"As we enter the third year of what has become the country's worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, it is fair to say that local governments are implementing unprecedented changes to cope with the financial crisis that represent a different way of doing business." Taking the hit: Police officers at last year's Bele Chere. … Read more
The Grove Arcade, one of downtown Asheville's most distinctive landmarks, can't make the payments on its debt to the city. After acquiring the historic structure from the federal government in 1997, Asheville signed a 198-year lease with the Grove Arcade Public Market Foundation, which manages the property. In the grove: The interior of the Grove … Read more
For many, the Masonic Temple at 80 Broadway in downtown Asheville is intriguing and mysterious, in part because the temple's doors have been closed to the general public for years. That's changed. In an effort to reconnect with Asheville's artistic community, and to help raise money for building renovations, the temple will be hosting public … Read more
Balancing budgets The ongoing debates over city and county budgets for the fiscal year 2010-2011 will soon come to a head across WNC. Strive Not to Drive Leadership Ride: On May 17, about 30 local elected officials and community leaders took a rainy bicycle tour of the city designed to highlight recent infrastructure improvements and … Read more
The Environmental Protection Agency failed to find contamination promptly, adequately address its cleanup or communicate effectively with residents affected by air and water contamination from a former industrial plant near Asheville, according to a stinging report released last week by an independent office of the EPA. Warning: A sign near the contaminated former CTS of … Read more
Moog Music is moving its retail operation, museum and famous factory from 2004 Riverside Drive to 160-170 Broadway the brick buildings just north of the Interstate 240 overpass and across the street from the ABC store. Musical and physical synthesis: A rendering of Moog Music's future headquarters at 160-170 Broadway in downtown Asheville. Image Courtesy … Read more
If The Scenic Route brings to mind a leisurely drive through the mountains or a road trip out of town, that's the point. Water signs: The album has a theme of water and currents that Kipar says was unintentional, but not surprising. The aptly titled fourth effort from Asheville's symphonic-folk outfit The Galen Kipar Project … Read more
Asheville's Mountain Sports Festival has grown into one of the city's most popular festivals. Last year, more than 15,000 people attended the multi-day happening, and organizers hope the action-packed weekend of outdoor sports-oriented events will be even more popular this year. With nearly a month's worth of activities packed into one party-like, music-filled weekend of … Read more
Bigger and better: That's the promise for this year's Mountain Sports Festival from director Christen McNamara. That means more sports events and a ramped-up entertainment slate, all wrapped up in a brand-new green package. Get set, get ready, go! The Mountain Sports Festival offers fun and competition for athletes of all ages. Photo courtesy city … Read more
Big Daddy Love comes by its Southern rock-meets-bluegrass sound honestly. "My grandmother played guitar in Maybelle Carter-style, and I learned chords from her when I was young," says singer/guitarist Daniel Justin Smith. Banjo player Brian Swenk remembers, "My dad was a rock 'n' roller. He played The Beatles and got to open for The Allman … Read more
