Mountain Xpress 06.22.22 by Mountain Xpress

OU R 28TH Y E A R OF W E E K LY I N DE PE N DE N T N E W S, A RTS & E V E N TS FOR W E STE R N NORTH CA ROL I NA VOL . 28 NO. 47 J U N E 22-28, 2022

C O NT E NT S

NEWS

FEATURES 8

STATE OF THE UNION WNC labor organizing is on the upswing

10 BIZ BRIEFS Opportunity Appalachia to support two Old Fort businesses

PAGE 6 SPARKING EQUITY Mountain BizWorks’ Catalyst Cohort helps entrepreneurs of color transform their businesses and close the opportunity gaps created by lack of generational wealth and discriminatory practices. The yearlong course blends business fundamentals, one-on-one coaching and peer mentorship, building community in the process.

WELLNESS

FEATURE

COVER PHOTO Rachael McIntosh 17 Q&A WITH CATHERINE TOPEL Pig farmer pivots by inviting glampers to the farm

20 HERBAL ROOTS Natural health product sales increase during COVID

COVER DESIGN Scott Southwick

LETTERS

CARTOON: MOLTON

CARTOON: BRENT BROWN

NEWS

13 BUNCOMBE BEAT

A&C

18 COMMUNITY CALENDAR 22 IN THE GROOVE Local record-shop entrepreneurs discuss the wild world of vinyl

20 WELLNESS 22 ARTS & CULTURE 34 CLUBLAND

A&C

38 FREEWILL ASTROLOGY 30 WHAT’S NEW IN FOOD MANNA FoodBank hosts latest Outpace Hunger campaign

38 CLASSIFIEDS 39 NY TIMES CROSSWORD

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JUNE 22-28, 2022

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PUBLISHER & EDITOR: Jeff Fobes ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER: Susan Hutchinson OPERATIONS MANAGER: Able Allen MANAGING EDITOR: Thomas Calder NEWS EDITOR: Daniel Walton ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR: Thomas Calder OPINION EDITOR: Tracy Rose STAFF REPORTERS: Able Allen, Edwin Arnaudin, Thomas Calder, Justin McGuire, Sara Murphy, Brooke Randle, Jessica Wakeman, Daniel Walton, Ben Williamson COMMUNITY CALENDAR & CLUBLAND: Justin McGuire, Andy Hall CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Lisa Allen, Peter Gregutt, Mary Jean Ronan Herzog, Rob Mikulak REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS: Mark Barrett, LA Bourgeois, Johanna Patrice Hagarty, Bill Kopp, Cindy Kunst, Alli Marshall, Linda Ray, Kay West STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS: Jennifer Castillo, Cindy Kunst ADVERTISING, ART & DESIGN MANAGER: Susan Hutchinson LEAD DESIGNER: Scott Southwick GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Olivia Urban MARKETING ASSOCIATES: Sara Brecht, Vicki Catalano, Scott Mermel, Tiffany Wagner INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES & WEB: Able Allen BOOKKEEPER: Amie Fowler-Tanner

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OPINION

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

Xpress should broaden letters’ focus The Citizen Times’ parent organization, Gannett, has made a decision to reduce the daily letters to the editor to a Sunday-only format. It’s my thought that this gives the Mountain Xpress an opportunity to expand the topics and length of the letters to the editor column. My guess is a good number of individuals will begin submitting letters to the Mountain Xpress because of the reduced opportunities in the Citizen Times. Traditionally, your format has been a locally focused forum of shared ideas. I would encourage you to expand it to cover national and international issues so that writers of letters to the editor have more topics they can speak to, and your readers will be exposed to more food for thought. In addition, visitors from throughout the nation and around the world who visit Asheville will see with every weekly issue of the Mountain Xpress that our community has a deep interest in shared, thoughtful, well-articulated topics that are local, countrywide and international. — Richard Boyum Candler Editor’s response: Thank you for writing in with your suggestion. We most definitely want to encourage letters that are thoughtful and well articulated. However, since its founding, Xpress has focused on the news, issues, arts and culture of Asheville and Western North Carolina — a decidedly local emphasis that extends to the Opinion pages. Our mission continues to be: “To build community and strengthen democracy by serving an active, thoughtful readership at the local level, where the impact of citizen action is greatest.” So, yes to more food for thought in Xpress — as long as the flavors remain local.

Start with legalizing medical marijuana [Regarding “Closer to Compassion? N.C. May Inch Closer to Legalizing Medical Marijuana” June 1, Xpress:] Yes, medical marijuana should be legalized, along with legal recreational marijuana. Marijuana is beneficial for many people for a variety of issues, both physically and mentally. The only ones who believe otherwise are those who have not used it and believe it is a “gateway drug” to harmful drugs like heroin or cocaine. It is not. The abuse of those type of drugs is not caused by using marijuana. All that being said, medical use legalization should be a priority,

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C A RT O O N B Y R AN DY M O L T O N followed by the legalization of recreational use. As recreational users already know, it doesn’t really matter if narrow-minded politicians agree or not, marijuana will continue to be available and enjoyed as it always has been without the “consent” of North Carolina government. — James Shaughnessy Southport (formerly of Weaverville)

More trash cans needed along river

walks and bike paths are a step in the right direction. Let’s not forget to continue to support having waste receptacles and shrub/tree pruning completed regularly. Seeing dog owners with nowhere to (appropriately) dispose of the baggies, and tree limbs overhanging the paths already with vines clamoring onto the sidewalks for better purchase is disconcerting. It’s the height of the tourist season, but I live here and see so many employment opportunities! Green jobs are just begging to be realized!

Keeping Asheville Weird Since 2010 CONTINUES ON PAGE 5

I am enjoying Asheville’s riverwalk and adjacent parks. The safe side-

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JUNE 22-28, 2022

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CARTOON BY BRENT BROWN As I write this, it’s disappointing to see overflowing trash here this morning along the RAD Half Marathon route. So many people out enjoying our beautiful setting. The trash receptacle availability every 5 miles or so along the French Broad walks and parks is woefully inadequate. Litter along the walk is the result. And the ones we have are not emptied often enough. Improving this situation is a minimum criterion for having a clean and green environment! Let’s do better, Asheville! — Libi Libner Enka-Candler

Gun sports at Biltmore should stop I was reminded yesterday of one of the reasons I let my membership to the Biltmore Estate lapse. I sat along the French Broad River, hoping to snag a speck of peace while grabbing a quick lunch. Unfortunately, my bubble of sweet lull was burst by the very unsettling blasts from gunfire. Good ol’ Biltmore Estate, still catering to people who enjoy shooting guns. Skeet-shooting, I suppose. I think under the circumstances of our very sick nation and the heightened awareness we all share regarding guns, this public pleasure revolving around firearms should be

discontinued. Granted, back when I was a member and spoke to as many people I could, I was informed that the estate also provides an outdoor target range for law officials. That at least is more occasional and a necessary evil. I think there needs to be greater commitment to keeping the peace and providing free space in nature where individuals and families can enjoy moments. Gunfire for guest enjoyment needs to stop. The way sound carries on a river, who knows how far that noise travels and how many schoolchildren, veterans or just lollygagging river floaters have to hear it. There are other activities visitors to the estate can involve themselves with. Maybe if enough people shout out against this, the estate will agree to discontinue its relationship with gun sports and maybe even send a message accordingly. — Terri Lu Fairview

Editor’s note: Xpress contacted Biltmore with the letter writer’s points and received the following response from spokesperson LeeAnn Donnelly: “We appreciate the reader sharing these concerns. Feedback from our guests is a critical component of our decision-making process. While we do not have any immediate plans to eliminate sporting clays from our offerings, we do pay close attention to the views of our guests in deciding what experiences we provide. These comments have been shared with our leadership team and again, we appreciate hearing them.”

Editor’s note Due to changing health recommendations related to COVID-19, readers are encouraged to check with individual businesses for the latest updates concerning upcoming events.

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JUNE 22-28, 2022

NEWS

Sparking equity

Mountain BizWorks’ Catalyst Cohort program champions entrepreneurs of color BY SARA MURPHY smurphy@mountainx.com Last September, Neomi Negron read an announcement in AVLToday’s daily newsletter about applications for the third round of Mountain BizWorks’ Catalyst Cohort program. Since October 2020, this yearlong course has provided local businesses owned by entrepreneurs of color with foundational business training, one-on-one coaching, facilitated peer support and $2,000 to put toward achieving their business goals. It was the perfect time for Negron, founder and owner of the gourmet ice pops business Buggy Pops, to discover the program. When she opened for business in 2020, she had to abandon her plan to sell at events due to the pandemic. Instead, she took her eye-catching tricycle and handcraft-

ed pops to farmers markets. “We had to pivot without even really starting,” she recalls. Now, events were starting again, and she wanted guidance booking them. In November, Buggy Pops became one of 10 local businesses chosen for the third Catalyst Cohort, alongside fellow food and beverage companies Asheville Coffee Tours, Cooking with Comedy and mobile ice cream parlor Cream Works; automotive service companies Quality Automotive and R.A.W. Paint & Body; digital marketing company Kairos Digital; Kiesha Lewis Realty; independent author marketing company Otterpine; and photography agency Speed Snaps. Since December, this cohort of business owners has worked with Mountain BizWorks’ facilitators, coaches, guest speakers and each other to set goals, share successes and struggles, and find community. “Sometimes it’s hard to talk about business, because you feel like you’re being judged or being told what you should be doing. With the cohort, we’re all really supporting each other,” says Negron. THE CATALYST OF CAPITAL

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The Catalyst Cohort is part of Mountain BizWorks’ larger Multicultural Catalyst Program. This growth initiative was created in October 2020 to address the difficulties that entrepreneurs of color face in accessing capital. “Capital is a major barrier — not just financial, but also human capital, as it relates to education and social capital,” explains Jeremiah Robinson, Mountain BizWorks’ entrepreneur in residence and leader of the Catalyst Program. In a 2018 report by the Western North Carolina New Economy Coalition on local economic gaps, 33 minority business owners, business development professionals and com-

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POP-UP BUSINESS: Neomi Negron, owner and founder of Buggy Pops, began selling her gourmet handcrafted ice pops at farmers markets due to the pandemic. Thanks to Mountain BizWorks’ Catalyst Cohort program, she has now grown her business to include booking events. Photo by Rachael McIntosh munity stakeholders named capital as the biggest challenge for minority entrepreneurs. They pointed to racial bias in banking institutions, lack of significant collateral like homeownership and insufficient alternative means of funding outside of traditional loans. The study confirmed their lived experience, concluding that 61% fewer Latino or Hispanic business owners and 46% fewer Black business owners operated in the Asheville area in 2015 than their proportions of the population would suggest.

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Veronica Edwards, a certified public accountant, has seen these barriers affect many of her clients. “A lot of people of color have to work a day job while they’re starting their business, which then takes them away from putting all the attention in the business,” says Edwards, who is also a Mountain BizWorks coach and instructor, Catalyst Cohort guest speaker and owner of Balanced Virtually bookkeeping and accounting services. Negron appreciates the program’s efforts to help her and her cohort peers improve their access to capital. “They do such a good job of informing us of funds that are available,” she says. “They also offer help to apply for these funds. Historically, people of color — we’ve been afraid to even apply.” Of the three initiatives in the Catalyst Program, the Multicultural Catalyst Fund provides up to $100,000 in loans,

as well as personalized business coaching and credit analysis, thanks to a U.S. Economic Development Administration grant. The Commercial Real Estate program, a collaboration with statewide organization Partners in Equity, helps entrepreneurs of color create generational wealth by funding property ownership. And a Buncombe County Strategic Partnership grant provides the $2,000 that each Catalyst Cohort member receives upon acceptance into the program. THE THREE M’S Each Catalyst Cohort year begins with a Kickoff Meet & Greet event, followed by three intensive months focused on what Robinson calls “The Three M’s: Money, Marketing and Management.” During the money module, cohort members learn how to resolve outstanding tax issues, as well as bookkeeping and accounting basics. The marketing module addresses successful marketing strategies and website design. Finally, the management track provides information on legal issues like certifications and permits, how to hire and train staff and how to streamline operations. Once the three months are over, cohort members work with coaches to set goals to reach by the end of the program. Negron’s goals were to book three festivals, achieve a better work/ life balance and get her books in order. To achieve that last goal, Negron used some of her $2,000 to hire Edwards, who teaches the bookkeeping and accounting part of the money module. Edwards says bookkeeping is one of the most common uses for the seed money Catalyst members receive, because many business owners — not just entrepreneurs of color — lack financial experience. “People have had businesses, successful businesses, for years, and they still don’t know what a profit and loss [statement] is,” Edwards says. “I tell them that’s nothing to be ashamed of.” When Edwards participates in the Catalyst Cohort, she takes a different approach from when she teaches Mountain BizWorks’ flagship Financials Series course: “I do a quick spiel that only takes 10 or 15 minutes, and then I like to leave the floor open so they can ask me specific questions.” As part of the program, cohort members get free access to all Mountain BizWorks’ courses, including the Financial Series. THE POWER OF COMMUNITY After the first three months, the rest of the year unfolds in a more organic way. Monthly meetings are

modeled on the mastermind group template, which Forbes describes as peer-to-peer mentorship that uses collective knowledge — in Catalyst Cohort parlance, collective wisdom, accountability and encouragement — to solve problems. “Each year of the cohort is unique to the members’ needs,” Robinson says. To determine what those needs are, he and facilitators like Tiarra Wilkie survey the participants before the course begins. “We want to provide them with the tools and resources that they need to thrive, and so each [cohort] is a little bit different,” Wilkie explains. Wilkie became a facilitator after participating in the second Catalyst Cohort as founder and owner of credit consulting company Groundbreaking Financial. She appreciated the experience so much that she approached Jeremiah at their closing ceremony to ask if she could return to facilitate. “I wanted to talk about what my experience was like and also be a shoulder to lean on and a resource for other like-minded business owners and individuals,” she says. She now leads the monthly two-hour meetings, opening with check-ins before inviting cohort members to talk about successes and struggles or to ask questions of each other and the facilitators. “Community is everything,” Negron says. “Seeing other people that are like you or have been through the same things as you really helps put you at ease. I’m not afraid to speak up.” Thanks to her peers, she learned about opportunities like joining the Chamber of Commerce and signing up for the Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau. While Negron acknowledges that work/life balance will be an ongoing challenge, she’s met her other two goals. Thanks to Edwards, Buggy Pops’ books are in order. “I’m able to sleep better at night, because I’m not worried about how I’m going to organize everything,” Negron says. As for booking three festivals, she’s well surpassed that number. One of them will be at the first weekend of Summer of Chow Chow, organized by food equity nonprofit Chow Chow Asheville. At the Entrepreneurs of Color tasting event Saturday, June 25, Buggy Pops will serve Negron’s childhood favorite, Puerto Rican limber de coco, alongside six other chefs of color. Robinson and cohort member Bruce Waller, Jr. of Grind AVL and Black Wall Street AVL will also speak. Wilkie urges any entrepreneur of color who has the capacity to commit to the program to apply. “If you’re interested in connecting with community [and] growing your business, it’s a great opportunity.” X MOUNTAINX.COM

JUNE 22-28, 2022

NEWS

State of the union

WNC labor organizing is on the upswing

BY JESSICA WAKEMAN jwakeman@mountainx.com As the workday ended June 1, some workers at the Moog Music factory on Broadway in Asheville beelined to their vehicles and bikes. But as the minutes ticked past 5 p.m., a crowd of about 50 Moog employees and their supporters gathered in the outdoor area of nearby Archetype Brewing North with banners and signs. The occasion: the launch of a campaign for Moog workers to join the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 238. Amid chants of “Synthesize unions!” past and present Moog employees spoke passionately about their jobs manufacturing state-of-theart electronic instruments played by musicians worldwide. But they also spoke of low pay, insufficient raises and broken promises by management. Korey Crisp, who uses they/them pronouns, joined Moog in late 2021 and contacted IBEW earlier this year to inquire about organizing with several other workers. “We started learning more about our rights and the things that companies can and can’t do,” they say. “We realized that this is probably the best move for all of us.” The union effort at Moog comes at a time when labor organizing in North Carolina appears to be on the upswing. Ten businesses in the state contacted the National Labor Relations Board about representation during all of 2021; 13 have done so since the beginning of 2022, including two in Western North Carolina. WNC saw a major successful labor effort in 2020 as nurses at Mission Hospital joined National Nurses United, and efforts in the service

JUNE 22-28, 2022

GRIND COFFEE, NOT WORKERS: Among the changes union advocates at Starbucks on Charlotte Street had hoped to address through collective bargaining with Workers United were advance scheduling, a $15 hourly starting wage and the addition of credit-card tipping. Photo by Jessica Wakeman sector have been galvanized by the 2021 formation of labor activist group Asheville Food and Beverage United. In April, a Starbucks in Boone became the chain’s first coffee shop in North Carolina to be represented by a union. (A 2019 union campaign at Earth Fare was not successful, nor was a 2020 effort at No Evil Foods.) These recent unionization efforts may be part of a national trend. The NLRB reported a 57% increase in union representation petitions filed Oct. 1-May 1 compared with the same period in fiscal year 2020-21.

