Lively, loving tribute paid to the Beatles
Happy singles? Asheville No. 10
— See REVIEW, Pg. B1
‘In the Mood’ fires up big-band era
— See STORY, Pg. A4
See REVIEW, Pg. B1
LLE I V HE AS ASHEVILLEʼS GREATEST NEWSPAPER
March 2017
Vol. 13, No. 04
An Independent Newspaper Serving Greater Asheville
District elections? System rigged, proponents claim By JOHN NORTH
john@AshevilleDailyPlanet.com
Accusations of a “rigged” system were voiced during “a panel investigation” into proposed district elections for Asheville City Council that drew about 50 people to an early-morning Feb. 10 issues meeting of the Council of Independent Business Owners at UNC Asheville’s Sherrill Center. The panel discussion was intended by CIBO to address questions, such as “Do districts work?” “Are they fair?” “What are the pros and cons?” “How would districts be set-up?” Panelists included Joe Dunn, spokesman for the Individual District Election Citizen Group; Cecil Bothwell, an Asheville councilman; Joe Belcher, District 3 representative on the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners; Dusty Pless, former district representative on the Buncombe County School Board; and John Miall, former candidate for City Council. Dunn’s citizens’ group, which he says is nonpartisan, has put together a petition asking the state General Assembly to mandate district elections for the six council seats in Asheville, while leaving the mayor’s post elected at-large. He has said council is totally dominated by a “tsunami of liberal progressives” who have dominated city affairs for more than a decade — and that council needs at least one moderate voice. Dunn has contended that council members wants to hold onto power, so they never would vote to implement district elections on their own. Thus, he has said, the citizenry
Stare trek proves vexing
FREE
Dancing with the Asheville Stars
must look to the state, where he said at a Jan. 10 CIBO meeting, “The Republican legislature will get it done.” In opening comments, Dunn said, “In 1776, the colonies had a problem with representative government… I just keep seeing the argument that Asheville is too small” for district elections, leaving many citizens without representation on council. “Really, too small for representative government?... In 2001, I was the last elected official from South Asheville (the city’s fastest-growing area) — and I was the top vote-getter... As I said, our city is not too small. Our present council will never support it. Just look at their history. I’m tired about hearing about diversity. It’s not there.” Bothwell then said, “We, as a City Council, have decided to ask the citizens of the city of Asheville to make the decision on whether to split the city into political districts. Personally, I think it would be a mistake to split the council into districts... I don’t see that we’re treating parts of the city differently.... “I have a great deal of concern about the effects of districts over time — and that’s because districts tend to lead to gerrymandering… I think the at-large system is working pretty well for the city — and there’s a South Asheville candidate already for the next election.” Miall said, “The truth is the system is rigged. I’d be glad to talk about my experiences with the local Democratic Party. It has all to do with a cabal that has a total lock on local government — and a complete lock on City Council. See DISTRICT ELECTIONS, Page A14
Q: The 40-year-old guy I’m dating swivels his head to check out ladies everywhere. He even comments on those he finds attractive. I’ve mentioned that it bugs me. He contends that it’s my insecurities that are really the issue here. I can see how lower self-esteem might lend itself to an offended reaction, as opposed to just a shrug or an eye roll, but is this really on me? — Blamed A: Yes, of course your insecurities are the
www.ashevilledailyplanet.com
The Advice Goddess Amy Alkon
real issue here. Because what woman wouldn’t feel great when her boyfriend’s all “Whoa, boobs are out tonight!”? That said, it is normal that he’s driven to look. Men evolved to have their eyeballs all up in every hot woman’s business because the features considered beautiful in a woman correlate with health and fertility. See ADVICE GODDESS, Page A2
Photos by Celia Tabitha Photography
A show, “Dancing With the Asheville Stars,” drew a large turnout on Jan. 28 at downtown Asheville’s Diana Wortham Theatre. Dancing (above) are John Hall and Tatiana Zazakova. The show was organized and led by Zeki Maviyildiz (left), dancing with Ksenia Ivanchankova. Maviyildiz teaches at the Asheville Ballroom. Below in a routine (with arms outstretched) is another Asheville Ballroom dance instructor, Judyanne Campbell.
Developer to fight city in court over hotel denial; city adds future hurdles From Staff Reports Asheville City Council likely will be challenged in court. a Raleigh developer said, after its recent 7-0 decision to turn down his company’s request for a permit to construct an eight-story, $24 million hotel downtown. Shaunak Patel, president of Park Hospitality Group, was quoted in the Asheville CitizenTimes in late January as saying that he has “every intent to push this project forward.” In the aftermath, council members voted 7-0 on Feb. 14 to raise the level of scrutiny for practi-
cally any new hotel in the city via a requirement that any proposed hotel with more than 20 rooms must come before them for approval. The Feb. 14 action followed critical pushback from a number of citizens who have complained that the hotels — despite generating millions in dollars — are changing the city for the worse and are putting unfair burdens on local taxpayers. Patel said he is disappointed with council’s decision on Jan. 24 to deny the permit to build the 185-room Embass y Suites at 192 Haywood Road in northwestern downtown. See HOTEL DENIAL, Page A7
A2 - March 2017 - Asheville Daily Planet
Advice Goddess
Continued from Page A1 Ancestral men who passed on their genes (and mating psychology) — the men whose male descendants are walking the planet today — are those who went for the fertile young hotties, not the 70-year-old ladies with a lot of personality. Not surprisingly, brain imaging studies by evolutionary psychologist Steven Platek and his colleagues find that when men see pictures of curvalicious women — those with an hourglass bod, a fertility indicator — there’s “activation” in (most notably) the nucleus accumbens. This is part of the brain’s reward circuitry and, as they put it, “the seat of addictive behavior.” Regarding their findings, Platek told me, “We think that this is why men quite literally find it challenging to look away from a highly attractive female body.” No, not “impossible” to look away. “Challenging.” Like it may sometimes be for you to keep from stabbing your boyfriend in the thigh with a fork when he rubbernecks at a passing pair of Wonderbreasts. However, feeling disturbed by his girl-gawking isn’t a sign you’re emotionally defective. Consider that emotions aren’t there just to jazz up your day. Psychiatrist and evolutionary psychologist Randolph Nesse explains that emotions have a job to do -- to motivate us to “respond adaptively” to threats and opportunities. For example, that rotten feeling you get in response to your boyfriend’s ogling is basically an alarm going off alerting you that a man’s commitment isn’t there or is waning. Wanting to feel better pushes you to remedy the situation. If your insecurity is tripping you up, it’s in how you seem to be second-guessing the emotions yelling at you, “Do something! HELLO?! Are you in a coma?” The thing is, you don’t have to feel assertive to be assertive. You just have to (gulp!) stand up for yourself as an assertive person would. Again, the problem isn’t that your boyfriend’s looking; it’s that he’s looking (and
TO REPORT AN ERROR
The Asheville Daily Planet strives to be accurate in all articles published. Contact the News Department at news@ashevilledailyplanet.com, (828) 252-6565, or P.O. Box 8490, Asheville, N.C. 28814-8490.
A story in the January edition of the Asheville Daily Planet listed an incorrect address for the new location of Olive or Twist Restaurant and Bar in Hendersonville. It should have said the address is 121 W. Barnwell St. in downtown Hendersonville.
LETTERS The Asheville Daily Planet invites Letters to the Editor of 200 words or less. Please include your name, mailing address, daytime telephone number and e-mail address. For more information, call (828) 252-6565. Send mail to: Letters, Asheville Daily Planet P.O. Box 8490, Asheville, NC 28814 Send e-mail to: letters@ashevilledailyplanet.com
commenting) while you’re standing right there, feelings and all. Be honest with him: This doesn’t just “bug” you; it hurts your feelings. It makes you feel disrespected. And it needs to stop. Now. Because you want to feel loved, respected and happy — either with him or with some guy you meet at his funeral, after his tragic but inevitable death from drowning in a pool of his own drool.
Splendor in the gracias
For two years, I’ve been in the best relationship of my life, after years of really bad ones. I’m thinking that maybe the key to a happy relationship is having two people who think they aren’t good enough for each
other. Not that we feel that in a pathetic way. We each just feel really grateful and lucky to be with the other person, and it makes a difference in how we treat each other. Thoughts? — Happy At Last Sometimes the thing we tell ourselves is love is really “the thing I got into because I was scared I’d die alone — surrounded by empty single-serving zinfandel bottles — and get discovered 10 years later, mummified, on my couch.” What seems key this time around — in how happy you two are — is the gratitude you feel. Gratitude for your partner comes out of noticing the sweet, thoughtful things they do — like taking out the trash without needing to be “asked” at gunpoint. However, what you’re grateful for isn’t so much the garbage relocation as what it shows
Sun-Thurs 8am-Midnight Fri-Sat 8am-3am
-- what social psychologist Kaska Kubacka describes as your partner’s “responsiveness to (your) needs.” This, in turn, tells you that your happiness is important to them, which tells you that they value you and the relationship. Awww. Seeing that you’re loved and cared for like this motivates you to do sweet, loving things for your partner. Which motivates them… which motivates you… (Think of it as love on the Ping-Pong model.) This helps create and maintain the kind of relationship where, when your partner blurts out “I love you so much!” your inclination is to respond in kind -- instead of turning around to see who the hell they’re talking to. • (c.) 2017, Amy Alkon, all rights reserved. Got a problem? Write Amy Alkon, 171 Pier Ave, #280, Santa Monica, CA 90405, or email AdviceAmy@aol.com.
Asheville Daily Planet — March 2017 - A3
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A4 - March 2017 - Asheville Daily Planet
Asheville ranks #10 in U.S. for satisfied single people, poll says From Staff Reports For singles who enjoy being single, Asheville ranked No. 10 among cities in the United States, according to a survey conducted by SmartAsset.com and released in early February. The survey found that most of the adults in Asheville are single, with a citywide marriage rate of 42 percent. “Singles looking for new places to hang out will have a number of spots to choose from,” SmartAsset.com noted. “There are more than 80 entertainment establishments for every 100,000 residents and tons of bars.” The survey also considered the “relatively low” unemployment rate, which was reported at 3.8 percent for Asheville. “Since the city’s job market is strong, singles who want to focus on their careers should have access to plenty of job opportunities,” the news release noted. The survey is SmartAsset’s second annual of the best places for singles who like being single. The website provides data on the
wisdom of renting vs. owning a home, and related matters. The top 10 cities in the 2017 survey are: 1. Eau Claire, Wisconsin 2. Duluth, Minnesota 3. Fargo, North Dakota 4. Missoula, Montana 5. (tie) Lawrence, Kansas 5. (tie) Green Bay, Wisconsin 7. Madison, Wisconsin 8. Oshkock, Wisconsin 9. Portland, Maine 10. Asheville, North Carolina The survey was conducted as follows: “To find the best cities for singles who like being single, SmartAsset pulled data from the U.S. Census Bureau. We ranked the 559 largest U.S. cities across five different metrics, including the marriage rate, the median monthly rent and the jobless rate in each city. We looked at the number of local bars and entertainment establishments per 100,000 residents as well. These were the same metrics that we considered in the 2016 edition of our study.”
