through January
The Odyssey Cooperative Art Gallery
New show celebrating the ceramic art of Chiwa Clark and Andrea Freeman and other gallery members. The gallery features 24 local clay artists, working in a variety of styles to create functional and non-functional pottery and works of figurative and abstract sculpture. Odyssey Co-op Gallery, 238 Clingman Avenue. Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (828) 285-9700, visit odysseyceramicarts.com.
Friday, January 1
The Hornitz
The Hornitz are a Boston based power duo that bring out the funk like you’ve never seen before. Using only live recorded sounds and looping equipment, the pair build their performance piece by piece until they have a funky, electronic dance-inducing horn fest that can’t be stopped. Ages 21+, free, at The One Stop, 55 College Street, downtown Asheville. Call (828) 255-7777, or visit www.ashevillemusichall.com.
January 2-31
All-Members Small Works Show
Member artists of the Asheville Gallery of Art are saying good-bye to their current location at 16 College Street with an All-Members Small Works Show, January 2-31. The exhibit highlights the variety of mediums, styles of painting, and artistic vision of gallery members. The Asheville Gallery of Art, 16 College Street, downtown Asheville. For more information about the gallery, visit their website at www.ashevillegallery-of-art.com.
Sunday, January 3
POETRIO
Readings by three poets at 3 p.m.: Phillip Barron (What Comes from a Thing), Eric Nelson (Some Wonder), and Dee Stribling (Appalachian Picture Book). Malaprop’s Bookstore, 55 Haywood Street, Asheville. Call (828) 254-6734, or visit www.malaprops.com.
Sunday, January 3
Asheville School of Film
Grand opening for the film community from 3-6 p.m. Visit our newly renovated facility, meet faculty, and learn about part-time classes. Asheville School of Film, 45 South French Broad Ave., Suite 120, Asheville. Free parking in the lot across the street or along the street. www.ashevilleschooloffilm.com
Sunday, January 3
An Afternoon in Vienna
A concert of Strauss Waltzes and Polkas in honor of the New Year at 3 p.m. This concert opens the 20th season of concerts at St. Matthias. It will feature a chamber orchestra including harp and timpani led by Stephen Klein. Arias will be sung by soprano, Katie Cilluffo. There will also be dancers. A free-will offering will be taken for the restoration fund for the historic church. St. Matthias Church is located across from the Public Works Building on So. Charlotte and Max Streets, at 1 Dundee St. in Asheville.
Monday, January 4
Retro Nouveau
“Take Two Jazz,” an evening with pianist Dr. Bill Bares and singer/drummer Russ Wilson. 7:30 p.m. $12; $6 for students with ID. White Horse, 105c Montreat Road, Black Mountain. (828) 669-0816, or visit www.whitehorseblackmountain.com.
Thursday, January 7
Youth Chorus Auditions
The Celebration Singers of Asheville Community Youth Chorus will hold auditions for singers grades 2 through high school. 5:30-6:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 20 Oak Street, Downtown Asheville. Please prepare a song and bring sheet music. Artistic Director Ginger Haselden, www.singasheville.org.
Thursday, January 7
Velvet & Lace
Takes place on the first Thursday of each month. Katey Ryder of Sovereign Remedies featured in January. Each event showcases craft cocktails made by female bartenders currently working in Asheville, with a focus on smoke, fire, herbs, elixirs, and tinctures. Mary Kelley, a.k.a. DJ Dr. Filth, will be spinning dark classics. Rose Hecht will bring photo booth fun. Food will be served alongside the delicious cocktails. 10% of sales will be donated to Our Voice. 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Buxton Hall Barbecue, 32 Banks Avenue, Asheville.
January 7-16
Beer and How To Drink It
The Magnetic Theatre toasts the new year with its latest comic creation. Thursdays-Saturdays, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $21 online; $24 at the door, with late shows January 15-16, Saturday-Sunday, at 10 p.m. ($16/$19). $10 student rush, 15 minutes before each performance. Magnetic 375 (375 Depot Street in the River Arts District). Visit www.themagnetictheatre.org.
Friday, January 8
Robin & Linda Williams
For more than four decades, Robin & Linda Williams have made it their mission to perform the music that they love, “a robust blend of bluegrass, folk, old-time and acoustic country that combines wryly observant lyrics with a wide-ranging melodicism.” Legendary songwriters Robin & Linda Williams at the Altamont Theatre, 18 Church St., Asheville. For tickets call (828) 270-7747 or visit www.TheAltamont.com.
