Mountain Xpress 03.02.16

2

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

mountainx.com

Transformation Yoga Trainings Deepen Beyond Flow • Inspire 200/ 300/ 500 Hr RYS

Advanced Teaching Skills Yoga as a Healing Art April 22, 2016

YogaWithLillah.com

mountainx.com

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

3

4

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

mountainx.com

mountainx.com

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

5

Dr. Junk & Mr. Fix-It

HANDYMEN, JUNK REMOVAL, FACILITY MAINTENANCE

contents

Great Rates, Better Service!

PaGe 38 THeSe BOOTS WeRe

c o ntac t us

(828) 251-1333 fax (828) 251-1311

MaDe FOR ROCKIN’ Is there a place for the rock-and-

Pressure Washing • Painting Interior/Exterior Assembly • Welding • Remodeling • Landscaping Graffiti Removal • Tile & Stone Installation 828.236.5999

pop iteration of country music in Asheville? Local artists currently

• Local, Insured • Call St Pat• Asheville Anytime!

12 Eagle

working in that genre say yes.

a s h e828.620.1844 villesaltcave.com

cover design Norn Cutson and Scott Southwick

Dr. Junk & Mr. Fix-It

HANDYMEN, JUNK REMOVAL, FACILITY MAINTENANCE

Great Rates, Better Service!

news tips & story ideas to news@mountainx.com letters/commentary to letters@mountainx.com sustainability news to green@mountainx.com a&e events and ideas to ae@mountainx.com events can be submitted to calendar@mountainx.com

Features

or try our easy online calendar at mountainx.com/events

NEW & PRE-OWNED AUTOS HONDA: 242 Underwood Rd $49/mo LIMITED

PRE-OWNED: 195 Underwood Rd up to 12 classes per month Fletcher, NC goyogainc.com 828-684-4400 goyogabiltmorepark.com appletreeautos.com

news

wellness-related events/news to mxhealth@mountainx.com business-related events/news to business@mountainx.com venues with upcoming shows clubland@mountainx.com

16 bringing it home Conference encourages community business ownership

get info on advertising at advertise@mountainx.com place a web ad at webads@mountainx.com

wellness

828.620.1844

12 forest for the trees?

Residents seek answers on Beaucatcher Greenway

28 written in the stars Local Vedic astrologers decipher map for healing inner cosmos

FooD

• Local, Insured • Call Pat Anytime!

34 greeK heroes Culinary community pitches in to cater 2016 Art Affair for OpenDoors

7

letters

7

cartoon: molton

9

cartoon: brent brown

11 oPinion

question about the website? webmaster@mountainx.com find a copy of xpress jtallman@mountainx.com

22 community calendar 24 conscious Party 28 wellness 32 food 36 small bites 38 arts & entertainment

a&e

Pressure Washing • Painting Interior/Exterior Assembly • Welding • Remodeling • Landscaping Graffiti Removal • Tile & Stone Installation

news

food news and ideas to food@mountainx.com

42 fliP this Play Different Strokes stages all-female production of Glengarry Glen Ross

46 smart bets 50 clubland 56 movies

www.mountainx.com facebooK.com/mountainx follow us @mxnews, @mxarts, @mxeat, @mxhealth, @mxcalendar, @mxenv, @mxclubland we use these hashtags #avlnews, #avlent, #avleat, #avlout, #avlbeer, #avlgov, #avlhealth, #avlwx

a&e

59 screen scene 44 PurPoseful mystery Kreh Mellick opens a solo exhibition at Blue Spiral 1

61 classifieds 62 freewill astrology 63 ny times crossword

Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Mountain Xpress is available free throughout Western North Carolina. Limit one copy per person. Additional copies may be purchased for $1 payable at the Xpress office in advance. No person may, without prior written permission of Xpress, take more than one copy of each issue.

To subscribe to Mountain Xpress, send check or money order to: Subscription Department, PO Box 144, Asheville NC 28802. First class delivery.

One year (52 issues) $130 / Six months (26 issues) $70. We accept Mastercard & Visa.

6

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

mountainx.com

coPyright 2016

by Mountain Xpress advertising coPyright 2016

by Mountain Xpress all rights reserved

o pinion

Dr. Junk & Mr. Fix-It

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

HANDYMEN, JUNK REMOVAL, FACILITY MAINTENANCE

Great Rates, Better Service!

sta FF Publisher & managing editor: Jeff Fobes assistant to the Publisher: Susan Hutchinson a&e editor/writer: Alli Marshall food editor/writer: Gina Smith wellness editor/writer: Susan Foster

Pressure Washing • Painting Interior/Exterior Assembly • Welding • Remodeling • Landscaping Graffiti Removal • Tile & Stone Installation • Local, Insured • Call Pat Anytime!

828.620.1844

oPinion editor: Tracy Rose staff rePorters/writers: Able Allen, Hayley Benton, Virginia Daffron, Dan Hesse, Max Hunt calendar editor: Abigail Griffin clubland editors Hayley Benton, Max Hunt movie reviewer & coordinator: Ken Hanke

caRto o n BY R a n D Y mo lt o n

City should demand architectural quality Asheville’s beloved art deco buildings were the modern “cutting-edge” designs of their era. They fit in, and at the same time, they also proudly differentiated themselves, adding visual richness and complexity to Asheville’s downtown. They gave voice to the Asheville of their time: its sense of self, its civic pride, its modernity, its extraordinary urbanity in a mountain setting, its optimism.

By contrast, almost all of Asheville’s more recent buildings reflect a seemingly uncaring and submissive acceptance of architectural sham. BB&T’s banal wallpaper facade is just the latest example of the diminution of Asheville’s unique sense of place. In a smaller, less significant building, perhaps such a design might not matter that much, but BB&T’s size and location make it matter a lot. If BB&T’s Las Vegaslike “makeover” is irreversible, then shame on Asheville for failing to grasp a rare opportunity to positively reshape its core image.

Laura Berner Hudson’s impressive article [“Faking It: Why Asheville Needs New Design Guidelines,” Feb. 17, Xpress] is a very thoughtful and articulate plea for more effec-

tive design guidelines, and I applaud her for writing it. But new guidelines alone, without the power or the will to enforce them will only go so far.

Ultimately, the successful realization of the city’s urban design objectives depends on the talent and commitment of each building’s architect.

For important projects, the city has a duty to demand the architectural quality that it deserves, and to do that it must clearly state and enforce its right to veto the use of any architect whose past work is not in accord with the city’s design objectives — before design begins, not after.

— Douglas Barker Leicester

Make downtown design guidelines mandatory Now we know another reason downtown Asheville is being blighted by so many of the same generic buildings that make most other urban business districts so drab and depersonalized that their cities’ residents flee them to visit or move here.

It isn’t just that our out-of-touch Planning and Zoning Commission is chaired by a commercial developer, Jeremy Goldstein, who’s claimed no downtown building is out of scale and

contributing editors: Chris Changery, Peter Gregutt, Rob Mikulak, Margaret Williams regular contributors: Able Allen, Jonathan Ammons, Edwin Arnaudin, Pat Barcas, Jacqui Castle, Scott Douglas, George Etheredge, Jesse Farthing, Dorothy Foltz-Gray, Jordan Foltz, Doug Gibson, Steph Guinan, Rachel Ingram, Cindy Kunst, Lea McLellan, Kat McReynolds, Clarke Morrison, Emily Nichols, Josh O’Conner, Thom O’Hearn, Alyx Perry, Kyle Petersen, Rich Rennicks, Tim Robison, Aiyanna Sezak-Blatt, Kyle Sherard, Toni Sherwood, Justin Souther, Krista White advertising, art & design manager: Susan Hutchinson

NEW & PRE-OWNED AUTOS

graPhic designers: Norn Cutson, Alane Mason, Scott Southwick online sales manager: Jordan Foltz marKeting associates: Thomas, Allison, Megan Archer, Sara Brecht, Bryant Cooper, Jordan Foltz, Tim Navaille, Brian Palmieri

HONDA: 242 Underwood Rd PRE-OWNED: 195 Underwood Rd Fletcher, NC 828-684-4400 appletreeautos.com

information technologies & web: Bowman Kelley booKKeePer: Alyx Perry administration, billing, hr: Able Allen, Lisa Watters distribution manager: Jeff Tallman assistant distribution manager: Denise Montgomery distribution: Jemima Cook, Frank D’Andrea, Leland Davis, Kim Gongre, Adrian Hipps, Clyde Hipps, Jennifer Hipps, Joan Jordan, Marsha Mackay, Ryan Seymour, Ed Wharton, Thomas Young

mountainx.com

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

7

Dr. Junk & Mr. Fix-It

HANDYMEN, JUNK REMOVAL, FACILITY MAINTENANCE

op in io n

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

Great Rates, Better Service!

Pressure Washing • Painting Interior/Exterior Assembly • Welding • Remodeling • Landscaping Graffiti Removal • Tile & Stone Installation • Local, Insured • Call Pat Anytime!

828.620.1844

Individual, Business, Non-Profit

OFFICE: 828-333-5499 MOBILE: 828-545-5048 wsouther@franklinservices.tax www.franklinservices.tax

15%

Discount with this Ad

NEW & PRE-OWNED AUTOS HONDA: 242 Underwood Rd PRE-OWNED: 195 Underwood Rd 36 Montford Avenue, Fletcher, NC Downtown Asheville 828-684-4400 (828) 407-4263 • Asheville.lr.edu appletreeautos.com

8

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

whose distorted interpretation of the Unified Development Ordinance leads him to announce before every review of a proposed downtown development that P&Z is required to approve it.

But also among its members is an architect, Laura Berner Hudson, who insists we need more, not fewer, skyscrapers designed like the hated BB&T building, and who wants to gut the hard-won historic-fabric recommendations in our city’s Downtown Design Guidelines [“Faking It: Why Asheville Needs New Design Guidelines,” Feb. 17, Xpress].

You might think that the only other fans of “modernist” architecture’s relentlessly boxy outlines, rectilinear window grids and featureless surfaces as exemplified by the BB&T, the Indigo, et al., would be art-school professors and the occasional bar-stool contrarian. But when I served on the Downtown Master Plan committee that hashed out the details of our design guidelines — whose overall, consensusagreed intent is to ensure our rare gem of a historic downtown retains its walkable, intimate, human-scaled quality — I learned from talking to experienced architects that it’s actually big developers who are the main drivers of this style that fetishizes 20th-century values of impersonal mass production.

Modernism, you see, is cheap. You can ship your components prefabricated from China, throw them up fast with machines and low-skilled labor, then move on to the next instant building. No need to cut into developer profit margins by giving skilled local craftspeople jobs like the 1920s creators of Asheville’s “heavy, load-bearing masonry buildings,” which Hudson so disdains — those bricklayers and stonemasons with their pesky unions, sculptors and artists who take weeks to carve cornices and inlay mosaics, visionary architects who diminish your rentable square footage by insisting on curves instead of cubes.

We could ensure the socially and environmentally sustainable mix of imaginatively postmodern and respectfully retro new building designs most Ashevilleans say they want — but only if we require it, by making compliance with our current Downtown Design Guidelines mandatory instead of voluntary. Otherwise, our underregulated market will continue to dictate an endless assembly line of could-be-anywhere modernist boxes for disregardful P&Z commissioners to rubber-stamp.

– Steve Rasmussen Asheville

mountainx.com

New design guidelines are worth considering Our thanks to the Mountain Xpress for publishing Laura Berner Hudson’s very well-crafted commentary regarding the BB&T Building [“Faking It: Why Asheville Needs New Design Guidelines,” Feb. 17, Xpress].

I’m not sure she has convinced me of the architectural significance of the building, but she has convinced me that the solution she is proposing is worth discussing.

Her article implies that there is the possibility of revising the proposed rework of the façade, but is there actually an opportunity to change course on this? We may end up with the same approach as offered to City Council anyway, but it would be great if there were a chance to hear competing views on this.

Also, the Mountain Xpress does a great job of publishing thoughtful pieces like this virtually every week.

Thanks for that as well.

— Mike Mooney Asheville editor’s note: Since City Council approved the project on Jan. 12, there is no further review or opportunity for requiring any changes to the design of the BB&T Building renovation.

Beach-Ferrara makes community stronger Jasmine Beach-Ferrara is running for the District 1 seat on the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, and it is my honor to support her campaign.

I moved to Asheville to begin working for the Campaign for Southern Equality just as the citizens of Ferguson, Mo., were bringing national attention to the corruption of our criminal justice system. Jasmine did not hesitate to step out in solidarity with those in Ferguson and across our country who are demanding that #BlackLivesMatter.

In a community where black young people are fleeing Buncombe County for better opportunities, we need commissioners who know when to step up and when to make space for other voices to be heard. Jasmine showed me in my first weeks [of] working with her the importance of when and how you use your voice. It is because of her leadership that I realized the work needed in our communities must be broader so that no one is left behind.

Jasmine’s values as a faith leader drive her commitment to creating a strong community in Buncombe County. Jasmine has my support because she is dedicated to working at the intersections of justice needed within our community. The work of LGBTQ equality, living wages, racial equity and stronger schools are deeply connected and imperative to building a strong, vital and healthy community.

Jasmine’s leadership has taught me that the work for justice is only successful when we work together. I’ve seen how our community values leaders who listen; this is important because it allows for more voices to be heard, often voices grossly underheard.

I support Jasmine because she listens to our community and makes our community stronger by empowering new leaders to work for positive change. I encourage you to vote for Jasmine Beach-Ferrara on March 15 (or vote early March 3-12).

— Joey Lopez Asheville

Smith understands, supports local businesses As the director of the Asheville Grown Business Alliance and local business owner for 14 years, I appreciate the understanding, enthusiasm and respect that Gordon Smith brings to the local economy in Asheville and Buncombe County.

He values place-based economic development and believes in investing in the people and businesses that have their roots here in Buncombe County.

He understands that these local businesses return three times more money to our community than the chains and businesses headquartered elsewhere.

Gordon wants to preserve, diversify and grow opportunities for our small, local, family- and minority-owned businesses. One of Gordon’s primary initiatives has been rolling out Buncombe Community Capital, a new $1 million loan fund for locally owned businesses.

I believe and support Gordon Smith, and I hope you will join me in voting for him to be a Buncombe County commissioner on March 15.

— Franzi Charen Director, Asheville Grown Business Alliance Asheville

c aRt o o n B Y B R e n t B R o w n

Beach-Ferrara offers strategic vision, leadership My good friend Jasmine BeachFerrara is running for the Buncombe County [Board of Commissioners].

I’ve worked closely with Jasmine for the past four years at the Campaign for Southern Equality, and I’ve seen what she can accomplish. That’s why I’m volunteering on her campaign — we need leaders like Jasmine in government. We need her strength, her vision and her determination.

If we’re really committed to building a new South, we must elect leaders who truly represent the diversity of our community and whose lived experiences inform their approach to public policy. Our local elections, like this county [Board of Commissioners] race, are a powerful place to start.

Far too few women are elected to office at all levels of government; in fact, far too few run in the first place. The same goes for people of color and for LGBT individuals. Why is this? Women, people of color and LGBT people are often overlooked in the candidate recruitment process. And, when they do step up to run, they

are often told they can’t win or they should wait their turn to run.

Jasmine has the strategic vision and leadership we need in our local politics. When Amendment One passed in North Carolina, many people said it would take 20 years for the law to change, but Jasmine knew we could do better. Jasmine and the Campaign for Southern Equality, together with a team of attorneys, plaintiffs and volunteers, worked to strike down that law in two years.

Jasmine’s visionary leadership and ability to organize and deliver social change is why she has my vote. I ask you to join me in supporting her.

— Aaron Sarver Asheville editor’s note: Sarver reports that he is serving as an unpaid campaign comanager for Beach-Ferrara’s campaign.

We want to hear from you!

Please send your letters to: Editor, Mountain Xpress, 2 Wall St., Asheville, NC 28801 or by email to letters@mountainx.com.

Smith has proven track record On March 15, we have an opportunity to vote. Our vote will help to improve our national and local governments. Among other choices, we have the opportunity to select a candidate for county commissioner.

I am voting for Gordon Smith and recommend you do the same. He is driven to serve the people he represents with a proven track record as one of Asheville’s City Council members.

Vote for Gordon if you think a commissioner should believe transparency and fiscal responsibility are necessities, if you think that land conservation and farmland preservation are important, and if business tax incentives should be focused on local businesses, not just large corporations.

Gordon has the drive, knowledge and creativity needed on the Buncombe [County Board of Commissioners]. Vote on March 15.

Vote for Gordon Smith.

— Joe Zinich Asheville

Every one of us has something precious to offer the world.

My intent is to be a reflection of your own beautiful, divine nature & healing capabilities…

Aiyana Holistic Healing (828) 333-2717

consciousnessishealing.com Energy Healing • Life Coaching • Massage

mountainx.com

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

9

10

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

mountainx.com

o pinion

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

BRoTHeRS and SiSTeRS Making a difference in a child’s life by carl detroia In five years, I hope to be sitting front and center at a high school graduation. I am 70, so for me, this is both a goal and a prayer. But it won’t be my grandchild who’s getting a diploma that day.

I’ve been a “Big” with the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization for six years. During that time, my relationship with my “Little” has been rewarding and, at times, challenging.

For the most part, I look forward to my time with him and find the few hours a month we share to be fun.

As he matures, however, his needs change, and we’ve had a few teachable moments over the years.

More often than not, though, I listen rather than lecture. We’ve laughed together and played various games: chess, war ball, basketball, Chutes and Ladders. And now he wants to jump on a trampoline — him, not me.

After the first few years, however, he began to trust me enough that we could occasionally have a serious discussion about his behavior and wellbeing. Why? Not because I’m special: I’m not. I understand that I’m only a

fRiends Big and little: Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer Carl DeTroia spends time with his “Little,” Gabe. The pair have been buddies for seven years. small part of my Little’s life, though I do care about him. But when he needed an adult, I was there for him, and I still am: I’m his Big. My Little just turned 13: He’s made the honor roll, plays the drums and sings, runs cross-country and has now joined the Reynolds Middle School wrestling

fun times: Local Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer Sue Mattera

shares a recent rafting trip with her “Little,” Cedysia.

team. I asked him to write something about what the program means to him, and he was happy to help. Here’s what he came up with: “Hello. I have a Big Brother in the BBBS community program, where the Little and the Big can go out and do stuff outside school property. For example, we go bowling, eating, go swim, etc. From the time that I’ve been in the program it has been a blast. First, I was in the school program, which wasn’t all that great: All we could do in elementary school was go to the gym or the library, but now we can go out in the world and do other things. I am happy to be part of Big Brothers Big Sisters. It also gives you a person that you can talk to about your feelings and your problems that you couldn’t talk about with most people you know. It gives you a trusting friend that understands you. This program is really fun and cool: If I had one word to describe it, I would say ‘amazing.’

I enjoy being a part of BBBS, and I think you will, too.”

Of course, each individual relationship is different. But here’s what another local volunteer’s 10-year-old Little, Cedysia, had to say about the program: “I love my Big Sister and love spending time with her. I get to do lots of thing I’ve never done before, like swimming, rafting and playing tennis. We made Christmas gifts for my little brother and sister, and I learned how to sew a little bit. My Big Sister comes to my school and helps out in my class sometimes. She’s so good to me and makes me feel special. And I really love the way she talks. She’s a really neat lady: She’s like part of our family.”

Yet another Little had this to say: “Since I met my Big Brother, I make better grades, I make more friends in school, and my mom and I get along better.”

In Western North Carolina, there are more than 600 children in Big Brothers and Big Sisters. But in Buncombe County alone, at least 70 young people are waiting to be matched with a Big. They need another adult in their life now, yet in most cases, they will wait at least a year. That’s precisely why we need more Big Brothers and Big Sisters (see box, “Kids in Need”).

Volunteers are vetted and trained, and every Big must make at least a oneyear commitment to his or her Little.

Volunteers are then placed in either the school or the community program. Most Bigs want to stay with their Little as long as possible, because it’s the dependable

mountainx.com

relationship that develops over time that can have a major impact on a young person’s life.

The YMCA supports this program by giving Bigs and Littles free memberships; other local organizations also help out when and where they can.

If you’re reading this, I hope you’ll search your soul to see if you can find there the commitment to help a young person. If not, please talk to your friends, clergy and civic groups to help us locate more volunteers.

All I can say is, for me, the rewards are definitely there.

To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC, or to volunteer, call 2531470 or visit bbbswnc.org.

Kids in need Each year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC serves about 675 children ages 6-14. Most come from single-parent families, and all are experiencing behavioral, emotional, social or educational issues and need an adult friend and role model.

The nonprofit has offices in Asheville, Hendersonville, Morganton, Tryon and Waynesville, with additional programs in Bryson City and Highlands.

About 85 percent of the participating children live in poverty, and these mentoring relationships help them gain confidence, develop expanded aspirations, do better in school and avoid risky behaviors.

In a Harris Interactive survey of adult former “Littles,” 52 percent said that having a “Big” kept them from dropping out of high school.

Nearly half of those surveyed (46 percent) said they’re now part of households with an annual income of more than $76,000.

Meanwhile, in a survey of 2,500 corporate executives by the Points of Light foundation, 72 percent said that corporate volunteer programs increase employee productivity; 81 percent said these programs improve employee retention; 83 percent said they improve employee morale; and 92 percent said they build teamwork skills.

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

11

neWs

Forest For the trees?

BY ViRGinia DaFFRon vdaffron@mountainx.com There’s a paradox at the heart of the city’s plans for the new Beaucatcher Greenway, says property owner lisa bakale-wise: An unknown number of trees will die as a result of the effort to preserve the urban forest. For nearly eight months, she says, she’s been asking Asheville officials how many trees will be removed to build a stairwell, retaining walls and a 10-foot-wide paved path, but she still doesn’t have a clear answer.

Last summer, Bakale-Wise, a New Orleans-based attorney, was looking to buy a home in Asheville with her fiancé, will spoon. He grew up in Black Mountain, attended Warren Wilson College and, after graduation, joined the Coast Guard and was stationed in Louisiana.

The couple always knew, though, that Asheville was where they’d put down roots and raise a family, and last August, they bought a bungalow at the end of White Fawn Drive.

The narrow street of modest homes is carved into the hillside above Memorial Stadium.

Neighbors told Bakale-Wise about the city’s plans to build a greenway on a large tract of forested land adjacent to the couple’s new home, and Spoon asked al Kopf, who heads up construction projects for the city’s Parks & Recreation Department, for more information. “It became clear pretty quickly,” says Bakale-Wise, “that we were going to have a hard time getting answers.”

She wrote letters and emails and documented phone calls. Those efforts, however, yielded incomplete and contradictory responses, and on Dec. 15, Bakale-Wise filed a Freedom of Information Act request for public documents related to the project.

She also turned to mike Kenton, chair of the city’s Tree Commission, for help.

Besides protecting the city’s trees and encouraging additional planting, the commission advises City Council on related issues. When Bakale-Wise and Spoon contacted him, says Kenton, they seemed “very pro-greenway and concerned about trees.”

12

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

Residents seek answers on Beaucatcher Greenway

proceeds to local projects with the potential to boost tourism — approved $1 million toward the greenway’s construction. According to the terms of the grant, construction must begin by March 31 of this year, and the greenway must be open to the public by June 30, 2018.

Costs and Benefits

unhaPPy neighBoRs: Condo owner Geoff Kemmish, left, reviews four options proposed by engineers for routing the Beaucatcher Greenway past The Sky Club.

Sue Peterson, right, also owns property along the proposed greenway and maintains that the plans encroach on her land. Photo by Virginia Daffron

They raised three specific concerns: A large number of trees appeared to be marked for removal, no environmental impact assessment seemed to have been done, and residents had been shut out of the planning process.

Kenton arranged a Feb. 12 walk of portions of the proposed greenway, inviting Kopf, Council member cecil bothwell (the liaison to the Tree Commission) and rich lee (a recent appointee to the Multimodal Transportation Commission who also serves on the city’s Greenway Committee) to join them. Kenton also invited other concerned residents and bob gale, ecologist and public lands director for MountainTrue, a local environmental advocacy organization.

Kopf did not respond, says Kenton, and Lee made it clear that he was attending strictly as an observer. In a follow-up email, however, Bothwell said, “I’m shocked to learn what the Parks & Rec Department has approved for the Beaucatcher Greenway, and I will do all I can to prevent current plans from implementation.”

mountainx.com

JeWel in the CRoWn First proposed in John Nolen’s pioneering 1922 Asheville City Plan, the idea of a public park on Beaucatcher Mountain has, in recent years, assumed the form of a greenway linking several future parks. The northern end would be anchored by a small parking area and planned pocket park known as Helen’s Bridge (the bridge itself is a remnant of the former Zealandia estate); the southern terminus would be the Memorial Stadium parking area.

The greenway will mostly traverse land acquired in 2007 via a joint funding effort with Buncombe County, the state and The Trust for Public Land, according to Parks & Recreation Director roderick simmons.

Supervision of all other city greenway projects was transferred to the city Transportation Department in 2012, but because the Beaucatcher greenway was much further along, it was left with Parks & Rec. The project got a boost last fall when the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority’s Tourism Product Development Fund — which awards a portion of hotel room tax

As Xpress reported last fall, however, some property owners at the greenway’s northern end have clashed with the city for years over the proposed route.

Residents of the Sky Club condominiums object to the use of their gated driveway to create a connection between South Beaumont Street and an abandoned stretch of roadway in the neighborhood. The city says it has a right of way along the route that includes the driveway; the residents dispute that. Attorney brian gulden of Patla, Straus, Robinson & Moore represents the condo owners’ interests. Meanwhile, sue and nick Peterson, whose property abuts the Sky Club driveway, are represented by albert sneed of The Van Winkle Law Firm.

During the Feb. 12 greenway walk, Sky Club resident geoff Kemmish, who’s met with Simmons and the city’s design team several times, explained his understanding of the plans. Because the route follows a steep, curving stretch of College and South Beaumont streets, he said, significant retaining walls would be needed to support a sidewalk alongside the roadway. Engineers, he continued, have also proposed an elevated boardwalk to cross a ravine.

“That’s completely crazy,” commented Bothwell as the group walked the potholed street. Bothwell, who worked as a building contractor for years, says he was referring to both the design and the cost. At the Sky Club driveway, the group discussed how many trees would need to be removed to make way for a sidewalk. Kemmish also pointed out that although the city claims the greenway will offer spectacular views, there are currently no unobstructed views of downtown along the route, even when the leaves are down in winter.

Not all neighborhood residents oppose the plans, however. michael fitch, whose property also abuts the greenway route, says that though he has some concerns about a loss of privacy, overall, he’s “looking forward to getting to walk and bike on the new path.”

And Bakale-Wise and Spoon say their main concern is with the design of the path connecting the Memorial Stadium parking lot to an existing trailhead at the end of White Fawn Drive. “When we saw the plan that showed the giant stairwell, all the retaining walls, the zigzagging asphalt path, the parking lot on White Fawn and the new sidewalks,” says Bakale-Wise, “we started to get a lot more concerned.”

The greenway, she points out, will pass through one of the largest remaining wooded parcels within the city limits, so it doesn’t make sense to create such an invasive design — particularly since the space is already being used by the public.

“There is a trailhead at the end of the street,” she says. “This project will not open up something that is currently inaccessible.”

downtown asheville

Beaucatcher Resevoir Park

east end/Valley street neighborhood

mcCormick field

mountainside Park memorial stadium Beaucatcher overlook Park

Kenilworth neighborhood

ConfliCting aCCounts Meanwhile, city officials have painted a very different picture of their efforts to involve the public in the planning process.

On Feb. 19 — one day after Xpress had submitted questions about the outstanding FOIA request and other issues — city staffer ben farmer sent Bakale-Wise a link to a Dropbox folder containing various projectrelated documents.

And in a Feb. 22 meeting with Xpress, Parks & Recreation Director Simmons explained that city officials had met with the Sky Club residents before the design was finished, “So they felt like we were stonewalling, but our engineers were working on the design and we couldn’t speak to [specific questions] until it was done.”

After walking the site with them, said Simmons, “We paid the consultants to produce four different alternatives to see how we could work around the Sky Club. It set us back another four months, but that was OK, because we wanted to do what we could to get everyone on board.

“We gave them the alternatives, and we gave them the pros and cons with each one. We didn’t all agree on the one moving forward: The low-cost option wasn’t their favorite option, but still it was in the best

White fawn Resevoir Park RiVeR to Ridge: The planned Beaucatcher Greenway traces a 1.25-mile route

from Memorial Stadium to Helen’s Bridge. Map provided by the city of Asheville

interest of the city, using the current right of way.”

Through all this, Simmons maintained, the city has “been open to the community.” A public information session is planned for mid-March, he explained, “to make sure that the public feels like we are transparent and open. … Some citizens may agree with us; some may not. But at the end of the day, we all live in the community together, and we want to do this in a positive way.”

According to a written summary provided by dawa hitch, the city’s director of communication and public engagement, “The Beaucatcher Greenway was approved by City Council when the first Greenway Master Plan was developed.

Subsequently, City Council has approved two updates to this master plan (2009 and 2013) that also included the Beaucatcher Greenway.” Beginning in 2010, “Planning for the project was reviewed by the Asheville Greenway Commission [now known as the Greenway Committee] on multiple occasions.”

But current Greenway Committee Chair mary weber says she’s not familiar with the details of the Beaucatcher project. Unlike the greenway projects supervised by the Transportation Department, says Weber, her committee has received few updates about this one, and Parks & Recreation staff haven’t attended the committee’s meetings. Committee member Lee confirmed that assessment.

The minutes of the committee’s Jan. 7 meeting have this to say about the project: “Comment about Beaucatcher and the construction bid date and whether the plans are complete.

Greenway Committee does not have any updates on the project. Designs are unknown to the committee.”

Hitch’s written statement says the city held a public forum on an unspecified date to solicit input concerning the greenway and invited all adjacent property owners. Public comment, said Hitch, was also received at last June’s Grilling on Greenways information session. “Subsequent to this public

mountainx.com

meeting, property owners have been encouraged to send comments to staff and informed that their comments would be considered,” she wrote.

Asked if any input received at the planned March open house might be incorporated into the project plans, Hitch said: “Because of where we are in the process, I don’t think you can answer that with a blanket statement.

Maybe there is something that we could accommodate in the project: If we can, we will. If something is suggested that is cost-prohibitive, then we may not be able to do that.”

The city, however, included no public comments and no evidence of public notices concerning the project in its response to Bakale-Wise’s FOIA request, which specifically asked for all such materials.

“To us, it’s a smoke-and-mirrors game designed to mislead the public and push through an environmentally destructive pet project that will despoil the very green space that citizens currently enjoy daily on the Beaucatcher path,” BakaleWise wrote in an email. “In our opinion, Simmons has been repeating the same party line for eight months as a way to placate concerned citizens and property owners while rushing Parks & Rec’s ill-conceived construction plans to completion before they can be stopped.”

ReConsideRing the mission At City Council’s Jan. 29-30 planning retreat, cathy ball, executive director of planning & multimodal transportation, suggested that the city reconsider the Parks & Recreation Department’s mission. Mayor esther manheimer agreed that the city needs to look at “what it is and what it does.” Council member Keith young, who was elected in November and now serves as Council’s liaison with the Recreation Advisory Board, said cuts to the department’s programming during the recession had negatively affected the city’s underserved communities. “What we’re saying is, we already know a problem exists there,” he commented.

Asked about the concerns raised in connection with the Beaucatcher project, Council member gordon smith said: “Parks & Rec is going through some organizational evolution. ... I think they’re having to get better at that twoway communication piece. Not just having a work plan and following it, but also doing the public interface.”

continues on paGe 14 maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

13

Dr. Junk & Mr. Fix-It

HANDYMEN, JUNK REMOVAL, FACILITY MAINTENANCE

Great Rates, Better Service!

Pressure Washing • Painting Interior/Exterior Assembly • Welding • Remodeling • Landscaping Graffiti Removal • Tile & Stone Installation • Local, Insured • Call Pat Anytime!

828.620.1844

PaRK CZaR: Roderick Simmons, director of Asheville’s Parks & Recreation Department, addressing a meeting of the Southside Advisory Board on Feb. 1. Photo

by Virginia Daffron

At the same time, Smith predicted a bright future for the project: “We’ve got the funding; it’s going to be a great amenity — everyone’s going to want to go up that thing and look at downtown and use it for exercise. Those folks whose property abuts it, their property value is going to rise.”

Bothwell, too, believes the greenway will be a great resource, but that doesn’t make up for the lack of public engagement.

“Somehow, Parks & Rec has gotten to a complete set of documents without providing an opportunity for the public to give input,” he says. “During my years serving on City Council, I have been repeatedly dismayed by the performance of our Parks & Rec Department. One good thing that’s going to come out of this is that Parks & Rec is going to be incorporating public process moving forward.”

BaCK to the dRaWing BoaRd? Meanwhile, the TDA grant’s March 31 deadline for starting construction is looming. The city says the design is almost final, and as soon as it is, bids will be solicited.

