Of note Good news, bad news: The Asheville-based eclectic-rock band ChunkStyle has nearly finished recording its first full-length release. Sadly, it looks like it will also be the band’s last release: Founding member James Moats is leaving the group, and remaining members Dan Taylor and Lincoln Benson do not wish to continue the project without … Read more
“We’re glad to have people come here — but we want them to know our history before they try to change things.” That was a common refrain Rebecca Williams heard when she set about collecting stories for Way Back When: Folk Tales of Black Mountain and the Swannanoa Valley, an original folk play she directs. … Read more
Once upon a time, in a land not so far away, there lived an aged and benevolent king who had twin sons, both of whom happened to be fools. One day, the king decided it was time to step down from the throne. “I’m ready to retire and kick back,” remarked King Edmund (a.k.a. Rod … Read more
Ceramic work doesn’t have to be a bowl or a mug to serve a purpose. Consider the landscape-inspired wall treatments of ceramic artist Don Penny, a retired art teacher from Hahira, Ga., who smudges the boundary between the aesthetic and the functional. “Some of my work serves as markers or signs, though I’m not quite … Read more
Kristy Jackson was down in the dumps after Sept. 11. But she found catharsis for both her sorrow and her adulation of heroism. Jackson expressed her feelings in a song about civilians thwarting terrorists — and scored a hit single in the process. In a much-anticipated advanced-songwriting workshop coming up at the Flat Rock Music … Read more
Loudon Wainwright III Driving near NYC 30 years ago, Loudon Wainwright III got a quick whiff of reality. “I ran over what was left of a skunk,” he recalled in a recent interview, adding, “I was inspired.” He wrote “Dead Skunk” in 15 minutes. The top-20 novelty song’s line “dead skunk in the middle of … Read more
The first time I met Bill Taylor, he was presenting a workshop on growing vegetables. At the time, I was impressed with his storehouse of knowledge, and I envied his ability (as a retired gentleman) to devote his days to his passion. Since that time, I’ve periodically heard his name associated with impressive gardening feats. … Read more
There’s a great deal of talk these days about the honeybee and the various threats to its existence (and they are legion). But before the colonists ever brought the honeybee to America (sometime back in the late 1400s), plenty of other pollinators were already here doing their bit with native plants — all sorts of … Read more
Speaking our peace What happens when two local poets feel moved to speak out for world peace? If the bards in question are Asheville poets Mendy Knott and David Schenck, they organize a grassroots event and invite all of WNC to speak out too! “Let the Mountains Ring: Voices for Peace” happens Friday May 10, … Read more
In one fell swoop, former Asheville mayoral candidate Dave Goree aims to save the Civic Center, promote the use of alternative fuels, and bring racing back to town. Sound like a tall order? Maybe. But Goree’s a Libertarian, and anyone challenging the dominant two-party system has to dream big. How does Goree propose to realize … Read more
