Mountain Xpress 07.09.25

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The Asheville Downtown Improvement District (ADID) launched in May. The initiative includes an 11-member team of community ambassadors who help maintain downtown’s cleanliness and de-escalate diruptions as they arise. While some downtown residents remain skeptical of the program, others are cautiously optimistic about its potential to make for a more pleasant downtown experience.

PUBLISHER & EDITOR: Jeff Fobes

ASSISTANT PUBLISHER: Susan Hutchinson

MANAGING EDITOR: Thomas Calder

EDITORS: Lisa Allen, Gina Smith

OPINION EDITOR: Tracy Rose

STAFF REPORTERS: Lisa Allen, Thomas Calder, Brionna Dallara, Justin McGuire, Greg Parlier, Brooke Randle, Gina Smith Intern: Amrit Brown

COMMUNITY CALENDAR & CLUBLAND: Braulio Pescador-Martinez

CONTRIBUTING

EDITORS: Jon Elliston, Mindi Meltz Friedwald, Peter Gregutt, Rob Mikulak

REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS:

Christopher Arbor, Edwin Arnaudin, Danielle Arostegui, Mark Barrett, Eric Brown, Carmela Caruso, Cayla Clark, Molly Devane, Ashley English, Tessa Fontaine, Mindi Meltz Friedwald, Troy Jackson, Carol Kaufman, Bill Kopp, Chloe Leiberman, Morgan L. Sykes, Jessica Wakeman, Kay West, Clark Wilson, Jamie Zane

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Caleb Johnson Intern: Chad Truitt

ADVERTISING, ART & DESIGN MANAGER: Susan Hutchinson

LEAD DESIGNER: Scott Southwick

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Tina Gaafary, Caleb Johnson, Olivia Urban

MARKETING ASSOCIATES: Emily Baughman, Sara Brecht, Dave Gayler

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES: Jeff Fobes, Mark Murphy, Scott Southwick WEB: Brandon Tilley

BOOKKEEPER: Amie Fowler

OFFICE MANAGER: Mark Murphy

FRONT OFFICE: Caitlin Donovan, Lisa Watters

DISTRIBUTION: Susan Hutchinson, Kyle Ramser

DISTRIBUTION DRIVERS: Cass Kunst, Cindy Kunst, Henry

Much lost, little gained in UNCA stadium plan

As chair of the biology department at UNC Asheville, I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed development of a soccer stadium in one of the last remaining urban forests in Asheville. This proposal is deeply troubling — not only for its ecological consequences, but for the dishonest and opaque process surrounding it.

In her presentation to the UNC Board of Governors, Chancellor Kimberly van Noort inaccurately described the forest as “unused.” This is categorically false. Faculty across departments regularly use this area as an outdoor classroom for high-impact, experiential learning. My colleagues and I have secured hundreds of thousands of dollars in external grants to conduct ecological research there, training dozens of student researchers and engaging hundreds more in course-based research designed to combat “plant blindness” — the widespread underappreciation of plant life. Our work has been transformative, both in student learning

and in contributing to scientific and pedagogical literature.

This development directly contradicts UNCA’s long-standing sustainability commitments, including the Carbon Commitment signed in 2021 and the Climate Action Plan of 2023. Prior to hurricane damage, this forest contained nearly 20,000 trees, stored 3,500 tons of carbon, sequestered 75 tons annually and absorbed over 2 million gallons of stormwater each year — ecosystem services that are vital to our climate resilience (these are real, even if we at UNCA are not allowed to use the word “climate”).

Beyond its ecological value, this forest is a refuge for wildlife and a source of well-documented mental health benefits for the campus and broader community. Converting it to impervious surfaces for an unnecessary stadium and commercial development will permanently destroy these irreplaceable assets.

The supposed benefits to the university are minimal. I see no

Word of the week

code brown (n.)

You won’t find this one in the dictionary. It’s code used by the community ambassadors of the new Asheville Downtown Improvement District when fecal matter is found on the sidewalk and needs to be cleaned up. Read more about the new initiative on Page 8.

tie-in to millennial campus priorities to “enhance the institution’s research, teaching and service missions” — instead, all of these will be diminished. Primary benefits will be to the as-of-yet unnamed private developer. Once this forest is lost, it cannot be recovered. UNCA must find more appropriate locations for development. This forest should be preserved — not sacrificed. Save these woods!

— Jonathan Horton Biology Department Chair UNC Asheville Asheville

Vote out commissioners to stop funding waste

Buncombe County leadership is wasteful with your tax dollars.

Did you know that the Buncombe County Parks & Recreation department had time and money this spring to host a taxpayer-funded Easter egg hunt for dogs , a bird-watching hike, hot chocolate party and many more “free” events described in its brochure and on its website?

During the best of times, this is absurd. But in the aftermath of Helene, such spending is unconscionable. No wonder county taxes are being raised again and that Swannanoa victims still have no houses.

What other departments are misspending our money? Help us discover by going to the website for First Tuesday Asheville at [avl.mx/ex1].

CARTOON BY RANDY MOLTON

Vote to replace our county commissioners. Stop funding nonsense.

— Janet Burhoe-Jones Swannanoa

Looking for benefits from development

As I watch the out-of-control building of condominiums continuing in our area, I wonder if the city and county, recognizing that we have some of the most valuable real estate in the country, make sure they get premium prices for sales and leases of property.

That’s probably the best way to get some money from the sale/lease of local properties to the citizens rather than to the developers.

Between premium prices on sales/leases; taxes from the developed properties; requiring developers to provide infrastructure for their developments; and requiring affordable housing in all housing developments, we citizens might, at the will of City Council and county commissioners, actually see some benefits. I’d like to know.

Waiting …

—

Frances Burton Asheville  X

CARTOON BY BRENT BROWN

First things first

BY SUSAN GRIFFIN

In the economic quagmire that has been created post-Helene, many people have been asking, “How do we get more tourists to come to downtown Asheville?” I think that’s the wrong question. We should be asking, “How do we get more people to live in downtown Asheville?” That’s because, in its simplest form, an urban environment that attracts residents will also be attractive to tourists.

I’m not the first local person to think this way. Julian Price’s vision of a vibrant downtown put residents front and center. Some of the earliest endeavors of Public Interest Projects, the development company he co-founded in 1991, involved creating downtown living space in venues such as the former J.C. Penney building, the Carolina Apartments and the old Asheville Hotel building (where Malaprop’s and Zambra now reside). Price understood that urban place-making means more than just providing entertainment for tourists: It’s a ground-up undertaking, built on the solid foundation of a residential core. It was only after those first residential projects were completed that he began adding the amenities that living downtown demanded, including an expanded bookstore, an entertainment venue and a reinvestment in the cityscape (trees, plantings and the like).

Back in the 1990s and early 2000s we had a few leaders (Price, John Lantzius, Roger McGuire and

others) who understood that we needed to grow a meaningful residential population downtown in order to build out the urban core, minimize sprawl and establish the central population hub needed to develop a public transportation system. These are all things the city professes to want, yet it continually acts in ways that preclude those outcomes.

REMEMBER THE RESIDENTS

The latest in a long line of ideas for how to “fix” downtown is the current push to establish a “social district” where folks can legally carry and consume alcohol. But its proponents don’t seem to be concerned about the impact on neighboring residents. This merely adds another item to the existing list of insults that only those who live downtown must put up with, including:

• Making the acceptable decibel level downtown far higher than what’s allowed in other parts of Asheville. Downtown noise is capped at 72 dB — significantly more than the limits for other areas. In addition, a concert promoter or other entity can apply for a “sound exceedance permit” allowing it to produce noise up to 85 dB, or 100 times the maximum for commercial districts elsewhere in the city.

• Taxing downtown property owners at a higher rate than

folks who own property in other parts of Asheville. In addition to the 40.93 cents per $100 of assessed value that all city property owners pay, downtown property owners must shell out another 0.0877 cents per $100 of assessed value to fund the recently implemented Business Improvement District.

• Realigning policing districts so that downtown no longer has a dedicated substation, despite the area’s substantial foot traffic. When there was a substation, residents knew all the officers working the downtown beat.

KEY QUESTIONS

The proposed social district would exacerbate all of those concerns. It would create more noise (it’s outdoors, after all); it would need more cleaning (who will pay for that?); and it would require more policing.

“An urban environment that attracts residents will also be attractive to tourists.”

This proposal raises several key questions. What purpose would the district serve? Who exactly is the target audience? And what would it end up costing taxpayers living in the district?

I’ve resided downtown for more than 20 years, and I understand that urban living comes with tradeoffs. But a city that fails to create policies and opportunities to grow its residential population either goes into decline or morphs into a tourist theme park — in our case, a sort of dystopian Disney Mountain Town.

Residents are essential for surviving economic downturns. Who was downtown, patronizing local businesses in 2008, in 2020 and post-Helene? Certainly, tourists are the extras that enable us to live bigger than we are, but residents help stave off the worst effects of hard times.

For too long, our downtown population has been stagnant compared with other parts of the city. We need to revisit Julian Price’s vision of vibrant urban place-making, which begins with residents. As he said, “We need a full mix of lower-, middle- and higher-end housing. The more eyes and feet downtown, the better downtown will be.”

Let’s collectively make choices that will help bring his vision to fruition.

Longtime downtown resident Susan Griffin has served on many committees and boards; she currently sits on the Asheville Downtown Improvement District’s board of directors as a resident representative.  X

SUSAN GRIFFIN

NEWS Fresh start Protests have subsided, but questions remain about the new Downtown Improvement District

BY BRIONNA DALLARA

Last spring saw heated discussions, impassioned protests and even acts of vandalism around the formation of Asheville’s first business improvement district (BID), which imposes an additional property tax on downtown property owners to fund services that improve the look and feel of the district.

The BID, now referred to as the Asheville Downtown Improvement District (ADID), was approved by Asheville City Council last June. The program — managed by the Asheville Downtown Association in partnership with the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, Nexstreet and a board of directors — had its soft launch in May with its official start on June 2.

Over the previous two months, ADID community ambassadors have hit the streets with pushcarts loaded with supplies to maintain downtown’s cleanliness; the 11-member team is also trained to identify and de-escalate disruptions as they arise.

Their presence has sparked curiosity for some downtown residents and employees, including Justin Souther, senior buyer and manager at Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe.

“I have felt like the sidewalks have been cleaner, which is great, and I’ve seen them [ambassadors] around a couple times. But it hasn’t been very obtrusive, which is probably a good thing,” he says. “It’s still too early to really know what it’s doing or what it’s going to do, and it’s kind of a mystery to us what they're out there doing.”

Others, such as downtown resident Jen Hampton, who co-chairs Asheville Food & Beverage United and opposed the initiative throughout last year’s

process, remains skeptical of what ADID means for the area.

“I haven’t seen any change downtown,” she says. “There’s still violence. There's still people I've heard, you know, being attacked after work walking back to their cars. I don’t really know what [the program is] doing, besides having people clean here and there.”

ADID partners, however, maintain the initiative is a step in the right direction. It is not a cure-all, they note, but it is part of a larger effort to improve the district and make it more attractive and inviting to tourists and locals alike.

MORE THAN SIDEWALK SWEEPS

As for the 11 ADID ambassadors, the program has given them a newfound sense of community.

William Littlejohn, a native of Asheville, landed the ambassador position after leaving a factory job in Fletcher. “I get to put smiles on people's faces and hear people saying, ‘Thank you for cleaning up the city and being there for us,’” he says. “It makes you feel proud, like you're doing something, making a difference.”

From alerts about trash and vomit to “code browns” (dog feces), ambassadors are on duty from 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m. seven days a week.

Businesses can call ADID at 877-8282343 to alert the organization of tasks such as trash cleanup, graffiti removal and landscaping needs. Ambassadors photograph their progress, submitting before-and-after images to the Jia app.

“It just really allows for accountability and transparency,” says Erica Waltemade, deputy director of ADID, who monitors the Jia data to see which areas downtown are covered or need more attention. “And that's been a game changer for our industry.”

In its May report, ADID notes ambassadors removed 1,375 pounds of trash from downtown streets and public spaces, completed 1,413 landscaping tasks, abated 749 instances of

graffiti, maintained public trash cans with 348 cleanings and safely removed 100 individual needles from the public realm. Other completed tasks included 3,836 sweeps, 32 community engagements, 26 code browns and 19 business checks.

Ambassadors are also trained through ongoing workshops, such as Blue Ridge Pride’s Welcoming Spaces curriculum, and have been versed on various risk-management scenarios by the Asheville Fire Department's Resource Engagement Support Team (AFD-REST). The latter supplies ambassadors with resource guides about food and shelter programs, as well as long-term sober living and behavioral health facilities, which ambassadors distribute to unhoused community members.

311 rescue calls, 911 calls and community engagement are tracked on the Jia app as well.

Ambassadors Justin Evans and shift manager Chris Sherbert say they also draw on firsthand experiences to make recommendations.

“Two-and-a-half years ago, I was homeless and I got fed up, you know, I was suicidal, and I just decided it was time to change my life,” Sherbert says. After going through different rehabs, Sherbert found solace and sobriety through the veterans program at First

CITY STEWARDS: Now that the Asheville Downtown Improvement District services have started, ambassadors are on duty 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m. to maintain the cleanliness of downtown and de-escalate other issues as they arise. Pictured, from left, are William Littlejohn, Chris Sherbert and Justin Evans. Photo by Chad Truitt

at Blue Ridge Inc. and learned about the ADID role through his caseworker.

“Coming here and working with these guys, it’s actually been amazing,” Sherbert continues. “We’ve helped several people get into detoxes or find mental health [services] working with the REST team.”

Evans echoes Sherbert’s statement. “It’s been awesome. Meeting some of the people in their own journey and seeing some of the struggles that they’ve had, I can relate to them because they’re some of the same struggles that I’ve had,” he says.

LINGERING DOUBTS

Despite the May progress report, ADID’s role remains a source of confusion and apprehension for some downtown workers and residents.

At Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe, Souther questions the initiative's impact outside of trash cleanup.

“I’ve been working downtown for 12 years,” he says. “I would like to see people get help when they need it, and I think that's the frustrating part for me is when you are having issues with somebody, there's no way to really help them.”

Souther says he would like to see more social workers and trained professionals helping the unhoused population downtown.

“I don’t know if the BID is the way to solve it. It seems like putting a Band-Aid on things, but we'll also see how it goes,” he adds.

Hampton shares Souther’s desire for more established mental health practitioners downtown.

“I think a better use of that money would be to have people who have the

ability to respond to mental health crises,” she says. "And [to have] community health workers on scene to be able to help people, not just to make our signs and streets look prettier for the tourists but to have actual services for the people who live and work here.”

But ADID was never intended as a one-time solution to the broader issues of homelessness and crime downtown, says Hayden Plemmons, executive director for the Asheville Downtown Association and ADID.

“I don’t think that anybody anticipated that this would be a silver bullet. I think that this is one tool in our toolbox. We also are still advocating for more presence from the actual police department,” Plemmons says. “We are working to better activate downtown, because well-cared-for places and active places are safe places, and it's important that we take a multifaceted approach to safety and cleanliness in downtown.”

Rick Rice, public information officer for the Asheville Police Department (APD), says it is too soon to tell what impact ADID will have on public safety initiatives.

Plemmons encourages downtown businesses and residents with suggestions or general inquiries about ADID to contact the team through the ADA website at avl.mx/exk. Under the dropdown menu there’s a tab for the Downtown Improvement District. After clicking it, users can scroll to the bottom to find the “Get In Touch” section, where they can submit service requests and contact the team.

