Mountain Xpress 02.12.20

OUR 26TH YEAR OF WEEKLY INDEPENDENT NEWS, ARTS & EVENTS FOR WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA VOL. 26 NO. 29 FEB. 12- 18, 2020

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OUR 26TH YEAR OF WEEKLY INDEPENDENT NEWS, ARTS & EVENTS FOR WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA VOL. 26 NO. 29 FEB. 12- 18, 2020

C O NT E NT S

PAGE 11 2020 PRIMARY VOTER GUIDE, PART I

C O NTAC T US

(828) 251-1333 fax (828) 251-1311 news tips & story ideas to NEWS@MOUNTAINX.COM

Readers, it’s time to get informed about the political hopefuls vying for your votes. In Part I of the Xpress Voter Guide, we offer Q&As with the candidates aiming to replace outgoing Rep. Mark Meadows for his District 11 congressional seat.

FEATURES

COVER ILLUSTRATION Randy Molton COVER DESIGN Scott Southwick

letters/commentary to LETTERS@MOUNTAINX.COM sustainability news to GREEN@MOUNTAINX.COM a&e events and ideas to AE@MOUNTAINX.COM events can be submitted to CALENDAR@MOUNTAINX.COM or try our easy online calendar at MOUNTAINX.COM/EVENTS food news and ideas to FOOD@MOUNTAINX.COM

NEWS

17 SECOND AMENDMENT SANCTUARY? Overflow crowd debates gun policy at Buncombe commission

WELLNESS

8 HOT SEAT Asheville City Council candidates stake positions at forum

NEWS

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OPINION

Send your letters to the editor to letters@mountainx.com.

STA F F PUBLISHER: Jeff Fobes ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER: Susan Hutchinson MANAGING EDITOR: Virginia Daffron A&E EDITOR: Alli Marshall FOOD EDITOR: Gina Smith GREEN SCENE EDITOR: Daniel Walton OPINION EDITOR: Tracy Rose STAFF REPORTERS: Able Allen, Edwin Arnaudin, Thomas Calder, Laura Hackett, Brooke Randle, Daniel Walton

CARTOO N BY RAN D Y M O L T O N

Wells is well-prepared to serve county residents

Smith: A progressive Democrat for state Senate

Early voting begins Feb. 13, and I want to urge everyone to vote for Terri Wells to become District 1 Buncombe County commissioner.

As a lifelong resident of Buncombe County who has developed a stellar reputation as an educator, farmer/ landowner, activist/supporter of environmental sustainability and responsibility, Terri is very wellprepared to serve Buncombe County citizens in this position.

Having been an administrator in Asheville City Schools and having known Terri for many years while she worked with the Asheville City Schools Foundation, I can attest to her professionalism in all areas of her work and her dedication to doing everything possible to support teachers and students.

Terri brings to District 1 county commissioner [her] experience, along with her vision and views of the issues. Please check out her website, terriwellsforcommissioner.com, for specifics of how she plans to contribute to our county.

Thanks so much for joining me in supporting and voting for Terri Wells, Buncombe County Commissioner District 1, when you vote “early” or in the primary on March 3!

— Charlotte R. Moore Asheville Editor’s note: Moore reports that she is volunteering in Wells’ campaign.

Since kicking off my campaign for state Senate in November, I’ve knocked on many thousands of doors across our district. It’s been a pleasure to meet so many wonderful people, many of whom are shocked that a state candidate is taking the effort to knock on their door!

In this process, there have also been a countless number of excited dogs that wonder why I’m knocking on their door. I’ve learned that our district is full of smart, progressive Democrats with big hearts who are desperately eager for change in Raleigh.

Of all the people I talked to, it was agreed that public schools are the foundation of our society and need better funding. We need to expand Medicaid in North Carolina. We need to force Duke Energy to take action on climate change, and we need to raise our minimum wage. No one should be working a full-time job and still be in poverty.

More than any other issue, people strongly agreed that we need more funding for infrastructure, services and affordable housing. Our occupancy tax in Buncombe County should be doing more to help us, but it’s not. We have an old state law from the 1980s that’s forcing us to spend 75% of our tax revenue on more advertising for tourism. Almost no other county in North Carolina has to do this, and it’s one of the main reasons I’m running to be our next state senator.

Everyone I talked to agreed that our city and county should be in control of our occupancy tax, not Raleigh.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR EDITOR: Deborah Robertson CLUBLAND EDITOR: Lauren Andrews MOVIE SECTION HOSTS: Edwin Arnaudin, Bruce Steele CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Peter Gregutt, Rob Mikulak REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS: Mark Barrett, Leslie Boyd, Abigail Griffin, Bill Kopp, Cindy Kunst, Jeff Messer, Joe Pellegrino, Kim Ruehl, Luke Van Hine, Kay West ADVERTISING, ART & DESIGN MANAGER: Susan Hutchinson LEAD DESIGNER: Scott Southwick

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Send your letters to the editor to letters@mountainx.com.

OPINION

My name is Travis Smith, and I’m a progressive Democrat running to be our next state senator. I kindly ask for your vote in the Democratic primary. Thank you.

— Travis Smith

Candidate for N.C. Senate District 49 Asheville

Wells balances needs of preservation and growth I’m excited to vote for Terri Wells in the upcoming primary on March 3. Buncombe County can use her experience, her skills and integrity.

Terri is a lifelong resident of Buncombe County and has seen the incredible growth our community has seen over the last few years. She’s able to balance the needs of preservation — of our farms, our environment and way of life — with the needs of a rapidly growing community. Why? Because she takes the time to listen to people who are affected. She’s a careful decision-maker who does what she says she will do. We need that kind of thoughtfulness and accountability in our elected officials in Buncombe County.

I first met Terri 10 years ago at the Asheville City Schools Foundation, where she was the program director. She impressed me as someone who worked well with all kinds of people — educators,

volunteers, families and other community organizations to improve the quality of education. Terri listens to people’s concerns, worked well with others and held herself accountable. Then, those qualities impressed me as needed for her role as a nonprofit employee. Today, those qualities are needed in our publicly elected officials.

That’s one reason why I’m voting for Terri.

Lastly — I want to trust the person who is representing me in government. Terri has shown through her actions and character that she is trusted and trustworthy.

Terri has the experience, the character and the passion for our community that is needed in our next Buncombe County commissioner. Visit her website: terriwellsforcommissioner.com to learn more about her priorities and plans. I hope you will join me in voting for her during the Buncombe County Democratic primaries on March 3.

— Beth Russo Leicester

Contact legislators to support ERA The 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote, was ratified back in 1920. It required 36 states for ratification.

North Carolina was not one of them.

On Aug. 17, 1920, the North Carolina legislature defeated the measure by two

CA RTO O N BY IRE N E O L DS

votes. The next day, the Tennessee legislature passed it, and the amendment became law. The North Carolina General Assembly didn’t get around to formal ratification until 1971.

History doesn’t have to repeat itself!

The time to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment is now, and North Carolina should be part of that ratification.

The amendment is simple: “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.”

As written by our founders, the Constitution doesn’t explicitly address sex discrimination. The Equal Rights Amendment would change that.

In January, Virginia ratified the ERA and became the last state required for ratification. During the week of Feb. 10, legislation will be brought to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to remove the deadline for ratifying the ERA. Ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment is in sight, and this time, North Carolina should be part of history and not left behind. Now is the time to contact your North Carolina General Assembly members and urge them to support House Bill 271 and Senate Bill 184.

— Lynne Joshi Asheville

Scarce staffing at Mission raises concerns I recently had my first experience with the new Mission Hospital, now owned and managed by the “for profit” Health Corporation of America, commonly known as HCA. This experience is documented below.

I drove my friend to Mission Hospital for an outpatient arteriogram. We arrived at 9 a.m. for a 9:30 appointment.

The test was held in Entrance 2, which is a large multistory building. The public areas consisted of two large lobbies, a gift shop and a cafeteria. I was to wait for my friend to drive her home after her procedure. I was at the hospital until 5 p.m. At that time, I was told that she would not be ready to go home until 7:30 p.m. I left the hospital and returned at 7:30 to pick up my friend.

While at the hospital, I noticed that there were hardly any staff in either of the lobbies, in spite of the fact that in the main lobby there was designated seating for staff which would accommodate probably eight or so staff members. During the entire time I was there, I saw at most two staff members there.

At one time, I attempted to get information about the status of my friend, and there was only one staff member avail-

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able; she was a new employee and was unable to give me any information. The only information I got regarding the multiple delays were texts I received from my friend. Nothing from hospital employees, nor was I able to locate staff to get her status.

I returned to the hospital at 7:30.

When I arrived, I could not find even one staff member to help me locate my friend. Not in either lobby, or anywhere else in the public areas. I then attempted to go to the back of the first floor where patients were located only to find all the doors locked. In desperation I looked for anyone wearing a hospital badge. Eventually, I located a woman in street clothes who was wearing a hospital badge. She worked in billing and was kind enough to stop where she was going and helped me locate my friend.

I will say that when I encountered staff members, they were very helpful. The problem was locating a staff member.

I could not imagine running a hospital like this or why staff was so scarce.

The only thing I could think of was, in an effort to cut costs, a lot of the lowerlevel staff positions were eliminated, and the hospital was running a skeleton crew. I wondered if the skeleton crew extended to the part of the hospital where sick patients needed constant care and, if so, what risk this put the patients in. Regarding this patient risk, I have heard the following rumors since HCA has taken over Mission Hospital: 1. Nursing assistant positions have been reduced and/or eliminated and their workload has been shifted to the nurses responsible for patient care.

2. The patient load per floor nurse has been increased.

3. The hospital staff was directed not to talk to the press regarding working conditions or the changes HCA has instituted since they have taken over.

If these rumors are true, it appears that not only is HCA emphasizing profits at the expense of patient care, but attempting to keep this information from the public. Since Mission Hospital is the only option around for most of the citizens of Western North Carolina, this should make all citizens have grave concerns about the level of care this hospital is able and willing to provide.

— Kathryn Mead Candler Editor’s note: Xpress contacted Mission Health with a summary of the letter writer’s points, and we received the following response from spokesperson Nancy Lindell: “In recent months, we have seen increased patient volumes and are adding positions to ensure our nurses can continue to focus on providing excellent nursing care. We are adding recruitment staff to speed up our recruitment of nursing support positions.

C A R T O O N B Y B R E NT B R O W N “While unemployment rates across the country are at a 50-year low, we are trying to implement new and creative ways to incentivize job seekers to consider Mission Hospital. In October 2019, HCA Healthcare raised the minimum wage for all staff to $12.50 per hour. Additionally, we are now offering a higher minimum wage for 12 positions, including certified nurse assistants, patient care techs, health unit coordinators, environmental services and food services, along with sign-on bonuses for registered nurses as high at $15,000, doing what we can to fill open positions.

“Mission has hired more than 80 new staff in January across the hospital and additionally has contracted with more than 300 traveler nurses who are here assisting until our new full-time colleagues are on board.

“Our administrators meet with frontline staff in daily huddles to recognize the incredible care being delivered and to work to provide the tools and resources needed for our team to care for our patients in our region. We pride ourselves on our compassionate care of every patient who comes to us.”

‘Conserve’ doesn’t reflect actions It’s always good to hear from Mr. [Carl] Mumpower, and I sincerely appreciate

his explanation of conservativism, from the root word conserve: “to use or manage wisely; preserve, save” [“Asheville’s Progressive Addiction Is Growing Old,” Jan 22, Xpress]. I completely support managing resources wisely and working to save what we have.

However, I get confused applying the term conserve, as stated by Mr. Mumpower, to a few of the 95 regulations the current administration has rolled back [quoted from the Dec. 21 New York Times article, “95 Environmental Rules Being Rolled Back Under Trump.”] Such as: • “Rolled back most of the requirements of a 2017 rule aimed at improving safety at sites that use hazardous chemicals that was instituted after a chemical plant exploded in Texas.”

• “Proposed doubling the time allowed to remove lead pipes from water systems with high levels of lead.”

• “Proposed a rule exempting certain types of power plants from parts of an E.P.A. rule limiting toxic discharge from power plants into public waterways.” ...

And: In CBO’s projections, the federal budget deficit is $960 billion in 2019 and averages $1.2 trillion between 2020 and 2029.

Conserve? I think not. Exploit, destroy, abuse? I think so.

— Dinah Williams Asheville Editor’s note: A longer version of this letter will appear at mountainx.com.

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NEWS

HOT SEAT

City Council candidates stake positions at forum

Townsend and Young opposed a quarter-cent sales tax increase as a vehicle for funding expanded transit service. A separate 3-cent property tax proposal, pitched in January by Young and Council member Julie Mayfield, would pay for transit, climate-related initiatives and affordable housing; that idea garnered the support of Kilgore, McCarthy and Lee, in addition to Young. All candidates except for McCarthy supported a new food and beverage tax, though Young interjected that it should only apply to alcohol sales.

3. CLIMATE RESPONSIBILITY

TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD: Nine Asheville City Council hopefuls gathered in A-B Tech’s Ferguson Auditorium Feb. 5 to share their views on taxes, transit, affordable housing, climate change and more. Photo by Cindy Kunst

BY BROOKE RANDLE brandle@mountainx.com The steady patter of rain on the evening of Feb. 5 didn’t deter more than 200 people from turning out to hear from nine candidates competing to shape Asheville’s future as members of City Council. Over the course of 90 minutes, security guard Larry Ray Baker; architect Kristen Goldsmith; real estate broker Sandra Kilgore, financial adviser Rich Lee; construction project manager Shane McCarthy; piano teacher Kim Roney; activist Nicole Townsend; French Broad Food Co-op project manager Sage Turner; and City Council incumbent and Buncombe

County Deputy Clerk of Superior Court Keith Young, made their cases at a forum hosted by Mountain Xpress and moderated by freelance journalist Mark Barrett and “Asheville View” producer Aisha Adams. Here are 10 takeaways from the discussion: 1. PROGRESSIVE PRIORITIES The candidates agreed on a wide range of progressive initiatives, such as increasing transit service, hiring an urban forester to protect the city’s tree canopy and raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour for city employees, though they differed in how they would pay for the initiatives. Baker, the only

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registered Republican in the running, said his party affiliation didn’t stop him from supporting many of the initiatives. “When it comes to Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, Green, I don’t see it as an individual party,” said Baker, who at 23 is the youngest candidate in the race. “Sure, we’re two sides of a coin, but at the same time, we all want the same things. There’s just different ways of getting it.”

2. DIFFERENCES OVER TAXES The candidates split on how to raise additional revenue during the lightning round, which featured a yesor-no question format. McCarthy,

Turner said she joined a pledge

by Asheville GreenWorks to plant 50,000 trees in Asheville by 2040, while Lee advocated for a carbon fee and dividend proposal brought forward by Citizens’ Climate Lobby, an international environmental group with an Asheville chapter. Townsend said that while she supported many environmentally focused initiatives, those efforts should be considered through an equity lens. “Anything we do that involves climate needs to have a race and class analysis,” she said. “Yes, let’s plant more trees — and let’s have real conversations that many of our community members have been telling us for years that the reason trees are being cut down in their neighborhoods is so that police can surveillance them better.”

4. EDUCATION DEVIATION Candidates differed on how to address challenges facing Asheville City Schools, which has the largest gap between the proficiency of white and black students of any district in the state. With Young dissenting, the other eight candidates said they would support changing the Asheville

City Board of Education from an appointed to an elected board. When it came to consolidating the school system into neighboring Buncombe County Public Schools, however, only Kilgore, McCarthy and Turner said they would support such a move.

5. HOUSING CRUNCH All of the candidates acknowledged that Asheville is experiencing an intensifying affordable housing shortage. Goldsmith said she would support new zoning regulations, including “upzoning” to integrate multifamily housing into single-family neighborhoods. Turner vowed to create 1,000 affordable units by 2025 by encouraging landlords to accept housing vouchers and other incentives. Townsend advocated for statewide rent control and reparations for community members impacted by the Asheville’s history of redlining, while Lee and Kilgore emphasized the need to grow small businesses and lure employers that pay higher wages. “If you don’t have the income to maintain the house, it doesn’t matter how affordable it is,” Kilgore said.

6. TOURISM’S SPOILS The audience erupted in cheers when all nine candidates said they would endorse an effort to reallocate more of the county’s occupancy tax to support city projects. State law currently requires that the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority spend 75% of these taxes — nearly $19 million in the last budget cycle — on tourism marketing and advertising. Asked whether the city should use occupancy tax revenue to fund a significant portion of the $100 million in renovations needed for the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, only Young indicated support for the idea.

7. EQUITY ASCENDENT Young touted his accomplishments in catalyzing the city’s Equity and Inclusion Department, Human Relations Commission and a Ban the Box resolution to prevent employment discrimination against formerly incarcerated people. “My whole life has been dedicated to equity,” he said.

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N EWS Roney pointed to a need to not only advocate for marginalized groups, but remove barriers to participation in local government. “That means providing child care. It means language justice,” Roney said. “When we have an invitation for boards and commissions, we can say that the meeting will be in English, but we need to send the invitation out not in English, so that people will see it and understand that they are welcome in our City Hall, because it is our City Hall.”

dedication to support Asheville’s communities of color. “If you are for the side that says, ‘We will no longer honor white supremacy in our city,’ I’m probably the person you should vote for.” Later, Townsend closed the evening out with a rendition of the 1931 protest song “Which Side Are You On?” 9. IDEALISM VS. PRAGMATISM

8. ACROSS THE RACIAL DIVIDE Kilgore clarified that, in referencing the city’s “growing pains,” she had meant increasing racial disparities. “The growing pains I speak of basically have to do with the racial issues. That was where I was coming from,” she said. “I grew up here, I went to UNCA. I felt less racism then than I do today.”

When asked about her arrest for vandalizing a Pack Square Confederate monument in 2017, Townsend shot back, “Happy Black History Month.” She declared her

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STEPPING UP: Mountain Xpress Managing Editor Virginia Daffron welcomed attendees to Xpress’ first-ever candidate forum. Photo by Cindy Kunst

MOUNTAINX.COM

A question Xpress had hoped would spur candidates to address the difficulty of maintaining core city services like the water system, emergency services and street infrastructure while investing in newer priorities like expanding the transit system and transitioning to renewable energy didn’t quite work out that way. “I see the question as a bit of a false choice,” Lee said. “The investments that we can make now to improve transit, to improve our infrastructure, improve our housing, that’s going to make this a more prosperous community that can afford the things that we want.”

“The core job of our city government is to provide for the health and security of our citizens. That’s why

we have police and fire, and that’s also why we need to invest in housing and protecting our environment,” McCarthy added. “That’s health, that’s safety and that’s security.”

10. LAW AND ORDER The current Asheville Police Department budget is sufficient to address property crime and other quality-of-life issues, all the candidates said during one lightning round.

They also agreed that the city should expand its written consent policy to include pedestrians as well as motorists. Responding to a separate question directed specifically to her, Turner explained her support as chair of the city’s Downtown Commission for increasing police patrols in that part of the city. “Downtown was facing a shortage,” Turner said. “I want to make it clear that I supported the increase of the APD in downtown because we have 11 million tourists a year and a very active business district that had two resource officers at any given moment and not every day of the week.” X

Primary Voter Guide 2020

Part 1 of 3 Candidate Q&A for local, state and national races Breathe deep. As primary elections approach on Tuesday, March 3, much of the political oxygen is being burned in the fiery contest to determine a Democratic presidential candidate — the eventual challenger to Republican President Donald Trump in November’s general election.

But when it comes to the day-today decisions that determine how the government affects Western North Carolina residents, there’s much at stake in the races farther down the ballot.

Mountain Xpress reached out to every candidate running in a contested primary for locally focused positions including the U.S. House of Representatives, N.C. General Assembly, Buncombe County Board of Commissioners and Asheville City Council.

Every hopeful for the same office received the same set of questions, with slight variations in those posed to Republican and Democratic candidates in partisan races. Through multiple emails and phone calls, Xpress confirmed that every candidate was aware of this effort and had the opportunity to submit their answers.

Xpress is publishing the results of those questionnaires to help WNC’s voters make informed decisions about the people who will represent their interests. Due to the large number of candidates on primary ballots, the answers will be broken up over three issues.

Answers for all races will also be available online at mountainx.com by the start of early voting on Thursday, Feb. 13. The Buncombe County Board of Elections has more information about when and where to vote at avl.mx/6wz. Voters registered with a party must vote in that party’s primary, but unaffiliated voters can request any primary ballot.

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striving to fill the void. Many identify as investors, entrepreneurs or smallbusiness owners, including Chuck Archerd, Madison Cawthorn, Dan Driscoll, Dillon Gentry, Joey Osborne and Vance Patterson. Davis and Albert Wiley Jr. both come from medical backgrounds, while Steven Fekete Jr. is a retired UPS automotive technician.

Meadows himself has endorsed the only female candidate in the field, Lynda Bennett, who is vice chair of the Haywood County Republican Party.

According to Politico, Bennett is a friend of Meadows’ wife, Debbie Meadows, and had registered a campaign website on Oct. 28, suggesting that she had advance knowledge of the representative’s retirement. Bennett did not provide answers to the Xpress questionnaire.

Many local leaders, however, have thrown their weight behind Wayne King, Mark Meadows’ former deputy chief of staff. King’s endorsements include N.C. Rep. Michele Presnell (R-Burnsville); Republican Lowell Griffin, Henderson County sheriff; unaffiliated Van Duncan, former Buncombe County sheriff; and Republican Woodfin Mayor Jerry VeHaun.

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES If Buncombe County were all that counted, Democrat Phillip Price would have coasted to victory in the 2018 race for U.S. House District 11. He bested Meadows by over 10 percentage points among Buncombe voters — but lost the race across the rest of the district, determined by a panel of federal judges

GETTING AHEAD: The race to replace Republican Rep. Mark Meadows has drawn the largest congressional primary field in the state, with 11 Republicans and five Democrats vying to earn their parties’ nominations for the District 11 seat. Illustration by Randy Molton REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES As of Dec. 18 — two days before the candidate filing deadline — no Republicans were seeking the nomination for the U.S. House District 11 seat. By noon on Dec. 20, 12 had gotten their names on the ballot, creating the largest primary field of any congressional race in the state.

What changed? On the morning of Dec. 19, four-term Republican Rep. Mark Meadows announced that he would not seek reelection to the House.

A crew of hopefuls — only one of whom, N.C. Sen. Jim Davis, has previously held political office — are now

earlier in 2018 to be unconstitutionally gerrymandered in favor of Republicans, by over 20 percentage points.

Things are different this time around. According to new district maps approved by state judges in December, NC-11 now contains the entirety of Buncombe County’s large Democratic voter base, which had previously been split with NC-10. And Meadows isn’t seeking reelection, meaning the Democratic nominee will run against an opponent without his name recognition and national profile.

Five Democratic candidates are now in the primary mix, including Price, who had previously endorsed political newcomer Michael O’Shea before choosing to run again. Retired U.S. Air Force Major Steve Woodsmall is taking another shot at the nomination after coming in second to Price in the 2018 primary, while real estate professional and attorney Gina Collias has switched both parties and districts since her nearly 57-point loss against Republican Rep. Patrick McHenry in the District 10 primary.

But the man to beat — at least in terms of fundraising, with at least $73,000 in his war chest at the end of 2019 — is Moe Davis. The former chief prosecutor at Guantanamo Bay earned national recognition for resigning his post in 2007 after opposing the use of torture and has a substantial social media presence, with over 157,000 followers on Twitter.

— Daniel Walton X

PRESIDENTS' DAY POETRY Tomb of the Unknown Father A READING BY LEE STOCKDALE

Lee’s father, Grant Stockdale, was JFK’s close friend and Ambassador to Ireland.

He committed suicide 10 days after President Kennedy’s assassination.

Join Lee as he reads from his active poetry cycle. Q&A follows.

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U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES – DISTRICT 11 - REPUBLICANS

CHUCK ARCHERD Republican

MADISON CAWTHORN Republican

JIM DAVIS Republican

Website: ArcherdForCongress.com Occupation: Retired certified public accountant and real estate investor Previous candidacy or offices held: Ran for Buncombe County Board of Commissioners chair in 2016 Key endorsements: Did not respond Amount of money raised: Did not respond Top three donors: Did not respond

Website: MadisonCawthorn.com Occupation: Small-business owner Previous candidacy or offices held: Did not respond Key endorsements: Did not respond Amount of money raised: Did not respond Top three donors: Did not respond

Website: JimDavisForCongress.com Occupation: Orthodontist Previous candidacy or offices held: Macon County commissioner 1996-2000, 2004-2010; N.C. senator District 50 2011-present Key endorsements: Ralph Hise, N.C. senator District 47; Robbie Holland, Macon County sheriff; Curtis Cochran, Swain County sheriff; Kevin Corbin, N.C. House representative District 120; Cal Stiles, Cherokee County commissioner Amount of money raised: Did not respond Top three donors: Did not respond

What are the two most important issues facing WNC residents, and how would you address them?

