What to Do – April 2013

through April 21
Shipwrecked!
Performed in NCSC’s intimate downtown theatre at 15 Stage Lane – just off Walnut Street by the Rankin Parking Garage. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 21. Tickets are available from the NC Stage box office in person or over the phone at (828) 239-0263, Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.. They are also available online from www.ncstage.org.

April 1-30
New Work by Lana Wilson
An exhibition featuring new work by nationally recognized ceramic artist Lana Wilson. For more information call (828) 688-3599 or visit www.crimsonlaurelgallery.com. Crimson Laurel Gallery, 23 Crimson Laurel Way, Bakersville, NC 28705.


Richard Shulman Performances
Thursdays, April 4, 11, 18, & 25 – Playing keyboard with the Heather Masterton Quartet from 8-11 p.m. at Olive or Twist, 81 Broadway, Asheville.
Sundays, April 7, 14, & 28 at 11 a.m. Music at the Center for Spiritual Living, 2 Science of Mind Way, Asheville. (828) 253-2325
Saturday, April 27 – Playing piano with the Asheville Sound Collective in a concert/sound healing event at the UR Light Center on Rte. 9 in Black Mountain, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
For more information call (828) 658-9604 or visit www.RichHeartMusic.com


Thursday, April 4
The Modern Atelier
Opening Reception from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at BlackBird Frame & Art. On exhibit April 1-30, 2013. BlackBird Frame & Art, 365 Merrimon Ave. Hours are 10-6 weekdays and 10-3 Saturdays. Phone (828) 225-3117 or visit www.blackbirdframe.com.

Friday, April 5
First Friday Gallery Walk
The Downtown Asheville Arts District hosts First Fridays from 5-8 p.m. every month through December. More than 25 galleries and museums in downtown Asheville will host receptions and exhibitions. Complimentary trolley service will be running during the event. Park at the Asheville Visitors Center and hop on! www.DowntownAshevilleArtDistrict.org

Friday, April 5
Narratives at the Bender Gallery

On display through May 31 with an opening reception on Friday, April 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. The Bender Gallery, 12 S Lexington Avenue in downtown Asheville, next door to the French Broad Chocolate Lounge. More information is available by visiting the gallery at www.thebendergallery.com

Friday, April 5
Jonathan Edwards
At the Altamont Theater at 8 p.m. Ticket info (828) 348-5327. The Altamont Theatre, 18 Church St., Asheville. Or visit www.myAltamont.com

Friday, April 5
Johann in the Sky With Diamonds
James Barr presents a concert and discussion through the often-overlooked musical spirituality of the Beatles, as well as the oft-neglected emotional content and style of Bach’s work. 7:30 pm on the ACT Mainstage. Tickets from $20-$22.

Friday, April 5
Sandra Brugh Moore Opening
Watercolor paintings of florals and landscapes. Opening reception 5 to 8 p.m. at The Asheville Gallery of Art, 16 College Street,  Asheville. Call (828) 251-5796 or visit www.ashevillegallery-of-art.com.

Friday, April 5
Asheville Music School Performance Fund-raiser
$15 suggested donation. Wine and small bites available. Tickets available at the door or at www.ashevillemusicschool.com. 7:30 p.m. at Asheville Music School, 126 College St. Call (828) 252-6244.

Friday, April 5
Trio Solisti
8 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place at Charlotte Street. Tickets are $35 and are available at the door. More details at www.ashevillechambermusic.org. Students under the age of 25 attend free of charge.

Friday Night Live @ 7 p.m.
Wine, beer, tapas. Live music weekly.
April 5 – Joe Cruz, piano and vocals
April 12 – Paul Cataldo, guitar and vocals
April 19 – Ben Wilson, guitar and vocals
April 26 – Marshall Ballew, Blues guitar, banjo, vocals
The Classic Wineseller, 20 Church Street, Waynesville, NC
(828) 452-6000, www.classicwineseller.com

Blissful Brahms
Saturday, April 6
3 p.m. House Concert at a Grove Park home featuring clarinetist Brian Hermanson, cellist Franklin Keel, and pianist Daniel Weiser playing great works by Brahms and Mendelssohn. Reservations are required by calling Dan at (828) 505-2903 or e-mailing daniel@amicimusic.org.