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Claire Clark, housing and wages organizer for Asheville nonprofit Just Economics WNC, tells Xpress that grappling with American work culture during the COVID-19 pandemic has newly catalyzed workers. “We heard throughout this pandemic about essential workers, workers as heroes, and people are looking around and saying, ‘Well, what does that mean in material terms?’” she says. Many workers realized a livable wage and safety precautions weren’t prioritized by their employers or the

government, Clark continued. “They left workers out to dry while they bailed out banks and Wall Street,” she says. “People on Main Street want some of that too and deserve it. Because workers are the people that make the world run.” BETTER TOGETHER North Carolina was the nation’s second-lowest state for union membership in 2021, according to the federal Department of Labor’s Bureau

of Labor Statistics. Keith Rivers, an international lead organizer for IBEW and electrician from Winston-Salem who attended Moog’s June 1 rally, says organizing hasn’t progressed in the South as it has elsewhere. Workers are generally employed “at-will” in North Carolina, Rivers explains, meaning they can be fired or reassigned as the employer sees fit. “It makes it a little tougher for people to come together,” he says. “With the South being traditionally nonunion and a lot of misinformation out there about unions, people are turned against it before they even give it a chance to see what it’s about,” Rivers continues. Asheville-based organizer Jess Kutch, co-founder of CoWorker.org, a nonprofit advocating for worker rights through digital campaigns, suggests that the legacy of slavery undergirds some of the region’s historical resistance to unions. “I have begun to question this belief that ‘Oh, just the South isn’t interested in unions,’” Kutch says. “The more I have dug into that, I found that [it is] because of the South’s history of slavery, anti-Black racism and violence against Black people and Black workers in particular who tried to organize.” As one example, she cites the 1887 Thibodaux Massacre, when white vigilantes murdered as many as 60 sugar cane workers in Louisiana who had gone on strike. ‘BEST INTERESTS’ At Moog, says Crisp, employees are demanding $17.70 per hour as a starting wage, based on the 2022 living wage for Buncombe County calculated by Just Economics WNC. Currently, according to mechanical engineer and volunteer organizing committee member Catherine Hebson, the company pays a starting wage of $14 per hour for packing,

warehouse and assembly positions. (Moog declined to confirm its starting wage.) Workers also want to see more transparency from Moog’s management regarding layoffs. Crisp was let go in May after six months of working for Moog; they say the reason given by management was restructuring. A press release from Moog’s volunteer organizing committee, sent by Hebson, also alleges two people recently laid off by the company had participated in the committee. When asked to confirm this allegation June 13, Jeff Touzeau of Hummingbird PR, which represents the company, declined to comment. He directed Xpress to a June 10 statement he had sent in response to a request for comment on the unionization effort. “Moog Music Inc. is aware of the unionization campaign launched by the IBEW 238 and a group of Moog Music staff members,” that statement reads. “We respect that our employee-owners have the right to join a union, and we will not do anything to interfere with their right to do so. “We have engaged outside resources to help ensure our company navigates the aforementioned union efforts legally and with proper guidance,” the statement continues. “While we don’t believe a union is in the best interests of our employee-owners, we will ensure that everyone at the factory has access to accurate information about unions and what a union would mean at Moog so that our employees may make their own informed decisions.” (Moog President Michael Adams announced in 2015 the company would become 49% employee-owned through an employee stock ownership plan. An ESOP allows employees to cash out shares of the company upon retirement.) Hebson declined to share with Xpress the number of signatures

PLUGGED IN: At a June 1 rally outside Archetype Brewing North, Moog Music employees spoke of low pay, insufficient raises and broken promises by management. Photo by Jessica Wakeman collected in the unionizing effort; the NLRB requires 30% of workers to sign cards or a petition seeking a union before an election can be held. “There have been an increase in signatures, and we’re working diligently to hit our threshold of cards signed,” she writes in an email. TRY, TRY AGAIN The fate of another recent organizing effort has already been decided. On May 11, employees at the Starbucks on Charlotte Street in Asheville voted 11-6 to reject representation by Workers United. Among the changes union advocates had hoped to address through collective bargaining with Workers United were advance scheduling, a $15 hourly starting wage and the addition of credit card tipping.

Management at the local Starbucks location directed Xpress to the Starbucks corporate communications office, which has not responded to a request for comment. But Jen Hampton, a lead organizer for Asheville Food and Beverage United, says the effort has nevertheless inspired other workers. On June 15, she told Xpress three independent restaurants had invited AFBU to staff meetings to discuss walkouts, and five had reached out about filing petitions to unionize. The campaign is planning an information session in July. “People are interested in getting training on their rights in regards to unionizing,” Hampton says. “There’s been a lot of people asking how to go about filing complaints regarding wages and tips. And another person reached out to find out if they had any recourse for posting [work] schedules the night before.” How the labor movement reignited by the pandemic will continue to unfold in WNC remains to be seen. Yet Kutch of CoWorker.org remains optimistic. “The history of building worker power in the labor movement is littered with losses. But those, together with the victories, amount to workers actually holding real power in the economy,” Kutch says. “The losses are common, they’re inevitable, and they’re part of the fight.” Following the unsuccessful Starbucks vote, Kutch says she reached out to a barista who had led the campaign to encourage her that even unsuccessful union drives can be worthwhile. “I imagined she was feeling really down in the dumps, but I wanted her to know that that campaign was deeply meaningful,” Kutch tells Xpress. “It meant something to other workers in the area.” She adds, “I encourage people to take a long view, no matter the outcomes in the immediate sense.” X

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JUNE 22-28, 2022

N EWS

BIZ BRIEFS

Opportunity Appalachia to support two Old Fort businesses Old Fort may soon receive an economic boost from two new ventures selected for a regional business development initiative. Opportunity Appalachia, a collaboration of national investment entities and Appalachia-based economic development organizations such as Asheville-based Mountain BizWorks, announced plans to support the Catawba Vale Community Center and Grier Lodging Project in the McDowell County town. The community center, a 60,000-square-foot warehouse, is slated for remodeling into shared manufacturing, retail, restaurant, educational and community spaces. The roughly $5.1 million project is expected to create or retain 75-100 living-wage jobs. The lodging project, based out of Old Fort’s Camp Grier, aims to create an approximately 75,000-square-foot outdoor recreation hub with commercial space and various lodging options, generating 30 jobs at a cost of about $20 million. Both projects are part of the G5 Trail Collective, a nonprofit that seeks to use a planned 42-mile trail expansion on nearby U.S. Forest Service land as a catalyst for economic development. “From the inception, we saw more than a single project, and our efforts are really tied closely together,” says Stephanie Swepson-Twitty, CEO of Eagle

JUNE 22-28, 2022

a total projected impact of about 350 jobs and $70 million in local investment.. The full list of projects and more information is available at avl.mx/bom.

Other business happenings

FORT NIGHTS: The Grier Lodging Project at Camp Grier in Old Fort is among the nine Western North Carolina projects to be supported by Opportunity Appalachia, a collaboration of national investment entities and Appalachia-based economic development organizations. Photo by Bren Dendy Market Streets Development Corp., which is developing the Catawba Vale Community Center. Assistance from Opportunity Appalachia, Swepson-Twitty says, includes critical technical support and guidance in getting the projects started, as well as direct connections with the group’s funders for future capital. “They are providing us an

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opportunity for pre-development work that happens with construction. That is often the most difficult money to acquire and includes help with architects, engineering and permitting,” she says. “If I had to draw up a wish list of how I would do a development, this is it.” Camp Grier Director Jason McDougald says he’s particularly excited about how Opportunity Appalachia focuses on comprehensive community impact. The Grier Lodging Project, he notes, plans to go beyond lodging and create affordable longterm housing for young adults interested in outdoor recreation careers. He hopes to work alongside McDowell Technical Community College to facilitate educational opportunities that could pair with the project. “Our goal is for young people to take advantage of Old Fort, get a two-year degree, a job, a great place to rent, all right there in town,” he says. “The opportunity we have in Old Fort is to move in tandem with the Catawba Vale project, with the town, with the community college. Really, everyone in their lanes working together.” Opportunity Appalachia received 75 applications for technical assistance from across Central Appalachia (Southeast Ohio, East Tennessee, Western North Carolina, Southwest Virginia, and West Virginia). Nine WNC projects were selected, including the two in Old Fort, with

• Hatch Innovation Hub in Asheville will host the relaunch of 1 Million Cups on Wednesday, June 22, from 9-10 a.m. This free event features six-minute presentations by entrepreneurs, followed by 20-minute question-and-answer sessions, designed to “educate, inspire, and engage.” More information and registration are available at avl.mx/boo. • All Bodies Movement and Wellness, an Asheville-based fitness studio, recently announced an equity fund initiative to remove financial barriers associated with accessing wellness services. “Everyone should have access to a space where they can heal their relationship with their body and learn to move in ways that promote joy and vitality” says owner Betsy Archer. More information about scholarships from the fund is available by emailing AllBodiesMovement@gmail. com. • Drupal Camp Asheville returns to UNC Asheville’s Sherrill Center Friday-Sunday, July 8-10. Drupal is a free open-source modular framework and content management system used to build everything from personal blogs to enterprise applications. The camp focuses on hands-on training, community contribution and knowledge sharing for all levels of Drupal experience. More information and registration are available at DrupalAsheville. com. • A new business designed to craft experiences for travelers, locals and businesses has recently launched in Hendersonville. Juniper, founded by former nonprofit executive Summer Stipe, curates itineraries and plans events to save people time and help them better connect to one another and WNC. Juniper held a launch party at Continuum Art with the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce May 23 to celebrate its official opening with more than 100 community members in attendance.

— Ben Williamson X

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Are you ready to move beyond false divisions and propaganda to cultivate Unity? Join other freedom lovers in sharing truth and celebrating freedom and unity at Sacred Mountain Waters Wellness Sanctuary in Marshall. Enjoy two days and nights of sharing and celebration in nature (Fri., July 1st to Sun., July 3rd). One-day Saturday pass also available. This family-friendly event will feature expert speakers facilitating discussions on health freedom, wellness, selfsufficiency, permaculture, legal sovereignty and financial and political freedom. Also enjoy live music, hiking, swimming and hot tubs set in a private 260 acre mountain valley bounded by two miles of pristine rivers. The Sovereign Camp Out is sponsored by Purple Nation USA and hosted at Sacred Mountain Waters Wellness Sanctuary to bring the best of Red and Blue together to seek unity and truth. View the full schedule and get your tickets at PurpleNationUSA.org

MOUNTAINX.COM

JUNE 22-28, 2022

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N EWS

BUNCOMBE BEAT

Council approves grant for downtown microhousing A land use incentive grant application for an 80-unit microhousing development at 217 Hilliard Ave. prompted discussion about the grant program at Asheville City Council’s June 14 meeting. Although Council ultimately approved the roughly $593,000 grant in a 5-2 vote, with Vice Mayor Sheneika Smith and Antanette Mosley opposed, members questioned whether the award would effectively boost affordable housing in the city. David Moritz, the project’s developer, described it as “reasonably priced workforce housing.” Each unit will be no more than 250 square feet and share a kitchen and living area with 14-17 other units on each floor. The smaller size and communal style, Moritz said, are designed to make the development more affordable than other housing options downtown. According to the terms of the grant, 16 of those units would be designated as affordable for people earning at or below 80% of the area median income, which would cap rents at $1,053 per month with utilities included. However, Moritz confirmed that market-price rent for all of the project’s units would be about $1,000 including utilities, meaning that the city-subsidized units would not immediately be cheaper for their tenants. Mortiz pointed out that the terms of the city grant would lock the rent for those 16 units at the 80% AMI affordability level for 20 years regardless of any rent increases to the market-price units. He would also be required to accept housing choice vouchers for eight of the affordable units. In return, he would receive a tax rebate of over $28,000 per year for 21 years, equivalent to a roughly $37,000 subsidy for each affordable unit. A staff report available before the meeting noted that the development — the first microhousing project to come before Council — adhered to all of the requirements of the incentive grant policy, even though rent for its affordable and market-rate units would be the same. Council member Sage Turner, chair of Council’s Housing and Community Development Committee, said that body was planning to discuss updating the policy to require more from future microhousing developments. City staff pointed out that the current grant policy does allow Council

LITTLE BOXES ON THE HILLSIDE: Each of the 80 units slated for a South Slope microhousing development will be no more than 250 square feet, which developer David Moritz says will make them more affordable than other downtown options. Rendering courtesy of the city of Asheville to negotiate with the developer over specific terms. Both Mosley and Council member Kim Roney asked if Moritz would be willing to consider providing fewer affordable units at a deeper level of affordability, but he was not receptive. “This is our genuine best attempt to bring reasonably priced housing to downtown Asheville,” Moritz said. He cited rising construction costs and said that his current offer was the best he could do, although he noted that he had not done the math to see if the project could provide fewer units affordable to those at lower income levels. Council members also questioned whether the project went far enough toward the goal of affordable housing and asked how it might impact the nearby Southside neighborhood. Both Smith and Mosley said that the development did not meet the affordability level that residents in that community need and might also increase property values for nearby homeowners, thereby leading to higher tax bills. Meanwhile, Roney said that, while she struggled with the decision, she

voted yes on the grant on behalf of the eight people who would be able to use housing vouchers for the affordable units.

Residents comment on proposed budget Council also heard public comment on the city’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2022-23. In response to Council comments on City Manager Debra Campbell’s presentation of the budget May 24, city staff had made several additions in advance of the June 14 hearing. The budget now includes $108,000 in funding to create an urban forester position, boosts funding for reparations from $365,000 to $500,000 and allocates $300,000 to increase employee salaries in line with Buncombe County’s living wage beginning in January. Of the $543,000 in total additional spending, $408,000 would be paid for using federal American Rescue Plan Act funds, with the remainder covered by expected revenue increases.

People who signed up to speak on the budget were pleasantly surprised by the urban forester addition. “I came here tonight under the impression that there wouldn’t be funding for an urban forester recommended for the FY23 budget, so now I am here to say thank you,” said Dawn Chávez, executive director of Asheville GreenWorks, “Having an urban forester on staff is essential to improving and maintaining a healthy urban forest in Asheville.” Several speakers called for the city to cut police funding and instead use that money for other community resources. “I would like to urge Council to actually diversify public safety response instead of continuing to pour resources into the Asheville Police Department,” said Emma Hutchins. “We need paramedicine, community paramedicine, mental health resources that are not housed within APD.” Council is scheduled to hold its final vote on the budget at its next meeting on Tuesday, June 28.

MOUNTAINX.COM

— Nikki Gensert X JUNE 22-28, 2022

N EWS

WHAT THE FACTS

Business improvement districts Ask most city residents how to improve downtown Asheville and you’ll hear a range of answers: enhanced lighting, increased litter-reduction efforts, a 24-hour restroom, additional street festivals and so on. Every one of those requests comes with a price tag, however, and at this point in the process of preparing the city’s 202223 budget, there is little indication that additional funding for downtown services and maintenance is likely to make the cut. One potential solution is a special type of tax vehicle known as a business improvement district, which promises a steady stream of revenue to fund much-needed services downtown. In the latest edition of Xpress’ WTF feature — short for “Want the Facts?” — we explore this sometimes controversial concept and revisit Asheville’s initial attempt to establish a BID. WHAT IS A BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT? According to City Attorney Brad Branham, a BID is a designated area within a city, often in the central business district, in which the local government levies an additional property tax to fund specific benefits or services.

PROS AND CONS

BID boundaries are typically drawn so they include only properties that will benefit from the supplemental services provided. N.C. General Assembly statute 160A-536 empowers all of the state’s municipalities to create BIDs within their borders. A 2017 report by the International Downtown Association listed 49 such districts across the state.

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JUNE 22-28, 2022

Asheville City Council eventually approved the BID in October 2012, creating a 13-person citizen board consisting solely of downtown property owners and residents. Charged with overseeing the district’s funding goals, the board agreed to delay setting the tax rate until a later date. That never happened, however, after tensions ensued between the board and city government over how to proceed. By 2014, the board had dissolved, leaving Asheville’s BID legally in place but essentially dormant.

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WHAT KINDS OF THINGS COULD A BID PAY FOR? Money raised through a BID tax can be used to provide various types of services. One of the permitted categories, downtown revitalization projects, can include everything from enhanced maintenance of streets, sidewalks and other public infrastructure to boosting security or even sponsoring festivals and markets. According to the UNC School of Government, cities with BIDs can choose to appoint a citizen advisory board or contract with another governmental or private agency to oversee the use of the funds, but city leaders retain final authority over spending decisions. DOES ASHEVILLE ALREADY HAVE A BID? Yes and no. The city first started pursuing the idea of a BID in 2012, and a Downtown Commission subcommittee proposed a tax rate of 7 cents per $100 of property valuation within the district. With a total estimated budget of $700,000 to $900,000 a year, local leaders said the BID would fund efforts to keep downtown “clean, green and safe.” A significant portion of the money would be used to pay for up to 12 uniformed “downtown ambassadors” who would assist visitors and generally operate in support of those goals.

At the time, proponents said the additional funding the BID would provide could address many downtown needs. The Asheville Grown Business Alliance maintained that the district would enable the city to pursue long-term goals, and the Asheville Downtown Association said it could make downtown safer. Not everyone was behind the idea, however. Some downtown property owners felt the board put too much power in the hands of too few. Others argued that the tax amounted to “misappropriation of public funds for private gain.” SHOULD ASHEVILLE RESURRECT THE BID? Mayor Esther Manheimer says the idea might be worth exploring again, but only if a majority of downtown business owners and residents supported the move. (Manheimer was vice mayor the last time Asheville debated a BID, and she voted in favor of it back then.) “It’s a great concept for managing a downtown,” she tells Xpress, “but I would need to hear from downtown residents and business owners that this was something they are interested in. It needs to be a partnership.” In the meantime, continues the mayor, the city should keep pushing for other sources of revenue, such as a portion of the room occupancy tax dollars that, under state law, can be used only for tourism-related marketing and capital projects. “Before the city looks at options that increase property taxes for downtown residents and businesses, I support the passage of the pending legislation that would increase and give more flexibility to hotel tax spending. Room tax revenues from tourists are a better source of funds to address the needs of the downtown.”