1) Illegal immigration. I will work with President Trump to ensure that the border wall is fully funded and completed on time. Secondly, I plan to introduce legislation to stop the proliferation of sanctuary cities being championed by liberal Democrats. By accomplishing these two priorities, we progress toward keeping our citizens safe and our country secured. 2) ICE detainer requests. I will introduce legislation to require local law enforcement to work with federal law enforcement (including ICE) and honor ICE detainer requests.

1) I-26 remaining a two-lane highway in our corridor.

We must have an infrastructure system that represents how vibrant and alive the economy of Western North Carolina is. 2) Lowering the taxes our residents have to pay is vital. Keeping the government out of our lives, and keeping the money we earn in our pockets, enables us to be successful.

1) Jobs — continue to support tax and regulatory reform to enhance the creation of additional jobs. 2) Lack of high-speed internet — support additional governmental assistance for cost-effective, high-speed internet service.

What do you see as the top three national security threats facing the United States?

1) Illegal immigration. 2) Unrest in the Middle East. 3) North Korean nuclear proliferation.

1) Ensuring that terrorist entities and the cartels cannot easily penetrate our Southern border. 2) Making sure that Iran does not and never will possess a nuclear weapon.

3) Curbing the threat posed by North Korea and its irrational dictator, Kim Jong Un.

1) The spread of terrorism and the countries that finance terrorism. 2) Border security. 3) National debt and deficit.

What legacy has departing Congressman Mark Meadows left for WNC, and how would you build on it?

Congressman Meadows has taken conservative Christian principles to Washington to fight for President Trump’s agenda. I would build on this by representing all citizens of the 11th Congressional District based upon these same principles.

Ensuring that his vote was never for sale and that it belonged to those he represented. I take great pride in having a congressman who never backs down from pressure applied by Republican leadership, mainstream media or the radical Democrats. I will carry on his legacy of having a strong backbone — after all, mine is reinforced with titanium.

Mark has been a champion for constituent service, and I plan to continue that emphasis.

Where, if at all, do you find common ground with Democrats?

Eighty percent of the issues that touch the citizens of the 11th District can be addressed with effective communication and commonsense solutions. I will work with other members of Congress to address these issues affecting our citizens.

Democrats have gone so far left, led by Nancy Pelosi and AOC [Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez], that we cannot reason with them anymore. We cannot follow them off this socialist cliff simply because we want to “find common ground.”

I was the primary sponsor of three significant bills addressing the opioid epidemic. Those bills would not have been possible without working across the political aisle, especially with Democratic N.C. Attorney General Josh Stein and his staff.

What do you bring to the table that your opponents don’t, and what makes you likely to win in November?

As a former CPA and successful small businessman with over 35 years of experience, I have made budgets, hired and motivated employees and gotten results. I expect results from our government. Just as I have fought government bureaucracy to get results in my business, I will fight this same bureaucracy to get results for the citizens of the 11th District.

I have the ability to win in November. We have to come to grips with the new reality of District 11. Asheville is an island of blue in a sea of red. If we do not select a candidate who can reach into urban Buncombe County and reach young undecided voters, we could lose. This seat is far too valuable to select a candidate who is cut from the same fabric as the vast majority of other D.C. politicians.

As a 10-year Macon County commissioner with over nine years in the N.C. Senate, I am the only candidate who has elected office experience. That experience has proven that I am an effective legislator who has the ability to work to get things done for my constituents. I am qualified, experienced and eager to continue my political service in the U.S. Congress.

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

THE QUESTIONS

12

FEB. 12 - 18, 2020

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U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES – REPUBLICANS

DAN DRISCOLL Republican Website: DanDriscoll.com Occupation: Entrepreneur Previous candidacy or offices held: Did not respond Key endorsements: Did not respond Amount of money raised: Over $100,000 Top three donors: Did not respond

STEVEN FEKETE JR.

TOOLS OF THE MONTH

Republican Website: StevenFeketeJr.com Occupation: Retired UPS automotive technician Previous candidacy or offices held: Ran for Caldwell County Commission Key endorsements: Endorsed by everyone I know Amount of money raised: Self-funded Top three donors: Self-funded for the primary

I know firsthand the struggles of creating a business in the current regulatory environment. I believe that a pro-business environment and welltrained citizenry create more stable, higher-paying jobs. Additionally, the infrastructure in rural America needs upgrading. We are not prepared for the tectonic changes that are coming with advancing technology. Weak infrastructure is significantly hindering the ability of many Americans to start and grow businesses. I’m passionate about helping bring federal spending and innovation to these areas.

1) Job growth and development. Return federal lands to the counties of North Carolina that the federal government confiscated from the citizens in District 11. 2) Reverse the law that eliminated the ability of students to declare bankruptcy on student loans when there is no work in that field when and if they graduate.

The first and most pressing threat for any country is securing the borders. Building a wall allows us to control our immigration and ensure those entering are safe, productive and taxed members of society.

Second, we must deal with direct threats like President Trump did with Qassem Soleimani and Iran. Third, we have to prevent growing threats like China, who is seeking to reshape the world with an authoritarian model that stands in direct conflict to our democratic values.

1) The porous wall that needs to be finished to stop terror and drugs. 2) Stop the killing of citizens in America by the use of abortion. 3) The expansion of charter schools to stop the release of adults who cannot write cursive and understand the Constitution under which we live.

Congressman Meadows’ greatest legacy is that he has been a fierce advocate for the people of Western North Carolina and our mountain values.

It is my hope that I can build upon his legacy and continue to make the constituents of NC-11 proud.

President Trump has used the shoulders of Mark Meadows to continue the forward movement of self-reliance that was taught in Western North Carolina to generations of strong people. President Trump has started the train toward realizing that we do not need the Democrats to survive. We sure do not need Hollywood and intellectuals to lecture us on morality and decency. We are independent thinkers here in the land of reality!

I was thrilled to see the bipartisan support behind President Trump’s U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. The united front the U.S. Congress was able to display behind the president’s leadership strengthens our global economic position and benefits the small businesses of Western North Carolina.

We have plenty of common ground here in the real world of North Carolina. We have the umbrella that everyone is invited under. It is the Democrats that are exclusive and judgmental on who they consider worthy to talk to. We are succeeding as a country, and yet no one on the side of the Democrats will recognize it and help President Trump move forward. They are stuck on “impeach the mf-er.”

Why are they so evil-minded and unhelpful?

I’m a third-generation wartime veteran. This upbringing instilled in me a focus on hard work and a love of country. I aspire to be a leader of the next generation of conservative problem solvers that we need in Congress.

I am a common man with an uncommon name. I have lived a real-world life without a silver spoon.

I have a similar way of looking at and approaching problems as President Trump. I have been inspired by what happened in 2016. We need more citizens involved in government to clear the swamp. That is why the Constitution includes “We the people.”

I have the advantage of being Steven Fekete Jr., and they are not.

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13

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES – DISTRICT 11 - REPUBLICANS

DILLON GENTRY Republican

WAYNE KING Republican

JOEY OSBORNE Republican

Website: facebook.com/ DillonGentryUSHouse Occupation: Sales/ Entrepreneur Previous candidacy or offices held: Ran in 2018 prior to redistricting in District 5 Key endorsements: None Amount of money raised: Precisely $0.00 Top three donors: None. I do not plan on attempting to raise money.

Website: WayneKingForCongress.com Occupation: Deputy chief of staff for Congressman Mark Meadows Previous candidacy or offices held: Did not respond Key endorsements: Van Duncan, former Buncombe County sheriff; Henderson County Sheriff Lowell Griffin; Michele Presnell, N.C. House representative District 118; Woodfin Mayor Jerry VeHaun; Amy Lynn Holt, Henderson County school board member Amount of money raised: Did not respond Top three donors: Did not respond

Website: JoeyOsborne.com Occupation: Entrepreneur and business owner Previous candidacy or offices held: Did not respond Key endorsements: Did not respond Amount of money raised: $250,000 Top three donors: Self

What are the two most important issues facing WNC residents, and how would you address them?

Most day-to-day issues can and should be dealt with on the most local level possible. When it comes to issues of the federal level, Congress needs to do its job. This includes strengthening our Southern border security, getting an accurate count of the number of legal voters that are in any given district, eliminating wasteful and deficit spending, ensuring a level playing field in the digital public square and, most importantly, reducing and eliminating taxes where possible.

1) Protecting our constitutional freedoms. From our Second Amendment rights to religious freedom to our free market economy, the principles our country was founded on are under attack. I will stand up for our Constitution and fight to preserve our freedoms.

2) Keeping our economy growing: WNC is seeing the benefits of an economy that is stronger than it’s been in years with 50-year low unemployment and rising family incomes. We must continue embracing the pro-growth economic policies that got us here.

1) Economic growth and job creation in our small mountain communities is always a major issue. As an entrepreneur and business owner, I understand what it takes to create these opportunities. I would look to remove barriers that prevent opportunities to create good-paying jobs and work to promote economic growth.

2) Preserving our rights, including our religious freedoms and Second Amendment rights. I will always defend our Constitution and fight against any socialist agenda.

What do you see as the top three national security threats facing the United States?

In terms of geopolitical rivals, China, Iran and Russia.

We have been so consumed with domestic politics we have blinded ourselves to the moves China is making, including the literal purchase of much of Africa. Our critical infrastructure and overall cybersecurity (not referring to election interference) is weak compared to other countries. I would also include border security as a top issue. The border is far too porous and could be exploited by terrorists and terror sponsor states, including Iran.

1) Radical Islamic terrorism. We’ve made great strides in the war on terror but must remain ever vigilant. 2) Iran.

They engage in terrorism, seek to destabilize the Middle East and want to destroy us and our friend Israel. 3) Securing our border. For far too long, terrorists, gangs, drug dealers, human traffickers and violent criminals have snuck across our border. President Trump is right that we must build the wall, secure the border and keep them out before they harm U.S. citizens.

It is easy to say China, Russia, North Korea and Iran, but the biggest threat to our security is the partisan divide in our nation. Our role in the world has been underpinned by a bipartisan effort to provide for our security and that of our allies. Now, partisan divides have the potential to make our ability to act in our national interest when needed much slower, giving our adversaries more opportunity to act in ways making us less secure.

What legacy has departing Congressman Mark Meadows left for WNC, and how would you build on it?

Mark Meadows is/was a very effective congressman. He leaves big shoes to fill. I for one appreciate his fearless advocacy for our president. Leaving his legacy as the Freedom Caucus Chairman and founder, I would seek to continue that ideology of limited government, especially at the federal level.

Congressman Meadows has left a tremendous legacy as a congressman who always stood up for the people of WNC, a congressman who provided excellent constituent service and a congressman who has always fought for what is right and never backed down. That’s a legacy I helped build as deputy chief of staff/district director. It’s a legacy I will build on by following the example that he set, putting the people of WNC first and sticking to my conservative principles.

Congressman Meadows has been a consistent conservative voice for Western North Carolina. He has promoted limited government principles and been a defender of our rights and freedoms. I would continue to fight for North Carolina values, our freedoms and a fiscally responsible federal government.

Where, if at all, do you find common ground with Democrats?

With today’s Democratic Party, I think it is safe to say there is no common ground to be had among platforms.

That is through no fault of our own — the Dems, broadly speaking, are so blinded by rage and hatred they refuse to acknowledge basic reason anymore.

I’ve found common ground in helping and serving our fellow Americans. In Congressman Meadows’ office, we helped hundreds of residents with issues with the VA, their disability, etc.; helped residents, farmers, businesses and local governments recover from natural disasters; and more. We never once asked what their party was.

We just helped. As we worked with other congressional offices, the Trump and Obama administrations and federal agencies to help, we found party doesn’t matter when it comes to helping people.

I believe that we all do love our country but often have very different approaches and ideas for our future.

One area is our growing national debt. Our debt is unsustainable, and we cannot leave this debt to future generations. I believe that I have the right personality to bring both sides together to find solutions to balance the budget and reduce our debt. I refuse to fail for not trying to work together on this and other issues.

What do you bring to the table that your opponents don’t, and what makes you likely to win in November?

I think Congress as a whole, including most Republican members, does not understand the importance of regulating the social media space. Companies get to arbitrarily decide what information you are and are not allowed to see — from shadow banning Republicans to outright attacking or forcing out conservatives, this will have dramatic repercussions in the very near future. I want us to have a representative that understands the importance of these issues and knows how to fight back.

What I bring to the table and will help me win in November is the experience of having served as Congressman Meadows’ deputy chief of staff/district director for seven years. In that role, I worked hand in hand with sheriffs, state legislators, county commissioners, local elected officials, farm leaders, employers, ministers and everyday people across this district. No one else has those relationships. No one else has the understanding of this district like I do from having served in that role.

I bring a political outsider vision to this race. Time and time again, we elect career politicians and political insiders, and the results are usually the same: a dysfunctional and broken Congress. I am a businessman and entrepreneur.

I have created jobs and opportunity for people in North Carolina and across the country. I have never held office or run for office until now, much like President Trump in 2016. I am asking voters to give me a shot.

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

THE QUESTIONS

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U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES – DISTRICT 11 - REPUBLICANS

VANCE PATTERSON Republican

ALBERT WILEY JR. Republican

Website: VancePatterson ForCongress.com Occupation: Business/ industrial manufacturer Previous candidacy or offices held: Candidate for U.S. Congress 11th District 2012 — runoff with Mark Meadows (finished second) Key endorsements: Dr. Dan Eichenbaum, Dr. Ed Bonomo, Larry Henry, Linda Dahl, Mary Jo Patterson Amount of money raised: As in my businesses, as needed Top three donors: Self-funding through primary

Website: Search ”Candidate, Dr. Albert Wiley” Occupation: Former nuclear engineer; a physician, cancer specialist/scientist Previous candidacy or offices held: No elected political office, but elected by peers to numerous professional offices.

Key endorsements: When I ran in Wisconsin for U.S. Congress in 1984, I was endorsed

by President Reagan and by other political officeholders. In the past, I was endorsed by U.S. senators for surgeon general and for U.S. ambassador to IAEA/WHO. Amount of money raised: Currently selffunding Top three donors: Self-funding, as I always do in primary elections

1) Drug abuse. Supply and demand is making methamphetamines resurge as the No. 1 addiction in WNC. We must make sure law enforcement has what they need to stop this flow of methamphetamines out of Atlanta and Greenville, S.C. Then support treatment of the afflicted at facilities like Oasis Treatment Center in Asheville.

2) Security. In the home, in our schools and under the law, ensuring all are treated legally and fairly.

Protect personal rights and property rights.

1) Job creation, primarily by improving infrastructure and by using existing, local community and other colleges to train people for the biotechnology, information technology, AI and robotics industries.

2) Doing whatever I can to restore trust in government by being diligent and technologically informed on oversight committees and addressing real problems regarding the environment, such as forest fires and clean water.

1) Health security. While we have the best health care processes and products, our system is broken in favor of corporations and institutions. This must be realigned to benefit the public’s needs.

2) Securing the border. Controlling the border will allow border enforcement to focus on criminals abusing our country and not on families looking for a better life. Immigration reform to allow immigrants who want to be Americans. 3) Lowering the national debt.

1) Proliferation of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction. 2) The breakdown of our immigration system and associated crime (human trafficking, drugs, etc.). 3) Interference in our voting and control of our electrical grids by foreign and terrorist cybercrime.

I like that he spent a lot of his first two years on constituent services, covering the entire 11th District with his efforts. In his first six months, his office addressed 613 cases across WNC. This is impressive, in that a representative shouldn’t just get elected and not be heard from once in Washington. I will do the same. Supreme Court, Israel, parental rights.

I am a native of wonderful WNC and own a home and pay taxes in Rutherford County, so I know of his great service to the people of the district. He also has been a firm conservative and a strong supporter of President Trump’s conservative agenda. I would also continue to support Trump’s agenda and his attempts to economically redevelop a large middle class — and to preserve Social Security and Medicare programs in every way possible.

I married a Democrat 45 years ago and am still happily married! On education, my wife and I have gifted 14 Charters of Freedom settings in communities across WNC. These are permanent displays of the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights. Our Foundation Forward is dedicated to preserving American history and teaching civics. These settings are for all children, veterans and citizens of Western North Carolina.

Some environmental issues such as clean, safe water (the best way to deal with cancer is prevention!) and no oil drilling on our N.C. coast; drug-related issues (prevent legalization of marijuana, etc); and foreign policy, especially nonproliferation of nuclear weapons.

I am a serial entrepreneur, having started 21 companies and currently operating seven. I am an American manufacturer. I have experience negotiating around the world in China, Saudi, Brazil, Mexico, Scotland and Russia. I will be the congressional authority on Business Trump! When sitting in a committee meeting, I will explain from a business standpoint what Trump is doing, how it will work and why it will work. This will benefit the Democrats as well as the Republicans in the committee.

My diverse problem-solving and work experience as a former nuclear engineer (N.C. State) and past 40 years as a physician cancer specialist/scientist at major university hospitals (University of Wisconsin, MD Anderson and East Carolina University). I have also worked as the medical director of a U.S. Navy nuclear defense lab and recently as director of a U.S. Department of Energy nuclear emergency response program, training government employees in medical response to nuclear radiation exposure in 25 countries.

LYNDA BENNETT Republican Website: lyndaforcongress.com Occupation: Real estate broker Previous candidacy or offices held: Did not respond Key endorsements: U.S. Rep. Mark Meadows, U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan, House Freedom Fund, Senate Conservative Fund, Asheville Tea PAC Amount of money raised: Did not respond Top three donors: Did not respond Lynda Bennett did not provide responses

by Xpress’s deadline.

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15

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES – DISTRICT 11 - DEMOCRATS

GINA COLLIAS Democrat

MOE DAVIS Democrat

MICHAEL O’SHEA Democrat

Website: GinaColliasForCongress.com Occupation: Real estate professional and attorney Previous candidacy or offices held: Did not respond Key endorsements: Retired Air Force Major General Rick Devereaux Amount of money raised: More than $55,000 Top three donors: Individuals

Website: MoeDavisForCongress.com Occupation: Retired Air Force colonel; former chief prosecutor at Guantanamo Bay; national security specialist for Congressional Research Service; Howard University law professor; judge at U.S. Department of Labor Previous candidacy or offices held: Did not respond Key endorsements: David Crane, former chief prosecutor of the Special Court for Sierra Leone; Col. Lawrence Wilkerson, former chief of staff for Secretary of State Colin Powell; Lawrence Tribe, Harvard Law professor; Frank Goldsmith, co-chair of the N.C. Commission of Inquiry on Torture; Eugene Fidell, founder and president emeritus of the National Institute of Military Justice Amount of money raised: Six figures Top three donors: Individuals

Website: OSheaForCongress.com Occupation: Music producer Previous candidacy or offices held: Did not respond Key endorsements: Our Revolution WNC, former Asheville City Council member Cecil Bothwell, Asheville City Council member Brian Haynes Amount of money raised: Approximately $15,000 Top three donors: Michael O’Shea, Lois Henrickson, Kathryn O’Shea

What are the two most important issues facing WNC residents, and how would you address them?

First, WNC must be affordable. I support raising the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to a living wage, creating more affordable housing, enacting a Medicare for All public option and ensuring H.R. 3 becomes law to rein in drug costs and help Medicare recipients. Second, the climate crisis threatens our lives and economy. We must rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement, stop supporting polluters and create green jobs/environmental incentives to preserve our planet and the beauty of WNC.

Health care and the economy. Health care is a fundamental right, and I support health care for all, with the option for individuals to procure their own plan or a supplement. We spend double what other countries spend, and without spending more we can cover everyone. Our economic policies focus top-down and favor the top. We need to reorient our focus and lift up rather than trickle down.

1) Economic inequality. I include health care in this because wealth determines access in our current system.

I support Medicare for All, a $15 living wage, universal basic income, higher educator pay, free public college, labor unions, closing corporate tax loopholes and making the 1% pay their fair share of taxes. 2) Climate change.

I support a Green New Deal and doing whatever is necessary to meet the Paris Agreement’s goal of staying under the 1.5 degrees Celsius warming threshold.

What do you see as the top three national security threats facing the United States?

Attacks on our elections (via cyber/social media, corruption and foreign interference) threaten our representative democracy, our way of life, how we are governed and by whom. Another threat is the erosion of our long-standing alliances. Treating our neighbors, friends and NATO allies with disdain weakens our global influence and safety. Lastly, foreign policy by threats and intimidation rather than building strength via alliances, cooperation and diplomacy will leave us isolated, vulnerable and continually on the brink of war.

1) President Trump. He has decimated the alliances and international legal frameworks Americans fought, bled and died to establish and defend for generations.

2) Climate change. Fires, flooding, drought and famine are overwhelming our ecosystem and destabilizing populations across the globe. 3) Isolationism and nationalism. Efforts to divide people into “us” and “them” to exploit fear and acquire power are happening globally and, as with 9/11 and the 2016 elections, it doesn’t take a massive military budget to be effective.

1) Climate change. If we do not address this issue immediately while our window of opportunity is still open, the long-term ramifications will wreak havoc globally and create a myriad of national security threats that will only continue to grow and compound. 2) Cyberterrorism, including U.S. election interference by foreign countries.

America’s infrastructure is already unacceptably vulnerable, and we must aggressively address this growing threat. 3) Nuclear arms proliferation, especially by countries with authoritarian governments.

If you could choose, which Democratic presidential candidate would you pick to receive the party’s nomination?

Whoever can win the presidential race (I’m still deliberating). All of the Democratic presidential candidates are qualified, represent the values we believe in and value changes that would improve our lives in WNC. All want to preserve preexisting condition protections and are offering alternative ways to get us to universal health care. All want to create a living wage, address the climate crisis and work for Americans — not for special interests or their own personal gain.

I’m asked that question a lot. This truly is the most important election in my lifetime, and I am 100% behind whichever Democrat has the best chance of ensuring Trump is at most a one-term president. I am not going to let perfect be the enemy of the good that leads to our end.

The singular objective is to replace Trump with someone who actually believes in America and democracy.

I have officially endorsed Bernie Sanders and have been endorsed by Our Revolution WNC, the local chapter of the progressive political organization that grew out of his 2016 campaign. As a “progressive Democrat,” I am definitely a fan of Elizabeth Warren, too, but Bernie has the longest track record as a progressive. As a member of the UBI Caucus, I also appreciate Andrew Yang for popularizing the idea of universal basic income.

Where, if at all, do you find common ground with Republicans?

I should be your nominee because I build bridges and bridge differences, which will be necessary to win NC-11.

I’ll fight hard for our WNC values, but I will also listen and show respect to everyone. I started a Facebook group several years ago that brings thousands of Democrats, Republicans and independents together for civil discussions. We can find common ground on issues like infrastructure: rebuilding roads, bridges and internet connectivity and putting WNC to work with high-paying jobs.

I’m confident we can find common ground on a range of issues if we approach them from our shared interests in sound fiscal policy and strong national security. Take green technology, for example. The word “green” to some is a turnoff. If, however, you ask the same person how he or she would feel to not have a power bill every month and be independent of any foreign country to meet our energy needs, you may get a different reaction.

We are all moral beings and make decisions based on our own personal values. Most people are genuinely trying to do what they think is ethically best, but translating that intent into political policy is a game of telephone that can end in dramatically different conclusions. However misguided their political positions may be, it’s much easier to find common ground and start a dialogue if we remember that the other side’s intentions are probably more common to ours than not.

What do you bring to the table that your opponents don’t, and what makes you likely to win in November?

I have a 20-year history of community action: volunteering, leading economic development and helping people. I have experience as an attorney and worked to expose Electoral College irregularities. Additionally, while progressive on social issues, I am fiscally responsible and, as a more moderate candidate, can appeal to unaffiliated voters (one-third of the electorate). Let’s mark the 100th year of women getting the right to vote by turning NC-11 blue with our first congresswoman.

I have worked with Congress, have experience writing legislation and will receive impactful committee assignments right away. I am the only candidate with the record and the reach to win in what is still a red-leaning district. My national security background and media appearances have created a large following that enables me to attract the attention and the resources that will be required to beat whoever the other side picks as its nominee to be the next Trump enabler.

I’m 32 years old and the first millennial to be on the ballot for a Democratic congressional primary in NC-11, so I can bring a fresh perspective on politics and represent my generation, which is now the largest voting-age population nationally. The new problems we are facing as a country will not be solved by old ways of thinking. I am the most boldly progressive candidate and least afraid to change the broken status quo.

