Mountain Xpress 03.01.23

DAYS OF FUTURE PAST:

A warm, inviting spirit and a customer-first ethos are big reasons why this week’s cover models at Morgan’s Comics have been successful. But these heroic traits aren’t unique to the West Asheville shop. Throughout the city, comic book store owners say business is thriving on account of a collective effort to create community within the industry.

COVER PHOTO Courtesy of Morgan’s Comics

COVER DESIGN Scott Southwick

PUBLISHER & EDITOR: Jeff Fobes

ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER: Susan Hutchinson

OPERATIONS MANAGER: Able Allen

MANAGING EDITOR: Thomas Calder EDITOR: Lisa Allen

ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR: Thomas Calder

OPINION EDITOR: Tracy Rose

STAFF REPORTERS: Edwin Arnaudin, Thomas Calder, Andy Hall, Justin McGuire, Sara Murphy, Brooke Randle, Jessica Wakeman, Daniel Walton

COMMUNITY CALENDAR & CLUBLAND: Andy Hall, Braulio Pescador-Martinez

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Mindi Friedwald, Peter Gregutt, Mary Jean Ronan Herzog, Rob Mikulak, Daniel Walton

REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS: Mark Barrett, Blake Becker, Morgan Bost, LA Bourgeois, Carmela Caruso, Nikki Gensert, Bill Kopp

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS: Cindy Kunst

ADVERTISING, ART & DESIGN MANAGER: Susan Hutchinson

LEAD DESIGNER: Scott Southwick

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Tina Gaafary, Olivia Urban

MARKETING ASSOCIATES: Sara Brecht, Vicki Catalano, Scott Mermel

INFORMATION

TECHNOLOGIES & WEB: Able Allen

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COPYRIGHT

Sidewalks project shows little cooperation with neighborhood

The city of Asheville Capital Projects Department began the Vermont Avenue Sidewalks project in late 2018.

Since then, there have been many public meetings, presentations of design options, email communications with city Capital Projects staff, Asheville City Council and Mayor Esther Manheimer. By October 2021, there was a plan that the majority of the neighborhood was in favor of, and we believed that the city was going to move forward with the plan in summer 2022. Then a new survey was posted that allowed the entire city of Asheville to weigh in on the changes on our street, and three years of consultation between the neighborhood on Vermont Avenue was scrapped.

For the entire year of 2022, residents of Vermont Avenue in the project area have communicated with Jade Dundas, Capital Projects director, and his staff and Rachel Wood, assistant city manager. We have continued to try to communicate with the Capital Projects staff and Wood, and Asheville City Council and Mayor Manheimer. At the December 2022 meeting, Ms. Wood told some of us that a reconsideration of the project was possible as well as maintenance on existing sidewalks, if we wanted more engagement on this project. We have had no response from any member of the City Council or Mayor Manheimer. No plan for maintenance has been proposed, and the project has not been reconsidered.

I am afraid the city of Asheville is not interested in neighborhood input. When city spokesperson Kim Miller says they have received “overwhelming clear feedback from the community on the preferred

design option,” [“Squeaky Wheels: Community Groups Discuss City Advocacy,” Dec. 7, Xpress] she must be unaware of the 625 signatures on a petition to the Asheville mayor and City Council that states, “We, the undersigned, endorse a withdrawal of the current Asheville city plans that will cut down many of the trees and disturb the root systems of the remaining ones, ruining the neighborhood character and destroying much-needed native habitat for pollinators and other wildlife” or the video recording of Ms. Wood in which she stated there are options, if the neighborhood would like to continue input on the scope of the project. I have a digital copy of both the petition and the video recording.

At this writing, the Capital Projects Department is planning to begin cutting 11 of the maple trees on Vermont Avenue Tuesday, Feb. 21. Our neighborhood’s character will be forever changed, and Mr. Dundas, Ms. Wood,

Mayor Manheimer and the Asheville City Council will not respond to neighbor input. There is a great deal of talk about the city of Asheville’s cooperation with neighborhoods. That has not been the experience with the Vermont Avenue Sidewalks project. There has been a lot of communication, but not much cooperation.

— Mary Ann Braine Asheville

Editor’s note: The 11 trees mentioned above were indeed cut down Feb. 21, according to the Asheville Citizen Times. Xpress asked the city of Asheville about the letter writer’s points and received the following response from Dustin Clemens, program manager for the Capital Projects Department: “We would encourage interested readers to visit the Vermont Avenue Sidewalks project page at [avl.mx/cg0] to learn about the project background, previous design concepts and public engagement information.

“The history of the project shows how the sidewalk design has been heavily influenced by public feedback. The project has evolved from 7-foot-wide sidewalks requiring removal of all street trees to the final design, which preserves the existing sidewalk width, existing green space and 21 healthy trees. The final design will result in 54 total trees, a net increase in total trees by 22. This evolution is directly attributed to welcomed feedback provided by residents. We look forward to completing this project, which will provide a safe, accessible sidewalk and contribute to increasing Asheville’s overall urban tree canopy.”

BPR’s programming switch hits sour note

Am I living among the yahoos? With no warning, my favorite jazz and classical music programming was changed to a frequency unavailable to listeners in Candler and elsewhere in Western North Carolina to make 88.1 a news channel with the lame excuse that people in the mountains can’t access news. Who are they kidding?

All of us who depended on the music for expanding waves of harmony and well-being to soothe ears already inflamed by too much news are plumb out of luck.

What wrong-minded decision prompted this loss? I’m not supporting Blue Ridge Public Radio anymore, and I urge us all to protest in the way that will be felt by the uncaring producers of this horrendous negligence and indifference toward their supporters.

— Shirley Elias Candler

Editor’s note: Xpress reached out to BPR General Manager Jeff Pope with the letter writer’s points and received the following response: “I’m sorry you disagree with BPR’s decision to swap the 20 frequencies of our

CARTOON BY RANDY MOLTON

two formats — BPR News and BPR Classic — so we could bring more news to more people in WNC. BPR has served loyal listeners for more than 40 years with classical music and news programming. Our belief is that greater access to trusted news and respectful dialogue can create a more informed and connected civil society.

“The ‘Big Switch’ took effect Oct. 31, and BPR robustly messaged it on air and online beginning Oct. 10. We are currently evaluating BPR’s ability to expand its broadcast coverage in areas where service changed. With investment costs topping $200,000, support from dedicated listeners like this reader can make that possible.”

Building a healthier, safer and more caring future

On Jan. 7, I participated in a group discussion with the local Only One Earth Coalition group. The major topic rotated around the idea of communicating with each other and the local people. The group is dedicated to building a healthier, safer and more caring future for our children and grandchildren. This includes meaningful jobs, living wages, health care, supporting families and a sustainable environment.

Attending this meeting at the Land of the Sky church were 15 groups

like the Asheville Survival Program, Asheville Friends, Physicians for Social Responsibility, Veterans for Peace and college groups including those from UNC Asheville and Warren Wilson. The speakers did not spend time voicing criticisms but focused on speaking “truth to power.” How to communicate.

Lack of money prevents the coalition from buying ads in Mountain Xpress or flooding the public with mailings advocating social programs that support meaningful jobs. Without funds, many locals demonstrate in Asheville for social programs and peace. We cannot compete with the big money of corporations.

This brings me to a recent mailing I found in my mailbox. Raytheon is spending big money to influence our community. A large, colorful postcard, titled “Pratt & Whitney Joins the Asheville Community” arrived in my mailbox. Pratt & Whitney is an American aerospace manufacturer, a subsidiary of Raytheon Technologies now in Asheville. Its headquarters are in Arlington, Va., and thousands of its workers were laid off over the past few years. To get a better understanding, see Ken Jones’ letter in Mountain Xpress: “New Plant Is Leading Us in Wrong Direction” [Nov. 30].

Raytheon is an important link in the military-industrial complex, which

has the excessive influence on our society that President Eisenhower warned against in 1953: “Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and not clothed. This world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of the scientists, the hopes of its children. … This is not a way of life at all, in any true sense. Under the cloud of threatening war, it is humanity hanging from a cross of iron.”

Also, our fourth president, James Madison, 1809-17, wrote: “Of all the enemies to public liberty, war is perhaps the most to be dreaded, because it comprises and develops the germ of every other. War is the parent of armies; from these proceed debts and taxes … instruments for bringing the many under the domination of the few.” He went on to say war extends the influence of the president, seducing the mind and controlling the power of the people. This, he said, can be traced to “the inequality of fortunes, and opportunities of fraud, growing out of a state of war, and in the degeneracy of manners and of morals. … No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare.”

Do yourself a favor. Educate yourself. Study all sides of issues and

then act. Learning keeps life moving forward. What you do now can put you on a trajectory that determines your whole life. And, at age 87, you can still live a thriving and active life.

Let us live each day, be compassionate of heart, thought and action. Be gentle in words, gracious in your longing for goodness, truth and beauty, and, above all, be generous in love.

Give thought to poet Mary Oliver’s question: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” Email esacco189@ gmail.com for resources.

— Ed Sacco Asheville

CARTOON BY BRENT BROWN

Housing help

BY JESSICA WAKEMAN

jwakeman@mountainx.com

Pisgah Legal Services has found a way to entice attorneys of all stripes to contribute to the area’s need for housing law expertise with a new educational fellowship.

The nonprofit will train and mentor its first class of housing fellows on landlord-tenant law so they can take on eviction and housing condition-related cases. Recruited through private firms and bar associations, these attorneys will receive five hours of continuing legal education credits, or CLE, for free. (Active members of the North Carolina State Bar are required to take 12 hours of CLE annually.)

Pisgah Legal Services hopes that training lawyers about evictions and housing conditions can build local capacity to meet the current need for such expertise. Evictions in Asheville have returned to pre-pandemic levels, and many evictions begin when a tenant has raised concerns about housing conditions, says David Bartholomew , the nonprofit’s homelessness prevention services director.

The first training session for the housing fellowship program begins March 23. Katie Russell Miller , director of community engagement, says 14 people have applied as of mid-February and notes that applications are still being accepted.

Bartholomew says he doesn’t anticipate having to cap the number of fellowship participants. “If people are willing to go to court and represent tenants and protect their rights, I don’t think we’re going to try to limit that,” he says.

Fellowship to expand number of lawyers versed in evictions, housing issues

WNC, and it received 2,530 in 2019, Bartholomew says.

PHONES ‘BURNING UP’ FOR HELP

Within Buncombe County, eviction filings — known as a complaint for summary ejection in the North Carolina judicial system — have decreased from 2019. That year, 2,262 evictions were filed in the county, according to data shared by Phillip Hardin, Buncombe County Health and Human Services economic services director.

PRO BONO FOR PISGAH

The co-directors of the Pisgah Legal Services Housing Program, as well as attorneys in private practice in the area, will teach three 2.5hour training sessions once a month from March-May.

Topics will include the basics of summary ejectment (the N.C. General Statutes official terminology for an eviction), the eviction process in North Carolina, subsidized housing, fair housing and how to deal with housing condition issues and failure to repair issues, Bartholomew says. Housing condition issues often involve rental properties with mold,

he notes. He added that during the city’s water system crisis this winter, many tenants contacted Pisgah Legal Services about pipes bursting in their rental properties.

Once trained, the housing fellows will be able to provide pro bono assistance in small claims court and district courts anywhere where he or she is licensed. A Pisgah Legal Services attorney will co-counsel with fellows if requested.

The hope is that each fellow will take three-six pro bono cases for Pisgah Legal Services in 2023 and take additional pro bono cases in the future. Outside the courtroom, fellows might also be able to take volunteer shifts on housing advice hotlines, Bartholomew says.

Pisgah Legal Services receives thousands of applications for assistance with housing-related issues each year. In 2022, 3,149 individuals in Western North Carolina filed such applications, and 3,177 individuals did so in 2021, says Bartholomew. (He notes that Pisgah Legal Services doesn’t have data on the number of applications that were solely for evictions or solely for housing conditions, as there is often crossover between the two.)

Those figures are an increase from previous years: In 2020, Pisgah Legal Services received 2,924 applications for housing assistance across

In 2021 and 2020, the county saw 1,023 and 1,111 evictions filed, respectively, Hardin says. And the county saw 853 evictions filed from JanuaryNovember 2022. (December 2022 eviction filing data has not yet been released by the U.S. Census Bureau.) The decrease in eviction filings during the first few years of the pandemic resulted from federal and statewide measures to keep people housed during the public health emergency, such as emergency rental assistance programs, Bartholomew says. National and statewide eviction moratoriums also served as protective actions.

Emergency rental assistance supports tenants who can use the funds to cover rent, mortgage payments and utility payments. Buncombe County has had multiple infusions since the COVID-19 pandemic began, starting in March 2020, when the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners established One Buncombe, a “rapid relief fund” to help individuals. (The fund also assisted small businesses with low-interest loans.) The county “expended just a tad over $700,000 of One Buncombe fund dollars on rental, utility and mortgage assistance,” Hardin explains.

In fall 2020, Buncombe County received funding for a coronavirus stimulus and “expended another $750,000 or so for rental, utility and mortgage assistance,” Hardin continues.

Other emergency rent relief has been allocated by the state via federal funds. In January and May 2021, the county received two infusions of emergency rental assistance called ERA1 and ERA2, respectively, Hardin says. “Between those two pots of money, we’ve expended probably another $20 million,” he says. Stipulations of the funding required it to be disbursed by September 2022, after which the emergency rental

BRAIN POWER: David Bartholomew, homelessness prevention services director at Pisgah Legal Services, says attorneys can satisfy some of their continuing legal education requirements through the nonprofit’s new housing fellowship.

Photo courtesy of Pisgah Legal Services

assistance program was effectively put on pause.

Yet the community’s need for rent relief continued. “We had our phones burn up between September and January until we opened back up with more funding,” Hardin recalls.

