House Bill 318 recently passed the N.C. House. It would require sheriffs to cooperate with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) detainers when individuals are charged with serious crimes, including violent misdemeanors like sexual battery.
Yet all three of Buncombe County’s representatives — Eric Ager, Lindsey Prather and Brian Turner — voted against the bill. Sheriff Quentin Miller has made it clear that his office opposes these policies, too.
I have to ask: Who are our local leaders really protecting?
HB 318 isn’t about immigration politics — it’s about keeping dangerous individuals off the street. If someone is in the country illegally and facing criminal charges, law enforcement should notify ICE before release. That’s not controversial. That’s common sense.
When local leaders side with ideology over safety, voters should take notice. I hope Buncombe County residents remember these votes — and these public statements — when they return to the polls in 2026.
— Jim Fulton Arden
Think twice about logging national forests
[ Regarding “Outdoor Alarm: Environmentalists Say Federal Policies Put Forests at Further Risk,” April 16, Xpress, and “Take Three: WNC Forest Plan Under Pressure from Storm Devastation, Lawsuit and Trump,” April 16, Carolina Public Press via Xpress:]
The local economy has always been dependent on tourism. The history of manufacturing left with the cotton mills, the sweatshops of the
South. The small farming communities of Western North Carolina have slowly disappeared.
Most logging is done on private lands in the Southeast. While logging levels dropped, the U.S. remained among the world’s largest producers and consumers of timber.
The logging industry contributes 750,000 jobs, according to the White House, compared with some 5 million in outdoor recreation.
Sawmills and other infrastructure required to handle increased production have closed. It will take years to rebuild the manufacturing pipeline. Meanwhile, manufacturers will be outsourcing overseas until that happens.
Logging along the upstate of South Carolina’s grade needs to be restricted to prevent recurring landslides.
The amount of logging that can take place in areas where they know that flooding increases needs to be
restricted to mitigate flooding issues and erosion.
Logging in a previous landslide area should be prevented. For every tree taken out of a national forest, three trees must be planted in the same forest area. Additionally, three trees must be planted in an adjacent landslide zone (a 6:1 ratio). The cost of planting and sourcing trees needs to be borne by the logging company.
—
Teresa K. Corn WNC native McLeansville, N.C.
Public Seder models inclusiveness and peace
One of the most uplifting experiences for me since Oct. 7, 2023, was attending the public Seder that members of the local JVP (Jewish Voice for Peace) offered to our community on April 12 in Pack Square.
Seders are usually a festive family event, held in someone’s home, with a ritual service and a ceremonial dinner to celebrate the liberation of the Israelites from Egypt.
The Seder opened with a young Palestinian man reading a poem by the Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish in both Arabic and English. Then he shared his reflections on the current situation for Palestinians, which the United Nations has determined is a plausible genocide. It was followed by the Seder, facilitated by a group of five members of the local JVP pod. They had invited their Palestinian comrades to attend, some of whom were present. Particularly moving was recognition in several places of the fact that Palestinian liberation is essential for us all. There was a large banner at the edge of the gathering which said, “Never Again Means Never Again For Any People.”
The local group Reject Raytheon has been raising banners on the Montford bridge calling attention to this genocide with various messages including: “Human Rights For Palestinians,” “End Occupation,” “Stop Arming Israel,” “This Is Heart Breaking,” “Peace Salaam Shalom,” “We Pay for Israel’s Genocide,” “Your Taxes Pay for Genocide,” etc. The U.S.’s role in supplying weapons to Israel is in violation of our own laws. Providing political and diplomatic cover is lying to the world about what we are doing.
Several months ago, a group of Zionists began harassing us on the bridge and other places we brought our banners. Although we have not seen those people about recently, the organizers of the public Seder had peacekeepers and legal observers on the periphery so we could all feel safe.
As I write this after the event, I am even more aware that this president and his party are moving our country deeper into fascism. This Passover Seder, the message of liberation, was
CARTOON BY RANDY MOLTON
‘Joy for movement’
North Buncombe Elementary PTO raising money to honor students killed in Helene flooding
BY JUSTIN M c GUIRE
jmcguire@mountainx.com
When North Buncombe Elementary School PTO members first discussed how to honor Felix and Lucas Wisely, two brothers who died during Tropical Storm Helene, the idea came naturally: build something outdoors, full of life and discovery — just like them.
“We started talking about originally doing some sort of an outdoor classroom,” says Hillary Cole, a PTO member and landscape architect who is leading the project. “But we thought about what the boys exhibited, which was a joy for movement and a joy for all the things that kids love, fun, creativity, togetherness.”