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

THE QUESTIONS

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U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES – DEMOCRATS

PHILLIP PRICE Democrat Website: Price4WNC.org Occupation: 20-year owner of lumber recycling business; woodworker Previous candidacy or offices held: 2018 Democratic nominee for U.S. House of Representatives NC-11; N.C. Democratic Party state executive committee member Key endorsements: 116,508 WNC voters in the 2018 general election Amount of money raised: Did not respond Top three donors: Did not respond

STEVE WOODSMALL Democrat Website: Woodsmall4NC.com Occupation: Retired U.S. Air Force major; college professor Previous candidacy or offices held: Did not respond Key endorsements: N.C. Sen. Erica Smith; Heather Hawn, chair of political science at Mars Hill University; Gail Mull, Canton mayor pro tem; Linda Wilkins-Daniels, past president of the N.C. Democratic Party African American Caucus; Stephanie Hofeller, gerrymandering whistleblower Amount of money raised: $51,000 Top three donors: Did not respond

1) Lack of health care — helping to get Medicare for All passed and implemented. 2) Low wages — help to pass a national minimum wage of $15 per hour.

Our polling of NC-11 showed that access to health care is the main issue. Fear of lowering Social Security and Medicare benefits is second. I support a single-payer universal health care system, which would address the first issue, and a fair tax system to ensure the wealthy and the corporations pay their fair share. We also must work on improving the region’s economy by providing jobs, especially in green energy fields such as solar and wind infrastructure.

1) Rogue president who abuses his power for personal gain and weakens our relationships with our allies. 2) Global warming/climate crisis. 3) Cyberattacks on our electoral process.

A Government Accountability Office report identified 26 long-range emerging threats to national security.

I believe the three most serious are climate change, cyberwarfare and global expansion attempts by countries such as Russia and China. Frankly, the most immediate threat is the current occupant of the White House — hopefully, the Senate will do the right thing and remove him from office, although I’m not optimistic. [Editor’s note: response received before Feb. 5 acquittal of President Donald Trump.]

At least voters can in 2020.

I will choose the candidate that supports Medicare for All.

Elizabeth Warren. Her platform closely aligns with ours, particularly regarding overturning the Citizens United ruling, and she has the intellect and determination to solve the problems.

There are many places that we have common ground, starting with our humanity, our patriotism, our desire to make the world a better place for our children and having a health care system that covers everyone and costs less.

I’m willing to compromise on issues, but never on values. This is increasingly difficult due to those who not only refuse to accept facts but fabricate their own “facts.” We need officials who understand data and will attack real problems, not waste resources on imaginary ones. I would hope a common belief in the principles of the U.S. Constitution would provide a higher mutual purpose toward which we can work to improve our country to the benefit of all.

My 35 years of living, working and playing in the 11th District. Having lived in six counties (Buncombe, Haywood, Macon, Jackson, Transylvania and McDowell) and working in all 17 counties has allowed me to build relationships with Democrats, Republicans, and unaffiliated residents. Having worked alongside people of every economic stature, I have friends that live in single-wide trailers and in $5 million homes. I am able to get along with everyone and can bring together people to solve problems.

I have the most comprehensive and diverse experience and education — retired military, government contractor, corporate executive, nonprofit management and college teaching — with a proven record of community service and problemsolving. What I don’t have is any disqualifiers, such as controversy in my military record, lack of experience, residency questions or a criminal record that an opponent could use against me in the general election. Most importantly, I pledge to represent the people and uphold the oath of office.

BUNCOMBE BEAT

Overflow crowd debates gun policy

FIRE WHEN READY: A full house waits to speak about the Second Amendment at the Feb. 4 meeting of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. Photo by Daniel Walton Per county policy, attendees weren’t permitted to bring their weapons into the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners meeting on Feb. 4. Nevertheless, plenty of firearms were in evidence. At the direction of Sheriff Quentin Miller, armed deputies set up extra security checkpoints on the first floor of county offices, a two-person sniper team watched over the entrances from the top floor of the adjacent parking deck and plainclothes officers sat in the back row of the commission chambers.

“My job is to make sure people are safe and also afford them the ability and opportunity to exercise their First Amendment rights,” Miller told Xpress about his preparations as an overflow audience filed into the building.

The additional precautions were warranted, he said, because the Second Amendment was to be the main topic of conversation.

The crowd’s exercise of free speech lasted for nearly two hours as over 30 commenters shared their opinions on gun regulation. Most of those who spoke were in support of declaring Buncombe a “Second Amendment sanctuary” where officials would pledge not to enact or enforce laws that threaten the right to bear arms. (See “Shall not be infringed?” Feb. 5, Xpress.)

Speaker Dennis Gibson said it was important for commissioners to affirm that right due to proposed legislation at the state level, including House Bill 86, that would place stricter rules around gun ownership. “We do not have the time, the energy or the resources to lobby Raleigh to prevent those measures from happening,” he said. “What we do have is this: to address our commissioners, who are the closest representative body that most of us will ever get to.”

Supporters took diverse approaches as they pitched gun rights to the board.

Sandra Ingle, who started a Second Amendment sanctuary petition with over 1,400 signatures as of the meeting’s start, said she relies on firearms to protect her family as a single mother. Jason Brodsky, founder of the Asheville Yoga and Gun Club, noted that guns can be a tool for mindfulness through “meditative marksmanship.” And Fletcher resident Bernard Carman argued that self-defense was a natural right that should not be regulated.

“There are millions of us who will not comply with further ineffective, dangerous and illegal firearm regulations, especially not confiscations via so-called red flag laws,” Carman continued. The consequences of advancing such “antiliberty agendas,” he continued, could “not only lead this country into an all-out civil war, but also ignite World War III.” Several attendees did back stronger gun laws, including Natalie HenryHowell, whose son, Riley Howell, received national attention last year after being killed while confronting an active shooter at UNC Charlotte. “This isn’t about responsible gun owners doing the right thing, who are mentally sound and are good citizens,” she explained, as she advocated for expanded background checks and magazine size restrictions. “We’re talking about something that we could do to prevent this from happening to another family.”

The commissioners did not weigh in on the discussion following public comment, which board Chair Brownie Newman said was typical practice.

“Don’t take the fact that commissioners haven’t responded — and they aren’t going to respond right now — as an indication that we’re not interested in what you’re saying,” he added.

MOUNTAINX.COM

— Daniel Walton X FEB. 12 - 18, 2020

17

F E AT UR E S

ASHEVILLE ARCHIVES

by Thomas Calder | tcalder@mountainx.com

‘The same privilege’ Langston Hughes addresses the Allen High School, 1949

2020

issues Our annual Kids double issue explores WNC life from a child’s perspective – with locally-submitted youth art, short essays, poetry, photography and more!

Publish in March Contact us today! advertise@mountainx.com 828-251-1333 x 100 18

FEB. 12 - 18, 2020

MOUNTAINX.COM

POET: Langston Hughes visited Asheville in February 1949. He arrived to the city as a guest speaker at the Allen High School, a private institution for African American girls. Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress On Feb. 4, 1949, a brief notice appeared on Page 3 of The Asheville Citizen.

“Langston Hughes, poet, will give two performances at the Allen High School Tuesday,” the announcement read.

Tickets, the statement added, were available by calling the school, a local private institution for African American girls which operated from 1887-1974.

A second, brief notice appeared in The Asheville Citizen on the day of Hughes’ visit. In it, the paper again mentioned the times of the scheduled appearances and reported that the poet had offered an informal talk at Black Mountain College the previous night.

There was no additional coverage of Hughes’ time in Asheville.

This absence did not go unnoticed.

On Feb. 13, 1949, in the Sunday edition of the Asheville Citizen-Times, Fletcher

resident Anne Hunter Jenkins lampooned the local papers for their failure to provide any insight about the series’ content: “I have noticed with increasing concern the seemingly willful way in which certain occasions, of importance and interest to a great number of people in Asheville and the vicinity are neglected by these papers.”

To fill the void, Hunter Jenkins offered a recap of the night, describing it as a “very fine, completely sane and (if I may coin a word) ‘trans-racial’ address[.]” In addition to his speech, Hughes also read a selection of his poems. The combination, wrote Hunter Jenkins, “was so simple and unbiased, and yet so powerful, that if it could have been heard or even read about, by enough people, it would advance 100 per cent the cause of intranational tolerance and understanding.”

The Fletcher resident concluded her letter by raising a series of questions to the paper’s editor. “What is the purpose of a newspaper? Is it not to report the news, to give its readers a full account of all important events, as soon as possible after they have taken place?” she asked.

“Even if it is merely a money-making project pure and simple, is it not in the paper’s own best interest to give its readers full and satisfactory coverage of all local events of interest to the majority?”

Asheville resident Halsey B. Leavitt objected to Hunter Jenkins’ letter in the following week’s paper. “Your failure to report the meeting, in my opinion was commendable,” Leavitt wrote, praising the paper’s omitted coverage. “[T]his man Langston is a member of many Communist front organizations. Is this type of man to be invited to address any pupils of any American school let alone one that is supported by a church?”

The debate continued in the paper’s Feb. 27 edition, when Julia Titus, principal of the Allen High School, wrote: “Anyone who did not hear Mr. Hughes’s two splendid programs is not in a position to criticize him. Had he heard either program he would have heard nothing that can be constructed to be anything but good, sound, American patriotism.”

Titus’ response appeared to put the matter to rest. But then, over a month later, on Sunday, April 3, 1949, the Asheville Citizen-Times featured one additional letter on the subject, penned

by Langston Hughes himself. “For the past month I have been traveling and lecturing in the Middle West and so the letter of Mr. Halsey B. Leavitt in The Citizen-Times has just come to my attention,” the poet wrote.

Denying Leavitt’s claims, Hughes continued: “I am not now and I have never been a member of the Communist Party. My appearance at the Allen High School was purely in the form of a literary and Negro History Week program. I am sure that the superintendent and principal of Allen High School had in mind, when they invited me to appear at the school, an evening of purely cultural and historical import. Certainly, anyone who was present at the program could hardly have gone away with any other impression. I wish very much that Mr. Halsey B. Leavitt had been present. I thoroughly believe in the right of Mr. Leavitt to present his views to the public. I think that he should accord me the same privilege.”

Editor’s note: Peculiarities of spelling and punctuation are preserved from the original documents. X

COMMUNITY CALENDAR FEB. 12 - 20, 2020

Valley Recreation Park, 25 Twin Lakes Drive, Candler

CALENDAR GUIDELINES

KOREAN WAR VETERANS CHAPTER 314

For a full list of community calendar guidelines, please visit mountainx.com/calendar. For questions about free listings, call 828-251-1333, ext.

137. For questions about paid calendar listings, please call 828-251-1333, ext. 320.

VALENTINE’S DAY EVENTS ANIMALS SERVICE DOG FOSTER INFO • SA (2/15), 2:303:30pm - Shelter To Service: service dog foster information session, seeking foster homes for suitable shelter dogs to participate in training to become therapy, facility and service dogs. Held at Asheville Humane Society, 14 Forever Friend Lane SWANNANOA VALLEY BIRD WALK • SA (2/15), 9-11am Bird walk. Free. Held at Charles D. Owen Park, 875 Warren Wilson Road, Swannanoa

BENEFITS 26TH ANNUAL FROSTBITE RUN • SU (2/16), 12:304:30pm - Proceeds from this 10K, 5K and 1-mile run and family friendly event with games, booths and music benefit the Asheville Youth Soccer Association.

Registration: runsignup. com/FrostbiteRaces. $55 for 10K/$40 for 5K/$20 for 1-mile run.

Held at Leila Patterson Center, 1111 Howard Gap Road, Fletcher GLITTER BALL 2020 • SA (2/15), 6pm Proceeds from the Glitter Ball featruing live music by The Catalinas, refreshments and live auction benefit the Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra. $125. Held at Blue Ridge Community College Conference Hall, 49 E. Campus Drive, Flat Rock

• 2nd WEDNESDAYS, noon - Korean War Veterans Association, General Frank Blazey Chapter 314, general meeting. Lunch at noon, meeting at 1pm. Free to attend. Held at Golden Corral, 2530 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville

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LEAF GLOBAL ARTS GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION • FR (2/14), 6-9pm - Proceeds from this grand opening celebration with performances from Free Planet Radio, members of Toubab Krewe, Nex Millen, Adama Dembele, Otto Aquaboogy Vazquez, Goldilocks, and Dirty Dozen Brass Brand benefit LEAF. $75. Held at LEAF Global Arts, 19 Eagle St. MUSICWORKS BENEFIT CONCERT • SA (2/15), 4pm Proceeds from this concert featuring Aaron Price, Ashleigh Phillips and MusicWorks staff and students benefit MusicWorks. Admission by donation. Held at All Souls Cathedral, 9 Swan St.

BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY A-B TECH SMALL BUSINESS CENTER 828-398-7950, abtech.edu/sbc • WE (2/12), 1-5pm Marketing with a Bang, seminar. Registration: avl.mx/5zx. Free. Held at A-B Tech Small Business Center, 1465 Sand Hill Road, Candler • TH (2/13), 9am-4pm - Quickbooks for Your Small Business, seminar.

Registration required.

Free. Held at A-B Tech Madison and NCWorks Career Center, 4646 US Highway 25/70, Marshall • TH (2/20), 2-5pm - How to Define YouTube Success Through Metrics, seminar. Registration required. Free. Held at A-B Tech Small Business

LEADERSHIP ASHEVILLE WINTER BUZZ BREAKFAST

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION: The League of Women Voters of Asheville and Buncombe County has invited all 21 primary candidates for Asheville City Council, Buncombe County Board of Commissioners and N.C. Senate Districts 48 and 49 to the league’s 100th birthday celebration. Meet and mingle with the candidates on your ballot, no speeches. The birthday party is planned at Archetype Brewing downtown for a drop-in event on Thursday, Feb. 20, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Photo courtesy of League of Women Voters (p. 20) Center, 1465 Sand Hill Road, Candler CRAFT YOUR COMMERCE: MAKERS MIXER • TH (2/13), 5:30-7pm Network with makers and creative entrepreneurs and get a peek at the Craft Your Commerce workshop. Refreshments.

Free. Held at Center for Craft, 67 Broadway LOCAL SOCIAL • SA (2/15), 4-7pm - GoLocal finale celebration with live music, art and refreshments. Sponsored

by Asheville Grown Business Alliance. Free.

Held at LEAF Global Arts, 19 Eagle St. LOVE ASHEVILLE GO LOCAL BUSINESS RESOURCE FAIR • WE (2/12), 3-5pm - Go Local Week - Network with fellow local businesses and learn about free or lowcost resources. For a full list of events: loveasheville. org. Free. Held at Explore Asheville, 27 College Place MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS ORIENTATION • FR (2/18), 5:30-6:30pm - Information session on available resources at Mountain BizWorks. Registration required. Free. Held at Mountain BizWorks, 153 S. Lexington Ave. TAKING THE LEAP ASHEVILLE • TUESDAYS from (2/18) through (3/10), 6-8pm -

Taking The Leap Asheville, four week long cohort regarding the different aspects of starting a business. Sponsored by SBTDC of WNC. Registration required. Registration: bit.ly/2Orhsxh. Free. Held at The Collider, 1 Haywood St., Suite 401

CLASSES, MEETINGS & EVENTS BECOME A BROKER IN 2020! (PD.) 5 or 7 Week Prelicense Classes. Weeknights or Weekends. Next sessions begin Feb 4th or 8th. Register for $445 at www.ThomasNC.online or call 828-333-7509 EMPYREAN ARTS CLASSES (PD.) Aerial Flexibility on Mondays 6:15pm, Wednesdays 6:15pm, and Saturdays 1:00pm. Self Care on Sundays 2:15pm and Mondays 7:30pm. Aerial Chill & Restore on Wednesdays 7:30pm. Intro to Handstands on Thursdays 7:45pm. Intro to Partner Acrobatics on Sundays 6:30pm. empyreanarts. org. 828.782.3321 TAOIST TAI CHI OPEN HOUSE (PD.) East Asheville: Wednesday, February 19, 5-6pm, 15 Overbrook Pl. For classes starting first week of March. asheville.nc@ taoisttaichi.org.

ASHEVILLE CHESS CLUB • WEDNESDAYS, 6:30pm - Sets provided. All ages and skill levels welcome. Beginners lessons available. Free.

Held at North Asheville Recreation Center, 37 E. Larchmont Road VALENTINE’S DAY MAKE & MINGLE 828-254-7162, colburnmuseum.org FR (2/14), 7-9pm Valentine’s Day Make & Mingle with activities and demonstrations for ages 21

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• TU (2/18), 9:30am - How Resilient Are We as a Community?

Leadership Asheville breakfast series and discussion. Tickets required: leadershipasheville. unca.edu. $25/$15 students. Held at Crowne Plaza Expo Center, 1 Resort Drive

and up. $25. Held at Asheville Museum of Science, 43 Patton Ave. ASHEVILLE ROTARY CLUB • TH (2/13), noon-1:30pm - Mayor Esther Manheimer presents the annual State of the City. Free. Held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 60 Church St.

LEAF LOVES ASHEVILLE DAY • MO (2/17), 11am-7pm - LEAF Loves Asheville, interactive educational experiences rooted in music, art community and culture. Free. Held at LEAF Global Arts, 19 Eagle St.

HOMINY VALLEY RECREATION PARK • 3rd THURSDAYS, 7pm - Hominy Valley board meeting. Free. Held at Hominy

LEICESTER HISTORY GATHERING • 3rd THURSDAYS, 7pm - The Leicester History Gathering, general meeting. Free.

Held at Leicester Community Center, 2979 New Leicester Highway, Leicester ONTRACK WNC 50 S. French Broad Ave., 828-255-5166, ontrackwnc.org • WE (2/12), 5:30-7pm - Understanding Credit.

Get it. Keep it. Improve it. Seminar. Registration required. Free.

• TH (2/13), noon1:30pm - Budgeting and Debt, class.

Registration required.

Free.

• MO (2/17), noon1:30pm - Understanding Credit. Get it. Keep it. Improve it. Seminar.

Registration required.

Free.

• TH (2/20), noon1:30pm - Emotions and Spending, seminar.

Registration required.

Free.

ECO ASHEVILLE CITIZENS' CLIMATE LOBBY MONTHLY MEETING • 3rd MONDAYS, 6:308:30pm - General meeting for non-partisan organization lobbying

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FEB. 12 - 18, 2020

19

CONSCIOUS PARTY

C OMMU N IT Y CA L EN D AR

for a bipartisan federal solution to climate change. Free to attend.

Held at Paulsen Lodge at Asheville School, 360 Asheville School Road ENERGY JUSTICE LISTENING PROJECT • SA (2/15), 2-5pm - Energy Justice Listening Project training program for listeners. Registration: cathyfholt@gmail. com. Free. Held at EarthFare - Westgate, 66 Westgate Parkway SCIENCE PUB • TH (2/20), 5:30-7pm - Climate Change and Your Health, presentation with refreshments.

Free. Held at The Collider, 1 Haywood St., Suite 401

FARM & GARDEN MUTUAL AID FOR AGRICULTURE & RESILIENCE • SA (2/15), 10am-4pm - People Used to Share: Reviving cooperation for a resilient WNC, a grassroots mutual aid initiative. $15. Held at Living Web Farms, 176 Kimzey Road, Mills River POLK COUNTY FRIENDS OF AGRICULTURE BREAKFAST • 3rd WEDNESDAYS, 7-8am - Monthly breakfast with presentations on agriculture.

Admission by donation.

Held at Green Creek Community Center, 25 Shields Road, Columbus

FOOD & BEER FAIRVIEW WELCOME TABLE • 2nd THURSDAYS, 11:30am-1pm - Community lunch. Admission by donation. Held at Fairview Christian Fellowship, 596 Old US Highway 74, Fairview HOMEMADE INFUSED BUTTER WORKSHOP • TH (2/13), 11am Learn how to make your own flavored butters. Bring jars (8-16 oz.)

Registration required.

Ages: 18+. Free. Held at Mountains Branch

20

MUSIC FOR ALL: All proceeds from the Aaron Price and Friends concert benefit MusicWorks. Price is joined onstage by vocalist Ashleigh Phillips in addition to MusicWorks staff members on Saturday, Feb. 15, 4 p.m., at the Cathedral of All Souls. MusicWorks provides an intensive artistic and social after-school musical education program for Asheville’s children in underserved populations. Admission is by donation, and all proceeds go to MusicWorks. Photo courtesy of Colby Rabon (p. 1)

Library, 150 Bill's Creek Road, Lake Lure LEICESTER COMMUNITY CENTER 2979 New Leicester Highway, Leicester, 828-774-3000, facebook.com/Leicester.Community.Center • WEDNESDAYS, 11:30am-1pm - Welcome Table, community meal. Free.

• 3rd TUESDAYS, 2:30pm - Manna food distribution. Free.

SOUL FOOD SUPPER • TH (2/20), 6-7:30pm A celebration of how far the African-American community has come and where it’s going, includes a potluck meal, guest speaker and a choir. Free to attend.

Held at Stephen's Lee Community Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave.

GOVERNMENT & POLITICS ALL THINGS VOTING PROGRAM • TH (2/20), 4-6pm - All Things Voting, presentation by Karen Hebb, Board of Elections director. Free.

Held at Henderson County Public Library, 301 N. Washington St., Hendersonville ANNUAL PRECINCTS MEETING • SA (2/15), 9:30am7:45pm - Annual democratic precincts meeting. Information: myhcdp.com. Free.

Held at Henderson County Democratic Party, 1216 6th Ave. W., Suite 600, Hendersonville BLUE RIDGE REPUBLICAN WOMEN'S CLUB MEETING • 2nd THURSDAYS, 6pm - General meeting.

Free to attend. Held at Yao, 153 Smoky Park Highway CITY OF ASHEVILLE 828-251-1122, ashevillenc.gov • MO (2/17), 6-7:30pm - Presentation and work session regarding the City of Asheville’s Haywood and Page

FEB. 12 - 18, 2020

Project. Free. Held at Center for Craft, 67 Broadway • TU (2/18), 10-11:30am & 2-3:30pm - Drop-in session regarding the City of Asheville’s Haywood and Page Project. Free. Held at Center for Craft, 67 Broadway DOWN HOME HAYWOOD • SA (2/15), 1pm - Monthly community organizing meeting. Transportation available: chelsea@downhomenc. org or 828-476-8189.

Information: facebook.com/ DownHomeHaywood.

Free. Held at Down Home Haywood Office, 301 N. Haywood St. Waynesville JACKSON COUNTY REPUBLICANS • MO (2/17), 6:30pm Republican, unaffiliated and conservative voters invited to the monthly meeting.

Information: 828-743-6491 or 828-743-0910. Free. Held at North Jackson County Republican Headquarters, 52 Front St., Sylva • TH (2/20), 6:30pm Republican, unaffiliated and conservative voters invited to the monthly meeting.

Information: 828-743-6491 or 828-743-0910. Held at VFW Post, 4012 NC-107, Glenville LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS 100TH BIRTHDAY AND CANDIDATE MEET AND GREET • TH (2/20), 5:30-8:30pm - League of Women Voters 100th birthday party and a meet and greet for the Candidates for Asheville City Council, Buncombe County Commissioner and NC Senate 48 & 49. Free to attend.

Held at Archetype Brewing Broadway, 174 Broadway

MOUNTAINX.COM

KIDS EMPOWERING THE LEADER IN EACH YOUNG MAN (PD.) Journeymen is supporting adolescent boys on their paths to becoming men of integrity. Our cost-free program is now enrolling young men 12-17. Mentees ("J-men") participate in bi-weekly mentoring groups and a semi-annual Rites of Passage Adventure Weekend, where they develop compassion, self-awareness, accountability, resilience and authenticity. Learn more: journeymenasheville.org Contact: journeymenasheville@gmail. com (828) 771-6344.

FAMILY STORYTIME • WEDNESDAYS, 10:30am - Family storytime. Free.

Held at Fletcher Library, 120 Library Road, Fletcher FLAMENCO KIDS • FRIDAYS, 6:15pm Flamenco for children ages 5-10. Information: 786-327-9548. $14/class or $50/month. Held at In His Steps Dance Ministry, 159 Church St. MISS MALAPROP'S STORYTIME • WEDNESDAYS, 10am Miss Malaprop's Storytime for ages 3-9. Free to attend. Held at Malaprop's Bookstore and Cafe, 55 Haywood St. STORYTIME & ART • TH (2/20), 10:30am - Storytime and art making with the Asheville Art Museum.

