Mountain Xpress 12.30.15 by Mountain Xpress

OUR 21ST YEAR OF WEEKLY INDEPENDENT NEWS, ARTS & EVENTS FOR WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA VOL. 22 NO. 23 DEC. 30, 2015 - JAN. 05, 2016

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Jobs: getting by in the Land of Sky

Microdistilleries do spirited business in WNC

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PaGe 34 teen sPirit Asheville’s music scene is not only broadening in terms of numbers of bands, venues and genres, but in the range of ages of its musicians. And, as local music gains wider recognition, more talent moves to town — or grows up here. cover photo Pat Barcas cover design Norn Cutson

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14 greatest hits 2015 Mountain Xpress’ most-viewed stories of the year

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Wellness

• Local, Insured • Call Pat Anytime!

10 the strange case of the ph.d. waiter Getting by in the Land of the Sky

24 best intentions On New Year’s Eve, setting intentions with Asheville’s wellness alternatives

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30 gàn shan station Chefs take stock of their first year in business

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18 community calendar 22 news of the weird 24 wellness 28 food 31 small bites 32 beer scout

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38 singin’ his guts out Infamous Unknown Hinson rings in the new year

34 arts & entertainment 42 smart bets 44 clubland

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40 top five Weighing in on the best books, plays, concerts and comedy of 2015

53 classifieds 54 freewill astrology 55 ny times crossword

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Send your letters to the editor to letters@mountainx.com. sta FF publisher & managing editor: Jeff Fobes assistant to the publisher: Susan Hutchinson a&e editor/writer: Alli Marshall food editor/writer: Gina Smith wellness editor/writer: Susan Foster opinion editor: Tracy Rose staff reporters/writers: Able Allen, Hayley Benton, Virginia Daffron, Max Hunt, Kat McReynolds calendar editor: Abigail Griffin clubland editors Hayley Benton, Max Hunt movie reviewer & coordinator: Ken Hanke contributing editors: Chris Changery, Peter Gregutt, Rob Mikulak, Margaret Williams

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Dignity, safety should be rights for all [Xpress’] Dec. 16 cover story, “Gimme Shelter: In Wake of 10-year Plan to End Homelessness, Local Agencies Regroup”was both sobering and compelling. Hardly an easy read, it was nevertheless a commendable, critical look at the nuanced implications of the outcome of the 10-year plan to “end” homelessness in Asheville; moreover, it was buoying to read about the tough, dedicated work of folks like my friend Amy Cantrell to keep this issue at the forefront of our city’s attention. More of an observation than a criticism, I did notice that the story placed a discreet emphasis on people who have become homeless through financial downturn and unfortunate luck-of-the-draw. While I believe it’s important to dismantle the stigmatized, knee-jerk assumptions commonly attached to this population, I also believe it’s important to stress compassion regardless of the circumstances that lead someone to periods of homelessness.

The truth of the matter is that many individuals on the streets do grapple with dark pasts, including addiction and scrapes with the law. Sweeping that reality under the rug in no way helps cultivate an understanding that dignity and safety should be human rights, irrespective of how we might describe someone’s moral turpitude. It is often challenging to argue this point to a broad audience, especially within the brevity that journalism requires, and I can understand why the Mountain Xpress chose to present the matter as such. However, I feel it necessary to add that attitudes aimed at improving conditions for those who are impoverished, struggling or suffering will likely yield more sustainable and effective policies if they dispel myths that people are ever “deserving vs. undeserving” of care. — Laura Eshelman Asheville

Parkway has become commuter shortcut The Blue Ridge Parkway was constructed to “provide opportunities for

regular contributors: Able Allen, Jonathan Ammons, Edwin Arnaudin, Pat Barcas, Jacqui Castle, Scott Douglas, George Etheredge, Jesse Farthing, Dorothy Foltz-Gray, Jordan Foltz, Doug Gibson, Steph Guinan, Rachel Ingram, Cindy Kunst, Lea McLellan, Clarke Morrison, Emily Nichols, Josh O’Conner, Thom O’Hearn, Alyx Perry, Kyle Petersen, Rich Rennicks, Tim Robison, Aiyanna Sezak-Blatt, Kyle Sherard, Toni Sherwood, Justin Souther, Krista White advertising, art & design manager: Susan Hutchinson graphic designers: Terrilyn Chance, Norn Custon, Alane Mason online sales manager: Jordan Foltz marKeting associates: Sara Brecht, Bryant Cooper, Jordan Foltz, Tim Navaille, Brian Palmieri, Aiyanna Sezak-Blatt information technologies: Stefan Colosimo webmaster: Bowman Kelley booKKeeper: Alyx Perry administration, billing, hr: Able Allen, Lisa Watters distribution manager: Jeff Tallman assistant distribution manager: Denise Montgomery distribution: Jemima Cook, Frank D’Andrea, Leland Davis, Kim Gongre, Adrian Hipps, Clyde Hipps, Jennifer Hipps, Joan Jordan, Marsha Mackay, Ryan Seymour, Ed Wharton, Thomas Young

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

We want to hear from you Please send your letters to:Editor, Mountain Xpress, 2 Wall St., Asheville, NC 28801 or by email to letters@mountainx.com.

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high-quality scenic and recreational experiences,” for motor vehicles, hikers and cyclists. Nowhere in its original mission will one find “as commuter highway” or “shortcut to subdivision housing.” Knowing this, one might be surprised to see its narrow path clogged with morning and afternoon commuters in Asheville, using it not for its scenic or recreational qualities, but as just another highway. The parkway has become the de facto connector in South Asheville for those traveling east to west, and one can’t exactly blame commuters for doing so. As a result of this, the southern stretch of the parkway has become a congested and dangerous place for anyone wanting to bicycle or hike. Vehicles disregard speed limits, blasting along in a hurry to get home. I was bicycling this portion of the parkway recently, taking advantage of a beautiful day. Sadly, I spent most of my time pulling off the road so cars could pass, some of them blasting fumes at me or yelling to get off the *&@# road. Since there is no shoulder, there’s nowhere to go. So, who’s the problem here? Me on my bicycle enjoying the

parkway’s mission or commuters who just want to go somewhere fast? I would love it if there were a bike path on the side, so I could just enjoy my ride and be out of the way of traffic. I don’t foresee that happening, so maybe the parkway needs to return to its mission and simply restrict its use for commuting? We don’t allow bicycles on interstates; why do we allow commuters on scenic roadways? Why should my tax dollar subsidize the development of illplanned subdivisions and sprawl? How about the parkway just be closed to commuters during rush hour, so those who want to enjoy it can? — John C. Tripp Asheville

East Asheville library patrons shortchanged Imagine 17 women trying to cram into a tiny space, lined on three sides with bookcases, to discuss Justice [Sonia] Sotomayor’s biography. Some sat in children’s chairs in the small East Asheville library. The librarian concluded that maybe no children would come after 6:30 p.m., and the book club could circle chairs in an adjacent space. Still, there was little space between members and shelving. It’s not the first time they’d squeezed in a small space. Once before, a parent and child came in asking if her child could peruse the bookshelves behind the club members’ chairs.

What’s your big idea? Please let us know your big ideas that fall into these categories: noncommercial, hobby, civic, religious, political or governmental. We’d like to report on them in our Big Ideas issue, coming Jan. 20. Email us by Tuesday, Jan. 5, at aallen@mountainx.com

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While we met, regular library business made hearing difficult. And just as surely, the book club’s discussion was a distraction for other patrons. The county is in charge of the library, but the city owns the two 1960s buildings; one doubled for years as the library’s community meeting space until the city leased it to LEAF for $1 a year. Sometimes that leased space is available to the book club, but this December night, it was not opened. The LEAF building was dark as members walked to their cars on this very dark night. A weak, movementsensitive streetlight came on for about 10 seconds, not bright enough or long enough to find and get in cars. (And did I mention the bathrooms have to be entered outside — in the dark?) Asheville: center for creative arts and intellectual pursuits. East Asheville library: the fourth-mostused library in the system. Yet poor Asheville government can’t provide what’s called the “core of communities.” The American Library Association says, “In the digital age more than ever … 21stcentury libraries are engines of societal and personal change and progress.” Libraries “foster education, literacy, research, business incubation, job training, civic involvement” and more. Poor Asheville. – Emily L. Cooper Asheville

What do you love about North Carolina? Hi, my name is Erin. My class is reading A Walk Across America by Peter Jenkins. My class is supposed to choose a state to research. Additionally, we are supposed to write to a newspaper in that state, hoping to get letters from the readers telling what they love most about that state. I hope to learn as much as possible about North Carolina. It would be awesome if some of your readers could write a letter or postcard to me telling me what they love about the state of North Carolina. Here is my contact information: Covenant Christian School Attention: Erin Aldridge 54790 Fir Road Mishawaka, IN 46545 Email: aldridge4789@gmail.com — Erin Aldridge Mishawaka, Ind.

c art o o n b y b r e n t b r o Wn

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t He G os pel a c c o r di n G t o j e r ry

Vanished asheVille nightclubs In a small house on the edge of town, up on the Weaverville Highway, there was a place called Margaret’s Steakhouse that operated from the 1940s until sometime in the ’70s. Margaret and her husband, Fleming, had converted their living room and dining room into an unbelievable little restaurant/club complete with a jukebox. Now, Margaret knew how to cook a steak, and the world lusted for her complete recipe, which she never gave away. What I do know is that she first pan-seared the steak and then baked it in the oven. One of her key spices was nutmeg, and the final product made Ruth’s Chris steaks taste like they came from McDonald’s. If you were a regular, you could also get a cocktail from the back room. The most exciting beverage sold there was Flem’s Cherry Bounce, made from pure corn whiskey and some combination of cherries. Oh, it went down so smooth, but the bounce came when you tried to walk down the steps on the way out. Margaret’s was considered a great trysting place for those who wished to hide their little clandestine affairs. Margaret was very discreet, but one always took the chance that someone they knew was doing the same thing they were doing — or, worse, that their married friends would suddenly decide to go slumming that night. The Caribou Club on Caribou Road was a great dance hall, and the young adult crowd flocked there. Ernest Hunnicutt ran a strict joint: Ladies were not allowed to wear pants (a new fad); it had to be either a dress or a skirt. But since this meant that most wore high heels, once inside they would change into little folding dancing slippers that they carried in their purse. Ernest sort of subsidized this place with a little bookmaking and tip board sales in the front office. In the late ’30s and ’40s, there was a swimming pool at the southwest

Jerry sternberg corner of Beaver Lake. They had a pavilion there with a rocking jukebox, where folks danced and drank a little beer. I think pollution shut down the swimming pool, and the neighbors shut down the bar. Jake Rusher ran the Royal Pines for many years, a very popular dance hall and swimming pool off Sweeten Creek Road. I remember that most of our Lee Edwards senior class went there after graduation. I don’t know what the legal age for alcohol was, but I am certain that we big-shot high school graduates exercised our rite of passage that night. The Grove Park Inn terrace was elegant, popular with tourists and the carriage trade. They featured very good bands and expensive food. But if you wanted a drink, you still had to inelegantly carry in one or more bottles of liquor in a brown bag. The most famous black nightclub was Doll’s on Beaumont Street. Black people were, of course, not admitted to white clubs, but white folks flocked to Doll’s as she had the best fried chicken in the kingdom. If by some chance you forgot to go by the ABC store or ran out of booze, Doll could always be counted on as a source of reliable supply.

The ABC enforcement officers knew she was selling and periodically raided the place trying to find her stash of hooch, without success. Finally an undercover officer made a couple of buys and noticed that the bottle was always extremely cold: Doll was keeping it under the false bottom of her freezer box. BUSTED! But if one wishes to stagger further down memory lane, one might also recall some of the other clubs and honky-tonks that kept us from getting bored here in “Sin City.” There was the Casa Loma club, on top of the Plaza Theater downtown, which rocked all night. There was The Cat and the Fiddle and the Rathskellar, in the Tunnel Road shopping center. Buck Buchanan opened a great club with outstanding food next to his famous restaurant on Tunnel Road. The Battery Park Hotel also had fine dining, and if one forgot his bottle, a subtle negotiation with a bellman would make one magically appear. In response to my writings about our pristine Sin City, many kind readers have told me some great stories about our golden days of debauchery. One of the best came from a friend who told me he went with his daddy to the Smoko gas station on Patton Avenue, where Ingles is now. He noticed a bunch of old, worn-out ladies’ purses hanging on the wall and, below them, a rack of worn-out automobile tires. After they left the store, he asked his daddy why they had those old pocketbooks and tires for sale and who would want to buy them. His daddy told him that lots of people bought them because there was a gift inside. Each pocketbook contained a pint of moonshine, and each tire had a quart of it. Now, I don’t care who you are: That is creative marketing. Next time, we’ll talk about the world-famous Sky Club that many of you have been asking about. Until then, Happy New Year. X

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the strange case of the Ph.d. waiter by Hayley benton hbenton@mountainx.com In Asheville, it’s almost a cliché that the server who’s bringing your appetizer just might have a master’s degree in anthropology — or even a Ph.D. With jobs in short supply and rents sky-high, the story goes, highly educated professionals are reduced to waiting tables as they scramble to make ends meet. The numbers, though, show a somewhat more nuanced picture. The unemployment rate in the Asheville metropolitan statistical area is often the lowest in the state: In October, it sat at a modest 4.4 percent, according to the N.C. Department of Commerce. So the problem seems to be not so much the number but the type of jobs available. “Job quantity is where we’re doing very well,” says tom tveidt, of Syneva Economics, an Ashevillebased consulting firm. “We’ve been growing for several years, adding a lot of jobs and doing much better than a lot of places. We’re adding more jobs at a higher pace. We’ve passed our pre-recession totals: The number of new jobs is good.” In fact, between 2005 and 2014, the job-growth rate in the Asheville metro (comprising Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson and Madison counties) outpaced the nation’s — and took less of a hit during the Great Recession. (There was also massive growth in 2004-05, but that was due to the fact that the metro was expanded to include Haywood and Henderson that year.) However, continues Tveidt, “The flip side of that is wages. We’re not doing as well as far as wage growth goes. The main reason is because we’ve had such tremendous growth in the leisure and hospitality industries, and those aren’t always the highest-wage jobs.” Between 2005 and 2014, the Asheville metro added 6,520 food

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WHat’s yOUr maJOr?: "Some areas aren’t even close to having their pre-recession jobs back, and we flew right past those years back,” explained Tom Tveidt of Syneva Economics. So when people think of “the waiter with the Ph.D.” cliché, the question is: What was their field of study? Landing jobs in Asheville — and around the country —"requires that you figure out what’s available and equip yourself for it,” said Kit Cramer, president of the Asheville Chamber of Commerce. preparation and serving-related jobs — more than in any other category. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, though, these jobs, which account for 13.3 percent of the area’s total employment, pay a median hourly wage of just $8.97 — the lowest of any major employment category. And after filtering out the higherwage positions (chefs, head cooks and supervisors), that leaves about 21,520

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food industry workers here who don’t make enough from a single restaurant job to live within the city limits. taking aim In 2010, the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County, an arm of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, hatched an

Getting by in the Land of the Sky

ambitious plan to attract higherwage jobs and industries and diversify Asheville’s economy to create a more sustainable future. The EDC’s AVL 5x5 campaign aimed to bring in 5,000 jobs and $500 million in capital investment over the next five years. Between 2010 and 2015, the program focused on expanding opportunities in advanced manufacturing, science and technology, health care, and arts and culture — and that strategy paid off. It brought in 33 companies, $1 billion in capital investment and 2,860 new jobs paying an average annual salary of $44,672. And if you include “indirect jobs” (created to provide support services to the direct ones) and “induced jobs” (those created by the broader economic impact of the direct ones), it bumps up the total tally to 6,385 additional positions, according to the EDC. Many local employers pledged to add substantial numbers of jobs, not all of which are yet in place. Linamar announced an unequaled 800 additional positions. Arvato Digital Services promised 408, Nypro signed on for 156, and BorgWarner announced 154. New Belgium Brewing sited its East Coast facility here and also committed to 154 future jobs. Thermo Fisher Scientific agreed to add 110, and AvL Technologies announced 90 new jobs — and those are only a few of the top names. Some of these companies were offered financial incentives tied to providing the promised jobs within a specified period. Collaboration was a key to the project’s success, says ben teague, the coalition’s executive director. “We spoke with the community, and they told us, ‘This is the direction we want it to go,’” notes Teague, who headed the initiative. “Some communities don’t really know who they are and what they’re good at, but including them gave us a direction. We discovered who we are and how we should market ourselves to the

world. There’s a call out for smarter, higher-wage jobs.” Meanwhile, on Sept. 17, the EDC unveiled AVL 5x5 Vision 2020, a blueprint for the next five years. This time around, the goal is to bring in 3,000 new direct jobs with an average annual wage of $50,000, $650 million in new capital investment and 50 new high-growth companies. Refining the goals of the original plan, Vision 2020 targets eight different employment areas: aerospace, automotive, breweries and their supply chains, climate science, digital media/information technologies, divisional and regional headquarters, micro-electromechanical systems, and recreation technology/outdoor equipment. It also seeks to develop Asheville’s rich existing talent pool by empowering future entrepreneurs and using them as bait to attract well-paying, national companies that provide high-skill jobs. That’s all well and good. But how, exactly, does the EDC plan to beat the competition and reel in these much-sought-after employers? tHinking OUtside tHe balance sHeet “There’s a creative problem-solving element to every single project,” chamber president Kit cramer explains, adding, “This staff is particularly good at that. Understanding the company’s value system and what they prize more than anything else — and trying to appeal to that.” In New Belgium’s case, says Cramer, “Rather than throwing money at them, which we didn’t have anyway, our staff studied up on them and understood how important their core values were. They made their presentation focused on that — and how Asheville’s values align with the company’s. And as a result, we were able to beat out a much larger, much richer market.” Other cities’ economic development groups “sell their stuff and not who they are,” Teague maintains. “We sell who we are first, and then find the business case for a company to be here. New Belgium is a good example: They really identified with what they could mean to the area and what the area could mean to the brand — and the quality of life. And we helped them figure out how that could be profitable here.” After representatives of the Fort Collins, Colo.-based brewery visited

Asheville, he explains, EDC staff — playing off the company’s well-known Fat Tire Amber Ale — “secretly ran around putting this bike” in various iconic Asheville settings, taking photos and making each one into a postcard. “See yourself here,” said the postcards, which were then sent to the New Belgium team. “So it was their brand, their bike, in front of these Asheville locations that they recognized,” says Teague. “And then we just continued to do the work of helping them visualize their future here,” seeking to address some of the many complex details such a major commitment necessarily entails. On Dec. 18, Reuters reported that the employee-owned company is looking for a buyer that might be willing to pay more than $1 billion. A number of craft breweries have concluded such deals recently, often giving employees a lucrative payday while leaving their jobs intact. In a media release, cofounder and board Chair Kim jordan said: “New Belgium Brewing’s board of directors has an obligation to have ongoing dialogue with the capital markets, with the goal of making sure that we remain strong as leaders in the craft brewing industry. There is no deal pending at this time.” nOt tHe next cHarlOtte Because land is in short supply in Asheville and Buncombe County and prices are high, the EDC has to make the most efficient use of what sites are available, ensuring that the companies it recruits are really prepared to make a significant investment in this community. “We have to put more dollars per square foot,” says Teague. “Look at AvL Technologies: great example of a tech company that’s invested millions of dollars in a very small package. And that’s us — that’s who we are, and let’s find the customers that want that. We’re not going to mow down a mountain to attract the next BMW.” Cramer agrees. “We’re never going to be a Greenville-Spartanburg. We don’t want to be. But we want a piece of the business that’s appropriate for our area.” In the meantime, however, we still need to get our wages up to the national average — and that also requires creative thinking. “Higher-wage jobs are going to be in manufacturing and professional business services: legal services, accounting services, computer design, that kind of stuff,” Tveidt explains. “In Asheville, there have been new jobs, like New

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neWs Belgium, that are higher-paying. But we’ve seen such huge growth in leisure and hospitality that it’s overshadowed the others.” According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, 55.3 percent of workers in the Asheville metro make less than $15 an hour. Another 13 percent make less than $16. And only 18 percent of those employed in the fourcounty statistical area earn more than $20 per hour. Nationally, an estimated 33.6 percent of workers earn more than $20 an hour, meaning Asheville is significantly behind the curve. People do tend to earn more in bigger cities, partly to offset a higher cost of living. Still, Asheville’s relatively high cost of living leaves many local workers in a bind. “There isn’t a magic ‘Here’s what a city should have’ ratio of high- to lowwage jobs,” says Tveidt. “Obviously, our leisure and hospitality industries are huge. That’s something we’ve been good at. So it’s sort of lopsided in that respect.” These days, he speculates, “It might be more a game of catch-up, just trying to get the right balance and get more of those high-wage jobs into the area. But it’s sort of a symptom of our success: The Asheville brand is so popular now, and that’s why we see all these new hotels coming in. Many communities would die to have the number of jobs that we have, because they don’t have any jobs at all. Some areas aren’t even close to having their pre-recession jobs back, and we flew right past those years back.” So when people think of “the waiter that has the Ph.D.,” says Cramer, “The question is: What do they have the Ph.D. in? … I’m sure anthropology is a very interesting area of study, but it’s not superlucrative. There are lots of available jobs right now ... at every skill level in the book. … But it requires that you figure out what’s available and equip yourself for it.” ecOnOmic climate cHange One promising niche industry, notes Teague, has been hidden in plain sight for years. “The Weather Channel started in 1980 in Atlanta, and really, it didn’t become pervasive until the early ’90s. But now it’s a multibillion-dollar industry,” he points out. “It used to be, you’d turn on the radio and it would be like, ‘The weather in Asheville is 80 degrees’ — and that was it. But now weather is so consumable for people.”

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Graph courtesy of Asheville-Buncombe Economic Development Coalition

And that’s what Teague and his EDC colleagues believe Asheville could do for the future of commercial climate science. The National Centers for Environmental Information maintains the world’s largest archive of weather data, spanning more than 150 years. Formerly known as the National Climatic Data Center, the Asheville branch is one of four such facilities nationwide. “There’s 16 Nobel laureates working on this. Those scientists can see what the effect of climate is and visualize what that data means,” notes Teague. “We’re standing in 1980 Atlanta right now, and there’s this huge opportunity before us. You know: ‘Hey, I’m getting married in five months. What would the weather potentially be like?’ That’s consumable and personal for people.” And it’s all already happening in 2,500 square feet worth of offices in the Veach-Baley Federal Complex on Patton Avenue. But that, after all, is classic Asheville: big dreams in confined quarters. big little asHeVille “I’ve referred to this place as being cosmopolitan in a very small package,” Cramer observes. “It lives larger than it is. So we’re hoping that covering a great critical mass of particular industries ... makes it easier to find jobs. This

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whole country is going to be competing because of the demographic shift that’s occurring: the aging out of baby boomers. We’re going to have to all be competitive. The thing that we have on our side is that we have a tremendously beautiful, cool, fun place that’s attractive” to businesses and talented individuals alike. And although Asheville’s wages are below the national average now, “Those wage rates will take care of themselves over time,” Cramer maintains. In the past, she points out, “There wasn’t really a mix of industry. We’re hoping that, by having a stronger mix, we’re going to create a stronger economy, and that’ll help address the wage issue.” In the meantime, while the gap between Asheville-area wages and the cost of living is certainly notable, it may not be as bad as we tend to think, says chris bell, chair of UNC Asheville’s economics department. Asheville’s cost of living, he notes, is “only slightly above the national average. But our perception is formed by the fact that we’re in the Southeast, which has generally lower prices. Asheville has slightly higher prices when we’re comparing ourselves to Charlotte and Fayetteville — which are below the national average.” The problem, says Bell, is really a question of supply and demand. “You can pay people less, because there’s

more people that want to live here, relative to other places.” Employers, he explains, “are the suppliers of labor, and the people moving here are on the demand side. We have greater demand here … and we can’t expand our supply easily.” This, though, is such a common phenomenon, he notes, that economists have even coined an unofficial name for it: “eating scenery.” Most employers, continues Bell, “have to pay people based on what people are paid in other places.” But, “If you’re in a place where people would like to live, you don’t have to bribe them as much to get them there. Workers will come here for less, simply because it’s Asheville.” bUilding a skill set Bell also disputes the EDC’s contention that recruiting new employers will necessarily address the problem. “That’s not going to change by bringing in new companies,” he predicts. “For any equivalent job, they’re typically not going to have to pay as much as they would in a place that’s not as attractive. … How many people do you know that have just quit their jobs and moved here? They’re desperate when they get here: They take what they can get. And there are lots and lots of people willing to do that.

Asheville has a huge supply of people who want to work, and that’s not going to go away.” Teague begs to differ, however. The more high-skill jobs Asheville has, he believes, the more employers that are already here will have to offer to attract the skilled professionals they need. “When your choices are Austin, San Francisco or Asheville, someone has to pay a good wage in order to get that competitive skill,” he argues. So, for the Vision 2020 initiative, a key strategy is “making sure that our people have national-level skills.” And that means working with local educational institutions to ensure that the next generation of Ashevilleans has what it takes to land those wellpaying jobs. But it also means getting young people excited about the kinds of jobs the EDC is trying to bring in. Today’s students, Teague maintains, want to be involved with something big. “The pitch of ‘Oh, this is not your father’s manufacturing’ doesn’t work. However, the pitch of ‘You can work on groundbreaking problems; you can solve problems for the world’ — that works. I think manufacturing can have that same message.” To that end, he proposes getting students involved in helping solve complex manufacturing issues “to see what kind of brilliant ideas these kids come up with.” “But it’s not just the manufacturing sector,” he notes. In Buncombe County alone, “You could find 50-60 tech jobs available right at this moment. And I’ve got another 500 with potential companies coming here. That’s a strong pipeline of tech jobs.” And for those who lack the skills to qualify for those positions, “Our workforce training programs are designed to meet the short-term training of almost every sector we have in our area,” says shelley white, vice president of economic and workforce development at A-B Tech. Fine, but what about those somewhat older Ph.D. servers who’ve already made a considerable investment in a career path? “We have some programs that are one day. Some of our training programs are more like a semester in length, but most are not that long,” she notes. And since most of these courses cost $200 or less, “For a pretty low investment, you can change your life.” Students attending these classes are often on their second or third career, says White. “The average

age of students in our regular, collegecredit programs is in the high 20s. And the average age in the workforce program is in the high 30s. A lot of times, these classes are what helps them gain the confidence to go back to work, especially if they’ve been in a different career and/or lost their jobs.” A-B Tech also offers support for aspiring entrepreneurs, another key aspect of the EDC’s strategy. “It’s great for people who either have a business idea or want to talk to resources that can help them,” she explains. “People who’ve had successful careers and then decide they want to follow a passion, set their own hours or go out on their own.” blUrring tHe lines Meanwhile, for all the talk about low-paying tourism jobs, it’s worth noting that without tourism, Asheville wouldn’t have made it onto many national companies’ radar to begin with. New Belgium, for example, “wanted to be downtown, along the river, with kayaking potential,” says jack cecil, president and CEO of Biltmore Farms. As co-chair of the 5x5 campaign, he was involved in recruiting the brewery to Asheville. The company, says Cecil, wanted to be seen as a tourism destination itself. “The depth and breadth of the tourism market here, for them, was a big plus. They wanted to be able to sell the beer and ... have the concerts on the water — right next to the greenway, so their employees can bike to work.” The spillover isn’t limited to a company like New Belgium, either, notes Bell. Increasingly, it’s difficult to pigeonhole jobs in tidy categories, because “the tourism-related fields are creating demand for the nontourism fields. You may not have many tourists buying food at the grocery store across from the VA hospital, but you may have people living off Riceville Road who [shop at that store and] depend on tourism” for their work. So is that grocery clerk employed in tourism or not?” With more tourists coming here and, partly as a result, more folks moving here, Bell maintains, “Really, anybody’s job is more reliant on tourism.” Restaurants, he explains, “may be for tourists, but you have the construction people come in and build or remodel that restaurant. Is that a tourist job when they do the remodeling? It becomes hard to separate that out.”

tHe mating game When you bring in a new employer, says Cecil, “You’re mating the company with the city of Asheville and the community. If you own a business in this town, you give back to the community. Don’t come here if you don’t want to do that.” But it’s not just up to the company to decide if it meshes well with Asheville, argues Teague: Asheville also has to decide if the business is a good fit. “If I had all the money in the world, I wouldn’t want a Rolls-Royce,” he says. And the EDC uses that same principle when targeting companies to recruit. The trick is finding “a customer out there that fits who we are.” Consultant john Karras of TIP Strategies helped the EDC define Asheville’s niche. The wage issue, he maintains, “is one of those problems that you want to have. If you look at Austin, where our firm is based, the wages are comparable to the Dallas and Houston areas. It’s actually a little less in some cases. But it costs a lot more to live here because of the desirability factor. “When you have a really high-quality place like Asheville, like Austin, like Portland, people are paying a premium to live there. And that’s why it’s so important to focus on attracting higher-wage jobs and incentivizing them, instead of just any job.” In other words, the very forces that are driving the wages vs. cost of living challenge also help create great opportunities for Asheville. Instead of worrying about a mass exodus due to a lack of jobs, argues Teague, this community just needs to take advantage of “the economic opportunity that we do have. We understand that there might be growth, and we want to manage and capitalize on that growth to increase our brand’s quality.” Meanwhile, notes Tveidt, “This is not really a new issue: The idea of ‘Where’s the high-paying jobs?’ has been around forever.” In Asheville, though, “It’s probably been exacerbated because of the successful growth on the tourism side.” In his view, “We’re actually doing very well. I wouldn’t say ‘most,’ but there are certainly a lot of communities that don’t have enough jobs at all. We have the luxury to talk about wages. We’re not worrying about jobs now: We’re worrying about good jobs. At the same time, however, “It’s not easy,” Tveidt concedes. “Every community is out there trying to do economic development too. It’s not like somebody comes up with a great idea and it’s going to change tomorrow. It’s a long battle.” X

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offer expires 1/11/16

2016

BIG IDEAS Special Advertorial Issue

Coming January 20, 2016! december 30 - january 5, 2016

neWs

by Hayley Benton

hbenton@mountainx.com

gReAtest hits

TOP

2015

Beer, food, pot and wages. The typical conversation in Asheville, and plenty of it to keep a local newspaper busy. From the infamous Sketchville comment to the “Welcome to Lovetown” billboard, Asheville’s had some interesting moments over the course of 2015. Here’s a look at the top 10 mostviewed stories of 2015 on the Mountain Xpress website, compiled by Google Analytics and arranged in order of WordPress views.