Friday, January 8
Skywatching 2016 Program at PARI
Join PARI astronomers for a look ahead at what the night sky will have to offer in 2016. The evening includes a PARI campus tour, and observing session and other activities. Reservations are required and will be accepted until 3 p.m. the day of the event. Evening at PARI programs cost $20 per adult and $15 for seniors/military. Children 10 and under are admitted free. Register and pay online at www.pari.edu. Contact Sarah Chappell at (828) 862-5554 or schappell@pari.edu for more information and reservations.
Friday & Saturday, January 8 & 9
Steep Canyon Rangers
CD release concert for Radio. All-original bluegrass/Americana. The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave., Asheville. (828) 398-1837, theorangepeel.net.
January 8-24
Oleanna
An examination of power and language, of relations and perceptions. Performances Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday afternoons at 2:30 p.m. Tickets: $15. Asheville Community Theatre, 35 East Walnut St., Asheville. (828) 254-1320 or visit www.ashevilletheatre.org.
Saturday, January 9
Second Saturday
Visit Odyssey Co-op Gallery located in the River Arts District at 238 Clingman Avenue for their Second Saturday celebration with food, music, and artists’ demonstrations. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (828) 285-9700, clingmancoop@gmail.com, odysseyceramicarts.com.
Saturday, January 9
Appalachian Pastel Society
Free meeting “Swap and Shop” 10 am-noon at Grace Community Church, 495 Cardinal Road, Mills River. Visit www.Appalachianpastelsociety.org for more information.
Saturday, January 9
The Art of Grace
Sarah Kaufman reading and book signing at 7 p.m. at Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café, 55 Haywood St., Asheville. Call (828) 254-6734, or visit www.malaprops.com.
Saturday, January 9
It Goes Without Saying
Bill Bowers presents an eloquent mixture of music, monologues and mime in his ongoing investigation of the silence surrounding the enigmatic matters of gender in our culture today. At Asheville Community Theatre, 35 East Walnut St., downtown Asheville. (828) 254-1320, www.ashevilletheatre.org.
Saturday, January 9
Fireships Plays Ben’s Tune Up
Fireships plays indie-folk and Americana with some West African influences. An elegant affair that evokes shades of Lou Reed, Paul Simon’s Graceland, and Deer Tick. Fireships is a new project from Honey Brothers founder and New York City indie veteran Andrew Vladeck. At Ben’s Tune Up, 195 Hilliard Ave., Asheville. (828) 424-7580, www.benstuneup.com
Sunday, January 10
Simple Gifts
Exclusive performance featuring classical pianist Christopher Tavernier. 3 p.m. Benefit concert for the Hendersonville Community Theatre. Free and open to the public. Limited seating, please arrive early. 229 S. Washington Street, Hendersonville. (828) 692-1082.
How to Hike the A.T.
For those wanting to learn more about a trek on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.), now’s your chance!
- Tuesday, January 12 – Second Gear Outfitters, Asheville, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free.
- Tuesday, January 19 – Mast General Store, Asheville. 5-7 p.m. Free.
- Tuesday, January 26 – Diamond Brand Outfitters, (South) Asheville. 6-8 p.m. Free.
- Sunday, February 7 – Black Dome Mountain Sports, Asheville. 4-7 p.m. Free.
For more information about the classes, visit www.appalachiantrail.org/events, or contact Chloe de Camara at (828) 357-6542 or send an email to cdecamara@appalachiantrail.org.
Pan Harmonia’s January Concerts
Sunday, January 10 – Music and Wine Interlude
Fine wine and music, as Kate Steinbeck and Ivan Seng offer finely crafted French music for flute and piano by Claude Debussy, Germaine Tailleferre, Reynaldo Hahn, and others. 5:30 p.m. Kate Steinbeck, flute, Ivan Seng, piano. Tickets $15, $7.50 for students. Food and wine extra. ISIS Restaurant and Music Hall, 743 Haywood Rd., Asheville. (828) 575-2737, www.isisasheville.com
Sunday, January 17 – Mediterranean Blues
Ardent laments, passionate love songs and fiery dance rhythms from the warm Mediterranean regions of Spain, France and Italy are key elements in this program. Add the sumptuous, expressive voice of Venezuelan soprano Salomé Sandoval accompanying herself on Renaissance guitar and the warm, expressive strings of the Muses’ Consort and the formula for a sizzling program is complete. 3 p.m. at Oakley United Methodist Church, 709 Fairview Road, Asheville. Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 at the door, $5 students, available at www.panharmonia.org.
For more information about Pan Harmonia, please visit www.panharmonia.org, or call (828) 254-7123. If price is a barrier, contact us at office@panharmonia.org to volunteer.
