Mountain Xpress 09.10.25

CALLING ALL READERS

As our community prepares for the one-year anniversary of Tropical Storm Helene, we are asking readers to send us their reflections. If you are interested in sharing your thoughts to any of the following questions, please submit your 250300 word response to tcalder@ mountainx.com with the subject line: "Helene reflections.”

What steps should we as a community take to better prepare for the next natural disaster?

Is there a person in your life who continues to make a difference in our community post-Helene, but whose efforts are not on the public's radar?

Has Helene and the recovery process brought new meaning to your life or a new sense of purpose?

FEATURES

STRONG ROOTS

County’s

The N.C. Cooperative Extension estimates that Tropical Storm Helene destroyed roughtly 60,000 apple trees in Henderson County, resulting in roughly $135 million in agricultural losses. Despite these figures and subsequent weather-related challenges, local growers have entered the 2025 fall season with resiliency and hope. “You know, farmers are always innovative,” says Rex McCall of Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard. “We’re pretty tough.” Featured on this week’s cover is Eula Rivest Calder.

WNC residents discuss the art of relic hunting,

Asheville

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Let’s make performing arts center happen

[Regarding “City of Asheville Signs Deal to Work With Private Company to Pursue Building a New Performing Arts Center Downtown,” Aug. 29, Asheville Watchdog via Xpress website:]

Best news imaginable! This has been a core need for Asheville for so long. A place like Greenville, S.C., smaller than Asheville, has two such facilities. It’s past time for Asheville to finally build one. The key partnership looks like the missing piece needed to bring this about, and the space close to City Hall is very, very workable.

Kudos to the city leadership, the symphony leadership and others who are working to make this happen. If it gets to development, funds will be needed to come from many sources, including us as citizens. It would be hard to overstate the depth and importance of the performing arts in Asheville; let’s build a house worthy of our region.

The artistic, social and economic benefits that could come from this are excellent. Come on, Asheville! Let’s make it happen.

— Bill Clontz Asheville

Applause for a new performing arts center

[Regarding “City of Asheville Signs Deal to Work With Private Company to Pursue Building a New Performing Arts Center Downtown,” Aug. 29, Asheville Watchdog via Xpress website:] Yes, we need a new performing arts center to replace our 85-year-old facility. I am happy to pay higher taxes to support this effort.

— Bonnie E. Jones Asheville

Helene showcased surprising benefits of EVs

The Blue Ridge EV Club (BREVC) holds electric vehicle shows each year as part of Drive Electric Earth Month in the spring and National Drive

WEAVERVILLE and WOODFIN RESIDENTS

2025

With the Weaverville and Woodfin Nov. 4 elections approaching, we want to hear from you! What are the top concerns for your communities? What questions would you like us to raise to candidates?

Please send your inquiries and concerns to tcalder@mountainx.com by Fri., Sept. 12. Be sure to include the subject line: “2025 election.” For more information on the upcoming races, visit avl.mx/f2s.

Electric Month [avl.mx/f2p] in the fall. Last year’s fall show was scheduled for Sept. 29. Whoops! But because Tropical Storm Helene canceled the event, lots of electric vehicles (EVs) were able to show off in other ways.

EVs are basically giant batteries on wheels. Even relatively small ones store enough energy to run a refrigerator for weeks. And, when the battery gets low, you can drive somewhere that has power (any outlet will do), charge up and bring home a load of energy. A gas vehicle can be modified to do the same task, but it will be dirty; you can't leave it running in the garage, pumping out toxic exhaust. It will also be extremely inefficient; a full tank of gas will be empty within hours. And, after Helene, EV charging stations were back up and running long before most gas stations.

Automotive engineers call the capability to run external devices “vehicle to load,” or V2L, and it exists at a wide range of levels. With an inexpensive adapter, several Hyundai, Kia and Genesis models can power modest

Word of the week

euphonious (adj.) pleasing to the ear

Did anybody else catch the Asheville Symphony’s euphonious performance at last week’s Boomtown Arts and Heritage FestAVL? There was something magical about leaving Pack Square Park to the symphony’s interpretation of Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Carolina.” Good times never seemed so good. X

loads, like computers and refrigerators. Several Ford and General Motors EVs have multiple AC outlets on board, giving them the ability to power, for example, tools at a construction site. With some additional hardware, available from Ford and GM, these same vehicles can power a whole house.

But V2L doesn’t require any specific vehicle or systems designed by auto manufacturers. While some expertise is required to implement it safely, there are plenty of people in the Asheville area who know what they’re doing. Any of our numerous competent local solar installers can put together a system, with or without photovoltaic (PV) panels.

Asheville is home to the Critical Services Microgrid Group, which has received recognition far beyond Western North Carolina for its work on resilient systems. Plenty of individual owners have taken advantage of the available battery capacity of their EVs.

BREVC Secretary Joe Baum powered five refrigerator/freezers and a host of small appliances during Helene, using a simple home-brewed inverter system attached to one of his EVs. Rudy Beharrysingh, the club’s former president, used his PV system to keep his house and cars running; the ability to run his well pump proved especially valuable. Ian Baillie, one of the club’s co-presidents, spent much of the storm’s aftermath deploying mobile PV-powered microgrids and Wi-Fi hot spots to hard-hit areas in his job with the Land of Sky Regional Council. Sarah Kemppainen McGonigal, the club’s other co-president, is associate director of EV charging business development at Ford Motor Co.; she would no doubt encourage you to check out the F-150 Lightning pickup truck’s AC outlets (10 120-volt and one 240-volt).

Roughly half of the people who own EVs also have sufficient PV to generate the electricity to run them. Driving on sunshine introduces a whole new level of resilience. Unlike food stockpiles and whole-house generators, EVs and PV earn their keep on a daily basis, even without a disaster.

If you’d like to learn more, the Blue Ridge EV Club invites you to join us for our 12th annual National Drive Electric Month event from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 14, at the Tanger Asheville Outlets on Brevard Road. For more information, see [avl.mx/f2p]. Here’s to a more resilient future! — Dave Erb Asheville

Editor’s note: A longer version of this letter will appear at mountainx. com. Also, automotive engineer Dave Erb notes that he has developed vehicles using gasoline, diesel, biodiesel, alcohol, methane gas, electric and hybrid electric powertrains He hasn’t bought gas since 2019. X

CARTOON BY RANDY MOLTON

Strong roots

WNC apple growers hope for a ‘redemptive year’ following Helene

BY GINA SMITH

Recovering from Tropical Storm Helene has been slow going for the region's apple industry, says Henderson County Cooperative Extension Director William Terry Kelley. “It’s been a difficult time for our apple growers and our growers in general,” he says. “It’s a tough time for farmers in Western North Carolina.”

Kelley estimates that across Henderson County’s 90 commercial apple orchards, around 60,000 trees were destroyed during Helene, contributing to the Cooperative Extension’s low-end assessment of $135 million in agricultural losses countywide from the storm. On top of this, recovery efforts — such as replacing lost trees, rebuilding infrastructure and filling in washed-away topsoil — have been slowed by inhospitable weather conditions throughout the year.

A late frost and a cold, rainy, windy spring significantly shortened WNC’s pollination season, Kelley says. “So we didn’t get as heavy a set [of fruit] as we would have liked in some places.”

Adding to the list of challenges, multiple hailstorms during the spring and summer battered WNC orchards. “Not all of them hit every grower, but almost every grower has been hit by some, so that reduces both the yield and quality,” says Kelley. “Overall, it’s going to be a below-average year for our growers.”

Meanwhile, financial assistance for farmers in the aftermath of Helene involves a level of trust and consternation. For example, many WNC growers have received aid from federal pro-

grams, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Tree Assistance Program (TAP), which helps farmers replace lost trees, and the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP), which provides support in repairing damaged land and cleaning up debris after a natural disaster.

“But they have to do the work and then submit receipts to get paid back for that,” Kelley explains. “So some have been able to get those things done and get some money back on that, which has been helpful, but not completely restoring them to where they need to be.”

Growers are also just beginning to receive payments from the more than $300 million in state funding allocated to help farms all over North Carolina recover from 2024 storms, including Helene. “They’ve got bills to pay, and costs have not gone down. Fertilizer costs are up, chemical costs are up — all these things that are inputs into growing a good apple crop are costing more money,” says Kelley.

“I don’t think the goal is to get these folks back to 100%,” he continues. “But if we can get them to 80%, then we give them a fighting chance to stay competitive and sustainable.”

‘FARMERS ARE ALWAYS INNOVATIVE’

Rex McCall of Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard says his family-owned Henderson County apple farm sustained minimal physical damage from Helene. Yet the agritourism-focused operation lost four weeks of visitor traffic at the peak of the 2024 apple season — accounting for about 50% of the farm’s annual revenue

— when the road to the farm was closed due to four sinkholes caused by the storm.

To help make up for the lost income, McCall says, he and his wife, Danielle, traveled to the Charlotte area several times last fall to sell apples at markets and at a friend’s farm.

Stepp’s, which offers u-pick grapes and flowers, a pumpkin patch and other attractions along with its 40 acres of u-pick apple orchards, opened for the 2025 season in mid-August. As part of the season kickoff, the farm unveiled a special twist to its annual 5-acre corn maze.

This year’s maze honors WNC farmers’ struggles in the wake of Helene, with an image of a sun rising over the mountains. McCall says 10% of the proceeds from corn maze tickets go to the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project’s Appalachian Grown Farmer Resilience Fund, which supports farmer recovery programs.

“We’re praying for a redemptive year after last year,” says McCall, who serves as president of the Blue Ridge Apple Growers Association and was recently named the 2025 United Community Bank Apple Farmer of the Year.

In general, he says he believes the area’s farms are rebounding. “You know, farmers are always innovative; we’re pretty tough. It takes a little more than a hurricane to keep us all down,” he says. “I know of several that have replanted trees that they’ve lost. There’s been a lot of work done in fields that were along creeks or rivers that really got out of their banks and flooded and washed away really good topsoil.”

But he points out that putting in new trees and replacing topsoil aren’t quick fixes. It takes three to four years for freshly planted apple trees to yield their first crop, he says, and six to eight years before they will be in full production. And regarding farmers who lost topsoil, “They’ve had to either buy dirt or move dirt from other parts of their farms to fill in these holes,” McCall explains. “If you lost a large part of your topsoil, you know you’re going to have to rebuild that layer, and it'll take a while for that.”

MARRED WITH BLEMISHES

Soil loss was just one of the problems fifth-generation apple farmer Trey Enloe encountered after Helene tore through Henderson County. Enloe’s business includes wholesale operation Lewis Creek Farm, a retail arm called Bright Branch Farms and a cider-pressing venture, Blue Ridge Pure, that supplies juice to local hard cider makers.

“We had significant flooding on all of our bottom land,” Enloe says. “Anywhere that was adjacent to a creek or water source got a lot of mud and sand pushed in.”

Additionally, more than 4,000 of the farm’s 60,000 trees across 20 acres were destroyed or damaged, and about 400 of Enloe’s harvest bins were lost or demolished. With electricity out for an extended time, apples in the farm’s refrigerated storage were compromised.

The jury is still out on how the surviving trees will fare after being flooded.

APPLE COUNTY: Tropical Storm Helene cost local orchards roughly $135 million in damages. But Henderson County farmers say there are still plenty of local apples for residents to pick. Featured, starting left, are Rita Stepp, Mike Stepp and Danielle Stepp McCall of Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard. Photo by Thomas Calder

“Fortunately, it looks like most things are coming out of it, but you never know,” he says. “It obviously affected the land around those trees, so the nutrients in the soil were changed.”

Root damage is a concern for many WNC growers, says Kelley of Cooperative Extension, and it can take a season or two for those underground injuries to reveal themselves. “If you’ve had a tree that had a root system big enough to support it, and all of a sudden, some of that root system gets compromised … it may cause them to shed some fruit and that kind of thing.”

Enloe also notes other unusual and unexpected issues that are cropping up post-Helene, such as increased fungal pressure, displaced pests and wildlife.

“We work closely with a lot of the bee guys in our area, especially for pollination, and a lot of them took losses on their hives. Some of those bees moved on,” he says. “So just all the way around it’s kind of presented a whole gamut of problems we’re just not used to.”

Half of Enloe’s crop had already been picked when Helene hit, allowing him to continue supplying some of his customers through the end of 2024 and keep the business going. But a nasty early-May hailstorm caused issues early in the 2025 growing season, though it fortunately impacted only a portion of his orchards.

Hailstorms often leave fruits marred with blemishes that make them less appealing for retail sales. So his decision to diversify the business in 2018 to include pressing cider has proved a boon, he says.

“We press fresh cider almost yearround. A lot of that goes to the hard cider industry across North Carolina and in the greater Southeast, so that gives us a market for a lot of that fruit that may not be of grocery store quality.”

Enloe says he has applied for every type of relief and recovery aid his business was eligible for, including federal TAP and ECP funding. “It’ll probably be toward the end of the year before we get all that settled and can be reimbursed for some of that,” he says. “But

we’ve dealt with some of these programs before, and they typically come through, so we’ll definitely be appreciative of that once we receive something.”

ROADSIDE STANDS ARE FULLY STOCKED

Looking ahead five to 10 years, Enloe, McCall and Kelley all say the WNC apple industry’s post-Helene challenges are ultimately manageable. What’s more concerning for the future, they note, is the loss of farmlands to encroaching development as today’s growers age out of the business.

“This area is a beautiful place to be, and a lot of people want to live here, so I think you’ll unfortunately see some orchards disappear because of that,” says Enloe.

He and McCall stress that WNC community members can help prevent development from replacing local orchards and other farms with housing subdivisions and strip malls by supporting agricultural conservation efforts like Henderson County’s Farmland Preservation Taskforce, launched in April 2024.

But in the short term, says Kelley, go buy some local apples. “Overall, there’s no question that Henderson County is going to have their good-tasting apples this year,” he says. “There may not be as many to ship [outside the area] this year, but all the roads are open, and the roadside stands will be fully stocked.”

