through December
Sweet Lights
A display and sale of hand-made candlesticks, candelabra and candy dishes on display through December 31, 2012. Mica Gallery is located on North Mitchell Avenue in downtown Bakersville, NC. Open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit www.micagallerync.com or call (828) 688-6422.
Saturday & Sunday, December 1 & 2
Toe River Studio Tour
Self-guided free tour offers an opportunity to search out the professional artists and craftspeople working in the coves and hollows of Yancey and Mitchell Counties. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information contact Toe River Arts Council at (828) 682-7215 or (828) 765-0520, or visit www.toeriverarts.org.
December 1, 7, & 8
Feral Chihuahuas: Boy Bands Strike Back
You may believe that boy bands signal Armageddon, if not, we will prove it to you! Performances held Saturday, December 1 at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday, December 7 at 8 p.m. Saturday, December 8 at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Featuring delicious beer from Asheville Brewing Company. Performance benefits the Manna Food Bank. Bring canned food to help the hungry and get a free beer! At the Be Be Theater, 20 Commerce St., Asheville. Call (828) 254-2621, or visit www.acdt.org.
December 1 & 8
Guild Artists’ Holiday Sale
Members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild will be on hand in the Folk Art Center’s auditorium to sell select works at 10-50% off retail. The Folk Art Center is located at Milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in east Asheville. For more details, call (828) 298-7928 or visit www.craftguild.org.
December 1-22
The 30th Annual Bernstein Family Christmas Spectacular
At the Magnetic Field. Directed by Katie Anne Towner. Showtimes and tickets and more details available at www.themagneticfield.com.
Sunday, December 2
Baroque Bliss!
Kate Steinbeck, flute; Rosalind Buda, bassoon; Barbara Weiss, harpsichord. 4 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 40 Church St, downtown Asheville. Suggested donation $15. Benefit for Room at the Inn Homeless Shelter for Women, and Pan Harmonia. More information at www.pan-harmonia.org
Concerts at St. Matthias
Sunday, December 2 – The Pyramid Brass Quintet at 3 p.m.
Sunday, December 9 – The Reynolds-Miller Chorale’s Christmas concert at 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 16 – Christmas concert by the Musike Antiqua at 3 p.m.
A free-will offering will be taken for the restoration project. The church is located in Asheville just off South Charlotte Street at Max Street on the hill across from the Asheville Public Works Building (1 Dundee St.).
December 4 and 5
It’s a Wonderful Life
7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15. Tickets are available through Asheville Community Theatre, at (828) 254-1320 or www.ashevilletheatre.org. More details at www.immediatetheatre.org.
December 6
Women’s Night Out
From 5 to 8 p.m. at Thyme in the Garden. Offering a festive evening with refreshments and extended hours. Save 10% during event by mentioning this listing. Thyme in the Garden, 190 Weaverville Hwy., Asheville, NC 28804. For more details call (828) 658-3700 or visit thymeinthegardenasheville.blogspot.com.
Ballet Conservatory’s Nutcracker
The traditional holiday ballet and family favorite.
Thursday, December 6 – Western Carolina University, Bardo Arts Center.
December 12-14
Wednesday, December 12 at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, December 13 and Friday, December 14 at 5 and 7:30 p.m. at Diana Wortham Theatre. Box office (828) 257-4530 or dwtheatre.com. Tickets only $10 to $25. More information by calling (828) 255-5777 or visit www.BalletConservatoryofAsheville.com.
Friday, December 7, 6-9pm
Meet the Foundry Designers
Meet and greet the designers of locally-made upcycled artwear accessories. Enjoy a hat fitting by professional hat maker Julia Gaunt, try on vintage jewelry creations by Shelley Johnston, and warm up with Bethany Adams’ scarves and more. Foundry, 92 Charlotte St, Asheville. www.digfoundry.com, 828-255-2533.
Friday, December 7
Teacher/Student Exhibit
Opening reception from 6-8 pm., at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W. State Street. Opening coincides with the Holiday Pottery Market part of Black Mountain’s annual Holly Jolly Christmas. Music provided by Asheville Rhythm Section. The Market continues through December 21. The exhibit continues through January 18, 2013. For more information call (828) 669-0930.