LOOKING UP AND AHEAD

Ambassadors also note there has been plenty of positive feedback from the community.

At Madam Clutterbuckets Neurodiverse Universe, lead manager Jane Allred has been utilizing ADID services a couple of times a week. In addition to the team cleaning up litter, she says she’s put in requests for Narcan, or naloxone, a spray that can be administered to reverse an opioid overdose.

“We try to be an open resource and a safe space for any type of people, and that includes the unhoused, and includes people with addiction issues,” Allred says. “A lot of those folks will come in here because we're a little more likely to provide some resources or just social emotional regulation.”

Allred adds that it’s a comfort to have someone other than the police to help de-escalate situations.

“That’s huge because oftentimes it’s an unsafe person in the shop, and the last thing you want to do is have three cops in uniform show up. It just makes everyone feel a little more antagonized,” Allred says.

Allred and her colleagues at Madam Clutterbuckets have also rung ambassadors to request the removal of bedding, discarded items and needles from in front of the store.

“Usually it is up to me and the owner of Rocket Fizz to keep everything up and let everyone know what's going on, as far as safety and cleanliness go,” Allred says, referring to the business next door. “It’s just better if I can get it out of the way before we open, and now I have someone I can call that can safely handle it in a sanitary manner.”

And when a piece of rubberized roof landed in front of the shop, Allred says, Evans was luckily there to clean it up and “save the day.”

“I think folks are generally really excited to see [the ambassadors], and people have made every effort to reach out when they see them and just give us great reports,” Plemmons says.

The initial ADID contract is for three years. At the end of that period, Asheville City Council will review the progress and vote on a one-year renewal. If approved, Council will have the option to renew it for another oneyear term in 2027. After two one-year renewals, the cycle returns to a threeyear renewal period, per the state’s Municipal Service District legislation.

In the meantime, Plemmons says she hopes folks will be pleasantly surprised as ADID progresses.

“I hope that folks who weren't in support of it see the benefit of having the ambassadors — having some dedicated funding to care for downtown,” she says. “We hope to continue to build on that momentum so that people feel comfortable coming downtown to work and play and create.” X

Photo by Chad Truitt

TRACKING THE TRASH: Ambassadors such as William Littlejohn, pictured, log their progress by submitting before-and-after images on the Jia app. Photo by Chad Truitt

Buncombe school board avoids staff cuts next year

Despite getting about $10 million less than they requested from the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, Buncombe County Schools (BCS) plans to get by without cuts to any staff positions for the 2025-26 school year. At a June 30 special budget meeting, the Buncombe County Board of Education adopted a six-month interim spending plan while it awaits the state budget.

The budget allows the district to “maintain services for all our students” at current staffing levels through November, said Tina Thorpe , chief financial officer for BCS. The board will revise the budget after the N.C. General Assembly finalizes a state budget, which includes education funding.

In early June, the Board of Commissioners passed a budget that included $95.8 million for BCS, about $10 million short of the district’s request, sparking fears that significant cuts to district positions would be necessary.

To ward off layoffs, the district is relying on its fund balance, worrying some board members. Exactly how much remains in the fund balance is unclear. The district will complete its accounting in the coming weeks.

“That is definitely concerning in these times we're dealing with right now with a lot of uncertainty that we don’t have much control over,” said Vice Chair Amy Churchill . BCS Superintendent Rob Jackson assured the board that his administration was doing everything it could to maintain stu-

PRESERVATION: Buncombe County Schools Superintendent Rob Jackson assured the county Board of Education that he was doing everything possible to preserve student-facing staff positions next school year. Photo courtesy of Buncombe County Schools

dent-facing positions first as well as monitoring shifting state and federal requirements that could add more administrative tasks.

Jackson added that he is comforted by the 2024 state-mandated consolidation study’s findings that showed BCS is a “very lean organization.”

“Although we have financial challenges, as every school system does, we are here today because of the hard work of [Thorpe], her team, our principals and bookkeepers and those who came before us,” he said.

BCS increases tuition for pre-K

It will cost parents a little more to send their 3- and 4-year-olds to preschool classes in Buncombe schools next school year.

The board approved raising tuition for BCS Learning Labs — whose enrollment is capped at 59 students — from $525 a month to $600 a month.

The increase is the first for the program since January 2021 and is needed so the program can break

even, said Jennifer Reed, BCS’ associate superintendent of curriculum and instruction. The program will offer full-day child care during two teacher workdays before the school year begins and on designated early dismissal days, in addition to service during regular school days.

The program was subsidized for the last few years by COVID-relief funds, which have run out, Reed said.

Board Chair Rob Elliot asked Reed how BCS’ pricing compares with other preschool programs.

“We’re extremely competitive. The market rate is nearing $1,000 a month for full-day child care,” Reed said.

Board updates cellphone policy

Also, at the June 30 meeting, the district fast-tracked an updated cellphone policy to clarify rules for student cellphone use across the district.

Students and parents had expressed frustration with inconsistent implementation of district rules from school to school and teacher to teacher, said BCS Assistant Superintendent Jamie Johnson. Device use during and after school contributed to incidents of bullying, online threats and other behavior issues, she said.

Previously, district policy allowed students to use phones for instructional reasons under teacher supervision, but varying levels of enforcement caused confusion and frustration among students, Johnson noted. The new policy states that students can possess phones, but they shouldn’t be used, visible or disruptive during instructional time.

The policy aligns with proposed legislation in the N.C. General Assembly, Johnson said.

— Greg Parlier  X

Trolls to emerge in Asheville this winter

Don't be surprised if a giant wooden creature greets you during your visit to the N.C. Arboretum this fall.

The arboretum, in partnership with Explore Asheville, announced the arrival of Trolls: A Field Study, an exhibit produced by the Georgia-based Imagine Exhibitions in collaboration with Danish artist Thomas Dambo. The interactive art installation will feature 12 troll sculptures within the arboretum’s gardens and along its trails.

Standing 7-9 feet tall, the creatures are crafted from fallen branches, wooden pallets and twigs. The arboretum is planning educational programs and local artist features alongside the displays.

The exhibit runs Saturday, Nov. 15, through Tuesday, Feb. 17. Six trolls will be featured at the arboretum’s Winter Lights show from Saturday, Nov. 15, through Sunday, Jan. 4, where guests can encounter them among the display of lights.

According to a press release, artist Dambo says, “I want to take trash and turn it into something that will open people’s eyes and minds. We shouldn’t throw the world out — then we’ll have a world with no mountains, no woods.”

For more information, visit avl.mx/exm .

People’s Hearing raises climate concerns

Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer joined other local leaders, community members and public health experts last month at Highland Brewing Co. for a People’s Hearing to spotlight the impacts of the Trump administration’s rollbacks of federal climate policy.

The event featured North Carolinians who shared how their lives and livelihoods have already been disrupted by pollution and climate change-fueled extreme weather. Others explained how federal agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency plan to roll back environmental and climate protections. Over 200 people attended the event.

“Asheville has seen firsthand how extreme weather and flooding

events are rapidly becoming more frequent and more destructive,” Manheimer said at the gathering.

“Protecting our environment isn’t just about long-term goals — it’s about keeping people safe now.”

Fly-fishing festival coming to Asheville

Wrong Way River Lodge and Cabins and online local gear hub Uproar Concept announced the RISE: A Fly Fishing Festival to be held at 9 Midnight Drive in Asheville on Sunday, Aug. 24.

The event is free and includes activities like casting and fly-tying competitions, clinics, kid-friendly programming, raffles and A-frame cabin “takeovers” by outdoor brands. Live music will take place in the Wrong Way Meadow, and food and drinks from Imposter Pizza Co., Chop Shop Butchery and local breweries will be available. A portion of proceeds from the event will benefit local conservation nonprofits RiverLink and the French Broad Riverkeeper. More information at avl.mx/exl.

Pisgah Energy partners with Schneider Electric

Asheville-based solar energy company Pisgah Energy announced a strategic partnership with Schneider Electric, a French multinational corporation that specializes in digital automation and energy management. Schneider Electric and Pisgah Energy plan to develop commercial microgrids that integrate solar power, energy storage and intelligent energy management systems, particularly in areas prone to power disruptions. The collaboration aims to reduce operating costs while mitigating carbon emissions and providing higher uptime for building operations. More information at avl.mx/exn.

STEAM Studio grant to process trees felled by Helene

UNC Asheville’s STEAM Studio received a $200,000 grant from the

Community Foundation of Western North Carolina's Emergency and Disaster Response Fund for its community lumber project, which processes trees felled by Tropical Storm Helene into usable lumber. The grant will allow the STEAM Studio to purchase equipment such as a sawmill, a compact track loader, an equipment trailer, a pickup and a kiln to dry the wood. The grant also funds a staff person to coordinate and operate the mill. The lumber will be available free or discounted for a variety of uses related to recovery and rebuilding. More information at avl.mx/exo.

Part of Weaver Park closed for renovations

The City of Asheville announced the temporary closure of the east side of Weaver Park, located between Murdock Avenue and Glenn’s Creek. The park will be closed from Monday, July 7, through early 2026 so work can begin to revamp the picnic shelter, restrooms, basketball court, baseball field, walking loop, playground and batting cages.

Asheville FM to air female voices on climate, environment

Asheville FM announced Voices III: Women for Climate and the Environment. The third annual event brings together women leaders who are shaping the future of climate advocacy, environmental stewardship, social justice and creative resilience. The event will take place at the Rainbow Community School auditorium on Sunday, July 20, 2:30-5 p.m., according to a media release. A livestream will also be available. Asheville FM will donate 80% of ticket sales to the River Arts District Artists and Swannanoa Communities Together. VOICES III will feature four speakers, along with climate-focused artists whose stories, work and art highlight the intersections of nature, mental and physical well-being, and transformative change and healing. More information at avl.mx/exp.

— Brooke Randle

X

FOREST FOLK: Trolls: A Field Study will run Nov. 15 through Feb. 17 at The N.C. Arboretum. Photo courtesy of Thomas Dambo

String theory

Guitar drive puts music in the hands of Asheville Middle School students

BY JUSTIN M c GUIRE

jmcguire@mountainx.com

That long-forgotten guitar gathering dust in your closet could be a middle schooler’s first step into music.

Joe Hooten , an eighth grade social studies teacher at Asheville Middle School and longtime local musician, has launched a guitar donation drive that’s placed dozens of free instruments into students’ hands.

“This has truly been a labor of love,” Hooten says. “As both a teacher and a working musician, I’ve seen firsthand what music can do for a young person’s confidence, identity and joy.”

TWENTY-FIVE AND COUNTING

The idea sprouted years ago when Hooten began keeping a few inexpensive guitars in his classroom. “I always encourage students to pick up and play, and I wouldn’t have any worry that they would break them,” he explains. That small classroom experiment sparked an idea, he says: “Wouldn’t it be great if I could put some in their hands, let them take it home?”

Hooten, a guitarist for local bands Tin Roof Echo and PINKEYE, was active in organizing aid and fundraising efforts through music in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene. During the spring school semester, as the community was moving beyond storm recovery, he put out a public call: If you’ve got

a guitar you’re not using — be it scratched, out of tune or well-loved — it could become a life-changing gift for a student.

He’s collected and distributed more than 25 instruments, with a goal of reaching 50. “But every time I set a goal, I secretly want to bust that goal wide open,” he says with a laugh. And the response from students?

“They literally flip out,” Hooten says. “It's like, ‘This is mine? I get to keep it?’ They're just so ecstatic.” Some receive guitars in person at school. Others get them delivered to their homes by Hooten himself. “There's crowds in the halls when they’re walking to the bus line with their new instrument. It's pretty amazing to see.”

Initially, the program was limited to Hooten’s eighth grade students, but it has expanded to all grades at Asheville Middle. As word spread among teachers, more students were identified, some with prior musical interest, others simply eager to try something new.

And the joy isn’t just for kids already interested in music. Hooten is intentional about making instruments available to those who may not have had access otherwise. “Part of what this was initially going toward were kids that wouldn’t necessarily have means to purchase one on their own,” he says.

MORE THAN GUITARS

While the focus remains on acoustic and electric guitars, Hooten has started accepting keyboards and drums as well. The Alamance-Burlington School System recently offered 30 violins. If the influx continues, Hooten hopes to expand the program to other Asheville City schools.

His informal “lunch bunch” has taken the place of traditional music lessons, with students voluntarily trading cafeteria time to sit with Hooten and practice. “That actually worked better,” he says. “It was more spontaneous. The kids would be like, ‘Hey, can I come for lunch, and can we play a song together?’” As for what they want to learn? While today’s students stream pop hits more than they crank Led Zeppelin, Hooten says their musical taste is broad and sometimes surprising. “They want to figure out how to translate pop songs to guitar,” he says. “But even with all the modern music, kids still love classic songs. They’ll love something like [Van Morrison’s] ‘Brown Eyed Girl.’”

One student recently insisted on learning Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the USA.”

“They go nuts over that song,” Hooten says.

Some students already had a musical foundation and are now expanding their skills with donated electric guitars and amps. Others are starting from scratch, leaning via online tutorials.

“What I have seen is not only the joy of going from making noise to actually creating music, but the self-confidence it brings,” Hooten says. "Whether this sparks the next Jimi Hendrix or Bob Dylan or just helps someone discover a passion, it's encouraging kids to explore something they never thought was possible.”

Want to donate?

Donations may be dropped off Mondays-Thursdays, 8 a.m.4 p.m., at the front office at Asheville Middle School, 211 S. French Broad Ave. Donations of acoustic or electric guitars are welcome in any playable or repairable condition. Hooten is also accepting other instruments. Get in touch with Hooten at joseph.hooten@acsgmail.net. X

CHORD PROGRESSION: Asheville Middle School student Kyce'Son Baird plays an acoustic guitar that was donated to the school. Photo by Joe Hooten

JULY. 9 - JULY 17, 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

 More info, page 24

 More info, page 26

WELLNESS

Free Community

Functional Fitness

Build muscular endurance through exercises that focus on multiple repetitions with lower weights while moving in all planes of motion.

WE (7/9, 16), 10:15am, YWCA of Asheville, 185

S French Broad Ave

Community Yoga & Mindfulness

Free monthly event with Inspired Change Yoga that will lead you into a morning of breathwork, meditation and yoga.

WE (7/9), 10:30am, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave

Full Moon Serenity

Sound Bath

Celebrate the Full Moon by immersing yourself with the healing vibrations of a sound bath.

WE (7/9), 6:30pm, Center for Spiritual Living Asheville, 2 Science Mind Way

Yoga Hike

Enjoy a moderate one mile hike up to the summit of a scenic mountain top plus an hour of yoga for all levels and opportunities for lots of pictures before heading down.

FR (7/11), 9am, Bearwallow Mountain Trail, 4899 Bearwallow Mountain Rd, Hendersonville

Free Community Zumba Gold

The class design introduces easy-to-follow Zumba choreography that focuses on balance, range of motion, and coordination.

FR (7/11), 10am, YWCA of Asheville, 185

S French Broad Ave

Yoga in the Park

All-level friendly yoga classes based on Hatha & Vinyasa traditions. Classes led by a rotation of certified yoga instructors.

SA (7/12), SU (7/13) 10am, W Asheville Park, 198 Vermont Ave

Himalayan Sound Bath Meditation

A guided meditation with the soothing tones of Himalayan singing bowls washing over you, calming your mind, and rejuvenating your spirit.

