Air quality success hailed See EDITORIAL, Pg. A10
Biltmore to host 6 summer shows Kool & the Gang will perform Aug. 9.
— See STORY/PICTURES, Pg. B1
Naming rights bid gets pushback — See STORY, Pg. A4
LLE I V HE AS ASHEVILLEʼS GREATEST NEWSPAPER
May 2019
Vol. 15, No. 06
An Independent Newspaper Serving Greater Asheville www.ashevilledailyplanet.com FREE
Undercover agent, critic of Islam, to speak again in AVL, HVL From Staff Reports
Chris Gaubatz
Chris Gaubatz, billed as an “undercover researcher in the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas” who spoke about his experiences Feb. 12 and 13 in two area appearances, will return with a new presentation at 6:30 p.m. May 16 at Skyland Fire Department and 2 p.m. May 17 at City Operations Center in Hendersonville. His previous address — and the Daily Planet’s cover-
U.S. economy best in history; no recession till at least 2021, 2 experts claim
age — prompted criticism from Ibrahim Hooper, who is national communications director and spokesman for the Council of American Islamic Relations, better known as CAIR. Hooper dismissed Gaubatz as an “Islamaphobe” in a March 26 interview with the Daily Planet. Meanwhile, an Asheville Tea Party press release said that “it is with great honor and pleasure” that it announces that Gaubatz “is back by popular demand” and noting that he will address “new topics,” including
“Experiences Undercover in the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas” and “Red-Green Axis, Exposing the Left Workig With Jihadis to Undermine Our Nation.” Bilello added, “It is crucial that Americans understand and recognize the nature of the threat from radical groups that wish to destroy the very fabric of our nation so we are better prepared to confront and defend the values and principles we hold dear.” See UNDERCOVER AGENT, Page A5
The Beatles’ ‘Revolver’ tribute show set
By JOHN NORTH john@AshevilleDailyPlanet.com
The United States economy is firing on all cylinders in its best performance in history — and no recession is likely until 2021 at the earlest, according to two noted economists who spoke at UNC Asheville’s 35th annual Crystal Ball seminar on held April 17 in UNCA’s Lipinsky Auditorium. Most of the auditorium’s 580 seats were filled for the seminar, mostly by members of the local business community. The event, along with a reception immediately prior to the seminar and a question-and-answer session afterward, was sponsored by Parsec Financial and UNCA’s Department of Economics. Economists David W. Berson and James F. Smith made forecasts on the business and financial outlook for the coming year, taking account of new federal tax policies and Federal Reserve decisions about interest rates. An event promotion flyer noted that “the economic outlook portion of the program will focus on inflation, employment, interest rates, the strength of the dollar and housing market. The financial outlook presentation will explore the implications of Federal Reserve policy for financial markets. Various investments will be addressed, with an emphasis on interest rates and the bond market.” See ECONOMY, Page A9
A Beatles “Revolver” Tribute Concert will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. May 2 at Isis Music Hall in West Asheville. For the show, various Asheville musicians will team up to perform the “Revolver” album in its entirety in a benefit concert for Asheville Music School. Above is a photo of the Beatles from the “Revolver” era. Released 53 years ago (it came out on Aug. 5, 1966 in the U.K. and three days later
Beatles website photo
in the U.S.), “Revolver,” according to Leonie Cooper, then-writer for New Musical Express in 2016, “is considered by many to be the Beatles’ finest work – and yes, we know they’re all good – but come on, this one is really something. A huge leap in the band’s creativity and inspiration, their seventh studio album saw them drawing on their experiences with drugs as well as their interest in Eastern religion.”
Regain trust via return to core values, new county manager says By JOHN NORTH
john@AshevilleDailyPlanet.com
Avril Pinder
Following several scandals involving top leaders, the county government’s entire workforce needs to return to a commitment to core values to regain the public’s trust, Avril Pinder, the new Buncombe County manager, told the Council of Business Owners during an April 5 breakfast meeting in UNC Asheville’s Sherrill Center. The meeting’s other speakers were Alison Morrison-Shetlar, the new chancellor at Western Carolina University, who spoke of WCU’s role as an area
economic driver; and Nathan Pennington, Buncombe County’s planning director, who gave an update on county zoning changes. About 40 people attended. Pinder, who was introduced by Brownie Newman, chairman of the county Board of Commissioners, said, “You know where we’re coming from in Buncombe County — we’ve got a great reputation, but it got tainted and we need to regain the public trust.' Rhetorically, she asked, “How do we work on our staff? How do we ensure this doesn’t happen again? I’ve asked staff… The answer is — we all need to be our brother’s keeper. We need to make sure nobody does this
again... So we have that commitment now in Buncombe County” from the county employees. “We know that.... “The next thing is our core values — we need to come back to them .…” Among the core values she cited are showing pride in one’s work, practicing honesty and integrity, showing compassion and care, “showing respect for ourselves and for others” and valuing — and practicing — honesty... My point is our core values mean something,” Pinder said. “Your attitude matters... I’ve seen the lift in morale... So when you see me, I’m always ‘on,’” she said. See COUNTY MANAGER, Page A8
A2 — May 2019 - Asheville Daily Planet PAID ADVERTISEMENT
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A4 - May 2019 - Asheville Daily Planet
Stone to repay county $171K via settlement
Harrah’s $5.75 million bid for arena naming rights triggers pushback
After conferring in closed session for 15 minutes, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to accept a settlement from former county manager Mandy Stone during an April 16 meeting. The commissioners “agreed to end their civil suit against her in exchange for more than $171,000,” Asheville’s WLOS-TV News 13 reported on April 17. County leaders also accepted an $82,000 settlement with Guardian Life Insurance. “According to court documents, Stone agreed to plead guilty to count 30 of a 32-count indictment. According to count 30, beginning in 2014 and continuing through June 30, 2018, Stone, along with former assistant Mandy Stone county manager Jon Creighton, former county manager Wanda Greene and contractor Joe Wiseman, ‘used their official positions to enrich and benefit themselves, and, in doing so, they deprived Buncombe County citizens of their right to the honest services of the defendants.’” In its story on the settlement, the Asheville Citizen Times reported that “Stone, the longtime employee who briefly served as Buncombe’s highest-appointed official, is the last of former staffers named in the county’s civil lawsuit to reach a settlement. “Joe Wiseman, the Georgia-based engineer who prosecutors said bribed the former county employees, along with his company, Environmental Infrastructure Consulting, are the remaining defendants,” the ACT noted.
Asheville’s Civic Center Advisory Committee voted 3-2 on April 2 against Harrah’s Cherokee Casino taking over signage and naming rights of the U.S. Cellular Center in downtown Asheville. “While Harrah’s submitted a much higher bid than U.S. Cellular, the committee is recommending the latter offer be accepted,” Asheville’s WLOS-TV News 13 reported on April 3. “U.S. Cellular, according to center manager Chris Corl, submitted a bid of just more than $900,000 for a five-year-extension. Harrah’s submitted a bid more than double that, pledging $2.5 million plus $750,000 for additional improvements in the facility over the five-year-contract,” WLOS noted. Meanwhile, committee member Bill Jones told the TV station that a casino name has no place on a city-owned building, adding, “It would be astounding to me if council goes there.” Still, others involved with the venue have told the local news media that they not want to dismiss the bid because they think the center needs investment. To that end, committee chair Corey Atkins, who also works for the chamber of commerce, told WLOS, “I think that Harrah’s made an offer that really is one that has to be considered... think they (Harrah’s) understood there would be some resistance purely based on their name.” Further, Atkins said he and U.S. Cellular Center manager Chris Corl are hoping that Asheville City Council will be willing to learn more about Harrah’s philanthropic work, including initiatives such as serving as a MANNA FoodBank sponsor. Corl told the TV station that the Thomas
From Staff Reports
From Staff Reports
Flatiron Building plan to convert to boutique hotel pulled from city consideration until May
From Staff Reports A hotly debated proposal to convert downtown Asheville’s iconic Flatiron Building into a boutique hotel was removed from City Council’s April 23 agenda about an hour before the meeting, according to an April 24 report in the Asheville Citizen Times. “No reason for the postponement was immediately provided by the city,” the ACT noted. “If approved, the meeting would have been the final stop for the project in an effort to convert the downtown property into a boutique hotel with restaurants and other amenities.” Meanwhile, Asheville’s WLOS-TV News 13 reported on April 23 that “the city said in a tweet Monday that the agenda item had been continued until May 14.” While the project remained listed on a printed agenda proved at the meeting, signs posted around City Hall stated that the proposal had been continued until the May 14 meeting, the ACT noted. The proposal already passed a major hurdle with the city on April 8, when it was approved on a 4-2 vote by the city Planning and Zoning Commission. The proposal by Asheville native Phillip Woolcott, now a Charleston, S.C.-based developer, along with the building’s longtime majority owner Russell Thomas, argues that the redevelopment into a boutique hotel, costing millions of dollars, is critical in preserving the structure. The Flatiron Building first opened to the public in 1926. However, the proposal has been met — at best — with mixed reactions from neighbors and other residents. “Many have been critical about the flow of hotel development in the city’s central business district, as well as issues of parking, traffic and the displacement of the building’s roughly 80 small business tenants,” the Citizen Times reported.
Wolfe Auditorium, located inside the center, needs a major infusion of cash to support a long-overdue improvement plan. Corl said
money from Harrah’s potential contract would be a significant way to jump-start such a campaign, WLOS reported.
Asheville Daily Planet — May 2019 - A5
Henderson will still honor ICE detainers, new sheriff says
Buncombe schools rescind Murdoch media center honor From Staff Reports
From Staff Reports
HENDERSONVILLE — A bill requiring sheriffs to hold defendants when requested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement should not affect operations in Henderson County, the Hendersonville Times-News reported on March 30. Henderson Sheriff Lowell Griffin said he has always planned to honor those detainers, the newspaper stated. “While Griffin has not yet made a decision on whether to continue the county’s 287(g) agreement, which gives some of his deputies the ability to issue the detainers, he has voiced his intent to comply with federal detainers issued by ICE,” the HT-N noted. In March, Griffin told the Henderson County Board of Commissioners “that the Lowell Griffin county works closely with the local ICE office, which can issue detainers more efficiently than his deputies currently trained to issue them under the 287(g) program,” the HT-N reported. Griffin told the board that he “will definitely honor detainers from federal authorities, that there’s ‘no argument’ there, and that it is the 287(g) program, not the detainers, under review by his office. He emphasized that the only reason his office is considering scaling back on the 287(g) program is because it is a redundant service, and that it has nothing to do with the concept of the program,” the HC-T story noted. “In any case, we will continue to comply with the federal detainers. (It’s) not even a question. We are by no way going to become a sanctuary county. Not going to happen,” the HT-N quoted Griffin as saying.
Chairman Candidate Forum for NCGOP planned June 1
SKYLAND — The Asheville Tea PAC is sponsoring an NCGOP Chairman Candidate Forum at 6:30 p.m. June 1 at the Skyland Fire Department. The moderator, Leo Phillips, is an attorney, member-at -arge for the NCGOP Executive Committee, former first vice chair of the 11th District GOP and chair for Cherokee County GOP. The three confirmed candidates for the NCGOP chairmanship are John Lewis, Michael Whatley and Jim Womack. Seating will be limited. Free tickets will be available on the AshevilleTeaPAC facebook page, or by emailing Jane@AshevilleTeaParty.org with one’s name, telephone number and number of guests.
Paula A. Kerger
PBS chief to speak at UNCA commencement
From Staff Reports
PBS President and CEO Paula A. Kerger will be the featured speaker at UNC Asheville’s Commencement Ceremony, scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. May 11 on the University Quad. As part of the ceremony, Kerger will receive the UNCA Chancellor’s Medallion. “We are so honored that Paula Kerger has accepted our invitation,” said UNCA Chancellor Nancy J. Cable, who will preside over the spring commencement. “Paula is someone I’ve come to know as a person, and come to respect as the stellar leader of one of America’s most important cultural institutions. She has been committed to making PBS’s educational programming for children more widely available, and she has overseen the development of PBS LearningMedia, helping teachers engage with their students through high-quality digital programming. “PBS documentaries help our nation see itself more clearly. Paula truly is a champion for our nation’s culture and it will be an honor to welcome her to UNC Asheville,” Cable said. UNCA will not bestow any honorary degrees this year as it has done for the past two decades. The university is undertaking a comprehensive review of the honorary degree selection process following the voluntary return of an honorary degree from former Eblen Charities director Bill Murdock. (Another story on Murdock appears elswhere on this page.) About 550 graduates will cross the stage at the commencement on the Quad. In case of severe weather, the ceremony will be moved indoors to UNCA’s Kimmel Arena. In a new “Honor Your Roots” tradition, graduates this year are able to purchase a living commemorative white oak or red maple tree sapling for planting at home. The price, $20.19 in honor of the Class of 2019, will support student scholarships through the university’s Pisgah Scholars Program.
