FEATURES PAGE 8 RADICAL HOSPITALITY
Concerns about the
Some
The YMI Cultural Center — one of the oldest cultural centers in the nation — has turned a new page in its storied history. After a five-year capital campaign, the center has completed major renovations and welcomed new executive director Sean Palmer. With plans to expand the center’s reach both locally and nationally, Palmer is poised to lead the center into a new era. On this week’s cover, Palmer is pictured in front of the YMI Cultural Center at 36 South Market St.
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Poetry Contest
Xpress announces its 2025 poetry contest in celebration of April as National Poetry Month.
Are you a poet living in Western North Carolina? If so, consider submitting an original, previously unpublished work. This year’s theme is on life in Western North Carolina after Tropical Storm Helene. What are the visuals from the storm’s immediate aftermath that stick with you? What acts of kindness left an impression? How did you get through it? How has the ongoing recovery process impacted you or your loved ones? What gives you hope for our region? Of course, these questions are just suggestions. Your poem might address an entirely separate aspect of the storm. Trust your instinct and submit your most polished work. All poems should be no longer than one typed page in a 12-point font. (Any poems that go beyond the page count will be disqualified.) Again, only previously unpublished poems will be considered. No A.I. generated poems are allowed. And while we love to hear from our younger poets, we ask children under 18 to submit their work to our annual Kids Issues.
The contest is currently open for submissions and will close at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12. Email your poem in the body of the message to tcalder@mountainx.com Embedded links or attached documents will not be read. The subject line should read “Xpress 2025 Poetry Contest.” Include the author’s name and contact information in the email. Only one submission per person. There is no cost to enter.
A winning poem will be determined by local poet Michael Dechane, author of the collection The Long Invisible. The winner will be published online and in print in our April 30 issue. The contest is not open to Xpress employees or their families, or freelance contributors.
Contact Thomas Calder at tcalder@mountainx.com
Don’t delay the I-26 Connector
[ Regarding “From Asheville Watchdog: I-26 Bridge Over Patton Avenue, Nixed Years Ago, Is Quietly Revived in Connector Plan,” Feb. 17, Xpress:]
Regarding the design change calling for an eight-lane overpass over Patton Avenue, I feel it’s important to let this project move forward without delay.
The substantial cost (and probably time) savings from having the I-26 Connector bridge over Patton Avenue instead of tunneling under it far outweighs the slight inconvenience of having a small stretch of Patton Avenue covered by shade.
— Hugh McCollum Asheville
I-26 should go under Patton Avenue
[ Regarding “From Asheville Watchdog: I-26 Bridge Over Patton Avenue, Nixed Years Ago, Is Quietly Revived in Connector Plan,” Feb. 17, Xpress:]
The interchange should go below Patton Avenue. It will be this way for the next 50-100 years, so you ought to choose the best plan now. We’ve waited long enough for this one.
— Steve Morrell West Asheville
Flyover plan recalls Boston’s Big Dig
[ Regarding “From Asheville Watchdog: I-26 Bridge Over Patton Avenue, Nixed Years Ago, Is Quietly Revived in Connector Plan,” Feb. 17, Xpress:]
Do I have a say in this? I’m in Asheville all the time but live in Marshall. Just sayin’, look at the Boston disaster where they destroyed the city with an overhead highway and finally, at huge cost, had to tear it down because of how horrible it was.
— Joe Thompson Marshall
Word of the week
teranga (n.)
A Wolof (West African) word that means “hospitality.”
In this week’s cover story, you’ll learn more about how the YMI Cultural Center is thinking about teranga as a concept for its role within the community. X
Local children need volunteer court advocates
Do you believe that children are our future? Do you worry about our future? Do you have 10-15 hours per month to make a difference?
If you answer yes to any of these questions, become a Guardian ad Litem volunteer. My name is Mark Taft, and I’m a Guardian ad Litem. What that means, most simply put, is that I look out for what is in the best interest of children in the state’s custody. Children in this program are the victims of situations that are dangerous and/or abusive for them. They are the unseen victims of substance abuse and domestic violence. As a Guardian ad Litem volunteer, you are their voice to protect them so they may have a better and safer future.
Guardians ad Litem receive training from an experienced staff of child advocates. You learn about the agencies involved in protecting children, how the courts function, your role as a GAL, how to review cases and how to advocate for the child you represent. You will interact with foster parents, biological parents, school personnel, and health care and mental health professionals. Your role is critical to determining what is best for the child.
I have been the voice in court for two children for over five years now. This is an unusually long period for one case, but nonetheless, I have been the stable and consistent person in the lives of these two children. Foster families may change,
social workers may change, but I have been there throughout their time in the state’s custody.
Our system is being overwhelmed by factors that lead to parents being unable to care for their children. And there is a critical shortage of Guardian ad Litem volunteers. Currently, there are 326 children in our program in Buncombe County, 37 of whom have no volunteer and therefore no advocate or voice in court.
A new cohort for training begins in April, so now is the time to get involved and advocate for children. You can reach the program via email (GAL.DIST40@nccourts.org), phone (828-259-3443) or apply now on the program’s website (avl.mx/ekj).
Please seriously consider this important community need. Thank you.
— Mark Taft Guardian ad Litem Asheville
Black Mountain needs a full-service gym
Black Mountain is a vibrant and growing town, but when it comes to fitness and wellness facilities, we are falling behind. As someone deeply invested in health and fitness, I’ve spoken with many community members who share the same concern — our town lacks a modern, accessible gym that meets the needs of residents of all ages and fitness levels.
The YMCA, while an existing option, has limited hours, outdated equipment and an inconvenient
location. Many locals, including students, working professionals and older adults, find that it does not accommodate their schedules or fitness goals. This is why I launched a petition to bring a high-quality, full-service gym to Black Mountain. The response has been overwhelming — within just five days, signatures surged from 127 to 460, reflecting strong community demand.
I am currently in discussions with both private investors and local entities to explore how we can make this a reality. My goal is to establish Sculpting Strength Fitness, a stateof-the-art gym offering modern equipment, extended hours (potentially 24/7), infrared saunas, steam rooms and dedicated training areas. Such a facility would benefit not only individual residents, but also local schools and athletic programs, giving young athletes the resources they need to excel.
A well-equipped gym is more than just a fitness center — it is an investment in the health, economy and future of our town.
— Daniel Bryce Woods Owner of Sculpting Strength Fitness LLC Black Mountain
Buncombe County Schools can take steps to build trust
Understanding that the Buncombe County Schools Gender Support Guidelines, introduced in 2017, function as an administrative regulation rather than formal board policy, and thus did not require board approval or public readings, offers some minimal insight into their procedural adoption.
However, the distinction between administrative regulations and board policies does not mitigate the community’s concerns about transparency and inclusivity in the development of policies that significantly impact students and families. The implementation of such guidelines without broader public engagement can lead to misunderstandings and erode trust between the school administration and the community it serves.
To foster a more collaborative environment, I urge the Buncombe County Schools (BCS) administration to consider the following actions: • Public disclosure: Clearly communicate the existence and purpose of administrative reg-
CARTOON BY RANDY MOLTON
ulations, especially those affecting student welfare, to parents and stakeholders.
• Community engagement: Provide avenues for public input and discussion prior to the adoption of significant guidelines, even if not mandated by policy.
• Consistent documentation: Ensure that all official documents accurately reflect their status to prevent confusion regarding their authority and approval process.
By adopting these practices, BCS can enhance transparency, build trust and ensure that all voices within our community are heard and respected.
— Jim Fulton Arden
Taking action shows kids that we care
Western North Carolina has undergone a climate-related disaster that will change lives, not just for now, but for many years. Some of us will never really recover. Studies have shown that the long-term negative impacts of an event like Helene will be felt for well over a decade. We will be dealing with the ripple effects of families torn apart, communities scattered and health care interrupted.
For children, this can be especially traumatic. With schooling disrupted and caregivers overstressed, they can feel adrift in a world that no longer feels secure. Helping our
children is a crucial part of our recovery. They need to feel that all of us are concerned for their future. They need to see that all of us are willing to do what we can to secure a safer, better world.
It’s understandable that one might think, “Nothing I can do will make any difference,” and in a way, that is true. Our actions as individuals will not matter much, but none of us exist only as individuals. It is in our collective commitment to many small actions that we matter.
When children see the adults around them take whatever small steps we can to address climate change and community needs, it helps them feel more secure. When we try to use less energy, pick up trash or recycle what we can, we are telling our youths that we care about them and their future.
Also, it makes us feel better, too. When we all do our tiny bit, the pieces come together. We are taking a hand in our own futures. We are telling each other that we care. We are showing respect for others, for ourselves and for the Earth.
— Brita Larsen Clark Candler
City should rezone residential shortcuts
Baker Drive (off Old County Home Road) is deceptively marked as not a through street when it is one, and this marking, along with similar discouragement of residential shortcuts by the city, wastes gas,
increases Asheville’s high VMTs (vehicle miles traveled), causes climate change and violates the urban planning principle of connectivity.
What cities should do instead is rezone such shortcuts commercially, so that commercial bidders can buy out quiet-loving homeowners, enabling the latter to relocate to quiet areas that are not on important transport routes, rather than forcing drivers and sometimes bikers to bother and endanger more people by driving farther. Hopefully, they can choose politically allied neighbors while at it.
The speed humps on Lakeshore Drive seem tolerable, but those on Shelburne Road are too tall, potentially damaging cars and trucks that are obeying the speed limit. My favorite speed humps are, or were, on Bearden Avenue, as they were free, having been constructed for us by frost. Gun owners also need to drive from Reems Creek directly to Riceville to bypass Asheville hostility, though I’ve been told a gate on a dirt road shortcut is often locked. The student shortcut to east Cullowhee also needs improvement.
— Alan Ditmore Leicester
12 Baskets Café is for everyone
Many people think 12 Baskets Café, a program of the Asheville Poverty Initiative, is simply a food pantry to serve the houseless and food-insecure population of West Asheville, but we actually do so much more than that!
In addition to serving free hot meals and offering free groceries six days each week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.noon), it is also a place of gathering for all folks in the Asheville community, regardless of income level or
housing status. It is a place where we can all share space and get to know our neighbors (and yes, the houseless people who spend time in your neighborhood are also your neighbors).
In addition to building community and understanding across class differences, one of our greatest values is reducing food waste, and in January, we saved 16,000 pounds of food from restaurants and grocery stores that would have otherwise gone to landfills. And there is actually more food available in Asheville that ends up getting thrown out because we do not have enough volunteers to pick up all of the available food and bring it to our space.
We also host other community events such as Open Music Jam (Mondays at 1 p.m.), Sketchbook Club (first and third Mondays at 6 p.m.), Tech Tuesdays (free tech support, Tuesdays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.) and Creative Writing Group (Fridays at 1 p.m.).
We always need volunteers, so if you are looking for a way to serve the community and be a part of something bigger than yourself, come check us out! You can learn more about everything we do at [avl.mx/ejo].
If you care about reducing food waste, building community, breaking down stereotypes and reducing fear — or you just enjoy free food — come share a meal with us!
