Thursday – Saturday, August 2-4
85th Annual Mountain Dance and Folk Festival
The nation’s longest running folk festival. This three-day event showcases the best of the region’s old-time and bluegrass musicians, mountain dance groups, cloggers, and ballad singers. 7 p.m. nightly at Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place in downtown Asheville, NC. Tickets: $20; children 12 and under $10; adult 3-night package $54. (828) 257-4530. Info: www.folkheritage.org.
Friday, August 3
f/32 Photography Group Show
Opening reception for the f/32 Photography Group show at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W. State Street from 6-8 p.m. The exhibit continues through August 31. For more information contact the Center at (828) 669-0930 or www.blackmountainarts.org. More information on f/32 can be found at www.f32nc.com.
August at the Folk Art Center
The Southern Highland Craft Guild will host the stage performance of Tom Godleski’s original play, Fresh Preserves August 3-5, 2012. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for students. Fresh Preserves is a wonderful blend of mountain storytelling and songwriting, the play is a true expression of southern Appalachian culture.
The Folk Art Center will host its annual celebration of wood crafts at Wood Day on Saturday, August 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Folk Art Center’s auditorium will be filled with lathes, sawhorses, wood tools and the master craftspeople who know how to use them. Demonstrations include carving, wood turning, broom making, and furniture design and construction. Southern Highland Craft Guild members Sandra Rowland and Jan Morris will host activities for children.
Admission to Wood Day and the Folk Art Center is free. The Folk Art Center is located at Milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in east Asheville. Headquarters to the Southern Highland Craft Guild, the Center also houses three galleries, a library, Allanstand Craft Shop and a Blue Ridge Parkway information desk and bookstore. For more information, call (828) 298-7928 or visit www.craftguild.org.
Michael Jefry Stevens Jazz Events
Sunday, August 5 – Hobknob Restuarant, Brevard, NC. 7:30 to 11 p.m. No cover.
Sunday, August 12 – St. Matthias Episcopal Church, Asheville. Original music featuring Frank Southecorve on sax, Jason DeCristofaro on vibraphone and myself on acoustic piano. 3-4 p.m. No cover – donation only.
Sunday and Monday, August 5 & 6
Auditions for HART’s “Light In The Piazza ”
The Haywood Arts Regional Theatre will hold auditions for its October production of the hit Broadway musical “The Light in the Piazza” Sunday and Monday, August 5 & 6, at 6:30 p.m. The production is being directed by Charles Mills. There are leading roles for four women and four men with additional supporting roles and chorus. Auditions will be held in the Feichter Studio of the HART Theatre, 250 Pigeon St. in Waynesville, NC. More details at www.harttheatre.com.
August 9-19
Sylvia
Southern appalachian Repertory Theatre (SART) presents a modern romantic comedy about a marriage and a dog. Greg and Kate have moved to Manhattan after twenty-two years of child-raising in the suburbs. Greg’s career as a financial trader is winding down, while Kate’s career as a public-school English teacher is beginning to offer her more opportunities. SART is located on the campus of Mars Hill College in Mars Hill, NC. Call (828) 689-1239 for tickets. More details at www.sartplays.org
Fridays, August 3 and 10
Noontime Bag Lunch Series
Enjoy an hour of presentations from noon to 1 p.m. Renowned jazz composer and pianist Michael Jefry Stevens and his wife, poet Tina Barr, will present “Jazz Poetry and Music: Passionate Meetings” combining their areas of expertise to entertain and educate. Bring a bag lunch. No charge to the public, donations are accepted. The Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W. State Street. For more information call (828) 669-0930.
Friday, August 10
Pianist Margarita Shevchenko
In concert at 7:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center, 250 Pigeon Street, Waynesville, NC. Tickets are $20. Visit www.haywoodarts.org or call (828) 452-0593 for information.
Friday, August 10
Anna Jensen Exhibit
Opening reception from 6-9 p.m. Anna Jensen brings both her love of natural observation and obsessive precision as well as spontaneity and emotional expression back to her explorations in drawing and painting. She has exhibited in Brooklyn, NY as well as Athens, GA and Atlanta, GA. On display August 3-30, 2012. The ARTery, Asheville Area Arts Council, 346 Depot Street. Phone (828) 258-0710, www. ashevillearts.com
Saturday, August 11
RiverLinks Riverfest
Music, crafts, food, beer, and a parade of floats in French Broad River Park from 1-7pm. The park is located at Amboy Road at Riverview Drive in Asheville. Visit www.riverlink.org.