From Staff Reports
Manheimer, Bothwell to run for re-election
New Asheville councilman’s residency called into question
Asheville City Councilman Keith Young has come under fire for his recent purchase of a home outside of the city limits for which the mortgage documents require that he make it his primary residence. Since members of council must, by city and state rules, live — and be an eligible voter — within the city, Young’s mortgage agreement raises questions about his eligibility to serve on the elected body. Regarding the purchase, Young has told reporters that he is not moving out of the city. What’s more, he said that he is doing improvements on the one-story house in Arden. The councilman said he might rent it. On July 29, Young bought a house at 7 Sommerset Drive in Arden in southern Buncombe County. No one has challenged Young’s voter qualifications. However, an anonymous complaint was sent to the Buncombe Board of Elections, then to City Attorney Robin Currin and finally to council members. Young, when he ran for his first four-year term in 2015, listed his residence as 18 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. That house is owned by his parents, William Jr. and Mary.
From Staff Reports Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer and Councilman Cecil Bothwell are the latest to announce their intent to run for re-election. As mayor, Manheimer will be seeking a second four-year term, while Bothwell will be seeking a third term on council. Bothwell announced his decision to run again on Feb. 24. The other announced candidate for mayor is Jonathan Wainscott, who said months ago that he is running, although he has not yet set up a campaign committee as required by law. Manheimer just reactivated her committee, which has $286 left over from her 2013 win. As for other candidates for the three council seats up for re-election, Vice Mayor Gwen Wisler said she had not decided by the Daily Planet’s presstime. An early council candidate is South Asheville is Vijay Kapoor, the first AsianAmerican to run, along with Rich Lee, who moderates the popular “Asheville Politics” Facebook page.
2 men running for BCGOP chair
From Staff Reports The Buncombe County Republican Party had two announced candidates running to replace Chairman Nathan West, with a third candidate expected to announce soon. The candidates include tea party activist Fremont Brown, a reitired former business owner who lives in Bent Creek, and former Asheville City Councilman Carl Mumpower, a psychologist who lives in Asheville. West, who was elected to the job in 2015, said in January he would not seek another two-year term. Mumpower said in a Feb. 13 press release that Republican success in the 2016 election “affords exception opportunity to challenge the drift toward progressive-liberal-socialism.” He added, “It’s a good time to be a con-
servative. I think recent events demonstrate there’s a resurgence to normal and traditional values and I would enjoy the opportunity to accelerate that effort at the local level.” Mumpower said he would administer the local party “in a fair and open manner — with a steady hand on our rules, responsibilities and mission.” Brown said he has served on the county party’s executive committee for the past two years “and I’ve seen how it’s run and I think they need new ideas and a new direction to go,” he told the Asheville Citizen-Times. “What we need is a team, not a one-man show, a good team that’ll work together.” Brown, who runs the website TarheelTeaParty.org and used to operate Asheville Die Cast and Asheville Office Supply, is also on the party committees for the 11th Congressional District and the state.
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Asheville Daily Planet —March 2017 - A5
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A6 - March 2017 - Asheville Daily Planet
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Hotel denial
Continued from Page A1 “Last night, we were supported by some of the most respected professionals in the industry, along with members of the community. We want to thank each one of them for coming out and supporting us,” he wrote in the email to the AC-T. Council’s Jan. 24 denial was unprecedented, as it was the first permit denial in the midst of a $187 million construction boom in which a dozen large hotels either were built or planned from 2009 to 2018. However, a number of citizens have expressed opposition to the hotels — and that continued criticism, which may impact council as an election looms in November. Patel told the AC-T that his company was “in talks with our counsel.” Parks Hospitality was represented at the Jan. 24 hearing by former city attorney Bob Ozst. Council held a three-hour hearing on the hotel proposal before voting unanimously against it. Opponents cited concerns about parking, traffic and a high concentration of hotels in the northwest area of downtown. It would have been built on the former site of the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, adjoining the new $14 million Hyatt Place and the Hotel Indigo. Council’s vote bucked the recommendations of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, Grove Arcade, as well as two city boards that examine and make recommendations on such projects. Also speaking for the hotel was former vice mayor Jan Davis, who opened a tire store on the west side of downtown 30 years ago. That part of downtown was more viable when he opened his tire store three decades ago than it is today, Davis contended. Prior to council’s Feb. 14 decision to add future hurdles for downtown hotel approval, only the largest lodging facilities came before the elected body. All others needed approval — at most — from the Asheville Planning and Zoning Commission, an appointed body. Under the previous rules, many projects involved in the downtown hotel construction boom, which is approaching $200 million, were not reviewed by council. “I’ve been waiting a long time to vote on this, and I’m ready,” Councilman Brian Haynes, the most outspoken critic of the hotel boom, said during the Feb. 14 meeting. Along with tightening the hotel approval process, council also passed rules that would require its approval for other large projects — beyond hotels — in the downtown area. In another 7-0 vote, council increased requirements for developers to notify nearby residents and landowners about proposed projects. A move by Councilwoman Julie Mayfield to lessen — slightly — the number of hotels to be reviewed by council failed to receive backing from other council members. Mayfield suggested a threshhold of 50 rooms for council review.
Cherokee chief fighting impeachment
From Staff Reports CHEROKEE — Cherokee Tribal Chief Patrick Lambert is vowing not give up without a fight against his impeachment, after FBI agents on Jan. 31 collected files from the Qualla Housing Authority. Lambert, 53, told reporters that some Tribal Council members are engaged in a “witch hunt” to remove him as chief. On Feb. 2, the Cherokee Tribal Council voted 9-3 to begin impeachment proceedings against Lambert. The vote was taken “to the boos of an outspoken audience,” the (Waynesville) Smoky Mountain News reported. Lambert, promising more accountability, took office about 18 months ago and launched audits in such places as the Qualla Housing Authority, which receives federal funds and helps tribal members find housing. The FBI is investigating the authority for possible criminal conduct related to loans and possible fraud. Lambert reportedly has been cooperative with the investigation. Some Tribal Council members said he has improperly handled hiring and firing on
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Asheville Daily Planet - March 2017 - A7
the reservation since taking office. Therefore, they are calling for his impeachment. The tribe’s spokesman told the news media that there is a connection between those council members and the housing authority. “Six Tribal Council members sit on that (Qualla) board. It just so happens, Patrick Lambert today, when the FBI showed up and started to collect evidence through the warrant process, that an impeachment process popped up on Chief Lambert. It’s to be noted that Chairman (Bill) Taylor and several others sit on that board,” Tribal Communications Director Chris McCoy told Asheville’s WLOS-TV (Channel 13). Several Lambert supporters packed tribal chambers on the afternoon of Feb. 2, WLOS reported. However, WLOS noted in its report that there are several others who oppose his tenure and see him as overreaching. At the Daily Planet’s presstime, it was unclear when any further action on impeachment proceedings will begin.
Sylva’s spiked trails reopened in Pinnacle Park
SYLVA — After being closed since the previous weekend for public safety, Pinnacle Park reopened on Feb. 21. The closure was prompted by the discovery of more than 60 spikes found hammered into tree roots along 2 miles of forested park trails, according to Sylva Town Manager Paige Roberson Dowling. The 1,100-acre park, owned by the town of Sylva, totals 18.5 miles of trails popular with hikers and trail runners. The crime resulted in one person injured and another who suffered a torn shoe after he landed on a spike. Over three days, Sylva police and other city staff and volunteers cleared leaves from the trails and followed with metal detectors to find the spikes. It was a deliberate effort, as “someone hammered 4-inch long galvanized nails and left them protruding a half to 1 inch, and at an angle, so they’re like spikes,” Brian Barwatt, race director of the Assault on Black Rock (a 7-mile trail race March 18 in Pinnacle Park), told the Asheville Citizen-Times. Sylva police, who are offering a $1,000 reward in the case, are asking anyone with information to call them at 586-2916.
A8 - March 2017 - Asheville Daily Planet
Faith Notes
Santa Cruz, Calif. For tickets, which are $20, visit: http://www.musicangel.com
Send us your faith notes
SOCIAL JUSTICE MOVIE NIGHT, 7 p.m., Sanford Hall Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville. The UUCA will hold its monthly Social Justice Movie Night. Film is to be announced. A discussion will following the film screening.
Friday, June 10
.
Please submit items to the Faith Notes by noon on the third Wednesday of each month, via email, at spirituality@ashevilledailyplanet.com, or fax to 252-6567, or mail c/o The Daily Planet, P.O. Box 8490, Asheville, N.C. 28814-8490. Submissions will be accepted and printed at the discretion of the editor, space permitting. To place an ad for a faith event, call 252-6565.
Sunday, March 5
PROSPERITY WORKSHOP, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Unity of the Blue Ridge, 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Road, Mills River. The Rev. Edwene Gaines will lead a workshop based on her book “The Four Spiritual Laws of Prosperity.” She focus on finding one’s divine purpose, forgiveness and worthiness,tithing and giving, and setting clearcut goals. The workshop is offered on a love offering basis. Child care will be provided.
Tuesday, March 7
PROSPERITY CLASS, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Unity of the Blue Ridge, 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Road, Mills River. A nine-week series, “Four Truths, Four Actions: A Spiritual Guide to Boundless Prosperity,” will be led by the Rev. Dan Beckwith on Tuesdays through May 2. The class also will be offered on Thursdays. (See Thursday, March 9, listing for details.) “We are prosperous to the degree we are experiencing peace, health, happiness and plenty in our lives,” Unity noted. “All of these things are natural outcomes of living four sacred truths and practicing four simple actions. In this workshop series, you will learn how to recognize and embody these timeless principles as well as the simple steps that are your keys to boundless prosperity.” A love offering will be taken.
Thursday, March 9
PROSPERITY CLASS, 1-3 p.m., Unity of the Blue Ridge, 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Road, Mills River. A nine-week series, “Four Truths, Four Actions: A Spiritual Guide to Boundless Prosperity,” will be led by the Rev. Dan Beckwith on Thursdays, March 9-May 4.The class also will be offered on Tuesdays. (See Tueday, March 7, listing for details.) A love offering will be taken.