On Jan. 3, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners voted to accept $7,980,669 in another round of ERA2 funds. “I think we opened back up Jan. 6, and in like two weeks, we had taken over 700 applications,” Hardin says.

Individuals can receive assistance from the ERA1 and ERA1 funds for up to 18 months, and Hardin estimated in Buncombe County “maybe 200 or 300 people … have already exhausted the 18-month [limit],” Hardin says.

Emergency rental assistance is still available for qualifying individuals in Buncombe County. According to the Buncombe County Department of Economic Services, the applicant or household must have experienced financial hardship during COVID-19 and must meet income limits. (More information about applications for the relief funds are available at avl.mx/cfw.)

Not everywhere in WNC is so fortunate. “In the rest of the Western

North Carolina counties that we serve, there is no rental assistance available,” Bartholomew of Pisgah Legal Services says. He suspects that Buncombe County was allocated emergency rental assistance due to its population compared with the rest of WNC, as well as its rates of eviction compared with other counties, he says.

“Buncombe County should be commended for getting those [rental assistance] funds and quickly making them available — it’s making a huge difference,” Bartholomew says. But the most recent funds must be spent by Sept. 30, 2025, and according to a summary provided to the Board of Commissioners by BCHHS, the county expects to distribute this current round of funds by April 2024.

“There needs to be an investment to make sure that [rental assistance] is always available, because it works,” he explains.

‘FACING HOMELESSNESS’

Housing advocates hope that decreasing the number of successful evictions — meaning, attorneys like those from Pisgah Legal Services are able to keep tenants in their homes — will slow the growth of homelessness in the area.

“One of the things that I want to make clear is that it’s a choice to evict this many people because we’ve shown what we can do with rental assistance,” says Bartholomew. “We can keep the number of evictions down, and we can prevent thousands of Western North Carolinians from facing homelessness.”

In fact, “court-ordered eviction and displacement due to eviction are primary causes of homelessness,” according to a study published in May in the journal PNAS

Demographic data about who is affected by eviction filings in

Buncombe County is not currently available. (Bartholomew notes that the nonprofits Just Economics and Thrive Asheville are jointly compiling that information with Pisgah Legal Services.) But data from other sources indicates a growing financial strain. The report compiled by the National Alliance to End Homelessness on behalf of Dogwood Health Trust, which cited Zillow Economic Research from the Zillow. com real estate site, found that rents had risen 41.7% in Asheville from March 2020-October 2022.

(According to a 2022 report on the Asheville metro real estate market published by the National Association of Realtors, rents are rising faster and are less affordable than national averages. In the last quarter of 2021, the market rate for rent per unit in a multifamily home was $1,285. One year later, the market asking rate for rent had jumped to $1,523.)

If rents continue to climb, Pisgah Legal Services will be ready with its new trainees. “With rent prices increasing by 40% [in Asheville], and the lack of affordable housing stock, we’re assuming there’s going to be even more of a need [for housing lawyers],” Bartholomew says.

“We can keep the number of evictions down, and we can prevent thousands of Western North Carolinians from facing homelessness.”

— David Bartholomew

Compare

Bank-issued, FDIC-insured

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Urgent care clinic, workforce housing proposed for Charlotte Highway

City of Asheville

The public will be able to provide input on one zoning map amendment and one zoning text amendment at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 1, which will be in person at City Hall’s first-floor North Conference Room at 70 Court Plaza. A pre-meeting of the same body to review the agenda, which is open to the public but does not allow public comment, will be at 4:30 p.m. in the fifth-floor Large Conference Room.

The Design Review Committee will meet virtually at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, March 16, with a pre-meeting at 12:15 p.m. the same day. The agenda for that meeting was not available as of press time.

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

Residents can submit comments over email and voicemail until 24 hours before the meeting or provide in-person comment during the meeting itself. Instructions on how to attend and comment, as well as the full meeting agenda, are available at avl.mx/8b6.

Zoning map amendment

Brookstone Baptist Church (283 Merrimon Ave., 28801)

%

Call or visit your local financial advisor today.

Frankie L Adkins

Financial Advisor

84 Coxe Avenue Suite 100 Asheville, NC 28801 828-252-2032

* Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective 2/24/2023. CDs offered by Edward Jones are bank-issued and FDIC-insured up to $250,000 (principal and interest accrued but not yet paid) per depositor, per insured depository institution, for each account ownership category. Please visit www.fdic.gov or contact your financial advisor for additional information. Subject to availability and price change. CD values are subject to interest rate risk such that when interest rates rise, the prices of CDs can decrease. If CDs are sold prior to maturity, the investor can lose principal value. FDIC insurance does not cover losses in market value. Early withdrawal may not be permitted. Yields quoted are net of all commissions. CDs require the distribution of interest and do not allow interest to compound. CDs offered through Edward Jones are issued by banks and thrifts nationwide. All CDs sold by Edward Jones are registered with the Depository Trust Corp. (DTC).

Weaverville-based Brookstone Baptist Church requests a conditional rezoning of 3.39 acres on Merrimon Avenue from Institutional and Residential MultiFamily Medium Density (RM-8) to Institutional (INST) and Institutional – Conditional Zoning (INST - CZ).

The purpose of this request is to rezone the rear portion of the existing parking lot so that the entire parcel is under the same zoning. The existing building, which used to house a Brookstone Church location, will

be remodeled into an office building. Asheville-based Cashiers Investors II LLC is the developer for the project. Project documents can be accessed at avl.mx/cfu.

Zoning text amendment

Chris Collins , the city’s Development Services Department’s planning and development division manager, will present a proposed amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance regarding neighborhood meeting requirements for Level 2 projects, Major Subdivisions and Conditional Zonings.

Currently, all three of these project types require developers to hold a neighborhood meeting no earlier than four months and no later than 10 days prior to submitting the development approval application. The meeting must be held in a location and on a date and time that allow neighbors to attend. Notice of the meeting must be provided via first-class mail to all property owners and addresses within 200 feet of the proposed development, as well as via a physical notice on the proposed development site, within 10 days of the meeting. Developers are encouraged, though not required, to hire a neutral third party to facilitate the meeting. A written report of the meeting must be submitted with the development application. (See section 7-5-9.1 of the UDO for the exact wording.)

According to Collins, the proposed changes will require developers to use a best-practices guide provided by the city for these neighborhood meetings. Signage and notifications prior to any meeting must use new city templates, and developers must register and report neighborhood meetings using a city form.

Finally, the city proposes to extend the notification period from 10 days to 14 days before a neighborhood meeting and broaden the notification area

dedicating 20% of the units to workforce housing (80%-120% of the area median income for 15 years, or $45,000 to $67,500 for a one-person household and $64,250 to $96,375 for a family of four in 2022), installing elevators and Energy Star certification.

One hundred twenty-six of the residential units will be rentals, and 10 units will be short-term rentals. The urgent care clinic will be 3,800 square feet. The project density is 16.4 units per acre, less than the maximum allowed density of 17.28 units per acre. Project documents can be accessed at avl.mx/cfx.

Smokey Park Truck Stop Expansion (99999 Smokey Park Highway, Upper Hominy Township, Candler)

Viktor Matviychuk of Candlerbased developer Smokey Park Acres LLC and Smokey Park Solutions LLC requests a special use permit to build two 100,100-square-foot warehouse buildings for loading and unloading tractor-trailers on 32.46 acres. This expansion of an existing facility will include 168 parking spots for tractor-trailers.

Project documents can be accessed at avl.mx/cfy.

BUNCOMBE COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2043 PRESENTATION

Shannon Capezzali of the Buncombe County Planning & Development Department will update the Board of Adjustment members on the status of the county’s comprehensive plan.

A PRIMER FOR COMMUNITY-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT

COMMUNITY ORIENTATION: The

Apartments off

will devote 20% of its

from property owners and addresses within 200 feet to within 400 feet for all developments outside of the Central Business District.

Buncombe County

Two projects requiring special use permits, as well as a presentation on the Buncombe County Comprehensive Plan, are on the agenda at the Buncombe County Board of Adjustment meeting at noon Wednesday, March 8. The in-person meeting will be at the Board of Commissioners Chambers, 200 College St.

Information on how to attend and apply for comment can be found at avl.mx/anq. No email or voicemail comments will be accepted.

SPECIAL USE PERMITS

Cedar Ridge Apartments SUP (208 Charlotte Highway and 19 Staak Drive, Asheville, 28803)

William Griffin of Asheville-based developer Gracefund1 LLC requests a special use permit to construct a Level 1 Planned Unit Development featuring 136 residential units and an urgent care clinic over four buildings on 8.25 acres.

This complex qualifies as a Community Oriented Development, defined in the county zoning ordinance as a single, multifamily or mixed-use development that includes either affordable or workforce housing. In a process similar to that of the city of Asheville’s public benefits table for hotel development downtown, projects that meet certain sustainable development, affordable housing and community-oriented criteria can earn higher density and minimum lot size allowances.

Cedar Ridge Apartments earned 138 of the maximum 735 points, with the majority of points awarded for

Buncombe County’s community-oriented development was designed by the Planning & Development Department and adopted by county commissioners in 2015. In 2020, it received a Best in Category for Planning award from the National Association of Counties. It is designed to encourage affordable housing by allowing qualifying projects higher density.

To qualify as a community-oriented development, applicants must earn points in two of three sections: community, environment/transit and economy. The number of points earned translates into a “bonus density multiplier.” In other words, if a project earns 159 points, it can multiply the maximum allowed density for its zone by 1.59.

The application with the full benefits table can be accessed at avl.mx/cfz.

— Sara Murphy X

proposed Cedar Ridge

Charlotte Highway

136 rental units to workforce housing, one of the reasons it qualifies as a Community Oriented Development. The COD designation allows developers to increase the density allowed per acre if they meet certain economic, community and environmental criteria. Image courtesy of Buncombe County

County properties identified for affordable housing

Nearly 480 affordable housing units could be built on property owned by Buncombe County, according to a new analysis shared with the county Board of Commissioners. The Development Finance Initiative, a consultancy operating as part of UNC Chapel Hill’s School of Government, presented that finding at the board’s Feb. 21 briefing.

Buncombe hired the DFI in April to examine the potential of county-owned properties for affordable development. The DFI’s assistant director, Sarah Odio, outlined a market analysis and high-level site evaluation for four such properties, located on Woodfin Street, Coxe Avenue, Valley Street and Erwin Hills Road.

Odio said 8,100 low- to moderate-income rental households in Buncombe County are facing severe housing problems, meaning that they are either spending more than half of their income on housing expenses or living in substandard housing. She added that approximately 915 of the county’s existing subsidized housing units are set to phase out of affordability guarantees over the next decade.

To help fill that gap, Odio continued, Buncombe could subsidize development on county-owned properties. The biggest potential project, at 180 Erwin Hills, could have 160 units across several four-story buildings; the downtown developments would have between 48 and 120 units each.

The DFI assessment focused on the potential for those developments to earn federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit awards. Buncombe has made taking advantage of the credits a pillar of its affordable housing strategy, with a goal of subsidizing up to 1,400 units through the program by 2030.

However, Odio explained, the tax credit program has requirements that could limit the number of housing units on county-owned properties. Parking could be a particular issue for downtown locations.

“It’s frustrating, but parking really becomes the limiting factor in the amount of density you can achieve on a site,” said Odio. “Because of the on-site parking requirement — for example, on Coxe Avenue, we know we have a parking deck two blocks away. It would be great if we could use that parking, but unfortunately, the tax credit program isn’t going to allow that.”

The LIHTC sets a minimum of 1.75 parking spaces per unit unless local

government has a lower parking threshold. Odio said that other North Carolina cities, including Durham and Charlotte, have reduced their downtown parking requirements to promote housing development.

Board Chair Brownie Newman clarified that downtown Asheville developments currently have no local parking requirements, but according to Odio, the LIHTC program won’t accept zero parking spots per unit. Newman suggested aiming for 0.6 parking spaces per unit, with exact amounts to be decided during developer negotiations.

As a next step, commissioners will choose three of the four properties for further assessment. The DFI will then conduct site-specific analyses, which will include public input, financial models and a development agreement with a developer for each site.

“We always say that our work is not meant to be a report that you leave on your desk,” said Odio. “We will get you a partner. We will get you shovels in the ground.”

The full presentation of the DFI’s analysis is available online at avl.mx/cfv.

Pinners Cove residents continue opposition to proposed development

During public comment at the board’s regular meeting later on Feb. 21, six residents of Pinners Cove showed up to speak out against a proposed development in their community. The residents have been opposing the project for over a year; they had hoped plans would be scrapped after the Buncombe County Planning Board voted not to recommend rezoning the property for greater density in January 2022.

Since then, however, Minneapolisbased developer KLP Pinners EAT LLC has filed a new development application, using a process that will not require any public input or vote. The Pinners Cove residents expressed dismay at the county Planning Department’s role in shaping the new application. As previously reported by Xpress, emails obtained via a public records request show county staff and the developer discussing potential paths for the property.

“Personally, I felt pretty discouraged when I saw that it was the planning team of the county that were the ones to suggest this loophole of the easements to go ahead and push these things forward regardless,” said Pinners Cove resident Sam Chastain Chastain and others beseeched the Board of Commissioners to step in. “I ask this board to please take up the Pinners Cove question and review the issues. There is something very wrong with what is being proposed for our community, and we need help from our elected representatives,” said Chloette Kuhlman

In a break from the commissioners’ policy of not providing feedback during public comment, Newman offered a response. “We are not going to endorse the project, but neither are we in a position to reject it,” he explained. “Different types of projects go through different procedures, as outlined in the county’s ordinances, and this is one that based on that process does not come before the Board of Commissioners.” Newman then offered to discuss the issue with residents individually after the meeting.

