The quintessential Friday-through-Sunday music festival traditionally peaks the second night — but organizers at the eighth edition of Flat Rock Music Festival apparently see no reason to wait that long. Sure, bluegrass’ premier elder statesman, Dr. Ralph Stanley, has respectfully been given the headlining Saturday-night slot. But the opening-night show — Friday, April 23 — … Read more
In general, plays about being a teenager flat-out suck. Very shortly, I’ll tell you about one that probably won’t — The Instant Theatre Company’s production of Voices From the High School. But before I do, let me set the stage with a simple question. How do you recall your teen years? Not in that high-school-summer-movie … Read more
Josef Albers, teaching at Black Mountain College, emphasized to his students that to see a thing well enough to draw it they must be “fully awake.” Three current, local drawing exhibits are likely to open viewers‘ eyes, as well — to three vastly different approaches in craft and concept. Gregory Masurovsky, a student of Albers … Read more
Blue-eyed soul man Martin Sexton’s astounding multi-octave voice has left critics fawning since he busted out of busking the streets and subway stations of Boston, where he honed his admittedly impressive chops. Acoustic Guitar raved, “[Sexton] is a master of dynamics, reducing a room to silence with his blustering baritone, then teasing that silence with … Read more
Front-row reviews What: The Blue Rags reunion w/Tyler Ramsey and Mad Tea PartyWhere: The Orange PeelWhen: Saturday, April 10 On rare occasions, when exceptional chemistry is involved, the performance of live music can actually transcend artistic taste. The Blue Rags took the Orange Peel stage April 10 after a two-year hiatus. And as they played … Read more
It’s hard to believe that carrots are roots. How can anything that burrows 6 to 8 inches down in the dark earth be so bright, so filled with sunlight? Ivy Rose, my gardener granddaughter, says digging up carrots is like mining for gold. I heartily agree. Organically grown carrots are an excellent investment for a … Read more
[Editor’s note: Back in January, Gov. Mike Easley proclaimed 2004-05 as the official “Celebration of North Carolina Craft,” kicking off a two-year, statewide commemoration (see more at www.carolinaarts.com). This story is the second in a series of Mountain Xpress articles exploring the art and business of craft in Western North Carolina.] “People in general don’t … Read more
“The time limit applicable to public hearings or public comment periods on any agenda item shall be one hour … exclusive of staff presentations and any structured Council debate.” — from a newly adopted amendment to City Council rules Attendance was sparse at the April 13 formal session of the Asheville City Council — surprising … Read more
Help for homeless veterans About one-third of the adult homeless population has served in the armed forces, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. On any given day, says the agency, as many as 250,000 veterans are living on the streets or in shelters, and perhaps twice as many experience homelessness at some point … Read more