Undercover agent
Continued from Page A1 The ATP press release noted that Gaubatz “was the lead undercover researcher in one of the most successful post-9/11 undercover operations in the United States....” Gaubatz “posed as a Muslim convert and gained access to Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas-backed organization leadership meetings. This undercover operation is the feature of ‘Muslim Brotherhood,’ a book authored by investigative journalist Paul Sperry and Dave Gaubatz, Chris’ father, a
career federal counter-intelligence agent and first civilian U.S. federal agent to enter Iraq in 2003. “(Chris) Gaubatz has testified before the United States Senate on issues relating to the consequences of agency efforts to de-emphasize radical Islam in combating terrorism,” the ATP press release stated. Tickets for either of the talks are $5 and may be purchased at the door, if seating is available. Advance tickets may be reserved online at www.ashevilleteapac.org./Donate.
Buncombe County Schools recently reversed its decision to name a school library in honor of former Eblen Charities director Bill Murdock, Asheville’s WLOS-TV News 13 reported on April 8. In December of 2018, Community High School in Swannanoa announced that it would name its new media center after Murdock. It was dedicated in his honor nearly five months ago. However, Murdock retired voluntarily — but reportedly under pressure — on March 22 as the director of Eblen Charities following news coverage of his 31-year-old sexual offense against a teenage girl when he was a Buncombe school teacher. In the aftermath, the school system — in an April 5 statement — said that, considering the revelations, the dedication in Murdock’s name has been formally rescinded. “We would like to inform you that it is the decision of the Community High School Improvement Team that, considering recent media revelations, the Media Center dedication to Mr. Bill Murdock be formally rescinded and
that the Media Center remain unnamed,” the statement noted. “We remain extremely appreciative of the ongoing support of Eblen Charities and accept Mr. Murdock’s voluntary rescission.” Further, the statement asserted, “To be clear, the media center name Bill Murdock decision was based on Mr. Murdock’s role as an author of several books and Eblen Charities’ positive impact on the community under his leadership.” Superintendent Tony Baldwin and the Board of Education supported the removal of Murdock’s name,” WLOS reported. Murdock’s retirement from Eblen was announced after his accuser, Shelley Love Baldwin, came forward with sexual abuse allegations she says occurred during her freshman year of high school. A CNN.com investigation also raised questions about the authenticity of awards and educational background Murdock has previously claimed.
Asheville rated No. 14 for livability for LGBTQ retirees
Published monthly by Star Fleet Communications Inc.
From Staff Reports
Asheville recently was ranked as the 14th-best city in the nation for livability for LGBTQ retirees. The ranking was announced in April by SeniorAdvice, an online publication for seniors and caregivers, which weighed 100 factors from livability to LGBTQ representation in government. The ranking lauded Asheville’s booming population of retirees — 17 percent of residents are over age 65 — and the area’s affordability (a matter of major contention between locals and list-makers), in addition to the surprising density of senior living facilities. The article cited local support networks for LGBTQ retirees, including the Campaign for Southern Equality, an Asheville-based nonprofit that advocates for “legal and lived” equality for LGBTQ citizens, and LGBTQ Elder Advocates of Western North Carolina. SeniorAdvice also lauded Asheville’s “first openly lesbian county commissioner” Jasmine Beach-Ferrara and “Lesbian Tammy Hooper,” who served as Asheville’s first female police chief from 2015 to 2018.
JOHN NORTH Publisher
Phone: (828) 252-6565 • Fax: (828) 252-6567 Mailing address: P.O. Box 8490, Asheville, N.C. 28814-8490 Website: www.ashevilledailyplanet.com E-mail the following departments: News: news@ashevilledailyplanet.com Letters to the Editor: letters@ashevilledailyplanet.com Display Advertising: advertising@ashevilledailyplanet.com Classified line ads: classads@ashevilledailyplanet.com Circulation: circulation@ashevilledailyplanet.com Publisher: publisher@ashevilledailyplanet.com
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A6 - May 2019 - Asheville Daily Planet
Bird electric scooter firm to pay $10,000 fine to Asheville
From Staff Reports A judge ruled on April 2 in Buncombe County Superior Court that California-based electric scooter company Bird Rides Inc. must pay a $10,000 fine after an unauthorized and massive placement of scooters in downtown Asheville last year. In the consent judgment issued by Buncombe County Superior Court Judge Alan Thornburg, the court affirmed the City of Asheville’s right to prohibit motorized scooter services from operating in the city without permission. Specifically, Bird Rides will pay the fine for “‘dropping’ 200 of the unpermitted self-propelled vehicles (in) downtown Asheville in 2018,” Asheville Citizen Times reported. “Interim City Attorney Sabrina Rockoff and Bird Rides Inc.
attorney Philip Anderson agreed to the fine as a way to resolve the legal dispute between the entities,” the ACT noted. Further, an April 8 city press release stated, “The judgment entered by Superior Court Judge Alan Thornburg provides a final resolution to the lawsuit initiated by the city following Bird Rides’ unauthorized October 2018 deployment of 200 scooters around the City of Asheville.” Bird did not respond to messages from local news media seeking comment. The self-propelled stand-up vehicles surged in popularity starting around January 2017. With Bird’s “dockless” rental program scooters are left in various places and customers pay for them through phone apps. “When they’re finished,” with the scooters, “the custom-
ers are supposed to leave them out of the way of public pathways and in bike racks when possible,” the ACT noted. “But some cities said the scooters clutter sidewalks and present a tripping hazard, or worse.” Meanwhile, Asheville’s WLOS News 13 reported that, “in November, Asheville City Council prohibited the use of e-scooters in the city while the transportation department studied whether to permit the operation of bike and/ or scooter share programs in Asheville. “In February, the City of Asheville surveyed residents about bike and scooter-share options... Of the 328 respondents who participated on the Open City Hall survey, 91 percent did not support the use of electric scooters in the City of Asheville,” WLOS reported.
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Faith Notes Send us your faith notes
Please submit items to the Faith Notes by noon on the third Wednesday of each month, via email, at spirituality@ashevilledailyplanet.com, or fax to 252-6567, or mail c/o The Daily Planet, P.O. Box 8490, Asheville, N.C. 28814-8490. Submissions will be accepted and printed at the discretion of the editor, space permitting. To place an ad for a faith event, call 252-6565.
Thursday, May 2
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER OBSERVANCE, 6:30 p.m., Blue Ridge Ballroom, Highsmith Student Union, UNC Asheville. A National Day of Prayer observance will be held.
Friday, May 3
MULTICULTURAL CELEBRATION/RESOURCE FAIR, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church, 1245 6th Ave. West, Hendersonville. The 2019 Multicultural Celebration and Resource Fair will be hosted by Grace Lutheran, along with Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and the Immigration Network. The event will feature cultural foods, fellowship and learning. At 9 a.m., speakers will share the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals’ experience, immigration legal updates and community support initiatives for immigrants. Following last year’s requests, organizers scheduled two times for extended discussion around tables with neighbors of different cultures. For lunch, the organizers are asking participants to bring a cultural appetizer or dessert leabled with the item name and culture. A main dish and drinks are provided. Child care and activities are available. Admission is free and any donations will support the DREAM Scholarship Fund. Preregistration is requested by calling 693-4890. “LIVING WITH SOUL” WORKSHOP, 7-9 p.m., Unity of the Blue Ridge, 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Road, Mills River. A workshop on “Living with Soul“ will be led by author and mythologist Michael Meade. Regarding the program, Unity stated that Meade would present “an evening of surprising ideas, a soulful and mythological view of current affairs and a resounding collective call to find unity and wholeness in this time of conflict and confusion... We are living through an extended moment of radical change that is life-defining as well as life-changing. The storms and tragedies of contemporary life can be seen as a spiritual crisis where we must find a greater sense of self and soul or become more subject to increasing feelings of anxiety and helplessness... The current loss of meaning in life and denial of truth imperils the heart and soul of human culture. Changes at the level of the individual soul can generate the collective energy needed to change the conditions of the world. This is an event about the necessity of making soul at a time when the world seems to be losing its soul.” For tickets, which are $15, visit www.mosaicvoices.org.
Saturday, May 4
“PATHS OF AWAKENING” WORKSHOP, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Unity of the Blue Ridge, 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Road, Mills River. A workshop on “Paths of Awakening” will be led by author
and mythologist Michael Meade. He will explore themes that include initiation and the soul, the acorn myth, a collective rite of passage and paths to the sacred. Further, Unity noted, “Regardless of age or status, each person carries an innate connection to the accumulated treasure of the human soul. This inner inheritance includes surprising capacities for creation, but also instincts for survival and the energy needed for genuine transformation... Awakening to one’s inner story and finding life-long initiatory paths comprises the ‘real work’ and genuine opus of our lives. The problem is that the exact paths of awakening are blocked by received ideas, early life traumas and over-adaptation to the needs of others.” For tickets, which are $15, visit www.mosaicvoices.org. For tickets, which are $95, visit www.mosaicvoices.org.
Thursday, May 9
“NEW TO UNITY” PROGRAM, 7-8:30 p.m., Unity of the Blue Ridge, 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Road, Mills River. A program for those who are new to Unity will be led by the Rev. Darlene Strickland Regarding the program, Unity stated that it will be “a time to gather — with Rev. Darlene and others who are new to Unity — for a basic overview of Unity, with time for Q&A.”
Friday, May 17
Free meditation, 7-9 p.m., Unity of the Blue Ridge, 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Road, Mills River. Sri Swamiji will host a free meditation. Regarding the program, Unity noted, “Hundreds of Yogis are engaged in spiritual practices at any given time on our planet. But the opportunity to be in the company of a true Yogi is rare, indeed.” Sri Sri Sri Shivabalayogi Maharaj is a true Yogi from India who has been teaching and guiding the public for more than five decades. Sri Swamiji teaches an ancient form of dhyan yoga (a meditation practice) that was taught to him by his Guru. The meditation is practiced by many saints and sadhus for the spiritual attainment of Self-Realization and God-Realization. Through daily meditation, one can experience inner peace, understanding of the world and others, and deeper spiritual states. The evening will consist of Meditation Initiation, Devotional Songs and an opportunity to speak one-on-one with Sri Swamiji for personal guidance. Sri Swamiji comes as a true friend to all who seek his company; offering meditation, loving counsel and guidance. Additional area programs with Sri Swamiji include a multiple-day Retreat in Flat Rock (registration required), a one-day Sacred Fire Ceremony, and additional Free Meditation programs. For details, visit shivabalamahayogi.com. SOCIAL JUSTICE MOVIE NIGHT, 7-9 p.m., 1 Sandburg Hall, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place, Asheville. The UUCA will screen a yet-to-be-announced film. After the screening, a discussion will be held. All are welcome and admission is free.
Sunday, June 23
MOUNTAIN JEWISH FESTIVAL, 4 p.m., Agudas Israel Congregation synagogue, 505 Glasgow Lane, Hendersonville. The synagogue will hold its third Mountain Jewish Festival, which is open to anyone interested in learning about and experiencing Jewish culture, as well as tasting some traditional foods. All foods were baked “in house” by Balabusta Bakers, a press release stated. Admission is free.
