpscorp.com GREETER/RECEPTIONIST • MANNA FoodBank is seeking a Full-Time Greeter/Receptionist and Clerical Support Assistant.

Must be proficient in Microsoft Office (computer skills test given) and have exceptional phone and people skills. Familiarity with a multi-line phone system a plus. Job description available at HYPERLINK “http://www.mannafoodban k.org” www.mannafoodbank.org.

Starting pay $9.86 per hour with excellent benefits.

Please e-mail resume to HYPERLINK “mailto:shwells@feedingam erica.org” shwells@feedingamerica.or g. Minorities and Bi-Lingual encouraged to apply. No phone calls please.

Deadline for submission is August 21, 2009. EOE.

AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 •

Haywood and Jackson County Psychiatrist Assertive Community Treatment Team: Please contact Joe Ferrara, joe.ferrara@meridianbhs.or g Clinician, Haywood County Recovery Education Center Must have Master’s Degree in Human Services Field and be license-eligible. Please contact Jon Esslinger at jon.esslinger@meridianbhs. org Clinician: Offender Services Program: Must have Master’s Degree in Human Services Field and be license-eligible. Please contact Diane Paige at diane.paige@meridianbhs.o rg Haywood County Therapist/Team Leader Child and Family Services.

Master’s Degree and supervisory experience.

Please contact David Hutchinson at david.hutchinson@meridian bhs.org Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) Assertive Community Treatment Team: Must have a Bachelors degree in a human services field and two years post-degree experience, or a Masters degree.

Please contact Mason Youell, mason.youell@meridianbhs. org Jackson, Macon, Swain County: Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP): Child and Family Services: Must have a Bachelors degree in a human services field and two years post-graduation experience, or a Masters degree. Please contact David Hutchinson at david.hutchinson@meridian bhs.org Therapist:Child and Family Services (Macon and Jackson): Masters degree required. Please contact David Hutchinson at david.hutchinson@meridian bhs.org Cherokee, Clay, Graham County: Therapist/Team Leader: Child and Family Services: Masters degree and license eligible. Please contact David Hutchinson at david.hutchinson@meridian bhs.org • For further information and to complete an application, visit our website: www.meridianbhs.org HOUSE DIRECTOR The Rathbun Center is seeking a qualified individual for the position of House Director.

Please refer to www.rathbuncenter.org to view the complete job description and application process. No calls or emails.

PART-TIME KITCHEN JOB AVAILABLE! • Eliada Homes in Asheville needs a highly motivated individual seeking part-time hours to work as a new Kitchen Aid. The Aid will be responsible for helping to transfer food to various departments on campus, and will also be responsible for collecting empty food containers after meals and returning those to the kitchen. The Kitchen Aid is responsible for running the dish machine.

Must also be able to unload food orders from trucks and put food away properly, making sure to rotate all stock as needed. The right person for this job will be able to lift up to 50 lbs, pass a drug test and criminal background check, and be able to work well in a team setting. Past experience in the food industry a plus. The position is part-time and pays minimum wage. All qualified persons please submit your resume to eweaver@eliada.org PART-TIME KITCHEN JOB AVAILABLE! • Eliada Homes in Asheville needs a highly motivated individual seeking part-time hours to work as a new Kitchen Aid. The Aid will be responsible for helping to transfer food to various departments on campus, and will also be responsible for collecting empty food containers after meals and returning those to the kitchen. The Kitchen Aid is responsible for running the dish machine.

Must also be able to unload food orders from trucks and put food away properly, making sure to rotate all stock as needed. The right person for this job will be able to lift up to 50 lbs, pass a drug test and criminal background check, and be able to work well in a team setting. Past experience in the food industry a plus. The position is part-time and pays minimum wage. All qualified persons please submit your resume to eweaver@eliada.org

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PRN AND FULL TIME TEACHING ASSISTANTS NEEDED • The Academy at Eliada Homes is seeking dedicated individuals to work directly with students, providing individualized treatment in a supportive and therapeutic environment. Major Responsibilities: The Assistant, or Education Treatment Specialist, will implement the Eliada Model to teach academic and life skills. They will also actively participate in the implementation of individualized teaching and treatment plans created by the teacher, provide a safe environment through constant monitoring and supervision, assist with testing, present lesson plans as needed, and maintain structure and consistency in the classroom. Qualifications: Must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree; preferably in the Human Service field. Applicants with a minimum of two years working in the mental health field with target population will be considered. Must be willing to work a flexible schedule.