— Nikki Gensert X

NEW BOX ON THE BLOCK: County-owned properties on Coxe Avenue, as well as three other locations, were analyzed for affordable housing potential in a new report by the Development Finance Initiative. Graphic courtesy of Buncombe County

to education

During her junior year at Tuskegee University, Ruafika Cobb’s college adviser recommended tutoring children at a local elementary school.

“I thought, I could do this,” says Cobb, whose career in education began in 2000. “I like working with kids. It wasn’t the teaching part. It was more about the connection. I felt positive energy from being around them.”

In 2005, Cobb and her family relocated to Asheville by way of California, and she began teaching math at Asheville Middle School. Six years later, she accepted her first administrative role as the assistant principal at Hall Fletcher Elementary. Since 2019, she’s been the principal of Ira B. Jones Elementary School.

“As a school principal, I get to make decisions that impact an entire school,” Cobb says. “I see education as my social justice platform for equitable outcomes for all kids.”

On Jan. 3, Cobb’s family and district leaders, along with the entire faculty, staff and student body of Ira B. Jones, surprised the school leader with the news that she had been chosen as Western Region Principal of the Year. This honor puts her in the running for State Principal of the Year. Interviews for that process begin this month.

Xpress sent itself to the principal’s office to learn more about Cobb’s story, as well as her thoughts on the education system.

This interview has been condensed and lightly edited.

Xpress: What was your early teaching experience like?

Cobb: I got my first teaching job in Rialto, Calif., as a middle school math and science teacher. I started on March 1, and I was the 20th teacher that the students had had that year. I remember thinking, “Oh my God, what have I got myself into?”

The kids weren’t listening to me. Some of the kids were bigger than me. I was fresh out of college and didn’t have skills to command the respect

of the students. And that made it difficult for me to manage the class.

A few weeks into the job, I remember asking a student to go get the counselor to come to the class. I was leaving. And I was like, “I’m done with teaching.” I went home and cried and cried. I remember asking myself, “What did I get myself into? What am I doing?” Then my husband said, “Now that you’ve gotten those tears out, you need to go back to work tomorrow.”

And I did. I went back. The year ended. I took the whole summer to figure out the best way to manage the class. I really did enjoy teaching, but I needed help. I had a good mentor in the beginning. But I also sought out professional trainings. And after year four or five, I realized the more reflective I was about my teaching and my practices, the better I was in the classroom.

Talk to me about your role with Algebra Academy, and its efforts to

make sure students of color connect with math.

When I was first hired as an eighth grade math teacher at Asheville Middle, all the eighth grade teachers taught Algebra 1 in their first period, and then the rest of the day we taught prealgebra. I was the only Black math teacher at the school. I had several Black kids in my class, so in my mind I thought there were a lot of Black kids taking Algebra 1 throughout the school. But what I quickly realized was that that wasn’t the case. The other classes had maybe two Black students in each class, which meant that only a handful of Black students were taking Algebra 1.

Algebra 1 is what I call a gatekeeper class for college entry. If students don’t take — or are not successful in — Algebra 1, then the gate doesn’t open up for them to be on the college track for other courses that they need to satisfy for college entry. Algebra 1 allows them to take chemistry, physics, foreign languages. All of those college requirements are determined if a kid takes and passes Algebra 1.

We needed to have more of our Black and brown students who were taking Algebra 1 to be successful. It just really became an equity issue. So I started what was called Algebra Academy with seventh and eighth grade students. It became this way of

making sure that I could help to provide more opportunities for students to one day go to college if they choose.

What was the key to your decision to move into administration from teaching?

Pam Cocke was my principal at the time and saw some of the things I was doing. She pulled me into her office and asked if I was interested in being a school administrator. And I said, “No, why would I do that?” Because in my mind, I have my children in my classroom. I can make a difference for these kids. I can give them my time, my energy. I can make sure that they’re getting a solid education, because I know that helps to propel other opportunities for them in life.

She said, “Just go think about it.”

I concluded that going into school administration meant not only would I have a positive impact on the 20 or so kids in my classroom, but I would have an impact on a school of kids, on a school of families. So my reach would be wider than just in my classroom. And once I thought about it in that way, I decided I’ll go into school administration.

What was your reaction to finding out that you were the Western Region Principal of the Year?

I couldn’t believe it. I was very shocked. I was happy that there wasn’t any emergency, because in my mind, I was like, “Oh my God, something is happening right now!” It took me a minute to catch my breath and for me to process what was happening. It was definitely a surprise. And then I remember thinking, “Oh wow. How do I now get to carry forward more of my social justice platform?”

My message will continue to be that we need to do things to ensure that all of our students are having more equitable outcomes, whatever that may mean.

Do you feel as if receiving the award changed the way that you approach your work here?

Not at all. I still do the exact same thing that I was doing before, because I do feel the work that I’ve done before is what is best for children. Because in my heart, that’s who I am as a leader, that’s who I will always be as a leader.

I love my job. I love what I do there. There are not times that I don’t want to come to work. There are some challenging days, but then the next day, I want to come back because I love the community. We have great students, great families, great staff members. I can’t do this by myself. Everyone works together to make sure our students are educated, that their emotional needs are taken care of. People here just do it.

BEST OF THE CLASS: Ruafika Cobb, principal of Ira B. Jones Elementary School, was recently named Western Region Principal of the Year. Photo courtesy of Asheville City Schools

Q&A: Region’s top principal discusses her life’s devotion

MARCH 1 - 9, 2023

For a full list of community calendar guidelines, please visit mountainx.com/calendar. For questions about free listings, call 828-251-1333, opt. 4. For questions about paid calendar listings, please call 828-251-1333, opt. 1.

 Online-only events

 More info, pages 20, 22

 More info, pages 24-25

WELLNESS

Sparkle Time Holistic

Exercise

Aerobic, strengthening, balance and flexibility.

WE (3/1, 8), MO (3/6), 10:30am, Avery’s Creek Community Center, 899 Glennbridge Rd SE, Arden

Tai Chi for Balance

A gentle exercise class to help improve balance, mobility, and quality of life. All ages.

WE (3/1, 8), 11:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave

Old School Line

Dancing

Old school line dancing for the community.

TH (3/2), 6:15pm, Stephens Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave

Nar-Anon Family Group Meeting

Weekly meeting for family and friends of addicts. Use Door C.

TH (3/2, 9), 7pm, 1316D Patton Ave

Asheville Aphasia Support Group

Every Friday in Rm 345.

No RSVP needed.

FR (3/3), 10am, WCU at Biltmore Park, 28 Schenck Pkwy, Ste 300

Yoga for Everyone

This free in-person class is for all ages and abilities. Bring your own mat, water bottle and mask. Registration required.

SA (3/4), 9:30am, Black

Mountain Presbyterian, 117 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

Therapeutic Recreation Tennis

Learn tennis basics and practice your skills on the court. Curated by an Asheville Tennis Association professional, this free four week course is open to individuals with

intellectual disabilities, ages 8 and above.

SA (3/4), 1pm, The Omni Grove Park Inn, 290 Macon Ave

Magnetic Minds: Depression & Bipolar

Support Group

Weekly peer-led meeting for those living with depression, bipolar, and related mental health challenges.

SA (3/4), 2pm, 1316 Ste C Parkwood Rd

Wild Souls Authentic Movement Class

A conscious movement experience in a 100year old building with a community of women at all life stages.

SU (3/5), Dunn's Rock Community Center, 461 Connestee Rd, Brevard

Rueda de Casino

Salsa dancing for all skill levels.

SU (3/5), 2pm, Stephens Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave

Medical Qigong

Exercises to promote the flow of Chi in the body for a healthy lifestyle. All ages and ability levels

TU (3/7), 9am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave

Ben's Friends

Offering supportive community to food and beverage industry professionals struggling with addiction and substance abuse. Every Tuesday.

TU (3/7), 10am, Avenue M, 791 Merrimon Ave

Family Outdoor Night: Disc Golf 101

Learn the basics of the sport, take some practice shots, and work on technique as well as aim. Pre-registration required.

TH (3/9), 5:30pm, Jake Rusher Park, 160 Sycamore Dr, Arden

BOWLING FOR BIGS AND LITTLES: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina will host one of its regional bowling fundraisers at Tarheel Lanes in Hendersonville on Saturday, March 4, at 11 a.m. This annual event raises money to support local youths, with proceeds helping staff members vet and train prospective mentors. Photo courtesy of Paul Clark, Big Brothers Big Sisters

Narcotics Anonymous Meetings Visit wncna.org/ basic-meeting for dates, times and locations.

ART

55th Annual Juried Undergraduate Exhibition

This exhibition is an opportunity for WCU undergraduate students to share their artwork with a larger public, and to enhance their skills in presenting artwork in a professional gallery setting. Open Tuesday through Friday, 10am.

WCU Bardo Arts Center, 199 Centennial Dr, Cullowhee Award Reception for the 55th Annual Juried Undergraduate Exhibition

This event will include a talk from the artists, complimentary hors d'oeuvres, and drinks.

TH (3/2), 5pm, WCU Bardo Arts Center, 199 Centennial Dr, Cullowhee

Kirsten Stolle: The Grass Isn't Always Greener

Working in collage and text-based imagery, Stolle’s research-based practice examines the influence of pesticide companies on our food supply. Gallery open Tuesday through Saturday, 11am to 5pm. Exhibition through April 8.

Tracey Morgan Gallery, 188 Coxe Ave

Emerging Artists

Opening Reception

A gallery exhibit featuring works by Bob Travers and his students. With live music and light refreshments. FR (3/3), 5pm, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W State St, Black Mountain Daily Craft Demonstrations

Two artists of different media will explain and

Sustainability Series The Every Week in April!

demonstrate their craft with informative materials displayed at their booths. Open daily 10am.

Folk Art Center, MP 382, Blue Ridge Parkway

Follow the Thread

Featuring works by members of Tapestry Weavers South, through May 3. Open daily 10am. See p25 Folk Art Center, MP 382, Blue Ridge Parkway

Courtney M. Leonard

- BREACH: Logbook23

| Coriolis

Exploring cultural and historical connections to water, fishing practices, and sustainability. Created by Shinnecock Nation ceramic artist Courtney M. Leonard as part of her BREACH series, the installation is a response to the artist’s research in Western North Carolina. Open Tuesday through Friday, 10am. WCU Bardo Arts Center, 199 Centennial Dr, Cullowhee

Recovering Zelda Dr. Lisa Nanney, a literary scholar, will be exploring Fitzgerald's paintings, as she compares the visual nature of her writing from the novel Save Me the Waltz See p24 TH (3/9), 6pm, East Asheville Library, 3 Avon Rd

COMMUNITY MUSIC

Asheville Ukelele Society

With training available at 5pm. All ages and skill levels are welcome to jam.

WE (3/1), 6pm, East Asheville Library, 902 Tunnel Rd

Musique Ménage: An Intimate Musical Affair Blue Ridge Orchestra bridges the centuries from classical to Americana: showcasing Franz Schubert and Fancy and the Gentlemen. SA (3/4), 3pm, Haywood Community College, 185 Freedlander Dr, Clyde SU (3/5), Lipinsky Auditorium, UNCA, 300 Library Ln

Organ Recital

Recitalist Gregor McGee presents works by Bach, Schroeder, Shostakovich, and more!

SU (3/5), 3pm, St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 10 N Liberty St

Chorus Rehearsal

The Land of the Sky

Men's Chorus is an a cappella ensemble that is part of the Asheville Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. All rehearsals are open to the public and to potential new

members.

TU (3/7), 6:30pm, Care Partners Main Campus, 68 Sweeten Creek Rd

Berea College Bluegrass Concert

The ensemble gives students the opportunity to develop their picking and singing skills by working in a professional bluegrass band. The group presents concerts featuring bluegrass standards, traditional Appalachian music, and contemporary songs. Donations accepted.

TU (3/7), 7pm, Trinity United Methodist Church, 587 Haywood Rd

LITERARY

Joke Writing Workshop

Hosted by Disclaimer

Stand Up Lounge and moderated by Cody Hughes, weekly. Bring 90 seconds of material that isn't working.

WE (3/1, 8), 6:30pm, Asheville Music Hall, 31 Patton Ave

Poetry Open Mic with host Caleb Beissert

All forms of entertainment welcome at this weekly poetry-centric open mic. Sign up at 8pm.

WE (3/1, 8), 8:30pm, Sovereign Kava, 268 Biltmore Ave

Poetry Open Mic Hendo

A poetry-centered open mic that welcomes all kinds of performers every Thursday night. Performances must be no longer than ten minutes. 18+ TH (3/2, 9), 7:30pm, Shakedown Lounge, 706 Seventh Ave East, Hendersonville Shut Up and Write! Writing together, in silence. No reading or critiquing, and no real talking, except for the optional socializing afterwards. All are welcome MO (3/6), 2pm, Dripolator, 909 Smokey Park Hwy, Candler

THEATER & FILM

The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People Hendersonville Theatre’s Act2 Players present Oscar Wilde's comic-masterpiece. Various dates and times. Hendersonville Theatre, 229 South Washington St, Hendersonville Calendar Girls

Based on the true story of eleven women who famously posed nude for a calendar to raise money for the Leukemia Research Fund in 1999. Various

dates and times. Hendersonville Theatre, 229 S Washington St, Hendersonville

John Crutchfield: Robert Returns

A successful singer-songwriter returns home to Asheville. His journey back to his romantic high school and would-be poet days is portrayed through dozens of characters in song and words. Written and performed by John Crutchfield. Originally produced by Sublime Theatre.

SU (3/5), 4pm, Cathedral of All Souls, 3 Angle St

The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System

A musical adaption of the popular series. Presented by TheaterWorksUSA, this interplanetary field trip will have lessons in communication, music, science, and social studies to return safely to planet Earth. gecommended for Grades K-5

TH (3/9), 10am, Wortham Center For The Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave

Women's History

Month Movie: Hidden Figures

Screening the story about three women at NASA who served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the first American space orbit.

