now through December 21
A Christmas Carol
The Flat Rock Playhouse brings the words of the Dickens classic to life. This new, adventurous interpretation takes the famous story and infuses it with laughter, love and a brand new score that celebrates the holiday season. With more than a dozen new songs and exciting new characters, this world premier is a great event for the whole family. Wednesday-Saturday at 8 p.m. Matinees Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday at 2 p.m. Admission $40. Flat Rock Playhouse, 2661 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock.
through December
LaZoom’s Special Holiday Tour
During LaZoom’s Special Holiday Tour, you’ll meet a lonesome pine tree, a traveling Gingerbread Man and possibly catch a glimpse of Santa whizzing by the bus! Visit www.lazoomtours.com and follow LaZoom on Facebook for updates on the annual Toys for Tots ride on Thursday, December 11, and the 5th Annual Krektone Kristmas on the Bus on Friday, December 19.
Now through January 4, 2015
Winter Lights
Walk through a winter wonderland and experience the Arboretum in a whole new way! A new light show enhances the natural beauty of the gardens and landscape. Live music, gifts, food and beverages. Tickets must be purchased in advance at eTix.com. No tickets will be sold at the gate. Volunteers are needed! Email volunteering@ncarboretum.org or call (828) 665-2492 x 219. The North Carolina Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, 28806. More details at www.ncarboretum.org
now through January 5, 2015
Holiday Gift Market and Mixed Media Show
The Red House Studios & Gallery is hosting a Holiday Gift Market and mixed media art show through December. The historic Red House, home of the Swannanoa Valley Fine Arts League is located at 310 West State Street next to the Monte Vista Hotel. Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information go to www.svfalarts.org or call (828) 669-0351.
Monday, December 1
“Take Two” Jazz Series
Bill Bares and Michael Jefry Stevens, jazz. $12. 7:30 p.m. at the White Horse, 105c Montreat Road, Black Mountain. Call (828) 669-0816 for details, or visit www.whitehorseblackmountain.com
Monday, December 1
World AIDS Day
Kat Williams, along with guitarist and vocalist “Lyric” (Leeda Jones), Cantaria, and The Gay Men’s Chorus of Asheville, perform a special concert for WNCAP. This year’s theme, A Celebration of Lives, challenges us to recommit to the fight against AIDS. 7-9 p.m. at the Renaissance Hotel, downtown Asheville. Call (828) 252-7489 or visit www.wncap.org.
Tuesday, December 2
Gallery Opening
The Odyssey Cooperative Art Gallery opens a new show celebrating the ceramic art of Kat McIver, Margaret Klieber, and twenty-five other gallery members. 238 Clingman Ave., Asheville’s River Arts District.
Tuesday, December 2
Free Night of Short Films
Join the founders of the Asheville Cinema Festival, Tom and Sandi Anton, for a free night of short films. The WNC Film Society is hosting an hour of enjoyable, comical and thought-provoking, family-friendly short films. 7 p.m. at Grace Center, 495 Cardinal Road in Mills River, off Highway 280, just past the Asheville Airport. For more information, call (828) 885-5354 or visit www.wncfilmsociety.com
Thursday, December 4
Walk of Shame Comedy Tour
Live standup comedy show featuring four hilarious women: Lisa Curry, MTV’s Guy Code/Girl Code; Dana Moon and Becky Robinson, Oxygen’s Happy Hour; and Jessica Michelle Singleton. Walk of Shame is a docu-series that follows the women as they pull pranks and performing live across America. Be part of an epic, hilarious adventure! Doors open at 7 p.m. Show at 8 p.m. $10. The Altamont Theatre, 18 Church St., Asheville. (828) 270-7747 or visit www.myAltamont.com
Movies at Pack Library
3 p.m. Free to the public.
Thursday, December 4 – It’s a Wonderful Life
Thursday, December 11 – Four Christmases
Thursday, December 18 – The Polar Express
Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood Street, Asheville (828) 250–4700
December 4-6, 11-13, and 18-20
The 38th Annual Bernstein Family Christmas Spectacular
Asheville’s favorite, raunchy, screwball holiday comedy from The Magnetic Theatre returns for The 38th Annual Bernstein Family Christmas Spectacular! 7:30 p.m. nightly, with 10 p.m. performances on Fridays and Saturdays. Performances take place at the Bebe Theatre, 20 Commerce St. in downtown Asheville. Advance tickets highly recommended. All advance tickets are discounted $2 from purchase price at the door.