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Asheville Daily Planet — May 2019 - A7
Covenant Reformed PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
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A8 — May 2019 - Asheville Daily Planet
Chancellor tells of WCU’s role as economic driver From Staff Reports
Western Carolina University Chancellor Alison Morrison-Shetlar reviewed her university’s role as an economic driver — and partner — for Western North Carolina’s economy during an April 5 breakfast meeting of the Council of Independent Business Owners at UNC Asheville’s Sherrill Center. “I’m delighted to be here,” MorrisonShetlar, who recently was appointed to her job, said. “I’m always glad to talk about economic development in Western North Carolina.” When the CIBO crowd applauded, she said smiled and quipped evenly, “I’m done. Thanks!” Her comment triggered much laughter from the audience. Turning more serious, she added that WCU is “happy” to serve as “a major economic driver” for the region. “We really value you as an economic partner, especially in communications, websites…. WCU also supports (increaseing) broadband. (in rural areas). It’s not such a big issue here in Asheville, but in the (more) western part of the state, it’s really a big issue.” Further, Morrison-Shetlar asserted, “Two things we do at WCU — electricity and we have a dam. “We’ve (recently) worked with Morris Broadband and, as a result, 770 homes will have broadband in the next 12 months — and that’s huge (applause). “We (at WCU) have a paper plant… It’s old and has machinery. We have some of the top (specialized) printers in Cullowhee and right here in Asheville. Moreover, Morrison-Shetlar said, “We’re having a lot of people come to us” for help on various projects. “We’re giving to the community in the best way we can. “As we grow our engineering center here in Asheville (at Biltmore Park), there are a lot of things we want you — as citizens of Asheville — to know about. “We also do a lot at the Small Business Center,” as well as various other WCU facilities, including the Center for Service Learning, “We also do a lot of ‘pro bono’ work,” she said. “I’m not sure if a lot of people know about that... We have a free human resources assistance for small businesses... So, again, it’s our students and staff stepping forward.. “Many of you have seen our (WCU)
Alison Morrison-Shetlar Arthur Salido Nathan Pennington Biltmore Park facility... We have about “Just look for the purple (a key school color) — we’re easy to find,” Morrison650 students at Biltmore Park, primarily in graduate programs... Five years ago we were Shetlar quipped, triggering laughter. During a question-and-answer session doing maybe five programs,” but, Morrisonthat followed, an unidentified man asked Shetlar said, that number has mushroomed. the WCU chancellor to speak more about “We did a strategic plan analysis at “advanced manufacturing.” Biltmore Park and the Asheville area,… At that point, Morrison-Shetlar referred the Through that, we heard again we need leadquestion to another school official attendership development, grant help” and other ing the meeting with her — Arthur Salido, programs. WCU’s executive director of community and In response to the community demand, economic engagement and innovation. Morrison-Shetlar said, “Last year, we had WCU’s website noted that Salido “works maybe 56 credentialed workshops that we offered... So again, we’re getting people into to create partnerships that link university, nonprofit, government, and industry rethe community... We want to support regional industries, through outdoor recreation sources to address community and economic development needs primarily in the 16 westand advanced manufacturing, but we can’t ernmost counties served by WCU through do it if you don’t invite us. its Cullowhee campus, Cherokee Center “So we have been generating a lot of outreach, letting people know what WCU does.” and Asheville area instructional site at To that end, Morrison-Shetlar said, “We’re Biltmore Park. The focus includes activities designed to boost WCU’s role as a resource being recognized, slowly but surely... .” for community engagement and on strateIn one survey, “We (WCU) were recently gies to foster its efforts in regional economic named 13th among (best) colleges and unidevelopment.” versities, so we’re on the map... We’re also To the man’s question and speaking for doing a much better job of marketing... So WCU, Salido replied, “We’re going after we are a community on the rise. In addressing the CIBO members directly, auto manufacturing and aerospace… Western North Carolina could be a great locashe added, “I can’t tell you how much I aption” for certain high-tech manufacturing. preciate what you do in supporting educa“There are a lot of growth opportunities.” tion because it is these young people who The questioner then asked Salido, “Is it a are going to move this area forward... Our form of help to bigger manufacturers?” role in education is to make sure everyone “So, it’s really all of that,” referring to all meets their maximum potential... There’s sizes of manufacturers,” Salido answered. 11,633 of the ‘little darlings’ (students) out “Our (WCU’s) part would be design and there. And they’re all committed to being high-level resources and research — and in Western North Carolina. They’re giving partnering with community colleges who back to the community. would do the technical training... It’s the
County manager
Continued from Page A1 Following Pinder’s address, no questions were raised during a scheduled questionand-answer session. At that point, CIBO chief — and moderator — Buzzy Cannady said, on behalf of CIBO, to Pinder, “Welcome to Buncombe County!” Earlier, in his introduction of Pinder, Newman noted that she is a certified public accountant and earned — magna cum laude — a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in business administration, both from Deleware State University. He also said that Pinder had been deputy county manager in New Hanover County — home of Wilmington — since 2015. Prior to that, she was assistant manager. She started working for that government in the finance department in 2006. Newman prompted some chuckles from the CIBO crowd when he quipped, “As you (CIBO members) know, our county commission doesn’t agree on everything,” but the commissioners unanimously voted to hire Pinder. “One of the things we especially liked is her enthusiasm,” Newman said of Pinder.
“She’s been on the job three months. and done a good job.” Following is other information about Pinder that the Daily Planet found: • After a roughly six-month search, Pinder is the first person of color to hold the position and the fourth person to serve as county manager in less than two years. • Pinder, who is being paid a $198,000 base salary and a $575 monthly car allowance, began her duties March 4, replacing Interim County Manager George Wood, who left the position at the end of February. • Pinder topped roughly 40 applicants in a national search to take the county’s top administrative job. She brings to Buncombe more than two decades of experience in local government, the last 13 years of which has been in Wilmington. • In her time with New Hanover County, she helped it secure its first AAA bond rating in 2012, and again in 2013 and 2015. • She is from Barbados. She came to the United States at age 17, according to a story in the Wilmington Star-News when Pinder became NHC’s finance director.
pipeline for an industry that has an incredible multiplier” ot two-to-one. In response to a question from CIBO member Mac Swicegood, Salido said, “Our engineering and technology students are really involved with regional businesses.” For example, he said, “Three (WCU) undergrad students were able to save a company $65,000” recently. “They’re doing real, practical work.” Redirecting the Q&A to Morrison-Shetlar, UNCA Chancellor Nancy J. Cable said, “I don’t think the people in this room know what a leader Alison has been … For how we keep prices at a place where all students can afford college.” To that end, Cable asked Morrison-Shetlar, “Could you share just a few things from ‘the inquisition’” that she endured while testifying before a congressional committee recently? “I think it was my Scottish accent!” Morrison-Shetlar quipped, triggering yet more laughter from the CIBO audience. More seriously, she said, “I was the first of five asked to testify before Congress. I was the only chancellor. Everyone else were policy wonks.” The chancellor noted her emphasis for WCU on “things like being able to help people in rural areas” and from less wealthy areas. “I’m from a rural area” and she said her family was not upper-income. “So a lot of what I was talking about (in the hearing) is that we have affordable education…. With Western (WCU), Asheville (UNCA) and so many others” — and, fortunately for the region, “people stay here and give back to the economy” as taxpayers. “I was asking (during her testimony) that we make it simpler to get financial aid” for students. She added that she testified that, “without the support of my state, I wouldn’t be here. Without the support of my family, I wouldn’t be here... I thought I was going to be there for two and a half hours, but ended up being there for four hours.” And a final detail she stressed in her testimony, she recalled, is “it’s not just the 18 to 24 year-olds, it’s those of all ages,” she said of higher education.” Directing a comment to her fellow chancellor Cable, Morrison-Shetlar said, “So thank you for the shout out.” prompting a smile from Cable. To the CIBO audience, she said “I still can’t believe a little girl from Scotland ended up testifying before Congress.” See CIBO, Page A12
Asheville Daily Planet — May 2019 - A9
Economy
Continued from Page A1 Moderator Joseph Sulock, an economics professor emeritus at UNCA, opened by noting that, “when I think about the economy, several things occur to me... One is that the Fed has eased up on interest rates....” “It’s been almost 10 years since we had our last recession. It makes you wonder how long this will last.. We will soon know fact from fiction as we have two of the finest economists in the country to tell us” what is happening now, economically — and what can be expected in the next 12 months. Sulock then introduced the two speakers. Berson is senior vice president and chief economist for Nationwide Insurance, where his responsibilities involve leading a team of economists who act as internal consultants to the company’s business units. Berson’s numerous previous professional positions include vice president and chief economist at Fannie Mae, president of the National Association of Business Economics, and a senior management position with Wharton Econometrics Forecasting. Smith is chief economist at Asheville-based Parsec Financial. In his more than 30 years as an economic forecaster, Smith has served in private industry, government and academic institutions, including tenures with Wharton Econometrics, Union Carbide, the Federal Reserve and the President’s Council of Economic Advisors. As Berson walked to the lectern after his introduction, Sulock noted, “I am grateful for, and impressed by, his (Berson’s) commitment to this event. In fact, this is his 30th appearance here. To commemorate that, we have a special presenter.” He then was given a blue T-shirt with large gold letters, emblazoned with “Crystal Ball” on the front and “XXX” on the back. Berson, who flew in from California for the night’s event and seemed pleased with the gift, began his 24-minute address by noting that New England Patriots quarterback “Tom Brady played college football at (the University of) Michigan,” his alma mater. In reference Michigan’s advancement the previous night in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, he said, “If this seminar was done yesterday, I don’t know if I could have done this. We’ve now made it to the second round for the first time,” so Berson said he is fine to speak. Continuing on a light note, he told the Crystal Ball crowd, “OK, head for the hills. If you haven’t gotten there, it’s too late.” As the crowd laughed in response, Berson asked, rhetorically, “Is a recession coming soon?” He added, “The numbers weren’t going (well) earlier in the year, even in March,” which prompted concerns about a looming recession. What’s more, during “the last week of March the yield curve inverted. And that’s been the best indicator of a recession” in the nation’s history. “Normally, the yield curve is upward sloping because nobody has any idea what is going to happen... Most of the time, longer term rates are higher than shorter term rates, but not all of the time... When they tighten by too much, we get an inverted yield curve.” In reviewing with the crowd a PowerPoint presentation on a large screen, Berson said, “Look at this — it was an inverted yield curve. Recession coming! Well…no. Not just any yield curve. So you need more than a 3-basis point conversion. It was three days in length. Probably three days in March. But it was the last week in March. If the yield curve had stayed inverted and was inverted more than this, then we would have been concerned that this was a signal of recession.” He added that “the Conference Board looks at a number of economic indicators… It’s also a pretty good predictor of recessions. “Where is it (the yield curve) today? So not only is it below zero, but it’s now moving a little upward. So this doesn’t give us any worry at all that a recession is going to come in the next year.” Further, he said, “There are many things that could go wrong — Brexit…. If it goes badly, then both the UK (United Kingdom) and EU
James Smith David Berson (European Union) could go into recession.” He also said China could experience major problems. “Lots of things could go wrong. Then we could get a more meaningful inverson of the yield curve. I think you need a number of things to go wrong,” but the briefly inverted yield curve in the U.S. is not an indicator. “So the recession probabilities today are about 25 percent — that’s not inconsequential. That’s a reasonable probability. So it’s a reasonable thing to look at your portfolio to make sure you’re OK for a recession.” Berson then noted that “Joe (Sulock) mentioned that the Fed appeared to be pausing in its tightening of monetary policy,” having tightened “three or so times this year.” The economist asked, rhetorically, “Most importantly, why is the Fed tightening?” In answering his own question, Berson said the Fed’s goal is understood to be achieving “th lowest unemployment rate consistent with stable prices,” with a goal of a 2 percent inflation rate. With a smile, he said, “The Fed should just declare victory and go home,” as the U.S. now has a 2 percent inflation and a 3.8 percent unemployment rate. “We’ve got weaker numbers in economic activity… And we’re farther and farther away from our inflation target. Why are we tightening? So the Fed has changed policy totally. In March, the Fed said we won’t be tightening for a while.” He then asked, “Will the Fed, in fact, start tightening when inflation moves back up to 2 percent? The Fed is thinking maybe we should let inflation get up a little higher… maybe 2.5 percent — and then we’ll start to slow it down. “If the Fed says 2 percent is where we want to be… Then we could see economic growth 2-2.5 percent for a number of years. “We’re looking at three different scenarios. One that inflation picks up. The second is that inflation stays a little below goal — and then the economy could continue growing at a healthy pace for years. Not very exciting. The third thing, very exciting, is inflation picks up very seriously, the key is what happens with productivity. Then wage gains are not necessarily inflationary. If productivity doesn’t rise, then you have inflation and a recession. “There are other measures of inflation… The alternative measures that have been leading indicators of where the CPI (Consumper Price Index) will go have been running pretty high. “Unemployment rate… Here we are… very low. We probably are at an employment rate at which economists consider full employment. “If wage gains go up and productivity growth does not, they can cut wages or raise prices... The wage growth is clearly picking up — a good thing unless productivity growth drops. “I’ll leave you with the disclosure which is: What I said might not be right. It’s a forecast. Yeah!” Berson concluded, prompting laughter from the crowd. Sutlock, the moderator, said, “Thank you, David. Very informative and very entertaining.” Next, Sulock said of the second (and last) speaker, Smith, “What impresses me most about Jim is he is no shrinking violet. He’s not afraid to deviate. This happens to be Jim’s 33rd appearance. Since David got his T-shirt for his 30th year, fair’s fair.” He then presented Smith with a T-shirt emblazoned on the front with the words “Crystal Ball” and the back with “33.” Smith, who spoke for 25 minutes, began by noting that “David (Berson) has talked a lot about yield curves. I will tell you more.”
