Mountain Xpress 08.09.23

LOOK UP

The Asheville Police Department says drones can be a force multiplier for a department that is understaffed. But privacy experts caution citizens how this new technology has the potential to turn into widespread aerial surveillance.

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The numbers don’t add up for teachers

Here is a math word problem. A recent college graduate from a school of education at one of our state universities takes the position as a third grade teacher in the Asheville public schools. She (or he) has always wanted to be a teacher and loves Asheville. Her primary goal is to make a living in her chosen profession as a professional educator.

She’s receiving a salary of $42,000 a year. She rents a single-bedroom apartment at the average price of $1,700 per month for a total of $20,400 for the year. In state, federal and Social Security withholding, she pays $7,500 for the year. She spends $500 a month on utilities, cable, food and necessities for a total of $6,000 for the year.

The cost of automobile insurance, car payments on the remaining balance of her vehicle, maintenance on her vehicle and gasoline cost $416 per month, or $5,000 for the year. She allows herself $40 per weekend for leisure activities such as going to a movie, going to a concert, going out to eat and having a beer with friends. This totals $2,080 for the year.

She carries the average amount of debt from college, which is $30,000. She pays an average of 6% interest on those loans. She only pays the required interest with an annual cost of $1,800. Her total expenses for her first year living in Asheville as an educator are $42,780. She has spent $780 more than she has earned as a professional educator, and she has no savings.

Assume that she decides to continue to be a teacher, remains single and that her income and expenses increase at approximately the same rate. (In today’s Asheville market, that is highly unlikely.) One of her primary goals is to eventually own her own home and build equity.

The price of a small house in Asheville in today’s dollars is $400,000. She must have a 5% down payment of $20,000. As a professional educator with a college degree, will she be able to purchase the house in: (A) five years, (B) 10 years, (C) 15 years or (D) never? With the correct answer, can you see the problem?

— Richard Boyum Candler

The General Assembly’s war on LGBTQ kids

The N.C. General Assembly’s GOP leadership will likely call veto override votes on several anti-LGBTQ bills vetoed by Gov. Cooper: HB 574 (Fairness in Women’s Sports Act), HB 808 (Gender Transition/Minors) and SB 49 (Parents’ Bill of Rights). They are all cruel attacks on our young people.

For a long time, we were shielded from the most extreme legislation passed by the Republican majority due to the governor’s veto. But Republicans gained a veto-proof majority with the sudden transformation of state Rep. Tricia Cotham from progressive Democrat to right-wing Republican. Since then, she has voted for every piece of legislation on the Republican agenda.

The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act seems to be solving a problem that is extremely rare. It’s estimated that there are 10 transgender women playing in women’s sports in North Carolina. HB 808 steps between parents, their children and their doctors to dictate the care that can be provided. The GOP professes to be protecting parents’ rights but will not trust parents to make decisions for their children.

The so-called Parents’ Bill of Rights(!) would outlaw content in grades K-4 about LGBTQ identities. I’m a parent, and in this instance, my rights are being trampled. I want to raise children who are equipped to navigate a 21st-century world. I want to raise compassionate, empathetic kids who embrace differences. You’ll hear the argument that the bill refers only to “instruction” on these topics. Teachers aren’t teaching this in K-4.

In other states that have passed this kind of legislation, teachers are fired for reading a picture book, librarians are threatened with prosecution if they give the wrong book to a kid, and teachers are forced to lock up classroom libraries for fear the ideas inside might be catching. Books are pulled from shelves on the say-so of a handful of parents.

I don’t expect teachers to parent my children, and I certainly don’t want a small group of parents deciding what is taught (and not taught) to my children. When I was a kid, I read whatever I

wanted. If something confused me, I asked my mom, my dad or a teacher. Those discussions were pivotal in my upbringing. Don’t parents want to have these conversations anymore? It’s no wonder there’s a serious teacher shortage and kids aren’t reading for pleasure.

Why are educators and books being picked on? Trust me, I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life, but none of them came from between the covers of a book. Knowledge isn’t dangerous, but ignorance is.

— Cinda S. Chima Asheville

Legalized sports betting will feed addictions

[Regarding: “Money on the Line: What Will Legalized Sports Betting Mean for Western North Carolina?” July 5, Xpress:]

Personally, I wish this wasn’t true. I understand the concept of having fun playing the slots, etc., but I was personally affected by a gambling addict, and it destroyed our relationship.

I believe this will feed people’s addictions, as well as hook some more. Seems the state is more interested in revenue generated.

— Janet Rogers Asheville

Now’s the time to reimagine monument spot

I can’t fuss too much with a recent letter to the editor [“Asheville’s Obelisk, Take Two,” July 19, Xpress], in which the author argued that the city of Asheville should not have torn down the Vance Monument but rather could have saved the obelisk, stripped the infamous

Zebulon Vance from the dedication and replaced the old racist with a more respectable honoree. Six years ago, I half-seriously proposed something similar [“A Modest Proposal: Giving Zeb Vance What He Deserves,” Oct. 25, 2017, Xpress]. I’m just grateful someone else volunteered to take the flak this time. But what’s the point of arguing about the past? What’s done is done. How about we put aside old beefs and move on to some new ones?

The city now is in the midst of an ambitious plan to reimagine Pack Square Plaza, including the area on which the Vance Scar currently sits — alone, abandoned and in desperate need of the spiritual healing only a place like Asheville can provide.

When the state courts finally get out of the way and allow what’s left of the Vance Monument to be hauled off, there’s no reason (beyond good taste and common sense) why the plans can’t include construction of a like-new obelisk on the old site. One that can be rededicated to Vance. Or to someone who actually deserves the honor. Or maybe space can be used for something else entirely. Or for nothing else. It can just be open. The possibilities are endless.

The city is accepting public comments on the renovation plans until Sept. 8, so obelisk enthusiasts will have plenty of time to take advantage of those two most precious rights enjoyed by citizens in this greatest of all democracies — the chance to pitch for their ideas in fair competition on a level playing field and the opportunity to pout endlessly when they don’t get their way again.

But query: Is a rebuilt obelisk really the best way forward? At the time of its demise, the Vance Monument no longer dominated the downtown, dwarfed as it was by the much larger structures that had grown around it since 1897. The monument looked less like a stately landmark than a stubbly chawbacon from the backwoods who had gotten lost in the big city and was wandering around gawking at the tall buildings.

And let’s be honest. As artwork goes, it was never all that and a bag of chips to begin with. Derivative kitsch, if you ask me. In fact, the demolition had to be delayed briefly when the wrecking crew discovered that the obelisk, like the man, was hollow inside and full of dirt.

Before we rush headlong into anything we may have to tear down again in a few years, shouldn’t we at least give creative minds a chance to come up with some fresh concepts? Even as we speak, something a million times better than a gangly beanpole may be on some young blood’s drawing board, just waiting to come to life.

It’s one thing to preserve history; it’s another to make it.

— Peter Robbins Marshall

CARTOON BY RANDY MOLTON

Look up

BY JESSICA WAKEMAN

jwakeman@mountainx.com

Most people are accustomed to a police presence at large public events like Asheville’s July Fourth celebration. This year it was a little different. In addition to uniformed officers on the pavement, drones from the city’s police and fire departments hovered around the crowd.

Police and fire are the only city departments to own drones: The Asheville Fire Department has four, and the Asheville Police Department has seven. (Several departments in Buncombe County also own drones, like the Planning and Development Department.)

APD says drones can be a force multiplier for the department, which is understaffed. However, privacy experts warn that the usage of such technology by the government needs to be proactively curtailed.

“It’s important that we don’t sleepwalk into a world of widespread aerial surveillance, that communities think very carefully about whether they want drone surveillance, and, if they decide to permit some operations, put in place guardrails that will prevent those operations from expanding,” writes Jay Stanley , speech, privacy and technology project senior policy analyst for the American Civil Liberties Union, in a July 27 paper titled “Eye-in-the-Sky Policing Needs Strict Limits.” [Read more at avl.mx/cvy.]

DRONES AS FIRST RESPONDERS

The city police and fire departments say their drones are meant to supplement first responders and “allow us to get eyes on a scene, sometimes within 30 seconds, whereas our patrolmen response would be several minutes,” says APD Capt. Brandon Moore. The city’s most sophisticated drones can be streamed in real time via an app by individuals with access. For example, during the city’s Fourth of July festivities, APD Sgt. Chris Byers flew a drone, and Moore, who was not on call that day, logged in to watch what the aircraft saw in real time.

Moore says sending a drone to a call for service relieves pressure on APD by enabling officers to immediately adjust the size of a response, based on real-time information from the drone.

Moore recounted an instance in which APD sent a drone ahead of offi-

How are drones changing the way local departments operate?

cers to survey an apartment where an assault suspect was barricaded. The drone showed officers what they’d encounter when approaching the residence. The technology continued to record the scene once APD arrived. “Then the drone stayed on what we call an overwatch and continued to record the entire scene as [officers] approached the door and made contact,” Moore explains. The suspect eventually came out and surrendered.

Jeremy Knighton, AFD’s division chief of emergency management, describes his department’s drone

deployments as “very mission specific.” He says AFD has used drones several times to look for missing persons. “We’re able to get a bird’seye view, literally,” he says. Drones can cover a grid more quickly than people and take photographs of the ground while searching.

Additionally, the Fire Department has used drones to analyze fires and plot approaches. Knighton describes a fire where an infrared lens in the drone provided thermal imaging to pinpoint the location of the blaze.

Drones used by government agencies are more expensive and include

TAKE FLIGHT: Asheville Police Department Sgt. Chris Byers, left, uses a remote control to fly one of the department’s drones. He stands on APD’s roof alongside Capt. Brandon Moore. Photo courtesy of APD

more sophisticated features than so-called hobby drones.

When flying a type of drone called the Avata, for example, an APD officer wears goggles that show what the drone “sees,” and he navigates the aircraft using head movements. Moore says this drone is deployed for tactical use, such as for the APD bomb unit, Emergency Response Team (also known as the SWAT team) or the crisis negotiation unit.

Another drone called the Matrice 30 has a camera that can zoom in to a magnification of 200, provide a wide-angle panorama and conduct thermal imaging. The device’s lowlight camera also captures clear pictures in dark settings, according to the company’s video.

The city purchased APD’s drones last summer and began using the technology in the fall, says Moore.

SURVEILLANCE IN THE CITY AND COUNTY

Unmanned aircraft systems are not the first example of surveillance in Asheville or Buncombe County. The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office owns and operates cameras linked to a system called Fusus Unified Intelligence Platform, which provides real-time surveillance. According to previous Xpress reporting, a majority of the cameras are on county-owned property with some on downtown businesses, such as the Miles Building.

Under the APD’s drone policy, which can be viewed at avl.mx/cv5, the city will record each flight mission, flight data and keep an accumulative flight log. Deployments have to be approved by the program coordinator, watch commander or shift chief. The drones also can’t intentionally record or transmit images of any location where a person would have a reasonable expectation of privacy such as residence, yard or enclosure. Furthermore, drones can’t look into buildings unless part of a search warrant.

APD’s drones do not have facial recognition software, but such a capability exists for the technology, Moore tells Xpress

State law dictates that APD must “purge” the data after 90 days unless it is being used for a criminal case, Moore says. This law applies to body cameras, in-vehicle cameras and regular cameras; a judge’s order is required for the footage to be released.

Stanley from the ACLU says it’s a positive sign that APD’s drone policy is publicly available. However, he continues, a general concern around drone use is the eventual expansion

of a policy over time to become routine, suspicionless aerial surveillance of the public.

Nationwide, the ACLU supports drone policies that place limits on use, provide transparency on their use in the form of a publicly available flight log, prevent data from being retained longer than necessary and require private-sector vendors

who are part of the drone program to follow the same policies as the department using it, according to Stanley’s paper.

Moore was adamant that APD’s drone policy offers adequate privacy protections for the public and isn’t “designed to … just throw things in the air to do surveillance on the unknowing public,” he tells Xpress.

Adds Byers, “We have not deployed it in covert surveillance or anything like that.”

FLIGHT SAFETY

Not all concerns about drones are related to surveillance; some relate to air traffic safety. Fifteen members of APD and 11 members of AFD earned certification from the Federal Aviation Administration, plus additional training.

Drones can’t fly higher than 400 feet, and a pilot must have a visual observer to watch the sky and ensure the drone doesn’t impede other aircraft, Moore says.

APD is far enough away from Asheville Regional Airport that drones aren’t in its airspace. It does contact the airport if it plans to use a drone nearby, such as with a missing person, Moore says. APD also shares airspace with Mission Health’s Mountain Area Medical Airlift, and it informs MAMA when drones are in the air because helicopter pilots can’t see them.

Only one APD drone has suffered an incident: a bird attack. “We don’t know [what kind of bird], but it was large because it took out almost every propeller on [the drone],” Moore says.

The pilot landed the drone safely, and later its microphone and spotlight had to be replaced. “We never found the bird.” X

BIRD’S-EYE VIEW: The Asheville Fire Department uses one of its drones to get a broader view during a training exercise. Photo courtesy of AFD

3-2-1 GO: Asheville Police Department’s drones are stored in Go-Command Cases, which can be set up on the APD’s roof or out in the field as needed. Some cases have screens that are connected to the drones’ cameras; these allow viewers to watch what the drone “sees.” Photo courtesy of APD

Public money for private schools

N.C. legislature prioritizes private education

BY GREG PARLIER

Private schools likely will become more affordable for families of any income next school year at the expense of public schools. The N.C. General Assembly is set to pass what amounts to a veto-proof bill removing the income cap for the private school voucher program.

Buncombe County’s two public school districts could be out a combined $5.6 million in fiscal year 2026-27 if the expansion of the state’s Opportunity Scholarship program passes, according to an estimate from the Office of State Budget and Management.

That total could go up in subsequent years as the state’s investment in the private school voucher program rises from about $133.8 million last year to more than $400 million in fiscal year 2024-25, according to Senate Bill 406. The spending will increase annually, hitting a $520 million maximum in fiscal year 2032-33.

“I am deeply concerned about what allocating more taxpayer dollars to private education will do to our K-12 public education system in North Carolina. We see teachers and principals leaving North Carolina to go to states that respect public education and educators and pay more. This ultimately comes at the expense of our kids,” says Buncombe County Commissioner Amanda Edwards, who is the mother of a rising senior at Asheville High School. Edwards’ husband, Derek Edwards, is the principal of Asheville High School.

Alternatively, some local parents favor the voucher program because

they say private schools can provide a unique curriculum or social setting that is a better fit for their child than public schools that are subject to state standards for testing and approved teaching styles.

OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIPS

Currently, families can apply for a private school voucher — called

Opportunity Scholarships — for private school tuition if they are accepted to a participating private school and fall below certain income levels, which has helped some Buncombe students attend their schools of choice.

The bill removes the income eligibility cap, allowing anyone, no matter their income, to apply for state funds for private school education, as long as at least 50% of total funds go to children whose families qualify for free and reduced-price school meals.

Families will receive funding on a sliding scale based on their income levels, with the maximum being the state average per-pupil allotment that goes to public schools, or about $6,500. The state funds schools based on attendance, so if students migrate to private schools using vouchers, the corresponding public districts lose funding.

Of Buncombe’s 35 private schools, 23 have signed up to receive the scholarship funding.

The new law also expands eligibility in another way. Under the current law, students were eligible for the scholarship the first year they

attended a private school, regardless of grade level. A student could apply for the scholarship each year following. Under the new law, even students who have attended private schools for several years are eligible for the scholarships. That would mean the state will pay money to families that have been able to pay for their children’s education out of pocket.

Opponents argue that amounts to the state cutting a check to wealthy families with money that would otherwise be allocated to public education.

Public school advocates in Buncombe County, from administrators and politicians to teachers and parents, say schools are already starving. A 2004 Supreme Court ruling commonly referred to as “Leandro” — reaffirmed in 2022 — asserted that the lack of education funding meant “the State had failed in its constitutional duty to provide certain students with the opportunity to attain a sound basic education.”

According to a 2022 report from the Education Law Center, North Carolina ranked last in the country

DIVERTING DOLLARS: Buncombe County Schools will likely have significantly less funding in years to come after the N.C. General Assembly increases funding for a private school voucher program, according to the Office of State Budget and Management. Photo by Frances O’Connor

in education funding as a percentage of the state’s gross domestic product.

“The needs of public schools are so clear, and continuing to not meet those needs, while funding millionaires who are already sending their kids to private school makes absolutely no sense,” says state Sen. Julie Mayfield, who represents the western half of Buncombe County, including Asheville.

The Senate bill is likely to become law because the Republican supermajority has the power to override a likely veto from Gov. Roy Cooper, Mayfield says.

’TRIAGE MODE’

In the last 10 years, both Buncombe school districts have seen shrinking attendance numbers and therefore shrinking funding. The Buncombe County Schools district, in particular, has lost more than 12.5% of its students and $30 million in state funding in the last 10 years.

Asheville City Schools numbers have fluctuated more but are down 2.8% over 10 years and are projected to lose another 4% just this year, according to an Xpress analysis.

If projections for 2023-24 from the N.C. Department of Public Instruction are correct, BCS will have its lowest attendance since at least 1996-97, and ACS will be at its lowest point since 2011-12. District counts do not include public charter schools, which operate independently of the traditional public school districts but receive state funding.

Meanwhile, private school attendance in Buncombe was up 25% in 2021-22 over 2013-14, the year before the Opportunity Scholarship program began.

“We’re already kind of in a triage mode,” says Buncombe County Board of Education member Rob Elliot of the school districts.

ENROLLMENT NUMBERS BY SCHOOL YEAR

Asheville City Schools

County Schools

Private Schools (all of Buncombe County)

Opportunity

STUDENT SEEP: Attendance in both public school districts in Buncombe County has trended down over the last 10 years, while private schools have grown. Graphic by Scott Southwick

That loss of funding means school administrators have to consider what services to cut. Whether it’s elective offerings from arts to athletics or student services such as mental health counselors, there are no good options, Elliot says.