SA (7/12), SU (7/13), 11am, Somatic Sounds, 157 S Lexington Ave B1

Free Community Qi Gong Qi Gong improves balance and coordination, enhances physical and emotional energy, and

Yonder Mountain String Band, Railroad Earth & Daniel Donato’s Cosmic County

Asheville Yards • 75 Coxe Ave • Friday, July 11 • 5:30 PM

A fun evening of progressive bluegrass music from three talented bands.

Bluegrass is in the forecast next week! Can’t wait to stomp my boots and soak up some sweet pickin’ at Asheville Yards for Yonder Mountain String Band, Railroad Earth and Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country.”

— Brooke Randle X

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

SUMMER TRACKS CONCERT: Tryon’s most popular concert series continues on Friday, July 11, at Rogers Park with the Greenville, S.C.-based Reedy River String Band providing the tunes. The concert starts at 7 p.m. with food vendors on-site. Alcoholic beverages are allowed but will not be sold. Photo courtesy of Summer Tracks

promotes an experience of well-being.

SA (7/12), 11:30am, YWCA of Asheville, 185

S. French Broad Ave

Sunday Morning Meditation Group

The Sunday Morning Meditation Group will gather for a combination of silent sitting and walking meditation.

SU (7/13), 10am, The Lodge at Quietude, 1130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

Candlelight Flow Yoga

This breath-centered practice blends gentle movement and mindfulness to release tension, restore balance, and leave you feeling grounded and renewed.

SU (7/13), 5pm, Asheville Happy Body, 25 Reed St, Ste 210

Free Community Athletic Conditioning Combining strength training, HIIT, plyometrics, kickboxing and step, this class offers a diverse, challenging training experience.

MO (7/14), 8am, YWCA of Asheville, 185

S French Broad Ave

Free Community Yoga (Level 2)

A full body movement series to get you poised for an energized day.

TU (7/15), 8:45am, YWCA of Asheville, 185

S. French Broad Ave

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 (7/15), 9:30am, Cooperative Coffee Shop, 210 Haywood Rd

Active Breathwork

Step into a powerful journey of self-healing through Active Breathwork, a dynamic class designed to awaken your body, release stored emotions, and bring clarity to your mind.

TH (7/17), 7:15pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

ART

Enchanted Garden Art Show

Discover a magical blend of art and nature in this outdoor sculpture invitational featuring works by eight artists from North Carolina and beyond. Gallery open Monday through Sunday, 10am. Exhibition through Sept. 21. Grovewood Gallery, 111 Grovewood Rd

Flora Symbolica: The Art of Flowers

The exhibition features the work of celebrated photographer and artist Edward Steichen, whose life-long infatuation with flowers deeply affected his artistic vision. Gallery open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am. Exhibition through July 28.

Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

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

Constance Ensner: Withheld

In this exhibition, Constance explores painted and collaged works that delve into the inner world of emotions, and her potent memories of a childhood disrupted. Gallery open Monday through Saturday, 10am, and Sunday, noon. Exhibition runs through July 13.

Pink Dog Gallery, 348 Depot St

Art in the Park Painting Classes

In this relaxed and supportive environment, you'll learn fundamental painting techniques guided by experienced and passionate instructors. All necessary art supplies will be provided.

TH (7/10), 2pm, W Asheville Park, 11 Vermont Ave

Iron & Ink Exhibition

This exhibition focuses on a dynamic era in American history—the Machine Age—when industrialization and advances in technology transformed urban landscapes and redefined the nature of work and leisure nationwide. Gallery open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am. Exhibition through Sept. 27.

Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

Olga Michelson & Susan Voorhees: Blooming Connections

Opening Reception

The exhibition showcases the artists' unique perspectives on the natural world, from the vibrant hues

related mental health challenges. For more information contact (828) 367-7660.

SA (7/12), 2pm, First Congregational UCC of Asheville, 20 Oak St

Garden Helpline

You may send an email or leave a voicemail at any time and an Extension Master Gardener volunteer will respond during Garden Helpline hours. MO (7/14), 10am, Buncombe County Cooperative Extension Center, 49 Mount Carmel Rd, Ste 102

Dementia Support Group

This free community group meets every month on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday at the Woodfin YMCA and 1st and 3rd Monday at the Asheville YMCA.

MO (7/14), 6pm, Woodfin YMCA, 40 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 101 Families Anonymous Meeting

of blooming flowers to the serenity of everyday moments. The reception also features some  refreshments and light snacks. FR (7/11), 5pm, Asheville Gallery of Art, 82 Patton Ave

Coatlicue & Las Meninas: The Stanford Edition

The focal point of the exhibition is Lasch’s newest addition, a tenfoot black mirror merging Diego Velázquez’s iconic painting Las Meninas (1656) and the monumental sculpture of the Mexica deity Coatlicue (1400s). Gallery open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am. Exhibition through July 13.

Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

Olga Michelson & Susan Voorhees: Blooming Connections

The exhibition showcases the artists' unique perspectives on the natural world, from the vibrant hues of blooming flowers to the serenity of everyday moments. Gallery open daily, 11am. Exhibition through July 31.

Asheville Gallery of Art, 82 Patton Ave

Native America: In Translation

This exhibition, curated by Apsáalooke artist Wendy Red Starr, features the work of seven Indigenous artists who explore themes of community, heritage, and the lasting impact of colonialism in North America. Gallery open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am. Exhibition through Nov. 3.

Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

SUPPORT GROUPS

Al-Anon

Are you concerned about someone’s drinking? This support group meets on a weekly basis. For more information on Al-anon, visit www.alanon.org.

WE (7/9), 11:30am, Grace Lutheran Church, 1245 6th Ave West, Hendersonville

Garden Helpline

You may send an email or leave a voicemail at any time and an Extension Master Gardener volunteer will respond during Garden Helpline hours.

TH (7/10), 10am, Buncombe County Cooperative Extension Center, 49 Mount Carmel Rd, Ste 102

Nicotine Anonymous

People share their experience, strength and hope to stop using nicotine. You don’t need to be stopped, just have a desire to attend.

TH (7/10, 17), 4:30pm, Asheville 12-Step Recovery Club, 1 Kenilworth Knolls Unit 4

Mad Hatter’s Collective: Hearing Voices Network

A group collective that gathers to talk about encounters with visual, tactile, sensational, or fringe experiences with life and the interaction of energy.

TH (7/10), 6pm, 12 Baskets Cafe, 610 Haywood Rd

Magnetic Minds: Depression & Bipolar Support Group

A free weekly peer-led meeting for those living with depression, bipolar, and

Gain support from others who have had lived experiences with a family member or friends substance abuse and related behavioral health challenges.

TU (7/15), 6pm, Love and Respect Community for Recovery and Wellness, 350 Chadwick Ave Ste 300, Hendersonville

Disordered Eating/ Eating Disorders

This support group is peer-led and facilitated by licensed therapists & dietitians specializing in eating disorders. Register at avl.mx/es6. WE (7/16), 6pm, Online

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 (7/9, 16), 8pm, One World Brewing West, 520 Haywood Rd Monday Night Contra Dance Contra dancing is a fun, social dance for everyone. Follow a lesson at 7 p.m. and then dance to a live band and caller at 7:30 p.m. MO (7/14), 7:30pm, A-B Tech, 340 Victoria Rd

COMMUNITY MUSIC

Park Rhythms Concert Series w/Lorg & Friends

This year’s series will consist of four free shows on Thursday evenings between June through July. This week features music from pop-rock artist,

Lorg and special guest friends.

TH (7/10), 6pm, Black Mountain Town Square, Black Mountain Concerts in the Park w/Laron Huntley & the Gravely Brothers

Bring your friends and family to dance, play games, and enjoy eats and treats from Biltmore Park restaurants. This week features music from Laron Huntley & the Gravely Brothers, a multi-generational band from Asheville.

FR (7/11), 6:30pm, Biltmore Park Town Square, Town Square Blvd

Summer Tracks w/ Reedy River String Band

Summer Tracks, Tryon’s most popular music series continues this week with Greenville, SC-based band Reedy River String Band providing the tunes this week. There will also be new food vendors and alcohol beverages are allowed but will not be sold.

FR (7/11), 7pm,Rogers Park, 55 W Howard St, Tryon

The McLain Family Band

The McLain Family Band has become internationally known as one of the most creative and spirited groups performing original and traditional bluegrass music.

FR (7/11), 7:30pm, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

CMS of the Carolinas Presents: Walkabout

A concert featuring the works by Grazyna Bacewicz, Gabriela Lena Frank, and Franz Schubert that represent unique stops along this summer’s rich musical journey.

FR (7/11), 7:30pm, Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church, 101 Chapel Lane

Asheville Jazz Orchestra Big Band Night

The Asheville Jazz Orchestra’s repertoire ranges from Swing Era dance classics to original charts by band members and other contemporary composers.

SU (7/13), 7:30pm, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

Performance & Artist

Talk: Ashley Paul, Jake Pugh & Shane Justice McCord

Asheville-based musicians Ashley Paul, Jake Pugh, and Shane Justice McCord will play as a trio. Their performance blends acoustic instruments and live computer processing.

TH (7/17), 7pm, Black Mountain College Museum & Arts Center, 120 College St

COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS

Ready to Unlock Your Dream of Homeownership? Free Homebuyer Workshop

It will provide a step-by-step guide to buying a home, tips for navigating the real estate market, live Q&A to answer your homebuying questions and more.

WE (7/9), noon, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave

Simply Charmed Jewelry Workshop

This hands on workshop is drop in friendly and for ages 8 and up who are interested in jewelry making. After a quick demo by the instructor you can take up to 45 minutes to complete your masterpiece.

WE (7/9, 16), TU (7/15), 11am, Ignite Jewelry Studios, 191 Lyman St, Ste 262

Change Your Palate Cooking Demo

This free lunchtime food demonstration is open to all but tailored towards those with type 2 diabetes or hypertension and/or their caretakers. See p24

TH (7/10), noon, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave

Couch to 5K Training

Learn techniques, habits, and helpful tips each week to improve pace and form so you can run happy and healthy.

TH (7/10), 5:30pm, YWCA of Asheville, 185 S French Broad Ave

ELEMENTS OF BMC: Intuitive Photography & Collage Workshop

A workshop series that explores the fundamental parts of creative practice at Black Mountain College, highlighting a range of artistic mediums and techniques.

SA (7/12), noon, Black Mountain College Museum & Arts Center, 120 College St

The Foxy Chef: A Night of Vegan Cooking

Chefs will take us on a culinary journey, explaining health benefits of nature’s herbs and spices. This class is open for anyone and everyone.

MO (7/14), 5:30pm, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave

Yoga & 12 Step Recovery

Learn to deal with life’s stressors, substance free. Open to anyone, especially those impacted by substance use and behavioral

health concerns.

TU (7/15), 8:30am, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave

Personal Finance: Disaster Recovery Focused

This program will discuss financial responsibility, credit scores and their importance, plus tips on building good credit and provide guidance on how to check it regularly. Register at avl.mx/exq.

WE (7/16), 10am, Online

Plant Partner: Mugwort

This is a great opportunity for anyone who is brand new to the healing herbal world wanting to learn about healing plants and perfect for the budding herbalist to dive deeper in relationship.

WE (7/16), 6pm, Twin Star Tribe

LITERARY

Book Signing w/ Benjamin E. Frey UNCA professor Benjamin E. Frey, author of Rising Above: Language Revitalization in the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian signs his new book in the Museum Store.

WE (7/9), 2pm, Museum of the Cherokee People, 589 Tsali Blvd., Cherokee

Poetry Open Mic

Asheville

This open mic welcomes any form of artistic expression from poetry to improv theatre to music to dance. 5 and 10 minute slots available.

WE (7/9, 16), 8:30pm, Sovereign Kava, 268 Biltmore Ave

Poetry Open Mic

Asheville

This open mic welcomes any form of artistic expression from poetry to improv theatre to music to dance. 5 and 10 minute slots available.

WE (7/9), 8:30pm, Sovereign Kava, 268 Biltmore Ave

Poetry Book Launch: By Stone & Needle w/ Catherine Carter

The poems in By Stone and Needle spin connecting threads between night sweats, witch drownings, creation stories, pedicures, goddesses—and, especially, between miraculously interconnected ecosystems and the forces that threaten them.

FR (7/11), 6pm, City Lights Bookstore, 3 E Jackson St, Sylva

Author Reading w/ Ralph Ellis

Ralph Ellis is a native of Waynesville, NC, and a graduate of Tuscola High School. He now lives in Decatur, Georgia. “The Accident

Report” is his first novel.

SA (7/12), 1pm, Blue Ridge Books, 428 Hazelwood Ave, Waynesville

Abolition & Health

Justice w/Dr. Ronica Mukerjee

Appalachian Medical Solidarity and Asheville

Bail Fund host a discussion of All This Safety is Killing Us, the first abolitionist anthology that focuses on healthcare.

SA (7/12), 3pm, Firestorm Books, 1022 Haywood Rd

Nicole Zelniker in Conversation w/ Mazey Eddings

A conversation with author Nicole Zelniker, who will talk about her debut young adult novel with fellow author Mazey Eddings.

SA (7/12), 6pm, Firestorm Books, 1022 Haywood Rd

Flooded Poetry

Each poet will be able to share 2-3 poems, and occasionally we will have local celebrity poets close out our night with a featured reading.

MO (7/14), 6:30pm, Flood Gallery, 802 Fairview Rd Ste 1200

Asheville StorySLAM: Dirt

Prepare a five-minute story about what lies beneath. Squalor, smut, muck and mire. Air out your dirty laundry and don’t leave out the filthy details.

TH (7/17), 7:30pm, The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave

THEATER & FILM

YWCA: Beyond Walls Film Screening

Beyond Walls is an organizing initiative featuring documentary films that define and amplify what prison industrial complex (PIC) abolition means, while inspiring people to imagine and take action toward a world without policing.

TH (7/10), 6pm, New Belgium Brewing Co., 21 Craven St

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

This play takes place in a mystical forest, where a group of fairies interfere with the romantic entanglements of four young lovers and a troupe of actors, creating both chaos and comedy.

FR (7/11), SA (7/12), SU (7/13), 7:30pm, Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre, 92 Gay St Ripcord

A sharp-witted comedy about two senior roommates whose escalating prank war reveals deeper truths about friendship, loss, and resilience.

TH (7/10), FR (7/11),

SA (7/12), 7:30pm, SU (7/13), 2pm, Hart Theatre, 250 Pigeon St, Waynesville Empathy & Comedy w/Jay Brown

Jay Brown will be pairing music to silent Charlie Chaplin films. He will feature 2 short Charlie Chaplin films and perform a solo set.

TH (7/10), 8pm, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

Foreign Film Fridays

Every Friday visitors can enjoy a cozy movie night in the gallery featuring some amazing foreign films curated by film-buff Carlos Steward.

FR (7/11), 7pm, Flood Gallery, 802 Fairview Rd Ste 1200

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 will be Finding Nemo. See p26

FR (7/11), 8:15pm, Pack Square Park, 80 Court Plaza,

The Apprentice

The story of Donald Trump’s real estate career in New York City highlighting his relationship with attorney and master of dirty politics Roy Cohn. SA (7/12), 9am, 265 Haywood Rd, taproom, 265 Haywood Rd

Five Spice: Talk Show 五味人生

A series of talk shows and interactive performances excavating the flavors of humanity hosted by Shunyu Huang. SA (7/12), 7pm, Story Parlor, 227 Haywood Rd

Patrice: The Movie, DIYabled features a screening of Patrice: The Movie, a documentary about two disabled people who want to get engaged but are confronted by the danger that they would lose their benefits.