Organizers chose to create a naturethemed play space that will include a large playground equipment piece featuring a memorial plaque by a local artist to honor the memories of Felix, a 9-year-old third grader, and Lucas, a 7-year-old second grader. The area will also include an educational pollinator garden and interactive art.
The brothers died Sept. 27 along with their mother, Alison “Aly” Wisely, and her fiancé, Knox Petrucci, while trying to evacuate their home in Green Mountain, a small Yancey County town, according to news reports. As flood-
waters from the overflowing Toe River rose, their car began to float, and when they got out and attempted to walk home, a powerful wave swept all four into the river.
“Aly Wisely was on the PTO with us, and her fiancé was really active in the beekeeping community,” Cole says. “They both loved the outdoors and adventures, and they had shared that with their children.”
The planned memorial will sit beside the school’s existing playground in a grassy area near the gaga ball courts. It will include a 40- by 30-foot play space and a 100-foot-long pollinator garden, designed for fun, learning and reflection. The garden will feature native plants and interactive elements to engage students in hands-on discovery — something Felix and Lucas were known to love.
Organizers are aiming to raise up to $300,000 by Sunday, May 11, to fund the project, which includes playground equipment, landscaping and an interactive art component to be designed by local artists.
Donations can be made at avl.mx/erm, where supporters can also purchase tickets for raffle baskets curated by the PTO. All donations will be used to create the Legacy Garden and Memorial Playspace. X
NOT FORGOTTEN: Aly Wisely and her sons, Felix, left, and Lucas, lost their lives during Tropical Storm Helene. Photo courtesy of North Buncombe Elementary School
BULLETIN BOARD
by Lisa Allen | lallen@mountainx.com
Week of the Pet
RIDE RATING
The City of Asheville invites the community to answer a survey as part of the Asheville Rides Transit (ART) Comprehensive Operational Analysis, intended to improve Asheville’s public transit services. The survey is open
Annie is a 1-year-old, 40-pound pup. She might need a little time to warm up to bear hugs and games of tag, says the staff at Asheville Humane Society. Her mellow view on life is best suited for older children or adults. Visit her and other future family members at 14 Forever Friend Lane. X
Voting matters
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission awarded Buncombe County for its work “ensuring residents had the opportunity to securely vote in the 2024 election after Tropical Storm Helene.” On April 16, the commission presented the Clearinghouse Award for the county’s contingency planning and emergency response efforts that date to 2022. Election Services earned a second Clearinghouse Award in voter education and communications initiatives for a threepart video project “NC Together,” which was a collaboration among the N.C. State Board of Elections, Buncombe County Communication and Public Education, and Buncombe County Election Services. Submissions were judged on innovation, sustainability, outreach, cost-effectiveness, replicability and the generation of positive results, according to a press release. X
May Day
Around 300 residents gathered on May 1 at Pack Square Park for a May Day demonstration. “Current efforts by [President] Trump and billionaires threaten to reverse decades of social progress achieved through struggle,” stated a press release from the event’s organizers, WNC Workers Assembly and Asheville Food & Beverage United. “However, workers across the country are mobilizing to build a powerful movement to stop this billionaire agenda and create a more just world for all.” X
The town of Rutherfordton was selected by Mural Mosaic’s Global Roots Project, an initiative that aims to bring communities together one painting at a time, for its latest installment. Participating artist Lewis Lavoie’s work has appeared throughout the U.S. and Canada, according to the Mural Mosaic website. Rutherfordton’s piece, on the C&H Wholesale Co. building next to MackinGo coworking space, was unveiled April 22. “This mural stands as a symbol of hope and resilience, a testament to the strength and unity of our community in the face of rebuilding after [Tropical Storm] Helene,” Doug Barrick, town manager of Rutherfordton, said in a press release. “With 200 tiles crafted by talented local artists, it is a vibrant reminder that our individual gifts are always more beautiful when combined, creating something stronger and more enduring.” X
Photo by Thomas Calder
Photo by Leniece Lane
Golden Agers
One resident’s quest to keep her neighborhood streets clean
BY CAROL KAUFMAN
ckaufman828@gmail.com
Call it an obsession, but Denise King has a knack for noticing every blemish in her neighborhood — be it stray trash, discarded furniture, abandoned cars, piles of dead leaves or fresh graffiti.
“The City of Asheville hires workers to pick up trash in downtown Asheville,” King notes, “but I’ve noticed that what’s often missing from their schedules are the outlining areas, such as my East End neighborhood.”
That’s where King steps in.
She often can be seen strolling the streets with her dog, Bert, and a plastic bag in hand for quick cleanups.
But last month, King went on strike — albeit briefly.