— Taija Ventrella Asheville
Spotting hopeful signs of resistance
I’m writing this to encourage younger adults, parents, teachers, workers, and peace and justice activists to recognize they are not alone in the longing and quest for a better way of life on our planet. Spiritual and ethical thinking begins with a world perspective, but we must act locally. Things will get worse unless we the people start resisting government by the wealthy. It’s we the people who elect dysfunctional politicians who are unable to unite our country. It’s about 535 lawmakers vs. about 245 million eligible voters. Please, do not let others destroy your creativity and fortitude against injustice and hardships. Do not think the knowledge you presently possess is changeless, complete and the absolute truth. Now is the time to start preparing yourself for what’s ahead. It’s going to get worse. It’s a matter of lifelong learning. I love my country. But I do not support our present government. Nor do I support our way of life dominated by wealthy elites. I believe in the
checks and balances of our American Constitution approved in 1788.
There is a need for revolutionary change, but I cannot understand why Christians supported Trump and the Republican Party. A third-party vote would have been a message to our politicians. Our Constitution requires a “balance of power” that no longer exists. But there are hopeful signs that may not be so visible.
Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde led a recent prayer service which President Trump attended. She said, “I ask you to have mercy, Mr. President, on those in our communities whose children fear that their parents will be taken away. ...” Trump’s response was venomous, dismissing the service as boring, deriding Budde as “a radical left hardliner Trump hater.” This reveals the politics of the Disunited States, a politics of division, cruelty and vindictiveness that is not Christian.
Another inspiration comes from local demonstrators marching in Asheville a week or so ago supporting more compassion and justice among everyone.
The third is very inspiring for me. A Sunday service at the Asheville Land of the Sky United Church of Christ consisted of breaking up into small groups with topics such as peacemaking and the social issues plaguing our country. It is an
encouraging model that I hope other churches of all denominations and faiths have the courage to follow.
You can challenge me on this: esacco189@gmail.com.
— Ed Sacco Asheville
Editor’s note: A longer version of this letter will appear at mountainx. com.
Memory of Sylva sighting lives on
In late March of 1986, my then-wife and I, in Sylva, were witnesses to a massive triangular craft silently moving over us at night, barely 200 feet overhead. It had three red lights, one at each tip, going slowly (10 mph?), and there were at least 300 feet between each light. I had a primal fear reaction, afraid that if it came down on us we would be flattened on the ground. It was astounding and stunning, with us assuming it was some government experiment. It stopped after passing directly over us, tilted on its axis and appeared to cartwheel off into the eastern sky.
Over the years, I learned that the “black triangles” have been seen worldwide by many people, and now we are all experiencing a daily reporting of scores of UFO sightings, both “regular” metallic-type craft
and “orb-plasma” type worldwide. Never trust our or any government’s lies about “drones”; they have been weaponizing and hiding the truth about UFOs for over 80 years. In the name of military superiority, the elite and their cronies have denied the world technology that would benefit mankind in almost unimaginable ways, from free energy to the end of poverty and pollution.
Before we can dismantle the corrupt profiteer-driven systems, the truth must be known. Brave whistleblowers are now trying to expose the horrific history of cover-ups, lies and even murder that have been the means for hiding the truth, and we must support them lest we be a part of the shameful past. Private corporations have hidden the secrets for complicit government agencies so Freedom of Information Act requests can be ignored. The “aliens” who are here have their own agendas; the ones complicit in the cover-up are as dangerous as our government’s warmongers, but I believe there are some who have our best interests in mind. Soon you may be called upon to choose whom to believe, and only the intuitively active will be prepared to choose wisely. I implore you to take this seriously.
— Richard Moore Sylva X
CARTOON BY BRENT BROWN
Radical hospitality
BY BRIONNA DALLARA
bdallara@mountainx.com
Inside the YMI Cultural Center’s remodeled auditorium, its new executive director, Sean Palmer, energetically leads a chorus in the singing of Stevie Wonder’s “Happy Birthday” to mark the center’s 132-year anniversary.
The event is one of several that have been held in recent weeks, culminating in the Feb. 27 grand reopening. After a five-year, $6.2 million capital campaign, marked by personnel changes and legal disputes, the organization’s board chair, Anthony Thomas, sees the ribbon-cutting as the center’s next chapter in its long history in Asheville.
Built in 1893, and known at the time as the Young Men’s Institute, the site originally offered housing and recreational opportunities for Biltmore Estate’s Black workers. Over the subsequent decades, the venue evolved into a central hub for the city’s African American community.
“It’s gone through Jim Crow, it’s gone through segregation, it’s gone through urban removal, and it still stands tall,” says Thomas, who has served on the board since 2018.
With renovations complete and new programming in place, Thomas feels more confident than ever about the YMI’s future. “It will be the first time, at least since I’ve been on the board, that we have a strategic plan that will allow the center to generate revenue for itself to become self-sustaining,” he says.
Meanwhile, Palmer, who has devoted his professional career to uplifting the Black experience, says he is eager to lead the YMI into its next iteration, elevating the organization’s reputation beyond Western North Carolina.
UNDETERRED
Before Palmer’s arrival, financial disputes between the YMI and its former executive director Dewana Little resulted in multiple lawsuits. By April 2024, the organization hired Andrew Shannon to replace Little, but his tenure was brief.
Palmer, however, says the recent turnovers and legal disputes did not deter him from accepting the position.
“It’s not surprising that people will come into this work and realize that they are not a good fit or that the work is surprisingly more difficult from one vantage point or another,” Palmer says. “And I think a good director learns what they don’t know. They operate as a lifelong learner.”
YMI Cultural Center starts its next chapter with renovations and new leadership
For eight years, Palmer served as the assistant director at the Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture at Duke University. More recently, he was the director at UNC Wilmington Upperman African American Cultural Center (UAACC), until his position was terminated when UNC System Board of Governors voted to eliminate its DEI policy at its 17 institutions in May 2024. Palmer still serves as the vice president for the Association for Black Culture Centers (ABCC).
“His love of history was attractive to us, as well as his work that he was doing at the Upperman Center at Wilmington,” Thomas says. “Our goal was to put the culture back into the YMI Cultural Center, and he just seemed to have a vast amount of experience in that space.”
CREATING A THIRD SPACE
Part of Palmer’s vision for the YMI is to deepen its connection throughout Asheville.
“A cultural center that does not have a relationship with a larger community is a cultural center on the verge of death,” Palmer says, quoting his colleague Deidre Rouse, president of the ABCC.
Furthermore, he wants to distinguish the organization from other area nonprofits. “There are a lot of nonprofits in the city that have as their base Black entrepreneurship, Black workers. But there’s a need to tell the history of how Black folks got here,” he says.
Palmer also emphasizes the importance of the YMI being a “third space,” or a community hub where individuals can connect with one another.
“We only go from work to home and home to work, and those are first and second spaces,” Palmer says. “We need community and we need places to learn things and to develop hobbies and to work on ourselves.”
Inclusivity, Palmer emphasizes, is key.
“It means all the singers, all the artists, all the Black queer folks, all the Black writers, the children, the bourgeoisie, the Greek ones, the ones who all went to HBCUs [historically Black colleges and universities], the ones who went to PWIs [predominantly white institutions] like Duke and Chapel Hill, the ones who went to Asheville, the ones who like to hike, the ones who like to stay inside, the ones who like to shop,” Palmer says. “All of those microcommunities have to be convened, and we need to try and [welcome] as many of them as we can in our spaces.”
Above all else, Palmer adds, there has to be a rhyme and a reason. “Take people on a journey each year,” he says. “I have lived by that principle a long time, which is that you create programming that is connected, that has a storyline.”
’CONNECTIVE TISSUE’
In light of welcoming folks into the freshly renovated space, the 2025 theme for the YMI focuses on the spirit of teranga, a Wolof (West African) word meaning “radical hospitality.” Each year’s theme will be combined with a piece of literature. The inaugural selection is Nikki Giovanni’s poem “Knoxville, Tennessee.”
Part of Palmer’s interest in this concept is to offer a counterexample to what he’s seen at other organizations. He explains that sometimes cultural centers veer toward being reactionary rather than creating a “connective tissue” that breaks down the root of conflicts.
“They’re waiting for major catastrophes to happen, and then they’re responding to those catastrophes afterwards,” Palmer elaborates. “Like if you’re only responding to the George Floyd incidents, or the Black Lives Matters moment, [then] you haven’t created the connective tissue in your cultural center to teach how Black lives matter.”
Palmer is kickstarting a residency program, Kujichagulia, for Black organizations to host meetings in the space and has plans to launch “BanjulBanjo,” a music series that highlights cultural connections between West Africa and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The YMI will also continue to host the annual Goombay Festival, which showcases Black culture, art, food and entertainment.
Along with new and returning concepts and events, the center is also adding an operations and finance director and director of cultural arts, Thomas says.
“Historically, it’s always been an executive director and then piecemealing the staff,” Thomas explains.
The big goal for Palmer, however, is for the YMI to enter the national conversation. After all, he says, it is one of the oldest Black-led cultural centers.
“Telling just the Asheville story isn’t the only story that we need to tell,” Palmer adds, noting the several Black legacy communities throughout the region. “We need to be the cultural center for this entire land — North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains.” X
BIG FUTURE PLANS: With its new executive director, Sean Palmer, the YMI Cultural Center seeks to expand its reach — both locally and nationally. Photo by Caleb Johnson
Speaking out
BY GREG PARLIER
gparlier@mountainx.com
Around 100 residents filled the lobby inside the Buncombe County Health and Human Services building on Feb. 25, waiting to speak with members of U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards’ staff. Meanwhile, roughly 30 more constituents hoisted signs outside the building, expressing their frustration and anger over a number of issues.
Edwards did not attend the planned office hours.
Elon Musk, the tech billionaire whom President Donald Trump has entrusted to oversee the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), was front of mind for many who showed up. They objected to the control Musk has exhibited over federal operations and the steep cuts he has made to various departments and programs.
“Deport Musk,” read one sign outside the building.
Other messages urged Edwards to oppose proposed cuts to Medicaid, protect Medicare and Social Security, and stand up to misinformation about Tropical Storm Helene.
Susan Kask, a retired economist from Swannanoa, summed up the list of grievances that many wanted to share with Edwards.
“What happens to the people on Medicaid if we lose $80 billion in Medicaid [funding]? What happens to Medicare? What happens to Social Security? People are on a fixed income,” she said, showing a three-page letter she planned to hand the congressman’s staffers. Climate change, immigration and support for Ukraine were additional issues she outlined in her missive. “I’m very worried about this country.”
‘SLOW COUP’
Edwards’ staff had scheduled the office hours primarily to answer questions related to disaster recovery from Tropical Storm Helene and issues with assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). According to the representative’s website, the session was also intended to “assist with federal agencies.” A small number of attendees who spoke with Xpress said they were there for FEMA-related questions. Top of mind for most residents was the perceived consolidation of power in the executive branch — with an emphasis on Musk, who is defined as a close adviser of President Trump,
Concerns about the Trump administration overwhelm Chuck Edwards’ office hours
OF
and
brought signs to U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards’ office hours at the Buncombe County Health and Human Services building Feb. 25. They were waiting to express displeasure with the Trump administration’s perceived coziness with traditional American adversaries such as Russia, Hungary and North Korea, Mann said. Photo by Greg Parlier
although not technically an employee, according to the White House.
“We have an unelected immigrant who is, in my opinion, unhinged, running rampant over very important and vital federal functions, and it needs to stop. People are going to get hurt. They’re already being hurt,” said Dizy Walton.
“Trump is a traitor,” said Jim Bingham of Black Mountain. “I look through the smokescreen and I’m concerned that everything I grew up with as a child and an adult started with integrity, and I see that being destroyed.”