Strongly prefer individuals with experience with youth and adolescents in the mental health field. All qualified persons please submit a resume to eweaver@eliada.org QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL To manage supervised living home. Part-time hours with responsibilities to include management of household, supplies and staff schedules. • Ideal candidate will be organized, self-motivated and work well independently. 2 years experience in a human services field is required.

Please forward resume to sjdignity@gmail.com

SPECIAL EVENTS ASSISTANT Would you like to work part-time for a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help the children and families of Western North Carolina to grow and be successful?

Do you have experience in the coordination and management of special events? If so, this might be your dream job! Eliada Homes, Inc. is seeking a special events person who will coordinate with the Director of Development to implement special events, solicit donations, secure sponsorships, and to increase community involvement. This individual will secure, hire, manage, and arrange for the payment of all artists, entertainers, etc. brought in for events. The Special Events Assistant will contact vendors for bids on resources, supervise volunteers and contract labor at special events, and maintain a weekly and annual special events calendar. The ideal candidate for this position must be organized and a highly skilled communicator, as timely and effective communication with community contacts is required. The position also requires a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, or related field. Experience in special events and community relations is mandatory, with nonprofit experience a plus!

Must possess valid NCDL, and be flexible as the position may require local travel and work on evenings or weekends. All qualified persons please submit your resume to: eweaver@eliada.org or fax to 828-210-0361 SUPPORT BROKER (Case Manager). The Arc of NC seeks a passionate and extraordinary person to become our next Support Broker, providing case management services, including person-centered planning and supports coordination for people with developmental and other disabilities in our Asheville office. Seeking person who is steeped in personcentered principles, with knowledge of selfdetermination and personcentered planning tools a Must. Working knowledge of NC system and generic resources in the local county is crucial.

Knowledge of state and Medicaid funding streams necessary. Must be able to provide CAP case management. Requires a creative, progressive thinker and strong advocate who is very self-disciplined. Must be a QP in Developmental Disabilities with Bachelor’s degree in a human service field and at least two years related exp. Excellent starting salary and benefits.

This position is currently a Part-time position with the potential of going full-time.

• Interested parties should send their resume and cover letter to Lori Boehm, email to: lboehm@arcnc.org or fax #: (828) 254-6885.

THE ORELENA HAWKS PUCKETT INSTITUTE Is recruiting an Early Childhood Technical Assistance Provider to work on a research-to-practice project promoting young children’s early literacy learning. The successful applicant will be responsible for providing technical assistance and training to early intervention and preschool special education practitioners at both state and local levels, assisting in literacy-based project activities, and related duties. The applicant will be expected to provide training using the professional development model used by the project.

The position requires frequent out-of-state travel.

The successful applicant must have a master’s or doctorate degree in early intervention or preschool education with expertise in early literacy or language development for children ages birth to 5 years.

Experience in professional development is preferred.

The position includes a liberal fringe benefits package, including paid health insurance and retirement. Applicants should send a letter of interest, resume, and salary history to Dr. Tracy Masiello via jobs@puckett.org, or via regular mail to 8 Elk Mountain Rd., Asheville, NC 28804.

Caregivers/ Nanny ASSIST THE ELDERLY Make a difference in the lives of the elderly. Nonmedical Companions and Home Helpers needed for weekend and overnight shifts in Asheville and Hendersonville. Call 7132952. Home Instead Senior Care.

Professional/ Management 1 ASHEVILLE AREA REALTOR Wanted to share Dwell Realty’s dynamic professional culture and great compensation. Call today for confidential appointment: (828) 2543334.

EDUCATION CENTER ADMINISTRATOR Full-time salaried position available for dynamic, team-oriented individual. • Position includes management of students and student records, class preparation and coordination, facilitation of continuing education program, event planning and networking. • Must be personable and professional, have excellent verbal and written communication skills, be naturally organized and detail oriented, and able to multi-task efficiently. • Must have measurable management experience and be computer fluent.

Salary: $24,000 plus benefits (paid holidays, vacation and sick days).

Resume to Center for Massage, 530 Upper Flat Creek Rd., Weaverville, NC 28787 or email Lindsay@ centerformassage.com

INSURANCE MANAGEMENT Bankers Life and Casualty Company, one of the largest and most respected companies in the insurance industry is currently seeking individuals interested in entry-level insurance sales positions. Ambition, intelligence, integrity and a strong work ethic will lead qualified individuals into management positions within three months to one year. Our associate managers earn $60,000 to $100,000 per year with top performing managers earning $200,000+. For additional information visit www.bankerslife.com, or please call Rikki Metcalf at (704) 940-1360 to arrange an interview.