TH (3/2), 6pm, Burton Street Community Center, 134 Burton St

MEETINGS & PROGRAMS

Folkmoot Life Long Learning

Sponsored by Dr Darryl Nabors, this program embraces a variety of subjects tailored to local residents. Visit avl.mx/cf6 for more info.

Folkmoot Friendship Center, 112 Virginia Ave, Waynesville

Sewing Club

Bring your machine or borrow one and be taught how to use it.

WE (3/1, 8), 5:30pm, The Burger Bar, 1 Craven St Asheville Wisdom Exchange

With speaker Dr. Matthew Wetschler, creator of Plume, the largest digital transgender health care clinic in the world.

WE (3/1), 7pm, online, visit avl.mx/8u5

Southside Card Game

Night

Families and community members can play card games like bid whist/ spades, Apples to Apples, Uno, and more. Light refreshments served.

TH (3/2, 9), 6pm, Dr Wesley Grant, Sr. Southside Center, 285 Livingston St

The Franklin School of Innovation Community Info Session

With snacks, activities and information about the public tuition-free charter school that provides grades 5-12 and serves the greater Asheville area.

TH (3/2), 6:30pm, Dr Wesley Grant, Sr. Southside Center, 285 Livingston St

WNC Sierra Club

Abuzz with Gardening for Pollinators

Phyllis Stiles, founder and director emerita of Bee City USA, will discuss how to alter gardening practices to ensure that the pollinators make the most of your yard.

TH (3/2), 7pm, online, visit avl.mx/977

Guided Meditation

A 6 week series that explores the gentle practice of meditation through a variety of traditions, tools, and practices that have been known to inspire peace and insight. This program is for adults and will take place in the library community room every other Saturday morning. .

SA (3/4), 10:15am, Enka-Candler Library, 1404 Sandhill Rd, Candler

Acting Fundamentals Workshops w/ Nemesis Theatre Company

A series of classes curated by Nemesis Theatre Company's Melon Wedick, Christine Hellman, and Erin McCarson. Suitable for actors of all levels. 16+

SA (3/4), 11am, Attic Salt Theatre, The Mills at Riverside, 2002 Riverside Dr

Learn to Play Pokémon

This program is for new players to learn how to play the strategy-based card game in a welcoming and positive environment, but experienced players are welcome. Cards provided.

SA (3/4), 11am, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Ave

Sanctuary Saturdays

A community event that provides a safe setting for rest, warmth, and a hot lunch. There is also access to a restroom, a place to charge your phone, and opportunity to socialize. All are welcome.

SA (3/4), 11am, First Presbyterian Church Asheville, 40 Church St

Gibson & South Asheville History Panel Project

The Kenilworth Residents Association’s official unveiling of the historical marker depicting the history of South Asheville. See p24-25

SA (3/4), 1pm, St. John "A" Baptist Church, 20 Dalton St

Winter Workshop: Crafting Quilt

Coasters

Participants will learn to make their own quilt coasters in a traditional Appalachian pattern, an easy task for beginner quilters to learn. Pieces will be cut and sewn by hand, and participants will walk away with a coaster to take home with them.

10+

SA (3/4), 1:30pm, Black Mountain Library, Black Mountain

Moon Journaling & Acupuncture

Explore moon phases through the lens of yin and yang by combining intention setting with creative exploration, meditation, and acupuncture. .

SA (3/4), 3pm, East Acupuncture Wellness Boutique, 2296 US 70, Swannanoa

Family Frenzy

Kid-friendly event with inflatables, riding toys, basketball, and other unstructured fun. Ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

SU (3/5), 9:30am, Stephens Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave

Weekly Sunday Scrabble Club Drop in as you please. All gear provided, bring your vocabulary and energy. No dues for the first three months.

SU (3/5), 12:15pm, Stephens Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave

Sew Co./Rite of Passage Factory Tour

On this micro-tour, learn about sustainable

and transparent business practices and hear about production processes and client collaborations.

MO (3/6), 11am, Rite of Passage Clothing & SewCo, 240 Clingman Ave Ext AniMondays

Watch anime movies, play anime video games, and make anime arts and crafts.

Ages 6-16.

MO (3/6), 6pm, Dr Wesley Grant, Sr. Southside Center, 285 Livingston St

Lead By Example

Works with young men to build the skills to become confident leaders through guest speakers, games and activities, and homework assistance. Light refreshments served.

Ages 10-15.

MO (3/6), 6pm, Stephens Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave

Improv Workshop: Commitment!

Veteran improviser, Laurie Jones will lead a workshop to help find commitment to your characters through groundedness and true emotion.

MO (3/6), 7pm, The Magnetic Theatre, 375 Depot St Cribbage Club Play or learn how to play at Burton Street Cribbage Club.

TU (3/7), 5pm, Burton Street Community Center, 134 Burton St Wellness Game Night Bring friends and family to learn about two local nonprofits providing pathways to wellness from sub-

stance use and mental wellness challenges, while enjoying a variety of board games.

TU (3/7), 6pm, Well Played, 162 Coxe Ave, Ste 101

WNC Prostate Support Group

A forum for men, caregivers, family members, and partners who have been impacted by prostate cancer.

TU (3/7), 6:30pm, First Baptist Church of Asheville, 5 Oak St Bird-Friendly Community Practices & Climate Resilience Speakers will come together to explore how bird-friendly communities increase climate resilience in human-built environments. Registration required.

TH (3/9), 1pm, The Collider, 1 Haywood St, Ste 401 WNC, Past and Present: Women of the Crawford Family Learn more about the roles of the Crawford women in Black Mountain history during this presentation

TH (3/9), 6pm, Black Mountain Public Library, 105 N Dougherty St, Black Mountain

LOCAL MARKETS

RAD Farmers Market

Winter Season

Providing year-round access to fresh local foods, with 25-30 vendors selling a variety of local wares. Handicap parking available in the Smoky Park lot, free public parking available along Riverside Drive. Also accessible by foot,

bike, or rollerblade via the Wilma Dykeman Greenway.

WE (3/1, 9), 3pm, Smoky Park Supper Club, 350 Riverside Dr Weaverville Tailgate Market

Vendors from WNC sell their locally raised veggies, fruits, meats, cheeses, preserves, baked good and more.

WE (3/1, 9), 3pm, 60 Lake Shore Dr Dr North Asheville Tailgate Market

Locally produced goods and fresh fruits and vegetables, since 1980.

SA (3/11), 10am, UNCA, 3300 University Heights

FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS

WWII Kamikaze

Survivor Ceremony & Program

WWII kamikaze survivor Joe Cooper will be honored by Brevard's Mayor Copelof with the proclamation: "Joe Cooper Day."

WE (3/1), 10:30am, Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas, 21 East Main St, Brevard Community Gathering

Featuring speakers who will be sharing their journeys regarding insight and inspiration on owning your own magical identity.

FR (3/3), 5pm, Mountain Magic Studio, 3 Louisiana Ave

PLAYability: Dance Perfomance w/Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre

This choreographic

work will recognize and celebrate key moments in the history of Pack Square Park by honoring the ancient Indigenous burial grounds nearby, remembering the beginning of the Black vote in Asheville, and celebrating this piece of land that has been dedicated to ceremony and festivity

SA (3/4) & SU (3/5), 12:30pm, Pack Square Park

High Climate Full Moon Cacao Ceremony

Followed by a short dance lab and ecstatic dance. See p20, 22

TU (3/7), 7pm, 12 S Lexington Ave

BENEFITS & VOLUNTEERING

Bowl For Kids' Sake

The theme for this year is "Once Upon A Time," costumes of storybook characters are encouraged. SA (3/4), 11am, Tarheel Lanes, 3275 Asheville Hwy, Hendersonville

Dog Adoption Event

Asheville's Mountain Pet Rescue is partnering up with Cellarest Beer Project to host a

dog adoption event.

SA (3/4), 1pm, Cellarest Beer Project, 395 Haywood Rd

Pop-Up Market & Hamantaschen for Ukraine Fundraiser

A pop-up market and fundraiser for Hamantaschen for Ukraine. There will be an array of baked goods from Carolina Ground and other businesses such as Hominy Farm, Beeswax and Butter, Garnet Gals, and Bryson Homestead. SU (3/5), 11am, Carolina Ground, 1237 Shipp St, Hendersonville

PFLAG Fundraiser

Barbecue and live music. See p20 SU (3/5), 5pm, Continuum Art, 147C 1st Ave E, Hendersonville

Become a Volunteer Court Advocate for Children In Need

Seeking volunteers for Guardian ad Litem advocates, trained community volunteers who are appointed by a district court judge to investigate and determine the needs of abused and neglected children petitioned into the court system. Visit volunteerforgal.org or call (828)259-6603.

First Baptist Church of Asheville, 5 Oak St

Ride of his life Local

BY KAY WEST

kwest@mountainx.com

On June 12, 2021, local resident Wayne Aho sat on a charred tree stump about 10 miles from McKenzie, Ore. Nine months earlier, the McKenzie fire decimated over 173,000 acres along the Willamette National Forest’s upper McKenzie River. When Aho visited, the smell of smoke was still in the air amid the scorched, blackened skeletons of trees.

Three days before Aho found himself on the stump, the 74-yearold retiree had mounted his Seven Cycles Axiom XX titanium frame bicycle in Astoria, Ore., and set out to ride the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail. He was 275 miles in, with 3,930 miles and 58 days to go before his final destination in Yorktown, Va. His back, triceps and neck hurt. “I thought, ‘What the hell have I gotten myself into?’” He recalls. “That was a critical moment.”

At that moment, looking beyond his pain and exhaustion, Aho observed the residents of the area who had lost their homes, possessions and livelihoods. These individuals were living in virtual tent cities but soldiering on, looking ahead and rebuilding.

No stranger to personal loss and tragedy, Aho soon realized his cross-country journey was just the start of his life’s next big undertaking. “The trip was such a profound experience I became determined to turn that experience and the discoveries I made into a book that could hopefully help others,” he says.

In January, Aho self-published Journey of Discovery: A Narrative of Loss, Aging, Training and What’s Important: 62 Days on the TransAmerica Trail. The book is more than a day-by-day narrative about his nationwide cycling trip. It relates his personal inner journey and has sections devoted to revelations and advice — for example, grit matters more than talent.

AN INTRIGUING IDEA

After a successful 40-year career in dental equipment sales, in late 2014 Aho bade farewell to corporate life. He and his wife, Pam Aho, had moved from Oregon to Asheville in 2012 to be closer to her family and their youngest son and his children.

After his first retirement at 67 years old, Aho returned to school and was hired as an adjunct instructor

cyclist relives his 62-day ride in new book

for a variety of business subjects at Western Carolina University. He earned doctorate of business administration from George Fox University in 2017 and subsequently secured a tenure track position in the management department at WCU. He passionately loved teaching and detested the online protocols demanded by COVID restrictions — so much so that he began seriously considering a second retirement.

Then in January 2021, he and Pam were shattered by the death of David, the eldest of their three sons, to an accidental fentanyl ingestion. “There is no understanding the death of a child,” he recalls. “It becomes ‘what will you do now?’”

Aho had lost friends and family his age and witnessed others even younger suffer debilitating health issues. Though he was in tip-top physical shape, he couldn’t help but be concerned about his own aging. He felt compelled to do something, and he was not unfamiliar with the high of challenging activity. A lifetime of running was curtailed when he was struck by a car in his 40s. Familiar with cycling from triathlon competitions, he picked up a bike and joined the Blue Ridge Bicycling Club.

COVID canceled the club’s popular large group rides, but smaller, informal groups formed. Among those in Aho’s group was a new member, Rusty McCain , whose

claim to cycling fame was a 3,200mile ride he’d taken across America in 2011. He shared with Aho that to mark the 10th anniversary of that trip, he intended to traverse the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail.

The TransAmerica Bicycle Trail traverses 10 states across 4,205 miles and requires 217,000 feet of climbing. Several thousand cyclists attempt the trail each year, but there are no figures on how many complete it. Aho was intrigued.

PLAN A

After his series of life-changing events, Aho says his plan to join

UPWARD BOUND: Wayne Aho cycled the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail in 2021 with several other riders. The trail traverses 10 states across 4,205 miles and requires about 217,000 feet of climbing. Photo courtesy Aho

McCain on the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail crystalized rapidly. “I think at first he thought I was kidding about it, but pretty quickly he realized I was serious, and we began having lunch to talk about it,” Aho says.

Plans progressed rapidly. McCain’s wife, Mary Ann, an experienced nurse, agreed to drive the support vehicle — a Ford truck. Another couple, John Navin and Dana Stoller, whom McCain had befriended through triathlon events, signed on as riders as well. The quintet chose the dates of the trip — June 9-Aug. 9, 2021 — to accommodate everyone’s schedules.

McCain studied the maps of the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail created by the Adventure Cycling Association. He determined they would need to cover an average of 70 miles each day, with a rest day every six to eight days. The duo agreed they had no interest in carrying all their gear along the route and camping along the way, so they booked motels in advance from the first night to the last. “There was no Plan B,” Aho says with a laugh.

Planning, training and using the correct equipment were essential to a successful completion of the trail.

Aho purchased several books about long-distance cycling to prepare himself. “They were OK, but none of them really gave thorough tips on how to train to ride 70 miles in one day, what types of bike suits you, what equipment, clothing and gear you’ll need and nutrition along the way,” he explains. Instead, he relied on his experience as a member of the BRBC and followed McCain’s lead.

Before embarking on the trip, Aho created a blog to keep family and friends informed about their progress and well-being along the route, as well as preserve memories.

WHEELS DOWN

Aho recalls his first day on the trail as exhilarating. “It was just one of those beautiful, West Coast sunny [days], blue skies, no wind, great roads, hilly but not terribly challenging,” he recalls.