“I saw freshly discarded trash and I thought, ‘I’m not picking that up this time,’” she remarks.
However, when King noticed the same food container still lying on the sidewalk the following morning, she relented.
“I just can’t help myself,” she says with a laugh. “So much for going on strike.”
Before King and her husband, Dan, relocated to Asheville in 2017, she spent 23 years running a landscape design business in Ipswich, Mass. This, along with a dual career in interior design, has made beauty, tidiness and cleanliness a priority throughout her life.
Over the previous two years, King notes that she’s filed 74 reports via the
Asheville App, which allows residents to submit issues to the city for matters such as waterline leaks, potholes and illegal dumping.
“Bert and I often take different routes when we walk,” she says. “I’ve even parked my car along stretches of nearby streets and swept up piles of dead leaves, then placed them in large paper bags and left them for the city to pick up.”
King has advocated for trash bins at her neighborhood’s bus stops. “When there’s no place to throw things away, the ground can become the trash can,” she says.
During a 2023 visit to New Zealand, King says she was astonished by the country’s pristine streets. “I even asked our cabdriver if the city had workers dedicated to cleaning up sidewalk litter,” she recalls. “He looked surprised by my question and explained that people simply don’t throw their trash on the ground.”
In addition to keeping her neighborhood spotless and condo complex brimming with plants and flowers, King regularly volunteers with Asheville GreenWorks at local cleanup events.
Before Tropical Storm Helene, she also regularly helped plant and maintain the garden beds around the Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, which was destroyed by flooding.
“I feel good helping to keep our streets clean,” she says. “It’s a positive contribution to my community and a boost for my mental well-being. Plus, having just turned 74, it sure is a great way to stay active.” X
CLEANUP CREW: Denise King often can be seen strolling the streets with her dog, Bert, and a plastic bag in hand for quick cleanups. Photo by Carol Kaufman
MAY. 7 - MAY 15, 2025
For a full list of community calendar guidelines, please visit mountainx.com/calendar. For questions about free listings, call 828-251-1333, opt. 4. For questions about paid calendar listings, please call 828-251-1333, opt. 1.
Online-only events
Feature, page 16-17
Feature, page 18-19
More info, page 25
WELLNESS
Therapeutic Recreation
Adult Morning Movement
Wednesday mornings are all about active games, physical activities, and sports adapted to accommodate all skill levels.
WE (5/7, 14), 10am, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Ave
Gentle Tai Chi for Balance
This class works on improving our balance through exercises that help you to think with your feet while strengthening your balance muscles.
WE (5/7, 14), 11:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109
Tai Chi Fan
This class includes partner work showing the martial application of the fans when they are used as a weapon and Flying Rainbow Double Fan form.
WE (5/7, 14), 1pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109
Tai Chi For Beginners Yang 10 & 24
In this Beginner Tai Chi class, the focus is on the Yang 10 and 24 forms as well as Qigong exercises for health.
TH (5/8, 15), MO (5/12), 11:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109
A great class for those who have studied Yang 37 or would like a form that is a little bit more involved than Yang 10 or 24.
SA (5/10), 8:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109
CIRCL Mobility Classes
Through specifically designed macro and micro mobility components, you’ll renew the body’s movement potential, achieve better performance, and
WNC Birdfest 2025
Monteith Farmstead & Community Park • Sat., May 10 • 10am - 4pm
This event celebrates World Migratory Bird Day and festivities will include guided bird and nature walks, live music, local artists, family-friendly activities and more.
“I attribute my earliest inspirations as a photographer to admiring the photos my grandfather took of birds as a hobbyist birdwatcher when I was a child. With that in mind, I wanted to share some love for the birds and encourage our readers to share that love with their families.”
— Caleb Johnson X
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
recover quicker.
SA (5/10), 9am, World Dance Asheville, 1269 Tunnel Rd, Ste F
Yoga in the Park All-level friendly yoga classes based on Hatha & Vinyasa traditions. Classes led by a rotation of certified yoga instructors.
SA (5/10), SU (5/11), 11am, W Asheville Park, 198 Vermont Ave
Barn Yoga
Community Yoga class with Fairview-based yogi Mary Beth, who teaches a gentle and vinyasa flow.
SU (5/11), 10am, Hickory Nut Gap Farm, 57 Sugar Hollow Rd, Fairview
Tai Chi Open Clinic
All are welcome in this new curriculum course, regardless of the style of internal martial arts you practice, your skill development or age level.
SU (5/11), 7pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109
Medical Qigong
A moving meditation and an internal martial art for calming the mind and strengthening the body and spirit.
TU (5/13), 9am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste109
Yoga & Coffee Practice on the outdoor deck, get the body and mind balanced, and then you can hang out after for some coffee, tea and pastries.