Saturday, January 16
Pasckie Pascua Reading
Local poet Pasckie Pascua reads from his book, “Red is the Color of my Night” in a Traveling Bonfires show at Firestorm Cafe & Books at 7 p.m. He will be joined by author and spoken word artist Randi Janelle, singer-songwriter Keegan Avery, and poet Devon Vuillier. Free; donations accepted. Firestorm, 610 Haywood Rd. in West Asheville. (828) 255-8115, www.firestorm.coop.
Saturday, January 16
Town Mountain
Town Mountain’s hard drivin’ bluegrass sound, tight harmonies, and stellar in-house songwriting have become the band’s trademark. They light up the stage with their honky tonk edge and barroom swagger, featuring a Jimmy Martin-style bounce and confidence that is countered at times by a laid-back John Hartford-esque groove. On tour with Railroad Earth. Appearing live at the Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave., Asheville. For tickets call (828) 398-1837, or visit www.theorangepeel.net.
Sunday, January 17
Della Mae
Grammy-nominated Nashville-based quintet blurs the lines between bluegrass, folk, soul, and old-time music. Della Mae is Celia Woodsmith, Kimber Ludiker, Jenni Lyn Gardner, Courtney Hartman, and Zoe Guigueno. At the The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave., Asheville. For details, call (828) 232-5800 or visit www.thegreyeagle.com.
Friends of the Library Concerts
Sunday, January 17 – ‘Round the Fire
‘Round the Fire, a popular local band, is comprised of Chris Minick, guitar, vocals and harmonicas; Greg Kidd, bass; and Lee Kram, percussion/drums. Their eclectic influences, from sources including folk rock, folk, swing, rock, blues, reggae, and more, will appeal to a wide audience. ‘Round the Fire performs at 3 p.m. at the Canton library. Free.
Saturday, January 23 – Vellamo
Vellamo combines the rich tradition of Finnish folksong in a retro, acoustic sound package. This duo, made up of Pia Leinonen on lead vocals, and Joni Tiala, master of several stringed instruments, enjoys shaking things up musically. Catch Vellamo at the Waynesville branch of the Haywood County Library at 3 p.m. Both concerts are free.
Tuesday, January 19
Bliss: Transformational Festivals & The Neo Hippie
Steve Schapiro talk and book signing at 7 p.m. at Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café, 55 Haywood St., Asheville. Call (828) 254-6734, or visit www.malaprops.com.
Wednesday, January 20
Chuck Brodsky
Chuck Brodsky is a storyteller, songwriter, troubadour, and a modern day bard. With only his acoustic guitar and his voice he’ll draw you in with genuine, down-to-earth warmth and his quirky, finely crafted songs. Using wit and irony, set to haunting melodies, he tells the stories of oddball and underdog characters through his syncopated guitar strumming or sweet finger-picking. 7 p.m. at Buffalo Nickel, 747 Haywood Road in West Asheville. Tickets are $12 at the door or $10 online at www.eventbrite.com.
Thursday, January 21
Haywood County Arts Council Annual Meeting
The Haywood County Arts Council will hold its Annual Meeting at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will begin with a wine and cheese reception followed by a short presentation. During the last half hour of the meeting, attendees will be asked to provide input on the following questions: What are we doing well? What do we need to do more of? What should we be doing differently? Please RSVP by January 15 to info@haywoodarts.org, or call (828) 452-0593. The meeting will be held at The Haywood County Arts Council at 86 N. Main Street in Waynesville. For more information call (828) 452-0593, or visit HaywoodArts.org.
January 21-24
Asheville Fringe Arts Festival
A plethora of performance art and experimental theatre. 15 different shows to choose from. For more details, please contact info@ashevillefringe.org and visit www.AshevilleFringe.org.
Saturday, January 23
Donna the Buffalo
Distinctive, groove-heavy, and danceable music. With roots in old time fiddle music that evolved into a soulful electric American mix infused with elements of cajun/ zydeco, rock, folk, reggae, and country. City of The Sun opens the show. Doors 8 p.m.; 18+ show at 9 p.m. $20 adv., $22 dos. The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave., Asheville. Call (828) 398-1837, or visit www.theorangepeel.net.
Sunday, January 24
Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams
Campbell has won multiple Grammy Awards; adept on guitar, fiddle, mandolin, banjo, pedal steel, dobro and any number of stringed instruments. Sharing the bill with Peter Mulvey. Tickets for this all-ages, seated, 8 p.m. show are $15 in advance and $18 dos. The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave., Asheville. For more details, call (828) 232-5800 or visit www.thegreyeagle.com.
