They once carpeted more than 200 million acres of Appalachia and accounted for nearly half of the tree population in Buncombe County. Today, spotting even one American chestnut tree is big news: It doesn’t happen very often. In fact, the number of thriving American chestnuts is so small, and the trees themselves are so widely … Read more
No doubt about it: Life changes in the blink of an eye. And Asheville — with its unique mix of people, its remarkable store of creativity, and its marvelous architectural heritage — is no exception. Our city is constantly evolving, shaping and reshaping itself with each passing moment. But thanks to Gloria Gaffney’s exquisite pen-and-ink … Read more
Aaaahhh … just as the long, hot days of summer start to slide into view, how about making a few seasonal home improvements? Maybe a cool mountain stream winding its way over rocks and pebbles in the living room? Or how ’bout a deep blue watering hole, perfect for skinnydipping and daydreaming, tucked just behind … Read more
Spiritual teachers often point out that to reach the top of the mountain, you have to experience the bottom, too — and local songwriters Ami Worthen and Valorie eloquently capture that notion in their music. Valorie’s inspirations are decidedly diverse: “[I’m] influenced by psych wards and psychedelics; Mustangs and Dusters; long periods living in the … Read more
Saturdays are for listening to old bluegrass on the radio. Because old music sounds better on the radio. Hearing those broadcasts in the mountains adds an even deeper patina to the antique sound of old-time recordings: The hisses and pops seem to keep time with the driving banjo runs and tinny mandolin licks. The early … Read more
Live shows by popular rock musicians often provide little more than a replay of the album — albeit with a little good-natured chatter tossed in for variety. But an upcoming show at The Grey Eagle, featuring the alternative-acoustic sounds of Kristin Hersh and Vic Chesnutt, promises something much greater — though it’s unclear exactly what. … Read more
Don’t let the dried-blood-colored letters in the vestibule scare you off. Though the sign advertising From the Gut — a feminist fine-art show now on view at Urthona Gallery — is painted in precisely that shade of red (aptly named by show curator Gavra Lynn), the show is not about being angry, or anti-male, or … Read more