Ragtime Romp
Saturday, April 6
7:30 p.m. pianist Daniel Weiser will perform a solo piano show at the White Horse Black Mountain. This program explores the history and music of the wonderful ragtime era with music by Joplin, Jelly Roll Morton, Joseph Lamb, and many more. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students/children. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.whitehorseblackmountain.com.

Saturday, April 6
Free Planet Radio
At Laughing Waters Retreat on top of the scenic Hickory Nut Gorge at 7:30 p.m. Outstanding jazz-fusion grooves. $12-$15 door. (828) 625-4780

Saturday, April 6
Bling, Bling Bash!
Fundraiser for AAUW-Asheville’s Scholarship Endowment. Sale of vintage jewelry, handbags, scarves, accessories. From 10-2 p.m. at the Beaverdam Fire Station, 450 Beaverdam Rd., North Asheville. Call (828) 505-3826.

Saturday & Sunday, April 6 & 7
The Medium
7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 6, and 3 p.m. Sunday, April 7 at the Haywood Arts Repertory Theater, 250 Pigeon St., Waynesville. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $6 for students. To purchase tickets or for more information, contact the HART box office at (828) 456-6322 or visit www.harttheatre.com.

Saturday, April 6
{Re}HAPPENING 2013

6 p.m. to midnight in the original dining hall of the former Black Mountain College, now Camp Rockmont. More than 80 artists participating in over 30 projects, performances and installations dotting the buildings and grounds. For the full schedule visit www.rehappening.com. To purchase tickets for the event, which includes dinner, cocktails, and entertainment, visit www.blackmountaincollege.org or call (828) 350-8484. The Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center, 56 Broadway, Asheville.

April 6 & 7
Do Tell Storytelling Festival

Intelligent entertainment for adults ages ten and over takes place at the Downtown Flat Rock Playhouse, 125 S Main Street, Hendersonville. Advance ticket purchase recommended. For more information call (828) 693-0731, or visit www.dotellfestival.org.

Sunday April 7
Serpentine Jazz Spells
Serpentine makes her Asheville jazz debut with a concert at Saint Matthias Episcopal Church at 3 p.m. Featuring Bill Bares on piano, Zack Page on bass and Michael Davis on drums. Saint Matthias Episcopal Church, 1 Dundee Street, Asheville.

Tuesday, April 9
Go Local Social
Celebrating the partnership of Asheville Grown and Asheville City Schools Foundation. A family friendly celebration of unchained and independent Asheville. The Hop is donating 50% of all sales to the Big Love Festival and ACSF. Go Local Cards will be on sale at the event. Locally-made, lovingly scooped ice cream paired with great folks from our community. 5-8 p.m. at The Hop Ice Cream Cafe, 640 Merrimon Avenue, North Asheville. More details by visiting the Asheville Grown Business Alliance, www.ashevillegrown.com

Wednesday, April 10
Peter Case
And his guitar at 8 p.m. Tickets for this seated event are priced at $12 advance and $15 day of show. The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave., Asheville. Call (828) 232-5800 or visit www.thegreyeagle.com

Thursday, April 11
The Literacy Council’s 22nd Annual Spelling Bee
Ferguson Auditorium, A-B Tech Community College, at 6:30 p.m. $5 admission at the door. There will be entertainment and refreshments, so we encourage audience members to come at 6 p.m. and join the fun.

Thursday, April 11
Auditions for Carousel and Suor Angelica
Open to all singers regardless of experience. To schedule an audition call the Asheville Lyric Opera at (828) 236-0670. Office hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday. Applicants must provide a current resume and headshot. An accompanist is provided. A $5 audition fee is required. At the Diana Wortham Theatre from 5-8 p.m. Enter through the loading dock on S. Market Street.

Thursday, April 11
Release Your Inner Animal
A fundraising party to benefit Animal Compassion Network’s lifesaving programs. The jungle themed event will be an animal costumed evening with vegetarian and vegan hors d’oeuvres. 6:30-9:30 p.m. in Asheville Brewing Co.’s Mill Room, 66 Asheland Avenue. Details at www.animalcompassionnetwork.org

Thursday, April 11
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Film Series
“5 Broken Cameras” – Screening of the documentary will be followed by discussion, free and open to the public at 7 p.m. in UNC Asheville’s Robinson Hall, room 125. Info: 828/251-6575.