ASHEVILLE

#1TravelDestination #

the new year. Frommer, the main interviewee for the piece, mentioned Asheville first and foremost on the list — and called the pre-New Belgium version of RAD “sketchy.” “We’re picking [Asheville] this year because the sketchy riverside area has been totally redone, thanks to the New Belgium Brewery, which has poured millions of dollars into this area, making new parks, artists collectives, farmers markets, bike paths,” says Frommer. (This statement jumped the gun a bit, however, as the Coloradobased brewery has still not opened its new location along the French Broad.) On a more positive note, Frommer mentioned the area’s thriving craft beer scene, telling the national audience that Asheville is “an amazing place. It’s really coming into its own. It’s a glorious natural setting.” Visit avl.mx/244 to read the story from Jan. 2, by Jake Frankel.

frOmmer On ‘gOOd mOrning america’: asHeVille is 2015’s nO. 1 traVel destinatiOn

Remember the “Keep Asheville Sketchy” campaign? With 52,000 views on the Xpress website, more than a few feathers were ruffled when the editorial director of Frommer’s travel guide, Pauline Frommer, called Asheville’s River Arts District “sketchy,” live on national TV. On New Year’s Day 2015, “Good Morning America” featured a segment on top travel destinations for

Mountain Xpress’ most-viewed stories of the year

december 30 - january 5, 2016

sees your priorities, Asheville. In a story from March, Xpress reported that North Carolina could conceivably be one of the next states to legalize marijuana use for medicinal purposes. Bill H78 stated that “modern medical research has discovered beneficial uses for cannabis in treating or alleviating pain, nausea and other symptoms associated with certain debilitating medical conditions.” The legislation also found that “99 out of every 100 cannabis arrests in the United States are made under state law, rather than under federal law,” suggesting that legalization at the state level would protect the seriously ill from facing prosecution. But, when the bill came before the House Rules Committee last March, it was “reported unfavorably,” essentially killing its chances and preventing any further consideration. One small win for this cause, however, came when the state voted Oct. 30 in favor of the regulated cultivation of industrial hemp. Visit avl.mx/0sp to read the story from March 4, by Max Hunt.

BELL’S

Brewery Petition

MEDICAL

In the world of craft beer (yes, more beer), legal disputes over pun-y names are common. With Western North Carolina’s booming craft beer scene, it was only a matter of time before one of our own got into a legal tussle. In March, Sylva microbrewery Innovation Brewing was contacted by the legal team of Michiganbased Bell’s Brewery regarding its use of the word “innovation,” which Bell’s had trademarked for a bumper sticker slogan: “Bottling Innovation Since 1985.” To the craft beer community, this was an outrage. Bell’s, a 310,000-barrel-per-year operation, had filed for civil action against the 500-barrelper-year local brewers — and the news quickly spread to microbrewers across the nation, gathering 32,000 views on the Xpress site alone. A petition on change.org brought in more than 1,200 signatures overnight (5,583 is the current count), and $5,234 was raised on a GoFundMe page to help cover the owners’ legal fees as they prepared to fight Goliath. The legal dispute is ongoing and will come to a head in the spring. Visit avl.mx/0ty to read the story from March 11, by Hayley Benton.

MARIJUANA #

nOrtH carOlina incHes clOser tO legalizatiOn Of medicinal mariJUana

Beer tourism and marijuana. With 37,400 views in this next entry, Xpress

mountainx.com

petitiOn against bell’s breWery cOllects 1,200 signatUres in 15 HOUrs

&Sex

COFFEE

cOffee sHOp OWners face cOmmUnity OUtrage OVer sex blOg

On a darker note, the owners of a West Asheville coffee shop were outed (and, eventually, out of business) after creating a blog and podcast that detailed some troubling sexual encounters. The blog and podcast contained misogynistic, “red pill” dating practices and advice — and Ashevilleans had none of it. Protesters lined up outside Waking Life and demanded action against the owners as other businesses pulled the shop’s bottled coffees from their shelves. The news was reported first on Asheville Blog, circulated through the local media, then the national media — and then ended up on blogs and news sites across the globe. As the news went viral, the Xpress story amassed 19,500 views. In October, Waking Life was sold to Izzy’s Coffee Den. Visit avl.mx/245 for the story from Sept. 20, by Hayley Benton.

SMOKEY

Park

all fired Up: smOky park sUpper clUb annOUnces Opening date, menU

After all that beer and marijuana, Asheville was feeling pretty hungry, which brings us to No. 5 on the list of most-viewed Xpress stories of the year. The largest shipping container building in the U.S., Smoky Park Supper Club, opened Sept. 11, and the parking lot on Riverside Drive has been packed ever since. The restaurant specializes in woodfired fine dining; the announcement of its opening brought in 18,500 views. Visit avl.mx/246 to read the story from Sept. 6, by Jonathan Ammons.

ASHEVILLE

frOmmer respOnds tO criticism Of ‘gOOd mOrning america’ interVieW abOUt asHeVille

We’ve come full circle, Asheville. Just days after calling Asheville’s River Arts District “sketchy” on national TV, Pauline Frommer responded to the Asheville-based criticism. “Doing live TV is difficult, and I, unfortunately, accidentally conflated some developments,” she said. “I never meant to say that the riverside area was recently sketchy or that it’s sketchy right now.” The comment, she said, was an unintentional consequence of live interviews. However, the controversy inspired a pretty sweet T-shirt and

became an inside joke for locals, who viewed the story 15,600 times. Visit avl.mx/247 to read the story from Jan. 6, by Jake Frankel.

Sierra Nevada

Amphitheater

sierra neVada UnVeils neW OUtdOOr spaces, ampHitHeater

The California-based Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. opened its Mills River satellite facility in spring. By summer, the company announced a new space for lovers of both craft beer and the outdoors, garnering 15,100 views on the Xpress site. The brewer didn’t stop at just one space — it announced four: The Back Porch, Beer Garden, Estate Garden and a 600-person amphitheater. The Back Porch, a 220-seat indoor/ outdoor extension of Sierra Nevada’s bustling taproom, offers a full beerand-snack menu. From there, guests can wander directly into the brewery’s beer garden, a communal area with shared tables and a massive fire pit, ideal for mingling with fellow beer and nature enthusiasts. Beside these sitting areas is a 6,500-square-foot garden, partitioned with gravel walkways. Don’t go picking the brewery’s Darlington Hardy rosemary, though; harvests will be utilized in the taproom and small-scale pilot brewhouse. Visit avl.mx/248 to read the story from July 1, by Kat McReynolds.

mountainx.com

LOVETown

actiVists alter ’WelcOme tO pepsitOWn’ billbOard tO read ’WelcOme tO lOVetOWn’

Here’s a story that will make you roll your eyes and say, “Typical Asheville.” But it’s also got a pretty cute ending — and was viewed 11,800 times. On March 31, an anonymous group painted over a prominent Pepsi billboard near downtown Asheville, changing the slogan from “Pepsitown” to “Lovetown.” Although the stunt was performed right before April Fools’ Day, the responsible party said, “We’re not joking when it comes to keeping the heart and soul of Asheville alive and free from being owned.” Moore Patton, the corporate marketing manager for Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. of Hickory, said he and his wife had a pretty good laugh about the billboard change. Patton’s bottling company is not part of PepsiCo Inc., but a purchaser of the corporation’s syrup concentrate. “Our intent is not what they think,” he said. “We’re a family-owned business that has been here since 1928, and we’ve been involved with Asheville for years.” Regarding the billboard, he said, “We’re not going to take it down immediately. We kind of like it. They did a wonderful job with the artwork.”

continues on paGe 16

december 30 - january 5, 2016

The billboard now reads “Love Asheville.” Visit avl.mx/249 to read the story from April 1, by Kat McReynolds.

Legalization of

HEMP #

GOV. MCCRORY ALLOWS LEGALIZATION OF INDUSTRIAL HEMP IN NORTH CAROLINA

You guys really love your beer and pot stories. (Although, yes, industrial hemp is technically a different topic). Still, there’s nothing like a barn full of harvested cannabis plants to get 11,400 web views. North Carolina farmers are now the newest competitors in the worldwide hemp market, despite concerns from Gov. Pat McCrory. Growing industrial hemp, as opposed to simply importing and processing it for use in derivative products, was legalized in North Carolina under Senate Bill 313. An update to the original story mentions that, after speedily proceeding through the North Carolina House and Senate, the industrial hemp bill was legalized without McCrory’s signature on Oct. 30. “Despite the bill’s good intentions, there are legitimate concerns I would like to address,” reads a press release from McCrory. Visit avl.mx/24a to read the story from Nov. 4, by Kat McReynolds.

HOUSING CRISIS

LITTLE BIG CITY BLUES: ASHEVILLE’S GROWING HOUSING CRISIS

Surrounded by mountains and crammed into a 45-square-mile valley, the city of Asheville is nearly bursting at the seams, suffering from a severe housing shortage, skyrocketing rents and home prices, overcrowded streets with no place to park and an abundance of lower-paying,

DECEMBER 30 - JANUARY 5, 2016

MOUNTAINX.COM

tourism-based jobs. Little Big City Blues took a look at Asheville’s housing crisis — and was accompanied by a three-issue series of essays from prominent Asheville figures, all discussing one thing: housing. This story, getting 11,200 views, examined this issue, taking a look at housing in the region over the last 15 years and the plans to combat the pricing-out of Asheville’s lower-income — but muchneeded — workers. To complicate matters even further, the vacancy rate among rentals in Asheville was less than 1 percent at the time of the study cited in the article. Visit avl.mx/24b for the story from Aug. 4, by Hayley Benton.

Building

BLOCKS

CITY BUILDING BLOCKS: SHIPPING CONTAINER STRUCTURES ARE STACKING UP IN ASHEVILLE

Tying for 10th with 11,200 views, Smoky Park Supper Club’s opening interested Ashevilleans for more reasons than just the menu. The May 6 story explored the restaurant (and other structures) from the architectural side, as shipping containers seem to be the new architectural craze. And, with the opening of Smoky Park Supper Club — built from 19 containers — city residents and visitors can now explore one of these buildings up close. But what is it about the look of these large steel boxes that has so captured our imagination? “It is very trendy,” says Douglas Hecker, one of the architects who worked on the supper club, Asheville’s first commercial structure made from shipping containers. “But I think it’s also a very powerful metaphor for sustainability. It’s very much wearing your sustainability on your sleeve.” However, if you’re going to think of shipping containers as grown-up Legos, think of them as Legos on steroids. Their heavy steel sides mean they can create structures that can stand the test of time and the extremes of climate. Visit avl.mx/24c for the May 6 story, by Carrie Eidson.

mountainx.com

december 30 - january 5, 2016

cOmmUnity calendar december 16 - 22, 2015

Calendar guidelines In order to qualify for a free listing, an event must benefit or be sponsored by a nonprofit or noncommercial community group. In the spirit of Xpress’ commitment to support the work of grassroots community organizations, we will also list events our staff consider to be of value or interest to the public, including local theater performances and art exhibits even if hosted by a forprofit group or business. All events must cost no more than $40 to attend in order to qualify for free listings, with the one exception of events that benefit nonprofits. Commercial endeavors and promotional events do not qualify for free listings. Free listings will be edited by Xpress staff to conform to our style guidelines and length. Free listings appear in the publication covering the date range in which the event occurs. Events may be submitted via email to calendar@ mountainx.com or through our online submission form at mountainx.com/calendar. The deadline for free listings is the Wednesday one week prior to publication at 5 p.m. For a full list of community calendar guidelines, please visit mountainx.com/calendar. For questions about free listings, call 251-1333, ext. 137. For questions about paid calendar listings, please call 251-1333, ext. 320.

benefits cHildren first cis Of bUncOmbe cOUnty 259-9717, childrenfirstbc.org • Through FR (1/1) - Parking proceeds from the Omni Grove Park Inn Gingerbread Competition benefit Children First CIS of Buncombe County. $10 parking 0-3 hours/$15 all day. Held at The Omni Grove Park Inn, 290 Macon Ave. dancing, drUms, and dreams benefit AshevilleRhythm.org • TH (12/31), 8:30pm - Tickets to this New Year’s Eve celebration with music by Free Planet Radio and Kevin Spears benefit eliada Home and asheville rhythm. $44/$39 advance. Held at Eliada Home, 2 Compton Drive Helpmate CPrice@helpmateonline.org Provides services to victims of domestic violence and their families in Buncombe County. Info: 254-2968. • Through TH (12/31) -

neW year, neW JOb: If you are looking for employment or a new job, you can start the new year by attending a resume building and interview skills workshop with Green Opportunities on Wednesday, Jan. 6, from 6-8 p.m. In addition, the Homecoming Career Fair (sponsored by Manpower and the Omni Grove Park Inn) takes place at the WNC Agricultural Center on Thursday, Jan. 7, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is a free shuttle available to the career fair from the Asheville Housing Authority. (p. 18)

Proceeds from Christmas tree ornament sales benefit Helpmate. Free to attend. Held at Ben’s Tune-Up, 195 Hilliard Ave.

ets-17885552168

n.c. arbOretUm Winter ligHts

St. from 8-9:30am. $35. Held at

665-2492, ncwinterlights.com • Through SA (1/2), 6-10pm Proceeds from this walking tour of the holiday animated light display benefit n.c. arboretum programs, exhibits, and facilities year-round. $18/$16 children. Held at N.C. Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way

St.

neW year’s dance tO benefit OUr VOice • FR (1/1), 11am - Proceeds from this Asheville Movement Collective community transformational dance benefit Our Voice. $7 minimum donation. Held at the Asheville Masonic Temple, 80 Broadway St.

• FR (1/1), 10am - Proceeds from this 5k will go to the ymca. Same day registration at the YMCA on 30 Woodfin Pack Square Park, 121 College

bUsiness & tecHnOlOgy

asHeVille bUsiness fOr sUccess meetup.com/AshevilleBusiness-For-Success • MO (1/4), 6pm - Presentations by WNCW Public Radio & Printville. Free to attend. Held at EarthFare - Westgate, 66 Westgate Parkway asHeVille JeWisH bUsiness fOrUm ashevillejewishbusiness.com

ymca neW year’s resOlUtiOn rUn

• MO (1/4), 6pm - “Networking

eventbrite.com/e/new-yearsresolution-run-tick

Free to attend. Held at Strada

december 30 - january 5, 2016

classes, meetings & eVents

for Success,” networking tips. Italiano, 27 Broadway

mountainx.com

mastery training at Om sanctUary (pd.) SA/SU January 2 &3. The Art of Self Mastery and Ascension with Deborah Mills and the Ascended Masters. Join us for a deep Transformation, Activation and Alignment to begin 2016! By releasing the human fabric that has bound the limitless spirit for lifetimes, we now have the opportunity to reawaken the extraordinary potential within us for Personal and Planetary Evolution. Early registration by 12/26: $250. After: $300. For more information visit choolofHealingandEnlightenment.com Email: TeresaSFH@gmail.com or call Teresa 334-703-0353 nVc parenting class (pd.) “Compassionate Communication within Our Families” Thursdays, Jan. 7,14,21,28 4-6 p.m. Rainbow Community School, West Asheville $100, childcare ($12), tuition aid available. Info/

Registration: (828) 775-6333, polly.medlicott@gmail.com Organic grOWers scHOOl 23rd annUal spring cOnference (pd.) March 11-13, 2016, UNC Asheville. 70+ sessions per day: practical, affordable, regionallyfocused workshops on growing, permaculture, homesteading, and urban farming. Trade show, seed exchange, kid’s program. Organicgrowersschool.org. blUe ridge tOastmasters clUb blueridgetoastmasters.com/ membersarea, fearless@blueridgetoastmasters.org • MONDAYS, 12:15-1:25pm - Public speaking and leadership group. Free. Held at Lenoir Rhyne Center for Graduate Studies, 36 Montford Ave. green OppOrtUnities 398-4158, greenopportunities.org • WE (1/6), 6-8pm - Resume and interview skills workshop. Free. Held at Arthur R. Edington Education and Career Center, 133 Livingston St. HOmecOming career fair goo.gl/i0BZWV

• TH (1/7), 11am-4pm - Career fair sponsored by Manpower and the Omni Grove Park Inn. Free shuttle from the Asheville Housing Authority with registration: 398-4158, ext. 111. Free. Held at WNC Agricultural Center, 1301 Fanning Bridge Road laUrel cHapter Of tHe embrOiderers’ gUild Of america 686-8298, egacarolinas.org • TH (1/7), 9:30am-noon General meeting and “fabric ort container” creation. Free. Held at Cummings United Methodist Church, 3 Banner Farm Road, Horse Shoe reynOlds/fairVieW scrabble cribbage clUb • WEDNESDAYS - Scrabble and cribbage club. Free to attend. Held at Mountain Mojo Coffeehouse, 381 Old Charlotte Highway, Fairview sHOWing Up fOr racial JUstice showingupforracialjustice.org • TUESDAYS, noon-2pm Educating and organizing white people for racial justice. Free to attend. Held at Firestorm Cafe

and Books, 610 Haywood Road stOry medicine asHeVille storymedicineasheville.com • SU (1/3), 3:30pm Information session for the 9-month program blending writing and healing. Free to attend. Held in the Ketchum House at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 337 Charlotte St. Ur ligHt center 2196 N.C. Highway 9, Black Mountain, 669-6845, urlight.org • WE (12/30), 7pm - New Years prayer celebration. $20.

dance stUdiO zaHiya, dOWntOWn dance classes (pd.) Monday 5pm Ballet Wkt 6pm Hip Hop Wkt 7:30pm Bellydance 8pm Tap • Tuesday 9am Hip Hop Wkt 6pm Intro to Bellydance 7pm Bellydance 8pm Hip Hop Choreo 2 •Wednesday 5pm Bhangra Wkt 7:30pm Bellydance 8pm Contemporary • Thursday 9am Hip Hop Wrkt 4pm Kid’s Dance 5pm Teens Hip Hop 7pm West African 8pm West African 2 • Saturday 9:30am Hip Hop Wkt 10:45am POUND Wkt • $13 for 60 minute classes, Wkt $5. 90 1/2 N. Lexington Avenue. www.studiozahiya.com :: 828.242.7595 sOUtHern ligHts sQUare and rOUnd dance clUb 697-7732, southernlights.org • SA (1/2), 6pm - Happy New Year dance. Free. Held at Whitmire Activity Center, 310 Lily Pond Road, Hendersonville sWing asHeVille swingasheville.com • THURSDAYS, 7:30pm Beginner & intermediate swing dance lessons. 8:3011pm - Open dance. Live music regularly. $7/$5 members. Held at Club Eleven on Grove, 11 Grove St.

ecO asHeVille citizens’ climate lObby facebook.com/sustainavlwnc • SA (1/2), 10am - Drew Jones of Climate Interactive and Said Abdallah will speak

about the Paris Climate Conference. Free. Held at Kairos West Community Center, 742 Haywood Road mOUntaintrUe 258-8737, wnca.org • FR (1/1) through SA (1/9) - Drop off Christmas trees, non-working tree lights, and used greeting cards for recycling. SA (9/9) from 9am-2pm event with free mulch and refreshments. Free. Held at Jackson Park, 801 Glover St., Hendersonville Wnc sierra clUb 251-8289, wenoca.org • WE (1/6), 7pm - “Climate Change Interactive Simulation Part II,” simulation using recent climate change negotiations. Free. Held at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place

fOOd & beer fletcHer cHili cOOk-Off FletcherParks.org • Through WE (1/20) Applications accepted for the 2016 Fletcher Chili CookOff. Contact for application: FletcherParks.org. Free. tHe lOrd’s acre thelordsacre.org • THURSDAYS, 11:30am - The Fairview Welcome Table provides a community lunch. Free. Held at Fairview Christian Fellowship, 596 Old Us Highway 74, Fairview

kids fletcHer library 120 Library Road, Fletcher, 687-1218, library.hendersoncountync.org • WEDNESDAYS, 10:30am Family story time. Free. spellbOUnd cHildren’s bOOksHOp 50 N. Merrimon Ave., 7087570, spellboundchildrensbookshop.com • SATURDAYS, 11am Storytime for ages 3-7. Free to attend.

OUtdOOrs grandfatHer mOUntain 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, 733-4337, grandfather.com • Through TH (12/31) -

Registration for New Year’s Day sunrise at Grandfather Mountain. Register: 733-4326. $10 plus general park admission. lake James state park 6883 N.C. Highway 126, Nebo, 584-7728 • FR (1/1), 10am - “1st Day Hike,” ranger led hike. Free.

spiritUality

COMMIT to be CREATIVE this year! • Public Painting Classes • Private Parties • Bachelorette and Girl’s Night Out • Art Buzz Kids classes and parties

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asHeVille insigHt meditatiOn (pd.) Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation. Learn how to get a Mindfulness Meditation practice started. 1st & 3rd Mondays. 7pm – 8:30. Asheville Insight Meditation, 29 Ravenscroft Dr, Suite 200, (828) 808-4444, www.ashevillemeditation.com. astrO-cOUnseling (pd.) Licensed counselor and accredited professional astrologer uses your chart when counseling for additional insight into yourself, your relationships and life directions. Readings also available. Christy Gunther, MA, LPC. (828) 258-3229. crystal VisiOns bOOks and eVent center (pd.) New and Used Metaphysical Books • Music • Crystals • Jewelry • Gifts. Event Space, Labyrinth and Garden. 828-687-1193. For events, Intuitive Readers and Vibrational Healing providers: www.crystalvisionsbooks.com meditatiOn WOrksHOp (pd.) It is often said that the two greatest challenges in meditation practice are beginning and continuing. But equally challenging may be the lack of compassionate support to keep our commitment to meditate. In this workshop, we will explore the process of compassionate self-discipline in deepening meditation practice. All levels of experience are welcome— from long-time meditators looking to up their practice, to meditators having started and stopped (perhaps more than once!), and yet-to-be meditators who sense meditation is the next step but haven’t yet taken it. Four Sundays, 6:30-8:30pm starting January 10th. www.mountainzen.org

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Magical Offerings

Dec. 31 - Tarot Reader: Allison Frank, 1-6pm Closed Jan. 1st Jan. 2 - Reader: Star Bustamonte, 12-6pm Jan. 3 - Scrying w/ Angela, 12-6pm Jan. 8 - Psychic: Andrea Allen, 12-6pm Jan. 9 - Beginning Spiritual Practice w/ DiAnna Ritola 3-5pm Cost: $20/ $25 day of

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Open Heart meditatiOn (pd.) Experience and deepen the spiritual connection to your heart, the beauty and deep peace of the Divine within you. Increase your natural joy and gratitude while releasing negative emotions. Love Offering 7-8pm Tuesdays, 5 Covington St. 296-0017 heartsanctuary.org serenity insigHt meditatiOn (pd.) A Burmese monk leads authentic Buddhist insight meditation, grounded in 40 years of practice. Beginners and advanced practitioners welcome. • Sundays, 10am-11:30am; • Mondays and Wednesdays, 6pm-7pm. (828) 2984700. wncmeditation.com sHambHala meditatiOn center (pd.) Meditation and community on Thursdays 7:00 to 8:30 PM and Sundays 10-12 noon. By donation. Asheville.Shambhala.org, 828200-1520. 60 N Merrimon #113, Asheville, NC 28804 WORSHIP SERVICE • FINDS gOd’s Hand in eacH and eVery mOment (pd.) “Every moment is known to be of infinite value, not because of what precedes or follows it, but because it is the moment of communication with God, in which eternity is a present reality as one holds and possesses the whole fullness of life in one moment, here and now, the past, present, and future. The past is always put behind without regret, and the future, when plans have been made, left in God’s hands. Life is lived in the present moment, which is the particular realization of the nowness of the eternal.” Experience stories from the heart, creative arts and more, followed by fellowship and a potluck lunch. (Donations accepted). • Sunday, January 3, 2016, 11am-12 noon, Eckankar Center of Asheville, 797 Haywood Rd. (“Hops and Vines” building, lower level),

by Abigail Griffin

Asheville NC 28806, 828-254-6775. www.eckankar-nc.org center fOr art & spirit at st. geOrge 1 School Road, 258-0211 • WEDNESDAYS, 3:30pm & 6:30pm - Sitting meditation and daily mindfulness practice. Info: kenlenington@gmail.com. Admission by donation. central United metHOdist cHUrcH 27 Church St. 28801, 828-253-3316 ext. 305 • WEDNESDAYS through (4/27), 6-7pm - Christian yoga and meditation series. Free. first cOngregatiOnal Ucc Of HendersOnVille 1735 5th Ave. W., Hendersonville, 692-8630, fcchendersonville.org • SATURDAYS (1/2) through (2/27), 11am-2pm - Basic meditation class. Admission by donation. grace lUtHeran cHUrcH 1245 Sixth Ave. W., Hendersonville, 693-4890, gracelutherannc.com • TH (12/31) - Registration deadline for the “Recharge Your Prayer Life” workshop taking place on SU (1/3), 3-5pm. Registration required: bit.ly/ grace-recharge. Free. • MO (1/4) - Registration deadline for the 11-week “Invitation to John” bible study that takes place TUESDAYS (1/19) through (3/29). Registration: bit.ly/grace-john. $11. • WE (1/6) through WE (2/3), 7pm - “The Path to the Cross,” a DVD discussion-based Bible study. Free/$5 for dinner. mOUntain zen practice center mountainzen.org • TUESDAYS, 7:15-8:45pm - “Zen Awareness Practice,” weekly meditation followed by group discussion focused on selected readings of Cheri Huber. Orientation required, contact for details: mountainzen@ bellsouth.net. Free.