Due to the season’s hailstorms, he notes, apple shoppers may notice some nicks or scarring on locally grown fruit. “Those apples are fine to eat,” he assures.

“They may have gotten hit by a hailstone and they just created a scar, so they’re not perfect, like Washington State apples may look in the grocery store,” he continues. “But they’re going to taste better when you bite into them.”

For more on WNC apples, visit the Blue Ridge Apple Growers Association at avl.mx/e84. X

Communion America AwakenThe Dawn.com event on the National Mall, DC

Reformation Day, last Friday’s Silent Circles around city halls & world capitols. Jesus Forgiveness Parties with Holy Ghost Treats.

Domestic duty

Town hall to focus on caregiving challenges for aging veterans

BY JUSTIN M c GUIRE

jmcguire@mountainx.com

Long before the diagnosis, Dawn Brett could see what was happening to her husband.

Trained as a clinical psychologist, she recognized the early signs of vascular dementia in Alan Brett, a 79-year-old Vietnam veteran already living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). When doctors didn’t act quickly enough, she pressed harder — and kept pressing — until Alan got a brain MRI and a full battery of neuropsychological tests.

“He would have never gotten the help he needed had I not spoken up,” says Dawn, who was certified as her husband’s caregiver by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) about three years ago. “Even if they don’t know exactly what’s wrong, caregivers should advocate until they get answers.”

But the Bretts know most people in their situation don't have the advantage of a caregiver with a health care background. Many caregivers of veterans are overwhelmed, isolated or uncertain about where to turn next.

“I’m fortunate because a lot of veterans that need help aren’t going to have a wife that knows as much as mine does,” says Alan, who served in the Army from 1967-69 and spent more than three decades working with veterans suffering from PTSD.

The Bretts will be among the speakers at Caregiving for the Aging Veteran, a town hall that aims to offer support and education to spouses, partners and family members who care for aging or disabled veterans. Hosted by the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) and the VA, the event will bring together caregivers, veterans, VA staff and health care professionals.

The town hall will be 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at A-B Tech’s Ferguson Auditorium, 19 Tech Drive.

“It’s a difficult topic area to talk about — caregiving and aging,” says Allan Perkal, vice president of VVA’s North Carolina Council and chair of the Buncombe County Veterans Council. “There’s a level of denial within that topic. But we have an aging population that served in Vietnam, average age something like 78, and now we’re dealing with the fact veterans need help taking care of themselves.”

Perkal said the idea for the event grew out of previous local town halls hosted by the VVA and VA, including a 2016 forum on PTSD and a 2019 event focused on aging. “Those attending were like sponges, absorbing the information,” he says.

AARP data estimates there are 1.3 million unpaid caregivers in North Carolina, providing care valued at $16.5 billion annually, says Dr. Molly McGaughey, a certified geriatrician and retired VA physician. “So there’s this unspoken population that’s doing a lot of the health care, and they need the skill set in order to get good quality care, but also to learn how to self-care for themselves, because 1 in 4 caregivers oftentimes do not take care of their own health issues, and they become the patient.”

STAYING AT HOME

The town hall will spotlight VA services such as the Caregiver Support Program, which helps people who care for veterans by offering emotional resources, guidance and, in some cases, financial support, says Emily Pitts, a caregiver support coordinator at the Charles George VA Medical Center. Created in 2011 for post-9/11 veterans, the program now also supports caregivers of aging Vietnam-era vets.

The goal, Pitts says, is simple: “To help veterans stay at home as long as possible by supporting the caregivers who make that possible.”

The program includes general services such as education, peer groups

SHARED STRENGTH: Vietnam veteran Alan Brett, left, and his wife and caregiver, Dawn Brett, will be among the speakers at Caregiving for the Aging Veteran, a Sept. 20 town hall. “I have a few limitations that require help, but most veterans don’t like to admit they have limitations,” Alan Brett says. Photo by Kathie Ramos, Charles George VA Medical Center

and help navigating care options. “The VA can be a complex system with a lot of tentacles,” she explains.

A second tier — the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers — offers monthly stipends to approved caregivers of veterans who meet certain service-connected disability criteria and require help with basic daily tasks such as bathing, dressing or mobility.

Before a caregiver can be approved through the program, Pitts says, he or she must go through a detailed certification process that ensures both the veteran and caregiver meet eligibility requirements. To qualify, the caregiver must be identified by the veteran and undergo an assessment that includes interviews, a home safety visit and review of the care situation. If approved, the caregiver receives compensation and is assigned a coordinator for ongoing support, including annual home visits.

“We’ve had cases where the caregiver has more care needs than the veteran, and it’s not in either’s best interest,” she explains. “It’s tax-funded, so there’s oversight. We need to make sure the care is appropriate and safe.”

The program also offers respite care — short-term, temporary relief that allows caregivers time to rest, recover or attend to personal needs. Respite care can take different forms depending on a family’s needs. In some cases, a veteran may stay at a VA facility for a few days to a week. In other situations, a professional caregiver may come into the veteran’s home to assist while the primary caregiver takes time off.

“Caregiver fatigue and depression are real,” Pitts says. “That’s why we focus on self-care, support groups and respite services. Respite doesn’t have to be formal. It could be reading a book, going to

the park or drinking a cup of coffee on the porch.”

LONG PROCESS

Dawn Brett began caring for her husband after his 2018 hip replacement surgery. But it took years of persistence before the VA formally acknowledged her role through the caregiver program.

“You have to go through a very lengthy process to get approved,” Dawn says. “They have to do physical exams on the veteran … numerous interviews, numerous evaluations, and then it goes up the chain of command.”

The Bretts’ first application was denied while they were living in New Mexico. But after relocating to WNC, they reapplied and were accepted three years ago.

“I go to all the appointments with him. I take notes. I do all the cooking, all the medications, all the housework,” she says. “It’s a lot. And I know how easily it can burn you out.”

She says the most difficult part is watching her husband struggle. Some days, he’s aware that something is wrong, but on others, he has a hard time accepting it.

At the town hall, Dawn hopes to reach caregivers who may feel isolated or overwhelmed. “You’re not alone,” she will tell them. “Caregiving is hard, but there are resources — support groups, seminars. Learn about grounding, learn about separating yourself emotionally from the veteran’s anger. It’s not about you. You can imagine a place that's calming. You can do breathing exercises.”

Adds Alan, “Most veterans don’t like to admit they need help, so they isolate, drink too much, eat too much. But this program has changed our lives.”

Learn more about the event at avl.mx/f2l.  X

County’s new tax assessor shares plans for property reappraisal

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners unanimously appointed Eric Cregger as tax assessor at its Sept. 2 meeting. Commissioners had previously named Cregger as interim property assessor on Sept. 19, 2024, after firing former Tax Assessor R. Keith Miller for what the board deemed a conflict of interest for buying a South Carolina condominium with an employee under his supervision.

Commissioners also held a public hearing on the Tax Department’s schedule of values, which is a 263-page guidance document for property value reappraisal. State statute requires counties to reappraise all real property at least every eight years. In 2018, commissioners adopted a resolution to schedule the revaluation every four years, beginning Jan. 1, 2021. Last year’s scheduled reappraisal was delayed until 2026 due to Tropical Storm Helene.

As previously reported by Xpress, the reappraisal updates all of Buncombe County’s property values to reflect fair market value. The county derives 62% of its more than $440 million general fund from property taxes, which rely on the accurate assessment of thousands of properties.

Several public educators spoke during the public hearing about the schedule of values and highlighted the connection between property taxes and public school funding.

“When our revenue system is fair and transparent, people trust it,” said Shanna Peele, president of the Buncombe County Association of Educators. “And when people trust it, we grow revenue equitably — not just through surprise tax hikes, not through cuts that shortchange children, but through a system that reflects real values in our community.”

Carson Bridges, president of the Asheville City Association of Educators, added that property taxes are “the backbone of our public goods.”

Joe Minicozzi, founder of the development consulting firm Urban3, also spoke during public comment. “Let’s have some transparency, let’s see what’s going on in the current system, and let's evaluate it before we make decisions to adopt it,” he said.

In 2021, Minicozzi presented a pro bono analysis of assessment inequities to the board, showing that the county’s most expensive homes were assessed at a lower rate than the area’s least expensive homes. The report resulted in the county establishing an ad hoc tax reappraisal committee that year. Ultimately, an independent consulting

TALKING TAXES: Eric Cregger, Buncombe County’s new tax assessor, presented information about property reappraisals to the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 2. Screen grab courtesy of Buncombe County

firm reported “no evidence” of bias in the county’s appraisal process.

During his public comment, Minicozzi also implored commissioners to tax Airbnbs as hotel rooms. “We're missing money on the table,” he said. “And that needs to be caught here.”

The commissioners will vote on the proposed schedule of values at the Tuesday, Sept. 16, meeting.

Reparations update

Noreal Armstrong, Buncombe County chief equity and human rights officer, provided an update on the Community Reparations Commission (CRC) final report, which addresses criminal justice, economic development, education, health, and wellness and housing.

The CRC is in the process of creating a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to implement reparations in Asheville and Buncombe County. Currently, its bylaws are being drafted. Commissioner Al Whitesides asked how the nonprofit would be funded. “We’ll be looking to the city and county to see if they’re willing to come in,” said CRC Chair Dewana Little.

County initiatives recognized

Commissioners honored the following four recipients of National Association of Counties 2025 Achievement Awards:

• The Helene Family Assistance Center, which helped reconnect

loved ones following the telecommunications breakdowns caused by Tropical Storm Helene. Register of Deeds Drew Reisinger, who established the center in his office, spoke about how the group's work grew in the days after the storm, ultimately resulting in 2,000 volunteers checking in on 13,000 community members.

• The MENtors Program, a Buncombe County Public Libraries initiative created by librarians Kate Spratt and Erin Parcels, invites men to become reading role models to young children through participation in story time activities. “We’re always recruiting new members,” said Library Director Jason Hyatt. (For more information about the program, visit avl.mx/f2n.)

• Camp Recreation and Investigation Outdoors (RIO), a summer camp co-hosted by the Soil and Water Conservation District for children in Buncombe County Schools Migrant Education Program, encourages children to explore the outdoors through hikes, birding, trips to local farms and other activities.

• Buncombe Connections: Hope, Healing and Community Education, a public health campaign about the opioid crisis, seeks to increase equity in long-term recovery.

In other news

• Commissioners accepted a $5.4 million, interest-free loan from the state to pay for the county's disaster response activities.

• Lacy Hoyle, Community Development Homelessness Program manager, provided an update on the AshevilleBuncombe Continuum of Care (CoC), which is a partnership involving the city, county and federal governments to address homelessness. Hoyle shared notable CoC actions from the last quarter, including: approved partnership with the YMCA for access to showers one day per month; a planning group to support a West Asheville homelessness response; selection of Goodwill Industries as a fiscal agent for the CoC; formation of a Code Purple work group, which is formulating a Code Purple manual to be ready by October. (The Homeless Initiative Advisory Committee calls Code Purple when the temperature or wind chill is below 32 degrees, and additional space is opened in shelters.)

• Internal Audit Director Robb Hartman provided an update on audits of spe-

cial projects and procurement cards. Hartman said the county has updated and clarified its conflict-of-interest policy, which should come to the board in October. Hartman noted that previous guidance on conflicts of interest for county employees was not always consistent and the new guidance will underscore that anything that generates taxable income must be disclosed.

• The board unanimously reappointed Elizabeth Putnam to the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority Board. Putnam is a real estate agent with Mosaic Realty. This story was supported by the Fund for Investigative Reporting and Editing.

—

Jessica Wakeman  X

Positive marks for BCS

Ushering in the new school year, the Buncombe County Board of Education opened its Sept. 4 meeting with highlights from last year’s state assessment.

The cohort graduation rate for the class of 2025 was 91.4% — the second-highest cohort graduation rate in the history of the school system. This was a key takeaway for Buncombe County Schools (BSC) Superintendent Rob Jackson, especially in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene, which led to school closures that extended for nearly a month.

Other key takeaways from the data included:

• 25 out of 27 elementary and intermediate schools met or exceeded growth in reading.

• 4 schools improved by a letter grade on school performance grades.

• 19 schools improved in grade-level proficiency.

There are 45 schools across BCS’ six school districts, according to the BCS website. Detailed assessment results will be presented by Associate Superintendent Jennifer Reed during the annual report at the Thursday, Oct. 2, Board of Education meeting.

For additional reporting, visit avl.mx/f2r.

— Brionna Dallara

X

Unearthed

BY EMILY KLINGER ANTOLIC

Seven years ago on our Bull Creek Valley property, my husband and I discovered our first relic: a 1957 Ford F-600, a classic old farm truck, smushed into the creekside and left for junk. As we continued cleaning up the land, we slowly built a small collection of objects and rusty tin cans we’d found, savoring the questions each one presented: Whose was it? Why is it out here? What were they doing? Was Bud Light the only drink available?

Propelled by the thrill of the hunt, our interest turned into a hobby. We listened to podcasts, researched local history, read about regional lost treasures and watched shows on land prospecting. We even got a metal detector, quietly yearning to uncover a one-of-a-kind valuable that had been forgotten under layers of earth. But mostly our thrilling hunts ended with barbed wire and building tools, nothing more than a century old.

Then in September 2024, Tropical Storm Helene completely reshaped the terrain by uprooting trees, flushing out creeks and scarring the mountains with landslides.

Six months later, I found a really, really old relic in the front yard: an arrowhead.

As I searched for more artifacts, I also dove deeper into the relic hunting community.

AVOCATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGIST

It’s easy to find other relic hunters online. There are forums, podcasts and entire YouTube shows dedicated to people unearthing, archiving and appraising relics they find.

But offline, my quest to meet fellow hunters has been less successful. They’re very protective of the places they search and prefer hunting alone on their “claims” (private lands they have permission to search). Their concern is fairly universal: What if another hunter finds a relic before they get to it?