Bingham argued that claims by Musk and others that the government is rife with waste, fraud and abuse are nonsense. “That’s uncomposted manure. The intent is to destroy the fabric of our government,” he said.
Most of those who spoke with Xpress said it was up to congressional Republicans to fix the problems they believed the Trump administration was creating.
“We’re having this slow coup going on. Our legislature seems to be just kind of letting everything slide through,” said Karin Heiman of Asheville. “We’re not supposed to have these billionaires tweeting and telling the government what to do. We don’t want one single person controlling everything.”
Some, such as retired physician Arnold Brown of West Asheville, said Edwards needed to stand up to Trump and Musk and help Congress take back control of the federal government.
“Get a spine. Our country is being destroyed. Our democracy is being
destroyed. Do something. We’ve elected you to represent us,” said Brown, who served in the military reserve for 23 years, including a stint at a combat hospital.
“Our leadership is being replaced by people who have had no experience with no understanding, who have never served,” Brown continued. “Our enemies must be laughing at us. Terrorist organizations have been for a long time trying to elude agencies that [Musk is] destroying.”
Two attendees offered Edwards a warning: If he doesn’t stand up for locals, his seat will be in jeopardy.
Viv Bernstein, of Woodfin, said independent voters such as herself will vote for Edwards in the 2026 primary if he votes to protect Medicaid.
“I am an independent, but this has made me realize that I will never, ever vote for a Republican,” added Jennifer Warren of Weaverville.
MEDICAID CONCERNS
Proposed Medicaid cuts were also top of mind for many wanting to speak with Edwards’ staff, as well as concerns that Medicare and Social Security would be on the chopping block soon. Republicans, who narrowly control Congress, have backed proposals that could sharply cut Medicaid, the government health insurance program for about 79 million poor and disabled Americans, according to reporting from NPR and other outlets. On the night of Feb. 25, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a GOP spending bill that would require deep cuts to government spending, with top Republicans targeting Medicaid and food-aid programs, according to The New York Times.
Kathryn Liss said she can’t afford to take care of her son, who is disabled, without the help of Medicaid.
For Weaverville’s Warren, the potential loss of Medicaid is just as personal. Her 32-year-old disabled daughter’s life depends on the federal safety net, she said.
“She could not live if there were these cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. Those three cuts that are on the table today will make her life miserable. She will perhaps die with the lack of care. We can’t afford the good medical care that [Edwards gets]. I think he needs to hear that.”
Matthew Maisels, a nurse at Mission Health, expressed concern that Medicaid and Medicare cuts could handcuff the ability of the area’s
SIGNS
CONCERN: Maggie Richards, left,
Donna Mann
DEPORT MUSK: Protesters gathered outside the Buncombe County Health and Human Services building Feb. 25 to express their anger at various federal government actions, including empowering tech billionaire Elon Musk to quickly cut various federal programs through his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Inside, U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards’ staffers held office hours to hear from his constituents. Photo by Greg Parlier
two hospitals, including the Charles George VA Medical Center, to provide important care for the community.
“This represents a threat to health care for Chuck Edwards’ constituents. Chuck Edwards claims to represent this community. If he cares about this community, he should be fighting against cuts to nursing staff at the VA,” Maisels said.
“Chuck Edwards is selling out many of his constituents through severe Medicaid cuts and taking a sledgehammer to multiple other essential programs,” argued Jimmy Hare of Asheville.
FEDERAL CUTS
Recent cuts to various federal departments, including the U.S.
Forest Service and National Park Service, also concerned those waiting to see Edwards’ team.
Shalyn Yost-Haynes, an eightyear employee at the National Park Service, most recently at the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, was one of the thousands of federal employees who suddenly lost their jobs in recent weeks.
“I’m not going to stand here and let them take my job away without speaking up,” she said.
Suzanne Sutherland, of Black Mountain, said she was concerned that cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration would further hurt our ability to respond to a changing climate.
“I’m concerned about my neighbors,” she said. “Our whole area is
going to take years to rebuild, and we need help from the federal government. There should be no tax cuts period, and no cuts to entitlements until they have done a thorough analysis of government spending. Chaotic cuts are not helpful and just help to destroy the whole system.”
Several residents, including Sutherland, expressed frustrations with what they see as Edwards’ uneven advocacy for federal assistance to help with Helene recovery.
“I’m disappointed in Chuck Edwards for first supporting FEMA and then starting to criticize it after Trump came and criticized FEMA. I’m concerned about the hypocrisy of our local representative,” said Sutherland.
GETTING AHOLD OF EDWARDS
Many of those who spoke with Xpress shared frustration over their inability to contact Edwards.
“In the city in his district with the highest population, he will not hold a town hall meeting,” complained Warren, of Weaverville, referring to Asheville.
“Why isn’t Chuck Edwards doing a town hall meeting, since so many of us have concerns?” asked Robin Clark Michelle Antalec, of Henderson County, where Edwards lives, said she came to Asheville for the event because she feels as if the representative doesn’t have enough availability in his home county.
As the office hours extended beyond its 11 a.m. end time, a woman near the back of the line grew concerned about her likelihood of speaking with the representative’s staff about FEMA. She felt that she had been given the runaround from the federal agency and needed Edwards’ help in appealing FEMA’s decision to deny her request for relief. Those ahead of her in line encouraged her to move to the front. After initially resisting, she
DIVAS FOR DEMOCRACY: Hope Warshaw, left, and Cinda Chima started Divas for Democracy, a letter-writing group initially designed to get out the vote for eventual President Joe Biden in October 2019. The group’s email list, which now has more than 100 members, encouraged recipients to gather at U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards’ office hours Feb. 25 to advocate against recent actions of the Trump administration. Photo by Greg Parlier
took them up on the offer and made it in before the session concluded.
Around 11:30 a.m., a representative of Edwards’ office came into the lobby to address the remaining crowd of about 20 who were still waiting to speak with the congressman’s staff. The representative said the team had to go to Brevard for another event but would take down everyone’s contact information and concerns and get back to them.
Members of Edwards’ office were scheduled to make two appearances Wednesday, Feb. 26, in Avery and Mitchell counties in the representative’s Carolina Cruiser. There are no appearances scheduled in his “Chat with Chuck” series, according to Edwards’ website. X
Some tourism-funded projects on hold ‘indefinitely’
Plans for some tourism-funded capital projects are at a standstill after Tropical Storm Helene destroyed key infrastructure and has made some properties inaccessible, according to a presentation from Explore Asheville’s Tiffany Thacker during the Feb. 26 Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) meeting.
Per state law, Buncombe County spends two-thirds of its occupancy tax collected from overnight stays on tourism advertising, while one-third goes to tourism-based capital investments, such as greenways, wayfaring signs and public art.
That 33% share is split between two funds with similar missions: The Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF) and the Legacy Investment from Tourism Fund (LIFT). Thacker, who serves as the vice president of partnership and destination management at Explore Asheville and oversees the two funds, explained during the meeting that of the 31 currently funded projects, 19 are funded through TPDF and 12 through the LIFT Fund.
While she explained that construction and permitting delays unrelated to Helene were expected and have slowed the development of some projects, six projects, including the Swannanoa Greenway, the AfricanAmerican Heritage Museum and the Aston Park Tennis Center, are on hold due to unknown recovery costs, making it difficult for staff to project timelines for completion.
“Either the damage to the projects has not been able to be fully assessed, or there is a lack of access to the site, and there’s uncertainty when they will get that access. Or, there is a
need to assess whether the project is even feasible,” Thacker said.
Another project with an uncertain future is the Ferry Road project, a proposed mixed-use development on a 137-acre Buncombe Countyowned tract along the French Broad River off Brevard Road in South Asheville. The project includes 645 housing units with about 360 deemed affordable. Last year, the BCTDA awarded $4 million from its LIFT Fund toward “public recreation and conservation components” of the project, which includes 1.9 miles of greenway, 1.7 miles of trails, public parking access and more.
Both Thacker and Terri Wells, Buncombe County commissioner and ex-officio BCTDA member, explained that shifting priorities in light of damage from Helene may mean that the project is delayed while the county focuses on more pressing needs. “We have changed that prioritization. That doesn’t mean that Ferry Road will not happen, and we are definitely assessing the timeline on that as well,” said Wells.
Three more projects, including AVL Unpaved, a plan to create a natural surface trail along Azalea Park and French Broad River Park, investments at the Craggy Gardens
Visitor Center and Picnic Area and improvements to Black Wall Street in the River Arts District, are stalled indefinitely due to lack of access to the properties, said Thacker.
“There’s two significant landslides that’s blocking access to the Craggy Garden area, as well as substantial tree fall,” she explained. “Both Azalea Park and French Broad River Park are not accessible at this time. … And then Black Wall Street AVL also is not able to be accessed at 8 River Arts Place until the city completes the remediation of the flood damage in that building.”
Funding for all nine projects on hold amounts to roughly $10.8 million, which drew concerns from some board members.
“That’s a lot of funds locked up when there’s a lot of people in our community looking for immediate funding for some of these capital projects,” said BCTDA board member and Treasurer HP Patel. Explore Asheville President and CEO Vic Isley said that board members will have the opportunity to review the projects and grant allocations next month during the BCTDA’s annual planning session Friday, March 28.
“We’ll be talking more strategically about some of the projects that we funded in the past — what is the [return on investment] of this project? And what do we look at going forward more strategically?” she said. “We will continue to be in touch with the county staff in terms of [its] priorities. We won’t wait till next January, when this cycle is required to occur as part of the grant process.”
— Brooke Randle
X
ON HOLD: Occupancy tax investments to Black Wall Street in the River Arts District are on hold until the city completes remediation of flood damage in the building. Photo by Brooke Randle
Council approves two housing developments
Asheville City Council at its Feb. 25 meeting approved, 7-0, a 100% affordable 126-unit housing project off Pine Lane and cleared the way with a 5-2 vote for a 304-unit development on Sweeten Creek Road near the intersection of Long Shoals and Hendersonville roads.
Council members also voted to allow the Pine Lane developer, Minnesotabased Roers Co., to use $2.1 million of a $3.87 million Housing Trust Fund (HTF) low-interest loan to buy the 6.68 acres east of Interstate 26 near Brevard Road, next to Fred Anderson Toyota of Asheville. The rest will go toward construction costs. Units will range in size from one to four bedrooms. Council also placed a deed restriction on the land to ensure it will always be used for affordable housing.
Buncombe County is contributing $6.5 million to the project as well.
All units will be available to those making 60% or less of the area median income (AMI), equating to $39,240 annually for a single-person household and $44,880 for a two-person household.
Jenny Luczak, a local resident, expressed concerns about the project’s impact on neighbors on Oak Lodge Road, a privately maintained road that intersects Pine Lane.
“We don’t really foresee the renters wanting to maintain the privately maintained road they are going to use,” Luczak said.
Sam Starr-Baum, urban planner III with the City of Asheville Planning and Urban Design Department, said staff has worked with the developer to make sure there is signage stating Oak Lodge is a private road and directs traffic to Pine Lane.
Luczak also requested a fence between the clubhouse and the nearest residential property. The developer agreed to include a fence, which will be designed to blend with the landscaping plan.
Mayor Esther Manheimer thanked the developer for its persistence and for using HTF loans to provide affordable housing.
“We wish we could see more projects like this come forward,” Manheimer said.