Bothwell, however, says he’d like the city to consider reworking the plans for both the northern and southern ends. He says he and City Manager gary jackson walked those sections on Feb. 18 and discussed a range of alternatives.

At the southern end, Bothwell favors eliminating the proposed stair-

14

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

mountainx.com

way from Memorial Stadium and rerouting the greenway onto neighborhood streets, connecting the parking lot to the existing trailhead via a “neighborway” shared by cars, bicycles and pedestrians. He also advocates scrapping the connection to Helen’s Bridge through the Sky Club driveway.

But while Bakale-Wise says she appreciates Bothwell’s responsiveness, she’s also “reaching out to environmental nonprofits in Western North Carolina and other statewide organizations, asking them to sign on to a letter that asks the city to pause the process to allow for an environmental impact review and additional public input.”

The current plan, she maintains, would cause permanent damage that “goes far beyond the impact to abutters: It’s a public space, and the damage would be irreversible.

It makes sense to pause before it’s lost forever.”

Still, both Bakale-Wise and Spoon say they support greenways. “That’s why we became involved in the first place,” she explains. “Some of the last green spaces in the city are slated for destruction without environmental impact review and public input. We think greenways should increase access to natural spaces but preserve their integrity.”

Bakale-Wise and Spoon have launched a Move On petition, “Save Beaucatcher Mountain,” at http://avl.mx/29s . X

mountainx.com

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

15

n e ws

by Hayley Benton

hbenton@mountainx.com

Dr. Junk & Mr. Fix-It

HANDYMEN, JUNK REMOVAL, FACILITY MAINTENANCE

Great Rates, Better Service!

BriNGiNG it hoMe

Conference encourages community business ownership If you want to bring home the bacon, first you’ll need to bring home the tools to succeed, say the organizers of the Bringing It Home conference. That applies to all of us, whether we’re trying to dig our way out of personal debt or start a million-dollar business.

Accordingly, this year’s conference is broadly aimed at all of us, particularly those who sometimes feel left out of the standard entrepreneurial model. And to ensure the conference is accessible to all, organizers say, the event is free.

This year’s conference will be held Tuesday, March 15, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Last year’s inaugural Bringing It Home conference was more tightly focused on the importance of buying local goods and building local businesses. This year, organizers decided to expand the event’s reach to appeal to the general public.

Those attending will have four tracks to choose from — and will be able to switch tracks as the day progresses. track one: financial literacy — Over three separate sessions, attendees will learn about credit practices, how to avoid predatory loans, how to budget and save money, plus the ins and outs of buying a car. track two: building wealth — Attendees will learn how to buy a home (and prepare to buy one), and how to start and finance a business. track three: cooperative business models — These sessions address how to start a cooperative business and/or convert an existing business to the co-op model. Attendees will also hear realworld stories about co-ops in action.

The conference’s focus on co-ops is evidenced by its choice of keynote speaker jessica gordon nembhard, a noted co-op authority. track four: the community — These sessions will look at different players in local economic development: youths, faith institutions and nonprofits.

“I think this conference offers something for everyone,” says conference organizer jane hatley and western regional director at Self-Help Credit Union. “Building wealth for everyone — no matter where you are in that journey — is important, because really we’re all in this together. We all bear a responsibility for helping our local economy, [for] knowing that you’re part of that

16

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

mountainx.com

Pressure Washing • Painting Interior/Exterior Assembly • Welding • Remodeling • Landscaping Graffiti Removal • Tile & Stone Installation • Local, Insured • Call Pat Anytime!

828.620.1844

NEW & PRE-OWNED exPloRing the oPtions: Following a series of varied financial education AUTOS seminars, author, educator and activist Jessica Gordon Nembhard will deliver the keynote speech on cooperative economics at this year’s Bringing It Home conference. Photo courtesy HONDA: 242 Underwood Rd of Nembhard

local economy and seeing yourself as a member of that local economy — [which] hasn’t always been the case for some of our under-served population. To know, ‘I can do this because here are some practical steps. Here is someone who has also done this. I can see this is possible.’ ” Keynote speaker Nembhard has made a career of studying collectives and their role in societal change. She is a professor at City University of New York, an author and a community activist.

Hatley calls her “an amazing national figure in the world of co-ops.” Nembhard is author of several books, including Collective Courage: A History of African American Cooperative Economic Thought and Practice, and was recently nominated to the Cooperative Hall of Fame.

PRE-OWNED: 195 Underwood Rd Fletcher, NC 828-684-4400 “We’re just really honored to have her appletreeautos.com here. She’s such a vibrant speaker,” Hatley says.

Hatley is not alone in her enthusiasm about the Nembhard appearance. “I still can’t believe she’s coming,” echoes franzi charen, owner of Hip Replacements boutique, founder of Asheville Grown Business Alliance and board member of the Bringing It Home conference. “She’s just so inspirational. If you don’t go to anything else, please, just come and hear her speak.”

Nembhard’s expertise on cooperative economics has garnered international attention — which makes her Asheville appearance all the more exciting, Hatley notes.

Cooperative businesses “broaden the opportunities for prosperity by allowing community members to own their own business and control them democratically,” Nembhard told Xpress.

One of Nembhard’s focuses has been how black communities have used cooperative business models for generations — “for both economic survival and economic independence as a platform to move forward,” she says.

“Cooperatives are owned by people who come together to create a business because there’s a lack of a certain kind of service in their community,” she explains. “But the model is also about democratic participation and broad ownership. In a stock company, if you own 10 shares of stock and I own 100, I can outvote you every time when making major company decisions. My money counts more than yours because you have less. In a co-op, even if somebody invests more, you only have one vote per member. It allows all the members to have a voice — all decisions to be made democratically — to satisfy this need in the community and create a business where something is lacking.”

Hatley notes that this approach has much to offer any community trying to build wealth in new ways.

The entire event is free — the information sessions, the networking cafe with local service providers, the speech — though an optional $20 tour through the Eagle Street neighborhood will be offered to hear an alternative side of Asheville’s history. “[The conference] can’t do everything, but it can give people a reference for what is out there,” Hatley says. “Obviously, things aren’t working that well in our economy. The average white family has 12 times the average wealth of an AfricanAmerican or Hispanic family. In North Carolina, we have a huge problem with child hunger — Greensboro has the highest level of child hunger in the country. What are we doing? What we are doing now is not working.

“We can all come together as a community and think of some other model or, if nothing else, come together and talk about it and get to know each other better,” she continues. “We’re just giving people some practical tools, providing them the opportunity to meet [people who] might be able to help them and who they may have not known were there — to have it be a coming-together of all the different levels of economy. Not just for low-income folks — for everyone — to kind of fill some gaps in terms of what

they’re struggling with or where they are in their own journey to building wealth. We can all learn about [these options] together and try to see if we can make something work here.”

Child care services, free parking and transportation are being offered at Mount Zion Baptist Church — and free breakfast and lunch are available at 8:30 a.m. and around noon, respectively. “It’s a great thing that we can offer [this conference] for free, and I’m happy about that and I’m happy that we can offer things like childcare and transportation at the event. But sometimes people don’t value stuff if its offered for free,” Hatley observes. She says she hopes that people will use the opportunity to learn and take note that the event is offered for free in order to make these resources available to all Ashevilleans.

“It’s just something that we believe strongly in,” Charen explains. “We really love to focus on democratizing ownership. That’s one of the key pieces that we feel can bring economic justice to a community and can help people in our community gain equity — and help facilitate that idea getting out there.

“This year we’re specifically focusing on resources to build wealth,” she continues, not just for persons wanting to build a business, but also for those focused on the basics: to save money, buy a car, buy a house. At the conference, Charen notes, “People can take advantage of those resources all in one space and by having channels open up.

We’re hoping people feel a lot freer to learn and, as a group, share with people with similar desires to learn, [to] ask questions, find out who to go to and where the resources are in our community. When they connect with those people, they feel more free to utilize those resources.”

And if you’re on the fence, wondering, “Is this conference relevant to me?”

Charen jokes that free food always brings in a crowd. “What’s not to love?” she says, laughing. “But I think that our ability to provide this free choice for our community — and not just the lunch — is phenomenal. It’s essentially a think-tank where folks are going to have so much experience. People don’t have to stay for the whole day; they can pick and choose what they attend. We really wanted to try to reach as many folks as possible and as broad an audience as possible. I’m hoping, if nothing else, people bump elbows and get inspired,” Charen says.

For more information on the Bringing It Home conference, visit bringingithomewnc.org or check out the schedule in the sidebar. X

Bringing It Home schedule

8:30 a.m. - breakfast in the ymi main hall 9 a.m. - invocation and welcome 9:10-10 a.m. - breakout sessions 1 (choose one when you check in)

• Financial Literacy: Understanding Credit/Avoiding Predatory Loans

• Location: Gallery, YMI Cultural Center

•Building Wealth: Preparing for and Buying a Home

• Location: Ray Auditorium, YMI Cultural Center

• Cooperative Business Models: Starting a Worker-Owned Co-op

• Location: The Block off Biltmore

• Community: The Role of our Youth in Local Economic Development

• Location: Gallery, YMI Cultural Center 10:10-11 a.m. - breakout sessions 2 (choose one when you check in)

• Financial Literacy: Budgeting and Saving Money

• Location: Gallery, YMI Cultural Center

• Building Wealth: Buying a Home

• Location: The Block off Biltmore

• Cooperative Business Models: Converting to a Co-op

• Location: The Sanctuary, Mount Zion Baptist Church

• Community: The Role of Faith Institutions on Economic Development

• Location: Ray Auditorium, YMI Cultural Center 11:10 a.m. to noon - breakout sessions 3 (choose one when you check in)

• Financial Literacy: Buying a Car

• Location: The Block off Biltmore

• Building Wealth: Starting and Financing a Business

• Location: The Sanctuary, Mount Zion Baptist Church

• Cooperative Business Models: Real World Stories of Cooperative Businesses

• Location: Ray Auditorium, YMI Cultural Center

• Community: New Innovative Nonprofit Models for Local Economic Development

• Location: The Sanctuary, Mount Zion Baptist Church 12:05-12:45 p.m. - lunch

• Location: Ray Auditorium and Gallery, YMI Cultural Center

• Provided by: Chef Liam and Green Opportunities’ GO Kitchen Ready 12:50-1:30 p.m. - Keynote speaker: jessica gordon nembhard

• Location: Ray Auditorium, YMI Cultural Center

• Introduction by: Professor Darin Waters, UNCA Department of History

• Malaprop’s will have her book, Collective Courage, available on site at the conference and she will be signing copies during the event.

1:30-1:55 p.m. - wrap-up and raffle

• Location: Ray Auditorium, YMI Cultural Center

• Members of the Bringing it Home Planning Committee 2-3 p.m. - local cafe & neighborhood economics working session

• Local Cafe:

• Location: The Block off Biltmore

• Meet with local technical service providers, as well as a host of organizations providing information, resources, classes, etc.

• Neighborhood Economics Working Session:

• Location: Ray Auditorium, YMI Cultural Center

• Participate in an interactive, fun exploration of new economic development models by Neighborhood Economics.

2:15-4:30 p.m. - hood huggers international tours of traditional africanamerican neighborhoods

• Location: Meet right outside the YMI Cultural Center

• Two time slots are offered, 2:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Each tour lasts for one hour and can accommodate nine people. Limited space available.

Make sure to get your ticket ahead of time (bringingithomewnc.org).

• Fee: $20, made payable directly to Hood Huggers International

mountainx.com

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

17

news

by Dan Hesse

dhesse@mountainx.com

Dr. Junk & Mr. Fix-It

HANDYMEN, JUNK REMOVAL, FACILITY MAINTENANCE

Great Rates, Better Service!

MakiNG a hoMe iN asheVille

Pressure Washing • Painting Interior/Exterior Assembly • Welding • Remodeling • Landscaping Graffiti Removal • Tile & Stone Installation

• Local, to Insured Call Pat Anytime!

New book traces Jewish history and contributions the• city

828.620.1844

“This is not just Asheville’s Jewish history, this is Asheville’s history,” says sharon fahrer, author of A Home in Shalom’ville: The History of Asheville’s Jewish Community.

Fahrer calls her recently released book the first intentional compilation of the contributions of the city’s Jewish community.

Fahrer says the story of Jews in Asheville really starts to take shape after the Civil War. “[Their] numbers didn’t start accumulating until the railroad came in 1880,” she says. “Then you had immigrants who followed the rail lines, and they came because there were jobs here. There were people who would need goods, so they could open businesses. This is what they were good at because this is what they were allowed to do in Europe.”

Like many visitors to modernday Asheville, the city’s first Jewish residents did not always fit in. Nineteenth-century Jews had different cultural habits, and many spoke little-to-no English. Fahrer says these factors led to mixed reactions from the city’s residents.

“Some people saw them as very different and couldn’t really relate to them. Other people saw them as the chosen people from the Bible, and they would want them to say a Hebrew blessing over their children,” she says.

While many post-Civil War Jewish newcomers encountered cold shoulders, they also benefited from the support of a politically powerful ally. Asheville resident Zebulon Vance, while en route to serve a federal prison sentence along with other Confederate governors, had a chance encounter with Samuel Wittkowsky, a Prussian-Jewish hatter, which led to a lifelong friendship. After his prison term, the twotime governor of North Carolina crafted “The Scattered Nation,” a speech championing the virtues of Semitic tolerance.

Fahrer explains, “Vance gives this speech, and it elevates Jews

18

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

NEW AUTOS shalom, y’all: Sharon Fahrer, author of A Home&inPRE-OWNED Shalom’ville: The History of Asheville’s Jewish Community. Photo by Laurie Johnson Photography

from objects of prejudice to objects of tolerance. It was noticed not just here in the local community.” The speech resonated enough to be delivered in more than 50 cities during the years 1874-90. Nathan Strauss, co-owner of R.H. Macy and Co. department store in New York traveled to Asheville in the early 1900s to lay a wreath on the Vance Monument and make a donation toward its maintenance.

Vance’s death in 1894 also brought together varying communities when they gathered at his monument to celebrate his accomplishments. “The United Daughters of the Confederacy and the B’nai B’rith would have a joint ceremony for Vance’s birthday at the Vance Monument,” Fahrer points out.

mountainx.com

HONDA: 242 Underwood Rd PRE-OWNED: 195 Underwood Rd Fletcher, NC While contending with prejudice 828-684-4400 from some of the city’s residents, appletreeautos.com Asheville’s Jewish community members were also struggling among themselves. The eclectic mix of Jewish heritage made it difficult to find consensus on the proper way to worship. Fahrer explains there was no unified Jewish community. “In 1891, you had the first congregation, and some people spoke Yiddish, and some people were from Virginia.”

Besides struggling to form a synagogue, newly established Jewish business owners found that old ways of doing business might not work in Asheville. Fahrer says this sometimes meant going against generations of tradition. “They had to be open Saturday, which was the

busiest shopping day of the week.

So that meant if they were used to not working on the Sabbath, they had to come to terms with [it].”

However, Fahrer says, such dilemmas were part of cultural assimilation. “As each generation succeeded, they became more American, and they blended in more.”

Despite decades of assimilation, Jewish stereotypes persisted, as documented by thomas wolfe.

The Asheville author includes in his 1937 short story The Child by Tiger, the fictitious character Saul Stein, based on Jewish business owner harry finkelstein. Wolfe describes the character’s appearance as “bald-headed, squat, with the face of an old monkey, displaying craggy nuggins of gold teeth.” And Wolfe’s interpretation of the pawn shop owner’s Yiddish accent is just as outlandish, with an excerpt having the Finkelsteinbased character state, “Vell, vahat could I do? His moaney vas good!”

Over time, as the Jewish community became established and prospered economically, it was able to make significant contributions to the city. Fahrer points to UNC Asheville as an example of Jewish support. “Many of the people that buildings are named after, and there’s six of them plus a track, aren’t just because they gave money.

It’s because they helped AshevilleBiltmore College to be taken over by the University of North Carolina.

And a lot of them were people who were denied an education.”

Fahrer says there is a persistent belief that the welfare of the community as a whole is good for the Jewish community. “Embedded in Judaism is the philosophy that it’s your responsibility to make the world a better place. I don’t think you could name a civic organization in this town that did not have a Jewish member once they were allowed to belong.”

Asheville’s landscape has been, and continues to be, populated with Jewish-owned stores, manufacturing operations, restaurants, mills and more. Many still exist, like Dave Steel Co., founded by Lithuanian immigrant yosel teivo, who took the name Joseph Dave upon arriving in America. And others, like the Jewish deli Schandler’s Pickle Barrel, still have nods to their onetime importance to the city. The original Schandler’s Pickle Barrel sign hangs at 50 Broadway, the original location of the deli and current home of Mellow Mushroom.

Dr. Junk & Mr. Fix-It

HANDYMEN, JUNK REMOVAL, FACILITY MAINTENANCE

Great Rates, Better Service!

About 3,400 Western North Carolinians live in a home with one or members who identify themselves as being Jewish either religiously or culturally, with about 72 percent of those homes in Buncombe County, according to a study conducted by Brandeis University in 2010. “The Jewish commuPressure Washing • Painting Interior/Exterior nity today, in Asheville, is very vibrant.

Assembly • Welding • Remodeling • Landscaping We have a lot of new people coming, we Graffi ti Removal • Tile & Stone Installation have a lot of energy,” Fahrer says. She adds the spirit •of Call collaboration and con• Local, Insured Pat Anytime!

tribution is still important, citing the Asheville Jewish Community Center as an example. “The JCC is a place where you don’t even have to be Jewish and can interact with the Jewish community. What makes that so important is it’s a way for people to interact from all different backgrounds.”

Fahrer doesn’t see prejudice against Jews in modern-day Asheville being a problem. “I think some things are still labeled, but it might be as simple as say-

ing that person is Jewish. Personally, I’ve never had a problem,” she says.

A Home in Shalom’ville compiles the history of Asheville’s Jewish community, from little landmarks to big contributions. “Nobody’s really put all this history together. I’m simply trying to show that this small population of people had so much influence on Asheville to make it a better place. It’s part of Asheville’s history, but nobody’s looked at it from this perspective,” Fahrer says.

Sharon Fahrer will give a free talk at UNC Asheville’s Ramsey Library on Thursday, March 10, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. on how Jewish community members helped shape the university. Fahrer’s book is on sale at the Jewish Community Center and via its website jcc-asheville. org as well as at Malaprop’s Bookstore/ Cafe, the Asheville Art Museum and the Asheville Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center gift shop. X

828.620.1844

Dr. Junk & Mr. Fix-It

HANDYMEN, JUNK REMOVAL, FACILITY MAINTENANCE

Great Rates, Better Service!

195 Underwood Road, Fletcher, NC 28732 828-684-4400 appletreeautos.com

Pressure Washing • Painting Interior/Exterior Assembly All-New • Welding • Remodeling • Landscaping Graffiti Removal • Tile & Stone Installation

CR-V • Local,2016 Insured • MPG ≠ HWY

33

Call Pat Anytime!

828.620.1844 MPG CITY

26

All-New

HR-V 2016 MPG HWY

35

MPG CITY

28

CHIAN QUI PALA LTS P A

LOCAL QUILTS • FABRIC ART AMISH QUILTS All-New

Civic Sedan MPG HWY

MPG CITY

42

31

The only quilt shop selling quilts in WNC. Our quilts are handmade by Appalachian Quiltmakers from Boone to Franklin, NC.

828-678-1670 603 E. Main St.• Burnsville, NC 28714 december@wncquilts.com www.wncquilts.com

NEW & PRE-OWNED AUTOS

Exceptional Deals on the last of our remaining 2015 inventory!

HONDA: 242 Underwood Rd PRE-OWNED: 195 Underwood Rd Fletcher, NC 828-684-4400 appletreeautos.com

Call or email for details...

mountainx.com

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

19

n ews

by Max Hunt

mhunt@mountainx.com

coNNectioN reFlectioN Primary ballot includes first state bond referendum in 15 years Besides weighing in on assorted candidates for public office, voters in the March 15 primaries will also have the chance to help decide whether North Carolina should issue $2 billion worth of bonds to address various infrastructure needs.

The Connect NC campaign would fund upgrades for the state’s university system and community colleges as well as parks, National Guard armories and water and sewer projects.

In Western North Carolina, $110 million would pay for a new science, technology, engineering and math building at Western Carolina University. UNC Asheville would get $21.1 million to improve its facilities, while $38.9 million would be divided among the region’s community colleges. An additional $13.2 million would be allocated for renovations and improvements in WNC state parks, including Grandfather Mountain, Lake James and Chimney Rock.

Gov. Pat mccrory has touted the bond issue as a way to address critical infrastructure needs while preparing for continued population growth in North Carolina. The move is supported by McCrory’s Democratic challenger, Attorney General roy cooper, and legislators on both sides of the aisle.

State Rep. john ager, whose 115th District covers northern and eastern Buncombe County, says he’s “in full support of the bond issue,” noting that “Institutions in North Carolina have been deferring maintenance and building projects since 2008. It will be of particular help to Western Carolina University, along with UNCA and A-B Tech. There will be some investment in Gorges State Park, as well as Chimney Rock Park in my neighborhood. There will be money spent for National Guard buildings and for important agricultural research facilities. Treasurer Janet Cowell has approved the bond, and North Carolina remains at the highest AAA bond rating.”

“Because of the tax cuts that benefit corporations and upper income individuals,” continues Ager, “the state does not have the revenue for a pay-as-you-go approach … and

20

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

Parks and Zoo $100,000,000 5%

national guard and Public safety $78,500,000 4%

agriculture $179,000,000 9%

Water/sewer and local Parks $312,500,000 16%

unC system $980,000,000 49%

Community Colleges $350,000,000 17%

Bond BReaKdoWn: Primary voters heading to the polls March 15 will also decide on whether to give the go-ahead on the Connect NC bond referendum. The $2 billion package would go toward renovating and upgrading university facilities across the state, in addition to supporting substantial state park upgrades and the community college system. Chart reproduced from connect.nc.gov the price tag on these projects will only increase.” norman bossert, a Democratic candidate in the 48th Senate District, says the bond money would help address “some capital issues that have gone on too long and not been taken care of. There’s some 74 institutions in 76 counties that are going to benefit from this. From the coast to the mountains, everybody’s going to get something.” The Senate district includes south Buncombe, Henderson and Transylvania counties.

Improving state park facilities, adds Bossert, also makes economic sense for WNC. “The theory is, when they make improvements to the sewage systems and water systems, they’ll be even more attractive as tourist stops.

mountainx.com

That can benefit the economy here quite a bit.”

Not every candidate concurs, however. “Any referendum on a primary ballot I oppose, period,” declares dennis justice, a Republican candidate for the 48th Senate District.

But he goes even further, proposing a constitutional amendment that would limit bond terms to four years, with no refinancing allowed. “This will force us to stop wasting money on palaces,” he asserts, adding, “Teachers and curriculum are far more important than fancy buildings.”

Meanwhile, fellow Republican lisa baldwin, who’s running in the same Senate district, has spoken out against the way the bond issue has been presented to voters. “Originally,” she says,

“it contained funding for roads, but it was removed by the Legislature.

The bond’s still called Connect NC, which misleads citizens into thinking it’s for transportation needs.”

Baldwin also questions how some of the money would be used — particularly by the colleges and state parks — and whether lawmakers have properly reviewed a measure that she says would saddle the next generation of Tar Heel residents with substantial debt.

“Voters are being asked to approve a bond package without knowing what’s in it,” she contends.

“While some projects are worthy, have they been properly vetted?

I urge citizens to vote against it and legislators to prioritize projects, appropriating funds only for those that are truly necessary.”

Bossert, though, says that while he wishes voters had had more time to study the proposal, he believes its aim and structure have been adequately reviewed. “What I like best about this bill is that it’s strongly supported in a bipartisan fashion,” he notes.

“The person I’m trying to replace — [retiring longtime Republican legislator] Tom Apodaca — supports the bond. All the Democrats support it, and most of the Republicans do, too.

This tells me that everyone is pretty content that the way it’s being presented is honest and upfront.”

According to connect.nc.gov, the campaign’s official website, the bond issue will “allow us to pay for 50-year assets with 20-year financing. No tax increases are necessary to finance the bond, given our strong revenue growth and ample debt service capacity.”

Bossert also cites North Carolina’s track record, noting that “The state is paying off a previous 20-year bond in 2017 — three years early.” That, he says, enables it to take on additional bond debt without “visible increases in taxes to anyone.”

And with interest rates so low, “There’s probably never been a better time for the state to borrow money,” he believes.

For more information on the Connect NC bond referendum, how the General Assembly plans to pay for the bonds and an itemized list of projects to be funded, visit connect.nc.gov. X

mountainx.com

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

21

Community CalendaR maRCh 2 - 11, 2016

Calendar guidelines In order to qualify for a free listing, an event must benefit or be sponsored by a nonprofit or noncommercial community group. In the spirit of Xpress’ commitment to support the work of grassroots community organizations, we will also list events our staff consider to be of value or interest to the public, including local theater performances and art exhibits even if hosted by a forprofit group or business.

All events must cost no more than $40 to attend in order to qualify for free listings, with the one exception of events that benefit nonprofits. Commercial endeavors and promotional events do not qualify for free listings.

Free listings will be edited by Xpress staff to conform to our style guidelines and length. Free listings appear in the publication covering the date range in which the event occurs.

Events may be submitted via email to calendar@ mountainx.com or through our online submission form at mountainx.com/calendar. The deadline for free listings is the Wednesday one week prior to publication at 5 p.m.

For a full list of community calendar guidelines, please visit mountainx.com/calendar. For questions about free listings, call 251-1333, ext. 137. For questions about paid calendar listings, please call 251-1333, ext. 320.

animals asheVille humane soCiety 828-761-2001 ext. 315, ashevillehumane.org • WE (3/2), 6pm - “Pints for Pets night!” pet adoption event. Free to attend. Held at Sanctuary Brewing Company, 147 1st Ave., Hendersonville Blue Ridge humane soCiety 692-2639, blueridgehumane.org • SATURDAYS, 10:30am - Yoga with cats. Proceeds benefit the Blue Ridge Humane society. Free Held at Sanctuary Brewing Company, 147 1st Ave., Hendersonville

Benefits auCtion foR the aRts blackmountainarts.org/wp/on-stage • SA (3/5), 6pm - Proceeds to this silent and live auction with catered buffet dinner, drinks and deserts benefit the Black mountain center for the arts. $30/$25 advance.

Held at Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W. State St., Black Mountain Band-aid 5K/8K bandaidrace.com

22

igniting young aRtists: Matchstrike Youth Arts Showcase is a celebration of the artistic talent of youths in Buncombe County. The event is organized by young artists, in partnership with LEAF Schools and Streets, and features all school-age artists from multiple artistic disciplines. The showcase includes a visual arts gallery, live music and live performances. Half of the proceeds of the event go to HomeWord youth poetry organization to send the Asheville Brave New Voices to compete at the international youth spoken-word competition in Washington, D.C. The other half of the ticket price goes directly to the young artists participating in the showcase. Matchstrike takes place at the Millroom on Saturday, March 5, with the visual artist gallery and music from 5-5:45 p.m. and live performances at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, and $5 for students. Photograph of Hannah Sommer courtesy of the organizers. (p. 22)

• SA (3/5), 10am - Proceeds from this 5k/8k race benefit the asheville High school Band. $23-$32. Held at Asheville High School, 419 McDowell St. BlaCK mountain CenteR foR the aRts 225 W. State St., Black Mountain, 669-0930, blackmountainarts.org • SA (3/5), 6pm - Proceeds from the 11th Annual Auction for the Arts, with reception, silent auction and live auction, benefit the Black mountain center for the arts. $30/$25 advance.

CamP tiKVah Benefit jcc-asheville.org/event/camp-tikvahbenefit • SA (3/5), 6-9pm - Proceeds from this event with refreshments, appetizers, and live music benefit camp tikvah for children with autism. $25. Held at 5 Walnut Wine Bar, 5 Walnut St. Community foundation of hendeRson County 697-6224, cfhcforever.org • MO (3/7), 6-9pm - Proceeds from the “Vintage Carolina Gala” small plate reception and live music event benefit the community Foundation of Henderson county.

Reservations required. $120. Held at

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

mountainx.com

Hendersonville Country Club, 1860 Hebron Road, Hendersonville dine to Be Kind ashevillehumane.org/dine-to-bekind • TU (3/8) - Over 50 restaurants donate 15% of sales to the asheville Humane society. See website for full details. eliada “Why” lunCheon eliada.org • Through FR (3/11) - Open registration for this informational Omni Grove Park Inn luncheon is for those interested in volunteering with or supporting Eliada Home. Proceeds benefit eliada Home. Registration required: truckman@eliada.org. Free to attend. film Benefit foR homeWaRd Bound homewardboundwnc.org • TU (3/8), 5:30pm - Proceeds from this showing of the film Time Out of Mind benefit Homeward Bound of wnc. $10. Held at Carolina Cinemas Asheville, 1640 Hendersonville Road matChstRiKe youth aRts shoWCase homewordavl.org • SA (3/5), 5-8:30pm - Proceeds from live music and multi-media

arts showcase benefit Homeword. $10/$5 students. Held at The Millroom, 66 Ashland Ave. Point health ColleCtiVe 264 Haywood Road • TH (3/3), 5-8pm - Proceeds from this open house raffle featuring demonstrations, music, and reception benefit Helios warriors. Free to attend.

WnC Bee sChool 779-7047, chbr.org • SA (3/5), 9am-5pm & SU (3/6), 12:30-4:30pm - Proceeds from this beginning beekeeping course benefit the center for Honeybee Research. Registration: chbr.org/ BeeSchool2016.aspx $45. Held at Folk Art Center, MP 382, Blue Ridge Parkway yoga Class foR Ryan ConRad onecenteryoga.com • SA (3/5), 1-3pm - Proceeds from this 2-hour yoga class benefit Ryan Conrad’s save Ryan’s asana Fund.

Admission by donation. Held at One Center Yoga, 120 Coxe Ave. 3rd Floor

Business & teChnology a-B teCh small Business CenteR

one million CuPs of Coffee 1millioncups.com/asheville • WEDNESDAYS, 9am Presentations by local high-growth startup businesses for entrepreneurs. Free. Held at RISC Networks, 81 Broadway Suite C

398-7950, abtech.edu/sbc Registration required. Free unless otherwise noted.

Held at A-B Tech Enka Campus, 1459 Sand Hill Road, Candler • WE (3/2), 6pm - “SCORE: Basic Internet Marketing,” seminar.

• SA (3/5), 9am-noon - “SCORE: Refining Your Business Model & Financial Planning,” seminar.

• TU (3/8), 3-6pm - “Using Analytics to Develop Your Business Platform,” seminar.

• WE (3/9), 6-9pm - “SCORE: Social Media for Business,” seminar.

• TH (3/10), 10am-noon - “How Entrepreneurs Can Use Library Resources,” seminar.

ComPassionate CommuniCation

asheVille Business foR suCCess meetup.com/Asheville-Business-ForSuccess • MO (3/7), 6pm - Presentations from Charter TV and Keller Williams Realty. Free to attend. Held at EarthFare - Westgate, 66 Westgate Parkway

(pd.) 4-week series with Roberta Wall, certified Nonviolent Communication trainer. steps2peace.com. $100 (Scholarships Available) Mondays 6:30-8:30 March 7,14,21,28 at the Jewish Community Center. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Contact Polly (828) 7756333. polly.medlicott@gmail.com.

WnC linux useR gRouP wnclug.ourproject.org, wnclug@main.nc.us • 1st SATURDAYS, noon - Users of all experience levels discuss Linux systems. Free to attend.

Held at Earth Fare South, 1856 Hendersonville Road

Classes, meetings & eVents

hands on CulinaRy Classes at the faRm (pd.) You want to, but you’re not sure how to go about cooking local, organic produce and meats.

Chef Ferrari will awaken the Chef within you! The Farm, 215 Justice Ridge Road, Candler, NC 28715.

828-667-0666. info@thefarmevents. com www.thefarmevents.com leaRn hoW to dRaW With CONFIDENCE • PATTERNS OF life (pd.) A drawing class with William Henry Price: Six consecutive Mondays, beginning on March 7.

7-9pm at his Studio at Pink Dog Creative, 348 Depot Street. Use of all drawing media, developing skills of hand, eye and intuition. • Register by 2/26/16, $190, $215 after 2/26/16, at www.williamhenryprice.com/ lectures--classes.html oRganiC gRoWeRs sChool 23Rd annual sPRing ConfeRenCe (pd.) March 11-13, 2016, UNC Asheville. 70+ sessions per day: practical, affordable, regionallyfocused workshops on growing, permaculture, homesteading, and urban farming. Trade show, seed exchange, kid’s program.

Organicgrowersschool.org. asheVille timeBanK 348-0674, ashevilletimebank.org • FR (3/4), 6-8pm - Potluck and information/orientation session.

