July 1, 8, 15 & 22
Swannanoa Chamber Music Festival
World-class musicians performing a variety of chamber music works. Concerts are Sundays at 7:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center, 250 Pigeon Street, Waynesville. Tickets are $20. Phone (828) 452-0593.
Richard Shulman Concerts
Sundays, July 1, 15, 22, & 29 – Music at the Center for Spiritual Living, 2 Science of Mind Way, Asheville. (828) 253-2325
Thursdays, July 12, 19, & 26, from 8 – 11 p.m. – Piano with the Heather Masterton Quartet at Olive or Twist, 81 Broadway in Asheville. For more details call (828) 658-9604 or visit www.RichHeartMusic.com.
Wednesday, July 4
Haywood Community Band Free Concert
Join the celebration and enjoy memorable patriotic music, and a musical salute to our Armed Forces. 2 p.m. on the court house lawn in Waynesville. For information, call Rhonda Wilson Kram at (828) 456-4880, or visit www.haywoodcommunityband.org. The next regularly scheduled free concert will be held in Maggie Valley on Sunday, July 15.
Friday, July 6
Karen Keil Brown Reception
The public is cordially invited to an opening reception from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The exhibition “The Edge” features contemporary abstract landscapes. On display through Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at the Asheville Gallery of Art, 16 College Street, Asheville. Call (828) 251-5796 or visit www.ashevillegallery-of-art.com.
July 6-29
La Cage Aux Folles
This smash Broadway musical, based on the French film “The Birdcage,” is shocking, daring, and hilarious. Music and lyrics by Jerry Herman; book by Harvey Fierstein; directed by Steven Lloyd; music direction by Chuck Taft.
Tickets: adults $24; seniors $22; students $10. Haywood Arts Regional Theatre, 250 Pigeon Street, Waynesville, NC 28786. Phone (828) 456-6322 or visit www.harttheatre.com
Friday, July 6
South of the Sahara: Portrait of Africa
Haywood County Arts Council presents an exhibition of photographs by John Rolland celebrating life in Sub-Saharan Africa and exploring the uncommon richness of this vibrant land. Reception from 6-9 p.m. in conjunction with downtown Waynesville’s Art After Dark. On display through Saturday, July 28, 2012. For more information visit www.haywoodarts.org.
Biltmore Park Concerts
Outdoor shows at the Biltmore Park Pavilion. For more details go to www.biltmorepark.com
July 7 – The Caribbean Cowboys
July 21 – Carolina Rex
Serendipity Opens Saturday, July 7
An International Exhibition of Wood Fired Sculptural Ceramics. Artist’s reception Saturday, July 7 at 6 p.m. Exhibition features works from the United States, Australia, Denmark, Japan, and Poland.
Curated by Asheville sculptor Eric Knoche, the exhibit will be held at the Crimson Laurel Gallery, 23 Crimson Laurel Way, Bakersville, NC 28705. Phone (828) 688-3599 for more details.
July 7, 14, 21; August 11, 18, 25
Shindig on the Green
A joyously spontaneous celebration of traditional and old-time string bands, bluegrass, ballad singers, big circle mountain dancers and cloggers on summer Saturday evenings at Pack Square Park on the Bascom Lamar Lunsford stage in the heart of downtown Asheville, NC. Stage show and informal jam sessions. FREE. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, family and friends. Info: (828)258-6101 x345 or www.folkheritage.org.
July 7-14
DramaRama
Asheville Community Theatre is debuting, an entire week of unique, affordable, fun events that redefines fundraising for the downtown theatre. Seven different events including a kick-off party honoring ACT groundbreakers, a fashion show, and two variety shows. Tickets are available for all events and range from $10 to $25. Details at www.ashevilletheatre.org.
Sunday, July 8
Pan Harmonia
The Opal String Quartet will perform cross-cultural contemporary favorites by Glass, Kodaly, and Baumbusch. Concert begins at 5 p.m. at The Altamont Theater, 18 Church St., downtown Asheville. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Buy online at www.pan-harmonia.org.
July 10 & 17
Brevard Music Center – Summer Festival Mini Series
In conjunction with the Brevard Music Center’s beloved Summer Festival (now in its 76th season), the Asheville Art Museum is hosting a series of three special performances. Concerts will take place at 7 p.m. in the Museum’s new Art works PRIMED East Wing Gallery. Tickets are $6 for Museum Members; $10 non Members. 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville. Phone (828) 253-3227, visit www.ashevilleart.org, or www.brevardmusic.org.