For years, Council was getting requests for only one- or two-bedroom units, which aren’t suitable for families with several children who need affordable housing, said Council member Sage Turner
“So, I’m thrilled to see the unit count,” Turner said.
INVASIVE SPECIES AWARENESS:
Asheville City Council proclaimed the week of Feb. 24-28 to be Invasive Species Awareness Week. Raven Sterling of Raven Invasive Plant Management, said now more than ever, awareness of invasive species is important as Tropical Storm Helene’s floodwaters exacerbated the problem. Pictured, from left, are Michael O’Cain of Asheville Botanical Gardens, Karen MacNeil from the Montford Neighborhood Association, Raven Sterling, LB Bacchus of Kudzu Culture and Council member Maggie Ullman. Photo by Brionna Dallara
Traffic concerns
Council also rezoned 18.4 acres at 3183 Sweeten Creek Road in South Asheville’s unincorporated Skyland community to allow the construction of 304 apartments. The development will displace residents at 23 units on the site.
Plans call for 160 one-bedroom and 120 two-bedroom apartments, as well as 24 townhouses with three bedrooms.
Other site improvements include off-street parking, sidewalks, a clubhouse, pool and a multiuse building.
Derek Allen, an attorney representing the development team, Greensborobased Sweeten Creek AVL, said it has a list of alternate housing options for existing residents.
“We’ve been trying to keep the tenants that are out there, that are all on month-to-month leases informed about this process,” Allen said.
Nearby resident Shawn Spruce represented the Sweeten Creek neighborhood and expressed concerns over the traffic in the neighborhood. The N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) recently canceled plans to widen Sweeten Creek.
Spruce said he’s all for more housing, but the neighborhood’s already packed.
“We just have so much traffic on that road, and it’s not letting up. We see more and more developments and this is just another one. As you mentioned, NCDOT has completely eliminated that
future widening from the budget, so how are we going to deal with all this congestion?” Spruce asked.
The motion was approved 5-2 with Council members Maggie Ullman and Turner voting no.
Turner said in an email to Xpress she voted no because of concerns over “displacing 23 existing homes and families, not building any affordable units, a lack of existing transit options to the area, and increasing vehicle traffic on a state-owned road that NCDOT recently announced will not be expanded.”
Public weighs in on budget
Council heard from the public during a comment session for the city’s fiscal year 2025-26, which runs from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. Council will hold a series of work sessions and a public hearing on Tuesday, May 27, to set priorities for the budget, as well as an additional $225 million in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds. This year’s budget is $251 million.
Council members’ priorities, set during a budget work session Feb. 13, are: strengthening infrastructure; expanding housing solutions; economic recovery; enhancing food security; and maintaining sustainability. Those priorities were shaped by nearly 6,900 Helene Recovery Priorities Survey responses.
Five residents spoke at the meeting asking for programs to address the climate crisis, sustain the economy and improve transportation.
Patrick Burger urged the city to fund the now-defunct Blue Horizons Project or similar programs. The Blue Horizons Project was conceived in 2016 by the Energy Innovation Task Force (EITF), a working group consisting of representatives of the city, county and Duke Energy to find ways to lower demand or generate more energy. It also set a goal to postpone the need for a peaker plant, which kicks in when electricity demand is high. It has been removed from Duke Energy Progress’ 15-year plan.
“We call on the city to maximize funding opportunities like the $225 million Community Development Block Grant to move climate justice initiatives forward,” Burger said.
Nina Tovish said, “I ask you, for every budget decision you make, you look at it as a potential investment for a sustainable economy. Is it going to help us be more resilient? Is it going to contribute to the economy that won’t be decimated if we lose all of our visitors for six months?”
Jen Hampton, Just Economics housing and wages organizer and co-chair for Asheville Food and Beverage United, noted that the city doesn’t pay a living wage.
“The Just Economics living wage rate in Buncombe County in 2025 is $23.15 per hour. This is based on three times the HUD fair market rent for our county. Starting pay for the city of Asheville is currently below 80% of AMI … which means many city employees cannot qualify for a housing unit subsidized at 80% AMI,” Hampton said. “From public works, our water department, parks and rec, and first responders work tirelessly in the aftermath of Helene, and many of these same staff are not paid enough to live in the city they serve. This is unacceptable.”
In other news
• The city launched a website, AshevilleRecovers.org which lists progress updates on recovery, public meetings and Federal Emergency Management Agency deadlines, community resources and ways to volunteer.
• Council proclaimed the week of Feb. 24-28 to be Invasive Species Awareness week and proclaimed March as Procurement Month to honor individuals who source goods and materials for governmental purposes.
This story was supported by the Fund for Investigative Reporting and Editing.
— Brionna Dallara X
Week of the Pet
Nora’s a gal with a nose for adventure! A true floppy-eared beauty of a hound, Nora thrives in the outdoors with her favorite people by her side, according to the staff at the Asheville Humane Society. Not rain, nor sleet, nor hail will discourage her from a good walk. A born hiker, Nora would love to hit the trails with you on the weekend, but she’s not overly energetic and is perfectly content with neighborhood walks or backyard time on weekdays between expeditions. Nora’s calm, unruffled nature would make her a great option for families with older kids. Drop by 14 Forever Friend Lane to share a little love with Nora. For more information, go to avl.mx/co0 X
Two Asheville Fire Department firefighters will be running in the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 21, thanks to Citgo in its effort to celebrate resilience, community and perseverance. “Sponsoring firefighters from Asheville was one small way we could recognize and thank first responders who supported their communities during the devastating floods from Hurricane Helene last fall,” said Chris Kiesling, center, a Citgo vice president, in a press release. Anna Pigman, left, is a captain with AFD and Dustin Cooper, right, retired last year as a safety and training officer. Pigman and Cooper have each run in the marathon before, in 2014 and 2018, respectively. X
Wood carver and chainsaw artist Chris Markey Jr. of Morganton recently finished a bear statue commissioned by residents on Buchanan Road in Asheville. Markey says the owners wanted to honor the once mighty oak felled by Tropical Storm Helene. “Virtually the entire neighborhood has expressed approval and joy over this new addition to their neighborhood,” Markey wrote in an email to Xpress X
by Cody Harell
Rotary awards Bearing Up
The Rotary Club of Asheville will recognize seven local residents at its second annual People of Action Gala. The event takes place Thursday, March 6, 6-9 p.m. at the Renaissance Hotel in Asheville. The following individuals will be recognized in seven areas of community impact:
• Peace-Building and Conflict Resolution: Dr. Oralene Simmons, founder and president of the MLK Prayer Breakfast in Asheville, has led the annual event since 1982, growing it to over 1,000 attendees.
• Disease Prevention and Treatment: Dr. Shannon Dowler, a family physician and public health leader, has worked extensively in sexually transmitted disease education and led North Carolina Medicaid’s transition to managed care.
• Water Sanitation and Hygiene: The Asheville Water Resources Department for its outstanding response in restoring potable water after Tropical Storm Helene. Assistant City Manager Ben Woody will accept the award on the department’s behalf.
• Maternal and Child Health: Dr. Amy Marietta expanded MAHEC’s Project CARA, a prenatal health program for women with substance use disorders, improving birth outcomes and reducing infant mortality.
ACTION!
• Basic Education and Literacy: Marta Alcalá, executive director of equity for Asheville City Schools, has spent over 33 years promoting literacy, racial justice and educational equity in the community.
• Economic and Community Development: Jeffrey Kaplan, executive director of Venture Asheville, has led efforts to create high-growth jobs while raising $1 million in economic recovery funds and fostering innovation in Western North Carolina.
• Supporting the Environment: Lang Hornthal, co-executive director of EcoForesters, has helped restore and conserve over 100,000 acres of Appalachian forests through sustainable forestry initiatives. For more information or tickets, go to avl.mx/ek0 X
On Feb. 18, Gov. Josh Stein invited North Carolinians to participate in the development of an action plan intended to address recovery needs in Western North Carolina. According to a press release, the action plan is a required step for receiving federal funds from a Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery award. The 30-day comment period is now open. Residents can fill out a survey at avl.mx/ek7 X
Unite and Resist
An Asheville group is planning a gathering Saturday, March 8, at Pack Square Park as part of a national call for marches, protests and rallies to advocate for women’s rights, social justice and inclusivity as part of International Women’s Day — Unite & Resist. “After seeing that no event had been planned in Asheville, I decided to step up and create one,” event organizer Sierra Night Tide said in a press release. “As a woman who has faced toxic corporate environments, lived with a physical disability, experienced homelessness and felt the impact of Hurricane Helene, I know firsthand the urgent need for collective action. This event is about standing up for all marginalized communities and ensuring our voices are heard.” For event details and to RSVP, visit: avl.mx/ekd. X
Photo
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
MARCH. 5 - MARCH. 13 , 2025
For a full list of community calendar guidelines, please visit mountainx.com/calendar. For questions about free listings, call 828-251-1333, opt. 4. For questions about paid calendar listings, please call 828-251-1333, opt. 1.
Online-only events
More info, page 23
More info, page 25
WELLNESS
Qigong
Gentle form of exercise composed of movement, posture, breathing, and meditation used to promote health and spirituality.
WE (3/5, 12), 11:15am, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd
Free Tai Chi for Beginners
Improve your balance, fitness, and flexibility without putting stress on the joints.
WE (3/5, 12), 9am, Marshall Public Library, 1335 N Main St, Marshall
Balance, Agility, Strength, Stretch
This weekly class for adults focuses on flexibility, balance, stretching, and strength.
WE (3/5, 12), 10am, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd
Therapeutic Recreation
Adult Morning Movement
Wednesday mornings are all about active games, physical activities, and sports adapted to accommodate all skill levels.
WE (3/5, 12), 10am, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Ave
Gentle Tai Chi for Balance
This class works on improving our balance through exercises that help you to think with your feet while strengthening your balance muscles.
WE (3/5, 12), 11:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109
Thrive 55+ Exercise Party
Every Wednesday, active adults will come together for chair exercise, balance challenges, and strength training.
WE (3/5, 12), 11am, Burton Street Community Center, 134 Burton St
Nia Dance
A sensory-based movement practice that draws from martial arts, dance arts, and healing arts.
TH (3/6, 13), 9:30am, TU (3/11), Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109
Tai Chi For Beginners Yang 10 & 24
In the Beginner Tai Chi class, the focus is on the Yang 10 and 24 forms as well as Qigong exercises for health.
TH (3/6, 13), MO (3/10), 11:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109
Qi Gong for Overall Health & Wellness
Learn how to relax your mind and body through slow intentional movements.
FR (3/7), 9am, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave
Friday Fitness
This class focuses on strengthening, stretching, and aerobics every Friday.
FR (3/7), 10am, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd
Intermediate Tai Chi Yang 24
Slow, gentle movements that promote good health.
FR (3/7), 10:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109
Intermediate Tai Chi Yang 37
A great class for those who have studied Yang 37 or would like a form that is a little bit more involved than Yang 10 or 24.
SA (3/8), 8:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109
Somatic Fitness for Women w/Lizzy Zima
A somatic fitness class for women to honor International Women's Day, with a focus on yoga.
SA (3/8), noon, One World Brewing West, 520 Haywood Rd
Deep Rest: An Extended Restorative Yoga & Sound Healing Journey
An extended restorative yoga class designed to bring deep relaxation and rejuvenation, enhanced by the calming vibrations of sound healing.
