COMMUNITY FOCUS events of note
Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair The nostalgic town square of Burnsville will once again be transformed into the annual Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair. As you stroll up and down the “Norman Rockwell” streets lined with artist booths, you will find chairs and tables, hand hewn from rhododendron bushes and maple logs, seasoned blacksmiths producing everything from whimsical fairies to intricate candelabras. Grab a warm bag of fresh popped kettle corn and continue around the square and onto the side streets. You will see sparkling glass, gold, silver, and beaded jewelry, from the contemporary to the very traditional. Birdhouses, candles, soaps, and lotions available in every size and shape will be on display. Over 200 artists are as varied as the crafts that they produce and many will be working on their craft as you browse. The fair happens from August 7-8 from 9am - 5pm. For more information: yanceychamber.com/craft-fair
Nayika: exploring the Woman in Indian Classical Dance The North Indian dance form of Kathak has seen an interesting evolution in terms of gender politics. This event will discuss and reflect upon that history, as well as explore how one can use a traditional art to create compelling stories of empowered women – like the many women that perform Indian classical dance today. The event will feature a performance by Ibanca Anand and her summer students. Anand, a disciple of Guru Pandita Archana Joglekar in New Jersey, received her Visharad Purna (bachelor’s degree) in Kathak last year, and is currently a third-year student at Duke University, where she has received support from many avenues to spread the knowledge of Indian culture and art. The event is on Sunday, August 2 from 1 - 3pm at Ark Dance Studio, 14 Epworth Lane, Durham NC. Light snacks will be provided. There is no ticket or fee. For more details call Ibanca Anand at 732-910-8030.
Asheville Wine & Food Festival Experience a unique 3day culinary adventure in Asheville, NC. Masterful bartenders are stepping out into the spotlight for a mixology competition of craft spirits with regional and national distilleries while you enjoy some of the most creative dishes in the world. A select assortment of North Carolina distilleries with everything from wine to bourbon to moonshine will also be on hand with select tastings. The festival runs from August 20 – 22. For more information: www.ashevillewineandfood.com.
Mountain Dance and Folk Festival Since 1928, the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival has served a crucial role in raising awareness and understanding of the vitality and importance of Southern Appalachian culture throughout the region, nation and world. The mission is to present the finest of the Appalachian ballad singers, string bands and square dance teams for education and entertainment. The songs and dances shared at this event echo centuries of Scottish, English, Irish, Cherokee and African heritage found in the valleys and coves between the Great Smokies and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Come share in the appreciation of this 3-day event from August 6-8 in Asheville, NC. For more information: www.folkheritage.org
NC State Bluegrass Festival Ah, summertime and bluegrass music. Enjoy 3 days of all things bluegrass including live artists and jam classes using the Wernick method from August 13-15 in Marion, NC. Tickets available at www.adamsandandersonbluegrass.com om Squad Summer Camps 2015 Om Squad, the youth group of HSNC, presents the annual summer camps. Breakfast, lunch, and snack will be served. There will be performance for parents on the last day of camp. Some activities include yoga, music, arts & crafts, dance, shlokas, Indian mythology, and more. The remaining camp dates are: August 17– August 21. General information contact: summer.camp@hsnconline.org. Online Registration: http://www.hsnconline.org/hsnc-summer-camp/. Camps are at Hindu Society of North Carolina, 309 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC.
Art Sale to benefit UNC Children’s Sudha Soora of Cary will showcase a Solo Art Show & Sale at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh, 3313 Wade Ave. in Raleigh. Original watercolor and acrylic artwork will be for sale in the Founders Hall located in the lower level from August 25 to October 11, Monday - Friday: 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Sun: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Meet the Artist Receptions are on Sun, Aug 30 from 1 to 3 p.m. and on Sun, Sep 27 from 1 to 3 p.m. One hundred percent of the proceeds will be donated to UNC Children’s benefiting the hospital. Contact: artforcharities@gmail.com Saathee.com
CMAC Fall Concerts The Classical Music Association of Charlotte (CMAC) presents a violin duo performance by Ganesh and Kumersh Party on Sunday, September 27 at Tyler-Tallman Hall, Davidson College beginning at 3:30pm. The second performance is a vocal concert by Ramakrishnamurthy and Party on Sunday, October 25 at CPCC Tate Hall beginning at 3:30 pm. For more details call 704814-9355 (Muthukrishnan) or 704-442-1186 (Jayashree Panduranga) or visit www.onlinecmac.org. 86
August 2015