Free. Held at Skyland/South Buncombe Library, 260 Overlook Road

by Deborah Robertson

– Understanding the Puzzle, explains how Medicare works, the enrollment process, how to avoid penalties and ways to save money. Registration: coabc.org or 828-2778288. Free. Held at Blue Ridge Community Health Services, 2579 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville

OUTDOORS PISGAH CHAPTER OF TROUT UNLIMITED • 2nd THURSDAYS, 7pm - General meeting and presentations. Free to attend. Held at Ecusta Brewing, 49 Pisgah Highway, Suite 3, Pisgah Forest PUBLIC STARGAZE • FR (2/14), 6pm - Public stargaze. Temporary gate code, required for entry, will be provided on the day of the stargaze by 4:00 p.m.

Information: astroasheville. org. Free. Held at Grassland Mountain Observatory, 2890 Grassland Parkway, Marshall SWEETS WITH YOUR SWEETIE SA (2/15) & SU (2/16), 1pm - Guided hike and free hot cocoa. Parking fees apply. Held at NC Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way

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PARENTING BABY GYM • TUESDAYS, 11am - Play time with baby and toddler toys, tunnels and climbing structures. Free. Held at Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St.

PUBLIC LECTURES ARCHAEOLOGY LECTURE • WE (2/19), 7:30pm - State Expansionism, Colonialism, and Stranger-Kings among the Classic Maya, presented

by Maxime Lamoureux-St. Hilaire. Free. Held at Highsmith Student Union, 1 University Heights CULTURAL CRASH COURSE • WE (2/12), 5:30-8pm - Dr. Yiqing Yang speaks on elder abuse from a multicultural perspective. Registration

required. $9. Held at Folkmoot Friendship Center, 112 Virginia Ave., Waynesville ETHICAL HUMANIST SOCIETY OF ASHEVILLE • SU (2/16), 2:30pm - Living Positively: How to Navigate Troubled Waters, presentation by Bart Worden.

Free. Held at Asheville Friends Meetinghouse, 227 Edgewood Road HISTORY BITES: A WINTER LECTURE SERIES • FR (2/14), 11:30am - Kemper Gibson, forensic biologist at the Western Regional Crime Laboratory, discusses the lab and what scientists work with on a daily basis. $5. Held at Historic Johnson Farm, 3346 Haywood Road, Hendersonville NEUROSCIENCE MASTER CLASS • FR (2/14), 9am - Neuroscientist Richard J. Davidson, PhD, gives a master class on Well-Being is a Skill. Free.

Blue Ridge Room. Held at Highsmith Student Union, 1 University Heights ‘WELL-BEING IS A SKILL’ • TH (2/13), 7pm - Neuroscientist Richard J. Davidson, PhD, gives a talk on WellBeing is a Skill. Free. Held at Lipinsky Auditorium at UNC Asheville, 300 Library Lane

SENIORS CULTURAL CRASH COURSE • WE (2/12), 5:30-8pm - Dr. Yiqing Yang speaks on elder abuse from a multicultural perspective. Registration required. $9. Held at Folkmoot Friendship Center, 112 Virginia Ave., Waynesville INTRODUCTION TO MEDICARE: UNDERSTANDING THE PUZZLE • WE (2/19), 2-4pm Introduction to Medicare

UNC ASHEVILLE REUTER CENTER 1 University Heights • WE (2/12), 9-11am - Caring for My Loved One with Dementia: Preparing for the Road Ahead, part 2. Registration: avl.mx/6va. Free.

• WE (2/19), 9-11am - Caring for My Loved One with Dementia: Preparing for the Road Ahead, part 3. Registration: avl.mx/6vb. Free.

SPIRITUALITY ANATASATI MAGGA (PD.) Sujata Yasa (Nancy Spence). Zen Buddhism.

Weekly meditations and services; Daily recitations w/ mala.

Urban retreats. 32 Mineral Dust Drive, Asheville, NC 28806.

828-367-7718. info@ anattasatimagga.org.

WWW. ANATTASATIMAGGA. ORG ASTRO-COUNSELING (PD.) Licensed counselor and accredited professional astrologer uses your chart when counseling for additional insight into yourself, your relationships and life directions. Stellar Counseling Services.

Christy Gunther, MA, LPC. (828) 258-3229.

DANCES OF UNIVERSAL PEACE • 3rd SATURDAYS, 7:30-9:30pm - Spiritual group dances that blend chanting, live music and movement.

No experience necessary. Admission by donation. Held at Haw Creek Commons, 311 Old Haw Creek Road OPEN SANGHA • THURSDAYS, 7:309pm - Open Sangha

night. Free. Held at Urban Dharma, 77 W. Walnut St. SONGS & SILENCE, ALL FAITH TAIZE SERVICE • THURSDAYS, 6:307:15 pm - All faith Taize service of meditation and music. Free. Held at Grace Lutheran Church, 1245 6th Ave W., Hendersonville

VOLUNTEERING TUTOR ADULTS/ YOUTH IN NEED WITH THE LITERACY COUNCIL (PD.) Give someone another chance to learn. Provide reading, writing, and/ or English language tutoring and change a life forever. Volunteer orientation 3/2 (5:30pm) or 3/5 (9am) RSVP: volunteers@litcouncil. com. Learn more: www.litcouncil.com.

Free.

ASHEVILLE PRISON BOOKS • 3rd SUNDAYS, 1-3pm - Send books to inmates in NC & SC. Information: avlcommunityaction. com or ashevilleprisonbooks@ gmail.com. Held at Firestorm Books & Coffee, 610 Haywood Road NEW VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION • TU (2/18), 12:30-4:30pm - New volunteer orientation.

Registration required: 828-692-6178 or volunteer@ fourseasonscfl.org.

Free. Held at Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock VOLUNTEER TRAINING SESSION • FR (2/14), 11:30am-12:30pm Training session for new volunteers. Registration required: 828-253-2900.

Free. Held at Jewish Family Services of WNC, 2 Doctors Park, Suite E For more volunteering opportunities visit mountainx.com/ volunteering

WELLNESS

TO YOUR HEALTH

Magical Offerings Public health nurses offer community-based care

2/14: VALENTINE’S DAY Tarot Reader: Diotima Mantineia 1-5pm 2/15: Aura Photography Reading Sessions w/ Psychic Atena 12-2pm, $25, Cash/CC The Men’s Cauldron Group w/ Duncan Tam 4-5:30pm, Donations 2/17: MERCURY RETROGRADE THROUGH MARCH 10th Appalachian Astrologer: Lee Ann 1-6pm 2/19: SUN in Pisces Tarot Reader: Jonathan Mote 12-6pm

Over 100 Herbs Available!

TOP NURSES: Nine Buncombe County public health nurses were among the 100 named Distinguished Public Health Nurses in North Carolina. Pictured, from left, are Wendy Young, Sharon Raines, Mary Backlund, Hayley McPeters, Michelle Lee, Cheryl Ramey, Denise Clubb and Susan Creede. Cindy Runion also received the recognition. Photo courtesy of Buncombe County

BY LESLIE BOYD leslie.boyd@gmail.com The irony that an anarchist bookstore would work hand in hand with a government agency amuses Firestorm Bookstore Co-op co-owner Libertie Valance. But the West Asheville store’s staff and owners believe in working for the good of the community alongside anyone who can help make local life better and safer.

Accordingly, Firestorm will team up with the Buncombe County Department of Health and Human Services to host quarterly diagnostic clinics for sexually transmitted diseases.

“I didn’t know what the reaction would be the first time we held it, but we did it twice last year, and the lines were out the door,” says Valance. “A lot of these people would have an aversion to going downtown to a government building to be tested.”

The clinic tests for HIV, hepatitis A and C, syphilis and chlamydia, and people who test positive can be referred for treatment.

The store has also partnered with public health nurses to distribute condoms and with a syringe exchange program to help prevent the spread of HIV among people who use intravenous drugs.

GRASSROOTS HEALTH CARE Public health nursing is all about getting out into the community to improve people’s health where they live, work and eat. It may not be glamorous, but it’s an opportunity to really make a difference, says Hayley McPeters, one of nine Buncombe County nurses honored recently as part of a statewide campaign.

North Carolina’s Office of Public Health Nursing turned 100 last year, and several professional organizations observed the anniversary by recognizing 100 distinguished public health nurses across the state. A joint project of the N.C. Association of Public Health Nurse

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Administrators, the N.C. Public Health Association’s Nursing Section and the state’s Office of the Chief Public Health Nurse, the effort accepted nominations based on the person’s contributions in one or more of four categories: collabora-

CONTINUES ON PAGE 22

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W ELL NESS tion, innovation, community-centered care and professionalism.

McPeters, who works in the county health clinic, does diagnostic testing and educates community members about family planning, breast and cervical cancer control, immunizations and foreign travel. “We fill a lot of roles,” she says. But both McPeters and fellow award recipient Susan Creede believe education may be their most important contribution.

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“What we do combines the science of nursing with the science of public health,” McPeters explains. “We use the nursing process, critical thinking skills and evidence-based science.”

According to a history published by Appalachian State University, public health nursing began in New York City in 1893, when Lillian Wald established the Henry Street Settlement. Nurses trained in hospital care took their skills and knowledge into the overcrowded tenements that were home to many of the city’s poor and immigrants. For most patients, it was the only access to care that they had.

But these nurses soon realized that the illnesses they were seeing in people’s homes were related to broader issues, and they began working to improve sanitation, nutrition and education.

“It places the whole person in the forefront,” says Stacey Wood, public information officer for the Buncombe County DHHS. Public health nursing reached North Carolina in 1904, when Amelia Lawrason moved to Wilmington to care for her grandmother and was hired by the Ministering Circle of the National Order of King’s Daughters, an ecumenical women’s organization, to provide home care to

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STRANGE BEDFELLOWS: Libertie Valance is co-owner of Firestorm Bookstore Co-op, an anarchist bookstore that works with the Buncombe County Department of Health and Human Services’ public health nurses to offer testing clinics for sexually transmitted diseases. Photo

by Leslie Boyd poor people in the city. In the following years, more rural towns and charitable organizations hired nurses to work with people in poverty, and in 1919, the state partnered with the American Red Cross to establish the Bureau of Public Health Nursing and Infant Hygiene.

COORDINATING CARE In today’s increasingly specialized environment, public health nurses help connect the dots, says Ellis Vaughan, the clinical services coordinator and director of nursing for Buncombe County DHHS. “We coordinate care,” she explains. “We work with the county Family Justice Center, with the Haywood Street Congregation, with Firestorm and a lot of others.”

Public health nurses work to contain disease outbreaks, run diagnostic clinics, and go into schools and other public places to educate people about healthy life choices. They educate new mothers about how to care for their infants and help public officials prepare for health emergencies. They also collect and analyze data.

Harm reduction is a major focus. It includes helping people addicted to opiates stay alive by providing access to clean needles and Narcan (an emergency anti-overdose treatment), distributing free condoms to stem the tide of sexually transmitted diseases, screening for illnesses that are best treated early and referring patients to clinics where they can get the care they need.

“We work on an individual and a community level,” says McPeters.

“People may not think it’s very exciting, and we don’t generate a lot of flashy headlines.”

“But we do leave people healthier and more educated and aware,” notes Creede, completing her colleague’s thought. X

Other healthrelated events at Firestorm Bookstore MAAD Collective: Abortion 101 • Thursday, Feb. 13, 6-8 p.m. The Mountain Area Abortion Doula Collective presents a discussion about abortion options and access in our area.

Free STD testing • Friday, Feb. 14, 10 a.m.-1p.m. The WNC AIDS Project and Buncombe County DHHS join forces to offer free STD testing on Valentine’s Day. Birth worker meetup • Tuesday, March 10, 6 p.m. This meeting of transgender, nonbinary and gender-nonconforming birth workers will focus on providing inclusive care.

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FOOD

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SOUPER BOWL: Soup seems like simple fare, but local restaurants often take great pains to make it. The veal broth for this noodle bowl at Bone & Broth was simmered with a collection of herbs and spices for at least 24 hours. Photo by Morgan Ford

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Stock, broth, consommé: Whatever you call it, it’s a deceptively complex dish. The concentrated liquid doesn’t immediately reveal the multiday process hidden within its light, transparent core. The popularity of broth has skyrocketed in the last five years, thanks to dietary trends (think: paleo, ramen) and increased awareness of the nutritional benefits of collagen and amino acids.

“There’s a lot that goes into it, believe it or not,” says Sam Douglas of Asheville’s aptly named Bone & Broth, which serves a stand-alone bone broth made by roasting chicken or beef bones and then simmering them with a collection of herbs and spices for 24 hours. If a bolder flavor — like ginger or turmeric — is desired, it takes another full day to

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further reduce the liquid and enhance the flavor.

Throughout Bone & Broth’s rendering process, the fat that naturally rises to the top is skimmed, mixed with butter and then served atop steaks or smeared across homemade bread. “We try to get as much out of the bones as we possibly can,” Douglas says. “It’s all about creating a sustainable, healthy community for us all.”

The resulting broth is a rich and savory elixir, which can be used as a base for other soups (Bone & Broth frequently uses its as a building block for the restaurant’s daily farmer’s soup) or eaten as an entrée with an egg, vegetables or noodles.

That’s the approach taken by Asheville’s Broth Lab, the brainchild of Camp and Teah Boswell. Combining Camp’s formal training in Southern

fine dining with their shared passion for Asian cuisine, the two have developed a self-described “ramen-ish” menu, where customers can create their own soup bowl from a variety of homemade broths, protein and vegetables. Replete with Southern fixin’s, like pickled cauliflower and crispy okra, and noodles sourced from a seventh-generation family of Japanese noodle makers, the quality and inventiveness of Broth Lab’s ingredients make its bowls sing.

When it comes to soup, time and care can make all the difference. At Vaste Riviere Provisions in downtown Hot Springs, Danny Arnold insists on doing soup the right way — even if it comes at a price. “It can be somewhat inefficient, as it really takes two days,” he explains.

“You’ve got to roast the bones and make the stock, and then you’ve got to strain

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the stock and start over with aromatics before you’re even making your soup.”

Arnold makes all of the stock served at Vaste Riviere, but his true passion is the seasoning. He can tell you where each of his spices is sourced, thanks to a partnership with Burlap & Barrel, a Brooklyn, N.Y.-based purveyor that specializes in single-origin spices like smoked pimentón paprika and highcurcumin turmeric.

Thai sweet potato soup Courtesy of Vaste Riviere • 2 tablespoons coconut oil • ¼ cup chopped garlic • ¼ cup chopped shallot • 1 quart diced onion • 2 cups diced celery • 1 quart diced sweet potato • 2 tablespoons Burlap & Barrel Tinga Ginger* • 1 tablespoon Burlap & Barrel Silk Chili* • 1 tablespoon turmeric • One 13-ounce can coconut milk • 1 quart water • Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste Preheat a 6-to-8 quart pot on medium-high. Ensure pot is hot and add coconut oil. Add chopped garlic and shallot and sauté until translucent, being careful not to brown the garlic. Add onions, celery and spices. Season with salt and pepper.

Keep heat medium-high for eight to 10 minutes; stir often. If spices begin to stick, reduce heat and keep stirring. Once onions and celery are translucent, add the sweet potatoes.

Reduce heat to medium and cook for eight to 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Check your seasoning and add more spices if necessary. Add water and bring to a simmer, taste and adjust. Add coconut milk and continue to simmer until sweet potatoes are thoroughly cooked. Serve the soup chunky, or use an immersion blender to blend until smooth.

Serve with crushed peanuts or any garnish you choose. Yields about a gallon of soup. Bon appetit! * Vasta Riviere sells Burlap & Barrel spices. Possible substitutions: For Tinga Ginger, use 1/8 cup fresh, chopped ginger. For Silk Chili, use a 1:1 blend of sweet paprika and cayenne.

Arnold’s soups, which usually carry no more than six or seven ingredients, act as a springboard for introducing his customers to the robust flavors found in high-quality spices. Vaste Riviere is currently serving a Thai coconut curry soup that features ginger and turmeric.

“It’s all about fresh,” Arnold says.

“There’s a major difference between the nutmeg that’s been sitting in my mom’s cabinet all these years and the fresh nutmeg that I have here, especially in our soups. It’s night and day.”

Down the road in Marshall, Star Diner’s eclectic, European-inspired fare begins with a daily “soup impromptu.”

While the diner may be housed in a former service station that’s overflowing with antiques, the approach taken by chef Brian Sonoskus — the Tupelo Honey veteran who oversaw the restaurant chain’s multistate expansion — is anything but old-fashioned. Each week, Sonoskus prepares a batch of soup that takes seasonal ingredients and even weather patterns into account.

That means clam chowder topped with crème fraiche and alligator gumbo chockfull of vegetables. The gumbo, which Star Diner began offering this month, starts with a brown roux, a thick mix of oil and flour that’s cooked slowly to develop its rich, caramelized flavor. Sonoskus then builds out the gumbo’s base with chicken and tomato before adding andouille sausage and a dollop of alligator tail meat that he sources from Louisiana. Finally, he adds a bounty of vegetables, including celery, peppers and onions — “the trinity” of Cajun cooking. The gumbo is finished with sliced okra.

“When I’m going into cold weather, I want something that will stick to your ribs, and with warmer weather, I want something that’s lighter and silky,” Sonoskus says. “Right now, I want something chunky. I want something that you can really sink your teeth into.” X

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SMALL BITES

by Thomas Calder | tcalder@mountainx.com

Dining out for Valentine’s Day As Friday, Feb. 14, approaches, Western North Carolina restaurants are preparing for Cupid’s big day.

We’ve spotlighted a few affordable Valentine’s Day dining and drinking options in and around Asheville.

The Asheville Museum of Science, 43 Patton Ave., celebrates with its Make & Mingle event, Taste of Love.

Make sour gummy candy and learn about the chemistry of love, while sipping cocktails from H&H Distillery and sampling desserts from local eateries.

The event runs 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $25 and come with two drink tickets. Ages 21 and older. (avl.mx/6wr) Black Bear BBQ, 800 Fairview Road, Suite C8, will host a four-course, live-fire dinner featuring appetizers, salad, entrée and dessert. Options for the main dish include pork steak, grilled mushroom or trout. Tickets are $55 per couple, plus tax and gratuity.

Reservations are required. Seatings are at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. (avl.mx/6w7) Collaboratory, 39 N. Lexington Ave., will offer a three-course meal, including entrée choices of Hickory Nut Gap Farm club steak or langoustines tossed with spinach and tomato creamy primavera over linguine. Dinner comes with two 12-ounce Collaboratory brews and two 4-ounce dessert beers. Tickets are $60 per couple. Seatings are available 2-9 p.m. (avl.mx/6w9) Take a candlelight tour of the French Broad Chocolate Factory, 821 Riverside Drive, accompanied by wine, cheese, chocolate pairings and a selection of artisan desserts. Tickets are $40 per couple. The event starts at 6 p.m. (avl.mx/6w8) At Madame Roqué’s Meat Emporium & Pickled Curiosités,

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Asheville Celtic Festival Traditional Celtic fare — think Scottish haggis, shepherd’s pie, sticky toffee, Welsh miner’s cakes and more — will be served at the inaugural Asheville Celtic Festival on Saturday, Feb. 15. Pours of mead, Irish coffee and Highland Brewing Co. beers will also be available, as well as a separately priced whiskey tent with tastings of Scotch and Irish spirits. Additionally, the event will host a Celtic arts and crafts village, live music and demonstrations by Highland games athletes.

Tickets are $12.50 for adults, $5 for children age 12 and younger.

The festival runs 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 15, at the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center, 761 Boylston Highway, Fletcher. For tickets, visit avl.mx/6w3.

Processing roadkill

LOVE AND FOOD: Chocolate and wine? Unique cocktails? Multicourse meals? Tacos and tattoos? The choice is yours this Valentine’s Day in Asheville. Pictured is the La Vie en Rose cocktail offered at Tupelo Honey. Photo courtesy of Tupelo Honey 117 S. Main St., Hendersonville, couples receive six tacos of their choice, two margaritas and one piece of Better With Sex chocolate cake along with two Valentine’s Day-themed flash tattoos and a lovers tarot reading, all for $75. The special is available 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 14-15. Reservations are required. Call 828-844-4064.

Back in Asheville, Pillar, 309 College St., will celebrate with a beef tenderloin dinner for two, plus dessert and Champagne for $35 per couple. Dinner runs 5-10 p.m. (avl.mx/6wa) In the River Arts District, plēb urban winery, 289 Lyman St., will partner with Conjure Craft Chocolate of Black Mountain for a wine and chocolate pairing. For $16.50, guests will receive three wines and three chocolates. The event runs noon-8 p.m. or while supplies last. (avl.mx/6wb) The Rhu, 10 S. Lexington Ave., will partner with Asheville Tea Co., Penny Cup Roasters and Imladris Farm for a three-course dinner including sweet

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potato brioche, coffee rubbed duck prosciutto and chocolate torte paired with a cava cocktail. Tickets are $38 per person. Seatings are at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Reservations are required. Call 828785-1799 or email info@the-rhu.com. (avl.mx/6wk) Tupelo Honey, 12 College St. and 1829 Hendersonville Road, will honor the holiday Friday-Sunday, Feb. 14-16, with $8 La Vie en Rose cocktails. The Champagnebased drink, inspired by the classic French 75, features Aperol, gin, lemon juice and simple syrup. (avl.mx/4m6) Finally, the Arden location of 12 Bones Brewing, 2350 Hendersonville Road, partners with Three Eggs Cakery of Asheville to offer a couples Valentine’s Day cookie decorating class. Participants will embellish and take home a half dozen sugar cookies. Tickets are $20 per person.

The event runs 6:30-8 p.m. Contact 3eggscakery@gmail.com. (avl.mx/6wc) Unless otherwise noted, events take place on Valentine’s Day, Friday, Feb. 14.

Primitive skills instructor Luke McLaughlin, founder of Holistic Survival School, will host a threehour workshop on processing roadkill.

“Instead of letting these animals rot on the side of the road, we can honor their lives and deaths by connecting to them with our hands and our hearts,” the course description reads. Participants will learn skinning basics, as well as how to identify roadkill appropriate for cooking. Tickets are $20.

The workshop runs 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 19, at Villagers: Urban Homestead Supply, 278 Haywood Road.

To purchase tickets, visit avl.mx/6w5.

AIR new board of directors Kevin Barnes, owner of Ultimate Ice Cream, will serve as the 2020 chair of the Asheville Independent Restaurant Association, a nonprofit organization made up of over 160 locally owned, independent restaurants. Barnes replaces Liz Button of Katie Button Restaurants, who served in the position from 2017-19. In a recent press release, AIR identified advocacy, workforce development, membership and sustainability as four key areas of focus for 2020. Carolyn Roy of BiscuitHead joins Barnes as the group’s 2020 vice chair/treasurer; Kate Bannasch of Copper Crown is AIR’s 2020 secretary.

New board members include Kevin Frazier of Well Played Board Game Café, Cathy Horton of A-B Tech and Peter Pollay of Posana, Bargello and District 42.

For more on the Asheville Independent Restaurant Association, visit avl.mx/6w6. X

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FEB. 12 - 18, 2020

27

CAROLINA BEER GUY

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Married … with beer

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Couples discuss the pros and cons of working at the same brewery As the local craft beverage community has grown, so too has the number of married couples working at the same brewery. Some share a ride to work, grab lunch together and, at the end of the day, can conveniently enjoy a pint with each other. But balancing home and work life with one’s spouse brings a distinct set of challenges, especially for those who occupy the same office.

With Valentine’s Day coming up, Xpress asked a few of these couples how they make it all work.

Erica and Joey Justice met on the job at Highland Brewing Co., where she worked in quality assurance and he was the head brewer. Married for nearly five years now, they left Highland to open Sweeten Creek Brewing in late 2015. He’s head of operations, and she handles the bookkeeping and considers

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herself a Jill of all trades, filling in as needed in the tasting room and around the brewery.

“He’s a lot better than I am at the big picture stuff,” Erica says. Meanwhile, Joey says his wife’s role is “to keep me grounded. She’s the reasonable one.”

Sweeten Creek operates with a small staff, and the Justices see each other throughout the day, sharing rides to and from work with their dog, Beaudean, and cat, Yamar. “­ Before we were married we were friends, and we still enjoy that,” Joey says.

Brandi and Greig Hillman have been married for 10 years. Before establishing Hillman Beer with Greig’s brother Brad Hillman in 2017, they operated Subway sandwich shops in Asheville, Black Mountain and Old Fort. The couple still owns the Subway in Old

Fort, the town where they’re currently building a production brewery, though, as Brandi notes, “Beer is way more fun than sandwiches.”

At Hillman, Brad brews the beer, Brandi handles marketing and public relations, and Greig oversees operations and logistics. “I’m spending a lot of time with the build-out [of the Old Fort brewery],” Greig says. “We see quite a bit of each other at one location or the other, and there are days that we don’t see each other until we come home at night.”