In his PowerPoint presentation, Smith pointed to inverted yield curves from the past that lasted four months or longer. “We’ve never had an inverted yield curve lasting more than four months that wasn’t followed by a recession. We have had four recessions between in 1937 and 1954 that were not preceded by inverted yield curves. Seventeen recessions were preceded by them. “We’re now 102 months and counting…. Every month we’ve had more people with jobs than the month before. We’ve never seen that before,” Smith said. “In Asheville, we also have an unprecedented statistic.... Every month for 53 months, October 2014 to date, with more non-farm jobs, hrough February this year. Pretty amazing.” Given that there is a “$25.5 billion economy in Asheville, and multiply it by 1,000, and you get the entire U.S. economy. “The U.S is by far the largest economy in the history of the world. China is number. two. The EU economy, right now, is about the same size of the U.S.” econony. “Nobody knows what’s going to happen with the Brexit,” Smith noted, but “the EU said last week you (the U.K.) have till Oct. 31” to decide an exit plan. “So we have the world’s biggest Halloween surprise” approaching. Regarding Brexit in general, Smith said, “Economically speaking, it’s total insanity.” He predicted that the UK will suffer severe economic consequences from the move, but, eventually, the UK likely will bounce back “ However, the transition is going to be painful, horrible.” As for the U.S. the economist said, “We had fabulous news today — that 192,000 people filed first-time claims for unemployment. That’s the lowest since Sept. 6, 1969 — almost 50 years ago. Everypone assumed it would go up... No, it went down. If it goes down again or even stays flat, we’ll have another 49-year low. “For one year now, we have had over a million unfilled job openings every month than the total number of unemployed people. You know if you’re an employer, you’re biggest single
problem is finding qualified people. “The total number of job openings versus the number of unemployed people — we’ve never seen a situation where there’s more job openings than unemployed people.” Still, Smith pointed out, “There are tens of millions of people not in the labor force who could be working if they wanted to. The number one reason (for not working) is they’re retired — and they like it. But if they get bored, they can go out and find a job. There are disabled people who think they cannot find a job. But if they could find physical assistance, they could find a job” in today’s super-tight labor market. “The labor force participation rate is simply a measure of the total number of people looking for work divided by the total labor force... Labor force participation rate peaked in 1969. We saw it (also) in 1999 — and it’s even greater today. That rate has been inching up. People have been seing employment opportunities all around the U.S. and saying ‘wow.’” In summary, Smith said, “Last year was great. This year will be great. Next year will be greater. Those graduating will get several offers. It’s really a salaries’ market” for graduates. Pausing, Smith then said he wanted to share suggestions for audience members to consider from two experts. First, he cited George Shultz’s advice, noting “he’s 96 years old and still working away at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. He suggests changing to make NAFTA just like in the EU. Estimates are that we have 3 million undocumented aliens in the U.S. — 56 percent are from Mexico.” Smith said Schultz believes “we could solve our illegal immigrant problem” by changing NAFTA. Smith then told of Microsoft founder Bill Gates’ suggestion to “pass a new law in the United States, where every single person who gets a degree from a community college or fouryear college, we should staple a green card to their diploma... We have a very long history of stealing the best and brightest from other countries.” See ECONOMY, Page A12
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A10 — May 2019 — Asheville Daily Planet
The Daily Planet’s Opinion
WNC air quality improves; let’s do even better
W
e rejoice in the news that the air in Western North Carolina is “amazingly” cleaner than it was not only at a low point in the 1970s, when the area was besieged with serious and massive air pollution, but also better than in the past several years. The result is improved public health and welfare for human beings, as well as less negative impact on the environment, all of which should have beneficial impacts on the local economy, experts say. The good news about the region’s air quality improvement was delivered by Mike Abraczinskas, director of the N.C. Division of Air Quality, and other air quality experts who spoke at the annual “State of Our Air” conference March 29 at Land of Sky Regional Council in Asheville. “Ozone and fine particulate issues used to be front and center, and extremely complex and difficult issues for us in the mid-to-late-90s and early 2000s. They are no longer our primary issues. That’s wonderful news.” Abraczinskas said, according to a story on the conference in the Asheville Citizen Times “We’ve taken 100 million pounds of toxic air emissions out of the atmosphere over the last 18 years. This is critically important.”. He also said that greenhouse gas emissions from point sources across North Carolina have plummeted by 100 million pounds over the past 20 years. The experts at the conference credited the cleaner air to “factors including partnerships from local cities and counties, to the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service and Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, legislation including the 1970 Clean Air Act to the Clean Smokestacks Act of 2002, reduction of pollution emissions from power plants and automobiles, lower prices for natural gas and market changes that no one saw coming,” the ACT reported. We join the experts in celebrating WNC’s air quality improvement. Also, we agree with their assessment that we must remain vigilant and not become complacent, given projected pressures from booming population growth locally.
Letters to the Editor
Remembering Frank Sinatra — 21 years later
H
ard to believe singer/actor/ entertainer Frank Sinatra left us on May 14, 1998, leaving behind a multitude of classic performances from virtually every facet of of the entertainment industry. I’d like to raise a toast to Frank Sinatra, along with some of his many admirers, including Tony Bennett, Michael Buble, jazz singer Peggy King and the All-Star Jazz Trio, talent promoter Billy Jon Coogan, music archivist Anhony DiFlorio III and WYYR director/ producer Chris Valenti. .... Along with the millions of Sinatra fans around the world. Frank Sinatra Thank you, Frank, for doing it all ... “Your Way!!” Herb Stark Mooresville
Every human being naturally is both racist AND sexist Everyone roots for their own team. Period. Boys are better than girls. Gays are better than straights. Blacks are better than whites. No one really cares about equality. People are more concerned with who will be in charge. I believe that God is always in charge. If humans desire anything resembling peace, then, ultimately, an everyday personal openness to The Unknown God (to most, in practice) can bring us to the place
that all of us can admit our true helplessness in the face of our unchosen existence. We truly have no idea why we are here. Our being and doing is always an infinite reality of choices. Peace takes determined awareness and action. ERIC LAURILLA Swannanoa
Democratic Party needs to return to its ‘60s’ focus
I believe that I speak for many Democrats when I tell you that I don’t like the overall direction that the national Democratic Party is taking. I would like the party to be more like it was in the 1960s, when it focused primarily on the bread-and-butter and kitchen-table issues that affect about 90 percent of Americans — except for the wealthiest 10 percent. I want the party to stand for enhancing the social safety-net programs, such as Social Security as well as advocating for other social programs, including a Canadian-style national health insurance program. I believe that the party focuses too much on fighting against Trump and the Republicans on the “identity-politics” and “cultural-war” issues. These issues are important to people like me, but I worry more, for example, about people who can’t afford to pay for and take their prescription medications that they need to be in decent health and often need just to stay alive. I would also like to see the party have the courage and bravery to advocate for the passage of a “National Wealth Tax” of 15 percent on all individuals with a netwealth of $10 million and higher to be able to pay for this new spending as well as to advocate for eliminating the $100 billion/ year that is spent on “corporate welfare” and “business subsidies” to help pay for it because we need to be fiscally responsible. Stewart B. Epstein Rochester, N.Y.
GOP’s REDMAP scheme? Truly evil
I
’m not going to say that REDMAP is wrong. No, I’m going to say it’s evil. And I’m also going to say that Democrats wouldn’t do what REDMAP does. RDMAP slime is red. REDMAP (Redistricting Majority Project) was a national GOP scheme (they say “strategy”) in 2010 elections to take over state legislatures ahead of the 2010 census so they could control redistricting in targeted states. Sounds routine. It wasn’t. GOP machinations flipped 21 legislative chambers in key states in 2010. Then a sophisticated computer program surgically divided counties, precincts and neighborhoods to create districts that would guarantee GOP majorities in legislatures and congressional delegations for a decade. “REDMAP’s effect on the 2012 election is plain when analyzing the results,” the project’s website says. “Michiganders cast over 240,000 more votes for Democratic congressional candidates than Republicans, but still elected a 9-5 Republican delegation to Congress.” Say what? Uh, folks, you’re bragging that you rigged the election so Democratic voters were given half the value of GOP voters. Wow. The website gives credit to money. For example: “We spent $1 million in Michigan, and….” But they don’t say what Republicans did with that money. Hold your nose as you read on.
Lee Ballard In a 2011 New Yorker magazine article, Jane Mayer wrote how Republican operative Ed Gillespie came to Raleigh in the spring of 2010 and pitched GOP money man Art Pope on how his millions could fund an ambush that would turn North Carolina red forever. Mayer gave a case study out of the campaign: “That fall, in the remote western corner of the state, John Snow, a retired Democratic judge who had represented the district in the state Senate for three terms, found himself subjected to one political attack after another. Snow…was expected to be re-elected easily. Yet somehow [his opponent] seemed to have almost unlimited money with which to assail Snow. “Snow recalls, ‘I voted to help build a pier with an aquarium on the coast, as did every other member of the North Carolina House and Senate who voted.’ But a television attack ad presented the ‘luxury pier’ as Snow’s wasteful scheme….In all, Snow says, he was the target of two dozen mass mailings, one of them featured a photograph of Henry Lee McCollum, a menacing-looking AfricanAmerican convict on death row, who, along
with three other men, raped and murdered an 11-year-old girl. After describing McCollum’s crimes in lurid detail, the mailing noted, ‘Thanks to arrogant State Senator John Snow, McCollum could soon be let off of death row.’ Snow, in fact, supported the death penalty and had prosecuted murder cases. But, in 2009, he had helped pass a new state law, the Racial Justice Act, that enabled judges to reconsider a death sentence if a convict could prove that the jury’s verdict had been tainted by racism. National Republicans spent $1 million in North Carolina. But an investigation after the election, Mayer says, showed that two “non-profits” created by Art Pope funneled additional millions into targeted races across the state. When the surprise attacks were finished, the North Carolina House had flipped from 68-52 Democrat to 68-51-1 Republican, and the Senate had gone from 30-20 Democrat to 31-19 Republican. Then the computer specialist was instructed to create 10 congressional districts that voted 55% for John McCain – 10 of 13! Never in history had any party been so contemptuous of the democratic process as Republicans in 2011. In seven states where REDMAP was utilized – North Carolina, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, Virginia, Michigan, Florida – Democrats got 16.4 million votes in the 2012 election for U.S. Congress; Republicans got 16.7 million. A 50-50 split, and yet Re-
publicans elected 73, Democrats elected 34. No, no, don’t say Democrats do the same thing. Democrats controlled the N.C. General Assembly after the 2000 census, so they drew redistricting maps. In the first election under the Democrat redistricting, in 2002, for State House of Representatives: Votes received: GOP 1,073,000, Democrats 904,000. Seats won: GOP 61, Democrats 59. After the 2010 census, Republicans controlled the General Assembly, so they drew redistricting maps. In the first election under the GOP redistricting, in 2012: Vote received: GOP 1,998,000, Democrats 1,875,000. Seats won: GOP 77, Democrats 43. Democrats had primitive computer programs in 2000 – but they also had scruples. If Democrats gain control of the General Assembly in 2020, and Governor Cooper is re-elected, they will push for a nonpartisan commission to handle redistricting. If maps are drawn fairly, it shouldn’t matter what color the hand is that draws them, red or blue. Before the 2020 elections, courts will rule on the constitutionality of the GOPdrawn redistricting maps. But I’ve read that “REDMAP 2020” has a fundraising goal of $125 million. That’ll fund a lot of “strategy.” • Lee Ballard , who lives in Mars Hill, has a website at Mountainsnail.com.
Asheville Daily Planet — May 2019 - A11
Commentary
The Candid Conservative: An absence of malice
“The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is.” — Winston Churchill
W
The problem
e live in a time of accelerating malice. The peril of this attachment mirrors an accelerating plague. Dictionaries variously define malice as, “a desire to cause distress, pain, or injury to another.” Note the progressive acceleration from irritation to mayhem. Malice is a bug that eats its own home. Where it’s licensed in, reason and love are chased out. That outcome is birthed in malice’s addictive nature. Malice feels good – sometimes really good – and we want to repeat things that feel good. Feeling good is attached to a dopamine fix that craves more of itself. Mind if we spend a few minutes inoculating you against the epidemic?
