Dodging the great beyond: PGroove contemplates their place in the dizzyingly changing jam world. “Perpetual groove” — hard to believe — is what the kids these days call jam. But it’s probably the most convenient label for a slew of bands like, and unlike, the Athens, Ga.-based PGroove. Some of these bands have about as … Read more
Sluggish days, flashy nights: Humid weather brings out the slugs in even the best neighborhoods. If your tender-leaved plants (basil and lettuce in particular) are looking motheaten by day with no sign of insect pests, examine your plants after dark, by flashlight. Chances are you’ll find slugs chowing down on your future pesto. Hand picking … Read more
Gliding above the emerald hills of Pisgah National Forest in a tiny four-passenger Cessna has the effect of making one feel … well, nauseous at times. But beyond that, you feel like an insignificant speck peering down into a vast, age-old landscape. courtesy SouthWings Guided by SouthWings volunteer pilot Mal Deckham, a group of us … Read more
The second annual Northwestern N.C. Wine Conference has been scheduled for Monday, July 17, at the Broyhill Inn and Conference Center at Appalachian State University in Boone. The event, presented by the Appalachian State Enology Group, was created to encourage growth in the state’s wine industry through a variety of business seminars and events that … Read more
Out of Africa: Oso Wallman, a devotee of Senegalese cuisine, created Asheville’s very own African food fest. photos by Jodi Ford On a typical late-Sunday afternoon in Asheville, after the brunch-munchers and Sunday drivers have retreated to the comfort of the backyard grill or the living-room sofa, downtown takes on a rather restful air as … Read more
Passing The Baton They say old symphony conductors never die, they just fade away. But that’s a lie: Sometimes they just retire. Such is the case with near-legendary conductor and symphony artistic director David Effron, who announced last year he’d be giving up the post he’s held for 11 years at Brevard Music Center, effective … Read more
Flopping is part of the fun: The OxyMorons. In the spirit of improv comedy, Xpress has decided to frame this article in a way that you, the reader, can participate. Fill in the blanks as directed to create your own wacky article. It’s a Friday night at Asheville Brewing Company, and the place is bustling … Read more
Cash crop of crazy: Despite her erratic on-stage behavior, Cat Power’s fans still think she’s The Greatest. And a whole squadron of Memphis soul veterans agree. Until recently, even Cat Power’s most loyal fans probably had to wonder if she’d made the right career choice. Prior to her current tour, her shows have been more … Read more
Sacre bleu!: Hanna Miller got to meet Alex Trebek. Hanna Miller has always wanted to appear on Jeopardy! She is the sort of person who gathers trivia — factoids, minutiae, gems of knowledge — with the same zeal others turn on ring tones or those inspirational rubber bracelets. And while it may be a stretch … Read more