Wednesday, July 11
The Magnetic Song Series
Monthly songwriter music series takes place the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 8 p.m. beginning July 11. Cost: $5. The Magnetic Field, 372 Depot St., in Asheville’s River arts district. Visit www.themagneticfield.com
NC Stage Performances
July 13-15 – Mark Twain Now, by Paul Newell. Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m. All tickets are $15.
July 18-22 – Hard Travelin’ with Woody, by Randy Noojin. Wednesday – Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 on Wednesday, all other performances $18.
For tickets or more information please call (828) 239-0263 or visit www.ncstage.org.
AmiciMusic Concerts
Friday, July 13 – Thrilling Threesome features flutist Sergio Pallottelli, violinist Joanna Becker, and pianist Daniel Weiser in a program that includes works by Schumann, Mozart, Shostakovich, Navarra, and Nino Rota. 7:30 p.m. at the White Horse in Black Mountain, www.whitehorseblackmountain.com or call (828) 669-0816. Tickets: $15.
Saturday, July 14 – House Concert in Hendersonville at 7:30 p.m. Reservations are required. $35, includes great food and drink. Seating is limited. For more details or to make a reservation contact Daniel Weiser at (828) 505-2903, email daniel@amicimusic.org, or visit www.amicimusic.org.
Call for Entries – From Hand to Hand: Functional Craft in WNC
Entry deadline July 13‚ 2012
An American Craft Week Exhibition, August 24 – November 16, 2012. This exhibition will celebrate craft artists living in the 25 counties of Western North Carolina as defined on our website. The theme of the exhibition is functional craft objects made in Western North Carolina. Craft is defined as made from clay, glass, fiber, metal, wood, recycled/reused materials, and natural products.
All entries must be functional. Entries will be judged on technical proficiency, innovative/creative use of medium, and relevance. Details at exhibitions@handmadeinamerica.org or visit www. handmadeinamerica.org.
Friday, July 13
Animalia
Summer puppetry fun! Internationally award-winning master puppeteer Hobey Ford and his Golden Rod Puppets present a special summer performance for young audiences at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place. Performances open to the public, families, camp and summer education groups. Tickets $6-$7 at Diana Wortham Theatre Box Office: (828) 257-4530 or at www.dwtheatre.com.
BMCA Bag Lunch Series
An hour of literary presentations from noon to 1 p.m. Bring a bag lunch. Donations accepted.
Friday, July 13 – Judith Toy lecture and book signing for Murder As a Call to Love.
From Friday, July 20 through Friday, August 10, internationally renowned jazz musician Michael Jefry Stevens and his wife, poet Tina Barr, will present Jazz Poetry and Music: Passionate Meetings.
At the Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W. State Street. For more information call (828) 669-0930 or visit www.blackmountainarts.org.
Saturday, July 14
Free Planet Radio & The Billy Sea
World & Americana Music Fusion Concert & Workshops. Concert 8 p.m. Workshops 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. All events take place at the Altamont Theatre, 18 Church St., Asheville. (828) 348-5327, www.myaltamont.com. Tickets: Concert $15; Workshops, $25 for all three; $15 for individual classes. Workshop and concert package, $30. For more info www.sharethedrum.com
Saturday, July 14
Meeting of the Appalachian Pastel Society
From 10 a.m. to noon with a free demonstration of using mediums with pastels, “Pushing the Limits!” by Lorelle Bacon. Continuing workshop from 1-4 p.m. ($45 members/$55 non-members). WNC Ag Center, Youth Building, Fletcher, NC. For more information visit www.appalachianpastelsociety.org or call Miriam Hughes at 610-389-0058.
Tuesday, July 17
Asheville Quilt Guild Meeting
From the Carolinas to California, award-winning quilt artist, Ellen Guerrant, talks about her “Journey as a Quiltmaker,” 10 a.m., Folk Art Center, Milepost 382 Blue Ridge Parkway, www.ashevillequiltguild.org.
July 18, 19, 20
Portrait Workshop with Steve Hue
Participants will learn the fundamental principles of painting portraits from life. Red House Studios and Gallery, Black Mountain, NC. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $120 for the three days. Contact Eileen Ross to register, (828) 669-7363 or by email to eileenross@charter.net.
Grassroots Subgrant Applications and Grant Workshop
The Arts Council of Henderson County is accepting applications for NC Arts Council Grassroots Arts Program subgrants through August 16. Applications are available for non-profit organizations whose purpose is to promote and develop diverse cultural arts programming in Henderson County. Projects must occur between July 1 and June 30, 2013.