Regardless, Brandi says they greatly enjoy “being able to share the success of the brewery,” and Greig feels that “at the end of day, it brings us closer.”

Eeva and Trace Redmond share a workplace at Highland Brewing, where he develops new beers as the brewing

CHEERS TO LOVE: Asheville’s brewing industry features numerous married couples who work at the same business. Clockwise from top left are Eeva and Trace Redmond (Highland Brewing Co.); Amanda and Pete Langheinrich (Asheville Brewing Co.); Brandi and Greig Hillman (Hillman Beer); Cristina and David Ackley (Ginger’s Revenge); and Erica and Joey Justice (Sweeten Creek Brewing). Redmonds’ photo courtesy of Highland Brewing Co. All photos courtesy of the subjects innovation manager, and she oversees public relations, community outreach and charitable giving. They’ve been married three years, and both previously worked for Roak Brewing Co. in Detroit, though when Eeva’s current position became available, she was hesitant to apply.

“I wasn’t sure if we were ready to work at the same brewery again,” she says. “I’m really glad I took the opportunity, but I wouldn’t have done it without having a real conversation with Trace about the benefits and challenges of working together again.”

Trace agrees that it’s important to keep their work life separate from their home life. (“We leave work at work,” he says.) It also helps that their jobs keep them in different parts of the expansive Highland facility, though their schedules occasionally overlap.

“We often pack a lunch [to share], and I enjoy that,” Eeva says. “And we get to carpool.”

At Asheville Brewing Co., Pete Langheinrich is the head brewer while his wife, Amanda, is the brewery’s merchandise manager. They’ve been married seven years — he brewed a beer for their wedding — and they see a lot of each other at the downtown Coxe Avenue brewery. “We get to take a lot of lunch breaks together,” Amanda says.

They’re both aware of the challenge of taking their jobs home. “There are

times we have to raise a flag and say, ‘OK, let’s stop talking about work,’” Pete says. “Before you know it, it’s 10 at night, and we’re still talking about [our jobs].” Amanda concurs: “I have a hard time shutting off.”

Ginger’s Revenge brewery co-owners Cristina and David Ackley share an office. Their three-year wedding anniversary is in April, but they’ve been together for 11 years. He is CEO, brewmaster, sales manager and distribution manager for the ginger beer brewery, and she focuses on front-ofhouse operations.

“As the company has grown, we’ve found it’s been important for us to divide our responsibilities,” David says. “[Cristina and I] spend a lot of time together. Sometimes we have disagreements, but it’s an opportunity for us to grow as business partners and life partners. It’s pretty amazing to be on this journey together.”

The Ackleys initially shared a ride to work together when Ginger’s Revenge opened in 2017, but now they take their own cars. “It’s helpful in having some time and space to ourselves,” David says.

As for Cristina, she considers the best part of working together to be “that we have this shared context, and we get to build something together. And the end of the day, I look at David and know exactly how his day was.” X MOUNTAINX.COM

FEB. 12 - 18, 2020

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

SAD BOYS NEED LOVE, TOO

Valentine’s Day happenings in and around Asheville

BY LAUREN STEPP

tions at Asheville Beauty Academy, 28 Broadway, on Thursday, Feb. 13, Whet Appetites: Sexy Storytelling is sure to undress all three with blush-worthy narratives. The survey in sexual tension begins at 8 p.m. A steamy DJ dance party and specialty cocktails follow. $20. avlbeautyacademy.com

lstepp98@gmail.com Like spooning ice cream straight from the carton, Asheville’s newest Valentine’s Day soirée doesn’t quite embody traditional romance. Slated for The Mothlight on Thursday, Feb. 13, the Sad Boy Bad Boy Pre-Day V-Day Eat Yr Heart Out Let Yr Art Out Kickback Party ditches the roses and serves up a five-hour, multigenre lineup instead.

“The common thread between the performers is emotional transparency,” says organizer Tyler Jackson, better known in the hip-hop world as Musashi Xero. Jackson will be joined onstage by rapper Davaion “Spaceman Jones” Bristol; producer Cliff B. Worsham (aka MOTHER HOOD) and producer/ synth player Javier Bolea (aka Boy in Sleep) of the electro-soul trio RBTS WIN; and “Mad” Mike Martinez of the indie-soul collective Natural Born

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• If you thought love potions were the stuff of fairy tales, think again. Concoct an aphrodisiac during a workshop at the Asheville Salt Cave, 16 N. Liberty St. Resident herbalist Luci Orofino of Nature’s Cure Apothecary will suggest swoon-inducing essential oils and herbs. Thursday, Feb. 13, at 6 p.m. $28. ashevillesaltcave.com

LOVER’S LEAP: Gritty and bracing, rapper Musashi Xero’s newest project, Self-Hate as a Viable Currency, might be the antithesis of traditional romance. He’ll perform as part of a community-centered Valentine’s Day celebration. Photo courtesy of Tyler Jackson Leaders. Each will deliver a 30-minute set. DJ Juan Bounce will bookend the evening with a saucy blend of Latin, hiphop, disco and house music.

Showgoers can expect gritty deliveries from Jackson’s newest record, SelfHate as a Viable Currency. A response to a close friend’s fentanyl overdose, the album tells a “poetically cathartic narrative” vis-à-vis abrasive, in-your-face lyrics.

“Sometimes it’s like I’m having a breakdown onstage,” Jackson says. “I try to bring so much passion.”

Sincerity is at the heart of the Sad Boy Bad Boy party, including the ridiculously

Six-week Creativity Workshop Facilitated by James Navé

Feb. 24 - March 30, 2020 Monday evenings, 7-9 PM Downtown Asheville Register now: JamesNave.com Text or call (919)

949-2113

“James Navé and I Have worked together for over 20 years, His work as a poet, teacher, and exemplar is an important force for change.”

–Julia Cameron

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long title. “We all touch on personal subject matter in honest ways — mental health, politics. In my mind, some of us are sad boys, some of us are bad boys, and some of us are good at being both,” Jackson says with a laugh.

Through unabashed realness, Jackson implores listeners to chew on those Valentine’s Day sentiments — both positive and negative. Whether you’re fresh out of a long-term relationship or sitting pretty with a significant other, the night is more than a concert.

“It’s about human connection,” says Jackson. “I want people to get together with their best friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, whatever. Reconnect and get rejuvenated.”

A self-described foodie, Jackson has also arranged for Bodega Cubana to serve empanadas and pork and rice plates. And it wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without chocolate, so Conjure Craft Chocolates will dish out sweets, too. “Everyone who knows me knows how much I love to eat, so bring an appetite,” he says.

The show begins at 9 p.m. $10. themothlight.com MORE TO LOVE • Love, lust and libido make up the V-day trifecta. Presented by Whet Produc-

• LaZoom Tours, 76 Biltmore Ave., has created an anti-Valentine’s Day homage: Kiss My Axe invites cynics to board the bus, drink Champagne and toss some axes at Axeville Throwing Club. A whole new meaning to bloody valentine, right? Retro-soul group FWUIT will serenade both lovers and haters while en route. Thursday, Feb. 13, 6 and 8 p.m. $69. lazoomtours.com • “In a pawn shop in Chicago / on a sunny summer day / a couple gazes at the wedding rings / there on display,” croons country duo George Jones and Tammy Wynette in their 1976 hit, “Golden Ring.” Asheville may be miles away from Chicago, but on Friday, Feb. 14, Stardust Mine will present George & Tammy: Forever Valentines at Ambrose West, 312 Haywood Road. Local musicians Kevin Fuller of Gold Rose, Bailey George and Jukebox Jess, Liliana Hudgens, Brody Hunt, Vaden Landers, Gracie Lane and Erika Lewis will deliver the covers, 8-10:30 p.m. $12 advance/$15 day of event/$17 VIP. ambrosewest.com • Grab the black eyeliner and cheap liquor — it’s time to rehash breakups of decades past. Emo Night at Tiger Mountain, 112 N. Lexington Ave., is all about OG angst. Waynesville’s DJ Adam Ben-it will serve up ’90s pop punk bangers like My Chemical Romance and Panic! At the Disco. Oh, and the dress code? “Black attire suggested but no one really f**king cares,” reads the Facebook event description. Friday, Feb. 14, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $5. facebook.com/tigermountainthirstparlour • Grab your beau and get your vino on at the Love Date Night, hosted

by Wine & Design, 17 Sweeten

NOT A THING TO WEAR: The Great American Strip-Off: Valentine’s Edition offers “sexy ridiculousness like you’ve never seen before” at The Magnetic Theatre. Photo of Kathleen Hahn, aka Boo Velvet, courtesy of the artist Creek Road. Create a take-home masterpiece while imbibing brews and vintages. Friday, Feb. 14, 6:308:30 p.m. $37. wineanddesign.com • Described as “sexy ridiculousness like you’ve never seen before,” The Great American Strip-Off: Valentine’s Edition offers backto-back burlesque-meets-improv shows at The Magnetic Theatre, 375 Depot St. Kathleen Hahn, aka Boo Velvet, conceived of and directs the productions; improv

performer George Awad cohosts. Friday, Feb. 14, at 7 and 10 p.m. $23. themagnetictheatre.org • C omedian Jessimae Peluso has appeared on “Girl Code,” “Deal With It,” “Last Call With Carson Daly” and “Chelsea Lately,” as well as other shows and various festivals. On Friday, Feb. 14, she’ll perform a two-show comedy special at The Funkatorium, 147 Coxe Ave., at 7 and 9:30 p.m. $15 general admission/$20 VIP. avl.mx/6vf X

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A&E

by Alli Marshall

amarshall@mountainx.com

GOLDEN RATIO “The Wind, She Whispers,” the banjo- and drum-fueled lead track to Tall Tall Trees’ new album A Wave of Golden Things, launches with an instantly recognizable sound. “A rooster crowed right as we started recording. I was like, ‘That’s amazing, I’m going to keep that,’” says Mike Savino, the songwriter and multi-instrumentalist behind the project. He adds that, while working on the record, 16 animals were born.

If a barnyard seems an unlikely place to track an album, Savino explains that he chose Franny’s Farm in Leicester after being invited to play the annual Barnaroo festival on the property, which also serves as an event venue.

There, owner Frances Tacy “brought me into the barn where she has a supernice Airbnb … with high ceilings and wood. Pretty much everything you need to record.” So Savino lived in the space for three weeks while working on his latest collection of songs. The farm, he says, “is a little magical slice of heaven.”

Tall Tall Trees launches a new album at Ambrose West

NOT HIDING: “This record has barely any loops or anything, which is something I’ve been leaning on as a solo artist,” Mike Savino says of A Wave of Golden Things. Touring doesn’t always afford the opportunity to bring supporting musicians, but “oftentimes people will connect more [when] it’s just you and an audience. … People root for you.”

Photo by Sandlin Gaither A Wave of Golden Things makes its way into the world with an album release show at Ambrose West on Saturday, Feb. 15. The concert will include local musicians Simon Thomas George and Micah Thomas — current collaborators of Savino’s — among others. In fact, the New York City transplant tapped nearly all Asheville-area artists (such as Jackson Dulaney, Stephanie Morgan, Brie Capone and Louisa Stanicoff) to contribute to the new album.

“Asheville has been very good to me,” says Savino, who relocated to Western North Carolina part time in 2015 and gave up his New York apartment in 2018. He was also drawn to being closer to the Appalachian roots of the banjo, an instrument he picked up when he switched his focus from being a session musician to a singer-songwriter. “When I started singing and writing more songs, I started connecting to more people,” he notes. “But I never saw myself as playing [the banjo] as a traditionalist.”

After spending most of his professional life in a metropolis where high-caliber collaborators were easily accessed, “one of the reasons I felt comfortable living [in Asheville was because] there are some amazing musicians here who I’ve become friends with. I’ve felt very welcomed in this community [and] I’ve been very inspired by a lot of musicians here.”

The inspiration for the album, however, was not so joyful. The title track is a song

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Savino wrote following the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012.

At the time, the banjoist lived near that community, but he put the song away.

“I didn’t want to listen to it or deal with it because it was painful,” he recalls.

But, “When I started to think about this record [I realized] we’re living in a world where this is still going on. These things keep happening with more frequency.”

Usually when he makes an album, Savino (who is also a member of indiepop singer-violinist Kishi Bashi’s band) goes through voice memos or songs he didn’t use on previous projects. As he revisited “A Wave of Golden Things,” he realized its timeliness, and that “became kind of an overarching theme for the album, for me — trying to turn a tragedy into something hopeful.”

Many of the songs, he continues, include a plea for more time with friends and family. It’s that sweetness that balances the record. Savino reveals that he wrote 25 songs for the project, many of which expressed anger. But ultimately, “What I want to convey, as an artist and as a person in general, is not to dwell on all the darkness,” he says.

Plucked banjo opens “Expectations,” which quickly expands into a dreamy dance. “I just want to wake up in the warmth of the sun / and thank the gods for another one,” Savino sings.

“Ask Me Again” shares lyrical DNA with Cat Stevens’ “Wild World.” On that track, pedal steel adds a wistful tone, but the banjo’s pluck is undeniable. That instrument leads “Deep Feels,” too, where a pop of percussion lifts the mood into sun-drenched and summer-warmed territory.

The latter builds in instrumentation and emotional expression as it goes, but overall, Savino kept things simple.

The artist — trained as an upright and electric bassist — plays most of the instruments on his recordings and “always had the tendency to overedit and overdub, to pile on layers to hide insecurities,” he says.

“This time I made a conscious effort to leave myself exposed and [let] the vulnerability shine through.”X

WHAT Tall Tall Trees album release show with Slow Packer WHERE Ambrose West 312 Haywood Road ambrosewest.com WHEN Saturday, Feb. 15, 8 p.m. $10 advance/$12 day of show

by Thomas Calder

tcalder@mountainx.com

BEST OF ALL WORLDS With construction wrapping up, the LEAF Global Arts center will host its grand opening on Valentine’s Day, Friday, Feb. 14. “The dream was always this,” says Marsha Almadovar, the nonprofit’s community engagement director. Combining international art and music with local history, the multilevel space will offer community members and visitors alike the chance to interact with sights and sounds from around the world.

“In these polarizing times, I feel like the center highlights the ways music and art can heal,” says Almadovar.

“It brings us back to our humanity … to see a piece of beauty, to be able to dance, to know that we’re all part of a much bigger world.”

Located inside the historic Del Cardo building, on the corner of Eagle and Market streets, the center’s opening also marks the start of a new chapter in the nonprofit’s 25-year history. Previously known as LEAF Community Arts, the 501(c)(3) is rebranding as LEAF Global Arts.

The name change, explains Almadovar, better captures the greater impact of the organization, which spans the globe with programs in 10 different countries. “We’ll still be doing community work,” Almadovar says, “but we wanted to also highlight our international partnerships.”

The venue’s global aesthetic is apparent throughout the new space.

Mexican tiles greet visitors at the entrance. Meanwhile, the building’s exposed cement columns are wrapped in tribal designs created by the Bribri, an indigenous people of Costa Rica. In addition, interactive maps and listening stations are situated on the building’s main floor, along with a small performance stage and the nonprofit’s Easel Rider Art Bar. Also prominently featured on the ground level is an exhibit on the building’s history. Adjacent to the YMI Cultural Center, the Del Cardo stands in the heart of Asheville’s former African American business district known as The Block. Over the years, notes Almadovar, various enterprises, including professional offices, shops and even a nightclub, operated out of the building. Through a collection of displayed photographs and memorabilia (including a restored Pepsi sign used during its former nightclub days), the center pays homage to the Del Cardo’s past. Monthly storytelling sessions, organized by longtime Asheville

LEAF Global Arts center opens on The Block slated to perform. (Grand-opening attendees will receive a discount code to purchase tickets to that show.)

“The idea was always to have a global art center,” says Almadovar.

“We’ve been dreaming about this for a while. The fact that it’s inside this historic building just feels right. ... It’s about connecting cultures and creating community through music and art. That is the glue that holds us all together.” X

WHAT LEAF Global Arts center grand opening WHERE 9 Eagle St. theleaf.org/globalartscenter

LEAFERS: “We want families that aren’t able to travel to places like West Africa or Mardi Gras to have a centralized location where they can have that transformative cultural experience,” says Marsha Almadovar, far right, LEAF Global Arts’ community engagement director. Also pictured, starting top left, Ehren Cruz, Schree Chavdarov, Erinn Hartley and Leigh Maher; bottom left, Jennifer Pickering, Jordan Robbins, Kristal Woods, Michelle Troszak, Megan Crow and Chelcie Spencer. Photo by Thomas Calder resident and local historian Roy Harris, will be held in the space, as well.

Additional activities will take place in the building’s two mezzanines. The Madiba Mezzanine will feature Adama Dembele’s custom tailor shop. On the second mezzanine, The Sougou Artists Market will host a variety of local and international vendors, including LEAF artists.

Meanwhile, in the building’s basement, a virtual reality mini-theater, cultural immersion room, recording studio, instrument petting zoo (think drums instead of sheep) and a performance stage round out the LEAF Global Arts center experience. The cultural immersion room will showcase loaned exhibits on display for six-month intervals; the inaugural collection includes beaded and feathered masks by artist Chief Shaka Zulu of New Orleans.

“We want families that aren’t able to travel to places like West Africa or Mardi Gras to have a centralized location where they can have that transformative cultural experience,” says Almadovar.

The downstairs portion of the building will also host special events, including live concerts and classes. Beginning in March, workshops on world percussion,

WHEN Friday, Feb. 14. $75

DJing, West African drumming and hiphop dancing will all be held in the new location. Each session runs eight weeks.

Shorter courses will also be offered in February and March, including a writing workshop, a puppetry class, a painting course and the #Human project led by local artist Tarah Singh (see “Tarah Singh Talks About Personal Paintings and Global Design Initiatives,” Jan. 9, Xpress).

Before its grand opening, a free tour of the center will be held Friday, Feb. 14, 3-5 p.m., during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Subsequent tours will be available during regular business hours, Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Special events and programming will also be held Thursday-Saturday, 7-11 p.m. General admission is $12 or $10 for LEAF members. Children 5 and younger enter free.

Following the ribbon-cutting, the official grand opening will run 6-9 p.m.

Tickets are $75, with proceeds benefiting the nonprofit. The event will offer live music by River Guerguerian of Free Planet Radio and members of Toubab Krewe.

The revelry will then continue with an afterparty at The Grey Eagle, where the Dirty Dozen Brass Band is MOUNTAINX.COM

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SMART BETS

A&E

by Edwin Arnaudin | Send your arts news to ae@mountainx.com

Goodnight, Troublemaker

Jenn Shapland During her time as an archives intern at the University of Texas at Austin’s Harry Ransom Center, Jenn Shapland came across love letters between acclaimed writer Carson McCullers (The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter) and Swiss author Annemarie ClaracSchwarzenbach. The tender correspondence struck a deeply personal nerve within Shapland and prompted her to dig into McCullers’ life and craft to give a more honest portrait of the misunderstood scribe. Over the next six years, Shapland retraced McCullers’ steps and wove her own story into a new text, My Autobiography of Carson McCullers — parts memoir, biography, love letter, detective story and an eloquent plea to change the way queer women’s stories are told. Shapland will read from her latest work Thursday, Feb. 13, at Malaprop’s, and discuss the book in conversation with UNC Asheville English professor Erica Abrams Locklear, beginning at 6 p.m. Free to attend. malaprops.com. Photo courtesy of the author

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In Peter Lundblad’s play Goodnight, Troublemaker, French Enlightenment philosopher Voltaire is alive and well, having escaped the wrath of the church while dressed as a young woman. Aiding his longevity is a coffee-rich elixir that’s allowed him to move about, causing on-brand ruckuses in such milieus as the Wild West, the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago and onward to the future’s digital frontiers. The Sublime Theater presents the play’s world premiere Thursday, Feb. 13, at 7:30 p.m., at The BeBe Theater. Cast members Carin Metzger, Jenni Robinson, Strother Stingley and Tippin will all be making their Sublime debuts, while Rachel McCrain — assistant director on multiple Sublime productions — takes the full directorial helm.

Performances run ThursdaysSaturdays through Saturday, Feb. 22, at 7:30 p.m. $15. troublemaker. brownpapertickets.com. Photo courtesy of The Sublime Theater

Flamenco Vivo

The Occult Feminine

For those with two left feet who still want to have a dancefilled Valentine’s Day weekend, Flamenco Vivo is ready to play hero. Led by “The Keeper of Flamenco” herself, Carlota Santana, the company was founded in 1983 and has home bases in New York City and Durham. With each performance and class, the professionals seek to “promote flamenco as a living art form and a vital part of Hispanic heritage,” while nurturing the next generations of Spanish dance artists and educators. Those in attendance at Diana Wortham Theatre on Friday, Feb. 14, and Saturday, Feb. 15, can witness their efforts firsthand and perhaps help carry Flamenco Vivo’s mission into the world. Each show begins at 8 p.m. $20-$65. dwtheatre.com. Photo by Angelica Escoto Photography

For the Living Arts Foundation’s latest show, The Occult Feminine, seven female and nonbinary artists of varying professional experience and home bases were invited to explore the mystical, macabre, divine and demonic corners of the human soul through their unique skill sets. Among the creations to arise via this challenge are occult visionary ink and watercolor works by Justine Briggs; environmentally themed surrealist fantasies by Danielle Sperandeo; and orgonite-infused paintings by biogeometric harmonizer Amelia Doll.

There will be an opening reception for The Occult Feminine on Thursday, Feb. 13, 7-10 p.m. Selected artists will speak at 7:30 p.m., while Astoria and Amelia Doll will perform a set of music at 9 p.m. The exhibition will be up through May 6. Free to attend. ashevillelivingartsfoundation.com.

Pictured, “Projection” by Briggs, courtesy of the Living Arts Foundation

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A & E CALENDAR VALENTINE’S DAY EVENTS ART ARTS EDUCATION ADVOCACY 101 • TU (2/18), 5:30pm - Arts Education Advocacy 101, presentation by Nate McGaha, Executive Director of Arts North Carolina. $5/Free for members.

Held at Asheville Area Arts Council, 409 Executive Park ARTIST DEMONSTRATION • SA (2/15), 1-3pm - Glass artist demonstration with Deb Parmele. Free to attend. Held at Haywood County Arts Council, 86 N. Main St., Waynesville ASHEVILLE ART THEORY READING GROUP • 3rd WEDNESDAYS, 6pm - Asheville art theory reading group. Free. Held at Revolve, 821 Riverside Drive, #179 FIGURE DRAWING SALON • FRIDAYS, 6-9PM - Open figure drawing sessions with live model. Basic art supplies provided or bring your own, dry media only. $15. Held at The Colourfield, 54 Ravenscroft Drive IKENOBO IKEBANA SOCIETY • TH (2/20), 10am Laura Felt and Dede Walton present Adopting Japanese Things for Westerner’s Use. Free. Held at First Congregational UCC of Hendersonville, 1735 5th Ave. W., Hendersonville ITCH TO STITCH • MO (2/3), 10am-noon - Itch to Stitch, a casual knitting and needlework group for all skill levels.

Free. Held at Weaverville Public Library, 41 N. Main St., Weaverville VETERANS CREATIVE ARTS COMPETITION • TH (2/13), 10am-2pm - The National Veterans Creative Arts Competition includes: fine arts, applied arts, creative writing, music, dance and drama.

Live music at noon. Free to attend. Held at Charles George VA Medical Center, 1100 Tunnel Road

=T ART/CRAFT STROLLS & FAIRS 7TH ANNUAL SECONDS SALE • Through FR (2/28) - Local artists, seconds sale in a variety of media. Free to attend. Held at Woolworth Walk, 25 Haywood St. THE ART OF CHOCOLATE • SA (2/15), noon-4pm - The Art of Chocolate, galleries, chocolate treats, live music and family activities along Main Street. Free to attend. Held at Haywood County Arts Council, 86 N. Main St., Waynesville THIRD THURSDAY IN MARSHALL • 3rd THURSDAYS, 5-8pm - Gallery openings, studio tours, shops, food and drinks. Free to attend. Held at Downtown Marshall

AUDITIONS & CALL TO ARTISTS ASHEVILLE GALLERY OF ART • Until MO (3/9), 5:30pm 2D artists interested in joining the gallery complete documents and deliver original works. ashevillegallery-of-art.com Held at Asheville Gallery of Art, 82 Patton Ave.

DANCE TWO-HOUR DANCE CLASS - LEARN TWOSTEP & SWING (PD.) Saturday, February 15th: 12-2PM at Grey Eagle, Asheville. Take one or both. $15 each or $25 for both. Info & online discount at: www.Danceforlife.dance, naturalrichard@mac.com, 828-333 0715.