Just three days later, Aho was sitting on that burned-out stump near McKenzie, questioning his motivation and determination. That night, he consulted a book he’d purchased in Astoria called The Nordic Way. It’s an examination of the characteristics of Finnish resilience: remain calm in a storm; be stubborn; when life trips you, get up; remain focused on your goal; give it your all.

Aho’s renewed sense of resolve would come in handy as the group encountered torrential rains, strong winds, searing heat, altitude and two extremely grueling climbs. Recounting

the experience 18 months later, he says the group visualized the trek in three sections. Part one in Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Colorado were “sheer, breathtaking scenery.” Part two, commonly referred to as The Dreaded Middle, is Kansas and Missouri and the most challenging mentally. “You get on these Kansas highways and as far to the horizon as the eye can see, there’s nothing but plains or prairie on either side and the road stretches on forever,” he recalls. Part three, in Illinois, Kentucky and Virginia, he calls “idyllic.”

Biking through Kentucky also brought an unexpected emergency. On day 50, three dogs that appeared seemingly out of nowhere attacked Aho as he was pedaling on the road. They ripped deep gashes in his left calf before Aho managed to break free. He was never more grateful for Mary Ann McCain’s presence and nursing skills; she performed emergency aid until he could be transported to a local county hospital.

For five days, Aho had to accompany Mary Ann in the support vehicle until his leg healed well enough for him to ride again. “After the dog attack, we were all hyperalert,” he recalls. “Post-ride, I learned that eastern Kentucky is pretty notorious for unleashed dogs.”

CHOOSE ADVENTURE

Twelve days after the dog attack, the foursome rode the final 74 miles from Richmond, Va., into Yorktown. Family and friends, his wife and youngest granddaughter greeted the entourage with cheering, hugs and champagne, and Aho felt a profound sense of accomplishment.

Even so, he pondered what came next. “I was thrilled to be home and see my wife, but at the same time ... I could have kept going another two months,” he explains. “It was a real adjustment for me.”

Once again, Aho did something entirely new: He wrote a book. In addition to his personal story, it has an extensive section on preparation, training, nutrition and equipment.

Aho isn’t finished with adventure yet. In September, he and McCain will cycle the Blue Ridge Parkway, and in October, the Natchez Trace Parkway. Then in 2024, they’re planning to cycle the 2,655.6-mile Atlantic Coast Route from Bar Harbor, Maine to Key West, Fla.

“Regardless of your age, you’re not too old to break out of your safe, predictable routine and take part in an adventure,” Aho says. “It doesn’t have to be cross country cycling. Just get up and do something out of your norm.” X

Days of future past

BY EDWIN ARNAUDIN

earnaudin@mountainx.com

Morgan Albritton , owner of Morgan’s Comics in West Asheville, greets all guests — regulars and first-time visitors — with the same five words:

“Welcome to the Nerd Sanctuary!”

Unwise though it is for a reporter to conduct an interview during business hours, especially on a teacher workday that vastly increases afternoon youth patronage, it’s delightful to witness. Albritton brings to mind a kinder, friendlier version of the DC Comics villain Harley Quinn — down to the pink pigtails.

That warm, inviting spirit and a customer-first ethos are big reasons that Albritton’s business has been successful. But it’s not unique to the West Asheville shop. Throughout the city, comic book store owners say business is thriving on account of a collective effort to create community within the industry.

“I have so much range in the age and background and styles of my customers that I can risk trying pretty much any book,” says Allison Jenkins, owner of Comic Envy in North Asheville. “Other stores in other places have much more restrictions. I don’t know — they’re not in Asheville. We can do funky, weird stuff, which is great for comics. I think that’s why we can support so many stores.”

ORIGIN STORIES

Such openness, however, hasn’t always been the case. Pastimes co-owners Chris Atkins and Scott Russell — whom Albritton and Jenkins both acknowledge as the lovable elder statesmen of the local comics scene — remember a time not so long ago when figures more akin to Comic Book Guy from “The Simpsons” ruled the scene.

“The generation before us wanted everything to stay the way it was, dude. Like, ‘I want Spider-man to be Spider-man,” says Atkins, a

Local comic book stores thrive together

kindly bearded fellow who wouldn’t mind having Danny Trejo play him in a biopic. “Our generation just wants to read what’s next. ‘Oh, you’re going to do that? That’s cool. Oh, that didn’t work? Try something else.’”

That receptiveness has proved essential to the Woodfin-based shop’s success. Atkins has been an employee since the 1990s under original owner John Baumgarten, and the pioneering Russell was the store’s first subscriber, having new

releases pulled for him on a regular basis. After growing tired of working at Advance Auto Parts, Russell came on board as a co-owner in 2013, and his complementary rapport with Atkins has become central to the store’s prosperity.

“We’re a yin and yang, chocolate and peanut butter type thing. Chris is the motivated side that’s organizing and getting it done, and I’m the people side,” says Russell, whose assessment receives a nod of approval from Atkins. “And the cool thing about both of us is we’ve got separate tastes. I like all that weird, indie stuff that’s more based in reality. And he’s more of a superhero and horror dude.”

“Peter Porker, the Spectacular Spider-Ham,” Atkins says with a sly smile.

“And I’m a Hellboy guy,” Russell quickly retorts, not missing a beat.

But their almost 10-year partnership isn’t one that they strive to enjoy on an island. The dynamic duo stresses that the addition of Comic Envy and Morgan’s Comics has been a boon to the local scene and that a healthy Asheville comic store industry benefits all who partake in the trade.

“Allison and Morgan are the first stores that have ever been open in this town that are actual comic book fans,” Atkins says. “They’re not in it for some other reason. They’re actually in it because they love the industry. And to me, as an old dude who loves comic books, it’s like, ‘Finally, dude. Finally, we can have a community where we all get along.’”

CLIFF-HANGERS

But like all successful businesses/heroes, comic book shops must

NERD OUT: Matt Layton, left, and Morgan Albritton run the community-focused Morgan’s Comics in West Asheville.

Why

“I depend on the Xpress to give me a different side of the story from TV and the other local newspapers.”

– Cassie Welsh

adapt, and these three institutions have excelled at navigating industry obstacles.

“I remember when internet comics were brand new and we were worried that the Marvel Unlimited [subscription service that launched in 2007] was going to ruin the industry,” Jenkins says. “We have not seen that. There are so many different kinds of readers — so many of them are like me where they have to hold [the issue] in their hands. And there’s a lot of people who read them online and then buy the ones they like. There’s a lot of stuff missing — the scans are kind of low quality. It’s not hurting the industry the way we thought.”

The caliber of the final product, however, has recently been a problem. Jenkins points out that the price of paper has increased during the supply-chain issues stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, and the standard for printing has decreased, resulting in lowered visual clarity.

Story adaptations into bigscreen action/adventure films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the DC Extended Universe and beyond have also increased foot traffic at local shops.

“There’s a little bit of oversaturation. Now, there are so many shows and movies that the waves are small — but they still make waves for us,” Jenkins says. “When something special is in an episode, we’ve got to go dig through all the comics and make sure we have that one that went from $5 to $20 overnight because of Episode Three of [the Disney+ series] ‘WandaVision’ — that kind of thing happens a lot, so there’s a lot of minutiae to pay attention to.”

EXTERNAL FORCES

In addition to serving an evolving customer base, all three stores overcame the challenges presented at the

peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Eisner-winning fashion.

Albritton enjoyed steady sales from patrons telling her that they wanted to use portions of their federal stimulus checks to support local

businesses that they felt were more at risk during the pandemic. The Pastime team used the sliding glass window behind its cash register to serve patrons in a responsible manner. And Jenkins saw an increase in

sales from community members who sought to up their literacy during quarantine, further proving the store’s ethos of being “by readers, for readers.”

The concerted — dare we say Secret Wars or Unified-like — defeat of Diamond Comic Distributors, is likewise increasing access for the ever-growing industry. Diamond held a middle-man monopoly for roughly 25 years and in 1997 was investigated by the U.S. Justice Department for possible antitrust violations but avoided charges. But in 2020, DC Comics ended its partnership with the provider and struck a new distribution deal with Penguin Random House. Marvel Comics soon followed, and all three shops agree that the change has been a beneficial one.

In addition to local mainstay Asheville Comics in Arden, newer stores in Biltmore Village (FanTastic Cards & Comics) and Marshall (Main Street Comics and Games) have further expanded and enriched the scene. And like proper heroes, the ones who’ve been anchoring the area industry aren’t satisfied with the impact they’ve made on the industry and community overall.

Of particular note is Albritton’s goal to provide a welcoming space for local artists and the downtrodden, whether in her shop’s basement or a nearby building. And despite a recent break-in at her store, her spirit remains undeterred.

“The people I’ve seen suffer the most are the socially, economically disadvantaged folks and those of color and the trans community,” she says. “What people have been asking me a lot for is a space since that can be almost like a local nerd art gallery. And so, I’m looking into what it would take to possibly make a [home for them and] stand-up comedians and musicians. I think that there’s a space for that in Asheville. That isn’t really being taken care of yet.” X

HERO’S JOURNEY: Comic Envy’s Allison Jenkins worked her way up from sweeping the store’s floors in college to owning the place in 2021. Photo by Edwin Arnaudin

KINGS IN THE NORTH: Pastimes co-owners Scott Russell, left, and Chris Atkins bring complementary tastes and customer service styles to their successful business. Photo by Edwin Arnaudin

Thawing out

WellSpring, Keith Harry and Stephen Evans release new albums

As the adage goes, every band starts as a cover band. While many groups gradually shed that past as their catalog of original material grows, others double down on those roots, particularly when the material they cover is central to the band’s identity.

Such is the case for WellSpring, an Asheville-based group featuring singer-songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Laura Boswell and Molly Hartwell. The band’s inception began just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the two artists bonded while singing Bob Dylan’s “Girl from the North Country,” Sufjan Stevens’ “Chicago” and other tunes on Hartwell’s front porch.

“Our voices blend really naturally together,” says Boswell.

Released in December, WellSpring’s self-titled debut was produced by Daniel Shearin of River Whyless, who also helmed Boswell’s 2020 EP, Place to Be. The new album consists of seven covers — ranging from The Beatles (“Norwegian Wood [This Bird Has Flown]”) and Simon & Garfunkel (“The Boxer”) to Billie Eilish (“When the Party’s Over”) — and two originals. Lush harmonies, epic instrumentation and thematic

symmetry help unify the album’s broad range of inspiration.

“I think all the songs on the album have that quality of being in life with an open heart,” Hartwell says.

Fittingly, “Open Heart” is one of the release’s two original tracks and offers raw and honest musings on love and life. The pair say they plan to continue to write new material; but considering the way they’re able to transform others’ works into something simultaneously familiar and fresh, covers will remain an integral part of their catalog.

“It was definitely a process because the stakes are kind of high when you’re doing a Beatles song or a Simon & Garfunkel song that’s really well loved,” Boswell says. “If you’re not going to do something different, you might as well just listen to the original.”

To learn more, visit avl.mx/prx4.

ROAMING RAT

Local music fans primarily know Keith Harry as the bassist for Andrew Scotchie & The River Rats, but the man wears many hats.

Along with his and Scotchie’s side project, Kind Clean Gentlemen, Harry is the talent buyer for the Black Mountain music venue Silverado’s, touring bassist for former Asheville resident Kevin Daniel’s ensemble and a co-founder of the Jamiroquai tribute band, the Space Cowboys & The Cosmic Girls. Now, with his debut EP, Between the Lines , he also joins the league of Ashevillebased singer-songwriters — though, perhaps unsurprisingly, that’s not really anything new, either.

“‘Hop, Skip & a Jump’ — I wrote that song about 15 years ago,” Harry says of the album’s third track. “Which blew my mind when I thought about that. I was just like, ‘Oh my God. I’ve been doing this a while.’”

Counter to those years of experience, Between the Lines is peppered with youthful vibes defined by bouncy grooves and fun layering of synth and organ sounds. The album is also ripe with Harry’s active bass lines as well as his clear, slightly nasal vocals reminiscent of “Weird Al” Yankovic

“I do love me some Weird Al, but that’s a new one,” he says to the comparison. “I’ve gotten all sorts of random, ‘Oh, you sound like this.

You sound like that,’ but never Weird Al. So, I’m into it.”

Pop/jazz stalwarts Steely Dan and Jeff Beck, says Harry, are more direct influences. And on his EP, Harry has melded their styles into his own through collaborations with multi-instrumentalist Josh Cavinder and The Get Right Band drummer JC Mears.

Absent from the album, however, is Scotchie; and Harry was likewise uninvolved with Scotchie’s forthcoming solo release, currently slated for early June. But there’s no need for concern: Rather than create tension within the band, Harry sees these side projects as positive and even necessary for the River Rats’ long-term health, as well as key to its continually evolving creativity.

“That’s what I think is great about the Rats,” Harry says. “Andrew’s a rocker and a punk rocker through and through, and I have a little bit more of a fusion brain. It’s great that these kinds of things help form that sound, drawing in all the influences. And we teach each other stuff and learn from each other.”

Harry additionally learned plenty about himself while writing Between the Lines . “Caught Up in Your

NAME GAME: Laura Boswell, left, and Molly Hartwell make beautiful music together as WellSpring. Photo by Hayden Lilien

Mood” was inspired by his partner, Brittany Freeman, and “I Should Have Stayed Up” was Harry’s way of processing the loss of his father, who tragically took his own life in 2017.

Helpful as the artistic process has been for Harry in navigating his emotions, he also acknowledges the great extent to which mental health services have played a role in his well-being. And to express his gratitude, he’s donating proceeds from sales and streams of “I Should Have Stayed Up” to Asheville-based All Souls Counseling, a nonprofit whose services he continues to use.

To learn more, visit avl.mx/cfb.