Friday, March 10
SOCIAL JUSTICE MOVIE NIGHT, 7 p.m.,
Charley Thweatt
Edwene Gaines
Sanford Hall Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place, Asheville. The UUCA will screen its monthly Social Justice Movie Night offering, which is to be announced. After the sreening, a discussion will be held. Admission is free.
Sunday, March 12
36TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION, 4 p.m., Faith Tabernacle Christian Center, 800 Appeldoom Circle, Asheville. The chuch will celebrate its 36th anniversary and that of Pastor William “Billy” Booth. Special guests will include Superintendent Elder Ronald Gates and the choir and congregation of Greater Works Church of God in Christ.
Friday, March 17
St. Patrick’s Concert Fundraiser, 7 p.m., Unity of the Blue Ridge, 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Road, Mills River. Unity will present a St. Patrick’s concert, with a dessert intermission. The concert will feature musician and peace troubadour Cecilia St. King and local musician Aaron Burdett and more. Proceeds will go to a local community DREAM educational scholarship. For tickets, which are $12, visit http://www. brownpapertickets.com/event/2889044.
Friday, March 24
MAKING SENSE OF MYSELF WORKSHOP, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Unity of the Blue Ridge, 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Road, Mills River. A workshop on “Making Sense of Myself: Awareness, Compassion and Empowerment for Living” will be led by the Rev. Tamera Helms. She also will lead a free introductory presentation 1-5 p.m. March 25. For tickets to the workshop, which are $75, visit www.inhealing.net. MUSIC PROGRAM, 7 p.m., First Baptist Church, Weaverville Sanctuary, 63 N. Main St., Weaverville. The Weaverville Music Study Club
Dan Beckwith
will sponsor a program featuring Fourever His Gospel Quartet. The quartet will sing Southern gospel and some a cappella. A free-will offering will be collected.
Thursday, March 30
CHARLEY THWEATT CONCERT, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Unity of the Blue Ridge, 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Road, Mills River. Charley Thweatt will perform in concert. Thweatt’s career has taken him all around the United States., as well as performing in 15 other countries on six continents. He has recorded 14 CDs, performed hundreds of spiritually healing concerts and co-presented workshops with many well-known teachers in the human potential movement. Thweatt is based in
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Asheville Daily Planet — March 2017 - A9
Commentary
Segregationist NCAA demands others desegregate Pete Kaliner is the host of a daily radio talk show on Asheville’s WWNC (570AM) that airs from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. This column features posts from his daily blog. • The following was posted on Feb. 8:
I
n the interest of full disclosure I should state at the outset that I don’t care at all about the NCAA. I find it to be a corrupt, unethical, and oppressive organization that profits off the labor of other
people. While I enjoy watching some college athletics from time to time, it’s not something I care about. I do not devote chunks of my life or money watching these sports events. This is my bias. So, naturally, I don’t care where this organization says championship games can be played. If they pick Fargo over Fayetteville for the field hockey Division III championship, I pay zero attention. But I know other people do. A lot of people care very much about the NCAA. Because they love sports and their favorite team(s). And that’s their bias. I also understand the economic arguments that boosters and politicians make about the revenue various championships “bring in.” I won’t argue the degree to which this economic impact affects government and private business budgets, except to note that the value of these events is directly tied to the participation of the schools - publicly-funded ones, at that. But the NCAA is like fiat currency. It’s valuable because people believe it is. Its value is derived from the number of schools that participate in the NCAA’s “business” model. Which makes the NCAA’s foray into gender politics all the more odious. The NCAA is telling every participant in its model — every student in every program; every taxpayer funding every state college; every elected official; and every fan — that unless they adopt what the NCAA says should be a new societal norm, then the NCAA will punish them. Even more morally bankrupt, the NCAA uses the extorted’s own money, talent, and time to do so. This is not surprising to me — given my aforementioned view of the NCAA. A report earlier this week said the NCAA will not be letting any North Carolina city host any championship event for six years because of the state General Assembly’s adoption of HB2 — which protects private business’s freedom to make their bathrooms sex-specific or not, prohibits cities from adopting Non-Discrimination Ordinances (NDOs) that go beyond state and federal law, and requires state-owned bathrooms be sex-specific - based on the sex listed on a person’s birth certificate. These laws are in place in many cities
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The Asheville Daily Planet strives to be accurate in all articles published. Contact the News Department at news@ashevilledailyplanet.com, (828) 252-6565, or P.O. Box 8490, Asheville, N.C. 28814-8490.
Pete Kaliner and state across the nation. But NC is a swing state where Democrats lost their century-long grip on power in 2010. Using their “Blueprint” to “eviscerate, mitigate, litigate, cogitate, and agitate” their way back into power, the Left pushed a controversial local ordinance through the Charlotte City Council, prompting the response from state lawmakers. Unable to undo the legislation in the General Assembly, the Left promoted and celebrate economic warfare against state residents and companies to extort changes they desired — specifically, unfettered access by anyone to any shower, bathroom, or changing facility at any time. The NCAA cast its lot with the Left in this crusade. With an exemption for itself, of course. See, like all corrupt and morally bankrupt organizations, the NCAA is merely interested in having these radical new norms apply to others. Not itself. Otherwise, why does the NCAA still segregate it’s very own teams by sex? Oh, I know they say it has to do with inherent physical differences between men and women that affects competition, but that’s just an anachronistic patriarchal construct. As their position on unisex access to showers indicates, physiological differences are irrelevant. All that matters is the mind. If an athlete believes he or she can compete with anyone, then that person’s anatomy should not preclude him or her from doing so. This would be the honest and consistent position for the NCAA to adopt. So, naturally, it does not. The NCAA segregates people by their anatomy and says nobody else may do the same. If the NCAA is to live by the new societal standard it endorses, it must abolish all designated men’s and women’s teams. A single team for each school is all that is required. All students must compete against each other for a place on the school team — no matter their sex. For equality. For justice. For fairness. Otherwise, the NCAA is simply an organization of cowards extorting innocent people in an effort to distract people from their own discrimination. But you know my bias ... I already think it is.
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A10 — March 2017 - Asheville Daily Planet
The Daily Planet’s Opinion
Kudos to City Council for nixing 8-story hotel
C
ongratulations to Asheville City Council for listening to its constituents’ concerns about seemingly out-of-control downtown hotel construction. Council not only listened — but acted — by voting 7-0 on Jan. 24 to reject an eight-story $24 million Embassy Suites at 192 Haywood St., on the northwestern edge of downtown. The issue was aired painstakingly, as the vote followed a three-hour hearing on the hotel proposal. At last, council paid heed to the concerns of many citizens — the possibility of downtown losing its quirky, artsy and “un-chained” character to developers who are jamming the district with pricey hotels, resulting in hordes of rich tourists, all of which may transform the area into Anytown, USA. Also, the hotels tend to offer relatively low pay and strain the infrastructure with traffic congestion, parking issues and a probable uptick in crime. With the spectre of gentrification looming, our downtown is in the midst of a decade-long hotel building boom that could exceed $163 million by 2018. Meanwhile, the developer of the rejected hotel recently announced plans to go to court to challenge council’s decision. We will see what happens.... Our downtown is a rare jewel — and we are glad council is working to keep it a sparkling oasis of uniqueness amid a nation of look-alike cities.
Emmett Till lives on ... in a new book
CHAPEL HILL — “America is still killing Emmett Till,” writes Duke professor Timothy Tyson in his new book, “The Blood of Emmett Till.” Tyson revisits the 1955 kidnapping and brutal killing of Till, a 14-year-old black youth from Chicago visiting relatives in Mississippi. At a country store, Till’s encounter with an attractive white woman broke the “color code” and prompted her husband and brother-in-law to punish him. Tyson’s book gained immediate national attention because the woman changed her version of what Emmett Till had said and done to her in the encounter that led to Till’s murder. Carolyn Bryant Donham told Tyson her earlier statements that Till had made sexually explicit statements to her and grabbed her were, as she told Tyson, “That part is not true.” While Donham’s revised version of the 1955 events grabbed the headlines, it is only a part of the mosaic of racism and oppression Tyson lays out. His detailed description of her husband’s family’s instability and racism would fit the Appalachian families described in “Hillbilly Elegy,” the recent bestseller by J.D. Vance. On the other side of the racial divide, Tyson poignantly describes the indignities suffered by Till’s mother’s family in Mississippi. Never look a white person in the eye. Never say or do anything that could be viewed as disrespectful. Do not attempt to register to vote. Violating these or multiple other rules by a Mississippi black could lead to loss of employment, burnings, midnight gunshots into your house, brutal beatings, or death. While the racism in Chicago, where Till lived, was not quite so brutal, the dehumanization and violence were so similar to the situation in Mississippi that parts of Chicago were known as “Little Mississippi.” Tyson revisits the horrible details of Till’s kidnapping by Donham’s husband, Roy Bryant, and her brother-in-law, J. W. Malam, the brutal beating and gunshot through Till’s head that ended his life, and the attempt to hide his body by attaching a heavy fan to his body with barbed wire and tossing it into a nearby river. A few days later, however, Till’s bloated and mangled body was discovered and ultimately returned to Chicago, where his
D.G. Martin mother insisted on an open-casket funeral. The murders of other blacks who violated race codes in Mississippi and other southern states never captured the attention of the public as profoundly as the widely publicized images of Till’s brutalized body. After Bryant and Malam had been acquitted of Till’s murder, Rosa Parks heard a speech about the events that, Tyson writes, “moved her deeply.” Tyson writes that four days later a Montgomery city bus driver told her to move to the back. Thinking of Emmett Till, “Parks refused to do so. Her subsequent arrest provided the occasion for the Montgomery Bus Boycott.” More importantly, according to Tyson, “the impact of the Till lynching resonated across America for years, touching virtually everyone who heard.” Tyson says, for instance, that it motivated North Carolina A&T students who began a sit-in at Woolworth’s in Greensboro on February 1, 1960. Within a few days students in other parts of North Carolina were sitting in at segregated lunch counters. He writes, “A new, mass-based phase of the civil rights movement, a distinctive radicalism rooted in nonviolent direct action, had begun. Driving it were young people, many of whom had been inspired to action by the story of a boy their age lynched in Mississippi.” Tyson writes that the recent national movement born of the killings of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, and other similar killings, continues the tradition as “young protesters throughout the United States chanted, ‘Say his name! Emmett Till!’” Nevertheless, Tyson hopes that “difficult as it is to bear, his story can leave us reaching for our better angels and moving toward higher ground.” • D.G. Martin hosts “North Carolina Bookwatch,” which airs at 9:30 p.m. Fridays and at 5 p.m. Sundays on UNC-TV.