Thursday, April 11
The Race to Nowhere
Film and panel on state of education – The documentary, “The Race to Nowhere – The Dark Side of America’s Achievement Culture,” will be screened, followed by a panel discussion featuring educators, students and others. Free and open to the public beginning at 7 p.m. in UNC Asheville’s Highsmith University Union, room 143. Info: 828/251-6304.

Friday, April 12
Blue Ridge Watermedia Society Artist’s Reception
6-8 p.m. at Gallery 86, 86 N. Main Street, Waynesville, NC. On display Wednesday, April 10 through Saturday, April 27, 2013. For more information visit www.haywoodarts.org

Friday, April 12
The Fritz
Asheville based rock-funk group gets their groove on at the Asheville Music Hall, 31 Patton Avenue. $8 in advance, $10 at the door. 21+show starts at 9 p.m. Visit www.ashevillemusichall.com

April 12 and 13
Tosca
At the Diana Wortham Theatre at 8 p.m. To purchase tickets call (828) 257-4530 or visit www.dwtheatre.com. Student groups may call the Asheville Lyric Opera at (828) 236-0670 to make reservations for the April 10 Preview Dress Rehearsal at 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.ashevillelyric.org.

April 12, 13
The Interstellar Dance Project
The UNC Asheville Dance Program’s annual spring concert features modern, jazz, tap, Middle Eastern dance, aerial and performance art, and draws inspiration from the “Radiolab” broadcast, “Carl Sagan and Ann Druyan’s Ultimate Mix Tape.” Performances at 7 p.m. Friday, April 12, and at 7 and 9 p.m. Saturday, April 13 at BeBe Theater, 20 Commerce St., downtown Asheville. Tickets at the door cost $10 or $5 for students. Ticket reservations and info:  828/232-5652.

Saturday, April 13
Strings and Threads: Art Quilts
Opening at 10 a.m. An exhibit featuring works by Stephanie Wilds will be on display in the Black Mountain Center for the Arts Upper Gallery from Saturday, April 13 through Friday, April 26. Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W. State Street, Black Mountain, NC. Details at (828) 669-0930, or visit www.BlackMountainArts.org

Saturday, April 13
Old Time Plowing and Folkways
Old Time Plowing and Folkways; meet draft horses and learn to plow the Cradle’s garden the old way. Living history volunteers bring the past to life. (828) 877-3130; www.cradleofforestry.org; $5 for adults; under age 16 admitted free. Cradle of Forestry, Pisgah National Forest, NC Hwy 276.

Saturday & Sunday, April 13 & 14
Battle of the Bands Unplugged
From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Benefit to save Mrs. Hyatt’s Music House, a treasured landmark for Applachian regional music for more than 60 years. A “Poker Run” for motorcycle enthusiasts will take place on Saturday, April 13. Check in at Anderson Nissan, 629 Brevard Road in Asheville at 10:30 a.m. Original songwriters, acoustic Old-Time, Bluegrass, Gospel, Country and Mountain music will compete for a $2,000 prize, awarded June 1 at JamFest. Entry forms and tickets at www.mrshyattsmusichouse.org. For more information call (828) 633-1136.

Wednesday, April 17
Gangstagrass
Gangstagrass brings their unique hip-hop-meets-bluegrass sound to The Grey Eagle. Local hip hop duo Crazyhorse & Colston to open. $7 in advance, $10 at the door. 21+show starts at 9 p.m. 185 Clingman Ave. in Asheville. Call (828) 232-5800 or visit www.thegreyeagle.com


Michael Jefry Stevens Concerts
Thursday April 18 – $8 show at 9:30 p.m. at the Lexington Ave. Brewery. Trio featuring: Billy Cardine, electric dobro; Jason DeCristofaro, vibraphone; Michael Jefry Stevens, electric keyboard.
Friday April 19 – Black Mountain Center for the Arts. $10 suggested donation. Featuring Eliot Wadopian on bass.
Tuesday April 23 – 8 p.m. at the Altamont Theatre, $10 donation. Music of Frank Southecorvo featuring Frank Southecorvo on saxophones.
www.michaeljefrystevens.com


April 18 – May 5
Jeffrey Presented in 35below
Jeffrey’s friends introduce him to the man of his dreams, who also happens to be HIV-positive. What follows is an audacious and moving romantic comedy. Performances Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m. No performance April 25; additional Sunday matinee May 5 at 2:30 p.m. More details at www.differentstrokesavl.com.

