It’s autumn, and that means storytelling season. And there’s no better place in the country for storytelling than right here in the mountains of Western North Carolina, where the ancient tales have been kept alive and nurtured through generations. Today, mountain storytelling is enjoying a revival as impressive as what’s happening with mountain music. Every … Read more
This Halloween weekend marks the city’s 22nd annual Freakers Ball, reports James Barringer of the Asheville Music Zone. But it’s the first time the event will be stretched out over two nights. “They’ve had it at the Hilton; they’ve had it at the Radisson — it’s happened all over the place. Typically, they’d have five … Read more
Just about every human emotion has been translated into dance. This ubiquitous art form can tell every story — from the myths of creation, through the journey of life, to death. And it doesn’t necessarily stop there. Although dance’s “body language” is easily understood as entertainment in the context of a performance, it can also … Read more
Dimly lit figures hustle to connect cables and equalize sound levels, all to the beat of someone’s classic-funk collection. Drums are checked to “I Believe in Miracles,” guitars to “Brick House.” Smoke from assorted cigars makes strange, dragonlike swirls in the colored light, catching purples and reds. The stage is set with piano and standup … Read more
This race started out as a sleeper: A few months ago, Republican incumbent Charles Taylor was seen as a shoo-in to keep his seat in Congress. Then, reports of delinquent taxes, Russian deals, bank investigations and potentially illegal HUD payments surfaced in Raleigh, Charlotte, Asheville and even national newspapers. At an Aug. 24 meeting of … Read more
We met in coffeehouses, offices, back porches and living rooms. Some wore ties, and some wore T-shirts. Some answers were succinct, and some were rambling. But in interviewing the five candidates for state Senate District 28 (encompassing Madison, Yancy, McDowell and parts of Buncombe and Burke counties), one common thread emerged: passion. All five candidates … Read more
Don’t confuse animal issues with political bullying I have just read an Xpress article dated Oct. 4, 2000 about the problems with the animal shelter [“Commissioners lie, animals die”]. It is interesting how individuals find self importance on issues like this. I have found that these people lead lives so bereft of interest that any … Read more
“We got a lot of problems, but while we talk this thing to death, other cities went ahead and built new facilities. And nothing is ever going to happen up here until someone nails down the site.” — former city planning official. Thousands of hours and millions of words have been spent on the seemingly … Read more
As election day approaches, those of us who are thinking about voting will be considering many issues and personalities. One issue that doesn’t seem to be making its way out of the dark abyss of misguided policy is the drug war. It is apparent to many that this war is not being won — and, … Read more