Friday, December 5
James Daniel opens at the Blackbird Frame & Art Gallery
Fine art exhibit for James Daniel opens at the Blackbird Frame & Art Gallery. Artist reception 7-9 p.m. Live demonstration at 8 p.m. Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Blackbird Frame & Art Gallery, 365 Merrimon Ave., Asheville. www.blackbirdframe.com.
Friday, December 5
The Power of Place
Works by Everett Schmidt. Opening reception from 5-8 p.m. The exhibit runs from December 1 through December 31, 2014. The Asheville Gallery of Art is located at 16 College Street in downtown Asheville, across from Pritchard Park. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 1-4 p.m. The gallery will be closed from 1:30 p.m. December 24, through December 25. For more information, call (828) 251-5796 or visit www.ashevillegallery-of-art.com
Friday, December 5
Opera Talks
Asheville Lyric Opera Director, David Craig Starkey, and a cast of industry professionals, guide you through their operatic world. 3 p.m. at UNC Asheville’s Reuter Center. Free and open to the public. Call (828) 251-6140 or visit www.olliasheville.com.
Friday, December 5
Winter’s Tune
Music to Warm an Appalachian Night. Special concert hosted by the Liston B. Ramsey Center in Broyhill Chapel on the campus of Mars Hill University. Features Roger Howell, Bobby Hicks, Whitewater Bluegrass, Jerry Sutton, Laura Boosinger, Kathryn Parham Brickey, Rhiannon Ramsey, and others. Call Hannah (828) 689-1571 to reserve your space. $15 adv.; $18 dos. Details at www.mhu.edu/ramsey-center
Friday, December 5
The Power of Place
Works by Everett Schmidt. Opening reception 5-8 p.m. The exhibit runs from December 1-31, 2014. The Asheville Gallery of Art, 16 College Street in downtown Asheville. The gallery will be closed from 1:30 p.m. December 24, through December 25. For more information, call (828) 251-5796 or visit www.ashevillegallery-of-art.com
Friday, December 5
Jeff Thompson CD Release
Celebration for So Far, So Strange. heartfelt-poetry, philosophical introspection, and irresistible grooves. 8:30 p.m. $12 adv.; $15 door. ISIS Restaurant and Music Hall, 743 Haywood Rd., Asheville. Call (828) 575-2737, or visit www.isisasheville.com
Friday, December 5
Art After Dark
The Waynesville Gallery Association is excited to present the Winter Edition of Art After Dark. Festive Art After Dark flags denote participating galleries, such as Haywood County Arts Council’s Gallery 86, Burr Studios, Earthworks, Jeweler’s Workbench, Twigs and Leaves Gallery, TPennington Art Gallery, Grace Cathey Sculpture Garden and Gallery, Art on Depot, Cedar Hill Studios, The Mahogany House, and the Village Framer. Call Twigs & Leaves Gallery at (828) 456-1940, or visit the Waynesville Gallery Association at www.waynesvillegalleryassociation.com for additional information.
Friday, December 5
Riverview Station Hosts Holiday Market
On Friday, December 5 from 4 to 8 p.m., Riverview Station will host its very first Holiday Market. The Holiday Market features more than twenty open studios. Additionally, there will be a food truck on premises, a roving Santa Claus, and a bountiful door prize on display at Jonas Gerard. Within each open studio, artists and craftspeople entice visitors with their creations. For more information visit www.riverviewstation.com.
December Events at Asheville Community Theater
December 5-21 – A Charlie Brown Christmas. Includes the classic songs Christmas Time is Here, Skating, Linus and Lucy, and Hark the Herald Angels Sing – with arrangements by Vince Guaraldi. A perfect treat for the entire family! Performances Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday afternoons at 2:30 p.m. Tickets range from $12-$22.
December 11-20 – The Santaland Diaries. Bradshaw Call is back to star in this one-man-one-act that can only be described one way: crazy funny. When an out of work slacker takes a job as an elf in Macy’s Santaland, his hilarious observations of the shoppers and employees are much more naughty than nice. Performances Thursday nights at 7:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. in 35below. All tickets are $15.
Tickets are available online at www.ashevilletheatre.org, by phone at (828) 254-1320 or in person at the ACT Box Office. Asheville Community Theatre, 35 E. Walnut St., Asheville.
