The year is 1938, the place is a Chicago residence hotel — and the music’s a-howl on the twilight breeze. And that’s just a milli-splinter of the picture. UNCA’s Black History Month celebration has already brought us poetry readings, films, discussions, dances, storytelling, music and drum circles — but there’s even more to come. The … Read more
How many of us can say we love the sound of our own voice — especially when singing? If the thought of taking voice lessons has ever crossed your mind, an upcoming workshop may satisfy your curiosity. Be forewarned: My Voice, My Heart, My Song may also change your life. At least, that’s what several … Read more
They’re the men behind the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, having penned more than 20 songs for Elvis as well as Ben E. King’s classic “Stand By Me,” Aretha Franklin’s “Spanish Harlem” and The Drifters’ “On Broadway.” Before there were Elton John and Bernie Taupin, Gamble and Huff, or Lennon and McCartney, there were Jerry … Read more
“I don’t think much of it,” declares bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley, when pressed to reveal his feelings about that other quintessentially American music, rock ‘n’ roll. Fellow banjoist J.D. Crowe, however, has made a point of adding strains of rock — as well as gospel, country, blues and other sounds — to his brand of … Read more
Cautious support for aquatic center “I’m not here to ask for any money,” Pat McClellan assured the Buncombe County commissioners on Feb. 15, speaking on behalf of the proposed Asheville Buncombe Aquatic Center Committee. Instead, McClellan asked commissioners make two appointments to the committee. Board of Commissioners Chair Tom Sobol agreed to do that, but … Read more
Council member Charles Worley is still reeling from the effects of nine hours’ worth of brain-twisting debate. Stricken with a staph infection and confined to a hospital bed, Worley nonetheless managed to keep a telephone plastered to his ear until the bitter end of Council’s Feb. 8 formal session, which lasted till 2 a.m. But … Read more
Maybe that old couch has outlived its springiness, or else it’s just plain ugly — but tossing it down the nearest ravine could get the law after you. On a warm February day, Environmental Control Officer Jane Cole stands at the curve in the road that winds up and over Hookers Gap, in west Buncombe … Read more
Obsession runs deep among Asheville’s skateboarders. Bengi Rogers said he’d rather attend the opening of the city’s new skateboard park this fall than be back surfing the shores of Puerto Rico, where his dad lives. Even the lure of the 7-foot-high “half-pipe” that his dad built in the garage there isn’t enough to lure this … Read more
Don’t do me any favors When Mountain Home Fire Chief Jimmy Gasperson agreed to burn off the brush in a far corner of Henderson County’s Mill Pond Cemetery, little did he know he was about to become embroiled in a flap that would attract the attention of local newspapers and even the nightly news. But … Read more
Break the (e-mail) chain If you have an e-mail account, you probably receive silly forwarded chain-letter e-mails. I’m so sick of chain e-mails. Some are merely annoying — like the “Good Luck Teddy Bear.” Others are vaguely interesting, but replace actual conversation — like the form letter asking mildly nosy questions like, “Describe your first … Read more