— Brooke Randle X

MOUNTAINX.COM

JUNE 22-28, 2022

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N EWS

Q&A FEATURE

Pig farmer pivots by inviting glampers to the farm “We traded the salt for the mud,” jokes Catherine Topel, who co-owns Smoky Mountain Mangalitsa pig farm with her husband, Rick, in Haywood County. Prior to their arrival in Western North Carolina in 2017, the pair traversed the high seas as yacht captains. “Yachting, just like any other, is a job,” says Catherine. “I mean, it’s certainly glamorous, and being on the water is extraordinary. But, we wanted to have our own canvas to create our own business. And we just wanted the idea of owning land.” The Topels settled in Waynesville to be near Catherine’s parents. Even though neither of them had experience in agriculture, they took a chance on farming 100 acres. “When we bought the land here, we made a concerted effort to think about what we could raise that would be a niche market. What can we do entirely differently?” she says. They chose livestock over produce and built their Mangalitsa brand from the ground up, researching how to raise and process the animals. Soon after launching in 2017, the pair began dealing almost exclusively with restaurant orders. But demand came to a halt when pandemic-related shutdowns temporarily closed a large swath of the food service industry. At the time, the Topels were left with 20 processed pigs and no customers. In an effort to recoup their loss, Catherine attended a webinar offering entrepreneurs ideas for pivoting their businesses amid the pandemic. During the session, Catherine learned about HipCamp, a company that connects travelers with unique outdoor camping and glamping experiences. While the Topels continue to operate their pig farm, they’ve since invited guests to camp (and glamp) on their property as well. “Every day we have campers coming and going,” Catherine says. “Everyone has been delightful.” Xpress sat down with Catherine to discuss how the couple’s interest in pork chops turned into a new career and what it has been like welcoming campers onto the farm. This interview has been condensed and lightly edited. Xpress: What do you like about offering your land to campers? Topel: It has been not only profitable, it’s offered us a social aspect that we just didn’t realize we were missing. Everyone has been appreciative, supportive, enthusiastic and complimentary. We keep our farm really neat and tidy, and we prefer

PIVOT: Since 2017, Catherine Topel, featured, and her husband, Rick, have operated Smoky Mountain Mangalitsa pig farm. Amid economic challenges during the onset of COVID-19, the operation pivoted, and the Topels invited campers and glampers to vacation alongside the property’s pigs. Photo courtesy of Topel to cut and mow everything instead of spraying to eliminate weeds. We try to convey to the campers how directly positive their impact is. There’s no middleman. They can see the animals, and they can see the meat that those animals yield for us. And they can see that it’s just the two of us running the farm. What drew you to the Mangalitsa pigs? We occasionally had celebrity chefs visit [the yachts we previously worked on], and they would cook us these amazing dinners, including Mangalitsa pork chops. Honestly, that’s what inspired us. I watched that pork chop get cooked on an open grill without ever being covered. I thought “Oh my gosh, I don’t think anything could be more dry than a pork chop coming off an open grill.” But then when it was served, we could literally cut into the meat with a fork. It was just incredible. The chef explained that this particular [Hungarian] breed had not had the fat bred out of it. That was such an interesting concept. I am very into traditional diets. I cotton more toward

cooking with lard and real butter, using them as spreads and dressings. Do you have any other animals? We have three horses that we call “yard art.” We have two wild donkeys that were brought in from the Bureau of Land Management. We have four miniature donkeys that we use for guest interaction — this is the first year we’ve had them. We started camping last year, and the campers want to pet the pigs. I do give a little Mangalitsa tour. But pigs and the public? It doesn’t work. They’re heavy. They bite. They don’t have manners. They’re not really a cuddly animal. So we purchased the miniature donkeys to fill that need for our campers and stuff like that. And then we have household dogs and cats. So we’re probably at 50-something animals on the farm. Do you have any funny or unusual stories about the campers and the pigs? I’m thrilled to say that I do not. What you want is a long, boring career. There’s no stress with all of that. The camping has been fantastic. It’s created resiliency for our farm. The campers are utilizing lands that are

not otherwise in production. Our pigs are between the campsites, as well as on a hillside that the campers cannot access, but where they can view them. It’s been very positive. I think it helps people to be exposed to them. They enjoy it. They want their children to see where their food comes from. It’s good for them to see the paddocks. Pigs are very destructive. Basically, we’re encouraging natural behaviors. We let them root. We’ve got holes that are 3 feet deep, that these pigs go into to wallow. You know, we would love the whole place to look like Churchill Downs, but we just try to do what’s best for the animal. We don’t inconvenience the animal to convenience ourselves. What are your recommendations for those aspiring to host glampers? The glamping component is new for us this year. For it, we built two decks on the riverbank on really high ground, and we put up the canvas tent. We provide the bed and some amenities. There is an investment. I always say ‘buy nice, buy once.’ But if you’re not sure you want to be into glamping, you could just buy a tent that might last you one season. Also, I would make sure that you have a spot that is quiet. People who are glamping want peace, tranquility, remoteness and accessibility. So if your most beautiful spot is right by your barn, it’s not going to work. You’re going to only disappoint and frustrate the people who are glamping. Have a separate area where you’re not likely to drive by it frequently. And, if you’re going to build a deck, materials are very expensive. Only pursue what you enjoy and what you’re willing to maintain. [As former yacht captains,] we’ve been in hospitality for decades. It’s easy for us to think three or four steps ahead. Are you prepared? Do you have techniques for quick cleaning? Those are the kinds of things where many people might be overwhelmed. Purchasing high-quality sheets, or four sets of sheets for each bed takes the stress level way down. ... There are also certain regulations that come with glamping, believe it or not. I learned that if I have more than four glamping sites, I have to be inspected for lodging. If the site is over 400 square feet, I would have to have sprinkler systems and a fire access road. So there are regulations out there. So don’t think that just because your operation is small that these regulations don’t apply to you.

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— LA Bourgeois X JUNE 22-28, 2022

COMMUNITY CALENDAR JUNE 22 - 30, 2022 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 Events = Shaded WELLNESS People's Empowerment & Services Summit A full day of seminars, panels and presentations addressing issues associated with substance use disorder and addiction. Pay as you can. WE (6/22), 10am, $40 (suggested), WNC Agricultural Center, 1301 Fanning Bridge Rd Summer Solstice Soiree Free acupuncture, massage, chiropractic assessment, iridology reading, body somatic stress relief sessions, as well as local vendors. Twenty percent of all EAWB sales will be donated to Planned Parenthood. FR (6/24), 5:30pm, East Acupuncture Wellness Boutique, 2296 US 70, Swannanoa

Skate Night at Carrier Park Bring your own skates. Presented by Asheville Parks and Rec. FR (6/24), 6pm, Carrier Park, 220 Amboy Rd Asheville Run for Recovery 5K run and walk showcasing community resources available to treat substance abuse. SA (6/25), 8am, Carrier Park Shelter, 220 Amboy Rd Climb Out of The Darkness Asheville Raising awareness of pregnancy and postpartum mental health disorders. Climb, hike or walk together at a local mountain or park to symbolize the collective rise, as well as raise funds for Postpartum Support International. SA (6/25), 10am, Free, Pack Square Park

Tiny Tots Yoga Bring yoga mats for an outdoor session in Grovemont Park, led by trained yoga instructor Brandon Hudson. Parents or caregivers must be present during the event. SA (6/25), 11am, Swannanoa Library, 101 W Charleston St, Swannanoa Yoga in the Park Join together alongside the French Broad River for all-level friendly yoga class based on Hatha and Vinyasa traditions. SA (6/25) & SU (6/26), 1:30pm, $10, 220 Amboy Rd Sparkle Time Holistic Senior Exercise Aerobic, strengthening, balance and flexibility. Proof of vaccines required. Every Monday and Wednesday. 10:30am, Avery's Creek Community Center, 899 Glennbridge Rd SE, Arden Lunch & Learn Depression: From Surviving to Thriving This course examines different types, common causes, symptoms, and treatment methods for depression. Registration required: VayaHealth.com/Calendar or (828)250-4758.

CULTIVATING COLLECTIONS: The exhibition Vitreographs, Glass and Works by Black Artists will be on display at Western Carolina University’s Bardo Arts Center through Wednesday, June 29. The collection resulted from research by the museum and WCU students, and features key works that tell the story of past, present and future collecting directions. Pictured is a vitreograph by Tom Nakashima, “The Devil Came Down to Georgia.” The show can be seen Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Thursdays 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Photo courtesy of WCU TU (6/28), 1pm, Enka-Candler Library, 1404 Sandhill Rd, Candler

ART Quilt Art by the Shady Ladies One hundred quilts from traditional quilts

to quilted works of art employing the latest techniques and methods. Special exhibits celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Women’s Right to Vote and an exhibit of post-pandemic collaborative Round Robin Quilts. FR (6/24), SA (6/25), 10am, SU (6/26), 12pm, Folkmoot Center at the Historic Hazelwood School, 112 Virginia Ave, Waynesville True-Noble Art Collective A pop-up art gallery with the premiere of The Mark Hudson show and live music from singer-songwriters Will Franke, David Barnard, and Savannah Hatfield. SA (6/25), 8pm, Sovereign Kava, 268 Biltmore Ave Nature and Nurture: The Voorhees Family Artistic Legacy This multi-generational, multi-media exhibit displays paintings, pottery and jewelry from seven members of the Voorhees family, connecting people with plants through artistic vision and skill. Daily 9am, through Sept. 5. NC Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way Bullington Gardens Fairy Trail Three hundred yards of tiny fairy life scenes. A few of the new installations this year are the Tooth Fairy, a unicorn stable, and a photo opportunity featuring Fairy Wings. Daily 9am, closed Sunday. Bullington Gardens, 95 Upper Red Oak Trail, Hendersonville Cultivating Collections: Vitreographs, Glass and Works by Black Artists Exhibition Exhibitions that highlight research by museum and WCU

JUNE 22-28, 2022

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students identifying key acquisition areas, coming together to tell the story of past, present as well as future collecting directions. Tuesday through Friday, 10am. WCU Bardo Arts Center, 199 Centennial Dr, Cullowhee

COMMUNITY MUSIC Madrigals in Montford An evening of live performances of the Asheville Gay Men’s Chorus. TH (6/23), 7:30pm, $10-45, Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre, 92 Gay St Opera's Greatest Hits Arias, duets and ensemble pieces from the world's most beloved operas. TH (6/23), 7:30pm, $37-67, Porter Center, 1 Brevard College Dr, Brevard Top of the Grade Concert Series With Asheville-based alt-country honky tonk band Fancy and the Gentlemen. Outdoors. FR (6/24), 7pm, Free, McCreery Park, Saluda Concerts on the Creek Free, family-friendly event with live music from throwback dance group The Rewind House Band. Bring a chair or blanket. Donations appreciated. FR (6/24), 7pm, Bridge Park, Sylva Opening Night: Pictures at an Exhibition Conductor Ken Lam kicks off the season with Mussorgsky's showpiece Pictures at an Exhibition and Resphigi's inspired tone poem Fountains of Rome. Pianist Conrad Tao will perform Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.

FR (6/24), 7:30pm, $30-80, Brevard Music Center, 349 Andante Ln, Brevard ABBA: The Concert Iconic songs from a world-touring tribute band. SA (6/25), 7:30pm, $30-80, Brevard Music Center, 349 Andante Ln, Brevard The Firebird Featuring Prokofiev's ethereal and melodic Violin Concerto, ballet music from Stravinsky's Firebird, and Ravel's whirling La Valse. With violinist Maya Anjali Buchanan. SU (6/26), 3pm, $24-67, Brevard Music Center, 349 Andante Ln, Brevard The Trout Quintet Franz Schubert's Piano Quintet in A major, performed by Brevard Music Center's Artist Faculty. MO (6/27), 7:30pm, $35-45, Brevard Music Center, 349 Andante Ln, Brevard The Seits and Sounds Duo This free community performance and possible sing-along will feature a medley of patriotic classics as well as music from some artists born in June: Cole Porter, Dean Martin, and Judy Garland. Light refreshments. TU (6/28), 6pm, Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St Steep Canyon Rangers GRAMMY Award-winners take the stage with Ken Lam and the Brevard Festival Orchestra. TU (6/28), 7:30pm, $30-80, Brevard Music Center, 349 Andante Lane, Brevard Lake Julian Drum Circle Bring your own drum and meet at varying shelters around the

park. Contact zach. hickok@buncombecounty.org or call (828)684-0376. TH (6/30), 5:30pm, Lake Julian Park, Arden Asheville Dulcimer Orchestra Performance by a group of 18 Appalachian mountain dulcimer players led by music director Mack Johnston and executive director Melanie Johnston. TH (6/30), 6pm, Free, Enka-Candler Library, 1404 Sandhill Rd, Candler

SPOKEN & WRITTEN WORD Valerie Nieman presents In the Lonely Backwater in conversation with Jamie Mason The authors discuss Niemen's book. Registration required for in-person or online. WE (6/22), 6pm, Malaprop's Bookstore and Cafe, 55 Haywood St THE MOTH presents the Asheville StorySLAM: "Birthdays" Prepare a five-minute story about a celebration for this month's story slam. TH (6/23), 7:30pm, The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave Malaprop's Romance Book Club Participants will discuss The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics. Registration required. TU (6/28), 7pm, avl.mx/bh1 Brent Martin presents George Masa's Wild Vision The author discusses his book about Masa, a Japanese immigrant whose photographs from the 1920s and early 1930s are windows into an era. Registration required

for in-person or online. WE (6/29), 6pm, Malaprop's Bookstore and Cafe, 55 Haywood St Malaprop's Foodie Book Club Participants will discuss My Life in France by Julia Child. Registration required. WE (6/29), 7pm, avl.mx/boq Climate and Coffee Author and local climate activist Brad Rousewill discuss and sign his new book Climate Warrior: Climate Activism and Our Energy Future. TH (6/30), 10am, The Collider, 1 Haywood St, Suite 401 Rebecca Sharpless, author of Grain and Fire The author discusses her history of baking in the South. Sponsored by Malaprop's and UNC Press. Registration required. TH (6/30), 6pm, avl.mx/bor

THEATER & FILM Summer Movie Series: Hitchcock in the 50s: Strangers on a Train NC Film Critics Association member and author of the movie blog thedailyorca.com, James Rosario, will introduce the film and lead a discussion afterwards. TH (6/23), 5:30pm, Fairview Library, 1 Taylor Rd, Fairview Montford Park Players: The Little Prince A production of the children's classic, performed in an outdoor Shakespearean amphitheater. FR (6/24), SA (6/25), SU (6/26), 7:30pm, Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre, 92 Gay St Red, White and Tuna Two comedic actors ignite the stage playing over 20 polyester-clad characters from Texas’ third smallest town. FR (6/24), SA (6/25), 7:30pm, SU (6/26), 3pm, $18-25, Hendersonville Theatre, 229 S Washington St, Hendersonville Bright Star Touring Theatre Presents: The Little Mermaid A fun take on Hans Christian Anderson’s classic fairy tale, exploring the difficulty of being yourself in unfamiliar waters - a bit of a different version than the popular movie. All ages. SA (6/25), 11am, East Asheville Library, 902 Tunnel Rd Upstairs Downstairs Movie Night Comedy Show A night of comedy based on popular movies and audience suggestions, with musical improv by Two-Sided. SA (6/25), 8pm, Circa 29, 26 Patton Ave

Movies Under the Stars: Almost Famous Beginning with live music from Americana duo Creative Differences. Movie starts at dusk. Bring a blanket or chair. WE (6/29), 6pm, $10, Haiku I Do, 26 Sweeten Creek Rd Cat Video Fest A compilation reel of the latest and best cat videos, to raise money for cats in need through partnerships with local cat charities, animal welfare organizations, and shelters. A portion of the ticket fee goes to Asheville Cat Weirdos Emergency Fund. Various showtimes through June 30. $12, Grail Moviehouse, 17 Foundy St

BENEFITS Come One, Come All! Magnetic Magic & Mayhem A carnival-themed fundraiser - with a costume contest, dinner and dancing to Smooth Goose, magician Glenn Reed, bellydancer Claire Dima, firebreather Jered Shults, clown Rigel Pawlak, carnival games, a raffle and an auction. TH (6/23), 6:30pm, $40-50, The Magnetic Theatre, 375 Depot St Benefit Concert for Ukraine Featuring guest speakers along with performances by WNC artists Aaron Burdett, Mare Carmody and Ellen Trnka, Tom Fisch, Jeff Michels Folkadelic Jam and special Ukranian guest performer Yuliia (Julia) Kashirets. All proceeds will go to The International Rescue Committee and Razom. SA (6/25), 7pm, $25, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 900 Blythe St, Hendersonville