Spotting malice zombies
People of malice are like enemy warships – the sooner you pick them up on your radar, the better you can protect yourself. There are a few clear give-a-ways. Malicious people are commonly a conflicted stew of intensity, defensiveness and aggression. One is reminded of a dated battery that leaks acid – except these never seem to run out of juice. When the forces of darkness are in charge of the script, discussion is not an option. Angry people prefer a lecture format whereby they pretend to be the learned scholar and you submit to your presumed role as the stupid student. They achieve their confidence through a corrupt approach to rightness. Instead of looking at a problem, researching the facts and drawing a reasoned conclusion, these folks corrupt and reverse the process. Maliciousness takes a position, searches for information to support that position, and then declares a problem that fits their hidden agenda. Malice junkies are zombies anxious to recruit you and eat your brain.
Angry leads to misery
An up-front reason to avoid anger, malice, hate and violence is the relentless marriage to wretchedness. The latter is nature’s attempt to steer us in a better direction by packaging these toxins ounce for ounce with depression. Show me an angry person and I will show you an unhappy person. There is one confusing exception. When anger is in charge, there is a temporary sense of elation, power or energy often confused with happiness. Remember the mob at the Kavanaugh hearings? They certainly seemed to enjoy their 30 seconds of fame. Fast forward to a few weeks later and it’s a fair bet that high landed
Carl Mumpower flat on its face. Happiness finds no lasting traction in the dark arts of Anger, Inc. A misery hangover is the ultimate destination.
It doesn’t work
Anger and its family have another Achilles Heel – under most circumstances they’re not very effective. The why is easy. Anger makes you reactive verus proactive. Anger is clumsy and usually stumbles toward overkill. Anger finds us doing the equivalent of using a shotgun to take out a mouse – a mouse that frequently doesn’t exist except in our agitated imaginations. Collateral damage is also a problem. Anger splatters. An example – getting mad at one’s spouse in front of children damages the children as much as the spouse. Watch the better professional boxers, ballplayers or politicians. They rarely get angry because anger and its cousins make one foolish. With our human proclivity for natural error, who needs more stupid? Think of malice as a lesser form of methamphetamine – with similar negative impacts.
It’s not the Christian thing to do
Though the organized opposition keeps trying to convince us that God and faith are dead or dying, it remains that most Americans retain their Christian credentials. The compass for our faith – the Bible – is clear on which power source retains firm connection to malice. The forces of darkness are above all else a recruiting agency. Similar to an unscrupulous car salesman, their mission is to sell you a lemon for far more than its worth. Reliably, that purchase will leave you stranded. If you’re a Christian and you license yourself to indulge anger, malice and other hostile mischief, reflection on how one is measured by their deeds, not their lofty declarations, might be in order. Attempting to find solace in the angry actions of our faith’s namesake – Christ – will leave you disappointed. Over the course of his life’s journey, he got mad roughly four times – three of those on the day before he faced the cross. Malice, in any form, is about as far from Christ-like behavior as one can get.
Anger is a skill mastered by the weak
Anger is a skill mastered by the weak Ever notice how small dogs bark the loudest? That’s nature’s way of helping the vulner-
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able compensate for their weakness. That’s not a bad strategy for a chihuahua – it’s very bad for humans. We’re put on this planet to learn and grow. From the day we take our first breath to our last, the mission is stuffing our head, heart, hand and spirit with new knowledge and wisdom. Barking at the moon – or the latest social justice fad, perceived insult, or VictimsR-Us fascination – assures regression versus advancement. One of the first ways to flag fake love from real love is the use of anger and malice to prop up the pretense. Run from anyone who stomps their feet while pretending to be a benefactor. Creatively and cleverly affecting real change does not come cheaply. Relying on anger and malice as a foundation for social improvement is the equivalent of tipping wait staff with pennies.
A better solution
A bullet-proof vest of anger and malice is like an eggshell. It appears to be solid and strong, but actually makes one quite fragile. It doesn’t take much to crack a person protected by rage. There are more effective plans. A good starting place is to resist the temptation to treat life and other people too seriously. The world is crazy and always has been. You can treat foolishness responsibly, but treating it seriously will eat you up. Levity is the best antidote to absurdity. Like mud on a pair of boots, anger builds unless you scrape it off. The best way to do that is through forgiveness. Yep, when you forgive your transgressors you set yourself free from their negativity. They are left all to
themselves in the misery zone. The opposite of malice is love and it’s entirely possible to love people without liking them. Love is an independent action that should not be banded with earned consideration. When you love people whether they deserve it or not, that love serves as a shock absorber that cushions the soul of the loving. People who work at love have a Teflon-like coating that repels the best efforts of the malicious. It also helps to do an occasional world inventory. Do we really need any more road rage warriors, office gossips, conflict enthusiasts or critics? Is that a club you want to belong to? Do you find malicious people striking, secure, stable or satisfied? Have you ever – even once – awakened in the morning and declared your wish to make the world a little darker with your own personal brand of nastiness? Distancing yourself from malicious people finds good traction in the “three strikes and you’re out” approach. After a couple of unsuccessful efforts to redirect their antagonisms, it’s a pretty good bet you can’t win a rigged game. On the third strike, it’s time to take away the bat. Staying on the right thing side of malice does not require perfection. In a fallen world we’re all tempted by moments of imperfection. Thankfully our character is best measured by where we live, not where we visit. In the end we’re all stuck with the stark reality that good stuff is rarely easy stuff. Anger and malice are effortless downhill pursuits. The countering agendas of love and maturity – like hiking a steep trail – take work. In a nutty reality, it’s smarter to look up than down…. • Carl Mumpower, a psychologist and former elected official, is the past chairman of the Buncombe County Republican Party. He can be reached at drmumpower@aol.com.
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A12
May 2019 - Asheville Daily Planet
Economy
Continued from Page A9 Pausing, Smith asked, rhetorically, “What’s the bottom line? Things are pretty good. We have more people employed that ever before in the history of the United States. They are making more money, adjusting for inflation, more money per household than ever in U.S. history. And it’s higher than any other country in the world. And that’s the median income. “Those people are producing more goods and services than ever before in the history of the U.nited States. “All of these records, with lousy retail sales — it doesn’t make sense,” given that “the mantra of the United States is to ‘shop till you drop,’” he said, prompting laughter from the crowd. “We finally got good retail numbers today. So that GDP number is now 2.7 — a pretty good improvement… That will keep us going probably close to potential (probably between 2 and 3) percent. “So the outlook is pretty darned good. Not phenomenal, but pretty darned good. Overseas looks tougher. The world (beyond the U.S.) is going to grow, but not so fast as last year. “I’ve got a recession in 2021” predicted, Smith said. “Certainly not this year, or next year....” Just before the downturn, “We’ll be all tied up next year in a giant election year” in 2020, he said. During a 15-minute question-and-answer session that followed the two presentations, a man asked about the recent decline in sales in the U.S. automobile industry. Also, he said, “I was surprised to see auto delinquency called out” in the Crystal Ball presentations, “but nothing about mortgage delinquencies.” Berson replied, “Well, auto delinquencies are up, while mortgage delinquences are down. Clearly, the macroeconomic thing that would cause auto delinquencies to go up is people losting their jobs. But that clearly hasn’t happened....” Another man asked the economists to expand on what is happening with a” household formations” in the U.S. Berson said, “Household formations are very good for economic activity. So there’s pent-up demand for households. That’s good news for households. We’ve seen vacancy rates decline. If we keep seeing this, I think we’ll see a pickup in new construction.” The same man then asked, “Any thoughts on the national debt?” “It’s way too high,” Smith replied. “I think it’s going to get worse ‘til it gets better. Some day we’ll have to pay the piper. But not any time soon.” Berson added, a bit quizzically to Smith’s “Well, some day we may have to pay the piper,” but then, again, “we might not have to” pay off the national debt — ever. Another man asked, “Do deficits matter any more?” “Deficits matter,” Berson answered. “It was primarily an increase in spending that gave us an increase in the deficit. Other than putting rules on ourselves… I think we’ll continue to increase spending more than our income.” The same man then asked, “How long do you think we can do that? “It’s a bomb,” Smith replied. “It gets worse all the time. Someday, it will become solvable. But that day is not 2019, 2020 or probably 2021.
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“To make huge progress, you’d have to do things that probably would be political suicide, like eliminate Medicare.If we could slow down the rate of spending, the deficit will solve itself.” To that Berson added, “Remember — we had a recently significant (budget) surplus during the Clinton amdinistration.” A man asked, “So in the last year there’s probably been more discussion about appontments to the Fed board of governors than I’ve ever heard. I wonder if I should put my name” in the running for a seat. The man also lamented that “what’s supposed to be nonpartisan is becoming partisan.” In disagreeing with the man’s supposition that the Fed board has had a history of nonpartisanship, Smith replied, “Oh, it’s been partisan since Franklin D. Roosevelt. The guy he appointed slept inhis office for a decade. “What we know is Fed board members works their tails off. Businesspeople don’t work hard on the same kinds of things and find themselves (unhappy) reading staff papers that make their eyes glaze over. “The worst Fed chairman — Jim William Miller — was appointed by Jimmy Carter” in 1976. It was so bad (under Miller) that President Carter said (to Miller), ‘I’ll give you a big promotion to treasury secretary” in a successful effort to smoothly remove him from the Fed helm,” Smith said. “Businesspeople, generally speaing, do very, very bad on the Fed. It’s a losing game. So you’re probably as qualfied as anyone,” Smith told the man, who was joking that he should toss his name in the hat for a Fed job. The audience laughed at Smith’s jest. Meanwhile, Berson praised Carter “for redeeming himself by appointing Paul Volcker, who turned out to be one of the Fed’s best chairmen. Berson ended the night’s program by noting that, as of June 16, “it will be the longest expansion in the history of the United States.”
CIBO
Continued from Page A8 Speaking last was Nathan Pennington, Buncombe County’s planning director, who began by noting that when the idea of countywide zoning first was raised — “in December of 1981” — I was five years old.” (His joke prompted laughter from the CIBO crowd.) “It wasn’t until December of 2009 that you had countywide zoning, with the bulk of the area being open zoning... “So in 2013-14, the General Assembly abolished the extra-terretorial jurisdiction (ETJs),” which affected only the localities of Asheville, Weaverville and Boone. “The whole premise is you had to have countywide zoning... The planning staff had to scramble… So that’s what we did. “In April 2015, a common theme came about. The commissioners said staff please work on” the zoning regulation “to allow manufactured housing in R1-, R2 and Beaverdam. “In 2018, the county approved manufactured housing in R1, R2 and Beaverdam “We worked with the commissioners on standards for compatibility — 86 percent of the county already allowed manufactured housing. With these standards, it added another 10 percent. “The standards included” that “it must have a HUD label... What we couldn’t do is only require new units.... “So we have these standards. Planning is a seesaw. Balancing the needs of our community and working with our commissioners,” Pennington said. “We went to the commissioners on April 2, and you now can place a manufactured home in R1, R2 and Beaverdam. “We’re going to go the extra mile to educate and really help,” he said in concluding his address. He then added, “250-4856 is my phone number — if you have any
questions.” During a question-and-answer session that followed, a man asked if the law applied to “single-wides or double-wides?” “One of the requirements is it must be multi-sectional, (so) no single-wides,” Pennington replied. In response to a question from CIBO member Mac Swicegood, Pennington said, “There is a standard guidebook from HUD. And the state building code. It could be piers. It’s all about that curtain wall. It’s all about the pier.” To that, Swicegood asserted, “You’re also distinguishing between real estate and personal property.” “You’re right,” Pennington answered. A man asked about “the county-built park models for mobile homes.” “Park models are RVs (recreational vehicles),” Pennington replied. “Thanks for bringing that up. They’re not manufactured homes. That especially happens with the tiny home shows. Those tend to be RVs as well. There are ways to buy smaller modular units.” A man asserted, “It fills a gap for people with an income of $30,000 and $40,000…. or so.” “Good point,” Pennington replied. A man then asked the planner to “expand on affordable housing.” “Commissioners (Brownie) Newman and (Amanda) Edwards, along with Commissioner (Joe) Belcher, are on the Affordable Housing Committee,” Pennington said. “So one of things we might want to consider is a smaller cottage development. We’d like to look for a way to take a smaller level development and not have those projects going to full commission for consideration.” A man asked, “Do you have to return the title to the state? Can people set up park models?” Pennington answered, “In some districts, we do offer the possibility of setting up an RV on their property while their home is being built.”