Free to attend. Held at Kairos West Community Center, 742 Haywood Road • TUESDAYS, 4-5:30pm Orientation session. Reservations required: help@ashevilletimebank. org or 348-4160. Free to attend.

Held at Firestorm Cafe and Books, 610 Haywood Road asheVille Women in BlaCK main.nc.us/wib • 1st FRIDAYS, 5pm - Monthly peace vigil. Free. Held at the Vance Monument in Pack Square. auRa home foR Women Vets aurahomewomenvets.org • SU (3/6), 1-5pm - Grand opening with refreshments. Free. Held at United Way of Asheville & Buncombe, 50 S. French Broad Ave. Blue Ridge toastmasteRs CluB blueridgetoastmasters.com/ membersarea, fearless@ blueridgetoastmasters.org • MONDAYS, 12:15-1:25pm - Public speaking and leadership group. Free. Held at Lenoir Rhyne Center for Graduate Studies, 36 Montford Ave.

BunComBe County PuBliC liBRaRies buncombecounty.org/governing/ depts/library Free unless otherwise noted.

• WE (3/2), 5pm - Swannanoa Knitters, knitting and needle work group for all skill levels. Held at Swannanoa Library, 101 West Charleston St., Swannanoa • MO (3/7), 10am-noon - Itch to Stitch handwork group. Held at Weaverville Public Library, 41 N. Main St., Weaverville • TU (3/8), 2pm - “Retirement: Making Your Money Last With Financial Advisor Nathan Garnett.”

Held at Weaverville Public Library, 41 N. Main St., Weaverville • TU (3/8), 7pm - “Solving the Family Puzzle – Tips, Tools and Advice on Building Your Family Tree.” Held at Weaverville Public Library, 41 N. Main St., Weaverville • TU (3/8), 6:30pm - Coloring club for adults.   Held at EnkaCandler Library, 1404 Sandhill Road, Candler holistiC healing day 252-312-7322 • SA (3/5), 11am-3pm - Healing arts fair with classes and sample therapies. Free to attend. Held at Center for Spiritual Living Asheville, 2 Science Mind Way lauRel ChaPteR of the emBRoideReRs’ guild ameRiCa • TH (3/3), 10am - General meeting and workshop to make canvas name tags. Free. ontRaCK WnC 50 S. French Broad Ave., 255-5166, ontrackwnc.org Registration required. Free unless otherwise noted.

• TH (3/3), 5:30-7pm “Understanding Credit. Get it.

Keep it. Improve it.” Seminar.

• WE (3/9), noon-1:30pm “Understanding Credit. Get it.

Keep it. Improve it.” Seminar.

• THURSDAYS (3/10) through (3/24), 5:30-8pm - “Manage Your Money Series,” seminar.

• TH (3/10), noon-1:30pm - “Understanding Reverse Mortgages,” seminar.

Reynolds/faiRVieW sCRiBBle CRiBBage CluB • WEDNESDAYS, 12:30pm Scrabble and cribbage club. Free to attend. Held at Mountain Mojo, 381 Old Charlotte Highway, Fairview shoWing uP foR RaCial JustiCe showingupforracialjustice.org • TUESDAYS, noon-2pm Educating and organizing white people for racial justice. Free to attend. Held at Firestorm Cafe and Books, 610 Haywood Road

taRheel PieCemaKeRs Quilt CluB tarheelpiecemakers.wordpress.com • WE (3/9), 10am - General meeting and program on “Containers”

by Donna Finney. Free.   Held at Balfour United Methodist Church, 2567 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville unCa VoluntaRy inCome tax assistanCe unca.edu • SATURDAYS until (4/2), 10:30am3pm - Income tax preparation for incomes under $54K. Free.

Held at Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St. VeteRans foR PeaCe 582-5180, vfpchapter099wnc. blogspot.com • 2nd TUESDAYS, 6:30-8:30pm General meeting. Free to attend.

Held at Firestorm Cafe and Books, 610 Haywood Road

danCe studio Zahiya, doWntoWn danCe Classes (pd.) Monday 5pm Ballet Wkt 6pm Hip Hop Wkt 7pm Bellydance/Hip Hop Fusion 7:30pm Bellydance 8pm Tap • Tuesday 9am Hip Hop Wkt 6pm Intro to Bellydance 7pm Bellydance 8pm Bellydance 8pm Hip Hop Choreo 2 •Wednesday 9am Latin Wkt 5:30pm Hip Hop Wkt 6:30 Bhangra 8pm Contemporary • Thursday 9am Hip Hop Wrkt 4pm Kid’s Dance 5pm Teens Hip Hop 7pm West African 8pm West African 2 • Saturday 9:30am Hip Hop Wkt 10:45am POUND Wkt 12pm Hula • Sunday 3pm Tap 2• $13 for 60 minute classes, Wkt $5. 90 1/2 N. Lexington Avenue. www.studiozahiya.com :: 828.242.7595 Joyful noise 649-2828, joyfulnoisecenter.org Held at First Presbyterian Church of Weaverville, 30 Alabama Ave., Weaverville • MONDAYS, 7:30-8:15pm Intermediate/Advanced clogging class. Ages 7 through adult. $10 • MONDAYS, 6:45-7:30pm Beginner clogging class. Ages 7 through adult. $10. southeRn lights sQuaRe and Round danCe CluB 697-7732, southernlights.org • SA (3/5), 6pm - “Wearing of the Green” dance. Free. Held at Whitmire Activity Center, 310 Lily Pond Road, Hendersonville sWing asheVille swingasheville.com • THURSDAYS, 7:30pm - Beginner & intermediate swing dance les-

mountainx.com

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

23

C o n s C i o u s Pa R t y

By Kat McReynolds | kmcreynolds@mountainx.com

Specialty Gardening & Greenhouse Supplies AS H E V I L L E H Y D R O.CO M

44 Buck Shoals Rd. Arden, NC 8 2 8 . 6 76 . 2 1 1 1

supporting summer camp for children with autism

summeR fun: Children participating in the Jewish Community Center’s Camp Tikvah and Camp Ruach soak up the vitamin D during one of nine week-long program sessions. Photo courtesy of the Asheville Jewish Community Center

what: A benefit event for the Jewish Community Center’s Camp Tikvah, featuring Eleanor Underhill where: 5 Walnut when: Saturday, March 5, 6-9 p.m. why: In addition to its other community happenings, the Jewish Community Center hosts summer camps for elementary and middle school youths (whether Jewish or not) as part of a mission to strengthen Jewish identity, celebrate Jewish culture and build community. Two such programs — Camp Ruach and Camp Tikvah — run concurrently at the center, though the latter is geared toward autistic children.

“Camp Tikvah enables children on the autism spectrum to enjoy the fun and community of Camp Ruach in an individually monitored and highly structured program,” says camp director seth Kellam, noting activities like Shabbat and Havdalah song sessions, field trips, swimming, arts and crafts, and community-building lessons. At previous campers’ requests, individualized projects have

24

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

mountainx.com

involved bug identification, mosaics, wooden robots and fairy houses.

“Camp Tikvah campers spend the bulk of their time wherever Camp Ruach is at that time — camp rooms, the pool or our play field,” Kellam says. “If a Camp Tikvah camper is feeling overstimulated or needs to step away from the activity, we have a private space ... that is filled with individually appropriate toys and activities. When ready, Camp Tikvah campers are encouraged to rejoin their Camp Ruach group.”

Though there is a fee associated with participation, the JCC holds an annual fundraiser to support programming and camp scholarships, which makes the opportunity more accessible.

This year’s soiree includes live music by Eleanor Underhill and raffle prizes like Navitat ziplining passes, a group children’s cooking class and a two-night stay at the Renaissance Hotel.

Tickets ($25) include two drinks, two raffle tickets and food. For more information and to purchase tickets, call 2530701 or go to jcc-asheville.org. X

C ommu n it y Ca l e n d aR

sons. 8:30-11pm - Open dance. Live music regularly. $7/$5 members.

Held at Club Eleven on Grove, 11 Grove St.

eCo asheVille gReen dRinKs ashevillegreendrinks.com • WE (3/9), 5:30pm - “Animal Justice - Unchained,” presentation.

Free to attend. Held at The Spot, 76 Biltmore Ave. Blue Ridge natuRalist netWoRK facebook.com/groups/ BRNNmembers, brnnetwork2013@gmail.com • TU (3/8), 5:30-7pm - “PlantPollinator Interactions in the Blue Ridge Mountains,” presentation

by Tim Spira. Free. Held at A-B Tech, Asheville Campus, Ferguson Auditorium.

CReation CaRe allianCe of WnC creationcarealliance.org • TH (3/3), 5:30pm - General meeting. Free. Held at First Baptist Church of Asheville, 5 Oak St. mountaintRue 258-8737, wnca.org • WE (3/2), SA (3/5), TU (3/8), TH (3/10) - Paddle-n-Plant with the French Broad river keeper to prevent sediment erosion. Registration required: anna@mountaintrue.org.

Free.

RiVeRlinK 170 Lyman St., 252-8474 ext.11 • FR (3/4), 3-5pm - Native Seed Bomb Workshop. Registration required. Free.

WnC sieRRa CluB 251-8289, wenoca.org • WE (3/2), 7pm - Presentation by a ranger and professor regarding Rocky Fork State Park’s wildflowers. Free. Held at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place

faRm & gaRden asheVille gaRden CluB 550-3459 • WE (3/2), 10am - “Native plants of our region: what to grow and why and invasive plants to avoid,” presentation and refreshments. Free to attend. Held at Asheville Botanical Gardens, 151 W.T. Weaver Blvd. hayWood County masteR gaRdeneRs 456-3575, sarah_scott@ncsu.edu • Through TU (3/15) - Annual plant sale. Contact to order: 456-3575

by Abigail Griffin

or mgarticles@charter.net.

food & BeeR guest Chef night at the faRm! (pd.) Saturday, March 5, 6pm, themed dinner with Fred Snyder and Mike Ferrari. Five-course meal with Wine Pairing, $100/person.

Reserve by March 2. 828-667-0666. www.thefarm.kitchen CaldWell Community College 2855 Hickory Blvd., Hudson, 7262200, cccti.edu • TH (3/10), 6pm - Culinary arts program Italian meal. $21. Registration required: broyhillcenter.com. $21 plus tax. Held in the Broyhill Civic Center. doWntoWn WelCome taBle haywoodstreet.org/2010/07/thewelcome-table • SUNDAYS, 4:30pm - Community meal. Free. Held at Haywood Street Congregation, 297 Haywood St. faiRVieW WelCome taBle fairviewwelcometable.com • THURSDAYS, 11:30am-1pm Community lunch. Admission by donation. Held at Fairview Christian Fellowship, 596 Old Us Highway 74, Fairview

goVeRnment & PolitiCs City of asheVille 251-1122, ashevillenc.gov • TU (3/8), 5pm - Public City Council meeting. See website for agenda.

Free. Held at Asheville City Hall, 70 Court Plaza JaCKson County RePuBliCans 743-6491, jacksonctygop@yahoo.com • FR (3/4), 5:30pm - Jackson County republican convention with Chief Justice Mark Martin, buffet dinner and precinct meetings. Registration requested: 743-6491. Free. Held at the Jackson County Senior Center, 100 County Services Park, Sylva

Kids KIDFEST AT BELKS • MARCH 12 (pd.) Join Belk in the Asheville Mall for family-friendly fun during Kidfest on Saturday, March 12, 2016 from 12-3pm (fashion show at 1pm). Sign up to model in the fashion show and receive a shopping discount! 828298-4970 ext. 294.

THIS SATURDAY • DISCO DANCE PaRty! (pd.) 6pm-9pm, March 5 at the Idea Factory, Inc. • 3726 Sweeten Creek

Road, Arden, NC 28704. • Parents!

Drop off the kids (ages 4-12) and enjoy a night out! Disco themed evening includes dancing, games, food and more: don’t forget your best Disco attire for our Costume Contest! • $20 Studio Dancers and siblings • $25 non-studio members.

• Register now: space is limited.

Facebook: at “Idea Factory, Inc.” or search “Disco Dance Party/Parents’ Night Out”. Or contact us by phone, text or email: ideafactoryinc.org anam CaRa theatRe 545-3861, anamcaratheatre.com • TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS, 10-noon - Tiny Tots Circus Playtime with aerials, clowning, balance and acrobatics. Children up to 6 years old. $5. Held at Toy Boat Community Art Space, 101 Fairview Road Suite B asheVille Community theatRe 35 E. Walnut St., 254-1320, ashevilletheatre.org • SA (3/5), noon - Imaginer. $5. asheVille model tRain shoW Asheville-TrainShow.com • FR (3/4), noon-7pm & SA (3/5), 9am-5pm - Model train show, sponsored by the WNC Model Railroaders, with 10 working model railroad layouts and 200 vendor tables. $5. Held at WNC Agricultural Center, 1301 Fanning Bridge Road

String Orchestra for intermediate players. $10. Held at West Asheville Presbyterian Church, 690 Haywood Road • MONDAYS, 6:15-6:45pm “Movement and Dance,” class for 5 and 6 year olds. $10. Held at First Presbyterian Church of Weaverville, 30 Alabama Ave., Weaverville malaPRoP’s BooKstoRe and Cafe 55 Haywood St., 254-6734, malaprops.com • SU (3/6), 11am - Cynthia Surrisi presents her book, The Maypop Kidnapping. Free. n.C. aRBoRetum 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, 665-2492, ncarboretum.org • MONDAYS & TUESDAYS through (5/24), 10-11:30am - Wee Naturalists program for ages 2-5 with crafts, exploration, stories.

Registration recommended. $7 per child/$3 per additional child/ Parking fees apply. sPellBound ChildRen’s BooKshoP 640 Merrimon Ave. #204, 7087570, spellboundchildrensbookshop.com • WE (3/2), 4pm - Laurie McKay

presents her novel in the Last Dragon Keeper Series. For ages 7-12. Free.

• SATURDAYS, 11am - Storytime for ages 3-7. Free to attend.

WnC histoRiCal assoCiation wnchistory.org • Through TH (3/17) - Open registration for the Crafty Historian “Spring Celebration,” event taking place on SA (3/19) from 10:30-12:30am. $7. Held at SmithMcDowell House Museum, 283 Victoria Road

outdooRs fRiends of the smoKies 452-0720, friendsofthesmokies. org, outreach.nc@ friendsofthesmokies.org • TU (3/8) - Classic Hike of the Smokies: Guided 6.6 mile moderate hike of the Little Cataloochee Trail. Register for full details. $35/$20 members. sWannanoa Valley museum 669-9566, swannanoavalleymuseum.org • TH (3/10), 6:30pm - Interest

meeting for the “Valley History Explorer Hiking Series.” Free to attend. Held at Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W. State St., Black Mountain

PaRenting fRanKlin sChool of innoVation 21 Innovation Dr.ive, 318-8140, franklinschoolofinnovation.org • TH (3/3), 5:30pm - Tour and information meeting. Free. sWannanoa Valley montessoRi sChool 130 Center Ave., Black Mountain, 669-8571, swanmont.org • TH (3/3), 6pm - Open House and information night. Free to attend.

PuBliC leCtuRes KenilWoRth Resident’s assoCiation kenilworthresidents.org • MO (3/7), 7pm - “Rail Lines to the Land of the Sky” presented by historian Ray Rapp. Free. Held at the Kenilworth Inn Apartments, 60 Caledonia Road

attiC salt theatRe ComPany 505-2926 • SATURDAYS (3/5) through (3/19), 10am - Tale of the Pig. $5. Held at The Magnetic Theatre, 375 Depot St. BunComBe County PuBliC liBRaRies buncombecounty.org/governing/ depts/library Free unless otherwise noted.

• WE (3/2), 10am-6pm - “Read Across America with Dr. Seuss,” come listen or read. Held at Swannanoa Library, 101 West Charleston St., Swannanoa • MO (3/7), 11:30am - Baby playdate, for babies 0-18 months.

Held at Enka-Candler Library, 1404 Sandhill Road, Candler diana WoRtham theatRe 2 S. Pack Square, 257-4530, dwtheatre.com • SA (3/5), 2pm - The Cashore Marionettes present Simple Gifts. $20/$15 student/$10 children. fletCheR liBRaRy 120 Library Road, Fletcher, 6871218, library.hendersoncountync.org • WEDNESDAYS, 10:30am - Family story time. Free.

Joyful noise 649-2828, joyfulnoisecenter.org • MONDAYS, 6-7:30pm - Capriccio

NEW 500 Hour Massage Certification Program 11 Month Weekend Program Discounts available SIGN UP NOW! Check website for info or Call

AshevilleMassageSchool.org • 828-252-7377 mountainx.com

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

25

Kids Issue Coming soon!

26

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

mountainx.com

C ommu n it y Ca l en d aR

PuBliC eVents at a-B teCh 398-7900, abtech.edu • WE (3/2), 3pm - Dr. Cecile-Marie Sastre, will be present a program on “Amazons: The Real Wonder Women of Antiquity.”

Held in Ferguson Auditorium. Held at A-B Tech, 340 Victoria Road PuBliC eVents at unCa unca.edu • SA (3/5), 2pm “An Afternoon in Appalachia,” presentation and readings from Robert Morgan and Wayne Caldwell. Sponsored

by WNC History Association. Held at the Reuter Center, $5.

PuBliC eVents at WWC 298-3325, warren-wilson.edu • MO (3/7), 7:159pm - International Women’s Day panel discussion with Mayor Esther Manheimer, Reverend Jasmine Beach-Ferrara, and Mayor Christine Norman from Liberia.

Free. Held in Canon Lounge.

PuBliC leCtuRes at maRs hill 866-642-4968, mhu.edu • TH (3/3), 7pm “How Can Civility in Politics be Recreated?”

Presentation by Senators Tom Apodaca and Terry Van Duyn.

Free. Held in Broyhill Chapel.

• MO (3/7), 5-6pm - “It’s A Good Day to Die” presentation and discussion by Dr. Heather Hawn and The Native American Student Association.

Free. Held in Belk Auditorium.

PuBliC leCtuRes at unCa unca.edu • WE (3/2), 6-7:30pm - Women’s History Month panel: Redefining Womenhood: The Construction of Gender, facilitated by Karin Peterson, UNC Asheville chair and professor of Sociology.

Free. Held in Highsmith

by Abigail Griffin

Union room 221.

• TU (3/8), 7:30pm World Affairs Council presentation regarding Cuba, by Stan Dotson. $10/Free for students.

Held at the Reuter Center.

sPiRituality asheVille insight meditation (pd.) Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation. Learn how to get a Mindfulness Meditation practice started. 1st & 3rd Mondays. 7pm – 8:30.

Asheville Insight Meditation, 29 Ravenscroft Dr, Suite 200, (828) 808-4444, www.ashevillemeditation. com. astRo-Counseling (pd.) Licensed counselor and accredited professional astrologer uses your chart when counseling for additional insight into yourself, your relationships and life directions. Readings also available. Christy Gunther, MA, LPC. (828) 258-3229. looKing foR genuine sPiRitual guidanCe and helP? (pd.) We are in a beautiful area about 10 minutes from downtown Asheville, very close to Warren Wilson College. www.truththomas.org 828-299-4359 oPen heaRt meditation (pd.) Experience and deepen the spiritual connection to your heart, the beauty and deep peace of the Divine within you.

Increase your natural joy and gratitude while releasing negative emotions. Love Offering 7-8pm Tuesdays, 5 Covington St. 296-0017 OpenHeartMeditation. com. asheVille sound healing 776-3786, ashevillesoundhealing.com, info@ashevillesoundhealing.com • SATURDAYS, 11am & SUNDAYS, noon Healing concert with

crystal bowls, gongs and chanting. Free to attend. Held at Skinny Beats Drum Shop and Gallery, 4 Eagle St. CenteR foR aRt & sPiRit at st. geoRge 1 School Road, 258-0211 • WEDNESDAYS, 3:30pm & 6:30pm - Sitting meditation and daily mindfulness practice. Info: kenlenington@gmail.com.

Admission by donation.

CenteR foR sPiRitual liVing asheVille 2 Science Mind Way, 2317638, cslasheville.org • 1st FRIDAYS, 7pm - “Dreaming a New Dream,” meditation to explore peace and compassion. Free.

CentRal united methodist ChuRCh 27 Church St., 2533316, centralumc.org • WEDNESDAYS through (4/27), 6-7pm - Christian yoga and meditation series. Free.

Cloud Cottage CenteR of mindful liVing 219 Old Toll Circle, Black Mountain, 6696000, cloudcottage.org • 2nd & 4th TUESDAYS, 7-8:30pm - Mindfulness training class.

Admission by donation. fiRst CongRegational uCC of hendeRsonVille 1735 5th Ave. W., Hendersonville, 692-8630, fcchendersonville.org • FRIDAYS through (4/1), 10am - “Great World Religions,” lectures teaching about Islam, Judaism and Buddhism.

Free. gRaCe lutheRan ChuRCh 1245 Sixth Ave. W., Hendersonville, 693-4890, gracelutherannc.com • WEDNESDAYS through (3/16), 4:45-5:30pm - Lenten supper with soup, salad and desert.

Followed by worship service at 6pm. $5/$3 children under 12.

• THURSDAYS through (3/17), 10-11:30am “Hymns for the Season of Lent,” study series. Free.

Send your event listings to calendar@mountainx.com

mountain Zen PRaCtiCe CenteR mountainzen.org • TUESDAYS, 7:158:45pm - “Zen Awareness Practice,” weekly meditation followed by group discussion focused on selected readings of Cheri Huber. Orientation required, contact for details: mountainzen@ bellsouth.net. Free. nouRish & flouRish 347 Depot St., 255-2770, nourishflourishnow.com • TUESDAYS, 7:30pm - Kirtan with Sangita Devi. $10-$15.

Blue Ridge BooKs 152 S. Main St., Waynesville • 1st & 3rd SATURDAYS, 10am - Banned Book Club.

Free to attend.

BunComBe County PuBliC liBRaRies buncombecounty. org/governing/depts/ library Free unless otherwise noted.

• WE (3/2), 3pm Weaverville Afternoon Book Club: The Orphan Master’s

PRama yoga and meditation 712-9326 • TUESDAYS, 6:308:30pm - All levels yoga and meditation class. Proceeds benefit the Women’s Welfare and Development Foundation.

Registration required. $5. Held at Asheville Therapeutic Yoga, 29 Ravenscroft

Son by Adam Johnson.

shamBhala meditation CenteR 60 N Merrimon Ave. #113, 200-5120, asheville.shambhala.org • WEDNESDAYS, 10-midnight, THURSDAYS, 7-8:30pm & SUNDAYS, 10-noon - Meditation and community. Admission by donation.

• FR (3/4), 3:30pm -

st. maRK’s lutheRan ChuRCh 10 North Liberty St., 253-0043 • WEDNESDAYS through (3/16), 6pm Lenten soup and sandwich supper. Followed by service at 7pm.

Free.

sPoKen & WRitten WoRd BlaCK mountain College museum & aRts CenteR 56 Broadway, 350-8484, blackmountaincollege.org • TH (3/3), 7pm - Dr. Alessandro Porco presents the history of Poems by Gerard Legro. Free.

Held at Weaverville Public Library, 41 N. Main St., Weaverville • FR (3/4), 4pm - Barbara Kingsolver Book Club: Prodigal Summer. Held at Black Mountain Public Library, 105 N. Dougherty St., Black Mountain Young Novel Readers Club: Wildwood by Colin Meloy. Held at Weaverville Public Library, 41 N. Main St., Weaverville

fiRestoRm Cafe and BooKs 610 Haywood Road, 255-8115 • TH (3/3), 6pm “Political Prisoners Letter Writing Night.”

Free to attend.

• SU (3/6), 6pm Taking Sides book tour.

Free to attend.

• 4th WEDNESDAYS, 7pm - Other Worlds Are Possible Book Group. Free. fletCheR liBRaRy 120 Library Road, Fletcher, 687-1218, library. hendersoncountync.org • 2nd THURSDAYS, 1:30pm - Writers’ Guild. Free.

• 2nd THURSDAYS, 10:30am - Book Club.

Free. innoVation BReWing 414 West Main St., Sylva, 586-9678, innovation-brewing.com • TH (3/3), 6:30pm David Joy presents his book Where All Light Tends to Go. Free to attend. malaPRoP’s BooKstoRe and Cafe 55 Haywood St., 2546734, malaprops.com Free unless otherwise noted.

• WE (3/2), 7pm - Ariel Lawhon presents her book, Flight of Dreams.

• TH (3/3), 7pm - Lene Kaaberbol and Agnete Friist present, The Considerate Killer.

• FR (3/4), 7pm - Bryan Robinson presents his book, Limestone Gumption: A Brad Pope and Sisterfriends Mystery.

• SA (3/5), 3pm - V. E. Schwab presents, A Darker Shade of Magic.

• SA (3/5), 6pm Catherynne Valence presents her book, The Girl Who Raced Fairyland All the Way Home.

• SU (3/6), 3pm - Poetrio Series: Featuring poetry readings by Adrian Rice, Vievee Francis and Jonathan K. Rice.

• MO (3/7), 7pm - Travis Mulhauser presents his novel, Sweetgirl.

• WE (3/9), 7pm - Tegan Wren presents her book, Inconceivable! and Samantha Bryant presents her book, Going Through the Change.

• TH (3/10), 6:30pm - “Zelda Fitzgerald Day” with readings and presentations. thomas Wolfe memoRial 52 N. Market St, 2538304, wolfememorial.com • TH (3/10), 5:30pm

- Short Story Book Club: The Company, discussion led by Ellen Brown. Free.

VolunteeRing hands on asheVilleBunComBe 2-1-1, handsonasheville.org Registration required.

• MO (3/7), 6-8pm - Help bake cookies for hospice patients and their families at CarePartners’ John Keever Solace Center.

Registration required.

Held at John Keever Solace Center, 21 Belvedere Road homeWaRd Bound of WnC 218 Patton Ave., 2581695, homewardboundwnc.org • 1st THURSDAYS, 11am - “Welcome Home Tour,” tours of Asheville organizations that serve the homeless population.

Registration required.

Free to attend.

For more volunteering opportunities visit mountainx.com/ volunteering

Homeownership is Possible!

WE CAN HELP!

Ask us today about our Downpayment Assistance Loans!

Contact: Kelly Nossiter 828-254-4030 NMLS# 380447 Mountain Housing Opportunies 64 Clingman Ave., Ste 101 Asheville, NC 28801 mountainx.com

Loan Subject To Credit Approval

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

27

Wellness

writteN iN the stars

Local Vedic astrologers decipher map for healing inner cosmos

BY emilY nicHols emilynicholsphoto@gmail.com Vedic astrology can spark spiritual, emotional and physical wellbeing for Western North Carolinians today, according to local practitioners channing ayers, david (risi) waterman and ryan Kurczak.

An ancient practice that is sister to yoga and Ayurveda, Vedic astrology is not an instrument of fortunetelling, says Kurczak, founder of Asheville Vedic Astrology. Rather, he explains, the practice leads to self-realization or moksha, which translates to liberation.

Vedic astrology is the “the eye of the Vedas,” he continues. The spiritual art is “meant to give you the capacity to live in harmony with your unique expression of God on this planet. They call astrology the prajna devi, which is the question to the gods, because you drop the ego and say, ‘Hey, maybe I don’t know what I’m doing.’”

In this way, the practice cuts right to the point, to the most sincere questions that arise in life, Kurczak says.

“Foremost, [Vedic astrology] is concerned with our soul, the eternal part of ourselves,” says Waterman.

“Our birth chart is a mirror of our soul and its particular incarnation.

In our stars, we see the growth and evolution of our inner being from life to life.”

But a question remains, Waterman continues: What do we do with that information?

“Like any genuine healing modality or tool, [Vedic astrology] is ultimately about helping the person be guided from their own heart,” he says. According to the teachings, each of us can do this by coming into balance with the planetary phenomena and energies represented in our charts.

“If you could just teach people about the highest form of each of the planets, then they don’t need to go to an astrologer at all, because they can just ask themselves, ‘Am I embodying this?’

And if they are, then they are working with that planet well,” Kurczak says.

28

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

ChaRted teRRitoRy: Ryan Kurczak and Channing Ayers of Asheville Vedic Astrology use Vedic astrology as a “tool to understand your lifestyle tendencies, habitual ways of thinking and acting, and effect on other people as well as to foster greater self-awareness to incite change.” Photo by Emily Nichols

As Waterman says, “Each planet is a teaching, [and] through integrating within ourselves the energies represented by the planets, we regain our true wholeness. Each planet, therefore, represents a door to liberation, [and] if we do not understand the energy of a planet within us, it will bind and lead us into sorrow and conflict.”

CounteRfoRCes There are many differences between Vedic and the commonly recognized Western astrology — primarily Vedic’s use of remedial measures or practical applications for harmonizing with planetary influences, and its dashas, which illuminate time by dictating the various chapters of one’s life.

The remedial measures could be thought of as a doctor’s prescription for making planets happy, local practitioners explain.

mountainx.com

“Your chart has all the planets, and they all have a fuel tank or amount of energy,” Kurczak says. “One may have a completely full fuel tank, and the other may have low fuel. And if you know which one has low energy, then by adding a remedial, like a gemstone or mantra or by doing service to that planet, you can proactively fill it back up.”

In the ancient Vedic texts, there are hundreds of mantras, says Ayers, who works with Kurczak at Asheville Vedic Astrology. Some of them use Sanskrit words for each planet in order to harmonize with the audible vibration of the planet’s name.

Other methods include wearing gemstones on certain fingers and/or certain days to heighten their effects.

Ayers, who makes jewelry, says, “The gemstones are fascinating because there are seven basic crystal structures and seven basic planets.” In Vedic astrology, the outer planets Uranus, Neptune and Pluto are considered to

represent transformational energies rather than rulerships like the other planets, she says. “Each of the seven gemstones aligns with a planet.” healthful insights Vedic astrology should be a recognized spiritual science, says Waterman. Through “reflecting the universe itself, Vedic astrology can be used to examine all domains of life,” he says. “From it we can learn about our health, wealth, career and relationships as well as our material, mental and spiritual manifestations.”

There are many areas where astrology aids and “speaks to” physical health and well-being.

“Many astrologers in India have practiced Ayurveda and many vaidyas [throughout history]. Ayurvedic doctors have been astrologers,” says Waterman. “Both systems work well to supplement each other, but

Galaya

[Vedic astrology] is a much subtler healing science than any form of physical medicine.”

How does astrology have anything to do with health?

Vedic astrologers can “figure out your basic health, longevity and disease tendencies by looking at your birth chart,” says Waterman.

Kurczak says you can see a lot of this aspect in the first, sixth and eighth houses of a birth chart, which relate to the body, health, disease and longevity.

“In no way, shape or form are we medical diagnosing,” Ayers says.

“But your physical, emotional and spiritual experiences are all represented in the chart, and this can be helpful in showing areas to look out for in health, as well as what health practices will be supportive.”

A chart shows “which planets have the power to cause disease, what kind of diseases are likely to occur, what parts of the body are likely to be affected and when these problems are likely to occur,” says Waterman.

In this way, for example, Vedic astrology “would be appropriate in seeing if someone will benefit from things like raw-food fasting or a radiation treatment,” says Kurczak.

Waterman says that such suggestions come through looking at the elemental energies of the planets — earth, water, fire and air — in different signs. “By understanding our relationship to these energies, we can learn how to increase or decrease our intake of such forces in order to maintain our physical and emotional health.”

In that sense, astrology can be a preventive or alternative medicine.

“The biggest gift of [Vedic astrology] is that it can help you be more healthy, more present, and more aligned with the cycles and what is going on,” says Ayers.

She experienced this firsthand at a younger age. Her mother, also an astrologer, predicted that Ayers might get into a car accident. “I ended up getting into [one] during that time period,” she says, “which further sparked my interest and study of astrology.”

“There are certain blind spots that we all have,” says Kurczak, “because we’re drunk on our karma.” Vedic astrologers believe that you can start to see into and dissolve the blind spots through working with the remedials and cultivating selfunderstanding.

“If I could put every astrologer

out of business, I would,” says Kurczak, “because I really just want people to figure out who they are, but we can’t do that. People want to have reasons for things.

“When you’re speaking to a dreamer, you have to speak the language of dream,” he adds.

Coaching ~ Readings Intuitive Consultations • Relationships • Health • Career • Animal

Communication

03/14/16

1-505-466-3764

liBeRation

www.consultgalaya.com

“We are living in a time when the skills that are taught are not about how to be more aligned,” Ayers says, “which may be why there is a resurgence of interest in [Vedic astrology], because it is time for us to start beginning to be more healthy — and overall more healthy on the planet.”

Waterman says, “Vedic astrology recognizes the validity of all four aims of life, and [it’s] oriented to facilitate us in the attainment of each of them. …. Yet, the first three — enjoyment, wealth and career — are made subordinate to the last, spiritual liberation.”

That’s “the primary and essential goal for all human beings for all life.