Letters to the Editor
The world, according to President Trump ....
Top adviser/counselor Kellyanne Conway looking a bit haggard as she defended President Trump’s bare-faced lie about the size of the inauguration crowd. Looking like a puppet on a string, she was hired to shill for the Trump administration’s agendas and that includes selling his outright lies to the American public and having us believe the president’s pronouncements as “alternative facts.” Just how stupid does she (and he) think we are? I’m all for giving President Trump a chance to “make America great again,” but it shouldn’t include accepting lies and “alternative facts” as part of his agenda that is beginning to look more like “The world according to Donald Trump.” Next, forget The Wall, Mr. President. Use the money ($13 billion) for hiring 5,000 to 7,000 border guards and use the rest to fund education projects in states like North Carolina (seeking quality teachers) that would put our nation back on track to greatness by teaching our youngsters how to become better citizens and future leaders to uphold our democratic way of life. Our very survival/existence depends on a quality education. Finally, Mr. President, don’t forget your most important promise to unite us because without our support we’re going to continue to unravel as our rights are under attack from extremists both left and right. There has to be a middle ground where all sides can offer some sort of even-handed give and take to keep us from becoming a follower instead of the world leader we
know we can be. May God bless America! Herbert W. Stark Mooresville
N.C. eugenics programs: Was there local complicity?
I watched with interest the PBS documentary on the North Carolina eugenics program featuring (U.S. Sen.) Tom Tillis, for supporting token state compensation; but it got me thinking about investigating the possibility of local government complicity. Even if local governments, like Charlotte, Mecklenburg, Asheville or Buncombe, were not complicit, they still profited immensely from the program in the form of gargantuan savings over multiple generations to special and regular education, sewage treatment and sanitary landfill, highway and bus capacity, most of which have nothing to do with intelligence and all of which is owed forever to the survivors and victims’ estates. There is also far more hope than statewide, that some local constituencies have the fair minded majority needed to support such non-punitive compensation. If it turns out that local governments were complicit in any way, then they owe apologies and punitive compensation in addition to that described above, though apologies are so cheap they aren’t worth the newsprint on which I write. I oppose eugenics primarily because the world already has far too many smart people, who threaten to pollute the galaxy; and I strongly support the interests of sterile people, and their estates. Alan Ditmore Leicester See LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, Page A12
The Candid Conservative
Our future rests on family preservation
“Sensual pleasures have the fleeting brilliance of a comet; a happy marriage has the tranquility of a lovely sunset.” — Ann Landers
The Problem
F
or a view into the underbelly of the progressive-liberal-socialist movement look no further than their dedication to destroying the building block of all healthy cultures – the family. This happy band’s antagonism toward the proven reliabilities of traditional one woman and one man family unit is relentless – and creative. Through a parade of reckless abortion, welfare, education, and other social reengineering initiatives masqueraded as progress, the P-L-S movement has been remarkably successful. Proof is everywhere. Look to the heart of our drug problems, gangs, drop-out stats, poverty, suicide rates, racial disparity and a host of other societal illnesses and you will find one source above all – a broken family. For those recognizing gender confusion as just that; that it takes a man and a woman to create a child is a hint as to who should be raising that child; and that there’s a crucial difference in social anarchy and social justice – here’s a few suggestions. You can do your own bit to preserve some cultural sanity amidst the growing absurdi-
Carl Mumpower ties of an ‘any way you like it’ world. Family preservation begins with marital preservation Two friends were recently married. In pondering their future I landed on a list of things that would contribute to success potentials. It’s a list worth repeating. _________________ Dear A & L – “Over the course of practicing psychology for forty-something years, some truisms on marriage have persistently resurfaced. On the eve of your marriage, I wanted to share these with the hopes that your time together will be long, fruitful, and joyful – as God intends.” 10 Keys to Marital Success • Stay vigilant on the 7 Deadly Sins. They really are deadly and none of us are immune – from any of them. In a fallen world we are persistently surrounded by beckoning detours to darkness camouflaged as pathways to light. See CANDID CONSERVATIVE, Page A14
Asheville Daily Planet - March 2017 - A11
Commentary
New governor could rock N.C.’s ‘Kingdom of GOP’
I
’m guessing that every one of us, at one time or another, has thought how nice it would be to live without restraints. No stupid boss. No mortgage. No red lights. Imagine, doing anything you want with nobody saying no. We smile at the thought and go back to reality. There would be big consequences if we did break out – like Princess Diana experienced. But more than consequence, I think we don’t take such thoughts seriously because this kind of big-deal selfishness would violate our sense of right and wrong. Restraints, in fact, support our good character. Businesspeople without restraint often lose out to money lust. But they only cause harm to the company and to their souls. Far greater, in my opinion, is the terrible pull of political power. We see people of sterling character set aside their principles when they know they won’t be held accountable by their constituents. They cause harm to us all. James Madison (slightly paraphrased) had something to say about that: “When the majority has schemes of oppression, popular government enables it to sacrifice to its ruling passion or interest both the public good and the rights of other citizens. If this impulse and the opportunity be allowed to coincide, we well know that neither moral nor religious motives can be relied on as an adequate control.” Was Madison looking ahead 223 years to Raleigh, N.C.? We watched Madison’s words come true in our General Assembly. Republican
Lee Ballard “scheme of oppression” coincided with “opportunity,” and “the rights of others” were discounted as inconvenient. Campaigning in 2010, Republicans promised their economic plan would bring back prosperity. And they campaigned as Christian warriors ready to fight the evils of Raleigh. And Madison was right. The Kingdom of GOD became the Kingdom of GOP. As they began marching to Zion, they realized, Hey, this legislature gig is something I think I’d like to keep doing permanently. Their first act was to set legislative and congressional district boundaries so they will be in power forever (absent Supreme Court action). Votes of the people don’t matter anymore. Outcomes are predetermined. No more worries about the silly voters. The world’s authority on elections wrote in the Raleigh News & Observer last December: “North Carolina is not only the worst state in the USA for unfair districting but the worst entity in the world ever analyzed by the Electoral Integrity Project.” (Google “no longer democracy Reynolds”) Democracy didn’t come down to us from God; it’s a man-made idea. So, for the Raleigh Righteous, crushing the will of
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the people can’t be called a sin. But it’s not twin sins of homosexuality and abortion. To conservative evangelicals today, apparently, exactly the Sermon on the Mount either. these are the deadly sins of society. And to The extreme gerrymander they contrived Christian Republicans in Raleigh, then, greed displays outrageous greed and lust. And in for power isn’t greed for power. Whatever it addition, they covered their machinations takes to oppose homosexuality and abortion with deceptions and outright lies. is justified before God. After the 2012 election, they were truly Abraham Lincoln said: “Nearly all men unrestrained. Oh, the sweet taste of POWcan stand adversity, but if you want to test a WER! In broad daylight – so blatant that man’s character, give him power.” courts slapped them down – they passed a That’s the intent of this column. Chrissweeping voter suppression law to incontian Republicans in Raleigh haven’t done venience Democratic voters. And they got very well so far. With a new governor, they really mean with liberal cities. Any town, any school board, anybody in the state they have a new chance to have spacious hearts. May it be so. wanted to squash, splat! • What was it James Madison said again? Lee Ballard lives in Mars Hill. For Oh yes: When the majority has schemes of more of his work, readers may visit his oppression and opportunity, neither moral nor religious motives can be relied on as an blog at mountainsnail.com. adequate control. I have one question that arches over all this incredible arrogance: How is it that ALL Republicans in the General Assembly, most of your company in the Daily Planet! whom are evangelical Christians, What is your business? Advertise in the Daily Planet .... We go along with this distribute in four counties (Buncombe, Henderson, Madison and shameful chicanery? Haywood) to about 200 locations. We’ll let our skyrocketing readership know that you are here and ... open for business! Apparently, from GOP mailbox flyers, the primary concerns of these Christian or e-mail: advertising@AshevilleDailyPlanet.com legislators are the
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A12 — March 2017 - Asheville Daily Planet
Letters to the editor Continued from Page A10
Tolerance advocated with those who are ‘different’
What does it mean to “betray” your family or where you come from? To many, it’s a question of life. Religion, or lack thereof, lifestyle, occupation, sexual orientation, ability, gender. All things are fluid in people, dependent on the way life shakes out and, importantly, how they were raised. There are people in this country who believe the opposite to what I do — obviously, I am a human, and I have bias — and there are people who believe the same. Some of these beliefs keep people in their family’s household. Some cast them out. Families in the United States have longheld beliefs that guide them on how to raise their young, that tell them what to tell the next generations. It takes a revolution of free-thinkers to break such bonds. To betray someone’s family, or where they come from, could be as cut-and-dry as being gay in an unwelcoming environment, but it could also be the way someone acts, talks, or behaves. To betray both a family and a place simply means changing beyond the norms established in the area, among not only the family, but the community. Family is something that Americans hold in high regard. A 2007 poll taken by USA Today and Gallup says that 36 percent of people polled said that family values were an “extremely important” issue, while 37 percent said it was “very important,” which comes together at a whopping 73 percent, with an error margin of 3 percent. That cannot be ignored, in such a volatile and harsh public climate. If so many people think that family is an issue worthy of presidential attention, then why is it even a question of betraying ours? Well, the simple answer is that people are born and people live certain ways that other people don’t agree with or don’t enjoy, and sometimes those opposers are family. Another thing to point out is the customary split up of America: the north, the south, the midwest, and the west coast. People often say “Southern charm” or “Southern hospitality.” New Yorkers are portrayed in the media as rich, people who flip off billboards and watch baseball. People think that
North Dakotans live on ranches, with a golden retriever on their lap and a cigarette dangling from their lips as they watch the broken-down windmill turn on the horizon. Californians are stereotyped as hipsters, the classy-but-not-so-classy mid-20s skinny woman with a sunhat and a volleyball. But the reality is that it’s simply not true. The entire world is so diverse. There is a vast number of people who live in places and do not fit into these “boxes”, which drives them away. They leave behind the people who fit into the box, thus perpetuating the stereotype even further, and the cycle will repeat itself until a large cultural impact hits. Another thing to analyze would be societal standards for America’s youth, melding the next generation into a blend of, in my opinion, sheep. From the constant media pressure to conform to the society’s standards to pressure from families and communities to be a certain way, act a certain way, etcetera. America really needs to wake up to a simple fact: Your family will be who they are. If your child has different opinions then you, whether it be about music or the Iraq war, the best thing to do is have a respectful discussion without trying to change their views. If your child is part of the LGBT community, that’s their business and not yours, even if you aren’t supportive of that community. The same goes the other way. Parents will be put away by children for their views. But the thing is — it’s going to happen anyways. People are naturally like that. My point is this; to betray a family or to betray a place is simply to be different then what is expected of you. And everyone should be able to be who they want, or who they were born as. Blood family is just a group of people you happen to be born around and homes are only places. Real family is the people that you match with, the people that you find connections with and the people that you love. If that’s the same as blood family, which happens a lot, then good on them, but some people do not have those same traits or same ideals and morals. As William Shakespeare once wrote, “Though those that are betray’d do feel the treason sharply, yet the traitor stands in the worse case of woe.” ALTHEA MCMINN Asheville
Patriotic irony in Lady Gaga’s dazzling Super Bowl show
Jeff Messer is the host of a daily radio talk show on Asheville’s WPEK (880AM, The Revolution) that airs from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. This column features posts from his daily blog. • The following was posted on Feb. 6: irst, we heard that the folks behind the Super Bowl were going to use a delay. You know, just in case Lady Gaga started using her free speech to bash the president during halftime. Oh, how worried they were. Sure, it was not like seeing a nipple, or a profile of Prince stroking the neck of his guitar, but much like how coddled and protected Tom Brady is by the refs (usually), President Trump is like a fragile little manchild who gets all atwitter when someone says mean things. Lady Gaga is smart, though. Proving that she is more than a REALLY successful Madonna cover band, she has built her own iconic persona, and it was on full display last night. Amid advertising that focused on acceptance and inclusion (which used to be American and patriotic), she out-maneuvered the pre-loaded critics by not saying a single word against anything, but rather using America’s own words in a clear and patriotic fashion. As the N.Y. Times published:
F
Lady Gaga went for one big, glittering, diverse party with her Super Bowl halftime show. “We’re here to make you feel good,” she declared mid-set. At her NFL news
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Jeff Messer conference, she had promised a statement of “inclusion,” an upbeat and uncontroversial stance, and she made good on it as she began her set, singing a few lines each of “God Bless America” and “This Land Is Your Land” and reciting the “one nation indivisible” conclusion of the Pledge of Allegiance. And the rah-rah jingo-laden Trumpland mindset couldn’t do a damn thing about it. They couldn’t complain about those uber patriotic words being uttered. They pretend to adhere to them constantly, while wrapped in a flag and guzzling some good old Budweiser (which they must also be having insecurities over just now). But we all know that Gaga’s words, while ringing true to the heart of America, do not ring true in the here and now. And without having to bash Trump, she delivered a powerful blow by just stating some of the core values that have been trashed by the current administration, and their band of drooling masses. Gaga for the win. And she did it in a way that most people didn’t even notice. But we all took her point. I may have to ease up on here, and even download a few of her songs just to say thank you.