Face-to-face time with other hunters is usually reserved for conventions or showcases. That’s where they might trade information about a claim in exchange for an artifact or help newbies who don’t know what they just found in granddad’s basement. There are scandals that happen in the community, too. Collectors and sellers can ruin their reputation if they’re duped by a modern reproduction. Hunters can also have their claims revoked over arbitrary disagreements.

But not everyone involved wants this to be a members-only solo hobby.

ON DISPLAY: Luke Cord, an avocational archaeologist, exhibits some of his findings. Photo courtesy of Cord

Luke Cord can tell you the history of Appalachian bluegrass, offer advice on raising goats and provide tips on how to find relics. For over 15 years, he’s sharpened and trained his eyes. His business card, which I found years ago at the now-defunct Sawhorse restaurant in Leicester, reads: Artifact Collector and Avocational Archaeologist.

He and I meet at Odd’s Cafe. He brings with him a small, curated shadowbox of relics he’s found on his Leicester property since Tropical Storm Helene. “The water took a whole different route through the valley,” he says. "It was a newly cut bank, all new gravel bars."

He shows me quartzite projectiles every color of a storm cloud and artistically knapped points made from chert and jasper in hues of red, blue and black.

Unrolling a napkin I’d grabbed that morning, I present Luke with my findings. One broken arrowhead, a few shavings of flint and an assortment of triangular-shaped pointy things I thought could be something other than an ordinary rock.

We awkwardly laugh about my “JAR collection.” (That’s archaeological shorthand for “Just A Rock.”) And despite feeling embarrassed, Luke

encourages me to continue my search. Because I had found something

“It looks like a Morrow Mountain point with the stem busted off,” he says of my arrowhead. “It’s roughly about 3,000 years old.”

That, plus the razor chips of flint, makes him believe there could be more in Bull Creek Valley. “Like me and my buddy always say, ‘You gotta put those steps in. You don’t put those steps in, you’re not gonna earn that killer that you’re looking for.”

I wonder: Is that what I’m looking for? Perhaps. The relic hunting began with the old Ford F-600, but now I’m discovering an edifying appreciation for the land and the cycles of history.

Since Helene, I’ve gotten permission to search over 20 acres in Bull Creek Valley for relics. So far, I’ve uncovered dozens of arrowheads (some intact, some broken), decorated pottery, scraping tools, blades of flint from local materials and items likely acquired through trade long ago.

A STUNNING NUMBER

Dylan Clark is the deputy state archaeologist for land at the western branch of

the N.C. Office of State Archaeology. His work primarily pertains to protecting cultural resources and following state and federal regulations. “We also manage the archaeological record program for North Carolina,” he explains.

What he says next stuns me. “There’s upwards of 62,000 sites in the state that are registered.”

It excites but doesn’t surprise him that new relics are being discovered, post-Helene.

“This particular storm has been very significant in terms of impact because it has reshaped the landscape,” he says. “The waterways and floodplain have been altered. Sites that maybe were underwater are now exposed. Landslides can expose new sites that were not visible or known about before. Now people are seeing and recording artifacts that got exposed in those areas.”

Where you find a cultural relic determines what you can do with it. If it’s on federal or state lands, you have to leave it alone and in its place. On these premises, it is illegal to remove and keep anything you find, and penalties can be severe.

The N.C. Office of State Archaeology can also assist with artifact identification, new site registration, donations to museums and contacting tribal historic preservation offices about repatriation.

As for private property, Clark says what is on your land is yours. “It’s up to you if you want to protect it, or if you don’t,” he adds.

TIPS FOR HUNTING

If you hope to find relics intentionally (again, on private property with permission), here are some tips.

Come prepared

• Don’t go barefoot and wear a hat for sun protection. But avoid sunglasses — the tint dulls your ability to spot the relics which gleam in sunlight. “I take my stick and a satchel,” notes Cord. “I use my stick to tap everything. If it goes tink, I pick it up and check it out.”

Seek prime real estate

• Areas where the ground has been recently disturbed are the best places to look. It could be land that was plowed, graded, logged or eroded. Other great areas include the root balls of fallen trees, natural spring feeders, ditches, waterways and rocky outcroppings.

What to look for

• First and foremost, remember to look out for hazards. Things such as wildlife, loose riverbanks and broken glass can ruin your day.

• Quartz was the local material of (circumstantial) choice in WNC, and it tends to glint brightly in the sun and break somewhat easily. Chert was often traded for in the region as well; the material produces objects that feel polished, such as glazed pottery.

• Flint flakes indicate you’re in a good area. They’ll be bright and sharp — about the size and thickness of an adult thumbnail.

• Regardless of material, ancient humans took pride in their creations. Knapped tools will be symmetrical unless broken. They’ll have finely tapered edges and a smoothness that doesn’t get easily dirty.

• Early pottery is often unglazed and is found in earthy tones. Decorations were usually carved or imprinted using net or fabric.

• Once you’ve got a trained beachcomber’s eye, you’ll hopefully find other items such as shell pieces, beads, pipes, hammerstones, pendant pieces, bone tools and more.

AFTER THE HUNT

Sadly, relics don’t come with a Carfax report. According to Clark, the found item is often “very limited in what it can tell you. It’s really the context in which it was found that gives you information.”

In other words, finding something is only the start of the journey. You may decide to check out a library book on relic identification to know what you have. Or you can post a picture online to the active subreddit r/Arrowheads, or join the Facebook group North Carolina Arrowheads & Artifacts.

The 21st annual Western North Carolina Indian Artifact Show is also taking place in Fletcher on Sunday, Sept. 28, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Lelia Patterson Center, 1111 Howard Gap Road. Admission is free, and I suspect there will be many local hunters there sharing and appreciating history.

There are also conventions, local meetups, old-timers, youngsters and collector conferences. “It’s a lifestyle, and all I do is eat, breathe, sleep and think about relics all the time,” Cord says.

How deep you dig is up to you. X

SEPT. 10 - SEPT. 18, 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 24-25

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 (9/10, 17), 10:15am, YWCA of Asheville, 185 S French Broad Ave

Gentle Tai Chi for Balance

This class works on improving our balance through exercises that help you to think with your feet while strengthening your balance muscles.

WE (9/10, 17), 11:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave

The Fan forms include movements from Yang, Chen and Sun styles of Tai Chi.

WE (9/10, 17), 1pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

Midweek Rebalancing Serenity Sound Bath

A one-hour Serenity Sound Bath that offers a full-body sound and vibrational experience.

WE (9/10), 6:30pm, Center for Spiritual Living Asheville, 2 Science Mind Way

Thursday Evening Sound Baths

These sound bath sessions focus on nervous system regulation, energetic balance, and seasonal, lunar, and solar alignment.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

TH (9/11), 7pm, Ritual Skin and Wellness, 802 Fairview Rd building 3000, Ste 11

Tai Chi for Beginners: Yang 10 & 24

In this Beginner Tai Chi class, the focus is on the Yang 10 and 24 forms as well as Qigong exercises for health.

TH (9/11, 18), MO (9/15), 11:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave

Chen Tai Chi

Chen style is known for its spiral movements and fajin, or issuing power. It is considered a very high level of Tai Chi.

TH (9/11, 18), MO (9/15), 1pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

Free Community Zumba Gold

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

FR (9/12), 10am, YWCA of Asheville, 185 S French Broad Ave

Intermediate Tai Chi Yang 24

This is the Tai Chi that most people envision when they think of FR (9/12), 10:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

Teen Fitness Group workouts are fun and challenging, with modifications available for different levels to maximize workouts safely.

FR (9/12), 6pm, Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Rd

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.

SA (9/13), SU (9/14), 9am, Bearwallow Mountain Trail, 4899 Bearwallow Mountain Rd, Hendersonville

Yoga in the Park

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

SA (9/13), SU (9/14), 11am, W Asheville Park, 198 Vermont Ave

Goat Yoga

Partake in a 45 minute all-levels yoga class, and then take all the time you want to snuggle and take selfies with your new goat friends.

SA (9/13), 9:30am, Candler, Candler

Free Community Qi Gong

Qi Gong improves balance and coordination,

enhances physical and emotional energy, and promotes an experience of well-being.

SA (9/13), 11:30am, YWCA of Asheville, 185 S French Broad Ave

Wild Souls Authentic Movement w/Renee Trudeau

An expressive movement class designed to help you get unstuck, enjoy cardio movement, boost immune health, dissolve anxiety and stress.

SU (9/14), 9:30am, Dunn's Rock Community Center, 461 Connestee Rd, Brevard

Barn Yoga

Community Yoga class with Fairview-based yogi Mary Beth, who teaches a gentle and vinyasa flow.

SU (9/14), 10am, Hickory Nut Gap Farm, 57 Sugar Hollow Rd, Fairview

Metal Yoga w/ Quantum Mystic

This class will take you on a journey through the abyss. Plan to sweat, stretch, growl and reset.

SU (9/14), 11am, Eulogy, 10 Buxton Ave

Free Community Athletic Conditioning Combining strength training, HIIT, plyometrics, kickboxing and

step, this class offers a diverse, challenging training experience.

MO (9/15), 8am, YWCA of Asheville, 185 S French Broad Ave

Yin Yang Qigong

Yin Yang Qigong offers lineage practices to return to your center, to be strong in your body and to feel relaxed, regulated and energized.

MO (9/15), 10am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

Free Community Yoga (Level 2)

A full body movement series to get you poised for an energized day. This practice will help you tune in mindfully and wake up your body.

TU (9/16), 8:45am, YWCA of Asheville, 185 S. French Broad Ave

Qigong for Health & Resilience

This class is an opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to learn traditional Qigong exercises.

TU (9/16), 9am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

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 (9/16), 9:30am, Cooperative Coffee Shop, 210 Haywood Rd

Nia Dance Nia is a sensory-based movement practice that draws from martial arts, dance arts and healing arts.

TU (9/16), 10:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave

Chair Aerobics

Workout

A well rounded workout that helps reduce the risk of falling, alleviates joint pain, increases flexibility and range of motion.

TU (9/16), noon, Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Rd

Baguazhang Level 1

It is considered a very advanced style of Kung Fu with its complex use of geometry and physics.

TU (9/16), 1pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

Training with Tre for Teens

This teen exercise program will help you begin your fitness journey. Pushups, burpees and sit ups are part of the fun.

TU (9/16), 6:15pm, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave Intro to the Fitness Center

Tour the Stephens-Lee fitness center and learn how to use each machine and receive lots of encouragement to keep you on track. TH (9/18), 1pm, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave

SUPPORT GROUPS

Virtual Listening Circle

This free virtual listening circle offers a judgement-free, trauma-informed spaced to gather, reset and reflect-together. Register at avl.mx/f29. WE (9/10, 17), noon, Online

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 (9/10, 17), 6pm, Online

Mad Hatter’s Collective: Hearing Voices Network A group collective that

Tai Chi Fan

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

TH (9/11, 18), 6pm, 12 Baskets Cafe, 610 Haywood Rd

Caregiver Support Group w/Stronger Together Wellness

Stronger Together

Wellness empowers stroke survivors and their caregivers through shared experiences, fostering a vibrant community that inspires healing, resilience, and hope on the journey to recovery.

TH (9/11), 3pm, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave

Marijuana Anonymous

Whether you’re exploring sobriety, new to recovery, or have been on this path for a while, you are welcome here.

TH (9/11, 18), 6:30pm, American Legion Post #2, 851 Haywood Rd

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 (9/11, 18), 4:30pm, Asheville 12-Step Recovery Club, 1 Kenilworth Knolls Unit 4

Magnetic Minds: Depression & Bipolar Support Group

A free weekly peer-led meeting for those living with depression, bipolar, and related mental health challenges. For more information contact (828) 367-7660.

SA (9/13), 2pm, First Congregational UCC of Asheville, 20 Oak St

Atheist Meetup

This little Atheist group invites anyone who doesn’t believe in religions to come chat with like-minded people. Please note: We do not try to change or undermine the beliefs of people who are religious.

SU (9/14), 10am, Earth Fare, 66 Westgate Parkway

Grief Support Group

This group offers a space for community members to share their experiences, learn new coping skills, gain insights into their grief, and find mutual support.

TU (9/16), 5:30pm, Black Mountain YMCA, 25 Jane Jacobs Rd Black Mountain

DANCE

Open-Level Adult Ballet Class (Ages 16+)

Whether you’re a first-timer or returning to the barre, this class offers physical and emotional benefits through timeless technique.

WE (9/10, 17), 6:30pm, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W State St, Black Mountain Open-Level Adult Contemporary Dance (Ages 16+)

Rediscover your love of movement in this drop-in Adult Contemporary class. Blend modern, lyrical, and jazz elements in a supportive, body-positive environment.

WE (9/10, 17), 5:30pm, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W State St, Black Mountain 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 (9/10, 17), 8pm, One World Brewing W, 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 (9/15), 7:30pm, A-B Tech, 340 Victoria Rd

Salsa Tuesday A night of fun and salsa dancing featuring two classes, a beginner and intermediate.

TU (9/16), 8pm, The Mule, 131 Sweeten Creek Rd Ste 10 Country Line Dancing w/Kristey

Featuring beginner and advanced classes that’s open to everyone. This event is hosted by Kristey.

WE (9/17), 6pm, Eda’s Hide-a-Way, 1098 New Stock Rd, Weaverville

BMCA Dance: Kids in Motion 2

This class focuses on growing the foundations needed for many dance techniques, including contemporary, ballet, jazz, and lyrical.

TH (9/18), 3:45pm, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W State St, Black Mountain BMCA Dance: Contemporary 3 (Ages 13 - 16)

This class fuses contemporary, modern, lyrical, and jazz styles for diverse dance knowledge.