Send your event listings to calendar@mountainx.com

nOUrisH & flOUrisH 347 Depot St., 255-2770, nourishflourishnow.com • TUESDAYS, 7:30pm - Kirtan with Sangita Devi. $10-$15.

• SU (1/3), 3pm - POETRIO series: Poetry readings from Phillip Barron, Eric Nelson, and Dee Stripling. • MO (1/4), 7pm - Sarah Addison presents her book First Frost.

sai maa enligHtened liVing grOUp 279-7042, facebook.com/ groups/1385824208412583 • WEDNESDAYS, 6:30pm Meditation, energy blessing, group discussion and reading. Free to attend. Held at Asheville Therapeutic Yoga, 29 Ravenscroft

tHOmas WOlfe memOrial 52 N. Market St, 253-8304, wolfememorial.com • TH (1/7), 5:30pm - Short Story Book Club: Only the Dead Know Brooklyn discussion led by Terry Roberts. Free.

tHe meditatiOn center 894 E. Main St., Sylva, 356-1105, meditate-wnc.org • SA (1/2), noon - “New Year Renewal Meditation Service,” with lecture, meditation and music. Free. Urban dHarma 29 Page Ave., 225-6422, udharmanc.com • TH (12/31), 8:30pm - “Endings, Beginnings: A Candlelight Vigil of Release and Renewal,” chanting the Vajrasattva mantra. Free. • SA (1/2), 2pm - “Dissolving into Limitless Light: Amitabha Blessings and Teachings,” meditation practice. $40.

Wncmysterians wncmysterians.org • TH (1/7), 6pm - Mystery writers’ critique group recruitment meeting. See website for more information. Free to attend. Held at Battery Park Book Exchange, 1 Page Ave. #101

spOrts karakidO martial arts (pd.) cultivate power & Grace: Back to School Special Classes: Youth, Adult & “Women Only” * Parents ask about our After School Program Discount rates for students * Call for class time and rate: 828-712-1288.

spOken & Written WOrd VOlUnteering firestOrm cafe and bOOks 610 Haywood Road, 255-8115 • Last THURSDAYS, 7pm - Liberty Book Club. Free to attend. great smOkies Writing prOgram 250-2353, agc.unca.edu/gswp • Through SA (1/30) - Submissions accepted for the Thomas Wolfe Fiction Prize. Contact for guidelines. $25/$15 NC Writer’s Network members. malaprOp’s bOOkstOre and cafe 55 Haywood St., 254-6734, malaprops.com Free unless otherwise noted.

big brOtHers big sisters Of Wnc 253-1470, bbbswnc.org • TH (1/7), noon - Information session for those interested in volunteering to work with young people from single-parent homes twice a month and for those interested in mentoring elementary school students 1-hour per week after school. Free. Held at United Way of Asheville & Buncombe, 50 S. French Broad Ave. For more volunteering opportunities visit mountainx.com/volunteering

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december 30 - january 5, 2016

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december 30 - january 5, 2016

H u mor

neWs Of tHe Weird by Chuck Shepherd

One-man Arsenal According to the flabbergasted sheriff of rural Chesterfield County, South Carolina, "This has completely changed our definition of (what constitutes) an 'ass-load' of guns." Brent Nicholson, 51, had been storing more than 7,000 firearms (most of them likely stolen) in his home and a storage building on his property. Every room of the house was stacked with weapons, and it took four tractor-trailer trips to haul everything away, with help of 100 law-enforcement officers. Nicholson also had 500 chainsaws, at least 250 taxidermied deer, elk, and alligator heads, and more. No motive was obvious to deputies. (Nicholson would still be living in the shadows today if he hadn't run that stop sign on Oct. 21 with bogus license plates on his truck.)

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december 30 - january 5, 2016

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• The Human Fanny Pack: Brandon Wilson, 26, was arrested in November in Cedar Rapids, Iowa — his second bust of 2015 in which a substantial number of crack cocaine "baggies" were found in his rectum. Fifty-one were recovered this time (counting the ones with marijuana), down from the 109 discovered in his February arrest. Police in November also found $1,700 cash on him (but just in his pocket).

Leading Economic Indicators • Following the release of Apple's yearly financials in October (and based on sales of its iPhone 6), the company announced that, apart from other assets, it was sitting on $206 billion in cash — about like owning the entire gross domestic product of Venezuela, but all in cash. Another way of expressing it: Using only its cash, Apple could buy every single NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL team, plus the 20 most valuable international soccer teams — and still have plenty left. Or, as the BGR.com blog also pointed out, it could instead simply give every man, woman and child in America $646 (coincidentally, about what a new iPhone 6 sells for). • Even if Armageddon doesn't happen, the CEO of the massive online retailer Overstock.com believes there

is a "10 to 20 percent" chance of a world financial meltdown in the next few years, and he is arranging to be back in business in the aftermath. Patrick Byrnes told the New York Post in November he has stashed away enough food in a well-fortified facility in Utah's Granite Mountain to serve his 2,000 employees for "30 to 60 days," along with several thousand other emergency preparations and $10 million in gold. But, he insisted, he's not a gun-toting "prepper"; the plan is only about tiding employees over until the Internet and banking systems are back up and running.

The Continuing Crisis • In November in Harare, Zimbabwe, Mison Sere, 42, was judged winner of the 4th annual "Mister Ugly" contest after showcasing his seemingly random dental arrangement (some teeth there, some not) and "wide range of grotesque facial expressions," according to an Associated Press dispatch. However, many in the crowd thought their favorite was even uglier and threatened to riot. "I am naturally ugly," said a jealous (former winner) William Masvinu; "He (Sere) is ugly only when he opens his mouth." • Cool Moms? (1) Jennifer Terry, 44, was charged with driving her daughter and several other minors around Riverdale, Utah, in August to facilitate their tossing eggs at 10 to 20 homes. Some damage was reported, but so far, Terry is the only one charged. (2) Mandy Wells, 32, told police that she thought "for a minute" that it was a bad idea, "but did it anyway" — she invited 10 kids (aged 12 to 14) to her home for a party and served beer and marijuana. Wells, of Springtown, Texas, said her daughter, 14, smokes marijuana because the girl (go figure!) suffers from depression.

Wait, What? Kuala Lumpur International Airport took out ads in two Malaysian daily newspapers in December to find the owners of three Boeing 747200Fs parked there for months (one for at least a year) and threatening to auction them off in 14 days if not claimed. Two are white, and one is "off-white" (if the reader is checking his inventory). The planes' last listed owner said it sold them in 2008.

Updates

Names in the News

• Russian artist Pyotr Pavlensky, 31, has devoted his career to getting on the government's nerves and succeeded once again in November. (News of the Weird last mentioned him in 2013 when he nailed his scrotum to the floor in Moscow's Red Square to protest police oppression.) In his latest event, he set fire to the front door of the headquarters of Russia's security service (the FSB, formerly KGB) and has been detained — though from his cell, he demanded his charge of "vandalism" be changed to "terrorism." A member of the Russian band Pussy Riot called the door fire "the most important work of contemporary art of recent years." Pavlensky once sewed his lips together protesting arrests of Pussy Riot. • Following prosperous news reported here (from New York, the Czech Republic and Massachusetts), the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster of New Zealand announced on Dec. 10 that the country's official records now recognize the Church as a legal sanctioner of marriages. The Church must now nominate an "official marriage celebrant" (who will be known as "His Noodly Honour").

Arrested for burglary, in Porthcawl, Wales, November: Christopher Badman. Charged in two shootings in Medina County, Texas, November: Shane Outlaw. Arrested for allegedly having sex with a child, in Springfield, Massachusetts, December: Mr. Long Dinh Duong. Arrested for trespassing at a Budweiser brewery in St. Louis, Missouri, December: Mr. Bud Weisser, 19. Credited with rescuing two women from a man who was terrifying strangers on the street in Toronto on Nov. 22: the local professional clown Doo Doo (Shane Faberman). (Bonus: Doo Doo was in costume when he made the rescue.) (Also in the news was a "Vietnamese man" supposedly named Phuc Dat Bich, who had trouble getting Facebook to register his name. Despite having several mainstream-media outlets gullibly cover his complaint in midNovember, he admitted a week later that the name is bogus.)

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Least Competent Criminals • Matthew Riggins had told his girlfriend earlier that he and a pal were planning to burglarize some homes around Barefoot Bay in Brevard County, Florida, and was apparently on that mission on Nov. 23 when an alert resident called 911, and the men scrambled. The accomplice was caught several days later, but Riggins himself did not survive the night — having taken refuge in nearby woods and drowning trying to outswim an apparently hungry 11-foot alligator. •According to police, Ryan Liskow, 36, badly violating the crime-novel "rule" about not returning to the scene of the crime, is now awaiting trial for robbing the Sterling State Bank in Rochester, Minnesota, on Dec. 14 — and 15. An on-scene reporter for KIMT-TV was on the air on the 15th describing the first robbery, unaware that Liskow was inside robbing it again, and as Liskow emerged on foot with a bank employee in pursuit, reporter Adam Sallet helped point out Liskow, who was soon arrested.

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Wellness

Best intentions

Not your usual New Year’s Eve: Celebrating a life of intention

by emily nicHols emilynicholsphoto@gmail.com The numerical shift from 2015 to 2016 may have little significance to some people, but to others, the arrival of a new year offers an opportunity to review our lives, to pause in sync with nature’s behavior, just as the tree draws its energy and resources down into its roots. Just another day or not, New Year’s Eve indubitably brings a lot of energy. Growing up, you may have experienced it as staying up late to watch effervescent confetti rain from a gigantic silver ball in Times Square followed by bubbling golden drinks. The question looms: How will you spend this new year? For those interested in having an experience that evokes mind, body and spirit this New Year’s Eve, here are several local opportunities for setting your intentions. best intentiOns First, what are being “intentional” and “setting intentions” really about? “Intention came from the Latin word ‘intentio,’ which means a stretching, a directing of the mind towards something or a purpose,” says maia toll, founder of Witch Camp Online and co-owner of Herbiary in Asheville. In her work, she adds, intentions usually “have to do with hooking into [your] soul’s purpose.” ferris fakhoury, co-owner of Anjali Hot Yatra Yoga in South Asheville down Hendersonville Road, says that living with “intentionality means to be purposeful in our actions, to see clearly our goal and to also release or let go of the barriers to meeting our goals.” So intention has something to do with purpose. I propose that the new year is a natural time to re-evaluate our purpose, our visions, our intentions for this life. And like trees, we may need to withdraw into the deepest core of ourselves.

december 30 - january 5, 2016

ligHting tHe patH: Asheville’s New Year’s Eve events include a host of wellness-oriented approaches, including this candlelight altar from Sangita Devi’s intention-setting ceremony. Photo courtesy of Taylor Johnson of Taz Digital tHe patH Of deVOtiOn “I believe that there is a large, growing population of people in this world who want to live a life full of intention.” says taylor johnson, member of Sangita Devi Kirtan, a yogic chanting group in Asheville. “And I believe these people want to be part of meaningful events that can uplift, inspire and build community in a unique way,” he says. For the last 11 years, Sangita Devi has held a New Year’s Eve kirtan, intention-setting ceremony and ecstatic dance event in Asheville. samata amy decori has been with the group since its inception. The New Year’s Eve event, she says, came about because members “wanted to offer an evening that was honoring the passage from one year to the next — an evening to set intentions and have a space to gather, to sing, dance and celebrate.” Decori says she “believes in the power of ritual, in taking time to reflect and honor transitions and the threshold moments in life.” Year after year, the event has continued to grow in attendance, and group

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members are expecting an even larger attendance this year. “This yearly growth is a testament to the positive experiences people have had there,” Johnson says. He adds, jokingly, “We’re lucky in that sense, because we’re generally very bad about marketing our events.” So what can you expect at this kind of event? First, it’s an entirely drug- and alcohol-free event. There will be no Champagne when the clock strikes midnight. Sangita Devi Kirtan’s “New Year’s Eve event is very unique because instead of drinking alcohol and being rowdy,” Johnson explains, “people come together to sing their prayers, meditate and create intention for the future with a positive and supportive community.” For the sensualists, there will be plenty of “amazing cacao and chocolate concoctions, thanks to Dr. Cacao and a variety of super-tasty teas brewed onsite courtesy of the Infusion Lounge,” he continues. Kirtan is “call-and-response chanting, which can result in a deep, con-

nected, meditative state,” Decori says. The practice is a facet of Bhakti yoga, a path to enlightenment through pure devotion. After the kirtan, the event will transition into an intention-setting ceremony that reflects upon the past year and includes meditation. “The idea here is that after singing together for an hour and a half, and after meditating during the beginning of the ceremony, people will be in a very centered, grounded and clear place — a place that is perfect for cultivating powerful and realistic intentions for the future,” says Johnson. The night ends with an ecstatic dance component. Ecstatic dance seems to be pretty open-ended, as in, there’s no real wrong way to do it. Johnson describes it well: “If in the dance you felt like sitting still, that would be perfect. If you felt like standing in one spot and swaying back and forth, that would be perfect. If all of a sudden you had something come up for you and you burst into tears and ended up crying on the floor, that would be perfect too. It’s a safe place to explore and express yourself, as long as you’re not hurting yourself or others.” “I believe we are offering an experience that touches the hearts and lives of the people who attend,” says Decori. “We’re creating a space for people to connect to their inner worlds and get clear about what their vision is for their life and the world.” endings, beginnings Just down the street from Sangita Devi’s Kirtan event at Jubilee! in downtown Asheville, Urban Dharma will hold a candlelight vigil of release and renewal. All are welcome to meditate or chant the Vajrasattva purification mantra, says dr. hun lye, spiritual director and founder. Urban Dharma has held a service “marking the transition from the old to the new year since it started” a little over four years ago. The Vajrasattva mantra is also called the 100-syllable mantra, says Lye, describing it as “the very essence of the hundred Buddhas appearing in the form of sacred sound.”

continues on paGe 26

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december 30 - january 5, 2016

When the chant is combined with a “relaxed attention on our behavioral, that is, karmic, patterns, we can purify and remove that which is negative so as to allow the innately pure and pristine — the Buddha-nature or the ‘kingdom of heaven within’ — to manifest,” Lye explains. While many look toward the future and set goals and resolutions for how they will be or act in the upcoming year, Lye places more emphasis on reviewing the past. “If we don’t reflect on the past and try to see deeply what actions we took that were conducive to the happiness of self and others, and what actions we took that were productive of suffering for self and others, then our journey onward to the next year, to the future, will always be obscured,” he says. Through reciting the purification mantra and connecting with the limitless qualities of the Buddha, each participant can “allow the release and relinquishing of negative patterns so that [their] innate nature, which is

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pure and pristine, can come forward,” says Lye. “If we could all end the old year and start the new in this way — from the position of Buddha-nature rather than egocentric self — it will make a gentler, kinder, less fearful, more joyful future for all.” setting yOUr VisiOn laura torres, owner of Laura Torres Counseling, has been creating vision boards, both personally and professionally, for the last eight years. Around this time every year, she finds herself making a new board to set her vision for the year ahead. “In my experience, setting New Year’s resolutions alone can lead to me feeling pressured and overwhelmed, or the goals simply fall out of my awareness after a month or so,” she says. Vision boards, on the other hand, seem to work for her. “What I love about [them] is that they help us get in touch with what is naturally calling us forward rather than what we ‘should’ be doing to get to where we want to be,” she says. Making a vision board can be as simple as finding some magazines and cutting out words, images and colors that resonate with what you want to bring in for 2016, Torres suggests. You create a collage from the cutouts, she explains. Torres recommends hanging the collage somewhere visible so you can revisit throughout the year. Vision boards “help you get into the energetic and emotional state of what it feels like to be living the life you want to live by offering a powerful image of what that life looks like,” she says. The collages can be thought of as visual representation of your intentions. On Jan. 10, the first new moon of 2016, Torres will be leading an event for women at West Asheville Yoga focused on creating a vision board for the year ahead. The event will start with a gentle yoga flow practice, followed by setting intentions and then creating your board. All materials are provided. gratitUde, yOga, reneWal

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december 30 - january 5, 2016

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There are several other New Year’s Eve yoga events happening around town. ferris fakhoury will lead a yoga class at her South Asheville studio. The event will feature live music by lindsay and adam fields. “The first half of class will be about gratitude as we look back [on 2015], and the second half of the class will be a balance

between grounding postures and heart-opening asanas to set the stage for personal growth in the upcoming year,” she says. “The difference in going to a yoga class as a way of celebrating New Year’s Eve is that you’ve purposefully chosen an activity where you will feel physically and mentally awesome afterwards,” Fakhoury continues. “The class offers much of the same ‘big’ energy as the more traditional celebrations but also offers more. And the ‘more’ isn’t something you have to sleep off the following morning.” meghan ganser agrees. She will host a 2016 Visionasana yoga workshop at West Asheville Yoga. Participants can expect “a heartfelt and inspiring asana workshop designed to state and create our visions for the world in 2016,” she says. “New Year’s Eve is recognized across our shared planet as a moment of renewal. What better time to share and state, and commit to, our visions for a better world, than in a ‘moment’ of globally connected renewal?” However you choose to spend your New Year’s Eve, whether it be moving on your yoga mat, singing and dancing your heart out, reveling in the creativity of vision boards, or steeping in the qualities of Buddha-nature, Asheville offers an array of options to start the new year intentionally. X

More info maia toll maiatoll.com Visit for a free intention setting booklet. ferris fakhoury, anjali Hot yatra yoga anjalihotyatrayoga.com, anjalihotyatrayoga@gmail.com sangita devi kirtan sangitadevi.com Hun Lye, Urban Dharma udharmanc.com info@udharmanc.com, 225-6422 laura torres lauratorrescounseling.com laura@ lauratorrescounseling.com megan ganser skillfullflowyoga.com Skillfulflowyoga@gmail.com

Wellness cal e ndar Wellness anti-inflammatOry diet prOgram (pd.) at Waterleaf Naturopathic Medicine: 1/11/16 at 132 Charlotte St. 4 Mon. night classes starting 1/11/16. 6-7:15pm. Cost=$149. Great for GI issues, joint pain, energy, weight and more. Register at waterleafnaturopathic.com/events/ neW year, neW yOU! (pd.) 828-620-1188 Want a HormoneBalancing, Allergy-Busting, AntiInflammatory Detox with a side effect of Weight Loss? Join the Essential Cleanse, Jan 13th. www.WhiteWillowWellness.com red crOss blOOd driVes redcrosswnc.org Appointment and ID required. • TH (12/31), 9am-1pm - Appointments & info.: 398-1430. Held at Gold’s Gym, 1047 Patton Ave. • WE (1/6), 11:30am-4pm Appointments and info.: 259-6908 ext. 146. Held at Black Mountain Neuro Medical Treatment Center, 932 Old U.S. Highway 70, Black Mountain • TH (1/7), 1pm - 5:30pm Appointments & info.: 1-800-RED CROSS. Held at Francis Asbury United Methodist Church, 725 Asbury Road, Candler

• TH (1/7), 2:30-6:30pm - Appontments & info.: 684-0352. Held at Lutheran Church of the Nativity, 2425 Hendersonville Road, Arden tHe blOOd cOnnectiOn blOOd driVes 800-392-6551, thebloodconnection.org Appointment and ID required. • Through TH (12/31), noon-7pm Appointments & info: thebloodconnection.org. Held at the Asheville Mall, 3 Tunnel Road

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fOOd

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Craft distilleries flourish as WNC bars embrace locally made liquor

distillers have been taking their time to produce elegant, aged spirits. nO need tO Hide

cOming Of age: Blue Ridge Distilling Co.’s Defiant single-malt whiskey, made just outside the Asheville area, is becoming popular with bartenders at local craft cocktail spots. Photo by Cindy Kunst

by jonatHan ammons jonathanammons@gmail.com Microdistilling in North Carolina is booming. Since 2005, more than a dozen distilleries have popped up, steaming off a wide array of flavors. Locally, Troy & Sons has

garnered plenty of attention, as has Howling Moon. Like most Western North Carolina distilleries, they’ve mainly focused on moonshine: straight corn liquor, usually served clear and unaged. Lately, though, a few new labels have been finding their way onto WNC cocktail menus. Hailing from a little farther east in the foothills, these

Ring in 2016 with Some Sweetness from Geraldine’s! 28

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It’s a dreary, rainy morning, and Lenoir looks like a ghost town, with an abandoned theater still clinging to a few random letters on its display. Once home to thriving manufacturing industries, the town has seen most of those jobs move away. But right in the heart of downtown, a new economy has sprouted: booze. “We don’t call ourselves moonshiners, but we’re using a lot of the same methods,” says tim “hippy” sisk, head distiller and co-owner of Carolina Distillery. The operation, which opened in 2008, recently moved into a building shared with Howard Brewing Co. “There are a lot of people calling [their products] moonshine, and they’re not using the same methods that the ’shiners did. But we just wanted to do something a little different with those same old methods.” Carolina Distillery is probably best known for its signature Carriage House Apple Brandy, made with apples from the Perry Lowe Orchards, just up the road. “We start with apple juice. It takes about 10 to 14 days to make apple wine, and then we cook it and make apple brandy,” Sisk explains. “We really use the same process that the old-timers did. We’re using steam to cook with, and we don’t have to hide from the law. That’s pretty much the only difference.” After distillation, the brandy is aged for a year — a costly endeavor for a small business, considering that 1,000 gallons of apple wine yields a mere 150 gallons of brandy. The three-story former Roses department store that houses both Howard Brewing and Carolina Distillery includes a large event space, which is bringing some life back to the downtown. Most recently, the facility hosted a national tattoo convention. “All those guys with TV shows were here,” says distillery coowner Keith nordan. “It was a different kind of crowd for the people of Lenoir!” Ashevilleans can pick up some Carriage House Apple Brandy for the home bar at any area ABC store or sample some mixed into a creative libation at a local craft cocktail bar. Over at Sovereign Remedies on North Market Street, Katey ryder is shaking up the Orgeat Zha Gabor Hot Toddy. Ask for the upgrade to Carriage

House to get the full effect of the apple brandy, pear brandy, lemon, orgeat and black walnut bitters. speeding tHings Up Meanwhile, over in Bostic, tim ferris and his wife, lauren Kuchar, are loading barrels into the Blue Ridge Distilling Co.’s massive new tasting room, the former dining hall at Camp Golden Valley. The Girl Scout camp closed in 2013 and sat vacant until the distillery recently bought it. The 550-acre property includes dozens of cabins, treehouses, wilderness campsites and the camp’s former dining hall, which serves as a tasting room and gift shop for the distillery. “One building at a time, we’re going to start revamping them to make them a little higher-end, instead of just campy,” says Ferris. “We’ll rent them out so people can come in and have a cabin for a week on the distilling grounds, relax, go fishing, sit on the porch and drink whiskey, and forget that the world is chaotic.” Ferris says he never wanted to make a white whiskey. Due to the original distillery’s small size, however, he needed to move product quickly, so for the company’s Defiant single-malt whiskey, he turned to a method that’s similar to what Maker’s Mark uses to age its Maker’s 46: staves. The long oak spirals are designed to mature the whiskey like a tea bag in a fraction of the more than four years it takes bourbon to age in barrels. “Using spirals allowed us to immediately release whiskey, but it became such a signature flavor,” says Ferris. “We will always do Defiant on spirals, but we’re going to start doing some other stuff, too, like select casks.” In fact, some product has already been aging for two years in the new bottling facility’s barrel room, leaving it just a year away from release. taking tHe plUnge Distilling, though, isn’t the couple’s principal business. Defiant Marine, their deep-sea salvage company, got its start in December 2010 rescuing a wrecked cargo

ship off the coast of Alexandria, Egypt, just as the Arab Spring was throwing off its first sparks. Ferris’ deepest dive was 560 feet, and his longest job was 38 days, including seven days of decompression before returning to the surface. “It’s been experience after experience after experience, and it got to the point where coming home was the biggest letdown of all,” he says. “When you’re away, all you can think about is getting home, but when you get home, you’re there for 24 hours and you’re ready to go again. That led me to start the distillery.” If nothing else, it was a way to steady his and his crew’s restless hands. On the distillery side, Defiant’s name befits its unique status: It’s one of only six American single-malt whiskeys. “I decided we would take the best American barley we could find, the best equipment we could find,” says Ferris. “Take the best methodology from beer-making, the best methodology from distilling, the best methodologies from aging and finishing, and then we’ll discover what our product is, rather than trying to steer it in a certain direction. And that’s still happening.”