The other [goals] are useful as a means to an end, but not as an end in themselves,” Waterman says. “Vedic astrology is designed to guide one to the point of self-realization.”

In short, through the remedial practices and harmonizing of planetary influences, these Vedic astrologers suggest that we can bring ourselves back into harmony with nature and through that process realize the most fundamental aspect of our being.

Ayers says that we’re “trying to do everything to align, to bring into consciousness, and meet the divine halfway, in every way.” X

Warm up w/ HOT POWER FLOW HOT POWER FUSION BEGINNERS WORKSHOPS CORE CLASSES / WORKSHOPS KIDS YOGA SATURDAYS @ 10am

hotyogaasheville.com

MORe INFO ryan Kurczak Asheville Vedic Astrology astroinfo @ashevillevedicastrology.com

Andrew & JulieAnn Nugent-Head Bring to Asheville 30+ Years Experience in China

channing ayers Asheville Vedic Astrology channing @ashevillevedicastrology.com

“I highly recommend the Alternative Clinic.

The incredible knowledge, sincere dedication, and individualized treatments have been the most effective of any doctor I have worked with” Emily A.

david (risi) waterman Vedic Astrology Asheville dwaterman2008@gmail.com

mountainx.com

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

29

wel l n ess ca l en Da R Wellness ageless gRaCe-21 simPle tools foR lifelong ComfoRt & ease (pd.) TUESDAYS, 1:30-2:25pm. Improve quality of daily movement by simultaneously activating cognitive & physical function in a playful manner. $10 if pre-pay 8 classes or $12/class. Training Partners fitness center, 862 Merrimon Ave., 828-606-9931 or e-mail agelessgracecarol@gmail.com to register. asheVille too faR oR CRoWded foR you? (pd.) Reiki Master with 35 years’ experience including four other healing modalities. Release physical and emotional pain. Call 843-593-1953 for appointment.

Lake Lure area.

$6400 Classes Start May 31st– Downtown Asheville April 9th

CanCeR Patients desiRed foR fRee healing WoRK (pd.) SA & SU (3/19 - 3/20) 9am-3pm both days.

Cancer patients needed as clients for advanced handson healing students. Earth-based healing school. Free.

Interested parties contact registrar@wildernessFusion. com. Black Mountain, NC. (828) 785-4311, wildernessFusion.com.

CounCil on aging of BunComBe County 277-8288, coabc.org • TU (3/3), 6-7:30pm - “Medicare Choices Made Easy,” information session. Registration: 277-8288 ext. 310.

Held at Blue Ridge Community Health Services, 2579 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville national allianCe on mental illness WnC 505-7353, namiwnc.org, namiwc2015@gmail.com • Through TU (3/8) - Open registration for “Familyto-Family Class,” series for family,caregivers and friends of individuals living with a mental illness.

Class runs Tuesdays, Mar. 8 - May. 24, 6:30-9pm.

Registration: pamelajaillet@gmail.com. Free.

Red CRoss Blood dRiVes redcrosswnc.org Appointment and ID required.

• WE (3/2), 10am-2:30pm - Appointments & info.: 6679851. Held at Pisgah Valley Retirement Community, 95 Holcombe Cove Road, Candler • TH (3/3), 1-5:30pm - Appointments & info.: 667-3950.

Held at Francis Asbury United Methodist Church, 725 Asbury Road, Candler • SU (3/6), 8am-1pm - Appointments & info.: 225-5753.

Held at Groce United Methodist Church, 954 Tunnel Road

suPPoRt gRouPs

Happy Gut, Happy Body, Happy Mind Detox Program

Dr. Meyers

• Beneficial for Gastrointestinal Issues, Joint pain, Fatigue, Mood, Weight, and much more

adultchildren.org • Visit mountainx.com/support for full listings. al-anon/ alateen family gRouPs 800-286-1326, wnc-alanon.org • A support group for the family and friends of alcoholics. For full listings, visit mountainx.com/support.

• Reduces inflammation • 4 Monday night classes, 1 month lifestyle program

Dr. Colwell

• Great group and doctor support Location: 138 Charlotte St. Time: Mar. 7, 14, 21, & 28 from 6-7:15pm • Cost: $149 Register: waterleafnaturopathic.com/events/ 30

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

mountainx.com

adult ChildRen of alCoholiCs & dysfunCtional families

alCoholiCs anonymous • For a full list of meetings in WNC, call 254-8539 or aancmco.org asheVille Women foR soBRiety 215-536-8026, womenforsobriety.org • THURSDAYS, 6:30-8pm – Held at YWCA of Asheville, 185 S French Broad Ave

asPeRgeR’s teens united facebook.com/groups/AspergersTeensUnited • For teens (13-19) and their parents. Meets every 3 weeks. Contact for details.

BRainstoRmeR’s ColleCtiVe 254-0507, puffer61@gmail.com • 1st THURSDAYS, 6-7:30pm - Led by brain injury survivors for brain injury survivors and supporters. Held at Kairos West Community Center, 742 Haywood Road CaRing foR the soul 581-0080 • 1st MONDAYS, 5:30pm - Support for people with mental illness diagnosis and/or family members and loved ones. Meets in the brick house behind the church. Held at Black Mountain United Methodist Church, 101 Church St., Black Mountain ChRoniC Pain suPPoRt 989-1555, deb.casaccia@gmail.com • 2nd WEDNESDAYS, 6 pm – Held in a private home. Contact for directions.

CodePendents anonymous 398-8937 • TUESDAYS 7:30pm - Held at Asheville 12-Step Recovery Club, 370 N. Louisiana Ave. Suite G4 • WEDNESDAYS, 7-8pm & SATURDAYS, 11am – Held at First Congregational UCC of Asheville, 20 Oak St. • FRIDAYS, 5:30pm - Held at First United Methodist Church of Waynesville, 556 S. Haywood, Waynesville deBtoRs anonymous debtorsanonymous.org • MONDAYS, 7pm - Held at First Congregational UCC of Asheville, 20 Oak St. dePRession and BiPolaR suPPoRt allianCe 367-7660, depressionbipolarasheville.com • WEDNESDAYS, 7pm & SATURDAYS, 4pm – Held at 1316-C Parkwood Road food addiCts anonymous 423-6191 or 301-4084 • THURSDAYS, 6pm - Held at St. George’s Episcopal Church, 1 School Road • SATURDAYS, 11am- Held at Asheville 12-Step Recovery Club, 370 N. Louisiana Ave. Suite G4 fouR seasons ComPassion foR life 233-0948, fourseasonscfl.org • THURSDAYS, 12:30pm - Grief support group.

Held at SECU Hospice House, 272 Maple St., Franklin • TUESDAYS, 3:30-4:30pm - Grief support group.

Held at Four Seasons - Checkpoint, 373 Biltmore Ave. gamBleRs anonymous gamblersanonymous.org • THURSDAYS, 6:45pm - 12-step meeting. Held at Basillica of St. Lawrence, 97 Haywood St. hayWood County ComPassionate fRiends 400-6480 • 1st THURSDAYS - Support group for families who have lost a child of any age. Held at Long’s Chapel United Methodist Church, 175 Old Clyde Road, Waynesville

honoRing gRief CiRCle blackmountainvideo.com/honoring-grief-circle.html • 2nd & 4th TUESDAYS, 6pm - Layperson support group for grief. Held at Swannanoa Valley Friends Meetinghouse, 137 Center Ave., Black Mountain life limiting illness suPPoRt gRouP 386-801-2606 • TUESDAYS, 6:30-8pm - For adults managing the challenges of life limiting illnesses. Held at Secrets of a Duchess, 1439 Merrimon Ave. liVing With ChRoniC Pain 776-4809 • 2nd WEDNESDAYS, 6:30pm - Hosted by American Chronic Pain Association. Held at Swannanoa Library, 101 West Charleston St., Swannanoa luPus foundation of ameRiCa, nC ChaPteR 877-849-8271, lupusnc.org • 2nd WEDNESDAYS, 7-8pm - Support group meeting. Held at All Souls Cathedral, 9 Swan St. memoRy loss CaRegiVeRs network@memorycare.org • 2nd TUESDAYS, 9:30am – Held at Highland Farms Retirement Community, 200 Tabernacle Road, Black Mountain mindfulness and 12 steP ReCoVeRy avl12step@gmail.com • WEDNESDAYS, 7:30-8:45pm - Mindfulness meditation practice and 12 step program. Held at Asheville 12-Step Recovery Club, 370 N. Louisiana Ave. Suite G4 mountain mamas PeeR suPPoRt gRouP facebook.com/mountainmamasgroup Peer support group for pregnant and postpartum mothers led by birth professionals.

• 2nd THURSDAYS, 1-3pm - Held at The Family Place, 970 Old Hendersonville Highway, Brevard naR-anon family gRouPs nar-anon.org • WEDNESDAYS, 12:30pm - Held at First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville, 204 6th Ave. West, Hendersonville • TUESDAYS, 7pm - Held at West Asheville Presbyterian Church, 690 Haywood Road national allianCe on mental illness WnC 505-7353, namiwnc.org, namiwc2015@gmail.com • 1st SATURDAYS, 10am - For family members and caregivers of those with mental illness. Held at NAMI Offices, 356 Biltmore Ave. • 1st SATURDAYS, 1oam - Connection group for individuals dealing with mental illness. Held at NAMI Offices, 356 Biltmore Ave. ouR VoiCe 44 Merrimon Ave. Suite 1, 28801, 252-0562, ourvoicenc.org • Ongoing drop-in group for female identified survivors of sexual violence. oVeRComeRs of domestiC ViolenCe 665-9499 • WEDNESDAYS, noon-1pm - Held at First Christian Church of Candler, 470 Enka Lake Road, Candler oVeRComeRs ReCoVeRy suPPoRt gRouP rchovey@sos-mission.org • MONDAYS, 6pm - Christian 12-step program.

Held at SOS Anglican Mission, 1944 Hendersonville Road

oVeReateRs anonymous • Regional number: 277-1975. Visit mountainx.com/ support for full listings.

PaRents, family and fRiends of lesBians and gays pflag.org, jerry.w96@gmail.com • MO (3/7), 7-8:30pm - Representatives from local gay-straight alliances will participate on a LGBTQ youth panel. Free. Held at the Education Building of Providence Baptist Church, 1201 Oakland St., Hendersonville ReCoVeRing CouPles anonymous

undeReaRneRs anonymous underearnersanonymous.org • TUESDAYS, 6pm - Held at First Congregational UCC

WidoWs in need of gRief suPPoRt • 1st WEDNESDAYS, 7pm - Peer support group for anyone who has survived the death of their spouse,

at West Asheville Yoga

partner, child or other closed loved one. Registration required. Held at The Meditation Center, 894 E. Main

West Asheville Yoga.com 602 Haywood Rd. 28806

St., Sylva

Nature’s Vitamins & Herbs (formerly Nature’s Pharmacy)

locally owned & operated since 1996

225-6422, refugerecovery.org Buddhist path to recovery from addictions of all kinds.

• FRIDAYS, 7-8:30pm & SUNDAYS, 6-7:30pm - Held at Urban Dharma, 29 Page Ave. • TUESDAYS, 7pm - Held at Shambhala Meditation Center, 60 N Merrimon Ave #113

We now stock CBD oil by Cannavest, Charlotte’s Web, and Pure Harmony!

s-anon family gRouPs 258-5117, wncsanon@gmail.com • For those affected by another’s sexual behavior.

Confidential meetings available; contact for details.

Available as: • sublingual spray • sublingual solid extract • oral liquid • oral capsules • liquid for vaping

shifting geaRs

smartrecovery.org • THURSDAYS, 6pm - Info: 407-0460 Held at Grace Episcopal Church, 871 Merrimon Ave. • SUNDAYS, 7pm - Info: 925-8626. Held at Crossroads Recovery Center, 440 East Court St., Marion • SUNDAYS, 6-7:30pm - Held at Kairos West Community Center, 742 Haywood Road

Friday 4-5:15pm Begins March 4th

356-1105, meditate-wnc.org

Refuge ReCoVeRy

smaRt ReCoVeRy

with Farrell

of Asheville, 20 Oak St.

recovering-couples.org • MONDAYS 6pm - For couples where at least one member is recovering from addiction. Held at Foster Seventh Day Adventists Church, 375 Hendersonville Road

683-7195 • MONDAYS, 6:30-8pm - Group-sharing for those in transition in careers or relationships. Contact for location.

NEW CLASS! Handstand Focused Flow

Owners:

Mike Rogers, PharmD & Bill Cheek, B.S. Pharm:

All Mychelle skin products 40% Off while supplies last!

We carry a variety of hard-to-find specialty products, including:

CBD Oil • Lugolʼs Solution • Estriol Facial Cream • Progesterone Cream • Vitamin K Liquid for Newborns Glutamine Powder • Boric Acid Vaginal Capsules • 35% Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide • Sulfur Powder

752 Biltmore Avenue • 828-251-0094 • www.naturesvitaminsandherbs.com

sunRise PeeR suPPoRt VolunteeR seRViCes facebook.com/Sunriseinasheville • TUESDAYS through THURSDAYS, 1-3pm - Peer support services for mental health, substance abuse and wellness. Held at Kairos West Community Center, 742 Haywood Road suPPoRtiVe PaRents of tRansKids spotasheville@gmail.com • 2nd WEDNESDAYS, 7pm - For parents to discuss the joys, transitions and challenges of parenting a transkid. Held at First Congregational UCC of Asheville, 20 Oak St. sylVa gRief suPPoRt melee@fourseasonscfl.org • TUESDAYS, 10:30am - Held at Jackson County Department on Aging, 100 Country Services Park, Sylva t.h.e. CenteR foR disoRdeRed eating 337-4685, thecenternc.weebly.com • WEDNESDAYS, 7-8pm – Adult support group, ages 18+. Held in the Sherill Center at UNCA. • 1st MONDAYS, 5:30pm - Teaches parents, spouses & loved ones how to support individuals during eating disorder treatment. Held in the Sherill Center at UNCA

Dr. Matthew Young DDS, PA BIOLOGIC GENERAL DENTISTRY

Past President of the International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology

• Low Dose 3D digital X-rays • Latex and Fluoride Free Our safety controls keep patients and staff protected from mercury vapor and particles during the removal of amalgam fillings.

www.iaomt.org

728 FIFTH AVENUE WEST • HENDERSONVILLE, NC 28739 For more information call 828.693.8416 • www.matthewyoungdds.net NO LEVEL OF SUPERIOR SERVICE CAN BE IMPLIED FROM THIS AD COMPARED TO OTHER DENTISTS.

mountainx.com

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

31

food

New horizoNs

Local brewers redefine beer ingredients

BY tanYa BiRcH tanyalbirch@gmail.com These days, the slogan “Keep Asheville Weird” applies to beer as well.

Like their counterparts at many of the over 4,000 craft breweries in the United States, local brewers are ranging far beyond the obvious styles in their continuing search for something distinctive and flavorful, and Ashevillearea imbibers are eagerly embracing sweet, sour, spicy, rich and even nutty beers.

All this creativity is a far cry from the limited recipe prescribed by the Reinheitsgebot, the 1516 German purity law stipulating that only water, hops and barley could be used to make beer (yeast hadn’t been discovered yet). And five centuries later, some traditionalists may still be disturbed by all these seemingly strange new additives. shoWCasing natuRe In fact, however, many of these ingredients date to ancient times. Before hops were ever used in brewing, other herbs, fruits and spices had long been employed. In his book Tasting Beer, author Randy Mosher cites such examples as “ancient northern beer,” which used juniper, honey, cranberries and an herb called meadowsweet. todd boera, head brewer at Fonta Flora Brewery in Morganton, experiments with a wide variety of foraged ingredients to “take things back to where brewing once was,” he says.

The Brutus, a tart farmhouse saison, is aged on fresh dandelion flowers.

Burial Beer Co. similarly integrates wildflowers in creations such as Keeper’s Veil, a honey saison that’s now available in 750 milliliter bottles. doug reiser, Burial’s head of brewing operations, says it uses “North Carolina-grown barley and wheat, honey malt, North Carolina wildflower honey, and seven different wildflowers: chamomile, hibiscus, rose, passionflower, heather, elderflower and lavender.” fieRy flaVoRs Those who hanker for a harsher,

32

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

KeePing it inteResting: Burial Beer Co. is among local breweries that constantly experiment with ingredients.

Burial’s Keeper’s Veil honey saison is made with seven types of wildflowers.

Photo by Tanya Birch

spicier beverage should sample the pepper beers. Asheville Brewing Co.’s Fire Escape Pale Ale uses jalapeños roasted in the on-site pizza ovens.

After countless experiments, co-owner and head brewer Pete langheinrich found that 40-50 pounds of both roasted and fresh jalapeños is the ideal amount

mountainx.com

found they got better results doing it the hard way.

BuRsting With CitRus

for a 30-barrel batch, though he cautions, “Jalapeños aren’t a predictable thing.” matthew norman, head brewer at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville, and owner/brewer clark williams agree. In determining which pepper to use, the Frog Level team discovered that the farmer who collects their spent grain to use for animal feed also happened to grow the world’s two hottest pepper varieties: the Carolina Reaper and Moruga Scorpion. Frog Level adds these peppers during secondary fermentation of its Smoke on the Water beer.

Several citrus-flavored brews are also on the local horizon. john garcia, co-owner of Lookout Brewing Co. in Black Mountain, uses organic fruit in his Key Lime Pie Saison, released last month.

Innovation Brewing in Sylva recently made a Soulvation IPA with citrus-flavored hops and 2 pounds of papaya-and-pineapple green tea.

And ben baker, founder and head brewer at Boojum Brewing Co. in Waynesville, says a 15-barrel batch of a spring seasonal, a fruity saison, uses 50-70 pounds of raspberries.

PeRfeCt foR a Cold WinteR’s day

it gets messy

Enjoying a hot chocolate by the fire is a classic way to pass a cold winter’s day, but you can also get that warm, cozy feeling while enjoying an ice-cold beer.

Green Man Brewery uses cocoa nibs from Asheville’s French Broad Chocolates to make La Mas Negra, an imperial black ale that’s now available at the taproom and in 750 milliliter bottles.

To achieve this bold flavor, notes brewer and lead cellarman Kyle mcKenzie, “Panela sugar, peppers and cinnamon are added to the whirlpool addition during the boiling process.” For added flavor and boldness, those ingredients are reintroduced in the brite tank. hollie stephenson, head brewer at Highland Brewing Co., had a Mexican hot chocolate in mind when she retooled the brewery’s Black Mocha Stout, adding 50 pounds of Nicaraguan cocoa nibs from French Broad Chocolates, 15 pounds of hand-cut, dried chipotle peppers, plus vanilla and cinnamon. The new version is the first fruit of Highland’s Kinsman project, which aims to blend selected allnatural ingredients into the recipes for its flagship beers. feel liKe a Kid again Many Americans remember brownbag school lunches that included a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Catawba Brewing Co.’s Peanut Butter Jelly Time, slated for a March 4 release in the Asheville and Morganton tasting rooms, re-creates that flavor using whole roasted, unsalted peanuts. Head brewer Kevin sondey explains that while they’d hoped they could get by with peanut extract, the Catawba crew

This kind of creativity isn’t all fun and games. The worst part of making Burial’s popular Bolo Coconut Brown Ale, notes Reiser, is “cleaning 200 pounds of flaked coconut out of the tank.” tim gormley, Burial’s head brewer, came up with the recipe for this beloved beer and “hates himself for inventing it every day,” Reiser reports. At the end of the brewing process, he continues, the tank resembles a “pond scum village.”

The various kinds of berries and fruits used in many local brews also make for messy preparation and cleanup. Boojum Brewing’s Blueberry Coffee Porter and Asheville Brewing’s Pomegranate Blood Orange IPA, for example, both pose similar challenges.

RisKs and ReWaRds Despite the added hassles, however, for many Asheville brewers, the excitement an original beer flavor can generate makes using nontraditional adjuncts worth the risk.

“They’re so much more desirable, because they will fetch new customers, invigorate existing customers and bring a higher price margin,” says Reiser, who shows no sign of turning his back on these once-forbidden fruits. X

Editor’s note: Tanya Birch is employed part-time as a tour guide at Green Man Brewery, and her husband, Jim, works at Catawba Brewing Co. in operations and sales.

mountainx.com

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

33

FooD

by Tom Kerr

tomkerr@live.com

Greek heroes Asheville’s culinary community pitches in to cater the 2016 Art Affair fundraiser for OpenDoors

neW Venue: This year’s Art Affair fundraiser will offer a sneak preview of Green Man Brewery’s new South Slope facility. “We felt this was an amazing way to kickstart the next chapter of our brewery,” says Green Man co-owner Wendy Thies.

Photo by Chelsea Bollhoefer Dozens of members of Asheville’s culinary community are teaming up this week to help raise funds for vital programs that benefit local underserved youths. The event these local chefs, bartenders and restaurateurs are rallying around is the seventh annual Art Affair fundraising gala for OpenDoors of Asheville.

With the theme “From Athena to Zeus,” the celebration on Saturday, March 5, will also serve as a sort of prelaunch for the spacious and elegant new Green Man Brewery building at 27 Buxton Ave. on Asheville’s South Slope in advance of the space’s St. Patrick’s Day grand opening. “We are actually hosting the event as our very first night ever in our new facility,” says Green Man co-owner wendy thies. “We felt this was an amazing way to kick-start the next chapter of our brewery, and we are thrilled to be a part of it all.

“We believe it is incredibly important to give back to our community and were

34

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

mountainx.com

so honored when asked if we would be willing to play a larger role with OpenDoors and donate our space,” she continues. “What they do for kids is nothing short of spectacular.”

Art Affair event chair dosty Quarrier explains, “OpenDoors serves many Asheville families struggling to break the complex cycle of social, economic and educational hardship. The theme for Art Affair this year offers a modern-day twist on ancient Greek lore — one that celebrates our local heroes and heroines who teach, mentor and advocate on behalf of students to help them reach their full potential.”

In support of OpenDoors’ mission, nearly 30 restaurants, bars, breweries and wine distributors are providing their products, creativity and expertise to help make this year’s event a success. And in keeping with the theme, East Asheville craft cocktail bar and lounge Post 70

Indulgence Bar will donate libations that have their own mythological twist for the event.

“I have a cocktail on the menu at Post 70 called Apollo’s Chariot, which is very fitting for the theme,” says Post 70 bartender courtney nelson of what she plans to serve to Art Affair guests. “It’s a Metaxa brandy-based cocktail. Metaxa is a Greek brandy made from grapes.

Apollo’s Chariot is a light, refreshing variation of a classic cocktail called a sidecar and is very approachable and enjoyable to most all tastes.”

Meanwhile, Limones chef hugo ramirez is contributing his own taste of Greece with mint-lime chicken skewers, feta cheese pearl couscous, green olive-tomato shrimp ceviche and cream tzatziki. amy cavenaugh, who co-owns Limones, became involved with OpenDoors and Art Affair after her own children befriended fellow students who were beneficiaries of OpenDoors programs. “I saw how effective it was in the lives of my kids’ classmates,” Cavenaugh says. “And I came to know some of the kids OpenDoors was helping, so it was personal.”

Chef Peter Pollay of Posana Café plans to add to the event with his restaurant’s popular kale salad.

Although this is the first time he has donated a dish to an Art Affair gala, he and his wife, Martha, were introduced to OpenDoors by a friend and have attended the event in years past. “When they contacted me to ask if we’d participate,” Pollay says, “I said that we’d love to, for sure.’”

Art Affair also features live entertainment plus silent and live auctions, which each year brings together a diversity of talent, both culinary and otherwise. The auctions will showcase the work of more than 75 regional artists, including ceramicists, woodworkers, glass artists, jewelers and painters. The spotlighted artist this year is local painter and muralist jeremy russell, who was also commissioned by Green Man Brewery to create a gigantic trio of murals to decorate the new facility’s interior. Fashion by r. brooke Priddy’s Ship to Shore and Ananda Hair Studio will be featured as well.

The evening will also include the presentation of the OpenDoors 2016 Laureate of the Year Award, which recognizes outstanding service in helping eliminate child poverty. This year’s recipients are Public Defender’s Office attorneys yolanda fair and martin moore. lisa whittenburg, a local single mom raising three children while

struggling with the challenges of multigenerational poverty, has firsthand experience with what OpenDoors does to uplift Asheville families. “I know what I struggled with when I was a child,” she recalls. “Then, my kids were struggling because I was having to work second- and third-shift jobs to provide for them. But now they get nurturing from OpenDoors around the clock.”

Whittenburg adds that the organization’s name aptly represents how it can help create opportunities for local families. ”I have seen the transformation, the confidence, the loss of aggravation and frustration,“ she explains. ”Each one of my children has developed a new curiosity, and their whole conversation has changed. They are on a whole new level of learning. I’m so proud of them and so grateful to OpenDoors."

Art Affair 2016 is at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 5, at the new Green Man Brewery, 27 Buxton Ave. A VIP party begins at 6:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $100.

VIP tickets are $150. For more information, visit opendoorsasheville.org. X

Dinner 7 days per week 5:30 p.m. - until Bar opens at 5:00 p.m.

Brunch - Saturday & Sunday 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

LIVE MUSIC Tue., Thu., Fri. & Sat. Nights Also during Sunday Brunch

Locally inspired cuisine.

Located in the heart of downtown Asheville. marketplace-restaurant.com 20 Wall Street, Asheville 828-252-4162

Responsible Automotive Service & Repair

Food writer Jonathan Ammons lets us in on his favorite dish du jour. drunken noodle (or pad khee mao) at Pon’s thai cuisine: I am a firm believer that the best places to consume spicy Thai food in this country are at roadside stands or gas station restaurants. The pad khee mao at South Asheville’s Pon’s Thai Cuisine is a perfect example. Named, as lore would have it, for drunkards pounding beers to try to beat the heat of the Thai chilies, drunken noodle is an ideal way to burn away the winter blues. And Pon’s take on the dish is as classic and good as it gets. Pon’s, which operates out of the Exxon station at the corner of Sweeten Creek and Mills Gap roads, reopened in late February after a monthlong winter break.

— Jonathan Ammons

Synthetic Oil Change with FREE Seasonal Check-Up

$69.95

• Brake Check • All Fluid Levels Check • Lights Check • Belts & Hoses Check

For faster service, please call ahead for an appointment.

• Radiator & Coolant Check • Tire Safety Check • Plus…Road Test!

*Shop supplies and taxes extra. Most vehicles. Some makes/models require special oil, cost extra. Includes oil filter and 5 qts. Synthetic Oil. Cannot combine any other offer. Limited time only.

Voted one of the BEST OF WNC for 10 years in a row. Thank you!

Get Acquainted Offer

Service $25 OFF Maintenance of $100 or More Any Repair or Service $50 OFF Maintenance of $250 or More Any Repair or

Service $100 OFF Maintenance of $750 or More Any Repair or

*Cannot combine with any other offers. Excludes tires and batteries. One time use only. Limited time only.

Call us!

255.2628

organic-mechanic.com • 568 Haywood Rd • West Asheville mountainx.com

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

35

F ooD

small Bites

by Kat McReynolds | kmcreynolds@mountainx.com

MaMa’s Fast Food closes aFter 25 years

the last suPPeR: Nancy Cunningham, center, also known as Mama, hosts the last meal at her decades-old West Asheville restaurant, Mama’s Fast Food. Local

business owner Steve Mann describes Mama’s as a place where one could find food that was “unpretentious but made with love.” Photo by Steve Mann

License plates, endless Mickey Mouse memorabilia and other eccentric decor lined nearly every surface but the seats at old-school West Asheville diner Mama’s Fast Food. But the many locals who regularly went to Mama’s for the Southern-style home cooking at rock-bottom prices will have to venture elsewhere now. After 25 years, owner nancy cunningham closed the eatery in late February.

“It was one of the few places left where you could get breakfast for $3 and see working-class West Asheville residents,” says steve mann, who owns neighboring business The Double Crown. He also calls Mama’s one of the last haunts for natives. “The food was unpretentious but made with love, and you didn’t have to wait in line.”

A lone sheet of paper posted on the door brought patrons news of the closure. The memo opens with gratitude toward customers before Cunningham cites “unforeseen things happening” as the impetus for shutting down.

She writes that the building housing Mama’s is under contract to sell, but the Buncombe County’s Register of Deeds does not yet reflect a transfer.

Online reviews mirror the diner’s infinitely informal vibe. Asheville musician jeff thompson called the spot wonderfully quirky, concluding: “I will be a regular, I feel sure.”

Meanwhile, reviewer steven

36

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

doherty credited Mama’s with disproving his personally held stereotype that double burgers always have thin patties. “I was sitting face to face with what looked to be two half-pound patties dripping with ketchup and cheese, making an obvious mockery of the modest buns which held them,” he wrote. “I eventually realized it would be easier to just rotate bites between the lower and upper patties. ... The crinkle-cut fries allowed me to hide the fact that I needed a break between bites from the behemoth laying before me, and to that end, I thank them.

It took awhile, but I finally slayed the beast.”

Although Xpress wasn’t able to reach Cunningham for comment, her typewritten message to the community is clear: “I will miss each and every one of you that patronized my restaurant to enjoy the food, Mickeys and fun. We will be family forever.”

Mama’s Fast Food was at 327 Haywood Road. For information on Cunningham’s event catering services, call 423-1128. thiRsty monK’s souR fest In celebration of sour beers and wild ales, multiple Thirsty Monk locations will host the sixth annual Sour Fest over the course of a full workweek. Curated by beer buyer joanna Postlethwaite, the mouth-puckering lineup includes Allagash’s Avancé, The Bruery’s Oude Tart and Gypsy Tart, Avery Brewing Co.’s Twenty-Two and Raspberry Sour, Bell’s Brewery’s L’Appel Du Vide,

mountainx.com

New Belgium Brewing Co.’s La Folie and Transatlantique Kriek, Anderson Valley Brewing Co.’s Horse Tongue Thribble Currant, Moylan’s Brewery’s Lonely Tarts Club, Grimm Artisinal Ales’ Purple Prose, Sam Adams Kosmic Mother Funk Grand Cru, Rodenbach’s Vintage 2013 and many more. Small pours, flights and pints will be individually priced.

Thirsty Monk’s flagship location at 92 Patton Ave. hosts the event Monday-Friday, March 7-11; Biltmore Park and Woodfin Thirsty Monk locations, at 2 Town Square Blvd., Suite 170, and 51 N. Merrimon Ave., Suite 113, respectively, will tap their sour offerings on Thursday, March 10. Visit monkpub.com for more information.

Community suPPoRted agRiCultuRe faiR Whether you’re looking for a yearround kale source or a provider who offers soaps and scrubs with their produce, Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project’s CSA fair showcases the options. During the event, participating farmers — all of whom have CSA pickup locations in Buncombe County — set up booths and share information about their unique offerings through photos, print materials and face-to-face time with potential customers. Shoppers can either sign up for further communication or enroll in any number of flexible CSA options on the spot.

The free annual event is 3-6 p.m.

Thursday, March 10, at Jubilee Community Church, 46 Wall St. Visit asapconnections.org for further information.

RiCeVille VolunteeR fiRe dePaRtment fiRefighteRs Chili CooK-off As if firefighters’ work isn’t challenging enough, the Riceville Volunteer Fire Department dares all of its firefighters to try their hand behind a pot of chili. Awards will be given for the best dishes at the department’s upcoming sixth annual Firefighters Chili Cookoff, which doubles as a community outreach opportunity. Kids and adults are invited to participate in a 50/50 raffle and meet the firefighters, who will speak about safety tips and their work at the station. Aside from chili, the meal includes salad, dessert and a drink. Proceeds benefit the Riceville Volunteer Fire Department.

The cook-off takes place 5-7 p.m.

Friday, March 5, at the Riceville Fire Department, 2251 Riceville Road.

Tickets are $15 per family (two adults and two kids), $6 for adults, $3 for ages 5-12, and free for ages 4 and younger. For more information, contact Sherry Watson at auxiliary@ricevillefire.org or 299-8726. X

Check Out

ONLINE AT mountainx.com/guides

mountainx.com

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

37

a R t s & e n t e R ta i n m e n t

Wide-open SpaceS Asheville’s pop-country artists move into the spotlight the neW southeRn RoCK

BY alli maRsHall amarshall@mountainx.com

Although Bristol, Tenn. is the official, U.S. Congress-sanctioned birthplace of country music, the Asheville area certainly helped in the fomenting of the genre. lesley “esley” riddle, an African-American musician who was born in Burnsville, went on to influence the Carter Family’s sound. And early in his career, jimmie rodgers, aka the “Singing Brakeman” and (perhaps more important) the “Father of Country Music” traveled to Asheville in 1927. Here, he and otis Kuykendall performed on WWNC, the city’s first radio station. A historical marker on Haywood Street commemorates Rodgers’ connection to Asheville.