Computer/ Technical WEBSITE DATA ENTRY • Local wholesale company is looking for a full time in house computer savvy person to keep all details on our website updated. We have over 3,000 products that are in a pretty regular state of flux needing to have pictures uploaded, pricing fixed, and categories updated on a regular and timely basis. Position will work with and assist our graphics designer when needed and work consistently to keep products accurately represented online.

Candidate should have a pleasant disposition, strong work ethic, and a solid ability to work steadily without supervision. Must have impeccable attention to detail, as the work that you put out will be immediately visible by our customers. We offer a comfortable and casual working environment with great benefits, great people and great hours. Interested parties should email jobs@allfungifts.com or fax (828-236-2658) resume and cover letter telling me a little bit about yourself.

Please put ATTN: ANGIE in the subject line. Feel free to look at our products online at www.allfungifts.com but please no phone calls about the position, I will be calling to set up interviews after I receive and review your resume.

WEBSITE DATA ENTRY Local wholesale company is looking for a full time in house computer savvy person to keep all details on our website updated. We have over 3,000 products that are in a pretty regular state of flux needing to have pictures uploaded, pricing fixed, and categories updated on a regular and timely basis. Position will work with and assist our graphics designer when needed and work consistently to keep products accurately represented online.

Candidate should have a pleasant disposition, strong work ethic, and a solid ability to work steadily without supervision. Must have impeccable attention to detail, as the work that you put out will be immediately visible by our customers. We offer a comfortable and casual working environment with great benefits, great people and great hours. Interested parties should email jobs@allfungifts.com or fax (828-236-2658) resume and cover letter telling me a little bit about yourself.

Please put ATTN: ANGIE in the subject line. Feel free to look at our products online at www.allfungifts.com but please no phone calls about the position, I will be calling to set up interviews after I receive and review your resume.

Teaching/ Education EXPERIENCED OUTDOOR EDUCATORS Inside Out is hiring facilitators for weekly trips, 2-4 day programs, in September. Download an application at www.insideout-inc.com and send it in with resume and/or email jobs@insideout-inc.com for more information.

FULL-TIME MATH INSTRUCTOR Hanger Hall School is seeking a fulltime Math Instructor for grades 6-8. Certified teacher preferred. Email letter of interest, resume and references to brigittab@hangerhall.org

Jobs Wanted ATTENTION SMALL BUSINESSES Semi-retired CPA seeks part-time work.

Reasonable. 206-1157.

ELDERLY HOME CARE By mature female. Asheville area. Experienced. Great references. 686-5634..

HOUSE CLEANING. Mature, experienced, trustworthy mother/daughter team looking for housecleaning opportunities. Great rates!

Flexible scheduling and immaculate references. Call for estimate anytime! 828628-0666 or 828-458-8099.

Career Training EARN $75 - $200/HOUR • Media Makeup Artist Training. Ad, TV, Film, Fashion. One week class.

Stable job in weak economy. Details at http://www.AwardMakeUpS chool.com 310-364-0665.

(AAN CAN).

EARN YOUR MASTER’S DEGREE in Integrated Teaching Through the Arts in Asheville. Close to home and only one weekend a month. No GRE or MAT required. Lesley University is America’s top teacher of teachers. Contact Jacinta White at 888-608-8463 or at jwhite14@lesley.edu

Employment Services

GREEN TECH COMPANY Seeking caring leaders to educate 4.2 billion cell phone users about the harmful effects of electromagnetic radiation (EMF). Work from home, part or full-time. Call 1888-458-1670 or email mybioprohealth@ gmail.com

LEARN VIETNAMESE/ASIAN COOKING • Tired of the same old food? Learn to prepare healthy and nutritious food. seasiancookingeasy.com

SERIOUS ENTREPRENEURS Rep personal development product. • Achieve goals. • Live your dream life! • Executive income potential.

• No travel.

1-800-570-2110.

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS in 111 alternative newspapers like this one. Over 6 million circulation every week for $1200. No adult ads. Call Rick at 202-289-8484.

(AAN CAN) ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS in 111 alternative newspapers like this one. Over 6 million circulation every week for $1200. No adult ads. Call Mountain Xpress Classifieds at (828) 251-1333. (AAN CAN)

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA! Fast, affordable & accredited. Free brochure.