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A14 - May 2019 - Asheville Daily Planet
‘Eye will always love you?’ Beware I’ve long been a “Shallow Hal,” attracted to women’s youth and physical beauty and less concerned with integrity. Not surprisingly, I keep getting into relationships with women who aren’t very good people. How can I stop being so superficial? — Man With Eyes It isn’t wrong to initially be looks-driven: “Now, she’s a woman I wanna have sex with!” — as opposed to “Now, she’s a woman I wanna debate on Jeremy Bentham’s views on utilitarianism!” Also, you should no more feel guilty for being drawn to young women than you would for having your taste buds be more “All aboard, baby!” for chocolate cake than for a “burger” made out of broccolini. This preference evolved to solve the “How do I pass on my genes?” problem for our male ancestors. (And no, the answer to that would not have been “Date grannies!”) However, it helps to understand what psychologist Daniel Kahneman has explained as our two thinking systems — fast and slow. Our fast system is emotiondriven, rising up automatically, and is often home to toddler-like demands: “Gimme cake!” Our slow system, the home of rational thought, needs to be forced to do its job — examining our impulses and assessing whether it’s wise for us to run with them. In other words, your problem comes from running with your initial impulse without putting it through the Department of Reasoning. Though it’s natural to be led by your eyes, you need to implement a next step — assessing the character of these foxerellas before you turn them into girlfriends. (This starts with generating standards so you can determine whether a woman meets or misses them.) In short, when you tell some babe, “Honey, everything looks good on you!” one would hope that you don’t eventually learn whether “everything” includes a police-issued spit mask.
Rags against the machine I’m a slim woman in my early 40s — successful in my field — and I am always in jeans, a vintage ripped T-shirt, and boots. I mean, ALWAYS. Granted, I have an extremely expensive handbag and perfectly highlighted blonde hair, and I always wear winged eyeliner. My friends
The Advice Goddess
Amy Alkon
Syndicated Columnist
say that going “underdressed” like this is disrespectful and inappropriate for (corporate-type) business meetings. Are they right, or is rocking your own thing no matter what a sign of confidence? (P.S. I’d kill myself before I’d wear a blazer.) — Punk Rock Corporate There’s actually something to be said for a person who goes into an important business meeting dressed like one of their LinkedIn endorsements is “Aggressive Panhandling.” Sure, to a lot of people, it looks like career suicide in progress. However, research by Harvard Business School’s Francesca Gino suggests that rebelling against norms for business attire can make you come off as higher status than people who dress all junior CEO. Gino ran a number of experiments that led her to this conclusion, but my favorite is from a seminar on negotiations she taught at Harvard to two different groups of bigwigs in business, government and philanthropy. For each session, she dressed in the requisite “business boring” — a dark blue Hugo Boss suit and a white silk blouse. But then, for her second session, she paired this outfit with a pair of red Converse high-tops. As she made her way to the classroom, a few fellow professors did give her the WTF-eye. However, seminar participants, surveyed after each session, guessed that she was higher in status and had a pricier consulting rate when she was wearing the red sneaks.
Gino explains that a person who is seen to be deliberately violating workplace wardrobe norms sends a message that they are so powerful that they can shrug off the potential costs of not following convention. Anthropologists and zoologists call this a costly signal: a trait or behavior that’s so wastefully extravagant and/or survivalthreatening that only the highest-quality, most mojo-rific people or critters could afford to display it. This, in turn, suggests to observers (whether predators or predatory executives) that it’s more likely to be legit — and not false advertising. So, it seems your dressing all hobo honcho could actually ramp up your status in others’ eyes. And let’s say someone suspects you’re dressing this way because you’ve lost it on some level — psychologically or financially. Gino writes in her book “Rebel Talent” that to signal status, it’s critical that people believe an individual is “consciously choosing not to conform” and willing to assume the possible costs of that. Well, with that pricey handbag (plus
the megabucks highlights and Instagram influencer winged eyeliner), you swat away any suspicions that your poorgeoisie-wear reflects actual impoverishment. Just don’t be surprised if, post-meeting, as you’re making a call on a bench outside the building, two kindly old ladies drop a Ziploc in your lap with socks, a granola bar, and directions to the nearest shelters. • (c.) 2019, Amy Alkon, all rights reserved. Got a problem? Write Amy Alkon, 171 Pier Ave, #280, Santa Monica, CA 90405, or e-mail AdviceAmy@aol. com (advicegoddess.com). Weekly radio show: blogtalkradio.com/amyalkon
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A16 — May 2019 - Asheville Daily Planet
Entertainment
Special Section PULLOUT
& Calendar of Events
B1
Asheville Daily Planet — May 2019
Biltmore Estate to host 6 summer concerts Asheville’s The Beach Boys (left, billed as “America’s band” with its magnum opus “Good Vibrations,” will perform at 7:30 p.m. July 25 on the South Terrace of Biltmore House in Asheville.
Wikipedia photo
The Beach Boys to launch star-studded series
From Staff Reports
T
he Beach Boys, arguably America’s greatest rock band, will launch the 23rd annual Biltmore Concert Series this summer on July 25, according to Biltmore Estate, which recently unveiled its 2019 lineup of performers. Tickets for the Beach Boys show are on sale now. The concerts will be staged on the South Terrace of Biltmore House, “with breath-
Pinterest photo
The B-52s, which performs at 7:30 p.m. July 26, hit it big with their 1989 single “Love Shack.”
taking twilight views of Mount Pisgah and the Blue Ridge Mountains,” a Biltmore Company press release stated. All shows will start at 7:30 p.m. The complete lineup is as follows: • July 25 — The Beach Boys • July 26 — The B-52s. • Aug. 3. — The Charlie Daniels Band and The Marshall Tucker Band. • Aug. 6 — Chicago. • Aug. 9 — Kool & The Gang and The O’Jays. • Aug. 10 — Amy Grant and Steven
Curtis Chapman. Tickets may be purchased on select dates now at biltmore.com/concerts, or by calling (866) 336-1255; or in person at Biltmore’s Reception and Ticketing Sales Center, 1 Lodge St., Asheville. Performers and dates are subject to change, Biltmore noted. Regarding the Beach Boys, the Biltmore release stated, “The Beach Boys have continued to create and perform with the same imagination and style that marked their debut more than 50 years ago.” See BILTMORE, Page B7
Wikipedia photo
The O’Jay’s, most famous for their disco megahit “Love Train,” will perform in a concert that also will feature Kool & The Gang at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 9.
Downtown After 5 series opens May 17 From Staff Reports
T
he 31st season of Asheville’s Downtown After 5 concert series will begin with the Eric Gales Band from 5 to 9 p.m. May 17. As for Gales, a DA5 press release stated, “Hailed as a child prodigy and frequently compared to Jimi Hendrix, Eric Gales has recorded 18 albums. His 2017 album, ‘Middle of the Road,’ featured Gary Clark Jr and Lauren Hill and reached No. 4 on the Billboard Top Blues Album Chart. Gales’ unique hybrid blues/rock sound has put him on many top guitarist lists. In fact, Carlos Santana, Dave Navarro and Joe Bonamassa consider Gales a favorite.” The DA5 series, held on the third Friday of the month from May through September, is based on North Lexington Avenue near the I-240 overpass. Events are free and open to the public. Following is the 2019 DA5 lineup: • May 17 — Eric Gales Band, headliner; Alvin Youngblood Hart’s Muscle Theory, opener. June 21 — Tameca Jones, headliner; Secret B-Sides, opener. July 19 — Shamarr Allen (of Galactic and The Underdawgs), headliner; April B. & the Cool, support; Natural Born Leaders, opener. Aug. 16 — The Artisanals, headliner; The National Reserve, opener. Sept. 20 — Asheville All Stars, headliner; Asheville Rock Academy, opener. Regarding DA5, a press release noted, “Each summer the Asheville Downtown Association partners with five local nonprofits to sell wristbands at the event. Each group receives a grant of $2,000. The ADA has given more than $200,000 to area nonprofits through this program. (The) 2019 partners are: Asheville GreenWorks, Children First, Food Connection, Open Hearts Center and REACH (a fund of Homeward Bound). “Lots of local beers (are) on tap, including: Pisgah Brewing, Sierra Nevada, Hi-Wire Brewing, Asheville Brewing Company, Catawba Brewing, French Broad Brewing, Green Man Brewery and Bold Rock Cider, as well as beers from Western North Carolina and regional and national brands. Wine, soda, water and locally crafted Devil’s Foot beverages are also available for purchase. “We’re serving up plenty of local yumminess with food vendors: Delia’s Tea Time, D.O.G.S., El Kimchi, FroZen Monkey, Gypsy Queen Cuisine, Kernel Mike’s Kettle Corn, Moe’s Original BBQ and Sunshine Sammies,” the release stated.
Hendersonville’s Music on Main concert series to begin June 7
From Staff Reports
H
ENDERSONVILLE — “The summer season will get into full swing with the return of the popular Music on Main Street” Concert Series from 7 to 9 p.m. every Friday — June 7-Aug. 23 — in the parking lot next to the Visitor Center at 201 S. Main St. in downtown Hendersonville. As per the event’s tradition, the Asheville-based band Tuxedo Junction will once again open the series at 7 p.m. June 7. On its Facebook page, the band states, “Tuxedo Junction is Western North Carolina’s premier show band.
Great vocals, incredible variety, and consummate professionalism are the group’s hallmarks. The band has been delighting audiences for over 20 years!” Regarding the event, a press release noted, “Thousands of people flock to the Visitor Center” for each concert at 201 S. Main St. in Historic Downtown Hendersonville, “to hear (and dance to) some the region’s finest bands.’ Admission is free. Attendees are urged to bring lawnchairs. “Music on Main Street features a diverse line-up, ranging from pop, oldies, rock, to contemporary music – there’s something for every musical taste! The family friendly event offers concessions, such as: hot dogs, ice
cream, pretzels and lemonade for sale.” Classic cars shows are held every other week in conjunction with Music on Main Street. The car shows are located in front of the Visitor Center, along South Main, between Allen and Caswell streets, which will be closed to traffic for the event. For more information about the classic car shows, contact Carolina Mountain Car Club at 702-0448. In addition, Music on Main Street will present a special fireworks celebration concert on July 4th, during which Henderson County will launch an Independence Day fireworks display at sundown. See MUSIC ON MAIN STREET, Page B6
B2 — May 2019 - Asheville Daily Planet
Calendar
The show “Country Royalty — Hank and Patsy” will open at 7:30 p.m. May 2 on the Leiman Mainstage at the Flat Rock Playhouse in Flat Rock. It will continue through May 12. Showtimes vary. The show focuses on country singing stars Hank Williams and Patsy Cline. Donated photo
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Events
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Please submit items to the Calendar of Events by noon on the third Wednesday of each month, via e-mail, at calendar@ashevilledailyplanet. com, or fax to 252-6567, or mail c/o The Daily Planet, P.O. Box 8490, Asheville, N.C. 288148490. Submissions will be accepted and printed at the discretion of the editor, space permitting. To place an ad for an event, call 252-6565.
Wednesday, May 1
“UN-JOURNALING” COURSE, 10-11:30 a.m., Henderson County Athletics and Activity Center, 708 S. Grove St. Hendersonville. Professional writer Liz Hill will teach a three-session class on May 1, 8 and 15. “Un-Journaling,” she said, is the process of reviewing old journal entries. Hill, a New York City native who moved to Hendersonville from Ohio in 2017, said she has found that reviewing daily entries can reap new insight on one’s own life, as well as nuggets of insight and even fodder for creeative projects. Regarding her course, Hill told the Hendersonville Times-News, “It’s for people who have a ton of journals and don’t know what to do with them. The reading of life’s journals is important, even sacred, work, because journals are places where we can work out our feelings and ideas.” To register for the course, the cost of which is $30, visit online at HCPRD.com or do it in person at 708 S. Grove St. in Hendersonville.