That was most of 100 years ago, and, while Asheville has never been a country music destination like our rhymingly named neighbor in Tennessee, Western North Carolina’s rich heritage of Appalachian ballads and old-time music blended with bluegrass, folk and Americana to create a distinctive take on the country genre. For years — decades — that’s been most apparent in alt-country sounds, like honky-tonk and outlaw country. More recently, bands like The Honeycutters and Hearts Gone South have reinvigorated a love of classic country’s twang, song craft, earnestness and grit.

But even as more venues offer country nights and embrace two-steps and cakewalks, mainstream country music — the songs played on Top 40 country radio and celebrated at the annual Country Music Awards show — has gotten away from pearl snaps, 10-gallon hats and cowboy boots. And the singles climbing the charts have more in common with 1980s and ’90s rock (electric-guitar solos, shoutouts to metal bands) than with Patsy Cline or George Jones. Is there a place for this latest rock-and-pop iteration of country among local venues and music fans? A number of local artists currently working in that genre say yes.

38

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

sense of PlaCe: “I got my country from where I live,” says Weaverville native Joe Lasher Jr., who releases his new EP, Jack to Jesus, at The Orange Peel on March 18. “Country music in Asheville is becoming a thing now, and that’s awesome.”

Photo by Duncan Chaboudy

mountainx.com

“Country music in Asheville is becoming a thing now, and that’s awesome,” says joe lasher jr. The Weaverville native got his start at 16 and now, at 19, splits his time between WNC and Nashville, where he writes songs. “In Nashville, it’s country and rock in every music venue. Asheville is very unique in its music. It’s made me appreciate all music more, and it shows me I can play country music, but if I want to do something with a little more edge, it’s accepted in Asheville.”

Lasher recently recorded a new EP, Jack to Jesus, at Sound Stage Studios in Nashville. He’ll release it with a local show on Friday, March 18, at The Orange Peel.

Also putting out new music, jody medford — an Enka High School alumnus — holds the launch party for his single, “Moonshine,” on Saturday, March 12, at Highland Brewing Co. The show features Kimo forrest of Southern rock outfit Alabama.

Medford released his single “Southern Born Southern Bred” through Heartland Records last year.

“A lot of my friends who are in other bands played on this song with me,” he says. The track, recorded with the band Cash Creek, includes taylor swift’s guitarist, jody harris, and fiddle player steve stokes, who toured with trace adkins. The same group, along with Forrest, teamed up for “Moonshine.” That song pays tribute to Maggie Valley’s Popcorn sutton and even features the late moonshiner’s still.

Medford got his start singing gospel music before going into theme park work. Even in his high school chorus, he had a low voice for his age — an attribute that’s come to define his style as a country artist. “I don’t think there’s ever been a bass vocal that’s [got] more of a rockin’ edge,” Medford says. But “country is Southern rock now. It’s more like a Lynyrd Skynyrd/Molly Hatchet kind of thing.”

That new direction in Top 40 country music also dovetails with Lasher’s tastes. The musician’s press photos over the past couple of

Tapestries Jewelry Incense years have transitioned from faded denim, wide-brimmed hats and an oversized belt buckle — the calling cards of country artists past — to a sleek leather moto jacket and a Led Zeppelin T-shirt. “Joe is modern, contemporary country, which in my opinion is heavily influenced by ’90s rock,” says Lasher’s father and manager, joe lasher sr. “Today’s country music is much broader and encompasses a wide spectrum of influences.” For proof, you need look no further than the 2013 CMA Awards when Foo Fighters’ drummer dave grohl sat in with the Zac Brown Band — which recorded Grammy-winning album Uncaged at Asheville’s Echo Mountain Studios — or last year’s award show when justin timberlake joined chris stapleton onstage.

(Stapleton, for what it’s worth, did wear a cowboy hat.)

WORLD TREASURES ABOUND

9 Biltmore Ave. Downtown Asheville, NC indocrafts.com FB: Indo Apparel & Gifts Twitter@IndoCrafts

Salsa Classes with 2umbao!!

Want to learn how to Salsa in a fun, relaxed environment?

New 6-week class starts March 9th!

a little helP fRom theiR fRiends When the younger Lasher set out to track Jack to Jesus, he brought in producer jeremy stover, who’s worked with the likes of justin moore and jack ingram (as well as producing Nashville Outlaws’ A Tribute to Mötley Crüe). “He put some strong brainpower into it,” Lasher says of Stover’s impact on the EP. “It helped me be country, because I’m a country guy, but I love ’80s and ’90s rock. I found the best songs and produced them the best way, to where it really expresses who I am.”

He adds, “It’s hard to know what’s next. That’s when having somebody like Jeremy Stover as my producer comes in handy. [He’s] in Nashville all the time, and [he’s] the heartbeat of the music. Behind-the-scenes producers are the ones who make the music sound how it does.”

Hendersonville-based brothers jantzen and dillon wray — together known as country-rock duo Carolina Wray — also worked with a producer to hone their sound. It was ace enders of Living Room Recording in Hammonton, N.J., who encouraged the Wrays to move beyond their Americana comfort zone. “We had a song written, and he loved it [but said], ‘Let’s try something crazy … take the same song and push the sound in a country direction,’” says Jantzen. Through Enders, the Wrays secured a production deal for about a year.

Oil Clothing Instruments

stoRy time: Chad Mackey, who frequently travels to Nashville for collaborative songwriting sessions, says he grew up listening to country artists “who all have had great storytelling songs” — an aspect of the genre that still attracts him.

Photo by Lindsay Jean Photography

Before Carolina Wray, Jantzen and Dillon formed Old North State, an acoustic group in the vein of Mumford & Sons. Following their name change, the brothers released two EPs with a distinctly pop-country sound. But the Wrays’ pendulum continues to swing — this time toward the music of their youth. “A lot of country these days has a lot of influence from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, John Mellencamp and Bruce Springsteen,” says Jantzen.

“That’s stuff we grew up on. For me and Dillon, I can say Tom Petty is probably one of the biggest musical influences on us.”

He adds, “Once we drew that conclusion, we naturally started writing more in that direction.” “Drink,” one of Carolina Wray’s new tracks, delivers a percussive uppercut and a bellow of electric guitars. The lyric, “All I need is to get next to you,” is a raw-throated howl, hot on the heels of a Joan Jett-reminiscent first minute.

What’s country is the hard-working, hard-playing, blue-collar nod in the lyric, “So get me a drink, it’s been a hell of a week.” It’s a sentiment pervasive among artists like chris janson and luke bryan.

Veda Studios

853 Merrimon Ave. Asheville NC, 28801 Beginners 7:30-8 pm & Intermediate 8:30-9:30 pm

828-674-2658 • JenniferWCS@aol.com • facebook.com/2umbao

Jantzen and Dillon’s previous lineup included acoustic guitar, banjo and kick drum. “As songwriters, we wanted to go somewhere bigger that we couldn’t achieve in that instrumentation,” Jantzen says. “I actually play electric guitar all the time now, and Dillon plays drums. We kind of switched instrumentation.”

But it’s not a complete departure.

“We enjoyed doing the full-on popcountry stuff, but we’re taking what we learned with that and trying to inject it with the honesty of the music we did with Old North State,” Jantzen says.

“It’s just now finding a happy medium.” On Thursday, April 7, Carolina Wray will release Barn Party. The new album takes its name from an Old North State side project.

Jantzen adds, “No matter what we do, genre-wise, we always have our own variation of it that just happens naturally.”

tion

di 16 e

20

!

N OO

S G N

I

M CO

loCal insPiRation The same is true for musician chad mackey, who’s done some songwriting with Carolina Wray. But while Mackey continues to hone his style in contemporary country music, the North

mountainx.com

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

39

a &e

mojokitchen.biz

COMING APRIL 20TH

The

Sustainability Issue

CELEBRATING EARTH DAY 2016

Contact us today!

828-251-1333 advertise@mountainx.com

NC Beer Brewed by NC Natives

FLY TYING with JEB

TUESDAYS AT 6:30PM

MORE INFO: jeb@davidsonflyfishing.com

32 Banks Ave. Asheville, NC 28801 catawbabrewing.com 40

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

BedRoCK: “A lot of country these days has a lot of influence from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, John Mellancamp and Bruce Springsteen. That’s stuff we grew up on,” says Jantzen Wray, left, who, with his brother Dillon, forms Carolina Wray.

Photo courtesy of the band

Buncombe High School graduate has also found ways to craft the work of being a musician to suit his lifestyle. “I started out playing solo for a few years, then decided to form a band around my music when I moved to Charlotte for college,” he says. For six years, he performed with his eponymous group until he and his wife had children. “At that point, it got to be hard to fit touring and artist promotion into my family life. I decided just to pursue music as a songwriter only because that’s what I really love to do at the core of it all.”

Mackey grew up listening to artists like Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks and Shania Twain, “who all have had great storytelling songs,” he says. “Today, I’m still attracted to country music for the same storytelling aspect of it. … There are still really well-written songs out there that have ruled country charts in recent years, like ‘I Drive Your Truck’ and ‘The House That Built Me.’ Songs like that speak to people and will always exist in country music, and that’s what makes it so great.”

Mackey says that song ideas come in a number of different ways, from overheard phrases to movie scenes to takeaways from conversations. “I’ve written several songs that have been fully or partially inspired by Asheville,” he says. A favorite, “Small Town Carolina,” is about how Mackey once dreamed of leaving the area, “but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized how

mountainx.com

first performance on the Grand Ole Opry stage was documented in the Country Deep channel feature, “My Opry Debut,” and she’s opened for Willie Nelson, Loretta Lynn and Hank Williams Jr. Qualley was at work on an album and unable speak to Xpress at press time.

But Medford believes that marketing is more important than location, as is hard work and making connections. A radio station tour for “Southern Born Southern Bred” resulted in airplay for the single and gave Medford allies at stations in Oklahoma, Kansas and other farflung locales. Those DJs are now primed to spin his next release, he says. It was groundwork well-laid, as Medford says he’s never been as excited to release a song as he is about his new track, “Moonshine.”

It does seem like the stars — both astronomy- and celebrity-wise — are aligning for Medford. Not only has he attracted the support of high-profile musicians, but is also lining up opening slots on tour with established bands and is working on music for a forthcoming reality

happy I am here. It also references things like street musicians, Lexington Avenue, hippies, etc.”

He continues, “In Western North Carolina, inspiration to write great country songs is all around you. You just have to recognize it.” Case in point, massive country hit “Cruise,” performed by the band Florida Georgia Line, was co-written by Asheville native chase rice. Still, Mackey makes frequent trips to Nashville to pen songs with his friend michael aurand.

Because it’s a long drive, their collaboration also includes Skype sessions; and at least one song, “What Meets The Eye,” was composed over a couple of weeks’ worth of text messages. nashVille oR not Medford is also familiar with regular treks to Tennessee, though for now he plans to stay in WNC. “I’ve been advised by a lot of people that I need to move to Nashville,” he says. “But I’ve watched friends who are megatalented — studio musicians, and one who tours with Jack White — who’ve been breaking their necks and have never got one offer.”

He adds, “I’d rather not make it and not starve to death.”

For artists, relocation makes sense. rainey Qualley, the daughter of actress andie macdowell, was born in Asheville but made the move to Nashville to pursue songwriting. Her

the loWdoWn: Jody Medford, who boasts one of the edgiest bass vocals in contemporary country music, releases his new single, “Moonshine,” at Highland Brewing Co. on March 12. That song pays tribute to Popcorn Sutton and even features the late moonshiner’s still. Photo courtesy of Medford

CURRENTLY HIRING TV show (he’s slated to appear on numerous episodes, too).

Lasher, meanwhile, is also poised for his next move. “We lit the fuse. Now we’re just waiting for it to explode,” he says. After the release of Jack to Jesus, he’ll tour the Southeast and continue with his writing trips to Music City. And while he hasn’t sold a song yet, “I’m open for anything — I just like to be involved.”

But even as Lasher looks forward to paying the bills with his music, he’s not in a hurry to move away from WNC. On one hand, he’s already played with Tim McGraw and Montgomery Gentry. And Weaverville, where he grew up and still lives with his parents, “is pretty country,” he says. “I got my country from where I live. … Everywhere I go, I say I’m from Asheville. I’m proud of this place.” X

ReLeaSe SHOWS

Solo - Local Truck Drivers WE OFFER MORE MILES THAN ANYBODY ELSE • Job security • Dispatch GPS • No hazmat • Quick Pay - Direct Deposit • Home every night Weekly Payroll • 24/7 Dispatch Support, • 2014-2016 Volvo and 365 Days a Year Freightliner Cascadias At Carolina Logistic, we are dedicated to providing affordable, timely, and reliable freight solutions to customers nationwide through employee and driver satisfaction.

Become #1 by receiving TOP PAY IN THE INDUSTRY!!!

GREAT PAY! Solo - Local - East Coast: $.50 CPM MINIMUM REQUIREMENT: 21 years or older with a Class A CDL Solo - Local: 1 year of recent OTR experience

CALL NOW – (800) 343-3105 WWW.CAROLINALOGISTICS.NET

Thank you for voting us #1!

who Jody Medford & The Boys with Kimo Forrest and Cash Creek

who Joe Lasher Jr. with Outshyne and Devils in Dust

where Highland Brewing Co. 12 Old Charlotte Highway highlandbrewing.com

where The Orange Peel 101 Biltmore Ave. theorangepeel.net

when Saturday, March 12, 9 p.m. $8

when Friday, March 18, 7:30 p.m. $10 advance/$12 day of show

frugalframer Downtown 95 Cherry Street North 828.258.2435 Arden 2145 Hendersonville Rd. 828.687.8533

NEED A COMFORTABLE, CHEMICAL-FREE MATTRESS?

Nest Organics has it!

With some help from our friends.

100% natural latex organic wool & organic cotton

MARCH SPECIAL!

frugalframer.com

0%

Financing

Up to $700 in free organic bedding

for the sleep you’ve been dreaming of…

• 100% Pure cosmetics • Organic Bedding • Local Artists • Locally Made Baby & Children’s products • Kombucha & fermenting crocks • Healthy Home products 51 North Lexington Ave

Asheville, NC

828.258.1901

www.nestorganics.com

Mon-Sat 11-6 Sunday noon-4

Kitchen Ugly? Don’t replace... REFACE! 1 New look for about /3 the cost of new cabinets Paul Caron • The Furniture Magician • 828.669.4625 mountainx.com

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

41

a& e

by Edwin Arnaudin

edwinarnaudin@gmail.com

stiCK to the sCRiPt: Different Strokes’ all-female production of David Mamet’s Glengarry Glen Ross is an about-face from the play’s usual casting, but other than changing the characters’ first names, no alterations were made to the text beyond gender pronouns and references. Photo by Sean David Robinson

FliP this Play Different Strokes stages all-female production of Glengarry Glen ross In the 1992 film adaptation of David Mamet’s Glengarry Glen Ross, Alec Baldwin’s Blake — a character created specially for the screen — lights a fire under a room of real estate salesmen with a speech centered on the acronym ABC, short for Always Be Closing.

Dedicated to sparking the local theatrical community through innovative casting and gender switching, Asheville performing arts collective Different Strokes also subscribes to an ABC mantra: Always Be Challenging.

“For us, theater exists for one reason only: to effect change in a provocative and entertaining way,” says steph hickling beckman, Different Strokes’ managing artistic director. “We believe audiences look to the arts to see beyond themselves and their own boundaries. We believe the arts — theater in particular — can be a valuable educational medium capable of bridging cultural gaps.” Different Strokes’ commitment to these principles continues

42

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

with an all-female production of Mamet’s most popular play March 3-19 at The BeBe Theatre.

In its original form, Glengarry Glen Ross doesn’t meet the collective’s selection criteria. A chosen show must be an “awareness” play, creating conversation around topics such as race, sexuality or bullying that affect the local community yet are rarely discussed. The work also has to reflect some level of diversity, whether on the stage or the page. The play — written with an all-male cast of small-time, desperate sales agents prepared to engage in unethical and illegal acts to sell undesirable real estate to unwitting prospective buyers during the final two days of an officewide sales contest — fails on both accounts.

Hickling Beckman had seen both the original script performed onstage and the James Foley film, but the text’s misogyny and overall lack of personal relatability kept her at a distance.

“Although the acting and writing were

mountainx.com

stellar, it lacked something for me that I couldn’t quite put my finger on. I wanted to know more about each character and their personal lives, not just who they were in this business world,” she says.

It wasn’t until sean david robinson, who will direct the local production, presented the idea, “that I thought what was missing would be far easier to accomplish through a female cast.”

First, Different Strokes needed Mamet’s permission. The playwright has shut down other productions that attempted gender swaps in both Glengarry Glen Ross and Oleana — a fate Different Strokes did not want to suffer. Getting the rights involved Hickling Beckman writing a letter to Mamet’s publisher, describing Different Strokes as “a very small, nonequity theater company, solely specializing in the promotion of diversity and tolerance.” She also noted that the collective is one of a kind in the region, that its productions are “consistently provocative, entertaining and well-done,” and that those involved pride themselves on highlighting the dialogue and the actors.

“It was important to tell him that while Glengarry Glen Ross presents as perfect entertainment in and of itself, in support of our mission we would very much like to tackle the script with an all-female cast. The point of the gender change would be to address the issue of gender inequality and sexism in the workplace,

which, as we know, is still a hot button,” Hickling Beckman says. “An all-female cast seems even more attractive as we enter election season and the possibility that we might create another historical first by electing the first female president of the United States.”

Within 48 hours, Mamet gave his approval. Following a series of thorough auditions, Different Strokes continued its history of casting actors of a different race than what has been traditionally expected. The collective has consistently made it a priority to attract more actors of color, and its members feel that they have been the catalyst for many other theater companies doing the same. In regard to the script, other than changing the characters’ first names, which are rarely mentioned, no alterations were made beyond gender pronouns and references.

“What the audience perceives as a major change to, or adaptation of, the script is really only a change in perspective,” Hickling Beckman says. “A play becomes provocative when additional elements create unexpected reactions or challenge existing expectations.”

As a matter of policy, all Different Strokes directors must have proven directorial experience. Those who don’t must assist or co-direct with Hickling Beckman before flying solo, but since she’s previously worked with Robinson — who’s making his directorial debut — and trusts his instincts, her co-director status is essentially supervisory. “I’ll give a note here and there, but ultimately Sean is driving this ship, and it seems that neither I nor the actors have any qualms about letting him,” Hickling Beckman says.

The local nonprofit Girls on the Run will receive a portion of proceeds from ticket sales. Friday and Saturday performances include post-show discussions with the directors, cast and an invited panel. X

what Glengarry Glen Ross where The BeBe Theatre 20 Commerce St. when Thursdays to Saturdays March 3-19, at 7:30 p.m. $18 in advance/$21 at the door. avl.mx/298

mountainx.com

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

43

a& e

by Steph Guinan

stephguinan@gmail.com

PUrPoseFUl Mystery Kreh Mellick opens a solo exhibition at Blue Spiral 1 Kreh mellick worked mostly in red and black for a long time — the two colors became a way for her to establish a drawing’s setting. Red indicates otherworldliness, while black is more grounded, portraying something of this world. “I’ve spent so much time in that red pattern and just kind of following that, repeating it and seeing where it led,” Mellick says. Her elaborate patterning and illustrations appear on the cover of Burn Your Fire for No Witness, the most recent album by local musician angel olsen. “I still kind of think of both of those colors in that way now,” the artist says, “just because I’ve worked with them so much.”

Blue Spiral 1 will be host a solo exhibition of Mellick’s work in the Small Format Gallery, which will open Thursday, March 3, alongside several other new displays.

Mellick will show new pieces that integrate paper cutting as a more significant component to her drawings. Additionally, she will set the atmosphere of the space by painting a mural on the gallery wall, using a similar style to the outdoor mural on the studio of 7 Ton Design and Letterpress Co. in West Asheville.

Mellick’s new body of work still includes drawing but also represents an increased exploration of paper cutting. That work began with a specific visual reference — a piece called “The Animal Kingdom” by an unknown artist, pictured in The Flowering of American Folk Art (1776-1876). “I was just going back to it and back to it,” Mellick says. Deciding to copy it as a way to explore her own interest, she thought, “I’ll start here and see what happens with it, because it’s something that I really like,” and, like much of her works, is inspired by folk art.

44

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

Mellick’s first project, “Animal Stack,” involved cutting out silhouettes of animals to replicate what she saw in “The Animal Kingdom.” The process — using pencil marks and guidelines to preserve the symmetry — was much less improvisational than anything she had done in a while.

Despite making a copy, “it still looks like my animals and my people,” she says. “To see it up close, the faces on each side are different, or some of the patterning is a little bit different. So that’s where my hand comes back in.”

The paper-cutting process that she began exploring with this piece has already evolved to include a series of landscape strips with a shaped exterior edge and a sequence of windowpane-style stacked drawing overlays. But this is not the first time that Mellick used an external reference as a starting point. The patterned line work of her drawings was inspired by the sketchbook of her greatgrandmother, who worked in a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch style.

Mellick came to Western North Carolina nearly a decade ago to attend the Core Fellowship Program at Penland School of Crafts. After several years of various artist residencies, travel and living in Asheville, she has returned to the Penland community. Later this year, Mellick will have another solo exhibition, this time at Penland Gallery’s newly renovated space.

Creating an internal improvisational narrative as she makes her drawings, Mellick builds scenes that are endearing, even during moments of vulnerable awkwardness. There’s a risk that the work could become saccharine or cartoonlike, but the artist doesn’t want to hand the viewer something

mountainx.com

PaPeR tRail: Local artist Kreh Mellick uses — among other techniques — gouache to create drawings on paper. “It was about … being able to work fast and get an idea down,” she says. “If I plan too much, it doesn’t have that same mark.” Pictured, detail from “Animal Stack,” gouache on cut paper, 18 X 22 inches, 2015.

Image courtesy of Mellick

that’s too easy or too pretty. “You want it to be a little messed up, so you can take care of it,” she says.

Mellick adds, “Before it gets to that line of too cute or too easy, I make people limbless or I make something scary happen.”

The intended narrative within the drawing remains ambiguous to the viewer, and that’s the way Mellick wants it. “I’ve given you a small set of things to look at, and then you get to create that story yourself. That’s what I love about books without words, that interaction between the artist and the author,” she says of that purposeful mystery. “It’s like breadcrumbs.” X

what Kreh Mellick solo exhibition where Blue Spiral 1’s Small Format Gallery bluespiral1.com when Opening reception Thursday, March 3, 5-8 p.m.

The exhibition remains on view through Saturday, April 30

a& e

by Doug Gibson

doug@douggibsonwriter.com

GRade-ScHooL GUMSHoe

became her first work of fiction accepted for publication. After a full career in law, Surrisi found that she had completed her middle-grade mystery at precisely the right moment.

“A lot of it is timing and having your manuscript in front of someone when it’s the kind of thing they’re looking for,” she says.

“There’s not always a way to plan for that.” X

C.M. Surrisi celebrates the release of her middle-grade novel the Maypop kidnapping After 28 years as a lawyer, c.m. surrisi says she “started to reach the point where I felt I was ready to be done with law and really, seriously write.” The result of this decision was The Maypop Kidnapping, first in a series of middle-grade mysteries. Surrisi will celebrate the book’s release on Sunday, March 6, at Malaprop’s.

But having been a lawyer all that time left the author with a few handicaps. “I had no adjectives, basically,” she says. “It’s sort of a crime to embellish the facts in a brief.”

Practicing labor and employment law gave did give her some material to work with, however. “You see a lot of family trauma,” she says.

“Because the workplace is so much of people’s lives, I’d see the person who made a mistake, or the stress of a negotiation, and I always would imagine the effect that was having on the family.” The travel required of the job gave Surrisi room to write, and writing served as a release from the pressures of her work.

All along, Surrisi wrote middlegrade fiction, just as she had since she was young. “From the time I could write, I wanted to write,” she says. “I wrote volumes. I wrote a series of horrible stories about two girls who became sisters who solved mysteries — missing erasers and so on.”

Asked why she focuses on this age — Quinnie Boyd, the protagonist of The Maypop Kidnapping, is 13 — Surrisi says that time of life fascinates her. “You’re just starting the process of going from being tightly bound to a family unit to emerging as an individual,” she says. “It’s a valuable territory to read about, so you can see how other girls are doing it successfully.”

Middle-grade fiction also connects Surrisi with her own childhood. That age, she says, is when she fell in love with reading. In fact, since turning to

who C.M. Surrisi presents The Maypop Kidnapping where Malaprop’s Bookstore & Cafe 55 Haywood St. malaprops.com when Sunday, March 6, 11 a.m.

Free

Xpress readers are WoRKing on a mysteRy: Clever 13-year-old sleuth Quinnie Boyd is convinced that her tutor has been kidnapped when she doesn’t show up on the first day of school. The Maypop Kidnapping is middle-grade novel by local author C.M. Surrisi.

Photo courtesy of the author writing as a profession, she has begun collecting many of the books she loved as a kid, including her favorite Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew mysteries, and a set of the soda shop-era stories of Rosamond DuJardin.

As she settled in to write The Maypop Kidnapping, which tells how Quinnie investigates the disappearance of a beloved teacher, Surrisi reached back to her childhood in another way. “I knew that when I wrote a book with some seriousness, I would set it in Maine,” she says. That’s because, in addition to being an evocative setting (“Maine is a welcoming place for mysteries”), it was the place where Surrisi’s family summered when she

active

was growing up. Surrisi credits one year in particular — when her family stayed past the end of summer, and she saw the true life of a coastal town — with inspiring the setting and a few of The Maypop Kidnapping’s memorable characters.

As it happened, the book had a rapid path to publication. Toward the end of Surrisi’s MFA program at the Vermont College of Fine Arts, Carolrhoda books issued an open call for middle-grade mysteries with quirky characters and unusual settings. “I got several emails saying, ‘This person’s describing your book,’” the author says.

Within a few weeks of contacting Carolrhoda, Surrisi’s manuscript

mountainx.com

they make great employees

Mountain Xpress classifieds work.

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

45

a& e

smaRt Bets

by Kat McReynolds | Send your arts news to ae@mountainx.com

Marisol Don’t Count Your Chickens Until They Cry Wolf Heading into its fourth season of family-friendly theatrics, Asheville Creative Arts presents a musical retelling of Aesop’s fables. Don’t Count Your Chickens Until They Cry Wolf pairs time-honored wisdom with modern wit, clever lyrics, puppetry and audience participation, according to an event release. “This production retells all the classics with an injection of humor,” says ACA co-founder and producing director Abby Felder. Set under a circus tent with live music, the show highlights the creative energies of bandmates and resident artists Brenda Lee Gambill and Gina Jones Stewart, with the latter serving as director. Performances are at The Magnetic Theatre on Friday, March 4, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 5, at 1 and 4 p.m.; and Sunday, March 6, at 1 p.m. $23 adults/$12 children and groups. Discounted matinee performances for schools, including preshow study guide, run March 2-4. ashevillecreativearts.org. Cast photo courtesy of ACA

Warren Wilson Theatre’s Not Suitable for Children season continues with Marisol, which weaves dark humor and surreal elements into an end-of-the-universe scenario. Leading the action is Marisol Perez, who enjoys a comfortable existence in the Big Apple. “But after an attack by a golf club-wielding madman is thwarted by mysterious forces, Marisol receives a visit from an unlikely character: her guardian angel,” reads an event release.

“Unfortunately, she’s bearing some bad news: God has gone senile, the angels are going to war to save humanity from its creator, and Marisol will be left to fend for herself.”

See how the leading lady and her friends fare at WWC’s Kittredge Theatre Thursday to Saturday, March 3-5, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, March 6, at 2:30 p.m. $10. Not recommended for patrons under 17. warren-wilson.edu/academics/theatre. Photo by Rodney Smith of Tempus Fugit Design

Minorcan

The Hip Abduction

It’s not just the fact that Minorcan’s latest album, Dead Man, was released on cassette that gives the band instant punk credibility. The musicians throw down plenty of precoffee vocals and the occasional messy scream to accompany Ryan Anderson’s scuffed-up guitar tones. With his brother Justin on drums and longtime family friend Joey Terry on bass, Ryan also writes for the trio. The 12 new songs, he says, “are about grieving, but we’re having fun with the pain.” Lyrics also convey a fierce loyalty to Asheville, which the frontman poetically refers to as “the city where we have chosen to stay, where we will create art, raise our kids and fall in [and] out of love.” Minorcan and Downtown Boys open for Sheer Mag at The Mothlight on Monday, March 7, at 9 p.m. $10. themothlight.com. Image by Ben Whiles

Asheville gets an early listen of The Hip Abduction’s new album, Gold Under the Glow, which drops two days after the Florida group’s local show. Dub-reggae bass lines and Afro-beat rhythms are hallmarks for the feel-good collective, which recently added indie-rock to the blend. The artists told Jambase that the single “Stand Up for Love” was written “with our usual method of combining a hodgepodge of disparate styles. ... The overall theme and message [is] the simple and undeniable truth that we could make the world a lot better by merely changing our individual attitudes and being a little more selfless.” The band bring its tropical and exuberant live show to The Grey Eagle on Wednesday, March 9, at 9 p.m. $12/$15. thegreyeagle. com. Photo courtesy of The Hip Abduction

46

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

mountainx.com

mountainx.com

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

47

by Abigail Griffin

a& e ca l e nDaR

Send your event listings to calendar@mountainx.com

• Through (3/10), 7-9pm - Open registration for 8-week improvisational comedy class with Richard Eugene and Sheila Thibodeaux.

Registration: facebook.com/ AshevilleImprovClass/. $10 per class.

PuBliC eVents at WCu 227-7397, wcu.edu • SA (3/5), 7:30pm “Parents Night Out,” comedy by Jim Colliton and Karen Morgan. $21/$7 for students. Held at the Bardo Center.

musiC asheVille ChamBeR musiC seRies 259-3626, ashevillechambermusic.org • FR (3/4), 8pm - The American String Quartet plays Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. $38. Held at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place asheVille musiC sChool 252-6244, ashevillemusicschool. org, ryan@ashevillemusicschool.org • 1st SUNDAYS through (3/5), 4pm - “Sounds That Shaped Us - Spinterviews” master class by Robin Tolleson. $5 adults/$2 students. Held at Asheville Music School Performance Loft, 126 College St.

aRt maKe youR oWn uKRainian easteR egg (pd.) Learn to make beautiful Ukrainian Easter eggs: Pysanky workshops in the River Arts District or your location. AshevilleStudioA. com • (828) 423-6459 • AvlStudioA@gmail.com for signup + more info. siP and doodle (pd.) “everyone leaves with a painting” Sip your favorite drink and have fun painting.

Ask about - Private Parties (Birthday, Anniversary, etc.) $25.00 with this AD. (828) 712-1288 asheVille aRea aRts CounCil 1 Page Ave., 258-0710, ashevillearts.com • TU (3/8), 10am - Artist Business Brainstorm Session: “Ask Me

48

Anything,” with Kitty Love.

Registration required. Free. fiRestoRm Cafe and BooKs 610 Haywood Road, 2558115 • 1st FRIDAYS, 6:30pm - “The Tipout Artist Showcase,” open mic with local music, poetry and other arts. Free to attend.

Penland sChool of CRafts 67 Doras Trail, Bakersville, 765-2359, penland.org • SA (3/5), 1-5pm Community open house.

Free to attend. tRansylVania Community aRts CounCil 349 S. Caldwell St., Brevard, 884-2787, tcarts.org • WE (3/9), 10am - “Drawing & Composition: The Figure in Environment Workshop,”

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

mountainx.com

led by Deborah Johnson Kidwell. Registration required. $40. tRyon fine aRts CenteR 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon, 859-8322, tryonarts.org • 2nd & 4th TUESDAYS through (5/24), 10:30am The Great Courses, dvd discussion and presentations.

Registration: 859-8322.

Free.

auditions & Call to aRtists BlaCK mountain CenteR foR the aRts 225 W. State St., Black Mountain, 669-0930, blackmountainarts.org • TU (3/8), 6pm - Open auditions for mature women for The Front Porch Theatre’s

May production of The Dixie Swim Club. Contact for full guidelines.

RiVeRlinK 252-8474, riverlink.org • Through (3/25) Submissions accepted for the “Voices of the River: Music, Art and Poetry Contest.” See website for full guidelines. the CenteR foR CRaft, CReatiVity & design 67 Broadway, 785-1357, craftcreativitydesign.org • Through MO (3/28) - Open call for emerging curators to take part in the Curatorial Fellowship. See website for full guidelines. Free.

Comedy asheVille PuPPetRy CluB 367-4910

diana WoRtham theatRe 2 S. Pack Square, 257-4530, dwtheatre.com • TH (3/10), 8pm - Altan, Irish music. $32/$27 students/$20 children. hendeRsonVille Community theatRe 229 S. Washington St., Hendersonville, 692-1082, hendersonvillelittletheater.org • SA (3/5), 2pm - Hendo Music Express Series: “An Evening of MoTown.” $23/$19 students/$13 youth. musiC at BReVaRd College 884-8211, brevard.edu/ fineartsevents • MO (3/7), 12:30pm - “First Mondays” with Brevard Music Center: Featuring Ina Zdorovetchi on harp. Held in the Concert Hall at the Porter Center. musiC at unCa 251-6432, unca.edu

• TH (3/3), 12:30pm - The Asheville Singers in concert.