Call now! 1-800-532-6546 Ext. 97 www.continentalacademy.c om (AAN CAN)

Looking for Family Adopted male born 62265 in A-ville. Ma was 31, Pa was 43. Trying to find family. wassonapark@yahoo.com w/ info. Please.

HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA! Fast, affordable & accredited. Free brochure.

Call now! 1-800-532-6546 Ext. 97 www.continentalacademy.c om (AAN CAN)

MYSTERY IN THE MOUNTAINS 6-9 p.m. Aug. 27 Grand Bohemian Hotel Enjoy dinner and a show – Curtains at the Speakeasy.

Tickets are $60. Prizes raffled off to those who guess the criminal, first time leadership donors, renewing donors, best costume (1920’s) and more.

Purchase tickets online: www.unitedwayabc.org.

Limited seating, deadline August 24. This event is a part of year-round efforts to raise awareness of United Way and leadership giving opportunities for people 40 years and younger.

Business Opportunities AMAZING OPPORTUNITY! I give out this phone number, and make money: 1-712432-0211 access code: 439281#. • Then call Maureen: (828) 779-5883.

BEST HOME-BASED BUSINESS EVER! It’s fun; it’s simple; it’s lucrative. To hear 3-minute message, call 1-866-257-3105, code 1.

BIZ OP • Want to purchase minerals and other oil/gas interest. Send details to: PO Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201

AMR

MEDIA SERVICES Audio and Video Recording of Musical, Instructional and Literary Sources Performance & Public Speaking Enhancement Tools

828-335-9316 • amrmediastudio.com • Visa/MC

Mind, Body, Spirit

Health & Fitness

Announcements

2009 • DON’T JUST SURVIVE • Thrive! Snelling delivers results with staffing expertise that connects people and businesses with the power to thrive! www.snelling.com/ashevi lle/application

UNDERCOVER SHOPPERS Get paid to shop. Retail and dining establishments need undercover clients to judge quality and customer service. Earn up to $100/day. Please call 1800-720-0576.

PREGNANT CONSIDERING ADOPTION? • Talk with caring agency specializing in matching birthmothers with families nationwide • Living expenses paid. Call 24/7 • Abby’s One True Gift Adoptions • 1-866-4136293. (AAN CAN) WOMEN, Earn $18k-$30k for 6 egg donations with the largest, most experienced Agency in US. Call: 800444-7119 or to apply online visit: www.theworldeggbank.com (AAN CAN)

-&4-&:

6/*7&34*5:

Spiritual

Classes & Workshops

$20-$40* • AFFORDABLE ACUPUNCTURE *Sliding scale. South Asheville near Earth Fare. 5 Allen Avenue, Suite B. (828) 687-8747. www.livingpoints.net

Bodywork

#1 AFFORDABLE MASSAGE CENTER Best rates in town! $29/hour. Therapeutic Massage: • Deep Tissue • Swedish • Sports • Trigger Point. Also offering: • Acupressure • Energy Work • Reflexology • Classes.

Call now for your appointment: • 10 Biltmore Plaza, 505-7088. Asheville. thecosmicgroove.com $35 MASSAGE- Say goodbye to stress for less.

Call to book a wonderful, therapeutic massage.LMT # 7113. 828-275-5497.

ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE MASSAGE! Perfect pressure! Caring, intuitive, professional therapist.

Tranquil sanctuary just 3 blocks from Greenlife & downtown! Reasonable rates, Open Mon thru Sat., 9am to 7 p.m. by appt. only Brett Rodgers LMBT #7557. www.vitalitymassage.net (828) 255-4785.

CLAIRVOYANT MEDIUM Can help you communicate with your family, spirit guides, and guardian angels for comfort and guidance.

(828) 645-2674. www.davidswing.com HAND DELIVERING GOOD WORK TO HOMEBODIES & BUSYBODIES IN ASHEVILLE I utilize aspects of several modalities and approaches to better facilitate relaxation, moving through energetic blocks, releasing pain and healing.

Travis Jackson, LMBT #4393. 828-772-0719, eyes-of-the-worldmassage@hotmail.com MASSAGE/MLD Therapeutic massage, $45/hour. Manual lymph drainage, $65/hour.

Lymphedema treatment, $45-$65/hour. 15+ years experience. 828-299-4105.

NC License #146. www.uhealth.net SHOJI SPA & LODGE • 7 DAYS A WEEK Looking for the best therapist in town—- or a cheap massage? Soak in your outdoor hot tub; experience the invigorating cold plunge; then get the massage of your life! 26 massage therapists. 2990999. www.shojiretreats.com STAY RELAXED. Massage therapy at your home/office.