TU (5/13), 9:30am, Cooperative Coffee Shop, 210 Haywood Rd
Nia Dance
A sensory-based movement practice that draws from martial arts, dance arts, and healing arts.
TU (5/13), 10:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109
Intro to the Fitness Center
Learn how to use equipment and machines in the fitness center to jump start a regular wellness routine.
TH (5/15), 1pm, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave
SUPPORT GROUPS
Nicotine Anonymous
People share their experience, strength and hope to stop using nicotine.
Magnetic Minds: Depression & Bipolar Support Group
A free weekly peer-led meeting for those living with depression, bipolar, and related mental health challenges. For more information contact (828) 367-7660.
SA (5/10), 2pm, First Congregational UCC of Asheville, 20 Oak St
MADE FOR MOM MARKET: Historic Johnson Farm hosts a special Mother’s Day outdoor craft fair on Saturday, May 10, starting at 10 a.m. It will feature over 25 local vendors offering a diverse array of crafts, including jewelry, ceramics, leather items, wooden decor, baked goods and more. Photo courtesy of Historic Johnson Farm
Queer Community Circle
A place to make some friends, find support in other Queer people, and rant about the world with the emotional support of our 12 housepanthers.
SA (5/10), 6pm, House of Black Cat Magic, Co., 841 Haywood Rd
Connecting Conversations
Explore conversations built around curiosity, understanding, and openness to develop stronger connections, to be heard, and to empathize with different viewpoints.
SU (5/11), 3:45pm, Peri Social House, 406 W State St, Black Mountain Hhheeyyy Momma! Therapy Group
Sistas Caring 4 Sistas invites you to join an afternoon of mental health support.
MO (5/12), 3pm, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave
Pet Grief Support Circle
The Pet Grief Support Group provides a compassionate circle for people ages 18 and over grieving the recent death of a beloved pet.
MO (5/12), 6pm, House of Black Cat Magic, Co., 841 Haywood Rd
Infant Feeding Support Group
Learn helpful approaches to feeding from a local International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and other mothers.
TU (5/13), 10am, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Avee
Families Anonymous Meeting
Gain support from others who have had
lived experiences with a family member or friends substance abuse and related behavioral health challenges.
TU (5/13), 6pm, Love and Respect Community for Recovery and Wellness, 350 Chadwick Ave Ste 300, Hendersonville
NAMI Connection
Trained peer facilitators guide you in learning how to empower yourself in a place that offers respect, understanding, encouragement, and hope.
TU (5/13), 6pm, NAMIWNC, 356 Biltmore Ave
DANCE
Latin Night Wednesday w/DJ Mtn Vibez
A Latin dance social featuring salsa, bachata, merengue, cumbia, and reggaeton with dance lessons for all skill levels.
WE (5/14), 8pm, One World Brewing W, 520 Haywood Rd
ART
Seeing Red Exhibition
This dynamic exhibit celebrates the powerful symbolism humans have long associated with red, from love and passion to danger, aggression, anger, and power. Gallery open Monday through Friday, 10:00am. Exhibition through May 23.
Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W State St, Black Mountain Identitas Exhibition
The works in Identitas examine culture & heritage through personal narratives, reflecting each included artist’s distinctly unique
perspective on self and experience. Gallery open Wednesday through Saturday, 11am. Exhibition through May 10. Tracey Morgan Gallery, 22 London Rd
Kate Colcaser: Waxing Artistic, Exploring Encaustic
This exhibit highlights encaustic’s potential for creating diverse works, from landscapes and abstracts to collages and portraits with the incorporation of watercolor, photos, oil paints and pastels. Gallery open daily, 11am. Exhibition through May 31. Asheville Gallery of Art, 82 Patton Ave
Open Art Studio
Bring your favorite medium and work in a collaborative environment to improve your individual talent.
Whether it’s paint, pencils, pastel, paper mache, whatever inspires you.
TH (5/8), 1pm, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd
Tea in the Tempest
An evocative collaborative exhibition by mixed media artist
Heather Divoky and textile artist Emelie Weber Wade. It features a creative partnership, the concept evolved in response to Hurricane Helene’s impact. Gallery open Monday through Saturday, 10am, and Sunday, noon. Exhibition runs through May 4. Pink Dog Gallery, 348 Depot St
Viewshed Exhibition
The exhibition highlights works that span painting, textile, sound, and performance, inviting viewers to consider the ways in which artistic methodologies evolve
and reverberate across time. Gallery open Tuesday through Saturday, 11am. Exhibition through August, 16, 2025.