SU (7/13), 5pm, Firestorm Books, 1022 Haywood Rd

Rage @ The Stage: A Frenzied Evening of Improv Comedy Hosted and curated by local improv team, Middle Rage, this show is all about showcasing some of our fave

7/11: Reader: Krysta 12-6

7/12: Reader: Ed 12-6

7/13: Reader: Andrea 12-4

Mercy Fund Animal Rescue Adoption Event 12-3

7/14: Reader: Aimee 3-6

Mediumship Monday 6-7

7/15: Reader: Byron 1-5

Sat. & Mon. 10-8 Tue., Wed., Thur. 10-7 • Sun. 12-6

improv teams in the region.

SU (7/13), 7pm, North Carolina Stage Co., 15 Stage Ln

Eulogy Movie Night Journey back to the 90s for another double-feature ahead.

Candy, popcorn, and cocktail specials inspired by the films all available at the bar.

MO (7/14), 7:30pm, Eulogy, 10 Buxton Ave

Southside Movie Nights: Holes

Enjoy the classic combo of delicious fresh popcorn, refreshing drinks, and a family film.

TH (7/17), 6pm, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St

MEETINGS

& PROGRAMS

Schleich: Bag Tag

Make & Take Kids and families are invited to design and take home their very own Schleich bag tag. This event is firstcome, first-served and limited to the first 100 participants each day.

WE (7/9), SA (7/12),

10am, Tryon International Equestrian Center, 25 International Blvd, Mill Spring Shamanic Journey Circle You’re welcome to bring a drum or any portable instrument and a crystal to charge or clear.

WE (7/9), 6:30pm, The Well, 3 Louisiana Ave

Southside Cyber Wednesday

Dive into the exciting world of e-sports and gaming with friends and neighbors with two powerful PlayStation 5 consoles ready for action.

WE (7/9), 6pm, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St

IBN Biz Lunch: Brevard & Pisgah Forest Incredible Business Networking, along with other business people and entrepreneurs like yourself. This meeting is free, just buy your lunch if you are hungry and support the host restaurant.

TH (7/10), noon, Hawg Wild Smokehouse & Taproom, 91 Pisgah Hwy, Pisgah Forest

Nerd Nite Asheville

A monthly event held in 100+ cities around the world featuring fun-yet-informative presentations across a variety of subjects. There will be a food truck, freshly brewed drinks, and free popcorn.

TH (7/10), 7pm, The River Arts District Brewing Company, 13 Mystery St

Plant Clinic

Master Gardener volunteers will be available to answer all of your gardening questions and address your related concerns. Feel free to bring plant or insect samples for identification and/or problem resolution.

FR (7/11), 3pm, East Asheville Tailgate Market, 954 Tunnel Rd

YWCA Summer Open House

Explore a schedule of sample fitness classes to find what suits you best, learn about personal training options, and tour the gym facilities.

SA (7/12), 9am, YWCA of Asheville, 185 S French Broad Ave

Forest Bathing

This is an incredible opportunity to awaken your senses and

connect with nature and yourself. The experience will culminate with a closing tea ceremony.

SA (7/12), 10am, NC Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way

Water Aerobics

This water-based workout is perfect for anyone looking to stay active and socialize in a supportive and enjoyable environment.

SA (7/12), 10am, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St

Gardening for Birds w/Sarah Coury

This class will focus on favorite native plant species, important habitat features, and landscape maintenance best practices. After, the class will take a walk in the Garden to see bird-friendly features.

SA (7/12), 1pm, Asheville Botanical Garden, 151 WT Weaver Blvd.

Coloring w/Cats

Take 50 minutes for yourself and cuddle with the panthers, meet other cat-lovers, and color a beautiful picture of a cat from our adult coloring

books.

SU (7/13), 2pm, House of Black Cat Magic, Co., 841 Haywood Rd

Finding Stillness

Anne-Marie Polanski will lead a period of reflection, guided meditation and discussion.

MO (7/14), 6:30pm, The Lodge at Quietude, 1130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

The Staying Power of Wine

Learn more about the history and evolution of this fermented fruit drink at Wine Through the Ages. Wine enthusiast and instructor Michael Dickson will also discuss the science of wine and modern production practices.

TU (7/15), 10am, Sink Building, 130 Eagles

Reach Dr, Flat Rock

IBN Biz Lunch: Arden

The meeting will consist of introductions, a discussion of future networking opportunities in the area, a roundtable business needs and solutions segment and more.

TU (7/15), noon, Wild Wing Cafe South, 65 Long Shoals Rd, Arden

Montford Art Afternoons for Adults

Whether you’re a seasoned artist or haven’t picked up a brush since

childhood, this is the perfect opportunity to unwind, explore your creativity, and create a beautiful piece of art to take home.

TU (7/15), 1pm, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Ave

Get Your Dye On Bring two items and transform them into vibrant, one-of-a-kind creations. We provide the dyes, supplies, and guidance to help you master the art of tie-dye.

TU (7/15), 2pm, Grove St Community Center, 36 Grove St

Strolling Strikers: Relaxed Pace Soccer for Older Adults Glide across the field and rediscover the joy of soccer at a gentle pace that's kind to your body. It's all about smooth moves, honing skills with grace, and soaking up the fun without frantic sprints.

WE (7/16), 11am, Memorial Stadium

NSA-WNC Meeting

Professional keynote speakers, coaches, trainers, facilitators, and consultants who cover a broad range of topics, skills, &

knowledge. TH (7/17), 10am, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave

GAMES & CLUBS

Music Bingo w/DJ

Spence

Featuring 3 different themes of upbeat, family friendly music. It’s first come first serve, no tickets required and free to play.

WE (7/9), 5:30pm, New Belgium Brewing Co., 21 Craven St Bingo Night w/Britton

A midweek break full of good drinks, loud laughs, and questionable luck, hosted by Britton.

WE (7/9, 16), 7pm, Dssolvr, 63 N Lexington Ave

Books & Brews Trivia w/Lit Local

A night of nostalgia, great drinks, and literary fun. This month’s Books & Brews Trivia Night is: Beach Reads with a Twist.

TH (7/10), 6pm, Ginger’s Revenge Craft Brewery & Tasting Room, 829 Riverside Dr

Level 256 Weekly

Pinball Tournament

This is a weekly group knockout pinball tournament. Food will be provided to players. All ages and skill levels are welcome.

SU (7/13), 5:30pm, Level 256 Classic Arcade Bar, 79 Coxe Ave

Ping Pong Tournament

Come by and shoot your shot against some of the best ping pong players in town. Free to enter and $50 bar tab to the winner.

MO (7/14), 6pm, Sovereign Kava, 268 Biltmore Ave

KID-FRIENDLY PROGRAMS

Artistic Adventures for Toddlers

Ignite the creative spark of children in a safe and engaging environment to explore wonders of art through messy masterpieces and imaginative exploration.

WE (7/9), 2pm, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Ave

Family Story Time

A fun and interactive story time designed for children ages 18 months to 3 years.

WE (7/9, 16), 10:30am, Black Mountain Library, Black Mountain

Baby Storytime

A lively language enrichment story time designed for children ages 4 to 18 months.

TH (7/10, 17), 10:30am, Black Mountain Library, Black Mountain

Black Cat Tales: Story Time w/Cats

A special after-school workshop where families with children age 7 and under can relax and foster a love of reading while also socializing with the cats in the lounge.

TH (7/10), 4pm, House of Black Cat Magic, Co., 841 Haywood R Coloring w/Cats: Kiddie Edition

An artistic session with coloring books and markers for children ages 13 and under to relax by coloring as they pet cats to reduce stress and anxiety.

SA (7/12), 1pm, House of Black Cat Magic, Co., 841 Haywood Rd Parents Night Out

Let your child work off extra energy with a fun night of themed games, crafts, and special activities with a light dinner included.

SA (7/12), 6pm, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave Teen Zone Kickback Teens can hang out, socialize, play basketball, enjoy a friendly video game competition, and more. Snacks available for purchase.

SA (7/12), 6pm, Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Rd

LOCAL MARKETS

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 (7/9, 16), 3pm, 60 Lake Shore Dr Weaverville 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 (7/9, 16), 3pm, Leicester Community Center, 2979 New Leicester Hwy, Leicester RAD Farmers Market Asheville’s only year-round weekly market, featuring 30+ vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods, handcrafted items, beverages, grab-and-go meals, and more. EBT and SNAP accepted.

WE (7/9, 16), 3pm, New Belgium Brewing Co., 21 Craven St

Biltmore Park Farmers Market

This market features fresh seasonal produce, delicious homemade pastries, premium meats and seafood, beautiful vibrant flowers, and more.

TH (7/10, 17), 3pm, Biltmore Park Town Square, Town Square Blvd

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 (7/10, 17), 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 (7/11), 3pm, Groce

United Methodist Church, 954 Tunnel Rd

Mills River Farm Market

This market offers local food, live music, kids' activities, cooking demos, and a welcoming community.

Browse fresh produce and pasture-raised meats to homemade breads, fresh flowers, and artisan goods.

SA (7/12), 8am, Mills River Elementary School, 94 Schoolhouse Rd, Mills River

North Asheville Tailgate Market

Browse from over 70 vendors that will be offering sustainably produced produce, meats, eggs, cheeses, breads, honey, plants, prepared foods, crafts and more.

SA (7/12), 8am, UNC Asheville Lot P28

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 (7/12), 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 (7/12), 9am, 130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

Swannanoa Farmers Market

This market will feature farm-fresh produce, local honey, eggs, baked goods, and delicious eats. You'll also find handmade jewelry, artwork, fiber crafts, wooden utensils, yard art, apothecary essentials, and more.

SA (7/12), 9am, 216 Whitson Ave, 216 Whitson Ave, Swannanoa

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 (7/12), 10am, College St, Mars Hill

Hopscotch Art & Vintage Market

A special day featuring good people and fun times as you browse local and small art, craft and vintage sellers at the Hopscotch Market.

SA (7/12), 1pm, Church Street Studios, 225 Church St, Waynesville

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

Junk-O-Rama Vintage Market

Browse vintage clothing vendors, local crafters, antiques and more.

SU (7/13), 12pm, 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 (7/13), 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 (7/15), 3:30pm, 718 Haywood Rd

FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS

School of Rock New Moon Festival Show

The School of Rock House bands gather together for a week of music making at UNC Asheville. While there, students will mix and match into new super groups, learning songs from a wide range of themes to perform at The Orange Peel. TH (7/10), 7:30pm, The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave

Asheville Doomed & Stoned Fest

An official festival from the popular Doomed and Stoned blog formed in 2013 that covers everything heavy metal. It will feature a variety of heavy bands. See p26 FR (7/11), 7:55pm, SA (7/12), 3pm, Sly Grog Lounge, 271 Haywood St

Southside Block Party

The ultimate neighborhood celebration that features an evening of community vibes, infectious beats of DJ Audio, special food options and friendly games of cornhole, giant Jenga or other fun yard games. FR (7/11), 6pm, Dr Wesley Grant Sr.

Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St

The Big Crafty

A hand-to-heart celebration of creative exuberance where you can shop for ceramics, prints, jewelry, woodwork and more, while also celebrating the vibrant and resurgent creative community of WNC. See p26

SA (7/12), SU (7/13), noon, Harrah's Cherokee Center, 87 Haywood St

The Lager Lodge: Tap Takover Vol. 3

A summer time takeover of crispi offerings when you need it the most. Featuring more than 10 lager brewers from across the country, with special musical performances at 1pm.

SA (7/12), noon, Eulogy, 10 Buxton Ave

FionaFest: A Musical Celebration of 41 Years of the Thistle & Shamrock

The Swannanoa Gathering will be hosting a tribute concert, in honor of Fiona Ritchie’s remarkable 41 years of producing and hosting NPR’s award-winning weekly program of Celtic music, The Thistle & Shamrock.

SA (7/12), 7:30pm, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

Bluegrass Sunday & Makers Market

A special market presented by Mountain Artisan Collective featuring local makers. Bluegrass band will be providing the music for the day.

SU (7/13), 2pm, One World Brewing West, 520 Haywood Rd

American Vinyl Co. Grand Opening

A special opening celebration featuring Hilltop Ice Cream, a pop-up vinyl sale with Earth River Records, music from Martha Spencer and more.

SU (7/13), 4pm, American Vinyl Co, 1158 Alexander Rd, Leicester

Jettie Rae’s 5th Year Anniversary & Classic Fish Fry

This all-you-can-eat gathering will celebrate Jettie Rae’s 5th year anniversary. Enjoy crispy fried cod and shrimp with all the fixings: hushpuppies, coleslaw, French fries, pimento cheese, and fresh watermelon. See p24

SU (7/13), 12;30pm, Jettie Rae’s Oyster House, 143 Charlotte St

Asheville Marathon Launch Party

Enjoy a relaxed group run with the New Belgium Run Club, live DJ tunes, and cold beer available for purchase from the brewery. Be sure to grab your exclusive, one-day-only discount code for the 2026 race while you're there.

TH (7/17), 5pm, New Belgium Brewing Co., 21 Craven St

Rhythm & Brews Concert Series w/Florencia & the Feeling

These free outdoor shows will bring all the excitement downtown on the third Thursday of each month, complete with craft beverages, food trucks, vendors and a fun-filled Kids Zone. Florencia & the Feeling will be performing this week.

TH (7/17), 5:30pm, Downtown Hendersonville South Main St, Hendersonville, North Carolina

Road to Roots'25

Asheville gets a heavy dose of groove, grit, and generational soul when Rd to Roots hits the stage for a onenight-only celebration of the music that shaped a movement. It will feature music from Melody Trucks, the Fitzkee Brothers and Jaden Lehman.

TH (7/17), 5:30pm, Asheville Music Hall, 31 Patton Ave

BENEFITS & VOLUNTEERING

Southside Volunteer Day

Volunteer with RiverLink to maintain the native ecosystem and rain gardens in the Erskine Community. RiverLink will provide all necessary tools and equipment.

TH (7/10), 10am, Herb Watts Park, 64 Erskine St

Swannanoa Valley Wild Fundraiser

A new local chapter of NCWF, offering community opportunities to restore habitat, connect with nature, and learn about important wildlife and habitat topics. Plus, who doesn't love celebrating nature with pizza and drinks.

TH (7/10), 4pm, Peri Social House, 406 W State St, Black Mountain

Rebuild Marshall Benefit Concert

This special benefit concert will feature music from Black Sea Beat Society and Mama and the Ruckus. Proceeds will go towards rebuilding Marshall.

SA (7/12), 6pm, Mad Co. Brew House, 45 North Main St, Marshall 4ft To Hell: 5th Annual Charity Hotdog

Eating Contest Watch competitors battle to devour four foot-long hot dogs in under 6 minutes and

66 seconds and join the raffle to win prizes. Proceeds will benefit Manna Foodbank. WE (7/16), 7pm, Dssolvr, 63 N Lexington Ave

Low-Cost Community Neuter Clinic Please schedule and pay for your appointment prior to showing up. Appointments and additional services can be scheduled at avl.mx/dlq. TH (7/17), 9am, House of Black Cat Magic, Co., 841 Haywood Rd

Home Delivery EVERY

‘I’m not

afraid of genitals’

Working to create a stronger sexual health community

BY JAMIE ZANE

Dear Readers,

This month, I had the pleasure of interviewing Heather Edwards, a local pelvic physical therapist, an American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) certified sex counselor, erotica writer and creator of Vino & Vulvas — all of which we discuss more below.

As always, if you have any questions or suggestions for future column topics, please email me at jamie@outofthewoodstherapy.com and kindly indicate Mountain Xpress in the subject line.

Zane: You’ve had several interesting jobs in sexual health. How and why in the world did you get involved in sexual health?