Normandie and a few dashes of spicebush bitters,” Allen explains. “I’m selling it like crazy and turning a lot of people on to Defiant neat.” Back in Bostic, Ferris and Kuchar are ready for some calmer experiences after years of deep-sea dives. “Whiskey should be an experience: It’s complex,” Ferris maintains. “For me, whiskey has always complemented already-good experiences, and we want to build an experience around our brand.” X

RUSSIAN BLACK RYE

it’s tHe experience Recently featured as the exclusive liquor served at the Rolex Central Park Horse Show, Defiant has been written up in the Huffington Post and the Whiskey Reviewer. And in October, Blue Ridge opened its new tasting room. Up in Spruce Pine, nate allen of Spoon Cocktail Lounge, an extension of the destination restaurant Knife & Fork, uses Defiant in a cocktail called Rage Against the Dying of the Light. “It has Defiant, NuMex chile syrup, pressed Virginia Beauty apple cider, Lemorton Pommeau de

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december 30 - january 5, 2016

F ood

back Of HOUse

Gàn Shān Station

by Thom O’Hearn | writethom@gmail.com

Chefs Patrick O’Cain and Chris Hathcock look back at their first year in business and ahead to 2016

secOnd cOUrse: Patrick O’Cain, left, and Chris Hathcock look to push themselves as Gan Shān Station enters its second year. Photo by Thom O’Hearn Back of House is a new monthly column from former Xpress Beer Scout writer Thom O’Hearn profiling local chefs and brewers. When Gàn Shān Station opened almost exactly a year ago, it gave diners a lot to talk about: The menu couldn’t neatly be classified as any one style of Asian cuisine. The kitchen sent out dishes as they were fired instead of in courses. And the food was unapologetically full of flavor and spice. “I guess you could say we came out guns blazing,” says chris hathcock, co-executive chef. “We were doing some adventurous things and some

spicy food ... but we hit up against some sensitive palates.” Months later, the restaurant had made changes. Many who didn’t like Gàn Shān Station when it launched now raved about the food and the service. But those who loved the original concept weren’t as excited about the adjustments. listening and learning “We had a lot of feedback right after we opened,” says patrick o’cain, coexecutive chef and owner. “I mean, everyone gets feedback — eating is an incredibly personal experience — but

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it did seem like maybe some people weren’t ready for, or didn’t share our excitement for, [the more adventurous] food we were cooking.” Both chefs say that matching their food to the Asheville palate was especially important for Gàn Shān Station, which is a local restaurant first. “We’re supported by our neighborhood, and we want to make sure we do the best we can to make our regulars happy,” says Hathcock. “It’s our duty from when they walk in the door to give them the best experience possible. “Also, I want to add that when you talk about ‘catering to your clientele,’ it can sound like [you’re compromising], but that’s not necessarily the case,” he continues. “We’ve had some great things come out of listening to our diners.” O’Cain says the whole fish, which Gàn Shān Station works hard to source and truck in superfresh, is a good example. “We never expected the level of enthusiasm we’ve seen. We now have an email list to let people know what fresh fish we’re getting in every week,” says O’Cain. “It’s become a big part of our menu, and I love that people are this excited about it.” While Hathcock says the restaurant had to “tone it back a little bit” initially, now that Gàn Shān Station has been open a year, he’s noticing that even the more conservative diners are becoming a bit adventurous and trying more of the menu. “We’ve been doing charcuterie since day one, but we’re just getting to the point where we’re increasing some of our meat offerings,” says Hathcock. “For example, we’re aging duck inhouse and cooking sweet-and-sour sweetbreads. These are dishes getting diners out of their comfort zones, and we’re getting great feedback.” “I think people who have dined with us regularly are developing that trust,” says O’Cain. “Hopefully that means we’ll be able to open their eyes to something new they’ll enjoy. It’s all about discovery.” grOWing WitH tHe city While O’Cain grew up in Asheville, he was most recently sous chef at Xiao Bao Biscuit in Charleston. Hathcock was sous chef at Two Boroughs Larder, also in Charleston, and had spent time in Atlanta before that. Both relocated to Asheville to open Gàn Shān Station. “Our food scene is being compared to cities that have 7 million people … and it’s exciting to be part of that,

what’s happening here now. But we’re definitely not an ‘established’ food city yet the way the larger cities are,” says O’Cain. “But we’re doing very good for a city of less than 100,000 people.” Hathcock says coming from larger cities, it’s easy to see both the positives and negatives of the Asheville restaurant scene. “I do miss the variety and quality that comes with the high level of competition you see in larger cities,” says Hathcock. “But we’re a good community [here in Asheville]. We all want to see each other succeed, and we work together as much as possible.” To that end, O’Cain is a new member of the Asheville Independent Restaurants board of directors. He’s also spent the last year developing and nurturing relationships with local farmers and purveyors. As far as the second year goes, the two say it’s all about continuing to build those relationships and improve in the kitchen. “Year one was about finding our rhythm,” says O’Cain. “Now it’s about building on that and refining everything.” “We’re definitely looking to push ourselves,” adds Hathcock. X

chefs on chefs Chefs always seem to know where to grab the best food in town. We asked Patrick O’Cain and Chris Hathcock what local restaurants they visit most: burial beer: “Doug Reiser [co-owner of Burial] came over here when we were still in construction,” says O’Cain. “Now the Burial folks seem to come about once a week with their families, and I know all of us at Gan Shan are over at Burial on our days off.” local provisions: “It’s only been open for two weeks, but I’ve already been twice and had great meals,” says Hathcock. “Their chef, justin burdett, is very like-minded and talented.” rocky’s hot chicken shack: “I think both Chris and I go to Rocky’s at least once a week — we love that chicken,” says O’Cain.X

small bites by Kat McReynolds | kmcreynolds@mountainx.com customers will be willing to brave the cold months. “As it turns out, if you like frozen yogurt, [you] generally like it year-round,” Nathaniel says. Jolly Goode Yogurt is at 31 S. Broad St., Brevard. The shop’s winter hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday. Visit facebook. com/JollyGoodeYogurt for updates.

athletes and N.C. Law Enforcement Torch Run Officers in Publix on Saturday mornings in January. Publix is at 1830 Hendersonville Road. Visit publixcharities.org to learn more about the grocer’s charitable partnerships or specialolympicsnc.com for details about Special Olympics North Carolina. X

bOnfire barbecUe spreads OUt Bonfire Barbecue is expanding into an adjacent storefront, where owners stephanie and jeff barcelona will add a bar, patio and game space with pool tables, foosball, pinball and a jukebox in addition to extra seating. The Barcelonas have planned an interior design that uses wood, metal, concrete and artwork by Brushcan Murals of Asheville. Once upgrades are completed, patrons can enjoy later hours and the occasional live band on weekends. The timeline of changes is uncertain, as the couple are still pursuing permits. Bonfire Barbecue is at 1056 Patton Ave. Visit bonfireavl.com for more information.

frOyO HO HO: Nathaniel Jolly, left, credits his wife and business partner, Jen, right, with coming up with the idea to create a pirate-themed frozen-yogurt shop. Their new storefront, Jolly Goode Yogurt, opened recently in Brevard. Photo by Kaelee Denise Beeson

Jolly Goode Yogurt brings froyo to Brevard Couple jen and nathaniel jolly recently opened a pay-by-theounce frozen yogurt shop in Brevard where pirate enthusiasts (and nonmarauding types) can now serve themselves from a wall of ready-toswirl treats. “We have 12 different flavors of yogurt, and if you mix them, you can come up with 18. Or you can go crazy and do your own thing,” Nathaniel says of Jolly Goode Yogurt, noting “loads of toppings” like chocolates, sprinkles, marshmallow cream sauce and sour Gummy Worms. Complementary flavors are positioned side-by-side for a more convenient swirling experience. “If you’re a coffee drinker, you would probably really love [mixing] salted caramel and espresso,” Nathaniel says. “If you use the middle lever, it mixes them together, and it ends up being kind of like a caramel latte, which is amazing.”

While most options will remain constant, Jolly Goode Yogurt will offer a rotating flavor of the week. Nathaniel lists bright pink cotton candy, pineapple and toasted coconut as several favorites that will appear on the menu. Nathaniel credits his wife and business partner as “the brilliant one behind the idea” to give the shop a pirate theme — something he’s never seen in a self-serve yogurt shop. Furthermore, he’s not aware of any self-serve froyo shops (theme or not) in Brevard and cites a shop in Hendersonville as the nearest. Jen’s concept is apparent in the décor along the wooden wall from which the soft-serve is dispensed, invoking a shipwreck site. Employees in pirate-themed uniforms will sell toy treasure chests, play swords and other gear for seafarers. “And we do encourage the employees to speak in pirate lingo,” Nathaniel says, adding that customers are welcome to bend their vocabulary accordingly. Nathaniel says more decorations are still going up. “Eventually, what we want is for people to step into a ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ feel, so they just feel like they’re in a whole pirate world.” Although they’re launching at the onset of winter, the Jollys believe

cÚrate’s expansiOn plans Spanish tapas eatery Cúrate has longterm plans to take over the neighboring space at 13 Biltmore Ave., which was already owned by chef Katie button’s family business, Heirloom Hospitality Group. Although the closing of Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt left the spot vacant, the chef’s mother (and business partner) elizabeth button says, “Right now, we don’t have plans for leasing it to anyone else, but we’re not talking about doing anything in 2016.” Elizabeth says eventual developments will provide more seating that aligns closely to Cúrate’s existing operations without being “a carbon copy.” Cúrate is at 11 Biltmore Ave. Visit curatetapasbar.com for more details about the restaurant.

What’s Wowing Me Now Food writer Jonathan Ammons lets us in on his favorite dish du jour. black pudding at the bull and beggar: The Bull and Beggar has been crushing the charcuterie game lately, and the recent addition of black pudding makes it all the more exciting. Done right (and they do it very right), this English-style blood sausage is savory, rich and addictive. The first time I had it was in the United Kingdom where it is a common breakfast side. My host refused to tell me what it was until I’d eaten it — a wise move. But to this day, black pudding is one of my all-time favorite dishes and a great thing to add to your meat and cheese platter at The Bull and Beggar. — Jonathan Ammons

pUblix sUppOrts tHe special Olympics In addition to donating 3 cents to the Special Olympics for every Proctor & Gamble brandSAVER coupon used in January, Publix is selling paper torches at its checkout registers in support of the event for intellectually disabled individuals. These symbols of support, available Jan. 2-23, range in cost from $1-$10 each and include a booklet of coupons valued at $19 toward select Proctor & Gamble products. Shoppers can also meet local

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december 30 - january 5, 2016

Food

beer scOUt by Jesse Farthing | Send your beer news to beer@mountainx.com

haPPy new beer! Western North Carolina’s brewery boom pours into the new year It’s no secret that Western North Carolina’s beer scene is exploding like an overcarbonated bottle, and it seems as if new breweries pop up almost every other month. We have local breweries winning prestigious awards at the Great American Beer Festival, and bigger, national breweries are looking to make the area their second home. Now the Fletcher community will take a seat at the WNC beer scene bar when Blue Ghost Brewing opens near Asheville Regional Airport this spring. erik weber, formerly a brewer at Oskar Blues Brewery in Brevard, says opening a brewery has been a dream for him since he began homebrewing more than a decade ago. He says his first real experience with craft beer came when a farmhouse brewery opened up near his hometown in Pennsylvania and offered a taste of something different. “Back then, Yeungling was considered different than mainstream,” he laughs. “Going [to the farmhouse brewery], tasting their beer and seeing the process was really intriguing to me.”

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art Of breWing: “I really liked the science and art mix,” says Blue Ghost Brewing’s Erik Weber. “I have always wanted to be artistic, but I really suck at drawing or music or anything else — and I decided this could be my art.” Photo by Jesse Farthing

Weber started off with a Mr. Beer kit and fell in love with the whole process. “I really liked the science and art mix,” he says. “I have always wanted to be artistic, but I really suck at drawing or music or anything else, and I decided this could be my art.” After relocating to Asheville six years ago, Weber says the area’s booming beer scene inspired him to pursue brewing as more than just a hobby. “I enrolled in the Brew School [at Blue Ridge Community College], and midway through, I kept bugging Oskar Blues until they hired me as an assistant brewer,” Weber says. He worked there for about two years and ended up managing the specialty beer program. The constant flow of new area breweries gave Weber the next push — out of Oskar Blues and into the new territory of starting his own brewery. “I owe Oskar Blues a great deal of gratitude,” he says. “They hired me with no commercial experience, put me on the brew deck in a month and a half, let me brew, put me in charge

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of specialty beers, and I learned a lot there. It was really good practice.” Blue Ghost Brewing, named for the blue ghost fireflies in DuPont State Forest, aims to be a family-friendly brewery with a focus on mountain themes and forest preservation. Weber says he plans to have crafts for children and families, family gatherings and possibly even a small farmers market for kids on the weekends once thing get going. “Fletcher is a fast-growing area for young families,” he says. “We’re one of them, obviously, so we want to provide a location where we can all come together and bond and create that community vibe and do more than just brewing.” Weber also says that opening in Fletcher will help create a natural “ale trail” for the area — similar to wine trails found in other parts of the country. “I think we can create [a] natural tour section where we can all kind of benefit each other and work together,” he says. “That’s the vibe I get from the brew scene. Everyone wants everyone to be successful, but you do need to create something different, and that’s what we’re aiming to do.” Blue Ghost Brewery will be at 125 Underwood Road, Fletcher. It is scheduled to open in the spring. For updates, visit blueghostbrewing.com. blUe ridge tap rOOm starts pOUring Blue Ridge Tap Room, an 18-tap bar underneath New Mountain AVL, had a soft opening on Halloween but has kept quiet while management worked on settling in and preparing to get the word out. “We’ve planted ourselves now,” says manager Kyle sorenson. “Hopefully for a long time. We kind of want to have a neighborhood taproom feel where we’re open every day.” Though he admits there haven’t been many walk-in customers to the taproom due to its hard-to-spot location, he’s optimistic about the future. The space is currently hosting the downtown Friday night drum circles (held during the warmer months in Pritchard Park), and Sorenson is using his years of event management

experience to book local acts and draw in more crowds. He says he’s looking into hosting a trivia night, a meet-thebrewers regular event and plenty of other features he’s not ready to divulge. “We’re all beer fans — beer fans and music fans,” he says. “It all kind of comes together.” The Blue Ridge Tap Room is at 38 N. French Broad Ave. For details, visit blueridgetaproom.com or look for Blue Ridge Tap Room on Facebook. sWeeten creek breWing sails intO prOdUctiOn Sweeten Creek Brewing opened in South Asheville on Dec. 14 with little fanfare, a few of its own beers, a sandwich shop and several guest taps. “We were superfocused on just getting open,” says joey justice about the relatively quiet launch. Justice co-owns the brewery with his wife, erica, and business partner, chad gibson. “We didn’t want to overcommit and not be able to deliver.” The Justices previously worked at Highland Brewing Co. but have been in the process of opening their own brewery for more than a year — doing many of the renovations on their own.“It was a lot of hard work,” Joey Justice says. “But I think we appreciate it more now since we did it ourselves.” The brewery is a little tricky to find, hidden behind the now-closed Myers Motorcycle. But Justice says business has been good so far, with a steady flow of lunch customers and beer hunters in the evenings. “The bright spot is, a lot of people have come in and said, ‘I only live a mile from here; this is great,’” he says. “There are a lot of communities down here. It’s been pretty steady. If we can stay focused on making quality food and quality beer, that’ll help.” The location has the luxury of ample parking — something lacking at many Asheville breweries. And the attached sandwich shop serves everything from Reubens to wraps as well as a few sampler platters to pair with beers — including Sweeten Creek’s own pale ale, black IPA and pilsner. Justice says the beers will rotate in and out for now while he works out the best brewing schedule to keep things available. Sweeten Creek Brewing is at 1127 Sweeten Creek Road. The taproom is open 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m. MondaySaturday. More details, including the full sandwich menu, are available at sweetencreekbrewing.com. X

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december 30 - january 5, 2016

a r t s & e n t e r ta i n m e n t

foreVer young

Tuning into Asheville’s teen bands

by alli marsHall

with parents and friends of the bands alongside other music enthusiasts.

amarshall@mountainx.com “Not every high-schooler gets to tour with a band,” says jesse barry. The petite frontwoman with the huge voice led her band, Skinny Legs and All, throughout high school. The blues-rock fivepiece played local stages, private parties, festivals like Springing the Blues in Jacksonville, Fla., and the International Blues Challenge, an annual competition in Memphis. Those experiences not only left Barry with an enviable collection of photos and videos, but also helped to form her career goals. Currently enrolled at Warren Wilson College, she’s majoring in psychology, minoring in Spanish and beginning to book shows with her new group, The Jesse Barry Trio (with guitarist Kelly jones and bass player daniel iannucci). Among a long list of plans and dreams, Barry is passionate about working to increase the prevalence of music programs in schools. Skinny Legs and All formed at Evergreen Community Charter School during a jam-band elective initiated by local musician rick praytor. “I’ve been told by other kids that we inspired them,” Barry says. “After I was out of high school, I started noticing all these kid bands emerging, and I thought, ‘That’s so cool.’” scHOOl Of rOck It makes sense that Asheville’s music scene is not only broadening in terms of numbers of bands, venues and genres, but in the range of ages of its musicians. And, as local music gains wider recognition, more talent moves to town — or grows up here. “Asheville is probably the best place to get a start,” says ethan lewis of rock and blues outfit The Lowdown. Lewis has been playing guitar since he was 9 or 10 and singing since he was 11. A transplant from Delaware, he was looking to continue his studies when he moved to Asheville.

december 30 - january 5, 2016

family and friends

it migHt get lOUd: Members of The Laters and The Lowdown, both bands that formed at The Rock Academy of Asheville, performed as part of this year’s Hometown Holiday jam at The Orange Peel. Photo by Pat Barcas “We visited here before me moved,” he says. “We found the Rock Academy. … The instructor invited me to play a song with the band, and I was instantly hooked.” Lewis and drummer jarred chapman formed The Lowdown in that program, recruiting bassist jesse cole and guitarist vin harriman. The band’s first show in its original lineup was in 2013, “and we’ve been going strong every since,” says Lewis. These days, many local teen bands come out of The Rock Academy of Asheville. That organization was created by musician and educator anne coombs, who also founded The Asheville Music School in 1996. About seven years ago, she rebranded, launching the lesson-oriented Music Academy of Asheville. Before the Rock Academy — the band-oriented arm of the school — became a full-time program, Coombs led rock jam camps “at

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any space I could get for three years before I put a name on it.” By 2009, the Rock Academy became a year-round program, rather than just a series of summer camps. At one point, Coombs counted 17 bands and musicians who’ve emerged from the school. “They’ve changed the local landscape,” she says. Before the Rock Academy’s presence, “It was really hard to find teens places to play.” Besides teaching young musicians to play, Coombs also works with local venues such as Highland Brewing Co. and The Altamont Theatre, as well as festivals like Downtown After Five. “People finally get it,” she says. “If they hire the kids to play there, they’ll have 100 people show up. … I used to do early spotlights at Tressa’s on Fridays, and I’d let the teen bands debut there.” Those opening slots started about 7 p.m., and the venue would be packed

Barry recalls that Skinny Legs and All shows were frequented by her parents’ friends and adult audiences. The band’s catalog included baby boomer-friendly offerings like “The Thrill is Gone” and “Little by Little.” clay blair, who performed in the teen Beatles cover band Yesterday’s Tomorrow, had a similar experience. “Our parents loved what we were doing because it was their music,” he says. “I can imagine how much harder it would be for bands to be playing something not as parent-friendly.” That might be the case for The Laters, a current teen band whose sound runs from punk to metal. “Between everyone in the band, we all listen to that kind of music,” says guitarist mitchell nance. “Punk is the main genre we liked enough.” And so the group — including vocalist rachel alleman, bassist Kai Kennedy and drummer aegean Kennedy — all came together around a catalog of covers spanning the ’70s to today. It’s possible that parents of those musicians are into punk music. But if not, the band has peers and teachers who can relate. The Laters formed at the Rock Academy in February. “Rachel wanted to start a band,” says Nance. “She asked if I wanted to play guitar.” According to Coombs, the Rock Academy’s classes meet each Saturday to rehearse. Within each class of about 10 students, there might be a couple of bands. Not only do the students practice together, but Coombs books the classes at a number of club nights. There, “they get to play not only with their class groups, but with their bands through Rock Academy,” she says. “Every band and every group gets to have its own night at a club.” If it’s strategically complicated, the end result is more exposure for your artists. The Laters and fellow Rock Academy classmates The Lowdown

just shared the bill at the Hometown Holiday Jam. The annual showcase, organized by the Asheville Musicians Coalition and benefiting Mission Children’s Hospital and MANNA FoodBank, most recently featured local players like rory Kelly, drew heller, mike barnes and marc Keller. joe lasher jr. and andrew scotchie & the River Rats, also on the roster, got their starts as teens and have gone on to hold their own as recording artists and touring acts. Lewis lists the River Rats among his friends. The Lowdown performed at Barnaroo, an annual festival launched by Scotchie and his band. And Lasher’s bassist, andalyn lewis, got her start in The Lowdown. As far as local musicians whom Lewis looks up to, scott calloway and jeff sipe top his list. patrick dodd of East Coast Dirt is Lewis’ vocal teacher, and blues musician marcus King, from Greenville, S.C., is another artist he’s quick to mention. King, whose debut album was released on Warren Haynes’ label, is still a teen himself. Head start Plenty of kids begin learning an instrument before middle school. Youth orchestras, marching bands and private lessons are markers of many childhoods. “I started playing guitar at age 6,” says Blair. “I took guitar lessons from jerry young. He used to teach in Fairview. I owe so much to him, and my dad as well, for getting me into music.” Blair taught himself to sing and play drums when he was 15, and he and his friend michael Kinnear formed Yesterday’s Tomorrow. When that group was first performing as a quartet, youngest member daniel grant was just 13. The band, which included robin Zieber, had a fiveyear run, calling it quits when Blair and Kinnear left for college in 2006. “Before we were playing actual venues and outdoor events, we were playing in a school gym in Fairview,” Blair says. “It was basically a party where we would rent the gym, invite all of our friends and play most of the night. [It was] some of the most fun I’ve ever had in my life.” Yesterday’s Tomorrow moved on to paying gigs at bars and restaurants. One venue, in the basement of a hotel, “was pretty raunchy, and we loved it,” says Blair. “Our parents had to be there, but as long as they were with us, they let us play.”

That parental support went a long way, but Yesterday’s Tomorrow had plenty of non-blood-relative fans, too, and help from adult musicians along the way. Blair recalls playing LEAF and meeting folk duo johnny irion and sarah lee guthrie at the festival. The friendship endured — when Irion visits Los Angeles, he catches up with Blair, who now lives there and owns Boulevard Recording. “mark and robert henderson influenced me to start writing songs and still do to this day,” says Blair of another bond forged during the Yesterday’s Tomorrow era. “They’re some of the most talented songwriters I’ve ever met. … I keep trying to get them to move out here and sign with a publishing company.” fUtUre fOcUs Supporters, especially those who become friends, mentors and collaborators, are invaluable to young musicians. For singer-songwriter indigo de souza, those connections helped to shape her burgeoning career. At 14, De Souza was making the round of open mics. She landed in second place at the Brown Bag Songwriting Competition that year — no small feat — and although the runner-up position didn’t come with a recording package, local WNCW DJ laura blackley (a singer-songwriter herself) invited De Souza onto her “Local Color” show. The episode was taped at Echo Mountain Recording Studios. “I had to talk about myself and sing a few songs on the radio,” De Souza remembers. “There was an audience watching me.” The experience was nerve-wracking at the time, but when she was leaving, producers michael selverne, owner of production company Welcome to Mars, and josh blake, managing director of Independent Arts and Music Asheville, approached the young musician. The two seasoned industry professionals began to work with De Souza, helping her to record songs and book performances. Two high-profile shows included LEAF, where De Souza played on The Barn stage that Selverne was sponsoring; and at Downtown After 5, where she joined the Asheville All-Stars. Though De Souza mostly performs solo, for larger events, Selverne helps her line up an experienced band (both he and Blake have backed the singer-songwriter). “I’ve just felt really appreciative of the time I’ve got to spend with them,” De Souza says. “Seeing how the industry works has been superbeneficial for me.”

lessOn learned: In the early 2000s, Yesterday’s Tomorrow not only covered Beatles’ songs but traveled to The Beatles’ hometown, Liverpool, to perform sold-out shows. Photo courtesy of Clay Blair De Souza recently bought a conversion van for touring and spent two months traveling and performing. “I wanted to see what it’s like to make a living paying gigs,” she says. It was challenging — including learning to weather criticism from some listeners — but, “It felt good to make my money doing that.” Meanwhile, Lewis, who hopes to attend the Berklee College of Music and then “settle somewhere and become a session musician,” is open to collaborating on local projects beyond The Lowdown.

And Nance, who also wants to major in music in college, is ready to start writing original songs with The Laters. That group has already performed at One Stop with a touring band from Portland. “I’d like to play at The Grey Eagle and in Pack Square Park,” Nance says. “A lot of bands spring off from Rock Academy. It helps you if you’re wanting to start a band.”

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lOcal VOcals: Singer-songwriter Indigo De Souza got her start at open mics before early entry: Jesse Barry, center, fronted blues-rock band Skinny Legs and All teaming with seasoned music professionals to learn more about the business. Photo by throughout high school. She later successfully auditioned for American Idol before Hannah Sommer Photography going on to college. Photo courtesy of the band staying tUned Teen bands are nothing new. From the Jackson 5 to the Jonas Brothers, and from Menudo to Bright Eyes, teen artists have long contributed to the sound and direction of contemporary music. Heck, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was 17 when he was hired as a musician at the Salzburg court. Locally, the music scene includes up-and-coming acts like Posh Hammer — whose lineup is still in high school — along with former youth artists like Celtic musician jack devereux and bluegrass players don and marty lewis of Sons of Ralph. Recently 15-year-old singersongwriter ian ridenhour headlined his first Asheville-area show at White Horse Black Mountain. His debut album, Quietly Making Noise, included contributions from NPR composer bj leiderman and folk musician david lamotte. It just goes to show what you can do with a head start. Coombs’ programs at the Rock Academy offer student musicians the opportunity to play alongside the likes of Grammy-winning bassist victor wooten, American Idol winner caleb johnson and AC/DC bassist cliff williams (a supporter of the Rock Academy). According

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to Coombs, the teens bring a sense of enthusiasm to the local music scene. So while they’re learning, they’re contributing, too. And, Coombs adds, “they bring fresh, new, original material.” De Souza is in the process of figuring out what her next step in the music business will be, but she’s far from taking a break. The singer-songwriter is about to release Boys, a new EP recorded and produced by ryan lassiter and andrew costantino. Look for updates on De Souza’s Facebook page. Blair parlayed his early interest into a full-time career. “I was always recording music when I was 12 [or] 13,” he says. “We had a dual cassette machine in my parents’ basement. … It was very rudimentary, but inspired me to try harder.” While he’s enjoying his work in Los Angeles, he does hope to move back to Asheville someday — his Yesterday’s Tomorrow experiences no doubt play a role in that desire. “Girls would scream for us, it was so much fun. It made us feel like for a moment we were those guys from Liverpool we’d seen in the movies,” Blair remembers of being in the band. “Eventually, we did go to Liverpool in 2004 and play The Cavern Club three nights in a row to a sold-out standingroom audience.” He adds, “Not many teenage guys from North Carolina can say that!” X

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singin’ his guts out Infamous Unknown Hinson rings in the new year at The Grey Eagle

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The marquee for the New Year’s Eve show at The Grey Eagle may read unknown hinson, but the self-proclaimed “king of country-western troubadours” is anything but anonymous. The electrifying singer and guitarist, who has penned infamous musical comedy gems including “Your Man Is Gay,” “Peace, Love and Hard Liquor” and “I Ain’t Afraid of Your Husband” counts “The Simpsons” creator matt groening and internationally acclaimed actor billy bob thornton among his devotees. He’s also the voice of the cantankerous cephalopod Early Cuyler on Cartoon Network’s subversive late-night animated epic, “Squidbillies,” and has released eight studio albums in addition to the 2012 concert retrospective, Live and Undead. But don’t think these honors have gone to Unknown Hinson’s widow’s peaked head. He was already full of a unique mix of humility and braggadocio long before he made his first appearances on Charlotte’s cable access TV in the 1990s, and has not changed much since. “I just strap on my guitar, then sing and play,” Hinson says. “I make a sound. Some people like it. Some people hate it, but I’m gonna do it no matter what. As far as my show goes, I just play and do what I do.” Hinson’s act is an acquired taste. Early in his touring career he arrived at shows in a classic automobile chauffeured by a zombieesque character named Gustave. He then proceeded to discharge a starter’s pistol into the crowd after instructing the female attendants to “say goodbye to your boyfriend and hello to your manfriend.” For the easily offended, it’s important to know this about Unknown Hinson: He’s actually the brainchild of articulate former guitar teacher stuart daniel baker, who created this ego-addled character more than 20 years ago to play with Southern stereotypes. Hinson is an over-the-top exaggeration of the average blue-collar good ol’ boy who may have fixed your car’s transmission or took forever buying lottery tickets when

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all’s Well tHat ends Well: Rockabilly vampire Unknown Hinson — a character study of Southern stereotypes — has a plan for his New Year’s Eve show at The Grey Eagle. “Ring out the old, ring in the new,” he says. “Pretty much the same mess everywhere in the world.” Photo courtesy of the musician you were patiently waiting to pay for gas. He’s also one who can wail on the guitar and make you groove while you laugh at and with him.