“In the midst of a mental health crisis where we need to be as close as possible to the recommended ratio of school counselors and school social workers, we have to keep cutting them. We have to, but it’s those student services that are really critical,” he says.

“There’s no doubt that given the laws that the state has created around charter schools and around the voucher system … that families who have the resources to go somewhere else can figure out a way to go somewhere else,” says George Sieburg, chair of the Asheville City Schools Board of Education. “And the shame of it is that it comes from a fundamental false narrative that our schools are a problem, which is not the case. Our schools do amazing things,” he adds.

FREE REIN VS. NO ACCOUNTABILITY

Unlike traditional public schools, private schools have the ability to be more creative, free from having to meet state accountability standards for teacher certification and standardized testing scores. For some parents, such as Ellie Childs, that’s what makes them attractive. Childs

CONTINUES ON PAGE 10

says the public school’s teaching model is antiquated.

“That model, which fits into state standards, is really only addressing one learning style. And there’s multiple intelligence styles, multiple learning styles. A lot of people learn experientially and not through rote memorization,” she says.

The lack of accountability also means there’s no oversight of what is being taught on private school campuses. Many of the state’s private schools have a religious affiliation, and 92% of vouchers awarded in the Opportunity Scholarship program as of 2020 went to religious schools, according to an analysis conducted by Duke School of Law.

For public school advocates, that’s problematic.

“We could be using state dollars to support schools that actively teach discrimination against vulnerable communities, like minorities, like LGBTQ kids and families. I mean, that’s just unacceptable. It is absolutely 100% unacceptable. State dollars should not be going to schools that teach those things,” Mayfield says.

Additionally, unlike private schools, traditional public schools are charged with serving every student, including providing transportation and meals, which costs money, Sieburg says.

“Any public school system is serving every single person who comes to the door. Resources get stretched. And so yeah, for sure, in a small charter school or a small private school, where they can kind of, forgive the language, but pick and choose the families that are there, and what they want to teach, and what programs they want to have, they can be a little bit more nimble. But that doesn’t mean that the education that we provide at Asheville City Schools is any less than what they can provide. We have educators trained in the same way, and sometimes in even more complete ways than the educators at private schools and charter schools,” Sieburg says.

WHO BENEFITS FROM VOUCHERS?

Opponents of the voucher program argue the scholarships provided aren’t truly enough to help lower-income people access pricey private schools, leading the scholarship money to just pad the pockets of families who can already afford a private school education.

In Buncombe County, private school tuition averages more than $18,000, nearly twice the statewide private school average tuition

cost of about $9,700, according to privateschoolreview.com.

LeeAnna Rahim and her co-parent have not taken advantage of an Opportunity Scholarship thus far because they made too much money, but she said they might consider it under the pending law because tui-

tion at Asheville Waldorf School has gotten untenable.

Rahim says her 11-year-old has thrived in the Waldorf curriculum since preschool. She is pulling her 7-year-old daughter out to attend FernLeaf Community Charter School, which has no tuition, and plans to tran-

sition her older daughter to FernLeaf after the upcoming school year as well to save money, she says.

Childs moved to Buncombe County from Colorado a year ago and used an Opportunity Scholarship to help her pay for her daughter to attend kindergarten at Odyssey School. She is attending the private Rainbow Community School this year, even though the scholarship only covers about half of her daughter’s tuition, she says.

“I strongly believe in alternative education and private schools, and it’d be great if they were all publicly funded. But if they were, then (they wouldn’t) be able to do anything that’s outside of the norm. So, I am very grateful that there is a scholarship for people that can’t afford private school,” Childs says.

’FISCALLY IRRESPONSIBLE’

Ultimately, Elliot, Sieburg and Mayfield all expressed support for school choice generally and said they understand there’s a place for private schools in the general fabric of our education system. But they all drew a line at sending public funds to private schools.

Elliot says it is fiscally irresponsible to take taxpayer dollars mandated by the state constitution to be spent on traditional public schools and hand them over to an unaccountable system.

“Once that money goes over to that private system, the public loses 100% of its voice and how that money is spent by that institution. That institution can take that tuition money and do with it whatever in the world they want to do,” he says.

Instead, Mayfield says, we should invest that money in an already starving public school system because that is what the state constitution mandates. (Specifically, it says, “The people have a right to the privilege of education, and it is the duty of the State to guard and maintain that right.”)

“Everybody should be offered the opportunity to get a good education, and the foundation in our country for that is our public schools,” Mayfield says.

Shanna Peele, Buncombe County Association of Educators president, says the voucher expansion program is another reason public school teachers feel as if they’re under attack.

“Why would the GOP leaders do this when the majority of North Carolina students are in traditional public education, and the (state Supreme Court), students, parents, teachers, school personnel and principals have all told us that those same traditional schools are being drastically underfunded?”

asks.

she

ACCOUNTABILITY: Buncombe County Board of Education member Rob Elliot says private schools’ lack of accountability to state standards is one of many reasons he doesn’t support increased funding of the Opportunity Scholarship program. Photo by Frances O’Connor

‘FUNDAMENTAL FALSE NARRATIVE’: Asheville City Board of Education Chair George Sieburg takes issue with the narrative coming from some N.C. Republicans that a private voucher program is necessary because of the declining value of public schools. Photo by Frances O’Connor

Suffering

BY BARBARA DURR AN ASHEVILLE WATCHDOG REPORT

A drop in Asheville tourism is hurting local businesses across the board, from shops and restaurants to hotels, bed-and-breakfasts and even short-term rentals, as owners and managers face declining revenue and uncertainty about their finances.

“We’re definitely suffering right now,” said Brandi Howard, manager for the Mount Inspiration company of three gift and clothing shops featuring Asheville mementos. “As far as we’re concerned, tourist season hasn’t really started.”

In one of her strategically located shops right on Biltmore Avenue downtown, the sales for a recent full day had not broken $100.

The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority’s latest figures, reflecting April tourism, show a decline in total lodging sales of 11%. It also estimates that credit card spending by tourists fell by $300,000 between March through May this year, or $7 million compared with $7.3 million in 2022.

Tourism accounted for $2.6 billion in visitor spending in 2021, according to the figures from the TDA’s 2021-22 annual report. That included $915 million in workforce income, 27,000 jobs and $238 million in state and local taxes. The 2022 figures will not be available until next year, said TDA spokeswoman Ashley Greenstein

“Usually, it’s like someone flips a switch, and it’s game on,” said Will Gay, the owner of the Diamond Brand Outdoors shop on Biltmore Avenue, regarding the start of July, the second biggest month for tourism after October. “This year, it’s like someone forgot to flip the switch.”

For his store specializing in outdoor clothing and gear, Gay estimates business is off between 10% and 20%.

“Tourism and hospitality have been a part of this vibrant community for generations. A healthy visitor economy helps support the wide array of creative experiences and businesses we enjoy as residents every day,” said Vic Isley, CEO & president of Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority.

“Nearly 70% of all visitor spending occurs in establishments outside of local lodging. So, we are hearing that business is inconsistent from

Asheville businesses feel the pain of tourism decline

McCarty at the Lobster Trap, whose restaurant clientele is about half tourists, said, “It’s definitely a noticeable downturn in tourism. We see it, just like other restaurants around town.”

He estimates his business at 35 Patton Ave. downtown is down about 12%.

“It’s slow everywhere, and we’re definitely feeling it,” said Shaun Hayes, the bartender at the Blackbird restaurant located on the ground floor below the Aloft Hotel on Biltmore Avenue, where most of the clientele are tourists.

“Even when it’s busy, it’s not really that busy,” Hayes said. As a bartender dependent on tips, the 13-year Asheville resident worries he can’t pay his bills.

Some restaurants rely more on local patrons than tourists and aren’t feeling the pinch. Peter Pollay, the chef and owner of Posana, 1 Biltmore Ave., said his revenue is up compared with last year and not just because he raised his prices. His guest count has increased 5%-7% compared with 2022, Pollay said.

Yet, Pollay said, “Every time I open my mouth, I’m knocking on wood.”

Business owners and managers said that visitors seem more cautious about spending, owing to continuing concern about a possible economic downturn and inflation, which has actually cooled significantly in recent months.

Downtown hotels are lowering rates and offering special deals to fill rooms, which means reduced revenues. “We’re making significantly less than we had forecast,” said Michael Lusick, senior vice president of the FIRC Group, a real estate development and hospitality management company, and a member of the TDA board of directors.

restaurants, shops, tour providers, arts and culture venues, and attractions — not just lodging partners,” she said.

Isley said that economic uncertainties and increased foreign travel “plus the real and perceived public safety issues” surrounding Asheville have resulted in year-over-year declines. “All of which negatively impact sales tax collections our local governments rely on to provide services to us as residents,” she said.

But some in the local business community have pointed out that

the previous two years were exceptionally strong for the tourism industry because of Asheville’s outdoor attractions, which appealed to travelers who had safety concerns tied to the pandemic. This year’s drop in visitors, they insist, is not detrimental. Rather, it reflects the city’s return to the new normal.

‘A NOTICEABLE DOWNTURN’

Many downtown restaurants are hurting. Chef-owner Mike

Lusick said he’s offering lower rates at his two downtown hotels — the Haywood Park at 1 Battery Park Ave. and the Cambria at 15 Page Ave. — “because they’re not doing as well (as forecast). But there’s a ripple effect. We pull business that normally would have stayed outside downtown into downtown at the lower rate, and we make less money.”

That ripple effect hits FIRC’s two hotels outside downtown, the Country Inn and Suites at 22 Westgate Parkway and Springhill Suites by Marriott in Enka.

His overall hotel revenues are down between 12% and 15%, and “I hope we’re at the bottom,” he said. But as he tracks the pace of bookings, he’s concerned that these could be flat going into the key leaf season.

DOWNTURN: Like many hotels in Asheville, the Grand Bohemian Hotel has experienced a downturn in tourism this year. Watchdog photo by Starr Sariego

WIDESPREAD ECONOMIC PAIN

Bed-and-breakfasts, which are outside downtown, also are feeling the pain, with declines of 10%15%, said Randy Claybrook, who owns the Bent Creek Lodge B&B and leads the Asheville Bed & Breakfast Association.

“2022 was a high-water mark, and we were slammed,” he said, but “the overall demand is just softer” this year.

Even short-term rentals were down by nearly 13%, according to TDA’s May figures.

For some hoteliers, there’s some compensatory income. The drop in revenues at FIRC’s two downtown restaurants, Isa’s Bistro at the Haywood Park and Hemingway’s Cuba at the Cambria, is less than 10% because “local business is still there, so we’re insulated somewhat from trends in tourism,” he said.

In the Biltmore Village area, just south of downtown, three hotels owned by Biltmore Farms — the Doubletree by Hilton, Hampton Inn and Suites and Marriott Residence Inn — are experiencing the same drops in occupancy, leaving hoteliers concerned about profitability, said Kyle Highberg, senior director of operations at Biltmore Farms.

“We hoteliers are really feeling this pinch right now,” Highberg said.

He’s trying to stem the slide by chipping away at costs for such items as food, shampoos and soap. By buying in bulk, he said, he could get discounts. He also is working to bolster his hotels’ occupancy by offering special rates to segments of travelers that he previously would not have targeted, such as government travelers, who have limited per diems.

Revenues were mixed at the two Biltmore Farms hotels that are available for group meetings and events, which have declined in Asheville overall this year. Highberg said that business has changed. Clients used to book a year or two ahead, he said, now they are booking as little as a month in advance.

“It’s important to contextualize the slowdown,” said Matthew Lehman, general manager at the Grand Bohemian in Biltmore Village. “Things are notably slower than last year or the year prior, but 2021 and 2022 were some of the busiest years that this community has ever seen.”

“Yes, we are falling way behind recent performance,” he said. But “we still would be tremendously successful compared to any preCOVID year.”

The surge of visitors in 2021-22 occurred because Asheville, with its

FLIP THE SWITCH: “Usually, it’s like someone flips a switch, and it’s game on. This year, it’s like someone forgot to flip the switch,” said Will Gay, the owner of the Diamond Brand Outdoors shop on Biltmore Avenue, regarding the start of July tourism. Watchdog photo by Starr Sariego

many outdoor attractions, was considered a safe destination to visit in the mid- to post-pandemic times, he said, and it is what is called a “drive market,” where many visitors did not have to fly here.

“So that tsunami has receded now that people are more willing to get on airplanes and cruise ships,” Lehman said. “Luxury hotels in Europe are having the best year they’ve ever had.”

The small market of Asheville, he said, is “reverting back to what you would call the new normal. What everyone bandied about the last couple of years was never a new normal.”

“I think as an industry we got a little spoiled. We got a little fat and happy,” he said.

The drop in tourism here is a bit deeper than some comparable

cities. In Wilmington, the occupancy tax revenue was down 3.9% in April compared with last year, the latest figures available, said Connie Nelson, the public relations director for Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitor Bureau.

DECLINE LESS STEEP IN COMPARABLE MARKETS

In Charleston, revenues per available room were down 0.5% in April and 1.6% in May compared with last year, said Daniel Guttentag , director of the Office of Tourism Analysis at the College of Charleston.

While the Grand Bohemian is a luxury hotel in a quieter part of town away from the challenges of downtown, Lehman still feels “cautiously pessimistic.”

The reasons for that bit of pessimism, he said, are that Asheville is a place that many tourists have already been to, and the increase in inventory of hotels and short-term rentals are giving visitors more choices. Short-term rentals have eaten into multigenerational visits, he said, when having a whole house can be more convenient.

While his bookings have been relatively consistent or even slightly up, bookings for the important leaf season are soft, he said, and coming with shorter lead time than in the past.

“We’re concerned because it is softer. We’re not panicked,” he said. Several of the hoteliers said that Fox News reports on high crime in Asheville were likely a factor in some tourists’ decisions not to visit.

In the past, when business was slow, hoteliers often cut staffing. But they learned a lesson from the COVID pandemic: Building back staffing was difficult, even with much higher wages for workers. Lehman and others said they want to avoid staff cuts.

Lehman said it took almost a year to rebuild the team at the Grand Bohemian, and now he said, his aim is “keeping all these people, moms and dads employed.”

Asheville Watchdog is a nonprofit news team producing stories that matter to Asheville and surrounding communities. Barbara Durr is a former correspondent for The Financial Times of London. Contact her at bdurr@avlwatchdog.org. To show your support for this vital public service go to avlwatchdog.org/donate.

Wilderness Ridge requests permit to build new condominiums in Hominy Valley

Buncombe County

Three projects requiring special-use permits are on the agenda at the Buncombe County Board of Adjustment meeting at noon Wednesday, Aug 9. The in-person meeting will be at the Board of Commissioners Chambers, 200 College St.

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

SPECIAL-USE PERMITS

Wilderness Ridge SUP (99999 Reeves Code Road, Lower Hominy Township)

Kevin Kurr of Asheville-based Wilderness Ridge LLC requests a special-use permit to build a Level 1 planned unit development on 60.66 acres. The development will consist of 75 condominium units across 35 buildings. Each condominium will be approximately 2,850 square feet total and will include a two-car garage. The 5.75 acres of heavily wooded common space will be maintained by a homeowners association. Project documents are available at http://avl.mx/cvd.

South Asheville Storage SUP Expansion (3 Industrial Drive, Arden, 28704)

Page Campbell of Industrial Drive LLC requests a special-use permit to establish a planned unit development II for the addition of two new storage buildings to an existing self-storage facility. This will increase the storage facility’s capacity by 52 units and will be on 2.29 acres.

Project documents are available at http://avl.mx/cve.

IC Imagine Charter School Expansion

SUP Revision (110 Champion Way and 41 McIntosh Road, Asheville 28806)

Avery Jones of IC Imagine Holdings LLC requests to revise a special-use permit on 46.12 acres for an addition to the existing charter school facility, the construction of new athletic facilities and the removal of a previously proposed retirement community. This revision will change the use of the site from the currently established planned unit development I to a planned unit development II. This is a revision to cases previously

approved by the Board of Adjustment on Dec. 14, 2016, and Feb. 21, 2018. Project documents are available at http://avl.mx/cvf.

City of Asheville

The public will be able to provide input on three zoning map amendments and two zoning text amendments at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2, which will be in person at City Hall’s first-floor North Conference Room at 70 Court Plaza. A meeting of the same body to review the agenda, which is open to the public but does not allow public comment, will be at 4:30 p.m. in the fifth-floor Large Conference Room.

The Design Review Committee will meet virtually at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug 17, with an agenda review at 12:15 p.m. the same day. The agenda for that meeting was not available as of press time.

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

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

Zoning Map Amendments

First Baptist Church

First Baptist Church and the YMCA of Asheville are requesting to conditionally rezone property at 1 Oak St. from Central Business District to Central Business District ExpansionConditional Zone.

Pegasus Holdings LLC

Pegasus Holdings LLC is requesting to conditionally rezone the properties at 4 Grandview Place, 2 Grandview Place and 1177 Tunnel Road from Residential Single-Family High Density and

Community Business I to Community Business I-Conditional Zone.

West Haywood Street Apartments

West Haywood Street Apartments LLC and BHH Asheville LLC are requesting to amend the conditional zoning ordinance (No. 4935) for property at 339, 343, and 357 W. Haywood St. to make changes to the site plan, number of dwelling units and the extent of the conditional zoning.

Zoning text amendments

The first zoning text amendment concerns updating Chapter 7 of the Unified Development Ordinance regarding the cottage development standards. The second amendment focuses on updating the standards for flag lots, also found in Chapter 7 of the Unified Development Ordinance. More information has not been provided as of press time.

— Chase Davis

NEW DEVELOPMENTS: Wilderness Ridge LLC requests permits for a new development that will consist of 75 condominium units across 35 buildings. Photo courtesy of Buncombe County Board of Adjustment

Buncombe Child Protective Services faces staffing crunch

For the last six months, the investigations team of Buncombe County’s Child Protective Services division has been so short-staffed that the workload has become “almost impossible” to keep up with, staff told the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners at a briefing Aug. 1.

