What to Do – March 2016

through March 19
70s Vibe
An interpretation of the 1970s plus the first wave of Boomers turning 70. Trackside Gallery, a brand new gallery representing 15+ artists. 375 Depot Street, River Arts District, Asheville. www.tracksidestudios375.com

through the end of March
R. Bruce Brennan and Maureen Simon Exhibits
Works by Maureen Simon, photographer, and Bruce Brennan, painter are on display at the Canton Public Library, 11 Pennsylvania Avenue in Canton. (828) 648-2924.

March 3-19
Glengarry Glen Ross
All-female production of the play by David Mamet. Desperate sales agents sell undesirable real estate to unwitting buyers. Thursday through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $18 in advance; $21 at the door. BeBe Theatre, 20 Commerce St., Asheville. (828) 254-2621.

Friday, March 4
New Horizons
Works by Anne Bonnyman, Cathyann Burgess, and Johnnie Stanfield. Meet the artists at a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Runs from March 1 through March 31. Their work and that of the other 26 gallery members will be on display and for sale through the month during regular hours, Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Asheville Gallery of Art, 82 Patton Avenue in Asheville, across from Pritchard Park.

Friday, March 4
Thoughts of Home: Cultural Identity and the Evolution of an Artist.
This exploratory exhibition examines the narrative work of Vadim Bora and three fellow-Vladikavkaz artists. Opening reception from 5-8 p.m. at the Asheville Area Arts Council, 1 Page Avenue, Suite 143A, in Asheville’s historic Grove Arcade. Exhibit runs through April 2, 2016. For more information, please call (828) 258-0710 and visit www.ashevillearts.com.

Friday, March 4 & April 1
London District Studios
New home furnishings oriented studio, gallery and retail space hosts monthly art opening. 8 London Road at the intersection of London Road and Sweeten Creek in Biltmore Village.

Saturday, March 5
Imaginer!
Tim “T-Bone” Arem performs a mash-up of mime, magic, music, comedy and circus arts at 12 noon. Part of ACT’s Saturday Family Series. Asheville Community Theatre, 35 East Walnut St., Asheville. (828) 254-1320, www.ashevilletheatre.org

Saturday, March 5
Pink Talking Fish
Hybrid fusion of Pink Floyd, The Talking Heads, and Phish. 21+. Doors: 9 p.m. $10 adv.; $15 d.o.s. Asheville Music Hall, 31 Patton Avenue. www.AshevilleMusicHall.com

Saturday, March 5
The Elegant Statement
Exhibition opens from 5-7 p.m. Featuring 27 book artists and letterpress printers working across the United States. Asheville Bookworks, 428 1/2 Haywood Road, Asheville. (828) 255-8444, ashevillebookworks.com

March 6 & April 3
Spinterview
A live jazz mash-up prepared by Robin Tolleson, music journalist, DJ, and drummer. First Sundays at 4 p.m. at The Loft, Asheville Music School, 126 College St. $5 adults; $2 students. (828) 252-6244, www.spinterview.media.

Sunday, March 6
Classical Music Concert
Vocal recital with bass Bradley Williard accompanied by Bob Strain on piano. By donation. 3 p.m. at St. Matthias Church, 1 Dundee St., across from the Public Works Building on S. Charlotte and Max Streets.

Monday, March 7
Auction for the Arts
The fun begins at 6 p.m. with a reception, catered by the Ale House, and a silent auction. Among the items up for auction are entertainment discounts and packages, gift certificates, textiles, pottery, and jewelry. Tickets are $25; $30 the day of the auction. Held at Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W. State St. Call (828) 669-0930, or visit www.BlackMountainArts.org.

Tuesday, March 8
Classic Hike
Experience the remote Little Cataloochee area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and visit historic structures, including the Hannah Cabin, Cook Cabin, and Little Cataloochee Baptist Church. The  hike is led by outdoor enthusiast and author Danny Bernstein. Little Cataloochee Trail is 6.6-miles roundtrip and is moderate in difficulty with a total elevation gain of 1,450 feet. Monthly guided day hikes are $20 for Friends of the Smokies’ members. New members may join and hike for $35. Donations benefit the Friends’ Smokies Trails Forever program. Visit hike.friendsofthesmokies.org for additional information.

 


Counterparts

Bassoon and Sax featuring Rosalind Buda, bassoon; Alan Theisen, saxophone; Ivan Seng, piano.