Sunday, August 12
A Tribute to Doc Watson with David Holt
Four-time Grammy award winner David Holt traces the life and legacy of national treasure and folk legend Doc Watson. Holt pays tribute to his mentor through stories, songs and historic photographs, with proceeds benefitting Shindig on the Green. Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place at 3 p.m. Tickets: $20. More details at (828) 257-4530 or visit at www.dwtheatre.com.
Sunday, August 12
The Appalachian Brass Quintet
Second Sunday at 5 p.m. Pan Harmonia, in collaboration with the Altamont presents A Brass Menagerie. Premier chamber music in the heart of downtown Asheville! Tickets $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Buy tickets online at www.pan-harmonia.org. Altamont, 18 Church Street, Asheville, www.myaltamont.com
August 14 to August 18
Laugh Your Asheville Off
The five-day, multi-venue festival begins Tuesday August 14, with the “Local Laughs for Brother Wolf” charity show at The Magnetic Field. On Wednesday August 15 the festival moves to the Highland Brewing Company for the widely popular Laugh Your Asheville Off Launch Party. Comedian Matt Fulchiron will be the featured performer. Thursday: the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, for a blockbuster performance by stand-up megastar Jim Gaffigan. Tickets call 800-927-0939. Visit www.laughyourashevilleoff.com for full line-up.
Wednesday, August 15
A Night of Cage
In commemoration of composer John Cage’s centennial, percussionists Jason DeCristofaro, Laura Franklin and Matthew Richmond will play Cage’s Third Construction composed in 1941. Music Performance at 7:30 p.m. $10 / $5 for BMCM+AC members and students w/ID. Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center, 56 Broadway, downtown Asheville. www.blackmountaincollege.org or (828) 350-8484
Call for Artists for Public Art
Deadline: August 17
The Arts Council of Henderson County and the City of Hendersonville Main Street Advisory Committee are seeking artists who work with site specific public art for the creation of two pieces of public art planned for downtown Hendersonville.
One of the projects will be a water piece designed to be set at First Citizens Bank Plaza on the corner of Main Street and Sixth Avenue.
The second project will be set on the corner of Main Street and Seventh Avenue, and will serve as a sculptural gateway element for entrance into Hendersonville’s Historic Downtown District. The deadline for submissions of interest is August 17, 2012.
More details are avilable by emailing Lew Holloway at lholloway@cityofhendersonville.org, or Patty Smyers of the Arts Council at acofhc@bellsouth.net.
HART presents Lost in Yonkers on August 17, 18, 23, 24, 25 at 7:30, and Sundays August 19 and 26 at 3 p.m. Tickets; $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, students $8. Special $5 discount tickets for students for Sunday’s and Thursdays.
Box Office opens Monday, August 6. Call (828) 456-6322 for reservations. Tickets available online at www.harttheatre.com. Performing Arts Center at the Shelton House, 250 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC.
Saturday, August 18
Jonas Gerard Paints Live
An exciting afternoon of charity and creativity in Pack Square from 1-3p. In support of the local non-profit Caring For Children, Jonas Gerard will create and paint live to music, swiftly followed by a live auction of the paintings. Jonas Gerard Fine Art is located at 240 Clingman Avenue, Asheville, NC.
Yuengling Barstool Cup 2012
Saturday, August 18
Nine local bars and restaurants in downtown Asheville are building their very own designer mini golf holes that will make up a unique bar crawl with a twist. Teams of four will compete for the lowest score and best dressed while enjoying beer and food specials at the following locations:
Scully’s (13 West Walnut St); Tall Gary’s (4 College St); One Stop Deli and Bar (55 College St); Bier Garden (46 Haywood St); Hannah Flanagans (27 Biltmore Ave); Arcade Asheville (130 College Street); Yacht Club (87 Patton Ave); Pack’s Tavern (20 S. Spruce St); Circle in the Square (12 Biltmore Ave).