Neither identity wants to acknowledge the relationship between this hillbilly-gothic stage persona and the man behind the music, and that

only adds to the mystique. “I don’t have nothin’ to do with that Baker fella,” Hinson says. “He’s been stalkin’ me for good on 30 years now. I think he needs to seek professional help.” While there’s no further discussion of the man behind the curtain, Hinson is more than happy to discuss how his animated adventures have created a decidedly odd and awesome awareness of his music and adventures. “Fans of mine, they get to know ‘Squidbillies’ because of me, then people who have never heard of me see my name at the end and get to wondering what all that’s about,” he says. “It’s definitely a big help to me, and the Adult Swim people in Atlanta are really great, creative people to work with.” “Squidbillies” is currently in production for a 10th season of 15-minute episodes, an achievement of which Baker, Early Cuyler and Hinson are all deservedly proud. “Ten is a decade, and that’s a long time for a cartoon,” the musician says. “It’s longer than ‘Leave It to Beaver’ was on, and we’re stronger than ever.” So what should fans expect when Unknown Hinson plays a special New Year’s Eve show with opening acts Drunken Prayer and Little Lesley & The Bloodshots? “I’ve played hundreds of New Year’s shows, but there might be some seasonal surprises in the repertoire,” he says. “Ring out the old, ring in the new; pretty much the same mess everywhere in the world. Unknown Hinson is still alive, baby, doing what I do, and I ain’t about to damn stop at all. If you will be there, I will be there singin’ my guts out for you.” X

new Year’s eVe eVents Still trying to decide where to ring in 2016? Here are a few options. For more ideas, revisit last week’s extensive roundup at mountainx.com/arts/newyears-eve-parties-in-and-around-wnc. • There are two options for celebrating at the southern appalachian brewery in Hendersonville. ellen trnka plays blues, Americana and rock with howie johnson and craig woody from 6 to 8 p.m., followed by blues band ross osteen and crossroads from 9 p.m. to midnight. sabrewery.com • In true “Auld Lang Syne” style, lex 18 serves up a new year’s eve sentimental journey dinner show. The restaurant will be decorated in post-Edwardian style, the shiela gordon trio is slated to perform torch songs, and a four-course dinner will be served. 6 p.m. $95-$110 per person (gratuity not included). newyearsevelex18.bpt.me • mean mary and the contrarys take the stage as part of the Waynesvillebased classic wineseller’s festivities — a dinner and show. 7-10 p.m. $65 per person (plus beverage, tax and tip). classicwineseller.com • The new year’s eve hootenanny, now in its fourth year at oscar blues, includes “food from the Oskar Blues CHUBwagon, fresh craft brews, killer tunes and more surprises throughout the night,” according to the brewery’s website. the black lillies, town mountain, pisgah pickers and more are on the roster. 7 p.m. $45 day of event. oscarblues.com

• the social lounge hosts a masquerade ball for the second year. “The event will be held in true burlesque fashion, so bring your mask and high style in celebration of a fresh new year,” says a press release. The evening includes appetizers and a Champagne toast. $5. socialloungeasheville.com • The $5 cover for the annual new year’s eve dance party, hosted by asheville fm, benefits the local nonprofit radio station. Plus, the station’s DJs spin tunes all night at desoto lounge. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. ashevillefm.org • “Are you a disenfranchised loner and think you might stay in? We welcome you,” says the Facebook invite for new year’s eve with the jangling sparrows, held at barley’s taproom & pizzeria. “Do you wanna kick out with a fun band? This is the place to be,” the band, led by singer-songwriter paul edelman, promises. “We’re really going to have fun — no sh*t! And we’ll have a few surprises up our sleeves.” 9 p.m. barleystaproom.com • “the secret b-sides return to Bywater in search of adventure, glory and the solid-gold baby-making goodtimes music that started it all,” says the Facebook invite for the party known as on the beaches of earth — aka nye at the bywater. “Live music by the Secret B-Sides will be visually accompanied by the Monterey Bay Aquarium live jellyfish cam in HD, followed by … all six original Star Wars movies projected on top of each other, at once.” Will all of that actually happen? You’ll only know if you go. 9 p.m. bywater.bar • You can celebrate a new year by going back in time at the newly opened

who Unknown Hinson with Drunken Prayer and Little Lesley & The Bloodshots

s&w cafeteria. There, a ’20s-inspired evening features music from sevenpiece New Orleans jazz band mick glasgow & the house hoppers plus prizes, hors d’oeuvres and a Champagne toast. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. $25. swneyparty.eventbrite.com • If your New Year’s resolution is to rein in the spending, you can start with a free show at ben’s tune-up. “This will be a happy, happy, fun time,” promises local indie-folk band matt townsend & the wonder of the world, which will play two sets including originals and “a heretofore rare event in our shows: covers.” 9 p.m. benstuneup.com • Head to Hot Springs where the spring creek tavern holds its annual new year’s eve bash. There will be a masquerade party and ball drop, and wilderbeest takes the stage from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. thespringcreektavern.com • If you like a theme party, here’s a good one: banks ave. (formerly known as Public School) holds a black & gold party. “Black and gold attire highly encouraged,” says the Facebook invite. “Be gorgeous. Be fabulous.” dj Kipper schauer spins, Rose Hecht Creative provides a photo booth, and there will be a PBR toast at midnight. No cover. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. avl.mx/23b • R&B band blood gypsies promise a soulful start to the new year. They’ll start playing at 10 p.m. at foggy mountain brew pub. foggymountainavl.com Find more New Year’s Eve happenings in Calendar and Clubland. — Alli Marshall

HOp tO it: Local collective Mick Glasgow & the House Hoppers put a New Orleans-style spin on New Year’s Eve at the recently opened S&W Cafeteria. Photo courtesy of the band

where The Grey Eagle thegreyeagle.com when Thursday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m. $20 advance/ $25 day of show

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by Xpress contributors

top Five oF 2015

fUnny bUsiness: Improv troupe No Regrets smiles (kind of) for the camera. Photo courtesy of Chase McNeill There’s really not a dull moment in Asheville. LaZoom bus antics, frequent street festivals and Pubcycle sightings aside, there’s no end to the arts events on offer. While the local music scene is no secret, it continues to grow and diversify (not enough, some would say, but room for improvement is not necessarily a bad thing). This year also saw the publication of many local books, a stunning selection of theater productions and increased comedy offerings. Only a few short years ago the local comedy scene was its own joke — these days the laughs keep coming. Before we head off into 2016, Xpress writers look back on their favorite moments from 2015 in the arts. tOp fiVe cOmedy sHOWs From stand-up open mics featuring local talent to national acts, Asheville delivered some big laughs. • Improv with Kevin McDonald at toy boat community theatre — As a major “Kids in the Hall” fan, the opportunity to see Canadian comedian Kevin McDonald right here in

december 30 - january 5, 2016

The best of books, plays, comedy and concerts

sHOW time: Clockwise from top left, Fred Wesley and the new JB’s, Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas, World Party and Jaga Jazzist. Photos by Bill Kopp

Asheville felt like a tiny gift from heaven. Not only did McDonald perform two strange and unforgettable original songs, he was also joined by lots of local funny people doing stand-up, improv and sketch comedy. (Stand-up comic Minori Hinds was particularly hilarious.) McDonald turned out to be a very down-to-earth dude and invited my boyfriend and me to watch The Super Bowl with him the next day at The Southern. There were lots of other people there, but I like to pretend it was just us.

leotard-clad dance troupe performing the Flashdance theme song. You can catch the next installment of the show on Sunday, Feb. 21.

• Yes Fest at The Magnetic Theatre — Local improv troupes No Regets, Reasonably Prices Babies, Oxymorons and Blacklist are all so talented and funny, it’s hard to pick a favorite. What made the Yes Fest so fantastic is that you didn’t have to pick a favorite — they all performed in the same, threenight show.

• Stand-up open mic at The odditorium — Hosted by stand-up comic and Asheville FM radio host Tom Peters, the open mic at The Odditorium is a weekly comedy staple that features a range of local talent. New troupe Blacklist Improv performs before every open mic, which is just icing on the cake. It happens every Tuesday, and it’s free, so check it out in 2016. — Lea McLellan

• I’m Proud of You Variety Show at toy boat — This show featured some of my favorite funny people in Asheville, including host Chase McNeill. The evening was formatted like a talk show with sketch comedy interludes. Top moments included a surprise appearance from Bjork and a uni-browed,

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• Lizz Winstead at The Grey Eagle — Lizz Winstead is a personal hero I never knew I had until I stumbled upon her stand-up set at The Grey Eagle. This fierce and funny woman of comedy co-created “The Daily Show” and, more recently, is a champion of women’s rights with Lady Parts Justice League. I’ve never laughed so hard about access to birth control.

tOp fiVe lOcal yOUng adUlt and middle grade bOOks Among Asheville’s vibrant community of young adult and middle grade

authors, 2015 was a banner year. It was an honor to see my own middle grade novel, Tales of a Fifth-Grade Knight, released alongside these stellar titles: • sound by alexandra duncan (Greenwillow Books). Fellow local author stephanie perkins praised Duncan’s brand of “kickass, brilliant, feminist science fiction” in Salvage. And in Sound, Duncan continues to mine this vein. “This adventure novel will appeal to readers looking for science fiction with strong female heroines and abundant diversity,” said School Library Journal. (Readers looking for strong, complex female leads may also want to consider Invincible, by Seattle transplant amy reed, which won praise from Booklist for a “compelling first-person narrative” of a girl saved from terminal cancer who descends into risk-taking and addiction.) • serafina and the Black Cloak by robert beatty (Disney/ Hyperion). The Goodreads pick for No. 1 Middle Grade Novel of 2015, this best-seller set at The Biltmore Estate has been described by School Library Journal as “a creepy, sus-

penseful read that’s not quite as dark as the works of Neil Gaiman or Adam Gidwitz.” (Readers seeking locally set fantasy may also want to check out laurie mcKay’s Villain Keeper, which features a boy from a magical kingdom who finds himself transported to modern-day Asheville.) • the Cage by megan shepherd (Balzer + Bray). Having concluded her Victorian gothic Madman’s Daughter trilogy, Shepherd has moved on to a science fiction thriller about teens abducted from Earth and placed in an alien zoo. beth revis, author of the Across the Universe series, called The Cage “a brilliant, exciting tale of what it’s like to be human, even when all hope is lost.” • the Dragon Lantern by alan gratz (Starscape). The second book in Gratz’s steampunk League of Seven series, Lantern continues the adventures of Archie Dent and his band of extraordinary youths as they prepare for the onslaught of the Mangleborn. As Publisher’s Weekly puts it, “Gratz has created an imaginative world with appeal far beyond its immediate middlegrade market.” • Mr. puffball: stunt Cat to the stars by constance lombardo (Katherine Tegen Books). Lombardo wrote and illustrated this funny and affecting story of a young cat seeking his fortune in Hollywood. “Emotions run high and dramatic moments are many, but Mr. Puffball’s positive attitude and growing understanding that good friends are what matter most light up the pages,” says Publisher’s Weekly. — Doug Gibson tOp fiVe tHeater prOdUctiOns In a year of excellence in the WNC theater scene, it’s a daunting task to narrow to the top five. • an iliad was a tale as old as time, told in a sparse way on the bare stage of North Carolina Stage Company. willie repoley was dynamic as the sole actor on stage, recounting wars waged from ancient Greece to the 21st century. Accompanied by haunting music from lone pianist and composer jan powell, this show was stirring and mesmerizing. N.C. Stage’s strong year had many great shows, but the one that stuck with me the most was

this partnership production with Immediate Theatre Project. • art was a play I knew quite well, having been in the show myself once. The folks of The Actor’s Center of Asheville had a formidable task ahead of themselves in pleasing me with their production at Asheville Community Theatre’s tiny 35 Below space. Happily, the stellar acting trio of dan clancy, robert dale walker and Kevin patrick murphy nailed it. • Asheville Community Theatre has cracked the code on what it takes to fill houses and grow audiences. This year, Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein came alive as a Halloween treat for theatergoers. And despite being a nonprofessional community theater, the company gave us one of the most refined and professional productions of the year. • Chasing rainbows: the road to oz closed out Flat Rock Playhouse’s 2015 season with a strong production that is ready for Broadway and Tony Awards. I feel strongly both could be in the company’s future. Flat Rock Playhouse has lived up to its designation as the State Theatre of North Carolina. Its strong season also included the spectacular Tuskegee Airmen saga, Fly. • The Magnetic Theatre produces new works, which can be a daunting task. One show was simply the most moving and inspiring piece of theater I saw all year. It was a tale of the last day of the lives of the ill-fated women who worked in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory. It also reminded me of just how wonderfully intimate theater can be. Local author david hopes’ Washington place was the best show of 2015. — Jeff Messer

Winehouse made. “Sorry I Stole Your Man” is sexy, smart-alecky and supremely catchy. The Grey Eagle show was sparsely attended, but Hernandez and her Deltas played as if to a capacity crowd. • Jaga Jazzist at New Mountain — On paper, the idea of a large ensemble playing a trip-hop-influenced rethink of big band jazz reads as all head, no heart and not all that much fun. The reality is quite different. This Norwegian experimental jazz group has seven albums to its credit (2010’s OneArmed Bandit is the best to date), and the band’s wordless music is engaging and positively entrancing. The enthusiastic crowd at New Mountain agreed. • World Party at The Altamont theatre — Karl Wallinger and band played Asheville in 2014, but that was a drummerless show. For this intimate performance, World Party was once again a full band. The bigger sound and smaller venue equaled a near-perfect concert that showcased the group’s hits and near-misses, and was marred only by some sound issues

that were due to late arrival and a too-brief sound check. • Pugwash at The Altamont theatre — After years of trying, Irish classic pop group Pugwash is beginning to enjoy commercial success commensurate with its critical acclaim. Sounding a bit like ELO crossed with late-period XTC, the group’s Thomas Walsh turned out the sweetest of ear candy. And like all the dates on this tour, for the Asheville show Pugwash played with borrowed gear. • Fred Wesley and the New jb’s at rivermusic — This season’s successful RiverMusic series wrapped with legendary band leader Fred Wesley. Mere days before this show, the band was nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. That likely means that the musicians’ live fee will be higher when it’s time to bring them back to town, but the outdoor show’s rapturous reception means a return is likely (and a good value no matter the cost). — Bill Kopp X

2016

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tOp fiVe cOncerts I’m always amazed and grateful that, despite being a comparatively small market, Asheville draws high-end touring talent. This year was no exception. Among a long list of local shows, these are mytop picks for2015: • Jessica Hernandez & the deltas at the grey eagle — Hernandez got her big break when she wowed on one of David Letterman’s last shows. Hers is a gritty, soulful, Detroit-flavored take on the kind of music Amy

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smart bets Send your arts news to ae@mountainx.com

Fred Eaglesmith If many people try to ease into the new year — maybe trying out a Jazzercise class or attempting to eat kale at least once a week — singer-songwriter Fred Eaglesmith is taking a different approach. He’s going full steam ahead. The Canadian-born musician will kick off 2016 with a new album and a string of live shows. The latter is appropriately billed as the Traveling Steam Show. Eaglesmith’s fans call themselves “Fredheads,” and that group knows that the singer-songwriter’s live performances include comic monologues and rock ’n’ roll treatments of new material and back catalog offerings. The Traveling Steam Show rolls into The Grey Eagle Wednesday, Jan. 6, at 8 p.m. $15 advance/$18 day of show. thegreyeagle.com. Photo by Tweten’s Photography

Asheville Mardi Gras’ 12th Night Asheville Mardi Gras includes happenings in multiple venues throughout January and February, but the action kicks off with 12th Night — a celebration named for its timing after Christmas. This year’s festival theme, “Saints Versus Sinners,” promises to attract “all of this area’s most colorful, funky and artistic people,” according to a release from the community event organizers. At 12th Night, partygoers see the current AMG king and queen pass their crowns down to this year’s reigning couple. Royalty or not, though, all are welcome to dance their way into 2016 in an imaginative getup (optional). The kickoff event is at The Grove House Wednesday, Jan. 6, at 7 p.m. $10 at the door (free for active 2016 AMG members). ashevillemardigras.org. Photo courtesy of AMG

Sarah Addison Allen Probing readers prompted local author Sarah Addison Allen to pen a follow-up to her first work of magical realism, Garden Spells. The resulting sequel, First Frost, picks up 10 years later, revisiting the lives of magically endowed sisters Claire and Sydney Waverly and their families. As tension arises, the relatives endeavor to maintain their close bonds. Known for her wildly creative storylines, Allen found it challenging to build upon existing characters and premises but carried on with a seat-of-her-pants approach. “I’m so completely blinded by the process of writing that I never really see what I put of myself into my books until they’re done,” she says. Allen holds a reading and signing for the paperback release of her book (the hardcover debuted last January) at Malaprop’s Monday, Jan. 4, at 7 p.m. Free. malaprops.com. Photo by Amber S. Wallace 42

december 30 - january 5, 2016

Sean Patton New Orleans-raised, New York-based comedian Sean Patton considers himself a pacifist, but he still enjoys watching fights that involve an upper-middle-class white dude from the suburbs. “Years of going to brunch with his parents and getting an allowance ... made that dude hard as sh*t,” Patton says during a show, imagining and impersonating the unfavorable breed. “You don’t know what it’s like in the hood he grew up in — ’cause you can’t get into that hood. It’s a gated subdivision. You don’t know the code.” Patton has shared gems of wisdom like this (check out his primer on parents versus “kid owners”) on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” “Conan,” multiple Comedy Central shows and ample club and festival stages. Next he stops at The Odditorium Wednesday, Jan. 6, at 8 p.m. $10/$12. facebook.com/ashevilleodditorium. Photo by Seth Olenick mountainx.com

a& e

by Abigail Griffin

Send your event listings to calendar@mountainx.com art

champagne toast. Show starts at 9pm. $40.

firestOrm cafe and bOOks 610 Haywood Road, 255-8115 • 1st FRIDAYS, 6:30pm - “The Tipout Showcase,” open mic with local music, poetry and other arts. Free to attend.

aUditiOns & call tO artists art at asU 262-3017, tcva.org • MO (1/4) through TH (2/18) - Entries accepted for the 30th Anniversary Rosen Sculpture Competition. Contact for guidelines: rosensculpture.org/prospectus-2016.php. Free. tHe magnetic tHeatre themagnetictheatre.org • Through SU (2/7) - One act play submissions accepted for the Brief Encounters 2016 series. See website for guidelines. Free.

gifts Of art: The Collectors’ Circle: Celebrating Recent Gifts exhibit at the Asheville Art Museum showcases art pieces obtained in 2014 and 2015 by the museum’s Collectors’ Circle alongside unique works from the permanent collection. The museum’s Collectors’ Circle is a membership group that is dedicated to growing the museum’s permanent collection in partnership with the museum curators. Since the group began in 2004, it has added over 90 works of art to the museum’s permanent collection. The exhibition runs until Sunday, Feb. 14. John (from the Ruminations series) by Robert Rauschenberg, photo courtesy of the Asheville Art Museum (p. 43)

cOmedy HendersOnVille cOmmUnity tHeatre 229 S. Washington St., Hendersonville, 692-1082, hendersonvillelittletheater.org • TH (12/31), 8pm-midnight - “GutBusters Comedy Club New Years Eve Gala,” with comedy show, hors d’oeuvres, music, raffle and

mUsic asHeVille area arts cOUncil 1 Page Ave., 258-0710, ashevillearts.com • TU (1/5), 10am - Artist Business Brainstorm: “The Business of Music,” with Echo Mountain Recording Studio. Registration required. Free. catHey’s creek cOmmUnity center Island Ford Road, Brevard • SA (1/2), 7pm - Carolina Blue, bluegrass. $5/$3 for children under 12. st. mattHias cHUrcH 1 Dundee St., 285-0033, stmatthiasepiscopal.com • SU (1/3), 3pm - “An Afternoon in Vienna,” Strauss polkas and waltzes by a chamber orchestra, with a soprano and dancers. Admission by donation.

tHeater firestOrm cafe and bOOks 610 Haywood Road, 255-8115 • TU (1/5), 7pm - “Fire with Fire: Anti-Militarist Puppet Show,” puppet show for adults on themes of militarism. $5-$20. tHe magnetic tHeatre 375 Depot St., 279-4155 • THURSDAYS through SATURDAYS (1/7) until (1/16), 7:30pm - Beer and How To Drink It. $24/$21 advance.

Gallery d irectory art at Unca art.unca.edu • Through FR (1/15) - Art/Mechatronics Exhibition. Held in Owen Hall Second Floor Gallery. asHeVille art mUseUm 2 N. Pack Square, 253-3227, ashevilleart.org • Through SU (2/14) - Collectors’ Circle: Celebrating Recent Gifts, exhibit features recent art gifts to the museum. asHeVille gallery Of art 16 College St., 251-5796, ashevillegallery-of-art.com • Through TH (12/31) - Toys, painting exhibition of Virginia Pendergrass. black mOUntain center fOr tHe arts 225 W. State St., Black Mountain, 669-0930, blackmountainarts.org • Through MO (2/29) - Annual Clay Exhibit and Pottery Market. bUncOmbe cOUnty pUblic libraries buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/library Free unless otherwise noted. • Through TH (12/31) - Art exhibition by Sharon Sandel. Held at West Asheville Library, 942 Haywood Road • Through TH (12/31) - PhotoVoice Exhibit: Parenting is Hard: Let’s Do It Together, exhibition in partnership with Triple P Positive Parenting. Held at Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St. n.c. arbOretUm 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, 665-2492, ncarboretum.org • Through SA (1/3) - The Robot Zoo, exhibit fea-

turing giant-size robots and interactive displays to teach biomechanics of animals. • Through (1/3) - Fine-feathered Friends and Flowers, oil paintings by Mary Webster. Regular parking fees apply. Odyssey cOOperatiVe art gallery 238 Clingman Ave., 285-9700, facebook.com/odysseycoopgallery • Through TH (12/31) Group ceramic art exhibition showcasing the work of Mark Harmon and Ed Rivera. • Through SU (1/31) - Ceramic artworks by Chiwa Clark and Andrea Freeman. OVer easy cafe 32 Broadway St., 236-3533, overeasyasheville.com • Through TH (12/31) - Exhibition of early works and recent editorial cartoons by David Cohen. tHe center fOr craft, creatiVity & design 67 Broadway, 785-1357, craftcreativitydesign.org • Through SA (1/9) - Made in WNC, textile, furniture, ceramics, and art exhibit exploring how craft, design, and production relate. • Through SA (1/9) - Tom Shields sculptural arrangements from found furniture. tHe frencH brOad artists saharfakhoury@yahoo.com • TU (12/1) through TH (12/31) - Small Jewels, exhibition of small paintings. Held at Riverview Station, 191 Lyman St. tryOn fine arts center 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon, 859-8322, tryonarts.org • Through SA (1/16) - Through A Brilliant Lens, photographs by Hansel Mieth. Contact the galleries for admission hours and fees

mountainx.com

december 30 - january 5, 2016

clUbland asHeVille mUsic Hall Asheville New Year’s Eve 2016 Masquerade w/ Bird of Prey, Empire Strikes Brass, Push/Pull, The Hornitz, Rims and Keys, Hank West and the Smokin’ Hots & TEMPI (electronic, funk, soul), 9pm

Wednesday, december 30 5 WalnUt Wine bar Eleanor Underhill (Americana, soul), 5pm Les Amis (African folk), 8pm

barley’s taprOOm AMC Jazz Jam, 9pm

ben’s tUne-Up Honky-tonk Wednesdays, 3pm

ben’s tUne-Up New Year’s Eve Ben’s Bash w/ Todd Cecil and Back South & Matt Townsend & The Wonder of The World (Americana, swamp-rock, indie), 6pm

black mOUntain ale HOUse Play to Win game night, 7:30pm blUe mOUntain pizza & breW pUb Open mic, 7pm

black mOUntain ale HOUse Bluegrass jam w/ The Big Deal Band, 8pm New Years Eve w/ Alarm Clock Conspiracy (indie, rock), 10pm

dOUble crOWn Classic Country w/ DJs Greg Cartwright, David Gay, Brody Hunt, 10pm

blUe mOUntain pizza & breW pUb Mark Bumgarner (Americana), 7pm

fOggy mOUntain breWpUb DJ Betcha Won’t, 9pm

blUe ridge taprOOm New Year’s Eve: Our House presents “Underground Sounds of Asheville” (electronic), 9pm

fUnkatOriUm John Hartford Jam (folk, bluegrass), 6:30pm gOOd stUff Karaoke!, 6pm

bOiler rOOm Grove house Epic New Year’s Bash (prizes, DJs, drag show), 8pm

grind cafe Trivia night, 7pm

bUxtOn Hall bbQ Buxton Hall New Year’s Eve party w/ DJ Mathew Storm Schrader, 10:30pm

HigHland breWing cOmpany Woody Wood Wednesdays (rock, soul), 5:30pm irOn HOrse statiOn Kevin Reese (Americana), 6pm

byWater NYE Ball Drop w/ Secret B-Sides & The Beaches of Earth (soul, funk), 9pm

isis restaUrant and mUsic Hall Brittany Reilly Grateful Duo w/ Taylor Martin’s Engine (bluegrass, roots, rock), 9pm Jack Of tHe WOOd pUb Old-time session, 5pm Honky-tonk dance party w/ Hearts Gone South, 9pm lazy diamOnd Killer Karaoke w/ KJ Tim O, 10pm

lOse cOntrOl: Billed as “not your typical Saturday night Top 40 dance party,” Lose Yourself to Dance promises that “anything goes when [DJ] Marley Carroll starts spinning.” From indie beats to classic dance hits, Asheville Music Hall will pulse with rhythm on Saturday, Jan. 2, at 10 p.m. for this free dance party. Photo by Nicole McConville

lex 18 The Patrick Lopez Experience (modern & Latin jazz), 7pm

Mr. Mange w/ Kindgoms and Classes (rock), 9pm

lObster trap Ben Hovey (dub-jazz, trumpet), 6:30pm

Off tHe WagOn Piano show, 9pm

mOUntain mOJO cOffeeHOUse Open mic, 6:30pm

OliVe Or tWist Intermediate swing dance lessons w/ Bobby Wood, 7pm Beginning swing dance lesson w/ Bobby Wood, 7:30pm 3 Cool Cats (vintage rock), 8pm

nOble kaVa Open mic w/ Caleb Beissert, 9pm O.Henry’s/tHe UndergrOUnd “Take the Cake” Karaoke, 10pm OdditOriUm

To qualify for a free listing, a venue must be predominately dedicated to the performing arts. Bookstores and cafés with regular open mics and musical events are also allowed / To limit confusion, events must be submitted by the venue owner or a representative of that venue / Events must be submitted in written form by e-mail (clubland@mountainx.com), fax, snail mail or hand-delivered to the Clubland Editor Hayley Benton at 2 Wall St., Room 209, Asheville, NC 28801. Events submitted to other staff members are not assured of inclusion in Clubland / Clubs must hold at least TWO events per week to qualify for listing space. Any venue that is inactive in Clubland for one month will be removed / The Clubland Editor reserves the right to edit or exclude events or venues / Deadline is by noon on Monday for that Wednesday’s publication. this is a firm deadline.

classic Wineseller New Year’s Eve w/ Mean Mary & the Contrarys (folk), 7pm

december 30 - january 5, 2016

tHe JOint next dOOr Bluegrass jam, 8pm tHe mOtHligHt The Nude Party w/ The Blots, Ancient Whales & The Cannonball Jars (“boner pop”, psychedelic, rock), 9pm tHe pHOenix Jazz night, 8pm

One stOp deli & bar Lip sync karaoke, 10pm

tHe sOcial lOUnge Phantom Pantone (DJ), 10pm

One WOrld breWing Billy Litz (Americana, singer-songwriter), 8pm

tHe sOUtHern Disclaimer Comedy open mic, 9pm

Oskar blUes breWery Trivia at the brewery, 6pm

tiger mOUntain Flux (’80s & ’90s dance party), 10pm

pisgaH breWing cOmpany Laura Blackley & The Wildflowers (country, Americana), 6pm

timO’s HOUse “Spectrum AVL” w/ DamGood & rotating DJs, 9pm

rOOm ix Fuego: Latin night, 9pm

tOWn pUmp Open mic w/ Billy Presnell, 9pm

sanctUary breWing cOmpany Pups & Pints adoption event w/ Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, 7pm

trailHead restaUrant and bar Acoustic jam w/ Kevin Scanlon (bluegrass, old-time, folk), 6pm

scUlly’s Sons of Ralph (bluegrass), 6pm

tressa’s dOWntOWn Jazz and blUes Blues & soul jam w/ Al Coffee & Da Grind, 8:30pm

sly grOg lOUnge Cards Against Humanity Game Night, 10pm

WHite HOrse black mOUntain The Road Less Traveled (jazz), 7:30pm

sOl bar neW mOUntain World Wednesdays, 8pm sOUtHern appalacHian breWery Holiday Spin Sessions w/ DJ Robin Tolleson (classic vinyl), 6pm tallgary’s at fOUr cOllege Open mic & jam, 7pm

mountainx.com

tHUrsday, december 31 5 WalnUt Wine bar Pleasure Chest (blues, rock, soul), 6pm New Years Eve w/ Shake It Like a Caveman! (rock ’n’ roll), 10pm

clUb eleVen On grOVe Tango lessons & practilonga w/ Tango Gypsies, 7pm Grove House Epic New Year’s Eve bash (prizes, DJs, drag show), 8pm creekside tapHOUse Singer-songwriter night w/ Riyen Roots, 8pm crOW & QUill Plankeye Peggy w/ Skunk Ruckus (rock, rockabilly, carnival tunes, pirate shanties), 9pm dOUble crOWn 33 and 1/3 Thursdays w/ DJs Devyn & Oakley, 10pm dUgOUt New Years Eve party w/ Justified Vibe (blues, rock), 9pm elaine’s dUeling pianO bar Dueling Pianos, 9pm eliada HOme Dancing, Drums, and Dreams: A Rhythmic Celebration of the New Year w/ Free Planet Radio & Kalimbaman Kevin Spears (rhythmic drumming, world music), 8:30pm fOggy mOUntain breWpUb Blood Gypsies New Year’s Eve party (soul, R&B), 10pm frencH brOad breWery Tennessee Hollow Reunion w/ Dave Dribbon & Chris Budro (rock, country, blues), 6pm grey eagle mUsic Hall & taVern Unknown Hinson w/ Drunken Prayer & Little Lesley and the Bloodshots (country, psychobilly, rock), 9pm grOVe HOUse entertainment cOmplex New Year’s Eve Bash w/ balloon drop, champagne & prizes, 8pm HigHland breWing cOmpany Ring in the new beer! w/ The Family & DJ Marley (folk, rock, DJ), 6pm isis restaUrant and mUsic Hall New Years Eve celebration w/ stephaniesid & Jon Stickley Trio (pop, rock, jazz), 9pm