Black Mountain College Museum & Arts Center, 120 College St
Music-themed Art Exhibit
A special evening celebrating Asheville’s vibrant music scene through a solo art exhibit by Kelly Saunders, featuring unique music-themed artwork.
TU (5/13), 5pm, AC Hotel Asheville Downtown, 10 Broadway St
COMMUNITY MUSIC
LEAF Cultural Exchange Artists visiting the US and resident artists will come together to share a little bit about their culture and share a small piece of music.
WE (5/7), 4pm, The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave
ALT ASO: Cabaret This program also is a part of Asheville Amadeus: The Art of Storytelling, and will seamlessly blend classical masterpieces and timeless French standards.
TH (5/8), 7pm, The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave
Lea Morris in Concert Direct from Germany, Lea is a phenomenal joy-bringer, singer-songwriter, and choral composer whose uplifting and accessible songs will fill your heart.
FR (5/9), 7pm, Center for Spiritual Living Asheville, 2 Science Mind Way
Pop Up Choir w/Lea Morris
You'll start by dancing into a vocal warm-up, getting our bodies and voices ready to sing. Then, you'll learn some beautiful songs and even explore creating harmonies together.
SA (5/10), 10am, Center for Spiritual Living Asheville, 2 Science Mind Way
Chris Thile & Asheville Symphony You’ll hear Thile’s new work ATTENTION! A narrative song cycle for extroverted mandolinist and orchestra, the third movement of Barber’s masterful Violin Concerto and more.
SA (5/10), 7pm, Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, 87 Haywood St
Chinobay & Dance of Hope
This powerful performance weaves together soulful East African music, vibrant traditional dances, and the resilient stories of youth who are using the arts to transform their lives and communities.
SU (5/11), 5pm, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd, Black Mountain
Season Finale w/Roberto Díaz, Peter Wiley & The Erinys Quartet
Conclude the Parker Concert Hall Series with a stellar performance by Roberto Díaz, Peter Wiley, and The Erinys Quartet from the Curtis Institute.
TU (5/13), 7:30pm, Parker Concert Hall at Brevard Music Center, 349 Andante Ln, Brevard Arthur Brooks Ensemble V Black Mountain College Museum and Arts
required.
TH (5/15), 9:30am, Murphy Oakley Park, 715 Fairview Rd
LOCAL MARKETS
Spring Pop Up Shop
Discover a trove of handmade and vintage goods such as colorful art, one-of-a-kind finds, and enjoy the good vibes.
Open daily,11am. Church Street Studios, 225 Church St, Waynesville
Leicester Farmers Market
A community-led farmers market local produce, cheese, meats, honey, strawberries, asparagus, rhubarb, ramps, a variety of plants and more. Every Wednesday through October.
WE (5/7, 14), 3pm, Leicester Community Center, 2979 New Leicester Hwy, Leicester
RAD Farmers Market
Asheville’s only yearround weekly market, featuring 30+ vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods, handcrafted items, beverages, grab-and-go meals, and more. EBT and SNAP accepted.
WE (5/7, 14), 3pm, AB Tech, 24 Fernihurst Dr, Weaverville Tailgate Market
This market features a selection of fresh, locally grown produce, grass fed beef, pork, chicken, eggs, cheese, baked goods, artisan bread, eclectic handmade goodies, garden and landscaping plants.
Open year-round.
WE (5/7, 14), 3pm, 60 Lake Shore Dr Weaverville
Enka-Candler Farmer's Market
A grand selection of local foods and crafts, everything from produce to pickles, baked goods to body care, and even educational resources. Every Thursday through October 31.
TH (5/8, 15), 3:30pm, A-B Tech Small Business Center, 1465 Sand Hill Rd, Candler
East Asheville Tailgate Market
Featuring over 25 vendors selling meat, seafood, produce, flowers, bread, eggs, baked goods, fruit, herbs, sweet treats, tamales, and more. Every Friday through Nov. 21.
FR (5/9), 3pm, Groce United Methodist Church, 954 Tunnel Rd
Asheville City Market
A producer-only market featuring local food products, including fresh produce, meat, cheese, bread, pastries, and other artisan products. Every Saturday through December.
SA (5/10), 9am, 52 N Market St
Black Mountain Tailgate Market
A seasonal community event featuring organic and sustainably grown produce, plants, cut flowers, herbs, local raised meats, seafood, breads, pastries, cheeses, eggs and locally handcrafted items. Every Saturday through Nov. 22.