1 p.m. check in time; 6 p.m. after party at Wild Wing Cafe. Tickets for a team of four are $60. Purchase at any of the above establishments or at www.barstoolcup.com. 50% of the proceeds go to support Our Voice Rape Crisis and Prevention Center.
Sunday, August 19
The Haywood Community Band
Free concert will start at 6:30 p.m. at the pavilion adjacent to the Maggie Valley Town Hall. The band will take you on a musical tour around the world with Touched by History. Come and enjoy “A Morning in Madrid,” “One Night in Athens,” “In a Persian Market,” and other familiar music. Bring a picnic dinner and enjoy a beautiful Maggie Valley sunset. For additional information call Rhonda Wilson Kram at (828) 456-4880, or visit www.haywoodcommunityband.org.
Wednesday, August 22
Beverly McClellan
The powerhouse opening act for virtuoso guitarist and visionary composer Steve Vai, Beverly has been seen playing alongside blues legend BB King, and on NBC’s hit television show The Voice under Christina Aguilera’s powerful and dynamic team. Beverly has become a rising blues icon nationally, with the push of her newest album entitled Fear Nothing. 8 p.m. at The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave., downtown Asheville. Tickets at www.theorangepeel.net
GREED! Puppet Shows
Wrinkly old white men have written economic history for centuries! It’s time for puppets to rise up and help silly humans see what’s really happening in the US economy! Now, for the first time, you can learn a people’s history of economics – from puppets!
Friday, August 24 at 7 or 9 p.m. at the BeBe Theater, 20 Commerce Street, Asheville. Friday, August 31 at 8 p.m. at the White Horse Black Mountain, 105 Montreat Road, Black Mountain. $12 advance or $15 at the door. Details at www.deepeconomics.com/greed-puppet-shows.html
Sunday, August 26
Continuing its publishing foray with Burning Bush Press, Malaprop’s presents its second book, Remember Me as a Time of Day, a collection from the Women on Words poetry group, compiled by Emoke B’Racz, poet, translator, and founder of Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe. The poets are: Alicia Valbuena, Barbara Gravel, Eileen Walkenstein, Emoke B’Racz, Genie Joiner, Maryann Jennings, Nancy Sanders, Patricia Harvey, Sena Rippel, Virginia Haynes Redfield, Zoe Durga Harber.
Poetry anthology book launch and celebration takes place Sunday, August 26 beginning at 3 p.m. at Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café, 55 Haywood Street, downtown Asheville. Phone (828) 254-6734 or visit www.malaprops.com.
Women on Words Read from New Poetry Collection
Continuing its publishing foray with Burning Bush Press, Malaprop’s presents its second book, Remember Me as a Time of Day, a collection from the Women on Words poetry group, compiled by Emoke B’Racz, poet, translator, and founder of Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe. The poets are: Alicia Valbuena, Barbara Gravel, Eileen Walkenstein, Emoke B’Racz, Genie Joiner, Maryann Jennings, Nancy Sanders, Patricia Harvey, Sena Rippel, Virginia Haynes Redfield, Zoe
Harber.
Poetry anthology book launch and celebration takes place Sunday, August 26 beginning at 3 p.m. at Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café, 55 Haywood Street, downtown Asheville. Phone (828) 254-6734 or visit www.malaprops.com.
through August 31
Journey
Works by two artists, Danie Janov and Mary Alice Braukman. Both work in mixed water media and collage. Their lives run similar paths of teaching, lecturing, and serving as exhibition jurors. Main Street LTD., 147 E. Main Street, Brevard, NC. Monday – Saturday 9-6 p.m. and Sunday 10-5 p.m.
Sunday, September 2
Historic 7th Avenue Local Farmer’s Market
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Hendersonville, NC. A variety of local vendors will offer their healthy products for sale on Maple Street in front of the Historic Train Depot. Locally grown fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meats, organic & all natural products and more. Support your local growers and taste the difference today!