TH (9/18), 6:45pm, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W State St, Black Mountain

noon. Exhibition runs through Sept. 21. Pink Dog Gallery, 348 Depot St

Points in Space: Performance

This exhibition will feature visual and timebased artworks that echo BMC’s innovative spirit from 1933 to 1957. BMC was a nexus of avant-garde activity, fostering innovation through collaboration and experiential learning. Gallery open Tuesday through Saturday, 11am. Exhibition through Jan. 10, 2026. Black Mountain College Museum & Arts Center, 120 College St

Returning to the Ridge: Blue Ridge Craft Trails Invitational

The exhibit brings together the exceptional talents of 33 artists featured on the Blue Ridge Craft Trails, showcasing the vibrant artistic landscape of Western North Carolina. Gallery open Wednesday through Sunday, 10am. Exhibition through Sept. 28.

Mars Landing Galleries, 37 Library St, Mars Hill

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

Jillian Marie Browning: Catch & Release

Warren Wilson’s Art and Craft Department is excited to host an exhibition featuring larger than life cyanotypes and installations by interdisciplinary artist, Jillian Marie Browning. Gallery open Monday through Friday, 10am and Saturday, 1pm. Exhibition through Oct. 3.

Warren Wilson College, 701 Warren Wilson Rd, Swannanoa

Elizabeth Alexander: From the Book of Time

Alexander recontextualizes objects traditionally associated with domesticity such as wallpaper, upholstered furniture, and porcelain ware, probing at the societal, historical, and personal meanings embedded within. Gallery open Wednesday through Saturday, 11am. Exhibition through Sept. 27.

leisure nationwide. Gallery open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am. Exhibition through Sept. 27.

Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

Modern Bestiary: Creatures from the Collection

This exhibition explores the artistic legacy of the medieval bestiary through a selection of animals and fantastic beasts from the Museum’s Collection. Gallery open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am. Exhibition through March 15, 2026.

Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

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

COMMUNITY MUSIC

Lea Bertucci & Olivia Block

Lea Bertucci is an experimental musician whose works revolve around electronic and spatial extensions of instrument and voice.

Olivia Block is a media artist and composer based in Chicago.

WE (9/10), 7pm, Black Mountain College Museum & Arts Center, 120 College St

Fall Concert Series: Wendy Jones Quartet w/Jason Decristofaro

Wendy is an Asheville-based singer, songwriter, and entertainer who is known for her honest renditions of jazz standards as well as her ability to transport an audience with her musical storytelling.

FR (9/12), 7pm, Transylvania County Library, 212 S Gaston St, Brevard

Mountain Folk Harp Society in Concert

An evening of heavenly sounds performed by this amazing group of local harpists.

Janice Geller: Inner Worlds

An intimate glimpse into artist Janice Geller’s inner life of vivid dreams, inner figures, imaginary portals, hidden recesses of the body and the sumptuous allure of nature. Gallery open Monday through Saturday, 10am, and Sunday,

Tracey Morgan Gallery, 22 London Rd

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

FR (9/12), 7pm, First Baptist Church of Weaverville, 63 N Main St, Weaverville Mercury: Stories & Songs of Queen's Legendary Singer Renowned countertenor, Terry Barber, joined by a recent Tony winner and world-class band, pay tribute to the man who taught a generation how to rock, Freddie Mercury.

FR (9/12), 7:30pm, Tryon Fine Arts Center, 34 Melrose Ave, Tryon

ART

WNC Pagan Choir: Fall Season

A community choir open to all voices in which everyone sings together to celebrate the magic of the natural world, inspired by folk and pagan traditions of Northwestern Europe.

SU (9/14), 3pm, Weaverville Yoga, 3 Florida Ave, Weaverville

Leslie Mendelson & Molly Thomas

Enjoy a scenic stretch of the French Broad River with an afternoon of music by Grammy-nominee Leslie Mendelson and special guest Molly Thomas.

SU (9/14), 4pm, Olivette Riverside Community and Farm, 1069 Olivette Rd

COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS

Simply Charmed: Drop In Workshop

Choose from more than 60 styles of metal stamps and a variety of jewelers hammers to complete your charm. After a quick demo by the instructor you will have time to complete your masterpiece.

WE (9/10, 17), TU (9/16), 11am, Ignite Jewelry Studios, 84 Walnut St Unit A

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.

WE (9/10), noon, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave

QuickBooks Online: Bookkeeping for Your Small Business Participants will learn QuickBooks account set up and customization, invoicing, bill entry and reconciliation, monthly reports, financial reviews, and tips for audit-ready books. Regiser at avl.mx/f2c.

WE (9/10), 1pm, Online

Intro to Archery for Adults

Archers learn the basics such as range safety and proper shooting using techniques according to the USA Archery.

TH (9/11), 10:30am, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Ave

Cooking the Mediterranean Way for Brain Health

Over four weeks, you’ll learn how to prepare quick, healthy meals—everything from hearty stews and vibrant veggie dishes to nutritious desserts.

TH (9/11, 18), 5:30pm, Madison County Cooperative Extension Office, 258 Carolina Ln Marshall

Fall Flames: A Soda Candle Making Series Pour your own custom candle in a Devil’s Foot Soda can. Each session features different scents.

TH (9/11), 4pm, The Mule/Devil’s Foot Brewing, 131 Sweeton Creek Rd

Gender Reveal Party: Queer Craft Circle

This craft circle will explore themes related to gender and sexuality through simple handicrafts. This month we will create two dimensional figures using collage.

FR (9/12), 6pm, Firestorm Books, 1022 Haywood Rd

From Overwhelm to Clarity: A Life Wheel Workshop for Small Business Owners

This two-part interactive workshop will help entrepreneurs and small business owners build personal and professional capacity.

SA (9/13), 9am, A-B Tech Small Business Center, 1465 Sand Hill Rd, Candler

Rooted & Radiant: Movement Lab

A 6-month series to explore movement practices that support strength, resilience, and

holistic well being.

SA (9/13), 11am, YWCA of Asheville, 185 S French Broad Ave

Y12SR: 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 (9/16), 8:30am, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave

Crafting Your Business Plan: Business Description (Part 1)

In Part 1, you will learn tools for reviewing your Executive Summary, Products and Services and your Business Description. Register at avl.mx/f2t.

TU (9/16), 10am, Online

Understanding Credit (Zoom)

Learn what you can do to build it, improve it, and how to plan for future financial goals. Register at avl.mx/f2u.

TU (9/16), noon, OnTrack WNC, 50 S French Broad Ave

Fly Fishing Series

Learn different methods and techniques, basic gear needed to get started, how to cast with a fly rod, good places to go in the area, and rules and regulations in NC.

TU (9/16), 5pm, Wrong Way Campground, 9 Midnight Dr

Crafting Your Business Plan: Marketing (Part 2)

Attendees will learn how to understand the market for your business—from your customer to your competition, to your own unique value proposition. Register at avl.mx/f2v.WE (9/17), 10am, Online

Simplify Your Move: A Comprehensive Workshop for Seniors & Their Families

This event, held at the East Asheville Public Library, will provide guidance from profes sionals on a variety of

topics to help make your next transition smooth and stress-free.

WE (9/17), 10:30am, East Asheville Public Library, 3 Avon Rd

Intro to Golf

Whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve your swing, this is a great opportunity for all ages to learn the game at the most beautiful golf courses in the area.

WE (9/17), 1pm, Multiple Locations, Citywide

Crafting Your Business Plan: Financials (Part 3)

A business plan is a key tool for making your business successful to identify where you excel, where you need to adjust, and where you need support. Register at avl.mx/f2w.

TH (9/18), 10am, Online

Harvesting Opportunities: Navigating Agritourism for Your Farm Business

An introduction of agritourism and assessing if it’s right for your farm business. Then it moves into other topics such as developing and sustaining a business concept, identifying business resources and more.

TH (9/18), 5:30pm,

Sacred Anarchy Book Club

This book club explores connections between occult, spiritual, and political paths to personal and collective liberation.

SU (9/14), 11am, Firestorm Books, 1022 Haywood Rd

Authors in Conversation w/Denise Kiernan & Thomas Calder

This Authors in Conversation event will feature special guest Thomas Calder, author of The Wind Under the Door and managing editor of Mountain Xpress.

SU (9/14), 4:30pm, Little Jumbo, 241 Broadway

Asheville StorySLAM: Themeless

Cook up a five-minute story about the beauty and occasional chaos of saying, "Come on in.” Early mornings, late nights, clopening, or back-to-back doubles.

TH (9/18), 7:30pm, The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave

THEATER & FILM

Bike-In Cinema

A bike-in movie on the lawn, presented by Asheville on Bikes and New Belgium Brewing.

that leads through political strife, familial tempests, and the nature of human condition, eventually plumbing the depths of madness, cruelty, and unassailable loyalty.

FR (9/12), SA (9/13), SU (9/14), 7:30pm, Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre, 92 Gay St

Miss Julie

The plot of the drama revolves around the titular Countess of a large estate in Sweden and her dangerous flirtation with her father’s valet, John.

FR (9/12), SA (9/13), 7:30pm, SU (9/13), 2:30pm, Attic Salt Theatre, The Mills at Riverside, 2002

Riverside Dr, Ste 42-O

Yasmina Reza: Art

A translation of a French-language play, Art is set in Paris and revolves around a discussion between three friends, Serge, Marc and Yvan. The play encapsulates the spirit of friendship—its trials, tribulations, joys, and sorrows.

FR (9/12), SA (9/13), 7:30pm, SU (9/14), 2pm, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W State St, Black Mountain

SA (9/13), 7:30pm, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W State St, Black Mountain

MEETINGS & PROGRAMS

Jam Session

Bring homemade or store-bought jams, jellies, and marmalades to share and sample a variety of flavors.

WE (9/10), 9:30am, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St River Snorkeling River snorkeling is a growing hobby that makes you feel like a fish while exploring a world just under the surface of the water that you won’t believe until you see it.

WE (9/10), 9:30am, Murphy-Oakley Community Center, 749 Fairview Rd

AVL Men’s Meetup

The meetup is an event for all self-identifying Asheville-area men to create spaces centered around support, growth, accountability, and knowledge sharing.

WE (9/10), 3:30pm, The Mule, 131 Sweeton Creek Rd

Mindful Stretching

broad range of topics, skills and knowledge.

TH (9/11), 10am, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave

IBN Biz Lunch: Brevard/Pisgah Forest Incredible Towns of WNC invites you to WNC's largest free and independent Business Networking group.

TH (9/11), noon, Hawg Wild Smokehouse & Taproom, 91 Pisgah Hwy, Pisgah Forest Reconnecting Through Hard Times

In this 1-hour virtual training you’ll gain an understanding of how hard times affect us all, and what to do or say for others when it matters most. Register at avl.mx/f0s.

TH (9/11, 18), noon, Online

APR Afterschool

Discovery Den

Featuring a mix of cooking, pottery, music, digital arts, STEM, and more for kids to explore their creativity, learn new skills, and make friends in a lively and engaging environment.

TH (9/11), 2:30pm, Grove St Community Center, 36 Grove St

Lifestyle Choices

Spirit of Carl Sandburg: The People's Poet in His Own Words

This play consists of Walter's impersonation of Sandburg through recitation of poems, stories and songs, as well as some of Lincoln's most profound 7pm, Cedar Mountain Community Center, 10635 Green-

Yasmina Reza: Art

A translation of a French-language play, Art is set in Paris and revolves around a discussion between three friends, Serge, Marc and Yvan. The play encapsulates the spirit of friendship—its trials, tribulations, joys, and

Take a pause from chaos and reconnect with your body through this program designed to gently release tension, improve flexibility, and calm the nervous system through guided sessions.

WE (9/10, 17), 6:15pm, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave

Peri & Menopause Class w/Kristen Olberz

A discussion of current treatments, ongoing research, exploring symptoms and advocating for yourself with your provider.

WE (9/10), 6:30pm, Period Nirvana, 315 Haywood Rd, Unit 113

NSA-WNC Meeting

Professional keynote speakers, coaches, trainers, facilitators, and consultants who cover a

A mentor group that offers an opportunity for young men ages 14 to 19 to engage in open discussion regarding the problems they encounter, why behavior matters, community involvement and more.

TH (9/11), 6pm, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St Tarot w/Cats

This 1-hour workshop will include a brief history of the tarot, and how to incorporate a one- and three-card pull for daily guidance.

FR (9/12), 5:30pm, House of Black Cat Magic, Co., 841 Haywood Rd

Bad Art Bonanza

Bad Art Bonanza allows adults 50+ to leave inner critics at home for an evening of artistic

exploration.

FR (9/12), 6:30pm, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Ave

Valley History Hike: Kitsuma-Ridgecrest

This hike will follow the Kitsuma Trail to a viewpoint boasting sweeping vistas of the Swannanoa Valley, including a breathtaking view of Mt. Mitchell, which is visible on clear days.

SA (9/13), 9am, Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center, 223 W State St, Black Mountain Forest Bathing: A Harvest Season Retreat

Celebrate abundance, balance and equilibrium during this immersive morning nature connection retreat.

SA (9/13), 10am, NC Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way

Bathe in the Frequency of Chakra Sound

Healing w/Rev. Heidi M. Peck

Receive guidance from the wild unknown world of animal spirits. Practice mantras and mudras that balance, build and clear the immune system.

SA (9/13), 2pm, UR Light Center, 2196 NC-9, Black Mountain

Chinese Wrestling: Shuai Jiao

It is a standing grappling style, meaning that although there are hip throws, leg sweeps and hand techniques, like many other arts, there is no ground grappling.

SA (9/13), 4pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

Push Hands

A two-person training routine practiced in internal Chinese martial arts such as baguazhang, xingyiquan and tai chi.

SU (9/14), 5:30pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

EveryDay Strong

A program that equips caring adults with training and tools to support the mental

health and wellness of children aged 8 to 18.

MO (9/15), 10am, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave

Craft Class for Older Adults

This delightful series guides participants to create charming fall decorations including leaf garlands and pumpkin centerpieces.

MO (9/15), 1pm, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Ave

Menopause Matters

In this interactive session, Elizabeth will share how simple rituals can help us find resilience and grace through the ups and downs of menopause.

MO (9/15), 5:30pm, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave

IBN Biz Lunch: Arden

All are invited to attend and promote their business, products, and services, and meet new referral contacts.

