“All the people [in film school] were assholes.” There are a few things you should know about Asheville filmmaker Rod Murphy: He’s pale. He’s funny. He’s loud. He was born in Boston, raised in Southbridge, and thinks Grady Little should have pulled the hook on Pedro Martinez in Game 7. He loves Asheville. He hates … Read more
“We haven’t done anything to promote the [group] except to tell our friends,” insists drummer Bill Smith, founder of Asheville’s Firecracker Jazz Band. “We haven’t called club owners to book gigs — they’ve called us.” Smith is just as surprised by his band’s sudden popularity as is anyone. He’s also quite grateful, as are Firecracker’s … Read more
Experiencing Momix always reminds me of Harrison Bergeron, the protagonist in Kurt Vonnegut’s classic short story of the same name. Bergeron is an athlete and a dancer in a future world where equality is absolutely enforced by a Handicapper General. Smart folks are dumbed down with sonic implants that prevent sequential thought, handsome people are … Read more
The large painting now in Blue Spiral 1’s front window sings into the street, its lyrical colors flowing with vibrant energy. The painting is something of a window itself into the life of its intriguing creator, an example of a lifelong dream made manifest. “Joyance,” an abstract, is the work of Mary Charles Griffin, who … Read more
Front-row reviews What: Goths on Wheels Where: Tarwheels Skateway, Swannanoa When: Friday, Feb. 6 It’s hard to look haunted and emotionally detached while balanced on a pair of roller skates. Trust me, I’ve tried. Tonight is Goth Night at Tarwheels, and all around me, black-clad angels of death and despair-spewing nihilists are desperately attempting not … Read more
If you’re one of those people who’s daunted by the responsibility of caring for your plants, succulents are the perfect answer. These tough denizens of the plant world will put up with a good deal of abuse, especially when it comes to watering. But for me, it’s their flowers — beautiful, bizarre or both — … Read more
“I have concerns that the board is being stacked unfairly, and that it [will be] out of balance. I’m not going to support that.” — Vice Mayor Carl Mumpower After three days of bonding in the woods, Asheville City Council members returned to their duties with a newfound sense of camaraderie — along with a … Read more
Summer: sun, fun — and voting? When I think about late July, my mind usually turns to hiking, picnicking and the like. But this year, I’ll have to add “voting” to my list of hot-weather pursuits. Last week, the State Board of Elections unanimously voted to delay the North Carolina primary from May 4 until … Read more
Loss of Blue Ridge Center’s care a tragedy for us all Jeff Long’s intelligent letter [“Words From the Front Lines of Mental Illness,” Xpress Jan. 28], which outlined the important need to continue services for our the mentally handicapped citizens, touched a special spot in me. After eight long years of helplessly witnessing the decline … Read more