Free. Held in the Lipinsky Hall lobby.

• SU (3/6), 3pm - First Sundays with Brevard Music Center: Featuring harpist Ina Zdorovetchi, flutist Dilshad Posnock and pianist Craig Nies. Free. Held in the Reuter Center. musiC at WCu 227-2479, wcu.edu • TH (3/3), 7:30pm WCU student musicians join members of the Asheville Symphony Orchestra for a performance of orchestral masterworks. $12/$5 students and children. Held in the Bardo Center.

• TH (3/3), 7pm - First Thursday Old-Time and Bluegrass Series: Freight Hoppers. Followed by 8pm open jam session.

Free. Held in the Robinson Building. olli at unCa 251-6140, olliasheville.com • FR (3/4), 3pm - Opera Talk: “Partnering with Education and More,” a talk

by Asheville Lyric Opera General Director David Craig Starkey. Free. Held in the Reuter Center.

Pan haRmonia 254-7123, pan-harmonia.org • TU (3/8), 7:30pm - Free.

“Counterparts: Bassoon and Sax,” with bassoonist Rosalind Buda, saxophonist Alan Theisen, and pianist Ivan Seng. Free. Held at Broyhill Chapel at Mars Hill University. tRansylVania Community aRts CounCil 349 S. Caldwell St., Brevard, 884-2787, tcarts.org • THURSDAYS (3/3) through (3/24), 2-3pm - Irish song workshop offered by Aoife Clancy. Not held on Thursday, Mar. 17.

Registration required. $20.

WeaVeRVille musiC study CluB PRogRam 645-5798 • FR (3/4), 7pm - Program featuring guitars and vocals with Jim McCoy, Kirk McKay and Stan Dotson. Admission by donation. Held at First Baptist Church of Weaverville, 63 N. Main St., Weaverville

theateR

Mountain Xpress anam CaRa theatRe 545-3861, anamcaratheatre.com • FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS (3/4) through (3/12), 8pm - The Government Inspector. $18/$15 advance. Held at Toy Boat Community Art Space, 101 Fairview Road Suite B asheVille Community theatRe 35 E. Walnut St., 254-1320, ashevilletheatre.org • FRIDAYS through SUNDAYS (2/12) through (3/6) - Seussical. Fri. & Sat.: 7:30pm. Sun.: 2:30pm. $15-$25. attiC salt theatRe ComPany 505-2926 • WEDNESDAYS through SUNDAYS (3/9) through (3/20) - All in the Timing,

by David Ives. Wed. - Sat.: 7:30pm.

Sun.: 2pm. $14-$28. Held at NC Stage Company, 15 Stage Lane BReVaRd little theatRe 55 E. Jordan St., Brevard, 884-2587, brevardlittletheatre.com • FRIDAYS through SUNDAYS until (3/6) - Kitchen Witches. Fri. & Sat.: 7:30pm.

Sun.: 3pm. $16/$11 students. diana WoRtham theatRe 2 S. Pack Square, 257-4530, dwtheatre. com • SA (3/5), 8pm - The Cashore Marionettes present Life in Motion. $28/$23 student. diffeRent stRoKes PeRfoRming aRts ColleCtiVe 275-2093, differentstrokespac.org • THURSDAY through SATURDAY (3/3) until (3/19), 7:30pm - Glengarry Glen Ross. $18. Held at BeBe Theatre, 20 Commerce St. immediate theatRe PRoJeCt 239-0263 ext. 140, new.immediatetheatre.org • WE (3/2), 7:30pm - My Name is Rachel Corrie, presented in cooperation with Just Peace for Israel/Palestine. $18/$12 students. Held at North Carolina Stage Company, 15 Stage Lane the magnetiC theatRe 375 Depot St., 279-4155 • FRIDAY through SUNDAY (3/4) until (3/6) - Asheville Creative Arts presents, Don’t Count Your Chickens Until They Cry Wolf. Fri.: 7pm. Sat. & Sun.: 1pm. Sun.: 4pm. $23/$12 children. theateR at WaRRen Wilson College inside.warren-wilson.edu/blogs/theatre Theatre at Warren Wilson College • THURSDAY through SUNDAY (3/3) until (3/6) - Warren Wilson Theatre presents Marisol. Thu.-Sat.: 7:30pm. Sun.: 2:30pm. $10/Free for students. Held in Kittredge Theatre.

G al l e RY D i R e ctoRY aRt at asu 262-3017, tcva.org • Through SA (8/6) - Julia Barello’s large scale metalwork installation, Strange Gardens. Held in the Turchin Center Mayer Gallery.

• FR (3/4) through SA (6/4) - The Waterworks, sculptures by Jennifer Hecker. Opening reception: Friday, Mar. 4, 6-10pm. Lecture: Wednesday, Mar. 2, 7pm. Held in the Turchin Center. aRt at BReVaRd College 884-8188, brevard.edu/art • Through (3/24) - Juried student art exhibition. Held in the Spiers Arts Gallery. aRt at maRs hill mhu.edu • Through FR (3/4), 6-8pm - Julie Miles/ Molly Sawyer Exhibition of the paintings of Julie Miles and the sculptures of Molly Sawyer. Held in the Wiezenblatt Gallery.

• Through SA (5/31) - Margaret Morley photography exhibition. Held in the Rural Heritage Museum. aRt at unCa art.unca.edu • Through (3/4) - Private Domain, solo exhibition of recent work by Virginia Derryberry.Held in the Tucker Cooke Gallery.

• Through FR (3/4) – Exhibition by graphic artist Larkin Ford. Held in the Owen Hall Second Floor Gallery.

• Through TH (3/31) - Women’s History Month Art Exhibition: Paintings by Sahar Fakhoury. Held in Highsmith Union Intercultural Center.

• Through FR (3/25) - The Tragedy of War: Japanese American Internment, exhibition on display from Kennesaw State University’s Museum of History and Holocaust Education. Opening reception: Tuesday, Mar, 1, 5:30pm. Held in the Karpen Hall lobby. aRt at WCu 227-3591, fineartmuseum.wcu.edu Held in the Bardo Fine Arts Center unless otherwise noted.

• Through FR (5/6) - Color + Theory : Past + Present, works by Josef Albers, Kenneth Noland, and Odili Donald Odita.

Reception: Thursday, April 7, 5pm. aRts CounCil of hendeRson County 693-8504, acofhc.org • Through FR (3/4) - Art Teachers Create, exhibition of artwork of Henderson County’s art teachers. Held at Art House Gallery & Studio, 5 Highland Park Road, East Flat Rock asheVille aRea aRts CounCil 1 Page Ave., 258-0710, ashevillearts.com • Through SA (4/2) - Thoughts of Home: Cultural Identity and the Evolution of an Artist Exhibition, exhibition of works of Vadim Bora and artists from the Caucasus Mountains of Russia.

Through SA (4/2) - Meridional

Topography: A Painting Exhibition by Perry Houlditch. asheVille aRt museum 2 N. Pack Square, 253-3227, ashevilleart. org • Through SU (3/6) - WNC Regional Scholastic Art exhibition.

• Through late June - Appalachian Innovators: Women Makers of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, 1930– 2000. asheVille BooKWoRKs 428 1/2 Haywood Road, 255-8444, ashevillebookworks.com • SA (3/5) through FR (4/15) - The Elegant Statement, exhibition of 27 book artists and letterpress printers from across the US.

2016 edition Standalone Guide

COMING

SOON!

asheVille galleRy of aRt 82 Patton Ave., 251-5796, ashevillegallery-of-art.com • Through TH (3/31) - New Horizons, painting exhibition by Anne Bonnyman, Cathyann Burgess and Johnnie Stanfield.

• Through TH (3/31) - New Horizons, exhibition of the paintings of Anne Bonnyman, Cathyann Burgess, and Johnnie Stanfield. Opening reception: Friday, Mar. 4, 5-6pm.

JuBilee Community ChuRCh 46 Wall St., 252-5335, jubileecommunity. org • FR (3/4) through SU (3/20) - In Plain Sight, a photo journal of homelessness in Asheville benefitting the Haywood street congregation.

Pisgah BReWing ComPany 150 East Side Drive, Black Mountain, 669-0190, pisgahbrewing.com • Through TH (4/28) - Exhibition of the concert and festival photography of David Schimcock. A portion of proceeds from sales benefit leaF. Push sKate shoP & galleRy 25 Patton Ave., 225-5509, pushtoyproject.com • Through TU (3/29) - First Thoughts, multi medium group exhibition to benefit the Foundation in the River arts District. satellite galleRy 55 Broadway St., 305-2225, thesatellitegallery.com • FR (3/4) through TH (3/31) - Jeremy Phillips painting exhibition. Opening reception: Friday, Mar. 4, 7-10pm. tRaCKside studios & galleRy 375 Depot St., 545-2904, facebook.com/ TracksideStudios375 • Through SA (3/19) - 70s Vibe, group painting exhibition.

Contact the galleries for admission hours and fees.

mountainx.com

advertise now!

828-251-1333 maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

49

CluBland Game Night, 9pm Drag Show, 12:30am

Wednesday, maRCh 2

odditoRium Ian Ridenhour (rock), 9pm

5 Walnut Wine BaR Dave Dribbon (Americana, rock), 5pm Les Amis (African folk), 8pm

off the Wagon Dueling pianos, 9pm

550 taVeRn & gRille karaoke, 6pm

oliVe oR tWist Dance lesson w/ Ian & Karen, 8pm DJ Mike (eclectic mix, requests), 8:30pm

altamont theatRe Poetry open mic, 8pm asheVille musiC hall Geeks Who Drink Trivia, 7pm

one stoP deli & BaR Streaming Thursdays (live concert showings), 6pm Marbin (jazz, rock, fusion), 10pm

Ben’s tune-uP Honky Tonk Wednesdays, 7pm

one WoRld BReWing Sarah Tucker (singer-songwriter), 8pm

BlaCK mountain ale house Play to Win game night, 7:30pm

oRange Peel Badfish w/ The LOZ Band (Sublime tribute), 9pm

Blue mountain PiZZa & BReW PuB Open mic, 7pm

osKaR Blues BReWeRy HR Gertner (alt-folk rock), 6pm

douBle CRoWn Honky-Tonk, Cajun, and Western w/ DJ Brody Hunt, 10pm

Pisgah BReWing ComPany The Screaming J’s (woogie-boogie, swing), 6pm

foggy mountain BReWPuB Dead Horses (folk), 9pm

PuRPle onion Cafe Fayssoux McLean & Brandon Turner (folk, singersongwriter), 7:30pm

funKatoRium John Hartford Jam (folk, bluegrass), 6:30pm

Room ix Throwback Thursdays (all vinyl set), 9pm

good stuff Karaoke!, 6pm gRey eagle musiC hall & taVeRn Jam In The Van w/ The Broadcast, Woody Wood, Valley Queen and Love & Zealous (soul, rock ’n’ roll), 8pm gRind Cafe Trivia night, 7pm highland BReWing ComPany Woody Wood Wednesdays (rock, soul), 5:30pm isis RestauRant and musiC hall An evening w/ Von Strantz & Kristen Ford (folk, rock, singer-songwriter), 7pm

Root BaR no. 1 Jukebox Poetry (acoustic), 7pm

sly gRog lounge Sound Station open mic (musicians of all backgrounds & skills), 7:30pm Cards Against Humanity Game Night, 10pm

sPRing CReeK taVeRn Open Mic, 6pm

tallgaRy’s at fouR College Open mic & jam, 7pm Wu-Wednesdays (’90s hip-hop experience), 9pm

JaCK of the Wood PuB Old-time session, 5pm laZy diamond Killer Karaoke w/ KJ Tim O, 10pm lex 18 The Downton Abbey Vintage Banquet (ticketed event), 6pm

the BloCK off BiltmoRe Derek Graziano (instrumental), 8pm the Joint next dooR Bluegrass jam, 8pm

loBsteR tRaP Ben Hovey (dub-jazz, trumpet), 6:30pm

the national Simon’s (funk, groove), 9pm

mountain moJo Coffeehouse Open mic, 6:30pm

the Phoenix Jazz night, 8pm

noBle KaVa Open mic w/ Caleb Beissert, 9pm

the soCial lounge Phantom Pantone (DJ), 10pm

o.henRy’s/the undeRgRound “Take the Cake” Karaoke, 10pm

the southeRn Disclaimer Comedy open mic, 9pm

odditoRium Human Errors (garage), 9pm

timo’s house “Spectrum AVL” w/ DamGood & rotating DJs, 9pm

off the Wagon Piano show, 9pm

toWn PumP Open mic w/ Billy Presnell, 10pm

oliVe oR tWist Intermediate swing dance lessons w/ Bobby Wood, 7pm Beginning swing dance lesson w/ Bobby Wood, 7:30pm 3 Cool Cats (vintage rock), 8pm

tRailhead RestauRant and BaR Acoustic jam w/ Kevin Scanlon & Andrew Brophy (bluegrass, old-time, Americana), 6pm

one WoRld BReWing The Franklin Rattlers (fiddle banjo duo), 8pm

Room ix Fuego: Latin night, 9pm sCully’s Sons of Ralph (bluegrass), 6pm

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

tRessa’s doWntoWn JaZZ and Blues Blues & soul jam w/ Al Coffee & Da Grind, 8:30pm

thuRsday, maRCh 3

oRange Peel CeeLo Green w/ Escort (R&B, hip hop, funk), 8pm

50

King of the hill: Comedian Sean Donnelly’s been a busy man. From guest appearances on Comedy Central’s Inside Amy Schumer and Broad City to a reoccurring role on TruTV’s World’s Dumbest series and headlining comedy clubs around the Big Apple, the New York native’s ascended to “the top of the heap” of NYC comics, says the Village Voice. Following the release of his new album, “Manual Labor Face,” Donnelly stops through at The Millroom in Asheville on Friday, March 4 for a 7 p.m. show.

AMC Jazz Jam, 9pm BlaCK mountain ale house Bluegrass Jam w/ The Big Deal Band & Blue Plate Special, 8pm

sCandals nightCluB DJ dance party & drag show, 10pm sly gRog lounge Open mic (musicians, poets, comedians & more welcome), 8pm

tallgaRy’s at fouR College Open jam night w/ Jonathan Santos, 7pm

Blue Ridge taPRoom Beyond Chicken (Americana), 8pm

the BloCK off BiltmoRe Open mic night, 7:30pm

Buxton hall BBQ Velvet & Lace w/ DJ Dr. Filth (dark classics, benefit), 10pm

the national Chalwa (reggae, roots), 9pm

CluB eleVen on gRoVe Tango lessons & practilonga w/ Tango Gypsies, 7pm CReeKside taPhouse Singer-songwriter night w/ Riyen Roots, 8pm douBle CRoWn Sonic Satan Stew w/ DJ Alien Brain, 10pm elaine’s dueling Piano BaR Dueling Pianos, 9pm fRenCh BRoad BReWeRy Redleg Husky (folk, Americana), 6pm good stuff Nate Hall (rock), 8pm

timo’s house Thursday Request Live w/ Franco Nino, 9pm toWn PumP ZuZu Welsh Band (rock, blues), 9pm tRailhead RestauRant and BaR Open Cajun & swing jam w/ Steve Burnside, 7pm tRessa’s doWntoWn JaZZ and Blues The Westsound Revue (Motown, soul), 9pm tWisted lauRel Karaoke, 8pm

fRiday, maRCh 4

isis RestauRant and musiC hall MerleFest On the Road: Tellico, High Plains Jamboree & Zoe & Cloyd (folk, Americana, blues), 7:15pm

185 King stReet Band of Lovers (acoustic, pop), 8pm

JaCK of the Wood PuB Bluegrass jam, 7pm

5 Walnut Wine BaR Shane Piasecki (singer-songwriter, Americana), 9pm

laZy diamond Heavy Night w/ DJ Butch, 10pm

altamont BReWing ComPany Roots and Dore, The Dubber & Jacqueline Terry (blues), 9pm

lex 18 The Downton Abbey Vintage Banquet (ticketed event), 6pm

185 King stReet Old Salt Union (bluegrass), 7pm

loBsteR tRaP Hank Bones (“The man of 1,000 songs”), 6:30pm

5 Walnut Wine BaR Pleasure Chest (blues, rock, soul), 8pm

maRKet PlaCe Ben Hovey (dub jazz, beats), 7pm

BaRley’s taPRoom

o.henRy’s/the undeRgRound

mountainx.com

sanCtuaRy BReWing ComPany Ellen Trnka (singer-songwriter), 7pm

altamont theatRe Joshua Messick & Friends (world fusion, new acoustic, folk), 8pm asheVille musiC hall Laura Reed w/ Preach Jacobs & The Secret B-Sides (soul, funk, R&B), 10pm athena’s CluB Dave Blair (folk, funk, acoustic), 7pm

DJ Shy Guy, 10pm Ben’s tune-uP Woody Wood & the Asheville Family Band (acoustic, folk, rock), 5pm BlaCK mountain ale house Hustle Souls (neo-soul, blues), 8pm Blue mountain PiZZa & BReW PuB Acoustic Swing, 7pm Blue Ridge taPRoom Asheville Drum Circle (bring your drums!), 6pm BoileR Room Rebirth 32 (Electronic), 10pm

Mon.-Thur. 4pm-2am • Fri.-Sun. 2pm-2am

CataWBa BReWing south sloPe The All Arounders (rock, blues), 5pm

87 Patton Ave., Asheville

CoRK & Keg The Gypsy Swingers (swing, jazz), 8:30pm douBle CRoWn DJ Greg Cartwright (garage & soul obscurities), 10pm elaine’s dueling Piano BaR Dueling Pianos, 9pm foggy mountain BReWPuB Jangling Sparrows (folk, rock), 10pm fRenCh BRoad BReWeRy Fort Defiance (rock, folk), 6pm good stuff Milkweed (world, blues, country), 8:30pm highland BReWing ComPany Andrew Scotchie & The River Rats (rock, soul, blues), 7pm isis RestauRant and musiC hall Amicimusic presents “Transcendent Trios” (classical), 7pm Friday Night Dance Party w/ Jim Arrendell (Motown, soul), 9pm JaCK of the Wood PuB Angela Perley & The Howlin’ Moons (Americana), 9pm JeRusalem gaRden Middle Eastern music & bellydancing, 7pm laZy diamond Sexpatriates, Deadly Lo-Fi & Burning Itch (rock), 10pm loBsteR tRaP Hot Point Trio (jazz), 6:30pm maRKet PlaCe The Sean Mason Trio (groove, jazz, funk), 7pm o.henRy’s/the undeRgRound Drag Show, 12:30am odditoRium Lull, Ostraca, Kavyk, Fogwalker & Weak Wrists (punk, metal), 9pm off the Wagon Dueling pianos, 9pm one stoP deli & BaR Free Dead Fridays w/ members of Phuncle Sam (jam), 5pm one WoRld BReWing Down2Earth: DJ Brandon Audette w/ Jack & Zack from Midnight Snack, 8pm oRange Peel The Floozies w/ Sunsquabi & Flamingosis (electronic), 9pm osKaR Blues BReWeRy Time Sawyer (Americana), 6pm PaCK’s taVeRn DJ OCelate (dance, pop hits), 9pm Pisgah BReWing ComPany Runaway Gin (Phish tribute), 9pm

mountainx.com

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

51

Wed • March 2 Woody Wood @ 5:30pm

cl u B l a n D

Fri• March 4 Andrew Scotchie & the River Rats @ 7pm

Root BaR no. 1 Kevin Williams of Holy Ghost Tent Revival (rock), 7pm

Send your listings to clubland@mountainx.com

sanCtuaRy BReWing ComPany Up Jumped Three (jazz), 7pm

Sat• March 5 Station Underground @ 7pm

sCandals nightCluB Friday Fitness in Da Club, 7pm DJ dance party & drag show, 10pm

Sun• March 6 Reggae Sunday Hosted by Dennis Berndt of Chalwa @ 1pm /

Community Night featuring Brain Injury Association of WNC Tue• March 8 Team Trivia

WOOD PUB

#1 Pub Grub #2 Bar for Live Music

FRI 3.4

foggy mountain BReWPuB Nomadic (experimental jam, rock), 10pm

southeRn aPPalaChian BReWeRy Nitrograss (bluegrass), 7pm

fRenCh BRoad BReWeRy Fritz Beer & The Crooked Beat (Americana, rock), 6pm

the admiRal Hip-hop dance party w/ DJ Warf, 11pm

good stuff Fly By Night Rounders (blues), 8:30pm

the BloCK off BiltmoRe Jesse Talbott & Will Franke (Appalachian, soulgrass, funkabilly), 8pm

gRey eagle musiC hall & taVeRn Idlewild South (Allman Brothers Band tribute), 9pm

SAT 3.5 SUN 3.6

9PM $5

THE BLUEBIRDS W/ MILKWEED

9PM $5

JONNY GRAVE QUITE HOLLERS

9:30PM 11:30PM

FREE (Donations Encouraged)

FRI 3.11

THE FREEWAY REVIVAL

SAT 3.12

SONS OF RALPH

9PM $5

highland BReWing ComPany Station Underground (reggae, dub, jam), 7pm isis RestauRant and musiC hall An evening w/ Asleep At The Wheel (Americana, country, oldies), 9pm JaCK of the Wood PuB Milkweed w/ The Bluebirds (folk), 9pm

the soCial Steve Moseley (acoustic), 6pm

JeRusalem gaRden Middle Eastern music & bellydancing, 7pm

tigeR mountain Dark dance rituals w/ DJ Cliffypoo, 10pm

laZy diamond Sonic Satan Stew w/ DJ Alien Brain, 10pm

toWn PumP DB Rouse (singer-songwriter), 9pm

lex 18 The Downton Abbey Vintage Banquet (ticketed event), 6pm

White hoRse BlaCK mountain The Karm Mechanics (experimental rock), 8pm Wild Wing Cafe south A Social Function (acoustic), 9:30pm ZamBRa Zambra Jazz Trio (jazz, Latin), 8pm

satuRday, maRCh 5

ANGELA PERLEY & THE HOWLIN MOONS

elaine’s dueling Piano BaR Dueling Pianos, 9pm

sol BaR neW mountain SOL Vibes feat. Airplane Mode, Zeplin & Bright Woods (electronic), 10pm

tWisted lauRel Live DJ, 11pm

OF THE

douBle CRoWn Pitter Platter w/ DJ Big Smidge, 10pm

feed & seed Steve Cormier (traditional cowboy songs), 7:30pm

the national Michael Smith & Datrian Johnson (acoustic, blues, R&B), 8pm DJ Dance Party, 11pm

JACK

CRoW & Quill Firecracker Jazz Band (New Orleans jazz), 9pm

sCully’s DJ, 10pm

the millRoom Asheville Funny Business presents Sean Donnelly, 7pm

with Dr. Brown @ 6pm

The Old Chevrolette Set (country), 8:30pm

loBsteR tRaP Sean Mason Trio (jazz), 6:30pm maRKet PlaCe DJs (funk, R&B), 7pm mCgouRty’s PuB Roots and Dore (blues), 9pm neW mountain theateR/amPhitheateR Quantic Live (electronic), 10pm odditoRium Punk For Pits Benefit (punk), 9pm

185 King stReet The Dubber w/ Riyen Roots, 7pm

off the Wagon Dueling pianos, 9pm

5 Walnut Wine BaR Eleanor Underhill (Americana, soul), 6pm The Get Right Band (funk, rock, reggae), 9pm

oliVe oR tWist 42nd Street Band (big band jazz), 8pm Dance party (hip-hop, rap), 11pm

altamont BReWing ComPany Shane Piasecki (singer-songwriter, Americana), 9pm

one stoP deli & BaR Tweed w/ Fonix (jamchronica, rock), 10pm

altamont theatRe Asheville Waits Band (Tom Waits tribute band), 8pm

oRange Peel Houndmouth w/ Justin Paul Lewis (indie, folk rock, Americana), 9pm

asheVille musiC hall Pink Talking Fish (tribute), 10pm athena’s CluB Michael Kelley Hunter (blues), 6:30pm DJ Shy Guy, 10pm Ben’s tune-uP Gypsy Guitars (acoustic, Gypsy-jazz), 2pm Savannah Smith (southern soul), 8pm

osKaR Blues BReWeRy DJ Nex Millen, 12pm Casual Occasion (rockabilly), 4pm PaCK’s taVeRn A Social Function (rock, classic covers), 9pm Pisgah BReWing ComPany The Dirty Soul Revival (rock, blues), 8pm

BlaCK mountain ale house Wild Card (funk, soul, bayou), 9pm

PuRPle onion Cafe Aaron Burdett (singer-songwriter), 8pm

Blue Ridge taPRoom Psychedelia w/ Touch Samadhi (electronic), 10pm

Room ix Open dance night, 9pm

SATURDAY Parker & Smith (old-fashioned blues), 2-4pm SUNDAY Celtic Irish session 3-9pm MONDAY Quizzo! 7:30-9pm • WEDNESDAY Old-Time 5pm SINGER SONGWRITERS 1st & 3rd Tuesdays THURSDAY Scottie Parker (old-fashioned blues) 2-4pm, Bluegrass Jam 7pm

BoileR Room Girls Night Out by The Ineffable Woman, 6pm Domination, 9pm

Root BaR no. 1 Call the Next Witness (alt rock), 8pm

95 PATTON at COXE • Downtown Asheville

CoRK & Keg

9PM $7

OPEN AT NOON DAILY

252.5445 • jackofthewood.com

52

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

mountainx.com

CataWBa BReWing south sloPe Band of Lovers (folk,rock), 6pm

sanCtuaRy BReWing ComPany Letters To Abigail (Americana), 7:30pm sCandals nightCluB DJ dance party & drag show, 10pm

sCully’s DJ, 10pm

Sundays w/ Bill & Friends (Grateful Dead tribute, acoustic), 5pm

sol BaR neW mountain Vibe Street & Brightside (electronic), 10pm

Pisgah BReWing ComPany Sunday Travers Jam (open jam), 5pm

southeRn aPPalaChian BReWeRy The Get Right Band (rock, funk, reggae), 8pm

PuRPle onion Cafe The Honeycutters (Americana, alt-country), 8pm

the admiRal Soul night w/ DJ Dr. Filth, 11pm

sanCtuaRy BReWing ComPany Small Batch Sunday w/ Vortex Doughnuts, 1pm

the BloCK off BiltmoRe Captain EZ (electronica, dance), 7pm

sCandals nightCluB DJ dance party & drag show, 10pm

the mothlight Sex Knuckle w/ All Hell & Axattack (rock, metal), 9:30pm

southeRn aPPalaChian BReWeRy The Zuzu Welsh Band (blues, rock), 8pm

the national Social Groove Experiment (funk, groove, jam), 8pm SAVØ (EDM, house, dance), 11pm timo’s house Dance Party w/ DJ Franco Nino, 9pm toWn PumP Highbeams (folk, rock), 9pm tWisted lauRel Live DJ, 11pm WateR’n hole Flapjack Handgrenade & Death Trip (punk), 9pm White hoRse BlaCK mountain Motown Explosion, 8pm Wild Wing Cafe Karaoke, 8pm ZamBRa Zambra Jazz Trio (jazz, Latin), 8pm

sunday, maRCh 6 5 Walnut Wine BaR Eleanor Underhill & Friends (Americana, soul), 7pm Ben’s tune-uP Quiet Hollers (alt-country, post-punk), 8pm

tallgaRy’s at fouR College Jason Brazzel (acoustic), 6pm the BloCK off BiltmoRe Open Jam Bernie Bash, 2pm Christy Snow w/ Chris Rosser & River Guerguergian (singer-songwriter, folk, rock), 7pm the omni gRoVe PaRK inn Lou Mowad (classical guitar), 10am Bob Zullo (pop, rock, blues), 7pm the soCial Get Vocal Karaoke, 9:30pm the soCial lounge DJ Kyusi on vinyl (old school trip-hop, deep house, acid jazz), 8pm the southeRn Yacht Rock Brunch w/ DJ Kipper, 12pm timo’s house Bring Your Own Vinyl (open decks), 8pm Wedge BReWing Co. Vollie McKenzie & Hank Bones (acoustic jazz-swing), 6pm White hoRse BlaCK mountain AmiciMusic: Transcendent Trios (chamber music), 3pm

monday, maRCh 7

ByWateR Cornmeal Waltz w/ Robert Greer (classic country, bluegrass), 6pm

185 King stReet Open mic night, 7pm

CoRK & Keg Steve Cormier (cowboy songs, stories), 3pm

5 Walnut Wine BaR Siamese Jazz Club (soul, R&B, jazz), 8pm

douBle CRoWn Killer Karaoke w/ KJ Tim O, 9pm

altamont BReWing ComPany Old-time jam w/ Mitch McConnell, 6:30pm

gRey eagle musiC hall & taVeRn The Billy Jonas Band Family Concert (funky family folk), 3pm

Ben’s tune-uP Eleanor Underhill (acoustic), 5pm

highland BReWing ComPany Community Night for Brain Injury Association of NC w/ Chalwa, Dorsey’s Big Benefit Band, Log Noggins, Citizen Mojo & more, 12pm isis RestauRant and musiC hall Sunday Classical Brunch, 11am An evening of blues w/ Jay Brown, 5:30pm Sunday Jazz showcase, 7:30pm JaCK of the Wood PuB Irish session, 5pm Quiet Hollers w/ Jonny Grave (indie), 9:30pm

ByWateR Open mic w/ Rick Cooper, 8pm CouRtyaRd galleRy Open mic (music, poetry, comedy, etc.), 8pm CReeKside taPhouse Trivia, 7pm douBle CRoWn Country Karaoke, 10pm good stuff Open mic w/ Laura Thurston, 7pm

laZy diamond Future West (rock), 10pm

gRey eagle musiC hall & taVeRn Contra dance (lessons, 7:30pm), 8pm

lex 18 The Downton Abbey Vintage Banquet (ticketed event), 6pm

JaCK of the Wood PuB Quizzo, 7pm

loBsteR tRaP Hot Club of Asheville (swing, bluegrass), 6:30pm

laZy diamond Body of John the Baptist & Ariel (experimental), 10pm

odditoRium Benefit for the Family of Sonny Vincent (punk), 9pm

lexington aVe BReWeRy (laB) Kipper’s “Totally Rad” Trivia night, 8pm

off the Wagon Piano show, 9pm

loBsteR tRaP Dave Desmelik (Americana), 6:30pm

one stoP deli & BaR Bluegrass brunch w/ Woody Wood, 11am

o.henRy’s/the undeRgRound Geeks Who Drink trivia, 7pm

Dinner Menu till 10pm Late Night Menu till

Tues-Sun

5pm–12am

Full Bar

12am

TAVERN Downtown on the Park Eclectic Menu • Over 30 Taps • Patio 13 TV’s • Sports Room • 110” Projector Event Space • Shuffleboard Open 7 Days 11am - Late Night

MARCH MA

COMING SOON WED 3/2 7:00 PM – AN EVENING WITH

VON STRANTZ AND KIRSTEN FORD THU 3/3

7:15 PM – MERLEFEST ON THE ROAD

FRI 3/4

7:00 PM – CLASSICAL DINNER & A CONCERT: AMICIMUSIC PRESENTS “TRANSCENDENT TRIOS”

9:00 PM – FRIDAY NIGHT DANCE PARTY WITH JIM ARRENDELL

D Catch your favorite g NESS! ame at Pack’s!

FRI. 3/4 DJ OCelate

(pop, dance hits)

SAT. 3/5 A Social Function

(rock n’ roll, classic covers)

SAT 3/5

9:00 PM – AN EVENING WITH

ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL SUN 3/6

5:30 PM – AN EVENING OF BLUES

WITH JAY BROWN 7:30 PM – SUNDAY JAZZ SHOWCASE:

JAZZ OF THE ROARING ‘20S

20 S. Spruce St. • 225.6944 PacksTavern.com

WED 3/9

7:00 PM – AN EVENING WITH RUPERT WATES

8:30 PM – AN EVENING WITH

SIAMESE JAZZ CLUB WITH ADAM & KIZZIE THU 3/10

7:00 PM – AN EVENING WITH

HIROYA TSUKAMOTO

8:30 PM – ALARM CLOCK CONSPIRACY,

SAUL ZONANA, ANDRE CHOLMONDELAY’S AGENDA FRI 3/11

7:00 PM – AN EVENING WITH JOHN FLYNN 8:30 PM – AN EVENING WITH

ALASDAIR FRASER AND NATALIE HAAS SAT 3/12 7:00 PM – AN EVENING WITH ROBBY HECHT

AND TIM MCNARY – 9:00 PM AN EVENING WITH MR. SUN—

DAROL ANGER, JOE WALSH, GRANT GORDY Every Tuesday

7:30pm–midnite

BLUEGRASS SESSIONS Every Sunday

JAZZ SHOWCASE

743 HAYWOOD RD 828-575-2737 ISISASHEVILLE.COM mountainx.com

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

53

cl u B l a n D

3/5 sat

Featuring Largest Selection of Craft Beer on Tap • 8 Wines 3/3 Sam Adams Pint Night 3/10 Featuring beers from Brasserie Dieu du Ciel.