  • Tuesday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m. Broyhill Chapel at Mars Hill University. Free admission.
  • Sunday, March 13 at 3 p.m. Asheville First Presbyterian Church, 40 Church Street Downtown Asheville. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 day of, $5 students, plus 7% NC sales tax. Available online at www.panharmonia.org/shop
  • Sunday, March 20 at 5:30 p.m. Music and Wine Interlude at ISIS Restaurant and Music Hall. Pairing beautiful music with delicious food and wine. Tickets are $15; $7.50 students. Food and wine extra. Call (828) 575-2737 or visit www.isisasheville.com/calendar.

 


March 9-20
All in the Timing
Comedy about the difficulties of relationships, and, of course, the meaning of life. At NC Stage Company, 15 Stage Lane, Asheville. Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. (828) 239-0263, NCStage.org.

Thursday, March 10
Celebrate Zelda!
Celebrate Zelda! will take place around town with readings, art, music and fashion.
– Orbit DVD, 781 Haywood Road, West Asheville, is hosting a Zelda! gaming competition.
– Readings from Zelda’s works take place at 6:30 p.m. at Malaprops, 55 Haywood Street, Asheville, and at Firestorm Cafe & Books, 610 Haywood Road, West Asheville.
– A silent auction plus live music by the Firecracker Jazz Band begins at 8 p.m at the Asheville Masonic Temple, 80 Broadway Street. Roaring 20’s attire is encouraged! Complimentary glass of bubbly while it lasts. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at www.aurorastudio-gallery.com.

March 10-12
Asheville’s Reel Comedy
A collection of the most absurd, satirical, and hilarious local or Asheville-adjacent films. 7:30 p.m. at Magnetic 375. $10 at the door. 375 Depot Street in the River Arts District.

Opens March 11
12 Angry Men
Regular ticket prices are $10 for all adults and $6 for students. To reserve a seat for the studio or café, simply call the HART Box Office at (828) 456-6322 and leave your name, phone number, the number of guests and the date of performance you would like to attend. Seating is general admission. Tickets may also be purchased at www.harttheatre.org. The Fall of a Sparrow will run March 4 & 5 at 7:30 p.m., and March 6 at 2 p.m. Reservations for the HART Studio are recommended as productions often sell out. All performances are at the HART Theatre, 250 Pigeon St., in downtown Waynesville.

Friday, March 11
Abilities Illuminated
The show will feature art created by individuals of LIFESPAN, including painting, ceramics, mosaic art, sculpture, and jewelry. Artist’s reception from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Haywood County Arts Council and its Gallery & Gifts is located at 86 N. Main Street in Waynesville. For more details, please call (828) 452-0593, email info@haywoodarts.org, or visit HaywoodArts.org.

March 11-27
Next To Normal
Directed by Rock Eblen and with music direction by Sarah Fowler, this intriguing rock musical is about Diana, a mother who struggles with worsening bipolar disorder and the effect that her illness and the attempts to alleviate it have on her family. Performances Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday afternoons at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are available online, over the phone, or in person at the Asheville Community Theatre Box Office. All tickets are $20. For tickets or information about Asheville Community Theatre, please visit www.ashevilletheatre.org.

Carl Sandburg Home Student Poetry Contest
Deadline: March 11
Students in grades 3 to 12 may submit up to three poems written in any style. The theme for 2016 is “Legacy.” Submission forms and contest rules are at www.nps.gov/carl. For further information, call (828) 693-4178.

Friday, March 11
Paint Making Demonstration
With Perry Houlditch. Reception from 5-8 p.m. Asheville Area Arts Council, 1 Page Avenue in the Grove Arcade, downtown Asheville. (828) 258-0710, www.ashevillearts.com.

Friday, March 11
Jacob Johnson & Antsy McClain
Live in concert at 7 p.m. Tickets at 38main.com. The Strand, 38 Main in Waynesville.

 


Diana Wortham Theatre

  • Friday, March 11 – Ballet Conservatory of Asheville presents Winter Works Innovations and Variations at 7:30 p.m.
  • Friday, March 18 – Color Me Goodwill. Reception at 6 p.m. Fashion show at 7 p.m..
  • Friday, March 25 – Dervish at 8 p.m.
  • Thursday, March 31 and Friday, April 1 – Rhythmic Circus at 8 p.m.

Diana Wortham Theatre, 2 S. Pack Square, downtown Asheville.
Call (828) 210-9837, or visit www.dwtheatre.com

 


March 11 & 12
Magician David London
David combines magic with storytelling, comedy, puppetry, surrealism, philosophy, and that which cannot be defined, to create original shows of magic unlike anything you have experienced before. At the The Altamont Theatre, 18 Church St., Asheville. For tickets and show times call (828) 270-7747 or visit www.TheAltamont.com.