TU (9/16), noon, Wild Wing Cafe South, 65 Long Shoals Rd, Arden

Climate Symposium

Keynote: Steven Bingler

Steven Bingler, a New Orleans planner involved in Hurricane Katrina recovery, will share lessons to aid in Tropical Storm Helene recovery in Western North Carolina.

TU (9/16), 4:30pm, Diana Wortham Theatre, 18 Biltmore Ave

Southside Cyber Wednesday Dive into the exciting world of e-sports and gaming with friends and neighbors with two powerful PlayStation 5 consoles loaded with a variety of thrilling games to fuel your competitive spirit.

WE (9/17), 6pm, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St

Facilitation Lab Asheville w/Joran Oppelt & Voltage Control Practice facilitation, get feedback, and leave

with fresh insights, confidence, and skills in a fun, hands-on, supportive space.

WE (9/17), 6:30pm, Self Help Credit Union Building, 34 Wall St, Ste 307A-B

GAMES & CLUBS

Neighborhood Strollers

Walking Club

Meet at Crump Shiloh Center and head to local neighborhoods to connect with each other while walking and enjoying a change of scenery.

WE (9/10, 17 ), 10am, Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Rd

Asheville Board Game Club Meet-Up

Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned gamer, you’ll find a welcoming group ready to play.

WE (9/10, 17), 5:30pm, Well Played, 162 Coxe Ave, Ste 101

Asheville Bridge Room Mentor/Mentee Game

The purpose of this game is to offer upcoming/newer players the opportunity to interact with more seasoned players for a better understanding of bidding and play.

WE (9/10), 12:30pm, Congregation Beth Israel, 229 Murdock Ave

Spiritual Game Night

Be guided through powerful and playful spiritual games designed to open hearts and expand minds.

FR (9/12), 5pm, Center for Spiritual Living Asheville, 2 Science Mind Way

Bid Whist Make bids, call trumps, and win the tricks every Saturday with your community.

SA (9/13), 1pm, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St

Afternoon Bocce League

Players of all ages can compete with friends and family to roll, learn,

and claim victory in this new league.

MO (9/15), 2pm, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson 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 (9/15), 6pm, Sovereign Kava, 268 Biltmore Ave

Pool Night

Pool night, every Monday night with a $5 buy in. Must be signed up by 7 p.m.

MO (9/15), 6:30pm, Eda’s Hide-a-Way, 1098 New Stock Rd, Weaverville

Music Bingo w/Spencer

Bring your friends to Taproom Tuesdays featuring Music Bingo with Spencer and rotating food trucks.

TU (9/16), 6pm, Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Hwy, ste 200

Senior Games Track & Field Club

Practice sprints, starts, and jumps or just get some exercise around the city’s brand new track.

TH (9/18), 1pm, Memorial Stadium

KID-FRIENDLY PROGRAMS

Family Story Time

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

WE (9/10, 17), 10:30am, Black Mountain Library, Black Mountain

Baby Storytime

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

TH (9/11, 18), 10:30am, Black Mountain Library, Black Mountain

Kids & Teens Xing Yi Learn complete systems of Xing Yi, Baguazhang, and Taiji, including weapons and sparring as optional classes.

TH (9/11, 18), MO (9/15), TU (9/16), 4pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

Toddler Takeover

Bring your toddler out to local parks on Thursday mornings in September for fun themed activities to stimulate creativity and motor skills.

TH (9/11), 10:30am, Murphy Oakley Park, 715 Fairview Rd

Tiny Tykes

Offering a variety of activities during playtime for toddlers to explore different aspects of learning while having fun.

FR (9/12), 10am, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St

Dr. Grant Gym Rats

A fun and active P.E. program specifically for homeschooled students.

MO (9/15), 11:45am, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St

Tiny Tykes Play Dates

Open play for toddlers to explore bikes, balls, inflatables, and climbing structures.

WE (9/17), 10am Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave, Little Kids Kung Fu (Ages 5-7)

This class builds a solid foundation through playing Kung Fu games while building HandEye-Foot coordination as well as listening skills.

WE (9/17), 3pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

Toddler Takeover

Bring your toddler out to local parks on Thursday mornings in September for fun themed activities to stimulate creativity and motor skills.

TH (9/18), 10:30am, Malvern Hills Park, 75 Rumbough Pl

LOCAL MARKETS

RAD Farmers Market Asheville’s only yearround weekly market, featuring 30+ vendors

offering fresh produce, baked goods, handcrafted items, beverages, grab-and-go meals, and more. EBT and SNAP accepted.

WE (9/10, 17), 3pm, New Belgium Brewing Co., 21 Craven St 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 (9/10, 17), 3pm, Leicester Community Center, 2979 New Leicester Hwy, Leicester 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 (9/10, 17), 3pm, 60 Lake Shore Dr Weaverville

Enka-Candler Farmer's Market

A grand selection of local foods and crafts, everything from produce to pickles, baked goods to body care, and even educational resources. Every Thursday through October 31.

TH (9/11, 18), 3:30pm, A-B Tech Small Business Center, 1465 Sand Hill Rd, Candler

Biltmore Park Farmers Market

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

TH (9/11, 18), 3pm, Biltmore Park Town Square, Town Square Blvd.

Bullington Gardens Fall Plant Market

This market sale will feature perennials, natives, trees, shrubs

and seasonal plants to spruce up your yard.

FR (9/12), SA (9/13), 9am, Bullington Gardens, 95 Upper Red Oak Trail, Hendersonville

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 (9/12), 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 (9/13), 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 (9/13), 8am, 275 Edgewood Rd

Asheville City Market

A producer-only market featuring local food products, including fresh produce, meat, cheese, bread, pastries, and other artisan products. Every Saturday through December.

SA (9/13), 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 (9/13), 9am, 130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

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 (9/13), 10am, College St, Mars Hill

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 (9/14), noon, Fleetwood's, 496 Haywood Rd

BIPOC Farmers Market

A variety of local BIPOC vendors including farmers, artists, bakers, herbalists, and more. Are you a maker of color who is interested in vending? Email Andi Gonzales at ashevillemarket@newbelgium. com.

SU (9/14), 1pm, New Belgium Brewing Co., 21 Craven St

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 (9/14), 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 (9/16), 3:30pm, 718 Haywood Rd

Flower Market

Pick up freshly cut farm flower bunches and seasonal goodies directly from the farm. This is a self-serve flower stand at Bloom WNC.

TH (9/18), 9am, Bloom WNC Flower Farm, 806 North Fork Rd, Black Mountain

FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS

17th Annual Music

Video Asheville

This event showcases the collaborations between filmmakers and musicians. Area bands submit their music videos and the best 90 minutes of videos are selected for a viewing and awards ceremony in downtown AVL.

WE (9/10), 5:30pm, Wortham Center For The Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave

Sweeten Creek Antiques & Collectibles

20th Anniversary

Celebration

It will feature live refreshments, light bites, live music and special sales.

TH (9/11), 2pm, Sweeten Creek Antique Mall, 115 Sweeten Creek Rd

Open Hearts Art Center's 20th Anniversary Celebration & Staff

Showcase

The evening will feature light refreshments, music with DJ Sparky, a festive photo booth station, and the official opening of the OHAC Staff Art Exhibit, showcasing personal work by Open Hearts staff members.

FR (9/12), 5pm, Open Hearts Art Center, 217 Coxe Ave

Patch-a-Palooza

Patch-a-Palooza welcomes families with K-8th grade children to try their hands at various historic activities from making butter and candles to playing historic games. This is a great opportunity for children to learn about life in WNC in the 1800s.

SA (9/13), 10am, Vance Birthplace, 911 Reems Creek Rd, Weaverville Villain Arts' 6th Annual Asheville Tattoo Arts Festival

This event features 3 exciting days of live entertainment, unique vendors, and most importantly: nonstop tattooing. This event pulls artists from across the country and unites them together in the spirit of self-expression and individuality.

FR (9/12), 2pm, SA (9/13), SU (9/14), 11am, Harrah's Cherokee Center, 87 Haywood St

West Asheville Garden

Stroll

It features 13 diverse gardens in the Falconhurst neighborhood, north of Haywood Road between Mitchell Ave and Louisiana. Stroll Guides with a map and garden descriptions will be available.

SA (9/13), 11am, W Asheville Baptist Church, 926 Haywood Rd

Bi-Annual Grovewood Village Studio Tour

This free, self-guided event invites you to explore at your own pace—no tickets required. Step inside the working studios of our resident artists, gain insight into their creative process, and view their latest works.

SA (9/13), SU (9/14), noon, Grovewood Village, 111 Grovewood Rd

Historic Burton Street

Ag Fair

Celebrate the spirit of the Historic Burton Street Community with live music, games, inflatables, food, a 3v3 basketball tournament and a ribbon cutting to officially dedicate the new playground and basketball court.

SA (9/13), noon, Burton Street Community Center, 134 Burton St

Ross Farm & Appalachian Standard Fall Fest

This event showcases the farm's stunning greenhouses filled with a spectacular variety of fall plants, including mums and pumpkins. It will also feature delicious food options, baked goods, a vibrant market, kid-friendly activities and more.

SA (9/13), noon, Ross Farm, 91 Holbrook Rd, Candler

Salt Face Mule Brewing 2nd Anniversary Party

The day will feature an Oktoberfest beer release featuring Burning Daylight Festbier, food options, and fun for all ages. All activities are free and accessible to guests on a first come, first serve basi

SA (9/13), 12:30pm, Salt Face Mule Brewing Co., 450 Weaverville Hwy

Oktoberfest w/Reedy River String Band

From September through October, enjoy steins, pretzels, and plenty of polka-inspired fun while the bands keep the party going.

SA (9/13), 2pm, The Funkatorium, 147 Coxe Ave

Grand Opening of Bottinelli Fine Art

BFA celebrates its grand opening in Asheville’s River Arts District. Enjoy small bites, drinks, and the chance to meet the artists while celebrating resilience and the return of art to the RAD.

SA (9/13), 5pm, Bottinelli Fine Art, 146 Roberts St 106

Talladega Nights Party

Get ready to channel your inner Ricky Bobby with a Talladega Nights Party. It will feature the NASCAR race live on the big screen, Talladega Nights–themed cocktails, and a costume contest.

SA (9/13), 7pm, The Mule, 131 Sweeten Creek Rd Ste 10

Sunset Mountain 2025 Tour of Homes

Take a leisurely stroll through the streets and admire the unique architecture and design of each home.

SA (9/13), SU (9/14), 1pm, Grove Park- Sunset, Grove Park- Sunset, RAD Rendezvous

Grand Opening

Rad Rendezvous is designed to support and spotlight local artists and creatives seeking visibility, flexibility and connection. The evening will kick off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by drinks and music from DJs inside the studios.

TU (9/16), 4pm, RAD Rendezvous, 87 Roberts St

BENEFITS & VOLUNTEERING

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 (9/11), 9am, House of Black Cat Magic, Co., 841 Haywood Rd

Rooftop for Relief: A Community Fundraiser for Beloved Asheville

A special community fundraiser supporting Beloved Asheville and honoring the 1-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene. This evening will bring together friends, neighbors, and local supporters to celebrate resilience, community, and giving back.

TH (9/11), 5:30pm, Soprana Rooftop Cucina, 192 Haywood St Life in Full Swing: An Evening of Jazz, Dancing & Resilience to Benefit Cancer Active

An evening of electrifying vocals and masterful sounds of Becki Janes and the Asheville Jazz Refugees. Proceeds support Cancer Active’s year-round programs for cancer patients and caregivers.

TH (9/11), 7:30pm, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

A Round For Roots

An afternoon on the green in support of Mountain Roots and outdoor education. Mountain Roots is dedicated to fostering connections between young people, their communities, and the

great outdoors.

FR (9/12), 11am, Sherwood Forest Golf Course, 29 Cardinal Rd, Brevard

BANFF Centre

Mountain Film Festival

Benefiting MountainTrue

A celebration of jaw-dropping adventure, heart-pounding sports, wild places, and inspiring stories from around the globe. Each night features a completely different lineup of films. All proceeds support the work of MountainTrue. See p24

FR (9/12), 7pm, Wortham Center For The Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave

Blacklisted Fundraiser

Screening & Mixer

Immerse yourself in a screening of Blacklisted, a short film about Binx's Home for Black Cats and House of Black Cat Magic, made by The Fetzer Institute. This event is a fundraiser for Binx's Home for Black Cats.

FR (9/12), 7:30pm, House of Black Cat Magic, Co., 841 Haywood Rd

Lovely Asheville Presents: The After the Storm Anniversary Jam

This special benefit for Hurricane Helene recovery efforts of artists in the Asheville area will feature performances from Detective Blind and Hypnotic Band.

SA (9/13), 8pm, One World Brewing West, 520 Haywood Rd

Our Global Table

An afternoon filled with the folks and food that represent this area’s rich heritage. Sample a passport’s worth of international flavor, while proceeds benefit Pisgah Legal Services’ Justice For All Program.

SA (9/13), 3pm, Cooperative Coffee Shop, 210 Haywood Rd

The Gaza Soup Kitchen Benefit

This benefit event will raise money for Gaza Kitchens Against Famine and will feature special music performances from Indelible Sauce, Cryss, Eaze Dogg and more. There will also be a puppet collective, artisan vendors, speakers and more. See p24

SU (9/14), 4pm, Sly Grog Lounge, 271 Haywood St Islands in the Sky: Illustrated Stories from Helene Survivors

In collaboration with some of the comic world’s top talent, Appalachia Comics Project’s Islands in the Sky Anthology Series gives survivors the opportunity to share what really happened in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

TH (9/18), 5pm, Resurrection Studios Collective, 160 Broadway St

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active lifestyle

Rock from the wreckage

Asheville musicians commemorate Helene anniversary

BY EDWIN ARNAUDIN

Local musician Chuck Lee was fortunate to escape Tropical Storm Helene largely unscathed.