1/2 or 1-hour appointments. Call Sarah Whiteside, LMBT#4741, (828) 279-1050. sarahsgolf@charter.net

Counseling Services BODY-MIND PSYCHOTHERAPY Grief and Loss, Trauma, Men’s Issues, Emotional Release, Personal Growth and Excellence.

Joseph Howard, MSW, LCSW. Affordable rates/Sliding scale.

828-651-8646. josehowardmsw@ yahoo.com COMPASSIONATE COUNSELING. Licensed, 25 years experience healing childhood issues, relational conflict, anxiety, depression, anger management, substance abuse. Medicaid, BC/BS. Affordable sliding fee. Guy Morganstein, LPC. 828-337-7549.

MORE THAN HOPE! • ASK NINA Psychic Nina, the Auracle of Asheville: (828) 253-7472 or email: asknina@excite.com

Natural Alternatives HOLISTIC IRIDOLOGY® Fascinating detailed Iris Analysis, Bio-Chemistry Analysis, Cardiovascular Screening, and Meridian Kinesiology for ‘Total Health Assessment’ with effective Natural and Holistic Therapies, BioDetoxification programs, Advanced Energy Healing.

Call Jane Smolnik, ND, Iridologist at (828) 777JANE (5263) for appointment or visit UltimateHealing.com

Musicians’ Xchange

Musical Services AFFORDABLE RECORDING IN ASHEVILLE Special: 8 hours for $140! Awardwinning, radio-quality production. Pro tools, laidback environment. Image consulting, design and photography also at rock bottom prices. 828-4131145.

AMR STUDIO Audio mastering, mixing and recording. • Musical, literary and instructional services. • Tunable performance room, on-site video available. Visa/MC. (828) 335-9316. amrmediastudio.com ASHEVILLE’S WHITEWATER RECORDING Full service studio services since 1987. • Mastering • Mixing and Recording. • CD/DVD duplication at the best prices. (828) 684-8284 whitewaterrecording.com MAKE MUSIC! GuitarPiano- Drums- BassSinging- Banjo- Mandolin lessons created for you/your child’s interest.

Experienced, enthusiastic instructor, Erik… 828-2425032.

Equipment For Sale

Lost Pets

Roland TD3 drum module for electronic drums .6 months light use. Like new condition $250. 828-5953883.

Washburn B-16 Banjo: I am selling my baby. She is about 6 years old. Normal wear on the head and some rusting on the brackets.

Hard shell case included. $800, obo. dbanjo@gmail.com

Musicians’ Bulletin

LOST YOUR PET? FOUND A PET? Call Asheville Humane Society, (828) 253-6807, to fill out a missing or found pet report. Visit 72 Lee’s Creek Road, Asheville. ashevillehumane.org SERENA • Long-haired, beige/brown Himalayan cat, flea collar, no ID tag, microchipped. Missing 7/22 Alpine Mountain Swannanoa. Owner heartbroken. Reward.

(828)686-8301.

TABBY CAT • Reward!

Neutered male, brown/grey/black. 20lbs. 4 years old. Lost Chunn’s Cove Rd. area. 828-2511983.

Lead Instrumentalist Needed Groove Band: Well rehearsed, four piece, playing fun dance groove.

Sing/play multiple instruments w/presence, flair, energy. Call Rex 2436888.

Pets for Adoption

Need a Solid Reggae Drummer. Check website myspace.com/bittergemma.

Geoff - 828-551- 1149.

Need Bass Player and Drummer for blues/rock band. No rock stars please..call Rob@ (828) 667-8585.

Need Roots Keyboardist ASAP. Check website myspace.com/bittergemma. call Geoff 828 551-1149

A LOYAL COMPANION Murray, a Shepherd mix, might be the one for you.

Call Brother Wolf Canine Rescue at 808-9435 for more information or visit www.bwcr.org

Prime Tyme Band Progressive Pop, R&B, Light rock band auditioning for Bass & Keyboard must be versital, no stereotypes or drugs need call 828-505 7066.

Adopt Gracie 3-year-old black female cat, spayed, current on rabies, needs loving home. Call 828 2986600. Small adoption fee.

Pet Xchange

BROTHER WOLF CANINE RESCUE Save a dog’s life!