Jack Of tHe WOOd pUb Bluegrass jam, 7pm Cajun New Year’s Eve celebration w/ Jackomo Cajun Country Band & Zydeco Ya Ya, 9pm lex 18 Top Hat! Putting on the Ritz New Years Celebration (ticketed event), 5:30pm lObster trap Hank Bones (“The man of 1,000 songs”), 6:30pm market place Ben Hovey (dub jazz, beats), 7pm neW mOUntain tHeater/ ampHitHeater New Year’s Eve w/ The Mantras & Pigeons Playing Ping Pong (funk, rock, electronica), 8pm nOble cider A Very Noble New Year w/ Peggy & The Daddy Long Legs (rockin’ blues, Motown, soul), 8pm O.Henry’s/tHe UndergrOUnd Game Night, 9pm New Year’s Eve Bottles & Bow Ties (drag, DJs, go-go), 10pm Drag Show, 12:30am OdditOriUm Odd Cover Show & Girls Rock Benefit (rock), 9pm

December/ January 2015-2016

Off tHe WagOn Dueling pianos, 9pm OliVe Or tWist Dance lesson w/ Ian & Karen, 8pm DJ Mike (eclectic mix, requests), 8:30pm

THURSDAY

One stOp deli & bar Phish ’n’ Chips (Phish covers), 6pm Asheville New Year’s Eve 2016 Masquerade w/ Bird of Prey, Empire Strikes Brass, Push/ Pull, The Hornitz, Rims and Keys, Hank West and the Smokin’ Hots & TEMPI (electronic, funk, soul), 9pm

9PM SHOW

12.31

NEW YEARS EVE THEATER

THURSDAY

12.31

9PM SHOW

One WOrld breWing New Year’s Eve Prohibition Party w/ DJ Whistleblower, 9pm Orange peel RJD2 w/ Transputer & Selector Cleofus (hiphop, indie, rock), 9pm Oskar blUes breWery New Year’s Eve Hootenanny w/ The Black Lillies, Town Mountain, Pisgah Pickers, members of Steep Canyon Rangers & Steve trismen and Jeff Sipe (country, soul, rock), 7pm pack’s taVern Countdown To 2016 Bash w/ Lyric (pop, funk, soul) & DJ Moto (dance hits), 9pm pisgaH breWing cOmpany Phuncle Sam’s free New Year’s Eve (Grateful Dead tribute), 9:30pm pUrple OniOn cafe New Year’s Eve celebration early dinner w/ Fred Whiskin (piano), 5pm New Year’s Eve celebration w/ The Deluge (roots, rock, soul), 8pm rOOm ix Throwback Thursdays (all vinyl set), 9pm sanctUary breWing cOmpany Aaron Burdette (Americana, bluegrass, folkrock), 7pm scandals nigHtclUb Grove House Epic New Year’s Eve bash (prizes, DJs, drag show), 8pm sly grOg lOUnge Open mic (musicians, poets, comedians & more welcome), 8pm sOl bar neW mOUntain New Year’s Eve: Our House presents

THE MANTRAS

and PIGEONS PLAYING PING PONG

FRIDAY

1.01

6PM SHOW FRIDAY

1.01

10PM SHOW MONDAY

NEW YEARS EVE

JACK

SOL BAR & BLUE RIDGE TAPROOM

OUR HOUSE PRESENTS

UNDERGROUND SOUNDS OF ASHEVILLE

OF THE

WOOD PUB

BLUE RIDGE TAPROOM

#1 Pub Grub #2 Bar for Live Music CAJUN NEW YEARS EVE THU CELEBRATION W/ SPECIAL GUEST 12.31 JACKMOMO CAJUN COUNTRY BAND

ASHEVILLE DRUM CIRCLE

BRING YOUR DRUMS!! SOL BAR

SOL VIBES PRESENTS

MARY B & BYRDY

W/ZYDECO YA YA

FRI 1.1

SOL BAR

1.04 MONDAY FUNDAY $3 EVERYTHING 8PM SHOW BRING YOUR PHONE & PLAY MUSIC!

WEDNESDAY

SOL BAR

1.06 ADBC PRESENTS AXIOM

9PM SHOW LAUNCH PARTY FEAT. ADBC RESIDENTS

9PM $10

DAVID CHILDERS & THE SERPENTS

9PM $5

TODD CECIL & BACK SOUTH

MON 1.4

DEEP BLUES SLIDE GUITAR TO AMERICANA FOLK 9PM FREE (DONATIONS ENCOURAGED)

REDLEG HUSKY

FRIDAY

SOL BAR

TUE 1.5

BOOT STOMPIN’ FOLK & SOUL

FRIDAY

BLUE RIDGE TAPROOM

FRI 1.8

APPALACHIAN BLUEGRASS MOUNTAIN MUSIC

SAT 1.9

WESTERN SWING ROCKABILLY & COUNTRY BLUES

SOL VIBES PRESENTS 10PM SHOW MELT YUM & MORPHONIC

1.08

6PM SHOW

DRUM CIRCLE

BRING YOUR OWN DRUMS Coming Up:

WED - 1.13: ADBC PRESENTS AXIOM W/ MAD INFLUENCE & ADBC RESIDENTS FRI - 1.15: MANIC FOCUS, PSYMBIONIC, LIVE ANIMALS & BOMBASSIC FRI - 1.15: SOL VIBES PRESENTS DJ BOWIE

9PM FREE (DONATIONS ENCOURAGED)

JAKOBS FERRY STRAGGLERS

9PM $5

KELLEY AND THE COWBOYS

9PM $5

OPEN AT NOON DAILY

SATURDAY Parker & Smith (old-fashioned blues), 2-4pm SUNDAY Celtic Irish session 3-9pm MONDAY Quizzo! 7:30-9pm • WEDNESDAY Old-Time 5pm SINGER SONGWRITERS 1st & 3rd Tuesdays THURSDAY Scottie Parker (old-fashioned blues) 2-4pm, Bluegrass Jam 7pm

95 PATTON at COXE • Downtown Asheville

252.5445 • jackofthewood.com

mountainx.com

december 30 - january 5, 2016

TAVERN DOWNTOWN ON THE PARK Eclectic Menu • Over 30 Taps • Patio 13 TV’s • Sports Room • 110” Projector Event Space • Shufﬂeboard Open 7 Days 11am - Late Night

Dinner Menu till 10pm Late Night Menu till

Tues-Sun

5pm–12am

Full Bar

12am

Lyric in Century Room (pop, funk, soul)

DJ Moto in South Bar (dance hits)

FRI. 1/1 DJ OCelate (dance hits)

SAT. 1/2 Grand Theft Audio (rock, classic covers)

COMING SOON WED 12/30 9:00 PM – BRITTANY REILLY GRATEFUL DUO w/ GUESTS & TAYLOR MARTIN’S ENGINE THU 12/31 – 9:00 PM NEW YEARS EVE CELEBRATION w/ STEPHANIESID & JON STICKLEY TRIO FRI 1/8 7:00 PM – an evening with DULCI

ELLENBERGER & FRIENDS

9:00 PM – Free For All Friday! w/

THE HERMIT KINGS & FASHION BATH SAT 1/9 – 7:00 PM AN EVENING w/ DANIKA HOLMES

FEAT. JEB HART 9:00 PM – BIG DADDY LOVE

20 S. SPRUCE ST. • 225.6944 PACKSTAVERN.COM Wed • December 30 Woody Wood @ 5:30pm

Thu • December 31

Ring in the new Beer! IPA release party featuring music by The Family& DJ Marley @ 6pm

Fri • January 1 Raising Caine @ 7pm

Sat • January 2

Mary Frances & the Dirty Classics @ 7pm

Sun • January 3

Reggae Sunday featuring Dennis “Chalwa” Berndt @ 1pm

Tue • January 5

Team Trivia with Dr. Brown @ 6pm

Send your listings to clubland@mountainx.com

“Underground Sounds of Asheville” (electronic), 9pm sOUtHern appalacHian breWery New Year’s Eve at the brewery w/ Ellen Trnka, Howie Johnson and Craig Woody (blues 6-8pm) & Ross Osteen and Crossroads (blues 9pm-12am), 6pm spring creek taVern Open Mic, 6pm New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball w/ DJ Wilderness, 9pm

COUNTDOWN to 2016 THU. 12/31 COUNTDOWN to 2016 BASH

cl u b l a n d

SUN 1/10

5:30 PM – MUSIC & WINE INTERLUDE:

PAN HARMONIA PRESENTS KATE STEINBECK (FLUTE) & IVAN SENG (PIANO)

7:45 PM – SUNDAY JAZZ SHOWCASE FEAT.

HARD BOP EXPLOSION

WED 1/13 7:00 PM – MOUNTAIN SPIRIT & ISIS PRESENT: AN EVENING w/ TODD HOKE W/ KING POSSUM 8:30 PM – ITALIAN NIGHT w/ MIKE GUGGINO and BARRETT SMITH THU 1/14 7:00 PM – BYGONE BLUES DUO FEAT. AARON PRICE AND PEGGY RATUSZ FRI 1/15 7:00 PM – KIM AND REGGIE HARRIS 9:00 PM – FREE FOR ALL FRIDAY! SAT 1/16 7:00 PM – THE EVERYDAYS 9:00 PM – ANDREW SCOTCHIE’S

B-DAY BASH

Every Tuesday

7:30pm–midnite

BLUEGRASS SESSIONS

Every Sunday

6pm–11pm

JAZZ SHOWCASE

tallgary’s at fOUr cOllege Open mic w/ Datrian Johnson, 7pm tHe mOtHligHt Weezus w/ No Doubt cover band & Pixies cover band (Weezer, No Doubt, Pixies covers), 10pm tHe sOcial lOUnge 2nd Annual New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball (burlesque costumes encouraged), 10pm timO’s HOUse New Years Dance Party w/ Franco Nino, 8pm Dance Party w/ DJ Franco Nino, 10pm tOWn pUmp New Year’s Eve w/ Carolina Fried Pies (indie), 9pm trailHead restaUrant and bar Cajun & western swing jam w/ Steve Burnside, 7pm tressa’s dOWntOWn Jazz and blUes The Westsound Revue (Motown, soul), 9pm tWisted laUrel Karaoke, 8pm WHite HOrse black mOUntain Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Party w/ The Marcel Anton Band, Rhoda Weaver & the Soul Mates (blues, rock), 8:30pm

december 30 - january 5, 2016

mountainx.com

OdditOriUm Bleedseason w/ A World of Lies & Artificial Oceans (metal), 9pm Off tHe WagOn Dueling pianos, 9pm One stOp deli & bar Free Dead Fridays w/ members of Phuncle Sam (jam), 5pm The Hornitz, 10pm pack’s taVern DJ OCelate (pop, dance hits), 9pm sanctUary breWing cOmpany Petty Cash (classic rock, Americana, country classics), 7pm scandals nigHtclUb DJ dance party & drag show, 10pm scUlly’s DJ, 10pm sOl bar neW mOUntain Sol Vibes presents Mary B & Byrdy (electronic), 10pm tHe sOcial Steve Moseley (acoustic), 6pm tHe sOcial lOUnge DJ Kyuri on vinyl (funk, soul, disco), 10pm tiger mOUntain Dark dance rituals w/ DJ Cliffypoo, 10pm tOWn pUmp The Egg Eaters (new wave), 9pm

zambra New Year’s Eve w/ Zambra Gypsy Jazz Quartet, 8pm

tWisted laUrel Live DJ, 11pm

friday, JanUary 1 atHena’s clUb Dave Blair (folk, funk, acoustic), 7pm ben’s tUne-Up Woody Wood & The Asheville Family Band (acoustic, folk, rock), 6pm classic Wineseller Hope Griffin (folk, pop), 7pm cOrk & keg Gypsy Swingers (jazz, Latin, bossa nova), 8:30pm dOUble crOWn DJ Greg Cartwright (garage & soul obscurities), 10pm elaine’s dUeling pianO bar Dueling Pianos, 9pm fOggy mOUntain breWpUb Phil Alley Trio (bluegrass), 10pm Jack Of tHe WOOd pUb David Childers & The Serpents, 9pm JerUsalem garden Middle Eastern music & bellydancing, 7pm k lOUnge DJ CVtheProducer (old-school hip-hop), 10pm

lex 18 Michael John Jazz (classic jazz), 6pm The Roaring Lions (non-traditional traditional jazz), 8:30pm

O.Henry’s/tHe UndergrOUnd Total Gold New Year’s Day dance party, 10pm Drag Show, 12:30am

Wxyz lOUnge at alOft HOtel New Years Eve w/ Omnitet (funk), 8pm

lazy diamOnd Sonic Satan Stew w/ DJ Alien Brain, 10pm

743 HAYWOOD RD 828-575-2737 ISISASHEVILLE.COM

neW mOUntain tHeater/ampHitHeater Asheville drum circle (at Blue Ridge Tap Room), 6pm

market place The Sean Mason Trio (groove, jazz, funk), 7pm

Wild Wing cafe sOUtH A Social Function (acoustic), 9:30pm Wxyz lOUnge at alOft HOtel Ben Hovey (soul-jazz-tronica), 8pm zambra Zambra Jazz Trio, 8pm

satUrday, JanUary 2 5 WalnUt Wine bar Eleanor Underhill Duo (Americana, soul), 6pm Jason Moore & Trust Trio (funk, jazz), 9pm asHeVille mUsic Hall “Lose Yourself to Dance” party w/ DJ Marley Carroll (dance music), 10pm atHena’s clUb Michael Kelley Hunter (blues), 6:30pm ben’s tUne-Up Gypsy Guitars (acoustic, Gypsy-jazz), 2pm Savannah Smith & Southern Soul (singer-songwriter, soul), 8pm black mOUntain ale HOUse Siamese Jazz Club (soul, R&B, jazz), 9pm classic Wineseller Joe Cruz (piano, Beatles/Elton John covers), 7pm cOrk & keg Old Time Jam, 7:30pm dOUble crOWn Rock ’n’ Soul w/ DJs Lil Lorruh or Rebecca & Dave, 10pm elaine’s dUeling pianO bar Dueling Pianos, 9pm fOggy mOUntain breWpUb Hustle Souls (soul, Americana), 10pm

frencH brOad breWery Damian LeMaster & LeMaster Plan (folk, rock), 6pm

dOUble crOWn Karaoke w/ Tim O, 9pm

grey eagle mUsic Hall & taVern The Gibson Brothers w/ David & Valerie Mayfield (bluegrass), 8pm

isis restaUrant and mUsic Hall Sunday Classical Brunch, 11am

OdditOriUm Sunshine Faces w/ Emily Yacina & Cat Be Damned (rock), 9pm

lex 18 Michael John Jazz (classic jazz), 6pm The Roaring Lions (non-traditional traditional jazz), 8:30pm

Off tHe WagOn Piano show, 9pm

market place DJs (funk, R&B), 7pm

scandals nigHtclUb DJ dance party & drag show, 10pm

O.Henry’s/tHe UndergrOUnd Lift Off (anthems, requests, dance party), 10pm

sOUtHern appalacHian breWery The Dan Keller Trio (jazz), 5pm

OdditOriUm Telic w/ Vic Crown & Spearfinger (metal), 9pm

tallgary’s at fOUr cOllege Jason Brazzel (acoustic), 6pm

Off tHe WagOn Dueling pianos, 9pm

tHe Omni grOVe park inn Lou Mowad (classical guitar), 10am Bob Zullo (pop, rock, blues), 7pm

185 king street Open mic night, 7pm

tHe admiral Soul night w/ DJ Dr. Filth, 11pm

5 WalnUt Wine bar Siamese Jazz Club (soul, R&B, jazz), 8pm

tHe sOcial lOUnge Phantom Pantone (DJ), 10pm

altamOnt breWing cOmpany Old-time jam w/ Mitch McConnell, 6:30pm

tWisted laUrel Live DJ, 11pm

ben’s tUne-Up Eleanor Underhill (Americana, folk, jazz), 6pm

WHite HOrse black mOUntain Sam Burchfield w/ Nathan Anthony (soul, folk, funk), 8pm

byWater Open mic w/ Rick Cooper, 8pm

Wxyz lOUnge at alOft HOtel Hank West & The Smokin’ Hots (jazz exotica), 8pm zambra Zambra Jazz Trio, 8pm

sUnday, JanUary 3

cOUrtyard gallery Open mic (music, poetry, comedy, etc.), 8pm creekside tapHOUse Trivia, 7pm dOUble crOWn Country Karaoke, 10pm gOOd stUff Open mic w/ Laura Thurston, 7pm grey eagle mUsic Hall & taVern Contra dance (lessons, 7:30pm), 8pm

ben’s tUne-Up The All-Arounders (blues), 3pm Reggae night w/ Dub Kartel, 8pm

Jack Of tHe WOOd pUb Quizzo, 7pm Todd Cecil & Back South (blues, Americana, folk), 9pm

byWater Cornmeal Waltz w/ Robert Greer (classic country), 6pm

Unknown 12/31 hinson Drunken Prayer BROTHERS 1/2 W/THEDAVIGIBSON D & VALERIE MAYFIELD

w/ + Little Lesley and The Bloodshots

cataWba breWing sOUtH slOpe Open mic night, 5pm

5 WalnUt Wine bar Laura Blackley Band (folk, country, blues), 7pm

with

8PM doors

scUlly’s DJ, 10pm

Wild Wing cafe Karaoke, 8pm

An Undead NYE

mOnday, JanUary 4

7PM doors

scandals nigHtclUb DJ dance party & drag show, 10pm

Wedge breWing cO. Vollie McKenzie & Hank Bones (acoustic jazz-swing), 6pm

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7PM doors

sanctUary breWing cOmpany Jason Whittaker (acoustic-rock), 7pm

timO’s HOUse Asheville Drum ’n’ Bass Collective, 10pm

7PM doors

rOOm ix Open dance night, 9pm

REMEMBERING KAYAH

1/8 Supporting Caleb & River SALT UNION 1/9 OLD + GALLOWS BOUND 1/13 TIM O’BRIEN

7PM doors

pack’s taVern Grand Theft Audio (rock, classic covers), 9pm

tHe sOUtHern Yacht Rock Brunch w/ DJ Kipper, 12pm

7PM 8PM doors doors

Oskar blUes breWery Patrick Fitzsimmons (world music), 6pm

tHe sOcial lOUnge DJ Kyusi on vinyl (old school trip-hop, deep house, acid jazz), 8pm

THU

One stOp deli & bar Hurricane Bob Band (blues, rock), 10pm

tHe sOcial Get Vocal Karaoke, 9:30pm

sAT

OliVe Or tWist 42nd Street Band (big band jazz), 8pm Dance party (hip-hop, rap), 11pm

One stOp deli & bar Bluegrass brunch w/ Woody Wood, 11am

WEd

lazy diamOnd Unknown Pleasures w/ DJ Greg Cartwright, 10pm

lex 18 The Downton Abbey Vintage Banquet, 6pm

THU

JerUsalem garden Middle Eastern music & bellydancing, 7pm

lazy diamOnd Tiki Night w/ DJ Lance (Hawaiian, surf, exotica), 10pm

THU

Jack Of tHe WOOd pUb David Childers & The Serpents (singer-songwriter), 9pm

Jack Of tHe WOOd pUb Irish session, 5pm

WEd sAT

HigHland breWing cOmpany Mary Frances & The Dirty Classics (soul), 7pm

lazy diamOnd Heavy Night w/ DJ Butch, 10pm

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december 30 - january 5, 2016

c l u blan d

Send your listings to clubland@mountainx.com

lexingtOn aVe breWery (lab) Kipper’s “Totally Rad” Trivia night, 8pm

altamOnt breWing cOmpany Open mic w/ Chris O’Neill, 8:30pm

lObster trap Bobby Miller & Friends (bluegrass), 6:30pm

asHeVille mUsic Hall Tuesday Night Funk Jam, 11pm

O.Henry’s/tHe UndergrOUnd Geeks Who Drink trivia, 7pm

back yard bar Open mic & jam w/ Robert Swain, 8pm

OliVe Or tWist 2 Breeze Band (Motown), 6pm

ben’s tUne-Up Eleanor Underhill (acoustic), 5pm Gypsy Swingers (ragtime, swing), 7pm

One WOrld breWing Beats & Brews w/ DJ Whistleblower, 8pm Oskar blUes breWery Mountain Music Mondays (open jam), 6pm sOVereign remedies Stevie Lee Combs (acoustic), 8pm tHe Omni grOVe park inn Bob Zullo (pop, rock, blues), 7pm tHe Valley mUsic & cOOkHOUse Monday Pickin’ Parlour (open jam, open mic), 8pm tiger mOUntain Service industry night (rock ’n’ roll), 9pm timO’s HOUse Movie night, 7pm Urban OrcHard Old-time music, 7pm WHite HOrse black mOUntain Take Two Jazz w/ Bill Bares & Russ Wilson, 7:30pm

tUesday, JanUary 5 5 WalnUt Wine bar The John Henrys (hot jazz), 8pm

december 30 - january 5, 2016

lObster trap Jay brOWn (acOUstic-fOlk, singer-sOngWriter), 6:30pm market place The Rat Alley Cats (jazz, Latin, swing), 7pm Odditorium Odd comedy night, 9pm Off tHe WagOn Rock ’n’ roll bingo, 8pm OliVe Or tWist Tuesday night blues dance w/ The Remedy (blues, dance), 8pm

black bear cOffee cO. Round Robin acoustic open mic, 7pm

One stOp deli & bar Turntable Tuesdays (DJs & vinyl), 10pm

black mOUntain ale HOUse Trivia, 7pm

One WOrld breWing Trivia kickoff, 8pm

bUffalO nickel Trivia, 7pm

sanctUary breWing cOmpany Team trivia & tacos, 7pm

creekside tapHOUse Old School Low Down Blues Tues. w/ Matt Walsh, 6pm

tallgary’s at fOUr cOllege Jam night, 9pm

dOUble crOWn DJ Brody Hunt (honky-tonk, Cajun, Western), 10pm

tHe JOint next dOOr Open mic w/ Laura Thurston, 7pm

gOOd stUff Old time-y night, 6:30pm

tHe sOcial lOUnge Phantom Pantone (DJ), 10pm

irOn HOrse statiOn Open mic, 6pm

tressa’s dOWntOWn Jazz and blUes Funk & jazz jam w/ Pauly Juhl, 8:30pm

isis restaUrant and mUsic Hall Tuesday bluegrass sessions, 7:30pm

tWisted laUrel Tuesday night blues dance w/ The Remedy (lesson @ 8), 8pm

Jack Of tHe WOOd pUb Redleg Husky (folk, soul), 9pm

Urban OrcHard Billy Litz (Americana, singer-songwriter), 7pm

lazy diamOnd Punk ’n’ Roll w/ DJ Leo Delightful, 10pm

WHite HOrse black mOUntain Irish sessions & open mic, 6:30pm

lex 18 The Downton Abbey Vintage Banquet, 6pm

Wild Wing cafe sOUtH Tuesday bluegrass, 6pm

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Trivia w/ Kelilyn, 8:30pm

Wednesday, JanUary 6 185 king street Movie night, 8pm 5 WalnUt Wine bar Dave Dribbon (Americana), 5pm Les Amis (African folk music), 8pm ben’s tUne-Up Honky-tonk Wednesdays w/ Hearts Gone South, 7pm black mOUntain ale HOUse Play to Win game night, 7:30pm blUe mOUntain pizza & breW pUb Open mic, 7pm byWater Billy Cardine & North of Too Far Downs, 8pm clUb eleVen On grOVe Asheville Mardi Gras presents Twelfth Night (dance party, Mardi Gras king & queen crowning), 7pm dOUble crOWn Classic Country w/ DJs Greg Cartwright, David Gay, Brody Hunt, 10pm fUnkatOriUm John Hartford Jam (folk, bluegrass), 6:30pm gOOd stUff Karaoke!, 6pm grey eagle mUsic Hall & taVern Fred Eaglesmith’s Traveling Steam Show (alt-country, rock ’n’ roll), 8pm grind cafe Trivia night, 7pm HigHland breWing cOmpany

Woody Wood Wednesdays (rock, soul), 5:30pm Jack Of tHe WOOd pUb Old-time session, 5pm Honky-tonk dance party w/ Hearts Gone South, 9pm lazy diamOnd Killer Karaoke w/ KJ Tim O, 10pm lObster trap Ben Hovey (dub-jazz, trumpet), 6:30pm mOUntain mOJO cOffeeHOUse Open mic, 6:30pm nOble kaVa Open mic w/ Caleb Beissert, 9pm O.Henry’s/tHe UndergrOUnd “Take the Cake” Karaoke, 10pm

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Orange peel GiddyUP! Film Tour (bike films), 7:30pm rOOm ix Fuego: Latin night, 9pm scUlly’s Sons of Ralph (bluegrass), 6pm sly grOg lOUnge Word Night (trivia-ish), 8pm Cards Against Humanity Game Night, 10pm

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One stOp deli & bar Lip sync karaoke, 10pm

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OliVe Or tWist Intermediate swing dance lessons w/ Bobby Wood, 7pm Beginning swing dance lesson w/ Bobby Wood, 7:30pm 3 Cool Cats (vintage rock), 8pm

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sOl bar neW mOUntain World Wednesdays, 8pm Asheville Drum & Bass Collective presents Axiom Launch Party w/ ADBC residents, 9pm tallgary’s at fOUr cOllege Open mic & jam, 7pm tHe JOint next dOOr Bluegrass jam, 8pm

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tHe sOcial lOUnge Phantom Pantone (DJ), 10pm tHe sOUtHern Disclaimer Comedy open mic, 9pm tiger mOUntain Flux (’80s & ’90s dance party), 10pm timO’s HOUse “Spectrum AVL” w/ DamGood & rotating DJs, 9pm tOWn pUmp Open mic w/ Billy Presnell, 9pm trailHead restaUrant and bar Acoustic jam w/ Kevin Scanlon (bluegrass, oldtime, folk), 6pm tressa’s dOWntOWn Jazz and blUes Blues & soul jam w/ Al Coffee & Da Grind, 8:30pm WHite HOrse black mOUntain Eric Sommer, 7:30pm Chewers (vintage Southern music), 7:30pm Wxyz lOUnge at alOft HOtel Fireside Trio (bluegrass, Americana), 8pm

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december 30 - january 5, 2016

mOVies

CrankY Hanke reVieWs & listings BY KEN HANKE, JUSTIN SOUTHER & SCOTT DOUGLAS

HHHHH = Pick of the week

Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper in David O. Russell’s Joy – a charmingly wayward comedy about an American success story of the quirkiest kind.