“Turnover, vacancies and an inability to fill the positions that we have available is leading to extremely high workloads, an inability to balance workloads and staff being more and more burned out and leaving the agency, which exacerbates the problem,” said Rebecca Smith, Buncombe’s social work division director.

“In May, we were in a place where our entire staff was crying at their desk. It was really hard to watch,” Smith said.

As of July 27, 10 of 29 positions sat vacant, meaning investigators were responsible for 15 cases each, compared with the state-mandated maximum caseload of 10, according to Smith’s presentation.

That’s an improvement over May, when more active cases meant employees were responsible for 25 cases each.

Smith said the agency has been able to add only one extra employee since May. To clear the backlog, the division repurposed staff from other programs, including managers and supervisors, to keep the investigations team afloat and prevent workers from “walking out the door.”

The effort cut the number of active caseloads to 197 despite receiving 250

new cases in July, but as a typically busier September approaches, the department won’t be able to keep up, Smith said.

“We can’t solve it in that way; we need a sustainable plan,” she said.

Smith said many applicants have turned down offers, and they sometimes don’t get any applicants, something the department has never experienced before.

Out of 18 regional communities and metropolitan areas surveyed by human resources director Sharon Burke, Buncombe ranks 11th in pay

adjusted for regional cost of living, Burke said.

Burke recommended boosting pay by $400 per month for investigations staff and giving employees $250 for each person they refer to an opening who stays at least a week. Staff members would receive another $250 if the recruits stays six months and another $250 if they stay a year, Burke said. The incentives would come from vacant positions in the existing budget, Burke said.

Burke already changed job qualifications to nontraditional degree programs instead of mandating bachelor’s degrees in social work. Commissioners will vote on the incentives at the regular meeting Aug. 15.

Buncombe approves new open burning rules

In April, Fire Marshal Kevin Tipton had to utter his two least favorite phrases in response to a fire that got out of control and engulfed a neighboring home.

“The hardest thing I have to tell a citizen is ‘I can’t help you.’ And the other one is even harder. ‘I’m sorry for your loss [of property],’” Tipton told commissioners at the Aug. 1 meeting.

He hopes the unanimous approval of the first update to Buncombe’s fire prevention ordinance since 2007 can help prevent that type of scenario from happening again, he said at the meeting.

While no new bans on burning are included, the ordinance requires outdoor fires of all sizes to be constantly attended. It is still illegal to burn trash, plastic, paper or any synthetic material in Buncombe County, Tipton said.

To host a bonfire — fires typically stacked by a machine and taller than 6 feet — requires a permit and a fire department truck and personnel on-site. Fires less than 6 feet in height, as well as land-clearing fires, don’t require a permit but must be constantly attended until completely extinguished, according to Tipton’s presentation.

The ordinance establishes setback rules of 50 feet from the nearest structure for an open burn and 15-25 feet for a fire pit or other approved container, depending on the fire’s size, Tipton said.

The fire marshal can deem a fire safe or if it should be extinguished, regardless of setback rules, Tipton said.

For example, if the side of a house is hot to the touch, even if the fire is an appropriate distance away per the setback rules, that is too dangerous, he said.

The ordinance also sets new penalties of up to $500 for violating open burning rules.

The county has begun a 14-day public information campaign about the changes. Enforcement will begin 30 days after the campaign is complete, Tipton said.

— Greg Parlier

BURNED OUT: The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners heard a report detailing severe staffing issues in the Child Protective Services division during its briefing meeting Aug. 1. Photo courtesy of Buncombe County

‘I CAN’T HELP’: Buncombe Fire Marshal Kevin Tipton hopes to never have to utter those words to a fire victim now that commissioners have passed their first update to the fire prevention ordinance since 2007.

Photo courtesy of Buncombe County

Buncombe Schools can’t redraw electoral lines as mandated

The N.C. legislature is requiring the Buncombe County Board of Education to do the impossible, board attorney Dean Shatley said at its Aug. 3 meeting.

House Bill 66, which was passed into law June 7, requires Buncombe County Schools to redraw its electoral districts based on population rather than traditional attendance zones, as the district has done since 1975.

But as Shatley told the board, it is impossible to determine specific populations of certain neighborhoods because of the unique way neighboring Asheville City Schools’ lines are drawn, especially in the North Asheville and Woodfin areas. The ACS and BCS districts intermingle within about 70 different census blocks, creating several islands of populations zoned for one district inside the other, he said.

Since the district can’t determine where people live within each census block, they can’t determine how to draw lines to create equally populated districts among those who live within just the BCS district, excluding ACSzoned residents.

“They have given us a task that is fundamentally impossible. So really, until something changes, just to be clear to the community, there’s not even anything we can do,” said board member Amanda Simpkins. “Our community and our board have been completely cut out of the conversa-

tion. (Legislators have) put their own backs against the wall and given us a task that’s not even possible.”

Early versions of HB 66 only involved school districts in Catawba County. Sen. Warren Daniel, who represents McDowell, parts of Burke and the eastern part of Buncombe counties, added the Buncombe language May 31, one week before the bill passed.

Currently, Buncombe elects one school board member to represent each of the county’s six attendance zones — Enka, Erwin, Owen, North Buncombe, Reynolds and Roberson — and one at-large member. Candidates must live in the district they represent and run on a nonpartisan basis. Meanwhile, residents can vote for all school board representatives, regardless of their address.

Shatley pointed out two other reasons the bill’s demands aren’t feasible.

The law calls for the new districts to be contiguous, which isn’t possible with the current district lines. Plus, the law specifies that only 2020 census data be used to create the new districts. Shatley insisted new data would be required due to the unique lines, with potential surveys necessary on the edges of the district. Such actions, he noted, would be expensive to carry out.

It’s unclear how the district would pay to redraw lines, but Shatley said it would likely be far more than the $25,000 he estimated in June, before

he realized the complexity of what the bill required.

“It’s one more layer of cost, and we really don’t have the money,” Simpkins said. “Because they wanted to slide it in at the last minute, they’ve made it impossible.”

Shatley said one potential fix floated during a meeting with legislative staff is to redraw the ACS lines along census blocks. That could change what districts families are zoned for and change taxing districts for some property owners, potentially raising taxes for some because of ACS’ special taxing district.

It’s also possible that the Buncombe section of the bill might be repealed, Shatley said.

CHANGING REPRESENTATION

In addition to logistical and legal issues with the bill, Shatley said changing lines to match population could result in the loss of representation for less-populated attendance zones.

For example, the Owen district would likely have to be redrawn to include parts of East Asheville and Fairview, currently in the Reynolds district. As a result, families who live in Black Mountain could be represented by someone whose child attends schools in the Reynolds district, Shatley said.

Board member Amy Churchill said that’s why she opposed the bill from the beginning.

While no locally elected leaders have voiced support for the bill, other than Daniel, it has been touted by the Buncombe County Republican Party.

GOP Chair Doug Brown wrote a letter to the editor of the Tribune Papers announcing the GOP’s censure of Churchill, a registered Republican, for publicly opposing the bill. (Following the letter’s publication, Churchill accused Brown of assault at a July 24 GOP meeting. For more, see Asheville Watchdog’s “Buncombe GOP chair accused of assault after Republican school board member says he shoved her at town hall.”)

Brown and other supporters say voters should only be able to elect representatives in their own communities, not on the other side of the county, which waters down their accountability. Churchill vehemently disagrees.

“This was a solution to a problem that did not exist,” Churchill said during the meeting. “And now as it’s come to fruition, there’s more and more issues to this law, tacking on more and more funds, and I don’t care where those things come from, whether it comes from our local dollars or from the state, that’s taxpayer dollars. Last time I checked I’m a fiscal conservative. I have a real problem with wasteful spending. And I consider this to be very wasteful.”

— Greg Parlier

DRAWING LINES: Attorney Dean Shatley said a recently passed bill requiring the Buncombe County Board of Education to redraw its electoral districts is impossible to comply with. Photo by Greg Parlier

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

 Online-only events

 Feature, page 27

 More info, page 24

 More info, page 32-33

WELLNESS

Tai Chi for Balance

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

WE (8/9, 16), 11:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

Tai Chi Fan

This class helps build balance and whole body awareness. All ages and ability levels welcome. Fans will be provided.

WE (8/9, 16), 1pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

Nia Dance Fitness

A sensory-based movement practice that draws from martial arts, dance arts and healing arts.

TH (8/10, 17), 9:30am,

TU (8/15), 10:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

Tai Chi for Beginners

A great class for anyone interested in Tai Chi and building balance as well as body awareness.

TH (8/10, 17), MO (8/14), 11:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste109

Beginner Full Body

Workout

Free workout for those looking to jump start their fitness. Drop-ins welcome, but advance registration helps with planning.

TH (8/10), 6pm, Burton Street Community Center, 134 Burton St Dharma & Discuss People coming together in friendship to meditate, learn and discuss the Dharma. Beginners and experienced practitioners are welcome.

TH (8/10), 7pm, Quietude Micro-retreat Center, 1130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

Morning Meditation

A grounding meditation experience with a silent group sit. Everyone is most welcome to join the sit; however no meditation instructions are provided.

FR (8/11), TU (8/15), 7:30am, Quietude Micro-retreat Center, 1130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

Gentle Yoga for Queer

& GNC Folks

This class is centered towards creating an affirming and inclusive space for queer and gender non-conforming individuals.

SU (8/13), 1:30pm, West Asheville Yoga, 602 Haywood Rd

Zumba

Mask and social distancing required. Registration not necessary. Por Favor usa tu cubre bocas antes de la clase.

TU (8/15), 6:30pm, St. James Episcopal Church, 424 W State St, Black Mountain

Qigong for Health

A part of traditional Chinese medicine that involves using exercises to optimize energy within the body, mind and spirit.

FR (8/11), TU (8/15) 9am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave. Ste 109

Outdoor Yoga

Move, breathe, flow, and come together in this oudoor class. This is an all-levels yoga flow class. Pre-register avl.mx/ct0

SA (8/12), 3pm, Pisgah Brewing Co., 150 Eastside Dr, Black Mountain

Therapeutic Slow Flow

Yoga

A blend of mediation, breathing and movement. All bodies, genders, and identities welcome. Bring your own mat.

SA (8/12), 10am, Mount Inspiration Apparel, 444 Haywood Rd, Ste 103, Asheville

Wild Souls Authentic Movement Class

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

SU (8/13), 9:30am, Dunn's Rock Community Center, 461 Connestee Rd, Brevard

Walking Meditation

Walking meditation to reduce stress and anxiety and increase health and balance. The event is free but donations are welcome.

SU (8/13), 10am, Walk Jones Wildlife Sanctuary, Montreat

Summer Flow w/Jamie

This class is designed to cool the body during the summer months. Expect a slow flow with long cool downs. Class is held outside. Bring a mat.

SU (8/13), 10:30am, One World Brewing West, 520 Haywood Rd

Yoga in the Park

All-levels welcomed, but bring your own props and mat. Pre-register at avl.mx/9n6 SA (8/12), SU (8/13), 11am, 220 Amboy Rd

Free Zumba Gold Fitness program that involves cardio and Latin-inspired dance. Free, but donations for the instructor are appreciated. For more information please call (828) 350-2058.

WE (8/16), noon, Stephens Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave

Free Community Yoga & Mindfulness

An evening of breathwork, meditation and yoga with Lauren Catalano. Bring your own mat.

WE (8/16), 6pm, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave

Sunset Herbal Therapy

Yoga on The Farm

A yoga session at sunset with freshly picked herbs from the farm's garden. Please bring a yoga mat and/ or towel.

WE (8/16), 7pm, Well Seasoned Table Farm, 9 Glady Knoll, Candler

ART

Daily Craft Demonstrations

Two artists of different media will explain and demonstrate their craft with informative materials displayed at their booths, daily. These free and educational opportunities are open to the public. Open daily, 10am.

Folk Art Center, MP 382, Blue Ridge Pkwy

Transient Bodies

This exhibition will expound upon the fragmented, damaged, and repaired body to demonstrate ideas of transience and resilience despite limitations, pain and trauma. Gallery open Monday through Friday, 9am. Exhibition through Aug. 30.

Revolve, 821 Riverside Dr, Ste 179

Geometry of Nature

This show brings together 18 glass artists to create representations of the geometry of nature and its symmetry that both thrill and mystify artists, scientists, and laymen alike.

YOUTH BLOCK PARTY: Celebrate the youths and families of our community and kick off the new school year at the United for Youth Block Party on Thursday, Aug. 17, at Pack Square Park. The celebration starts at 3 p.m. and will feature youth performers, a DJ, free food and more. Photo by Brene Pepke

FR (8/11), SA (8/12), SU (8/13), 10am, North Carolina Glass Center, 140 Roberts St, Ste B

My Soul: Mexican Surrealism with a Japanese Heart Japanese-Mexican artist, Yui Sakamoto paints large colorful and highly detailed dream-like works, carrying forward the rich history of Surrealism in Mexico. Gallery open Monday through Saturday, 10am and Sunday, noon. Exhibition through Aug. 26.

Bender Gallery, 29 Biltmore Ave

Wood Day

A celebration of wooden crafts, one of the first mediums of handicraft. Demonstrations include carving, wood-turning, furniture making, and more.

SA (8/12), 10am, Folk Art Center, MP 382, Blue Ridge Pkwy

The Great Reveal Eleven artists are revealing brand-new work to the public. View the work of artists including: Viola Spells, Patti Anastasi, May Rhea, Noël Yovovich, and more.

SA (8/12), 11am, Pink Dog Creative, 348 Depot St

Fiber Art Demonstration

A demonstration of sewing loose, natural fibers together to create table sculptures,

lamps and more. SA (8/12), 2pm, Foundation Studios, 27 Foundy St

We are the Mountains: Opening Reception

This exhibition is a celebration of the people, animals, and natural wonders of Western North Carolina. The reception is free and open to the public; refreshments will be served.

SA (8/12), 5:30pm, Mark Bettis Studio & Gallery, 123 Roberts St Harvest Ganong's Plastic Art Show Ganong is a pioneer in the Wilmington, NC art scene, having made a name for herself by creating large scale portraits of music icons out of plastic trash. SA (8/12), 6pm, Bottle Riot, 37 Paynes Way, Ste 009

The Art of Food: From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation

This exhibition explores the many identities of food in daily life: whether a source of pleasure, a reason for gathering, a mass-produced commodity, or a reflection of social ideologies and divisions. Gallery open daily, 11am, closed on Tuesday. Exhibition through Oct. 22.

Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

David Sheldon: We Are The Mountains

This exhibition is a celebration of the people,

animals, and natural wonders of Western North Carolina. Gallery open Tuesday through Saturday, 10am. Exhibition through Aug. 26.

Mark Bettis Studio & Gallery, 123 Roberts St

Altruistic Genius: Buckminster Fuller’s Plans to Save the Planet

This exhibition brings the inventions and designs of R. Buckminster Fuller to Western North Carolina and introduces visitors to Fuller’s strategies for the sustainability of humans and the planet relating to housing, transportation, mathematics, and engineering. Gallery open daily, 11am, closed Tuesday. Exhibition through August 21.

Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

Black Mountain College & Mexico Exhibition

The exhibition includes original visual works and sound installations by prominent contemporary Mexican artists alongside vintage works by BMC artists and relevant archival materials. Gallery open Monday through Saturday, 11am, closed Sunday. Exhibition through September 9.

Black Mountain College Museum & Arts Center, 120 College St

Rachel Meginnes: Snapshot

A collection of deconstructed quilts and discarded textiles woven on a digital

loom, utilizing images sourced from Rachel Meginnes’ surrounding environment. Gallery open Tuesday through Saturday, 11am. Exhibition through September 9.

Tracey Morgan Gallery, 188 Coxe Ave

Arts-N-Scraps

Bring your creativity and interest in craft.

All the supplies will be provided for you.

TH (8/17), 5pm, The Burger Bar, 1 Craven St

Bizarre Sábado

These “Bizarre Sábado” happenings are inspired by Mexico City’s Bazaar Sábado, the innovative gathering place and crafts market first organized in 1960 by BMC alum Cynthia Sargent and her husband Wendell Riggs.

TH (8/17), 8pm, Black Mountain College

Museum & Arts Center, 120 College St

COMMUNITY MUSIC

Free Sound: Manas

A highly curated collaborative concert series from Burial and Static Age Records. This week features experimental and heavy artist Manas.

WE (8/9), 5pm, Burial Beer Co., 40 Collier Ave

Wings & Strings: Acklen Walker

This music series at at the Sweeten Creek location will feature local bluegrass-style

bands every Wednesday.

TH (8/10), 6:30pm, Rocky's Hot Chicken Shack South, 3749 Sweeten Creek Rd, Arden

Summer Music Series

Live music from some of our favorite local artists around town. This week enjoy music from Spencer Cranfill.

FR (8/11), 6pm, Oak and Grist Distilling Co., 1556 Grovestone Rd, Black Mountain Concert Series on the Creek: TLQ2+2 Free concert series for the community with classic rock act TLQ2+2  providing the tunes this week. These events are free with donations encouraged. Everyone is welcome. There will be food trucks available on most nights.

FR (8/11), 7pm, Bridge Park Gazebo, 76 Railroad Ave, Sylva

Summer Tracks

Concert: Unspoken Tradition

Summer Tracks concert series in Rogers Park continues with bluegrass band Unspoken Tradition.

FR (8/11), 7pm, Rogers Park, 55 W Howard St, Tryon

Asheville Beer Choir

A casual group that rehearses and performs year-round while enjoying local breweries. FR (8/11), 7:30pm, French Broad River Brewery, 101 Fairview Rd

Jordan Scheffer

An acoustic fusion of sounds, grooves and cultures with a rich tapestry of melodies, rhythm and heartfelt performances. All ages are welcome.