SA (3/8), 6:30pm, W Asheville Yoga, 602 Haywood Rd
WELCOME TO THE RENAISSANCE: On Friday, March 7, Hart Theatre kicks off its new production, Something Rotten Jr., at 7:30 p.m., which will run weekends through March 16. Set in the 1590s, this award-winning musical comedy tells the outrageous story of two brothers who are desperate to write a hit play, only to be upstaged by a certain bard. Photo courtesy of Hart Theatre
Himalayan Sound Bath Meditation
Imagine the soothing tones of Himalayan singing bowls washing over you, calming your mind, and rejuvenating your spirit.
SA (3/8), SU (3/9), 11am, Somatic Sounds, 157 S Lexington Ave B1 Wild Souls Authentic Movement w/Renee
Trudeau
An expressive movement class designed to help you get unstuck, enjoy cardio movement, boost immune health, dissolve stress and celebrate community.
SU (3/9), 9:30am, Dunn's Rock Community Center, 461 Connestee Rd, Brevard Sunday Morning Meditation Group Gathering for a combination of silent sitting and walking meditation, facilitated by Worth Bodie.
SU (3/9), 10am, The Lodge at Quietude, 1130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain
Prenatal & Postpartum Yoga
A rejuvenating and relaxing yoga session designed specifically for pregnant and
postpartum folks.
SU (3/9), noon, W Asheville Yoga, 602 Haywood Rd
Serenity Sound Bath
A one-hour serenity sound bath and experience a deeply immersive, full-body sound and vibrational experience.
SU (3/9), 1pm, Center for Spiritual Living Asheville, 2 Science Mind Way
Queer Yoga
This class is donation-based and centered towards creating an affirming and inclusive space for all queer folks.
SU (3/9), 1:30pm, W Asheville Yoga, 602 Haywood Rd
Tai Chi Open Clinic
All are welcome in this new curriculum course, regardless of the style of internal martial arts you practice, your skill development or age level.
SU (3/9), 7pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109 Strength & Exercise Workout at your own pace in a fun atmosphere in this weekly class for active adults working on overall
fitness and strength.
MO (3/10), 9:15am, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd
Prenatal Yoga
Paulina, a yoga teacher and certified birth doula, will guide you through gentle poses and breathing exercises to help you connect with your changing body.
MO (3/10), 5:30pm, W Asheville Yoga, 602 Haywood Rd
Medical Qigong
A moving meditation and an internal martial art for calming the mind and strengthening the body and spirit.
TU (3/11), 9am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109
Zumba Gold & Silverobics
Calorie-burning, fun, low-impact class that incorporates dance and fitness for older adults each week.
TU (3/11), noon, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd
Drumming for Exercise Jam to some tunes while getting a great, low-impact arm and core workout.
TU (3/11), 1:30pm, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd
Community Yoga & Mindfulness
Free monthly event with Inspired Change Yoga that will lead you into a morning of breathwork, meditation and yoga.
WE (3/5), 10:30am, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave
Tai Chi Fan
This class includes partner work showing the martial application of the fans when they are used as a weapon and Flying Rainbow Double Fan form.
WE (3/12), 1pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109
SUPPORT GROUPS
Nicotine Anonymous
People share their experience, strength and hope to stop using nicotine. You don’t need to be stopped, just have a desire to attend.
TH (3/6, 13), 4:30pm, Asheville 12-Step Recovery Club, 1 Kenilworth Knolls Unit 4
Magnetic Minds: Depression & Bipolar Support Group A free weekly peer-led
meeting for those living with depression, bipolar, and related mental health challenges. For more information contact (828) 367-7660.
SA (3/8), 2pm, First Congregational UCC of Asheville, 20 Oak St
Maternal Mental Health Support Group for Mommas w/Sistas Caring 4 Sistas Sistas Caring 4 Sistas hosts an afternoon of mental health support.
MO (3/10), 3pm, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave
NAMI Connection
Trained peer facilitators guide you in learning how to empower yourself in a place that offers respect, understanding, encouragement, and hope.
TU (3/11), 6pm, NAMIWNC, 356 Biltmore Ave
Community Event: Mental Health Workshop
This workshop will help individuals understand how to approach and work with friends and/ or family members who are struggling with a mental health crisis.
TH (3/13), 10am, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave
DANCE
Yes, I Can Dance Practice dance skills in classes led by professional instructors. Monthly themes include east coast swing, west coast swing, tap, salsa, tango, and more.
WE (3/5, 12), 6pm, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave Open-Level Adult Dance
Each class will feature a full-body warm-up, specific skill practice, and a dance combination to your favorite music.
WE (3/5, 12), 5:30pm, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W State St, Black Mountain Latin Night Wednesday w/DJ Mtn Vibez A Latin dance social featuring salsa, bachata, merengue, cumbia, and reggaeton with dance lessons for all skill levels.
WE (3/5, 12), 8pm, One World Brewing W, 520 Haywood Rd Tap Dance: Beginner Tap dance for beginners teaches the basics through a combination of exercise, music, and
incredible fun.
TH (3/6, 13), TU (3/11), 10am, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd
Tap Dance: Intermediate
Fun and active class for students who have already taken beginner tap here or elsewhere.
Students must provide their own tap shoes.
TH (3/6, 13), 10:45am, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd
Tap Dance: Advanced Fun and active twice-weekly class for advanced students. Students provide their own tap shoes.
TH (3/6, 13), 11:45am, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd
Bachata Dance Lesson & Social
Live DJ Bachata nights with some Cha Cha, Cumbia, Merengue and Salsa added to the mix.
TH (3/6, 13), 8:30pm, Urban Orchard Cider
Co. S Slope, 24 Buxton Ave
Intro to Line Dance
A true beginners course for those who are new to line dance taught by Liz Atkinson.
MO (3/10), 10:30am, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd
Monday Night Contra Dance
A welcoming environment for anyone who would like to contra dance. Lessons start at 7 p.m. and a social dance starts at 7:30 p.m.
MO (3/10), 7:30pm, A-B Tech, Genevieve Circle
ART
Asheville Strong:
Celebrating Art & Community After Hurricane Helene
An exhibition of artwork by artists who live and work in the Helene-affected Appalachia region. This special, non-juried exhibition celebrates the strength and diversity of our regional arts community. Gallery
open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am. Exhibition through May. 5, Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square
Mountain Songs
This poignant exhibition features local artists Nick Colquitt and Natalie Ray. It celebrates the resilience of the Appalachian community and the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Gallery open daily, 11am. Exhibition through March 30. Asheville Gallery of Art, 82 Patton Ave
57th Annual Juried
Undergraduate Exhibition
This exhibition is a great opportunity for WCU undergraduate students to share their artwork with a larger public and to enhance their skills in presenting artwork in a professional gallery setting. Gallery open Tuesday through Friday, 10am. Exhibition through March, 21.
WCU Bardo Arts Center, 199 Centennial Dr, Cullowhee
Emerging Artists: Opening Reception
Meet the artists, enjoy light refreshments, and immerse yourself in an inspiring evening of creativity and community. This event is free and open to the public.
FR (3/7), 5pm, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W State St, Black Mountain
Mountain Songs: Opening Reception
Experience the beauty and resilience of the Blue Ridge Mountains through the eyes of Nick Colquitt and Natalie Ray at this Opening Reception. There will be hor d'oeuvres and wine for attendees.
FR (3/7), 5pm, Asheville Gallery of Art, 82 Patton Ave
Tattoo/Flash Exhibition
This exhibition showcases the cultural
significance of tattoos, highlighting their ability to bridge tradition and innovation, personal expression, and visual storytelling. Gallery open daily, 11am. Exhibition through April 23.
Blue Spiral 1, 38 Biltmore Ave
Painting w/Diamonds
Experience the joy of crafting beautiful, sparkling masterpieces with a new craft hobby that's a mix between paint by numbers and cross stitch.
TU (3/11), 6pm, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Ave
2025 School of Art & Design Faculty Biennial
This exhibition provides students and the community an opportunity to view recent work created by distinguished faculty members whose primary research output is studio-based. Gallery open Tuesday through Friday, 10am. Exhibition through May, 2. WCU Bardo Arts Center, 199 Centennial Dr, Cullowhee
Emerging Artists Exhibition
This annual exhibit showcases the work of award-winning artist and instructor Bob Travers alongside the inspiring creations of his students. Gallery open Monday through Friday, 10am. Exhibition through March 28.
Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W State St, Black Mountain
Anti Form: Robert Morris’s Earth Projects
The suite of lithographic drawings by Robert Morris presents a series of ideas for ten works of art shaped out of earth, atmospheric conditions, and built environments. Gallery open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am. Exhibition through May 2025.
Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square
Greetings from Asheville: Tourism & Transformation in the Postcard Age
This exhibition explores how the land, the people, and the built environment of Asheville and its surrounding environs were interpreted through early 20th century vintage postcards. Gallery open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am. Exhibition through May. 30, 2025.
Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square
COMMUNITY MUSIC
Men in Harmony: Open Singing Jam
Men's a capella ensemble hosts an open jam session to scout for new talented members as well as share an evening of music. For more information contact Jim Gordon at (828) 545-2262.
WE (3/5), 6:45pm, St. Matthias Church, 1 Dundee St
Shades of Bublé: A Three-Man Tribute to Michael Bublé Shades of Bublé brings the swinging standards and pop hits of Michael Bublé to the stage in an unforgettable high-energy concert event.
TH (3/6), 2pm, Flat Rock Playhouse, 2661 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock
Radiance: All Day, All Night, Music ACS presents an epic concert event with 100 singers, orchestra, and thrilling choral works.
FR (3/7), 7pm, SA (3/8), 2pm, Central United Methodist Church, 27 Church St
Brevard Philharmonic Presents: Chamber Strings
Set in the intimate and acoustically rich setting of the Brevard-Davidson River Church, this concert showcases the elegance and brilliance of the Brevard Philharmonic’s chamber orchestra.
SU (3/9), 3pm, Brevard-Davidson River Presbyterian Church, 249 East Main St, Brevard
Pan Harmonia: Baroque Beauty
This program highlights a major turning point in the history of music, from baroque to classical, and is a study in contrasts and similarities.
SU (3/9), 3pm, First Presbyterian Church, 40 Church St Groupo los Santos Concert
A funky and eclectic jam-band which pulls equally from the traditions of jazz, rock, funk, Afro-Cuban, Afro-Brazilian, and whatever else they come across.
SU (3/9), 7pm, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 West State St, Black Mountain
Matt Venuti AmeriCosmos Concert
Experience a mesmerizing blend of live music and breathtaking visuals.
MO (3/10), 7pm, Center for Spiritual Living Asheville, 2 Science Mind Way
A St. Patrick's Day Celebration with Dervish Celebrate St Patrick’s Day with Dervish, Ireland’s premier traditional music group.
TH (3/13), 7:30pm, Parker Concert Hall at Brevard Music Center, 349 Andante Ln, Brevard
COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS
Embroiderers’ Guild of America: Laurel Chapter
The Chapter will be celebrating the 35th Anniversary of it’s forming at this meeting.
Kim Sanders, a national embroidery teacher and past President of the chapter, will present a program titled, Ideas for Finishing Your Projects
TH (3/6), 9:30am, Grace Lutheran Church, 1245 Sixth Ave W, Hendersonville Change Your Palate Cooking Demo
This free lunchtime food demonstration is open to all but tailored towards those with type 2 diabetes or hypertension and/or
their caretakers.