Saturday, March 12
Romeo and Juliet
The scintillating music of Berlioz’s Romeo and Juliet and a beloved Mozart piano concerto. 8 p.m. Tickets: $22 – $62 (prices vary depending on seating section); reduced youth and student pricing available. Info/Tickets: Symphony Office (828) 254-7046, www.ashevillesymphony.org. Tickets available in person at the U.S. Cellular Center box office at 87 Haywood St. Concert held at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium in downtown Asheville.

Saturday, March 12
Appalachian Pastel Society
Free meeting and demonstration featuring Ron Laboray, 10 a.m. to noon. Deborah Kidwell Johnson workshop from 1-4 p.m. Grace Community Church, 495 Cardinal Road, Mills River. Registration required. Visit www.Appalachianpastelsociety.org.

Saturday, March 12
Farm-to-Table Dinner
5:30 p.m., following the Annual Organic Growers School Spring Conference, at the UNCA Campus, Asheville. Reception and organic, four-course meal. Tickets are $75 to $125 each. Details at organicgrowersschool.org.

Saturday, March 12
The Asheville Symphony
Pianist Shen Lu performs selections from Berlioz’s Romeo and Juliet. Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, downtown Asheville. Tickets: $22-$62. (828) 254-7046 or www.ashevillesymphony.org.

Saturday, March 12
Stray Local
Wilmington-based Americana band is a reminder of why the South is known for music that makes you feel at home. 6-8 p.m. French Broad Brewery, 101 Fairview Rd., Asheville. (828) 277-0222, www.frenchbroadbrewery.com.

Saturday, March 12
Girls on The Run at ZaPow!
Opening reception 7-9 p.m. Recognizing personal power and responsibility; embracing differences and finding strength in connectedness. On display March 12 through May 2, 2016. ZaPow Gallery, 21 Battery Park Ave., downtown Asheville.

Saturday, March 12
Mr. Sun
The “Bluegrass Supergroup” Mr. Sun is a provocative ensemble showcasing the talents of mandolinist Joe K. Walsh, fiddler Darol Anger, guitarist Grant Gordy, and bassist Ethan Jodziewicz. At Isis Music Hall. $15 advance; $15 at the door. Doors opens 5 p.m.; Show 9 p.m. General admission seated show with a limited number of tables available with dinner reservations. Isis Music Hall, 743 Haywood Rd. in west Asheville. Call (828) 575-2737 or visit www.isisasheville.com.

Saturday, March 12
Nolatet
After years of collaboration, vibraphonist Mike Dillon, pianist Brian Haas, bassist James Singleton, and drummer Johnny Vidacovich formed Nolatet. Join them to celebrate the release of their debut album, Dogs. Doors: 7 p.m.; show: 8 p.m. All ages. Tickets: $20 adv. / $23 d.o.s. / $35 VIP (guaranteed seating in 1st three rows). The Altamont Theatre, 18 Church St., Asheville. For tickets or more details, please call (828) 270-7747 or visit www.TheAltamont.com.

 


The Writers’ Workshop

Fee: $75; $70 Writers Workshop members.

  • Saturday, March 12 – Writing Children’s Books, with Bobbie Pell. 10-4 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 19 – Editing and Revising Your Own Work, with Karen Ackerson. 10-5 p.m.

The Writers’ Workshop, 387 Beaucatcher Road, Asheville
(828) 254-8111, www.twwoa.org

 


Sunday, March 13
Open House and Filmmaker Mixer
Hosted by the Asheville School of Film (ASoF) from 3-6 p.m. Join the school’s faculty and local film community as they mingle, socialize, and discuss upcoming classes. Light snacks and beverages provided. RSVP is requested via Facebook or ashevilleschooloffilm@gmail.com. The Asheville School of Film is located at 45 S. French Broad Ave. Ste. 120 in downtown Asheville. Go online to www.ashevilleschooloffilm.com or call 1-844-AVL-FILM (285-3456) for more information.

Sunday, March 13
Taking the Pegs Out of jpegs
Nancy Smeltzer will show how to take photos of art works and turn them into .jpegs as part of the Art League of Henderson County meeting. Social at 1:30 p.m., meeting at 2 p.m. followed by the presentation. Free. Held at The Opportunity House, 1411 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville.