CLASSES, MEETINGS & WORKSHOPS Blue Ridge APA Pool League Meet people and play pool weekly, no skill required. For more information, call Shonte Barnes (828)545-6769. Multiple Locations Meet the Southern Highland Craft Guild Meet the Guild's staff, committee chairs, and other members as they talk about the history and evolution of the Guild, as well as the Folk Art Center and its resources. WE (6/22), 1pm, avl.mx/bo4 Get To Know Enka-Candler: Sand Hill Kitchen This month the series will feature Jamie Wade from Sand Hill Kitchen, who will talk about

restaurant life, how she started in this business, and, the food. WE (6/22), 4pm, Free, Enka-Candler Library, 1404 Sandhill Rd, Candler Cruise then Booze Paddle Outing A two hour paddle trip down the French Broad, ending at the brewery. FR (6/24), 4:30pm, Oskar Blues Brewery, 342 Mountain Industrial Dr, Brevard Birding Walk & Boat Ride Suitable for beginners and advanced birders, all ages welcome. To sign up: conner.white@ buncombecounty.org or (828)684-0376. SA (6/25), 8:30am, Lake Julian Park, Arden Historic Walking Tour of Downtown Black Mountain Museum staff will lead attendees through historic State St, Cherry St and Black Mountain Ave, relaying the history of several buildings. SA (6/25), 1pm, Free$10, Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center, 223 W State St, Black Mountain Friends of the Leicester Library Garden Party Live music from Buncombe Turnpike, activities for kids and light snacks. SA (6/25), 6pm, Leicester Library, 1561 Alexander Rd, Leicester Bike Wash & Lube - Friends of Dupont Membership Drive With live music from the Travis Book Trio, featuring Bill Kubilius and Tim Gardner. SU (6/26), 2pm, Cedar Mountain Outpost, 8431Greenville Hwy, Brevard Paint and Sip All attendees will receive a prepared canvas and all painting materials to paint sunflowers. TU (6/28), 6pm, $38, 12 Bones Brewery, 2350 Hendersonville Rd, Arden Punch Club The NC Craft Beverage Museum and plēb urban winery series of free educational programs discussing the history, art and science that is punch - with a sample for attendees. Donations encouraged. TU (6/28), 6pm, The Aventine, 95 Page Ave Hemlock Restoration Initiative Hike at Linville Gorge An educational five and a half mile hike, with scenery including a stand of hemlocks previously treated by HRI. Registration required: education@ savehemlocksnc.org or (828)252-4783. WE (6/29), 10am, Linville Gorge

Introduction to Medicare The class will explain how Medicare works, the enrollment process, how to avoid penalties and ways to save money. To register, visit coabc.org or (828)2778288. WE (6/29), 2pm

LOCAL MARKETS Asheville City Market South Midweek market operated by the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP). WE (6/22, 29), 12pm, Biltmore Town Square, 1 Town Square Blvd RAD Farmers Market Live music and over 30 local vendors weekly with food, flowers, plants, crafts and more. Safely accessible by bike or foot, plus ample parking. WE (6/22, 29), 3pm, plēb urban winery, 289 Lyman St Les-ter Farmers Market Support local farmers and craftspeople offering a variety of local produce, herbs, flowers, cheese, meat, prepared foods, art, gifts and much more - all locally grown and produced. WE (6/22, 29), 3pm, Leicester Community Center, 2979 New Leicester Hwy, Leicester Etowah Lions Club Farmers Market Fresh produce, meat, sweets, breads, arts, and more, through October 26. WE (6/22, 29), 3pm, 447 Etowah School Rd, Hendersonville YMCA Mobile Market Distributing fresh produce with healthy recipes and nutrition information, free and open to the public. No proof of income needed. TH (6/23), 1pm, Swannanoa Library, 101 W Charleston St, Swannanoa Enka-Candler Tailgate Market Fresh local produce and heritage crafts. Weekly. TH (6/23, 30), 3pm, A-B Tech Small Business Center, 1465 Sand Hill Rd, Candler Flat Rock Tailgate Market A diverse group of local produce farmers, jam and jelly makers, bread bakers, wild crafters, and merrymakers. TH (6/23, 30), 3pm, Pinecrest ARP Church, 1790 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock East Asheville Tailgate Market Local goods, every Friday. FR (6/24), 3pm, 954 Tunnel Rd

Weaverville Tailgate Market Local foodstuffs, alongside a small lineup of craft and artisan vendors. FR (6/24), 3pm, 60 Lake Shore Dr, Weaverville Henderson County Tailgate Market One of the oldest openair markets in WNC, with local growers who operate small family farms in Henderson County. SA (6/25), 8am, 100 N King St, Hendersonville Hendersonville Farmers Market Produce, meat, eggs, baked goods, coffee, crafts and more from 30+ local vendors. With live music, kids' activities and cooking demos weekly. SA (6/25), 8am, 650 Maple St, Hendersonville Mills River Farmers Market A producer-only market, selling products raised or produced within 50 miles of the market. With local musicians, a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, meat, eggs, and high-quality crafts. SA (6/25), 8am, Mills River Elementary School, 94 Schoolhouse Rd, Mills River

Junk-O-Rama Saturday Vintage antiques market, every Saturday through October. SA (6/25), 11am, Fleetwood's, 496 Haywood Rd Gladheart Farm Fest Market Fresh produce, bread and pastries, food vendors, and live music, weekly. SU (6/26), 11am, Gladheart Farm, 9 Lora Ln Asheville Punk Flea A pop-up flea market featuring vendors from local and surrounding areas. SU (6/26), 12pm, Fleetwood's, 496 Haywood Rd Meadow Market Runs every Sunday from May-August and will feature a rotation of local bakers, makers and artisans. SU (6/26), 12pm, Highland Brewing Company, 12 Old Charlotte Hwy Sundays on the Island Local market located on Marshall's island in the middle of the French Broad River. SU (6/26), 12pm, Blanahasset Island, Marshall

North Asheville Tailgate Market The oldest Saturday morning market in WNC. Over 60 rotating vendors. SA (6/25), 8am, , 3300 University Heights

Monthly Art Pop Up Two bands, rotating food trucks, 10+ art vendors, face painting, craft beer and games. Dog and kid friendly, outdoor event. SU (6/26), 2pm, Green River Brew Pub, 26 Church St, Saluda

Asheville City Market Over 50 vendors and local food products, including fresh produce, meat, cheese, bread, pastries, and more. SA (6/25), 9am, 52 N Market St

West Asheville Tailgate Market Over 40 local vendors, and live music from George Trouble & The Zealots. TU (6/28), 3:30pm, 718 Haywood Rd

Black Mountain Tailgate Market Seasonal community market event featuring organic and sustainably grown produce, plants, cut flowers, herbs, locally raised meats, seafood, breads, pastries, cheeses, eggs and local arts and handcrafted items. SA (6/25), 9am, 130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain Haywood's Historic Farmers Market Located at HART Theatre. SA (6/25), 9am, Hart Theatre, 250 Pigeon St, Waynesville Transylvania Farmers Market Fifty vendors offering fresh, locally-grown produce, meat, poultry, eggs, honey, cheese, coffee, plants, herbs, cut flowers, baked goods, jams, jellies, relishes, prepared foods and handcrafted items. SA (6/25), 9am, Downtown Brevard Madison County Farmers & Artisans Market Local goods and produce, weekly through October. SA (6/25), 10am, Mars Hill University, Mars Hill

FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS Arbor Evenings Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists. This Thursday with sets from Steve Newbrough and Ryan Furstenberg, and Friday with Threadbare and Old Men of the Woods. TH (6/23), FR (6/24), 5:30-8pm, The North Carolina Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way Women to the Front Music Festival Featuring women musicians, artists, performers, vendors, as well as female owned businesses and non-profits that serve women. SU (6/26) 12-8pm, New Belgium Brewing, 21 Craven St $19 per Hour and Beyond Job Fair Over 70 local employers. Held by Mountain Area Workforce Development. WE (6/29) 11am-4pm, WNC Ag Center, 761 Boylston Hwy, Fletcher

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JUNE 22-28, 2022

WELLNESS

Herbal roots

Natural health product sales increase during COVID

BY JESSICA WAKEMAN jwakeman@mountainx.com Western North Carolina’s reputation as a wellness destination dates to the late 1800s, when the area was thought to be helpful to people with tuberculosis. In 1871, Dr. H. P. Gatchell, who opened the first sanitarium in the country in Kenilworth, called Asheville “the Switzerland of America” on account of its “pure” mountain air. While tuberculosis is not the infectious disease on most people’s minds these days, Asheville is still known as a healing location and a place where herbal medicine and natural products have a firm footing. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted more people to focus on their health, and the city’s many natural products stores rose to the occasion. Mike Rogers of Nature’s Vitamins and Herbs in Asheville says his shop experienced an influx of customers looking to take charge of their health. His sales are up 25% since the beginning of the pandemic. (This echoes global trends resulting from the pandemic: A 2021 survey by McKinsey & Co. found 48.2% of Americans surveyed were prioritizing wellness more than they had two or three years prior.) Xpress spoke with owners of several shops to find out what locals have been reaching for during the pandemic. SOMETHING FISHY When customers want to boost their overall health, Rogers recommends they begin a regimen of high-potency multivitamins and fish oil. Both fish oil and multivitamins can help meet nutritional needs that aren’t

PANDEMIC PANIC: “A lot of people were looking for products to deal with anxiety,” explains Andrew Celwyn, left, co-owner of Herbiary with his partner, Maia Toll, right. Photo courtesy of Herbiary supplied by the standard American diet, which contains a lot of processed foods, he says. (The efficacy, safety and labeling of multivitamins and other dietary supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.) “Multivitamin [sales] have definitely increased because people were coming in looking to get healthy,” Rogers explains, estimating his store had at least a 30% increase in multivitamin sales since the beginning of the pandemic.

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Rogers says he recommends fish oil to customers because it contains omega-3 fatty acids that many people aren’t getting from their food. “Foods we eat today are so processed, they don’t have the good oils in them anymore,” he says. Instead, he says, people consume an unhealthful amount of the omega-6 fatty acids found in corn and soybean products. ANXIOUS MINDS It’s old news that anxiety and sleep disruptions have both been hallmarks of the pandemic. “A lot of people were looking for products to deal with anxiety,” explains Andrew Celwyn, co-owner of Herbiary with his partner Maia Toll. Customers expressed an interest in CBD oil in the form of tinctures or extracts, he says, “but we also have some blends that people use for helping them relax and not feel so stressful.” One blend includes nervines, such as skullcap, a type of mint, he explains. Skullcap is a native wildflower and a traditional Cherokee medicine. Kava kava root and blue vervain are two other herbal remedies that can be found in CBD blends, Celwyn says.

Rogers also saw an increase in customers seeking a cannabidiol calm. “We have sold a lot of the CBD oil,” he explains. “People have been coming in here for [products] for stress, sleep and anxiety like crazy.” SWEET DREAMS Sales for “everything for sleep” increased during the pandemic, Rogers says. Recommendations for anxiety or insomnia depend on a person’s health history, Rogers explains, and notes CBD is not the only option. He also recommends the herb ashwagandha, which has been used in ayurveda, India’s traditional medicine system. Melatonin supplements also can be helpful for insomnia, Rogers tells Xpress. “Melatonin is good because it’s what your body normally produces [as a hormone] to put you to sleep,” he says. Melatonin can come in two dispersal methods: a time-release form or an immediate-release form. The Mayo Clinic notes that melatonin can be beneficial as a sleep aid as it is nonhabit forming, unlike some pharmaceutical sleep aids. However, Mayo cited a number of possible drug interactions, including

contraceptives, blood pressure drugs and anticoagulants. Rogers notes that sleeping problems can increase with age because the body decreases its production of melatonin. IMMUNE BOOSTERS Rogers, who is co-owner with Bill Cheek, says Nature’s Vitamins’ customers have always been interested in natural ways to boost their immune systems. (The two are ex-pharmacists who closed the pharmacy in their shop five years ago to focus on herbal medicine.) A popular product since early 2022 has been a dietary supplement OrthoMune, Rogers says, although the ingredients have been popular since mid-2021, when they sold the combination of its five vitamins and minerals separately. OrthoMune contains zinc, quercetin, vitamins C and D and N-acetyl cysteine in one capsule. “A lot of people were coming in here to take [this combination] as a [COVID] preventative at a lower dose,” Rogers says. “And then if they felt symptoms coming on, they upped the dose on it.” (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend specific supplements for the prevention of COVID.) Zinc is crucial for the immune system as well as the development of T-cells, a type of white blood cell that protects the body from infection, according to a fact sheet from the National Institutes of Health. Quercetin helps the body absorb zinc, Rogers explains. “Zinc has trouble getting into cells,” he says. “Quercetin is more permeable for the cell membrane — it pulls the zinc with it.” Literature from OrthoMolecular Products, the manufacturer of OrthoMune, does not claim its supplement prevents or cures COVID. OrthoMolecular Products says its clinical applications are “broad spec-

trum support for health immune function,” “supports healthy respiratory function” and “maintains normal inflammatory balance.” ‘SHORT SUPPLY’ Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Larry Shelton, pharmacist and owner of Shelton Pharmacy in Hendersonville, says customers did not commonly ask for N-acetyl cysteine. N-acetyl cysteine helps with lung function, specifically to “liquify mucus,” Shelton explains. According to Healthline, N-acetyl cysteine “can relieve symptoms of respiratory conditions by acting as an antioxidant and expectorant, loosening mucus in your air passageways.” Rogers and Shelton both say vitamin D was popular before the pandemic and then increased. “Definitely, vitamin D sales upticked because of the pandemic, and people starting reading and learning vitamin D helped their immune system,” Rogers says. Shelton adds, “When the pandemic first started, we sold a lot of [vitamin D]. We still sell a fair amount but not nearly as much as when the pandemic was in full bloom.” Although Shelton Pharmacy never sold out of vitamin D, he explains “we had short supply a time or two.” But, he continues, “a lot of companies make vitamin D, so we were able to have it on hand.” Cheek at Nature’s Vitamins recalls how “a month into the pandemic, people were literally panicking” when stores ran out of zinc and vitamin C. But due to its previous history as a pharmacy, their shop had other supply chains, which he thinks brought in new customers. Customers “would call us almost as a last resort” looking for herbal medicine and vitamins. He assured them, ‘Yeah, we’ve got plenty here.'" X

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NATURAL BOOSTERS: Mike Rogers, left, and Bill Cheek, right, retired pharmacists and co-owners of Nature’s Vitamins and Herbs, say their customers have always been interested in natural ways to boost their immune systems. Photo courtesy of Rogers MOUNTAINX.COM

JUNE 22-28, 2022

ARTS & CULTURE

In the groove

Local record-shop entrepreneurs discuss the wild world of vinyl

BY EDWIN ARNAUDIN earnaudin@mountainx.com Like a good Shakespearean drama, vinyl records have gone from royalty to pariah and back to the throne over the past half-century. According to the Record Industry Association of America, vinyl sales have grown for 15 consecutive years, with 2021 revenues increasing by 61% to $1 billion. In a music-rich city like Asheville, it’s only fitting that multiple businesses specializing in wax have become fixtures around town. Since 2004, Harvest Records in West Asheville has set the standard for record stores, carrying vinyl from its inception, despite CDs initially carrying the bulk of its sales. “I’m honestly not sure how much thoughtful intention was put into it,” says co-owner Mark Capon, who notes that he and co-owner Matt Schnable simply followed their instincts and interest. “We’ve always just passively fostered it, I suppose. We never sat in an office and thought, ‘How can we create vinyl addicts?’ We just kept it as available, interesting and affordable as we could.” Meanwhile, in the River Arts District, the family-owned Records in the RAD launched in April. Led by Susan and Brian Haynes, along with their son, Dylan, the three are no strangers to the industry or the area. The elder Hayneses ran the downtown record store, Almost Blue, 1994-2004. Furthermore, they live in the River Arts District. “We’re also big fans and friends of Wedge Brewing [Co.], and it turns out many beer lovers are also music lovers,” Brian Haynes says. Like Records in the RAD, Citizen Vinyl is also relatively new, having

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ON THE RECORD: Xpress touches base with some of the local vinyl industry’s essential players. Featured, from left, are Mark Capon, co-owner of Harvest Records; Cass Herrington, producer at Citizen Vinyl; and Brian Haynes, co-owner of Records in the RAD. Capon photo by Annelise Kopp; Herrington photo by Daniela Guerrero Bustos; Haynes photo by Lawson Haynes opened downtown in October 2020. In addition to its in-house record store, Coda, Citizen Vinyl’s in-house record press gives the business distinct advantages over its industry peers. “We’re able to partner directly with local artists, and we’ve even come up with some creative collaborations for folks who want to make their own compilation records,” says producer Cass Herrington. “Our CEO, Gar Ragland, is also very proud of vinylkey, which is an NFT tag embedded in a record to show proof of ownership and offers artists continued revenue, even if the album is later resold.” Lifting the proverbial needle from their curation and customer-service duties, Capon, Brian Haynes and Herrington spoke with Xpress about their roles in the local industry and their efforts to satisfy a hungry, music-loving community. Xpress: What misconceptions do people have about record stores? Capon: I grew up with the cliché stereotype of the pretentious recordstore clerk, looking down their nose at your selections with a scoff. Sometimes I wonder if that idea is so old that it’s now obsolete, or if people

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still feel that way and are still bracing for it when they come into Harvest. My hope — and one of our goals from day one — is that they don’t; that they feel welcome to buy or peruse or talk about any music they like. I believe both Matt and I have mostly embodied that, and our staff even more so. We’ve just always tried to foster that in our culture. And the truth is, music is literally subjective. There is no good, there is no bad — it all just is. Haynes: Whatever the misconceptions are, good customer service goes a long way toward alleviating that. Herrington: If there are any stigmas about record stores, I haven’t heard any. I pretty much survived high school thanks to the hours I spent at [the shop] ear X-tacy in Louisville after class let out. I’ve only experienced a sense of belonging — from the gritty, death-themed shops in Savannah to the crisp wooden bins lined up at Coda. Our intention is to be welcoming, and our shop manager Kassie [Guimapang] does an excellent job at making visitors feel valued. What trends — both positive and negative — are you seeing in vinyl over the past few years?