TH (3/6), noon, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave
SCORE: Basics of Bookkeeping
Managing finances is a primary element in running your small business. This free seminar provides basic information on accounting, book keeping, taxation and entity types.
SA (3/8), 9am, A-B Tech Small Business Center, 1465 Sand Hill Rd, Candler
Blacksmithed Spoons & Ladles w/Tod Kershaw
In this class, students will create a beautiful and functional steel serving spoon or ladle through the process of Blacksmithing. All of the materials in the class will be found, foraged, reclaimed and reused.
SA (3/8), 10am, Barnardsville, Barnardsville Afro-Cuban & Bata Percussion Workshop w/Groupo Los Santos This workshop will focus on learning the basics of Afro-Cuban folkloric rhythms with movement, singing, clapping, and percussion.
SU (3/9), 4pm, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W State St, Black Mountain The Foxy Chef: A Night of Vegan Cooking Chefs will take us on a culinary journey, explaining health benefits of nature’s herbs and spices. This class is open for anyone and everyone.
MO (3/10), 5:30pm, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave Asheville-Buncombe Senior Games Clinics Enhance skills and discover new passions through APR’s free clinics, available to all interested participants in this year’s Asheville-Buncombe Senior Games.
TU (3/11), 10am, W Asheville Park, 198 Vermont Ave
Crafting Your Business Plan (Part 1) In Part 1 of this course, you will learn tools for reviewing your Executive Summary, Products and Services and your Business Description. A business plan is also vital if you are seeking loans or funding for your endeavor. Register at avl.mx/ekm.
TU (3/11), 10am, Online
Therapeutic Recreation
Adult Crafting
A variety of cooking and crafts, available at two different times.
Advance registration required. Open to individuals ages 17+ with disabilities.
TU (3/11), 10am and11am, Murphy-Oakley Community Center, 749 Fairview Rd
How to Make an Impact w/Social Media for Your Business
Discover how customers engage with businesses online. Learn tips and tactics to leverage social media wisely and productively.
TU (3/11), 6pm, A-B Tech Madison and NCWorks Career Center, 4646 US Hwy 25/70, Marshall
Crafting Your Business Plan: Marketing (Part 2) In Part 2 you will learn how strong marketing is critical to make your business thrive. Attendees will learn how to understand the market for your business. Register at avl.mx/ekn.
WE (3/12), 10am, Online
Jewelry Making w/ Laurie
Make a bracelet, necklace or earrings for yourself or as a gift. Registration required., but all materials are included with the class fee.
WE (3/12), noon, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd
Crafting Your Business Plan: Financials (Part 3) In Part 3 you will work on the operations and the important financial sections of the Business Plan. A financial business plan is also vital if you are seeking loans or funding for your endeavor. Register at avl.mx/eko.
TH (3/13), 10am, Online
LITERARY
Author Reading w/ Elaine Neil Orr
Author reading with Elaine Neil Orr featuring her novel, Dancing Woman.
TH (3/6), 4pm, Blue Ridge Books, 428 Hazelwood Ave, Waynesville Cozy Chapters Bookworm Club
Enjoy hot chocolate, delicious snacks, and engaging conversation about latest reads.
TH (3/6, 13), 6pm, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Ave
Juniper Bends Reading Series
Juniper Bend's theme for this year celebrates renewal and growth with readers Polly Schattel, Mildred Barya, Jennifer McGaha, Andrew Clark and
musician Jane Kramer.
FR (3/7), 7pm, Story Parlor, 227 Haywood Rd
Tim Earley & Max Hipp: Rattle-Rib & What Doesn't Kill You
Open Your Heart
Tim will read from his new chapbook, Rattle-Rib, and Max from his latest story collection, What Doesn't Kill You Opens
Your Heart SA (3/8), 3pm, City Lights Bookstore, 3 E Jackson St, Sylva Flooded Poetry
Each poet will be able to share 2-3 poems, and occasionally we will have local celebrity poets close out our night with a featured reading.
MO (3/10), 6:30pm, Flood Gallery, 802 Fairview Rd Ste 1200
THEATER & FILM
2025 Ritual Mountain Bike Film Tour
This big-screen celebration of mountain biking highlights incredible athletes and creative filmmakers.
TH (3/6), 7pm, The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave
Doktor Kaboom! Look Out! Science is Coming!
Prepare for an explosive, all-ages adventure with this science-meets-comedy performance, led by a captivating chemist whose character falls somewhere between Mr. Wizard and Mister Rogers.
TH (3/6), 7pm, Wortham Center For The Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave
Film Screening: Home Home is the collaboration of dance-maker Sue Schroeder and film-maker Adam Larsen.
TH (3/6), 7pm, Black Mountain College Museum & Arts Center, 120 College St Runaway Princess Former New York City call girl Mary Goggin shares the true, award-winning story of her upbringing in the Bronx, from alcoholism and drug addiction to prostitution told with humor and unflinching honesty.
TH (3/6), FR (3/7), SA (3/8), 8pm, Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave
Foreign Film Fridays
Every Friday visitors can enjoy a cozy movie night in the gallery featuring some amazing foreign films curated by film-buff Carlos Steward.
FR (3/7), 7pm, Flood Gallery, 802 Fairview Rd Ste 1200
The Ongoing Fight for Freedom: Stories of NC Black Veterans
A one-man presentation and performance elevating Black freedom fighters and veterans with North Carolina connections who have engaged in over 400 years of a struggle for freedom, liberty, and equality.
FR (3/7), 7pm, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 West State St, Black Mountain
Something Rotten Jr
This riotous musical comedy, set in the 1590s, follows struggling playwrights Nick and Nigel Bottom as they attempt to outshine Shakespeare by inventing the world’s first musical.
FR (3/7), SA (3/8), 7:30pm, SU (3/9), 2pm, Hart Theatre, 250 Pigeon St, Waynesville
The Talented Mr. Ripley
The Talented Mr. Ripley is a psychological thriller starring Matt Damon as Tom Ripley, a con artist.
TU (3/11), 7pm, Tryon Fine Arts Center, 34 Melrose Ave, Tryon
The Philadelphia Eleven
This film series hopes to offer the community a way to consider the intersections of faith and action within a peace and justice framework.
TH (3/13), 6pm, St. Johns Episcopal Church, 18 Jackson St, Sylva
Free Kung Fu Movie Night
Free kung fu movie night, hosted the second Thursday of each month.
TH (3/13), 7pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109
Storytelling w/Andy Offutt Irwin Beloved storyteller, whistler, and songwriter performs hilarious and heart-filled stories.
TH (3/13), 7pm, Weaverville Community Center, 60 Lakeshore Dr, Weaverville
The Lehman Trilogy
This epic theatrical event charts the humble beginnings, outrageous successes and devastating failure of the financial institution that would ultimately bring the global economy to its knees.
TH (3/13), 7pm, N Carolina Stage Company, 15 Stage Ln
MEETINGS & PROGRAMS
Script Reading for Confidence, Voiceover, or Screen
Stephanie Morgan, owner of Corduroy, will direct and coach 2-3 readers as they each work thru one short
script, allowing for class feedback.
WE (3/5, 12), 6:30pm, Corduroy Lounge, 444 Haywood Rd, Ste 103 How You Can Fight Climate Change Tips will range from easy things that any homeowner or renter can do to DIY challenges.
WE (3/5), 7pm, OLLI/ Reuter Center, UNCA, 300 Campus View Rd
Therapeutic Recreation Hiking
All hikes are between 1-2.5 miles with variable terrain. Transportation provided to site. Advance registration required.
TH (3/6), 10am, Murphy-Oakley Community Center, 749 Fairview Rd
IBN Biz Lunch: Hendersonville
All are invited to attend and promote their business, products, and services, and meet new referral contacts.
TH (3/6), 11:30am, Thai Spice, 220 S King St, Hendersonville
EveryDay Strong
A program that equips caring adults with training and tools to support the mental health and wellness of children aged 8 to 18.
TH (3/6), 1:30pm, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave
Free Sober Disc Golf
It's a fun time to meet others in recovery, build community and create connection. No experience is necessary.
TH (3/6), 3:30pm, Richmond Hill Park, 300 Richmond Hill Dr
A Course in Miracles w/Patricia Dobberke Patricia will introduce a system of thinking to help with suffering and living the good (God) life.
FR (3/7), 1pm, Center for Spiritual Living Asheville, 2 Science Mind Way
Drumming Circle & Labyrinth
Whether you're a seasoned percussionist or have never touched a drum before, all skill levels are welcome.
FR (3/7), 7pm, Center for Spiritual Living Asheville, 2 Science Mind Way
Marquetry Demonstration
Charlie Brown, a talented marquetry artist, will demonstrate the double bevel marquetry method as he describes the age old art of painting with wood.
SA (3/8), 9:30am, Trinity View Retirement Community, 2533 Hendersonville Rd, Arden
Hickory Nut Gap Farm Tour w/Jamie Ager
These tours are an opportunity to connect with our story and explore the principles of regenerative farming firsthand.
SA (3/8), 10am, Hickory Nut Gap Farm, 57 Sugar Hollow Rd, Fairview
Chinese Tea & Tai Chi Foundations
Settle your Qi with Chinese tea while learning the fundamentals of Tai Chi to improve your health. Beginner friendly so all levels are welcome.
SA (3/8), 10:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109
Coloring with Cats: Teens & Adults
Set time for yourself and cuddle with the panthers, meet other cat-lovers, and color a beautiful picture of a cat from our adult coloring books.
SU (3/9), 2pm, House of Black Cat Magic, Co., 841 Haywood Rd
Connecting Conversations
Explore conversations built around curiosity, understanding, and openness to develop stronger connections, to be heard, and to empathize with different viewpoints.
SU (3/9), 3:45pm, Peri Social House, 406 W State St, Black Mountain Family Open Gym
Weekly time in the gym reserved for all ages to shoot hoops and play other active games as a family.
SU (3/9), 4pm, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St
Mindfulness Exercise
Participate in a free exercise designed to help you drop into the present moment.
MO (3/10), 9:15am, Corduroy Lounge, 444 Haywood Rd Ste 103
Alive After 55+
A program for active older adults to socialize, play board games and puzzles, create in group art activities, and more.
MO (3/10), TU (3/11), 10am, Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Rd
Creative Check-in
This 1-hr set-upyour-week session is designed for just about anyone who wants a supportive group to help them keep account of their dreams and goals, and how they play out in the week.
MO (3/10), 10am, Corduroy Lounge, 444 Haywood Rd, Ste 103
Random Acts of Flowers: Floral Arrangements for Those Needing a Smile
Random Acts of Flowers improves the emotional health and well-being of individuals in healthcare facilities.
MO (3/10), 10am, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave
Stitches of Love
Meeting Stitches of Love is a small group of stitchers
who create a variety of handmade items which are donated to local charities. New members are always welcome to join.
MO (3/10), 2pm, Panera Bread, 1843 Hendersonville Rd
Black Men Monday
Featuring a local group that has stepped up in the community to advocate for and mentor students through academic intervention.
MO (3/10), 5:30pm, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave
Loving & Kindness
Meditation: A Doorway Into Boundless Love
Experience the Social Sangha with Anne-Marie Polanski for a period of reflection, guided meditation and discussion.
MO (3/10), 6:30pm, The Lodge at Quietude, 1130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain
The Battle of Roanoke
The talk will highlight the February, 1862 Battle of Roanoke Island. The program is free and open to the public.