FR (8/11), 7:30pm, AyurPrana Listening Room, 312 Haywood Rd

Rock Academy

Students perform rock songs of various genres, including blues, classic rock, hard rock, heavy metal, punk, and more.

SA (8/12), 1pm, The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave

Free Planet Radio & Master Puppeteer

Hobey Ford

An inspiring merging of world with music from Free Planet Radio that converges with the work of master puppeteer Hobey Ford.

SA (8/12), 7:30pm, AyurPrana Listening Room, 312 Haywood Rd

Connell Sanderson & Friends

An evening of music that highlights musicians who call these mountains home.

SA (8/12), 8pm, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

Weston Olencki & Vaina

Berlin-based multi-instrumentalist and composer Weston Olencki who will be presenting a new percussion piece for computer-controlled woodblocks and drums.

SA (8/12), 8pm, Revolve, 821 Riverside

Dr, Ste 179

Mark's House Jam & Beggar's Banquet

Weekly Sunday pot luck and musician's jam with acoustic and plug in players. It's a family friendly community day so bring a dish to share.

SU (8/13), 3pm, Asheville Guitar Bar, 122 Riverside Dr

WTF Songwriter Showcase

Hosted by Melissa Mckinney and Featuring Grace Campbell and

Kathryn O'Shea.

SU (8/13), 6pm, Shiloh & Gaines, 700 Hendersonville Rd

Carolina Celtic Series

w/Robin Bullock & Sue Richards

A monthly concert series which showcases Irish and Scottish musical traditions and their commonality with Appalachian ballads and stories of the Carolina mountains.

MO (8/14), 7:30pm, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

Sirens of Hominy Series

A collaborative in-the-round, featuring a different set of Asheville songstresses every week. Hosted by CaroMia, genres ranging from soul, r&b, pop, jazz, to country.

TU (8/15), 6pm, FBO Hominy Creek, 230 Hominy Creek Rd

LITERARY

Summer of Love Book Club

A community discussion of Wired for Dating by Stan Tatkin, MFT.

WE (8/9), 6pm, Swannanoa Library, 101 West Charleston St, Swannanoa

Joke Writing Workshop

Hosted by Disclaimer

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

WE (8/9, 16), 6:30pm, Asheville Music Hall, 31 Patton Ave

Rosie’s Sweat Box: Marking Time Till Home

A book club discussion of Rosie’s Sweat Box: Marking Time Till Home followed by a presentation from the late author David Rozzell’s family.

TH (8/10), 10am, Black Mountain Public Library, 105 N Dougherty St, Black Mountain

Poetry Open Mic Hendo

A poetry-centered open mic that welcomes all kinds of performers every Thursday night.

18+

TH (8/10, 17), 7:30pm, Shakedown Lounge, 706 Seventh Ave E, Hendersonville

History Hour: The Consequential Life of David Swain

The Asheville Museum of History presents an exploration of the life of David Lowry Swain, NC governor and president of the University of North Caroina during pivotal 1830s.

SA (8/12), 10am, OLLI/ Reuter Center, UNCA, 300 Campus View Rd

Teen Poetry Writing & Slam

Explore styles, work with prompts, flex your voice and share your prose. Unique lesson plans every Tuesday.

TU (8/15), 2pm, The Elephant Door, 126 Swannanoa River Rd

Dark City Poets Society: Poetry Night

An evening of poetry with the Dark City Poets Society. Open to the public. Share a poem or just come listen.

TU (8/15), 6pm, 107 Market & Deli, 107 Black Mountain Ave, Black Mountain

Poetry Night & Two Year Anniversary Party

Share some poetry and celebrate The Dark City Poets Society two year anniversary of their monthly poetry night.

TU (8/15), 6pm, 107 Market & Deli, 107 Black Mountain Ave, Black Mountain Punch Bucket Lit Reading Series

A reading series with local authors. This week features Evan Gray, JP Gritton and Thomas Calder. See p32

TU (8/15), 6:30pm, Revolve Mercantile, 697 Haywood Rd

Bittersweet: A Conversation w/Susan Cain

A Lumunos style conversation with New York Times best selling author Susan Cain and of her book, Bittersweet. Register at avl.mx/cw9.

TU (8/15), 7pm, Online

Asheville Storyslam: Back To School

Prepare a five-minute story about hitting the books. Classroom antics and lunchtime hierarchies; dentention delinquent or teacher’s pet.

TH (8/17), 7:30pm, The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave

THEATER & FILM

Antigone

In the aftermath of civil war, a young woman defies the command of the king in a stand for human dignity.

WE (8/9), TH (8/10), SA (8/12), 7:30pm, SU (8/13), 2pm, North Carolina Stage Co., 15 Stage Ln

The Campfireball

An immersive storytelling show created live and in the moment out of stories from the audience. No two shows are alike, none will ever be seen again.

TH (8/10), 7pm, Story Parlor, 227 Haywood Rd

Shrek The Musical Playground stage presents its 2nd annual summer family musical production of Shrek The Musical. All proceeds from ticket sales go to Playground Stage.

FR (8/11), 7pm, SA (8/12), 1pm, Asheville High Arts Theater, 419 McDowell St

Movies in the Park All movies are free and begin at dusk in Pack Square Park. This month's movie is Little Giants. Bring blankets and folding chairs for comfort. There will also be food and treats from local vendors.

FR (8/11), 8pm, 1 South Pack Square Park

Every Brilliant Thing

This is a one woman show about the brilliant things in life that make it worth living for. Content Warning: While this is an incredibly uplifting show it does contain subject matter of suicide and depression

FR (8/11), SA (8/12), TH (8/17), 7:30pm, SU (8/13), 2pm Hart Theatre, 250 Pigeon St, Waynesville New Works Series

This Series offers exciting script-in-hand readings of new plays by emerging local playwrights. The readings are followed by a talk back with the playwright and actors to provide feedback to the playwright. SA (8/12), 3pm, Hendersonville Theatre, 229 S Washington St, Hendersonville Treasure Island

A new take on Robert Louis Stevenson's classic tale of buccaneers and buried gold, from local playwright Honor Moor. See p27 FR (8/11), SA (8/12), SU (8/13), 7:30pm, Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre, 92 Gay St

MEETINGS & PROGRAMS

Free E-Bike Rental

A free one hour bike adventure to experience Asheville's historic River Arts District, French Broad River Greenway, local breweries, restaurants and more.

WE (8/9, 16), 10am, Ace Bikes, 342 Depot St Bikes ‘N Brews

A weekly group ride that takes in the views of Black Mountain, Old Fort and concludes at the WNC Outdoor Collective with your favorite beer or kombucha.

WE (8/9), (8/16), 5:30pm, WNC Outdoor Collective, 110 Black Mountain Ave, Black Mountain

Walk through History: Lake Tomahawk

A guided walking tour around Lake Tomahawk. The guide will discuss the creation of the lake and its history from its inception in 1936 to the present with attendees.

WE (8/9), 10:30am, Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center, 223 W State St, Black Mountain

Beginners Aerial Silks

Learn a new skill and be part of a supportive community. All bodies

are welcome. Space is limited so registration is required.

WE (8/9, 16), 4pm and 5:30pm, Amethyst Realm, 244 Short Coxe Ave

Public Forum on the Opioid & Fentanyl Crisis

Buncombe County has received settlement funding to address the opioid epidemic with various strategies to be discussed during this public forum.

WE (8/9), 5:30pm, OLLI/Reuter Center, UNCA, 300 Campus View Rd

LGBTQIA+ Herbalism

Workshop

Sarah Nuñez of Aflorar Collective will instruct participants on how to make nonalcoholic tinctures and tea blends and share how herbs can support gender-affirming care. See p24 WED (8/9), 4pm, Art Garden, 191 Lyman St, Ste 316

Spanish Club Spanish speakers of all ages and levels are welcome to join together for conversation to practice the language in a group setting.

WE (8/9, 16), 6pm, Black Mountain Brewing, 131 NC-9, Black Mountain

Butts & Boots: Line Dancing Beginner line dance and two-step lessons, every Thursday. No partner or experience needed.

TH (8/10, 17), 6pm, Banks Ave., 32 Banks Ave

Vegetable Series: Preserving Your Vegetable Harvest

Learn the many methods of preserving vegetables-some easy and some a bit more involved. Attendance is limited and registration is required.

TH (8/10), 10am, Buncombe County Cooperative Ext Center, 49 Mount Carmel Rd, Ste 102 MBBC Networking Event With a Focus on Leadership A MBBC's networking meeting featuring Jason Muhammad. This class will focus on why leadership is key.

TH (8/10), 11:30am, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave Mountain Horticultural Crops Research & Extension Center Field Day 2023 Learn about different programs alongside the traditional tomato field day program. For more information contact (828) 654-8590.

TH (8/10), 12:30pm, Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center, 455 Research Dr, Mills River Neighbors for More Neighbors WNC

Kickoff

This is a pro-housing program in response to the severe housing shortage in WNC and the climate change crisis. This event will feature games, interactive elements, inspiring speakers and more. Register at avl.mx/cvp

TH (8/10), 5pm, The Wedge at Foundation, 5 Foundy St

Swing Dance Lesson & Dance Swing dancing lesson and dance, every Thursday.

TH (8/10, 17), 7pm, Alley Cat Social Club, 797 Haywood Rd

Nerd Nite Asheville

A global community of nerds who host events in cities around the world featuring presenters across a variety of subjects:

STEM expertise, crafts like glass blowing or metalworking, interesting jobs, nerd fandoms and more. See p32

TH (8/10), 7:30pm, The RAD Brew Co., 13 Mystery St

Astronomy Club of Asheville: Public Star

Gaze

A public star gaze at Grassland Mountain Observatory in Madison County. This event is free and open to everyone, and registration is not necessary to attend. A temporary gate code, required for entry, will be posted on their website by 5:00 pm on the day of the star gaze. Sunset occurs at 8:46 p.m. Location directions at avl.mx/prxa FR (8/11), 5pm, Grassland Mountain Observatory, 2890 Grassland Parkway, Marshall Brews & Bears

An after-hours summer event series where you can enjoy the WNC Nature Center in the evening. There will be a popsicle enrichment for black bears Uno and Ursa. FR (8/11), 5:30pm, WNC Nature Center, 75 Gashes Creek Rd

Compost Demonstration

See five different composting methods on display, including a single bin unit, a tumbling composter, a wood pallet bin, a classic 3-bin system and an example of vermicul-

ture on demo day.

SA (8/12), 10am, Jesse Israel Garden Center at WNC Farmer's Market, 570 Brevard Rd

Another Carolina Anarchist Bookfair

A book fair with discussions, workshops and information for anyone interested or new to anarchism, lacking the language and experience to gracefully navigate politically charged conversations.

SA (8/12), SU (8/13), 1pm, Different Wrld, 701 Haywood Rd, Ste 101

Shiloh Game Night

An evening of fun and innovative games.

SA (8/12), 6pm, Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Rd

Ladies Sunday Cycles

This is a non drop ride, we have cue sheets via Ride with GPS, and there are options to either do the whole ride or head back when needed. Routes will be posted on the Ride My GPS app under WNC Outdoor Collective.

SU (8/13), 7:30am, WNC Outdoor Collective, 110 Black Mountain Ave, Black Mountain

Southeastern Permaculture Gathering

Dedicated to the practice, passion, and pleasure of permaculture as celebrated through the annual Southeastern Permaculture Gathering. Topics include: music, organic gardening/farming, natural building, rainwater catchment, renewable energy and more.

FRI (8/11), SA (8/12), SU (8/13), 8am, Highland Lake Cove Retreat, 215 Rhett Dr, Flat Rock

Weekly Sunday Scrabble Club

Tournament-style scrabble. All levels of play.

SU (8/13), 12:15pm, Stephens Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave

Game Day: Perspective Café

Traditional game day with board and card games as well as refreshments from the Perspective Cafe.

SU (8/13), 2pm, Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

Sew Co./Rite of Passage Factory Tour

On this 30 minute micro-tour, learn about sustainable and transparent business

practices and hear about production processes and client collaborations. Preregister at avl.mx/cec MO (8/14), 11am, Rite of Passage Clothing & Sew Co., 240 Clingman Ave Ext

Stitches of Love Meeting

Stitches of Love is a small group of stitchers who create a variety of handmade items which are donated to local charities. New members are always welcome to join. For more info contact Janet at (828) 575-919.

MO (8/14), 3pm, Panera Bread, 1843 Hendersonville Rd

Chess Club

Open to all ages and any skill set. There will be a few boards available, but folks are welcome to bring their own as well. MO (8/14), 4pm, Black Mountain Brewing, 131 NC-9, Black Mountain

In-person Guest Dharma Teacher: Josephine

Spilka

Silent meditation followed by a dharma talk led by Josephine. MO (8/14), 7pm, Quietude Micro-retreat Center, 1130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

The Western NC Civil War Roundtable: The Battle of South Mountain

Mr. Older will present information gleaned from the primary sources, the terrain features, and on-the-ground inspection to discuss in particular General John Bell Hood's defense of Fox's Gap on South Mountain.

MO (8/14), 7pm, Haywood County Public Library, 11 Pennsylvania Ave, Canton Working Together for a Safe & Vibrant Downtown

A discussion of the issues and ways we can come together to make our downtown a better place for all. Moderator for the series is John Boyle with Avl Watchdog.

TU (8/15), 8am, Crowne Plaza Expo Center, 1 Resort Dr Italian Wine Class w/ Andy Hale

The class will focus on the traditions, styles and history of the varietals as well as feature some of the Italian varietals new to this country and becoming popular stateside.

TU (8/15), 5pm, Metro Wines, 169 Charlotte St

Money Visioning & Goal Setting

In this live and interactive online class, you will get a clear picture of your money goals through an interactive visioning exercise. Then, you’ll learn how to create a realistic savings goal and plan the steps needed to reach it.

Register at avl.mx/cr0

WE (8/16), noon, Online Farm to Fabric Summer Camp

Local Cloth's initiative to reach out to the youth in our area to spread the love of these arts is highlighted with the debut of this summer camp. Six fiber arts skills will be offered to learn in our Farm to Fabric class series.

TH (8/17), 9am, Local Cloth, 408 Depot St, Ste 100

Gardening In The Mountains Presents: Update on Oaks & Trees in Transition

Learn from plant pathologist and oak decline expert Ryan Blaedow about the health and status of oaks in WNC. Register at avl.mx/bka

TH (8/17), 10am, Online

Women First Representatives from three local leading services for women and children will share

information about their services, critical needs in our community and what we can do to help.

TH (8/17), noon, The Art Space, 2021 Asheville Hwy, Hendersonville

Kids & Teens Kung Fu

A class designed to teach high level Kung Fu with Sifu Aaron. Learn fighting skills as well as conflict resolution and mindfulness. First class is free to see if it's a good fit for you.

TH (8/10, 17), MO (8/14), TU (8/15), 4pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

All Aboard for Asheville & The Swannanoa Valley: A Vintage Postcard Journey by Rail, 1880-1930

Based on The Buncombe County Name Game Book by Mary McPhail Standaert, PhD. Mary will take participants on a journey through Asheville and the Swannanoa Valley using vintage postcards from her and her husband Joe’s vast collection.

TH (8/17), 6pm, Black Mountain Public Library, 105 N Dougherty St, Black Mountain

LOCAL MARKETS

RAD Farmers Market

Providing year-round access to fresh local foods, with 25-30 vendors selling a variety of wares.

WE (8/9, 16), 3pm, Smoky Park Supper Club, 350 Riverside Dr

Weaverville Tailgate Market

A selection of fresh, locally grown produce, grass fed beef, pork, chicken, rabbit, eggs, cheese, sweet and savory baked goods, artisan bread, fire cider, coffee, pickles, body care, eclectic handmade goodies, and garden and landscaping plants. Open year round.

WE (8/9, 16), 3pm, 60 Lake Shore Dr, Weaverville

Leicester Farmers Market

Over 30 vendors. Locally grown and sourced selection of meats, produce, eggs, plants and flowers, baked goods, cheese, honey, sauces, crafts, art, and more. Every Wednesday through Oct. 25.

WE (8/9, 16), 3pm, Leicester Community Center, 2979 New Leicester Hwy, Leicester

Etowah Lions Club

Farmers Market

Fresh produce, honey, sweets, flowers, plant starts and locally crafted wares. Every Wednesday through Oct. 25.

WE (8/9, 16), 3pm, Etowah Lions Club, 447 Etowah School Rd, Hendersonville

Enka-Candler Tailgate Market

A selection of local foods and crafts, everything from produce to pickles, baked goods to body care, with a hefty helping of made-to-order meals from our food trucks. Every Thursday through Oct.

TH (8/10, 17), 3pm,

A-B Tech Small Business Center, 1465 Sand Hill Rd, Candler

Biltmore Park Farmers Market

A wide array of farmfresh seasonal produce, eggs, honey, locally-grown flowers, artisan baked goods, foraged mushrooms, handmade soaps, and more from local farmers, specialty food producers, and crafters. Every Thursday through Aug. 17.

TH (8/10, 17), 3pm, Biltmore Park Town Square, Town Square Blvd

Flat Rock Farmers Market

A diverse group of local produce and fruit farmers, craft-food makers, bread bakers, wild crafters, art-crafters, and merrymakers. Every Thursday through Oct. 26.

TH (8/10, 17), 3pm, Pinecrest ARP Church, 1790 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock

Pack Square Artisan Market

This market will showcase local handcrafted goods in the heart of downtown Asheville.

Every Friday through Oct. 27.

FR (8/11), 1pm, 1 South

Pack Square Park

Saluda Tailgate Market

With over a dozen vendors this agriculture-only market features an assortment of homegrown produce, meat, and eggs within a 25 mile radius.

FR (8/11), 4:30pm, W

Main St, Saluda

Henderson County

Tailgate Market

Seasonal fruits, fresh mushrooms, vegetables, local honey, meat, eggs, garden plant starts, perennials and much more. Every Saturday through Oct. 28.