SA (5/10), 9am, 130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain
Spring Fling Plant Market
Featuring perennials, 35 different varieties of daylilies, natives, herbs, and vegetables.SA (5/10), 9am, 59 Woodfin Pl — Parking Lot, 59 Woodfin Place
Mars Hill Farmers & Artisans Market
A producer-only tailgate market located on the campus of Mars Hill University on College Street. Offering fresh local produce, herbs, cheeses, meats, eggs, baked goods, honey, body care and more. Every Saturday through Oct. 26.
SA (5/10), 10am, College St, Mars Hill
Mother's Day Market
This special outdoor craft fair will showcase over 25 local vendors.
A diverse array of crafts will be available, including jewelry, ceramics, leather items, wooden
décor, baked goods and more.
SA (5/10), 10am, Historic Johnson Farm, 3346 Haywood Rd, Hendersonville
Mother's Day Market
A multi-artist pop-up and shopping event, just in time for Mother's Day.
SA (5/10), 1pm, Garden Party, 474 Haywood Rd
WNC Farmers Market
This year-round market features locally grown produce, fruits and vegetables, mountain crafts, plants, shops, arts and crafts, sourwood honey, and other farm fresh items. Open daily, 8am. 570 Brevard Rd
Mothers Day Native Plant Swap & Market
Bring plants from your own garden to trade or plan to purchase. Natives are preferred. No non-native invasives accepted.
SU (5/11), 9am, Charlotte Caplan’s House, 39 Courtland Ave
Junk-O-Rama Vintage Market
Browse vintage clothing vendors, local crafters, antiques and more.
SU (5/11), noon, Fleetwood's, 496 Haywood Rd
Meadow Market
This vibrant outdoor market features a curated selection of local makers and artisans. Browse a delightful array of one-of-a-kind textiles, handcrafted jewelry, beautiful pottery, and more.
SU (5/11), 1pm, The Meadow at Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Hwy, Ste 200 West Asheville Tailgate Market
This market features an array of goods including fruits, vegetables, baked goods, bread, eggs, cheese, plants, specialty items, locally made art and crafts and more. Every Tuesday through November.
TU (5/13), 3:30pm, 718 Haywood Rd
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Asheville Improv Festival
Opening Night of the 2025 Asheville Improv Festival. See five fantastic teams: Asheville School of Improv, Hug Cult, Employees of the Month, Syndication, and the Law Firm of Jones, Stobbe and Richardson. See p18-19
WE (5/7), 6pm, Asheville Music Hall, 31 Patton Ave
Asheville Improv Festival
First night, second show, three teams: Old Man Toddler, Speakeasy Improv: What's in the Box?, and Adesto Improv Presents.
WE (5/7), 8pm, Asheville Music Hall, 31 Patton Ave
Asheville Improv Festival (Night 2)
Night Two of this festival features: The Improvables, Big Cousin, Two-Sided, Sweepy Todd, and Touch Baseball.
Come join Women for Women members and guests to celebrate incredible nonprofits strengthening WNC, following the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
TH (5/8), 5pm, Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Hwy, Ste 200 AMS Sound Lab Grand Opening
This essential upgrade will propel AMS into the modern era of music education, enhancing their ability to provide students with the latest tools and technologies for music production and recording. See p25 TH (5/8), 5:30pm, Asheville Music School, 10 Ridgelawn Rd
Asheville Improv Festival (Night 2)
Night Two of this festival features: Saturday
Manitee, Succumb to Death, Gal Pals, and Joe and the Ether.
Asheville Improv Festival: Headliner Show Second night of the fest, but first headliner show. Don't miss the Reasonably Priced Babies, Jill Bernard: Drum Machine, and Carla & Craig Cackowski as Orange Tuxedo.
Featuring a lineup of local, regional and national improv comedy talent to keep you in stitches with shame Spiral, Middle Rage, Upfront Theater, and Mom's New Boyfriend.
FR (5/9), 5:30pm, North Carolina Stage Co., 15 Stage Ln
Asheville Improv Festival (Night Three)
The second show block of the third night of the Asheville Improv Festival features Pizza Moon, Please and Spank You, Mettlesome Tour Co, Now Are the Foxes, and Mud Flap Mondays.
FR (5/9), 7pm, North Carolina Stage Co., 15 Stage Ln
Asheville Movies in the Park
A free family-friendly movie night on a massive outdoor screen for all community members. Bring blankets and lawn chairs to participate in this fun summer tradition. This week's movie feature is Moana 2. FR (5/9), 8:15pm, Pack Square Park, 80 Court Plaza
RAD Renaissance
A powerful celebration of art, resilience, and renewal. This event will showcase the strength of the RAD community and mark a major milestone in its ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene’s historic flooding. See p16-17
SA (5/10), 10am, Upper River Arts District
Asheville Improv Festival (Night Three) Carla & Craig Cackowski kicks this show block off, followed by Hodgepodge, 3Peat, John Thibodeaux, Nnamdi Ngwe, Patrick Rowland, Lisa Beasley, Allison Blair, Shantira Jackson, and Dewayne Perkin. FR (5/9), 9pm, North Carolina Stage Co., 15 Stage Ln
WNC Birdfest 2025
This event celebrates World Migratory Bird Day and festivities will include guided bird and nature walks, live music, local artists, family-friendly activities & crafts, conservation organizations, value-aligned local businesses and more.