Adopt from Brother Wolf Canine Rescue. 458-7778. www.bwcr.org

F[ji e\ j^[ M[[a Adopt a Friend • Save a Life

SLEEK Female Domestic Shorthair/Mix 3 years Animal ID# 8105181 BOWSER Male/Neutered Terrier, Jack Russell/Mix 1 year 6 months Animal ID# 8040491

BEST MASSAGE IN ASHEVILLE Deep tissue, sports massage, Swedish, esalen. Available in/out. Jim Haggerty, LMBT# 7659. Call (828) 545-9700. www.jhmassage.com

BACH Male Domestic Medium Hair/ Mix, 4 months Animal ID# 7920930

Let’s wake up the world.™

Earn your Master’s Degree in Integrated Teaching Through the Arts in Asheville, close to home and only one weekend a month. No GRE or MAT required. Lesley University is America’s top teacher of teachers. Contact Jacinta White at 888-608-8463 or at jwhite14@lesley.edu

7i^[l_bb[ >kcWd[ IeY_[jo 72 Lee’s Creek Rd, Asheville, NC 253-6807 • AshevilleHumane.org

Buncombe County Friends For Animals, Inc.

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• AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009

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MATTRESSES Pillow-top: queen $250, king $350 • Extra firm: queen $175, king $275 • Full: $150 • Twin: $99. New, in plastic.

828-277-2500.

Oak Pub Table w/ 2 matching chairs. Measures approximately 42” h by 42”diamter table top. $375, obo. 828-777-2007.

Solid Oak Entertainment Center Like new. With accent lighting.

Approximate measures are 7’h by 7’w by 2.5’d. $600, obo. 828-777-2007.

Upscale Furniture Formal Dining Room Set, Armoire, French White BR Set, Recliner, French Off-White Sofa’s. Call 828.781.1499 for details and pics.

General Merchandise Books for Medical Transcription Course. Paid $3,700. Did not use. $1,800, obo. email etmccm@yahoo.com for further information. Serious inquiries only!

By Brent Brown

Pet Services ASHEVILLE PET SITTERS Dependable, loving care while you’re away.

Reasonable rates. Call Sandy Ochsenreiter, (828) 258-0942 or 215-7232.

BUTTERS IS WAITING Meet Butters, a poodle mix.

Butters is available for adoption through Brother Wolf Animal Rescue. Call 458-7778 for more information or see all our adoptable friends at www.bwar.org FIND THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE! Cats, dogs, & other small animals available for adoption at Asheville Humane Society • 72 Lee’s Creek Road • Asheville, NC • (828) 2536807 ashevillehumane.org Wanted: Large black German Shepherd or mix for family pet. Willing to pay small rehoming fee. email: roughwingedone@ yahoo.com Zen and Zuzu Need a Home Looking for a good home for two sweet cats, brother/sister, 6 years old, fixed and in good health.

828-215-2512.

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GET LUCKY! Lucky is a Norwegian Elkhound who is searching for a loving home. He is 8 years old and left homeless since his owner died. Brother Wolf Animal Rescue is a nonprofit dog and cat rescue group that is dedicated to helping abandoned dogs and cats find their forever homes. The adoption fee is $125; all animals are spayed/neutered, up to date on shots and microchipped.

Visit www.bwar.org or call 458-7778.

SWEET 8 YEAR OLD LAB Shots current, needs a new home where he can be an outside pet. He is an absolute love, but we live in a small house downtown, and have only a small yard, and he is not a happy inside dog. He is great with kids and everyone. He is very smart, and knows numerous commands. He would be a great farm dog.

Small adoption fee to a good home. brewfish4@charter.net

LIFE WITHOUT PAROLE! End cruel and dangerous constant chaining of dogs in NC! Lobby your state reps to reintroduce legislation addressing dog chaining.

For information, contacts and downloads, visit www.crittersong.org

Vehicles For Sale

Autos HELP MAX FIND HIS FOREVER HOME Max is a Dachshund who would love to be your dog. Brother Wolf Animal Rescue is a nonprofit dog and cat rescue group that is dedicated to helping abandoned dogs and cats find their forever homes. Adoption fee, $125; all animals are spayed/neutered, up to date on shots and microchipped.

Visit www.bwar.org or call 458-7778.

AUGUST 12 - AUGUST 18, 2009 •

TRIXIE is a Heeler mix puppy who is searching for her forever home. Brother Wolf Animal Rescue is a non-profit dog and cat rescue group that is dedicated to helping abandoned dogs and cats find their forever homes.

The adoption fee is $125; all animals are spayed/neutered, up to date on shots and microchipped.

Visit www.bwar.org or call 458-7778.