Herrington: On the positive: The return to vinyl, period. The growing share of vinyl consumers grew up in a digital world, with iPhones and streaming music platforms at their fingertips. Of course, sound quality has a lot to do with vinyl’s resurgence. But I think it speaks to something deeper, particularly since [the music industry] saw record sales outpace CD sales during the pandemic for the first time in 30 years. To witness this cultural pivot back to something analog tells me that we’re discovering our limits when it comes to digital fatigue. Maybe I’m being hyperbolic or overly romantic, but it makes me feel hopeful about the future and a recognition that “newer” isn’t always “better.” As far as negative trends, I’d say the production of cheap turntables that could potentially damage your prized record collection. Haynes: The positive is that the resurgence in production of vinyl has led to a wider selection of music that has not been available in many years. The negative is that vinyl has become so popular that it is hard for production to keep up with sales, and it can become out of stock quickly.

Capon: Another positive trend is that there are more pressing plants now than there used to be. They’re popping up everywhere — including Asheville — and that feels like a good thing. The most glaring downside I see with vinyl is its rising cost. It’s become prohibitively expensive for some people, and that will surely create a backlash toward the collection of it. We hate the idea of major labels catching wind in some boardroom that vinyl is “cool” again. Because what do they do? They jack the prices up. Go figure. It’s gross. In what ways has your store been impacted by the COVID19 pandemic? Capon: Our main adjustment was becoming infinitely more engaged in our social media and other online outlets during a time that folks couldn’t make it in here. That seems like an obvious move which most businesses would make with or without a pandemic, but we can be a little slow sometimes. I think we just tried to up our game [in regard to] customer engagement. Before the pandemic, we would sit back and think, “It’s all good: People can come in and see what we have to offer” — which is true, but it doesn’t hurt to also put records in front of their eyeballs digitally. And, obviously, the pandemic pushed people inward to explore and reengage with their home life experience. More people started buying records, and we’ve seen it. We’re busier than ever. Haynes: It didn’t really play much of a role. The space that we wanted at the Wedge wasn’t even available until recently. While we had been contemplating the store during the pandemic, we really decided to do it when the space became available. Herrington: We’ve accomplished a lot in just over a year. In addition to pressing thousands of records, we’ve hosted national acts, launched a podcast and added a third press to our factory. But just as it has for many in the hospitality and music industries, the pandemic humbled us from the very beginning. With that in mind, I’d say we’re most proud to still be growing and cultivating a community around music. That work is never-ending. We talk about creating something that will outlive all of us. How do you stay current with music? Capon: I’m always mining a wide array of sources, including but not limited to: discussions in the shop with our staff, discussions with customers, emails we get from record labels and distributors every day, music blogs, social media, the radio. I’ve always got my antennas up.

Herrington: There is no better way to discover a new artist than by listening. Around Citizen Vinyl, we call it “a sacred act.” If I read an article or review of an album that catches my eye, I add it to my running list of artists to check out in my notebook. I listen to what my favorite musicians are listening to. I also listen to what musicians I don’t necessarily like are listening to. I have a soft spot for musicians who are creating new sounds and genres of their own. I think the less we define musical tastes in terms of genre, the more we open ourselves up to that gratifying feeling of finding a new record artist we enjoy. Haynes: While staying current can sometimes be challenging, we are a multigenerational, family-owned business with each person bringing their own taste and knowledge to the mix. We also make a point of reaching out to customers for input concerning artists that we may not yet be aware of to add to our inventory. How do you approach representing local artists and how does stocking their vinyl compare with doing the same for nationally touring acts? Herrington: We like to have a healthy mix. We’re keeping tabs on

what’s going on locally and place these acts next to bigger names. Rising tides lift all boats. Capon: Any local act with any type of release can bring in a copy or two, and we’ll put it on consignment. We have “Local” sections for CDs and vinyl, and whenever we particularly love a local record, you can bet we’re gonna push it far and wide, whether that’s visibly displaying it more thoughtfully in here or recommending it online or just telling out-of-town customers what’s hot in the Asheville music scene. It doesn’t always happen, but a handful of local acts — Wednesday, Indigo De Souza, MJ Lenderman — sell as well as anything else in our store. Haynes: We have always, as a family and as a store, believed that supporting local musicians is an important part of being a record store. Asheville is home to an amazing volume of musical talent, and we want that talent well represented in our shop. We are attempting to reach out to all local artists who have produced vinyl and are growing our selection daily. Our goal is to be a store where a good representation of local artists can be found. Is there a camaraderie among local vinyl stores, or does everyone

operate independently and without much overlap or communication? Haynes: There are many fantastic record stores in Asheville, and each of them have their own distinctive qualities, and I hope the same can be said for our shop. We have always felt a bond with other record store owners, and with Asheville being home to so many music enthusiasts, there are enough clientele for each of us to prosper. Herrington: The more record stores there are, the more record stores there are. We benefit from each other, though we’re not dependent on each other. Our friends at Harvest have definitely helped us build our library — and on a personal level, you can find me digging in bins all over town. Capon: We’ve never felt any sort of heated competition with other stores in Asheville. We send folks to other stores when they’re wondering where else to get some quality wax. But honestly, we should probably communicate more with our fellow shops. Maybe we could have monthly get-togethers to complain about how certain distributors send confusing invoices, or how Joni Mitchell’s Blue has been out of print for too long or whatever. X

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ARTS & C U L T U R E

FOOD

Opening soon-ish

New restaurants face ongoing obstacles and delays

BY KAY WEST kwest@mountainx.com First, the good news: On May 27, Michelle Edwards and Joel Boggs completed the transition of The Trashy Vegan from food truck to brick and mortar, with its new space in West Asheville, 697 Haywood Road, Unit E. “It was pure chaos,” says Edwards happily. “It felt like every customer came in at the same time. It wasn’t like being on the truck, and we had no idea what we were doing.” For over a year, Edwards and Boggs had been seeking a permanent location before they signed their lease in March. “Thankfully, it was pretty much ready to go,” says Edwards. “We did a new paint job and added some shelves on the wall. We bought used equipment for the kitchen, got some used tables and chairs, and we were ready.” Now for the bad news: While The Trashy Vegan celebrated a speedy launch, for other first-time and established restaurateurs, the current market and supply chain issues continue to create ongoing challenges for new projects. For some local chefs, the result has meant pushing back start dates while depending ever more on the ambiguous promise of “Opening Soon.” ROADBLOCKS AHEAD “There is no kit for opening a restaurant, especially for independents,” says Kim Murray, former executive director of Asheville Independent Restaurant Association and co-owner of Creekside Taphouse.

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TABLE FOR TWO: Chef Silver Cousler, left, and spouse, Cherry Icovazzi, give the banquette at Cousler’s Filipinx restaurant Neng Jr’s a trial run. Photo courtesy of Cousler “A long checklist of things must be done that are unique to the restaurant business, particularly when it comes to permits, building and health inspections, licenses, equipment and staffing.” The pandemic, she continues, has only further complicated the process, adding more uncertainty, greater costs and longer waits for construction projects to begin. Such has been the case for chef Silver Cousler, who uses the pronoun they. In January 2021, they signed a lease at 704 Haywood Road with intentions of opening their Filipino restaurant, Neng Jr.’s, by January 2022. Instead, Cousler has intermittently offered to-go dishes through a quick-serve window on the side of the building while scrambling to raise funds for a budget that continues to climb. Unexpected inflation has tripled the cost of everything they had budgeted for. “My original buildout estimate was $60,000, which seemed manageable,” Cousler says. “That number has become so much larger that if I

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had known then what I know now, I think realistically I would have said it’s not the right time [to launch the restaurant].” Meanwhile, shortages in lumber and building supplies as well as delays in shipping have created additional hurdles atop an already depleted labor pool. “The construction business seems like one of the only businesses in Asheville that increased during COVID,” Cousler observes. “My contractor’s labor crew is spread so thin, and there have been so many unexpected challenges.” To raise the additional funds, Cousler has taken a personal loan, sold tickets to multiple pop-up dinners and launched a GoFundMe campaign. Despite these proactive steps, Cousler continues to lose sleep over the shifting bottom line. Launching Neng Jr.’s has been a humbling process, continues Cousler. “Looking back on all the things I ever thought when I was working in restaurants, I have found that nothing will take you faster out of that perspective than opening a restaurant yourself.”

Fingers crossed, Cousler will get even greater perspective when Neng Jr.’s opens Friday, June 24. FAMILY BUSINESS The current hardships are not exclusive to new owners. Standing amid a construction zone inside the former Green Sage, 70 Westgate Parkway, Anthony Cerrato considers his latest project Gemelli — an Italian restaurant that continues to experience delays. A longtime fixture in Asheville’s food scene, Cerrato launched Strada Italiano in 2012. More recently, in August, he signed a lease taking over the entirety of 70 Westgate Parkway. Initially, he and his crew had intended to use the space as a commissary kitchen to increase production for Strada, but ultimately the location inspired a new restaurant concept. The name, Gemelli, means twins in Italian, and honors both Cerrato’s Gemini wife, Jennie, and the couple’s twin daughters.

“We decided we want to do an Italian coffeehouse by day with counter service for coffee, espresso, brunchy things and authentic, fresh Italian pastries like maritozzi and bombolone,” he explains. “Then we’ll shift to lunch items like soup, salad and sandwiches for midday. And dinner will be full service with Sicilian-style pizza and fresh pasta unique to Gemelli.” A wine bar, he adds, will introduce to diners a self-serve Cruvinet system to taste and pour their own glasses, along with bottle service and cocktails on draft. “We gutted the entire dining room, and then it took over three months to get the permits for a little bit of electrical work and some carpentry,” Cerrato says with some frustration. “Then, there’s the labor shortage in the construction industry and supply chain issues for materials. It’s been delay after delay after delay.” Cerrato says he had hoped to open in late March. That plan got pushed back to early May. Then further delays postponed things until midJune. The current goal is mid-July. LOOKING FORWARD Despite uncertainties and troubles, local restaurateurs remain committed and optimistic. “We ordered a new fourth fryer for Creekside six weeks ago and we won’t get it until September, maybe,” says Murray. “[Co-owner] Anthony [Dorage] suggested we take the sweet potato fries off the menu, and I said absolutely not! Our regulars would revolt. Restaurants are a crazy business, but it’s what I’ve done my whole life, and it’s my crazy comfort zone.” While waiting for the interior of Gemelli to be completed, Cerrato recently flew to Denver to help his oldest son, chef Gabriel Cerrato, move back to Asheville and join the

team. “Restaurants are in our family,” Anthony says proudly. “I went to work for my father when I was a teenager, and Gabe came to work for me when he was a teenager. Now he’s coming back. It’s in the blood.” Amid their grueling 18-month endurance marathon, Cousler, newly married to Cherry Icovazzi, has also found reasons to smile. Overseeing the interior design was a delight, they say. “[Neng Jr.’s] is very colorful because I wanted the space to be a reflection of me, something I might wear. I had so much fun picking the paint colors. I look around and can’t believe I did this.” And with the opening date finally near, Cousler also can’t help but anticipate cooking in the restaurant’s kitchen. “Filipinx food is not something a lot of people know or understand,” Cousler says. “It has not hit the mainstream avenue yet, but it has been climbing the last six or seven years, so I would say the moment is now. Ultimately, all the hard times could turn out to be really good timing.” Meanwhile, back at The Trashy Vegan, good news continues. On June 1, the restaurant received its state Alcohol Beverage Control license. Edwards and Boggs say when they’re ready, they will add cocktails to the shop’s wine and beer selection. Along with more drink options, the two say they’ve worked out many of the kinks that come with operating a brick-and-mortar. And while The Trashy Vegan is at the far back of the narrow strip shopping center, the storefront is not hard to spot. A large cartoon rat, which the pair has named Rowdy, is stenciled on the window. “A friend who does digital art designed the logo for the truck, and we just think the rat is so cute,” Edwards says. “Customers have brought us so many little toy rats, I’m looking for a shadowbox to display them in.” X

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CONSTRUCTION ZONE: Several months after he had hoped to open Gemelli, chef and owner Anthony Cerrato’s new restaurant is still a work in progress. Photo by Melissa Reardon

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ARTS & C U L T U R E

BEER

Visionaries

Outsider Brewing opens in Woodfin; Wedge adds Grove Arcade spot “And cousin, business is a-boomin’.” Brad Pitt’s Lt. Aldo Raine may not have been talking about the Asheville brewing industry when he spoke those words in Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds, but he may as well have. As the city continues to grow, new breweries are popping up in developing neighboring towns while established businesses are expanding with new taprooms in the heart of the city. BARRIER-FREE ZONE Roughly halfway between Zillicoah Beer Co. and Riverside Rhapsody Beer Co. sits Woodfin’s newest brewery, Outsider Brewing Co., 939 Riverside Drive. Co-founders Kaeleigh McCauley and Julian Arena are aiming for a July opening. No strangers to the beer industry, the pair met in 2018 in Charlotte while McCauley was working as a sales representative for Birdsong Brewing and Arena was the head brewer for D9 Brewing Co. True to its name, Outsider will offer patrons an experience unlike anything the local craft beverage industry has seen. Similar to a working art studio where patrons can see glass blown or pottery thrown, people who come to the Woodfin brewery will be able to watch Arena brew in transparent vessels, removing the barriers inherent with stainless steel tanks. “There’s definitely a need in the area for people to engage with the brewing process a little bit more,” says Arena, who’s been homebrewing since high school. “In lieu of having a giant production facility, we kind of switched gears and now we have the smallest production facility you can imagine but also the most up-close-and personal-experience you can have.” The co-founders were inspired to start Outsider after McCauley’s experiences selling beer during the COVID19 pandemic and a shared desire to provide more in the craft brewing experience than the beverage itself. “The whole point of it being glass is to see the ingredients that are going into the beer so you can understand a little more the differentiating factors between [styles],” McCauley says. “People love craft beer and drink it because they have some sort of con-

nection with it. This is just providing a different connection with ingredients and showcasing the process.” Wanting to be part of Asheville’s craft beverage industry, the pair left Charlotte in late 2020 and, after months of searching for an affordable spot that fit their goals, found the vacant space on Riverside Drive and got to work. While Arena admits that he and McCauley were naïve about how long it would take to get Outsider up and running, the prospect of setting up their first brewery in Asheville’s city limits — their original goal — now seems even more daunting. “That would have been really, really difficult for us,” he says. “It’s been a really good ‘training wheels’ experience for us because Woodfin has been awesome — they’ve been really supportive and cooperative. We had one hearing to get our zoning change, and it was a piece of cake.” The intimate taproom will fit roughly 30 people and will soon add outdoor seating in the courtyard behind the brewery. Arena plans to brew a wide variety of styles and prioritize local, seasonal ingredients, and both he and McCauley would love to eventually incorporate wild ales. Outsider intends to start with 12 taps, eight-10 of which will be house beers, with the others occupied by guest brews, both alcoholic and nonalcoholic. The co-founders also hope to bottle in the future and generally play their part in an up-and-coming part of town. “I definitely am excited to see how Woodfin grows because it is growing a lot, even in the short amount of time that we’ve been here,” McCauley says. “There’s the Silver-Line Park down the road, and they’re working on a greenway extension, so that’s exciting. It’s a cool spot to be in where it’s being developed and it’s not fully there yet, but we get to experience a lot of that growth.” FRIENDLY FACES Like Highland Brewing Co., which made its triumphant return downtown to the S&W Market last year, another local legacy beer business has joined its ranks a few blocks away. In late March, Wedge Brewing Co. opened its Grove Arcade taproom in the former Santé Wine Bar space at 1

CRYSTAL CLEAR: Outsider Brewing Co. co-founders Julian Arena, left, and Kaeleigh McCauley bring a distinct new approach to the local craft brewing scene. Photo courtesy of Outsider Brewing Co. Page Ave., Suite 152, providing downtown visitors and residents alike with another Asheville brewery option. Over the past few months, Wedge General Manager Lucious Wilson has seen a healthy mix of tourists and locals stop by the new taproom, adding to the brewery’s traditions of community and diverse yet approachable beer styles. But expanding those legacies, he notes, required moving beyond Wedge’s River Arts District roots, where having two breweries within a mile of each other limited its growth. “The biggest catchphrase that I have for this particular venue is ‘a blank slate,’” Wilson says. “There’s a lot of tradition to the Wedge, and this is our ability to pay homage to that tradition, but also to create new traditions.” In the meantime, the taproom connects the past and the present via works by RAD artists, including creative tap handles carved by woodworker and bartender Aaron Iaquinto. There’s also a mural by Ian Wilkinson of iconic Wedge figures like LaZoom co-founder Jim Lauzon, a former Wedge bartender, in his

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Sister Bad Habit garb. In turn, the third Wedge location has become a place to showcase the creations of Wedge Studios brewer Carl Melissas and Foundation brewer Bryan Bobo in a new capacity and bring more people into the Wedge family. That communal focus also extends to the surrounding businesses in the Grove Arcade. Like the Wedge at Foundation taproom partnering with 12 Bones Smokehouse to highlight its food, the downtown location purposefully does not have a kitchen. Instead, customers are encouraged to support the plentiful options nearby and get to-go items from Nani’s Piri Piri Chicken, Huli Sue’s BBQ and Grill, and others. “We’re trying to sort of take back the ability to go downtown and have this experience and have kind of a pit stop along that journey,” Wilson says. “We want you to be able to meet and see a face that you know and are comfortable with, and then go about your day.”