“I did lose two giant, 100-year-old trees in my backyard, but thankfully they fell away from the house,” says the North Asheville resident, who also plays guitar and sings in the rock band Human Nip. “So, I just lost a lot of shade.”

In the weeks that followed, when Lee wasn't driving around helping people or dismantling the fallen trees with his new chain saw, he stayed inside and wrote song after song to help process the traumas that Western North

Carolina was experiencing. As utilities were restored and some semblance of normalcy returned to the city, he reconnected with friends in the music community and, feeling a sense of guilt, asked them the same question: “Were you inspired?”

“I hate to use that word,” Lee says. “Inspiration sometimes means a good thing. But I was like, ‘God, man, I just was writing.’”

The more people he spoke with, the more he discovered that he was far from the only local artist to pen lyrics in the wake of this natural disaster. With no master plan in place, he asked his peers to send him demos of their post-Helene songs. And in no time, he’d amassed over 70 submissions.

Impressed by the quality of songwriting suddenly before him, Lee decided to turn them into a benefit album called After the Flood and time its release with the one-year anniversary of the storm. Using some of the profits from selling his company, A New Hope Home Care, in 2024, he booked two weeks of sessions at Landslide Studio in North Asheville with producer Andrew Schatzberg, then recruited a panel of six musicians and music lovers to whittle down the entries to 16.

“The cream did kind of rise to the top,” Lee says. “I had people rate their top 30, and then out of that 30, there were some common names that kept coming through.”

Among what Lee calls the “A-list local artists” selected by the panel are Andrew Scotchie, New Dawn Starkestra (Jeff Sipe, Rebekah Todd, Isaac Hadden and Quinn Sternberg), Hustle Souls (Billy Litz, Jonathan Taylor, Kevin Scott, Justin Mann

and Reid Parler), Abby Bryant, McKinney and Jordan Scheffer. Scotchie donated “Neighbor,” which he’d tracked at Echo Mountain Recording, and three other selections were already studio quality when they arrived during the submission period. The remaining dozen songs were recorded at Landslide with Lee in attendance for all but one of the sessions. He describes the atmosphere as full of excitement as well as a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to help out a community that’s still recovering.

“A year later, we’ve kind of been forgotten around here. And I’d like to get this out there and say, ‘Hey, there actually are a lot of good things going on, and one of them is these pretty good songs,” Lee says. “They’re not all sad songs — my intention is not to make people sad. There's a lot of very uplifting songs on here, but there's some crazy stories, too.”

TRACK STARS: Abby Bryant, left, and Jackie Lee are among the local artists featured on the compilation album After the Flood. Photos by Chuck Lee

Among them is “Sound of the Wind and the Rain” by Chuck Brodsky, who used the song to process the pair of landslides that have left his house dangerously close to falling off the hillside on which it’s built. The singer-songwriter launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover the costs of stabilizing and rebuilding the hillside, and as of press time had raised 60% of his $75,000 goal. Once recording costs are recouped, all funds raised from sales of After the Flood as well as T-shirts and posters designed by Andrew Finley (who’s created art for Wilco, The Avett Brothers and other bands) will be donated to Rock for Relief WNC. The organization raises money for locals in need via music events. Lee aspires to raise at least $20,000 and also plans to eventually organize a benefit concert with many of the artists from the compilation.

To learn more, visit avl.mx/esg

‘HOW WE MOVE FORWARD’

As the anniversary of Helene approaches, local schoolteacher John Polydoros still has students who are living in campers and lost everything in the floods. Over the past year, he says he’s struggled to maintain a brave face for them while his heart is secretly breaking. But behind the scenes, he and his bandmates in the Asheville post-hardcore/punk band Small Doses have been working hard to help these youths and others in a different way.

“Music is what we know best,” says Polydoros, who’s the group's vocalist and guitarist. “I personally have no artistic skills. I’m not an event planner, either. But I know how to book a show.”

Putting their not-so-limited talents to use, Polydoros and Matt Aycock (drums) attempted to organize a benefit show immediately after Helene, but the timing didn’t work out. Then in January, they shifted their focus to a fundraiser that also celebrates the resiliency of their city and musical scene.

The result is Still Here Fest, which takes place Friday-Saturday, Sept. 19-20, at Fleetwood’s in West Asheville. In addition to Small Doses, the lineup includes fellow regional acts such as Fantømex, Pinkeye, Madder Max and The Jesus Casino. All proceeds will be donated to BeLoved Asheville.

of the bands on their wish list either never responded or weren’t available.

“Our only criteria was building a strong lineup that, if I had a free Friday or Saturday, I’d want to see,” Polydoros says. “I do know that several of the bands dealt with varying degrees of catastrophe, like most of us, after the storm. I don’t want to relive that for them — Still Here Fest is about how we move forward.”

Each night has been curated to have a certain sonic vibe. Polydoros says Sept. 19 is “all about fast, gritty punk,” while Sept. 20 is “a nice display of the heavier end of things.”

“I usually hate making a lineup — so many egos to appease and things to consider, you sometimes lose sight of the goal,” he says. “But for this fest, it was easy. We curated a nice little selection of bands that I think build upon each other well, while each is bringing something unique to the table.”

Choosing BeLoved as Still Here Fest’s beneficiary was also a no-brainer. Polydoros notes that the nonprofit was already doing “incredible work” before Helene. But as he followed along via social media and witnessed their tireless commitment “to hold the community together,” he was further amazed by their dedication.

“Housing is a human right, and BeLoved is in the fight every day,” he says. “They deserve all the praise we can heap on them. And some money to keep that dream alive wouldn’t hurt, either.”

However, the event carries additional significance for Small Doses. Polydoros vividly recalls watching his friends in other bands volunteer in the aftermath of Helene, doing runs of essential items like food, water and gas to those in need. Their efforts brought to mind one of his favorite quotes — Fred Rogers’ advice, passed down from his mother, to “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”

AROUND THE REGION

The organizers initially cast a wide net, asking a lot of heavy hitters, hoping for the best turnout possible. Some

“When times are tough, it’s easy to spot those who are doing the hard, necessary work, regardless of whether it benefits them or not,” Polydoros says. “The Asheville scene is full of folks who are the genuine article when it comes to walking the walk and talking the talk on community activism. Still Here Fest is our love letter to all of them.”

To learn more, visit avl.mx/f2f  X

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Down the alley

Little Animals aims to spotlight artists with something to say

BY ARNOLD WENGROW

Tucked away on Carolina Lane, a narrow alley just behind Broadway, is a refurbished storefront known as Little Animals.

On some evenings, through its high glass double doors, you might glimpse people admiring art installed on its white walls. On other evenings, you might spot an audience listening to a musical performance or watching a film.

“I’m calling it a social space,” says Jeff Kinzel, the Asheville artist and entrepreneur who opened Little Animals in March 2024. “It combines the professionalism of a commercial gallery with the accessibility of a notfor-profit arts venue.”

Originally from New York, Kinzel has called Western North Carolina home for the past 25 years. “I’ve been here long enough to know the difference between decorative work and work where an artist has something to say,” he says.

The latter, he continues, is what inspired Little Animals.

It is a space where he invites creatives to take risks.

And interdisciplinary artist Jackson Martin, who serves as chair of UNC Asheville’s art and art history department, is up for the task with his upcoming exhibit Playing Home. Jackson will present his unique approach to sculpture, installation and photography at the downtown space with an opening reception Saturday, Sept. 13, 6- 8 p.m. The show will remain on display through Tuesday, Sept. 16.

BLURRING THE BOUNDARIES

Martin is the first to note his approach to sculpture is far from traditional.

“I rarely start like a ceramicist with just the basic clay,” he says. “Other sculptors will start with the raw material — the metal or the wood — and go from there. A lot of times, I’m using actual objects that already exist and already have baggage and a history with them.”

Kinzel describes Martin’s work as “conceptual,” noting that the idea behind a given piece is more important than the way it looks or how it was made. “If you’re lucky,” he says, “you

have a nice blend of a really cool aesthetic thing with a really cool idea.”

Martin has his own take on his process and creations. “I consider myself a conceptual artist but without the capital letters.”

He notes that his work is more object based. “A lot of my art blurs the boundaries between fine art, which is meant to just be viewed aesthetically, [and] craft, where the object is made very well but it's also a useful object. I love the middle ground.”

DOUBLE TAKE

Martin’s piece, “One Hundred Years in the Making” demonstrates his practice. At first glance, the work appears to be a sturdy wooden frame backpack with a detachable sack. When displayed on a white floor panel in a gallery, observers are clued to admire its lines and form.

But a nearby photo that accompanies the piece shows the artist wearing the backpack with his son, Miller, in the sack. The message seems to say: fine craft, beautifully made, meant to be used.

Within the same installation is another photo of a different man from a much earlier era wearing what appears to be the same backpack with a little girl in the sack.

“That image is Lloyd F. Nelson,” Martin explains. “He was the entrepreneur who back in the early 1900s invented the external frame backpack, and that’s his daughter, Lois, inside his backpack.”

Using the historical image as inspiration, Martin constructed a reimagined Nelson backpack. “This is a one-of-akind piece,” he says, noting that nearly every item on it is handmade.

HAULING AROUND A HOUSE

Other works that will be on display at the Playing Home exhibit are in conversation with “One Hundred Years in the Making.”

Martin’s piece “The Last Lonely Adventure” is the first in a series that he began in 2009.

“When I was in graduate school in Baltimore, a friend found two old camping backpacks next to a dumpster and he grabbed them and gave them to me,” Martin recalls. “I decided to completely take them apart. I unstitched and flattened all the nylon pieces and used them

ELEVATED STYLES: From film screenings to exhibits, Little Animals seeks to elevate Asheville's art scene, says its founder Jeff Kinzel, right. He is pictured with interdisciplinary artist Jackson Martin, whose upcoming show, Playing Home, launches inside the space on Saturday, Sept. 13. Photo by Thomas Calder

as templates to recreate the backpacks out of natural burlap.”

Meanwhile, with “Sleeps 3,” Martin repurposed three backpacks he’d discovered on the side of the road. The packs are intended to represent his family.

“I used those backpacks as well as an old family camping tent and I disassembled and reassembled them to make them look like a house,” he says. “I’ve got an image of me where I’ve got this on my back, and it looks like I have a house on my back.”

INCUBATOR FOR EXPERIMENTATION

Tracey Morgan, owner of her namesake gallery at 22 London Road outside Biltmore Village, notes her admiration for Little Animals. She says it straddles “being a for-profit commercial gallery [albeit with very limited hours and show runs] and an artist-run space” where creatives can exhibit their work and the works of fellow local makers. “In most

cities [such sites] serve as an incubator for experimentation, collaboration and community building.”

It is also a place for anyone who appreciates art and enjoys going to openings.

“Little Animals is relaxed,” she continues. “It functions as a social hub or clubhouse. Adding movies, music and discourse is always a great thing for our area. To me it fits in with what exists now with galleries, museums and experimental spaces like Revolve. The more alternative spaces here the better.”

As for the name, Kinzel says its linked to his childhood. “That derives from the little ceramic animals I used to collect when I went to Chinatown as a kid,” he explains. “Before going out to dinner we'd be allowed to purchase one at a little gift shop. The idea was to eventually encourage collecting.”

Encouraging people to collect art that has something to say, Kinzel adds, is his aim for Little Animals.

To learn more, visit avl.mx/f2i.  X

by Edwin Arnaudin |

Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour

This November, the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival in Canada celebrates 50 years of screening the top new adventure films. But since trekking to Alberta isn’t exactly the easiest thing to do, festival organizers take the experience on the road — and across the skies — each fall, sharing standout entries in more than 45 countries on seven continents.

The Asheville area is an annual stop for the World Tour, and this year screenings take place FridaySaturday, Sept. 12-13, at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. Each night features a different slate of short films, with topics ranging from Jamaica’s emerging climbing community to Utah’s women freeride mountain bikers to the team behind ultra-runner Courtney Dauwalter’s legendary success.

Tickets are $31.57-$67.95 per night, and all proceeds will benefit

MountainTrue. To learn more, visit avl.mx/f2j.

Panda Bear

Since forming in Baltimore in 1999, Animal Collective has crafted some of the most boundary-pushing albums in psychedelic, experimental rock, including its 2009 masterpiece, Merriweather Post Pavilion.

Solo work from Avey Tare (David Portner), Geologist (Brian Weitz) and Deakin (Josh Dibb) isn’t always the most accessible music, but Panda Bear (Noah Lennox) has consistently delivered engaging tracks with an edge, whether on his own or with co-producer Sonic Boom (Peter Kember).

Touring behind his Album of the Year candidate, Sinister Grift, the Lisbon, Portugal-based artist returns to The Orange Peel for the first time

in a decade on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 8 p.m. With Deakin opening and an appearance from Asheville resident Avey Tare all but guaranteed, we just need Geologist to lug in his hurdygurdy, and an Animal Collective miniset isn’t out of the question.

Tickets are $30 plus taxes and fees. To learn more, visit avl.mx/f2g.

Gaza Soup Kitchen Benefit Show

Helping those in need halfway around the world can feel daunting. But when opportunities arise to contribute to the efforts of foreign aid groups without leaving Asheville city limits, the barriers to making a difference suddenly disappear.

On Sunday, Sept. 14, at Sly Grog Lounge, eclectic local indie rockers Indelible Sauce are organizing a benefit show for Gaza Soup Kitchen, which provides meals to communities across Gaza. In addition to the host band, musical performers include Sludge Incorporated, Eggshell Emily, Eaze Dogg, Richard Shulman, Hijos Del Sol and Cryss. The Street Creature Puppet Collective will also bring its creative show to the stage.

In addition, representatives from Sumud Collective, Asheville for Palestine, Reject Raytheon and the Party for Liberation and Socialism will

also be on hand to provide information and answer questions, and speakers will give presentations on Palestinian issues. The event runs 4 p.m.-midnight. The gathering is $15 suggested donation, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. To learn more, visit avl.mx/f2k.