SA (8/12), 8am, 100 N King St, Hendersonville

Hendersonville

Farmers Market

A vibrant community gathering space with produce, meat, eggs, baked goods, coffee, crafts, food trucks, live music, kids' activities and more. Every Saturday through Oct. 28.

SA (8/12), 8am, 650 Maple St, Hendersonville

North Asheville

Tailgate Market

The oldest Saturday morning market in WNC, since 1980. Over 60 rotating vendors offer fresh Appalachian grown produce, meats, cheeses and eggs - with a variety of baked goods, value added foods, and unique craft items. Weekly through Dec. 16.

SA (8/12), 8am, 3300

University Heights

Asheville City Market

Local food products, including fresh produce, meat, cheese, bread, pastries, and other artisan products. Weekly through Dec. 17.

SA (8/12), 9am, 52 N Market St

Black Mountain Tailgate Market

Featuring organic and sustainably grown produce, plants, cut flowers, herbs, locally raised meats, seafood, breads, pastries, cheeses, eggs and local arts and handcrafted items. Every Saturday through Nov. 18.

SA (8/12), 9am, 130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

Friends of the Black Mountain Library Book Market

Browse a selection of adult, large print, young adult and children's books, puzzles, DVDS and more.

SA (8/12), 10am, Black Mountain Public Library, 105 N Dougherty St, Black Mountain

Sourwood Pottery Market

Browse local pottery, see demonstrations from the North Carolina Glass Center and more.

SA (8/12), 10am, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W State St, Black Mountain

Art Market Open Mic

This is the last market of the season. Shop with local artisans and vendors or hop on the stage and perform.

SA (8/12), noon, Fallout

Art Space, 475 Fletcher Martin Rd, Alexander Makers Market

Featuring a different combination of weekly vendors alongside resident studio artists.

SA (8/12), noon, The Elephant Door, 126 Swannanoa River Rd

Night Market

Discover handcrafted wonders, artisanal delights and treasures at this community market with local vendors and makers.

SA (8/12), 5pm, The Railyard Black Mountain, 141 Richardson Ave, Black Mountain

WNC Farmers Market

High quality fruits and vegetables, mountain crafts, jams, jellies, preserves, sourwood honey, and other farm fresh items. Open daily 8am, year-round. 570 Brevard Rd

Meadow Market

Browse goods and gifts from local makers and artisans with different vendors every week.

Shop for handmade jewelry, housewares, vintage goods, and crafts.

SU (8/13), 1pm, Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Hwy, Ste 200

Outdoor Market & Music w/Chalwa

Outdoor music with reggae group Chalwa and 16 local vendors, artists and makers providing affirmation cards, tarot readings, art prints, and more.

SU (8/13), 1pm, French Broad River Brewery, 101 Fairview Rd

FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS

Asheville Comedy Festival Famous Showcase #1

Featuring: Adam Muller, Holly Ballantine, Lanny Farmer, Lee Tillman, Nathan Luft, Ngozi, Reggie Kush, and Yoni Heisler. 18+

See p32

WE (8/9), 8pm, Diana Wortham Theatre, 18 Biltmore Ave

Park Rhythms Summer Concert Series w/ Thomas Dollbaum

The series will include several artists from NC, along with a few local favorites. This week, rock artist Thomas Dollbaum will be providing

the music.

TH (8/10), 7pm, Black Mountain Veterans Park, 10 Veterans Park Dr Black Mountain

Asheville Comedy Festival Famous Showcase #2

Featuring: Annelise Dekker-Hernandez, Brandon Jarrell, Farzin Moradi, Gabe Davis, Lukas Arnold, Maria Palombi, Ryan Brown, and Tony Sykowski. 18+

See p32

TH (8/10), 8pm, Diana Wortham Theatre, 18 Biltmore Ave

Asheville Comedy Festival Late Night Showcase

Featuring a secret lineup of festival comedians hosted by Ryan Gordon. TH (8/10), 9:30pm, DSSOLVR, 63 N Lexington Ave

Asheville Comedy Festival Famous Showcase #3

Featuring: EricB Owens, Gus Tate, Hayden Arrington, Jessica Rosas, Julia Stone, Lee Paul, Leonard Smith Jr., Raj Suresh, and Sasha von Didkovsky. 18+

See p32

FR (8/11), 8pm, Diana Wortham Theatre, 18 Biltmore Ave

Asheville Comedy Festival Late Night Showcase #2

Every show features a different lineup of the countries fastest rising stars in the comedy world. Hosted by Cody Hughes.

FR (8/11), 9:30pm, Catawba Brewing S Slope, 32 Banks Ave, Ste 105

Asheville Comedy Festival Late Night Showcase #3

Every show features a different lineup of the countries fastest rising stars in the comedy world. Hosted by Marlene Thompson.

FR (8/11), 9:30pm, Urban Orchard Cider Co. South Slope, 24 Buxton Ave

Sourwood Festival Downtown will be filled with handmade pottery, jewelry, yard art, two music stages, kid's activities, and honey. Public parking at Ingles on Hwy 9 with shuttle service available on Saturday.

SA (8/12), SU (8/13), 9am, Downtown Black Mountain, 125 Cherry St, Black Mountain Cold Mountain Music Festival 2023

Celebrate the summer with an eclectic range of live music, fun vendors, plenty of family friendly activities and vibrant mountain views. Five bands will take the stage starting at noon. The lineup includes Southeastern talent from North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee.

See p33 SA (8/12), 10am,Lake Logan, 25 Wormy Chestnut Ln, Canton

4th Annual One Act

Play Festival

Two weekends, 24 short plays, and a small army of local actors will be delivering a jam packed entertainment docket.

TH (8/10), FR (8/11), SA (8/12), 7:30pm, SU (8/13), 4pm, The Magnetic Theatre, 375 Depot St

Shindig on the Green

Bring a blanket, chair, dancing shoes, and family for this dose of regional music, dance and storytelling. No pets or alcohol. SA (8/12), 7pm, Pack Square Park, 121 College St

Asheville Comedy Festival Famous Showcase #4

Featuring: Austin Kress, FreddyG, Ian Aber, Jackie Pirico, Jordan Cerminara, Meka Mo, and Tyler Groce. 18+

See p32 SA (8/12), 8pm, Diana Wortham Theatre, 18 Biltmore Ave

Land of Sky: Summer BBQ

A summer celebration with elected officials, government employees and community members. Lunch will provided by Carolina Ace BBQ.

TU (8/15), noon, Bill Moore Community Park, 85 Howard Gap Rd, Fletcher United for Youth Block Party

Celebrate the youth and families of our community with this free block party filled with youth performers, a DJ, free food, agency booths, a youth career fair and more.

TH (8/17), 3pm, Pack Square Park, 22 S Pack Sq

Rhythm & Brews

Concert Series:

Fireside Collective & The Roving Free outdoor shows with a variety of established acts as well as up-and-coming artists from around the nation. This week, progressive bluegrass band Fireside Collective will be performing alongside Americana act, The Roving. TH (8/17), 5:30pm, Downtown Hendersonville S Main St, Hendersonville Park Rhythms Summer Concert Series w/ Ashley Heath The series will include several artists from NC, along with a few local favorites. This week, velvet soul singer Ashley Heath will be

providing the music.

TH (8/17), 7pm, Black Mountain Veterans Park, 10 Veterans Park Dr Black Mountain

BENEFITS & VOLUNTEERING

Roger Howell, George Gibson & J.A.M Kids

A fundraiser for Junior Appalachian Musicians with music from the masters of old-time music, Roger Howell and George Gibson.

See p33 WE (8/9), 6pm, Oklawaha Brewing Co., 147 1st Ave E, Hendersonville

Tie-Dye Benefitting

MANNA Foodbank

A fun tie-dye event where guests can select their shirt size, Highland logo design and tie dye colors. Proceeds from shirts will be donated to MANNA FoodBank.

TH (8/10), 5pm, The Meadow at Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Hwy, Ste 200

Another Carolina

Anarchist Bookfair

After Party

An after party for Another Carolina Anarchist Bookfair with talks, workshops and live music. Proceeds go towards supporting AVL Prison Books and

Tranzmission Prison Project.

FR (8/11), SA (8/12), 9pm, Different Wrld, 701 Haywood Rd, Ste 101

Free Backpack Giveaway

John McClung Roofing is giving away 150 free backpacks with school supplies for grades K-8. SA (8/12), 11am, Carrier Park, 220 Amboy Rd

Midnight Mass: A Benefit for Tranzmission This event will feature naughty drag, bawdy burlesque, and risqué comedy. No photography is allowed during the show and must be 21 and over. SA (8/12), 10pm, 27 Club, 180 Patton Ave Empty Bowls Local pottery artists fire up this kilns for the sixth year to help hungry chidlren in the greater Flat Rock area. This community meal will benefit the Flat Rock Backpack program. Each ticket includes one hand-crafted bowl and a soup-based meal.

SU (8/13), 12:30pm, The Episcopal Church of Saint John in the Wilderness, 1905 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock

by Jessica Wakeman | jwakeman@mountainx.com

Mission Hospital opens burn center

The Mission Hospital Burn, Wound and Hyperbaric Center opened July 27. Services include wound care, including postsurgical and radiation wounds, surgical strategies for nonhealing wounds, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and other treatments.

The center includes two hyperbaric chambers for patients suffering from serious burns. These chambers flood second- or third-degree burns with oxygen to try to ward off infection.

It’s the first burn center in Western North Carolina. Previously, burn patients were transferred to WinstonSalem or Augusta, Ga., for treatment. Mission Health transferred almost 100 patients out of WNC for treatment in 2022.

The center is at 428 Biltmore Ave. For more information, call 828-213-4600.

New residents

Sweeten Creek Mental Health and Wellness Center in East Asheville hired all four psychiatrists who completed Mountain Area Health Education Center’s four-year residency in June.

These psychiatrists are among 19 physicians who completed a medical residency or fellowship at MAHEC and are staying in WNC to practice.

MAHEC established a psychiatry residency in 2017 and a rural psychiatry track for residents in 2022

Extended hours

The Sunrise Community for Recovery and Wellness, 46 Westgate Shopping Center, expanded its drop-in community hours until 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. The drop-in community connects people to recovery-related resources and peer support. Call 828-552-3858 for more information.

Alzheimer’s walk

The Alzheimer’s Association — Western Carolina Chapter will host a Walk to End Alzheimer’s at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 14, at Carrier Park, 200 Amboy Road. A ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. to honor those affected by Alzheimer’s. Participants are asked to register and make a donation or raise funds for the nonprofit Alzheimer’s Association. To register or learn more about how to sponsor or volunteer at the walk, visit act.alz.org.asheville.

Community kudos

H20 CARE: The Mission Hospital Burn, Wound and Hyperbaric Center opened July 27 with two hyperbaric chambers for patients with serious burns. These chambers are used for hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which floods the body with oxygen to prevent tissues on second- or third-degree burns from dangerous infection. Photo courtesy of Nancy Lindell

to address a shortage of behavioral health professionals in the area. All 16 counties in WNC were experiencing shortages in 2022.

Sweeten Creek is scheduled to open this month and will serve

patients of all ages. For more information, visit avl.mx/cw8.

Teddy bear clinic

Angel Medical Center will host a “teddy bear clinic” from 1-5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11, at 124 One Center Court in Franklin. Children can bring their teddy bear or a stuffed animal to receive “a checkup” and learn about the hospital and various medical procedures. If the stuffed animal has a “boo-boo,” the Angel Medical Center team will stitch it up. Free stuffed animals will be available for children who arrive without their own. For more information, call 828-524-8411.

New VA hotline

The Department of Veterans Affairs announced July 14 that individuals who use VA facilities can report incidents of sexual harassment or sexual assault by calling 800-698-2411, option 9. Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors may all use the hotline. Incidents can still be reported to VA staff, VA police and local law enforcement. For more information visit www.va.gov/STOP-HARASSMENT.

• Family medicine physician Dr. Bradley Orr has joined Pardee BlueMD on Boylston Highway in Mills River. Orr is accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment, call 828-694-8150.

• The Children and Family Resource Center in Hendersonville welcomed Shannon Kiggen as a behavior support specialist and Sonia Sciuto as bilingual parent educator.

• UNC Health Pardee announced four members to its board of directors: Dr. Robert Bryant, an emergency and urgent care physician at UNC Health Pardee; former Henderson County Commissioner Marilyn Gordon; former nurse Carol Ann Larimore; and Dr. Laura Leatherwood, president of Blue Ridge Community College. They will serve through 2026.

Mark your calendars

• Youth OUTright is holding an herbalism workshop for LGBTQIA+ youth from 4-6 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 9, at Art Garden, 191 Lyman St. No. 316. Sarah Nuñez of Aflorar Collective will instruct participants on how to make nonalcoholic tinctures and tea blends and share how herbs can support gender-affirming care. LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults ages 11-22 are invited. To register visit avl.mx/cw7.

• Pisgah Legal Services is holding a community forum on changes to Medicaid from 9:30-11:15 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 15, at A-B Tech’s Ferguson Auditorium, 340 Victoria

Road. Pisgah Legal Services attorneys and representatives from other nonprofits will address how Medicaid expansion will affect people in WNC. It is expected to go into effect in the fall pending action from the General Assembly. Registration is encouraged at avl.mx/cw6.

• The Children and Family Resource Center is holding an informational session over Zoom for parents about adolescent health and puberty from 6-7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 15. Experts from the center will discuss normal versus concerning sexual behaviors and how to talk to children about tough topics. To register, contact shelbiee@childrenandfamily.org.

• Appalachian Mountain Community Health Centers is holding a health fair from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday Aug. 19, at Dale Fell Center, 77 McDowell St. AMCHC will give away backpacks and book supplies and share health information and resources.

• The Pardee Hospital Foundation will host a casino night fundraiser from 6-10 p.m., Friday, Aug. 25, at Burntshirt Vineyards, 2695 Sugarloaf Road, Hendersonville. Funds raised will support UNC Health Pardee’s cardiology pro-

FULL HOUSE: The four psychiatrists who completed Mountain Area Health Education Center’s four-year residency in June have been hired by the Sweeten Creek Mental Health and Wellness Center in East Asheville. Sweeten Creek is scheduled to open this month. Photo by Jessica Wakeman

gram. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased from Sarah Swartz at 828-233-2700.

• Author Stephen Jenkinson and musician Gregory Hoskins will perform “A Night of Grief and Mystery,” 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 27, at Diana Wortham Theater, 18 Biltmore Ave.

The event will explore the grieving process and is sponsored by the Center for Conscious Living & Dying. Tickets start at $29 and can be purchased at avl.mx/cwa.

• Asheville Comprehensive Treatment Center, an addiction treatment center, is hosting a recov-

ery carnival from 7 a.m.-1 p.m., Friday, Sept. 15, at its clinic at 2 McDowell St. The carnival will be a family-friendly gathering with food, recovery resources and games available for everyone. For more information contact Sarah Cochran at 828-225-6050, ext. 202.

After the storm

Young adult novel-in-verse revisits Hurricane Florence

BY JESSICA WAKEMAN

jwakeman@mountainx.com

In September 2018, Asheville-based poet Emily Paige Wilson and her now-husband, Eli Sahm, were living in Wilmington. As warnings of Hurricane Florence’s destructive path toward the coast intensified, the couple deliberated whether to evacuate. They hadn’t left for Hurricane Matthew two years prior, but Florence was projected to be a Category 5 storm.

At the time, Sahm worked at a hotel in Wilmington. It had a backup generator where health care providers would relocate if the hospitals lost power; the site was also where news reporters would stay. Sahm and Wilson had the option to ride out the hurricane at the hotel, too. Unlike Sahm, Wilson wasn’t eager for a front-row seat to the disaster.

“I was, like, ‘Hell no!’” the poet recalls, and the couple evacuated.

The fear and excitement leading up to the storm, followed by the shock of its power and destruction, made a lasting impression on Wilson. Though Hurricane Florence made landfall as a Category 4, it brought between 20 and 30 inches of rain to various locations in Wilmington, with wind gusts of 105 mph.

Eleven days after it hit, Wilson and Sahm returned. The experience, says the poet, inspired her latest book, Four Months Past Florence, which came out in June.

FROM POETRY TO FICTION

Wilson’s novel tells the story of Millie Willard, a high school junior in a small town in South Carolina. She’s the weather reporter for her school paper but dreams of becoming the editor-in-chief her senior year. All she has to do is prove her worth.

After Hurricane Florence hits her town, Millie breaks news about an electrical fire at the local library during the storm, and she ends up making waves. But along the way, she learns the importance of journalists asking the right questions and the responsibility that reporters have to their community — including the people they report on.

Unlike Wilson’s previous collections of poetry, Four Months Past Florence is a novel-in-verse. Wilson’s agent, Ammi-Joan Paquette, proposed the form after another client’s success — Elizabeth Acevedo’s best-

selling novel-in-verse, The Poet X, won the 2018 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, among other accolades.

Unlike a traditional prose novel, a novel-in-verse uses poetry to narrate the story’s events. Open to the suggestion, Wilson’s work was soon underway.

MORE THAN SENSATIONALISM

To research Florence , Wilson interviewed employees from sheriff’s departments in North Carolina and South Carolina about the processes for organizing evacuations and caring for those who shelter in place during a hurricane. Though she didn’t speak with journalists about reporting on natural disasters, she did revisit her own youth as a high school newspaper reporter for inspiration.

Meanwhile, the book’s themes, says Wilson, were influenced by her personal thoughts about sensationalism in news coverage. Through Millie’s experience, Wilson wanted to demonstrate how a reporter’s desire to make a name for herself can be at odds with fairness and accuracy in reporting.

In this vein, the book dramatizes a firsthand experience Wilson had when she and Sahm evacuated. She recalls watching a local news broadcast in which a camera angle manipulated how deep the actual flooding was in a particular section of Wilmington. Wilson remembers panicking about her home until she noticed a fire hydrant in the frame that revealed the true water level.