MO (3/10), 7pm, Waynesville Branch of Haywood County Public Library, 678 S. Haywood St, Waynesville
Walking the Great Lakes of WNC
Bring walking shoes and friends to see the lakes of western North Carolina.
MO (3/10), TU (3/11), 10am, Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Rd
Infant Feeding
Support Group w/ Asheville Lactation
Consulting
Learn helpful approaches to feeding from a local International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and other mothers.
TU (3/11), 10am, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave
IBN Biz Lunch: Candler
The meeting will consist of introductions by every guest, a discussion of future networking opportunities in the area, a roundtable business needs and solutions segment and more.
TU (3/11), 11:30am, Elena's Mexican Grill, 101 Westridge Market Place, Candler
Diabetes Prevention & Management Program
Learn how nourishing foods, mindful exercise, stress management, and restful sleep all play a vital role in balancing your blood sugar and supporting overall health.
TU (3/11), 4pm, Bounty & Soul Education, Warehouse & Volunteer Hub, 1038 Old Hwy 70 W, Black Mountain
Strength in Solidarity: Strength Training For Queer & Trans Folks
An 8-week, trauma-informed strength training class series specifically for queer and trans folks brought to you by S Gold. This class is not for allies.
TU (3/11), 6pm, All Bodies Movement and Wellness, 211 Merrimon Ave
Don't Get Scammed
This church chat session will provide insights on how to recognize and deal with online, phone and in-person scams.
TU (3/11), 7pm, Mills River Presbyterian Church, 10 Presbyterian Church Rd, Mills River
The Geology of the Blue Ridge, Its Mountains & Its Waterfalls
Bill Jacobs will discuss the Blue Ridge mountains generally and explore the geology that has shaped specific mountains and wellknown waterfalls.
TU (3/11), 7pm, OLLI/ Reuter Center, UNCA, 300 Campus View Rd
AFP WNC Presents: Bank of America Philanthropy Study Hear about the latest giving trends and patterns from Holland Dunn, SVP with Bank of America providing key insights from the Bank of America Study of Philanthropy.
WE (3/12), 11am, AB-Tech, 340 Victoria Rd Ferguson Building
Homelessness Series: The City of Asheville Invites You to Attend The City of Asheville's Community and Economic Development department invites you to attend an upcoming 3-part community education series on understanding homelessness.
WE (3/12), 4pm, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave
Protecting Your Farm: Understanding Property & Liability Insurance
Learn how to protect your farm with the right property and liability insurance to safeguard against risks and unexpected events.
WE (3/12), 6pm, Buncombe County Cooperative Extension Center, 49 Mount Carmel Rd, Ste 102
NSA-WNC Meeting
Professional keynote speakers, coaches, trainers, facilitators, and consultants who cover a broad range of topics, skills, & knowledge.
TH (3/13), 10am, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave
IBN Biz Lunch: Brevard & Pisgah Forest Bring a stack of business cards, and if you like, a door prize to add to our drawing at the end of the meeting.
TH (3/13), 11:30am,
Hawg Wild Smokehouse & Taproom, 91 Pisgah Hwy, Pisgah Forest
Resources for Women & Girls: What's Available & Needed
This community conversation will discuss what resources are available for local women and girls and what is needed. All members of the community are invited to participate.
TH (3/13), 11:30am, First Congregational UCC of Hendersonville, 1735 5th Ave W, Hendersonville
Learning to Dance w/ Demenetia
This interactive session offers insight and strategies to help caregivers navigate the delicate balance of communicating with a person whose brain is changing.
TH (3/13), 1pm, Parish Hall of St John in the Wilderness, 1905 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock
GAMES & CLUBS
Grant Southside Center Walking Club Walk inside in the gym or outside (if the weather is nice) with themed music each week.
WE (3/5, 12), 10:30am, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St
Indoor Walking for Wellness Club Weather doesn’t matter when you have a community gym. Let us crank up the tunes to get you motivated.
TH (3/6, 13), TU (3/11), 9:15am, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave
Bid Whist Make bids, call trumps, and win tricks. Every Saturday for fun competition with the community.
SA (3/8), 1pm, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St Weekly Sunday Scrabble Weekly scrabble play where you’ll be paired with players of your skill level. All scrabble gear provided.
SU (3/9), 1:30pm, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave Pixe Wars: Weekly Retro Game Tournament
The perfect chance to show off your gaming skills every week. It’s free to play and the weekly winner takes home a Hi-Wire gift card.
MO (3/10), 7pm, Hi-Wire Brewing, 197 Hilliard Ave
Therapeutic Recreation Walking Club All walks are one mile or less with fully
accessible paths. Transportation provided to the site.
MO (3/10), 10am, Murphy-Oakley Community Center, 749 Fairview Rd
KID-FRIENDLY PROGRAMS
Tiny Tykes Wednesday Play Dates
Open play for toddlers to explore bikes, balls, inflatables, climbing structures, and more fun.
WE (3/5, 12), 10am, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave
Family Story Time
A fun and interactive story time designed for children ages 18 months to 3 years.
WE (3/5, 12), 10:30am, Black Mountain Library, Black Mountain
Tot Time
Experience an express tour, then go on an adventure with art, music or storytelling. This program is for children ages 0-5 years old and their families or caregivers.
WE (3/5), 11:30am, Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square
Black Cat Tales: Story Time w/Cats
A special after-school workshop where families with children age 7 and under can relax and foster a love of reading while also socializing with the cats in the lounge.
WE (3/5, 12), TH (3/6, 3/13) 4pm, House of Black Cat Magic, Co., 841 Haywood Rd
Kung Fu For Children
Designed to begin with the foundations of these styles while also teaching application and self awareness.
WE (3/5, 12), 3pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109
Baby Storytime
A lively language enrichment story time designed for children ages 4 to 18 months.
TH (3/6, 13), 10:30am, Black Mountain Library, Black Mountain
Toddler & Me Time
Out
This open gym time allows toddlers and caregivers to make memories and new friends through structures and unstructured activities.
FR (3/7), 10am, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St
School’s Out Arts & Crafts Day
Seasonal arts and crafts on teacher workdays. This week features seed bombs, origami and paper flower crowns.
FR (3/7), 10:30am, free, Weaver Park, 200 Murdock Ave
Kids Night In
Let your child work off extra energy with a fun-filled night of themed games, crafts, special activities, and a light dinner.
FR (3/7), 6pm, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave
Kid Hop Hooray!
Open floor dance party for kids featuring DJ Oso Rey. Free admission for kids under 2.
SA (3/8), 10am, Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave
Coloring with Cats: Kiddie Edition
An artistic session with coloring books and markers for children ages 13 and under to relax by coloring as they pet cats to reduce stress and anxiety.
SA (3/8), 1pm, House of Black Cat Magic, Co., 841 Haywood Rd
Kids Yoga & Art
Pop Up: Rainbows & Unicorns
Children will learn tools for self-regulation, build social-emotional skills, and practice a variety of breath-work and mindfulness techniques to use throughout their daily life.
SA (3/8), 5pm, W Asheville Yoga, 602 Haywood Rd
Kiddie Cat Etiquette
Bring your kiddos for a fun and educating workshop where your kids will learn the fundamentals of cat behavior.
SU (3/9), 1pm, House of Black Cat Magic, Co., 841 Haywood Rd
Kids Cooking Classes
These cooking classes teach fundamental skills to kids alongside an adult from their family or community while focusing on fun, collaboration, and learning. All ingredients are provided.
MO (3/10), 5:30pm, Burton Street Community Center, 134 Burton St .
Youth Beginner
Climbing
A three-week instructional climbing class for beginners. A parent or guardian must attend and be prepared to participate and belay their child.
MO (3/10), 6pm, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Ave
Toddler Discovery Time
This open gym time allows toddlers and caregivers to make memories and new friends through structures and unstructured activities. This week celebrate wonders of spring and everything bugs, flowers, and rainbows.
TU (3/11), 10am, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave
Suessville Creations
Toddlers listen to whimsical stories by Dr. Seuss and create fun and imaginative crafts inspired by the book on an adventure filled with creativity, laughter, and magic.
WE (3/12), 5pm, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Ave
LOCAL MARKETS
River Arts District Farmers Market
Weekly market featuring local fruits, vegetables, meats, bread, honey, eggs, pastries, flowers, crafts and more. SNAP and disaster SNAP are accepted.
WE (3/5, 12), 3pm, AB Tech, 24 Fernihurst Dr Weaverville Winter Tailgate Market
A selection of fresh, locally grown produce, grass fed beef, pork, chicken, rabbit, eggs, cheese, sweet and savory baked goods, artisan bread, body care, eclectic handmade goodies, garden and landscaping plants. Open year round.
WE (3/5, 12), 3pm, 60 Lake Shore Dr Weaverville Swannanoa Farmers Market
This market is all about community, connection, and supporting local vendors. Browse fresh eggs, handcrafted artwork, embroidered clothing, fiber goods, sweet treats, delicious eats, and more.
SA (3/8), 8am, 216 Whitson Ave, 216 Whitson Ave, Swannanoa
Asheville City Market
Featuring local food products, including fresh produce, meat, cheese, bread, pastries, and other artisan products. Every Saturday through December 21.
SA (3/8), 10am, 52 N Market St
Black Mountain Tailgate Spring Market
Weekly tailgate farmer's market, held every Saturday through April 12.
SA (3/8), 10am, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd, Black Mountain
North Asheville Tailgate Market
The oldest Saturday morning market in WNC, since 1980. Over 60 rotating vendors providing a full range of local, sustainably produced produce, meats, eggs, cheeses, breads, plants and unique crafts.
SA (3/8), 10am, UNC Asheville, Lot P34, 275 Edgewood Rd
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Olivette Farm 5K & Fun Run
The Inaugural Olivette Farm 5K is both a road and trail run of moderate difficulty, with beautiful views of the French Broad River. Proceeds will go to the farm's sustainable mission.
SA (3/8), 9:30am, Olivette Farm, 215 Old Macedonia Rd, Alexander
Mardi Gras Party
A festive celebration filled with live music, themed cocktails, and plenty of good vibes. Get ready to groove to the sounds of Commander Voodoo.
Sip on the brand-new
SA (3/8), 2pm, Hi-Wire Brewing Big Top, 2A Huntsman Place
Hail Mary Grand Opening Party
This party will celebrate the opening of new restaurant Hail Mary. It will feature special cocktails, a limited food menu and DJ Mad Mike will be providing the party tunes. See p23
SA (3/8), 5pm, Hail Mary, 575 Haywood Rd
Mardi Growl
A pet-friendly event filled with vendors, activities and fun for the whole family. This is the perfect event for pet lovers, offering exciting activities, giveaways and special treats for your fourlegged friends.
TU (3/11), 4pm, Reynolds Village, 41 Merrimon Ave
St. Paddy's Luncheon & Bingo
Put on your green and grab a good luck charm as we enjoy tradition Irish fare followed by bingo games.
TH (3/13), noon, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd
Franny's Farmacy
Ribbon-Cutting Ceromony
The community is invited to join in the celebration as they mark their exciting milestone with special discounts, giveaways, and more. There will be complimentary refreshments and light bites.
TH (3/13), 4pm, Franny's Farmacy: W Asheville, 645 Haywood Rd
March Madness
Charcuterie Board & ACC Tournament Watch Party
Make your own basketball out of charcuterie snacks and watch the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament.
TH (3/13), 5:30pm, free, Burton Street Community Center, 134 Burton St .
