“People need to laugh, especially around Christmas,” says Bombs Away Cabaret performer and coordinator Amber Shehan, (aka Iona Traylor). The performance troupe’s mission is to restore burlesque to its comedic roots, and the group is constantly striving for a balance between inappropriate and socially acceptable, sexual and sensual. Shehan deadpans, “My mom says burlesque is … Read more
In business years (as opposed to dog years or lightyears) that first trip around the sun is not for the faint of heart. It takes a sharp plan of action and/or an unwavering trust that the universe and a dedicated clientele will come through. For West Asheville's The Double Crown, launching a new spot with … Read more
In the Oct. 29 issue, we looked at the life of a food truck owner from two different perspectives: the newbie (Roaming in the Raw) and the old-timer (Gypsy Queen). Following that story, Bill Drake, owner of the Decrepit Old Geezers Sausages (D.O.G.S) hot dog and sausage truck, responded to Xpress, “It seems like all … Read more
A new Asheville City Council met Dec. 10, with Esther Manheimer sworn in as mayor, Marc Hunt chosen as the new vice mayor, three development decisions postponed and neighborhood leaders raising concerns about issues in East Asheville. New faces By 3:45 p.m., Council chambers were packed for a swearing-in ceremony as residents, supporters and family … Read more
Twenty-seven innocent people were killed in the Newtown, Conn., tragedy — 20 of those victims were children. In the year since the Newtown shooting, 11,126 people have died from gun violence. This year was marked by 24 mass shootings, which are defined by the FBI as shootings with four or more victims, such as the … Read more
Celebrating the music, life and Dec. 21 birthday of composer/engineer/visionary Frank Zappa, Project/Object puts on a rare show. The lineup includes founder Andre Cholmondeley (a recent transplant to Asheville) with a stellar lineup of national and local musicians. Eric Slick (Dr. Dog), Derrick Lee Johnson (Booty Band), Jamar Woofs (The Fritz) and Keith Harry (Deja … Read more
I live downtown and first noticed the increase in sandwich boards on the sidewalks this summer. Then I noticed the other obstacles that restrict and narrow the use of the sidewalks for pedestrians. In addition to the sandwich boards, there are trees, trash barrels, magazine stands, bike racks, planters, motorcycles, street musicians and people sitting … Read more
Looking for a different kind of holiday shopping experience? Sifting through Elle Erickson’s vintage, handmade and generally offbeat clothing and accessories at her traveling trunk show isn’t the kind of retail therapy you can find at the mall. In fact, where the Urban Gypsy trunk show will pop up next has always been something of … Read more
This is the last week for diners to enjoy Chef Daniel Wright’s creative comfort food at the Tomato Jam Café; the Biltmore Avenue breakfast and lunch spot closes on Friday, Dec. 20. According to Wright, it was business as usual until about six months ago when he got a phone call from owner Deb Maddox, … Read more
Each year, the Asheville Downtown Association challenges local merchants to show their festival spirit by decorating their shop windows in seasonal style. It’s exactly the sort of contest where everybody wins — especially passersby who get to gaze in on microworlds. This year’s submissions included a manger scene populated by dogs, angels in retro finery, … Read more