THIRD TIME’S THE CHARM

After releasing the DIY albums Something to Bleed (2015) and Under the Bridge (2017), Stephen Evans & the True Grits felt ready for the professional studio treatment with its latest collection, Buzz of Bees

“Listening to a lot of the other artists in town and hearing the quality of their recordings and how well they’re done, I just wanted to try to get to that level,” Evans says. “We’re proud of our other albums, but it’s so much better when you’re really proud of how it sounds. So, I’m glad we took that step.”

Facilitating the process was none other than Julian Dreyer, one of the most respected studio engineers in the Southeast, thanks to years of laudable work with local and touring artists at Echo Mountain Recording. But rather than track at the revered studio, the Ashevillebased Americana band got to witness Dreyer’s sonic wizardry up close at Side House Records.

“I was amazed how fast he is. What takes me hours and hours, it takes him a few clicks,” Evans says. “And [I appreciated] how patient he was with the musicians when we had to do some certain things over and over.”

Accompanying Evans on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, the True Grits consist of Brian Shoemaker (guitar/bass/vocals), Sam Hess (drums) and the single-named Woodstock (mandolin). Rounding out their sound on Buzz of Bees is a trio of all-star guest Grits: Katie Leigh Bryant (violin/fiddle), Aaron Price (piano/organ/ synth accordion) and Derrick Lee Johnson (trombone).

The firm instrumental foundation nicely complements Evans’ songwriting, which covers a range of relatable subjects across the album’s dozen tracks. The most playful of the lot is “Kid in a Dream,” which came about

in a wave of nostalgia after seeing Han Solo and Chewbacca in the Star Wars movie Solo

“That inspired me to write a song about thinking about my childhood and my childhood dreams and fantasies,” he says. “I actually wrote that pretty much almost all in one night after that movie. It just came to me and flowed really easily. Some songs are like that — I wish most songs were like that.”

Elsewhere, the musicality of a friend’s name proved to be the jumping pad for “Estefania,” an energetic tune that showcases Evans’ love of Latin music. And

the emotionally rich “Music Man” finds the artist grappling with the complicated legacy of his late father, a fellow musician whose hard-living ways on the road now make more sense to his son.

“That helped me work through it, thinking about it to the point where, ‘Oh, he was just a person like me that was just struggling,’” Evans says. “You always put your parents on a pedestal like they’re superheroes, and really they’re just humans trying to get by just like you.”

To learn more, visit avl.mx/cfc.

— Edwin Arnaudin X

There are more than 2000 sweat glands and 4000 pores in your feet? Detoxifying footbaths have been used in Ayurvedic & Eastern traditions for thousands of years!

NEW ADVENTURES: River Rats bassist Keith Harry flexes his songwriting muscles on his debut solo EP. Photo by Tom Farr

SONIC HONEY: Stephen Evans, second from right, and his bandmates elevated the production value on their third LP. Photo by Neal McClure

What’s new in food Dobrá brings

Dobrá Tea, an Asheville staple since 2010, recently opened its third location at 1011 Tunnel Road in East Asheville.

“The new space is cozy and intimate,” says owner Andrew Snavely. “We have a fireplace with a comfortable bench and couch surrounding it, the wallpaper is beautiful, and we even have a new drive-thru window available for guests on the go.”

The launch, continues Snavely, fills a void that many local fans felt following the 2018 closure of the tearoom’s Black Mountain location. “Since closing, we have had so many people on the east side of town and in Black Mountain request we open again in the area,” Snavely says.

As with its downtown and West Asheville locations, the new venue offers a selection of over 100 teas, procured by Snavely and General Manager Miles Cramer on their annual trips around the globe. “Every type of tea has been sourced directly from its country of origin,” Snavely explains.

Bubble teas, iced teas, chai teas and a small-bites menu of both savory and sweet options are also available for dine-in and to-go. “We’re particularly excited for a matcha green tea soft serve coming soon for the spring months.”

Taking a concerted effort toward creating a place of peace and comfort, Dobrá Tea has planned a number of workshops and events inside its larger East Asheville space. On Saturday, March 4, 10-11:30 a.m., the tearoom welcomes instructor Sara Delaney, founder of Sarilla, a certified alcohol-free beverage company, for an exploration of Rwandan tea. And on Sunday, March 5, 10-11:30 a.m., Aurora Taylor, an ayurvedic wellness counselor, Cha Dao practi-

Eastern tea

to East Asheville

tioner and yoga instructor, will lead a silent tea and meditation event.

“I’m so excited for Dobrá Tea to continue to spearhead traditional tea culture for our broader Asheville community,” Snavely says.

Tickets for both upcoming events are $25 per person. For more information on either workshop, as well as general store hours and menu options, visit avl.mx/cfl.

LGBTQ+ barbecue benefit

Fill your stomach, ears and hearts on Sunday, March 5, 5-7 p.m., as 1898 Waverly Inn hosts a special barbecue and music fundraiser at Continuum Art.

All proceeds from ticket sales and individual donations will directly benefit PFLAG, the nation’s first and largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating and advocating for LGBTQ+ people, their families and allies.

The evening’s menu, prepared by 1898 Waverly Inn in Hendersonville, includes smoked pulled pork and chicken, chicken wings, five-cheese macaroni, smoked beans, creamy coleslaw and chocolate chip cookies. Impossible burgers with vegan cheese, chips and salsa will also be available.

Music from Raphael Morales (lead singer of local band Lazrluvr), The Circuit Breakers and Moonshine State will be played live throughout the event. The fundraiser is BYOB

for wine and beer (no hard spirits allowed), as guests are encouraged to sip, stroll and network with supporters.

Continuum Art is at 147c First Ave. Tickets are $40 per person for general admission and $25 per person for students. Visit avl.mx/cff for additional information.

Cacao and creative expression

High Climate Tea Co. is inviting community members to an evening of dance and cacao on Tuesday, March 7, 7-9:30 p.m.

Hosted by Elowan Fae, co-creator of Sacred Evolution (a local movement offering guided meditations and music classes with a focus on spiritual connection), the High Climate Full Moon Cacao Ceremony and Dance Lab begins with the drinking of a ceremonial dose of cacao (about 45 grams of chocolate) and a shared moment of sacred intention. Cacao ceremonies are intended to help par-

EAST MEET EAST: Dobrá Tea’s new location in East Asheville features over 100 teas for dine-in and to-go.

Photo of Dobrá staff member Anna Claire Lotti courtesy of Lindsay Ann Snyder

ticipants stop, slow down and connect to the medicinal value of theobroma cacao, the plant from which chocolate is derived. Translating to “food of the gods,” theobroma is believed to help open blood vessels, provide an energy boost and create feelings of euphoria.

Following the ceremonial sip, guests will be encouraged to release inhibitions in “ecstatic dance,” a movement practice wherein participants move their bodies in any way that feels natural and free of judgment. There are no rules when it comes to ecstatic dance, but there are two main guidelines for guests: no talking (to encourage introspection and uninterrupted connection to one’s body during the dance) and no shoes.

“I hope people take away from the experience a sense of freedom and a sense of being welcomed to be their authentic selves,” says Fae. “I hope they leave my event a little more connected to themselves, a little lighter and a little more joyful.”

High Climate Tea Co. is at 12 S. Lexington Ave., Suite 1. Event tickets are available for $20-$80 per person, depending on individual generosity. Visit avl.mx/cfg for additional information.

Food protection certification

Looking to bolster your food safety skills and become better informed on food codes? The N.C. Cooperative Extension will hold a multiday, in-person food manager certification class beginning Monday, March 6, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. There will be two days of education to be followed by a Food Protection Manager Certification exam on Wednesday, March 8, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The exam has been approved by the American National Standards Institute.

Through case studies, experiential learning, hands-on activities and in-depth discussion, the Safe Plates for Food Managers course trains food managers to create a work environment that minimizes food safety risks in their restaurants, cafeterias and grocery stores through best practices, open communication and thoughtful practice.

Successful completion of the exam will guarantee food managers meet the FDA Food Code 2017 requirement to become a certified food protection manager. This certificate meets not only the requirement in North Carolina but throughout the entire United States for five years.

The course and exam will be held at 589 Raccoon Road, costing $125 per person and only $70 for NCDPI - Child Nutrition employees. Visit avl.mx/cfe for tickets and additional information.

Blue Dream Curry House transitions

Blue Dream Curry House has transitioned to a takeout-only model as of mid-February, citing inflation, rising property values and a decline in downtown business as the most prominent factors.

“Inflation has driven up cost by up to 100% on certain products, and property values have gone up so quickly that the living wage rate — that we have honored as our minimum wage from the beginning — has had to go up quite a bit to match,” says owner James Sutherland “Fewer people want to eat and work downtown. In addition, payroll ended up being almost 50% of our revenue this past year.”

Following Blue Dream’s announcement of the takeout-only transition, a GoFundMe page was created by its employees to assist the 15 individuals who were laid off as a result of the

decision and to help get the restaurant back on its feet.

“The community has really rallied to help Blue Dream survive and provide for our employees,” says Sutherland. “We’ve been well loved by the people of Asheville since opening in 2015, and I am confident this is just a dark period of time before something amazing.”

Blue Dream Curry House is at 81 Patton Ave. Visit avl.mx/cfh to help contribute to the restaurant’s GoFundMe page.

Devil’s Foot expands collaboration

In the process of making Devil’s Foot farm-to-can craft beverages, the company juices hundreds of pounds of fruit each month and produces a great deal of organic zest, spent ginger pulp and other pressed fruit byproducts still containing flavor and nutrition. Recognizing the untapped value left in these byproducts, Devil’s Foot created the Full Fruit Life program, allowing other local food and beverage makers to source these materials directly.

“A huge part of our mission from the beginning has been to ‘do more good and less harm’ in all parts of our business. One way we do this is to reduce waste and extend the goodness of the raw materials we use,” says Devil’s Foot co-founder Ben Colvin in a news release. “Now that we’re in our new production facility, we not only have room to grow into new product lines and small-batch innovative styles, but we’re also able to dramatically expand our sustainability efforts, collaborations, and our Full Fruit Life program.”

Visit avl.mx/cfd to learn more about the Full Fruit Life program, including how to connect on collaborations.

— Blake Becker X

Around Town

Zelda Fitzgerald Week returns to Asheville

For years, local history buff Jim MacKenzie believed Asheville was not doing enough to honor the legacy of Zelda Fitzgerald. The Jazz Age icon and artist, who was married to renowned author F. Scott Fitzgerald, spent the last decade of her life in and out of Highland Hospital in Montford, where she sought treatment for mental health issues. Tragically, she and eight other patients died in a fire at the site on March 10, 1948.

“Her legend is bigger than life,” MacKenzie says. “Although she was never in the moving pictures, she always appeared on all the society pages and gossip columns.”

In 2016, MacKenzie helped convince Asheville City Council to proclaim March 10 as Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald Day. That year, in collaboration with Lori Greenberg, founder of Aurora Gallery, the pair held a series of events honoring Fitzgerald.

Since its launch, the two have continued to work with community members and civic organizations to hold events. And over time, the initial one-day recognition has grown into a multiday celebration.

This year, Asheville will host Zelda Fitzgerald Week from Thursday, March 9, to Sunday, March 12, with a series of speeches and other events.

On Thursday, literary scholar Lisa Nanney will discuss Zelda Fitzgerald’s paintings in the context of her 1932 novel Save Me the Waltz at East Asheville Library at 6 p.m. On Friday, author Danny Klecko will launch his new book, Zelda’s Bed, at the West Asheville Library at 6 p.m. Klecko’s latest publication focuses on his 36-hour trip to Zelda’s hometown of Montgomery, Ala.

Come Saturday, Greenberg will moderate a panel discussion, “Letting the Light In,” a discussion of art as it relates to wellness, at East Asheville Library at 4 p.m. The celebration wraps up Sunday at 2 p.m. with Klecko offering tarot card readings in the Fitzgerald Room of

the Battery Park Book Exchange. All events are free, but space will be limited at the Sunday tarot card readings.

“I believe it’s important for Asheville residents to honor and remember the decency their ancestors exercised for years, reaching out to Zelda,” Klecko says. “They offered sanctuary to a person who wasn’t one of their own.”

The East Asheville Library is at 3 Avon Road, the West Asheville Library is at 942 Haywood Road, and the Battery Park Book Exchange is in the Grove Arcade, 1 Page Ave., Suite 101. For more information, go to avl.mx/914.

History lessons

Few people have done more to preserve the history of South Asheville than George Gibson Sr. Now his neighbors are honoring the longtime community leader for his decades of work restoring the South Asheville Cemetery.

The Kenilworth Residents Association will unveil an interpretive history panel Saturday, March 4, at 1 p.m., at St. John “A” Baptist Church. One side of the panel focuses on Gibson and the cemetery; the other side recounts the timeline of South Asheville, a predominantly Black community that was between South Main Street, today’s Biltmore Avenue, and the south slope of Beaucatcher Mountain.

The community eventually was swallowed up by the Kenilworth suburb.

“I felt it was important to capture the history of the lost community,” says local historian Sharon Fahrer, who created the panel with Ross Terry, owner of KRT Graphic Design. “It is so often overlooked when we talk of the larger communities that were destroyed by urban renewal. In fact, there is very little written about South Asheville.”

Gibson was born in Asheville in 1928 and attended South Asheville Colored School, Asheland Avenue Middle School and Stephens-Lee High School, graduating in 1948. After retiring from the American Red Cross in 1984, he spent much of his time working to maintain upkeep in the South Asheville Cemetery, which was established in the early 1800s as a burial ground for enslaved people. Adjacent to St. John “A” Baptist Church, the cemetery closed in 1943. Most of the 2,000 bodies interred on the site lie in unmarked graves.

Fahrer said she gathered most of the information contained in the panel from talking to the Gibson family and neighbors. The project, one of several history panels put together by Fahrer and Terry, took three years to complete, she says.

St. John “A” Baptist Church is at 20 Dalton St. To see the Gibson side of the panel, go to avl.mx/cfn. To see the Asheville side, visit avl.mx/cfo.