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A14 - March 2017 - Asheville Daily Planet
Candid Conservative Continued from Page A10 In contrast to the uplifting nature of the Seven Virtues – Faith, Hope, Charity, Fortitude, Justice, Prudence, and Temperance – the Seven Deadlies – Pride, Greed, Lust, Envy, Gluttony, Wrath, and Sloth – cultivate our demise. Couples who maintain a disciplined effort to recognize and uphold the right seven secure their future. • Give your spouse the things you need from your spouse. Who you marry matters – how you treat who you marry matters more. One of the strongest truisms of life is that the best way to get what you need is to give what you need. Nowhere is that more true than with those we love. A focus on giving over receiving secures a balance that expands a marriage’s deeper potentials. A focus on getting over giving finds one lost in the cynicism of keeping score. A successful marriage requires eventual participation by both parties, but it begins with a ‘get the ball rolling’ commitment of one. • Love doesn’t conquer all – but it is the first place to start. No word in the English language is more abused than the word ‘love.’ Though attraction, lust, respect and dependency are often marketed as love, the connection is fragile at best. Real love is a very demanding mistress with a strong connection to sacrifice, compassion, forgiveness, and commitment. Importantly, love is a skill and action first and an emotion second – it must be mined, processed, and brought to life to reach its truest value. • Keep the burden of responsibilities fair. Men and women need not make the
District elections
Continued from Page A1 “Perhaps a system with some at-large and some district seats might be equitable,” Miall said. “I’m not sure I know the answer, but I do know the problem.” Speaking next, Pless noted that when he ran for Buncombe County Board of Education “it brought out a lot of confusion. Even the Board of Education would bode well for dstricts. It’d be a lot more cost-effective (for candidates), by far.” Pless added that state Rep. Brian Turner, D-Buncombe, who was present at the CIBO meeting, “has to run in a district... It all boils down to a small electoral college... I hope the state legislature will take this up to force Asheville City Council to do this.” The final panelist to speak, Belcher, said, “I was elected in 2012 and re-elected in 2016, I decided to run several months before the elections in 2012. When I heard about the districts and saw the general layout of my district — the first thought that came to mind is that I know those people. That’s important. “It was a lot more expensive to run for office that what I thought. It would be very expensive for me to (have had to) run countywide — probably four times what I spent in 2016. It’s on record (what Belcher spent). It was a pretty good bit. When I vote, I vote for the good of the entire Buncombe County, but I also particularly vote for the people of Leicester,,,,, I think it makes a difference to see a face they know,” Belcher noted. The meeting then was opened to questions, and Dunn was asked about big cities versus small cities for district elections. “Asheville is not too small” for district elections,” Dunn said. “When I ran for council, I had to spend $60,000. That’s a lot of money. That’s why a lot of people don’t run. It’s intimidating.” At that point, Asheville Vice Mayor Gwen Wisler stood up and said she did not have a question, but felt compelled to reiterate — “on behalf of council” — as “Cecil said — that we want to listen to the voices
same contributions, but we are called on to invest an equal measure of energy. We are free to cross the lines, but as a general rule the nature of men is to protect, produce, and provide. What are women natured toward? Not much – just civilizing the world. That’s a pretty powerful formula for success when a man and women join forces in committed fashion. Think of a marriage between a man and a woman as a social version of epoxy glue. • Master conflict or it will master your marriage. Bad conflict is the number one relationship killer – good conflict is one of the best relationship builders. The first is characterized by good-bad, right-wrong, win-lose power struggles – the latter by patience, forgiveness, and an emphasis on win-win opportunities. A couple that learns to manage friction can do everything – a couple who doesn’t learn to manage friction will not be able to do anything. • Consciously nurture your head, heart, body, spirit – every day. Never stop. Just as you and your mate are a team, your head, heart, body, and spirit function in partnership. To neglect one is to harm others. Winston Churchill once shared a relevant bit of wisdom, “The average man dies at 30 – his body lingers a while longer.” He understood that without four directions – head, heart, body, and sprit – you don’t have a compass. • Remember you are part of another person – to neglect any part of you is to neglect your partner. Growth and personal development are crucial ingredients in every marriage. Stagnancy is poison. Too many people marry on the basis of one set of dynamic traits and then surrender to
the ravages of time and stress. It is not fair to marry as one kind of person and then regress into something less and yet expect continued enthusiasms from our spouse. Without personal growth and accountability, marriages shrink. Be especially wary of the forces of addiction – they are everywhere and want all of us. • We begin our romance and intimacy as effortless joy – but work and maintenance will eventually make their demands. That’s not failure – its maturity. In fairytales of old, finding the prince and princess was the tough part. Happy ever after was the assured outcome. In the real world it’s just the opposite – finding someone is much easier than staying with someone. Smart couples skip the ‘happy ever after’ stuff and understand that everything in life requires maintenance – including men, women, and marriage. • In marriage do two become one? Certainly – the next question is which one? Or will it be a practiced blending of the best of both? That’s an outcome that’s built with hard work, not fantasy, self-absorption, or luck. Marriage is a prime example of a relationship where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. • We all need to matter – and in a fallen world we are constantly faced with bad means to that end. The best marriages come from two people who never give up on seeking positive ways to touch our world. We are here to add to the world as surely as we are able to draw from it. There are few better ways to contribute value than through the creation and nurturing of a family. Besides, to believe that one can get to good places – like happiness – through bad means is irrational. Good things don’t grow in bad soil – including children. ___________________
... and all the voices” in deciding whether to split the city into political districts. Vijay Kapoor, a South Asheville candidate for council, said, “I heard a lot of people in South Asheville with concerns about how someone from South Asheville gets elected to council. There’s been some concern about Balkanization,” a process that can result from the division of a region into smaller regions or states that are often hostile or uncooperative with one another. “I worry about the creation of turf wars,” Kapoor asserted. “That said, I think it is worth looking at. I think at this point every member of city should be able to vote for every council seat.” Kapoor then asked, “Is the concern more about geographical issue or the political issue?” Belcher replied, “We’re professionals in what we do. It’s not just happenstance. We are elected to represent everyone…. We don’t go in and just represent our neighbors, but our neighbors know us and they feel comfortable approaching us.” Bothwell added, “The question is whether the interest was more geographical or political… The plan that (former state) Sen. (Tom) Apodaca (R-Henderson) tried to push on us was clearly political. .. It was exactly drawn to eliminate some council people. Whoever is in power tends to gerrymander, so I think it’s clearly political.” To the same question, Mial said, “I was successful in raising $250,000, but what you’re up against! I was called on the carpet by the party chair, who said there are two Democrats running for the seat and we will be neutral.” However, he said the party ended up supporting his opponents. “To answer your question,” Mial said, “Asheville is already very segmented, but the system is controlled by about 6,000 to 7,000 people who are very hard-core.” Dunn then interjected, “Look at the voter turnout in recent elections. The people in my area feel we don’t have a prayer. Our voter turnout is terrible. The City Council represents about 12 or 13 percent of the voter
segment. I do believe frustration abounds in the suburbs. I don’t beleive it’s all political — it’s just a lack of representation.” Under the current system, Pless asserted, “The only way it works, the only way it changes, is that, in South Asheville, we have a candidate and South Asheville people get out to vote for that candidate. Otherwise, nothing changes. I’d like to see the school board go that way (to district elections), too. It would be cost-effective and a lot more people might run. “The only way it works is if you get to vote for the person in your district and the mayor.” CIBO member Mac Swicegood, who normally askes tough questions, instead made the following comment: “If I’ve got a pothole and you’ve got to drive across that pothole, it doesn’t matter where you live. I thank each and everyone of you for being here.” To another question, Miall noted, “As I said, I know the problem, but I’m not sure where the answer is. There’s got to be a better way to get a broader representation of ideology in our community.” Belcher added that “you’ve got to live in that area to be able to represent it.” Dunn said, “I think it’s basically representation. I know some of it is political. But it’s mainly geographic. It’s about representation, which is what our democracy is built on, plain and simple.”