Saturday, April 20
Secret B-Sides
On Highland Brewing Company’s outdoor stage (12 Old Charlotte Hwy). This absolutely free, all ages show, takes place from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information go to www.thesecretb-sides.com

Saturday, April 20
VietNam
Laying down their renowned signature cocktail of apocalyptic street blues at the Double Crown, 375 Haywood Rd. in Asheville. (828) 575-9060, www.facebook.com/TheDoubleCrown

Saturday, April 20
Eve Haslam & Satin Steel Jazz
Waynesville’s Classic Wineseller presents a Cd release concert at 7 p.m. 20 Church Street. Tickets are $34.99 per person. Reservations are required. Call (828) 452-6000 or email info@classicwineseller.com.

Saturday, April 20
Asheville Creativity Symposium
With hosts, world-renowned musician River Guerguerian, and creative entrepreneur and poet James Navé. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Creativity Concert at 7 p.m. $25 for Symposium and concert. $8 for the concert only. Proceeds will benefit the LEAF Foundation. The Odyssey School, 90 Zillicoa St., Asheville. For more details visit www.jamesnave.com or call (919) 949.2113

Saturday, April 20
Writing Historical Fiction
Workshop with Anne Barnhill. Learn how to make historical figures ‘come alive’, how to use dialogue from another century, where to find research materials, and much more. Register at www.twwoa.org. For more information call (828) 254-8111.

Wednesday, April 24
6th Annual Music Video Asheville
A showcase to highlight the pairing of Asheville musicians and filmmakers. Networking Party at 6 p.m.; Screening 7-10 p.m.; Awards 10:30 p.m.  $8 adv/ $10 at the door. At the Cinebarre, behind Biltmore Square Mall, 800 Brevard Road, Asheville, NC, www.cinebarre.com. More details by calling (828) 665-8661 or visit www.musicvideoasheville.com.

Thursday, April 25
Comas
Intense drive and top-notch technical skill. Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place, 8 p.m. Tickets: Regular $30; Students $25; Child $15; Student Rush day-of-the-show (with valid ID) $10. Tickets/Info: (828) 257-4530 or online at www.dwtheatre.com.

Friday & Saturday, April 26 & 27
Dead Man Walking

The Modern American Music Project presents two performances of Dead Man Walking. Friday, April 26, UNCA’s Lipinsky Hall at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 27 at at 3 p.m., Coulter Hall, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC. Tickets are $25-$40. For reserved seating or more information visit www.tmamp.org and www.tix.com

Saturday, April 27
QuickDraw
From 4:30 until 9:30 p.m. Come to relax, get your auction number, and drink in the view. Tickets are $50 and include the QuickDraw live art hour, social, auction registration, and meet-the-artists buffet. For event schedule, participating artists and ticket outlets, visit www.WNCQuickDraw.com. For more information, call (828) 734-8098.

Saturday, April 27
Broadway’s Next H!T Musical
The only unscripted theatrical awards show, presents a night of hilarious audience-driven musical comedy. A special benefit performance for Diana Wortham Theatre. Reception at 7:30 p.m.; Performance at 8:30 p.m. VIP Tickets, reception plus orchestra-level seating, $75; Regular tickets, performance only, balcony seating, $50. Tickets/Info: (828) 257-4530 or online at www.dwtheatre.com.

Saturday, April 27
Asheville Sound Collective
Experience the collective power of the piano, gongs, crystal bowls, Tibetan bowls and bells, drums, mbira, shruti box, and didgeridoo with local artists. Concert begins at 7 p.m. $20 at the door. The Light Center, 2196 Hwy. 9, Black Mountain. For details call (828) 669-6845 or visit www.URLight.org.

April 27-28
Weaverville Art Safari
A special preview party at the Weaverville Town Hall kicks off the event on Friday, April 26. The fun starts at 7 p.m. and includes live music, door prizes, heavy hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and more. The highlight of the evening is a silent auction featuring art works donated by each participating artist. Event tickets are only $10 at the door. For more information on the and participating artists please visit www.weavervilleartsafari.com.