— Edwin Arnaudin X

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ARTS & CU L T U R E

Q&A FEATURE

Katie Wilson on making the world smaller Growing up in Asheville, Katie Wilson often dreamed of international travel. As a child she read countless myths and world stories, studied maps and always had a deep interest and admiration for different cultures. At 13, she took her first trip overseas to Ireland and was hooked. She later went on to study Spanish and applied linguistics at Appalachian State, and in 2018 — following a stint teaching in Mexico as well as a brief run working for Visions USA, an international student exchange program — Wilson launched Grow Abroad. The company hosts weekly camps throughout July and August, bringing together local and international students from Spain, Germany, Cambodia and Vietnam to participate in multicultural activities, as well as community service. Western North Carolina families host the international students. Susanna Saidi of Asheville was one of the first participating hosts to work with Wilson in 2018. At the

time, she and her family welcomed two sets of German students over the course of the summer. The Saidis then invited two more students in 2019, one from Germany and one from Spain. Saidi says her kids, who are now 9 and 11, still keep in touch with some of the participants they’ve met. “Katie’s a great role model for all of the kids — those in the exchange program and those who belong to the host families,” says Saidi. “[At 28], she’s just old enough to be a mentor and to be responsible for these students, but she’s also young enough to be relatable and to really become a friend,” Xpress recently spoke with Wilson about what drives her passion and why she believes Asheville is just the place to bring the world together. The interview has been condensed and lightly edited. Xpress: Tell us about the ages you work with and why you selected this group?

COME TOGETHER: Since 2018, Katie Wilson has connected local residents with international students through her summer program, Grow Abroad. Photo courtesy of Wilson Wilson: Grow Abroad is for teens from 12-16 years old because students are so open-minded at that age. They are excited to realize there’s a whole world outside of their bubble. It’s so impactful and meaningful when they also realize that they can work and live anywhere in the world. They’re old enough to travel and do critical thinking, but young enough to have fun. They’re the next generation of change-makers. They’ll be better world leaders if they have contact with people from other countries before they go out into the world. Why is Asheville an ideal place to foster international understanding? Asheville families create positive impressions about Americans. They break stereotypes and let visitors know that there is more to Americans than what they see on TV. And here in Asheville, we have great diversity in … socioeconomic levels, religions and politics. We’ve got traditional families, gay couples with families, elderly empty nesters and younger families. I’ve placed kids in big houses in North Asheville and on farms in Sandy Mush. There is no one-sizefits-all in Asheville. I also think that people who live in Asheville are more community involved as a whole. And finally, visiting students think Asheville is a cool city. So in addition

JUNE 22-28, 2022

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to the outdoors stuff we do with them, we also spend time downtown and at the mall, which they love. How do you decide where to place the students, and do they have a say? Visiting students and host families alike fill out information forms that detail their needs and expectations. Based on these intake forms, I place students with what I deem to be an appropriate match. Students and families both have a say. For example, some families have a preference on gender or age, and students can ask to be placed in homes with other kids their age, if they choose. Most often students and families don’t have any specific stipulations and defer to my instinct. Do you hear common concerns from international parents about the risks over sending their kids to the U.S. as it relates to issues like gun violence and racial profiling? These topics have come up in discussion with my international students as points of interest about American life and culture, but no, it has never been an impacting force in the decision-making process for families overseas. Actually, to my surprise, many European families think the opportunity of sending their children to the U.S. is a great honor and privilege and value the chance to have their kids learn American English and experience American life.

What I’ve experienced is that Americans seem to have the worst opinion of America. And Europe is not exempt from political woes, often having similar right versus left dynamics at play in their countries. The feedback I’ve most received over the years is “people are so friendly! No one engages you in conversation at the grocery store back home!” So the welcoming, community-oriented vibe of Asheville definitely makes a deep impact on the cultural perception of our country worldwide. What is the day camp, how is it associated with the exchange student experience and why is it so important to you? The day camp portion of the program is just as important as the students who travel here. The main focus is for local kids to immerse themselves in the world community without having to leave home. So even those who may not have $4,000 to send their kids overseas for a month in the summer can spend $250 for a four-week day camp that’s involved with foreign exchange students. It’s just such a winning formula. Camp runs Monday through Friday from about 9 to 5 p.m. and we have activities planned all day, every day. The camp is run out of Rainbow Community School where I work part-time in after-school arts and physical activities programs. Beginner language lessons, history and shared cultural programs, movies and eating take place on site. We rent a van to take the kids out twice a week to volunteer projects with program partners such as MANNA FoodBank, Asheville Poverty Initiative, Conserving Carolina and Bounty & Soul. And we do at least one or two trips a week to do things like hiking, tubing, swimming and shopping. What advice would you give to families who may be interested but not yet ready to commit to housing an international student? Email me and we can start a conversation about what you want to do. For example, many of our host families start out just taking on an exchange student for a week if the host family can’t do the whole month. Parents can volunteer when their kids come to day camp so they can see how the program works. We also always need help with the volunteer projects we do twice a week, where we partner with local nonprofits and get our kids involved. They don’t just sight-see — they learn about the local community by giving back. Wilson can be reached at info@ growabroadllc.org. For more information, visit avl.mx/bol.

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FOOD ROUNDUP

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MANNA FoodBank hosts latest Outpace Hunger campaign

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“MANNA is serving an average of 100,000 people per month through our network of 200-plus partner agencies,” says Kelly Schwartz, MANNA FoodBank’s special events manager. “With the rising cost of groceries, the need is still critical, especially for working families, seniors and veterans on a fixed budget.” With that in mind, MANNA is preparing for its second consecutive Outpace Hunger campaign, kicking off Sunday, June 26, 1-4 p.m. in the Meadow at Highland Brewing Co. The Outpace Hunger initiative was founded in 2021 to help meet an ever-increasing need for healthy, nutritious food among Western North Carolina residents, during a time when MANNA was unable to gather in person for usual fundraising events. This campaign allows participants to support their community while enjoying the bountiful nature and outdoor opportunities abundant in this corner of the world. To get started, participants must register to be part of MANNA’s Outpace Hunger community either on the day of the event or before the gathering. Participants must select their favorite physical activity and set a goal (activity-based, fundraising-based or both). Finally, participants have the opportunity to invite their family and friends to support their fundraising efforts through personalized Outpace Hunger webpages, through Friday, Sept. 30. “In 2021, we raised $16,000, which means MANNA was able to provide the equivalent of 64,000 meals for neighbors in the 16 counties of WNC,” says Schwartz. “This year, we’re setting our sights on a goal of $25,000 to provide fresh fruits and vegetables, proteins, dairy and healthy pantry staples that everyone needs to thrive.” At the event, Highland Brewing will release its Community Harvest Tart Fruit Ale — the latest from its Pints with Purpose series. A portion of all sales from the new beer benefits MANNA. Highland Brewing Co. is at 12 Old Charlotte Highway, No. 200. Registration for Outpace Hunger is $20. For more information, visit avl.mx/boa.

Wheelin’ and Mealin’ A new mobile meals truck from Food Connection — the local organi-

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SETTING THE PACE: Pam Eveland, left, and Becky Haaksma celebrate the completion of their 2021 Outpace Hunger goal: hiking 67 miles in five days from Mount Pisgah to Mount Mitchell. Photo by Lynn Saul. zation striving to ease hunger, reduce waste and support Asheville’s food industry through redistribution — is aiming to be fully mobile and ready to feed local communities come July. Operating as a “food rescue vehicle,” the latest initiative will pick up surplus leftovers from local donor partners and repackage the cuisine into individual heat-and-serve meals. The complimentary food truck will then make its way to low-wealth neighborhoods and underprivileged rural communities to distribute the meals for free. “We continue to believe that access to delicious, nutritious meals is a human right. With the rising cost of rent, groceries and gas, many working families are finding themselves struggling to make ends meet,” says Flori Pate, Food Connection co-founder and leader of community engagement. “These mobile meals will provide a fun and equitable culinary experience to the greater Asheville community.”

Visit avl.mx/bob for more information, including volunteer and fundraising opportunities.

Oaxacan cuisine On Sunday, June 26, 4:30-7:30 p.m., chef Luis Martinez and Tequio Foods will host a pop-up culinary celebration of traditional Oaxacan cuisine in collaboration with Old North Farm. “Tequio” is the Zapotec people’s concept of the community joining to accomplish a goal for the betterment of all. Born in a small Zapotec pueblo in Oaxaca, Mexico, Martinez formed Tequio Foods in 2021 to empower Indigenous farmers and support their communities by paying farmers directly for heirloom corn and beans. At the upcoming pop-up, lamb barbacoa and consommé, ceviche, tostada verde and nicuatole are among the items that will be paired with vegetables and herbs picked fresh from the farm.

Dedicated to helping the historically underserved and merging his passions for honest cooking and social justice, Martinez seeks to uplift his heritage and honor his ancestors with every meal. “For me, it’s not just about the food but everything else going on around the food,” says Martinez in reference to the importance of fair trade and paying homage to Mexico’s rich agricultural history. Jamie Swofford, Old North Farm’s chef-turned-farmer, previously worked in Oaxaca and fell in love with both the people and the food during his time in the area. Now, Swofford uses his family farm to grow a number of native Mexican plants rarely seen in the mountains of Appalachia. “It feels good to have someone to relate with that appreciates Oaxacan cuisine and technique,” says Martinez. Tickets to Tequio Sunday cost $100 per person. An optional $25 donation to Tequio Foods is available for those interested. Visit avl.mx/boc for tickets and information.

Backyard BBQ Terra Firma Culinary Co. and Mount Patisserie (formerly Patisserie by Austin) will host a summer barbecue busking pop-up event at Turgua Brewing Co. on Saturday, June 25, 3-8 p.m. Offering gourmet barbecue pulled pork sandwiches, sides and more, Vince Hogan and partner Austin Whitty seek to honor Southern cuisine’s grand tradition while adding a touch of modern styling and techniques. “I want to make a downright delicious pulled pork sandwich for you, share our passion for thoughtful, inspired menus and concepts, and build momentum for future endeavors,” says Hogan. “Hopefully, these pop-ups will encourage other young or up-and-coming chefs to get out there in any way they can to cook for others.”

WINNERS: Both Chai Pani and Curate took home James Beard awards at the 2022 ceremony. Pictured, from left, is Katie Button, Meherwan Irani, Felix Meana and Molly Irani. Photo courtesy of Chai Pani Restaurant Group Whitty, pastry chef and cake baker for her company Mount Patisserie, will be crafting a peach shortcake with fresh whipped cream to accompany Hogan’s barbecue and Turgua’s brews. Turgua Brewing Co. is at 3131 Cane Creek Road, Fairview. For more information, visit avl.mx/bon.

Fostering farm and food relationships A free grower-buyer event organized by EmPOWERING Mountain Food Systems and Western Carolina University will be held Tuesday, June 28, 2-4 p.m., at the Health and Human Sciences Building on WCU’s Millennial Campus. With a goal of increasing farm and food business income and raising awareness for environmental sustainability, this event will help local food producers network through a “speed-dating” format assessing suitable matches for procurement and sales. All local growers and food artisans looking to build connections and sell their products with local shops,

restaurant owners and food buyers are invited to attend. “As a regionally engaged institution, WCU strives to foster collaboration and engagement within our community, especially when it comes to environmental sustainability,” Lauren Bishop, WCU’s chief sustainability officer and director of sustainability and energy management, says in a university press release. Visit avl.mx/bo7 for additional information and to RSVP. The WCU Health and Human Sciences Building is at 3791 Little Savannah Road in Cullowhee.

Get to know Jamie Wade Sand Hill Kitchen’s owner and head chef, Jamie Wade, is enjoying a year of well-deserved recognition in 2022. In March, she was dubbed the “Fried Chicken Champ” of North Carolina by Our State magazine. That same month, she was crowned the winner of AVL Today’s March Madness-style fried chicken sandwich bracket competition.

On Wednesday, June 22, 4-5 p.m., the Enka-Candler Library invites Wade to participate in a meet-andgreet event designed to share her expertise and experiences in the restaurant business. “This is an introduction to Sand Hill Kitchen and the brains and talent behind the restaurant,” says Erin Parcels, branch manager at the Enka-Candler Library. “Jamie Wade will be discussing how she got started, what her favorite things about the business are, hardships she may have encountered and fun facts about Sand Hill Kitchen for people in our community to get to know her and her business better. Jamie plans to bring in samples of her food as well.” The Enka-Candler Library is at 1404 Sand Hill Road, Candler.

Asheville’s big showing at the James Beard Awards Chai Pani (Outstanding Restaurant) and Cúrate (Outstanding Hospitality) both took home awards at the 2022 James Beard Awards, held at the Lyric Opera of Chicago on June 13. Benne on Eagle’s Cleophus Hethington (Emerging Chef), OWL Bakery’s Susannah Gebhart (Outstanding Baker) and Nani’s Piri Piri Chicken (Best New Restaurant) were also honored with nominations in their respective categories. The 2022 James Beard Awards were the first held since the James Beard Foundation conducted an audit of its policies and procedures, establishing a code of ethics and an independent review process in an effort to add more diversity and inclusion to its proceedings. Visit avl.mx/bok for a full list of 2022 James Beard Award winners.

— Blake Becker X

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AR T S & C UL TU R E

ROUNDUP

Around Town

Asheville artist opens studio space at Roots + Wings Creative Campus For Asheville artist Ginger Huebner, opening a new studio and workshop space at her Roots + Wings Creative Campus has been a dream come true — literally. “I had a dream that my studio was in one of the classrooms,” she says. “It was so strange, but it kept coming back to me. I shared it with a few folks, and they all said, ‘Why not?’” Huebner will celebrate the new space, Ginger Huebner Art, with an open studio Wednesday, June 22, 5-7 p.m., at Roots + Wings School of Art and Design, 573 Fairview Road. Roots + Wings offers preschool and after-school programming, semester classes and summer camps. Originally housed at The Cathedral of All Souls, the school began with programming for children ages 3-6 but now serves anyone 3 and older. The new studio will allow Huebner to display her original artwork and host Create + Connect workshops and circles. In the past, she has had to borrow classrooms or share space with one of the school’s preschool classes or summer camps. Under the Create + Connect process, she facilitates workshops, weekly circles and keynote talks with individuals, families, schools, business teams, community organizations, nonprofits, college classes and more. Huebner gave a TEDx Asheville talk in February on the topic of visual art as a means of communication. Being chosen by the event’s organizers, she says, helped her embrace the value of her own studio art and Create + Connect work. “I realized I need to create a space that is more public, more visible,” she says. “I need to allow myself and this work to be seen.” For more information, go to avl.mx/boe.

And then there were three In the 25 years Stephanie Hickling Beckman has lived in Asheville, she has seen only eight locally produced shows that were written by Black playwrights. That number reflects a reality seen throughout the national theater scene. “We still have a long way to go toward solving for more equity and visibility for BIPOC theater artists, particularly playwrights,” says

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A PLACE TO CREATE: Opening a new studio and workshop space at her Roots + Wings Creative Campus will allow Ginger Huebner to host Create + Connect workshops. Photos courtesy of Huebner Hickling Beckman, founder and managing artistic director of Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective. With that in mind, Different Strokes has teamed with the Ashevillebased American Myth Center for A Different Myth, a program designed to foster emerging Black playwrights in the development and production of new plays. The inaugural cohort for the program, selected by Hickling Beckman and AMC’s Aaron Snook, includes three playwrights: • Melvin AC Howell, an internationally cultured choreographer and creative director who lives in Asheville. • Mildred Inez Lewis of Los Angeles, who writes and directs for theater, film and the digital space. • Lisa Langford, a Buffalo, N.Y.based playwright based in Cleveland. Her play Rastus and Hattie received a Joyce Award and The Kilroys’ List honorable mention. “We culled [the initial list of applicants] down to less than 10 applicants and invited them to a conversation with us about the program and about their pitch,” says Snook, who is also a playwright. “We especially wanted to hear how their work focused on the

idea of Black joy, which is central to the mission of A Different Myth.” A Different Myth will offer the playwrights a chance to develop their work with experienced mentors, directors, actors and, eventually, an audience. When the play is finished, the playwright will receive a $1,000 commission for their work, and it will move on to production with Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective. For more information, go to avl.mx/bog.

Goddess only knows For most of Rachael Roberts Bliss’ adult life, she was busy supporting her family. The Asheville woman wrote a nonfiction book in 1996 but otherwise put her dreams of being a writer on hold. “Now all my children are on their own, and I have time to take a chance on writing fiction and perhaps getting out the message of the importance of women becoming leaders and guides,” says Bliss, a 76-year-old grandmother. “Directing the business of how the world should be run has been left up to too many men through history. It’s now time to let women do what they do best.” Bliss’ novel, The Goddess of the Promised Land: Genesis, was

recently published by Jan-Carol Publishing Inc. of Johnson City, Tenn. The first of a planned fourpart series, the book tells the story of the Spirit Goddess as a newborn who is found at her family’s old plantation pasture and her anarchist adoptive mother. Subsequent books, including Lamentations and Revelation, will follow the story of the goddess and her message to the world. “I’m a liberal Christian who’s often thought that when Jesus was incarnated as a human that humankind didn’t really take his message to heart and our patriarchal system was instrumental in misinterpreting his message,” she says. “Thus the Holy Ghost, who many early Christians saw as the feminine face of God, gets her chance to bring the divine feminine way of guiding the world to us.” For more information or to buy the book, visit avl.mx/bod.