SA (5/10), 10am, Monteith Farmstead & Community Park, 1381 W Hometown Pl, Sylva Fiber Festival: A Fibershed Heritage Festival & Artisan Market
The goal of Fiber Festival is to celebrate and share the history and heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountain fibershed. In addition to shopping, demonstrations, and a clothing swap, there will be food, drinks and music.
SA (5/10), noon, Lutheridge Camp and Conference Center, 2511 Hendersonville Rd, Arden
Asheville Improv Festival (Night Four)
Final night and first show featuring five teams will be playing for you: Local Legends, Sudden Depth, Mom's Adhesive Improv, Shameless Society Improv, and Barbara.. SA (5/10), 5pm, YMI Cultural Center, 39 S Market St
Grateful Hendo Mini-Festival w/Clouds of Delusion & Harvest
This special event features two standout acts from the Asheville music scene, promising an evening filled with improvisational jams and classic Grateful Dead favorites.
SA (5/10), 5pm, Oklawaha Brewing Co., 147 1st Ave E, Hendersonville
Asheville Improv Festival (Night Four)
Fourth night, second show, featuring four funny teams for you: Family Dinner, DadBods, 2025 AIF Festival Ensemble, and Music Improv with Misfit.
SA (5/10), 7pm, YMI Cultural Center, 39 S Market St
Asheville Improv Festival (Night Four)
Fourth Night and final show features Hodgepodge, 3Peat, Mick Napier and Jennifer Estlin.
SA (5/10), 9pm, YMI Cultural Center, 39 S Market St
Mother's Day High Tea
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a wonderful array of treats. Indulge yourself with freshly baked scones, chef-crafted preserves, finely cut tea sandwiches, savory bite-sized faire and memorable delicate cakes and desserts.
SU (5/11), 2pm, The Venue, 21 N Market St
BENEFITS & VOLUNTEERING
Sip & Assemble w/ Babies Need Bottoms Help assemble Comfort and Care kits for NICU
mothers, preemie parents and caregivers.
WE (5/7), 5:30pm, Ernest Cowarehousing, 135 Sweeten Creek Rd Southside Volunteer Day Volunteer with RiverLink to maintain the native ecosystem and rain gardens in the Erskine Community. TH (5/8), 10am, Herb Watts Park, 64 Erskine St
Into The Wilds (The Act Gala)
A wild, wonderful, and whimsical evening benefiting Asheville Community Theatre. Indulge in wonderful performances from Broadway royalty, Ben Cameron and Britt Mack. See p25 SA (5/10), 7pm, The Hideaway, 49 Broadway St
Volunteer Workday w/Forest Restoration Alliance Volunteers will complete tasks in the greenhouse and nursery to support a hemlock selective breeding program.
TU (5/13), 10am, Mountain Research Station, 265 Test Farm Rd, Waynesville Oakley Community Closet
A cost-free opportunity to shop clothes, shoes, and toys. Donations for Oakley Community Closet happily accepted at Murphy-Oakley Community Center throughout the week. WE (5/14), 1pm, Murphy-Oakley Community Center, 749 Fairview Rd
ARTS & CULTURE
Glimmers of hope
BY MOLLY DEVANE
A few hours after the rain from Tropical Storm Helene subsided on Sept. 27, River Arts District Association (RADA) President Jeffrey Burroughs and their husband ventured out of their West Asheville home to see what had happened.
“We had our [car] windows down,” Burroughs says. “As we were driving toward the bridge, I turned to my husband and said, ‘Do you hear that? Is that water?’” When the two got closer, they saw that the River Arts District was completely submerged in floodwater.
“It was like being sucker punched,” Burroughs continues. “It took my breath away. It was a moment when you feel like all your dreams are just kind of washing away.”
The following day, Burroughs, who also works as a jewelry designer, joined fellow artists in the RAD in pulling artwork out of Riverview Station, salvaging as many pieces and dreams as they could. “We had this whole community engagement
unlike anything I’d ever experienced,” Burroughs tells Xpress. “As tragic as everything was, we were creating this glimmer of hope.”