CONTEMPORARY LINE DANCING • WEDNESDAYS, noon-2pm - Intermediate/ advanced contemporary line dancing. $10. Held at Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Road • THURSDAYS, noon-2pm - Improver contemporary line dancing. $10. Held at Stephens Lee Recreation

Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave. FLAMENCO CLASSES • MONDAYS, 7pm Flamenco for adults at all levels. Information: 786-327-9548. $15/class or $45/month. Held at Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W. State St., Black Mountain • FRIDAYS, 7pm Flamenco for adults at all levels. Information: 786-327-9548. $14/class or $50/month. Held at In His Steps Dance Ministry, 159 Church St. FLAMENCO MASTER CLASS • SA (2/15), 1pm - Community master class with Flamenco Vivo. Open to all ages and skill levels. $10. Held at Henry LaBrun Studio at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave. FLAMENCO VIVO CARLOTA SANTANA • FR (2/14) & SA (2/15), 8pm - Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana, Spanish dance company concert. $20 and up. Held at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave. OLD FARMERS BALL CONTRA DANCE • THURSDAYS, 7:3011pm - Old Farmers Ball, contra dance. $8/$7 members/$1 Warren Wilson Community. Held in Bryson Gym Held at Warren Wilson College, 701 Warren Wilson Road, Swannanoa SOUTHERN LIGHTS SQUARE AND ROUND DANCE CLUB • SA (2/15), 6pm - Hearts and Roses, themed dance.

Advanced dance at 6pm.

Early rounds at 7pm. Plus squares and rounds at 7:30pm. Free. Held at Whitmire Activity Center, 310 Lily Pond Road, Hendersonville VALENTINE'S DINNER & DANCE SA (2/15), 6pm - Community dinner and dance. $15/$12 dinner only/$5 dance only. Held at Fines Creek Community Center, 190 Fines Creek Road, Clyde

T

ZYDECO AND CAJUN DJ DANCE • SA (2/15), 1-4:30pm - Zydeco and Cajun DJ

dance and lesson. Free to attend. Held at Gastro Pub at Hopey Downtown, 45 S. French Broad Ave.

MUSIC ACAPELLA - SINGING VALENTINE (PD.) Help out Cupid this Valentines Day! Quartet brings singing Valentines to your home, business, or restaurant. Order at www.ashevillebarbershop. com/singing-valentines 866.290.7269 AN EVENING WITH MARY D. WILLIAMS • TH (2/20), 6pm - Gospel concert featuring Mary D. Williams. Free. Held at AB Tech, Ferguson Auditorium, 340 Victoria Road BUNCOMBE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES buncombecounty.org/ governing/depts/library • MO (2/17), 6pm - Jazz hour featuring Michael Jefry Stevens. Free. Held at Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St. • WE (2/19), 3:30pm Ukelele jam. Free. Held at Weaverville Public Library, 41 N. Main St., Weaverville FISK JUBILEE SINGERS • MO (2/13), 7pm - Fisk Jubilee Singers are an American a cappella ensemble performing African-Amercan spirituals.

Free. Held at The WCU Bardo Arts Center, 199 Centennial Drive, Cullowhee FOUR SEASONS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA • SU (2/16), 3pm - Compassion, winter concert featuring the Four Seasons Chamber Orchestra. $10.

Held at Grace Lutheran Church, 1245 6th Ave W., Hendersonville GORDON LIGHTFOOT CONCERT • SA (2/20), 8pm - Gordon Lightfoot concert. $27 and up. Held at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium at Harrah's Cherokee Center - Asheville, 87 Haywood St. LUDWIGVANIVERSARY • FR (2/14), 8pm - LudwigVaniversary, concert by pianist Mari Kodama. $40/$15 youth. Held at Central United Methodist Church, 27 Church St.

OLE TYME PICKERS FOR FRIDAY BLUEGRASS • FR (2/14), 7-9pm - Ole Tyme Pickers, bluegrass concert. Free. Held at Etowah Lions Club, 447 Etowah School Road, Hendersonville QUENTIN BAXTER QUINTET • SU (2/16), 4pm - Quentin Baxter Quintet, lecture and jazz concert. Lecture at 4pm. Concert at 5pm. $25/$15 students. Held at Tryon Fine Arts Center, 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon THE MUSIC OF QUEEN • THURSDAYS through SUNDAYS, (2/13) until (2/23) - The Music of Queen, legendary rock tribute. Thurs.: 7:30pm, Fri. & Sat.: 8pm, Sat. & Sun.: 2pm. $35. Held at Flat Rock Playhouse, 2661 Highway 225, Flat Rock THIRD COAST PERCUSSION + BANA HAFFAR • TH (2/13), 7pm - Bana Haffar and Third Coast Percussion present Shed. $15/$10 members. Held at Black Mountain College Museum & Arts Center, 120 College St. UMPHREY’S MCGEE • FR (2/14) & SA (2/15), 6:30pm - Umphrey's McGee, concert. $35.

Held at Harrah's Cherokee Center - Asheville, 87 Haywood St. ZOE & CLOYD VALENTINE'S CONCERT • SA (12/15), 7:30pm - Zoe & Cloyd, folk concert. $25/$20 advance. Held at Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W. State St., Black Mountain

SPOKEN & WRITTEN WORD BUNCOMBE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES buncombecounty.org/ governing/depts/library • TU (2/18), 2pm - North Asheville Book Club reads League of Wives, by Heath Hardage Lee. Free. Held at North Asheville Library, 1030 Merrimon Ave. • TU (2/18), 7pm - Black Mountain Mystery Book Club reads The Trust, by Ronald Balson. Free. Held at Black Mountain Public Library, 105 N. Dougherty St., Black Mountain

• TU (2/18), 7pm - Fairview Evening Book Club reads Arcadia, by Lauren Groff. Free. Held at Fairview Library, 1 Taylor Road, Fairview • WE (2/19), 3pm - Book discussion club. Call for book selection. Free. Held at Black Mountain Public Library, 105 N. Dougherty St., Black Mountain FLETCHER LIBRARY 120 Library Road, Fletcher, 828-687-1218, library.hendersoncountync. org • 2nd THURSDAYS, 10:30am - Book Club. Free.

• 2nd THURSDAYS, 1:30pm - Writers' Guild.

Free.

petition open to all NC residents. Registration: avl.mx/6vw. Free.

PRESIDENTS’ DAY POETRY • MO (2/17), 8pm Presidents’ Day Poetry: Tomb of the Unknown Father, reading by Lee Stockdale whose father was a close friend of JFK’s and his Ambassador to Ireland, who committed suicide 10

days after the assassination. Q&A follows. Free to attend. Held at The BLOCK off biltmore. 39 S. Market St. STAGE DOOR SERIES • TU (2/18), 7pm - Stage Door Series: Home and Away: The Poetry of Place, poetry readings. $5. Held at Tryon Fine Arts Center, 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon

MALAPROP'S BOOKSTORE AND CAFE 55 Haywood St., 828-254-6734, malaprops.com • WE (2/12), 6pm - Wendi Gratz presents How to Embroider Almost Everything: A Sourcebook of 500+ Modern Motifs & Easy Stitch Tutorials. Free to attend.

• TH (2/13), 6pm - Jenn Shapland presents My Autobiography of Carson McCullers: A Memoir, in conversation with Erica Abrams Locklear. Free to attend.

• SU (2/16), 3pm - The monthly reading series featuring work from Great Smokies Writing Program and The Great Smokies Review. Free to attend.

• MO ((2/17), 6pm - Local authors and social workers Angela Evans, Barbara Willis Kimbrell and Linda L. Harley present their books. Free to attend.

• TH (2/20), 6pm - Nancy Hastings Sehested presents Marked for Life: A Prison Chaplain's Story.

Free to attend.

• TH (2/20), 7pm - Notorious History Book Club’s pick is The Imperial Cruise: A Secret History of Empire and War by James Bradley.

• TH (2/20), 7pm Spanish-Speaking Book Club's pick is Aura by Carlos Fuentes, translated

by Lysander Kemp. Free to attend.

NC STATE POETRY CONTEST • Until MO (2/24) - The annual NC State Poetry Contest is a literary com-

MOUNTAINX.COM

FEB. 12 - 18, 2020

35

A & E CALENDAR

PERCUSSION SHOWDOWN: Third Coast Percussion and composer Bana Haffar debut the newly commissioned Shed, for percussion and modular synthesizer. The concert, planned for Thursday, Feb. 13, 7 p.m., at Black Mountain College Museum, also includes works by Augusta Read Thomas, Robert Dillon and Mark Applebaum.

Tickets are $15 and $10 for museum members and students. Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Horton (p. 25)

THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL 52 N. Market St., 828-253-8304, wolfememorial.com • TH (2/13), 5:30-7pm - A local educator leads the

club in discussion of a pre-selected short story by Thomas Wolfe. Free.

• SA (2/15), 9:30am4:30pm - Celebration of Julia Wolfe with lectures and tours. Free.

TRUE HOME OPEN MIC NIGHT • THURSDAYS, 6:30-8:30pm - Singers, speakers or readers, signups start at 6pm.

Free to attend. Held at Flood Gallery Fine Art Center, 850 Blue Ridge Road, Unit A-13, Black Mountain VOICES SING OFF • SU (2/16), 2:30pm - Voices Sing Off, concert of Voices in the Laurel Choirs. $15/$12 in advance/$6/6 and under. Held at Hart Theatre, 250 Pigeon St., Waynesville

THEATER 'A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM' • FRIDAYS through SUNDAYS (2/14) until (3/1) - A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, musical.

Fri. & Sat.: 7:30pm.

Sun.: 2pm. $32/$27 students/$22 youth.

Held at Hendersonville Community Theatre, 229 S. Washington St., Hendersonville 'GOODNIGHT, TROUBLEMAKER' • THURSDAYS through SATURDAYS, (2/13) until (2/22), 7:30pm - Goodnight, Troublemaker, Voltaire as time traveller. $15.

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Held at BeBe Theatre, 20 Commerce St. 'THE BOOK OF MAMAW' • SA (2/15), 7:30pm The Book of Mamaw, starring Eugene Wolf. $15 + tax. Held at Madison County Arts Council, 90 S. Main St., Marshall 'THE LIFE OF GALILEO' • THURSDAY through SUNDAY (2/13) until (2/16) - The Life of Galileo. Thurs.-Sat.: 7pm.

Sun.: 2:30pm. $10/$5 students. Held at Porter Center for Performing Arts at Brevard College, Brevard ‘THE FANTASTICKS’ • FRIDAYS through SUNDAYS until (3/1) - The Fantasticks, romcom musical. Fri. & Sat.: 7:30pm, Sun.: 2:30pm. $26-$30. Held at Asheville Community Theatre, 35 E. Walnut St. THE GREAT AMERICAN STRIP OFF: VALENTINE'S DAY EDITION

T FR (2/14), 7pm & 10pm - The Great American Strip Off: Valentine’s Edition, burlesque, pole dancing, improv show. $23.

Held at The Magnetic Theatre, 375 Depot St.

GALLERY DIRECTORY 310 ART • 2020 Artistic Vision, emerging artists present recent works.

Jan. 19-Feb. 29 191 Lyman St., #310 AMERICAN FOLK ART AND FRAMING • 16th Annual Miniatures Show, featuring painting, sculpture and pottery.

Feb. 6-Feb. 20 64 Biltmore Ave. ART AT MARS HILL UNIVERSITY • Exhibition of sculptures

By Remy Hanemann.

Reception: Wednesday, Feb. 19, 6-8pm.

Feb. 17-March 5 79 Cascade St, Mars Hill ART GARDEN • The Nature of Connection, group show including ceramics, textiles, wood, found-objects, paintings, illustrations and printmaking.

Feb. 8-March 8 191 Lyman St., Suite 316 ASHEVILLE GALLERY OF ART • Spring Awakening, features works by new members, Terrilynn Dubreuil, Lisa Sousa and Alison Webb.

Feb. 1-Feb. 29 82 Patton Ave. BLACK MOUNTAIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS • War Paint and the Minimalist Bear by pop artist Ron C. Greenlee.

Jan. 31-Feb. 28 225 W. State St., Black Mountain BLUE RIDGE CRAFT TRAILS • Blue Ridge Craft Trails exhibition of 30+ craft artists is an extension of the new Blue Ridge Craft Trails.

Feb. 10-Mar. 15 Department of Cultural Resources Western Office, 176 Riceville Road CENTER FOR CRAFT • Shapeshifters, two artists, Joshua Adams and Jiha Moon, who use masks and other objects to explore culture, material and representation, particularly in the American South. Closing reception: Friday, March 27, 6-8pm.

Jan. 30-March 27 67 Broadway

CLOTH FIBER WORKSHOP • Everywhere You Are, textiles, drawings and sculpture by Hannah Watson.

Jan. 20-Feb. 29 191 Lyman St., Suite 115

Be informed on

ELIZABETH HOLDEN GALLERY • The 11th annual Drawing Discourse features 44 works of contemporary drawing selected from 1,000+ submissions by 300+ artists in 5 nations.

Jan. 17-Feb. 21 701 Warren Wilson Road, Swannanoa

Local Matters

GROVEWOOD GALLERY • Life Along the Blue Ridge, exhibition of works by Bryan Koontz.

Reception: Saturday, Feb. 15, 2-5pm.

Feb. 15-Apr. 5 111 Grovewood Road HAYWOOD COMMUNITY COLLEGE • HCC Clay in Retrospect, exhibition featuring the work of 20 artists from the college’s 46 years of clay programming.

Feb. 5-April 22 185 Freedlander Drive, Clyde HAYWOOD COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL • The Affrilachian Traveling Studio exhibit invites dialogue about the presence and experience of people of color in this WNC. Curated by Marie T. Cochran the artists include: LaKeisha Blount, Kela Hunt, Rahkie Mateen, Trey Miles, Ann Woodford and the late Victoria Casey-McDonald. Gallery talk: Saturday, Feb. 15, 11am-noon.

Jan. 17-Feb. 29 86 N. Main St., Waynesville LIVING ARTS FOUNDATION • The Occult Feminine, group show of women painters and sculptors.

Reception: Thursday, Feb. 13, 7-10pm, music at 9pm

by Astoria and Amelia Doll.

Feb. 13-May 7 51 Old Candler Town Road, Candler MARS HILL UNIVERSITY, WEIZENBLATT GALLERY • Exhibition of works by Foxfire Metal Works, an art-focused foundry and metal fabrication shop.

MIDCENTURY MODERN: Momentum Gallery hosts an exhibition of lithographs and mezzotints printed in the 1950s and ’60s by Southern modernist Maltby Sykes (191192). Sykes trained with John Sloan in New York, Diego Rivera in Mexico, Fernand Léger in Paris and was a professor emeritus at Auburn University. An opening reception is planned for Thursday, Feb. 13, 5-8 p.m. Photo courtesy of Momentum Gallery Feb. 12-March 6 79 Cascade St., Mars Hill MOMENTUM GALLERY • Exhibition of works by Maltby Sykes. Reception: Thursday, Feb. 13, 5-8pm.

Feb. 13-March 25 24 N. Lexington Ave. MOUNTAIN HERITAGE CENTER • Al Norte al Norte, photojournalist José Galvez shows 51 b&w photos from a 10-year project capturing images of daily life of Latinos living in NC. Jan. 13-April 10 Hunter Library, 176 Central Drive, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee NORTH CAROLINA GLASS CENTER • No Stone Left Unturned: an Interactive Exploration of Cairns, by Emily Powell.

Jan. 3-Feb. 29 140 Roberts St., Suite B OPEN HEARTS ART CENTER • Lady pARTS, is a diverse collection of works by the women of Open Hearts Art Center. The works explore each woman’s unique life experience

through abstract and figurative works.

Jan. 16-March 23 217 Coxe Ave. PINK DOG CREATIVE • Impact! an exhibition about our effect on the environment with artists working in photography, painting and jewelry.

Jan. 10-Feb. 16 348 Depot St. PUSH SKATE SHOP & GALLERY • Elementary: paintings, sculptures, drawings and digital works by Joshua Spiceland.

Jan. 10-Feb. 29 25 Patton Ave. REVOLVE 821 Riverside Drive, #179 • Redirect, an exhibition that critically and philosophically engages with technology, each artist examining the web, social media, mobile devices, or other contemporary technology with a calculated sense of intentionality or caution.

Jan. 24-Feb. 24 • Taking Stock, showcases the fiber arts installation of Molly Sawyer, At What Cost?

Jan. 17-Feb. 16

RIVERVIEW STATION • Ab Urb Ex: Barcelona, paintings by Mark Harmon.

Feb. 7-March 7 191 Lyman St. SMITH-MCDOWELL HOUSE MUSEUM • North Carolina in the Great War, an exhibit exploring state and local contributions to World War I. Admission fees apply.

Feb. 13-May 16 283 Victoria Road SPIERS GALLERY • ...We Was Waiting for Them, film installation by Kevin Jerome Everson.

Jan. 24-Feb. 20 1 College Dr, Brevard THE BLOCK OFF BILTMORE • Peace I Am by Omileye Achikeobi-Lewis. Feb. 8-March 15 39 S. Market St. THE DEPOT ROOM • Exploring the Land of Ice, photographs by Andre Avila.

Jan. 24-Feb. 26 22 Depot St, Tryon THE WCU BARDO ARTS CENTER 199 Centennial Drive, Cullowhee

• Curious Terrain: WNC From the Air, Alex S. MacLean’s photographs.

Jan. 30-May 1 • Stone and Sky, Claire Van Vliet, vitreography printmaker.

Jan. 30-May 1 • Time and Again: Glass works by Kit Paulson and SaraBeth Post.

Jan. 30-May 1 THE WEDGE AT FOUNDATION • Daze Inn II, local artists reimagining the same piece of hotel art.

Jan. 31-Feb. 23 5 Foundy St. UPSTAIRS ARTSPACE 49 S. Trade St., Tryon • Drawing Marathon IV, fresh, unframed works.

Feb. 1-March 13 • Patricia Cole-Ferullo: Experimental Work, solo show of abstracts.

Feb. 1-March 13 • Worker Bees: Artists of The Upstairs, work by the Board of Directors and members of the Exhibits committee.

Feb. 1-March 13

Sign up for our free weekly e-newsletter at mountainx.com Fresh to your inbox every Wednesday morning!

Contact the galleries for hours and admission fees

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FEB. 12 - 18, 2020

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CLUBLAND

BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY MAR THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA 27 MARK O’CONNOR BAND APR

MAR

06

MAR

29

LEO KOTTKE

07

JIM MESSINA APR

26

SEBASTIAN BACH

APR

25

31ST ANNIVERSARY TOUR

TICKETS @ PARAMOUNTBRISTOL.ORG OR CALL 423-274-8920

ALL THAT JAZZ: Quentin E. Baxter recently won a Grammy as part of the Charleston, S.C.-based group, Ranky Tanky. The drummer and composer is now headed to Tryon to host a curated, three-part, educational jazz series. Each concert includes an artist discussion with bandleaders at 4 p.m. followed by a 5 p.m. performance. The Sunday, Feb. 16, show features the Quentin Baxter Quintet. The Jeremy Wolf Quartet will be spotlighted on May 3 and the Mark Sterbank Group on Sept.

13, all at Tryon Fine Arts Center. $15 students/$25 public or $60 for all three shows. tryonarts.org. Photo courtesy of Baxter

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12 12 BONES BREWERY Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7:00PM

HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY Woody Wood Wednesday, 6:00PM

5 WALNUT WINE BAR Les Amis, (African Folk Music), 8:00PM

ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 My New Favorites (Appalachian infused honky-tonk), 7:00PM

ALLEY CAT SOCIAL CLUB Karaoke w/ Kari - Okay, 9:00PM ASHEVILLE DISPENSARY Herbal Aphrodisiacs w/ Plant Witch Academy, 7:00PM ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR AGB Open Mic Showcase, 6:30PM BOOJUM BREWING COMPANY Karaoke w/ Sarge's!

7:00PM CORK & KEG Running of the Winos Cajun Dance Party, 7:00PM FLEETWOOD'S Jeremy & The Clones, Guy Roswell, The Callers, 9:00PM

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FEB. 12 - 18, 2020

MOUNTAINX.COM

FUNKATORIUM Grass at the Funk feat. the Saylor Brothers, 6:30PM

ODDITORIUM Community Pool (rock), 8:00PM OLE SHAKEY'S Sexy Tunes w/ DJ Franco Nino, 10:00PM ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Disclaimer Comedy Open Mic, 9:00PM ONE WORLD BREWING WEST OWB West: Latin Dance Night w/ DJ Oscar (Bachatta, Merengue, Salsa), 9:00PM SANCTUARY BREWING CO. FBVMA Mountain Music Jam, 6:00PM SLY GROG LOUNGE Weird Wednesday Jam, 9:00PM

SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN BREWERY Jazz Night hosted by Jason DeCristofaro, 6:30PM SOVEREIGN KAVA Poetry Open Mic w/ Caleb Beissert, 8:00PM

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13 5 WALNUT WINE BAR Pleasure Chest, (blues, rock, soul), 8:00PM ANTIDOTE Pimps of Pompe (Gypsy jazz hip-hop), 7:00PM

STATIC AGE RECORDS Timelost, Via, Secret Shame, Crooked Ghost, 9:00PM

ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY Whet: Sexy Stories, 8:00PM

THE CASUAL PINT Paint for a Cure, 6:30PM

ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR Will Ray and the Space Cooties, 7:00PM

THE GOLDEN FLEECE Scots-Baroque ChamberFolk w/ the Tune Shepherds, 7:00PM THE GREY EAGLE Asheville Skate Foundation Fundraiser, 6:00PM THE MOTHLIGHT Bay Faction w/ Superbody at The Mothlight, 9:00PM THE SOCIAL LOUNGE Live Music Wednesdays, 9:00PM WILD WING CAFE SOUTH David Matters (acoustic), 8:30PM

ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Moon Hooch, 9:00PM BLACK MOUNTAIN COLLEGE MUSEUM & ARTS CENTER Third Coast Percussion w/ Bana Haffar, 7:00PM CAROLINA MUSIC MUSEUM Carolina Ulrich & Lillian Buss Pearson, 7:30PM CORK & KEG Cajun Dance Party & Running of the Winos, 7:00PM CROW & QUILL Big Dawg Slingshots (western swing), 10:00PM

FLEETWOOD'S Electric Karma, FURR, Fantomex, 9:00PM

TOWN PUMP Pearl Snap Prophets, 9:00PM

FLOOD GALLERY FINE ART CENTER True Home Open Mic at the Flood, 12:00AM

WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN Ben Krakauer w/ Duncan Wickel, 7:30PM

HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY Live Music, 6:00PM

WILD WING CAFE SOUTH Acoustic Karaoke, 10:00PM

ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 Dana and Susan Robinson, 8:30PM LOCAL 604 BOTTLE SHOP Vinyl Night Free Tastings, 7:00PM MAD CO BREWING Trivia Night, 7:00PM ODDITORIUM Party Foul Drag Circus, 8:00PM OLE SHAKEY'S Karaoke w/ DJ Franco Nino, 10:00PM ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Mitch's Totally Rad Trivia Night, 6:00PM ONE WORLD BREWING OWB Downtown: Lenny Pettinelli, 9:00PM ONE WORLD BREWING WEST OWB West: One World Family Band Jam, 9:00PM ORANGE PEEL Love, Hate, and Standup Comedy Revue, 8:00PM PACK'S TAVERN Jessie Barry & Jeff Anders, 8:00PM PILLAR ROOFTOP BAR Dave Desmelik, 7:00PM POLANCO RESTAURANT Pop Up DJ Dinners w/ DJ Phantome Pantone Collective, 10:00PM PURPLE ONION CAFE Fwuit, 7:30PM SANCTUARY BREWING CO. Ellen Trnka, 7:00PM SLY GROG LOUNGE Cirque Du Noir Freak SHOWcase, 9:00PM SOVEREIGN KAVA Ping Pong Tournament, 8:00PM THE GREY EAGLE Daniel Donato & Taylor McCall, 8:00PM THE ORANGE PEEL Love, Hate and Standup Comedy Revue, feat.12 of Asheville's Sexiest Comics, 8:00PM THE SOCIAL LOUNGE Live Music Thursdays, 9:00PM THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL Thomas Wolfe Short Story, 5:30PM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14 5 WALNUT WINE BAR Jim & The Giant Jam, (funky groove), 9:00PM ALLEY CAT SOCIAL CLUB West Asheville Prom, 9:00PM AMBROSE WEST Stardust Mine presents George & Tammy: Forever Valentines, 8:00PM

WED 2 /12 7PM– MY NEW FAVORITES: APPALACHIAN INFUSED HONKY-TONK

T HU 2 /13 7PM– DANA AND SUSAN ROBINSON

F RI 2 /14 7PM– O’CONNER LEE 8:30PM– KAT WILLIAMS “A SPELL ON YOU”

SAT 2 /15 7PM– AN EVENING WITH TIM EASTON

ARCHETYPE BREWING BROADWAY Ham Night w/ tunes by the Gypsy Swingers, 5:30PM ASHEVILLE DISPENSARY CannaComedy!