Solstice d’Hiver & Rigor Mortis. $3.50 Pints in Our Award Winning Game Room!!!

On Tap!

3/8 tue

adia victoria

wed

one WoRld BReWing Movie Night: ’How Beer Saved the World’, 7:30pm

w/ downtown boys, minorcan w/ erica russo

diarrhea planet

w/ shadow show, kitty tsunami

3/10 thu 3/11 fri sat

$4 Mimosa Sundays!

800 Haywood Road P o u r Ta p R o o m . c o m Monday - Thursday 2-11pm • Friday & Saturday 12-1am • Sunday 12-11pm

oliVe oR tWist 2 Breeze Band (Motown), 6pm

w/ all hell, axattack

sheer mag

3/12

Serving food from Asheville Sandwich Company!

sex knuckle

3/7 mon

3/9

FEATURING

odditoRium Twin Foxes, The Hurt Ensemble, The Spiral & Cold Solstice (indie, shoegaze), 9pm

3/13 sun

strung like a horse w/ skunk ruckus

osKaR Blues BReWeRy Mountain Music Mondays (open jam), 6pm

w/ Wes tirey & the congregation

the no bs! brass band w/ chanterelles

the snails

(members of future islands)

w/ nervous dupre

themothlight.com

one stoP deli & BaR Turntable Tuesdays (DJs & vinyl), 10pm

the mothlight Sheer Mag w/ Downtown Boys & Minorcan (indie rock), 9pm

one WoRld BReWing Trivia with Gil, 7pm

the national Open mic industry night, 8pm

the Valley musiC & CooKhouse Monday Pickin’ Parlour (open jam, open mic), 8pm tigeR mountain Service industry night (rock ’n’ roll), 9pm

5 Walnut Wine BaR The John Henrys (hot jazz), 8pm

Buffalo niCKel Trivia, 7pm CoRK & Keg Honky Tonk Jamboree w/ Tom Pittman, 6:30pm

MI

S G N

CO

54

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

mountainx.com

the BloCK off BiltmoRe Jazz-n-Justice w/ Harvey Diamond (piano), 7:30pm

the national Live Jazz Night, 9pm

BlaCK mountain ale house Trivia, 7pm

di

tallgaRy’s at fouR College Jam night, 9pm

uRBan oRChaRd Old-time music, 7pm

BlaCK BeaR Coffee Co. Round Robin acoustic open mic, 7pm

6e 201

sly gRog lounge 1000 words storytelling open mic, 7pm

the mothlight Adia Victoria w/ Erica Russo (“back porch blues”), 9:30pm

BaCK yaRd BaR Open mic & jam w/ Robert Swain, 8pm

!

sanCtuaRy BReWing ComPany Team trivia & tacos, 7pm

timo’s house Movie night, 7pm

asheVille musiC hall Tuesday Night Funk Jam, 11pm

N OO

off the Wagon Rock ’n’ roll bingo, 8pm

soVeReign Remedies Stevie Lee Combs (acoustic), 8pm

altamont BReWing ComPany Open mic w/ Chris O’Neill, 8:30pm

tion

odditoRium Odd comedy night, 9pm

oliVe oR tWist Tuesday Night Blues Dance w/ The Remedy (dance lesson at 8), 8:30pm

tuesday, maRCh 8

Details for all shows can be found at

maRKet PlaCe QuickChester (indie, rock), 7pm

southeRn aPPalaChian BReWeRy The Dan Keller Trio (jazz), 5pm

the omni gRoVe PaRK inn Bob Zullo (pop, rock, blues), 7pm

daniel bachman

loBsteR tRaP Jay Brown (acoustic-folk, singer-songwriter), 6:30pm

CReeKside taPhouse Old School Low Down Blues Tues. w/ Matt Walsh, 6pm CRoW & Quill Champagne Wilson & the Corkscrews (rowdy hot jazz), 10pm douBle CRoWn Honky-Tonk, Cajun, and Western w/ DJ Brody Hunt, 10pm

the soCial lounge Phantom Pantone (DJ), 10pm tRessa’s doWntoWn JaZZ and Blues Funk & jazz jam w/ Pauly Juhl, 8:30pm uRBan oRChaRd Billy Litz (Americana, singer-songwriter), 7pm White hoRse BlaCK mountain Irish sessions & open mic, 6:30pm Wild Wing Cafe south Tuesday bluegrass, 6pm Trivia w/ Kelilyn, 8:30pm

Wednesday, maRCh 9 185 King stReet Vinyl Night, 7pm 5 Walnut Wine BaR Ryan Oslance Duo (jazz), 5pm Les Amis (African folk), 8pm 550 taVeRn & gRille karaoke, 6pm asheVille musiC hall Geeks Who Drink Trivia, 7pm Ben’s tune-uP Honky Tonk Wednesdays, 7pm BlaCK mountain ale house Play to Win game night, 7:30pm

good stuff Old time-y night, 6:30pm

Blue mountain PiZZa & BReW PuB Open mic, 7pm

gRey eagle musiC hall & taVeRn Luther Dickinson & The Cooperators w/ Amy Lavere & Will Sexton (rock ’n’ roll, blues), 8pm

CRoW & Quill Toybox Theatre (bizarre puppetry), 9pm

highland BReWing ComPany Dr. Brown’s Team Trivia, 6pm

douBle CRoWn Honky-Tonk, Cajun, and Western w/ DJ Brody Hunt, 10pm

iRon hoRse station Open mic, 6pm

funKatoRium John Hartford Jam (folk, bluegrass), 6:30pm

isis RestauRant and musiC hall Tuesday bluegrass sessions, 7:30pm

good stuff Karaoke!, 6pm

laZy diamond Classic Rock ’n Roll Karaoke, 10pm

gRey eagle musiC hall & taVeRn The Hip Abduction (Afropop, indie rock, tropical), 9pm

Kids Issue Coming soon!

gRind Cafe Trivia night, 7pm highland BReWing ComPany Woody Wood Wednesdays (rock, soul), 5:30pm isis RestauRant and musiC hall An evening w/ Rupert Wates (folk, jazz, singersongwriter), 7pm An evening w/ The Siamese Jazz Club and Adam & Kizzie (blues, jazz, R&B), 8:30pm JaCK of the Wood PuB Old-time session, 5pm laZy diamond Killer Karaoke w/ KJ Tim O, 10pm loBsteR tRaP Ben Hovey (dub-jazz, trumpet), 6:30pm mountain moJo Coffeehouse Open mic, 6:30pm noBle KaVa Open mic w/ Caleb Beissert, 9pm o.henRy’s/the undeRgRound “Take the Cake” Karaoke, 10pm odditoRium Kal Marks, Two Inch Astronaut, Obsideoneye & Film History (rock), 9pm

March

off the Wagon Piano show, 9pm oliVe oR tWist Intermediate swing dance lessons w/ Bobby Wood, 7pm Beginning swing dance lesson w/ Bobby Wood, 7:30pm 3 Cool Cats (vintage rock), 8pm

SATURDAY

3.5

THEATER

QUANTIC LIVE

one WoRld BReWing Redleg Husky (Americana), 8pm

9PM SHOW

Pisgah BReWing ComPany Experience Music AVL (rock, kids band), 6pm

SATURDAY

PulP L!VE Garbage & Zach Cooper (performing “The Sentence Live”), 9pm

9PM SHOW

3.5

VIBE STREET+ BRIGHTSIDE

THURSDAY

THEATER

Room ix Fuego: Latin night, 9pm sCully’s Sons of Ralph (bluegrass), 6pm sly gRog lounge Sound Station open mic (musicians of all backgrounds & skills), 7:30pm Cards Against Humanity Game Night, 10pm tallgaRy’s at fouR College Open mic & jam, 7pm Wu-Wednesdays (’90s hip-hop experience), 9pm the Joint next dooR Bluegrass jam, 8pm the mothlight Diarrhea Planet w/ Shadow Show & Kitty Tsunami (rock ’n’ roll, punk, indie), 9:30pm the Phoenix Jazz night, 8pm the soCial lounge Phantom Pantone (DJ), 10pm the southeRn Disclaimer Comedy open mic, 9pm timo’s house “Spectrum AVL” w/ DamGood & rotating DJs, 9pm toWn PumP Open mic w/ Billy Presnell, 10pm tRailhead RestauRant and BaR Acoustic jam w/ Kevin Scanlon & Andrew Brophy (bluegrass, old-time, Americana), 6pm tRessa’s doWntoWn JaZZ and Blues Blues & soul jam w/ Al Coffee & Da Grind, 8:30pm White hoRse BlaCK mountain Berea College Bluegrass Ensemble, 7:30pm

SOL BAR

THRIFTWORKS

9PM SHOW

3.10

PANTHER GOD + LIVE ANIMALS

FRIDAY

THEATER

9:30PM SHOW

3.11

DOWNLINK + DIESELBOY

SATURDAY

SOL BAR

3.12

8PM SHOW FRIDAY

THE BLIND SPOTS THEATER

3.18 9PM SHOW

EARTHCRY + PUSH/PULL + NUMATIK

FRIDAY

THEATER

3.25 YHETI + CONRANK 9PM SHOW FRIDAY

3.30 9PM SHOW

THEATER

TWIDDLE + UNIVERSAL SIGH

Coming Up:

FRI - 4.15: SAT - 4.16: FRI - 4.22: FRI - 4.29:

DOPAPOD + THE FRITZ DOPAPOD + TURKUAZ NAHKO AND MEDICINE FOR THE PEOPLE RANDOM RAB + CLOUDCHORD

mountainx.com

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

55

moVies

CrankY Hanke reVieWs & listings

BY KEN HANKE, JUSTIN SOUTHER & SCOTT DOUGLAS

HHHHH =

|

C O N TA C T AT P R E S S M O V I E S @ A O L . C O M

m a x r at i n g

Hugh Jackman and Taron Egerton in Dexter Fletcher’s feel-good fact-based sports film Eddie and the Eagle.

eddie the eagle HHH DiRectoR: Dexter Fletcher (Sunshine on Leith) plaYeRs: Taron Egerton, Hugh Jackman, Edvin Endre, Christopher Walken Fact-BaseD upliFtinG spoRts DRama Rated PG-13 tHe stoRY: An awkward, unathletic Brit ends up an unlikely Olympic skijumper. tHe lowDown: Simplistic and cliched like so many other uplifting sports films, but with a enough charm and a pleasantness to work as simple, feel-good entertainment.

56

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

Last week, I reviewed Stephen Hopkins Race and wrote ad nauseam about the problems with the uplifting sports film, especially ones that trade heavily in the cliches and generic expectations of the genre. It’s a new week and here we are again, this time with Dexter Fletcher’s Eddie the Eagle. Fletcher’s film, like Hopkins’ Race, is wholly predictable and wallows in feel-good inspiration. Where Eddie the Eagle surpasses Hopkins’ film — at least mildly — is that it isn’t constrained by gravitas of its subject matter, an aspect that allows itself an amount of levity. This is a film that wants to be warm-hearted and inspiring, and the simple fact that this is its purpose is a good sign.

Also in its favor — something

mountainx.com

Race, with its extremely well-known subject matter perhaps isn’t quite allowed — is the ability to deviate from its source. The story of Eddie Edwards (Taron Egerton, Kingsman: The Secret Service), a socially awkward and wholly unathletic dreamer who managed to wriggle his way via loopholes into becoming an unsuccessful — yet charming — Olympic ski-jumper. Obviously, this isn’t as notable or memorable a story as Jesse Owens,’ but in its favor, its obscurity allows for a bit of leeway in its storytelling. Edwards’ reluctant coach, Bronson (Hugh Jackman), is apparently a complete fabrication, but his existence streamlines the film and makes it not just about Eddie’s hardheadedness, but about a friendship. This friendship follows the usual reluctant odd-couple schtick, with the alcoholic, womanizing Bronson being the one who

grows the most.

Of course, this is an especially hoary character arc, one that feels shabby, but that’s mainly because Eddie the Eagle is rather antiquated. It’s gentle and unassuming and occasionally charming, but always predictable. In the film’s favor, there’s never a sense that Eddie’s going to overcome all the odds and win an Olympic medal.

Instead, the film makes it obvious that he’s merely out to prove himself, which in itself is refreshing.

Unfortunately, every step of the way is telegraphed until the film reaches its feel-good, manipulative ending. This can make the journey itself tedious at times — particularly when the audience is ahead of the movie — but there’s enough whimsy here to make things watchable, if none too exciting.

Helping things is Egerton,

stretching himself beyond his role in last year’s Kingsman: The Secret Service. His Eddie is simple and a bit bumbling, but ultimately likable in his good nature and determination. Egerton’s performance takes a bit of getting used to (he’s perhaps a bit too physically striking for the role), but it’s his innate likability that allows a pretty unexciting plot to work and to imbue the film with an amount of heart.

This is no great work of cinematic art, but as entertainment in its own right, it’s not bad. Rated PG-13 for some suggestive material, partial nudity and smoking.

Playing at Carolina Cinemas, Epic of Hendersonville, Regal Biltmore Grande, UA Beaucatcher. reviewed by Justin Souther jsouther@mountainx.com

Gods of Egypt HH Director: Alex Proyas (Knowing) Players: Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Gerard Butler, Brenton Thwaites, Geoffrey Rush, Chadwick Boseman, Elodie Yung, Rufus Sewell ANCIENT EGYPT SCI-FI ACTION FANTASY Rated PG-13 The Story: Outlandish rival-gods hooey.

The Lowdown: It’s really big — and really hokey and loud and unconvincing. The most astounding thing is how something this frantic and dumb still manages to be tedious.

Whoa and wow — Gods of Egypt is one bad movie. Actually, it’s about three or four bad movies that are barely strapped together with cinematic mucilage that threatens to droop into a flaccid mess at every turn. It’s the kind of bad movie that ought to be unintentionally amusing. This is, after all, a movie where a promise is dismissed as “not being worth the papyrus is written on.” But, somehow, all its amassed fuss and both-

er and cleavage and silliness and more cleavage mostly turns out to be tedious. Some have compared it to the Wachowskis’ Jupiter Ascending (2015), but at least that was visually striking and boldly embraced its own insanity. This is mostly an incoherent mess with pretty laughable — and nonstop — CGI that’s about on par with the process work in an early James Bond movie. There’s more.

Where shall we start? There are so many things to choose from, but let’s look at the ... interesting casting.

Here we have a movie in which the head god in charge, Ra, is played by Australian Geoffrey Rush. Not surprisingly, his son Osiris is also played by an Australian, Bryan Brown. One of his sons — the good one — is Horus, and he’s inexplicably played by the Danish Nikolaj Coster-Waldau. The bad son, on the other hand, is named Set and is played by Scottish Gerard Butler. He, in fact, is so Scottish that this god might have been renamed McSet. Perhaps this is why he’s the only one who has been bronzed-up to look more Egyptian, though why he has a very un-Egyptian beard, I don’t know. There’s also Rufus Sewell (English) as an Egyptian architect.

And a love-struck character named Bek — played by Australian Brenton Thwaites, naturally. That’s the overall tone.

The only reasonable casting is pretty much limited to Chadwick Boseman, who plays a campy Thoth, accompanied by a chorus line of clones that makes him somewhat resemble the multiple Kylie Minogue absinthe fairies in Moulin Rouge! (2001). Boseman steals what there is to steal of the movie — which, in this case, amounts to petty larceny. He does get extra points, though, for ending an argument by saying, “Yes, well ...” and earned the film a full star of its rating. (You take your pleasures where you find them.) I suppose I should find this mostly lily-white (with bronzing makeup) casting offensive, but it’s hard to take Gods of Egypt seriously enough to be offended by it.

It has nothing to do with Egypt, really.

And the gods are like something out of a Marvel comic, except that they’re about 3 to 5 feet taller than the mortals, making them resemble those artificially enlarged natives in the 1935 serial The Lost City. Plus, the whole thing feels like one of those badly dubbed “Sons of Hercules” movies that used to proliferate on Saturday afternoon TV in the 1960s.

The story is actually more like the 1940 version of The Thief of Bagdad

than anything else. Just consider Brendon Thwaite as Sabu, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as John Justin (though that eye patch business makes him look like Kirk Douglas in 1958’s The Vikings) and Gerard Butler as Conrad Veidt. Basically, it’s an ancient world salad (which is probably reasonable in a movie where Thoth argues with himself over what to call lettuce).

Little of it makes sense, though lots of it is pretty bizarre — like Ra doing battle nightly with some toothy worm thing in order that the sun may rise again over the apparently flat earth.

OK. Then there’s Set tooling around in what appears to be a giant June-bugpowered airship. (I guess they’re supposed to be giant scarabs, but they’re awfully reminiscent of tying a June bug to a thread like we used to do as kids.)

We also get giant fire-breathing cobras and a shape-shifting pyramid complete with CGI Sphinx and his riddle, as well as a trip to the underworld that makes a complete hash of the Book of the Dead. (Yeah, like that matters here.)

Finally, we get giant robotic gods in a comic-book-movie smackdown. In the words of Thoth, “Yes, well ... .” Rated PG-13 for fantasy violence and action, and some sexuality.

Playing at Carolina Cinemas, Epic of Hendersonville, Regal Biltmore Grande, UA Beaucatcher. reviewed by Ken Hanke khanke@mountainx.com

T HEATE R LISTINGS Friday, MARCH 4 Thursday, MARCH 10 Due to possible scheduling changes, moviegoers may want to confirm showtimes with theaters.

Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co. (254-1281) Norm of the North (PG) 1:00, 4:00 Brooklyn (PG-13) 7:00 Mad Max: Fury Road (R) 10:00

Carmike Cinema 10 (298-4452) Carolina Cinemas (274-9500) Deadpool (R) 11:45, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15, 9:45 Eddie the Eagle (PG-13) 12:05, 2:35, 5:00, 7:25, 9:50 Gods of Egypt 2D (PG-13) 11:05, 1:45, 4:30, 7:30, 10:15 Hail, Caesar! (PG-13) 11:20, 1:50, 4:15, 7:05, 9:35 Kung Fu Panda 3 2D (PG) 12:10, 2:30, 4:50, 7:00 The Lady in the Van (PG-13) 11:40, 2:00, 4:25, 6:55, 9:25 London Has Fallen (R) 11:15, 12:30, 1:40, 2:50, 4:00, 6:20, 7:35, 8:45, 10:00 The Revenant (R) 12:40, 3:55, 7:10, 10:25 Son of Saul (R) 5:15, 9:15 Triple 9 (R)

Triple 9 HHH

12:15, 2:45, 7:45, 10:30 Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (R) 11:50, 2:20, 4:55, 7:25, 10:05 The Witch (R) 12:55, 3:15, 5:30, 7:40, 10:10 Zootopia 3D (PG) 12:50, 6:00 Zootopia 2D (PG)

Director: John Hillcoat Players: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Casey Affleck, Woody Harrelson, Anthony Mackie, Kate Winslet, Aaron Paul, Norman Reedus, Clifton Collins Jr. CRIMW DRAMA Rated R The Story: A gang of corrupt cops and ex-military contractors beholden to a Russian mob boss are tasked with a heist that can only be accomplished by luring a rookie police officer to his death.

The Lowdown: A passable potboiler, ultimately full of sound and fury signifying nothing.

mountainx.com

11:30, 2:05, 3:25, 4:40, 7:20, 8:35, 9:55

Co-ed Cinema Brevard (883-2200) London Has Fallen (R) 1:00, 4:00, 7:00

Epic of Hendersonville (6931146) Fine Arts Theatre (232-1536) The Lady in the Van (PG-13) 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, Late Show Fri-Sat 9:20 Where to Invade Next (R) 1:20, 4:20, 7:20, Late Show Fri-Sat 9:40

Flatrock Cinema (697-2463) (R) Hail, Caesar! (PG-13) 4:00, 7:00 (Closed Monday)

Regal Biltmore Grande Stadium 15 (684-1298) United Artists Beaucatcher (298-1234)

MARCH 2 - MARCH 8, 2016

57

moVies

by Edwin Arnaudin

Playing like a neo-noir with A.D.D., John Hillcoat’s Triple 9 is moderately fun, for what it is. Wearing its influences on its sleeve, the film borrows heavily from better films such as Heat and The Departed, but ultimately fails to rise above its cliche-ridden script and express anything meaningful. Still, for fans of somewhat mindless action-spectacles there are certainly worse ways to spend two hours at the movies.

Whereas Heat looked beyond its cops-and-robbers premise to examine the midlife crises of its leads, and The Departed analyzed systemic corruption from a variety of interesting angles, Triple 9 can’t seem to decide what it wants to be about. While a visually interesting and tightly choreographed opening heist-sequence promises a more engaging film, it proves to have been little more than a baitand-switch distraction once the plot kicks in. To summarize the story that Triple 9 is trying to tell would be a wasted effort, as there is nothing on display here that hasn’t already been explicated more effectively . Every crime movie trope is on display, from crooked cops to golden-hearted safecrackers to villainous mobsters with (shaky) foreign accents, but no new ground is broken with these characters or their respective arcs.

That being said, the cast portraying those characters is about as solid as one could hope for, at least on paper. As our bank-robbing protagonist, Chiwetel Ejiofor does his damnedest to elevate the material he’s been given, but the real thief here is Woody Harrelson, who steals every scene he’s in (and seems to have a great time doing it). Aaron Paul and Norman Reedus make a pretty game attempt at portraying a brotherly

Xpress readers are

caring they make great employees

Mountain Xpress classifieds work.

58

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

edwinarnaudin@gmail.com bond, but their glaring physical dissimilarities and limited screen time hamper their efforts. Possibly the best performance in the film is delivered in a single scene by Michael Kenneth Williams (The Wire’s Omar) as transgender prostitute and informant Sweet Pea. But all these valiant attempts at thespianism aside, the cast also has a couple of notable weak links that compromise its ability to make up for the script’s shortcomings in the story department. Kate Winslet, while almost unrecognizable as a Russian Jewish mafiosa, never quite manages to bring any gravitas or menace to the role, mostly just looking bored with her circumstances. Casey Affleck’s mullet is more believable than his poorly affected Southern drawl.

And Atlanta, which I had hoped would have an onscreen presence as compelling as any of the actors, is instead relegated to bland shakycam shots of anonymous inner-city war zones, with the exception of a few recognizable landmarks such as Stone Mountain and the Crazy Horse Gentleman’s Club. Even the legendary Clermont Lounge has been disappointingly sanitized almost beyond recognition.

What Triple 9 lacks in plotting and character development, it attempts to remedy with big action set-pieces, and it mostly succeeds.

Two deftly directed heist scenes and some nice chase work go a long way toward overshadowing the film’s shortcomings, but ultimately its lack of purpose proves to be its undoing. A second-act scene involving Ejiofor’s son with Winslet’s sister (Gal Gadot) left me wishing the filmmakers had followed the kid instead, as the story of a black Russian Jewish kid with a bankrobbing dad navigating the Fulton County school system sounds vastly more interesting than what’s actually on display in Triple 9. With so many characters and narrative convolutions to juggle, the film fails to coalesce around any central premise or empathetic focal point. But to quote the classic SCTV bit The Film Farm Report, stuff gets “blowed up real good,” and for those going in with realistic expectations in that regard, Triple 9 does not disappoint. Rated R for strong violence and language throughout, drug use and some nudity.

Playing at Carmike 10, Carolina Cinemas, Regal Biltmore Grande.

ReVieWed By sCott douglas Jsdouglas22@gmail.Com

mountainx.com

SCReeN SCeNe

eyes Wide shut: Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart in a still from The Big Sleep. Howard Hawks’ 1946 film kicks off the North Asheville Library’s series of Raymond Chandler adaptations. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.

• Asheville School of Film’s recently completed student films will be screened at the Merrimon Avenue location of Asheville Pizza and Brewing Co. on Sunday, March 6, from 11 a.m. to noon. Free and open to the public.

ASoF’s upcoming offerings include “High Concept Commercial Production,” an eight-week course starting Monday, March 7, that will guide students through the actual production of a commercial for Asheville Distilling Company — Troy & Sons. Students will cast actors, scout and secure locations, create storyboards and shot lists and film the project using industry-standard cameras, lighting and audio equipment and techniques. Following the production phase, students will edit the footage using Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro. The class meets each Monday from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., plus two additional shooting days, and the cost is $495.

On Saturday, March 19, sid williams and david schmidt will lead the “Location Sound Recording on a Budget” workshop. Designed to educate independent filmmakers, multimedia specialists and producers on the choice, use and selection of audio equipment, the handson workshop’s emphasis will be on the use of consumer and midlevel gear. Participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment for demonstration, evaluation and optimization. The workshop runs from

9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and costs $150. ashevilleschooloffilm.com • The North Asheville Library’s March film series highlights movies based on the works of legendary hard-boiled crime fiction novelist raymond chandler and features three actors’ takes on the writer’s iconic private eye, Philip Marlowe. howard hawks’ adaptation of The Big Sleep (1946), starring humphrey bogart and lauren bacall, gets things started on Saturday, March 5. dick richards’ take on Farewell My Lovely (1975), starring robert mitchum and charlotte rampling, will be shown on Saturday, March 12, and the series concludes with robert montgomery’s Lady in the Lake (1947), featuring Montgomery and audrey totter, on Saturday, March 19. All films will begin at 2 p.m. in the library’s meeting room and are free and open to the public. avl.mx/1d0 • After gaining filmmaking experience at the Savannah College of Art and Design and in Los Angeles with companies such as Bose, The VIA Agency, VISA and the NFL, stephen nadeau has moved back to Asheville to found Brother Blue Studio. The videography and photography studio specializes in video and photo production as well as managing this content on each of its clients’ social media platforms. brotherbluestudio.com X

film BunComBe County PuBliC liBRaRies buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/ library Free unless otherwise noted.

• SA (3/5), 2pm - Raymond Chandler Film Series: The Big Sleep. Held at North Asheville Library, 1030 Merrimon Ave. • WE (3/9), 5pm - Afternoon Anime: Summer Wars. Ages 13 and up. Held at Pack

Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St.

- Asheville’s Reel Comedy: A Funny Film

st. eugene’s CatholiC ChuRCh 72 Culver St., 254-5193 • TH (3/10), 7pm - The Stones Cry Out, documentary about Christian Palestinians’ experiences in Israel and the Occupied Territory. Free.

Extravaganza, produced and curated by Toni

the magnetiC theatRe 375 Depot St., 279-4155 • TH (3/10) through SA (3/12), 7:30pm

Sherwood. $10. unity of the Blue Ridge 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Road, Mills River, 891-8700 • (3/4), 7pm - Pure Plant Nation, documentary. $5.

All Glasses $150!

INCLUDES SINGLE VISION LENS WITH FRAMES AND ANTI-REFLECTIVE COATING. (OTHER CHARGES APPLY FOR BIFOCALS, PROGRESSIVES AND ANY OTHER COATINGS)

Kids Issue mountainx.com

maRcH 2 - maRcH 8, 2016

59

MOVIES

by Edwin Arnaudin

STA RTIN G FR I D AY

SPECIAL SC REENINGS

London Has Fallen

Blonde Venus HHHHH

Straight from ancient Egypt, Gerard Butler returns in the “not screened for critics” sequel to the abominable Olympus Has Fallen. This time the bad guys are on British soil (obviously), but it’s still full of the same imperiled yanks — Aaron Eckhart, Morgan Freeman, and, yes, Melissa Leo. The plot? “The story begins in London, where the British Prime Minister has passed away under mysterious circumstances. His funeral is a must-attend event for leaders of the western world. However, what starts out as the most protected event on Earth turns into a deadly plot to kill the world’s most powerful leaders, devastate every known landmark in the British capital, and unleash a terrifying vision of the future. Only three people have any hope of stopping it: the President of the United States (Aaron Eckhart), his formidable Secret Service head (Gerard Butler), and an English MI-6 agent who rightly trusts no one.” (R)

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

Barely reviewed so far is Glen Ficarra and John Requa’s (Crazy Stupid Love) Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, a fact-based raunchy-com starring Tina Fey, Margot Robbie, Martin Freeman, Billy Bob Thornton and Alfred Molina. It boasts “pervasive language, some sexual content, drug use and violent war images,” and was adapted from a memoir by journalist Kim Barker. Early reviews are pretty much split. (R)

Zootopia

This latest animated Disney feature has already opened overseas and currently has a 100 percent Rotten Tomatoes rating (25 out of 25). It is described this way: “The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other.

Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together — a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when rookie Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman), to solve the mystery.” It also expected to be this week’s big winner. (PG)

60

edwinarnaudin@gmail.com

MARCH 2 - MARCH 8, 2016

Director: Josef von Sternberg Players: Marlene Dietrich, Herbert Marshall, Cary Grant, Dickie Moore, Rita La Roy, Robert Emmett O’Connor ROMANCE DRAMA WITH MUSICAL NUMBERS Rated NR Any movie that has Marlene Dietrich clamber out of a gorilla suit, don a blonde Afro and sing “Hot Voodoo” in front of a chorus line of African warrior dancing girls is OK by me — and Josef von Sternberg’s wonderfully preposterous Blonde Venus (1932) is that movie. It’s everything a Sternberg film should be, though it isn’t entirely persuasive as drama, and it certainly lacks the emotional resonance of Shanghai Express (1932).

It is, however, a fascinating work that showcases both its star

and its director’s obsessions, all within the confines of its weird drama of sacrifice and mother love. The sacrifice starts with Dietrich returning to the stage as “the Blonde Venus” (“Come Early, Stay Late”) in order to pay for husband Herbert Marshall’s treatment for radium poisoning (yes, well ...). She then further sacrifices herself by becoming Cary Grant’s mistress (not everyone would consider that a sacrifice), which Marshall doesn’t appreciate for some reason. There’s more, but it really has to be seen to be believed. The Asheville Film Society will screen Blonde Venus Tuesday, March 8, at 8 p.m. in Theater Six at The Carolina Asheville, hosted by Xpress movie critic Ken Hanke.

Murder, My Sweet HHHHS Director: Edward Dmytryk Players: Dick Powell, Claire Trevor, Anne Shirley, Otto Kruger, Mike Mazurki, Miles Mander FILM NOIR MYSTERY Rated NR Edward Dmytryk’s Murder, My Sweet (1944) isn’t the first time a Raymond Chandler novel was brought to the screen. In fact, the same source novel (Farewell, My Lovely) had been reconfigured as The Falcon Takes Over two years earlier. But it did mark the first onscreen appearance of Chandler’s private detective Philip Marlowe as himself. It was — and is — an auspicious debut, as well as a successful transition for star Dick Powell (as Marlowe) from crooner and light leading man to hard-boiled gumshoe. (Few juveniles make

such a successful change.) The film itself is a stylish, dark, rather grim and surprisingly adult (especially for the era) work that concerns Marlowe being hired to find ex-con Moose Malloy’s (Mike Mazurki) girlfriend, and then to find Helen Grayle’s (Claire Trevor) missing necklace — only to find the two cases somehow related. It may well be the definitive film noir and the definitive movie-version Philip Marlowe. The Hendersonville Film Society will show Murder, My Sweet Sunday, March 6, at 2 p.m. in the Smoky Mountain Theater at Lake Pointe Landing Retirement Community (behind Epic Cinemas), 333 Thompson St., Hendersonville.

Phantom of the Paradise HHHHH Director: Brian De Palma Players: Paul Williams, William Finley, Jessica Harper, Gerrit Graham, George Memmoli ROCK ’N’ ROLL HORROR Rated PG Brian De Palma fell into the category of the unruly little brother in the 1970s trio of him, Scorsese and Coppola.

He was the one who was more interested in having fun with filmmaking than he was in being controlled or making any kind of a statement. Nothing about tackling “weighty” material seems to have appealed to him — unless it just sort of happened in the process. Yet, there’s an undeniable energy about his work. There’s a love of making movies just for the sake of making them, and it makes his films — especially from this period — infectious in ways that often hold up better than some his comrades’ weightier propositions. Phantom of the Paradise is certainly one of those films.

The Phantom of Liberty HHHHS

Director: Luis Buñuel Players: Adriana Asti, Julien Bertheau, Jean-Claude Brialy, Adolfo Celi, Milena Vukotic SURREALIST COMEDY-DRAMA WITH SATIRE AND OCCASIONAL BLASPHEMY Rated R Apart from the inevitable college screening of Un Chien Andalou (1927), my first acquaintance with Luis Buñuel was made in 1982 at the 47th Street Theater in New York City with a double bill of The Phantom of Liberty (1974) and The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (1972). I’m not sure a more complete full-immersion Buñuel experience is possible.