‘After Helene’

As the one-year anniversary of Tropical Storm Helene approaches, the local arts community continues to process the natural disaster and its aftermath in creative ways. Asheville-based poet Nancy Dillingham does so through her craft in the chapbook After Helene, which was published Aug. 15 by poetry magazine boats against the current. With deep family ties in the Big Ivy community, Dillingham has received praise for her latest collection from former N.C. Poet Laureate Shelby Stephenson, who says the poems’ “syllables vibrate with love for family and longing harmony for humanity.” Fellow local writer Celia Miles notes that the poems “counterbalance beautifully the facts of Helene’s havoc,” while poet Kelly S. Hamlin praises Dillingham’s ability to depict “a brighter dawn where squirrels scamper, birds sing, the sun shines and the goodness of strangers emerge.”

To learn more, visit avl.mx/f2h. X

A still from “Jamrock The Birth of Jamaican Rock Climbing,” part of the Sept. 12 program. Photo courtesy of Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

12 BONES

SMOKEHOUSE & BREWING

Trivia w/King Trivia, 7pm

ASHEVILLE YARDS

Pixies w/Spoon & Fazerdaze (alt-rock, new wave, indie-pop), 6pm

CAMDEN'S COFFEE

HOUSE

Open Mic Night, 7pm

EDA'S HIDE-A-WAY

Open Mic Wednesday, 7pm

ELUVIUM BREWERY

The Candleers (country), 5:30pm

EULOGY

Nick Hexum of 311 w/ Water Tower (Americana, bluegrass, punk), 8pm

FOOTHILLS GRANGE

Trivia Night, 6:30pm

FRENCH BROAD RIVER BREWERY

Saylor Brothers Jamgrass Wednesdays, 6:30pm

GALACTIC PIZZA

Fast Eddie's Trivia, 6:30pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

Old Time Jam, 5pm

PISGAH BREWING CO.

Bear Bones: Spiro & David (Grateful Dead Tribute), 6pm

SHAKEY'S

SSIN w/DJ Ragga Massive, 10pm

SLY GROG LOUNGE

Weird Wednesday Open Jam, 7pm

THE GREY EAGLE

James McMurtry (rock), 8pm

THE MEADOW AT HIGHLAND BREWING CO.

Well-Crafted Music Series: Taylor Pierson, Jacob Rodriguez, Justin Ray & Evan Martin (multi-genre), 6pm

THE MULE

Jazz Trio & Wine Wednesdays, 6pm

CLUBLAND

THE ODD Terraoke Karaoke Takeover, 9pm

THE ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

• Trivia Night, 7pm

• J.A.M.B Quartet (multigenre), 10pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

Prof w/Snotty Nose

Rez Kids, Reeves Junya

& Willie Wonka (rap, hip-hop), 8pm

THIRD ROOM

Disclaimer Stand-Up

Comedy Open Mic, 9:30pm

TWIN LEAF BREWERY

Open Mic Night, 6pm

URBAN ORCHARD

Wayward Trivia, 6:30pm

WHITE HORSE BLACK

MOUNTAIN

• Irish Session, 5pm

• White Horse Bad Ass Blues Jam, 7:30pm

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

CROW & QUILL

Russ Wilson & The Kings of Jazz (jazz, swing), 8pm

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

Smith. w/Montycler, Grimmjoi & Kinematics (edm, dubstep), 9pm

FITZ AND THE WOLFE Meschiya Lake (Gypsy-jazz), 6:30pm

FLEETWOOD'S Added Color, Machine 13 & East Ritual (alt-rock, goth, indie), 8pm

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

Books & Brews Trivia, 6pm

GREEN MAN

BREWERY

Thursday Night Trivia, 7pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

Bluegrass Jam w/Drew Matulich, 7pm

ONE WORLD

BREWING

KATRINA (alt-R&B, soul, pop), 8pm

ONE WORLD

BREWING WEST

Fee Fi Phaux Fish (Phish tribute), 8pm

PISGAH BREWING CO. The Shoaldiggers (folk), 7:30pm

SHAKEY'S Karaoke w/DJ Franco Nino, 9pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA

Django Jazz Jam, 7pm

STATIC AGE LOFT

Auto-Tune Karaoke w/

Who Gave This B*tch A Mic, 10pm

STATIC AGE RECORDS

Tear Dungeon, Ton of a B*tch & Rest Home (metal, punk), 8:45pm

THE GREY EAGLE

Patio: Tony Kamel (bluegrass, alt-country), 5:30pm

THE JOINT NEXT DOOR

All Female Singer-Songwriter Night, 7pm THE ODD

Porcelain Parrot, Tanner York & Hippie Love Party (art-pop, shoegaze, emo-rock), 8pm

THE ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

Preston Cate & The Outfit (experimental, groove), 9pm

TWIN WILLOWS The Candleers (country), 6pm

WICKED WEED

BREWING

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

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

27 CLUB Vessels of Vengeance, Jawjacked, Saint Pariah, Roxic & Broadslab (metal), 8pm

ALL DAY DARLING Dinah's Daydream (jazz), 6pm

ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

Lua Flora w/Wim Tapley & The Cannons (Americana, indie-folk, pop), 9pm

COFFEE, ART, MUSIC TYPE PLACE Open Mic, 6pm

CORK & KEG

North Valley Tune Tanglers (country, Appalachia), 8pm

CROW & QUILL Las Montañitas (psych, Latin), 8pm

EULOGY

Broadway Rave: A Musical Theater Dance Party, 8pm

FITZ AND THE WOLFE Karaoke from Muskogee, 7:30pm

FLEETWOOD'S Karaoke Pity Party, 8pm

FRENCH BROAD RIVER

BREWERY

Sal Landers' Weirdly Woodstock (rock), 6pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

Elizabeth & Her Band (roots, Americana), 8:30pm

MAD CO. BREW HOUSE

Paul Koptak & Kevin Dolan (folk, Americana), 6pm

ONE WORLD BREWING

A.G. Hammond (R&B, blues, jazz), 6:30pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Cosmic Equinox w/Bassarid & Ionsound (edm, electronic), 8:30pm

REVOLVE

Claire Rousay (alt, indie, edm), 8pm

SHAKEY'S 2000s Karaoke w/DJ Franco Nino, 10pm

HIGHWAY 81 TRIO: On Saturday, Sept. 13, Asheville-based band 81 Drifters host an album release show at Jack of the Wood Pub, starting at 8:30 p.m. The 81 Drifters offer singer-songwriter originals, along with bluegrass, Western swing, old country and classic rock. Photo courtesy of 81 Drifters

SIERRA NEVADA

BREWING CO.

Mac Arnold & Plate Full o’ Blues (blues, soul), 7pm

STATIC AGE RECORDS

Mint Field, The Silver Doors, & Alex Homan (pop, psych, blues), 8:45pm

THE GREY EAGLE

• Patio: 81 Drifters (swing, blues, folk), 5:30pm

• Matt Heckler (bluegrass), 8pm

THE MEADOW AT HIGHLAND BREWING CO.

We Have Ignition (rock), 7pm

THE ODD

Lil Kevo 303, Ninelyoko, Tnznt, Buggy, Sonic Madness & PrettyxFeral (hardcore, electronic), 8pm

THE ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL

McKinney & Josee Molavi (soul-jazz, R&B, pop), 10pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

Drake White w/Reid Haughton (country), 8pm

THE STATION BLACK MOUNTAIN

Mr Jimmy (blues), 5pm

THIRD ROOM

Dessert Dwellers (electronic, dance, psybass), 8pm

WHITE HORSE BLACK

MOUNTAIN

Queen Bee & The Honeylovers (swing, blues, Latin), 7:30pm

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

27 CLUB

Lilith Rising w/Venus

Invictus, PJ & the Prairie Dangerous & Gypsy Caravan (gothic-metal), 8pm

ALL DAY DARLING

Adam Rose (jazz), 6pm

ASHEVILLE CLUB

Mr Jimmy (blues), 6pm

ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL

Man's Best Party: A Sabrina Carpenter Night, 9pm

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 (jazz), 8pm

DSSOLVR

UV Sessions w/DJ

Lil Meow Meow & boys_camp, 1pm

EDA'S HIDE-A-WAY

Sparkle Mountain, Cyndi Lou & The Want To (country, honky-tonk), 8pm

EULOGY

My Bestie's a Virgo: AVL:XLR (edm), 10pm

FLEETWOOD'S Garden Apratments, EZ

Shakes & Jon Loudon (indie-rock, psych-country, punk), 9pm

FRENCH BROAD RIVER BREWERY

M.A.R.S.H (rock), 6pm

GINGER'S REVENGE

CRAFT BREWERY & TASTING ROOM

Stephen Evans (folk, rock), 4pm

JACK OF THE WOOD

PUB

• Nobody’s Darling String Band, 4pm

• 81 Drifters (bluegrass, country), 8:30pm

MAD CO. BREW

HOUSE

Pierce Edens (folk), 6pm

ONE WORLD BREWING

Brent Hyder (psych-pop, synth-rock, indie), 8pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

Redbud (bluegrass, roots), 4pm

PISGAH BREWING CO.

The Get Right Band (psych, alt-rock), 4pm

SHILOH & GAINES

Clem Snide w/Rye Valley (indie-rock, alt-country), 7pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

• Suns of Stars Sunday Residency (bluegrass), 2pm

• One Love Sundays w/Strong Fire (Ska, reggae), 7pm

PISGAH BREWING CO.

WTF: Sunday Jam Takeover (funk), 6:30pm

SHAKEY'S Stand Up Comedy Open Mic, 8pm

SIERRA NEVADA

BREWING CO.

Tasty Vibrations (reggae, funk, hip-hop), 2pm

SLY GROG LOUNGE

Open Mic w/Mike Andersen, 6:30pm

THE GREY EAGLE

• Country Brunch w/ Gracie Lane, 11am

• Patio: Freddie McClendon (soul, country, rock), 3pm

SIERRA NEVADA

BREWING CO.

Displace (funk, jazz), 2pm

STATIC AGE RECORDS

Finnish Postcard, Good Trauma, Trust Blinks & Mult (indie-rock, slowcore, shoegaze), 8:45pm

THE GREY EAGLE

• Blue Country Line Dance's Giddy-Up Brunch, 11am

• Patio: Nature Boys (bluegrass), 4:30pm

• D.R.I. (metal, punk), 8pm

THE MEADOW AT HIGHLAND BREWING CO.

Arnold Hill (alt-rock), 6pm

THE ODD Party Foul Drag, 8pm

THE ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

• Dan Clare Collective (funk, bluegrass, rock), 6pm

• The Lumpy Heads (Phish tribute), 10pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

Welcome To Night Vale: Murder Night in Blood Forest, 8pm

THIRD ROOM

Dessert Dwellers (electronic, dance, psybass), 8pm

WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN

Tannahill Weavers (Celtic), 7:30pm

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

ASHEVILLE YARDS

Sold Out: Sierra Ferrell (country, folk), 7pm

EDA'S HIDE-A-WAY

Open Mic Night, 7pm

EULOGY

The Hails w/Oceanic (alt-indie, edm), 8pm

FRENCH BROAD RIVER

BREWERY

Reggae Sunday w/ Chalwa, 3pm

JACK OF THE WOOD

PUB

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

• Traditional Irish Music Session, 3:30pm

ASHEVILLE’S FIRST KRATOM DISPENSARY NOW OPEN!

BROUGHT TO YOU BY SAKTI BOTANICALS, ASHEVILLES LEADING KRATOM VENDOR 481 HENDERSONVILLE RD MON-WED 12-5PM, THURS-SAT 10-9PM

SEPT. 10:

• Tinsley Ellis (folk, blues), 8pm

THE MEADOW AT HIGHLAND BREWING CO.

Brian Felix Organ Trio (jazz), 2pm

THE MULE Served by Sev Drag Brunch: September: Face Swap, 1pm

THE ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL

• Shakedown Sunday's, 6pm

• Sunnyside (folk, Americana), 10pm

THE RIVER ARTS DISTRICT BREWING CO.

RAD Comedy w/Winston Hodges, 7pm

VOWL

Freshen Up Comedy Open Mic, 7pm

WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN

Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road (bluegrass, Appalachian), 7:30pm

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

27 CLUB

27 Club Karaoke, 10pm

EULOGY

Calva Louise w/Sicksense & Jesus Casino (metal, punk, rock), 7pm

FLEETWOOD'S Best Ever Karaoke, 9pm

FRENCH BROAD RIVER BREWERY

Alex Bazemore & Friends (bluegrass), 6pm

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

STATIC AGE LOFT

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

SEPT. 11:

SEPT. 13:

SEPT. 14:

SEPT. 17:

SEPT. 18: SEPT. 19:

STATIC AGE RECORDS

HIDE, Corpse Dust & Dagger Wound (electronic, industrial, dark), 8:45pm

THE GREY EAGLE

Jake Kohn & Low Water Bridge Band (country), 8pm

THE JOINT NEXT DOOR

Mr. Jimmy & Friends (Blues), 7pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

Sierra Ferrell: A Benefit for WNC w/Nest of Singing Birds (folk, alt-country, jazz), 8pm

THIRD ROOM

Grateful Dead Mondaze w/Clouds of Delusion, 7pm

WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN

Local Live Presents: Bebe Kern & Carrie Morrison (multi-genre), 7pm

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

ARCHETYPE BREWING Trivia Tuesdays w/Party Grampa, 6:30pm

ASHEVILLE YARDS

Vance Joy w/ Sammy Rae & The Friends, Jonah Kagen & Kyle Schuesler (folk, indie, pop), 6:30pm

CORK & KEG

Wilson Savoy & Friends

Cajun Dance Party, 7pm

EULOGY

Runnner (indie-rock), 8pm

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

SHAKEY'S

Booty Tuesday w/DJ

Mad Mike, 10pm

SLY GROG LOUNGE

Cast Iron Shoes, Daniel Kemish & Alma Russ (country, rock'n'roll, Appalachian), 7pm

THE GREY EAGLE

Golden Folk Sessions, 7pm

THE JOINT NEXT DOOR

The Lads AVL (rock, blues), 6pm

THE ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

• Early Tuesday Jam, 7pm

• Uncle Lenny's Krazy Karaoke, 10pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

Panda Bear w/Deakin (alt, folk, pop), 8pm

THIRD ROOM

Open Decks, 8pm

WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN

White Horse's Open Mic, 7pm

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

12 BONES

SMOKEHOUSE & BREWING

Trivia w/King Trivia, 7pm

ASHEVILLE YARDS

Turnstile w/Mannequinn Pussy, Speed & Jane Remover (punk, hyperpop, edm), 6pm

CAMDEN'S COFFEE HOUSE Open Mic Night, 7pm

ELUVIUM BREWERY

The Candleers (country), 5:30pm

EULOGY Carcass (death-metal), 8pm

FOOTHILLS GRANGE

Trivia Night, 6:30pm

FRENCH BROAD RIVER

BREWERY

Saylor Brothers Jamgrass

Wednesdays, 6:30pm

GALACTIC PIZZA

Fast Eddie's Trivia, 6:30pm

PISGAH BREWING CO.