Edwards: I was the girl in junior high that taught my friends how to use tampons because I wasn’t afraid of it since I had a mom who wasn't afraid of it. Within the first six months of my first job in physical therapy, the pelvic PT that was there was leaving, and they needed someone to take over the program. Everyone else was like, “No way am I doing that.” I was like, “Yeah, I can do that — I'm not afraid of genitals.”

In pelvic PT, we tend to screen for urinary, bowel, pelvic pain and sexual function because it all kind of goes together. I started noticing this pattern of anytime I would talk about sex [with a patient], they had never talked about it before. It was a topic that would make people cry.

It was often really hard for patients to acknowledge that things hurt, were uncomfortable or that they weren’t having the kind of sex they wanted to be having.

There were so many challenging things about it, and I realized I needed to get better about learning the psychosocial aspects of sex.

What are some challenges that sex educators face in today’s culture?

So many challenges. Sex educators are spelling SEX as “seks” and

“sechs” and using symbols instead of the word because anything we do that is explicitly talking about sex can get us banned from the mainstream platforms.

Just getting the word out has been made taboo and anything we do is deemed as pornographic. It's always a struggle to figure out how to get your work out in the world, how to get funding for bigger sex education programs and providing services. Programs are getting cut and because quality comprehensive sex education is filled with DEI, this work is demonized.

Can you explain Vino & Vulvas for my readers?

Vino & Vulvas is adult sex education at a bar. It’s usually a panel discussion that I host, and there are three panelists. I usually try to have one who has a medical background, one who has a psychological background and one who is either an educator or an entertainer or like an erotic performer or sex worker. We have a conversation in front of the audience about relevant sexual health topics. The first half of the show is a panel discussion and the second half is when we allow audience members to submit anonymous questions that we then answer.

Where are V&Vs happening, and what's new about them?

We just had our first show at The Mule. We are doing three shows per year now in June, July and August.

These next two panels [both at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 24, and Thursday, Aug. 21] are really new for me because they're both shows that I've wanted to do for a long time

SEX ED: Jamie Zane, pictured, speaks with local pelvic physical therapist Heather Edwards about Asheville's sexual health community. Photo by Ryan Brazell

and they’re much different than the panel discussions.

July’s show is going to be lots of erotica readings but with a gameshow vibe. It's called “Two Truths & a Lie.” We’ll have rounds where the contestants will have to decide which erotic story is true and which is fantasy. I am an erotic writer, so therefore it’s quite fun for me to come up with all kinds of erotic stories.

The third show in August is going to be called “Kink or Critter.” ‘This is a panel that I have laughed about doing forever and I'm going to make it happen. The audience is going to hear stories about sexual acts and decide if it’s a human-animal or nonhuman-animal behavior. It'll be fun and people will learn all sorts of obscure facts about animal mating behavior and all sorts of fun obscure facts about human kink behavior.

I think everyone needs to be prepared to laugh a whole lot at both of those shows.

Any final thoughts to share?

Yeah, I think it’s important to mention that we really have worked hard to build a solid sexual health community, and we have been successful at this. Asheville’s sex-

ual health community is so much bigger now [than it was 10 years ago]. We’ve got therapists coming to the shows and we've got therapists recommending their patients to come to shows. We’ve got pelvic PTs, gynecologists and midwives coming to shows and sending their patients.

We’ve got so many more pelvic PTs and sexual health providers in the area now because of what we've put out there. You started expanding Out of the Woods Therapy. Aleece Fosnight started the Fosnight Center for Sexual Health.

It’s important to point out the huge amount of growth. I think I was only one of like a couple of pelvic PTs that I knew of in town when I started this.

You’re right. I was one of only two American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists certified sex therapists in town, and my solo practice was constantly full. Building a sexual health community, I can say confidently, has been a real passion project for us in so many ways, right?

Yes — for sure!

Learn more about Vino & Vulvas at avl.mx/exa.  X

ARTS & CULTURE

‘Theater of the mind’

BY MORGAN L. SYKES

If your summer travel wish list includes journeying across eons, cultures and imaginative futures, you don’t have to leave Asheville. This month, Adam Keene and Langston Kelly — a pair of musical and poetic story travelers known collectively as BecoMyth — will perform the three-part, immersive, genre-blending series We Begin in Chaos: A Mythic Trilogy of Beginnings at Story Parlor, a multidisciplinary arts space in West Asheville.

The creative pair, whom Story Parlor named its 2025 artists-in-residence for its annual Story/Arts Residency Program, will begin the trilogy on Sunday, July 13, with The Book of Invocation . The second part, The Book of Convocation takes place Sunday, July 20. The series finale, The Book of Evocation , will be performed Sunday, July 27. All shows begin at 6:30 p.m. and are offered on a “pay-what-you-can” sliding scale.

“It will be a multimedia experience that will be driven by elements of visualization,” says Keene. “There will be elements of ritual. There will be elements of embodiment, storytelling, poetry.”

The series, he continues, will “immerse people in a realm where they can perhaps connect with something beyond what they experience in their everyday lives.” The

two aim to “bring people into a state of myth and dream … called often in Dungeons & Dragons circles as ‘theater of the mind.’”

In the process, he adds, “We hope that [audience members will] find their own myths, their own stories, their own symbols and states of power and create possibility.”

‘IT’S A VIBE’

BecoMyth began in the early 2010s, when Keene invited Kelly

to dinner. At the time, both were studying at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.

Their creative rapport was immediate. That initial gathering resulted in the creation of a threehour improv music and rap story.

“We had never hung out before that moment,” Keene says. "So we're like, ‘Hey, we should probably keep doing this; there might be something here.’”

As BecoMyth, Keene delivers performance poetry, freestyle rap and storytelling, while Kelly delivers a combination of beatboxing and vocals in addition to playing multiple instruments. “Essentially, we take that and we put that into a sandwich, and that sandwich is a musical and poetic storytelling experience that people can interact with,” says Keene.

While “it’s hard to explain what we do,” Keene continues, BecoMyth found a new beginning at Story Parlor, where Erin Hallagan Clare , the organization's founder and artistic director, championed their work.

According to Keene, Clare told the duo that they earned the residency because of simpatico energy:

“Where she landed was, ‘It’s a vibe. … There’s a certain energy you bring,’” he explains. “They understand the power of storytelling, and they understand the power of myth, and they make that a part of their fabric.”

THE POWER OF MAGIC AND INTROSPECTION

Myth emerges as a sort of portal in BecoMyth’s art. “As human beings, we have a lot of potential,” says Kelly. “I would love to live in a more magical world; in a world that was actually built for the people. I think, as creators, we’re in a unique place to help bring new ideas, both to and out of people.”

Their residency series, which can be viewed in whole or as individual shows, offers a challenge immediately applicable to post-Tropical Storm Helene Asheville with its themes of chaos, ambivalence and the regenerative power of imagination.

“A question that we ask is ‘What do you do in a situation where it's so chaotic that you don't know how to make sense of it, and how do you begin in that moment?’ There's no map to show you what steps to take, and I think a short answer … is that you create,” says Keene.

“A lot of people don’t feel empowered,” adds Kelly. “They look for power in some sort of inspiring leader. … They don’t realize that it’s people that make the world go around. We're too quick to look for our answers outside of ourselves. And I think we could use a lot more introspection.”

At the performance series, attendees will enjoy a thought-provoking, immersive show — but they will also participate by getting in touch with their inner selves.

“Myths and dreams allow us to find things in ourselves that may not be here yet but exist,” says Keene.

“Before you can be different, you need to see yourself differently. That's where dream comes in.”

Kelly hopes that attendees will leave inspired, connected to something timeless that is both ancient, present, within and without.

Keene echoes this sentiment.

“I hope they leave having traveled a little farther than they did when they arrived,” he says. “They might find some hope in the future that they'll be able to embrace where they are in the present, and to create out of that.”  X

CREATIVE DUO: Langston Kelly, left, and Adam Keene make up the creative duo BecoMyth. This month, the pair will perform a three-part series as artists-in-residence at Story Parlor. Photo by Morgan Sykes

Going Dutch

Genever inspires local bartenders and distillers

BY AUDREY AND BILL KOPP

Ask a random bartender about genever, and you’re likely to get a puzzled look. Even those who enjoy it can’t agree on how to say its name: Some pronounce it similarly to “Jennifer,” and others (like us) say gen-AVER

However one says it, as far back as the 13th century, genever was distilled in Flanders, today the Dutch-speaking northern region of Belgium. The spirit remains very popular in Europe, and while still somewhat unknown in the States, it’s growing in popularity among adventurous liquor aficionados. Closer to home, a Black Mountain distiller has developed a uniquely Western North Carolina spin on the concept.

PRIDE OF THE NETHERLANDS

Genever has a rich history; it’s actually the forerunner of the much more widely known London dry gin. By the late late 1600s, imported genever was wildly popular in England. Seeing the potential for profit, enterprising London distillers attempted to “reverse-engineer” the genever with a goal of creating a local alternative. Though London dry gin became popular, it failed at replicating the distinctive flavor of the Dutch spirit. But genever has charms all its own.

The earliest genevers were made in the Netherlands simply by distilling malt wine (from fermented barley) and subtly infusing it with berries from the juniper shrub. And while juniper is a top note in many London gins, the malty character of genever gives it a taste, nose and mouthfeel wholly unlike the pretender from across the Channel. “The uninitiated would scarcely recognize [genever] and London gin as belonging to the same family,” wrote spirits expert David Embury in 1953. Embury attempted a concise explication of genever versus gin in his idiosyncratic yet authoritative book, The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks. Though notoriously opinionated, Embury couldn’t seem to settle on a verdict; he described the Dutch spirit

as “highly aromatic and somewhat bitter and acrid,” then characterized it as “unquestionably the finest of all gins for medicinal purposes” [our emphasis added].

He then reluctantly allowed that it’s “even possible to acquire a taste for [genever] as a drink” but insisted that the spirit is “practically worthless as a cocktail base” because it doesn't mix well with other ingredients.

Bless him; Embury got much of that wrong. Genever’s distinctly “bready” nose does set it quite apart from London dry gin, but the Dutch spirit adds considerable depth and complexity in cocktails like the Dutch Word. And unlike most London dry gins, a quality genever is delightful neat, with a chiller stone or block ice.

Genever is the national drink of the Netherlands; today Amsterdam is home to several genever tasting rooms — Bols, Proeflokaal A. van Wees and others — in which more than a dozen varieties of the spirit can be sampled. Oude (old) genever takes on a character closer to Scotch; it remains all but unavailable in the U.S. Jonge (young) genever is the distinctly malty spirit that is making inroads into North American cocktail culture.

A LOCAL TAKE

William Goldberg launched Oak and Grist Distilling Co. with partners in 2015. The Black Mountain distillery got its start focusing on a single-malt whiskey, inspired by Scottish methods and flavors. But Goldberg wanted to expand beyond that. “I understood that if we wanted to be a grain-to-glass whiskey distillery, I also needed to make something else,” he says. He recalls being fascinated by the concept of terroir, the idea that “where something is grown has an influence on its flavor.”

Wanting to create a new spirit that was rooted in tradition yet unusual, Goldberg developed Oak and Grist genever-inspired gin. “I wanted to make it representative of this place,” he says. “As I was developing it, I was doing individual botanical extractions, largely focus-

ing on things that could be grown here.” The spirit debuted in 2017 and has since been joined on the shelf by a barrel reserve genever-inspired variant.

The WNC-based distiller knows he’s tapping into a specialist market. “Genever is not a very easy-tofind spirit; you sort of have to seek it out,” he observes. Even in bars, it’s still somewhat rare. “I’ve never walked and looked at a back bar and thought, ‘Oh my gosh, what a great genever selection you have!’” he says with a laugh.

Goldberg admits that educating the public has been a component of successfully marketing his genever. “People might try it and say, ‘This doesn’t taste like the gin that I’m used to,’” he says.

But that difference is also its strength. “Its predominant profile isn’t coming from juniper,” Goldberg says. “That allows for that ‘breadiness’ and the other botanicals to come through. And there’s a complexity to it that isn’t overpowered by any individual botanical.”

GENEVER FOR THE WIN

And putting the lie to Embury’s dismissal of genever’s virtues, Oak and Grist’s spirit helped a cocktail win a prestigious award. In April, the winner of Asheville's annual, locally sponsored Best Bloomin’ Beverage Contest was the Hungry Caterpillar cocktail, created by Taylor Rice of downtown restaurant and bar Chestnut. Assistant general manager and beverage manager Sarah Ogden explains that Oak and Grist’s genever is a central component of the award-winning libation.

“It has an almost whiskeylike style that you won’t find in many of the spirits we’re used to seeing on the back bar,” she says. “Oak and Grist [started with] a very Dutch style, but they didn’t try to copy it; they made it their own.”

Locally, Oak and Grist’s genever is available at ABC stores and on the menu of several local bars. Those interested in the Dutch original can sometimes find Bols genever on shelves (and always via special order) at Asheville ABC locations. X

GENEVER, (NOT SO MUCH) JUNIPER: Black Mountain-based distiller William Goldberg, pictured, developed a Western North Carolina answer to the unique Dutch spirit genever, sourced from local and regional ingredients. Photo courtesy of Oak and Grist Distilling Co.

Lyrical missions

BY EDWIN ARNAUDIN

earnaudin@mountainx.com

Few Western North Carolina artists embody the spirit of true independent music better than Dave Desmelik. Since 1999, the Penrose-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has released a staggering 19 full-length albums and brought his distinct style of Americana to nearly every stage in the region.

Impressive still is his willingness to experiment and challenge himself, which is particularly evident on his late March release, Among Friends. As the title suggests, the project finds Desmelik covering songs he’s long loved and been moved by, written by fellow artists whom he feels lucky to call his pals.

“I want to share my versions of them with the people that I can and try to spread the word about them and encourage people to go check out their work,” Desmelik says. “These are some pretty doggone incredibly talented, under-theradar songwriters.”

Considering all the strong connections he’s made over the years, Desmelik says he could have done a double or triple album on this theme. But he managed to limit the LP to 10 songs, including three by longtime Asheville-area artists Laura Blackley (“Liquid Courage”), Jay Brown (“Be Real”) and Aaron “Woody” Wood (“Come Back”).

Desmelik says that rather than picking an artist friend and scouring that artist's catalog, he chose the songs first then contacted the artists to ask for their permission to include their tunes. Without fail, he says, the artists expressed curiosity about which song he’d selected and said they felt honored to be included, noting that no one had ever asked to cover their work.

“I was clear to them from the beginning that my intention is not to do it exactly how you did it,” Desmelik says. “I wanted these to be my versions of your songs, and I will do my utmost best, from the deepest part of my heart, to be true to the song and to the artist. But I want to do the song how I feel in my gut that I want to do it. And everybody was very receptive to that.’”

With those blessings, he began learning how to play the songs — quite the undertaking for someone who typically doesn’t perform others’ material. Desmelik didn’t ask any of the artists for help in the way of chord charts, which forced him to spend extra time with these familiar tracks, listening on headphones and figuring out the music in his home studio.

Dave Desmelik and Doss Church & The Unholy Noise

release new albums

Though he makes each song his own — and, as he often does, plays every instrument on the album — some notable deviations from the originals include changing the key on certain tunes to better fit his vocal range and adding Moog Theremini to Wood’s “Come Back” and Bow Thayer’s “Harpoon Song.” The latter track so impressed Thayer, Desmelik says, that he told him it inspired him to go back and relearn this older, fairly obscure song that he hadn’t played in years.