Whether or not that makes Phantom a good starting point, I don’t know. But it’s pretty certain that if you don’t like Phantom,

mountainx.com

De Palma took everything that appealed to him about rock music, horror movies and the act of filmmaking, and combined it in this one cheeky movie that mixed Faust and The Phantom of the Opera into a nonstop explosion of pop-culture creativity. The result was a film as vital and fresh as anything that had come along up to that point.

That it was all in fun and designed to be cartoonishly entertaining, however, worked against the film critically, and it wasn’t taken seriously. That’s more a flaw of the critical mindset than of De Palma’s style, something Phantom of the Paradise continues to demonstrate every time it’s screened. The Thursday Horror Picture Show will screen Phantom of the Paradise Thursday, March 3, at 8 p.m. in Theater Six at The Carolina Asheville, hosted by Xpress movie critics Ken Hanke and Scott Douglas.

you’re probably not going to like Buñuel very much at all. Like its more famous counterpart, Discreet Charm, it rails against the bourgeoisie, but it adds an extra level of vitriol for all bureaucratic agencies, and it jettisons narrative in favor of mere structure. There’s no story, merely a series of vignettes that are only slightly connected (often just physically), but which work their way back around to a reflection of the film’s beginning. Classic World Cinema by Courtyard Gallery will present The Phantom of Liberty Friday, March 4, at 8 p.m. at Phil Mechanic Studios, 109 Roberts St., River Arts District (upstairs in the Railroad Library). Info: 828- 273-3332, www.ashevillecourtyard.com

maRketplace RE al Es tat E | R E n ta l s | R o o m m atEs | sERv icEs | joBs | a n n ou n cEm Ents | m i nd, B o dY, spi Rit cl as s E s & woR k s hop s | m u s i cia n s’ sERv icE s | pEts | a u tomotiv E | x c hang E | adult Want to advertise in Marketplace? 828-251-1333 x111 tnavaille@mountainx.com • mountainx.com/classifieds If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Remember the Russian proverb: “Doveryai, no proveryai,” trust but verify. When answering classified ads, always err on the side of caution. Especially beware of any party asking you to give them financial or identification information. The Mountain Xpress cannot be responsible for ensuring that each advertising client is legitimate. Please report scams to ads@mountainx.com Rentals

SKIllED lABOR/ TRADES

OFFICE • WAYNESVILLE DOWNTOWN 200 +/- sqft. $325/month. Utilities included. Public parking across street. (828) 216-6066.

FURNITURE & MIllWORK Small custom shop looking for a clean, professional person. You must be self motivated and have a strong work ethic. Experience or schooling required. Incredible opportunity for right person. hr@ earthinhome.com

UNIQUE WAyNESVIllE DOWNTOWN SPAcE Above Beverly-Hanks Realtors at 74 N Main. Impressive open 3rd floor of 4000+ sqft., high ceiling, wonderful natural light, separate HVAC, elevator from entrance on Wall St. Many uses: storage/office/showroom but ideal for loft apartment. Available soon, but view now to see if it fits your needs. Bill: 828-216-6066.

PRE cAST cONcRETE FABRIcATOR SEEKS SHOP HElP Reliable shop assistant needed for casting custom concrete projects. Must have high school diploma or higher, and experience with shop tools/saws. Need reliable transportation and ability to lift 125 pounds. Experience making molds a plus.

Compensation depends on experience. Email resume to tereasa.hcd@gmail.com.

cOMMERcIAl/ BUSINESS RENTAlS

Roommates ROOMMATES All AREAS ROOMMATES. cOM Lonely? Bored? Broke?

Find the perfect roommate to complement your personality and lifestyle at Roommates. com! (AAN CAN)

employment GENERAl JUST A QUIcK NOTE... ...to say thank you for your help from Mountain Xpress. I had a dozen calls about my ad and it is only Friday. I now know the best route is through your paper. I will definitely place another ad... Mountain Xpress is an excellent paper. Keep up the excellent work. Libby W. PRODUcTION WORKER POSITION Manufacturer in Fletcher, NC is seeking full time Production Workers for all shifts. If you are seeking a long term career in manufacturing, have previous experience in a manufacturing or technical environment, enjoy working in a hands-on, fast paced environment and have at least a high school diploma or equivalent this might be the right job for you! Please email your resume and/or work experience to jobs@ nativewatercraft.com.

SEcURITy OFFIcERS AND VAlET ATTENDANTS NEEDED American Services seeking applicants on behalf of Mission Hospital. $10.50/hr and up. Background check and drug screening required.

Applicants must be at least 25 years of age. Call today! (864) 599-0014.

TRUcK REPAIR MEcHANIcS Now hiring East coast.

Leasing Services, LLC. We are now hiring Truck Repair Mechanics! Looking for skillful, responsible, and dedicated workers. Some previous experience in shop/mechanic work would be appreciated but it is not necessary. We are looking for long-term candidates for employment who are willing to work hard and put in effort to learn more about the job. We are offering a full time job. No previous experience needed. Hourly pay is based on your experience and dedication. Please submit your resumes to adavidchuk@rpmdispatch.com • For additional information call 800-343-3105.

ADMINISTRATIVE/ OFFIcE EXPERIENcED cUSTOMER SERVIcE/BIllING clERK Seeking experienced customer service/billing clerk in the Asheville area. Must have knowledge of QuickBooks, Excel, and Word. Must be professional, well spoken, clean cut and seeking full time work. Please email your resume and salary range to pwelch@cws-nc.com OFFIcE ASSISTANT/BOOKKEEPER IMMEDIATE OPENING; Responsibilities include general office duties, telephone, bookkeeping; Proficiency in MS Word, Excel & Outlook and QuickBooks required; Customer Service/ Hospitality experience desirable; 2-4 days a week; Please send resume to jonathan@ GraylineAsheville.com

RESTAURANT/ FOOD APOLLO FLAME • WAITSTAFF Full-time. Fast, friendly, fun atmosphere. • Experience required. • Must be 18 years old. • Apply in person between 2pm-4pm, 485 Hendersonville Road. 274-3582.

SERVERS & HOSTESS Now hiring. Apply in person: 2 Hendersonville Road, Biltmore Station, Asheville. 252-7885. Ichiban Japanese Steak House

DRIVERS/ DElIVERy DElIVERy DRIVER Hiring greenhouse delivery driver.

Monday-Wednesday (22-25/ week). Call 828-891-8000.

TROllEy TOUR GUIDES If you are a "people person," love Asheville, have a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and clean driving record you could be a great TOUR GUIDE! FULLTIME and seasonal part-time positions now available. Training provided. Contact us today! www.GraylineAsheville.com; Info@GraylineAsheville.com; 828-251-8687.

MEDIcAl/ HEAlTH cARE cERTIFIED NURSE MIDWIFE Full-time. Help open WNC's first free-standing, accredited birth center! Full scope midwifery; out-of-hospital experience preferred; preference given to Western North Carolina (local) applicants with NC licensure.Competitive salary plus benefits; anticipated start date May-June 2016. • Resume to wncbirthcenter@gmail.com or PO Box 2853, Weaverville, NC 28787. wncbirthcenter. com

HUMAN SERVIcES $2000 SIGN ON BONUS RHA Health Services is accepting applications for its Intensive In-Home Team leader opening in its Madison County location. Eligible candidates must be at least an Associate level Licensed Professional.

Send resumes to kurt.wilder@ rhanet.org and sfeutz@rhanet. org ADMISSIONS AND MARKETING cOORDINATOR Red Oak Recovery, a cutting edge substance abuse treatment program for young adults, is in search of an Admissions and Marketing coordinator.

Computer skills and great communication skills are required.

Experience in event planning, calendar coordination, and courteous customer service are a must. Candidate must be energetic and willing to work in many areas throughout our large non-smoking campus.

Experience in the substance abuse/mental health industry a plus. Candidates must be team players and be self-driven.

Please email cover letter and resume to jobs@redoakrecovery.com AFl PROVIDERS NEEDED Seeking mature, competent care providers for in-home residential placements for I-DD population. Handicap accessible, ability to lift 80-100 lbs.

Competitive pay. Call or Email Dawn at 828-281-9998 or dawn@rayoflightllc.com

AVAILABLE POSITIONS • MERIDIAN BEHAVIORAl HEAlTH Haywood County Psychiatric Nurse - Assertive Community Treatment Team – (ACTT) Meridian Behavioral Health Services is seeking an RN, or LPN to join our Haywood/Buncombe County Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT) in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. The ACTT nurse is responsible for conducting psychiatric assessments; assessing physical needs; making appropriate referrals to community physicians; providing management and administration of medication in conjunction with the psychiatrist; providing a range of treatment, rehabilitation and support services; and sharing shiftmanagement responsibility with the ACTT Coordinator. Employee must have a valid driver's license without violations or restrictions, which could prevent completing all required job functions. Full or part-time applicants welcome. Haywood and Buncombe county clinician – Assertive community Treatment Team (AcTT) Seeking an energetic and passionate individual to join the Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT) in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina.

Come experience the satisfaction of providing recovery-oriented services within the context of a strong team wraparound model serving Haywood and Buncombe counties. If you are not familiar with ACTT, this position will provide you with an opportunity to experience an enhanced service that really works!

Must have a Master’s degree and be licensed/ license-eligible. Haywood and Jackson county Peer Support Specialist – Recovery Education center (REc) Meridian is seeking a Peer Support Specialist to work in our Recovery Education Centers in Haywood and/or Jackson County. Being a Peer Support Specialist provides an opportunity for individuals to transform their own personal lived experience with mental health and/or addiction challenges into a tool for inspiring hope for recovery in others. Applicants must demonstrate maturity in their own recovery process, have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and have moderate computer skills.

Part-time work may be available. Jackson county Nurse – Assertive community Treatment Team (AcTT) Seeking an RN, or LPN to join our Jackson County Assertive

Community Treatment Team (ACTT) in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. The ACTT nurse is responsible for conducting psychiatric assessments; assessing physical needs; making appropriate referrals to community physicians; providing management and administration of medication in conjunction with the psychiatrist; providing a range of treatment, rehabilitation and support services; and sharing shift-management responsibility with the ACTT Coordinator. Employee must have a valid driver's license without violations or restrictions, which could prevent completing all required job functions.

Full or part-time applicants welcome. clinician – Recovery Education center (REc) Seeking passionate, valuesdriven and dynamic professional to join our Jackson County Recovery Education Center (REC). This program reflects a unique design which integrates educational, clinical and peer support components in a center-based milieu. To be considered, an applicant should be familiar with the recovery paradigm of mental health and substance

abuse services. Applicant must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, flexibility, and moderate computer skills. A Master’s degree and license eligibility are also required. Macon county Team leader/clinician – Recovery Education center (REc) Seeking passionate, values-driven and dynamic professional to join our Macon County Recovery Education Center (REC). This program reflects a unique design which integrates educational, clinical and peer support components in a centerbased milieu. To be considered, an applicant should be familiar with the recovery paradigm of mental health and substance abuse services.

Applicant must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, flexibility, and moderate computer skills. A Master’s degree and license eligibility are also required.

Macon and Haywood counties Employment Support Professional (ESP) Supported Employment The ESP functions as part of a team that implements employment services based on the SE-IPS model. The team’s goal is to support individuals who have

had challenges with obtaining and/or maintaining employment in the past and to obtain and maintain competitive employment moving forward.

The ESP is responsible for engaging clients and establishing trusting, collaborative relationships that result in the creation of completion of individualized employment goals.

The ESP will support the client through the whole employment process and provide a variety of services at each state to support the individual in achieving their employment goals. Transylvania county clinician/Team leader and Two Qualified Professionals – Intensive In-Home Team Intensive In-Home service is a team approach, using strengths-based interventions, designed to address the identified needs of children and adolescents who, due to serious and chronic symptoms of an emotional/ behavioral disorder, are unable to remain stable in the community without intensive interventions. The primary goal of the IIH staff and service is to stabilize the client’s functioning and eliminate the risk of out of home placement or more restrictive

interventions. QPs must have a Bachelor’s degree in Human services with 2 years of fulltime, post degree experience with this population. Applicant must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, flexibility, and moderate computer skills. clinician – child and Family Services Meridian Behavioral Health Services is currently seeking a licensed/associate licensed therapist for an exciting opportunity to join our Child and Family Services team in Transylvania County. This clinician will be serving youth and their families through individual and group therapy, working primarily out of local schools. Applicant must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, flexibility, and moderate computer skills. AGENcy-WIDE Peer Support Specialist Peers Assisting in community Engagement (PAcE) Being a Peer Support Specialist provides an opportunity for individuals to transform their own personal lived experience with mental health and/or addiction challenges into a tool for inspiring hope for recovery in others.

Applicants must demonstrate

1 mountainx.com 16, 2016 61 mountainx.comFEBRuaRY maRcH10 2 -- FEBRuaRY maRcH 8, 2016

Coming April 20th The

Sustainability Issue

CELEBRATING EARTH DAY 2016

Contact us today!

828-251-1333 advertise@mountainx.com

FReeWILL aSTROLOGY aRies (march 21-april 19): Actress Blythe Baird writes about the problem that arises when her dog sees her eating a peanut butter and chocolate chip bagel. Her beloved pet begs for a piece and becomes miserable when it's not forthcoming. Baird is merely demonstrating her love, of course, because she knows that eating chocolate can make canines ill. I suspect that life is bestowing a comparable blessing on you. You may feel mad and sad about being deprived of something you want. But the likely truth is that you will be lucky not to get it. tauRus (april 20-may 20): "I do not literally paint that table, but rather the emotion it produces upon me," French artist Henri Matisse told an interviewer.

"But what if you don't always have emotion?" she asked him. This is how Matisse replied: "Then I do not paint. This morning, when I came to work, I had no emotion. So I took a horseback ride. When I returned, I felt like painting, and had all the emotion I wanted."

This is excellent advice for you to keep in mind, Taurus.

Even more than usual, it's crucial that you imbue every important thing you do with pure, strong emotions. If they're not immediately available, go in quest of them. gemini (may 21-June 20): Some night soon, I predict you'll dream of being an enlightened sovereign who presides over an ecologically sustainable paradise.

You're a visionary leader who is committed to peace and high culture, so you've never gone to war. You share your wealth with the people in your kingdom.

You revere scientists and shamans alike, providing them with what they need to do their good work for the enhancement of the realm. Have fun imagining further details of this dream, Gemini, or else make up your own. Now is an excellent time to visualize a fairy tale version of yourself at the height of your powers, living your dreams and sharing your gifts.

CanCeR (June 21-July 22): It's not always necessary to have an expansive view of where you have been and where you are going, but it's crucial right now. So I suggest that you take an inventory of the big picture. For guidance, study this advice from philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche: "What have you truly loved? What has uplifted your soul, what has dominated and delighted it at the same time? Assemble these revered objects in a row before you and they may reveal a law by their nature and their order: the fundamental law of your very self."

Leo (July 23-aug. 22): Sportswear manufacturer Adidas is looking for ways to repurpose trash that humans dump in the oceans. One of its creations is a type of shoe made from illegal deep-sea nets that have been confiscated from poachers. I invite you to get inspired

by Adidas's work. From an astrological perspective, now is a good time to expand and refine your personal approach to recycling. Brainstorm about how you could convert waste and refuse into useful, beautiful resources -- not just literally, but also metaphorically. For example, is there a ruined or used-up dream that could be transformed into raw material for a shiny new dream?

ViRgo (aug. 23-sept. 22): "There isn't enough of anything as long as we live," wrote Raymond Carver.

"But at intervals a sweetness appears and, given a chance, prevails." According to my analysis of the astrological omens, Virgo, you'll soon be gliding through one of these intervals. Now and then you may even experience the strange sensation of being completely satisfied with the quality and amount of sweetness that arrives. To ensure optimal results, be as free from greed as you can possibly be.

maRcH 2 -10 maRcH 8, 201616, mountainx.com 262 FEBRUARY - FEBRUARY 2016 MOUNTAINX.COM

- By RoB BReZny

liBRa (sept. 23-oct. 22): "For a wound to heal, you have to clean it out," says author Yasmin Mogahed.

"Again, and again, and again. And this cleaning process stings. The cleaning of a wound hurts. Yes. Healing takes so much work. So much persistence. And so much patience." According to my analysis, Libra, you should be attending to this tough but glorious task. Although the work might be hard, it won't be anywhere near as hard as it usually is. And you are likely to make more progress than you would be able to at other times. sCoRPio (oct. 23-nov. 21): "The other day, lying in bed," writes poet Rodger Kamenetz, "I felt my heart beating for the first time in a long while. I realized how little I live in my body, how much in my mind."

He speaks for the majority of us. We spend much of our lives entranced by the relentless jabber that unfolds between our ears. But I want to let you know, Scorpio, that the moment is ripe to rebel against this tendency in yourself. In the coming weeks, you will have a natural talent for celebrating your body. You'll be able to commune deeply with its sensations, to learn more abut how it works, and to exult in the pleasure it gives you and the wisdom it provides. sagittaRius (nov. 22-dec. 21): In his "Dream Song 67," poet John Berryman confesses, "I am obliged to perform in complete darkness operations of great delicacy on my self." I hope you will consider embarking on similar heroics, Sagittarius. It's not an especially favorable time to overhaul your environment or try to get people to change in accordance with your wishes. But it's a perfect moment to spruce up your inner world -- to tinker with and refine it so that everything in there works with more grace. And unlike Berryman, you won't have to proceed in darkness. The light might not be bright, but there'll be enough of a glow to see what you're doing.

CaPRiCoRn (dec. 22-Jan. 19): Here's the dictionary's definition of the word "indelible": "having the quality of being difficult to remove, wash away, blot out, or efface; incapable of being canceled, lost, or forgotten."

The word is often used in reference to unpleasant matters: stains on clothes, biases that distort the truth, superstitions held with unshakable conviction, or painful memories of romantic break-ups. I am happy to let you know that you now have more power than usual to dissolve seemingly indelible stuff like that. Here's a trick that might help you: Find a new teacher or teaching that uplifts you with indelible epiphanies. aQuaRius (Jan. 20-feb. 18): According to poet Tony Hoagland, most of us rarely "manage to finish a thought or a feeling; we usually get lazy or distracted and quit halfway through." Why? Hoagland theorizes that we "don't have the time to complete the process, and we dislike the difficulty and discomfort of the task."

There's a cost for this negligence: "We walk around full of half-finished experiences." That's why Hoagland became a poet. He says that "poems model the possibility of feeling all the way through an emotional process" and "thinking all the way through a thought."

The coming weeks will be a favorable time to get more in the habit of finishing your own feelings and thoughts, Aquarius. It will also be more important than usual that you do so! (Hoagland's comments appeared in Gulf Coast: A Journal of Literature and Fine Arts.)

PisCes (feb. 19-march 20): Unless you work at night and sleep by day, you experience the morning on a regular basis. You may have a love-hate relationship with it, because on the one hand you don't like to leave your comfortable bed so early, and on the other hand you enjoy anticipating the interesting events ahead of you. But aside from your personal associations with the morning, this time of day has always been a potent symbol of awakenings and beginnings. Throughout history, poets have invoked it to signify purity and promise. In myth and legend, it often represents the chance to see things afresh, to be free of the past's burdens, to love life unconditionally. Dream interpreters might suggest that a dream of morning indicates a renewed capacity to trust oneself. All of these meanings are especially apropos for you right now, Pisces.

maturity in their own recovery process, have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and have moderate computer skills.

Clinician Peers Assisting in Community Engagement (PACE) Clinician will be providing ongoing therapy with individuals and clinical support to the peer support team. The position will involve travel and community-based work in multiple counties. A Master’s degree, license eligibility and experience are required.

PACE provides structured and scheduled activities for adults age 18 and older with a diagnosis of Mental Health and Substance Use disorders.

This could be a part-time or full-time position. • For further information and to complete an application, visit our website: www.meridianbhs. org GREAT OPPORTUNITY, GREAT PEOPLE, GREAT SUPPORT. BEHAVIORAL HEALTH GROUP a leading provider of opioid addiction treatment services, is seeking Counselors & Nurses.

For more information please call 214-365-6146 or fax your resume to 214-365-6150 Attn: HR-CNSLASH GROUP HOME POSITIONS Brevard/Hendersonville Group Homes: One year experience working in a GH setting or assisting adults with complex medical & IDD needs preferred. Contact: jonathan.knox@eastersealsucp.com Brevard positions-828-862-3401 sarah. smith@eastersealsucp. com Hendersonville positions-828-696-8526 sarah. smith@eastersealsucp.com OUR VOICE SEEKS INTAKE SPECIALIST To serve as first point of contact for clients coming to the Buncombe County Family Justice Center for sexual assault services. Resume and cover letter

by March 7, in PDF format to: rvoice@ourvoicenc.org Position details at www.ourvoicenc.org

TEACHING/ EDUCATION

INTERESTED IN WORKING AT A-B TECH? Full-Time, Part-Time and Adjunct Positions available. Come help people achieve their dreams!

Apply for open positions at https://abtcc.peopleadmin. com

wilderness certifications (WFR, CPR, etc.) to nduncan@trailsacademy.com www.trailsacademy.com

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES PAID IN ADVANCE! Make $1000/week mailing brochures from home! No experience required. Helping home workers since 2001! Genuine opportunity. Start immediately! www.TheIncomeHub.com (AAN CAN).

ARTS/MEDIA EDITOR AND SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST, THE AMERICAN CHESTNUT FOUNDATION The Editor and Social Media Specialist will be responsible for the production of TACF’s primary outreach publication, producing a monthly electronic newsletter, and maintaining TACF’s social media presence.

The complete job description can be viewed at www.acf. org/jobs.php. To apply, send a resume, references, and portfolio examples to ruth. goodridge@acf.org.

NEWS REPORTER WANTED Mountain Xpress is seeking an experienced reporter to join our news team. We’re looking for a writer who can cover a wide range of issues of community concern, including local government and politics, the environment, community activism, education, economic news, law enforcement, cultural debates etc — in other words, a bit of a news wonk. You must be able to craft stories that respect the perspectives of all sides, engage readers and empower them to: think critically, take part in meaningful civic dialogue and effect change at the local level. Qualified applicants will have experience in news-writing, have social-media skills, write quickly and enjoy a fast-paced newsgathering environment. You should know AP style, write clean copy and have extreme attention to detail. Photography, web-posting and copyediting experience are plusses.

Must have knowledge of Asheville and WNC, be communityminded, be able to work and meet deadlines under pressure, have a keen sense of fairness with respect for differing points of view, and be committed to Xpress’ mission and community-based journalism. Flexible availability required to cover some after-hours meetings and weekend events. This is a fulltime position with benefits.

Send cover letter, resume and clips/links to employment@ mountainx.com

COMPUTER/ TECHNICAL

MATHEMATICS TEACHER WANTED The Academy at Trails Carolina, a year-round experiential and adventure based therapeutic boarding school for boys grades 9-12 based in Henderson County North Carolina, is seeking a Licensed Mathematics Teacher to join its faculty. Interested applicants should email copies of their resume, NC teaching license, 3 letters of reference, and any pertinent

FILEMAKER PROGRAMMER AND MAC SYSTEMS/ NETWORK/I.T. SUPPORT PERSON WANTED Mountain Xpress seeks a person to administer and develop our FileMaker-based CMS. Must have strong understanding and ability with FileMaker that includes programming/development. Preferred candidates will have some experience with

T HE N E W Y ORK TIMES CROSSWORD PU ZZL E HTML/CSS/PHP and other web development, XML/ XSLT, DNS and network protocols. Candidates should be comfortable with day-to-day support of the company's IT systems: servers, workstations, laptops, printers, Internet-connection, email and internal network hardware/ software. Environment is OS X Macintosh. Experience with phone systems, printers, graphics (Adobe Creative Suite), MySQL databases, MS Office software, computer hardware are a plus.

Send cover letter, resume and references to: employment@mountainx.com

HOTEL/ HOSPITALITY HOUSEKEEPER • BREAKFAST SERVER At the Historic Princess Anne Hotel.

Full-time position, competitive wages. • Weekends required. Responsibilities include: cleaning guest rooms, common areas and serving breakfast to our guests. • Requirements: Previous hospitality experience, a professional appearance, exceptional customer service abilities, and the ability to work independently. • Competitive wages. Interested applicants should apply in person at 301 E. Chestnut St., Asheville, after 10am.

MONTFORD B&B SEEKING HOUSEKEEPING STAFF Montford B&B seeking employee(s) for full/parttime housekeeping . Experience preferred, references a must. $10/hr to start, plus shared tip-out. Send resume/ references to info@blackwalnut.com.

Please, no phone calls or drop-ins.

publication to make a claim.

Unclaimed items will be disposed of according to statutory law. Items will be auctioned on www.propertyroom.com.

For further information, or to file a claim, contact the Asheville Police Department Property and Evidence Section, 828-232-4576. NOTICE OF DISPOSITION The following is a list of unclaimed and confiscated property at the Asheville Police Department tagged for disposition: audio and video equipment; cameras; clothing; lawn and garden equipment; personal items; tools; weapons (including firearms); jewelry; automotive items; building supplies; bikes and other miscellaneous. Items will be disposed of 30 days from date of this posting.

LOST & FOUND FOUND • PURPLE BICYCLE Small, light purple bicycle, one speed, possibly kid's bike, by the train tracks in the Asheville River Arts district. Please call 828-337-0700 to claim it.

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS CLASSES & WORKSHOPS CLAY CLASSES AT ODYSSEY CLAYWORKS Classes Begin March 21. The Masters Of The Mountains Series, Introduction To The Potter's Wheel, Intermediate Wheel Throwing, Ready, Set, Throw One Night Pottery Class, K-12 Educators Workshop. 828285-0210, www.odysseyceramicarts.com.

SERVICES FINANCIAL ARE YOU IN BIG TROUBLE WITH THE IRS? Stop wage and bank levies, liens and audits, unfiled tax returns, CHAIRMAKING payroll issues, and resolve WINDSOR tax debt Fast. Call 844-753- CLASS WITH ELIA BIZZARRI Warren Wilson College Folk1317 (AAN CAN) shop Class, Mar. 14-20. Build a Continous Arm Windsor Rocker with Master Chairmaker Elia Bizzarri. Seven day HOME class /10 students. From log IMPROVEMENT to finished chair. 828-3011158 email: Herebrooks@ AOL.com

HANDY MAN

HIRE A HUSBAND • HANDYMAN SERVICES Since 1993. Multiple skill sets. Reliable, trustworthy, quality results. $1 million liability insurance. References and estimates available. Stephen Houpis, (828) 280-2254.

MIND, BODY, SPIRIT BODYWORK

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ACROSS 1 *Do in, old-style 6 Org. for Janet

Yellen, with “the”

Reflexology. Energy, Pure Therapeutic Essential Oils.

30 therapists. Call now! www.thecosmicgroove. com

two, stay the day or all evening, escape & renew! Best massages in Asheville 828299-0999

COUNSELING SERVICES

SPIRITUAL

HYPNOSIS | EFT | NLP Michelle Payton, D.C.H., Author | 828-681-1728 | www.MichellePayton.com | Dr. Payton’s mind over matter solutions include: Hypnosis, Self-Hypnosis, Emotional Freedom Technique, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Acupressure Hypnosis, Past Life Regression, Sensory-based Writing Coaching. Find Michelle’s books, audio and video, sessions and workshops on her website.

HEALTH & FITNESS

NOTICE OF UNCLAIMED PROPERTY The following is a list of unclaimed and confiscated property at the Asheville Police Department: electronic equipment; cameras; clothing; lawn and garden equipment; personal items; tools; weapons (including firearms); jewelry; automotive items; building supplies; bikes and other miscellaneous items. Anyone with a legitimate claim or interest in this property has 30 days from the date of this

ELIMINATE CELLULITE And Inches in weeks! All natural. Odor free. Works for men or women. Free month supply on select packages. Order now! 844244-7149 (M-F 9am-8pm central) (AAN CAN)

RETREATS SHOJI SPA & LODGE • 7 DAYS A WEEK Day & Night passes, cold plunge, sauna, hot tubs, lodging, 8 minutes from town, bring a friend or

CLOUD COTTAGE COMMUNITY OF MINDFUL LIVING: Mindfulness practice in the Plum Village tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, 219 Old Toll Circle, Black Mountain. Freedom, Simplicity, Harmony. Weds.

6-7:30 PM; Sundays 8-9:00 AM, followed by tea/book study. For additional offerings, see www.cloudcottage.org or call 828-6696000.

FOR MUSICIANS

Palisades Park

7 Great Lakes tribesmen

8 How a daring

quarterback may throw 9 2001 Sean Penn movie 10 Service with a bird logo 11 The “E” of 12-Down 12 Army fare, for short 13 1960s antiwar org.

21 Flop’s opposite 22 Place for a shot 24 “___ my wit’s end!”

26 “Colorful” folk duo 27 River to the Missouri 29 Golf’s Aoki 30 Those, in Taxco 31 Touched down 32 “The Taming of the Shrew” setting 34 Rosemary, for one 35 Part of a Masonic symbol 39 Nouveau ___ 40 Director Kazan 43 Place of privacy 47 “Obviously” 48 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup champs 50 Reason to take off one’s hat Local! Call For Quote: 1-888420-3808 (AAN CAN)

PETS LOST PETS A LOST OR FOUND PET? Free service. If you have lost or found a pet in WNC, post your listing here: www.lostpetswnc.org

PET SERVICES ASHEVILLE PET SITTERS Dependable, loving care while you're away. Reasonable rates.

Call Sandy (828) 215-7232.

AUTOMOTIVE CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!!

We Buy Like New or Damaged. Running or Not. Get Paid! Free Towing! We’re

MUSICIANS’ BULLETIN ROCK DRUMMER NEEDED Local high energy original hard rock band seeking energetic, seasoned, motivated drummer willing to travel regionally on occasion. Must have well-kept kit, transportation, and willing to practice weekly. Must be able to double kick. Gigs already booked. Call 828 242-8415.

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE

ADULT ADULT PHONE ACTRESSES From home. Must have dedicated land line and great voice. 21+.

Up to $18 per hour. Flex hours/ most Weekends. 1-800-4037772. Lipservice.net (AAN CAN) VIAGRA! 52 Pills for Only $99.00. Your #1 trusted provider for 10 years. Insured and Guaranteed Delivery. Call today 1-877-621-7013. AAN CAN VIAGRA! 52 Pills for Only $99.00. Your #1 trusted provider for 10 years. Insured and Guaranteed Delivery. Call today 1-888-403-9028. (AAN CAN)

MUSICAL SERVICES ASHEVILLE'S WHITEWATER RECORDING Mastering • Mixing • Recording.

• CD/DVDs. (828) 684-8284 • www.whitewaterrecording.com

No. 0127

6 N.J. town next to

option 49 “See ya!” once 51 5 for B and 6 for C 15 One more than due 52 See 23-Across 16 Judge’s determination 56 Affair that led to Scooter Libby’s 17 SeaWorld frolicker 2007 conviction, 18 Club selection factor informally 19 *Tiny biters 20 Phil who sang “Draft 58 Steering wheel option Dodger Rag” 21 Overlook, as a fault 59 *Gives off 62 You, impersonally 23 With 38- and 63 Number of strikes in 52-Across, 1964 a turkey Bob Dylan song 64 Lash of old westerns … or a hint to the 65 Nabokov heroine answers to this puzzle’s starred 66 Canasta plays clues 67 *Answer to “Who’s 25 Sine, for example there?”

28 Midtown Manhattan 68 Pro ___ (for cultural attraction, now) for short 69 *“No more, thanks” 29 Bigger than big DOWN 31 G.I. address 1 ___-Hawley Tariff 33 Symbol of penance Act of 1930 36 Nutritional figs.

2 One of 20 in a book 37 Make a run for 3 How Buddhists it strive to live 38 See 23-Across 4 Connects with 41 “Need ___ on?”

5 Musical gift

9 *Grocery line count 14 Suffix with Obama,

LEGAL NOTICES

#1 AFFORDABLE COMMUNITY CONSCIOUS MASSAGE AND ESSENTIAL OIL CLINIC 4 locations: 1224 Hendersonville Rd., Asheville, 505-7088, 959 Merrimon Ave, Suite 101, 785-1385 and 2021 Asheville Hwy., Hendersonville, 697-0103. 24 Sardis Rd. Ste B, 828-633-6789 • $33/ hour. • Integrated Therapeutic Massage: Deep Tissue, Swedish, Trigger Point,

42 When Brutus struck 44 Make even slicker 45 Some refrigerators 46 Foot-long sandwich

edited by Will Shortz

Kids Issue March 16, 2016

Paul Caron

Furniture Magician • Cabinet Refacing • Furniture Repair • Seat Caning • Antique Restoration • Custom Furniture & Cabinetry (828) 669-4625

• Black Mountain

mountainx.comFEBRUARY maRcH10 2 -- FEBRUARY maRcH 8, 2016 3 MOUNTAINX.COM 16, 2016 63