Welcome, weary travelers The city of Hendersonville recently unveiled a historical marker at 710 First Ave. W. to recognize the Landina Guest House that welcomed African American travelers during the Jim Crow era. In 1960-61, the house was listed in The Negro Motorist Green Book, an annual guidebook for Black travelers immortalized in the Oscarwinning 2018 movie Green Book. The guide was published by New York City mailman Victor Hugo Green 1936-66. The Landina Guest House was described in The Negro Motorist Green Book as a place where one could “rent a room with a private bath with meals to satisfy.” The guest house, located behind the main res-

idence, was operated by Hollis and Ozzie Landrum. Hendersonville’s City Council, Diversity and Inclusion Committee and Historic Preservation Commission approved the installation of the marker. “The Diversity and Inclusion Committee are aware that there are a limited number of historical markers recognizing important African American historical sites in Hendersonville,” City Manager John Connet wrote in a letter to council. “Therefore, they believe installation of this historical marker is a positive step in recognizing the contributions of African Americans in our community.” For more information, visit avl.mx/bot.

Smashing success Do you want to dismantle systems of oppression, at least symbolically? Here’s your chance. The Odditorium will host Smash the Cistem Saturday, June 25, 3-7 p.m. The idea behind the Pride event is simple: For $1, you can use a sledgehammer to take a swing at a junkyard-bound car. You can buy as many swings as you want or pay $10 to swing away for a minute. Music will be provided by DJ Malintzin, and The Odditorium will have food and drinks for sale. A drag and burlesque show will follow the smashing event. All proceeds will go to Tranzmission, an advocacy group for nonbinary, transgender and gender nonconforming people in Western North Carolina. To purchase ticket in advance or for more information, go to avl.mx/boj.

Helping Ukraine Members of the Hendersonville music community will hold Concert

for Ukraine Saturday, June 25, 7-9:30 p.m., at Trinity Presbyterian Church. The benefit will feature guest speakers, along with performances by Aaron Burdett, Mare Carmody and Ellen Trnka, Tom Fisch, Jeff Michels Folkadelic Jam and special Ukrainian guest performer Yulia (Julia) Kashirets. All proceeds from the concert will go to the International Rescue Committee, which is aiding Ukrainian refugees in Poland as well as the volunteer group Razom, which is working to get medical kits to people in need in Ukraine. Trinity Presbyterian Church is at 900 Blythe St., Hendersonville. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at avl.mx/boi.

— Justin McGuire X

MOVIE REVIEWS Local reviewers’ critiques of new films include: BRIAN AND CHARLES: Quirky fun awaits with director Jim Archer's tale of a lonely Welsh inventor who builds a robot to be his best friend. Grade: B-plus — Edwin Arnaudin JURASSIC WORLD DOMINION: This miserable conclusion to the dino trilogy finds characters joining forces with Jurassic Park’s heroes to — you guessed it! — save U.S. farmers from prehistoric locusts. The series’ extinction is well-deserved. Grade: D-plus — Edwin Arnaudin

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HOMESPUN HARMONIES: The New Rustics will play at Oklawaha Brewing Co. in Hendersonville on Friday, June 24, 8-11 p.m. The Asheville band, which formed in 2017, mixes elements of country, folk, bluegrass and rock into their music. Photo courtesy of The New Rustics

The featured icon indicates which venues or artists require proof of vaccination for upcoming shows. Due to the evolving nature of the matter, the list may not be comprehensive. Before heading out, please check with all venues for complete information on any vaccine or negative COVID-19 requirements. For questions about free listings, call 828-251-1333, opt. 4.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22 12 BONES BREWERY Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm 185 KING STREET Trivia and Karaoke, 7pm ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY Beauty Parlor Comedy: Alex Price, 7pm ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Disclaimer Stand-Up Lounge Comedy Open Mic, 8pm ASHEVILLE PIZZA & BREWING CO. Trivia! Trivia! Night, 6:30pm CORK & KEG • Old Time Moderate Jam, 5pm • Swing Asheville Lessons & Dance w/ Blue Marmalade, 7pm DOUBLE CROWN Western Wednesday: Erika Lewis w/The Daiquiri Queens, 8pm HI-WIRE BREWING RAD BEER GARDEN Game Night, 6pm HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY Well- Crafted Wednesdays w/Matt Smith, 6pm

JUNE 22-28, 2022

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ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 Palmyra (folk, Americana), 7pm JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Old Time Jam, 5pm LAZY HIKER BREWING SYLVA Trivia Night, 6:30pm OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. Mountain Music Jam, 6pm ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Wild Wednesdays (funk, rock, jam), 10pm ONE WORLD BREWING Pingo Wednesdays, 7pm RENDEZVOUS Albi (musique Francaise), 6pm SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN BREWERY Jason DeCristafaro's Weekly Wednesday Jazz Night & Jam, 6pm SOVEREIGN KAVA Poetry Open Mic Hosted by Caleb Beissert, 8pm SWEETEN CREEK BREWING Witty Wednesday Trivia, 6:30pm

THE DUGOUT Karaoke Party, 9pm THE GREY EAGLE The Travis Book Happy Hour ft Cris Jacobs (blues, rock), 7pm THE ORANGE PEEL Ty Segall and Freedom Band (garage rock, indie rock)k 8pm THE POE HOUSE Team Trivia w/Wes Ganey, 7pm TWIN LEAF BREWERY Open Mic, 6pm

THURSDAY, JUNE 23 185 KING STREET The Neverwhere Trio (singer-songwriter, rock), 3pm ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY Kiki Thursdays Drag and Dancing, 8pm ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR Jazz Thursday, 7:30pm KB and the LMD (jazz standards, classic pop) k 7:30pm BOLD ROCK HARD CIDER Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 5pm CBD CAFE Jakey Jake and Mikey Mike (of the Screaming Js), 8pm CASCADE LOUNGE Weekly Trivia Night, 6:30pm CREEKSIDE TAPHOUSE Thursday Night Trivia w/Kelsey, 6:30pm DOUBLE CROWN DJ Fast Eddy (soul, garage, punk), 10pm

FLEETWOOD'S Knives and Daggers, The Veldt & The Mystery Plan (shoegaze, post rock, post punk), 8pm FRENCH BROAD RIVER BREWERY Jerry's Dead (Grateful Dead & JGB Tribute), 6pm GIGI'S UNDERGROUND Mr Jimmy (blues), 7pm HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY Dine With Divas (drag), 7pm HIGHLAND DOWNTOWN TAPROOM Chris Norred & Friends (jazz guitar), 6pm ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 • Asheville Sessions ft Jesse Dingle, Peggy Swain & Kate Barkschat (jazz, blues, rock), 7pm • John Ferrara (rock, jazz, classical), 8:30pm JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Bluegrass Jam w/Drew Matulich & Friends, 7pm OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. Just Rick (Americana), 7pm ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Gunslinging Parrots (Phish tribute), 9pm ONE WORLD BREWING Loophole (instrumental hip hop), 8pm

RENDEZVOUS Gin Mill Pickers, 6:30pm ROOM NINE Thirsty Thursday w/DJ Moto, 9pm SOVEREIGN KAVA Stand Up Comedy for Your Health, 8pm THE BARRELHOUSE Trivia w/Po' Folk, 8pm THE DUGOUT Thursday Night Open Jam w/Paul Liford, 8pm THE GETAWAY RIVER BAR • Rum Punchlines Comedy Open Mic, 6pm • Karaoke w/Terraoke, 9pm THE IMPERIAL LIFE DJ Press Play (disco, funk and lo-fi house), 9pm THE ODDITORIUM Bikini Bottom Burlesque, 8pm THE ORANGE PEEL American Aquarium (rock, alt country), 8pm THE ROOT BAR Perry Wing Combo (rock), 6pm TWIN LEAF BREWERY Thursday Night Karaoke, 9pm

FRIDAY, JUNE 24 185 KING STREET George Fetner and the Strays (Southern rock, soul), 8pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST T7 SPACEGRASS (bluegrass, acoustic jam), 7pm

ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY • Early Dance Party w/ Local DJs, 7pm • Venus (dark house dance party), 10pm

PISGAH BREWING COMPANY Spiro and Special Guest (singer songwriter, rock), 6:30pm

ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR Mr Jimmy's Big City Chicago Bluesk 7:30pm

ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Brother and Sister w/ Cordovas (Allman Brothers family tribute band, rock), 9pm BIG PILLOW BREWING Rooster (folk, Americana), 6pm BOOJUM BREWING COMPANY Pride Party Drag Show, 10pm BREWSKIES Karaoke, 10pm BURNTSHIRT VINEYARDS Gary Lockaby (acoustic), 2pm CONTINUUM ART The Get Right Band (psychdelic indie rock), 7:30pm CORK & KEG Jockomo Cajun Country Band, 8pm DRY FALLS BREWING CO. Haphazard (oldies, rock, Southern rock), 7pm FLEETWOOD'S Janx Spirit, Zillicoah & Miami Gold (indie, post punk), 8pm GINGER'S REVENGE CRAFT BREWERY & TASTING ROOM Doctor Delia (old-time new-time), 7pm GUIDON BREWING High Sierra (rock), 6:30pm HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY M+N album release (hip hop), 7pm ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 Zach Deputy (island-infused, gospel soul), 8:30pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB West King String Band (rock, funk, classic country, bluegrass), 9pm LAZY HIKER BREWING SYLVA The Maggie Valley Band (Americana), 8pm MAD CO. BREW HOUSE Colin Cutler (Americana), 6:30pm OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. The New Rustics (Americana, jam), 8pm ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Free Dead Friday w/ Generous Electric & FDF Band, 6pm ONE WORLD BREWING 5j Barrow (folk rock), 8pm SALVAGE STATION Papadosio (jam band), 8pm SOVEREIGN KAVA Jon Price Trio, 9pm THE GETAWAY RIVER BAR • Getaway Comedy: Dylan Vattelana, 8pm • Ho Down: Honky Tonk Drag Show, 10pm THE IMPERIAL LIFE DJ Lil Meow Meow, 9pm THE ODDITORIUM Asheville After Dark: Perversions (kink night), 8pm THE ORANGE PEEL Flatland Cavalry (country), 8pm HARRAH'S CHEROKEE CENTER - ASHEVILLE Leanne Morgan (standup), 7pm

SATURDAY, JUNE 25 185 KING STREET Kevin Daniel and the Bottom Line (Americana), 8pm 305 LOUNGE & EATERY Old Men of the Woods (folk, pop), 1pm ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY • Totally Exhausted Women of Atlanta Comedy, 7pm • Big Gay Energy Dance Party w/DJ Ganymede, 10pm ASHEVILLE CLUB Mr Jimmy (blues), 8pm ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR Vince Junior Band (blues, surf, reggae)k 7:30pm BATTERY PARK BOOK EXCHANGE Dinah's Daydream (Gypsy jazz), 5:30pm BIG PILLOW BREWING Kentucky Waterfalls (country, folk), 6pm

BREWSKIES Pool Tournament Saturdays, 7pm BURNTSHIRT VINEYARDS Wayne Taylor (bluegrass), 2pm CORK & KEG Old Time Jam, 8pm DRY FALLS BREWING CO. Burnt Reputation (acoustic rock), 7pm FLEETWOOD'S Erisy Watts, State Park Ranger & Gracie Lane (folk, indie), 8pm GUIDON BREWING Sunlight Drive (acoustic duo), 7pm HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY The Moves (rock), 6pm HIGHLAND DOWNTOWN TAPROOM Asheville 8 String Collective (jazz, funk, blues), 7pm ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 • The Murphs (folk, rock, blues), 7pm • Wilson Springs Hotel w/The Jon Beyle Band (newgrass, rockabilly, country rock), 8:30pm JACK OF THE WOOD PUB • Nobody's Darling String Band, 4pm • Supper Break (bluegrass), 9pm OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. Abbey Elmore Band (pop, rock, folk), 8pm ONE WORLD BREWING Love Bubble (folk pop), 8pm SALVAGE STATION Papadosio (jam band), 4pm SUNNY POINT CAFÉ Albi (fingerstyle guitar), 6pm THE DUGOUT Graywind (rock), 8pm THE FOUNDRY HOTEL Jazz Soul Trio, 7:30pm THE GETAWAY RIVER BAR Slasher: Hard Dance (techno), 10pm THE GREY EAGLE Midnight North (rock), 9pm THE IMPERIAL LIFE DJ Short Stop (soul, Latin, dance), 9pm THE ODDITORIUM • Smash the Cistem: Car Smash Benefit for Tranzmission, 3pm • Party Foul Drag, 7pm • Whiskey & Gogo, 11pm

SUNDAY, JUNE 26

BOLD ROCK CIDER MILLS RIVER Gin Mill Pickers, 1pm

185 KING STREET Open Electric Jam with the King Street House Band ft. Howie Johnson, 5pm

BOOJUM BREWING COMPANY Pleasantly Wild (indie/ alt, surf rock), 9pm

ARCHETYPE BREWING Sunday Sessions w/ Jason Daniello, 3pm

MOUNTAINX.COM

JUNE 22-28, 2022

MOUNTAINX.COM

C LU BL A N D ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY SOL Dance Party w/Zati (soul house), 9pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Quizzo! Pub Trivia w/ Jason Mencer, 7:30pm

SWEETEN CREEK BREWING All Arts Open Mike w/ Mike Waters, 6pm

BURNTSHIRT VINEYARDS Roots and Dore (roots), 2pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. It Takes All Kinds Open Mic Night, 7pm

THE IMPERIAL LIFE DJ Mad Mike, 9pm

FRENCH BROAD RIVER BREWERY Mr Jimmy (blues), 3pm

ONE WORLD BREWING Open Mic hosted by Tony Willingham, 8pm

FROG LEVEL BREWING Gin Mill Pickers, 3pm HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY Brady Turner (pop, soul, R&B), 2pm HIGHLAND DOWNTOWN TAPROOM Blues and Brews w/Mr Jimmy & Friends, 1pm ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 Russ Wilson and his Famous Orchestra: A Swingin' Summer (jazz, big band), 8pm JACK OF THE WOOD PUB • Sunday Bluegrass Brunch w/Supper Break, 12pm • Irish Jam, 3:30pm OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. Michael "Country" Carver (country, blues), 7pm SALVAGE STATION Michael Franti & Spearhead w/The New Respects, 6:45pm SOVEREIGN KAVA Weekly Chess Tournament, 2pm THE GETAWAY RIVER BAR Bike Night w/Ashley & Big Matty, 2pm THE IMPERIAL LIFE DJ Chico Feo (international dance), 9pm THE ODDITORIUM • Drag Brunch, 2pm • Weirdo Rippers (rock), 5pm PLĒB URBAN WINERY Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 4pm

MONDAY, JUNE 27 5 WALNUT WINE BAR Freshen Up Comedy Showcase, 7pm ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY Martini Monday w/local DJ, 8pm BREWSKIES Open Jam w/Tall Paul, 7:30pm BURNTSHIRT VINEYARDS CHIMNEY ROCK Andrew Wakefield and Jeremy Rilko (acoustic duo), 2pm HAYWOOD COUNTRY CLUB Taylor Martin's Open Mic, 6:30pm HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY Totally Rad Trivia w/ Mitch Fortune, 6pm

ONLINE Malaprop's Science Fiction Book Club, 7pm THE GETAWAY RIVER BAR Trivia by the River w/ James Harrod, 8pm

TUESDAY, JUNE 28

TWIN LEAF BREWERY Tuesday Night Trivia, 7pm

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29 12 BONES BREWEY Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm 185 KING STREET Trivia and Karaoke, 7pm ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY James Harrod Comedy Birthday Party Showcase, 7pm

185 KING STREET Travis Book & Friends ft. Matt Gardner, Matthew Jennings and Jeff Sipe, 6:30pm

ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Disclaimer Stand-Up Lounge Comedy Open Mic, 8pm

27 CLUB Hempire, Bongfoot and Mean Green (stoner rock), 10pm

ASHEVILLE PIZZA & BREWING CO. Trivia! Trivia! Night, 6:30pm

5 WALNUT WINE BAR The John Henrys (jazz, swing), 8pm

CBD CAFE The Chris Caruso Band (rock), 7pm

ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY Downtown Karaoke w/ Ganymede, 9pm

HI-WIRE BREWING RAD BEER GARDEN Game Night, 6pm

ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Tuesday Night Funk Jam, 10:30pm

HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY Well- Crafted Wednesdays w/Matt Smith & Friends, 6pm

BOTTLE RIOT DJ Lil Meow Meow's Listening Room, 7pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Old Time Jam, 5pm

CASCADE LOUNGE Tuesday Bluegrass Jam, 6pm

LAZY HIKER BREWING SYLVA Woolybooger (blues, ragtime, mountain), 8pm

CORK & KEG The Daiquiri Queens (Cajun & Creole dance music), 7pm FBO AT HOMINY CREEK Open Mic and Jam, 6pm FRENCH BROAD BREWERY Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm FROG LEVEL BREWING Elysium Park Band (blues, rock, oldies), 5:30pm GINGER'S REVENGE Gluten Free Comedy: Nashville Showcase, 7:30pm MILLS RIVER BREWING Horror Movie Trivia, 6pm OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. Team Trivia, 7pm ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Early Tuesday Jam (funk), 9pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. Mountain Music Jam, 6pm ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Wild Wednesday Funk-n-Rock w/Free Anesthesia, 10pm ONE WORLD BREWING Pingo Wednesdays, 7pm RENDEZVOUS Albi (musique Francaise), 6pm SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN BREWERY Jason DeCristafaro's Weekly Wednesday Jazz Night & Jam, 6pm SOVEREIGN KAVA Poetry Open Mic Hosted by Caleb Beissert, 8pm SWEETEN CREEK BREWING Witty Wednesday Trivia, 6:30pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Grateful Family Band Tuesdays (Dead tribute), 6pm

