We have to admit that when Asheville’s first olive oil-and-vinegar tasting room, Olive & Kickin’, opened earlier this year, we were perplexed by the novelty of the business. Then we tasted the products and took note of reportedly brisk online sales and thought, OK, sure. When another one opened in Biltmore Village (The Tree and … Read more
Expression is the heart of the Urban Art Institute, says Michael Hayes, the executive director, and hip-hip is in the heart of many of its members. “Hip-hop is the medium that brings all these young people together,” explains Hayes. “And hip-hop is about expression.” The Urban Arts Institute will bring its unique “hip-hop for peace” … Read more
The new stephaniesid album, Starfruit — despite its name-association with things tropical and celestial — was conceived in a dark basement. "A universe leapt out of the grayness," says front woman Stephanie Morgan. An advance listen of the album reveals lush pop, layered vocals, rich horn parts and a certain velvety darkness (perhaps it's the … Read more
Saturday BoBo Gallery Stage (at College Street) • BoBo DJs, 11 a.m.-noon • Natty Queen (poetry), noon-1 p.m. • Santos (acoustic soul) 1-2 p.m. • Brett Rock (DJ), 2-3 p.m. • Fresh Tricks (B-boys) with Brett Rock, 3-4 p.m. • Future Soul Project, 4-5:30 p.m. • Anthony Brown, 5:30-7 p.m. • DJ Silky & Z, 7-8 p.m. • Earthtone Soundsystem (DJ collective), 8-9 p.m. … Read more
Points for a clever name — LAAFFter parties (get it? LAAFF-ter?) take place Saturday night following the close of This Lexington Avenue Arts & Fun Festival's first day. Definition:Asheville — B-Boy Battle & Official LAAFFter Party is held at the Star Factory, 191 Lyman St., Suite 101, in the River Arts District on Saturday, Sept. … Read more
Chris Robinson (lead singer of The Black Crowes) doesn't do many interviews. At this point in his career he doesn't have to, and this year he has mostly, as one press agent put it, "let his music speak for him." But he took time to talk to Xpress in advance of his Orange Peel show … Read more
Many people ask what happened to Sugar Beet Cafe, a Fairview spot beloved for breakfast and lunch that closed quite suddenly earlier this year for reasons that will remain a mystery for the foreseeable future. As several people who frequented the restaurant have pointed out, it wasn't for lack of business. We do know that … Read more
Sporting events and beer have long been copacetic companions. In the spirit of celebrating athleticism and malted beverages, the Asheville-Buncombe Adult Soccer Association has renamed their annual soccer tournament the Beer City Cup. On the second day of the tourney, Sunday, Sept. 4, the organization will offer 12-ouncers of at least seven local brews for … Read more
How about this for a quirky and unique holiday event? On Sunday, Sept. 4, Jack of Hearts is taking Labor Day in a whole new direction, inviting all expecting mothers in their third trimester to eat for free at the Weaverville pub. From noon until 10 p.m., moms-to-be receive a lunch or dinner entree on … Read more
Asheville City Council Aug. 23, 2011 meeting Some restaurant owners, residents opposed Second reading slated for Sept. 13 Yet another chapter in the continuing battle over whether to allow food trucks in downtown Asheville ended Aug. 23 when City Council narrowly approved new rules rescinding a ’90s-era ban on mobile food vendors in the central … Read more