December 5 & 6
The Nutcracker and the Mouse King
Expect the brilliantly unexpected from Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre’s fourth annual performance of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. The company shocked and surprised audiences last year with their original version of The Nutcracker. December 5 at 7:30 p.m. and December 6 at 3 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $27; $20 children; students and seniors $22. Diana Wortham Theatre, Pack Place. Call (828) 257-4530 for reservations or additional information or visit www.dwtheatre.com.
December 5 & 6, 12 & 13
31st Festival of Lights and Luminaire’s
Thousands of white lights adorn the buildings in the historic town of Dillsboro, NC. Shops will stay open late, providing free refreshments and entertainment. Shop here for Christmas trees, greenery, wreaths, arts and crafts, unique gifts, clothing, gourmet foods and wine. Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus in Town Hall. A unique holiday shopping experience. Dillsboro is located at the intersection of US Hwys. 19/74 and 441. For more details call 1-800-962-1911 or visit www.mountainlovers.com.
Friday, December 6
Deja Vu: A Tribute to Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young
CSNY Tribute Group, John Keane, Dodd Ferrelle, Rachel O’Neal, Tom Ryan, and Deane Quinter perform at 8 p.m. $20 adv.; $25 dos. The Altamont Theatre, 18 Church St., Asheville. For details call (828) 270-7747 or visit www.myAltamont.com
Saturday, December 6
Sixth Annual Asheville Bookfest
Meet authors, live music, readings, book sales and “how to publish” presentations. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Haywood Park Hotel Atrium.
Saturday, December 6
She-Pow Opening Reception
ZaPow artists have created a body of work inspired by heroines, women of strength, villainess and goddesses from fiction, fantasy, myth and history. 7-9 p.m. Come celebrate this impressive showing of female strength created by artists of all genders. Free beer, live music, meet the artists. ZaPow, 21 Battery Park Ave., downtown Asheville. (828) 575-2024, www.zapow.com
Saturday, December 6
Crimson Laurel Gallery
Three shows: “Woodfired and Functional,” by featured artist Matt Schiemann; “One of a Kind” by ceramic artist Ron Meyers; and functional “Soda Works” by ceramicist Carolanne Currier. Work from the exhibition can be seen and purchased online beginning Friday, December 5 at midnight. Crimson Laurel Gallery, Bakersville, NC, 28705. Call (828) 688-3599 or visit www.crimsonlaurelgallery.com
Saturday, December 6 and Saturday, December 13
The Guild Artists’ Holiday Sale
Members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild will be on hand in the center’s auditorium on these two Saturdays to sell select work 10-50% off retail. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Folk Art Center, Milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in east Asheville. Call (828) 298-7928 or visit www.craftguild.org.
December 6 & 13
Best Bet for Holiday Shopping
The Guild Artists’ Holiday Sale, Saturday, December 6 and Saturday, December 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Folk Art Center is located at Milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in east Asheville. Call (828) 298-7928 or visit www.craftguild.org.
Sunday, December 7
Pan Harmonia Benefit Concert for Homeward Bound
A Joyous Holiday Event! Organist Eric Wall leads a merry band of musicians in a rousing instrumental version of Georg F. Handel’s favorite Christmas tradition. All proceeds will benefit Homeward Bound, which ends homelessness in Western North Carolina. A Chamber Music Messiah features Kate Steinbeck, flute, Alicia Chapman, oboe and English horn, Rosalind Buda, bassoon, David Ginn, trumpet, and Eric Wall on organ. Concert takes place on Sunday, December 7 at 3 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church, 40 Church Street, downtown Asheville. Suggested donation of $25/person, $30/family appreciated, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. To learn more, visit www.pan-harmonia.org or www.homewardboundwnc.org.
Handbells for the Holidays
The Blue Ridge Ringers, a western North Carolina community handbell ensemble, will perform several public Christmas concerts in Hendersonville and Brevard, NC.
Sunday, December 7 at 3 p.m. – Concert with the Hendersonville Community Band. Blue Ridge Community College, Hendersonville campus Conference Hall.
Tuesday, December 9 at 12 noon – Concert at the Transylvania County Public Library.
Friday, December 12 at 3 p.m. – Henderson County Public Library, Kaplan Auditorium.
