It began with the death of an icon. August 9, 1995: Jerry Garcia’s demise, while perhaps unsurprising given his well-documented bouts with drug addiction, among other health problems, still stunned Deadheads the world over. To crib from Dead-lore, the eyes of the world — or at least their world — had finally closed forever. In … Read more
Smilefest happens Memorial Day Weekend (Friday, May 27 through Sunday, May 29) at Deerfields, a 940-acre tract of wilderness located 20 minutes south of Asheville in the Mills River community. Tickets are $90 for the weekend, including camping. (No day passes are available.) Call (800) 594-8499 for ticket information; call (919) 563-4923 or see www.smilefest.com … Read more
Serving up a heaping helping of theater: A scene from the Raleigh Ensemble Players’ Killer Joe, one of 29 shows to play as part of the Stoneleaf Theatre Festival. “The western part of [North Carolina] is really a center of gravity for theater in the state,” claims Terry Milner, executive director of the NC Theatre … Read more
Stoneleaf: A Festival of North Carolina Theatre happens in Asheville venues Friday, May 27 through Sunday, June 5 and includes comedy, drama, musicals, improvisation and children’s theater presented by more than 20 of the state’s theater companies. Friday, May 27 2 p.m.: The Quest — YMI Cultural Center 4 p.m.: The Witch & the Magic … Read more
Of all the things Theatre of a Thousand Juliets’ latest production has going for it — and there are many –location (as in location, location) hits really close to the top of the list. Set in the River District’s Wedge Gallery, there’s the perfect Dark Angel-cold, industrial ambience. The play begins when the gallery’s garage … Read more
Flavor: Traditional Jalisco, Mexico cuisineAmbiance: Understated and comfortableService: Patient Chances are, if you’re a devotee of the real-deal south-of-the-border flavors of the authentic taqueria, you’ve heard of Taqueria Fast. This little family-owned eatery has been drawing folks up Weaverville Highway for more than four years with its authentic Central Mexican cuisine, and for good reason. … Read more
Summer starter: Earth Fare at the Westgate Shopping Center will dish out the dogs in a pre-summertime grilling celebration. The health-food market will offer free samples of Wellshire Farms beef and Applegate Farms chicken hot dogs. Wash down your dogs with some cold organic lemonade, enjoy homemade desserts, and kick off your Memorial Day weekend … Read more
photo by Jodi Ford A self-operating service elevator and a mysterious spot on the wall (now covered by the chalkboard seen above) that refuses to hold paint are among the odd happenings reported at Barley’s. Joshua Warren, our tour leader, and his assistant Caleb Hanks stand outside Barley’s Taproom smoking a final pre-tour cigarette. As … Read more
People have a problem with bugs and bats, but it may not be what you’re thinking (“Eew, creepy!”). We have the same problem with butterflies (“Ah, lovely!”) and moths (“Wow, a luna!”). Pollinator populations are plummeting on every continent except Antarctica — and no pollinators means no food for us. Well, perhaps that’s a bit … Read more