Joy HHHHS director: David O. Russell (American Hustle) players: Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Bradley Cooper, Edgar Ramirez, Diane Ladd, Virginia Madsen, Isabella Rossellini drama Rated PG-13 tHe story: The story of the woman who created the Miracle Mop. tHe loWdoWn: Call David O. Russell’s latest a magnificently wayward and uniquely American success story. It’s by turns funny and charming — and, yes, it’s a little shaggy, but that may be part of its quality. I completely understand why some people don’t care for David O. Russell’s

december 30 - january 5, 2016

Joy (though I don’t quite get some of the vitriol), but the truth is I liked it — and for many of the same reasons they don’t. I can go back over the film in mind and see where this could have been tweaked or that could have been trimmed, and the results might well have been a sharper, maybe funnier movie. But it would have also been a more ordinary one — and I don’t think the trade would be worth it. The slightly haphazard, definitely messy, markedly shambling film that Russell has given us has a personality of its own. It is that rarest of things — an inherently quirky film about an inherently quirky subject. It’s a Cinderella story, minus the romance. It’s the American Dream in modern terms — savvy, but not quite cynical. Joy stars Jennifer Lawrence as Joy Mangano (though her last name is oddly never mentioned in the film, despite

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C O N TA C T AT P R E S S M O V I E S @ A O L . C O M

m a x r at i n g

the fact Ms. Mangano was an executive producer), the woman who invented the Miracle Mop and made a fortune selling it over the QVC network. I realize that sounds like the least interesting story imaginable. I groaned when I first heard it. What I didn’t realize (couldn’t have realized) is that Russell could somehow turn it into this beguiling — often wonderful — whimsical fable that thrives on its own artifice. Look at the poster for the film with snow pouring down on Joy. It’s a lovely moment, a charming image. But when you see the scene in the actual film, it’s something else again. It’s a kind of dream image — utterly unreal, the fabrication of a store display — but perfectly suited to the dreams that set Joy apart from other people. Why? Because she embraces the dream image and appreciates faux-reality and cleverness of the idea. That probably sounds like a giant dose of artificial sweetener, but it doesn’t play that way at all. The film is itself too clever, too playful and too wayward for that. The movie opens with Cream’s “I Feel Free” on the soundtrack and ends with a cover version of the same song. Whether this refers to what Joy wants and achieves, or if it refers to the free spirit of the film itself, I don’t know — for all I know, Russell just likes the song — but it works to bookend the film. It’s a perfect choice, since so much of what Joy wants is freedom. When we meet her, she lives with her addled mother, Terry (Virginia Madsen), who spends her entire life in bed watching soaps on TV (soaps Russell made for the film). Her ex-husband, Tony (Edgar Ramirez), lives in her basement until his singing career (a step up from Karaoke) “takes off.” Her father, Rudy (Robert De Niro) — for whom she also works — will soon move in when his latest girlfriend dumps him. It all eats at her — to a point where her mother’s soaps start invading her dreams. No wonder she wants to feel free. That’s where the idea to invent something comes up, to pick up on her childhood knack for such things — a knack that has been buried for 17 years (like the cicada in a book her daughter’s been given). This will ultimately lead to the Miracle Mop. Here the film takes a sharp turn into

the story of the mop’s creation, its funding, her inability to market it — and her ultimate hook-up with QVC, her success as an onscreen salesperson etc. It’s not as easy as it sounds and it’s not the end of the story by a long shot. For that matter, what I’ve detailed does little to convey the amassed quantity of oddness that runs through the film. Some of it is funny, some endearing and some maddening. You may be wondering where highly-billed Bradley Cooper is in all this. He plays Neil Walker, the person who gets Joy her spot on QVC. It’s a nice, showy supporting role. In a lesser film, he would become Joy’s romantic interest. Here, he merely becomes her friend. It may disappoint the rom-com crowd, but it’s refreshing. This is not a perfect film. It goes on longer than it needs to. The device of having Joy’s grandmother (Diane Ladd) narrate the film sometimes works and sometimes doesn’t. (Oddly, I think it works better when she narrates from beyond the grave.) But when it comes right down to it, I don’t think I’d change a thing. It’s the offhand, shambling, messy, sketchy quality that makes Joy such a special little movie. It’s a movie I think time will treat kindly. Rated PG-13 for brief strong language. Playing at Carolina Cinemas, Epic of Hendersonville, Flatrock Cinema, Regal Biltmore Grande, UA Beaucatcher. reVieWed by ken Hanke kHanke@mOUntainx.cOm

daddy’s home H director: Sean Anders (Horrible Bosses 2) players: Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Linda Cardellini, Thomas Haden Church, Hannibal Buress comedy Rated PG-13

tHe story: A stepfather yearning for the acceptance of his wife’s children suddenly finds himself competing with their biological father, who’s decided to return to their lives. tHe loWdoWn: About 30 minutes worth of plot stretched over an hour and a half, with the added benefit of Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg at their most chuckleheaded. There was a point in Sean Anders’ Daddy’s Home where I knew exactly what was going to happen at the end of the film. I could see every beat of its main characters’ relationship coalesce from rivalry to understanding, and into something vaguely feelgood. This, unfortunately, was about 20 minutes in. With another 76 minutes to go, I’ve never wished so much for a montage in all of my life. Sweet relief never came, and I sat there for those 76 minutes, until, finally, I learned I was right all along. At the center of the film is a surprisingly subdued (for the most part) performance by Will Ferrell, which somehow doesn’t make the movie any better. At best, it’s less shrill — and shockingly more dull. Which, theoretically at least, is better than most Ferrell vehicles. Ferrell plays Brad, a creepy dullard with an attractive wife (Linda Cardellini) and two stepkids (Scarlett Estevez and Owen Vaccaro) whose lives he wants nothing more than to integrate himself into. Unfortunately, he’s a buffoon with no personality, and things are taking a while, despite some progress. Before he can truly bond with the kids, their biological father Dusty (Mark Wahlberg) shows up — a biker and former soldier who is everything Brad is not. At this point, the plot kicks in, as Brad and Dusty duke it out for the affections of the family. The two constantly find themselves ramping things up (with the bumbling Brad usually coming out on the short end) as the film devolves into random fits of slapstick that don’t really fit the tone of the movie (or any movie for that matter). This, combined with a vague sexual humor (vague enough to get a PG-13 and still pretend to be a family movie) and a grotesque sense of reality (there’s a feeling that the movie fancies itself a live action cartoon, something it never quite embraces, and which therefore never works), make up the meat of Daddy’s Home. None of it comes together, of course, because the movie is too formulaic and dependent on jokes that are just above the lowest common

denominator. (That there’s a scene in a sperm bank that doesn’t end up with someone covered some bodily fluid is a miracle.) Meaning, the end result is both boring and unfunny. In the film’s favor, the climax — despite being obvious — is satisfying enough within the confines of the movie itself. And, I guess, Wahlberg and Ferrell have been worse. But this doesn’t help things all that much. It just means Daddy’s Home simply isn’t bad enough to be memorable in any way. PG-13 for thematic elements, crude and suggestive material and for language. Playing at Carolina Cinemas, Epic of Hendersonville, Regal Biltmore Grande, UA Beaucatcher. reVieWed by JUstin sOUtHer JsOUtHer@mOUntainx.cOm

Point break S

director: Ericson Core (Invincible) players: Luke Bracey, Edgar Ramirez, Ray Winstone, Teresa Palmer, Matias Varela action Rated PG-13 tHe story: A former “extreme poly-athlete” and current FBI recruit infiltrates a crime ring of thrill-seeking Robin Hoods. tHe loWdoWn: For all the supposedly exciting stuff happening in this movie, what a boring slog it is — short on intelligent plot and anything resembling a sympathetic character. Just under the wire, I’ve got another nominee for my Ten Worst List of 2015. I’ve never seen Kathryn Bigelow’s original Point Break (1991), though I have a friend who swears by its enjoyability. Regardless, I see no reason it should’ve been remade (as if that’s ever stopped anyone), and I’ve got no idea what it did to deserve a movie this bad in its stead. The closest comparison to this movie is Rob Cohen’s xXx (2002), which played like some stunt show you’d find at Disney World. Point Break is much in the same mold: lots of things happen, but damned if I can remember what. Though, in its favor, xXx had enough sense to be stupid. Point Break is serious business, as illustrated by the film’s flat, greenish-gray color palette and stone-faced cast of emotionless bros.

Things happen, sure, but what reason is there to care? The characters, the plot and the action itself exist within their own vacuum. Things happen onscreen in some discriminate order, and that’s about it. Meaning, Point Break is a movie by definition only. Instead of Keanu Reeves as the film’s hero, Johnny Utah, we get Luke Bracey. Apparently, this is the fifth movie I’ve reviewed that features Bracey, and I can’t remember seeing him in any of them. He’s the smirky type of heartthrob with no personality. If you remember the Puttermans — the family of plastic-skinned robots from those old Duracell commercials — he could be one of them. Anyway, Utah is a former “extreme poly-athlete” who quit all this snowboarding and dirt bike stuff after the death of a friend and joined the FBI. Luckily for Utah, there’s a need for his very specialized skills, since some other “extreme poly-athletes” are running amok and attempting to complete a confusing, convoluted and contrived series of challenges put forth by a dead eco-activist. Utah sets off to infiltrate the gang, which is headed by Bodhi (Edgar Ramirez, Joy), whose greatest challenge to Utah is who can have less personality. Bodhi probably wins. He’s wholly humorless and talks in vaguely philosophical terms about finding yourself and living life. Even for an anarchist and anti-capitalist, there nothing interesting about him, and the theoretically moral ambiguity of his crimes is never truly explored with any depth. He’s mostly there because Patrick Swayze played a guy named Bodhi in the original, so I guess there should be a Bodhi in this one too. Not that it matters. His whole purpose is to push the film into its various setpieces, which go on far too long and mostly consist of people going down some steep embankment or falling from something. The whole bank robbery dynamic of the original film is mostly overlooked, so the action literally serves no purpose. The idea, I think, is for these moments to really build on the characters. But everything’s so drawn out, the acting so flat and the characters so inessential that it just makes a long movie longer. Would it affect anyone on this planet if this movie didn’t exist? I doubt it. Rated PG-13 for violence, thematic material involving perilous activity, some sexuality, language and drug material. Playing at Carmike 10, Carolina Cinemas, Epic of Hendersonville, Regal Biltmore Gran

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reVieWed by JUstin sOUtHer JsOUtHer@mOUntainx.cOm

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december 30 - january 5, 2016

SP e cia L ScreeninGS

The Cassandra Crossing HHS Director: George Pan Costamos (Rambo: First Blood Part Two) Players: Sophia Loren, Richard Harris, Martin Sheen, O.J. Simpson, Lionel Stander, Burt Lancaster, Ava Gardner MeDical tHriller/Disaster Rated PG The Velveeta runs thick in this Lew Grade and Carlo Ponti co-production that tries cash in on the waning days of the 1970s disaster movie craze with this weird hybrid medical-thriller-and-disaster picture. The Cassandra Crossing (1976) is directed with minimum artistry by George Pan Costamos (who would change the Pan to “P” and go on to other things like Rambo: First Blood Part II). Filled with bad process work, and cursed with laughable model work, almost none of it works. What we have here is a train (just brimming with generally past-their-prime stars) hurtling toward possible doom so the world will be saved from — and will never

Voodoo Man HHHH Director: William Beaudine (The Ape Man) Players: Bela Lugosi, George Zucco, John Carradine, Wanda McKay, Michael Ames, Henry Hall Horror Rated NR That existential classic Voodoo Man (1944) was specifically chosen for New Year’s Eve because its brevity allows the viewer ample time to start off the evening with the movie and be safely home and out of harm’s way before the madness kicks in — or, alternatively, to go become a part of the madness. It’s a personal call. This, by the way, is being shown from the new restoration of the film, which I am very much anxious to see. William Beaudine’s Voodoo Man is perhaps the most bizarre of Bela Lugosi’s infamous “Monogram Nine,” those nine bargain-basement Bs he made for legendary schlock producer Sam Katzman at Monogram Pictures. It was actually the last of the series, but was released before the earlier Return of the Ape Man (1944). Lugosi plays

What’s New Pussycat? HHHH Director: Clive Donner (Nothing But the Best) Players: Peter Sellers, Peter O’Toole, Romy Schneider, Capucine, Paula Prentiss, Woody Allen, Ursula Andress coMeDy Rated NR When it came out in 1965, Clive Donner’s What’s New Pussycat? (1965) was considered rather distasteful — even vulgar — as well as frantic, unstructured and rather silly. All of this is perhaps true, but it’s not necessarily a bad thing. (Not everyone disliked it; Andrew Sarris championed the film in 1965.) It’s unlikely a movie like this would even be considered these days — everyone involved would be censured for being politically incorrect, since womanizers can no longer be viewed humorously. In the context of its time, however, it’s another matter.

Film

know of — a deadly plague carried on board by a Swedish terrorist, who got it in an illegal American research facility. The whole thing is being overseen by stiff-backed Col. Burt Lancaster, who is more concerned with secrecy than the thousand souls aboard the train. Clunky dialogue, disinterested actors (some of whom ease their frustrations by overacting), a plot that doesn’t make good sense and a general air of ennui don’t help. Star-gazers and admirers of the disaster genre may get more out of it. The Hendersonville Film Society will show The Cassandra Crossing Sunday, Jan. 3, at 2 p.m. in the Smoky Mountain Theater at Lake Pointe Landing Retirement Community (behind Epic Cinemas), 333 Thompson St., Hendersonville. The Thursday Horror Picture Show will screen In Dreams Thursday, May 1 at 8 p.m. in the Cinema Lounge at The Carolina Asheville and will be hosted by Xpress movie critics Ken Hanke and Justin Souther. Dr. Richard Marlowe, a man with absolutely no backstory, who has somehow located himself at a creepy old house (the usual Monogram set) in some hick town. He’s also managed to come up with an elaborate underground lair wherein he — with the help of gas station owner and voodoo high priest Nicholas (George Zucco) and a couple of tame morons (one played by John Carradine) — conducts ceremonies to bring his dead wife (Ellen Hall) back to life. Now, understand, Mrs. Marlowe is “dead only in the sense that you understand that word,” meaning that she tends to wander around with no real purpose. The idea is to have the god Ramboona (who Nicholas assures us “never fails,” despite much evidence to the contrary) drain the life force out of hapless pretty girl motorists and into Mrs. Marlowe. There’s nothing like it — and what a way to end the year! The Thursday Horror Picture Show will screen Voodoo Man Thursday, Dec. 31, at 8 p.m. in Theater Six at The Carolina Asheville, hosted by Xpress movie critics Ken Hanke and Scott Douglas. The movie itself feels like a piece with the scattershot satire and comedy of that “British Invasion” era. Everything is fair game (suicide attempts are used to comedic effect at least twice, Paula Prentiss plays a character called Liz Bien, etc.), and it’s all in fun. It offers you Peter Sellers (in a Beatles wig) and Peter O’Toole, as well as a young Woody Allen in his first film role (he also wrote the screenplay). And, of course, there’s the Tom Jones song. Step back 50 years, and see what frightened the horses then. The Asheville Film Society will screen What’s New Pussycat? Tuesday, Jan. 5, at 8 p.m. in Theater Six at The Carolina Asheville, hosted by Xpress movie critic Ken Hanke. The Asheville Film Society will screen Noah’s Ark Tuesday, May 6, at 8 p.m. in Theater Six at The Carolina Asheville and will be hosted by Xpress movie critics Ken Hanke and Justin Souther.

BunComBe CounTy PuBliC liBraries buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/library • WE (12/30), 5pm - Afternoon Anime: Princess Mononoke. Ages 13 and up. Free. Held at Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St.

tHe ate r L iStinGS Friday, january 1 Thursday, january 7 Due to possible scheduling changes, moviegoers may want to confirm showtimes with theaters.

asheville Pizza & Brewing Co. (254-1281) tHe PeanutS movie (PG) 1:00, 4:00 tHe martian (PG-13) 7:00, 10:15

Carmike Cinema 10 (298-4452) Carolina Cinemas (274-9500) SHowtimeS not avaiLabLe at PreSStime aLvin and tHe cHiPmunkS (PG) tHe biG SHort (r) concuSSion (PG-13) daddy'S Home (PG-13) tHe daniSH GirL (r) tHe HatefuL eiGHt (r) StartS wed. joy (PG-13) Point break 3d (PG-13) Point break 2d (PG-13) SiSterS (r) Star warS: tHe force awakenS 3d (PG-13) Star warS: tHe force awakenS 2d (PG-13) youtH (r)

Co-ed Cinema Brevard (883-2200) Star warS: tHe force awakenS (PG-13) 12:30, 4:00, 7:30

ePiC oF hendersonville (693-1146) Fine arTs TheaTre (232-1536) tHe daniSH GirL (r) 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, Late Show Fri-Sat 9:30 youtH (r) 1:20, 4:20, 7:20, Late show Fri-Sat 9:50

FlaTroCk Cinema (697-2463) joy (PG-13) 3:30, 7:00

regal BilTmore grande sTadium 15 (6841298) uniTed arTisTs BeauCaTCher (298-1234)

Do You Have a Child with ADHD? UNCA & Advanced Psychological Services is currently accepting participants for a study of a neurofeedback treatment of ADHD for children aged 7-10. Symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) include difficulty concentrating, disorganization, distractibility, forgetting, and trouble completing tasks on time. The treatment can be added to other treatment (such as medication) the child is receiving. Prior diagnosis is not necessary. Qualified participants receive free evaluation and treatment, and some reimbursement for time and travel. Risks will be explained before agreeing to participate.

For information without obligation call Dr. Roger deBeus:

828-333-5359 x3, or email rdebeus@unca.edu, or visit ICANstudy.org. 52

december 30 - january 5, 2016

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maRketplace real e s tat e | r e n ta l s | r oom m ates | serv ices | job s | a n n ou n cements | m i nd, bo dy, spi r i t cl as s e s & w or k s hop s | m u s i cia n s’ serv ices | pets | a u tomotiv e | x c hang e | adult Want to advertise in Marketplace? 828-251-1333 x111 tnavaille@mountainx.com • mountainx.com/classifieds If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Remember the Russian proverb: “Doveryai, no proveryai,” trust but verify. When answering classified ads, always err on the side of caution. Especially beware of any party asking you to give them financial or identification information. The Mountain Xpress cannot be responsible for ensuring that each advertising client is legitimate. Please report scams to ads@mountainx.com REAL ESTATE Rentals ApARTmEnTS FOR REnT AVAILABLE JANUARY 1 • EAST ASHEVILLE 2BR, 1BA. Wooded views, nice. Quiet, peaceful setting. • No smoking. Lease, deposit. • No Pets. Background check. $850/month. Call 230-2511.

COmmERCIAL/ BuSInESS REnTALS OFFICE • WAYNESVILLE DOWNTOWN 200 +/- sqft. $300/month. Utilities included. Public parking across street. (828) 216-6066. UNIQUE WAYNESVILLE DOWNTOWN SPACE Above Beverly-Hanks Realtors at 74 N Main. Impressive open 3rd floor of 4000+ sqft., high ceiling, wonderful natural light, separate HVAC, elevator from entrance on Wall St. Many uses: storage/office/showroom but ideal for loft apartment. Available soon, but view now to see if it fits your needs. Bill: 828-2166066.

SHORT-TERm REnTALS 15 mInuTES TO ASHEVILLE Guest house, vacation/short term rental in beautiful country setting. • Complete with everything including cable and internet. • $150/day (2-day minimum), $650/week, $1500/ month. Weaverville area. • No pets please. (828) 658-9145. mhcinc58@yahoo.com

mOBILE HOmES FOR REnT REnOVATED! pEACEFuL, CLEAn, COnVEnIEnT & READY NOW 2 Decks, Solid doors, New floors, Best landlords, Clean cozy, Ready now, Yard, Includes Water, sewer, trash, yard care. Pets $20/ month per animal. Close to Arden, Biltmore, Airport, Parkway julie.asheville@yahoo.com

Roommates ROOmmATES ALL AREAS ROOmmATES. COm Lonely? Bored? Broke? Find the perfect roommate to complement your personality and lifestyle at Roommates. com! (AAN CAN)

employment GEnERAL GRAY LInE TROLLEY SEEKS CDL DRIVERS FOR 2016 SEASOn Tour Guide- CDL Drivers: If you are a "people person" you could be a great TOUR GUIDE! Seasonal FULL-TIME

and part-time available. Training provided. MUST have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). www.GrayLineAsheville.com; Info@GrayLineAsheville.com; 828-251-8687 GRAY LInE TROLLEY SEEKS DIESEL mECHAnIC Opening for experienced diesel mechanic; minimum 5 years verifiable experience; certifications a plus; must have own tools; part-time, possible full-time. Jonathan@ GrayLineAsheville.com; 828251-8687; www.GrayLineAsheville.com SEnIOR DInInG mEAL SITE COORDInATOR, AVERY'S CREEK COmmunITY CEnTER Must have good social and communication skills, be detail oriented with paperwork, schedule programming, serve the daily meal and work with volunteers to run the meal site. Apply at www.coabc.org

SKILLED LABOR/ TRADES pACKAGInG DEpARTmEnT TEAm LEADER We are looking for a hard-working, energetic, dependable, reliable person to manage our packaging department. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. Second Shift, 4-5 days a week, 32-40 hours, occasional overtime. Management experience a plus. Background check will be required. Pay rate is determined based on applicant’s experience. Email resumes to: finance@anniesbread.com or call 828-505-8350 x103 for more information.

ADmInISTRATIVE/ OFFICE DOGWOOD ALLIANCE SEEKS ADVAnCEmEnT SYSTEmS mAnAGER Dogwood Alliance is hiring an Advancement Systems Manager. We mobilize diverse voices to protect the unique forests and communities of the Southern US from destructive industrial logging through grassroots action, holding corporate and government decision-makers accountable, catalyzing largescale conservation and advancing a 21st century vision that fully values forests for the myriad ways in which they sustain life. Having transformed the practices of some of the largest corporations in the world, we are on the leading edge of international, national and regional efforts to advance forest protection in the US South. The ASM manages a system of complex databases which are integral to ensuring the overall success of donor and community engagement efforts as well as reaching short-term and longterm financial and programmatic goals. Position requires a high degree of professionalism, integrity, analytic and organizational skills as well as interpersonal skills. Position will input and interpret data, run reports,

JOBS make strategic recommendations, work with high-functioning, cross-departmental teams, manage sophisticated engagement calendars and communicate with donors and community members. Experience working with database systems is required. For more information about us, go to www. dogwoodalliance.org. To apply, visit our job posting site: http://www.dogwoodalliance. org/2015/12/dogwood-alliance-seeks-advancement-systems-manager/

mAXIm HEALTHCARE IS LOOKInG FOR CnA'S, Lpn'S, AnD Rn'S Maxim Healthcare is looking for CNA’s, LPN’s, and RN’s in the Asheville and surrounding area to work in Home Healthcare. Call 828-299-4388 or email dapolich@maxhealth. com if interested. 828-299-4388 dapolich@maxhealth.com

GRAnTS mAnAGER, THE AmERICAn CHESTnuT FOunDATIOn The Grants Manager is responsible for all aspects of raising support from foundations, corporations, and government sources, including proposal development, grant management, and reporting requirements. The complete job description can be located at www.acf.org. To apply, send a cover letter and resume to The American Chestnut Foundation at jobs@acf.org.

AVAILABLE POSITIONS • mERIDIAn BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Haywood County psychiatric nurse - Assertive Community Treatment Team – (ACTT) Meridian Behavioral Health Services is seeking an RN, or LPN to join our Haywood/Buncombe County Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT) in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. The ACTT nurse is responsible for conducting psychiatric assessments; assessing physical needs; making appropriate referrals to community physicians; providing management and administration of medication in conjunction with the psychiatrist; providing a range of treatment, rehabilitation and support services; and sharing shift-management responsibility with the ACTT Coordinator. Employee must have a valid driver's license without violations or restrictions, which could prevent completing all required job functions. Full or part time applicants welcome. Haywood and Buncombe Counties Clinician, Team Leader - Assertive Community Treatment Team – (ACTT) We are seeking a passionate, values-driven and dynamic professional to oversee our Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT), which primarily serves Haywood County. ACTT is an evidencebased, multi-disciplinary, community-based service which supports individuals with severe psychiatric disorders in remaining in the community and experiencing mental health recovery. We have a deep commitment to our ACTT services because, over the years, we have seen that is a service that truly makes a difference in the lives of the people that struggle the most with mental health challenges. Our ACTT staff have been known to describe the work as the “hardest job that you will ever love”. Come be part of our rural team and experience if for yourself! Master’s Degree in Human Services required. Two years’ experience with adults with Mental Health, Substance Abuse or Development Disability required. Clinician – Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT) Seeking an energetic and passionate individual to join the Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT) in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. Come

RESTAuRAnT/ FOOD APOLLO FLAME • WAITSTAFF Full-time. Fast, friendly, fun atmosphere. • Experience required. • Must be 18 years old. • Apply in person between 2pm-4pm, 485 Hendersonville Road. 274-3582. NEW YEAR! NEW OPPORTUnITY! Join the New Team in town! Char Bar 7 staffing new restaurant, all positions. • Apply in person: 2 Gerber Road in the Gerber Village Plaza. pRODuCTIOn ARTISAn BREAD BAKER FOR LARGE SCALE WHOLESALE COMpAnY Experienced individual for 35-40 hours/week M-F; potential leadership advancement. Managerial experience a plus. Need 3-5 years of production baking experience. Salary is based on experience level. Must be able to formulate, mix, proof and bake various artisan bread products. HACCP and GMP experience preferred. Some benefits included. Email resumes to finance@anniesbread.com or call 828-505-8350 x103 for more information.