1971 Ford Bronco Fourwheel drive. Sage green/white exterior. Fully restored 5 years ago. New engine and carburetor.

Great condition. $5700. Call (208)720-8386.

1971 Ford Bronco Sage Green/White exterior. Great condition, fully restored five years ago. New engine/carburetor. Great in winter. Perfect mountain car. 208.720.8386 $6000

mountainx.com

1982 Mercedes TDT 300 Greasel Gorgeous navy vintage wagon with sun roof. Dent front passenger side door. Runs on grease or diesel. $4500/negotiable.

1987 Volvo 740 GLE Gold, five speed station wagon.

244K miles. Engine runs great, minor electrical problems, needs tires. $800. Brennan 545-9306.

2000 Honda Accord 4-door automatic, good condition,dependable, excellent maintenance, clean inside, one owner, timing belt replaced,hunter green, spoiler, sunroof, 140,000K, $4500, 2991452 evenings.

2002 Kia Rio Great Shape.

73K miles. Great on gas!

26/32mpg. Clean Interior, Everything is in working order! 5-Speed Manual. Call Lauren 828-333-2717.

2003 Honda ElementGreen, 5 Speed.

90K miles. Very good condition. All records. New tires, trailer hitch for bikes, Thule roof rack. $9,000.

828-299-8095.

DUNE BUGGY Seeking Street legal dune buggy in good condition. Call 275-5650.

Boats/Watercraft Fishing Boat ‘94 Evinrude 9.9 14ft Aluminum SemiV boat with trailer. Rod holders, trolling motor.

Ready to fish! $2000 OBO. 828-777-2540

Automotive Services WE’LL FIX IT AUTOMOTIVE • Honda and Acura repair.

Half price repair and service. ASE and factory certified. Located in the Weaverville area. Please call 828-275-6063 for appointment.

For Sale

Antiques & Collectibles Zenith Vintage Radio in excellent condition. Works but cord needs replacement. Great vintage collectible! Only $150. Call 828-891-7119.

Appliances AFFORDABLE APPLIANCES • Stoves • Refrigerators/Freezers • Washers • Dryers • Repairs • Pickup/Delivery • Se Habla Espanol • Preguntale Por Bonnie: (828) 2587355. Uncle Joe’s Used Appliances Appliances: • Fridgidaire energy saving front load washer/dryer. Excellent condition. $600. • Danby 1/2 size portable dishwasher. Paid $475 in 2007, selling for $250.

Excellent condition, things come out extremely clean.

• Homelite 18 inch electric lawnmower. Used a handful of times excellent condition, quiet, no fumes. $100.

254-9011.

Computers Brand New Laptops/Desktops Bad credit, no credit - no problem. Small weekly payments. Order today and get free Nintendo Wii game system. Call now: 800-8405439. (AAN CAN) Epson Perfection Scanner - $25. Flatbed scanner works perfectly—no scratches. Have CD. Email blackmor@gmail.com if interested.

Toshiba Satellite Pro Laptop 160 GB hard drive w/Microsoft Office 2007 installed! Great Buy $650 cash. (828) 669 8645.

Clothing DRESSMAKER’S WORK TABLE 7’X4’ on folding metal legs. Made from solid wood door w/smooth laminate surface. $250, good for 30 years. 6506404.

Furniture Bar with Stools Has brass foot rail, two stools, built in wine rack, glass rack and locking cabinet. Sacrificing for $750. Call 828-8917119.

Elegant Coffee Table with 4 slate insets, and two end tables also with slate insets. Only $200. Call 828891-7119.

Formal Dining Set Carpathian double pedestal formal dining table with 8 upholstered chairs. Asking $1800, paid over $3600.

Practically brand new! Call 828-891-7119.

Smoke HEALTH-E Cigarettes. Kick the habit but still “smoke”. Nicotine free. Looks and feels like a real cigarette. Complete kit.

Only $49.99. Go to: www.PTVDEALS.com (ANN CAN)

Sales

Yard Sales THIS SATURDAY, 8/15, 10am, 83 Covington Street, W. Asheville. Rain location: in the basement around the back of the house.

Appliances and all kind of great stuff! Must sell.

Adult Services A MAN’S DESIRE Let us relax and de-stress you! • Steamy Summer Specials, call for details. MondaySaturday, 9am-9pm.

Incall/outcall. (Lic#0800020912). • (828) 9897353.

A PERSONAL TOUCH Asheville. • Ask about our Hot Summer Specials!

Incall/outcall: 713-9901.

