I'm not Italian, but I was raised in a working-class Italian neighborhood in New Jersey. "Wop" isn't amusing; there are no "disclaimers.” Use of this word in the "Behind the Times" segment in the Jan. 4 Asheville Disclaimer is more than inexcusable — it is disgusting. I would very much like to leave the Bible … Read more
Singer/songwriter Silas Durocher (known for his own band Everybody Knows, group project Soulgrass Rebellion and cryptic quotes like, "There are many mansions in the house of music") returns with a new endeavor: the Lovestruck Suckers. The quartet is Durocher (singing soulful songs) backed by Opal String Quartet members Amy Lovinger (violin), Kara Poorbaugh (viola) and … Read more
Knoxville-based singer-songwriter Erick Baker knows his way around a love song (he also writes and sings about hope, fear and loss). Xpress has been following his career since he debuted in 2008 with It's Getting Too Late To Say It's Early and opened for James Blunt at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. It's taken Baker awhile … Read more
Just when I think I have found the secret to loving Jesus, it eludes me. I have had some very close encounters. I am not a slacker seeker. I have been curious about God long enough to know I am due some understanding. Many people I love have that light about them and credit Jesus. … Read more
As a member of this magnificent crew on the astounding blue planet Earth, I feel compelled to address you all in a matter of great urgency. My heart is pounding and my eyes well up when I learn of the ways of the human condition. I have great hopes and admiration for the capacities of … Read more
Fiore's South, Anthony Cerrato's second Italian restaurant, is now open for special events only — lunch and dinner are no longer being served there. But have no fear, Asheville. The Fiore's mini-empire is alive and well. The downtown restaurant is still open for business and the Asheville Airport serves a number of baked goods and … Read more
As an Owen High senior, Hali Ledford watched through tears as a hairdresser cut her mother's long, brown locks before they were lost to chemotherapy. Sherry Ledford was diagnosed with stage four cervical cancer in the spring of 2008; despite a full hysterectomy, she died less than a year-and-a-half later. Even with short hair, Hali … Read more
Join Asheville Green Drinks for "Red, White and Water," a discussion about water conservation and the history of the environmental movement on Wednesday, Jan. 18 at 5:30 p.m. Presented at Posana Cafe, 1 Biltmore Ave. Info: http://www.ashevillegreendrinks.com. Browse new paintings by Fleta Monaghan, founder and director of River's Edge Studio and 310 ART Gallery, as … Read more
What: Eat chili, jump into freezing cold water and see ice carved masterpieces at Blowing Rock Winterfest. Opening day, Thursday, Jan. 26, features an array of food from Blowing Rock’s most notable restaurants and a winter ale tasting. Get some free hot chocolate on Friday, huddle around a campfire and hear Beverly "Guitar" Watkins and … Read more
What: There’s nothing like crafts to spice up history. Children above the age of 9 are invited to learn about the settlers of the late 1880s at a program called “Oh Pioneers.” Kids will make a pioneer craft to take home, and a barn dance will close out the festivities. “The pioneer settlers of the … Read more