 


Hendersonville Chamber Music

  • March 13 – Chanté Piano Trio. Semifinalists in the prestigious 2015 Fischoff competition and winner of NC’s WDAV 89.9 Chamber Music Competition, these young people, Maria Parrini, Paul Aguilar, and Stephen Hawkey are flawless musicians.
  • March 20 – Ivory Piano Trio. Take an exhilarating violin and cello, add a prize winning pianist and we have the makings of an extraordinary afternoon.

Hendersonville Chamber Music performances are presented on Sunday afternoons at 3 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, Fifth Avenue and White Pine in Hendersonville. Subscriptions for all four concerts are $ 75 including tax. They are available by mailing a check payable to HFCM, P.O. Box 271 Hendersonville, NC 28793. More information at hendersonvillechambermusic.org.

 


Wednesday, March 16
Word!
A celebration of the spoken word featuring Raymond Christian and Steve Shell. 7 p.m. at the Buffalo Nickel, 747 Haywood Road in West Asheville. $12 at the door or $10 online at www.eventbrite.com. Dinner reservations are suggested by calling (828) 575-2844.

Thursday, March 17
Donna the Buffalo
A soulful, electric, American mix infused with elements of cajun/ zydeco, rock, folk, reggae, and country. City of the Sun opens. 8 p.m. doors; 9 p.m. show. $20 adv.; $22 d.o.s. 18+. The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave., Asheville. (828) 398-1837, theorangepeel.net

Friday, March 18
Harvest House Sculpture Exhibition
Works by Harvest House class members. Opening reception from 5-7 p.m. On display March 14 through April 3, 2016. Miya Gallery, 20 North Main Street, Weaverville. (828) 658-9655.

Friday, March 18
Annie and the Hot Club
Smokin’ swing with a twist of Nashville. 9 p.m. $15 advance; $20 door. For dinner reservations call (828) 575-2737. Isis Restaurant and Music Hall, 743 Haywood Rd. in west Asheville. Details and tickets at www.isisasheville.com.

Friday, March 18
Peacemakers
The Asheville Singers, Reuter Center Singers and University Singers in Concert. Choir, percussion, brass and soloists, and texts by Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, Percy Shelley and Anne Frank. 7 p.m. in UNCA’s Lipinsky Auditorium. Free. Info: music.unca.edu

Saturday, March 19
Taiko Drumming Workshop
Explore the cultural and spiritual aspects of this ancient art form with Rev. Shuichi Tom Kurai. Taiko drums will be on hand for practice. Japanese Folk Drumming, 9 to 11 a.m. Buddhist Temple Drumming, 2 to 4 p.m. $45 each workshop, plus donation. Baha’i Center, 5 Ravencroft Dr., Asheville. Presented by Great Tree Zen Temple. (828) 645-2085, greattreetemple.org

Saturday, March 19
Get in Gear Fest
At Get in Gear Fest, outdoor enthusiasts from across the region can get hands-on with locally designed and manufactured gear as they get ready for the spring season, compete in exciting events and races, and meet the people who design and make the gear they use to get outside and play. This free event will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at RiverLink Plaza in Asheville. For more information, please visit www.outdoorgearbuilders.com.

Sunday, March 20
The 51st Annual Palm Sunday Luncheon
Food service begins at 11 a.m. and continues until 2 p.m. with takeout beginning at 10:30 a.m. Phone (828) 253-3754 weekdays to place your orders for pick-up. For the last minute deciders, call (828) 254-7424 on the day of the luncheon and your order will be packaged for you upon arrival. At the Morris Hellenic Cultural Center, 227 Cumberland Avenue in Asheville. It is sponsored by the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society of the Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.

 


F-Word (Feminist) Film Festival

  • March 21 – Screening and dicsussion of Three to Infinity, the first feature documentary on people who are neither male nor female.
  • March 22 – Screening and dicsussion of Maha Marouan’s documentary, Voices of Muslim Women from the U.S. South.