Closing out Among Friends is Desmelik’s own “Tear It Down,” which in its own way is also a cover. He wrote and recorded the song years ago but wound up doing so in a different key and time signature than he originally intended. For the new album, he cut the track the way he first envisioned it, and he views its presence as symbolic of a greater communal statement.

“That is me, including myself, saying, ‘These are my friends, and I'm among them — and I want to be among them and I am among them. And we're all in this together,’” he says.

To learn more, visit avl.mx/euc.

THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD

Doss Church had to go on quite a journey to get where he wanted to be creatively. But as with most odysseys, it was well worth the effort.

For proof, look no further than Big Wheels, the debut LP from the Ashevillebased singer-songwriter and guitarist and his band, The Unholy Noise. Released on May 1, the 13 tracks — including bookending short skits that posit the

record as a quasi-concept album about the musician in the titular song driving to and from a day of busking — depict five musicians in sync with each other and having a blast playing together, despite less than three years of shared history.

To arrive at that destination, however, the frontman went through multiple artistic evolutions. A native of Birmingham, Ala., Church was granted access to his parents’ impressive vinyl collection from a young age and kept coming back to records by Simon and Garfunkel, Stevie Wonder, the Beatles and Elton John. He learned how to play guitar in high school, and though he didn’t start writing music until he was in college, the constant exposure to those great songwriters worked its way into his creative DNA.

“I just had something in me that made me think, maybe unreasonably so, that I could actually write a song,” Church says. “So I just I kept at it.”

He then moved to Asheville in 1995, played at open mic nights at the now defunct Beanstreets Coffeehouse Cafe and joined a Britpop band. After a stint in New York City, he returned to Asheville with his creative fire burning brightly and began joining songwriter in-theround events in Nashville. The host of those gatherings convinced Church that country music was his ticket to stardom, but after a year of writing and listening to that genre, he felt burned out.

“So I stopped and just started writing for myself after that,” says Church, who began playing his Americana rock tunes primarily solo.

Following a short break, he resumed performing live in 2022 and soon start-

ed collaborating with fellow local Jay Moye (keys/guitar). From there, a series of inspired artistic dominoes fell as Moye introduced Church to Ed Ransdell (drums), who in turn recruited Alex Beldon (bass) to join the suddenly full band. Then, after the addition of Tommy Dennison (lead guitar) in early 2023 noticeably expanded The Unholy Noise’s sound, Church experienced an epiphany when he realized that audiences were moving significantly closer to the stage during the group’s rowdier songs.

“I remember just walking around the house with a guitar and picturing myself on stage with the band and thinking, ‘What emotion do I want to feel?’” he recalls. “And so building that emotional response to the energy of the band and the energy of the crowd really inspired a different type of songwriting for me.”

Those new, shorter, punchier tunes quickly accumulated, and over sessions in spring 2023 and November 2024 — a longer-than-intended stretch due to various day-job conflicts among the ensemble and the disruptive aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene — the band tracked Big Wheels with local engineer Kevin Boggs. Now that it’s out in the world and The Unholy Noise is having a blast performing the tracks live, Church feels more inspired than ever and is close to having enough new material for a second album.

“I would like for us to get into the studio in the early part of next year and cut it by the end of next year,” he says.

To learn more, visit avl.mx/eud. X

DOWN FOR THE CAUSE: Doss Church & The Unholy Noise, left, and Dave Desmelik are proof that the local Americana rock scene is alive and well. Church photo by Sandlin Gaither; Desmelik photo by Vickie Burick

No bad apples

BY CHRISTOPHER ARBOR

On Jan. 1, Christopher Arbor and his friends pledged to visit one Asheville brewery each week for all of 2025 in the order that they opened, then share the experience with Mountain Xpress readers. Read about their recent trip to Eluvium Brewing Co. at avl.mx/ex2. We interrupt our regularly scheduled brewery crawl for a special excursion to Noble Cider. It was the 26th Wednesday of the year, the week of the summer solstice — halfway through our yearlong brewery crawl. As the gang shuffled into Noble Cider’s taproom, the conversation went straight to gardening.

Some members of our crew were excited about their squash or tomatoes. Alan West upped the ante by talking about his Trinidad chocolate scorpion peppers. I had to Google it to make sure he wasn’t pulling our collective leg, but that is indeed a very real and very spicy thing.

Being at a cidery in apple country, conversation naturally turned from gardens to orchards. Most grocery stores offer a few varieties of apples (the unholy trinity of Red Delicious, Golden Delicious and Granny Smith). Now, I don’t believe in “bad apples,” but let’s be honest — those are the Budweisers

YEAR BINEER

of the apple world. Local orchards, on the other hand, have many more varieties, such as Arkansas Black, King Luscious, Winesap and, my personal favorite, Gingergold. For several in our crew, this was their first experience with hard cider, so they went with flights. Even then, there were so many varieties to choose from that it was tough to narrow the field. For me, it was easy. I like my cider the way I like my humor: dry. Thus, the Standard Bearer was my beverage of choice.

As we sipped on our ciders, Andrew told me that Eliada’s been around even longer than I realized — it's almost as old as Betty White’s mother. It started as a refuge for women and children in 1903, then was an orphanage for almost a century before diversifying to offer a wide array of services.

It’s perhaps most famous for its annual Fall Festival and Corn Maze fundraiser, which typically runs six weeks and attracts thousands of visitors. However, Tara tells me, due to Tropical Storm Helene, the event was only open for a single weekend last year, leading Eliada to fall drastically short of its annual fundraising goals.

Federal and state-level budget cuts may further dampen the organization's income prospects. However, Andrew and Tara don’t seem worried. They have confidence in their convictions, believe in their work and know the community has their back.

“We’re not going anywhere,” Andrew says.

The evening was doubly special because not only had we departed from beer, but we’d been joined by two noteworthy guests: Eliada President and CEO Andrew D’Onofrio and Chief Development and Communications Officer Tara Campuzano

If you’re new to the area or have lived locally under a rock, maybe you haven’t heard of Eliada. The nonprofit's 320-acre campus is right across the street from Noble Cider.

The fine folks at Eliada and I share a belief that there are no bad apples. Every child has the potential to grow into an exemplary adult. They just need the proper environment to flourish. Through its “cradle to career continuum of services,” Eliada provides that environment to over 400 children every year.

Cheers to good apples and good kids — all of them are.

Come join us on another adventure. We gather at 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays. You can email me at yearinbeerasheville@gmail.com or just show up.

July 9: All Sevens Brewing at Westville Pub

July 16: TRVE Brewing Co.  X

WEDNESDAY:

THURSDAY:

ROOTED IN COMMUNITY: Andrew D'Onofrio and Tara Campuzano of Eliada joined the Year in Beer tour at Noble Cider. Photo by Christopher Arbor

YOU NEVER SAUSAGE A THING

Hickory Nut Gap (HNG) Farm hosts a lowcountry boil on Sunday, July 20, 4-7 p.m., in its Big Barn. The event begins with a raw oyster bar featuring oysters from the Outer Banks and a variety of small bites from across North Carolina, followed by the main course of North Carolina shrimp and HNG’s housemade, pasture-raised pork sausage. Sweets will be provided by local baker Austin Whitty and local band Jones Boy Trio will perform live music. A variety of local beverages will be available for purchase at the bar, including nonalcoholic options. Tickets are $68 and a kid’s hot dog plate option is available for $15. Hickory Nut Gap is located at 57 Sugar Hollow Road, Fairview. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit avl.mx/exh. X

SECURITYFINANCIALSKILLS

The Asheville Independent Restaurant Association (AIR) is accepting applications for the latest session of its Financial Empowerment Pilot Program, an initiative intended to help service industry professionals build financial confidence and stability. The five-month program begins with a one-day work-

FIVE YEARS ON THE HALF-SHELL

MindfulEating

Jettie Rae’s Oyster House celebrates its fifth anniversary with a Classic Fish Fry on Sunday, July 13. The outdoor, all-you-can-eat gathering will feature crispy fried cod and shrimp served with hush puppies, coleslaw, hand-cut fries, pimento cheese, juicy watermelon and other sides. Cocktails, beer and wine may be purchased from the restaurant’s Airstream bar, The Pearl. Tickets are $45 per person plus tax. Seatings are available 12:30-3 p.m. and 4-6:30 p.m. Jettie Rae’s is at 143 Charlotte St. Make reservations at a

The AmeriHealth Caritas North Carolina (ACNC) Wellness & Opportunity Center hosts a pair of Change Your Palate cooking demonstrations with Shaniqua Simuel on Thursday, July 10, and Wednesday, July 16, noon-1 p.m. Simuel is a public health professional with a passion for healthy cooking. This free event is open to everyone but tailored toward those with Type 2 diabetes or hypertension and/or their caretakers. Attendees are encouraged to bring their appetite. Children ages 7 and older are welcome to join, and younger children may play in the ACNC kids room. The ACNC Wellness & Opportunity Center is at 216 Asheland Ave. To register, visit avl.mx/exj. X Flour Café closed its Focaccia Sandwich Shop in the S&W Market at the end of June. According to an Instagram post from the ownership team, the demand for Flour’s biscuits has grown, prompting the business to shift all resources to their production. In the same post, the team announced plans for a separate project — a new sports bar/ restaurant projected to open in Asheville this fall. Flour’s biscuit café is open 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at the S&W Market, 56 Patton Ave. To learn

SUPPLY AND DEMAND

more, visit avl.mx/dpi. X

Food and fun

Oaxacan flavors shine at Foothills Watershed in Old Fort

BY KAY WEST

Local recreation seekers can now visit the newly opened Foothills Watershed in Old Fort to ride mountain bikes on features-rich forest bike trails, set a chair on the edge of the Catawba River or take a cool dip in a natural swimming hole.

Chances are, visitors will stay — and come back — for the tacos, burritos, chorizo smashburgers, pineapple dog and tostadas being handed through the window of the food truck parked at Watershed’s Basecamp.

Foothills Watershed was developed by Amanda and Casey McKissick, who live in Old Fort but own Foothills Butcher Shop, Foothills Grange and Hell or High Water restaurant in Black Mountain. The couple partnered with Molly Morningglory and Jeremy Poore of Mountain Top Shuttles on the two-year project on 117 acres near the Grandfather Ranger District in Pisgah National Forest. So far, says Casey McKissick, 1,600 feet of river frontage are open, and 22 acres are ready for biking (rentals are available).

The food truck’s succinct menu was created by Foothills culinary director Eric Morris and Asheville chef Luis Martinez. Martinez, who is originally from Oaxaca, Mexico, wrote recipes that source Oaxacan dishes from Foothills Butcher Shop, local farmers and his own Tequio Foods, which imports and sells ancestral corn and beans grown by independent, indigenous farmers.

In planning Watershed’s food concept, Morris and his culinary team considered several options that would use Foothills’ pasture-raised meats. “Everything goes through our butcher shop and uses the whole animal, “Morris explains.

“The Grange gets a lot of grind and trim for burgers, hot dogs and bologna. The muscle cuts like bonein ribeye go to Hell or High Water. So, what could we do with what’s left for a food truck?” he continues. “Oaxacan food seemed right, and I happened to know a guy who could teach us.”

McKissick was also familiar with Martinez, his food and — most importantly — the chef’s philoso-

$3 Rotating Beer

Wing Tuesday: 6 wings, any side, and any beer for $14.00

Burger Wednesday: Classic or Special Burger, any side, and any beer for $16.00

phy. “To me, the food at Watershed was more about Luis than anything,” McKissick says. “He is so passionate about the heirloom corn and how it relates to culture. The agricultural story is where Foothills comes from.”

One side of the menu offers a choice of a taco (on Martinez-made corn tortillas), burrito or plate, with one of four proteins — barbacoa (brisket and chuck), pollo, carnitas (pork belly, ham and skin confit) or vegetarian.

The other side has a trio of impossible choices. The pineapple dog is a beef hot dog with pineapple pica and salsa Negra. The tostada piles grilled vegetables, salsa Negra, onion and cilantro on a crispy tortilla spread with smashed black beans.

The chorizo smashburger, says Martinez, is typical Oaxacan street food. A 3-ounce chorizo patty smashed with onions and topped with melted cheese, salsa rosada, red onion-habanero relish, grilled

pineapple and a slice of bologna, all on a potato bun, is the perfect thing “when you’re walking home, had too much to drink and need something fatty and spicy,” he says.

Sides are fried yucca, sweet plantains and rice and beans; the rice is made with coconut milk, sofrito verde and lemongrass.

Foothills Watershed has an extensive beverage menu, minus beer; patrons 21 and older are invited to BYO beer and wine (cans only) until the planned on-site brewery — purchased and moved from Outsider Brewing Co. — is operational.

“I am excited to introduce Oaxacan food to people here,” Martinez says. “People ask a lot of questions, but they try it and love it.”

Foothills Watershed is at 655 Catawba River Road, Old Fort. Hours are 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. WednesdaySunday; the food truck is open noon-8 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. Learn more at avl.mx/ew9. X

Trivia Thursdays: 7-9 PM

25 Sweeten Creek Rd.

Sun - Tues: 11am - 9pm Wed - Sat: 11am - 10pm www.hillmanbeer.com

FOOTHILLS FOODSTUFFS: Chefs Eric Morris, left, and Luis Martinez collaborated to craft the locally sourced menu of tacos, burritos, smash burgers, hot dogs and more. Photos courtesy of Martinez

SMART BETS

by Edwin Arnaudin | earnaudin@mountainx.com

Movies in the Park

Movies in the Park. Photo courtesy of Asheville Parks & Recreation

Summer is officially here, and that means it’s time for the return of the Movies in the Park series from Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR). Next up at Pack Square Park is one of Pixar Animation Studio’s greatest hits, Finding Nemo, on Friday, July 11, about 8:45 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and folding chairs, dress as their favorite characters from the film and arrive an hour before showtime for family-friendly APR Rec n Roll Play Zone activities. In the event of inclement weather, cancellation and delay announcements will be posted on APR’s Instagram and Facebook pages.

“Movies in the Park is a cornerstone of our summer programming, designed to bring our community together through the joy of shared experiences,” says APR Director D. Tyrell McGirt in a press release. “We’re excited to offer another season of free, family-friendly entertainment in the heart of our city, providing a perfect opportunity for neighbors to connect and create lasting memories.”

Complimentary clownfish stress relievers will be provided while supplies last. Refreshments will be available for purchase. To learn more, visit avl.mx/wordcapp. X

AVLGBTQueer Comedy

Pride Month may technically be over, but any day that ends with a “y” is a good excuse to celebrate Asheville’s rich LGBTQ+ comedy scene.

On Thursday, July 10, at 8:30 p.m. at LaZoom Room Bar Gorilla, Eyes Up Here Comedy continues its regular showcases of talented femme comedians and teams up with Modelface Comedy for a special showcase that spotlights top local transgender and nonbinary comics. Danny Felix hosts the AVLGBTQueer Comedy event, which includes sets by Josie Beers, Julia Macias, Christian Lee and additional performers.

“You don’t have to be gay to attend the show,” a press release says. “You just have to be cool.” Admission is limited to attendees ages 18 and older. Tickets are $12. To learn more, visit avl.mx/exg. X

The Big Crafty

After a triumphant return in December when the city and local artists needed it most, The Big Crafty continues its twice-yearly schedule Saturday-Sunday, July 12-13, at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville. Founded in 2008 by Brandy Bourne and Justin Rabuck , who’ve dubbed it a “creative community family reunion,” the event features a mix of 185 new creators and Big Crafty veterans from across a wide variety of mediums.