Without the American family, nothing about the American Dream works. That’s why so many cynical elitists seek to undermine marriage as a relationship between a man and a woman and push saccharine-like replacements. It’s just another in a long line of misguided efforts to downgrade our culture in the false name of progress. Their substitutes are like the marital equivalent of a no-calorie soda. They look the same but don’t stand up to scrutiny. A family grounded in the love of a man and a woman is not the only platform for cultivating happy and fulfilled children ready to take on a challenging world. But it is the best – everything else comes in a distant second. I appreciate this opportunity to suggest a few ways to keep your marriage – and our culture – in first place.... Thanks for spending a few minutes with a candid conservative! • Carl Mumpower is a psychologist and former elected official. He can be reached at drmumpower@aol.com.
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A16 — March 2017 - Asheville Daily Planet
Entertainment
Special Section PULLOUT
& Calendar of Events
Asheville Daily Planet — March 2017
When swing was king ....
‘In the Mood’ show lovingly recaptures spirit of ’40s
Shelley Wright
Follow-up: The dead don’t stay buried
I
By JOHN NORTH
T
john@AshevilleDailyPlanet.com
he All-American “In the Mood: A 1940s Big Band, Swing Dance Musical Revue” was clicking on all cylinders on Feb. 7 in the U.S. Cellular Center’s Thomas Wolfe Auditorium in downtown Asheville Before a mainly older crowd of only 400 to 500 people, the 13-piece String of Pearls Big Band Orchestra and the hyperkinetic In the Mood Singers and Dancers, nevertheless, gave it their all. The two-set, two-hour show was split by an intermission. Fittingly, the high-energy celebration of the swing music (and dance) that guided the nation’s spirit —in the 1940s — toward hope, promise and prosperity ended with a bang, triggering a standing ovation. Celebrating America’s Greatest Generation, “In the Mood” featured the music of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Harry James and Erskine Hawkins. The singers-dancers included three men and three women — and they performed solo or in various group configurations. However, it was the women, as a sassy, sexy vocal and visual trio, who truly fired up the show with their sizzling renditions of songs by the Andrews Sisters. See ‘IN THE MOOD,’ Page B7
B1
Special photos from IntheMoodlive.com
Three of the singers and dancers (above) perform during the “In the Mood” show at an earlier performance in the current tour. Below, the 13-piece String of Pearls Big Band Orchestra strikes a melodic note during a previous show.
n my last column, I wrote about the first person I ever crossed over. She was a beautiful little blonde-haired, blue-eyed girl, about three or four years old and her name was Emily. I first came to know of her when she began picking pieces of trash out of my garbage can in the bathroom of the haunted tuberculosis sanitorium where I lived for years, and tossing them onto the floor for me to find later. Even though Emily had been gone for years, she still haunted me. While I knew she was with her parents, I still thought of her all the time. I needed to know who she was and where she came from and how she came to be there and I needed it as if she were my own child. I had to know. And I despaired of ever finding out. But that’s the thing about the dead. They won’t stay buried. That’s where my friend, Vance Pollack, chief historian of Haunted Asheville and new host of the long-running “Speaking of Strange” radio show, comes in. The dead speak to him in the strangest of ways and leave him clues everywhere. His whole life is filled with these snaps and pops of synchronicities. With only a ghost’s name that telepathically popped into my head and an address to go on, it took Vance only a couple of days to find mention of Emily’s grandparents in the 1917 Asheville Directory. See WRIGHT, Page B7
Spirited Beatles tribute show fueled with talent, love
By JOHN NORTH
john@AshevilleDailyPlanet.com
HENDERSONVILLE — Flat Rock Playhouse opened its 2017 Music on the Rock series with a sparkling performance of “The Music of the Beatles” at its downtown Hendersonville venue. The performance on Feb. 18 — a Saturday night — was a sellout of all 240 seats ... and the tribute show ended with a roaring and sustained standing ovation, with a demand for an encore that the group gladly granted. The show ran Feb. 16-26. The encore songs included “She Loves You,” “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” and a segue from a moving and dramatic a cappella rendition of “All You Need Is Love” into “Hey Jude.” Even then, as the band bowed delightedly but wearily and the house lights were turned Special photo courtesy of FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE on, the crowd cheered. But, alas, the show was over. The concert featured a six-member versions of the Bea- The FRP Beatles (from left) are Paul Babelay (drummer), Ryan Guerra (barely seen), Ryan Dunn, Aaron LaVigne, tles (who were a quartet), including FRP favorites Ryan Eric Anthony (bass) and Dustin Brayley (keyboard). Guerra and Dustin Brayley, who were joined by Aaron LaVigne, Ryan Dunn, Eric Anthony and Paul Babelay. Beatles’ classics, the band — to their credit — also played The six men — most often — performed in a configuration several of the more obscure (and difficult) Beatles songs, of three guitarists, one bassist, one keyboardist and one drumsuch as the surreal “Happiness Is a Warm Gun.”The show mer. However, the multi-talented band members were able to — and did — shift around to different instruments — including featured two 45-minute sets, followed by a four-song encore. On a timely note with tax deadlines looming, the show flute and cowbell, among others — between songs. Interestingly, rather than just playing the best-known started with “Tax Man.” The band followed with “Drive
The Beatles website photo
The original Beatles shown performing during their Sgt. Pepper’s era in the late 1960s.
My Car” and “Help!” Other memorable first-set songs were “Something,” “And Your Bird Can Sing,” “Paperback Writer,” “Oh, Darlin’,.” “Something,” “I Saw Her Standing There” — and the set ended on a high note with the Beatles’ cover of “Twist and Shout,” to which some audience members danced. Prior to the band’s performance of “Something,” one of the band members noted that it as a song that the late-great vocalist Frank Sinatra (arguably the best singer in pop music history) once said he was particularly impressed with “Something,” calling it “the greatest love song of the past 50 years.” See BEATLES, Page B7
B2 - March 2017 - Asheville Daily Planet
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band will perform in concert at 7:30 p.m. March 3 at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.
Calendar
of
Events
Send us your calendar items
Please submit items to the Calendar of Events by noon on the third Wednesday of each month, via e-mail, at calendar@ashevilledailyplanet. com, or fax to 252-6567, or mail c/o The Daily Planet, P.O. Box 8490, Asheville, N.C. 288148490. Submissions will be accepted and printed at the discretion of the editor, space permitting. To place an ad for an event, call 252-6565.
iconic and influential band often is cited as a catalyst for an entire movement in country rock and American roots music. With multi-platinum and gold records, strings of top 10 hits, such as “Fishin’ In The Dark” and “Mr. Bojangles,” multiple Grammy, IBMA, CMA Awards and nominations, the band’s accolades continue to accumulate. Its groundbreaking “Will The Circle Be Unbroken” album has been inducted into the U.S. Library of Congress as well as the Grammy Hall of Fame. For tickets, which are $24, $28 and $32, visit www.greatmountainmusic.com.
Wednesday, March 1
Saturday, March 4
STEM LECTURE, 4:30-6 p.m., Room 102-A, Reuter Center, UNC Asheville. “Accelerating Climate Innovation” will be addressed by James McMahon of The Collider. The STEM lecture series is an interdisciplinary program that covers a wide range of science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines. Each lecture provides the lecturer with the opportunity to share his/her work, present new ideas for feedback, learn new ideas that participants can use, and introduce students to exciting areas to explore. Admission is free and open to the public. SIERRA CLUB MEETING, 7 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place, North Asheville. The local Sierra Club chapter will present Scott Varn, founder of Preserving a Picturesque America. He will present a program on how his group has been seeking the locations of the adventure artists of the 1800s and then finding ways to preserve those natural and historic places. Varn will show how his organization is using history, art and adventure to help preserve the country’s beautiful natural treasures. He also will suggest ways that the public can join in the adventure. Varn, who holds a degree in fine arts and media arts from the University of North Carolina, will show how his group is seeking out the locations of the adventure artists of the 1800s and then finding ways to preserve these natural and historic places. The event is free and open to the public.
Thursday, March 2
DISCUSSION ON PUBLIC CONVERSATIONS, 6-8 p.m, St. Philips Episcopal Church, 256 E. Main St., Brevard. A discussion on public conversations will focus on “Religious Bigotry: How to Respond,” sponsored by the Transylvania NAACP and local congregations.
Friday, March 3
FRACKING DEBATE, 6-7:30 p.m., auditorium, Asheville High School, Asheville. The AHS Debate Team will host a debate on fracking in North Carolina. Confirmed debaters as of presstime include John Ager, Jim Davis and Julie Mayfield. NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, 1028 Georgia Rd., Franklin. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band will perform in concert. Celebrating their Golden (50th) Anniversary together, the
BEATLES TRIBUTE CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Niswonger Performing Arts Center, Greeneville, Tenn. “‘1964’... The Tribute” show will perform in a concert saluting the Beatles. For tickets, visit www.NPACgreeneville.com.
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Tuesday, March 7
RUSSIAN NATIONAL BALLET SHOW, 7 p.m., Niswonger Performing Arts Center, Greeneville, Tenn. The Russian National Ballet will perform “Swan Lake.” For tickets, visit www.NPACgreeneville.com. WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL LECTURE, 7:30 p.m., Manheimer Room, the Reuter Center, UNC Asheville. Jenn Schiff will address “Petroleum and Foreign Policy” during a meeting of the World Affairs Council of Western North Carolina. Admission is free to WAC members and students — and $10 for all others at the door.
Thursday, March 9
ACT FOR AMERICA SPEAKER/LUNCHEON, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.,The Olive Garden, 121 Tunnel Rd., Asheville. Angela Kimbril of ACT for America will address the Buncombe County Republican Women’s Club. ACT for America bills itself as a group that “educates citizens and elected officials to impact public policy and protect America from terrorism and criminal activity in the United States, while preserving civil liberties protected by the United States Constitution.” Lunch entrees start at $5,99. The BCRWC noted that “all are welcome” to attend the luncheon. DISCUSSION ON PUBLIC CONVERSATIONS, 6-8 p.m, Lutheran Church of The Good Shepherd, 22 Fisher Road, Brevard. A discussion on public conersations will focus on “The Earth is our Mother – To Hurt or to Heal?,” sponsored by the Transylvania NAACP and local congregations.
Friday, March 10
THE DRIFTERS CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., The Foundation Performation Arts Center, Isothermal Community College, Spindale. A show titled “The Drifters Rock and Roll Hall of Famers,” will feature four performers emulating the moves and singing the songs of theThe Drifters, a long-popular rhythm and blues vocal group. For tickets, which are $25 and $30, visit www.FoundationShows.org.