Sunday, April 28
Elegy – Holocaust Remembrance Series
5 p.m. Celebrating the creativity of the human spirit. Kate Steinbeck, flute, John Ravnan, viola, Amy Brucksch, guitar, Ian Bracchitta, bass. Music of Ervin Schulhoff and the Sephardic Diaspora. Manheimer Room, Reuter Center, UNCA Asheville. Free Admission.

now through May 31
Biltmore Blooms
For more details visit www.biltmore.com.

May 4
2nd Annual GeekOut Convention
WNC’s popular arts convention will celebrate all aspects of pop culture; from film, television, and animation to costuming, comics, and stage performance. Celebrity guest appearances and panels, two full days of tabletop and card gaming, a film and animation track, and workshops on independent filmmaking and writing for science fiction. Two performance stages will showcase theatrical and musical acts. At UNCA’s Sherrill Center and Kimmel Arena. Register on the website, www.geekoutavl.org.

May 3-5
24th Annual Spring Herb Festival
60+ growers and vendors. Free to the public; free parking; free shuttle service. At the WNC Farmers Market, 570 Brevard Road, Asheville. Info: (828) 301-8968, (828) 253-1691, or www.ashevilleherbfestival.com

May 3-5
BLUE to BLACK Art Weekend
Includes the E.A.S.T. of Asheville Studio Tour, with a greater emphasis on Black Mountain artists. The BLUE to BLACK Art Stroll applies to Cheshire Village and downtown Black Mountain Art Venues and Galleries. Open house Saturday, May 4 from 5-7 p.m. Contact Cappi Macsherry at (828) 707-7615, or visit www.bluetoblackweekend.com

Big Foot at Cherry St. GalleryMay 3-5
Blue to Black Art Stroll
Follow BIG FOOT to the stroll, FIND him for an unusual treat. Downtown Black Mountain.

May 3-5
French Broad River Festival
Come spend the weekend listening to great regional and national recording artists in Hot Springs, NC. Ticket prices: $75 plus Ticketweb fees if bought online before April 20. After April 20 price will be $90. Children under 11 get in free. More details at www.FrenchBroadRiverFestival.com

May 3, 4 & 18
Under the Sea
Under the Sea features underwater photography by Dr. John Highsmith. On display, May 1-27, 2013. Opening reception Friday, May 3 from 6-9 p.m. Family Craft Workshops will be held May 4 and May 18 from 2-4 p.m. $5 includes supplies. Maximum of 15 children ages 4 to 7 years old. Call the Haywood County Arts Council at (828) 452-0593 to sign up. Gallery 86, 86 N. Main St., Waynesville, NC. For more information, visit www.haywoodarts.org.

Saturday, May 4
Handcrafted and Heartfelt
Southern Highland Craft Guild Auction from 5 to 8 p.m. To purchase tickets call the Folk Art Center at (828) 298-7928. The Folk Art Center is located at Milepost 382 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, just north of the Hwy 70 entrance in east Asheville. For more information call (828) 298-7928 or visit www.craftguild.org.

Saturday, May 4
The National Day of Puppetry
Free Puppet Performances and a Giant Puppet Parade. For a small fee you can make a puppet. Play puppet themed games; bounce house; balloons and more! From 11-3 p.m. in downtown Asheville’s Roger McGuire Green in Pack Place. For more information and full schedule go to www.ashevillepuppetry.org.

Saturday, May 4
Let It Be Heard!
From 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. in downtown Black Mountain, eighteen bright red megaphones will transform the central green into a fun audio playground for young and old. Shout, speak or sing into one of these special instruments. For more information please visit www.themegaphoneproject.com.

Sunday, May 5
Big Love Fest
Locally owned and independent businesses, including makers, crafters, artisans, food based businesses, entertainers and more. 1-8 p.m., Pack Square Park, downtown Asheville.

Friday, May 10
R&B Legend Mavis Staples
Staples most recent solo album, “You Are Not Alone,” picked up a Grammy for Best Americana Album. She will be joined by her sister, Yvonne, and a fabulous four-piece at the LEAF Festival. The LEAF Festival takes place May 9-12 in Black Mountain. For the full schedule visit www.theLEAF.org.