September 6-8
Spectra
An evening of dance theatre featuring local female movement artists spanning styles and generations. With Jenni Cockrell, Kathy Leiner, Lindsey Kelley, Julie Becton Gillum, Susan Collard, Malie Reeder, and Sarah Merritt. Thursday through Saturday, 7:30 p.m. at the Magnetic Field, 372 Depot Street in Asheville’s River Arts District. Tickets $15. (828) 257-4003, www.magneticfield.com
Friday, September 7
Paula Hanke CD Release Celebration
Fiery and soulful vocalist Paula Hanke celebrates her debut cd release titled ‘The Only Voice’ Concert with Free Planet Radio begins at 8 p.m. at Jubilee! 46 Wall St. Asheville. Tickets $12 advance, $15 at the door. Available at Malaprops. More details at (828) 225-3232.
Saturday, September 15
Art in Autumn
One of the premier juried art festivals in the Southeast. 110+ artists working in basketry, clay, digital art, drawing, fiber, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture and wood. Free admission and parking. The show opens at 10 a.m. and concludes at 5 p.m. Downtown Weaverville, www.artinautumn.com
through October
WNC Artist Showcase at Hilton
A selection of intricate geometric drawings by Arden artist Austin Shears are currently on display at the Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park in the lobby level of the hotel, adjacent to the Pisgah Room. On display through October 17. Hilton, 42 Town Square Blvd, just off Long Shoals Road (I-26, Exit 37). Details at (828) 231-5355.
Why Do You Love the Appalachian Trail?
Deadline: September 2, 2012
To commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the completion of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.), the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is hosting a video contest. The winner will receive several prizes including the opportunity to have their video screened in theaters during the ATC’s membership drive this fall.
The video must be a minimum of 30 seconds and a maximum of 3 minutes. Visit www.facebook.com/ATHike to upload your video.
September 15 at 8 p.m.
Asheville Symphony Presents Symphonie Fantastique
The concert will consist of works by de Falla, Glazunov, and Berlioz, conducted by Music Director Daniel Meyer, and featuring the world-renowned violinist Chee-Yun. Tickets are available through the Symphony office or the US Cellular Center Asheville box office, and range in price from $58 to $20. Subscriptions are available for the entire season of seven concerts from $346 to $100, or on a “pick three” basis for $167 to $55. Discounts for students are also available. Visit www.ashevillesymphony.org or call (828) 254-7046 for more details.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Asheville Chamber Music Series 60th Anniversary Season
David Finckel and Wu Han Duo at 8 p.m. Cellist David Finckel and pianist Wu Han were named Musicians of the Year for 2012 by Musical America, the first duo to win this prestigious award. Tickets are $35. Students may attend free of charge. To purchase tickets or for more information call Nathan Shirley at (828) 259-3626, email acmspam@aol.com, or visit www.ashevillechambermusic.org.
Artist Open House
Friday, September 28
Come take in amazing local art and natural beauty at 23 Chestnut Forest Rd. This 3400 square foot home offers amazing views, gorgeous finishes and a heated 2200 square foot shop and artist studio. For more information contact The Matt & Molly Team by e-mailing info@TheMattAndMollyTeam.com or by calling (828) 210-1697.
Atelier Gallery
The Atelier Gallery has expanded it’s collection to include fabulous new work from local artists Lief Johannsen and Nissa Vrooman. We also have fresh, new work from many local, regional and national artists. Stop by 11-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11-7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday’s. Phone (828) 505-3663 or visit www.theateliergalleries.com. Atelier Gallery, 68 College St. in downtown Asheville, at the corner of College and Lexington Avenue.
Arts and Crafts Vendors Wanted
The Mountain Heritage Center is looking for Arts and Crafts vendors for the 38 annual Mountain Heritage Day juried show on September 29, 2012 on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina. Applications are available at www.mountainheritageday.com or by calling (828) 227-7129.
Oktoberfest Arts and Crafts Applications
Hickory’s Oktoberfest 2012 is now accepting applications for Arts and Crafts vendors. Celebrating its 27th year, this annual festival will be held October 12, 13, and 14, 2012 in Downtown Hickory, NC. Estimated attendance is more than 100,000 for the three day event. Oktoberfest’s Arts and Crafts show is a juried event, with prizes given for the top three artisans. Early registration (postmarked by August 1, 2012) is $100. Regular registration is $150. Electricity is available for an additional $25. Applications are available on line at www.hickoryoktoberfest.com.