See CALENDAR, Page B3
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Calendar of Events Continued from Page B2
Saturday, March 11
Wednesday, March 15
ORGANIC GROWERS SCHOOL, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., various locations around campus at UNCA (see signs, posted around campus or check schedule on Internet). The Organic Growers School Spring Conference — running March 11-12 — will offer what is billed as practical, regionally appropriate workshops on organic growing, permaculture, homesteading, urban farming, and rural living plus a trade show, seed exchange, silent auction, children’s program and pre-conference, onfarm events. More than 70 sessions per day will feature themed tracks including gardening, soils, livestock, primitive skills, permaculture, herbs, alternative energy, sustainable forestry, homesteading, cooking, poultry, Farmers I and Farmers II, mushrooms and food resilience. Registration is required. To register, visit http://organicgrowersschool.org/spring-conference-registration/. CONCERT, 3 and 8 p.m., Diana Wortham Theatre, Pack Place, downtown Asheville. Igudesman & Joo will perform in a concert titled “And Now Mozart.” The duo comprising classical musicians Aleksey Igudesman and Richard Hyung-ki Joo perform in shows that combine comedy with classical music and popular culture. TOMMY EMMANUEL CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Niswonger Performing Arts Center, Greeneville, Tenn. Tommy Emmanuel, an Australian guitarist, songwriter and occasional singer — best-known for his complex fingerstyle technique, energetic performances and the use of percussive effects on the guitar — will perform in concert. For tickets, visit www.NPACgreeneville.com.
Tuesday, March 14
WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL LECTURE, 7:30 p.m., Manheimer Room, the Reuter Center, UNC Asheville. Julie Snyder will address “Trade and Politics” during a meeting of the World Affairs Council of Western North Carolina. Admission is free to WAC members and students — and $10 for all others at the door.
Asheville Daily Planet - March 2017 - B3
Nevermore Mystical Arts A paranormal boutique
CONCERT, 8 p.m., Diana Wortham Theatre, Pack Place, downtown Asheville. “The Other Mozart” will be performed by Silvia Milo on March 15 and 16. Milo, an award-winning actress, playwright and producer, is based in New York City,. Her solo play, “The Other Mozart,” had a critically acclaimed Off-Broadway run and in London at St. James Theatre. The play is touring in the United States, Canada and in Europe, and continues running in NYC at the Players Theatre, with a rotating cast.
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Thursday, March 16
DISCUSSION ON PUBLIC CONVERSATIONS, 6-8 p.m, Bethel A Baptist Church, 290 Oakdale St., Brevard. A discussion on public conersations will focus on “Economic Fairness — What Would Justice Look Like?,” sponsored by the Transylvania NAACP and local congregations.
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Closed March 9-18 for a jam-packed buying trip and haunted adventures in New Orleans. Check Nevermore’s Facebook page and SpeakingOfStrange.com often for updates and video clips!
Friday, March 17
DEATH CAFE SERIES, 5-6:30 p.m., Reuter Center, UNC Asheville. Death Café, a series of gatherings for discussion, storytelling and exploration of ideas and feelings, about death, will feature faciltators Karen Sanders, Greg Lathrop and Sa’id Osio of the group Third Messenger. Admission is free and open to the public.
See CALENDAR, Page B4
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The Asheville Daily Planet strives to be accurate in all articles published. Contact the News Department at news@ashevilledailyplanet.com, (828) 252-6565, or P.O. Box 8490, Asheville, N.C. 28814-8490.
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B4 - March 2017 - Asheville Daily Planet
Asheville Daily Planet - March 2017 - B5
The Drifters will perform in concert at 7:30 p.m. March 10 in The Foundation Performing Arts Center at Isothermal Community College in Spindale.
Calendar of Events
Continued from Page B3
Friday, March 17
“CHARLOTTE’S WEB” PRODUCTION, 7 p.m., Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, 1028 Georgia Rd., Franklin. “Charlotte’s Web,” E.B. White’s beloved children’s tale, is brought to life on stage in this faithful adaptation, which finds the young farm pig, Wilbur, attempting to avoid a dire fate. Of all the barnyard creatures, Wilbur’s most treasured friend is Charlotte, a thoughtful spider who devises an intriguing plan to keep the gentle little swine out of the slaughterhouse. Although Charlotte’s efforts, which involve words written in her delicate web, seem far-fetched, they may just work. It is billed as “a wonderful story of friendship, sacrifice and growing up for the entire family.” The one-act production, lasting about an hour, will be presented by the Overlook Theatre Co. For tickets, which are $12, visit www.greatmountainmusic.com. “AN IRISH HEART” CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Niswonger Performing Arts Center, Greeneville, Tenn. “An Irish Heart” concert will feature Chloe Agnew and the Atlanta Pops Orchestra. For tickets, visit www.NPACgreeneville.com.
Thursday, March 23
ANN WILSON CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., The Peace Center, Greenville, S.C. Ann Wilson of the group Heart will perform in concert. The Greenville stop will be early in her 20-date solo cross-country tour that begins March 8 in Seattle. “ The music will be a mix of songs that have powered my life; iconic soul-stirring covers, songs from my years of solo work and the unforgettable songs of Heart,” Wilson said in a recent interview. For tickets, which are $45-$65, visit www. peacecenter.org or call (800) 888-7768.
Friday, March 24
THE TEXAS TENORS CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, 1028 Georgia Rd., Franklin. The Texas Tenors will perform in concert. With their Emmy Awardwinning PBS special and Billboard chart topping albums, they are billed as America’s favorite new tenors. Since their whirlwind debut six years ago on NBC-TV’s “America’s Got Talent,” the Texas Tenors have accumulated a long list of awards, accolades and excited fans. They have performed more than 1,000 concerts around the world, including collaborations with some of the most prestigious symphonies, performing arts centers and arenas in the United States. People are clearly enjoying their talent as they were recently named the No. 10 Classical Artist in the world, according to Billboard magazine. “With their breathtaking vocals, humor and a touch of cowboy charm, it is easy to see why the Texas Tenors create one of the most unforgettable live shows in the world today,” the SMCPA noted. For tickets, which are $24, $28 and $32 visit www.greatmountainmusic.com.
Saturday, March 25
ARTISTS’ REHAPPENING, 3-10 p.m., Camp Rockmont, 375 Lake Eden Rd., Black Mountain. Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center will hold its seventh annual (Re)HAPPENING, inspired by John Cage’s 1952 “Theatre Piece No. 1,” an unscripted performance at Black Mountain College considered by many to be the first “happening.” The event will offer two international projects, alongside a roster of 18 local installations, new media, music and performance projects, with environmental lighting by students of the Odyssey Community School. Food trucks will be available on site. A parking pass will cost $5, while a roundtrip
shuttle pass from downtown Asheville will cost $5. For event tickets, which are $20 for advance adults and $25 for regular admission adults, visit rehappening@blackmountaincollege.org. RODNEY CARRINGTON CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Event Center, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, Cherokee. Rodney Carrington will perform in concert. For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster. GEORGE WINSTON CONCERT, 8 p.m., Tryon Fine Arts Center, 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon. Pianist and composer George Winston, known worldwide for his genre-defying instrumental music, will perform in concert. For tickets, visit tryonarts.org or call 859-8322. SIX GUITARS CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., The Foundation Performing Arts Center, Isothermal Community College, Spindale. In the show “Six Guitars,” a single performer portrays six different guitar-playing characters, each sharing his own style of music, including blues, jazz, rock, classical, folk and country. The show is “part standup comedy, part musical improvisation, and plenty of heart,” The Foundation noted. For tickets, which are $15 and $18, visit www.FoundationShows.org or call 286-9990. “BLACK VIOLIN” CONCERT, 8 p.m., Diana Wortham Theatre, 2 Pack Place, downtown Asheville. A concert titled “Black Violin” will feature violinists Kev Marcus and Will B, along with TK, their expert accompanying DJ. They will take a revolutionary look at music by melding highbrow and pop culture — Bach and Beyoncé — in what is billed as “one high-energy, genre-busting act.” For tickets, which are $35, call the DWT box office at 257-4530.
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Friday, March 31
MICKEY GILLEY CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, 1028 Georgia Rd., Franklin. Mickey Gilley will perform in concert. “Gilley has accomplished what most artists only dream of — a long and fulfilling career marked by loyal fans and success,” the SMCPA noted. His stream of No. 1 hitsi nclude “Roomful of Roses,” “I Overlooked and Orchid,” ”City Lights,” “Talk to Me” and “You’ve Really Got a Hold On Me,” Gilley has achieved a remarkable 39 Top-10 country hits, with 17 of those reaching No. 1 on the country charts. He also has received awards for Entertainer of the Year, Top Male Vocalist, Song of the Year, Single of the Year and Album of the Year. When recently asked of his greatest achievement, Gilley said quite honestly, “I love getting on stage and performing a good show for good people.” For tickets, which are $24 and $28, visit www.greatmountainmusic. com. “THE BLACKPACK” SHOW, 8 p.m., Diana Wortham Theatre, 2 Pack Place, downtown Asheville. The show “BlackPACK: All Laughs Matter” will be performed. The show is billed as a playful chipping away “at the walls of racial and social stereotypes...” The night of comedy will feature headliners Vince Morris, Billy D. Washington and BT. They will “take a good-natured, often brutally honest look at our national spectrum via their singular (albeit different) points of view. Regardless of our political proclivities and pre-conceived notions about race and class, humor is a great tool for deepening our understanding and respect for others, thus the show name: All Laughs Matter. Adding to the fun is a Q&A portion of the show, ‘Everything you ever wanted to ask a black man, but were afraid to ask,’” DWT noted. “Simultaneously hilarious and thought-provoking, The Blackpack celebrates our differences, one joke at a time.” A discussion with the performers will be held in conjunction with the performance. For tickets, which are $32 for adults and $27 for students, call the DWT box office at 257-4530.
See CALENDAR, Page B6
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B6 - March 2017 - Asheville Daily Planet
Calendar
Band.’” The unit garnered praise and a devoted fan base from Greece to Hollywood, having played the Summer Olympics in Athens, and the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. e “DMHO live” an experience like no other. For tickets, which are $20 and $24, visit www.greatmountainmusic. com.
Continued from Page B4
Saturday, April 1
MAIRTIN O’CONNOR CONCERT, 8 p.m., Diana Wortham Theatre, 2 Pack Place, downtown Asheville. Billed as figureheads of Irish music, the Mairtin O’Connor Trio will perform in concert. “The group combines the rich sounds of the accordion, fiddle and guitar in dazzling sets, making it one of the more versatile and dynamic ensembles on the Irish music scene,” DWT noted. For tickets, call the DWT box office at 257-4530.