The RAD Renaissance event, scheduled for Saturday, May 10, continues that theme, Burroughs notes. “We’re taking that glimmer of hope and expanding the sparkle.”
A celebration of arts, renewal and resilience, RAD Renaissance will be held from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. throughout the upper River Arts District, including on Roberts Street, Artful Way, Clingman Avenue and Depot Street.
REINVIGORATING THE RAD
More than just an art festival, RAD Renaissance is an invitation to both locals and tourists alike to come together and breathe new life into the vibrant district that showcases the work of 700-plus artists. Visitors will have the chance to tour galleries and studios, meet and greet artists, shop for locally made artwork, watch live demonstrations and participate in art classes. There will also be face-painting for kids, storytelling
performances, music and, as is only fitting in a city known for its cuisine, food trucks and pop-ups to complement the district’s many restaurants, cafés and breweries.
One feature of the event that Burroughs says they might be most excited for is the flower beautification project. “While you’re down here strolling, listening to music and purchasing art, you can also get your hands dirty and help us plant flowers in designated zones through the upper RAD.” This is part of a wider initiative to restore the beauty — in all its forms — throughout the area.
RAD Renaissance also marks the inaugural RAD Art Market, which will be held every Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in the Pinegate Renewables parking lot. The art market was created to give displaced artists an opportunity to showcase and sell their work.
Since December, upper RAD galleries and studios have been up and running. But the lower RAD — the area along the French Broad River, which was more highly impacted by Tropical Storm Helene — is still being rebuilt. Studios, including
Photo by Caleb Johnson
ALL THE HATS
One of the headliners that festivalgoers can see on multiple occasions — and even take classes with — is 3Peat. The all-Black improv group formed in 2012 in Chicago. Since that time, its members have moved to Los Angeles and New York City as their
individual film and TV careers have taken off.
Nnamdi Ngwe is one 3Peat member who’s currently based on the West Coast. In addition to improv, he’s an actor, model, teacher, writer, director, stand-up comedian, storyteller and producer. He credits his time in Chicago with giving him the tools and
encouraging him to pursue all these interests — with an eye toward knowing that he would need a diverse skill set to make a living in entertainment.
“ There’s all kinds of art happening in Chicago. And everything being blended together, you can try stuff pretty easily and meet a lot of folks,” Ngwe says. “There’s a big, robust community of performers and artists and people of all disciplines out there, which makes it the best place for comedy but also other forms of art, too.”
Ngwe notes that he and his 3Peat colleagues all “wear multiple hats.” Along with their varied performance outlets, they’re also respected teachers and will offer two workshops during the Asheville Improv Festival.
On Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.-noon, at N.C. Stage, a group of 3Peat members led by Patrick Rowland will provide insights on their speedy technique in “Playing Fast and Fun.” Meanwhile, on the same time and date, John Thibedeaux and the other half of 3Peat will tap into their sketch-writing experiences with the “Writing for Late Night” course at Attic Salt Theatre Company.
“ We will be taking things that you may find funny, taking things that
you might discover through improv or ideas you may have and have you write them down, structure them and formulate them into jokes that will work in a more structured setting — whether it be a filmed TV show or a live show,” Ngwe says.
Sympathetic to the struggles the Asheville area has endured post-Helene, Ngwe sees the festival as a symbol of the community’s resilience and views attending as an easy way for people to give back to the community.
“ You will be part of the fun, but it won’t be at your expense — you can help steer it and inspire it,” Ngwe says. “You’ll leave with something new, 100%. And you’ll leave wanting to come back for more.” X
NO BULL: Formed in Chicago in 2012, the all-Black comedy group 3Peat is one of the headliners at the Asheville Improv Festival. Photo courtesy of 3Peat
ONE WORLD
BREWING
PJ Moon (funk, soul, rock'n'roll), 8pm
ONE WORLD
BREWING WEST
Boukou Groove (soul, funk), 9pm
SIERRA NEVADA
BREWING CO.
Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast (rock'n'roll, blues), 7:30pm
STATIC AGE RECORDS
The Pathogens, Rhinestone Pickup Truck, Porcelain Parrot & Alla Prima (hard-rock, power-pop, indie), 8:30pm
TACO BILLY
Tacos & Tunes w/ The Dead Strings Trio (multi-genre), 6pm
THE GREY EAGLE
• Patio: Moon Water, 5:30pm
• Evening Elephants & The Get Right Band w/Faze Wave (indie, psych-rock, electronic), 8pm
THE MEADOW AT HIGHLAND BREWING CO.
Sun Goblin (prog-folk), 7pm
THE ODD
Forsaken Profits, Colossal Human Failure, Wide Open Wound & Madder Max (hardcore, punk), 9pm