Friday, December 7
Intersections Sing Together
Spend an hour in a warm and friendly atmosphere learning songs of the season. 6:30p.m. in The Forum at Pack Place. Warm cider, cookies, holiday songs, and snowflake crafts for the kids. Tickets: Adult $8; Children 12 and under $6. Pre-registration recommended. Tickets: Call (828) 257-4530 or visit www.dwtheatre.com/intersections
Friday, December 7
Pamela Haddock Exhibit
Opening reception from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. In A Different Light features watercolor landscape paintings. On display through Sunday, December 30, 2012. Asheville Gallery of Art, 16 College Street in downtown Asheville. For more details call (828) 251-5796 or visit www.ashevillegallery-of-art.com.
December 7-16
A Christmas Carol
At the HART Theater, 250 Pigeon St. in Waynesville on December 7, 8, 14, and 15 at 7:30 p.m. Matinees December 15 at 2 p.m. and December 16 at 3 p.m. Tickets for evening performances are adults $20, seniors $17, and students $7. Discounted tickets to matinees are adults $16, seniors $14, and students $6. Reservations can be made by going to www.harttheatre.com or by calling (828) 456-6322.
Saturday, December 8
Writing Historical Fiction
Learn how to make historical figures come alive, how to use dialogue from another century, where to find research materials, and much more. With Anne Barnhill from 10 to 4 p.m. $75. Presented by the Writers’ Workshop, 387 Beaucatcher Rd., Asheville, NC 28805. (828) 254-8111, www.twwoa.org
Saturday, December 8
Jazz Concert
Geary Moore, guitar; Elise Pratt, vocals. Performance at the Living Room Coffeehouse and Cafe, 436 N. Main Street, Hendersonville, NC. Call (828) 692-6335 for more information.
Sunday, December 9
Asheville Community Band Holiday Concert
3 p.m. in the Asheville High School Auditorium. Students free when accompanied by paid admission. Call (828) 254-2234 for details.
Sunday, December 9
Meet-the-Author Book Signing
Author FCEtier presents his new political thriller, The Tourist Killer, at Blue Ridge Books, 152 S. Main Street, Waynesville, at 3 p.m. Call (828) 456-6000 for more information.
Blue Ridge Ringers Holiday Concerts
Handbell concerts of holiday favorites performed by experienced ringers from Henderson, Transylvania, Buncombe and Polk counties. Flute soloist is Natalie Ambrose.
Monday, December 10 – Fletcher Public Library, 2 p.m. in the community room.
Sunday, December 16 – Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Brevard, 4 p.m.
Monday, December 17 – Henderson County Public Library, 2 p.m. in Kaplan Auditorium.
For more information call (828) 692-4910.
Wednesday, December 12
The Justin Ray Quintet
Featuring Jacob Rodriguez on saxophones, Bill Bares on piano, Zack Page on bass, and Michael Davis on drums.Tickets $10, show at 8 p.m. Altamont, 18 Church Street in Asheville. Visit www.myaltamont.com
December 13-16
The Santaland Diaries
David Sedaris’ hilarious comedy commenting on the best and worst of people from a retail employee’s point of view. Performances are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $15. Asheville Community Theatre, 35 East Walnut St. downtown Asheville. Call (828) 254-1320 or visit www.ashevilletheatre.org.
Harm for the Holidays
One man’s hilarious story of survival highlighting his family’s history of mishaps on the holidays, all holidays! From a Valentine’s Day massacre, to a harrowing Halloween, to a string of Christmas calamities, in this household, disaster never takes a day off.
Thursday, December 13 at 8 p.m., and Friday, December 14 at 8 and 10 p.m. Tickets $15. Altamont, 18 Church Street in Asheville. For more information visit www.myaltamont.com.
Cool Craft Market
December 14-16
Friday December 14: VIP Preview Party from 5 to 8 p.m., $10 + one item for Homeward Bound of Asheville.
Saturday, December 15 from 10 to 5 p.m., free. Sunday, December 16 from 11 to 4 p.m., free. Homeward Bound donations accepted throughout the weekend. HandMade in America, 125 S. Lexington, Asheville. Details at www.handmadeinamerica.org.