Acoustic Wednesday w/ Sammy Morris, 6pm

SLY GROG LOUNGE

Weird Wednesday Open Jam, 7pm

STATIC AGE RECORDS

Sold Out: Gouge Away, Fliora & Tombstone

Poetry (punk, noise-pop, hardcore), 8:45pm

THE GREY EAGLE

John Mark McMillan & Citizens (alt-rock, punk), 7:30pm

THE MULE

Jazz Trio & Wine

Wednesdays, 6pm

THE ODD

Terraoke Karaoke Takeover, 9pm

THE ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

Parker & Friends (multigenre), 10pm

THE ORANGE PEEL Bonny Light Horseman w/Angela Autumn (folk, country), 8pm

THIRD ROOM

LaMP (funk, rock), 8pm

TWIN LEAF BREWERY

Open Mic Night, 6pm

URBAN ORCHARD Wayward Trivia, 6:30pm

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

Butcher Brown w/Sam Fribush Organ Trio (jazz, rock, funk), 8pm

BLOSSOM ON MAIN Suzy & the Gents Jam Session (Latin, jazz), 7pm

BOTANIST & BARREL TASTING BAR + BOTTLE SHOP

Stand Up Comedy Night, 6:30pm

CROW & QUILL Lock, Stock & Teardrops (country), 8pm

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

House & Home w/ Troubled Minds (alt-rock, emo, pop), 8pm

FITZ AND THE WOLFE Meschiya Lake (Gypsy-jazz), 6:30pm

FLEETWOOD'S Shared Walls, Bombay Gasoline & Yawni (punk, surf, indie), 9pm

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

GREEN MAN BREWERY

Thursday Night Trivia, 7pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Bluegrass Jam w/Drew Matulich, 7pm

MAD CO. BREW HOUSE Jim Hampton (country), 6pm

ONE WORLD BREWING Braelyn Grooms (country), 7pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

• Flamenco Appalachia, 6pm

• Fee Fi Phaux Fish (Phish tribute), 8pm

PISGAH BREWING CO. Displace (funk), 7:30pm

SHAKEY'S Karaoke w/DJ Franco Nino, 9pm

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

STATIC AGE RECORDS Public Circuit, Star Anise & Headringer (shoegaze, indie, noise-pop), 8:45pm

THE MULE Latin Night w/WAILERÎ, 6:30am

THE ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL The Shady Recruits (R&B, soul, rock), 9pm

THE ORANGE PEEL Allen Stone w/Forrest Day (soul, R&B, indie), 8pm

THIRD ROOM Gene Farris w/Aiden Rolfe, Holotek, Jericho & Hack (dance, electronic), 10pm

TWIN WILLOWS The Candleers (country), 6pm

WICKED WEED BREWING Pete Townsend (acoustic), 5pm

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY BY

ARIES (March 21-April 19): I can’t speak the Quechua language, which is Indigenous to the Andes Mountains. But I have lifted one of their words to use for our purposes here: *munay*. It refers to an intensely practical and visionary love that includes far more than sweet feelings and affection. When we practice *munay*, we offer discerning respect and detailed appreciation to those we adore. We are generously eager to help our allies live their best lives. It takes discipline! And focus! And ingenuity! To be a rigorous and vigorous source of *munay*, we must cultivate it as a daily practice. In the coming weeks, Aries, I hope you will go a bit wild in your expression of this tender force of nature. Imagine yourself as a gentle whirlwind of love that spreads interesting beauty and bestows useful blessings. Be a relentless dispenser of catalytic gifts.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The medieval Persian polymath Avicenna believed the soul entered the fetus not with the first heartbeat, but with the first dream. I offer this idea for your poetic consideration, dear Taurus. Let’s imagine that the next beautiful thing you create will not arise from your forceful intention. Rather, it will emerge because you give yourself permission to fantasize, to wander freely in wonder, and to meander with curiosity on the frontiers. Your assignment is not to hustle, but to incubate; not to push forward, but to dwell expectantly in the mystery.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The bowerbird constructs elaborate ground-based shrines not as nests but as seduction lures. The enticer might gather blue bottle caps, yellow flowers, and shiny stones so as to create a scene that piques the attention of a potential mate. These objets d’art are not merely decorative. They are displays that demonstrate discernment, skill, and aesthetic intelligence. I authorize you to be like a bowerbird, Gemini. What collection of symbols, words, gestures, and curiosities will magnetize the people or opportunities you long to engage with? It’s not about flashiness; it’s about alignment. What you draw into your sphere will reflect the vibes you emanate.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): The pearl doesn’t begin as treasure. In its earliest form, it’s an irritation: a grain of sand that’s really a wound inside the oyster. Over time, the creature coats it with layers of nacre, turning discomfort into luminescence. Let’s use that as a metaphor for you, Cancerian. In my view, your task right now is not to escape or shed what’s bugging you, but to expedite the coating process. What is that gritty thing? A memory, injustice, or unmet yearning? It’s crucial you don’t reject it and don’t let it fester. I think it’s best to turn it, layer by layer, into a luminous asset, even a treasure. Prediction: The pearl you form will long outlast the wound.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Olive trees can thrive in rugged environments, including rocky and nutrient-poor soils. Their root systems are wide, deep, and resilient. They are well-adapted to full sun, high temperatures, and low water availability. In comparing you to an olive tree, Leo, I’m not implying you will always have to be as hardy as they are. But in the coming weeks, you will be wise to be equally plucky and persevering. Here’s another fact about the olive tree you can and should emulate: Its fruit is valuable and in demand.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The Basenji is a dog breed that doesn’t bark. Instead, it produces an eerie, melodic yodel called a baroo. This oddity isn’t a flaw or drawback; it’s an interesting uniqueness. In the coming weeks, Virgo, I invite you to express your personal versions of the baroo—your idiosyncratic offerings and singular gifts. Playfully resist the pressure to be more conventional or “on brand.” Be faithful to what yearns to come out of you, which may be raw, radiant, and a little weird. Let your authenticity be exactly what it is: a beacon, not a liability.

ROB BREZSNY

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Scientists discovered that some caterpillars, while dissolving inside their cocoons, retain memories of their caterpillar lives even after becoming butterflies. In my view, that’s equivalent to us humans remembering details of our previous incarnations: having an all-new body but being able to draw on what our past body learned. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, you will be able to draw on this amazing capacity in the coming weeks. The person you used to be will have key revelations and inspirations for the future you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): According to Celtic mythology, Cerridwen is the goddess of inspiration. In her cauldron, she brews magical elixirs that bestow the powers of wisdom, creativity, and transformation. The humans most likely to earn her blessings are those who are patient and willing to be changed. Of all the signs in the zodiac, you Scorpios are now at the top of the eligibility list for gifts like these. And the next three weeks will be the most favorable time for you to ask for and receive such blessings. Here’s a clue that will help you get all you deserve: *Believe in magic*.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In ancient Chinese philosophy, *ziran* means naturalness, spontaneity. It might refer to the way a mountain is purely a mountain, and a wave is a wave without trying to be a wave. I think you Sagittarians are due for an extended engagement with this wild ease and elegant freedom. After weeks of inner labor, your soul wants to breathe in *ziran*. Your assignment is to let yourself be as natural and unconstrained as you dare—not correct or careful or “optimized.” So I advise you to head in the direction of what’s simple and real and good. Emphasize smoothness over effort. Choose your rhythm, not theirs. You aren’t required to prove your healing. You just have to live it.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “Serendipity" is an English term that refers to beautiful accidents, fortunate interruptions, unexpected opportunities, and surprisingly wonderful discoveries (The French equivalent is *sérendipité*; Italian: *serendipità*; Japanese: *serendipiti.*) The word didn’t exist until 1754, when author Horace Walpole coined it. Lovely outbreaks of good luck and uncanny blessings had been happening from time immemorial, of course, even though there wasn’t this precise word for them. Here’s a key point: They are more likely to occur if you believe they’re possible and make yourself alert for their arrival. That’s good advice for you right now.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): The placenta is the only organ that the human body creates from scratch and then discards. Let’s pause for a moment to register how remarkable this is: to grow a temporary life-support system and then jettison it once its purpose is fulfilled. Inspired by this miracle, I speculate that you may soon undertake a metaphorical version of it. A situation or experience that has nurtured you is reaching the end of its mission. Though it has served you well, the wise move might be to outgrow it and move on to a new phase of your evolution. At the very least, it’s time to embark on a search for new forms of nourishment.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In Balinese gamelan music, there's a technique called *kotekan*. Two instrumentalists play distinct musical parts that together create a seamless, intricately melodic and rhythmic texture. Let’s make this your metaphor to live by in the coming weeks, Pisces. In my astrological opinion, you are not meant to work solo. Your greatest success and most fun will come by generating harmony through collaborative improvisation and shared timing. A small warning: Someone else’s input may at first feel like interference, but it’s actually the missing part of the song. Let yourself blend, bounce, echo, and respond. Genius will be born in the spaces between.

MARKETPLACE

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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

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 844-213-6711 (NC Press)

RENTALS

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

2 BEDROOM 1 BATH APARTMENT In Black Mountain. $995 per month. With new laminate

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CONDOS/ TOWNHOMES FOR RENT

2 BED 1 BATH TOWHOUSE FOR RENT 1 mile from downtown. $895 per month. Hardwood floors, very nice neighborhood. Pets allowed. 828-2524334

MOBILE HOMES FOR RENT

2 BEDROOM 2 BATH MOBILE Accepting Section 8. $1595 per month. New laminate hardwood floors. 2-3 miles from town. On the bus line.Very quiet neighborhood. 828-252-4334

Magical Offerings

September Herb: Angelica Root September Stone: Angelite September Oil: Angel Oil

9/10: Reader: Jessica 12-5

9/11: Reader: Violet 1:20-6

9/12: Reader: Krysta 12-6

9/13: Reader: Ed 12-6

Aura Readings 1-6

9/14: Reader: Andrea 12-4

Mercy Fund Animal Rescue Adoption Event 12-3

HOME IMPROVEMENT

ELECTRICIAN

ELECTRICAL SERVICE

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HANDY MAN

HANDY MAN 40 years experience in the trades, with every skill/tool imaginable for all trades with the exception of HVAC. No job too small. $35 an hour. Carl (828) 5516000 electricblustudio@ gmail.com

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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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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LEGALS

OTHER

PUBLIC SALE OF VEHICLES

To satisfy a lien for a 2008 Audi A6 against Marcus Samuel Robinson for $7,725.00. To satisfy a lien for a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox against Camron Brian Hall and Kings Auto Sales LLC for 5165.00.

To satisfy a lien for a 2013 Hyundai Elantra against Destini Ashton-Mae Lopez and Auto Credit Assistance Corporation for $15485.00. Auto Safe Towing Inc., 474 ½ N. Louisiana Ave., Asheville NC 28806. 828-236-1131

Publication: September 3, 2025 Publisher: Mountain Express

ACROSS

1 Cursed look

8 Kia sedan renamed the K5 in 2020

14 Typically the biggest players on a football team

15 Major arteries

16 Convertible living room pieces

18 Dances to a Chubby Checker song, say

19 “You ready to do this?”

20 Display container

22 Bit of gear for an entomologist

23 ___ Lingus

24 “Please turn up the thermostat!”

25 City at the center of “Moonraker,” informally

27 Winners of Super Bowl III (and no other Super Bowls since then)

29 Paired number

30 Tally mark

33 Team ___

34 It may be struck for a camera

35 Part of the Disney logo

36 Gently touches

38 ___ tide

40 Green eggs go-with

41 Lubricate

42 Provide backup for, as a weightlifter or gymnast

43 Suckers

44 December 31, notably

45 Chewie’s “Star Wars” buddy

46 One of just two original Monopoly tokens still made today

47 “When I ___, you ___, we ___” (lyric from a Freak Nasty hit)

49 Some whiskeys

51 Stopped bringing up 54 Beethoven’s Third 56 Most

58 Find in the dictionary

59 Lose one’s shirt, say

60 Fjords and firths

61 Regular fixed compensation

1 “Frozen” queen

2 Six-stringed instrument similar to a cello

3 Item that has to be blown up before being filled with water

4 Occupancy agreements

5 Smoldering remnant

6 Hurl, in modern lingo

7 Conclude

8 Quaker ___

9 Rejuvenating break

10 Lead-in to -umvirate

11 “You’re overthinking this” ... or what might be said about 3-, 9-, 17and 34-Down?

No. 2: Abbr.

28 Actor Morales of “Ozark” 29 It separates the dollars and cents

Applaud

Tailor’s edges

Minor office injury

Quick throw in football 21 Class that may not have written tests 24 Peter Pan transport 26 Apple mobile platform 27 Japanese martial art

Animal on a “Hang in there!” inspirational poster 37 Tahoe or Cherokee, in brief

39 Proterozoic, for one 42 That woman 43 Biting