There will be a grant writing workshop at the Arts Council, 401 N. Main St., 3rd floor, in downtown Hendersonville on Thursday, July 19 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. More information and applications are available by calling Patty Smyers at (828) 693-8504, or by email to acofhc@bellsouth.net.
July 19-22
Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
US Cellular Center, 87 Haywood St. in downtown Asheville. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday – Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission: adults $8, children under 12 free. For a complete listing of exhibitors, craft demonstrations, and entertainment please call (828) 298-7928 or visit www.craftguild.org.
Friday, July 20
Downtown After 5
Sol Driven Train takes the stage following local opener, Common Foundation. This free event takes place from 5-9 p.m., on the 3rd Friday of the month through September, at N. Lexington Avenue and I-240.
Saturday, July 21
International Festival Day
From 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. in historic downtown Waynesville. The highlight of regional performances by international folk dancers and musicians from Folkmoot USA which takes place July 19-29. For more information visit www.haywoodarts.org or call (828) 452-0593. For information about Folkmoot USA visit www.folkmootusa.org, call (828) 452-2997; toll free 1-877-FOLK-USA.
Meet the Authors Writing Contest
Deadline: July 30, 2012
The top five winners will meet National Book Award-winning authors E.L. Doctorow and Peter Matthiessen in New York, September 13-14, 2012. Ten Honorable Mentions will receive recognition.
Submit an unpublished story or chapter (fiction or creative non-fiction) of 4,500 words or less. The entry fee is $30 per story.
This annual contest is sponsored by The Writers’ Workshop. Full details at (828) 254-8111, email writersw@gmail.com, or visit www.twwoa.org.
August 2-4
85th Annual Mountain Dance and Folk Festival
Tickets on sale now for 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.
Thursday – Saturday, 7 p.m. nightly at Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place in downtown Asheville. Tickets (828) 257-4530 or www.dwtheatre.com.
Sunday, August 5
45th Annual Juried Exhibit
Opening reception for the Swannanoa Valley Fine Arts League Members exhibit. 2-4 p.m. at the Red House Studios and Gallery in Black Mountain. The show runs through August 3, 2012. The judge for the exhibit is Constance E. Richards, writer, author, and Director of the Grand Bohemian Gallery in Asheville. Visit www.svfalarts.org
through July
Visions of Summer
Exhibit at the Red House Studios & Gallery, next to the Monte Vista Hotel in Black Mountain. Working Artists Studios will also be open. On display through July 29. Gallery hours: Thursday through Sunday 11 a.m to 6 p.m.
through July
Silent Echoes
Paintings and masks by Nancy Silver are on display at the Congregational Church of Christ, 20 Oak Street. Weekdays from 9-12. Visit www.nancysilverart.com.
Summer Authors Speakers Series at UNC Asheville
Sundays 3-4:30 p.m. A quintet of great Southern writers speak at UNC Asheville’s Reuter Center. Tommy Hays, July 1; Charles Frazier, July 8; Wayne Caldwell, July 15; Ron Rash, July 22; Erica Abrams Locklear, July 29. The series is free and open to the public and takes place in the Manheimer Room at UNC Asheville’s Reuter Center. For more information call (828) 251-6140.
Serendipity – Saturday, July 7
An International Exhibition of Wood Fired Sculptural Ceramics. Artist’s reception at 6 p.m. Exhibition features works from the United States, Australia, Denmark, Japan, and Poland. Curated by Asheville sculptor Eric Knoche, the exhibit will be held at the Crimson Laurel Gallery, 23 Crimson Laurel Way, Bakersville, NC 28705. Phone (828) 688-3599 for more details.
SART 2012: A Season of Reinvention
July 5 – July 22 • The Light in the Piazza – Book by Craig Lucas, music and lyrics by Adam Guettel. Romantic score, passionate music and lyrics, soaring melodies!
July 26 – August 5 • Sweet Water Taste, by Gloria Bond Clunie. World Premiere. SART’s 2010 ScriptFEST Winner!
August 9 – August 19 • Sylvia, by A.R. Gurney. Man’s best friend becomes woman’s too!
For more information or to order tickets, visit www.sartplays.org or call (828) 689-1384. SART performances take place on the campus of Mars Hill College, 44 College Street, Mars Hill, NC.
Appalachian Pastel Society Juried National Exhibition
Deadline: August 1, 2012 – Pastel artists: the 2012 Appalachian Pastel Society Juried National Exhibition will be held October 18 through December 14, 2012 at the Asheville School in Asheville, NC. For prospectus, visit www.appalachianpastelsociety.org.
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.