THE ORANGE PEEL Pride '22 w/the Alex Krug Combo, Tina & Her Pony, Liz and Elizabeth, 7pm

SALVAGE STATION Stick Figure w/Collie Buddz & Iya Terra (roots reggae), 6pm

THE POE HOUSE Team Trivia w/Wes Ganey, 7pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA Open Jam hosted by Lactones, 7pm

TWIN LEAF BREWERY Open Mic, 6pm Wednesday Open Mic, 6pm

THURSDAY, JUNE 30 185 KING STREET Two Step Too (acoustic duo), 7pm ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY Kiki Thursdays Drag and Dancing, 8pm ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR MGB at the AGB (covers, singer-songwriter) k 7:30pm BLUE RIDGE HEMP CO. Cali Sober: an Alcohol Free Comedy Show ft Hunter Roberts, 8pm BOLD ROCK HARD CIDER Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 5pm CBD CAFE Jakey Jake and Mikey Mike (of the Screaming Js), 8pm CASCADE LOUNGE Weekly Trivia Night, 6:30pm CREEKSIDE TAPHOUSE Thursday Night Trivia w/ Kelsey, 6:30pm DOUBLE CROWN DJ Fast Eddy (soul, garage, punk), 10pm FLEETWOOD'S Weymouth, Motel Portrait, Fantømex & Usually (garage punk), 8pm FRENCH BROAD RIVER BREWERY Jerry's Dead (Grateful Dead & JGB Tribute), 6pm GIGI'S UNDERGROUND Mr Jimmy (blues), 7pm HIGHLAND DOWNTOWN TAPROOM Brown Mountain Lightning Bugs (folk), 6pm JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Bluegrass Jam w/Drew Matulich & Friends, 7pm ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Gunslinging Parrots (Phish tribute), 9pm ONE WORLD BREWING Kid Billy (soul), 8pm ROOM NINE Thirsty Thursday w/DJ Moto, 9pm SOVEREIGN KAVA Weekly Table Tennis Tournament, 7pm THE 2ND ACT Pride Ride Dance Party, 7pm THE BARRELHOUSE Trivia w/Po' Folk, 8pm THE DUGOUT Thursday Night Open Jam w/Paul Liford, 8pm THE GETAWAY RIVER BAR • Rum Punchlines Comedy Open Mic, 6pm • Karaoke w/Terraoke, 9pm TWIN LEAF BREWERY Thursday Night Karaoke, 9pm

MOUNTAINX.COM

JUNE 22-28, 2022

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY ARIES (March 21-April 19): Aries actor Marilu Henner has an unusual condition: hyperthymesia. She can remember in detail voluminous amounts of past events. For instance, she vividly recalls being at the Superdome in New Orleans on September 15, 1978, where she and her actor friends watched a boxing match between Leon Spinks and Muhammad Ali. You probably don’t have hyperthymesia, Aries, but I invite you to approximate that state. Now is an excellent time to engage in a leisurely review of your life story, beginning with your earliest memories. Why? It will strengthen your foundation, nurture your roots and bolster your stability.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Libran lexicographer Daniel Webster (1758–1843) worked hard to create his dictionary, and it became highly influential in American culture. He spent over 26 years perfecting it. To make sure he could properly analyze the etymologies, he learned 28 languages. He wrote definitions for 70,000 words, including 12,000 that had never been included in a published dictionary. I trust you are well underway with your own Webster-like project, Libra. This entire year is an excellent time to devote yourself with exacting diligence to a monumental labor of love. If you haven’t started it yet, launch now. If it’s already in motion, kick it into a higher gear.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Poet Elizabeth Bishop noted that many of us are “addicted to the gigantic.” We live in a “mostly huge and roaring, glaring world.” As a counterbalance, she wished for “small works of art, short poems, short pieces of music, intimate, low-voiced and delicate things.” That’s the spirit I recommend to you in the coming weeks, Taurus. You will be best served by consorting with subtle, unostentatious, elegant influences. Enjoy graceful details and quiet wonders and understated truths.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): “Shouldn’t the distance between impossible and improbable be widened?” asks poet Luke Johnson. I agree that it should, and I nominate you to do the job. In my astrological view, you now have the power to make progress in accomplishing goals that some people may regard as unlikely, fantastical and absurdly challenging. (Don’t listen to them!) I’m not necessarily saying you will always succeed in wrangling the remote possibilities into practical realities. But you might. And even if you’re only partially victorious, you will learn key lessons that bolster your abilities to harness future amazements.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In the coming weeks, you will need even more human touch than usual. Your mental, physical and spiritual health REQUIRE you to have your skin in contact with people who care for you and are eager to feel their skin against yours. A Tumblr blogger named Friend-Suggestion sets the tone for the mood I hope you cultivate. They write, “I love! human contact! with! my friends! So put your leg over mine! Let our knees touch! Hold my hand! Make excuses to feel my arm by drawing pictures on my skin! Stand close to me! Lean into my space! Slow dance super close to me! Hold my face in your hands or kick my foot to get my attention! Put your arm around me when we’re standing or sitting around! Hug me from behind at random times!” CANCER (June 21-July 22): Author John Banville wrote what might serve as a manifesto for some of us Crabs: “To be concealed, protected, guarded: that is all I have ever truly wanted. To burrow down into a place of womby warmth and cower there, hidden from the sky’s indifferent gaze and the harsh air’s damagings. The past is such a retreat for me. I go there eagerly, shaking off the cold present and the colder future.” If you are a Crab who feels a kinship with Banville’s approach, I ask you to refrain from indulging in it during the coming months. You’re in a phase of your long-term astrological cycle when your destiny is calling you to be bolder and brighter than usual, more visible and influential, louder and stronger. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “We wish to make rage into a fire that cooks things rather than a fire of conflagration,” writes author Clarissa Pinkola Estés. That’s good advice for you right now. Your anger can serve you, but only if you use it to gain clarity — not if you allow it to control or immobilize you. So here’s my counsel: Regard your wrath as a fertilizing fuel that helps deepen your understanding of what you’re angry about — and shows you how to engage in constructive actions that will liberate you from what is making you angry. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Virgo author Jeanette Winterson was asked, “Do you fall in love often?” She replied, “Yes, often. With a view, with a book, with a dog, a cat, with numbers, with friends, with complete strangers, with nothing at all.” Even if you’re not usually as prone to infatuation and enchantment as Winterson, you could have many experiences like hers in the coming months. Is that a state you would enjoy? I encourage you to welcome it. Your capacity to be fascinated and captivated will be at a peak. Your inclination to trust your attractions will be extra high. Sounds fun!

JUNE 22-28, 2022

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Sagittarian novelist George Eliot wrote, “It is very hard to say the exact truth, even about your own immediate feelings — much harder than to say something fine about them which is not the exact truth.” I believe you will be exempt from this rule during the next seven weeks. You will be able to speak with lucid candor about your feelings — maybe more so than you’ve been able to in a long time. And that will serve you well as you take advantage of the opportunity that life is offering you: to deepen, clarify and refine your intimate relationships. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Author bell hooks (who didn’t capitalize her name) expressed advice I recommend for you. She said, “Knowing how to be solitary is central to the art of loving. When we can be alone, we can be with others without using them as a means of escape.” As you enter a phase of potential renewal for your close relationships, you’ll be wise to deepen your commitment to self-sufficiency and self-care. You might be amazed at how profoundly that enriches intimacy. Here are two more helpful gems from bell hooks: “You can never love anybody if you are unable to love yourself” and “Do not expect to receive the love from someone else you do not give yourself.” AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In April 2005, a 64-year-old Korean woman named Cha Sa-soon made her first attempt to get her driver’s license. She failed. In fairness to her, the written test wasn’t easy. It required an understanding of car maintenance. After that initial flop, she returned to take the test five days a week for three years — and was always unsuccessful. She persevered, however. Five years later, she passed the test and received her license. It was her 960th try. Let’s make her your role model for the foreseeable future. I doubt you’ll have to persist as long as she did, but you’ll be wise to cultivate maximum doggedness and diligence. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In the eighth century, Chinese poet Du Fu gave a batch of freshly written poems to his friend and colleague, the poet Li Bai. “Thank you for letting me read your new poems,” Li Bai later wrote to Du Fu. “It was like being alive twice.” I foresee you enjoying a comparable grace period in the coming weeks, Pisces: a time when your joie de vivre could be double its usual intensity. How should you respond to this gift from the Fates? Get twice as much work done? Start work on a future masterpiece? Become a beacon of inspiration to everyone you encounter? Sure, if that’s what you want to do. And you could also simply enjoy every detail of your daily rhythm with supreme, sublime delight.

MOUNTAINX.COM

MARKETPLACE

BY ROB BREZSNY

REAL ESTATE & RENTALS | ROOMMATES | JOBS | SERVICES ANNOUNCEMENTS | CLASSES & WORKSHOPS | MIND, BODY, SPIRIT MUSICIANS’ SERVICES | PETS | AUTOMOTIVE | XCHANGE | ADULT Want to advertise in Marketplace? 828-251-1333 advertise@mountainx.com • mountainx.com/classiﬁeds If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Remember the Russian proverb: “Doveryai, no proveryai,” trust but verify. When answering classiﬁed ads, always err on the side of caution. Especially beware of any party asking you to give them financial or identification information. The Mountain Xpress cannot be responsible for ensuring that each advertising client is legitimate. Please report scams to advertise@mountainx.com EMPLOYMENT GENERAL FULL TIME MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN Must have experience in all trades for trouble shooting and repairs. Must be self-starter and independent worker. Quality customer service interaction is must. Need to have own tools reliable transportation and cell phone. On call rotation every 4 weeks, Benefit’s include health insurance, mileage reimbursement, tool stipend, Paid vacations and holidays. Wages to be determined on experience. Send resume to steve@ tessiergroup.com. PRODUCTION JOBS Located in Brevard. Great pay/ benefits. Full-time, day shift, M-F. Air conditioned. Must be legally authorized to work in US, consent to drug/ background check. Email HR@smith-systems-inc.com or call 828-884-3490. TOUR GUIDE-CDL DRIVERS If you are a "people person" you could be a great TOUR GUIDE! Part-time and seasonal FULL-TIME. Training provided. MUST have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Call 828-436-0202 or email Info@GrayLineAsheville.com.

ADMINISTRATIVE/ OFFICE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT IN SMALL CPA FIRM Part time administrative assistant needed for local CPA firm. Responsible for managing client communication and internal office environment. Strong communication and computer skills a must. Please send resume to lindsay@storckcpa.com.

ASHEVILLE JCC IS HIRING A HUMAN RESOURCES COORDINATOR Help employees find their work home and fuel a vibrant community at the JCC. 35,000/yr with generous PTO and benefits. Email a resume and cover letter to michaela@ jcc-asheville.org to apply.. SEEKING DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION Join the Organic Growers School team! The Director of Finance and Administration will manage, direct, oversee, and coordinate a wide variety of administrative, accounting, and non-profit financial management activities. cameron@organicgrowersschool.org

SALES/ MARKETING

SALES ASSISTANT Entry level administrative assistant position to our vibrant sales team. Position includes handling house accounts, organizing outreach schedules, collections, and other tasks in support of the sales staff. Strong organization and communications skills as well as computer competencies required. Opportunity for advancement depending on skill level and abilities. Includes benefits and a positive team environment with an emphasis on community engagement. Please send a resume and cover letter explaining why you are a good fit for Mountain Express to: xpressjob@mountainx.com.

DRIVERS/ DELIVERY ASHEVILLE HABITAT FULL TIME TRUCK ASSISTANT Asheville Habitat acknowledge that people with diverse perspectives, experiences,

and backgrounds are critical to our success. Join our team and help us further our mission of building homes, communities, and hope. Valid driver license and clean driving record required. email cover letter and resume to jobs@ashevillehabitat.org.

HUMAN SERVICES DISABILITY PARTNERS ASHEVILLE OFFICE FULLTIME INDEPENDENT NON-EXEMPT INDEPENDENT LIVING SPECIALIST Pathways For The Future, Inc. dba DisAbility Partners is dedicated to partnering with individuals and the community to enhance, advocate for and support personal choices, independent living and community inclusion. The Independent Living Specialist is a strong voice for disability rights and independent living, working to assist consumers in maintaining their lives independently in the community. Promotes Disability Partners in the seven county service area and collaborates with community agencies to best assist the consumer to reach goals for independent living. The Independent Living Specialist will provide general information and referral for consumers and the community as requested. Email: Eva Reynolds at ereynolds@disabilitypartners.org for job description and application. No phone calls please. DISABILITY PARTNERS ASHEVILLE OFFICE FULL TIME NON-EXEMPT YOUTH COORDINATOR The Youth Coordinator recruits, educates, empowers and serves youth with disabilities regarding disability-related issues, resources, advocacy, peer support and transitioning into adulthood. The Youth Coordinator is responsible for developing and implementing youth

programs and services, youth outreach activities and events, delivering independent living services to youth, helping youth develop and implement independent living transition plans. Conduct public education regarding disability issues, independent living services and Disability Partners. Email: Eva Reynolds at ereynolds@disabilitypartners.org for job description and application. No phone calls please.

RETAIL ART GALLERY ASSISTANT AMERICAN FOLK ART & FRAMING - 64 Biltmore Ave. is seeking a part-time Retail Gallery Sales Assistant to provide personal customer service for our business. Candidates currently living within commuting distance of Asheville, with skills to readily communicate to clients about 35 artists & their techniques. Positive attitude, stamina & strength to lift & hang large paintings along with comfort with computers needed. Handling phone & internet sales along with day-to-day operations in our brick and mortar location. Custom picture framing experience is a plus, but not necessary. Compensation includes hourly pay plus sales commission after training is complete. Email folkart@ amerifolk.com for more info. www.amerifolk.com

SALON/ SPA ATTN: BOOTH RENT OR COMMISSION HAIRSTYLISTS We have the perfect opportunity for you to set your schedule, surround yourself with talented stylists and work in a modern salon that has been in business for over 20 years Now is a great time to start in a new salon for your clients! Only 2 chairs available. Applicants

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Coming July 6 th! Contact us to advertise!

828-251-1333 x1 • advertise@mountainx.com

THE N EW Y OR K TI M ES C ROSSWORD P UZ Z LE must be experienced and professional. Stylists with existing clientele are preferred, but not required. We will provide opportunity to build with both booth rent or commission options. Signing bonus! Don’t miss this great opportunity, call today! Set up an interview at 828-236-9191.

XCHANGE

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ACROSS 1 Sleeper, e.g. 5 Suddenly spoke (up) 10 Winner’s gesture 15 Apple product since 1998 16 Grassy plain 17 “Here we go again …” 18 Confess one’s true feelings … or Step 1 for solving a jigsaw puzzle? 21 Eventually 22 Dirty money 23 Holiday celebrating the first day of spring 24 Lowdown 26 Stop texting after a first date, say 28 Recover after a heartbreak … or Step 2 for solving a jigsaw puzzle? 34 Gift of ___ 35 Plethora 36 “Again!” 37 N.B.A. star Westbrook, to fans 39 Long, loose hood 42 Word before loose or tight 43 Div. for the Tampa Bay Rays 46 Tiny bit 49 Screening org. 50 Look for an ideal partner ... or Step 3 for solving a jigsaw puzzle? 54 Eat dirt? 55 Cold-weather cryptid 56 One volt divided by one ampere 59 Performer’s comment to the audience 61 Tree that’s a source of salicylic acid, a precursor to aspirin 65 Get some perspective … or what you do once you’ve solved a jigsaw puzzle? 68 Animal that wears red pajamas in a popular children’s book 69 Porter alternative 70 Residents of Splitsville? 71 Choose to participate 72 Run into a hitch?

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73 “The ___ is silence”: Hamlet

DOWN 1 Something that may be raised on a farm 2 Nation bordering the Arabian Sea 3 Dunaway of “Mommie Dearest” 4 By no means basic 5 Like a frisky puppy 6 Feeling crummy 7 Gloomy atmosphere 8 “Quit it!” 9 Medicinal rinse 10 Elects 11 “This is a library!” 12 “Yeah, right” 13 Vice president in the 1990s 14 Opposite of “da” 19 Some scuba gear 20 Evil clown in a horror film, e.g. 25 Intl. group with members on three continents 27 ___-savvy 28 St. ___ Girl (beer brand) 29 Playwright whose work inspired the Peer Gynt Sculpture Park in 56-Down 30 Number of hole cards in Texas hold ‘em

31 Relative of a raccoon 32 Dada pioneer Max 33 Dreamcast console maker 34 Steffi who achieved a Golden Slam in 1988 38 “The Sweetest Taboo” singer, 1985 40 Console whose name sounds like a pronoun 41 Sluggish 44 N.F.L. Hall-ofFamer Michael 45 Word that might be said while pointing 47 TV series named second-best of all time by Rolling Stone, but which never won an Emmy

48 Story used for storage 51 What skullcap mushrooms aren’t 52 Call back 53 Instagram effect 56 See 29-Down 57 “A little ___?” 58 Charcuterie selection 60 Brand originally called Froffles 62 Sumptuous and expensive 63 Minerals ending in -ite, often 64 Mae who said “To err is human, but it feels divine” 66 “All right, I’ve heard plenty” 67 Vim

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