Thursday, May 2
THE BEATLES’ “REVOLVER” TRIBUTE CONCERT, 6-10 p.m., Isis Music Hall, 743 Haywood Road, West Asheville. Asheville musicians will team up to perform the Beatles’ “Revolver” album in its entirety in a benefit concert for Asheville Music School. AMS teaching artists, along with advanced students and special guests, such as Just Ray (of Michael Buble’s band), form this band. An AMS event promotion stated that “Revolver” is “the album that many music critics regard as the Beatles’ best, with songs like ‘Taxman,’ ‘Eleanor Rigby’ and the groundbreaking ‘Tomorrow Never Knows.’” For tickets, which are $15 in advance and 18 at the door, visit isisasheville.com. TRACE ADKINS CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Smoky Mountain Center for Performing Arts, 1028 Georgia Road, Franklin. Country music icon Trace Adkins will perform in concert. For tickets, which are $53, $60 and $67, visit greatmountainmusic.com. “COUNTRY ROYALTY — HANK AND PATSY” CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Leiman Mainstage, Flat Rock Playhouse, 2661 Greenville Hwy., Flat Rock. The show “Country Royalty — Hank and Patsy” wll be performed May 2-12.(Showtimes 2 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays). Regarding the show, FRP stated, “Jason Petty as Hank Williams and Katie Deal as Patsy Cline. A homecoming tribute to the Country Royalty who touched our hearts and souls. Songs that transcend time and culture. Come share an evening of music with your extended Playhouse family.” For tickets, which are $58 to $54, visit
flatrockplayhouse.org. “STONES IN HIS POCKETS” STAGE PRODUCTION, 7:30 p.m., N.C. Stage Co., 14 Stage Lane, downtown Asheville. The N.C. Stage Co. will present “Stones in His Pockets” through May 19. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays. Additional Saturday matinees will be offered at 2 p.m. May 11 and 18. For tickets, visit info@ncstage.org or call 239-0263.
Friday, May 3
ASHEVILLE BANDSTAND CONCERT SERIES, 4-8:45 p.m., Antler Hill Village square, Biltmore Estate, Asheville. The band Eliott and the Untouchables will perform. Attendees are urged to bring lawnchairs and/or blankets. “OLEANNA” STAGE SHOW, 7:30 p.m., Hendersonville Community Theatre, 229 S. Washington St., Hendersonville. The HCT will present “Oleanna” through May 12. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays. Regarding the show, the HCT stated, “He said, she said — but exactly what happened? Oleanna examines the power struggle between a university professor and one of his female students, who accuses him of sexual exploitation and, by doing so, spoils his chances of being awarded tenure.” For tickets, visit www. hendersonvilletheatre.org. “THE FOREIGHER” PRODUCTION, 7:30 p.m., HART Theatre, 250 Pigeon St., Waynesville. HART will perform “The Foreigner” through May 12. Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays. In addition, one Thursday show — at 7:30 p.m. — has been scheduled on May 9. “The scene is a fishing lodge in rural Georgia often visited by ‘Froggy’ LeSeuer, a British demolition expert who occasionally runs training sessions at a nearby army base,” a HART event promotion stated. “This time ‘Froggy’ has brought along a friend, a pathologically shy young man named Charlie who is overcome with fear at the thought of making conversation with strangers. So ‘Froggy,’ before departing, tells all assembled that Charlie is from an exotic foreign country and speaks no English. Once alone the fun really begins, as Charlie overhears more than he should.” The show is the winner of two Obie Awards and two Outer Critics Circle Awards as Best New American Play and Best Off-Broadway Production. The HART production is directed by former 880AM The Revolution progressive radio host Jeff Messer. For tickets, visit harttheatre.org. TOME IMPALA CONCERT, 8 p.m., U.S. Cellular Center, downtown Asheville Tome Impala, whose real name is Kevin Parker, will perform in concert. His is billed as “the almost-legendary messianic figure and creative soul who has developed the particular sonice universe of psychedelic pop cultivated with guitar pedals, delays, reverb and liquid explosions of color. There’s no one like him in the current music scene.” AARON LEWIS CONCERT, 9 p.m., Event Center, Harrah’s Cherokee Resort, Cherokee. Aaron Lewis will perform in concert at the resort as part of his “The State I’m in Tour.” For tickets, which start at $36, visit Ticketmaster.com.
See CALENDAR, Page B3
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Asheville Daily Planet - May 2019 - B3
Special photo courtesy of UNC ASHEVILLE
The Reuter Center Singers, including (from left) Jeff Robel, Mary Mackenzie, Kathie Nelson and Allan Brown, will pay tribute to mountain music heritage in two concerts, at 7 p.m. May 4 and 3 p.m. May 5 in UNC Asheville’s Reuter Center.
Calendar of Events Continued from Page B2
Saturday, May 4
CONCERT, 3 p.m., Lipinsky Auditorium, UNC Asheville. The Blue Ridge Orchestra, directed by Dr. Milton Crotts, will perform “May Masters” at 3 p.m. both May 4 and 5. The concert will also feature Gary Spaulding, performing on clarinet. For tickets, which are $15 for general admission, $10 for friends of the orchestra and $5 for students, visit www.blueridgeorchestra.org. ASHEVILLE BANDSTAND CONCERT SERIES, 4-8:45 p.m., Antler Hill Village square, Biltmore Estate, Asheville. The band Fwuit will perform. Attendees are urged to bring lawnchairs and/or blankets. CONCERT, 7 p.m., Reuter Center, UNC Asheville. The Reuter Center Singers, directed by Chuck Taft, will perform the first of two concerts that pay tribute to the area’s mountain music heritage. The other concert will be held at 3 p.m. May 5. Featuring the theme “Dear Appalachia: Our Mountain Music Heritage,” the concerts will explore the song traditions of Appalachia, including folk songs and ballads, African-American spirituals and blues, and country gospel – music of different styles that reflect the region’s diversity of cultural backgrounds. Selections will include “Sourwood Mountain,” “Poor Wayfaring Stranger,” “Shenandoah,” “Soldier’s Joy,” “The Unclouded Day/Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” “Travelin’ Thru,” “Old Dan Tucker,” “Go ‘Way from My Window,” “Sun is Gonna Shine” and more. Admission is free, but donations are the door will be welcome. Light refreshments will be served following the concerts. CONCERT, 8 p.m., Diana Wortham Theatre, downtown Asheville. A concert will feature multiinstrumentalist and composer Jonathan Scales with his Fourchestra, which has what is billed as “a fluid lineup,” allowing Scales to work with a wide range of artists.
Sunday, May 5
ASHEVILLE BANDSTAND CONCERT SERIES, 2-6:45 p.m., Antler Hill Village square, Biltmore Estate, Asheville. The band Nuance Trio will perform. Attendees are urged to bring lawnchairs and/or blankets. “MACBETH, 3 p.m., Bardo Arts Center, Western Carolina University, Cullowee. The BAC Sunday Cinema Series will feature a screening of “Macbeth.” Single tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors (ages 65 and older) and $5 for WCU students and faculty. To reserve tickets, call 227ARTS or visit bardoartscenter.wcu.edu. SPRING CONCERT, 3 p.m., The Foundation Performing Arts Center, Isothermal Community College, Spindale. The Symphony of Rutherford County will perform its spring concert.
Friday, May 10
ASHEVILLE BANDSTAND CONCERT SERIES,
4-8:45 p.m., Antler Hill Village square, Biltmore Estate, Asheville. The Bruce Lang Band will perform. Attendees are urged to bring lawnchairs and/or blankets. “BUNCOMBE TOWER” STAGE PRODUCTION, 7:30 p.m., mainstage, The Magnetic Theatre, 375 Depot St. (River Arts District), Asheville. “Buncombe Tower,” directed by Katie Jones, will be performed May 10-June 2. (Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 3 p.m. Sundays.) It is billed as “an occult history of a city a lot like this one. It follows a mythical past, a possible future and its prodigal daughter is trying to sort it all out. This world premiere by Asheville playwright Peter Lundblad is a fable about the casualties of gentrification told through poetry, puppetry and fantasy.For tickets, which are $22, visit themagnetictheatre.com/tickets. SCHUBERTIADE CONCERT, 8 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1 Edwin Place, North Asehville. Asheville’s Schubertiade will perform works by Franz Schubert.
Saturday, May 11
ASHEVILLE BANDSTAND CONCERT SERIES, 4-8:45 p.m., Antler Hill Village square, Biltmore Estate, Asheville. The band Rock and Roll Reunion will perform. Attendees are urged to bring lawnchairs and/or blankets. EARTH, WIND & FIRE CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Event Center, Harrah’s Cherokee Resort. The iconic band Earth, Wind & Fire will perform in concert. For tickets, which start at $55.50, visit Ticketmaster.com. ASHEVILLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CONCERT, 8 p.m., Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, downtown Asheville. The ASO will perform “Masterworks 7: Stravinsky” under its new conductor Darco Butorac, and featuring violinist Simone Porter. For tickets, visit ashevillesymphonyorchestra.org. DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM PERFORMANCE, 8 p.m., Peace Concert Hall, downtown Greenville, S.C.. The Dance Theatre of Harlem will perform. For tickets, visit peacecenter.org.
Sunday, May 12
ASHEVILLE BANDSTAND CONCERT SERIES, 2-6:45 p.m., Antler Hill Village square, Biltmore Estate, Asheville. The French Broad Trio will perform. Attendees are urged to bring lawnchairs and/or blankets.
See CALENDAR, Page B6
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B6 — May 2019 — Asheville Daily Planet
Calendar
Continued from Page B3
Thursday, May 16
LIBERACE SALUTE, 2 p.m.,The Center for Art & Inspiration, downtown Hendersonville. The show “All That Sparkles: Martin Preston IS Libarace!” will be performed through May 18. Other showstimes are 7:30 p.m. May 17, 2 and 7:30 p.m. May 18, 2 p.m. May 25 and 6 p.m. Ma7 31. Regarding the show, a center promotion noted, “Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Liberace’s birth at this spectacular full-length show, where Martin Preston re-creates the magic of Liberace.” For tickets, which are $44, visit www. thecenterai.com. JERRY SEINFELD COMEDY SHOW, 7 p.m., Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, U.S. Cellular Center, downtown Asheville. Comedy great Jerry Seinfeld will return to Asheville again this year. Seinfeld, the star of the famed 1990s sitcom bearing his name and host of “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee,” will make his first return performance in Asheville since 2015. In an announcement of the show, the U.S. Cellular Center officials noted that Seinfeld has been “hailed for his uncanny ability to joke about the little things in life that relate to audiences everywhere.” Seinfeld has been a regular touring comedian since the mid1970s, making his first appearance on Johnny Carson’s “Tonight Show” in 1981. His run as a successful stand-up comic led to his breakout NBC hit “Seinfeld” with Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jason Alexander and Michael Richards, which ran from 1989-1998 — and got scooped up in a massive streaming agreement by Hulu in 2015. For tickets, which range from $199 to $597, visit Ticketmaster.com or www.centerasheville.com.
Friday, May 17
ASHEVILLE BANDSTAND CONCERT SERIES, 4-8:45 p.m., Antler Hill Village square, Biltmore Estate, Asheville. The band Tuxedo Junction will perform. Attendees are urged to bring lawnchairs and/or blankets. DOWNTOWN AFTER 5 CONCERT, 5-9 p.m., North Lexington Avenue (near the I-240 overpass), downtown Asheville. This year’s DA5 series will begin with the Eric Gales Band as the headliner at 7 p.m. The opener at 5 p.m. will be Alvin Youngblood Hart’s Muscle Theory. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Admission is free. NEIL SIMON’S “PROPOSALS” STAGE PRODUCTION, 7:30 p.m., Leiman Mainstage, Flat Rock Playhouse, 2661 Greenville Hwy., Flat Rock. The Neil Simon show “Proposals” wll be performed May 17-June 1.(Showtimes 2 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays). Regarding the show, FRP stated, “A family divided. A family returning home. Healing and redemption in a heartfelt and hilarious “dramedy” by one of
Music on Main Street
Continued from Page B1 Following is downtown Hendersonville’s 2019 Music on Main Street schedule of performers: June 7: Tuxedo Junction performs / Classic Car Show. June 8: Block Party on Main, featuring the Swingin’ Medallions. Regarding the Swingin’ Medallions’ show, the event promotion stated, “Beginning of Summer Music on Main Street Concert, Hendersonville, is holding a family-oriented concert on South Main Street, between Allen and Caswell streets, 6 p.m.-10 p.m.... The headline band will be the legendary ‘Party Band of the South’ — the Swingin’ Medallions, playing beach music, rock, R&B, and great shaggin’ music; with opening act Rock and Roll Reunion... Food trucks will be available for concessions.” June 14: A Social Function performs. June 21: Emporium performs / Classic Car Show. June 28: Gotcha Groove performs. July 4 – Wishful Thinkin’ performs /
America’s most prolific playwrights. An American family sitcom. Rediscover the love!” For tickets, which are $48 to $54, visit flatrockplayhouse.org. “THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY” PRODUCTION, 7:30 p.m., HART Theatre, 250 Pigeon St., Waynesville. HART will perform “The Bridges of Maidson County” through June 9. Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays. Regarding the show, a HART event promotion stated, “Francesca Johnson, a beautiful Italian woman who married an American soldier to flee war-ravaged Italy, looks forward to a rare four days alone. When a ruggedly handsome photographer pulls into her driveway seeking directions though, what happens in those four days may very well alter the course of Francesca’s life.” Winner of two Tony Awards, this musical romance about the roads we travel, the doors we open and the bridges we dare to cross will leave you breathless. For tickets, visit harttheatre.org.