Valentine's Day Edition, 8:30PM ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR The Travelling Pilsburys, 8:00PM ASHEVILLE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE Make & Mingle, 7:00PM ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Official AVL Afterparty Umphrey's Strikes Brass feat. ESB w/ members of Umphrey's McGee, 11:00PM

8:30PM– AN EVENING WITH JACK BROADBENT

SUN 2 /16 6PM– AN EVENING WITH THE PROMISE IS HOPE 7:30PM– AN EVENING WITH JOEL CUMMINS OF UMPHREY’S MCGEE

T UE 2 /18 7:30PM– TUESDAY BLUEGRASS SESSIONS HOSTED BY THE DARREN NICHOLSON BAND

WED 2 /19 7PM– GREG KLYMA: C&W TOUR 2020

BATTERY PARK BOOK EXCHANGE Dinah's Daydream (Gypsy jazz), 6:00PM BOLD ROCK HARD CIDER Valentine's Day Steal the Pint & Cider Cinema: Sleepless in Seattle , 11:00AM CENTRAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH LudwigVaniversary Piano Recital #2, 8:00PM CLUB ELEVEN ON GROVE Freaky Fridays January, 9:00PM CORK & KEG Red Hot Sugar Babies, 8:30PM CROW & QUILL Drayton & the Dreamboats (vintage jazz & pop), 9:00PM EXPLOREASHEVILLE. COM ARENA AT HARRAH'S

GUITAR MASTERS CHRISTI LENE’E AND DANIEL CHAMPAGNE

T HU 2 / 20 7PM– AN EVENING WITH LEMON SPARKS

F RI 2 / 21 7PM– AN EVENING WITH FEW MILES SOUTH 9PM– THE FLOYD PHILHARMONIC

ISISASHEVILLE.COM DINNER MENU TIL 9:30PM LATE NIGHT MENU TIL 12AM BRUNCH 10-2 SUNDAY ONLY

TUES-SUN 5PM-until

743 HAYWOOD RD | 828-575-2737 MOUNTAINX.COM

FEB. 12 - 18, 2020

39

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Dance Hall / Live Music COMMUNITY BAR Green / Vegan Event Space

FREE Parking on Eagle/Charlotte Streets 39 S. Market St. • 254-9277

CHEROKEE CENTER ASHEVILLE Umphrey’s McGee, 6:30PM

ONE WORLD BREWING The Infamous Mockingbirds Valentine's Phish Show, 9:00PM

FLEETWOOD'S Annual Fake Mass Wedding at Fleetwood's!, 8:00PM

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST OWB West: A Motown Loveday Throwdown w/ White Chocolate Dance Party, 9:00PM

FUNKATORIUM Funny Business at The Funkatorium Presents: Valentine’s Comedy Special w/Jessimae Peluso, 7:00PM GINGER'S REVENGE Liz Teague Band (Americana, country), 7:30PM HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY Valentine's Day Fun & Beer Release w/ tunes by Third Nature, 7:00PM HOPEY & CO The Mic is Open hosted by Heather Taylor, 7:00PM

17 Taps & Domestics • Nightly Drink Specials

FULL KITCHEN • TIKI BAR AWARD-WINNING WING SPECIALS Sun., Tue., Wed. & Thur. • 6-8Pm

Mon-Thur 4pm-2am • Fri-Sun 2pm-2am 87 Patton Ave – Downtown Asheville

ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 O’Connor Lee, 7:00PM Kat Williams: A Spell on You, 8:30PM LEAF GLOBAL ARTS LEAF Global Arts Grand Opening Celebration, 6:00PM LAZOOM ROOM LaZoom Comedy: Gilbert Lawand Night I, 9:00PM MAD CO BREWING Western Carolina Writers w/ Momma Molasses, 6:00PM NEW BELGIUM BREWERY Jane Kramer, 5:30PM

Daily select $4 drafts and $3 singles WED

2/12 THU

2/13 FRI

2/14 SAT

2/15 SUN

2/16 MON

PAINT FOR A CURE

paint party, wine & beer specials

MUSIC BINGO

sponsored by Highland Brewing.

Tapping Cold Mtn, Cold Mtn Imperial and Barrel Aged Chocolate Bon Bon Stout.

VALENTINES 2 FOR 22 SPECIAL

2 beers, 2 food items for $22

2ND ANNIVERSARY PARTY

Tapping 6 new beers (check FB for schedule), live music from 4:30-10.

SUNDAY FUNDAY

10 or more $4 drafts, BOGO 1/2 off all food

GENERAL TRIVIA

2/17

1/2 off food for service industry workers

TUE

$2 TUESDAY, OPEN MIC NIGHT

2/18

35 rotating taps

@CasualPintAsheville 1863 Hendersonville Rd 40

FEB. 12 - 18, 2020

MOUNTAINX.COM

ODDITORIUM Curious Folk Presents: Wild Realms (Medieval), 8:00PM OLE SHAKEY'S Friday After Work Concert Series, 5:00PM Valentines Punk Rock Prom, 9:00PM ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Free Dead Fridays feat. members of Phuncle Sam (acoustic), 5:00PM Winston Ramble, 10:00PM

ORANGE PEEL Guayakí Yerba Mate presents Ascension Tour w/ Liquid Stranger, 9:00PM PACK'S TAVERN DJ RexxStep (dance hits, pop), 9:30PM RED STAG GRILL Grand Bohemian presents Pianist Brian Turner, 8:00PM ROOTS + WINGS CREATIVE CAMPUS BEcoming YOU A Monthly Creative Recharge, 7:00PM SANCTUARY BREWING CO. Progressive Alliance Postcard Parties, 4:30PM Stray Mutt & Ashley Bean, 8:00PM SLY GROG LOUNGE Valentine’s at Sly Grog w/ Cloudgayzer, Bedazzlor, Abbaghead, Eeva, 8:00PM SOVEREIGN KAVA Oli-N-Water, 9:00PM STATIC AGE RECORDS Plaque Marks, GÄK, The Poles, 9:00PM THE BARRELHOUSE Exciterbox, 7:00PM THE GREY EAGLE Tony Macalpine, 7:00PM The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, 9:30PM THE MAGNETIC THEATRE The Magnetic Theatre's Weekend of Love: The Great American Strip Off: Valentine's Day Edition, 7:00PM THOMAS WOLFE AUDITORIUM NDC Regionals: Inspire Dance Competition, 3:00PM

TOWN PUMP Big Dawg Slingshots, 9:00PM

CAROLINA MUSIC MUSEUM Tuba Gin, 7:30PM

URBAN ORCHARD CIDER CO. SOUTH SLOPE 90's Valentine's Dance, 8:00PM

CONUNDRUM SPEAKEASY & INTRIQUE LOUNGE Ashli Bales, 7:00PM

WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN Bardic Alchemy, 8:00PM WILD WING CAFE SOUTH A Social Function, 9:00PM WORTHAM CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Flamenco Vivo Matinee 10:00AM Valentine's VIP pre-show Flamenco Tablao, 6:00PM Flamenco Vivo, Carlota Santana, 8:00PM ZAMBRA Jason Moore (jazz), 7:00PM

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 27 CLUB Our VOICE Benefit Show Feat. Lyric, 7:00PM 5 WALNUT WINE BAR Laura Blackley & The Wildflowers, (folk, blues), 9:00PM AMBROSE WEST Tall Tall Trees Album Release w/ Slow Packer, 8:00PM ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY Dance Party w/ DJ Lil Meow Meow, 10:00PM ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR Swing Step band followed

by Reverend Finster, 5:00PM ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Lespecial, 11:00PM BLACK MOUNTAIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS Zoe & Cloyd Valentine's Concert, 7:30PM BOLD ROCK HARD CIDER Preachervan, 6:00PM

CORK & KEG Critton Hollow String Band, 8:30PM CROW & QUILL The Vaden Landers Band (local honky tonk), 9:00PM EXPLOREASHEVILLE. COM ARENA AT HARRAH'S CHEROKEE CENTER - ASHEVILLE Umphrey’s McGee, 6:30PM FINES CREEK COMMUNITY CENTER Valentine’s Dinner & Dance w/ Running Wolfe and the Renegades and the Fines Creek Flatfooters, 6:00PM FLEETWOOD'S Razzle Dazzle Sugar & Spice Valentine’s Special, 9:00PM GINGER'S REVENGE Laurel Lee and the Escapees (Americana), 7:30PM HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY Assembly Required: Asheville Designer Toy Expo, 11:00AM ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 Tim Easton, 7:00PM Jack Broadbent, 8:30PM LAZOOM ROOM LaZoom Comedy: Gilbert Lawand Night II, 9:00PM ODDITORIUM Never Understand, The Egg Eaters, and the Deathbots, 9:00PM ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Buddhagraph Spaceship, 10:00PM ONE WORLD BREWING WEST OWB West: Death Nebula Album Release, 9:00PM

Kids Issues

publish in March

advertise@mountainx.com

WED

ASHEVILLE SKATE FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER, 6PM

THU

DANIEL DONATO

12 ORANGE PEEL Kid Hop Hooray! Indoor Dance Party, 10:00AM Kamasi Washington, 9:00PM

THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL Julia Wolfe’s Annual Birthday Celebration, 9:30AM

PACK'S TAVERN Hard Knox, 9:30PM

TOWN PUMP The Dusty Travelers, 9:00PM

PILLAR ROOFTOP BAR The Paper Crowns, 7:00PM PURPLE ONION CAFE Sally & George, 8:00PM SAINT PAUL MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS 3 Shades of Gray, 3:00PM SALVAGE STATION Lucero, 8:30PM Doom Flamingo: AVL Official Umphrey's Late Night, 11:59PM SANCTUARY BREWING CO. The Get Right Band, 8:00PM SLY GROG LOUNGE Wham Bam Puppet Slam, Assembly Required After Party, 8:00PM SOVEREIGN KAVA Michael Jerry Stevens Quartet, 9:00PM STATIC AGE RECORDS Conor and the Wild Hunt, Witch Party, Bless Your Heart, 8:00PM THE BLOCK OFF BILTMORE Healer By Day/Hooker

By Night, 7:30PM THE GREY EAGLE Two Step & Swing Dance Lessons, 12:00PM Y&T w/ Red Reign, 8:00PM THE MAGNETIC THEATRE The Magnetic Theatre's Weekend of Love: Improv Workshops & Performance, 5:00PM

THIS WEEK AT AVL MUSIC HALL & THE ONE STOP!!!

THE SOCIAL LOUNGE DJ StrongMagnumOpus, 10:00PM

WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN AJO, 8:00PM WILD WING CAFE Karaoke, 9:30PM WORTHAM CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Shoshana Bean, 8:00PM

HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY *Assembly Required: Asheville Designer Toy Expo, 11:00AM Reggae Sunday w/ Chalwa, 2:00PM ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 The Promise is Hope, 6:00PM Joel Cummins of Umphrey’s McGee, 7:30PM

ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL World Famous Bluegrass Brunch, 10:30AM

13

ORANGE PEEL Waltz Night at The Peel!, 6:00PM

14

THE GREY EAGLE Burlesque Brunch, 12:00PM New Bomb Turks w/ Nine Pound Hammer & Cloud City Caskets, 8:00PM

ODDITORIUM Odd World Danger Show, 8:00PM

SANCTUARY BREWING CO. Blues Brunch Series Hosted

by Blake Ellege, 1:00PM

FRI

FRI

14

TONY MACALPINE, 7PM

BURLESQUE BRUNCH, 12PM

SUN

NEW BOMB TURKS W/ NINE POUND HAMMER, CLOUD CITY CASKETS

MON

17

W/ CHRIS SCHIERMANN

TUE

THE DIRTY DOZEN BRASS BAND

18

Y&T

SAT

SUN

16

W/ TAYLOR MCCALL

15

16

WAYNE HANCOCK

W/ JOE BUCK YOURSELF

WED

19

AUSTRALIA BUSHFIRE

BENEFIT CONCERT

SUMMER SALT W/ OKEY DOKEY, BREAKUP SHOES

Asheville’s longest running live music venue • 185 Clingman Ave TICKETS AVAILABLE AT HARVEST RECORDS & THEGREYEAGLE.COM

ZAMBRA Dinah's Daydream (Gypsy jazz), 7:00PM

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16 5 WALNUT WINE BAR Underhill Rose, (country soul), 7:00PM AB TECH, FERGUSON AUDITORIUM ACLU screening of The Report w/ post-film discussion, 1:00PM AMBROSE WEST Dirty Logic at Ambrose West- Live Video Shoot, 8:00PM ARCHETYPE BREWING Post-Brunch Blues, 4:00PM BATTERY PARK BOOK EXCHANGE Pimps of Pompe Sundays (Gypsy jazz hiphop), 3:00PM

UPCOMING SHOWS: DOORS 7PM

STARDUST MINE PRESENTS:

SHOW 8PM

DOORS 7PM

TALL TALL TREES (ALBUM RELEASE)

SHOW 8PM

DIRTY LOGIC

SHOW 8PM

FEB 14

FEB 14

GEORGE AND TAMMY’S FOREVER VALENTINE

FEB 15

DOORS 7PM

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SHOW 8:30PM

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OPEN TUES - SAT 11:00AM - 9:00PM

» Trivia Wednesdays » Drag Show Thursdays » Open Mic February 14th: Valentine's Theme

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BOLD ROCK HARD CIDER Identikit, 3:00PM

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FEB 15

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FLEETWOOD'S Comedy at Fleetwood's: Aaron Naylor, 8:00PM

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FUNKATORIUM An Afternoon of Bluegrass Feat. Gary ‘Macfiddle’ Mackey, 1:00PM

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THU, 2/13 - SHOW: 9 pm (DOORS: 8 pm ) - TICKETS: adv. $15

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LOCAL THURSDAY SHUFFLE - 10pm

Free Dead Friday - 5pm

SUN

Mitch’s Totally Rad Trivia - 6:30pm

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disclaimer comedy - 9:30pm

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Tuesday Early Jam - 8PM Tuesday Night Funk Jam - 10PM Electrosoul Session - 11:30PM

WED

TUE

2/20 - Wednesday Night Titans • 2/21 - Dr. Bacon w/ The Freeway Jubilee • 2/22 - The Digs & Friends (80s, 90s, 00s) • 2/27 - Passafire, Bumpin Uglies & Joey Harkum • 2/28 - K.L.O, Duffrey, Soul Candy & Opulence • 2/29 - Weedeater & The Goddamn Gallows World Famous Bluegrass Brunch - 10:30am-3pm Shakedown Sundays - 4pm-7pm MOUNTAINX.COM

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Local

COVERUP: The first annual Masquerade in the Mountains: Marshall Masked Ball offers DJ sets by DJ Hypnocat, pictured, as well as In Plain Sight and Mr. Morrow.

Expect a gothic and baroque atmosphere at Marshall High Studios on Blannahassett Island, with surprise performances and installations, as well as beer and wine provided by Mad Co. Brew House. Funds raised benefit the Madison County Arts Council. Saturday Feb. 29, 8 p.m. $20-25 advance/$30 day of show. Attendees can reserve a mask for an additional $20. marshallhighstudios.com. Photo by Cricket Haguewood Photography

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17 185 KING STREET Karaoke Night, 7:30PM 27 CLUB Monday Mayhem Karaoke, 9:00PM 5 WALNUT WINE BAR CaroMia, Mary Ellen Davis, Amanda Platt (folk), 7:00PM ALLEY CAT SOCIAL CLUB Monday Movie Night, 8:00PM ARCHETYPE BREWING Old Time Jam, 6:00PM ASHEVILLE CLUB Improv & Sketch Show, 7:30PM FLEETWOOD'S Stand Up 101, Comedy Class, 7:00PM HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY Nerdy Talk Trivia, 6:00PM LEAF GLOBAL ARTS LEAF Loves Asheville Day, 11:00AM

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ODDITORIUM Risqué Monday Burlesque Hosted by Deb Au Nare), 8:00PM

THE GREY EAGLE Australian Bushfire Benefit Concert, 6:00PM

OLE SHAKEY'S Karaoke From Muskogee, 9:00PM

THOMAS WOLFE AUDITORIUM AT HARRAH'S CHEROKEE CENTER - ASHEVILLE NEW DATE: Gordon Lightfoot 80 Years Strong Tour, 7:00PM

ONE WORLD BREWING OWB Downtown: Open Mic, 8:00PM ONE WORLD BREWING WEST OWB West: Jazz Jam , 12:00AM ORANGE PEEL Waltz Night (lesson 6-6:45), 7:00PM SANCTUARY BREWING CO. Open Mic Night w/ It Takes All Kinds, 7:00PM SOVEREIGN KAVA Stage Fright Open Mic (sign-up at 8PM), 8:00PM THE BLOCK OFF BILTMORE Presidents' Day Poetry: Tomb of the Unknown Father, a Reading by Lee Stockdale , 8:00PM THE GOLDEN PINEAPPLE Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 8:00PM

WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN Local Live! Jay Brown hosts w/ Dana Marie Seals, 7:00PM

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18 5 WALNUT WINE BAR The John Henrys, (hot jazz), 8:00PM ALLEY CAT SOCIAL CLUB Open Mic & Live Podcast, 8:00PM ARCHETYPE BREWING Tango Class & Milonga Dance w/ Mary Morgan, Eric Knoche & Stanley Dankoski, 7:00PM ASHEVILLE CLUB BluesDay Tuesday w/ Mr. Jimmy, 6:00PM

ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR Classical Guitar, 8:00PM ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Tuesday Night Funk Jam, 10:00PM CROWNE PLAZA EXPO CENTER Leadership Asheville Winter Buzz Breakfast – Social Resilience, 8:00AM HAYWOOD COUNTRY CLUB Turntable Tuesdays hosted

by VTT, 10:00PM HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY US Cornhole League, 6:00PM ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 Tuesday Bluegrass Sessions hosted by The Darren Nicholson Band, 7:30PM LIFE STORY STUDIOS Writing My Extraordinary Life, 6:00PM MAD CO BREW HOUSE NC Songsmiths, 5:00PM MAD CO BREWING NC Songsmiths: Quetzal Jordan, 6:00PM

ODDITORIUM Free Open Mic Comedy, 8:00PM OLE SHAKEY'S Booty Tuesday, 10:00PM ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Tuesday Early Jam, 8:00PM ONE WORLD BREWING OWB Downtown: Jack Pearson's Comedy Cosmos (stand-up), 9:00PM ONE WORLD BREWING WEST OWB West: FLOW, 8:00PM PILLAR ROOFTOP BAR Rhoda & The Risers live at Pillar Rooftop Bar, 7:00PM SANCTUARY BREWING CO. Tacos & Trivia, 7:00PM SOVEREIGN KAVA Open Jam w/ Chris Cooper & Friends (sign up at 6:30PM), 8:00PM THE CASUAL PINT Open Mic Night, 7:30PM THE GREY EAGLE Wayne ‘The Train’ Hancock w/ Joe Buck Yourself, 8:00PM THE MARKET PLACE RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE Rat Alley Cats, 6:30AM THE SOCIAL LOUNGE The Trivia Factory, 7:30PM TWIN LEAF BREWERY Robert's Twin Leaf Trivia, 8:00PM WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN Irish Music Circle, 6:45PM Open Mic, 8:45PM

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19 12 BONES BREWERY Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7:00PM 5 WALNUT WINE BAR Les Amis, (African folk music), 8:00PM ALLEY CAT SOCIAL CLUB Karaoke w/ Kari - Okay, 9:00PM AMBROSE WEST Worthwhile Sounds presents: Barnes Gordy Walsh 8:00PM ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR AGB Open Mic Showcase, 6:30PM FLEETWOOD'S Bryan, Raggedy & Claire Brockway, 9:00PM

FUNKATORIUM Grass at the Funk feat. the Saylor Brothers, 6:30PM HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY Woody Wood Wednesday, 6:00PM ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 Greg Klyma, 7:00PM Christie Lenee & Daniel Champagne, 8:30PM ODDITORIUM Wreath, Hug, Shutterings (indie), 8:00PM OLE SHAKEY'S Sexy Tunes w/ DJ Franco Nino, 10:00PM ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Disclaimer Stand-Up Lounge Comedy Open Mic, 9:00PM ONE WORLD BREWING WEST OWB West: Latin Dance Night w/ DJ Oscar (Bachatta, Merengue, Salsa), 9:00PM SANCTUARY BREWING CO. FBVMA Mountain Music Jam, 6:00PM

TAVERN Downtown on the Park Eclectic Menu • Over 30 Taps • Patio 15 TV’s • Sports Room • 110” Projector Event Space • Shuffleboard Open 7 Days 11am - Late Night LIVE M R A COV USIC , E V NE ER CHARGE!

THU. 2/13 Jessie Barry & Jeff Anders (acoustic rock)

FRI. 2/14 DJ RexxStep

(dance hits, pop)

SAT. 2/15 Hard Knox (classic rock)

20 S. Spruce St. • 225.6944 packStavern.com

SLY GROG LOUNGE Weird Wednesday Jam, 9:00PM SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN BREWERY Jazz Night hosted by Jason DeCristofaro, 6:30PM SOVEREIGN KAVA Poetry Open Mic w/ Caleb Beissert, 8:00PM STATIC AGE RECORDS Lavender Blue, Sophia Corinne & LUNCH, 9:00PM THE CASUAL PINT Open Mic Nigh!, 7:00PM THE GOLDEN FLEECE Scots-Baroque Chamber-Folk w/ the Tune Shepherds, 7:00PM

BUBBLE & OYSTER THURSDAYS

THE SOCIAL LOUNGE Knotty G's, 9:00PM VIVIAN French Wine Dinner at Vivian, 6:00PM WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN The Second Civil War, 7:30PM

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FEB. 12 - 18, 2020

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MOVIE REVIEWS

Hosted by the Asheville Movie Guys HHHHH

= MAX RATING

EDWIN ARNAUDIN earnaudin@mountainx.com

H PICK OF THE WEEK H

Downhill HHHH DIRECTORS: Nat Faxon and Jim Rash PLAYERS: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Will Ferrell, Miranda Otto, Zach Woods COMEDY/DRAMA RATED R The number of English-language remakes of foreign-language films that improve on their source material can be counted on one hand — and a mangled one at that.

For years, Martin Scorsese’s The Departed (based on Andrew Lau’s and Alan Mak’s Infernal Affairs) and Cameron Crowe’s Vanilla Sky (working from Alejandro Amenábar’s Abre los Ojos) had been the lone exceptions, but they’re now joined by Nat Faxon’s and Jim Rash’s family ski vacation dramedy, Downhill.

The Oscar-winning adapters of the masterful The Descendants and writers/ directors of the delightful The Way Way Back zero in on the masculinity and matrimonial themes central to Ruben Östlund’s miserable, dry — and, naturally, critically beloved — Force Majeure (2014), shave more than half an hour from the run time and inject it with biting yet relatable humor, besting the Swedish original in every conceivable regard.

Fittingly, the official credit reads that Downhill is “inspired by” Östlund’s film instead of “based on” it, though the core components are essentially the same.

Here, Boston couple Billie (Julia LouisDreyfus) and Pete (Will Ferrell) and their two preteen sons are having a terrific holiday in the Alps until one of the socalled “controlled avalanches” happening at their resort gets slightly out of control, making it look like guests on the 44

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café patio might be killed by the rapidly approaching snow.

Rather than help protect his family or pull them to safety, Pete inexplicably grabs his cellphone and books it, leaving his terrified wife and children behind, and then returns once danger has passed, acting as if nothing had happened while the other three look on in speechless astonishment.

The fallout from Pete’s behavior is understandably harsh, but instead of belaboring the point to Force Majeure’s tiresome, repetitive extent, the script lingers on Billie’s disdain and disbelief just enough to get her wounded feelings across. The film then revisits the conflict at natural junctures, prompted

by Pete’s inability to apologize and his attempts at deflecting blame — or at least casting enough doubt that he appears less at fault.

Scenes in which the issue is dragged out in front of their sons or Pete’s carefree (and child-free) vacation-crashing colleague Zach (Zach Woods, HBO’s “Silicon Valley”) and Pete’s Instagramhashtag-loving girlfriend Rosie (Zoe Chao, Where’d You Go, Bernadette) are especially caustic and allow LouisDreyfus and Ferrell to show their impressive ranges.

Under Faxon’s and Rash’s leadership, the story is still not a rich enough premise to inspire a great film — it just barely fills its 80-plus minutes — but theirs is nonetheless a very good one. The duo recognize the potential in and limitations of the material and allow the main concepts to receive sufficient attention without wearing them out.

