Author Elizabeth Gilbert says that 15 years ago, she believed love was something she would stumble onto "like an Antiques Roadshow treasure kind-of thing. 'Oh my God! Look what I've found! Something really valuable right here in this bar!'" And of course it would be love at first sight. These romantic notions and expectations lead … Read more
Beer and music partnerships are a longstanding tradition in America, and Asheville's breweries are no exception. Week in and week out, local tasting rooms host a seemingly endless stream of regional talent, usually for free. But Highland Brewing Company has gone a step beyond providing a room to perform; the local hop-house actually employs a … Read more
If you want to look at impeccable contemporary craft and fine art, Blue Spiral 1 is the place to go. This is not an arena where you will find threadbare installations or experimental-video collage projected on the walls. If an artist is dealing with conceptual subject matter at Blue Spiral 1, expect serious craftsmanship to … Read more
Some acts are hard to follow. Especially acts that end the set with a four-part a cappella rendition of the snap-inducing Billy Joel classic “For the Longest Time.” Throw in a successful marriage proposal before the cheering crowd — as was the case during Don Duke Meets the Queen's debut performance at The Get Down … Read more
It's sad but true: Ashley Davis (a.k.a. Bad Ash), on-air radio personality for Asheville Radio Group stations 98.1 The River and 105.9 The Mountain and host of both Homegrown and Local Licks programs, is leaving Asheville. Her last day on-air will be Monday, Feb. 7. "I’m moving to Lahaina, Maui, and starting my new voice … Read more
Jim Barkley knows cars. But you might be surprised to learn that the local Toyota dealer has also had his share of brushes with musical fame. While Barkley was growing up in north Florida, Tom Petty was a year ahead of him at Gainesville High School. In the 60's, Barkley's older brother Bobby played in … Read more
The Suspect: Larry Keel and Natural Bridge Keel grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, and there began his love and deep appreciation for mountain music culture. After a seven-month stint as a bluegrass musician at Tokyo Disneyland, Keel returned to the states and took up playing on the East Coast festival circuit. … Read more
Larry Keel at Pisgah Brewing Larry Keel's homegrown combination of Blue Ridge Mountain bluegrass heritage and innovative technical skill makes Larry Keel and Natural Bridge a vehement force to be reckoned with. The flat-picking virtuoso, along with his wife, Jenny (fiddle, lead and harmony vocals) and mandolin player/vocalist Mark Schimick, will be playing in Black … Read more
Fast, friendly … and totally vegetarian Ready for something quick, affordable and still good for you? Capitalizing on the public’s increasing desire for healthy fast food, Nicole Diamantis and her partner Ryan Jeffries are opening Asheville's first vegetarian drive-through. The business, VegHeads Drive-Thru, will open in early March in the old Backyard Burger location at … Read more
A few hours before the Asheville City Council’s Jan. 25 meeting, about 25 local faith leaders and several Council members gathered at the First Congregational United Church of Christ on Oak Street to advocate for “full equality for all Asheville citizens.” The resolution pushed by People of Faith for Just Relationships calls on City Council … Read more