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Saturday, May 18
ASHEVILLE BANDSTAND CONCERT SERIES, 4-8:45 p.m., Antler Hill Village square, Biltmore Estate, Asheville. The band Emporium will perform. Attendees are urged to bring lawnchairs and/or blankets. CANDID CAMERA LIVE SHOW, 7:30 p.m., Smoky Mountain Center for Performing Arts, 1028 Georgia Road, Franklin. The show “CandId Camera Live: Eight Decades of Smiles” will be performed. Regarding the show, the SMCPA stated, “In this family-friendly performance, longtime ‘Candid Camera’ host Peter Funt’s hilarious stage comedy is blended with clips, quips and behind-the-scenes tales from the show’s funniest moments. Incorporating the best of ‘Candid Camera’ episodes in a fast-paced, laugh-filled romp through the decades, audience participation and special surprises make the show a great night of fun! ‘Candid Camera Live’ is the ultimate fan book for those who grew up with ‘Candid Camera’ — from the 1940s to the present. Filled with photos and stories never before published, and a tribute to Alan Funt, creator and original host, this is a true keepsake. It’s Allen Funt, Peter Funt and a cast of millions!” For tickets, which are $15 and $18, visit greatmountainmusic.com.
Sunday, May 19
ASHEVILLE BANDSTAND CONCERT SERIES, 2-6:45 p.m., Antler Hill Village square, Biltmore Estate, Asheville. The Michael Stevens Trio will perform. Attendees are urged to bring lawnchairs and/or blankets.
Friday, May 24
ASHEVILLE BANDSTAND CONCERT SERIES, 4-8:45 p.m., Antler Hill Village square, Biltmore Estate, Asheville. The French Broad Playboys will perform. Attendees are urged to bring lawnchairs and/or blankets. ALABAMA CONCERT, 9 p.m., Event Center, Harrah’s Cherokee Resort. The Southern rock group Alabama will perform in concert.” For tickets, which begin at $96, visit Ticketmaster.com.
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See CALENDAR, Page B7
Patriotic Tribute / Concert / Fireworks. July 12 – WestSound performs / Classic Car Show. July 19 – Fashback Party Band performs. July 26 – Rock & Roll Reunion performs / Classic Car Show. August 2 – Night Move Band performs. August 9 – Dashboard Blue performs / Classic Car Show. August 16 – Deano & The Dreamers performs. August 23 – 96.5 House Band performs / Classic Car Show.
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Calendar
Continued from Page B6
Saturday, May 25
“AN IMPROPER ROYALTEA MURDER...” SHOW, 2 p.m.,The Center for Art & Inspiration, downtown Hendersonville. The show “An Improper RoayTea Murder Created With a Souther Cup Fine Teas” will be performed. Regarding the show, a center promotion noted, “The Lord Chamberlain is commanded by Her Majesty to invite You to a Party in the Palace Garden. Each summer the queen hosts the Palace Garden Party with more than 30,000 invited guests. This year, an UNinvited guest has eluded Palace Security, and the arrival is causing panic! As the mystery unravels, we find the Royals worried about the intruder and the staff with something much more important on their minds! Murder…and YOU identify the culprit and solve the crime. If you choose ‘gentlemen wear morning dress or lounge suits, while women wear day dress, usually with hats or fascinators. National dress and uniform are also often worn.’ Our guest list is NOT as extensive! You MUST reserve tickets as priority seating with Her Majesty is Limited!” Tickets include interactive murder mystery theatre plus a Compleat Royal Tea with Sandwiches, Scones with Jam, Clotted Cream and Lemon Curd, Assorted Desserts and, “of course, our Very Proper Tea,” the CAI noted.”Palace Gates open at 1:30 p.m.” For tickets, visit www.thecenterai.com. ASHEVILLE BANDSTAND CONCERT SERIES, 4-8:45 p.m., Antler Hill Village square, Biltmore Estate, Asheville. The Clay Lunsford Band will perform. Attendees are urged to bring lawnchairs and/or blankets. DAILEY& VINCENT CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Smoky Mountain Center for Performing Arts, 1028 Georgia Road, Franklin. The bluegrass group Dailey & Vincent will perform in concert. For tickets, which are $22, $25, $30 and $35, visit greatmountainmusic.com.
Sunday, May 26
ASHEVILLE BANDSTAND CONCERT SERIES, 2-6:45 p.m., Antler Hill Village square, Biltmore Estate, Asheville. The Nuance Trio will perform. Attendees are urged to bring lawnchairs and/or blankets.
Tuesday, May 28
“HELLO, DOLLY!” PERFORMANCE, 7:30 p.m., Concert Hall, The Peace Center, 300 S. Main St., downtown Greenville, S.C. The Broadway musical
Biltmore
Continued from Page B1 Meanwhile, the website reasontorock. com said of the Beach Boys, “The Beach Boys are certainly the most important rock group to hail from the United States. At a time when groups such as The Beatles, The Kinks and The Rolling Stones were beginning their careers in Britain, The Beach Boys were really the only comparable American group. The Beach Boys also compare favorably to these British counterparts in terms of the lengths of their recording careers and the breadth of their accomplishments.” As for the B52s, the release said, “Selling more than 20 million albums worldwide, the Grammy Award-nominated quartet The B-52s have impacted alternative music, fashion and culture over the course of four decades with hits such as ‘Rock Lobster,’ ‘Love Shack’ and ‘Private Idaho.’” Regarding the Charlie Daniels Band and the Marshall Tucker Band, Biltmore stated, “North Carolina-raised Charlie Daniels made his mark with Southern rock anthems, award-winning country hits and gospel albums. The Charlie Daniels Band’s performance at Biltmore this year is one of over 100 concert dates on the band’s 2019 schedule, coming to the stage with ‘The Devil Went Down to Georgia,’ ‘Long Haired Country Boy,’ ‘The South’s Gonna Do It Again,’ and ‘Uneasy Rider.’ Equal parts rock, blues, jazz, country, soul and bluegrass, the Marshall Tucker Band has a
“Hello, Dolly!” will be performed through June 2. Other showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. May 29-30, at 8 p.m. May 31, at 2 and 8 p.m. June 1 and at 1 and 6:30 p.m. June 2. Regarding the show, a Peace Center event promotion stated, “The darling of Broadway has returned! After a successful revival on Broadway, this glorious new production of ‘Hello, Dolly!’ is heading out on a national tour! With four 2017 Tony Awards under its belt, including Best Revival and Best Actress for Bette Midler, Jerry Herman’s musical comedy is truly back where it belongs. Featuring memorable classics such as ‘Before the Parade Passes By’ and ‘Put on Your Sunday Clothes,’ ‘Hello, Dolly!’ is ready to reclaim the hearts of the American people. Based on Thornton Wilder’s play ‘The Matchmaker,’ ‘Hello, Dolly!’ was an instant success when it first debuted in 1964. Winning an unprecedented 10 Tonys at that year’s ceremony it was soon adapted for the big screen featuring a cast led by Barbra Streisand and a young Michael Crawford. This 2017 revival is directed by four-time Tony winner Jerry Zaks (Sister Act) whose talent has brought ‘Hello, Dolly!’ back into the limelight.” For tickets, visit peacecenter.org.
Friday, May 31
Asheville Daily Planet - May 2019 - B7
possesses a showman’s zest for every conceivable flavor of country music. Hits include ‘Tempted’ and ‘This One’s Gonna Hurt You.’ Marty and His Fabulous Superlatives consistently delight audiences across the country with sold-out shows year after year, including performances at The Grand Ole Opry and Madison Square Garden.” For tickets, which are $28, $35 and $38, visit greatmountainmusic.com.
CONCERT/DANCE, 6-10 p.m., South Main Street (between Allen and Caswell streets), downtown Hendersonville. The iconic “party band of the South,” the Swingin’ Medalions, will headline the Block Party on Main Street summer concert about 8 p.m. The opener will be Rock and Roll Reunion. Attendees are urged to bring lawnchairs. Admission is free.
Friday, June 7
MUSIC ON MAIN STREET CONCERT/DANCE, 7-9 p.m., parking lot next to Visitor Center, 201 S. Main St., downtown Hendersonville. The Asheville-based band Tuxedo Junction will open the annual weekly Music on Main Street summer concert series. Attendees are urged to bring lawnchairs. Admission is free.
Sat., June 8
BLOCK PARTY ON MAIN
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“MY BIG FAT ITALIAN WDDING MURDER!” SHOW, 6 p.m.,The Center for Art & Inspiration, downtown Hendersonville. The show “My Big Fat Italian Wedding Murder!” will be performed. The show also will be performed at 6 p.m. June 1. Regarding the show, a center promotion noted, “Dinner, wedding cake...and justice...will be served. It will be totally killer!” The CAI added that the show is “not appropriate for children under 13.” For tickets, visit www.thecenterai.com. KEN JEONG COMEDY PERFORMANCE, 9 p.m., Event Center, Harrah’s Cherokee Resort. Actor, producer, and writer Ken Jeong will perform in concert. Known for his scene-stealing abilities, he has established himself as one of today’s top comedic stars. Recently, Jeong appeared in the Warner Bros box office sensation, “Crazy Rich Asians” and ABC’s “Dr. Ken,” in which he was the creator, writer and executive producer. For tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com.
Saturday, June 1
MARTY STUART CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Smoky Mountain Center for Performing Arts, 1028 Georgia Road, Franklin. Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives will perform in concert. Regarding the show, the SMCPA noted, “The gospel-singing, bluegrassplaying, ‘Hillbilly Rock-’ making superstar, Marty Stuart, is a Grammy-Award winner and a platinum recording artist. Widely recognized as one of the most important roots musicians in America, Marty
music catalog consisting of more than 20 studio albums including songs like ‘Can’t You See’ and ‘Heard It in a Love Song.’” As for Chicago, the release said the group “has garnered two Grammy Awards, two American Music Awards, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a Chicago street dedicated in their honor. The band hits the South Terrace stage to perform their well-known tunes such as ‘25 or 6 to 4,’ ‘Saturday in the Park,’ ‘Feeling Stronger Every Day’ and many others.” Regarding The O’Jays and Kool & The Gang, Biltmore noted, “The O’Jays have been performing for over 50 years. Their single ‘Love Train,’ rose to No. 1 on both the R&B Singles and the Billboard Hot 100 charts upon release. Classic R&B hits such as ‘Celebration,’ ‘Cherish’ and ‘Ladies Night’ have earned the Grammy-winning group Kool & The Gang global fame and a following that spans generations.” As for Amy Grant and Steven Curtis Chapman, the release stated, “Amy Grant is recognizable in both the Christian and pop worlds, selling more than 30 million albums worldwide and receiving six Grammys, a star on both the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Music City Walk of Fame. Steven Curtis Chapman is the most awarded artist in Christian music history with accolades such as 58 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, five Grammys, an American Music Award and 48 No. 1 singles.”
DancesDances at Oliveat or Twist 121 West Barnwell St., Downtown Hendersonville Olive or Twist • Tuesdays —Shag and Swing
121 West Barnwell St., • Wednesdays — Ballroom and Country Downtown Hendersonville Lesson at 6:30 p.m. • Dancing 7-9 p.m. Requests are always welcome. Tuesdays $5 per person • Food and drinks available at the bar Shag and Swing
Dances at the Asheville Ballroom Wednesdays 291 Sweeten Creek Asheville Ballroom andRoad, Country
Saturday, January 12p.m. Lesson at 6:30 p.m. • Dancing 7-9 Admission $10welcome Requests are always
Lesson at 7 p.m. • Dancing fromavailable 8 to 10:30 p.m.. $5 per person • Food and drinks at the bar
B8 — May 2019 - Asheville Daily Planet