BRUCE STEELE bcsteele@gmail.com Most importantly, the humor actually lands this time, especially in the increasingly awkward scenarios that the couple find themselves in while apart from one another, including Billie’s rendezvous with a sexy ski instructor and Pete’s immature guys-only hang with Zach. And whenever Miranda Otto shows up as flirty concierge Charlotte, quirky laughs soon follow.

Missing, however, is any element from Force Majeure that teases a payoff and fails to deliver. There are no pointlessly long, faux-treacherous ski lift rides or solo wanderings in the woods that play like bad homages to the king of empty promises, Michael Haneke, and no shady-looking hotel cleaning man popping up for extended beady-eyed stares that likewise ultimately prove inconsequential.

Downhill is so thoroughly its own film that Faxon and Rash even get the lone cast crossover out of the way early in order to let their version breathe all the more.

Kristofer Hivju (Tormund Giantsbane from “Game of Thrones”), who plays the “Zach” character in Force Majeure, is kind enough to join the Downhill cast as the resort’s no-bullshit safety supervisor, earns a few chuckles, then vanishes from the film.

Viewers still curious about seeing Force Majeure as a comparison and/or for completist’s sake would be wise to have those thoughts disappear as well.

Starts Feb. 14 at the Fine Arts Theatre REVIEWED BY EDWIN ARNAUDIN EARNAUDIN@MOUNTAINX.COM

Birds of Prey HHH DIRECTOR: Cathy Yan PLAYERS: Margot Robbie, Rosie Perez, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ewan McGregor ACTION/ADVENTURE RATED R When you think about it, the most interesting thing about the Batman franchise isn’t the caped crusader himself or his alter ego, Bruce Wayne. It’s the colorful cast of characters that keeps Gotham City mired in a cesspool of crime and corruption.

But watch out, Catwoman: Gotham’s current “It” girl is Harley Quinn.

Birds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn is a

THIS WEEK’S CONTRIBUTOR

Michelle Keenan

spinoff from 2016’s abysmal, testosterone-laced Suicide Squad. For those who spared themselves David Ayer’s cinematic wrist-slitting, Harley (played by reallife Hollywood “It” girl Margot Robbie) is the psychologist-turned-psychopath

STARTING FRIDAY Downhill (R) HHHH (Pick of the Week) JUST ANNOUNCED Fantasy Island (PG-13) A horror adaptation by Blumhouse Productions (Get Out; Insidious) of the ’70s TV show.

The Photograph (PG-13) The daughter of a famous photographer seeks answers about her mysterious mother while falling for a young journalist. Issa Rae and LaKeith Stanfield star.

Sonic the Hedgehog (PG) A live-action/animated adaptation of the beloved SEGA video game, starring Jim Carrey as the evil Dr. Ivo Robotnik.

CURRENTLY IN THEATERS 1917 (R) HHHHS 2020 Oscar-nominated Short Films: Animation (PG-13) HHHH 2020 Oscar-nominated Short Films: Documentary (R) HHHH 2020 Oscar-nominated Short Films: Live-action (R) HHH Bad Boys for Life (R) HH Birds of Prey (R) HHH Dolittle (PG) HHHS Fantastic Fungi (NR) HHHH The Gentlemen (R) HHHH Gretel & Hansel (PG-13) HHH Jojo Rabbit (PG-13) HHHHH Joker (R) HHHS Jumanji: The Next Level (PG-13) HHHS Just Mercy (PG-13) HHHHS Knives Out (PG-13) HHHHH Les Misérables (R) HHH Little Women (PG) HHHHH Pain & Glory (R) HHHH Parasite (R) HHHHH The Rhythm Section (R) HHH Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (PG-13) HHHHS The Turning (PG-13) HH Uncut Gems (R) HHHHH Weathering with You (PG-13) HHHHS

girlfriend of Batman’s archnemesis, The Joker (played oh-so-disappointingly

by Jared Leto). In stark contrast to its predecessor, Birds of Prey is a feminist funhouse ride through the amusement park of Harley’s psychotic mind, complete with colorful graphics and quirky narration.

After being dumped by “Mr. J,” Harley throws herself a boozy pity party.

But without the protection of Gotham’s criminal mastermind, she soon finds herself the target of every crook, gangster and mobster in the city — each of whom has at least one creative grievance with her. At the head of the line is narcissistic, misogynistic nightclub owner, Roman Sionis, aka Black Mask (Ewan McGregor). Along the way, Harley forms an unlikely alliance (our “Birds”) with three other pissed-off women and a young pickpocket in possession of a valuable diamond.

At one point, Harley explains that a harlequin is a comedic entertainer meant to serve the public and her master, but that without a master, she is nothing.

This is how Harley sees herself until she teams up with the Birds. Unfortunately, the flock doesn’t really come together until three-quarters of the way through the movie, and, while sketched out well enough to get the general gist of each one’s backstory, their characters are woefully underdeveloped. All indicators point to sequels and spinoffs, so, as was

the case with Harley, maybe we’ll learn more about them in future films.

Infused with a hefty dose of kick-ass girl power, Birds of Prey shirks the toxicity of Suicide Squad and the referential tone of many DC Extended Universe titles. Director Cathy Yan (Dead Pigs) and screenwriter Christina Hodson (Bumblebee) make a point to keep a sense of humor throughout, which masks some moments of pretty gruesome violence (a rather harlequin-esque quality, actually).

Aesthetically, Birds of Prey legitimately has the feel of a comic book, and some of its best moments are almost cartoonish.

However, a nonlinear chronology and some pacing issues do the film no favors.

Robbie, who also co-produced Birds of Prey, clearly loves playing Harley and she sparkles throughout, even when her antics make you cringe. She’s not exactly a role model for young women, but armed with roller skates, a baseball bat and gymnastlike athleticism, she realizes her emancipation and ends up — at least temporarily — on the right side of the law.

The fact that Birds of Prey makes mincemeat out of Suicide Squad doesn’t make it fantabulous, but it does make it rather entertaining for those who can stomach a carnival ride through Gotham City.

REVIEWED BY MICHELLE KEENAN REELTAKES@HOTMAIL.COM

SCREEN SCENE

by Edwin Arnaudin | earnaudin@mountainx.com

MIND THE GAP: Fairview-based farmer Emma Childs, left, and Crestonbased farmer Richard Horodyski are interviewed in the new documentary Left Behind: Hope and Health in North Carolina. Photos courtesy of American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network

FILM ‘THE OTHER AMERICA’ MLK SPEECH • WE (2/12), 1-2:30pm - The Other America, film and panel discussion on Dr. King’s

Two Western North Carolina residents are featured in American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s new documentary film, Left Behind: Hope and Health in North Carolina. Fairview-based farmer Emma Childs and Creston-based farmer Richard Horodyski are interviewed in director Ky Dickens’ 20-minute short, which explores the difficulties faced by uninsured state residents who also earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid.

The film premiered Jan. 30 at the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh and is currently available to view for free online. avl.mx/6wg X

speech that was a call to action. Free. Held at AB Tech, Ferguson Auditorium, 340 Victoria Road

The Report, followed

'THE REPORT'

AB Tech, Ferguson

• SU (2/16), 1-3:30pm - Film screening of

Auditorium, 340

by discussion.

Co-sponsored by Carolina Jews for Justice. Free. Held at

Victoria Road

FLOOD GALLERY FOREIGN FILM SERIES • FR (2/14), 8pm Aparajito, film screening. Free to attend.

Held at Flood Gallery Fine Art Center, 850 Blue Ridge Road, Unit A-13, Black Mountain

heville Movie Guys s A e h t n i o J for the next Movie Night!

The evening includes a brief introduction by the Asheville Movie Guys, Bruce C. Steele and Edwin Arnaudin of AshevilleMovies.com, as well as a lively discussion with the audience after the credits.

DOWNHILL Mon., 2/17, 7:20pm • Fine Arts Theatre 36 Biltmore Ave., Asheville

Do you want an email reminder prior to each Asheville Movie Guys night?

Send an email with ‘Asheville Movie Guys’ in the subject line to ashevillemovies@gmail.com Xpress readers who say “avalanche” at the box office receive a discounted ticket price of $6.50 per person.

Women’s Issue 2020

Promote your gender-related message and products!

Publishes 02.19.20 Contact us today! advertise@mountainx.com MOUNTAINX.COM

FEB. 12 - 18, 2020

45

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY ARIES (March 21-April 19): Now that she’s in her late forties, Aries comedian and actress Tig Notaro is wiser about love. Her increased capacity for romantic happiness has developed in part because she’s been willing to change her attitudes. She says, “Instead of being someone who expects people to have all the strengths I think I need them to have, I resolved to try to become someone who focuses on the strengths they do have.” In accordance with this Valentine’s season’s astrological omens, Aries, I invite you to meditate on how you might cultivate more of that aptitude yourself.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Taurus artist Joan Miró loved to daub colored paint on canvases. He said he approached his work in the same way he made love: “a total embrace, without caution, prudence thrown to the winds, nothing held back.” In accordance with astrological omens, I invite you to invoke a similar attitude with all the important things you do in the coming weeks. Summon the ardor and artistry of a creative lover for all-purpose use. Happy Valentine Daze, Taurus!

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In 1910, Gemini businessman Irving Seery was 20 years old. One evening he traveled to the Metropolitan Opera in New York City to see an opera starring the gorgeous and electrifying soprano singer Maria Jeritza. He fell in love instantly. For the next 38 years, he remained a bachelor as he nursed his desire to marry her. His devotion finally paid off. Jeritza married Seery in 1948. Dear Gemini, in 2020, I think you will be capable of a heroic feat of love that resembles Seery’s. Which of your yearnings might evoke such intensely passionate dedication? Happy Valentine Daze!

CANCER (June 21-July 22): I’ve been married twice, both times to the same woman. Our first time around, we were less than perfectly wise in the arts of relationship. After our divorce and during the few years we weren’t together, we each ripened into more graceful versions of ourselves; we developed greater intimacy skills. Our second marriage has been far more successful. Is there a comparable possibility in your life, Cancerian? A chance to enhance your ability to build satisfying togetherness?

An opening to learn practical lessons from past romantic mistakes? Now is a favorable time to capitalize. Happy Valentine Daze!

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In 1911, the famous Russian poet Anna Akhmatova and the famous Italian painter Amedeo Modigliani were in love with each other. Both were quite poor, though.

They didn’t have much to spend on luxuries. In her memoir, Akhmatova recalled the time they went on a date in the rain at the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris. Barely protected under a rickety umbrella, they amused each other by reciting the verse of Paul Verlaine, a poet they both loved. Isn’t that romantic? In the coming weeks, I recommend you experiment with comparable approaches to cultivating love. Get back to raw basics. Happy Valentine Daze!

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): [Warning: Poetry alert! If you prefer your horoscopes to be exclusively composed of practical, hyper-rational advice, stop reading now!] Happy Valentine Daze, Virgo! I hope there’s someone in your life to whom you can give a note like the one I’ll offer at the end of this oracle. If there’s not, I trust you will locate that person in the next six months.

Feel free to alter the note as you see fit. Here it is. “When you and I are together, it’s as if we have been reborn into luckier lives; as if we can breathe deeper breaths that fill our bodies with richer sunlight; as if we see all of the world’s beauty that alone we were blind to; as if the secrets of our souls’ codes are no longer secret.”

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FEB. 12 - 18, 2020

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In the course of your life, how many people and animals have truly loved you?

Three? Seven? More? I invite you to try this Valentine experiment: Write down their names on a piece of paper. Spend a few minutes visualizing the specific qualities in you that they cherished, and how they expressed their love, and how you felt as you received their caring attention. Then send out a beam of gratitude to each of them. Honor them with sublime appreciation for having treasured your unique beauty. Amazingly enough, Libra, doing this exercise will magnetize you to further outpourings of love in the coming weeks.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): [Warning: Poetry alert! If you prefer your horoscopes to be exclusively composed of practical, hyper-rational advice, stop reading now!]

Happy Valentine Daze, Scorpio! I invite you to copy the following passage and offer it to a person who is receptive to deepening their connection with you.

“Your healing eyes bless the winter jasmine flowers that the breeze blew into the misty creek. Your welcoming prayers celebrate the rhythmic light of the mud-loving cypress trees. Your fresh dreams replenish the eternal salt that nourishes our beloved song of songs. With your melodic breath, you pour all these not-yet-remembered joys into my body.” (This lyrical message is a blend of my words with those of Scorpio poet Odysseus Elytis.)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The poet Virgil, a renowned author in ancient Rome, wrote three epic poems that are still in print today. His second was a masterpiece called the Georgics. It took him seven years to write, even though it was only 2,740 lines long. So on average he wrote a little over one line per day. I hope you’ll use him as inspiration as you toil over your own labors of love in the coming weeks and months. There’ll be no need to rush. In fact, the final outcomes will be better if you do them slowly.

Be especially diligent and deliberate in all matters involving intimacy and collaboration and togetherness.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): [Warning: Poetry alert! If you prefer your horoscopes to be exclusively composed of practical, hyper-rational advice, stop reading now!]

Happy Valentine Daze, Capricorn! I invite you to copy the following passage and offer it to a person who is ready to explore a more deeply lyrical connection with you. “I yearn to earn the right to your whispered laugh, your confident caress, your inscrutable dance. Amused and curious, I wander where moon meets dawn, inhaling the sweet mist in quest of your questions. I study the joy that my imagination of you has awakened. All the maps are useless, and I like them that way. I’m guided by my nervous excitement to know you deeper. Onward toward the ever-fresh truth of your mysterious rhythms!”

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Aquarian author Derek Walcott had a perspective on love that I suspect might come in handy for you during this Valentine season. “Break a vase,” he wrote, “and the love that reassembles the fragments is stronger than that love which took its symmetry for granted when it was whole.” I urge you to meditate on how you could apply his counsel to your own love story, Aquarius.

How might you remake your closest alliances into even better and brighter versions of themselves?

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Piscean poet Saul Williams wrote a meditation I hope you’ll consider experimenting with this Valentine season. It involves transforming mere kisses into SUBLIME KISSES. If you choose to be inspired by his thoughts, you’ll explore new sensations and meanings available through the act of joining your mouth to another’s. Ready?

Here’s Saul: “Have you ever lost yourself in a kiss?

I mean pure psychedelic inebriation. Not just lustful petting but transcendental metamorphosis, when you became aware that the greatness of this other being is breathing into you. Licking your mouth, like sealing a thousand fleshy envelopes filled with the essence of your passionate being, and then opened by the same mouth and delivered back to you, over and over again — the first kiss of the rest of your life.”

MOUNTAINX.COM

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BY ROB BREZSNY

REA L ESTATE | REN TA L S | R O O M M ATES | SER VI C ES JOB S | A N N OU N CEM ENTS | M I ND, BO DY, SPI R I T CL A SSES & WORKSH OPS | M USI C I ANS’ SER VI C ES PETS | A U TOMOTI VE | X C HANG E | ADULT Want to advertise in Marketplace? 828-251-1333 landrews@mountainx.com • mountainx.com/classifieds If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Remember the Russian proverb: “Doveryai, no proveryai,” trust but verify. When answering classified ads, always err on the side of caution. Especially beware of any party asking you to give them financial or identification information. The Mountain Xpress cannot be responsible for ensuring that each advertising client is legitimate. Please report scams to ads@mountainx.com RENTALS ROOMS FOR RENT Room For Rent In Avl. Spacious (1000 sq.ft.) and light studio efficiency for rent $950/ mo. includes utilities. Please call Larry 828-712-4566.

EMPLOYMENT GENERAL JOB OPPORTUNITY Job Opportunity for Section 3, Low Income Persons Minority Participating Commercial Contractor seeking to offer Section 3, Low Income and Very Low Income eligible Businesses, Vendors, Subcontractors, or individuals economic opportunities of job training, employment, and contracting work to promote local economic development and individual self sufficiency. We will provide economical units to allow for minority participation as well as provide assistance for bonding and insurance for Section 3 businesses. Also, quick payment policies to help minority suppliers and contractors participate will be available. We are committed to satisfy Section 3 obligations and our goal is to provide opportunities for Section 3 Businesses throughout this entire housing project. If you are a Section 3 Business or resident in the County area and seeking work, please contact us at 828-548-3675, email to ad938@bidsec3. com, or via fax at 828-5483682 to become part of our HUD assisted project and help promote quality housing and community development in this area. Plans are available at: https://parker.box.com/v/ Amaranth-Section-3.

NAVITAT CANOPY ADVENTURES- HIRING ADVENTURE & SALES GUIDE One of the nation's leading outdoor adventure companies is seeking hard-working, customer service-oriented team members. Spend 2020 working with a group of talented and passionate outdoor enthusiasts! Visit www.navitat.com/ asheville-nc/jobs TROLLEY TOUR GUIDES If you are a "people person," love Asheville, have a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and clean driving record you could be a great Tour Guide. Full-time and seasonal part-time positions available.

Training provided. Contact us today! 828 251-8687. Info@ GrayLineAsheville. com www.GrayLineAsheville.com

ADMINISTRATIVE/ OFFICE Blue Ridge Public Radio Business Manager Be part of an exciting and growing public media organization. Manage business and financial operations. Nonprofit experience is preferred. Full job description: www.bpr.org/careers. Send your resume and cover letter to: careers@bpr.org.

SALES/ MARKETING

SALES PROFESSIONAL Mountain Xpress is looking to add a new member to our sales team. Ideal candidates are personable, organized, motivated, and can present confidently, while working within a structure. Necessary skills include clear and professional communications (via phone, email, and in-person meetings), detailed record-keeping, and working well in a team environment. While no outside sales experience is required, experience dealing with varied and challenging situations is helpful. The position largely entails account development and lead generation (including cold-calling), account management, assisting clients with marketing and branding strategies, and working to meet or exceed sales goals. If you are a high energy, positive, cooperative person looking to join an independent, communityminded organization, please send a resume and cover letter (no walk-ins, please) explaining why you are a good fit for Mountain Xpress to: xpressjob@mountainx.com

RESTAURANT/ FOOD Dishwashers - FT and PT DISHWASHERS at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. play an important role in the success of our Taproom & Restaurant. This entry-level position allows you the opportunity to learn how our kitchen works, gain and improve your culinary skills, and show your dedication toward a long-term kitchen career. Dishwashers thoroughly clean and inspect dishes, silverware, glasses and kitchen equipment. To apply please visit our website https://sierranevada.com/ careers/.

HOST - PART TIME The Host is the first employee to interact with arriving guests as they enter the Taproom. It is the job of the Host to greet arriving guests, welcome them into the establishment and seat them according to established

guidelines. To Apply: Please visit our website https:// sierranevada.com/careers/ https://sierranevada.com/ careers/

TEACHING/ EDUCATION FULL-TIME POSITION A-B Tech is currently taking applications for a Full-Time position Baking and pastry Arts Instructor.

For more details and to apply: https://abtcc.peopleadmin. com/postings/5324 FULL-TIME POSITION A-B Tech is currently taking applications for a Full-Time position Baking and pastry Arts Instructor. For more details and to apply: https:// abtcc.peopleadmin.com/ postings/5324

SALON/ SPA FRONT DESK POSITION Sensibilities Day Spa is now hiring for a full-time front desk position. Sensibilities is a living wage certified employer.

The position does require the ability to work both locations. Weekends and evenings are required. Please bring resume to either location to apply.

HOME IMPROVEMENT CLEANING ALL-NATURAL HOUSE CLEANING All-Natural House Cleaning Services by Home Made. I use homemade, nontoxic cleaning solutions, bring all the supplies, and charge $25 per hour. See https:// www.facebook.com/anya. le.fae for more information.

CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR / BUILDER Contractor / builder, full house additions, remodeling and decks, 26 years experience, Asheville area Waynesville, good references, reasonable, license 32692 call George MCconnell 828 -712 -1536

GENERAL SERVICES Bookkeeping Services Bookkeeping Small Business Solutions.

Organizing income/ expenses, payroll, banking, tax preparation. Quickbooks/MS Office. Customized services.

Only pay for the time you need.

Flexible/reasonable, your office or remote. FortuneNetBooks@ gmail.com.

HANDY MAN HIRE A HUSBAND • HANDYMAN SERVICES Since 1993.

Multiple skill sets. Reliable, trustworthy, quality results.

Insured. References and estimates available.

Stephen Houpis, (828) 280-2254.

ANNOUNCEMENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS REQUESTING SUBCONTRACTOR QUOTES Requesting Subcontractor Quotes For: NCDOT Division 13 – Crossroads Parkway, Madison County – Extension of Crossroads Parkway to Calvin Edney Rd Date: February 19th, 2020 Quotes requested from Prequalified DBE Subcontractors or Subcontractors willing to prequalify prior to start of project. This project may involve some or all of the following aspects of construction: HAULING, EROSION CONTROL, AND GUARDRAIL. Project documents are available for viewing by contacting Graham County Land Company, LLC using the information below. Please contact Graham County Land Company, LLC by phone at 828-479-3581, by fax at 828-479-0124, or by email Thomas McMurray at thomas@gclnc.com no later than 3:00 pm the day before the bid date.

MIND, BODY, SPIRIT HEALTH & FITNESS Duo Movement for Valentine’s Day at Precision Pilates + Yoga with Loretta Zedella Keep the loving kindness going! Share movement and relaxation with someone you care about!

Bring a friend, daughter, dad, or partner. Explore simple poses together and enjoy individual stress relief work as we end with some dark chocolate!

828-774-5575. info@precisionpilates.com. precisionpilatesavl.com.

AUTOMOTIVE TRUCKS/ VANS/ SUVS FOR SALE 1986 Ford Ranger Restoration project. White with white camper on six foot bed Two door, four cylinder engine, manual transmission. Many new parts installed, new bench seat. Need to be towed. $700.

Text 828 450 3616

ADULT ADULT FEELING WHACKED? Let Kaye's revive you back! Incall/ Outcall 280-8182

T H E NEW Y O R K T IM E S C R O S S W O R D P UZ Z L E

Note: For the story behind this crossword, see nytimes.com/wordplay.

ACROSS 1 Like: Suffix

4 Eponymous character of Disneyland’s “Wild

Ride” 10 Tangy Greek cheese

edited by Will Shortz 14 Usual victim of Bart’s prank calls 15 Schwartz who spent Tuesdays with Mitch Albom 16 Robert Bolt’s “___ for All Seasons” 17 Early warnings of danger 19 “Miami ___” 20 Economic and legislative capital of Sri Lanka 21 Melancholy 23 Bronze ___ 24 English pop diva 26 Radiant display also called the Northern Lights 32 Glee club member 33 “Interstellar” actor Damon 34 Longer forearm bone 35 Biological messenger molecule 36 Extra-small amount, as of lotion 38 “Return from full-screen mode” key 40 “Thy sharp teeth …” referent 41 Yardstick part

puzzle by Amanda Yesnowitz and Joon Pahk 43 Egypt : pound :: Iran : ___ 45 Sacred lamb, from the Latin 47 Now-discontinued Chili’s appetizer with a rhyming name 50 Oscar-winning composer Jule 51 Workplace of Jack Bauer on “24,” for short 52 “I could go on and on …”

55 Tuna alternative 59 Zany anecdote 60 What’s an uncommon blood type … or a hint to this puzzle’s theme 63 Higher-up 64 “Old Man and the Sea” fish 65 Good friend of Stimpy 66 “I’m on your ___!”

67 Flashy one, for short?

68 Tribe of Israel

DOWN

1 Egg-shaped computer, once

2 Darth Vader’s sonin-law Han ___ 3 Mend 4 Echoic soup slogan 5 Heist figure 6 iPhone alternative, once 7 Southeast Division N.B.A. team, on scoreboards 8 Lack one’s usual vitality, maybe 9 Orange sherbet and others 10 “Very Bad Things” and “Swingers” actor Jon 11 Eastern prince 12 Order at Chipotle 13 Freshly 18 Crowd noises 22 “Rah!” at a bullfight 24 Org. for lawyers 25 “Spill the tea!”

26 Soft drink brand 27 Water bill listing 28 One might sleep on it 29 Ranchero’s plain 30 Discussionrecapping phrase 31 Suckers or syrups 32 Hollywood-area attraction La ___ Tar Pits

No. 0108

37 End point of a military march 39 Rookie move?

42 Encapsulation 44 Sixteenth president’s nickname 46 Outerwear?

48 New York Giants giant Mel 49 Elected congresswoman of 2018, Alexandria ___-Cortez

52 “For Your ___ Only” 53 One alternative to Uber 54 Rep 55 Young otter’s home 56 Owl or osprey 57 Unit of the eye containing the iris 58 Dollywood’s locale: Abbr.

61 A word from Scrooge 62 Debate stance

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS NY TIMES PUZZLE

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