Sunday, April 2
CLINT BLACK CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Niswonger Performing Arts Center, Greeneville, Tenn. Clint Black, a country music traditionalist from Texas, will perform in concert. Black was one of the first artists to kick-start the massmarket popularity of country in the 1990s. Black is also one of the first artists of a generation that was equally inspired by rock-oriented pop — like 1970s’ singer/songwriters and 1960s’ rock ‘n’ roll — as well as country artists like Merle Haggard, Bob Wills, and George Jones. Black is a singer, songwriter, musician, multi-instrumentalist, record producer and actor. For tickets, visit www.NPACgreeneville.com.
Thursday, April 6
BEACH BOYS CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, 1028 Georgia Rd., Franklin. The Beach Boys will perform in concert. “Fifty years ago, we started something very big,” said Brian Wilson, a cofounder of the Beach Boys. “So now we’re celebrating together in a very big way..” Co-founder Mike Love added, “It’s pretty miraculous that we can start out as a bunch of guys who didn’t know anything about fame or money, or anything like that. All we knew was we liked to sing and make harmonies together. So to have it become part of American musical culture is pretty amazing.” To that end, the SMCPA noted, “Now this singular
Tuesday, April 25
ANALYSES OF EARLY TRUMP ADMINISTRATION, 7:30 p.m., Broyhill Chapel, Mars Hill University, Mars Hill. Following U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s first 100 days, MHU will hold an event to reflect on his The Texas Tenors will perform at 7:30 p.m. March actions and project how the rest of 24 at Smoky Mountain Center for Performing Arts the president’s term may take shape. in Franklin. The event, “President Trump’s First 100 Days: Perspectives From the Left and the Right,” will feature a panel West Coast story continues with a global celebration that is befitting of the remarkable and endur- discussion. The panelists will include Rick Glazier of the North Carolina Justice Panel and John ing legacy of these Rock & Roll Hall of Famers. Hood of the John William Pope Foundation. The To mark their 50th anniversary, the founding moderator will be Heather Hawn, a professor in members of The Beach Boys are reuniting for a major international tour and a brand new studio MHU’s poltitical science department. Glazier has album that represents a whole new harmonic served as the exucutvie director of the N.C. Jusconvergence from a group that has brought so tice Center since 2015, following 13 years repremuch joy and harmony to this whole world.” For senting Cumberland County in the state General tickets, which are $45, $50 and $55, visit www. Assembly. He has been teaching at Campbell greatmountainmusic.com. University School of Law for 20 years. Hood is president of the John William Pope Foundation, a Raleigh-based grant-maker that supports public policy organizations, educational institutions, arts DMHO CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Smoky Mountain and cultural programs and humanitarian relief in Center for the Performing Arts, 1028 Georgia North Carolina and elsewhere. Admission is free Rd., Franklin. Denver & The Mile High Orchestra and open to the public. will perform in concert. “Blending a red-hot horn section, along with jazz and big-band roots, Denver and the Mile High Orchestra have created a power funk sound that defies description and is SARA EVANS CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Smoky unlike any other,” the SMCPA noted. “With DenMountain Center for the Performing Arts, 1028 ver Bierman, writing and arranging the band’s Georgia Rd., Franklin. Sara Evans will perform music, the diverse sounds of legends such as in concert. Evans has amassed an impressive Stevie Wonder, Chicago, and Earth Wind and Fire collection of awards, including female vocalist combine for a fresh look at contemporary pop. from the Academy of Country Music and video of the year from the Country Music Association Denver and the Mile High Orchestra wowed all of for her ground breaking clip “Born to Fly.” At the America, as they made the finale of the FOX-TV ‘American Idol’ spin off ‘The Next Great American root of all those accolades is a talent fueled by a
Friday, April 21
Friday, April 28
Midwestern work ethic instilled by her parents. She grew up singing in her family’s band and then moved to Nashville, looking for a record deal. Legendary songwriter Harlan Howard heard her on a demo and helped open a door for her at RCA Records where she’s been ever since. For tickets, which are $30, $34 and $38, visit www. greatmountainmusic.com.
Saturday, April 29
ALICE COOPER CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Event Center, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, Cherokee. Alice Cooper will perform in concert. Cooper, a singer, songwriter and actor, has performed for more than five decades. “With his distinctive raspy voice and a stage show that features guillotines, electric chairs, fake blood, deadly snakes, baby dolls, and dueling swords, Cooper is considered by music journalists and peers alike to be ‘The Godfather of Shock Rock,’” according to Wikipedia. “He has drawn equally from horror films, vaudeville, and garage rock to pioneer a macabre and theatrical brand of rock designed to shock people.” For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Wednesday, May 9
STEVE WINWOOD CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., The Peace Center, Greenville, S.C. Steve Winwood, a rock music icon, will perform in concert. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014 and is listed among Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Singers of All Time.” Among his many career highlights was teaming — 1967 — with guitarist Eric Clapton and drummer Ginger Baker to form Blind Faith, which a number of critics dubbed rock’s first “super group.” For tickets, which are $45-$75, visit www.peacecenter.org or call (800) 888-7768.
Saturday, May 12
LEE BRICE CONCERT, 9 p.m., Event Center, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, Cherokee. Country music singer-songwriter Lee Brice will perform in concert. For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Saturday, June 10
BILLY CURRINGTON CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Event Center, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, Cherokee. Country music singer-songwriter Billy Currington will perform in concert. For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com.
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‘In the Mood’
Continued from Page B1 The men — as a trio — performed a few well-received numbers by the Mills Brothers, but proved to be no match — based on the audience’s response — to the women performing as the Andrews Sisters. The troupe also featured a dynamic East Coast Swing dance couple who were both high-stepping and high-flying. Besides the stellar performances by the singers-dancers and orchestra, the show sparkled with authenticity in its musical arrangements, costumes and choreography. Among the most memorable of the more than 50 songs performed were “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy (of Company B),” “In the Mood,” “Tuxedo Junction,” “Sing, Sing, Sing,” “Sentimental Journey,” “Stardust” and “Dreams.” The show bills itself as portraying the
1940s as “a time when America was in tune with sentimental ballads and up-tempo swing rhythms, where the waltz and the foxtrot competed with the wild, acrobatic jitterbug, jive and boogie-woogie hepcats on the ballroom dance floor.” Now in its 18th season of performances throughout the United States, Canada and Europe, “In the Mood” was performed at an Inaugural Ball for then-President Bill Clinton and selected by the World USO as an official entertainment for the 50th Commemoration of World War II. “In the Mood” creator-producer-artistic director Bud Forrest, who also was the accompanist for the official U.S. Air Force Chorus, the Singing Sergeants, said of the show: “Many of the arrangements were written by Vic Schoen, the conductor for the Andrews Sisters and musical director for Universal and Paramount Pictures. The songs are timeless and this production is as authentic as it gets.”
Continued from Page B1 The second set began with “Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Heart’s Club Band,” which segued into “With a Little Help From My Friends,” followed by “Nowhere Man.” Other second-set songs included “Lady Madonna,” “Let It Be,” “Don’t Let Me Down” and “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” Interestingly, and to good effect, the show grouped together songs of the same subject or theme, at times, such as “Sun Medley” and “Sun King.” The second set — and regular show — ended with an amazing medley of the last part of the “Abbey Road” album. Those songs, played with one melding into the next (as on the album), included “Mean Mr Mustard,” “Polythene Pam,” “She Came In Through The Bathroom Window,” “Golden Slumbers,” “Carry That Weight” and “The End,” finishing with the memorable lyric fragment:
“The love you take ... is equal to the love you make.” According to The Beatles Bible website, “Abbey Road” is widely acknowledged by critics as one of the best — if not the best — of the group’s albums. The tribute band especially excelled in the instrumental work on guitars and drums — and with tight harmonies that emulated the Beatles in stellar fashion. Another nice touch was a light show that often featured moving psychedelic patterns on the backdrop behind the band, which helped to capture the feel of the era of sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll. At one point, one of the group members asked those in the audience to shout out the name of their favorite Beatle.. As people answered in unison with their choice of four different names (John, Paul, George or Ringo), the band member said quizically, “I heard ‘Throne?’” prompting much laughter from the raucous crowd.
Beatles tribute
Wright
Continued from Page B1 They were living at my exact address! He goes on to say, “She (Emily) was named for her grandmother, who along with her husband, built Stonehedge about 1914 as a summer home after coming home from Memphis.” Vance later adds, “Her grandfather Frank Streater died in 1920, so her earliest and possibly fondest memories may have been visiting with her grandparents at their summer home here...and about the age of the child ghost you encountered.” As it turns out, this is one of those weird, yet not uncommon, occurrences where the ghost you see has apparently taken on the appearance of another time in her life and gone back to that place, because “my” Emily lived a full, happy life and died in Florida, an old woman. Her death date coincides with my living at Stonehedge. Also, as it turns out, he couldn’t find any mention of the property having been converted into a hospital during that time. This is probably a good time to bring up that not only can spirits change their appearance, they can go to whatever location they wish. It also lends credence to the theory that child ghosts may not actually be “stuck” in a place or have died there at all. Everyone is concerned about child spirits. Some say they’re stuck, others that they’re really demons in disguise, because why would God leave a child behind? They say this especially about places like old hospitals or sanitoriums because why would anyone choose to go back to a place with so much death and despair? Some of these children grew up in those places, with parents who were either
Asheville Daily Planet - March 2017 - B7
Emily Jane MacDuff Barwick patients or were the ones who took care of the patients. Children make the most of any situation. They’re going to be happy and play anywhere. I’m sure they made friends. These awful places may have been the happiest they had ever been. And keep in mind, they’re probably not seeing things the way we see them now. They’ve traveled back in time to the place that once was. Validation is an awesome thing. So is closure. I’m so relieved that she didn’t die tragically. She lived a nice long life and she was happy. You can see it her face, in the only picture Vance could find of her. And when she died, she came back to the place where she was happiest. I can see why she came back there. It was magical. Lousy with ghosts but magical nonetheless. • Shelley Wright, an Asheville native, is a paranormal investigator. She owns and runs Nevermore Mystical Arts shop and works at Wright’s Coin Shop, both in Asheville. Wright also is a weekly participant in the “Speaking of Strange” radio show from 9 p.m. to midnight on most Saturdays on Asheville’s WWNC-AM (570).
Two-thirds of the earth is covered by water AND the other third is covered by the
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B8 - March 2017 - Asheville Daily Planet