A WOMAN’S TOUCH Ask us about our “Summer Special”. • “We’re all about you!”. Call 275-6291.

MEET SEXY SINGLES by phone instantly! Call (828) 239-0006. Use ad code 8282. 18+

Need Assistance with a Dependent Loved One? Call us... the next best thing to you!

(828) 456-6600 (828) 649-0180

The New York Times Crossword Edited by Will Shortz No. 0708 Across 1 Steal from 4 Go on a jag 9 “Beat it!”

14 “O Henry, ___ thine eyes!”: Shak.

15 “In an ___ world …”

16 Boorish 17 Spell-off 18 Just learning about 19 “I’ve ___ up to here!”

20 Make arable, perhaps 22 Ants, archaically 23 Acts the shrew 24 ___ Penh, Cambodia: Var. 25 Is compassionate 30 Half a flock, maybe 34 Sisters’ org.

35 Dues payer 36 Hindu god

37 What a cow chews 38 Style of truck with a vertical front 40 Mule of song 41 “101 ___ for a Dead Cat” (1981 best seller) 43 Multi-act shows 44 “The Closer” cable channel 45 1978 Yankees hero Bucky 46 Remains of a felling 48 “So satisfying!” sounds 50 Louis XIV, Louis XVI et al.

52 Deep divides 55 Bacardi concoction, perhaps 59 “___ lost his mind?”

60 Yam or taro 61 Fish-to-be

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE E L M I L I O N S N O C N A N O W E V A D D E L I I R K S C L I K I N G S E G A P A L O E F A L S B Y E

R E A C H E S F O R E V E R

A S L T P S H O A D J D A H C A S K L O S F P O N P E R A T T O E E K

C A M H R I L I N C E O H M A U N G E R O O L M E J S P A P A M U L L N O M A A T C M O T S P I

S H E L E R R E R G O N E T O O S O O N

H U N T E R S

T S E T S E S

S T W N E T

62 Pale with fright 63 Ohm’s symbol 64 “A Chorus Line” song 65 Casts off 66 Alternative to roll-on 67 Bard’s nightfall Down 1 Batcave figure 2 Diva’s workplace 3 Place for a pilsner 4 Cherry variety 5 “Aha!” elicitor 6 “Winning the Future” author Gingrich 7 Event receipts 8 “Xanadu” band, for short 9 Dorky sort 10 Pulled an allnighter 11 Like cutting in line, e.g.

12 Mine opening 13 “Amazin’” team 21 Mag. copy 22 Followers of appetizers 24 Sneak peek, informally 26 ___ Theaters (national cinema chain) 27 Fireplace floors 28 Fireplace remains 29 Higher-ranking than 31 Louisiana city named for the fifth U.S. president

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Furniture Magician

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Puzzle by Nancy Kavanaugh

32 Big name in women’s apparel since 1949 33 Margarita glass rim coating 34 Gulf war missile 39 Run after Q 42 Squirreled away 47 Montevideo’s land: Abbr.

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49 Church chorus 51 Unwashed hair may have it 52 Cartoonist Addams 53 “Slung” dish 54 Arthur who wrote “A Hard Road to Glory” 55 Beef cut

56 Super, slangily

(828) 669-4625

• Black Mountain

57 Prefix with vitamins 58 Do penance, say 60 How-___ (do-ityourself books)

For answers, call 1-900-285-5656, $1.49 a minute; or, with a credit card, 1-800-814-5554.

Annual subscriptions are available for the best of Sunday crosswords from the last 50 years: 1-888-7-ACROSS. AT&T users: Text NYTX to 386 to download puzzles, or visit nytimes.com/mobilexword for more information.

Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 2,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year).

Share tips: nytimes.com/wordplay.

Crosswords for young solvers: nytimes.com/learning/xwords.

828-225-5555 Gail Azar RN, LPC

Hand Delivering Good Work To Homebodies & Busybodies Anywhere in Asheville If you have space outdoors where you’d wish to receive a massage, let me know!

I utilize aspects of several modalities and approaches to better facilitate relaxation, moving through energetic blocks, releasing pain and healing.

• Child Therapy • EMDR

Travis Jackson, LMBT #4393

• Relationship Issues • Substance Abuse

For an appt. call (828) 772-0719 or e-mail eyes-of-the-world-massage@hotmail.com

Mark “Zim” Stewart LCAS Lisa Harris, LCSW

• Women’s Issues • Grief & Loss Adult and Child Medicaid/Health Choice BC-BS • Sliding Scale

mountainx.com

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