Nice threads

Follow the Thread, an exhibit featuring work by members of Tapestry Weavers South, will run through Wednesday, May 3, at the Folk Art Center.

The Southern Highland Craft Guild show will feature geometric tapestry weavings, woven bowls and postcards, framed scenic textiles and three-dimensional faces. Tapestry Weavers South is an organization

Magical Offerings

vibrant music culture of Western North Carolina.

Viloria, a first-time grant recipient, will use funds to build a professional website, purchase equipment and reimburse expenses from her first solo show.

For more information, go to avl.mx/cfs.

Punk it up

Four bands will take the stage for Punk Night at The Odd on Friday, March 10, starting at 8 p.m.

The lineup features Asheville groups Cloud City Caskets and Tiny TVs. Rounding out the bill will be Tennessee-based The Reppertons and Raleigh’s Distortions.

Tickets are $10. Doors open at 7 p.m.

The Odd is at 1045 Haywood Road. For more information, go to avl.mx/cfr.

Tickets available

dedicated to advancing the art and craft of tapestry weaving.

The Folk Art Center is at Milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in East Asheville. Admission is free. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. For more information, visit avl.mx/cft.

Support for artists

ArtsAVL named 24 recipients of the 2022-23 regional Artist Support Grant, 15 of whom live and work in Buncombe County.

Awardees work in a variety of art forms and mediums within craft, music and theater, literature, media and visual arts. In Buncombe County, this year’s recipients include artists working in film, textile arts, music, painting, poetry, jewelry making and ceramic arts.

The winners from Buncombe County are Virginia Derryberry , Bridger Dunnagan , Joel Elliott , Kristin Erhard , Sean Gaskell , Ryan Glass , Ginger Huebner , Lisa Klakulak, Isabella Losskarn, Deanna Lynch, Morgan McCarver, Sara Murphy, Mary Ellen Lough, Katerine Viloria and Laura Wood.

Grants, which ranged from $750 to $3,000, will support projects including a new series of narrative paintings by Derryberry that will examine this contemporary moment of cultural divisiveness; a poetry manuscript revision from Lough; and Dunnagan’s purchase of new recording equipment to capture the

Tickets are available for Literacy Together’s 14th annual Authors for Literacy Dinner & Auction on Thursday, May 4, 6-9 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Resort Expo Center.

Silas House, bestselling author of Eli the Good, Southernmost and other novels, will be the keynote speaker at the event. The annual gathering raises money for Literacy Together’s programs, which provide comprehensive literacy and English language skills to students and others in Buncombe County.

General admission tickets are $95. To purchase tickets, go to avl.mx/amw.

— Justin McGuire X

MOVIE REVIEWS

Local reviewers’ critiques of new films include:

EMILY: Acclaimed actor Frances O’Connor makes an impressive directorial debut with this Brontësister biopic. Grade: B-plus — Edwin Arnaudin

COCAINE BEAR: It blows. Grade: C-minus

— Edwin Arnaudin

Daily Readers Available

3/2: Reader: Salem Elder 11-6pm

3/3: Reader: Krysta Heidman 11-6pm

3/4: Group Past Life Regression 2-4pm

Reader: Edward Phipps 12-6pm

3/7: FULL MOON

Reader: Byron Ballard 1-5pm

3/8: Reader: Denise Wells 12-6pm

3/12: Aura Readings with Atena 1-4pm

NEW MOON: March 21st

100 + Herbs Available!

March Stone: Bloodstone

March Herb: Chickweed

(828) 424-7868

ashevillepagansupply.store

640 Merrimon Ave. #207

Mon.-Sat. 11-7 • Sun. 12-6pm

LEGENDS OF ZELDA: Literary scholar Lisa Nanney, left, and author Danny Klecko will be the keynote speakers for Asheville’s Zelda Fitzgerald Week. Photos courtesy of the authors

A FANCY AFFAIR: Fancy and the Gentleman will play with the Blue Ridge Orchestra at UNCA’s Lipinsky Auditorium on Sunday, March 5, at 3 p.m. An EP release after-party will take place 5:30-8 p.m. at Little Jumbo in North Asheville. Photo courtesy of Fancy Marie

For questions about free listings, call 828-251-1333, opt. 4.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1

12 BONES BREWERY

Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm

ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY

Aquanet Goth Party w/ Ash Black, 8pm

ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL

Disclaimer Stand-Up

Lounge Comedy Open Mic, 8pm

BIER GARDEN Geeks Who Drink: Trivia, 7pm BOLD ROCK ASHEVILLE Music Bingo, 7pm

FLEETWOOD'S Open Mic Wednesday Night, 7pm

HI-WIRE BREWING

Weekly Trivia Night w/ Not Rocket Science Trivia, 7pm

HIGHLAND BREWING CO.

Songwriter Series w/ Matt Smith, 6pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

Old Time Jam, 5pm

ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL

Wild Wednesday Funkn-Rock, 10pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Latin Night w/DJ Mtn Vibez, 8:30pm

RENDEVOUS Albi (vintage jazz), 6pm

SHAKEY'S Sexy Tunes w/DJ Ek Balam & Mad Mike, 8pm

SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN BREWERY

Jazz Night, 6pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA Poetry Open Mic w/ Host Caleb Beissert, 8:30pm

THE GREY EAGLE Joshua Ray Walker w/ Vandoliers (country, honky-tonk, Americana), 7pm

THE ODD

Friday the 13th: Part III (3D), 8pm

Season Kickoff Party on

and Josh Clark’s Visible Spectrum

THE SOCIAL Wednesday Night Karaoke w/Lyric, 9pm

TWIN LEAF BREWERY

Wednesday Open Mic, 5:30pm

THURSDAY, MARCH 2

185 KING STREET Congdon & Co. ft Jonathan Pearlman (covers), 7pm

ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY

Kiki Thursday: Drag Party w/DJ RexxStep, 7pm

ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR

The MGB's, 7:30pm

ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL

Bumpin Uglies w/Sierra Lane (reggae, rock), 7pm

BOLD ROCK

ASHEVILLE Trivia Night, 7pm

FRENCH BROAD

RIVER BREWERY

Jerry's Dead (Grateful Dead & JGB Tribute), 6pm

GIGI'S UNDERGROUND

Mr Jimmy (blues), 8pm

GINGER'S REVENGE

SOUTH SLOPE

LOUNGE

Don't Tell Comedy, 7pm

GREEN MAN BREWERY

Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm

HIGHLAND BREWING

DOWNTOWN TAPROOM

Not Rocket Science Trivia, 6pm

IMPERIÁL

DJ Press Play, 9pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

Bluegrass Jam hosted by Drew Matulich, 7:30pm

ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL

The Lumpy Heads (Phish tribute), 9pm

ONE WORLD BREWING

Jake Burns (reggae, folk, rock), 7pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

Magenta Sunshine, 7pm

PULP

Slice of Life: Disclaimer

Standup Comedy

Takeover & Comedy

Open Mic, 8pm

SALVAGE STATION

Mama & The Ruckus w/ Aaron "Woody" Wood (blues, soul), 8pm

SHAKEY'S

Karaoke w/DJ Franco Niño, 9pm

THE GETAWAY RIVER BAR

Karaoke w/Terraoke, 9pm

THE GREY EAGLE

Enter the Haggis (Celtic rock, folk, and indierock), 7pm

THE ODD

Lizzie Trouble, Tierney Tough, Lurkey Skunk & Yawni, 7pm

THE ROOT BAR

Kendra and Friends, 6pm

TWIN LEAF BREWERY

Thursday Night Karaoke, 8:45pm

URBAN ORCHARD Trivia Thursday, 6:30pm

FRIDAY, MARCH 3

185 KING STREET Supper Club (rock'n'roll), 8pm

ASHEVILLE BEAUTY

ACADEMY Venus (dark house dance party), 10pm

ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR

Mr Jimmy's Big City Blues, 7:30pm

ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Weedeater, Rebelmatic & Witchpit (stoner metal), 7:30pm

BOTANIST & BARREL TASTING BAR +

BOTTLE SHOP

The Blushin' Roulettes (folk), 6pm

CITIZEN VINYL

Allegra Krieger, Natalie Jane Hill, & Daniel Shearin (folk, rock), 6:30pm

CORK & KEG

The Gypsy Swingers (up-tempo jazz, Latin, bossa nova), 8pm

CROW & QUILL

DJ Dr. Filth (old school vinyl), 8:30pm

FLEETWOOD'S Zodiac Dance Party, 9pm

FRENCH BROAD BREWERY

The Grass is Dead (bluegrass, Grateful Dead tribute), 6:30pm

GINGER'S REVENGE

CRAFT BREWERY & TASTING ROOM

Emily Martin and the Innocent Mischief (folk), 6pm

HIGHLAND BREWING CO.

Ben Balmer (folk, contemporary, Americana), 7pm

HIGHLAND DOWNTOWN

TAPROOM

Drag Music Bingo w/ Divine the Bearded Lady, 7pm

IMPERIÁL

DJ Tavo & Trailmix, 9pm

ONE WORLD BREWING

5J Barrow Friday Nights (soul), 8pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

DZ3 w/David Zoll, Ben Bjorlie & Michael Hynes, 8pm

Live music every Fri. & Sat.

Songwriters Night on Tuesdays

CLUBLAND

SALVAGE STATION

The Stews w/Easy Money (rock), 7pm

SHILOH & GAINES

Solvivor (blues rock), 9pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA

Lactones (drip noise), 9pm

THE GREY EAGLE

• EARLY SHOW: Joe Zimmerman (comedy), 7pm

• LATE SHOW: Joe Zimmerman (comedy), 9:30pm

THE ODD 7elix w/Lavey, VVitchboy, Mondo & Pete (rap, hiphop, emo), 8pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

The Dip w/Juice (rhythm & blues), 7pm

WRONG WAY

CAMPGROUND Fireside Friday (open jam), 5:30pm

PLĒB URBAN WINERY

Wine w/Divine: The Happiest Hour, 5pm

SATURDAY, MARCH 4

185 KING STREET

Empire Strikes Brass (brass, funk, rock), 8pm

ASHEVILLE BEAUTY

ACADEMY

80s MAXimum Overdrive w/DJ Nato, 10pm

ASHEVILLE CLUB

Mr Jimmy (blues), 8pm

ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

Travers Brothership (rock, soul, blues), 9pm

AYURPRANA LISTENING ROOM

Shimshai w/Luna Ray (folk, acoustic reggae), 7pm

BATTERY PARK BOOK

EXCHANGE

Dinah's Daydream (Gypsy jazz), 5:30pm

BOLD ROCK

ASHEVILLE Bluegrass Brunch, 10am

BOOJUM BREWING CO.

ImiJ of Soul (Jimi Hendrix tribute), 9pm

CORK & KEG

The Old Chevrolette Set (classic country), 8pm

FLEETWOOD'S

Squidmouth w/Tight (indie, garage), 9pm

GINGER'S REVENGE

SOUTH SLOPE

LOUNGE

Color Machine (folk, rock), 4pm

HIGHLAND BREWING

CO.

Nordmoe and the Rodeo (country), 6pm

HIGHLAND DOWNTOWN

TAPROOM

Chris Norred & Friends (jazz), 7pm

IMPERIÁL

DJ Otto Maddox, 9pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

Nobody’s Darling String Band, 4pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

Brother Fat (funk, blues), 7pm

SALVAGE STATION

Jon Stickley Trio (Gypsy jazz, folk punk), 7pm

SHILOH & GAINES

Roots & Dore (blues), 9pm

THE GREY EAGLE

Bailen w/Elizabeth Moen (indie-pop), 7pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

Donna the Buffalo w/ Brett Bigelow (rock), 7pm

SUNDAY, MARCH 5

ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY

• Life's a Drag Brunch w/Ida Carolina & Euphoria Eclipse, 12pm • SOL Dance Party w/ Zati (soul house), 9pm

ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR

Mark's House Jam & Beggar's Banquet, 3pm

ASHEVILLE PIZZA & BREWING CO. Standup Comedy, 6:30pm

BOLD ROCK

ASHEVILLE Bluegrass Brunch, 10am

CATAWBA

& Odd Squad (metal, rap), 8pm

PLĒB URBAN WINERY Robert's Totally Rad Trivia,

DSSOLVR

IMPERIÁL

DJ Short Stop, 9pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

Quizzo! Pub Trivia w/ Jason Mencer, 7:30pm

NOBLE CIDER & MEAD DOWNTOWN

Freshen Up Comedy Showcase, 6:30pm

ONE WORLD BREWING

Open Mic Night, 6:30pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

Monday Mashup w/The JLloyd MashUp Band, 8pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA

Weekly Ping Pong Tournament, 6pm

THE JOINT NEXT DOOR

Mr Jimmy and Friends (blues), 7pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

The Beths w/Sidney Gish (alternative-indie), 7pm

TUESDAY, MARCH 7

185 KING STREET

Tuesday Casual Collaborations ft The Landsliders, 6:30pm

5 WALNUT WINE BAR

The John Henrys (jazz, swing), 8pm

ASHEVILLE BEAUTY

ACADEMY

Karaoke w/Ganymede, 10pm

DIFFERENT WRLD

Modelface Comedy

Presents: Better Trip w/Shane Mauss, 7pm

FRENCH BROAD

BREWERY

Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm

HIGHLAND BREWING CO.