Similarly, Millie is convinced by a local news broadcast that her moth-

er’s workplace has been damaged, only to discover the broadcast took liberties with its reporting. The realization leads the protagonist to question the outlet’s ethics and values, which in turn leads Millie to interrogate her own responsibilities as a reporter.

‘TEXTING AND SNAPCHAT’

Wilson wrote Millie as ambitious and full of convictions but also “headstrong and transparent and not self-aware of her own foils,” she says. “That was very much who I was as a teenager. … I was always on my soapbox.”

Still, writing in a contemporary teen’s voice was trickier than she’d expected. “The hardest part for me was not wanting to sound like a cheugy old adult who is so far removed from high school that she can’t remember what being in high school is like,” Wilson explains. (“Cheugy,” for the old adults out there, is pronounced “chew-gee” and is slang for trying too hard and generally being uncool.)

To stay up to date on other lingo and fads, Wilson reached out to a friend who teaches at a high school. Among the questions raised, she asked if students still passed notes behind their teacher’s back. “My friend was like, ‘No, they don’t do that anymore! It’s all phones — texting and Snapchat!’”

Despite the author’s initial concerns, Millie’s experiences and outlook in Four Months Past Florence ring true. So much so, in fact, that readers would never know Wilson isn’t on TikTok. X

STRONG WINDS: Emily Paige Wilson’s young adult novel-in-verse, Four Months Past Florence, tells the story of a teen journalist reporting on Hurricane Florence. Images courtesy of Wilson

Argh, matey!

BY KAI ELIJAH HAMILTON

kaielijahhamilton@gmail.com

What would it feel like to happen upon a map that led to buried treasure? For centuries, the possibility of such an adventure has excited youthful minds everywhere thanks to Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic 1883 novel, Treasure Island . And now, Asheville audiences can relive the tale with playwright Honor Moor’s stage adaptation. On July 28, the production made its world premiere with the Montford Park Players, with additional shows running through Saturday, Aug. 26.

With its opening song and dance, Treasure Island takes advantage of Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre’s newly refurbished stage, which thrusts forward into the audience. Curiously, there is only one other song performed throughout the play — a melancholic number at the launch of Act 2. If the intent for this second musical performance was to capture the tone of Stevenson’s novel, it would have better served the audience at the onset.

Following the play’s joyful and ambitious opening, Moor’s adaptation returns to the book’s original first sequence. Rum-addled Capt. Billy Bones (played by Michael Carnavear) wanders into a quaint, family-run, English seafarer’s inn with a mysterious sea chest. The innkeeper’s son, young Jim Hawkins (Selah Atwood), seems ill at ease yet entranced by the visitor.

Soon, other unusual guests arrive with deep grudges against Bones. As tensions mount, Jim absconds with Bones’ treasure map. He then sets sail aboard a ship headed for a reclusive island. However, a group of pirates disguised as the crew are secretly planning a mutiny; they are led by none other than the notorious Long John Silver ( Jon Robinson ).

Whereas the novel is a retrospective tale, penned by Jim who is still haunted by his time at sea, Moor leans less into this framework. Instead, the playwright often replaces the book’s foreboding tone with humor. At times, this approach feels excessive, with scenes playing far too often for laughs.

That said, Carnavear takes this direction and runs with it. While the characterization seems off, he is successful in making Capt. Billy Bones memorable in a different, more commanding way.

Montford Park Players seek gold in latest production

character reveals to audiences that the voyage is not exclusively about gold but also about self-discovery. For the show’s success, it is an absolute necessity that this character be pitch perfect, and Robinson is captivating.

Collectively, the ensemble is also very strong. Standout performances worthy of additional attention include Larson Kapitan as Abraham Gray, John Adams as Ben Gunn, Carly “Goober” Berdine as Black Dog and Gina McDaniel as a member of the pirate ensemble.

Director David Doersch has a history in fight choreography, and it shows in Treasure Island so much so that the production could have benefited from more pirate-brawling excitement and pure drama. In general, there is an unsteady buildup to the story’s suspense. This is a sink or swim challenge when trying to also translate the emotional fluidity Stevenson originally intended in his writing. It takes expert precision. Because of resilience from the cast and crew the production manages to swim.

With this adaptation, Doersch and Moor are not always fully synchronized in their vision. Still, their efforts are commendable, and audiences will discover an entertaining show with Treasure Island

WHAT Treasure Island WHERE

92 Gay St., Asheville, NC 28801

WHEN

Atwood, who goes by they/them pronouns, keeps the play moving along at a brisk pace as well. They are a great choice for the role, nabbing the youthful vigor and aware-

ness of adulthood that the character must come to terms with.

But the greatest performance is Robinson’s Long John Silver. The complexity he brings to the

Through Saturday, Aug. 26, with performances Friday-Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Donations are encouraged

GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY: Jon Robinson, left, as Long John Silver, and Selah Atwood as Jim Hawkins, star in Montford Park Players’ latest production, Treasure Island. Photo courtesy of Montford Park Players

‘The mania and the bliss’

Poet Chelsea LaBate on mental health and the creative process

BY THOMAS CALDER

tcalder@mountainx.com

Earlier this summer, I dropped off my car for repairs in West Asheville. With time to kill, I walked over to Izzy’s Coffee House on Haywood Road to get some editing done for that week’s issue.

For a brief period, I sat alone in the coffee shop’s downstairs area. But soon, a pair joined me two tables down. I’d say I wasn’t eavesdropping, but I’m a writer (which means by default I’m always kind of eavesdropping). This is how I learned I was seated next to award-winning songwriter Chelsea Lynn LaBate, who, as it turns out, was gearing up for the release of her poetry collection, Free Roses.

She and I conversed briefly. I mentioned Xpress’ monthly poetry feature and encouraged her to shoot me an email. She then returned to the conversation she’d previously been having with her friend, and I returned to editing.

Later, as I was packing up my computer to head back to the mechanic, LaBate called out my name and asked if she could read me one of her poems. I’ve attended many public readings in my day, but I’ve never had a practical stranger recite a poem directly to me. It was a special moment, and one that reinforces my writerly instinct to eavesdrop.

LaBate and I later reconnected over email. In our exchange, she informed me that she’d experienced several psy-

Today I Asked the Butterfly

by Chelsea Lynn LaBate

Today I asked the butterfly what it’s like to be a butterfly. She perched on the purple skirt of a petunia and askedWhat’s a butterfly?

I blushed with shame at the notion of assigning a name to someone who never named herself, someone who is so absorbed in being that she doesn’t need identity.

Because of her, I started to move in ways I had never moved before. Losing my name meant I could become the unknown, a pattern, an echo, a prayer.

I mimicked the bear, the great moose, the rhino, the squirrel. I morphed and shifted, but when I thought of the butterfly I felt the most uplifted.

I didn’t know the God in me until I became the small, winged one who drinks from the hearts of flowers.

chotic episodes, resulting in multiple hospitalizations over the span of three years. Her collection, she added, was written in a manic state. An advocate for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, LaBate uses her platform to inform those with mental illness about the organization’s free support.

Below is the poem LaBate read to me at Izzy’s, as well as a subsequent conversation we had about her work.

Xpress: Can you speak to what inspired this poem?

LaBate: I was in a trance state and actually had a conversation with a butterfly. In my book, I talk to dogs, a rooster, a beetle and even the sun. This poem illuminates that state of interconnectivity that I felt when I was in an altered state — a state where all beings could communicate and be in the tender company of one another.

What made poetry the ideal outlet for these conversations and reflections?

I needed a form of writing that was extremely articulate and concise. I wanted each piece to be approachable and understood by anyone. They are little reports. I’m responding to the matter at hand. Sometimes it was more of the collective experience like the piece “Inhale” written for George Floyd. Or a tribute to my yoga teacher, Michael Johnson, whose teachings sustained me in the mental wards. Poetry, to me, is more direct than song. I wasn’t stuck within the form of song — they didn’t have to rhyme or have a catchy chorus, they could simply relay the information.

Could you speak a little more about the two approaches — songwriting and poetry — and how they inform each other, if at all. Is there an overlap in your approach with these forms? Or are they entirely separate in your mind?

They are separate. The poems lack the structure, rhythm and rhyme that the songs have. When writing a song, I always start with the lyrics and, of course, there is a chorus. The poems don’t have a chorus. There are just some topics that I don’t want to sing about — like getting locked up.

I know you’ve self-published previous collections, but your latest is coming out on Mezcalita Press. Could you share any advice to those currently trying to find a publisher for their poetry?

My advice would be to actively share as you write. This builds a

FOR THE PEOPLE: Chelsea Lynn LaBate describes her latest book as “the people’s poetry,” adding: “Anyone can understand it. You don’t need an English degree in order to enjoy it.” Photo by Susi White

desire for the work. I read at family gatherings, concerts, potlucks, camping trips, on dates. I always have my poems on me. I bookmark the funnier ones — the ones where I am talking to my cat, the dogs, beetles or even the sun. It’s more of a treat this way. You never know who is going to have a connection for you and your work. I got picked up because I was sharing (my work) on Facebook. My friend and press mate, Grant Peeples, asked if he could share my poems with Nathan Brown, founder of Mezcalita Press. The feedback was that they’d never seen anyone bring so many

subjects together like I do; that it was completely unique and would serve a lot of people with mental illness.

So, carry them with you. Read to everyone possible. Post on your platforms. Have some lighthearted ones. People don’t want to hear about your trauma or politics when they’re on a picnic. Save those for an audience who has come specifically to hear that subject matter. ...

Writing poetry is a lifestyle. If you want it to live, you have to first invite it to live in you.

What surprised you most in working with a press this time around?

I am surprised at how professional that book looks and feels. It looks like a “real book,” the way the letters lay on the page, the table of contents. We’ve gone through so many drafts to get a good product. This has surprised me, too — having two people editing and still finding errors. Another reason I couldn’t have done this alone!

I’ve written hundreds of songs and poems. Free Roses is by far the most important work I’ve made. It has been a lifeline in the hardest times, but I put it out there. I shared bravely. It is the people’s poetry. Anyone can understand it. You don’t need an English degree in order to enjoy it. This would be my advice, too. If you’re not writing for the people, you may not sell any books.

The humor works really well in “Today I Asked the Butterfly.” There are delightful surprises throughout, including the opening stanza. Is humor something you make a conscious effort to include in works? Or is it an aspect of your personality that naturally manifests in creative projects?

I’ve been told that I am funny. Once at a Jack of the Wood show, a fan came up to me and said, “I don’t come to your shows for the music,”

“Oh?” I said, confused.

He said, “I come here for your comedy between the songs.”

When I get full on life and feel deeply connected to sources and all of creation, the humor is there. I’m just simply reporting.

What do you hope readers take away from your collection?

That enlightenment and madness are close sisters. If you excuse the paranoia and the terror, and pay attention to the heightened state, there’s a lot of beauty there, a lot of connection.

I hope readers are poetically informed by the mania and the bliss.

Who would be the four poets you’d put on your personal Mount Rushmore?

I’d have four faces of Mary Oliver! Her poems are scripture. But really, Leonard Cohen, Wendell Berry and Hafiz. X

COVER: A look at LaBate’s poetry collection cover. Photo courtesy of LaBate

What’s new in food

Grush’s

Dino Grill begins its new era

Grush’s Cajun Dino Grill, a collaborative culinary concept from chef Matt Grush and artist Amanda Cloyd, has made the leap from a small, roaming pop-up to a dedicated food truck ready to hit the streets.

“The original idea for the Dino Grill was born out of wanting to bring authentic Cajun cuisine to Asheville,” says Grush, who is originally from New Orleans. That idea soon blossomed into a pop-up model after Grush and Cloyd purchased folding tables and portable kitchen equipment, finding temporary homes at bars and breweries without dedicated food options or close to other food trucks.

“Our goal from the start was to bring people awesome food in a fun, silly atmosphere; to deliver top-notch food while not taking ourselves too seriously,” says Grush, whose love of dinosaurs, shared with partner Cloyd, helped inspire the venture’s namesake and decorations. It’s not uncommon to see Cloyd clad in a dinosaur-print dress or to spot several dinosaur toys, flags and Hula-Hoops strewn about as the two dish out Cajun classics like gumbo, muffuletta sandwiches, po’ boys and jambalaya.

While the pop-ups were successful, Grush and Cloyd longed for more. After filling in for a canceled food truck appearance at a local brewery, they doubled down on their shared vision, taking business classes and applying for a loan to purchase a truck of their own. Weeks later, that same food truck went up for sale just as they finished their courses and were approved for the loan.

“It all fell into place, and it felt like the universe telling us to go for it,” says Grush.

Now the dino duo will debut their new food truck at a grand opening event on Saturday, Aug. 19, 1-8 p.m., at Blue Ghost Brewing Co. — the same location where they held their very first pop-up.

“I have so many fun ideas that I want to bring into the food truck world that I have not yet seen,” says Cloyd, who has degrees in both hospitality and art education. “My education and experience in the service industry and teaching have helped me hone my skill for making moments personable and meaningful. My hope is to create a dining atmosphere where the guest comes for the food but comes back to be a part of the adventure.”

Blue Ghost Brewing is at 125 Underwood Road, Fletcher. Visit avl.mx/cvw for updates and additional information.

Let the good times roll

Whenever entrepreneur Marty Brooks travels for business, he makes it a point to seek out the nearest sushi restaurant. One in particular, Blue Ginger Sushi at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, kept him coming back so often that he founded a new restaurant with the man who rolled his sushi there.

At Mudpuppies Sports and Sushi Bar, opening Friday, Aug. 11 in Arden, Brooks partners with Blue Ginger’s chef, James Dubose, to lead the kitchen.

“I was so impressed by the consistent quality of his incredibly flavorful specialty sushi rolls,” says Brooks. “These rolls became James’ trademark and the main reason why I kept returning to his restaurant.”

Mudpuppies combines Brooks’ love of friends, sports and sushi.

“Imagine a venue with 60 screens, over 30 taps serving various beverages, signature cocktails and a menu catering to everyone in your group or family,” says Sandra Lee, senior director of sales and marketing.

While Dubose’s sushi is featured, an extensive menu offers modern takes on classic bar bites like fried ramen mac & cheese, tuna tacos and a sushi burger. Weekly music, trivia, outdoor games and live televised sporting events will help fulfill Brooks’ dream of building a new go-to hangout spot.

“We want to create South Asheville’s version of ‘Cheers,’” says Brooks.

Mudpuppies Sports and Sushi Bar is at 5 Andrew Way, Arden. Visit avl.mx/cvu for additional information.

Argentina meets Asheville

Rhubarb’s annual collaborative dinner with Finca Decero Single Vineyard Wines returns Wednesday, Aug. 9, 6-9 p.m.

Rhubarb’s executive chef, John Fleer, began the tradition 13 years ago with Finca Decero’s chief commercial officer, Stephanie Morton-Small.

“These dinners have been happening annually since I was the chef

at Canyon Kitchen in Cashiers, and I have been pouring Finca Decero wines at Rhubarb since we opened in 2013,” says Fleer. “Guests will have a phenomenal meal complemented with amazing wines as we illustrate the importance of our deep relationships with our producers that have developed and matured over many years.”

Wine from Argentina’s Andes Mountains will meld with cuisine from Western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains across five courses paired to bring out the best flavors from both worlds.

Rhubarb is at 7 S.W. Pack Square. Visit avl.mx/cvt for tickets ($85 per person).

Drink cider, help cats

Bold Rock Hard Cider teams up with DJ Lyric for a silent disco party benefiting Asheville Cat Weirdos, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit helping cats in WNC, on Friday, Aug. 11, at 8 p.m.

One dollar from every pint sold during the event will go to the Asheville Cat Weirdos Emergency Fund. This fund is completely donation-based, providing financial aid to families unable to afford veterinarian

bills for their cats. Last year, the fund helped over 100 cats receive medical assistance, totaling over $133,000.

“The average cost of our fundraising cases ranges between $200 and $800,” says Asheville Cat Weirdos representative Emili McMakin. “If we can raise enough to help 10 cats or more, we would be extremely grateful.”

In addition to pint sales, QR codes will facilitate mobile donations throughout the bar. Asheville Cat Weirdos team members will be available to answer questions, educate and collect cash donations.

Bold Rock Hard Cider is at 39 N. Lexington Ave. Visit avl.mx/prxj for additional information.

Brew your own marzen

Ever wonder what makes German festival beer so crisp and delicious in the fall? Fifth Season Gardening Co. will host a class Saturday, Aug. 12, noon-4 p.m., teaching attendees how to brew their very own marzen-style beer, just in time for Oktoberfest.

Tanner Friszell, Fifth Season’s homebrew specialist, brings over 10 years of experience in the brewing industry to this homebrew showcase. The class will include an overview

of the all-grain brewing process, the ingredients that make a marzen and the required equipment. Then, Friszell will lead class members in brewing their own batch of marzen using Fifth Season’s stainless steel brewing systems. Upon completion of the class, attendees will return in two weeks to bottle and take home two cases (48 bottles) of Marzen beer.

“This class represents the mission of Fifth Season: to promote joyful living, healthy ecosystems and connected communities by sharing our passion for better making and growing,” says Clare Schwartz, Asheville store general manager. “Learning something new is good for the brain and good for the soul; doing so in a format where folks can learn from an expert and connect with like-minded new friends is even better.”

Fifth Season Gardening Co. is at 4 S. Tunnel Road #450. Visit avl.mx/cvq for tickets ($115 per person) and additional information.

One shell of a time

Blue Ghost Brewing Co. hosts SouthEast Crab Feast for an all-youcan-eat celebration of Lowcountry cooking on Sunday, Aug. 13, 4-6:30 p.m.

Tickets at $17.25 per person grant access to unlimited blue crabs, a side of fish and chips, and one complimentary Blue Ghost beverage. Crabs from Charleston, S.C. will be freshly caught no more than 48 hours prior to the event, then steamed and seasoned on-site. Guests are welcome to bring their favorite crab condiments to complement the feast.