7 p.m. both days in UNC Asheville’s Karpen Hall, Laurel Forum. Free. Info: wgss.unca.edu

 


Wednesday, March 23
Olde Virden’s Super Happy Trivia Challenge
A live, unscripted panel show featuring local actors and personalities who try and answer esoteric questions. Hosted by Adam Arthur. 7:30 p.m. in 35below. $12. Asheville Community Theatre, 35 East Walnut St., Asheville. (828) 254-1320, www.ashevilletheatre.org

Thursday, March 24
Chamomile and Whiskey
Marie Borgman’s versatile fiddle playing is a key component to the group’s adaptability. While Irish and Old-Time seem her forte, gypsy and classical musings are also heard. 21+ show begins at 9 p.m. No cover. The One Stop at The Asheville Music Hall, 55 College St., Asheville. (828) 255-7777, www.ashevillemusichall.com

Friday, March 25
Grovewood Gallery
Helen Purdum shares her inspired techniques of surface design on bisque fired bowls and cups, focusing on the delightful caricatures of her Girlfriends series. 12 to 4 p.m. Free. Grovewood Gallery, 111 Grovewood Rd., Asheville. (828) 253-7651, www.grovewood.com.

Friday, March 25
The Larry Keel Experience
CD release show. Flatpicking guitar phenom presents his 15th self-released album, Experienced. Doors 8:30 p.m.; show 9 p.m. 21+. $12 adv.; $17 d.o.s. Asheville Music Hall, 31 Patton Avenue. www.AshevilleMusicHall.com

March 25 – April 9
Montford Park Players
Dark Lady of the Sonnets, by George Bernard Shaw, and The Upstart Crow, by Vincent Dowling, directed by Scott Keel. An evening celebrating William Shakespeare. At Asheville’s Masonic Temple. Pay What You Like! (828) 254-5146, montfordparkplayers.org.

Saturday, March 26
The Art of Paper Cutting
Krista Skrede will demonstrate the intricate art of paper cutting, revealing delicate and dramatic 2D and 3D compositions. Free. 12-4 p.m. Grovewood Gallery, 111 Grovewood Rd., Asheville. (828) 253-7651, www.grovewood.com.

Moog’s Circuit Bending Challenge
Deadline: March 27
Take a battery powered device and circuit bend it into an instrument capable of creating new and unique sounds. Winners will receive passes to Moogfest 2016, as well as a Moog merch package. Details at moogfest.com.

Monday, March 28
Kyle and Friends Hootenanny
At Highland Avenue Restaurant. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $175 per person. Purchase before March 6 and save $25. Purchase tickets online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2501062. For more information, call (828) 267-9811 or visit www.highlandavenuerestaurant.com

Wednesday, March 30
From One Generation to the Next
Mountain music concert and storytelling program featuring David Holt and Josh Goforth. Fundraiser for the Center for Cultural Preservation. The Bo Thomas Auditorium on the campus of Blue Ridge Community College at 7:30 p.m. $20. Call (828) 692-8062; go to saveculture.org.

March 31 – April 3
photo+craft
A 3-day, collaborative, creative festival exploring intersections of photography and craft. Exhibitions, talks, and panel discussions on photography and craft will be held throughout downtown Asheville and the River Arts District. For details and schedule, go to www.photocraftavl.com.

Greening Up the Mountains Festival Call for Vendors
Apply by Friday, April 1, 2016
Seeking artists, mountain crafters, environmental and food vendors for the 19th annual festival, which takes place Saturday, April 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Sylva, NC. Call (828) 631-4587. Applications available at www.greeningupthemountains.com.

Friday, April 1
Town Mountain
Celebrating the release of their 5th album, Southern Crescent. Raw, soulful bluegrass with plenty of swagger. $12 adv.; $15 d.o.s. 21+. The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave., Asheville. (828) 232-5800, www.thegreyeagle.com.

Saturday & Sunday, April 2 & 3
Workshop with Shadow May
Learn how to approach clay from a sculptural point of view. The Village Potters, Riverview Station, 191 Lyman Street. More details at (828) 253-2424, www.thevillagepotters.com.

Sunday, April 3
The Doric String Quartet
With Pianist Jonathan Biss at 4 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, corner of Edwin Place and Charlotte Street. Tickets are $38 each. To purchase tickets or for more information please visit the ACMS website: www.ashevillechambermusic.org or call Nathan Shirley at (828) 575-7427 or support@ashevillechambermusic.org.

Saturday, April 16
Figure Drawing Workshop
With Francesco Lombardo. Live male and female models. All skill levels. $75 includes materials. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 9 a.m. set up and coffee/cookies. 115 Blannahassett Island in Marshall. Sign up at www.francescolombardo.com

Friday, April 29
310 ARTists gala party
4-7 p.m. There will be refreshments, lots of artists on hand, some demos and more. The studio is located at 191 Lyman Street, #310 (ground floor north) in Asheville’s River Arts District. For more details, call (828) 776-2716, email gallery@310art.com and visit www.310art.com.