Sunday, December 21 at 4 p.m. – Concert at the First Presbyterian Church, Hendersonville, N. Grove St. & US 64.
Monday, December 8
Holiday Concert
The Reuter Center Singers directed by Chuck Taft. Classical, popular, show tunes and other favorites. 7 p.m. at UNCA’s Reuter Center. Free and open to the public. Call (828) 251-6140 or visit www.olliasheville.com.
Wednesday, December 10
A Different Kind of “NutCracker Sweeet”
The D.E.F.T. Theatre-Arts program invites people of all abilities and beliefs to join them in celebrating diversity. This is not your ‘typical’ theatre group, nor the standard Nutcracker Suite. While there will be some highly trained ballet and modern dancers, thanks to Ideafactory Dance Machine, there will also be Southside drummers, rap, beach music, dancing owls, sign language, and more. December 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the Wesley Grant Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston Street, Asheville. Free with a donation of canned food or kids coats. For more information, contact Daydreamz project at (828) 476-4231 or visit www.daydreamzproject.org.
December 11 at 7:30 p.m.
A Charlie Brown Christmas benefit performance
Performance to benefit Hall Fletcher Elementary Outdoor Learning Center. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at Charlotte Street Computers, or by sending an email to tickets@charlottestreetcomputers.com. 100% of the money raised will benefit this community project. Asheville Community Theatre, 35 E. Walnut St., Asheville. Call (828) 254-1320, or visit www.ashevilletheatre.org
Friday, December 12
Sip and Shop
Save 10% on all regular priced, American made crafts and up to 40% on sale items. Warm apple cider and wine will be provided. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Grovewood Gallery, 111 Grovewood Road, Asheville. Call (828) 253-7651 or visit www.grovewood.com.
Friday, December 12
CD release show with Chris Rosser and special guests Free Planet Radio
An evening of well-crafted, beautiful new songs, and the cultural sounds of world music. 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $12 advance/$15 door. ISIS Music Hall, 743 Haywood Rd, Asheville. (828) 575-2737, www.isisasheville.com.
Friday, December 12
The Invisible III with Steelism
Instrumental Fusion. 10 p.m. $7 adv.; $10 dos. The Altamont Theatre, 18 Church St., Asheville. Call (828) 270-7747 or visit www.myAltamont.com
Friday, December 12 at 9 p.m.
Enter The Earth Xmas Party
This is one of best parties of the year. This year the party hosts local New Orleans styled brass band, Empire Strikes Brass, along with a few other special guests. Empire Strikes Brass is the creation of long-time Asheville musician Paul Juhl. Asheville Music Hall, 31 Patton Ave, Asheville. (828) 255-7777, or www.AshevilleMusicHall.com for more information.
December 12 & 13
AmiciMusic Celebrates the American Frontier
Soprano Amanda Horton and baritone Jonathan Ross, both long-time Asheville favorites, will team up with pianist Daniel Weiser, artistic director of AmiciMusic, in this fun show featuring arias, duets, and some beautiful arrangements of American folk songs. There will be three venues: Friday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the White Horse Black Mountain, 105 Montreat Rd. in Black Mountain; Classical Brunch on Saturday, December 13 at 11 a.m. at Isis Restaurant and Music Hall, 743 Haywood Rd. in West Asheville; and Saturday, December 13 at 8 p.m. at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, 789 Merrimon Avenue in North Asheville. Seats for the shows are $15-20. For more details, visit www.amicimusic.org.
December 12-14
Cool Craft Holiday Market
Whimsical Art for the Young at Heart. Marcy Jackson will sell her fantastical art prints, greeting cards, totes and onesies at HandMade in America’s annual craft market. 125 S. Lexington Ave., Asheville. Friday, December 12, 5-8 p.m.; Saturday, December 13, 10 a.m-6 p.m; Sunday, December 14, 12-4 p.m.
Saturday December 13
Food For Thought
Youth Poetry Slam Against Hunger, a benefit for Manna. The most thought provoking event of the holiday season. Come hear Asheville’s brightest youth poets address hunger and other community issues with originality and passion. Please bring food donations. 7 pm. $15, $10 students/teachers. Purchase tickets on eventbrite.com. Rainbow Community Center, 60 State St., Asheville. Presented by Soulspeak Asheville. Email Mel Kelley, soulspeakavl@gmail.com, for details.