“It’s a rare treat to have something usually associated with the South Carolina Lowcountry up here in the mountains of Western North Carolina,” says Jamell Hamilton, founder and CEO of SouthEast Crab Feast. “Blue Ghost Brewing made sense as a partner because we both champion community building, family-friendly activities, and great food and drink.”

Blue Ghost Brewing is at 125 Underwood Road, Fletcher. Visit avl.mx/cvr for tickets and additional information.

Friendly food drive competition

Asheville’s Charles George VA Medical Center and the Mountain Home VA Medical Center of Johnson City, Tenn., held their annual Feds Feed Families Food Drive on Aug. 1. These campaigns are made possible by federal agencies and employees nationwide who volunteer to organize food collection in their own communities. The FFF food drive began as a response to the United We Serve Act of 2009, which called on Americans to serve in their communities to contribute to the nation’s economic recovery. Since its launch, the campaign has collected more than 107 million pounds of food donations to support communities nationwide.

The two medical centers entered a bout of friendly competition to see which location could collect the most food by weight. Employees collected voluntary donations to win a traveling trophy dubbed the “Mountain Cup” and, most importantly, to combat hunger in their local communities. Once all donations were weighed and counted Mountain Home VAMC brought home the cup and bragging rights (until next year) in a narrow victory. Just over 2,000 pounds separated the two VAMCs in this year’s Mountain Cup.

In total, the two organizations collected over 55,000 pounds of food that will help to fight food insecurities in Asheville and surrounding Appalachian Mountain regions. Visit avl.mx/cvs for more information on Feds Feed Families.

— Blake Becker

DINO MIGHT: Matt Grush and Amanda Cloyd of Grush’s Cajun Dino Grill are set to debut their new food truck. Photo Courtesy Grush’s Cajun Dino Grill

Around Town

Nerd Nite comes to town

Nerd Nite, a monthly event that already occurs in over 100 other cities worldwide, will launch locally on Thursday, Aug. 10, at 7:30 p.m., at The River Arts District Brewing Co.

Curated by entertainer and self-proclaimed “lifelong nerd” Von Magni, the inaugural event will feature regional locals A. Rider Barnum, who will explain how your favorite superpowers could kill you;

Anna Diemer, an opera singer and vocal coach who will demonstrate making silly voices using the science of your vocal cords; and Sara Rivera, a firefly expert who will discuss fireflies’ scandalous mating habits.

Nerd Nite began in 2003 when Chris Balakrishnan, now a professor at East Carolina University, told the same story about the indigobirds of Africa so frequently at The Midway Bar in Boston that the bartenders challenged him to gather a large group so they wouldn’t have to

hear him repeat it so often. Thus, the event began and shortly thereafter caught on in New York City and other metropolitan areas — and the rest is “nerdstory.”

Magni was a regular attendee at Nerd Nite Los Angeles and, upon moving to Asheville, quickly volunteered to begin a local chapter.

When asked what qualifies someone as a nerd, they replied, “A nerd is anyone for whom the answer to, ‘Hey, do you want to hear something cool about [insert any subject]?’ is a resounding ‘OF COURSE!’ Nerds are interested in the world [and] the universe around them. Nerds like museums ... watch documentaries. ... Nerds wonder aloud while driving, ‘I wonder what the origin of that street name is,’ and then tell their passengers to look it up. Fundamentally, nerds just like learning.”

Free popcorn will be served, and there will also be a food truck on-site.

The River Arts District Brewing Co. is at 13 Mystery St. For more information, visit avl.mx/cw3.

Laugh out loud

Thirty-three comedians from around the world will attempt to tickle folks’ funny bones at the 15th annual Asheville Comedy Festival from Wednesday, Aug. 9-Saturday, Aug. 12.

“Famous Showcases,” or main stage shows, will be hosted at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts at 8 p.m. and will feature eight to 10 performers each evening, along with music by the local Josh Blake

MOVIE REVIEWS

THEATER CAMP: The “mockumentary” framing device of this comedy doesn’t work. Almost everything else does.

Grade: B-plus

— Edwin Arnaudin

NERD ALERT: Von Magni is launching the Asheville chapter of international Nerd Nite on Thursday, Aug. 10 at The River Arts District Brewing Co. Photo by Magni

Trio. Late-night shows, held at various downtown breweries at 9:30 each night, have a secret lineup. An addition to this year’s festival is a nightly after-party held at Black Bear BBQ, where attendees can mix and mingle with the comedians.

Charlie Gerencer, an Austin, Texas-based event producer and comedy business veteran, co-founded the festival in 2007. His resume includes producing Netflix’s “Norm Macdonald Has a Show” and “The Joel McHale Show with Joel McHale.”

“The festival ... has evolved with the city over the last 15 years,” says Gerencer. “The (first) festival was the spark that ignited the comedy scene as we know it today. We’ve made a major impact on the arts culture of Asheville, as well as helped shape it as a city that is now a routed destination for major headlining acts. We’re eclectic, progressive and hometown — all wrapped up in one.”

The Wortham Center for the Performing Arts is at 18 Biltmore Ave. For more information, visit avl.mx/cvn.

A lit podcast

A new podcast by local literary nonprofit Punch Bucket Lit debuted last month. “PBL Podcast: Writers in Conversation” features writers and poets chatting with each other about their work and related life topics.

Rachel Hanson, Punch Bucket Lit executive producer and founder, said the podcast began as a way to reach not only the local and regional literary community but also beyond. Writers are chosen from those who read in the organization’s monthly reading series, which takes place at West Asheville’s Revolve.

“Not everyone in the community can always attend the in-person readings, so the podcast is a way to further support the writers’ work,” says Hanson. “We have so many amazing writers here in Asheville, and we are proud to feature them.”

Episodes are hosted by Hanson and have featured poets such as Brandon Amico and writer and poet Emily Paige Wilson. Hanson says future episodes will include authors outside Asheville. Hosts will rotate between guests and current staff.

Editor’s note: Xpress Managing Editor Thomas Calder is a member of Punch Bucket Lit. For more information, visit avl.mx/cvz

Hot music at Cold Mountain

Legendary soul singer Bettye LaVette will headline this year’s Cold Mountain Music Festival on Saturday, Aug. 12, at Lake Logan in Canton.

The festival, the largest annual fundraiser for the nonprofit ministries of Lake Logan — the Retreat Center, Camp Henry and the Outdoor School — begins at 10 a.m., with music starting at noon. Other performers include Asheville singer-songwriter Tyler Ramsey, soul and blues musician Eddie 9V, folk rock group Grizzly Goat, local bluegrass band Unspoken Tradition and storyteller and musician Scott T. Smith.

Festival co-chair Zebbi Sampler says organizers are excited to offer a lineup of artists with diverse backgrounds. “I thoroughly enjoy LaVette’s music, and it’s going to be a step up for us as far as being inclusive and fitting for all of our social platforms.”

Local vendors will sell handmade crafts, seven food and beverage trucks will be on-site, and nonprofits will set up information booths. Other activities include paddleboarding, boating and swimming. There’s also the option to camp in one of the recreational vehicle or tent sites.

Lake Logan is at 25 Wormy Chestnut Lane, Canton. For more information, visit avl.mx/cw0.

Kids JAM

Fiddler and guitarist Roger Howell and banjoist George Gibson will perform at “Masters of OldTime Music” on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 6 p.m at Oklawaha Brewing Co. The event is a fundraiser for the Junior Appalachian Musicians Kids of Henderson County, who will also perform. Children ages 8-17 learn regional mountain music and dance through an after-school program

operated by the French Broad Valley Music Association.

Gibson, born in Knott County, Ky., and a current resident of Henderson County, is an authority on the history of the banjo in the upland South. “I believe that continuing to play banjo was my way of holding on to a past that I glimpsed only briefly,” he says in a press release. “That past is part of a world and time in Knott County that has vanished forever. As far as I know, I am the last person left playing the old Burgeys Creek banjo music. I am the last possum up the tree.”

Howell, who hails from and still lives on Banjo Branch in Madison County, learned Travis-style picking when his father bought him an electric guitar. An award-winning fiddle player, he learned the instrument from regional fiddlers Tommy Hunter and Woodrow Boone In 2015, Howell was awarded the Brown-Hudson Folklore Award by the N.C. Folklore Society for his work in preserving and celebrating regional music traditions. He helps to repair JAM students’ instruments in his luthier shop.

Oklawaha Brewing Co. is at 147 First Ave. E., Hendersonville. For more information, visit avl.mx/cw2.

ArtsAVL town hall

ArtsAVL’s first 2023 Town Hall will focus on the current state and possible future of Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. The free panel discussion will be held at Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville, Monday, Aug. 21, 3-4:30 p.m. Registration is required.

Confirmed panelists include Esther Manheimer, mayor of Asheville; Chris Corl, director of community and regional entertainment facilities for the city of Asheville; Daniel Crupi, executive director of the Asheville Symphony; and Vic Isley, president and CEO of Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, with more pending. A question-and-answer session will follow the discussion.

The city has had to reduce the auditorium’s operating capacity due to increasing maintenance issues, which has led to large losses of revenue.

Attendees are invited to register for a tour of the facility at 2:15 and 4:45 p.m.

Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville is at 87 Haywood St. For more information and to register, visit avl.mx/cw1.

— Andy Hall  X

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

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9

12 BONES BREWERY

Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm

ALLEY CAT AVL

Karaoke Dance Party, 8pm

BLACK MOUNTAIN BREWING

Jay Brown (roots, blues, jazz), 6pm

FRENCH BROAD

RIVER BREWERY

Bluegrass Jam w/The Saylor Brothers, 6:30pm

HIGHLAND BREWING CO.

Songwriter Series w/ Matt Smith, 6pm

JACK OF THE WOOD

PUB

Old Time Jam, 5pm

LA TAPA LOUNGE

Bike Night w/Connor Hunt (Appalachian, country), 6pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.

FBVMA: Mountain Music Jam, 6pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

Latin Night w/DJ Mtn Vibez, 8:30pm

SHILOH & GAINES

Trivia Night, 7pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA

Poetry Open Mic, 8pm

THE ODD

Sick Ride, Spill Mill & Tight (rock, disco-rock, garage), 7pm

WHITE HORSE BLACK

MOUNTAIN Irish Music Circle, 7pm

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10

AMAZING PUBCYCLE

The Office Trivia Night, 6pm

ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR

Robert Thomas Band (jazz, rock), 8pm

BATTERY PARK BOOK EXCHANGE

Mike Kenton & Jim Tanner (jazz), 5:30pm

BLACK MOUNTAIN

BREWING

Ashley Heath (Americana, blues), 6pm

CROW & QUILL

Sparrow & Her Wingmen (swing, jazz), 8pm

FLEETWOOD'S

Colossal Human Failure, Blistering Dissonance & Call the Next Witness (punk), 9pm

FRENCH BROAD

RIVER BREWERY

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

HIGHLAND BREWING

DOWNTOWN

TAPROOM

Not Rocket Science Trivia, 6pm

JACK OF THE WOOD

PUB

Bluegrass Jam w/Drew Matulich, 7:30pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.

Paul Edelman (folk, rock'n'roll), 7pm

ONE WORLD BREWING

Jody Carroll (Americana, folk, blues), 8pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

André Lassalle Frequencies (soul, blues), 8pm

OUTSIDER BREWING

Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm

PISGAH BREWING CO.

Brushfire Stankgrass (bluegrass), 6:30pm

SALVAGE STATION

Trouble No More (Allman Brothers tribute), 7pm

SHILOH & GAINES Karaoke Night, 8pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA

Django Jazz Jam, 7pm

THE DFR LOUNGE

Steve Simon & The Kings of Jazz (Latin, jazz), 7pm

CROSS-CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: On Tuesday, Aug. 15, Ivy Eld and Friends perform at The Grey Eagle, starting at 7 p.m. Eld and her band will showcase folk rock tunes from the singer’s debut album and will host special guests who hail from a variety of cultural identities and heritages. Photo by Jacqueline Franquez

THE GREY EAGLE

The Supersuckers w/ The Rumours (rock, punk), 8pm

THE ODD Graveyard Shift: Goth Dance Party, 9pm

THE ROOT BAR

Kendra & Friends (multiple genres), 6pm

URBAN ORCHARD Trivia Thursday, 7pm WNC OUTDOOR COLLECTIVE Trivia, 6:30pm

WHITE HORSE BLACK

MOUNTAIN

David Cody & Michael J, 7:30pm

FRIDAY, AUGUST 11

27 CLUB

Sacrilege: Goth Dance Party, 10pm

ALLEY CAT AVL

Karaoke Dance Party, 8pm

ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR

Mr Jimmy's Friday Night Blues, 8pm

ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL

Kursa, Flintwick, Wessanders, Funkbox & Poetic (dance, electronic), 9pm

BLACK MOUNTAIN

BREWING

Seth & Sara (modern-western), 6pm

BOTANIST & BARREL TASTING BAR +

BOTTLE SHOP

Chris Norred & Friends (Appalachian, swing, bossa), 6pm

CORK & KEG

The Uptown Hillbillies (honky-tonk, country), 8pm

D9 BREWING CO.

AL “StumpWater” Lyons (Celtic, folk), 7pm

FLEETWOOD'S

The Swell Fellas, The Silver Doors & Smoke (psych, rock), 8pm

GINGER'S REVENGE

CRAFT BREWERY & TASTING ROOM

Harry Potter Tri-Wizard Trivia Tournament, 7pm

HIGHLAND BREWING

DOWNTOWN

TAPROOM Peggy Ratusz (blues), 7pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

• Honky-Tonk Fridays w/Jackson Grimm, 4pm

• The Wallet Chains (country, swing), 9pm

LA TAPA LOUNGE

Open Mic Night w/ Hamza, 8pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.

The Big Throwback w/ Blake Ellege (country), 8pm

ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL

Cash Machine (progfunk, rock), 10pm

ONE WORLD BREWING

5J Barrow Friday Nights (folk), 8pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

Magenta Sunshine (blues, folk, soul), 8pm

PISGAH BREWING

CO.

Circles Around the Sun (rock), 6:30pm

POINT LOOKOUT

VINEYARDS

Too Much Sylvia (multiple genres), 7:30pm

RABBIT RABBIT

Sold Out: Jason

Isbell & The 400 Unit w/S.G. Goodman (folk, Southern-rock, country), 7pm

SHILOH & GAINES

Dirty Dead (Grateful Dead tribue), 9pm

STATIC AGE RECORDS

Orange Doors w/Seismic Sutra & Impending Joy (psych-rock, garage), 8pm

THE GREY EAGLE

Julian Lage (jazz), 8pm

THE MEADOW AT HIGHLAND BREWING

CO.

Isaac Hadden, Logan

Jayne & Ben Bjlorlie (funk), 7pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

Christie Lenee & Amy

Steinberg (folk-pop), 8pm

THE OUTPOST

Lua Flora & Rockstead (Appalachian, folk, reggae), 6:30pm

WXYZ BAR AT ALOFT

StomperKitty (rock, blues, country), 7pm

WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN

The Andy Buckner Band (Americana, country), 8pm

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12

ALLEY CAT AVL

Karaoke Dance Party, 8pm

ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR

Sal Landers (rock), 8pm

ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

Lazr Luvr (80's tribute), 8pm

BATTERY PARK BOOK

EXCHANGE

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

BLACK MOUNTAIN

BREWING

Syrrup (jazz, soul, and blues), 6pm

CORK & KEG

Gray's Lawn Care (bluegrass, old-time, Appalachian), 8pm

CROW & QUILL

Doc Docherty (magic), 8pm

FLEETWOOD'S

Bad Sleepers w/Green

Quams & Tight (garage punk), 9pm

FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON

Comedy Hypnosis w/ Jon Dee, 8am

HARRAH'S CHEROKEE CENTER

In This Moment & Motionless In White (rock, metal), 6:30pm

HIGHLAND BREWING

DOWNTOWN

TAPROOM

In Flight (prog-rock, jazz), 7pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

Nordmoe & The Rodeo (country), 9pm

LA TAPA LOUNGE

Karaoke Night, 9pm

OKLAWAHA

BREWING CO.

The Get Right Band (psychedelic, indierock), 8pm

ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

Mama & The Ruckus (blues, soul), 10pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

• Parker McCown & Dan Signor (Americana, soul, funk), 4pm

• Queen Bee & The Honeylovers (swing, jazz, Latin), 9pm

RABBIT RABBIT

Silent Disco: Funk It Up Party, 9pm

SHILOH & GAINES

Free Flow Band (funk), 9pm

STATIC AGE RECORDS

Goetia w/Cystic

Nourishment & Paezor (death-metal, grindcore), 8pm

THE BURGER BAR

Best Worst Karaoke, 9pm

THE GREY EAGLE

• Patio: Hot Rod Walt

Duo (rockabilly, honkytonk), 6pm

• Rah Digga & Sa-Roc (hip hop, rap), 9pm

THE MEADOW AT

HIGHLAND BREWING

CO.

Hearts Gone South (country, honky tonk), 6pm

THE ODD

• Asheville Punk Drag, 2pm

• Party Foul Drag:

Saturday Night Tease, 8pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

Trial by Fire (Journey Tribute), 8pm

THE OUTPOST

Adam Knights Buried

Alive (Phish Tribute band), 7pm

URBAN ORCHARD CIDER CO. SOUTH

SLOPE

Salsa Night, 9pm

WXYZ BAR AT ALOFT

• Livin’ on the Ledge Series w/Phantom

Pantone, 2pm

• DJ RexxStep, 7pm

SUNDAY, AUGUST 13

27 CLUB

Park National, Mary's Letter, Paper Pills & Filern (emo, post, indierock), 9pm

Trivia Wednesdays & Karaoke Thursdays

Songwriters Night - Tuesdays

Your neighborhood bar no matter where you live.

ASHEVILLE PIZZA & BREWING CO.

Slice of Comedy: Standup Comedy, 6:30pm

BLACK MOUNTAIN BREWING

Dark City Kings (garage-rock, country, pop), 2pm

CATAWBA BREWING

CO. SOUTH SLOPE ASHEVILLE

Modelface Comedy

Presents: Improv Hour, 6:30pm

FRENCH BROAD

RIVER BREWERY

Reggae Sunday w/ Chalwa, 3pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

• Bluegrass Brunch, 1pm

• Traditional Irish Jam, 3:30pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.