Attendees are invited to speak with featured artists, and this year organizers encourage shoppers to talk with area creatives about their paths to recovery in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene. Among those particularly affected are Local Cloth, which has prioritized finding alternate spaces for its artists as its studio is repaired, and Leah Solita Mangum of Solita Designs, a third generation potter whose practice was displaced.

July 12 tickets are $10, and admission is free on July 13. To learn more, visit avl.mx/exe .  X

Asheville Doomed and Stoned Fest

Back in 2013, the popular Doomed and Stoned heavy metal blog formed, and three years later its team held the publication's inaugural festival in Indianapolis. Since then, official events have occurred from Chicago to Australia, and Friday-Saturday, July 11-12, some of the top doom and stoner metal bands will head to Asheville for the fest’s latest edition.

The weekend kicks off at The Odd with a “preshow” event on July 11

at 8 p.m., featuring LungBurner, Boozewa, Slumbering Sun and Kalgon. The main show begins July 12 at 4 p.m., across two stages at Sly Grog Lounge, and includes sets by Restless Spirit, Year of the Cobra, Bronco, Doomsday Profit and 10 other bands. Preshow tickets are $15 day of show; main show tickets are $30 advance/$40 day of show. To learn more, visit avl.mx/exf  X

Julia Macias. Photo courtesy of the comic

The Big Crafty. Photo courtesy of The Big Crafty

Doomsday Profit. Photo by Alyson Boyer Rode

For questions about free listings, call 828-251-1333, opt. 4.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 9

12 BONES

SMOKEBOUSE & BREWING

Trivia w/King Trivia, 7pm

DOUBLE CROWN

Western Wednesday w/ Wild Earp & Brody Hunt (country, honky-tonk), 9pm

ELUVIUM BREWERY

The Candleers (country), 5pm

FOOTHILLS GRANGE

Trivia Night, 6pm

FRENCH BROAD RIVER BREWERY

Bluegrass Jam Wednesdays, 6:30pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

Old Time Jam, 5pm

LEVELLER BREWING CO.

Folk Club Open Mic, 6:30pm

PULP

Bourbon & Beats w/Kno Lag Click (hip-hop), 9pm

PISGAH BREWING CO.

Hunter Begley Gets to the Point (alt-country, rock), 6pm

SLY GROG LOUNGE

Weird Wednesday Open Jam, 7pm

SOUTHERN

APPALACHIAN BREWERY

Jazz Night w/Jason DeChristofaro, 6pm

STATIC AGE RECORDS

Briana Marela (experimental, electronic, pop), 8:45pm

THE MEADOW AT HIGHLAND BREWING CO.

Well-crafted Music Series w/Cynthia McDermott (multi-genre), 6pm

THE MULE

Wednesday Jazz Sessions, 6pm

THE MULE/DEVIL'S FOOT BREWING

Jazz Trio & Wine

Wednesdays: Summer Series, 6pm

THE ODD

Terraoke Karaoke Takeover, 9pm

THIRD ROOM Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic, 8pm

TWIN LEAF BREWERY

Open Mic Night, 6pm

URBAN ORCHARD Wayward Trivia, 6:30pm

WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN

• Irish Session, 5pm

• Melissa McKinney's Bad Ass Blues Jam, 7:30pm

THURSDAY, JULY 10

12 BONES

SMOKEBOUSE & BREWING

Leather Britches (old-time, Appalachian), 5:30pm

CROW & QUILL

Drayton & The Dreamboats (jazz, rock'n'roll), 8pm

DSSOLVR

Hot Couch Karaoke w/ DJ BridalPartiBurcardi, 9pm

EDA RHYNE

DISTILLERY & TASTING ROOM

The Gilded Palace of Metamodern Sounds, 6pm

EDA'S HIDE-A-WAY

Bless Your Heart Trivia w/Harmon, 7pm

EULOGY

Petah Iah & the Mind Renewers w/The Sunsippers (Latin, reggae), 8pm

FITZ AND THE WOLFE

Hope Griffin (folk), 6pm

FLOOD GALLERY

True Home Open Mic, 6pm

FRENCH BROAD RIVER

BREWERY

Jerry's Dead Thursdays (Grateful Dead & JGB tribute), 6pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

Bluegrass Jam w/Drew Matulich, 7pm

LAZOOM ROOM BAR & GORILLA

Eyes Up Here Comedy Presents: AVLGBTQueer Comedy, 8:30pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.

Juliana Jade (indie-folk), 7pm

ONE WORLD

BREWING Sunnyside Duo (folk), 8pm

ONE WORLD

BREWING WEST

Fee Fi Phaux Fish (Phish tribute), 8pm

PISGAH BREWING CO.

The Firewater Tent Revival (folk, rock, bluegrass), 7:30pm

SHAKEY'S Karaoke w/Franco Nino, 9pm

SIERRA NEVADA

BREWING CO.

Lettuce (hip-hop, rock, psych), 6pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA

Django Jazz Jam, 7pm

STATIC AGE LOFT

Auto-Tune Karaoke w/ Who Gave This B*tch A Mic, 10pm

THE GREY EAGLE

Patio: Jesse Valcich & Skylar Gowanloch (Americana, blues, rock'n'roll), 5:30pm

CLUBLAND

On Thursday, July 10, five-piece Latin reggae band Petah Iah & the Mind Renewers perform at Eulogy, starting at 8 p.m. Listeners can expect a full set of reggae, rock and cumbia from this Western North Carolina group. Photo courtesy of Javi Pizarro

THE JOINT NEXT DOOR

All Female Singer-Songwriter Night, 7pm

THE MEADOW AT HIGHLAND BREWING CO.

Brody Hunt & The Handfulls (honky-tonk, country), 6pm

TWIN LEAF BREWERY

Trivia Night, 6:30pm

TWIN WILLOWS

The Candleers (country), 6pm

WICKED WEED

BREWING

Mike Hollon (roots, blues, Americana), 5pm

FRIDAY, JULY 11

ALL DAY DARLING

Dinah's Daydream (jazz), 6pm

ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

Suns of Stars (bluegrass), 11pm

ASHEVILLE YARDS

Yonder Mountain String Band, Railroad Earth & Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country (bluegrass, country), 5:30pm

COFFEE, ART, MUSIC TYPE PLACE

Open Mic, 6pm

CORK & KEG

Brody Hunt & The Handfulls (honky-tonk, country), 8pm

CROW & QUILL

Sparrow & Her Wingmen (jazz, swing), 8:30pm

DSSOLVR

• Golden Grooves w/ Chris Felinski and Friends (dance, house), 6pm

• Seven Eleven Dance Party w/Baby Cousin Tay Tay (jersey, footwork, house), 9pm

EULOGY

Lil Darkie (hip-hop, rap), 8pm

EULOGY

Gimme Gimme Disco:

An Abba Inspired Dance Party, 8pm

FITZ AND THE WOLFE AC Scar (country, Southern-soul), 7pm

FLEETWOOD'S The Constellations, East Ritual & Starseer (indie-rock, rock'n'roll, psych), 9pm

FUNKATORIUM

Funk DJ Series w/DJ Colé, 6pm

GINGER'S REVENGE CRAFT BREWERY & TASTING ROOM

Leather Britches (Appalachian, old-time), 4pm

HEMINGWAY'S CUBA Saturday Night Live, 6pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

• Nobody’s Darling String Band, 4pm

• 5J Barrow (Americana, soul), 8:30pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.

Phuncle Sam (Grateful Dead tribute), 8pm

FITZ AND THE WOLFE

Fancy & Friends: Tunnel of Love (Springsteen tribute), 7pm

FLEETWOOD'S Puppy and the Dogs, Creatures of the Sun & The Cherry Tops (garage, punk), 9pm

GINGER'S REVENGE

CRAFT BREWERY & TASTING ROOM

Larry Joe Lambert (acoustic), 6pm

HEMINGWAY'S CUBA

Latin Night w/DJ Mtn Vibez, 8pm

JACK OF THE WOOD

PUB

Crystal Fountains (Americana, bleugrass, indie-folk), 8:30pm

MAD CO. BREW

HOUSE

Franklin's Kite (rock), 6pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.

TrancEnd (trip-hop, electronica, prog-rock), 8pm

ONE WORLD

BREWING

Mountain Medicine Duo (Appalachian, folk), 8pm

ONE WORLD

BREWING WEST

Katrina & The Lovers w/ Yahzay (alt-R&B, funk, jazz), 9pm

PILLAR ROOFTOP BAR

DJ Tato (edm, dance, house), 5pm

SHAKEY'S Small Doses, Bombay

Gasoline, Fantomex & Drivel (post-hardcore, punk, indie), 9pm

SIERRA NEVADA

BREWING CO.

Fireside Collective (newgrass, funk), 7:30pm

STATIC AGE RECORDS

Charlie Paso, Good Trauma, Star Anise & Idle County (garage-pop, shoegaze, indie), 9pm

TACO BILLY

Tacos & Tunes w/The Dead Strings Trio (rock), 6pm

THE GREY EAGLE

Patio: Melissa Quinn Fox (country, Americana), 5:30pm

THE MEADOW AT HIGHLAND BREWING CO.

Auragami (rock'n'roll), 7pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

Beach Babes Standup Comedy Show, 8pm

THIRD ROOM Off With Your Radiohead (Radiohead tribute), 8:30pm

WICKED WEED WEST Louise Page (multigenre), 5pm

SATURDAY, JULY 12

ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

Tan & Sober Gentleman w/Desmond Jones (Appalachian, Irish), 9pm

ASHEVILLE YARDS

Iron & Wine w/I'm With Her (indie-folk, Americana), 7pm

BATTERY PARK BOOK

EXCHANGE

Dinah's Daydream (jazz), 5:30pm

CORK & KEG

Soul Blue Rocks (soul, blues, R&B), 8pm

CROW & QUILL

Meschiya Lake & The Moodswingers (blues, jazz), 8pm

DSSOLVR

• Wake & Bake Drag

Brunch w/Indica Gemini, 11am

• Teckno Werkout w/ Jody with a Y & Fried Coffee (techno, dance), 9pm

ONE WORLD BREWING

Ryan Zimmerman (rock, folk, soul), 8pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Asheville Summer Bluegrass w/Songs From the Road Band & The Darren Nicholson Band (bluegrass), 4pm

PILLAR ROOFTOP BAR Zydeco Ya Ya (cajun), 6pm

PISGAH BREWING CO.

Sam Bush Band w/Suns of Stars (bluegrass), 7:30pm

SHAKEY'S King Me: An All King Drag Show, 10pm

SHILOH & GAINES

Commander Voodoo (R&B, funk), 9pm

SIERRA NEVADA BREWING CO.

Jesse Velvet (funk, rock, psych), 2pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA

Jeff Sipe, Asher Hill & Carson Moore (jazz, psych), 8pm

STATIC AGE LOFT Daddy Deem's R&B Night, 10pm

STATIC AGE RECORDS

Mol Sullivan, Claire Whall & Brian Corum (alt-country, indie-folk, folk), 9pm

THE GREY EAGLE

• Patio: Carbon Harry (rock'n'roll), 2pm

• Samantha Crain w/ Jess Nolan (folk, country-rock, indie), 8pm

THE MEADOW AT HIGHLAND BREWING CO.

Canon Tyler & The Spare Parts (bluegrass, folk), 6pm

THE ODD Party Foul Drag, 8pm

LATIN REGGAE FUSION:

THE ONE STOP AT

ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

Bonnie Blue (Southern-rock), 10pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

Can't Feel My Face: 2010s Dance Party, 8pm

THIRD ROOM

ill.Gates (dance, electronic, dubstep), 8:45pm

SUNDAY, JULY 13

DSSOLVR

• Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 4pm

• Freshen Up: Open Mic Comedy, 7pm

FRENCH BROAD RIVER

BREWERY

Reggae Sunday w/ Chalwa, 3pm

GINGER'S REVENGE

CRAFT BREWERY & TASTING ROOM

Jazz Jam Sundays, 2:30pm

HEMINGWAY'S CUBA

Sunset Sunday's w/Para Gozar (Appalachian, Latin), 6pm

JACK OF THE WOOD

PUB

• Bluegrass Brunch w/ The Bluegrass Brunch Boys, 12pm

• Traditional Irish Music Session, 3:30pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.

Peggy Ratusz (soul, blues, jazz), 2pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

Suns of Stars Sunday Residency (bluegrass), 2pm

PULP

Motherwind w/ Santiago y Los Gatos and Rhinestone Pickup Truck (rock, emo), 7pm

PISGAH BREWING CO.

Pisgah Sunday Jam w/ Melissa McKinney, 6:30pm

SIERRA NEVADA

BREWING CO.

CarolinAloha (bluegrass, jazz, Hawaiian), 2pm

SLY GROG LOUNGE

• Most Open Mic, 6:30pm

• Open Mic w/Mike Andersen, 6:30pm

STATIC AGE LOFT

Hot Seat Comedy w/C.J. Green, 8pm

THE GREY EAGLE Country Brunch w/ Momma Molasses, 11am

THE MEADOW AT HIGHLAND BREWING CO.

EQ Trio (jazz), 2pm

THE MULE

Served by Sev Drag Brunch: July: “Wet Hot Summer”, 1pm

THE RIVER ARTS DISTRICT BREWING CO.

RAD Comedy w/Jeremy Alder, 7pm

VOWL Freshen Up Comedy Open Mic, 7pm

MONDAY, JULY 14

27 CLUB

27 Club Karaoke, 10pm

FLEETWOOD'S Best Ever Karaoke, 9pm

HIGHLAND BREWING CO.

Trivia Night w/Two Bald Guys & A Mic, 6pm

ONE WORLD BREWING

Open Mic Downtown, 6:30pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

Mashup Mondays w/ JLloyd, 8pm

THE JOINT NEXT DOOR

Mr. Jimmy & Friends (Blues), 7pm

WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN

Carolina Celtic Presents: The Music of Turlough O'Carolan w/Sue Richards & Robin Bullock (Celtic, Irish), 7:30pm

TUESDAY, JULY 15

FRENCH BROAD RIVER BREWERY

Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm

LOOKOUT BREWING CO. Team Trivia, 6:30pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

The Grateful Family Band Tuesdays (Grateful Dead tribute), 6pm

PULP

Jombi w/ Chilltonic and Anna Grace Odom (psych-rock, Americana, alt-rock), 7pm

SHAKEY'S Booty Tuesday w/DJ Franco Nino, 10pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA Open Jam, 8pm

STATIC AGE RECORDS

Rig B, Celltower, Trust Blinks & Feeling Format (shoegaze, post-rock,, 8:45pm

THE GREY EAGLE Golden Folk Sessions, 7pm

THE JOINT NEXT DOOR

The Lads AVL (rock, blues), 6pm

THIRD ROOM Open Decks, 8pm

WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN White Horse's Open Mic, 7pm

WEDNESDAY, JULY 16

12 BONES

SMOKEBOUSE & BREWING Trivia w/King Trivia, 7pm

ELUVIUM BREWERY

The Candleers (country), 5pm

FOOTHILLS GRANGE Trivia Night, 6pm

FRENCH BROAD RIVER

BREWERY

Bluegrass Jam Wednesdays, 6:30pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

Old Time Jam, 5pm

PISGAH BREWING CO. Kendra Penland (jazz, soul, Americana), 6pm

SLY GROG LOUNGE Weird Wednesday Open Jam, 7pm

SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN BREWERY Jazz Night w/Jason DeChristofaro, 6pm

THE GREY EAGLE

Summer RADiance w/

The Jasper & Opal String Quartets (multigenre), 7:30pm

THE MEADOW AT HIGHLAND BREWING CO.