Saturday, December 13
Fine Art Demonstrations
Visit the Odyssey Cooperative Art Gallery during the River Arts District’s Second Saturday Event. Demonstrations, refreshments, music, and a showcase of ceramic arts. 238 Clingman Ave., Asheville’s River Arts District.
Saturday & Sunday, December 13 & 14
West Village Market Holiday Bazaar
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Buy artworks, prints, and handmade crafts from local artists like sisters Josie Mosser and Corina Dross. Local children’s artist Jarrett Rutland, and Greatful Threads. Plus jewelry, pottery, and other crafts. Stop by and have a look and enjoy a cup of hot apple cider while you browse. West Village Market & Deli, 771 Haywood Rd. in West Asheville. Call (828) 225-4949 for details.
Sunday, December 14
A Classical Christmas
Concert by the Asheville Symphony Orchestra. 3 p.m. at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. Tickets start at $22 for adults and $11 for youth, and are available through the ASO office or the U.S. Cellular Center ticket office. For more information go to www.ashevillesymphony.org or call (828) 254-7046.
Sunday, December 14
Emily Dickinson Unplugged
Actress Carol Kessler presents her riveting Chautauqua performance, Emily Dickinson Unplugged. This performance is a benefit for Pan Harmonia. Suggested donation is $20, but no one turned away for lack of funds. 3 p.m. at Cathedral of All Souls in Biltmore Village. Wine reception to follow in the Owen Library. Please RSVP for the wine reception by email to carol@pan-harmonia.org.
December 17-28
Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol
Wednesday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. Two performances on Saturday, December 27 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Children First Benefit, Saturday, December 27 at 2 p.m. Tickets: $15-$28. Student tickets are $10 anytime! Call (828) 239-0263 or visit www.ncstage.org. North Carolina Stage Company, 15 Stage Lane in downtown Asheville.
Thursday, December 18
A Blue Ridge Christmas
Michael Reno Harrell and Sheila Kay Adams return with their sell-out show, updated with fresh, home-spun stories of Christmas in The South alongside original as well as traditional music. $18. The Strand, 38 N. Main Street, downtown Waynesville. (828) 283-0079, www.38main.com.
Friday, December 20
Bluegrass Holiday Benefit Concert for Hunger Relief
Town Mountain and Mandolin Orange will play a benefit concert at Isis Restaurant and Music Hall for two local hunger relief organizations, Funding America Through Entertainment, and Manna FoodBank. Friday, December 20. Admission $20; some balcony seating. Doors open at 5 p.m. Come early and dine-in. Show at 9 p.m. Raffle. Isis Music Hall, 743 Haywood Road Asheville. Call (828) 575-2737, or visit www.IsisAsheville.com
Wednesday, December 31
The Larry Keel Experience with Jeff Sipe
Plus Jeremy Garrett & Travis Book (the Infamous Stringdusters), Steve “Big Daddy” McMurry (Acoustic Syndicate), Mike Guggino (Steep Canyon Rangers), and the Jon Stickley Trio. 21+; 7 p.m. $30 adv.; $40 dos. $100 ticket includes entry to the CANuary 1st Hangover Brunch at the Oskar Blues REEB Ranch in Hendersonville on January 1, 2015. Oskar Blues Brewery, 342 Mountain Industrial Dr., Brevard. Visit brew.oskarblues.com
Wednesday, December 31
New Years Eve with The Fritz & Zansa
Asheville Music Hall will be closing out the year with an all-star Asheville mix of Afro-pop and Funk. The Fritz and Zansa will come together to give Asheville one of the best musical nights it’s ever seen. This eclectic melding of genres will provide your feet with plenty of material to get them moving. 8 p.m. Asheville Music Hall, 31 Patton Ave, Asheville. (828) 255-7777, or www.AshevilleMusicHall.com for more information.
William Matthews Poetry Prize
Deadline: January 15, 2015
First Place: $1,000. Second Place: $250. Third Place: publication in the Asheville Poetry Review, and a featured reading at Malaprop’s Bookstore. All submissions considered. Send three poems, any style, any theme, any length, with a $20 entry fee (payable to Asheville Poetry Review) to: William Matthews Poetry Prize, c/o Asheville Poetry Review, PO Box 7086, Asheville, NC 28802. For full details visit www.ashevillepoetryreview.com