DRIVERS/ DELIVERY FEmALE DRIVER nEEDED Visually impaired, active senior citizen living in South Asheville looking for female driver. Need rides to Southeastern Sports Medicine pool, doctor appointments, and errands. Car needs room for lightweight walker. Days are flexible. Please call: 828-785-1397.

mEDICAL/ HEALTH CARE

HumAn SERVICES

experience the satisfaction of providing recovery-oriented services within the context of a strong team wraparound model serving Haywood and Buncombe counties. If you are not familiar with ACTT, this position will provide you with an opportunity to experience an enhanced service that really works! Must have a Master’s degree and be licensed/licenseeligible. Jackson County nurse – Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT) Seeking an RN, or LPN to join our Jackson County Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT) in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. The ACTT nurse is responsible for conducting psychiatric assessments; assessing physical needs; making appropriate referrals to community physicians; providing management and administration of medication in conjunction with the psychiatrist; providing a range of treatment, rehabilitation and support services; and sharing shift-management responsibility with the ACTT Coordinator. Employee must have a valid driver's license without violations or restrictions, which could prevent completing all required job functions. Full or part time applicants welcome. Support Services Coordinator The responsibilities of this position include technical support for all support staff, conducting monthly onsite support/training with all support staff and quarterly support staff meetings. This individual will be directly responsible for supervising and assuring coverage in Jackson County and assist in orchestrating coverage for support staff agency wide when they use PTO or need emergency leave. Applicants must demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills, have strong computer literacy skills and a minimum of two years supervisory experience. This position requires travel throughout all counties that Meridian serves. Clinician – Recovery Education Center (REC) Seeking passionate, values-driven and dynamic professional to join our Jackson County Recovery Education Center (REC). This program reflects a unique design which integrates educational, clinical and peer support components in a center-based milieu. To be considered, an applicant should be familiar with the recovery paradigm of mental health and substance abuse services. A Master’s degree and license eligibility are also required. peer Support Specialist – Recovery Education Center (REC) Meridian is seeking a Peer Support Specialist to work in our Recovery Education Centers in Haywood and/or Jackson County. Being a Peer Support Specialist provides an opportunity for individuals to transform their own personal lived experience with mental health and/or addiction challenges into a tool for inspiring hope for recovery in others. Applicants must demonstrate maturity in their own recovery process, have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and have moderate

computer skills. Part time work may be available. macon and Haywood Counties Employment Support professional (ESp) Supported Employment The ESP functions as part of a team that implements employment services based on the SEIPS model. The team’s goal is to support individuals who have had challenges with obtaining and/or maintaining employment in the past and to obtain and maintain competitive employment moving forward. The ESP is responsible for engaging clients and establishing trusting, collaborative relationships that result in the creation of completion of individualized employment goals. The ESP will support the client through the whole employment process and provide a variety of services at each state to support the individual in achieving their employment goals. Transylvania County Clinicians & Team Leader - Child and Family Services Seeking licensed/ associate licensed therapist for an exciting opportunity to serve youth and their families through individual and group therapy, working primarily out of the local schools. Certified medical Assistant (CmA) Graduate of an accredited Certified Medical Assistant program and CMA certification with AAMA or AMT required. Two years of related experience preferred, preferably in an outpatient medical office setting. peer Support Specialist – Community Support Team (CST) Being a Peer Support Specialist provides an opportunity for individuals to transform their own personal lived experience with mental health and/or addiction challenges into a tool for inspiring hope for recovery in others. We currently have a vacancy for a Peer Support Specialist on our Community Support Team (CST), serving Transylvania County. CST is a communitybased mental health and substance abuse rehabilitation service, which provides support through a team approach to adults. Applicants must demonstrate maturity in their own recovery process, have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and have moderate computer skills. AGEnCYWIDE Peer Support Specialist Peers Assisting in Community Engagement (PACE) Being a Peer Support Specialist provides an opportunity for individuals to transform their own personal lived experience with mental health and/or addiction challenges into a tool for inspiring hope for recovery in others. Applicants must demonstrate maturity in their own recovery process, have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and have moderate computer skills. Clinician peers Assisting in Community Engagement (pACE) Clinician will be providing ongoing therapy with individuals and clinical support to the peer support team. The position will involve travel and community-based work in multiple counties. A Master’s degree, license eligibility and experience are required. PACE provides structured and

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scheduled activities for adults age 18 and older with a diagnosis of Mental Health and Substance Use disorders. This could be a part time or full time position. For further information and to complete an application, visit our website: www.meridianbhs.org COunSELORS nEEDED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH GROup provider of opioid addiction treatment services, needs mental health counselors. For qualifications and to apply, visit www.bhgrecovery.com. Or fax your resume to 214-3656150 Attn: HR-CNSLAS INSIGHT AT WOMEN’S RECOVERY CEnTER is hiring an Administrative Assistant. We are looking for someone who is a team player and detailed oriented. Must have computer skills and a North Carolina driver’s license. Please apply to Suzanne Boehm at sboehm@insightnc.org. InTELLECTuAL DEVELOpmEnTAL DISABILITIES QuALIFIED pROFESSIOnAL IDD, QP Universal MH/DD/ SAS is seeking energetic and passionate individuals to provide services to children and adults. Two years of experience working with IDD individuas required with a related human service degree or four years of experience with a non-related degree. Filling two positions in Asheville and one position in Forest City. Pay negotiable. Please send inquiries to sdouglas@umhs.net PRIMARY THERAPIST WANTED The Academy at Trails Carolina, a small therapeutic boarding school is seeking a full time master’s or doctoral-level therapist to work with our students. NC Licensed or license-eligible is required. aray@trailsacademy.com www.trailsacademy. com RECOVERY GuIDE Red Oak Recovery, a young adult Substance Abuse Treatment Program located in Leicester, NC is seeking highly qualified individuals for direct care positions. Recovery Guides work on a rotating week on/week off schedule. Treatment takes place in a residential setting with wilderness adventure expeditions. WFR, CSAC, or a degree in a human services field preferred. Personal or professional experience with 12 Step Recovery, Substance Abuse Treatment, Mental Health Treatment and/or Wilderness Therapy is required. • We offer competitive pay, health benefits, professional substance abuse and clinical training. Please submit resumes to jobs@redoakrecovery.com

pROFESSIOnAL/ mAnAGEmEnT

DIRECTOR OF FuLFILLmEnT & LOGISTICS OppORTunITY AVAILABLE AT GAIA HERBS Gaia Herbs is the leading brand of herbal products in North America, and is growing rapidly. We take great pride in the purity, integrity, and potency of our products, and operate a manufacturing facility and state of the art laboratory on our 350 acre Certified Organic farm in Brevard, North Carolina. Committed to fostering healthy connections between plants and people, both through our efforts with our team and our seed to shelf products, and through our work championing environmental and social sustainability worldwide in our 29 years of business, we recognize that our people are at the heart of the Gaia Herbs brand. For more information about Gaia Herbs, please visit www.GaiaHerbs. com We are currently seeking a Director of Fulfillment & Logistics to provide management and oversight of all warehousing, bottling, and fulfillment activities in the organization. This position is responsible for ensuring products are manufactured to Standard Operating Procedures in compliance to cGMP regulations—while meeting demand. A critical component of this position will also be to understand Operational bottlenecks and address them proactively to prevent any negative variances to Corporate or Operational Strategic Goals. This role is also responsible for maintaining efficient space utilization and flow of materials to support optimal efficiency in receiving goods, movement of warehoused goods to fulfillment area, picking, packing and shipping, and for ensuring all aspects of warehouse facility and operations are maintained in full GMP compliant manner. Major responsibilities also include: conducting capacity analysis for bottling lines and staffing to ensure capacity is harmonized with all other process flow points in production, ensuring all finished goods are bottled ahead of thru put demands, managing and overseeing the automated picking system and collaborating with IT on system upgrade as capacity and thru put requirements demand, negotiating optimal freight pricing for both outgoing and incoming goods, and maintain an orderly inventorywarehousing environment that supports efficient thru put. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required, proven skills in MS Excel, managing processes, developing standards, tracking budget expenses, financial skills, analyzing information, developing budgets, and performance management, and proven ability to multi-task in administrative, analytical, and

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freewiLL astroLoGY aries (march 21-april 19): John Koenig is an artist who invents new words. Here’s one that’s applicable to your journey in 2016: “keyframe.” Koenig defines it as being a seemingly mundane phase of your life that is in fact a turning point. Major plot twists in your big story arrive half-hidden amidst a stream of innocuous events. They don’t come about through “a series of jolting epiphanies,” Koenig says, but rather “by tiny imperceptible differences between one ordinary day and the next.” In revealing this secret, I hope I’ve alerted you to the importance of acting with maximum integrity and excellence in your everyday routine. taUrUs (april 20-may 20): The coming months look like one of the best times ever for your love life. Old romantic wounds are finally ready to be healed. You’ll know what you have to do to shed tired traditions and bad habits that have limited your ability to get the spicy sweetness you deserve. Are you up for the fun challenge? Be horny for deep feelings. Be exuberantly aggressive in honoring your primal yearnings. Use your imagination to dream up new approaches to getting what you want. The innovations in intimacy that you initiate in the coming months will keep bringing you gifts and teachings for years to come. gemini (may 21-June 20): In ancient times, observers of the sky knew the difference between stars and planets. The stars remained fixed in their places. The planets wandered around, always shifting positions in relationship to the stars. But now and then, at irregular intervals, a very bright star would suddenly materialize out of nowhere, stay in the same place for a while, and then disappear. Chinese astronomers called these “guest stars.” We refer to them as supernovae. They are previously dim or invisible stars that explode, releasing tremendous energy for a short time. I suspect that in 2016, you may experience the metaphorical equivalent of a guest star. Learn all you can from it. It’ll provide teachings and blessings that could feed you for years. cancer (June 21-July 22): Be alert for an abundance of interesting lessons in 2016. You will be offered teachings about a variety of practical subjects, including how to take care of yourself really well, how to live the life you want to live, and how to build the connections that serve your dreams. If you are even moderately responsive to the prompts and nudges that come your way, you will become smarter than you thought possible. So just imagine how savvy you’ll be if you ardently embrace your educational opportunities. (Please note that some of these opportunities may be partially in disguise.) leO (July 23-aug. 22): The silkworm grows fast. Once it hatches, it eats constantly for three weeks. By the time it spins its cocoon, it’s 10,000 times heavier than it was in the beginning. On the other hand, a mature, 60-foot-tall saguaro cactus may take 30 years to fully grow a new side arm. It’s in no hurry. From what I can tell, Leo, 2015 was more like a silkworm year for you, whereas 2016 will more closely resemble a saguaro. Keep in mind that while the saguaro phase is different from your silkworm time, it’s just as important. VirgO (aug. 23-sept. 22): “The sky calls me,” wrote Virgo teacher and poet Sri Chinmoy. “The wind calls me. The moon and stars call me. The dense groves call me. The dance of the fountain calls me. Smiles call me, tears call me. A faint melody calls me. The morn, noon and eve call me. Everyone is searching for a playmate. Everyone is calling me, ‘Come, come!’” In 2016, Virgo, I suspect you will have a lot of firsthand experience with feelings like these. Sometimes life’s seductiveness may overwhelm you, activating confused desires to go everywhere and do everything. On other occasions, you will be enchanted by the lush invitations, and will know exactly how to respond and reciprocate. libra (sept. 23-Oct. 22): In the 19th century, horses

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- by rOb brezny

were a primary mode of personal transportation. Some people rode them, and others sat in carriages and wagons that horses pulled. But as cities grew larger, a problem emerged: the mounting manure left behind on the roads. It became an ever-increasing challenge to clear away the equine “pollution.” In 1894, a British newspaper predicted that the streets of London would be covered with nine feet of the stuff by 1950. But then something unexpected happened: cars. Gradually, the threat of an excremental apocalypse waned. I present this story as an example of what I expect for you in 2016: a pressing dilemma that will gradually dissolve because of the arrival of a factor you can’t imagine yet. scOrpiO (Oct. 23-nov. 21): The longest river in the world flows through eastern Africa: the Nile. It originates below the equator and empties into the Mediterranean Sea. Although its current flows north, its prevailing winds blow south. That’s why sailors have found it easily navigable for thousands of years. They can either go with the flow of the water or use sails to harness the power of the breeze. I propose that we make the Nile your official metaphor in 2016, Scorpio. You need versatile resources that enable you to come and go as you please -- that are flexible in supporting your efforts to go where you want and when you want. sagittariUs (nov. 22-dec. 21): In many cases, steel isn’t fully useful if it’s too hard. Manufacturers often have to soften it a bit. This process, which is called tempering, makes the steel springier and more malleable. Car parts, for example, can’t be too rigid. If they were, they’d break too easily. I invite you to use “tempering” as one of your main metaphors in 2016, Sagittarius. You’re going to be strong and vigorous, and those qualities will serve you best if you keep them flexible. Do you know the word “ductile”? If not, look it up. It’ll be a word of power for you. capricOrn (dec. 22-Jan. 19): In his essay “The Etiquette of Freedom,” poet Gary Snyder says that wildness “is perennially within us, dormant as a hard-shelled seed, awaiting the fire or flood that awakes it again.” The fact that it’s a “hard-shelled” seed is a crucial detail. The vital stuff inside the stiff outer coating may not be able to break out and start growing without the help of a ruckus. A fire or flood? They might do the job. But I propose, Capricorn, that in 2016 you find an equally vigorous but less disruptive prod to liberate your dormant wildness. Like what? You could embark on a brave pilgrimage or quest. You could dare yourself to escape your comfort zone. Are there any undomesticated fantasies you’ve been suppressing? Unsuppress them! aQUariUs (Jan. 20-feb. 18): Frederick the Great was King of Prussia between 1740 and 1786. He was also an Aquarius who sometimes experimented with eccentric ideas. When he brewed his coffee, for example, he used champagne instead of water. Once the hot elixir was ready to drink, he mixed in a dash of powdered mustard. In light of the astrological omens, I suspect that Frederick’s exotic blend might be an apt symbol for your life in 2016: a vigorous, rich, complex synthesis of champagne, coffee, and mustard. (P.S. Frederick testified that “champagne carries happiness to the brain.”) pisces (feb. 19-march 20): My Piscean acquaintance Arturo plays the piano as well as anyone I’ve heard. He tells me that he can produce 150 different sounds from any single key. Using the foot pedals accounts for some of the variation. How he touches a key is an even more important factor. It can be percussive, fluidic, staccato, relaxed, lively, and many other moods. I invite you to cultivate a similar approach to your unique skills in 2016. Expand and deepen your ability to draw out the best in them. Learn how to be even more expressive with the powers you already possess.

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operational settings without sacrificing attention to detail, accuracy of record-keeping, or overall productivity. Excellent communication skills, excellent organizational skills for multihigh priority responsibilities, the ability to adapt well to change, strong attention to detail, and the ability to make independent decisions based on facts required. Other preferred qualifications include: ISO experience, problem solving techniques and/or skill sets such as 5-Why, Cause-andEffect analysis, Value Stream Mapping, or similar techniques, and 6-Sigma Green Belt certification. http://www.gaiaherbs.com/

diRecToR oF PeoPLe, cuLTuRe, and WeLLneSS oPPoRTuniTY aVaiLaBLe aT gaia heRBS The Organization: Gaia Herbs is the leading brand of herbal products in North America, and is growing rapidly. We take great pride in the purity, integrity, and potency of our products, and operate a manufacturing facility and state of the art laboratory on our 350 acre Certified Organic farm in Brevard, North Carolina. Committed to fostering healthy connections between plants and people, both through our efforts with our team and our seed to shelf products, and through our work championing environmental and social sustainability worldwide in our 29 years of business, we recognize that our people are at the heart of the Gaia Herbs brand. For more information about Gaia Herbs, please visit www.GaiaHerbs.com The Role: The Director of People, Culture, and Wellness is an executivelevel position responsible for designing, implementing and managing innovative human resources initiatives that attract, develop, engage, support and retain a high-performing staff in a culture of continuous improvement, learning and excellence. This leader embodies and promotes our mission, vision, and values, while ensuring that employment practices comply with all applicable federal and state laws. This role sets the tone for organizational communication, and also acts as a liaison between Gaians in all of our locations. The Director of People, Culture, and Wellness is responsible for supporting a vibrant, thriving Gaia Herbs team and culture by driving world class strategies and systems. Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree from fouryear college or university • Minimum of 10 years of broad and progressive HR and/or Organizational Development responsibilities, preferably in manufacturing, bio-tech, or dietary supplement industry • Professional Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional Human Resources (SPHR) certification preferred; not required. • Strategic thinker who can focus on the details of implementation • Demonstrated ability to be innovative and highly productive • Creative and thoughtful, but also practical and results-oriented • Extensive knowledge of state and Federal laws, regulations and requirements related to human resources including ERISA, EEO, ADA, Worker’s Compensation, COBRA, Wage & Hour and others • Expertise in human resources practices,

methods, and processes including recruiting and selection, compensation and benefits, employment law, employee counseling, payroll, and training and development • Thorough knowledge of the entire recruiting life cycle • Demonstrated leadership and the ability to authentically connect with all levels of staff • Experience implementing innovative and effective approaches to performance management and appraisal • Exceptional communication skills and ability to build business partnerships and to establish rapport and credibility at all levels • Extraordinary time management, able to multi-task with attention to detail • Excellent management and strong problem solving/analytical skills and the ability to work both independently and within a team environment • Highly self-motivated, positive, with a professional approach, a “can-do” attitude, and strong sense of servant leadership • Able to embody the Mission, Vision and Values that are at the heart of the Gaia Herbs brand, and translate them into daily practices http://www.gaiaherbs. com/

ManuFacTuRing oPeRaTionS diRecToR oPPoRTuniTY aVaiLaBLe aT gaia heRBS Gaia Herbs is the leading brand of herbal products in North America, and is growing rapidly. We take great pride in the purity, integrity, and potency of our products, and operate a manufacturing facility and state of the art laboratory on our 350 acre Certified Organic farm in Brevard, North Carolina. Committed to fostering healthy connections between plants and people, both through our efforts with our team and our seed to shelf products, and through our work championing environmental and social sustainability worldwide in our 29 years of business, we recognize that our people are at the heart of the Gaia Herbs brand. For more information about Gaia Herbs, please visit www.GaiaHerbs.com We are currently seeking a Manufacturing Operations Director – Liquid Phyto Cap and Liquid Lines. This role will provide management and oversight of all Operations activities in the organization. This position is responsible for ensuring products are manufactured to Standard Operating Procedures in compliance to cGMP regulations—while meeting demand. A critical component of this position will also be to understand Operational bottlenecks and address them proactively to prevent any negative variances to Corporate or Operational Strategic Goals. This position will also assist the executive team in the development and formulation of short and long term planning, policies, and operational objectives and will possess managerial leadership of Automated Process Flow systems from raw material to finished product. This role will provide direction to department managers to accomplish goals of the manufacturing plan. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, functional knowledge of botanical manufacturing with five (5) years’ of experience (including working in cGMP environment) and the following

competencies: leadership, performance management, project management, communication proficiency, technical capacity, business acumen, and problem solving. Preferred qualifications include: ISO experience, skill sets such as 5-Why, Cause-and-Effect analysis, Value Stream Mapping, or similar techniques, and 6-Sigma Green Belt certification. http://www.gaiaherbs. com/

Teaching/ educaTion LicenSed SPeciaL educaTion PoSiTion We are currently seeking a Licensed Special Education support staff, 10-20 hours a week, hourly rate. License in the following area required: Special Education, behavioral/emotional interventions, reading/math intervention, etc. • Please send a resume and cover letter to: humanresources@ashevilleacademy.com • Accepting resumes until January 8th 2016. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. No phone calls or walk ins please. Look at our websites for more information: http://www.timbersongacademy.com, http://www. ashevilleacademy.com and http://www.solsticeeast.com naViTaT canoPY adVenTuReS-hiRing canoPY guideS FOR 2016 Seeking qualified candidates for the Canopy Guide position for the 2016 season. Learn more at www.navitat.com. Please send cover letter, resume and references to avlemployment@navitat.com. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. PReSchooL TeacheRS WanTed Want to make a difference in a child's life? Childcare Network is looking for qualified preschool teachers for all locations! Full time positions, hours vary, competitive pay, sign on bonus. To join our Awesome Asheville Team - visit childcarenetworkjobs.com or call Jeannie @ 828-412-1700. childcarenetworkjobs.com

BuSineSS oPPoRTuniTieS Paid in adVance! Make $1000/week mailing brochures from home! No experience required. Helping home workers since 2001! Genuine opportunity. Start immediately! www.Theincomehub.com (AAN CAN).

aRTS/Media

gRaPhic deSigneR needed FoR The MounTain XPReSS PRoducTion TeaM We are seeking a community-minded individual who wants to put his/ her skills to work creating compelling advertising for the area’s burgeoning eclectic mix of businesses, creating fliers and marketing materials, and by helping design the pages of Mountain Xpress The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, works well in a collaborative environment, is exceptionally organized and deadline-driven, and has excellent communication skills, strong attention to detail, an exceptional creative eye and a desire to ensure high quality output. You must have the proven ability to create original, effective advertising and marketing

materials, and to assist in the layout of our weekly print publication and guides. Candidates must: • Be able to simultaneously handle multiple projects • Be proficient in Adobe CSC programs (inducing, Illustrator, Photoshop and Acrobat) • Be able to prepress and troubleshoot a variety of file types and to work interdepartmentally to organize, schedule and maintain ad-production workflows. • Be fluent in the Mac OSX platform • Be able to interface with other departments in the company. • Have a minimum of 2-3 years graphic design experience Newspaper, web-ad design and management experience a plus. This is a full-time hourly position. Email cover letter explaining why you believe you are a good fit, your resume, and either a URL or PDF of your design portfolio to: design@ mountainx.com No applications or portfolios by mail, and no phone calls or walk-ins, please.

caReeR TRaining neW YeaR, neW aiRLine caReeRS Get training as FAA certified Aviation Technician. Financial aid for qualified students. Career placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance: 800-725-1563 (AAN CAN)

eMPLoYMenT SeRViceS iMMediaTe aSSeMBLY PoSiTionS in aRden and FLeTcheR hTi Employment Solutions has immediate assembly positions available! Instant Interviews will be available Monday, December 21- Wednesday, December 23 from 8am-1pm at our office at 330 Rockwood Road, Unit 109. HSD/GED preferred but not required. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift available, weekly pay, benefits after 90 days. Email sswan@htijobs.com for more info 828-651-0093 www.htijobs.com

ServiceS coMPuTeR aVaLon'S cYBeR Tech SeRViceS Wifi and Internet Issues • First Time Computer Setup • Computer Cleanup and Virus Removal • Building/Designing Custom PC's • Phone Repair • Evening Hours • Reasonable Rates avalonstechservices@gmail.com

enTeRTainMenT DISH TV • SAVE! Starting at $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) Regular Price $34.99. Ask About free same day Installation! CALL Now! 888-992-1957 (AAN CAN)

Home improvement handY Man HIRE A HUSBAND • HANDYMan SeRViceS Since 1993. Multiple skill sets. Reliable, trustworthy, quality results. $1 million liability insurance. References and estimates available. Stephen Houpis, (828) 2802254.Announcement

ANNOUNCEMENTS PREGNANT? THINKING OF ADOPTION? Talk with caring agency specializing in matching Birthmothers with Families Nationwide. Living expenses Paid. Call 24/7 Abby’s One True Gift Adoptions. 866-413-6293. ORK Void in Illinois/New Mexico/ Indiana (AAN CAN)

of meditation, yoga, walks, workshops, delicious food, massage, sauna, and soaks in the hot tub.

SPIRITUAL

CLASSES & WORKSHOPSCLAY CLASSES AT ODYSSEY CLAYWORKS Interactive Narrative Sculpture, Refining Your Focus, Flowerpots In The Garden, Setting Up Shop On Etsy, Mastering Porcelain, Beginner Wheel, Valentine's Day Pottery For Couples. For details about classes, visit www.odysseyceramicarts.com.

MIND, BODY, SPIRIT BODYWORK

CLOUD COTTAGE COMMUNITY OF MINDFUL LIVING: Mindfulness practice in the Plum Village tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, 219 Old Toll Circle, Black Mountain. Freedom, Simplicity, Harmony. Weds. 6-7:30 PM; Sundays 8-9:00 AM, followed by tea/ book study. For additional offerings, see www.cloudcottage.org or call 828-669-6000.

FOR MUSICIANS EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

#1 AFFORDABLE COMMUNITY CONSCIOUS MASSAGE AND ESSENTIAL OIL CLINIC 3 locations: 1224 Hendersonville Rd., Asheville, 505-7088, 959 Merrimon Ave, Suite 101, 7851385 and 2021 Asheville Hwy., Hendersonville, 697-0103. 24 Sardis Rd. Ste B, 828-633-6789 • $33/hour. • Integrated Therapeutic Massage: Deep Tissue, Swedish, Trigger Point, Reflexology. Energy, Pure Therapeutic Essential Oils. 30 therapists. Call now! www.thecosmicgroove.co

COUNSELING SERVICES

ACOUSTIC GIBSON FIREBIRD GUITAR A rare find! Exquisite quilted maple back and sides. Top is AAA Sitka Spruce. All inlay, headstock, fingerboard, abalone and mother of pearl. Gold tuners. Original hard shell case. Made for me in Gibson custom shop. 1 of 40 made with lifetime warranty. No blemishes. Like new. Octogenarian seller. $3000 Firm. (828) 274-0900, leave message.

PETS

T HE N E W Y ORK TIMES CROSSWORD PU ZZL E ACROSS 1 Paris pyramid designer 6 “Style is an option. Clean is not” sloganeer 10 “Wanna ___?” 13 Charcuterie 14 Stuffy site? 15 Rage 16 “Mad Men”? 18 Grp. on the range? 19 One easily duped 20 Ending with silver or soft 21 Freudian subjects 22 “House of Cards”? 27 Campfire treats 29 In ___ of 30 Division of a long poem 31 Things determined by one’s date of birth 36 Big feller? 37 One way to run 38 Be sick 39 Varied 42 Orangish fruit 44 The first to die 45 It may be measured on a doorframe 46 “Game of Thrones”? 51 “I’m ___ it” 52 Lip-puckering 53 Symbol for torque

edited by Will Shortz

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56 Latin word shared by the mottoes of Yale and Tufts 57 “The Walking Dead”? 61 The “A” in I.P.A. 62 Parts of cribs 63 Rid 64 “Totally cool, man!” 65 Objectives 66 Mexican money

impossible to define 24 DiCaprio, in tabloids 25 Enterprise captain 26 French possessive 27 Multitude 28 Skirt type 31 “All but one” win, in bridge 32 Steve Martin song subject 33 Capone and Corleone DOWN 34 Near 1 Mischief-makers 35 8:00-9:00 on a 2 Tenis de ___ (Ping- schedule, e.g. Pong, in Spain) 37 Space 3 Disappearing con- 40 Duo veniences 41 Disney subsidiary 4 And more: Abbr. 42 ___ fun (noodle 5 “Kinda” variety) 6 Pageant princess’s 43 iPad ___ prize 45 Tortoise taunter 7 Weave together 46 Wisdom tooth, e.g. 8 “Of course, you 47 Palate part idiot!” 48 H.S. class in which 9 Part of a winding contraception may be road discussed 10 “You got it!” 49 Longtime team for 11 Autocorrect target Peyton Manning 12 Razz 50 Centers of activity PUZZLE BY DUNCAN KIMMEL 14 Unwanted emails 54 Jason’s ship AND CLARA WILLIAMSON 17 Hogwarts’ fifth-year 55 “101 ___ for a exams, for short Dead Cat” (1981 best short seller) 21 Small case 23 Something famously 57 Free TV ad, for 58 “Aladdin” prince

59 Tinder or Grindr 60 Regret

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE

LOST PETS A LOST OR FOUND PET? Free service. If you have lost or found a pet in WNC, post your listing here: www.lostpetswnc.org

PET SERVICES ASHEVILLE PET SITTERS Dependable, loving care while you're away. Reasonable rates. Call Sandy (828) 215-7232.

TALK TO THE ENTITIES™ CLASSES, CLEARING, SESSIONS Phoebe Gibbs CFMW, Certified TTTE's Facilitator. Classes, Clearings, Sessions. What talents and capacities have you forgotten you had? Asheville and world-wide. Phone: 828 6580-0050 email: phoebegibbs@icloud.com Web: http://talktotheentities. com/facilitators/phoebe-egibbs/

RETREATS SHOJI SPA & LODGE • 7 DAYS A WEEK Day & Night passes, cold plunge, sauna, hot tubs, lodging, 8 minutes from town, bring a friend or two, stay the day or all evening, escape & renew! Best massages in Asheville 828-299-0999

WINTER R&R RETREAT Jan 15-17 Prama Institute www. prama.org Join us in the Blue Ridge Mountains for a weekend

AUTOMOTIVE AUTOS FOR SALE CASH FOR CARS We Buy Any Condition Vehicle, 2002 and Newer. Nationwide Free Pick Up! Call Now: 1-888-420-3808 www.cash4car.com (AAN CAN)

Paul Caron

ADULT ADULT

Furniture Magician

DREAMS Your destination for relaxation. Now available 7 days a week! • 9am-11pm. Call (828) 242-2856.

• Cabinet Refacing

PHONE ACTRESSES From home. Must have dedicated land line and great voice. 21+. Up to $18 per hour. Flex hours/ most Weekends. 1-800-4037772. Lipservice.net (AAN CAN)

• Furniture Repair • Seat Caning • Antique Restoration • Custom Furniture & Cabinetry

VIAGRA! 52 Pills for Only $99.00. Your #1 trusted provider for 10 years. Insured and Guaranteed Delivery. Call today 1-877-621-7013. AAN CAN

(828) 669-4625

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• Black Mountain

december - january 2016 OCTOBER 7 30 - OCTOBER 13,5,2015

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