Steve Durose (alt-rock), 3pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

Sunday Jazz Jam, 1:30pm

PISGAH BREWING CO.

Pisgah Sunday Jam, 6:30pm

RABBIT RABBIT

Death Grips (hip-hop, electronic), 8pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA

Aaron Woody Wood (Appalachia, soul, Americana), 7pm

STATIC AGE RECORDS

Wastoid w/On the Block & DSHK (punk, hardcore), 8pm

TACO BOY WEST ASHEVILLE

Daytime Disco Sunday Brunch, 10am

THE GREY EAGLE

• Patio: Country Brunch

w/Jessie & The Jinx, 12pm

• Crystal Bowersox w/ Ryan Taylor Price (folkpop, rock, blues), 8pm

THE MEADOW AT HIGHLAND BREWING

CO.

Deep River (country), 2pm

THE ODD

Charlie Hill, Vandiver & Leah Lawson (Indie, country), 7pm

ZILLICOAH BEER CO.

PubSing, 5pm

PLĒB URBAN WINERY

Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 4pm

MONDAY, AUGUST 14

27 CLUB Karaoke Monday, 10pm

DSSOLVR

Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm

HIGHLAND BREWING

CO.

Totally Rad Trivia w/ Mitch Fortune, 6pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

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

NOBLE CIDER DOWNTOWN Freshen Up Comedy Open Mic, 6:30pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.

It Takes All Kinds Open Mic Nights, 7pm

ONE WORLD BREWING

Open Mic Downtown, 8pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Mashup Mondays w/ The JLloyd Mashup Band, 8pm

STATIC AGE RECORDS

Shotwell w/Yeth

Hounds & Busy Weather (garage-doom, punk), 8pm

THE GREY EAGLE

Greg Howe w/Sammy Boller (rock), 8pm

THE JOINT NEXT DOOR

Mr Jimmy & Friends (blues), 7pm

THE MONTE VISTA HOTEL

Music Mondays, 5pm

THE RAD BREW CO. Trivia w/Billy, 7pm

TUESDAY, AUGUST 15

27 CLUB

Sean O'hara, Lady Kabela, DD Island & Impending Joy (pop, indie-rock), 8pm

FLEETWOOD'S

Cam Girl & No Loves (punk), 9pm

FRENCH BROAD

RIVER BREWERY

Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm

OKLAWAHA

BREWING CO.

Team Trivia, 7pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

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

SHILOH & GAINES

Songwriters Night, 7pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA

Weekly Open Jam

hosted by Chris Cooper & Friends, 6:30pm

THE BURGER BAR

C U Next Tuesday Trivia, 9pm

THE GREY EAGLE

Ivy Eld & Friends (folk, Celtic, Cherokee), 7pm

THE ODD

Open Mic Comedy, 8pm

WHITE HORSE BLACK

MOUNTAIN

White Horse Open Mic, 7pm

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16

12 BONES BREWERY

Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm

ALLEY CAT AVL

Karaoke Dance Party, 8pm

BLACK MOUNTAIN

BREWING

Jay Brown (roots, blues, jazz), 6pm

FLEETWOOD'S

Ken Mujo, Seismic

Sutra & Half Blind Eyes (noise, Japanese), 9pm

FRENCH BROAD

RIVER BREWERY

Bluegrass Jam w/ The Saylor Brothers, 6:30pm

HIGHLAND BREWING

CO.

Songwriter Series w/ Matt Smith, 6pm

JACK OF THE WOOD

PUB

Old Time Jam, 5pm

LA TAPA LOUNGE

Bike Night w/Connor

Hunt (Appalachian, country), 6pm

OKLAWAHA

BREWING CO.

FBVMA: Mountain Music Jam, 6pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

Latin Night w/DJ Mtn Vibez, 8:30pm

RABBIT RABBIT

Sold Out: Queens of the Stone Age w/

Phantogram & The Armed (rock), 6pm

SHILOH & GAINES Trivia Night, 7pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA Poetry Open Mic, 8pm

STATIC AGE RECORDS

Chepang w/ Decultivate, Bandit, Manas & Falling Behind (grindcore, hardcore), 8pm

THE GREY EAGLE

David Childers & The Serpents w/Tin Roof Echo (folk, punk), 8pm

THE JOINT NEXT DOOR

Rod Sphere (rock, pop), 6pm

THE ODD

Overgrown Throne, DShK & Burning Question (punk), 7pm

WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN

Irish Music Circle, 7pm

THURSDAY, AUGUST 17

AMAZING PUBCYCLE

The Office Trivia Night, 6pm

ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR

The MGB's (acoustic), 8pm

BATTERY PARK BOOK EXCHANGE

Mike Kenton & Jim Tanner (jazz), 5:30pm

BLACK MOUNTAIN

BREWING

The Blushin' Roulettes (folk), 6pm

CROW & QUILL

Queen Bee & The Honeylovers (swing, jazz, Latin), 8pm

FLEETWOOD'S

Totally Slow, Small Doses & Night Night (hardcore, punk), 9pm

FRENCH BROAD

RIVER BREWERY

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

HIGHLAND BREWING

DOWNTOWN

TAPROOM

Not Rocket Science Trivia, 6pm

JACK OF THE WOOD

PUB

Bluegrass Jam w/Drew Matulich, 7:30pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.

Kid Billy (roots, blues, ragtime), 8pm

ONE WORLD BREWING

Patrick French (Americana, bluegrass, blues), 8pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

Lee Allen, Isaac Hadden & Thommy Knoles (multiple genres), 8pm

OUTSIDER BREWING

Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm

PISGAH BREWING CO.

Saylor Borthers (bluegrass), 6:30pm

SALVAGE STATION Matisyahu, G.Love & Special Sauce w/ Cydeways (hip hop, reggae, blues), 6pm

SHILOH & GAINES Karaoke Night, 8pm

STATIC AGE RECORDS

Havoc & Open (garagepunk), 8pm

THE DFR LOUNGE

Steve Simon & The Kings of Jazz (Latin, jazz), 7pm

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY BY ROB BREZSNY

ARIES (March 21-April 19): In Stephen King’s novel It, a character named Beverly is in love with a man who projects a sense of authority but also listens well. He is strong-minded but receptive; confident but willing to be changed; self-possessed but open to influence. That’s an apt description of the allies I wish for you to attract into your life in the coming months. Whether they are lovers or partners, companions or collaborators, friends or colleagues, you need and deserve the high-quality, emotionally intelligent exchanges they offer.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Seventy-year-old Taurus-born Eric Bogosian is a prolific playwright and author renowned for his hard-edged satire. The title of one of his books is Pounding Nails in the Floor with My Forehead. But one critic speculates he may be softening as he ages, noting that he “seems more amused than disgusted by the decaying world around him, as if his anger has been tempered by a touch of hope.” The coming weeks will be an excellent time for you to cultivate a comparable reshaping, dear Taurus. Can you tenderize what has been tough? Is it possible to find redemption or entertainment in situations that have been challenging? Are you willing to add more levity and geniality to your perspective?

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Decca is a UK-based record label that has produced the work of many major musicians, including Billie Holliday, the Rolling Stones and Tori Amos. They made a huge mistake in 1962, though. A fledgling group named the Beatles tried to get signed to Decca. An executive at the company declined, saying, “We don’t like their sound. Groups of guitars are on their way out.” Oops. The Beatles eventually became the best-selling and most influential band of all time. I don’t think you’re at risk of making as monumental a misstep, Gemini. But please be alert to the possibility of a key opportunity coming into view. Don’t underestimate it, even if it’s different from what you imagine you want.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): I’m a Cancerian who used to be overly reactive to people’s carelessness. If someone was in a bad mood and flung a rash insult at me, I might take offense too easily. If a friend misunderstood me, even with no malice intended, I may have sulked. Thankfully, over time, I have learned to be more like a honey badger, whose thick skin protects it well against stings and pricks. I bring this up because the coming weeks will be an excellent time for you to practice my approach. First step: Understand how people sometimes direct their frustration about life toward undeserving recipients. Second step: Vow to take things less personally. Third step: Give yourself regular compliments. Actually say them aloud.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Now and then, there comes a time when I acquire an uncanny knack for seeing the totality of who you really are. I tune in to everything you do that few others know about or appreciate. I behold the big picture of your best possible future. One of those magic moments has now arrived. And it’s no accident that your energy matches mine. In other words, my power to consecrate you reflects your ability to bless yourself. So give yourself the ultimate gift, please.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In the 17th century, Virgo musician Johann Pachelbel composed a piece of music he called the Canon in D. It soon went out of style and disappeared into obscurity. But over 250 years later, a French chamber orchestra rediscovered it, and by the 1980s, it was everywhere. Ever since, Pachelbel’s Canon has been used in many pop songs and is a common anthem at weddings and funerals. I’m predicting a comparable revival for you, Virgo. An influence, creation, or person that has been gone for a while will re-emerge as a presence in your life. Be decisive in adopting it for your benefit.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Author Iain S. Thomas tells us, “There is magic even in gridlock, in loneliness, in too much work, in late nights gone on too long, in shopping carts with broken wheels, in boredom, in tax returns.” He says it’s the same magic that prompted Joan of Arc to believe that God spoke to her and empowered her to lead an army. I wouldn’t agree that it’s the same magic. But I do advise us all to be alert for enchantment and interesting mysteries even in the most mundane affairs. I am a champion of the quest for holiness, delight and marvels in seemingly unlikely locations. In the coming weeks, Libra, you will have a special talent for finding these revelatory joys.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Poet Rainer Maria Rilke said, “Self-transformation is precisely what life is.” If that’s true, you are in luck. Of all the zodiac signs, you are the most skillful self-transformer. Moreover, you are entering a prolonged phase when your instinct and talent for self-transformation will be even more potent than usual. I plan to observe you closely in the hope of learning your tricks for changing into an ever-better version of yourself. Show us all how it’s done, dear Scorpio!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Born under the sign of Sagittarius, Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827) was one of history’s most influential composers of classical music. His elegant, lyrical works are still widely played today. He was also a revolutionary innovator who expanded the scope of many musical genres. One composition, Piano Sonata No. 32, prefigures elements of ragtime, jazz and boogie-woogie — 70 years before those styles emerged. In this spirit, I invite you to plant a seed for the future. You will soon get glimpses of creative shifts that will someday be possible. And you will have an enhanced ability to instigate the inventive momentum that generates those shifts.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Let’s be honest. Most of us — maybe all of us! — fail to grasp the world objectively. Our perceptions get filtered through our opinions and beliefs and habit minds. The events we think we see are shaped by our expectations about them. Our projections often overrule the possibility of unbiased impartiality. We are serial misinterpreters. But there’s no need to be ashamed! It’s a universal human tendency. Having said all that, however, I believe you will have a special knack, in the coming weeks, for observing reality with more clarity and open-mindedness than usual. You will have an unprecedented opportunity to see accurately and gather fresh, raw truths.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Is this a phase of your cycle when you’ll be prone to saying things like “Why do you take me for granted?” and “I’m feeling cranky” and “It’s not what you said, it’s the way you said it”? Or are you in a time when the following expressions are more likely to emerge from your mouth: “I have come to understand you in a totally new and interesting way” and “Life has blessed me by removing one of my unnecessary obstacles” and “I would love to learn more about the arts of cooperation and collaboration”? Here’s what I think, Aquarius: Which way you go will depend on how clearly you set your intentions. Life will respond in kind to the moods you cultivate and the specific requests you make.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Our bodies are imperfect. They are often less than 100 percent completely healthy. They don’t always do what we wish they would. Yet even when we feel less than our best, our body continually carries out millions of biochemical marvels, mostly below the level of our conscious awareness. As the creation of an evolutionary process that has unfolded for eons, our precious organism is an amazing work of art that we have every right to regard as miraculous. According to my astrological reckoning, the coming weeks are the best time this year to honor and celebrate your body. What does it need to flourish? Ask your intuition to show you.

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ROOMS FOR RENT

MASTER SUITE FOR RENT

Furnished Master Suite for rent in Reems Creek area Weaverville. All amenities included. Washer / Dryer Telly / private bath. Prefer single professional in the medical field preferably. 828-775-2552

MID-TERM RENTAL FOR PROFESSIONALS Traveling health care practitioner or traveling professional. Suite with private entrance for rent Mid-term. 31 Days +. Seven mins drive to Downtown Asheville. Close to Blue Ridge Parkway. 828-232-1552

EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL/ HEALTH CARE

MENTAL HEALTH THERAPIST Blue Ridge Treks is seeking a full-time mental health therapist to serve participants ages 10+. Must have strong experience integrating nature and experiential techniques. Master's degree/ full state license required. Please email a resume to blueridgetreks@ gmail.com

SERVICES

AUDIO/VIDEO

DISH TV SPECIAL $64.99 for 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 1/21/23. 1-866-566-1815. (AAN CAN)

BUSINESS

YOUR BUSINESS SUCCESS PARTNER! Experienced bookkeeper, business consultant, spreadsheet designer, and data analyst

now accepting new clients! Get a clear picture of your business and free up time to focus on your core with Stransky Ventures. Contact Neil at 276-685-6957 or neilpstransky@gmail.com

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

$10K+ IN DEBT? BE DEBT FREE IN 24-48 MONTHS! Pay a fraction of your debt. Call National Debt Relief 844-977-3935

A-1 DONATE YOUR CAR, RUNNING OR NOT! Fast free pickup. Maximum tax deduction. Support Patriotic Hearts. Your car donation helps Vets! 1-866-559-9123

ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS Discover oxygen therapy that moves with you with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. Free information kit. Call 866-859-0894

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES

In as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months!  Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 855-754-0675. (AAN CAN)

BCI WALK-IN TUBS ARE

ON SALE Be one of the first 50 callers and save $1,500! Call 844-514-0123 for a free in-home consultation. (AAN CAN)

DENIED SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY? Appeal! If you're 50+, filed SSD and denied, our attorneys can help get you approved! No money out of pocket! Call 1-877-707-5707. (AAN CAN)

DIAGNOSED WITH LUNG CANCER? You may qualify for a substantial cash awardeven with smoking history. No obligation! We've recovered millions. Let us help! Call 24/7. 1-866-553-5089. (AAN CAN)

DON'T PAY FOR COVERED HOME REPAIRS AGAIN!

American Residential Warranty covers ALL MAJOR SYSTEMS AND APPLIANCES. 30 DAY RISK FREE/ $100OFF POPULAR PLANS Call 877707-5518 Monday-Friday 8:30am to 8:00pm EST. (AAN CAN)

FIND SENIOR LIVING My Caring Plan has helped thousands of families find senior living. Our trusted, local advisors help find solutions to your unique needs at no cost to you. Call 866-386-9005. (AAN CAN)

GOT AN UNWANTED CAR? Donate it to Patriotic Hearts. Fast free pick up. All 50 States. Patriotic Hearts’ programs help veterans find work or start their own business. Call 24/7: 844-8756782. (AAN CAN)

HUGHESNET Finally, superfast internet no matter where you live. 25 Mbps just $59.99/mo! Unlimited data is here. Stream Video. Bundle TV & Internet. Free Installation. Call 888-6690615

NEVER CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS AGAIN Affordable, professionally installed gutter guards protect your gutters and home from debris and leaves forever! For a FREE quote call: 844947-1470. (AAN CAN)

SECURE YOUR HOME WITH VIVINT SMART HOME TECHNOLOGY Call 855-621-5855 to learn how you can get a professionally installed security system with $0 activation. (AAN CAN)

SHOP WITH A VIASAT EXPERT FOR HIGH SPEED SATELLITE INTERNET New Customer Deals In Your Area. Nationwide Service. New Service For 2023. 855-8225911. (AAN CAN)

TOP CASH PAID FOR OLD GUITARS 1920-1980 Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D'Angelico, Stromberg. And Gibson Mandolins / Banjos. 877-589-0747

MIND, BODY, SPIRIT COUNSELING SERVICES

ASTRO-COUNSELING Licensed counselor and accredited professional astrologer uses your chart when counseling for additional insight into yourself, your relationships and life directions. Stellar Counseling Services. Christy Gunther, MA, LCMHC. (828) 258-3229

NATURAL ALTERNATIVES

FOOD & SUPPLEMENT TESTING, LIVE BLOOD MICROSCOPY, & HOLISTIC HEALTH COACHING Lose Weight, Have More Energy, better Habits, Strengthen Your Immune System, Detox/Heal Your Body and so much more! Healing & Vitality is Possible! I can help! Call Now! 8287792293 Natureinhealth@gmail.com

REIKI FOR HEALING Discover the benefits of Reiki with Beth, Trauma-informed, Master Reiki Practitioner, in a comforting, queer-friendly space. To book a Reiki session visit exhaleholisticwellness.com or call/text 828-782-3278

16

65 Debaucherous deity

DOWN

1 Introduction to magic?

2 Cheese that’s often smoked

3 Also-ran

4 They’re not from around here, in brief

5 Ill-fated lover of Pyramus

6 Gas station with an arrow in its logo

30 “Oh!,” in Augsburg

31 Actor John of “Star Trek” films

32 “That. Is. Nuts.”

33 The Horned Frogs of the Big 12 Conf.

34 Org. that was central to 1998’s Good Friday Agreement

35 Rapper with the 2014 hit “Hangover”

37 “Look!,” to Lucretius

38 What’s put on in a theater

39 Rake in

43 Pointy bits of camping gear

44 Well ventilated

45 Many modern warehouse workers

46 “What Richard Wright wrote” could be the first line of one

47 Like one of two Roman Plinys

48 Worker in the insurance business

49 Legal, in a way

50 “Good golly!”

54 Unit for a review

56 Deficit in knowledge, e.g.

57 U.S. 1, for one: Abbr.

58 Canon camera 59 “___, mi

gaming device, informally