Tuesday Bluegrass

w/Jackson Grimm (folk-pop, bluegrass, Appalachian), 6pm

HIGHLAND

DOWNTOWN

TAPROOM

Not Rocket Science Trivia, 6pm

IMPERIÁL

DJ Mad Mike, 9pm

ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

Early Tuesday Jam (funk), 7pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

The Grateful Family Band Tuesdays (Dead tribute, jam band, rock), 6pm

SHAKEY'S Booty Tuesday: Queer Dance Party, 8pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA

Weekly Open Jam hosted by Chris Cooper & Friends, 7:30pm

THE GREY EAGLE

Mikeala Davis (60's pop, psychedelia, bluegrass rock), 7pm

THE SOCIAL Travers Freeway Open Jam Tuesdays, 7pm

TWIN LEAF BREWERY

Tuesday Night Trivia, 7pm

WHITE HORSE BLACK

MOUNTAIN Open Mic, 7pm

WICKED WEED BREWING Trivia w/Kipper, 6pm

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8

12 BONES BREWERY

Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm

ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY

Aquanet Goth Party w/ Ash Black, 8pm

ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL

Disclaimer Stand-Up

Lounge Comedy Open Mic, 8pm

BIER GARDEN

Geeks Who Drink: Trivia, 7pm

FRENCH BROAD

RIVER BREWERY

Jerry's Dead (Grateful Dead & JGB Tribute), 6pm

HI-WIRE BREWING

Weekly Trivia Night w/

Not Rocket Science Trivia, 7pm

HIGHLAND BREWING

CO.

Songwriter Series w/ Matt Smith, 6pm

JACK OF THE WOOD

PUB

Old Time Jam, 5pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

Latin Night w/DJ Mtn

Vibez, 8:30pm

RENDEVOUS

Albi (vintage jazz), 6pm

SHAKEY'S 80s Night, 8pm

SOUTHERN

APPALACHIAN

BREWERY

Jazz Night w/Jason

DeCristofaro, 6pm

THE GREY EAGLE

Sam Grisman Project

Presents: The Music of Garcia & Grisman, 7pm

THE SOCIAL

Wednesday Night

Karaoke w/Lyric, 9pm

TWIN LEAF BREWERY

Wednesday Open Mic, 5:30pm

THURSDAY, MARCH 9

ASHEVILLE BEAUTY

ACADEMY

Kiki Thursday: Drag Party w/DJ RexxStep, 7pm

ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR

Robert Thomas Band (jazz, rock), 7:30pm

ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

Thumpasaurus (alternative funk, rock), 7:30pm

BATTERY PARK BOOK EXCHANGE

FLEETWOOD'S Twen w/Watches (indie, punk), 8pm

FRENCH BROAD

RIVER BREWERY

Jerry's Dead (Grateful Dead & JGB Tribute), 6pm

GIGI'S UNDERGROUND

Mr Jimmy, 8pm

GREEN MAN

BREWERY

Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm

HIGHLAND BREWING

DOWNTOWN

TAPROOM

Not Rocket Science Trivia, 6pm

IMPERIÁL DJ Lil Meow Meow, 9pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

ONE WORLD BREWING

Paul Edelman, 7pm

SHAKEY'S Karaoke w/DJ Franco Niño, 9pm

THE GETAWAY RIVER BAR

Karaoke w/Terraoke, 9pm

THE GREY EAGLE

Sarah Shook & The Disarmers w/Sunny War (Americana, folk, country blues), 7pm

THE ODD

The Beard Cult, Torvus & Auralayer Live (doom metal, pop influences), 7pm

THE ROOT BAR

Kendra and Friends, 6pm

TWIN LEAF BREWERY Thursday Night Karaoke, 8:45pm

Keeping Asheville Weird Since 2010

Bluegrass Jam hosted by Drew Matulich,

URBAN ORCHARD Trivia Thursday, 6:30pm

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY BY

ARIES (March 21-April 19): In 1993, I began work on my memoirish novel The Televisionary Oracle. It took me seven years to finish. The early part of the process was tough. I generated a lot of material I didn’t like. Then one day, I discovered an approach that liberated me: I wrote about aspects of my character and behavior that needed improvement. Suddenly everything clicked, and my fruitless adventure transformed into a fluidic joy. Soon I was writing about other themes and experiences. But dealing with self-correction was a key catalyst. Are there any such qualities in yourself you might benefit from tackling, Aries? If so, I recommend you try my approach.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Two Taurus readers complained that my horoscopes contain too much poetry and flair to be useful. In response, I’m offering you a prosaic message. It’s all true, though in a way that’s more like a typical horoscope. (I wonder if this approach will spur your emotional intelligence and your soul’s lust for life, which are crucial areas of growth for you these days.) Anyway, here’s the oracle: Take a risk and extend feelers to interesting people outside your usual sphere. But don’t let your social adventures distract you from your ambitions, which also need your wise attention. Your complex task: Mix work and play; synergize business and pleasure.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Astrologer Jessica Shepherd advises us to sidle up to the Infinite Source of Life and say, “Show me what you’ve got.” When we do, we often get lucky. That’s because the Infinite Source of Life delights in bringing us captivating paradoxes. Yes and no may both be true in enchanting ways. Independence and interdependence can interweave to provide us with brisk teachings. If we dare to experiment with organized wildness and aggressive receptivity, our awareness will expand and our heart will open. What about it, Gemini? Are you interested in the charming power that comes from engaging with cosmic contradictions? Now’s a favorable time to do so. Go ahead and say, “Show me what you’ve got” to the Infinite Source of Life.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): “Only a lunatic would dance when sober,” declared the ancient Roman philosopher Cicero. As a musician who loves to dance, I reject that limiting idea — especially for you. In the upcoming weeks, I hope you will do a lot of dancingwhile-sober. Singing-while-sober, too. Maybe some crying-for-joy-while-sober, as well as freewheeling-your-way-through-unpredictable-conversations-while-sober and cavortingand-reveling-while-sober. My point is that there is no need for you to be intoxicated as you engage in revelry. Even further: It will be better for your soul’s long-term health if you are lucid and clearheaded as you celebrate this liberating phase of extra joy and pleasure.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Poet Mary Oliver wondered whether the soul is solid and unbreakable, like an iron bar. Or is it tender and fragile, like a moth in an owl’s beak? She fantasized that maybe it’s shaped like an iceberg or a hummingbird’s eye. I am poetically inclined to imagine the soul as a silver diadem bedecked with emeralds, roses, and live butterflies. What about you, Leo? How do you experience your soul? The coming weeks will be a ripe time to home in on this treasured part of you. Feel it, consult with it, feed it. Ask it to surprise you!

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): According to the color consultant company Pantone, “viva magenta” is 2023’s color of the year. According to me, viva magenta is the lucky hue and power pigment for you Virgos during the next ten months. Designer Amber Guyton says that viva magenta “is a rich shade of red that is both daring and warm.” She adds that its “purple undertone gives it a warmth that sets it apart from mere red and makes it more versatile.” For your purposes, Virgo, viva magenta is earthy and exciting; nurturing and inspiring; soothing yet arousing.

ROB BREZSNY

The coming weeks will be a good time to get the hang of incorporating its spirit into your life.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): If you are not working to forge a gritty solution, you may be reinforcing a cozy predicament. If you’re not expanding your imagination to conjure up fresh perspectives, you could be contributing to some ignorance or repression. If you’re not pushing to expose dodgy secrets and secret agendas, you might be supporting the whitewash. Know what I’m saying, Libra? Here’s a further twist. If you’re not peeved about the times you have wielded your anger unproductively, you may not use it brilliantly in the near future. And I really hope you will use it brilliantly.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Storyteller Martin Shaw believes that logic and factual information are not enough to sustain us. To nourish our depths, we need the mysterious stories provided by myths and fairy tales. He also says that conventional hero sagas starring big, strong, violent men are outmoded. Going forward, we require wily, lyrical tales imbued with the spirit of the Greek word metis, meaning “divine cunning in service to wisdom.” That’s what I wish for you now, Scorpio. I hope you will tap into it abundantly. As you do, your creative struggles will lead to personal liberations. For inspiration, read myths and fairy tales.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Many astrologers don’t give enough encouragement to you Sagittarians on the subject of home. I will compensate for that. I believe it’s a perfect time to prioritize your feelings of belonging and your sense of security. I urge you to focus energy on creating serenity and stability for yourself. Honor the buildings and lands you rely on. Give extra appreciation to the people you regard as your family and tribe. Offer blessings to the community that supports you.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): If you are like 95% of the population, you weren’t given all the love and care you needed as a child. You may have made adaptations to partly compensate for this lack, but you are still running a deficit. That’s the bad news, Capricorn. The good news is that the coming weeks will be a favorable time to overcome at least some of the hurt and sadness caused by your original deprivation. Life will offer you experiences that make you feel more at home in the world and at peace with your destiny and in love with your body. Please help life help you! Make yourself receptive to kindness and charity and generosity.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): The philosopher Aldous Huxley was ambitious and driven. Author of almost 50 books, he was a passionate pacifist and explorer of consciousness. He was a visionary who expressed both dystopian and utopian perspectives. Later in his life, though, his views softened. “Do not burn yourselves out,” he advised readers. “Be as I am: a part-time crusader, a half-hearted fanatic. Save the other half of yourselves for pleasure and adventure. It is not enough to fight for the land; it is even more important to enjoy it.” Now I’m offering you Huxley’s counsel, Aquarius. As much as I love your zealous idealism and majestic quests, I hope that in the coming weeks, you will recharge yourself with creature comforts.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Piscean author and activist W. E. B. Du Bois advised us to always be willing to give up what we are. Why? Because that’s how we transform into a deeper and stronger version of ourselves. I think you would benefit from using his strategy. My reading of the astrological omens tells me that you are primed to add through subtraction, to gain power by shedding what has become outworn and irrelevant. Suggested step one: Identify dispiriting self-images you can jettison. Step two: Visualize a familiar burden you could live without. Step three: Drop an activity that bores you. Step four: Stop doing something that wastes your time.

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MANAGER Come join our team at the Eagle’s Nest Foundation! Eagle’s Nest Foundation is seeking a full-time Assistant Property Manager. The Eagle’s Nest Foundation is a nonprofit that promotes the natural world and the betterment of human character through experiential education programs for children grades K-11th. This position supports the Property Manager in all matters concerning the Eagle’s Nest Foundation facilities and property management. The Assistant Property Manager will assist in site maintenance, safety, and development. Work will include: construction, maintenance, improvements, repair and project clean up. Facilities include all buildings and structures, grounds/ properties, vehicle and equipment maintenance. See the full job announcement and apply at enf.org/foundation/ employment

HUMAN SERVICES

PROGRAM ASSOCIATE: WORKING WHEELS Working Wheels seeks a part time (30 hr/wk) Program Associate to provide excellent program support. Applications accepted by email only. Spanish fluency a plus! Learn more and apply at avl.mx/cg3

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OFFICER (COO) - BURIAL BEER CO. Burial is seeking a financial-focused Chief Operating Officer to oversee the company's financial

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Contest Poetry

Xpress announces

a 2023 poetry contest in celebration of April as National Poetry Month

Are you poet living in Western North Carolina?

If so, consider submitting an original, previously unpublished work for this year’s contest. This year’s theme is all about hope. Where do you go in Western North Carolina to find your moment of zen or sense of purpose? Do you gravitate toward hiking trails or do you prefer a swimming hole? Or are you more likely to find your peace of mind in a local bookstore or cafe?

Wherever it is, we want to read about it in the form of a poem.

All poems should be no longer than one typed page in a 12-point font. Again, only previously unpublished works will be considered.

The contest is currently open for submission and will close at midnight on Wednesday, March 22. Email your poem in the body of the message to tcalder@mountainx.com.

The subject line should read “Xpress 2023 poetry contest.” Include the author’s full name and contact information in the email. Only one submission is allowed per person. There is no cost to enter.

A winning poem will be determined by local, award-winning poet Michael Hettich. The winner will be published online and in print in the final issue of our annual Sustainability series on Wednesday, April 26. The contest is not open to Xpress employees or freelance contributors.

ACROSS

1 Composer of the piano piece played in the “Tom and Jerry” short “The Cat Concerto”

6 Fuse

10 Sugarcoated, in a way

14 Dancing like a ballerina

15 “Sounds good!”

16 First line on a form, often

17 Par ___ (by airmail, in French)

18 Word after lo or chow

19 Phaser setting

20 Sports bar purchases?

23 Summer setting in Mass.

24 Actor Kingsley

25 Guy in a crew

28 Do a cobbler’s job on

30 Like a kitten cuddling with a puppy

32 Before, in poetry

33 Sports bar purchases?

36 Recipient of the inaugural A.T.P. Player of the Year award

39 “Chandelier” singer

40 Has a student loan, say

41 Sports bar purchases?

46 Assistance

47 Every which way

48 Relents

52 Gets the hair just right, say

54 “Better Call Saul” network

55 Spanish article

56 Sports bar purchases?

60 Recite the rosary, e.g.

62 Currency of Portugal

63 Occupied, as a desk

64 Free speech org.

65 Hair removal brand

66 Cut down to size

67 “Golf is a good ___ spoiled”

68 Fix because of flatness, say

69 Some are for passing

DOWN

1 Apt shoe for a bread maker?

2 What the aliens do in “The War of the Worlds”

3 Work assignments

4 ___ suit

5 Not ridiculous, as an argument

6 Persons who identify as female, in an alternative spelling

7 Scraped together, with “out”

8 Hideout

9 Tang, for one

10 App with “Stories,” informally

11 Bee’s knees

12 Outback bird

13 Hideout

22 Brokers’ charges

26 Fotografía, por ejemplo

27 Loch ___

29 Abbr. above “0”

30 Quickly form a friendship (with)

31 Home of the Sundance Film Festival

34 Apropos of

35 Zoom meeting leader

36 Lickety-split

37 Ruckus

38 Wanted for nothing

42 Daddy, in Spanish

43 “Whew! That was exhausting!”

44 Muppet who speaks in a falsetto

45 Withdrawal to avoid a conflict of interest

49 Oman’s ruler, e.g. 50 Agita 51 Presses Ctrl-V on a PC 53 Symbol of poison on a warning label 54 Treasure

Feast with poi 58 Blarney Stone locale 59 Dad, in Chinese 60 Fido’s foot 61 Record label that released the first

r.p.m. single (1949)

Contact Thomas Calder at tcalder@mountainx.com with any questions