Tuesday, January 26
Reflections on Madison County’s Musical Heritage
Postponed due to weather! New Date: Thursday, February 11. An evening and afternoon with Joe Penland. Class and lecture at 1 p.m. at Blue Ridge Community College’s Patton Building, Room 150. Concert and storytelling at 7 p.m. in the college’s Thomas Auditorium. Tickets for each program are $15 per person or $25 for both programs. For more information call the Center for Cultural Preservation, (828) 692-8062, and visit www.saveculture.org.
Thursday, January 28
Listen to This
Live stories told on stage along with stand-up comedy and original songs – all from local writers, actors, performers, and other interesting folks. 7:30 p.m. in 35below. Hosted by Tom Chalmers. Tickets are $15, available online at www.ashevilletheatre.org, by phone at (828) 254-1320, or in person at the ACT Box Office. Asheville Community Theatre, 35 East Walnut St., Asheville.
Friday, January 29
Discussion & Booksigning
7 p.m. Ann Mcman, Backcast; Cynn Chadwick, Girls with Hammers; Lori Horvitz, The Girls of Usually. Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café, 55 Haywood St., Asheville. Call (828) 254-6734, or visit www.malaprops.com.
Saturday, January 30
Antique Appraisal Fair
A benefit for the Western North Carolina AIDS Project. 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. at Nostalgique Antiques, 126 Swannanoa River Road in Asheville. For more information about the event, please contact Nostalgique Antiques at (828) 505-3556. For more information about WNCAP, visit www.WNCAP.org.
Friday, February 5
Free Planet Radio
World super-group Free Planet Radio performs ‘Just the Three of Us’ at 8 p.m. at the Altamont Theatre. Tickets are $16 in advance, $20 at the door. VIP package for $30 available online at www.thealtamont.com/fpr. Altamont Theatre, 18 Church St., Asheville. For tickets call (828) 270-7747 or visit www.TheAltamont.com.
Brief Encounters
Deadline: February 7, 2016
The Magnetic Theatre seeks one-act plays, actors, and directors. Between four to six previously unproduced plays will be presented at Magnetic 375 in June for Brief Encounters 2016. Scripts 10-20 minutes in length, in all genres, styles, and tones, are eligible for consideration. Cast size should not exceed six actors. Production requirements (set, costumes, props, lighting effects) should be minimal. Plays should be submitted in playscript format as a PDF or Final Draft files to Lucia Del Vecchio, at ldv@themagnetictheatre.org. Selections will be announced in March. Open-call auditions for the production will be held in March. Check www.themagnetictheatre.org for audition dates. Those interested in directing a one-act in Brief Encounters 2016 should contact Steven Samuels at ss@themagnetictheatre.org.
February 18-21 & 25-28
Once Upon a Mattress
Rollicking medieval musical, directed by Debbie Craig-Archer. Tryon Little Theater Workshop Theater, 516 S. Trade St., Tryon, NC. For more information, please call (828) 859-2466, email tryonlittletheatre@gmail.com, or visit www.tltinfo.org.
Asheville Symphony
Concerts begin at 8 p.m. at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium.
- Saturday, February 13 – Masterworks 4: Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, featuring Stefan Jackiw, violin.
- Saturday, March 12 – Masterworks 5: Romeo and Juliet featuring Shen Lu, piano.
- Saturday, April 16 – Masterworks 6: Verdi’s Requiem featuring Asheville Symphony Chorus.
- Saturday, May 14 – Masterworks 7: Featuring Zuill Bailey, cello.
For tickets and additional details, call (828) 254-7046 or visit
www.ashevillesymphony.org.
Altamont Theatre
- Saturday, January 16 – Tellico w/ the DuPont Brothers. Doors at 7 p.m.; Show at 8 p.m.
- Sunday, January 17 – The Gonzala Bergara Quartet. Doors at 6 p.m.; Show at 7 p.m.
- Friday, January 22 – Mark O’Connor. Doors at 7 p.m.; Show at 8 p.m.
- Thursday, February 4 – Ben Phan & the Soul Orchestra, CD Release Party. Doors at 7 p.m.; Show at 8 p.m.
- Friday, February 5 – Free Planet Radio. Doors at 7 p.m.; Show at 8 p.m.
- Saturday, February 6 – Sierra Hull. Doors at 7 p.m.; Show at 8 p.m.
- Thursday, February 11 – Francesca Blanchard. Doors at 7 p.m.; Show at 8 p.m.
- Friday, February 19 – Erick Baker & Callaghan. Doors at 7 p.m.; Show at 8 p.m.
- Saturday, February 20 – Charles “Wigg” Walker. Doors at 7 p.m.; Show at 8 p.m.
- Thursday, February 25 – BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet. Doors at 7 p.m.; Show at 8 p.m.
Altamont Theatre, 18 Church Street, downtown Asheville
(828) 270-7747, www.thealtamont.com