Before writing this story, I spent an afternoon working at the Pisgah View Community Peace Garden combing through rows of garlic and tugging at strongly rooted invaders with caretaker Robert White and a small group of volunteers. I was touched by the scene: Children played games in the grass by the shed; a little girl … Read more
It’s an important decision, this issue of where to spend New Year’s Eve. Cold Play didn’t coin the phrase “start as you mean to go on,” but the band made it famous-ish. And if there’s any truth to the concept, do you really want to begin 2011 watching the ball drop from the solo, Snuggie-draped … Read more
Fifty-one weeks of news, arts and entertainment may be difficult to summarize — especially a period as seemingly vibrant and active as 2010. This year, Xpress offers a review in parts, through a selection of stories and images that staff writers, designers, photographers (and, in some cases, the readers) found the most interesting and memorable. … Read more
From Asheville's Toubab Krewe we've come to expect the unexpected. Kora, kamelengoni, soku. The band requires of its fans both a nominal West African vocabulary and a willingness to go there — if not to West Africa itself, than to the sonic border crossing between American rock and roots, and African rhythms and melodies. Which … Read more
The year seems like such a whirlwind. In early 2010, the news team underwent some major changes, with three staffers moving on and several new ones coming on board. The newbies quickly got their feet wet, from election coverage to the CTS issue to Bele Chere. What have we accomplished? What’s next? While we ponder … Read more
Our area and its rich arts scene continues to astound me: with shows from Beach House (at the Grey Eagle) to Joanna Newsom (at the Orange Peel), local bands from Sky Lake to Sonmi Suite, theatre from community to equity, literature, visual art and dance, there’s never a quiet night around WNC. What follows are … Read more
Reams of text are regularly devoted to Asheville’s beer, food, arts, local businesses, architecture and natural beauty — as well as whatever new development City Council is considering this week that will, we’re told, either save or doom everything we hold dear about our hometown. But a far more pressing topic is often completely ignored. … Read more
"Which part are you interested in interviewing? His fist, or his foot?" I braced myself for such words when I called Chuck Norris ahead of the inaugural Actionfest film festival in early April. But my fears proved unfounded, as his wife picked up the phone and thanked me profusely for taking the time to speak … Read more
The way Rebecca Robinson looked me in the eyes and told me how Buncombe County's Adult Treatment Court saved her life from an intense addiction to prescription narcotics was one of the most haunting moments I experienced all year. I hope that shining a light on her story and the program may have inspired others … Read more