Well-crafted Music Series w/Daniel Coolik, Michael Libramento & Seth Kauffman (multi-genre), 6pm

THE MULE/DEVIL'S FOOT BREWING

Jazz Trio & Wine Wednesdays: Summer Series, 6pm

THE ODD

Terraoke Karaoke Takeover, 9pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

The Gaslight Anthem w/ Hot Brains (rock, folkpunk, punk-pop), 8pm THIRD ROOM

Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic, 8pm

TWIN LEAF BREWERY

Open Mic Night, 6pm

URBAN ORCHARD

Wayward Trivia, 6:30pm WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN

Straight Ahead Wednesdays Presents: The Quinn Sternberg Trio (jazz), 7:30pm

THURSDAY, JULY 17

12 BONES

SMOKEBOUSE & BREWING

Old Sap (bluegrass), 5:30pm

ASHEVILLE YARDS

Greensky Bluegrass (bluegrass, jam), 6pm

CROW & QUILL

Lock, Stock & Teardrops (country), 8pm

DSSOLVR

Hot Couch Karaoke w/ DJ BridalPartiBurcardi, 9pm

EDA RHYNE

DISTILLERY & TASTING ROOM

The Gilded Palace of Metamodern Sounds, 6pm

EDA'S HIDE-A-WAY

Bless Your Heart Trivia w/Harmon, 7pm

EULOGY

Emo Night Karaoke, 8pm

FITZ AND THE WOLFE

Julianna Jade (indie, folk, soul), 6pm

FLEETWOOD'S The Discs, Scrapmetal & Invasion Boys (punk, rock), 9pm

FLOOD GALLERY

True Home Open Mic, 6pm

FRENCH BROAD RIVER BREWERY

Jerry's Dead Thursdays (Grateful Dead & JGB tribute), 6pm

GINGER'S REVENGE

CRAFT BREWERY & TASTING ROOM

Blue Ridge Pride Open Mic, 6pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

Bluegrass Jam w/Drew Matulich, 7pm

MAD CO. BREW HOUSE

Country Music Thursdays w/Jim Hampton, 6pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.

Detective Blind (indierock), 8pm

ONE WORLD BREWING

Falspring (soul), 8pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

Fee Fi Phaux Fish (Phish tribute), 8pm

PISGAH BREWING CO.

Tru Phonic (funk, blues, rock), 7:30pm

SHAKEY'S • Comedy Showcase in The Office, 8pm • Karaoke w/Franco Nino, 9pm

STATIC AGE LOFT

Auto-Tune Karaoke w/ Who Gave This B*tch A Mic, 10pm

THE FUNKATORIUM

Modelface Comedy

Presents: Mohanad Elshieky, 7pm

THE MEADOW AT HIGHLAND BREWING CO.

Julia Sanders (honkytonk, country), 6pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

Red NOT Chili Peppers (Red Hot Chili Peppers Tribute), 8pm

THIRD ROOM

Billingsley (rock'n'roll), 9:30pm

TWIN LEAF BREWERY

Trivia Night, 6:30pm

TWIN WILLOWS

The Candleers (country), 6pm

WICKED WEED BREWING

Pete Townsend (acoustic), 5pm

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY BY

ARIES (March 21-April 19): In the days before lighthouses, some coastal communities used “fire beacons” — elevated structures where people tended open flames to guide sailors. In the coming weeks, Aries, I invite you to be like both the keeper and the flame. People will be drawn to your brightness, warmth and persistence as they navigate through their haze and fog. And surprise! You may find your own way more clearly as you tend to others’ wayfinding. Don’t underestimate the value of your steady, luminous signal. For some travelers, your presence could be the difference between drifting and docking. So burn with purpose, please. Keep your gleam strong and visible.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The ancestors of my American friend Arisa lived in Ukraine, Indonesia, the Choctaw nation and the Great Lakes region. Her new husband. Anselme. is of Japanese, Italian and French descent. Their wedding was a celebration of multi-cultural influences. Guests delivered toasts in five languages. Their marriage vows borrowed texts from three religious traditions. The music included a gamelan ensemble, a band that played Ukrainian folk music and a DJ spinning Choctaw and Navajo prayers set to Indian ragas. I bring this to your attention in the hope you will seek comparable cross-fertilization in the coming weeks. It's an excellent time to weave richly diverse textures into your life.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): I predict a future when women will hold half of the leadership roles, when their income and time devoted to childcare will match men's, when women's orgasms are as common as men's, and when most guys know that misogyny is perilous to their health. Until the bloom of that wonderful era, I invite Geminis of all genders to invoke your tender ingenuity as you strengthen female opportunities and power. In my view, this work is always crucial to your maximum spiritual and psychological health — but even more so than usual in the coming weeks. Boost the feminine in every way you can imagine.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): In Yoruba cosmology, "ase" is the sacred life force that animates the universe. It’s divine energy that can be harnessed by humans to make things happen, to speak and act with ardent intention so that words and deeds shape reality. I am pleased to report that you Cancerians are extra aligned with "ase" these days. Your words are not casual. Your actions are not mild or minor. You have the power to speak what you mean so robustly that it has an enhanced possibility to come into being. What you command with love and clarity will carry enduring potency.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In medieval bestiaries, unicorns were said to be fierce, wild creatures. They were very real but also hidden. Only people with pure hearts could see or commune with them. I suspect you now have the chance to glide into a potent “pure heart” phase, Leo. My fervent hope is that you will take this opportunity to cleanse yourself of irrelevancies and rededicate yourself to your deepest yearnings and most authentic self-expressions. If you do, you just may encounter the equivalent of a unicorn.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Some Buddhist monks create mandalas on floors from colored sand. They work meticulously for days or weeks to build intricate, symmetrical masterpieces. Once their beautiful work is done, however, it typically doesn’t last long. The creators sweep it away either immediately or soon. The sand may be disposed of, perhaps poured into a river or stream. What’s the purpose of this strange practice? It displays a reverence for the impermanence of all things — an appreciation for beauty but not an attachment to it.  I recommend you consider taking a cue from the sand mandalas in the coming weeks. Is there anything you love that you should let go of? A creation you can allow to transform into a new shape? An act of sacred relinquishing?

ROB BREZSNY

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Glassblowers shape molten sand with breath and fire, knowing the material can only be formed while it's hot and glowing. If they wait too long, the stuff stiffens, turns brittle and resists change. But if they push too soon, it collapses into a misshapen blob. In this spirit, Libra, I urge you to recognize which parts of your life are now just the right temperature to be reshaped. Your timing must be impeccable. Where and when will you direct the flame of your willpower? Don’t wait until the opportunity cools. Art and magic will happen with just the right amount of heat applied at just the right moment.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): "I have often been racked by obsessive urges that plague me until I act them out." So says my Scorpio friend Fatima, a conceptual artist. "Fortunately," she continues, "I have finally retrained myself to focus on creative obsessions that fuel my art rather than on anxious, trivial obsessions that disorder my life. I'd be an offensive maniac if I couldn’t use my work as an outlet for my vehement fantasy life." I recommend Fatima’s strategy to Scorpios most of the time, but especially so in the coming days. Your imagination is even more cornucopian than usual. To harness its beautiful but unruly power, you must channel it into noble goals.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The Igbo people of Nigeria have a term, "ogwugwu na-adị n’ulo." that means “the medicine is in the house.” It’s the belief that healing doesn’t necessarily come from afar. It may already be here, hidden among the familiar, waiting to be acknowledged or discovered. Dear Sagittarius, your natural instinct is to look outward and afar for answers and help. But in the coming weeks, you should look close to home. What unnoticed or underestimated thing might be a cure or inspiration you’ve been overlooking? How can you find new uses for what you already have?

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): I invite you to celebrate the holiday known as Be Your Own Best Helper. How should you observe this potentially pivotal transformation in your relationship with yourself? Divest yourself of yearnings to have someone clean up after you and service your baseline necessities. Renounce any wishes you harbor for some special person to telepathically guess and attend to your every need. Vow that from now on, you will be an expert at taking excellent care of yourself. Do you dare to imagine what it might feel like to be your own best helper?

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In the ancient practice of astronomy, the stars were considered “incorruptible.” Unlike the planets, their movements were unchanging, their lights stationary, their destinies steady and stable. We human beings are the opposite of all those descriptors, of course. There’s no use in hoping otherwise, because constancy just isn’t an option for us. The good news, Aquarius, is that you are now poised to thrive on these truths. The inevitability of change can and should be a treasured gift for you. You’re being offered chances to revise plans that do indeed need to be revised. You are being invited to let go of roles that don’t serve you. But what initially feels like a loss or sacrifice may actually be permission. Evolution is a tremendous privilege!

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): The axolotl is an amphibian that never outgrows its larval form. Unlike most creatures, it retains its youthful traits into adulthood. Amazingly, it can regenerate its limbs spinal cord and parts of its brain. Let’s make the axolotl your inspirational animal, Pisces. What part of your “youth” is worth keeping — not as immaturity, but as righteous design? Where are you being asked not to evolve past a stage, but to deepen within it? And what might be regenerated in you that seemed to have been lost? Your magic will come from being like an axolotl. Be strange. Be playful. Be ageless and original and irrepressible.

MARKETPLACE

Want to advertise in Marketplace? 828-251-1333 advertise@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 advertise@mountainx.com

REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE SERVICES

REAL ESTATE BUSINESS

BROKER Just sold: child care center. South Asheville area. Financed by an SBA loan. Under contract: Kitchen & bath construction company. Financed by an SBA loan. WANT TO BUY OR SELL A BUSINESS? Please contact me Rick Maerkle 30 years selling small businesses. Asheville Business Brokers 828-9891858 Rickmaerkle21@aol. com

WESLEY FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC TIMESHARE CANCELLATION EXPERTS

Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees canceled in 2019. Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 844-2136711. (NC Press)

EMPLOYMENT

ADMINISTRATIVE/ OFFICE

SOUTHSIDE COMMUNITY

FARM IS HIRING Southside Community Farm seeks a detail-oriented and collaborative Financial Administrator/ Funding Director to oversee nonprofit financial operations and lead funding strategies.

This unique, dual-role position includes budget management, financial administration, payroll, fundraising, and grant coordination. On-the-job training will be provided. $25/ hr, 30hrs/week. Accepting applications on a rolling basis through August 1st. Go to southsidecommunityfarm. org to learn more about this position and how to apply.

HUMAN SERVICES

WORKING WHEELS SEEKS

A SERVICE MANAGER 32 hours/week, M-R 8-4, organized, knows cars, attention to detail, personable, committed to the mission. $23.15/hour + benefits; cover letter and resume to info@ workingwheelswnc.org

No phone inquiries, please. workingwheelswnc.org

COMPUTER/ TECHNICAL

DATA ESCALATION TECH-

NICIAN II BuildFax, Inc. seeks a Data Escalation Technician II in Asheville, NC to receive source data and write parsing rules to convert the source data into CSV or MySQL format. $56,680 to $59,200 per year. Benefits incl. med/dental offered. See full benefits and apply at jobpostingtoday. com Ref# 50336.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

ELECTRICIAN

ELECTRICAL SERVICE Power to the People!  Serving Asheville and abroad. Troubleshooting, fixture hanging, can lights, generators, car chargers, remodels, new construction, we do it all! Licensed and insured.  Free Estimates. 828-551-9843

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

AFFORDABLE TV & INTERNET

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BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as one day. Superior quality bath and shower systems at affordable prices. Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-833-540-4699 (AAN CAN)

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GET A BREAK ON YOUR TAXES! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Heritage for the Blind today at 1-855-869-7055 today! (NC Press) GET DISH SATELLITE TV + INTERNET!

DENIED SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY? APPEAL! If you're 50+, filed SSD and denied, our attorneys can help. Win or Pay Nothing! Strong, recent work history needed. 877-553-0252 [Steppacher Law Offices LLC Principal Office: 224 Adams Ave Scranton PA 18503] (NC Press)

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PEST CONTROL Protect your home from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-833406-6971. (AAN CAN)

REPLACE YOUR ROOF With the best looking and longest lasting material – steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited time offer – up to 50% off installation + additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders). Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-855-5851815. (NC Press)

STOP OVERPAYING FOR

AUTO INSURANCE A recent survey says that most Americans are overpaying for their car

insurance. Let us show you how much you can save. Call now for a no obligation quote: 1-833-399-1539. (AAN CAN)

WANTED ANTIQUES Estate collections, old tools, pottery, glass,farm, primitives, advertising signs, cast iron, rifles, military, folk art, stoneware, decoys, license plates, canes, carvings, toys, books. Call/Text Steve 828 582-6097

WATER DAMAGE CLEANUP & RESTORATION A small amount of water can lead to major damage and mold growth in your home. We do complete repairs to protect your family and your home's value! For a free estimate, call 24/7: 1-833880-7762. (AAN CAN)

WATER DAMAGE CLEANUP & RESTORATION A small amount of water can lead to major damage in your home. Our trusted professionals do complete repairs to protect your family and your home's value! Call 24/7: 1-833-928-1861

Have zip code of service location ready when you call! (NC Press)

WE BUY HOUSES FOR CASH AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-888-247-1189. (NC Press)

WE BUY VINTAGE GUITARS

Looking for 1920-1980 Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D'Angelico, Stromberg. And Gibson Mandolins / Banjos. These brands only! Call for a quote: 1-833-641-6624. (AAN CAN)

WE BUY VINTAGE GUITARS!

Looking for 1920-1980 Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D'Angelico, Stromberg. And Gibson Mandolins / Banjos. These brands only! Call for a quote: 1-833-641-6577. (NC Press)

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MARKETPLACE

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ACROSS

1 Going ___

5 Clarifying words

11 Student’s concern, in brief

14 Girl in Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit”

15 Use a Sharpie on, perhaps

16 Undefeated boxer Laila

17 Platinum-selling singer who co-starred in the films “Moonlight” and “Hidden Figures”

19 Family transport

20 Certain chain movie theaters

21 Egyptian snake

22 Proof (or disproof) of paternity

24 Corkscrewshaped pasta

26 Lion’s home

27 “Creature” that might “attack” a small child

31 Shed tears

34 Like snow leopards and giant pandas

35 King of Norway and Sweden from 1844 to 1859

36 Only known warmblooded fish

38 Not much

40 Like fine wine and cheese

41 The aughts, e.g.

44 Beethoven’s “Für ___”

47 Wordsworth’s “Intimations of Immortality,” e.g.

48 Homing devices?

51 Done without much care, informally

52 Something not to quit, they say

56 Excels at school

57 Year in Rio

59 Cool, in slang

60 Bit of light

61 What to do when life gives you the proverbial items hidden in 17-, 27- and 48-Across

64 Experiencing little to no amorous attraction, informally

65 List ender

66 Kind of sax

67 A/C measure

68 “Not so!,” e.g.

69 Line up, in a way

DOWN

1 Unforgettable place?

2 Bit of color

3 Seals the deal, informally

4 Business card abbr.

5 “Chic” modifier

6 Rope fiber

7 Fuss

8 Partners often work in this

9 “Oh yeah? Watch me!”

10 The “S” of T.S. Eliot 11 Tried something new, perhaps 12 Drunk out of one’s mind 13 Is not, informally 14 Cracked, as a door 18 Pastor’s flock 23 Puccini opera 25 Actress Vardalos 26 North American peak named by the Koyukon Athabascans 28 Rio

Gets darker, say

Carousel, e.g.

Drink with a straw

Kind of surgery

Remark that may immediately follow an insult or a compliment

They might be decked in December

Morse bit

Maligned

Send off

Twin city in the Bible

Notable time

Tense parts of sports matches, for