Saturday, December 15
The Gift of the Magi & Other Tales
Bright Star Touring Theatre returns with stories of generosity and the power of giving with The Drum, an Indian folktale, and Stone Soup. Performance begins at 10 a.m. Tickets are $5 and are available at the door. Asheville Community Theatre, 35 East Walnut St. downtown Asheville. For more information call (828) 254-1320 or visit www.ashevilletheatre.org.
Sunday, December 16
Swannanoa Solstice
Featuring musicians Al Petteway, Amy White, and Robin Bullock, joined by a wealth of storytellers, dancers and special guest musicians. Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets: Regular $35; Students $30; Child $15; Student Rush day-of-the-show (with valid ID) $10. Tickets/Info: (828) 257-4530 or online at www.dwtheatre.com.
Sunday, December 16
Bandana Klezmer CD Release
CD release party for WNC’s premier klezmer band! 6 p.m. at The Loft, Asheville Music School, 126 College Street, downtown Asheville. Admission $20, includes a CD. $10 without CD. Light fare and beverages will be available. Klezmer is dance music so bring your dancing shoes! More details online, www.bandanaklezmer.com
Sunday, December 16
Amici Music’s Home for the Holidays
Singer Amanda Horton performs a holiday inspired program featuring carols and lullabies from around the world along with some jazzy holiday standards. The program will take place at 1 p.m. in the new Performance Loft at the Asheville Music School, 126 College St. in Asheville. Special intermission performances by students. Admission is $20 for adults, $10 for students and family members of the Asheville Music School, and free for those 12 and under.
Monday, December 17
Brown Bag and Books
Literary Series event, “Best-Loved Christmas Poems,” will include seasonal poems, with participants writing one of their own as a Christmas Gift Poem. Hosted by Tina Barr from noon to 1 p.m. Bring a lunch. There is no charge but donations are accepted. For more information call (828) 669-0930. The Black Mountain Center for the Arts is located at 225 W. State Street.
December 18-19
Auditions for BARK!
The North Carolina premiere of David Troy Francis’ smash hit musical. Directed by Eric Mills with musical direction by Brad Curtioff. Be prepared to sing 16 bars of music. Bring your sheet music in the key in which you will be singing. We will provide an accompanist. Asheville Community Theatre, 35 East Walnut St., downtown Asheville. Call (828) 254-1320 or visit www.ashevilletheatre.org.
Tueday, December 18
Jazz Concert
Original music by Jason DeCristofaro on vibes with Michael Jefry Stevens on piano beginning at 8 p.m. By donation. At the Altamont Theatre in Asheville, www.myaltamont.com.
December 19-30
Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol
Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for full-time students. Tickets available through, (828) 239-0263, at www.ncstage.org, or by visiting North Carolina Stage Company at 15 Stage Lane, Asheville NC 28801.
Sunday, December 22
Concert for the End of the World
Assuming an error in calculation was made by the Maya and we all live to see another show, David Wilcox will perform at The Grey Eagle Music Hall at 8 p.m. Tickets and more information at www.davidwilcox.com.
Friday, January 11
Home is Where the ART Is
Opening reception from 6-9 p.m. Young patients tell their stories. On display January 4 through February 5, 2013. The ARTery, 346 Depot Street in the River Arts District. Call (828) 258-0710 or visit www.ashevillearts.com.
Deadline: February 15, 2013
Post Card Show Call for Artists
Support the Asheville Area Arts Council and the arts councils of the western counties by donating your work in this simple and fun way! It’s an easy way to share the wealth of your creativity, strengthen the arts, and benefit your community! Call (828) 258-0710, email mica@ashevillearts.com, or visit www.ashevillearts.com.
Steep Canyon Rangers in Concert
Friday, January 4 at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville.
Friday, January 11 at the Orange Peel – Benefit to support literacy initiatives at Vance Elementary School.
Saturday, January 12 at the Orange Peel – Benefit to support Evergreen Charter Schools ‘More Than a Gym’ campaign.
www.steepcanyon.com/tour
Rain Barrels for Sale
Made from recycled pickle barrels, each barrel holds 55 gallons of water and can be purchased for $80.25. A great enhancement for serious gardeners these barrels can also be painted. Order online at www.haywoodwaterways.org, email info@haywoodwaterways, or call Christine at 226-8565.