BENEFITS & VOLUNTEERING
Low-Cost Community Cat Neuter Clinic
You must schedule and pay for your appointment prior to showing up.
TH (3/6), 8am, House of Black Cat Magic, Co., 841 Haywood Rd 2025 Paddling Film Festival World Tour
Benefiting MountainTrue
This film festival will celebrate by watching the best paddling films, and also hopes to inspired others to explore rivers, lakes, and oceans, push extremes, embrace the paddling lifestyle, and appreciate the wild places.
TH (3/6), 7pm, The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave
Bowl For Kids' Sake: Henderson, Transylvania, Polk & Rutherford Counties
Money raised by bowlers, sponsors, and supporters funds the agency’s work to boost Littles chances of success by matching them with vetted and professional mentors from Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC.
SA (3/8), 11am, Tarheel Lanes, 3275 Asheville Hwy, Hendersonville
Comedy for Community Supporting Bounty & Soul
Comedy for Community brings all your favorite local comedians together each week to support the town we love through a variety of local charities and organizations.
SU (3/9), 6:30pm, Catawba Brewing Co.S Slope Asheville, 32 Banks Ave
Oakley Community Closet
A cost-free opportunity to donated shop clothes, shoes, and toys.
WE (3/12), 1pm, Murphy-Oakley Community Center, 749 Fairview Rd
Singer Songwriter ROUNDup: Benefiting Beloved Asheville’s Hurricane Helene Recovery
Four rounds of local songwriters, three or four performers per round. All proceeds will go to Beloved Asheville. See p25 WE (3/12), 7pm, The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave
Southside Volunteer Day Volunteer with RiverLink to maintain the native ecosystem and rain gardens in the Erskine Community.
TH (3/13), 10am, Herb Watts Park, 64 Erskine St
3/7: Reader: Krysta 12-6
3/8: Reader: Edward 12-6
Astrology 101 w/Aimee
3/9: DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME Reader: Andrea 12-4 Mercy Fund Animal Adoption Event 12-3
3/10: Reader: Aimee 1-6
3/11: Reader: Byron 1-5
- Sat. 10-7pm • Sun. 12-6pm
Royal treatment
BY CHRISTOPHER ARBOR
On Jan. 1, Christopher Arbor and his friends launched a quest to visit one Asheville brewery each week for all of 2025 in the order that they opened then share the experience with Mountain Xpress readers. To read about their recent visit to Oyster House Brewing Co., go to avl.mx/ekk.
We descended a dark set of stairs to the cavernous underbelly of Wicked Weed Brewing’s downtown brewpub. Surrounded by daunting stonework and timber, our friends gathered around a large wooden high-top.
Wicked Weed’s name and castle vibe were inspired by a quote attributed to King Henry VIII: “Hops are a wicked and pernicious weed.” The branding extends to several beers with medieval or religiously rebellious names, such as the Heresy Brown Ale and Infidel Porter.
Just an idea: How about a red ale called the Spanish Inquisition? Nobody would expect it.
Wicked Weed is also a kingdom in size. The original downtown brewery and taproom contain a bottle shop and restaurant. On the South Slope, there are Cultura restaurant and The Funkatorium, which specializes in sours (both are currently closed). There’s also a West Asheville location and an outpost at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
I ordered the Lupulin Lab IPA, described as “West Coast leaning IPA with a strong candylike aroma of fruity peach rings, orange starburst, and juicy fruit. Tasting notes include pine and orange zest with a grassy finish.” It reminded me of a party game called Brew Ha Ha, in which players create outrageous beer descriptions such as
“Turbid wet cardboard that resembles the musky aroma of a goat” or “Explosive carnival with the distinctive aroma of a urinal cake.”
Focus, Christopher, focus.
Along with the beer, I had an exceptional chicken sandwich. It didn’t have a million layers or competing flavors — it was basically just a chicken breast with pickles and aioli (which is just a fancy word for mayonnaise, folks). Also, the outrageously good house-made sesame bun was remarkably light but sturdy enough to contain the sandwich.
Full disclosure: I’ve probably been to Wicked Weed only a handful of times since it opened in 2012. I tend to be more at home in less fancy locales. Yet I acknowledge that with its long history
of making award-winning, highly innovative brews, the business has likely had a profound influence on Asheville’s beer scene.
After consulting co-founder Ryan Guthy, brewpub General Manager Russ Brown tells me, “We would be honored to know that we positively impacted the Asheville brewing community and beyond. We have the utmost respect for our Asheville brewing colleagues and appreciate the opportunity to learn from one another.”
Also, I have a theory that Wicked Weed is kind of Asheville’s thirst trap. Hear me out: While it was bought by the multinational corporation AB InBev in 2017, its widespread reputation lures hordes of tourists who then stick around
to explore our locally owned breweries, buy from our artists and listen to our musicians.
A local management team and the founders still oversee operations, says Brown. Especially since Tropical Storm Helene, he says, “It’s really been our focus to help support the community, our employees and be an outlet to help drive business back to downtown Asheville.”
We meet Wednesdays around 5:30 p.m. The next stops on our voyage are:
• March 5 — Hi-Wire Brewing on Hilliard Avenue
• March 12 — One World Brewing downtown
Join us if you like. You can email me at yearinbeerasheville@gmail.com or just show up. X
HOLDING COURT: The Year in Beer gang is pictured in the castle-themed downstairs area at Wicked Weed Brewing’s original brewpub. Photo by Kat Marchetti
The new New Stock
Chefs Ashley Capps and Travis Schultz reinvent
BY KAY WEST
It was 20 minutes until closing time on a cold Friday afternoon in late February, and customers stood shoulder to shoulder inside New Stock’s tiny but toasty front room. Chef Ashley Capps, who owns the artisan meal service with her husband, chef Travis Schultz, was behind two 6-foot folding tables laden with packaged, prepared dinners — coq au vin, osso buco with risotto, shepherd’s pie, enchiladas — plus soups, sides, boxes of baked goods and jars of dressings and sauces. Schultz, and New Stock’s sole employee, Laura Palace, were in the adjacent production kitchen, from which intoxicating scents wafted.
This multitasking location, tucked behind a red door in a Woodfin shopping center, could be considered New Stock 3.0. Capps and Schultz launched the first iteration as a meal delivery and subscription service in 2020 from a shared commercial kitchen space.
In September 2022, they opened NewStock Pantry retail shop on the ground level of Riverview Station in the River Arts District. Meals ordered online through Capps’ enticingly written weekly email newsletter could be picked up there; cold cases and shelves were stocked with a bounty of food items.
In May 2024, they moved production to the Woodfin location, just a few months before Tropical Storm Helene dumped 28 feet of river water inside the Riverview Station shop.
“As soon as we could get out of our neighborhood, we drove to the Woodfin
meal service in Woodfin
kitchen, got all the food we had purchased, put it on Travis’ smoker in our yard and, for two weeks, cooked dinner for the neighborhood every night,” says Capps.
By mid-October, they were back in business, operating as New Stock. Capps relaunched her weekly emails and the pair began setting up at the West Asheville Tailgate Market and the River Arts District Farmers Market, which had relocated after the flooding.
With the onset of winter weather in January, Capps and Schultz decided the kitchen would double as a pickup and retail spot Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
“We never intended this to be a place people came in, but it’s nice and cozy and has worked out,” Capps says.
New Stock is partnering with Oak & Grist Distilling Co. at 1556 Grovestone Road, Black Mountain, to do a soup bar on Friday and Saturday evenings,
offering two soups (one vegan) and small savory pies. Starting this month, Nosh Bagel is at the New Stock space 10 a.m.-1 p.m. the first Saturday of each month selling bagels and bialys that can be paired with New Stock’s whitefish salad, lox and cream cheeses.
Acclaimed for her pies, Capps will celebrate Pi Day on Friday, March 14, offering whole pies and prebuilt variety pie-slice boxes at New Stock during the day and at Oak & Grist that evening. (She’s pondering a banana pudding pie comeback. If you know, you know.)
“Long term, we still want a larger space with retail in front and a kitchen in the back,” Capps says. “We see 2025 as a time to keep making great food, doing tailgates and collaborating with our friends, helping each other and doing things that bring joy.”
New Stock is at 148 Weaverville Road, Unit C, Woodfin. To sign up for the newsletter, visit avl.mx/ekc. X
TAKING STOCK: Chefs Ashley Capps, left, and Travis Schultz lost their River Arts District brick-and-mortar retail outlet to flooding, so they set up shop for New Stock in their Woodfin production kitchen. Photo courtesy of New Stock
RHUBARB bids farewell
Downtown farm-to-table restaurant Rhubarb has permanently closed. Chef and owner John Fleer made the announcement via social media and on Rhubarb’s website on Feb. 25.
“Hurricanes change landscapes, both physical and emotional,” the statement reads. “The last few months have accelerated a thought that had already started to creep into my mind. This is not how I would have written the script for Rhubarb, but it’s time.”
Rhubarb’s sister café and bakery, The Rhu, at 10 S. Lexington Ave., will remain open, as will the restaurant’s event space in the same building.
Read the full letter at avl.mx/8na. X
While late winter has unfortunately seen the closing of some beloved local restaurants and bars, others are reopening after Tropical Storm Helene.
New Menu at Gan Shan POST-HELENE REOPENINGS
Wildwood Still: This Asianinspired restaurant, under the leadership of executive chef Austin Tisdale, debuted on the seventh floor of the new downtown Moxy Asheville hotel in mid-September then immediately shut down due to the Sept. 27 storm. It officially reopened on Feb. 26 with a new menu featuring items such as lobster dim sum and chargrilled oysters with chili-crisp butter. 61 Biltmore Ave., avl.mx/e4u
Golden Hour: Golden Hour restaurant at The Radical Hotel in the River Arts District reopened on March 1 with a new wood-fired menu from chef Jacob Sessoms and the restaurant’s executive chef, Kevin Chrisman. The Radical’s coffee shop and bar after/ glow has also reopened, and rooftop bar The Roof will relaunch in the coming months, according to a press release. 95 Roberts St., avl.mx/dzj
Euda Wine: Though Euda Wine sustained major damage from flooding during Helene, the Old Fort winery and tasting room has announced it will reopen on Saturday, March 8. Owned by Michael and Abi McGeary, Euda Wine launched in January 2024. 164 Commerce St., Old Fort, avl.mx/dmi X
After losing its mobile kitchen to Tropical Storm Helene, Mean Pies Pizza has found a temporary home at OWL Bakery’s 197 Charlotte St. location. Hand-tossed pizzas are available for dine-in and carryout 5-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays.
Mean Pies owner PJ Bond started selling pizza in late 2021 through pop-ups at OWL Bakery’s West Asheville shop after moving to Asheville from Philadelphia. Starting in October 2023, Mean Pies sold its circular pies, square pan pizzas and monthly specials from a trailer at plēb urban winery in the River Arts District, until flooding from Helene destroyed the winery building and property.
“The trailer was flipped, dragged and filled with gross mud. Just about everything inside was destroyed or beyond repair,” says Bond. “It was essentially a total loss.”
Mean Pies posts new menus each week on Instagram at @ meanpiespizza. Hours and pizza availability are limited due to storage space constraints. Customers can order or reserve time slots through Instagram; walk-ins are also accepted.
In late February, Gan Shan debuted a new Southeast Asia-focused menu from head chef Ray Hui. New offerings include Vietnamese caramel chicken wings, shrimp larb, drunken noodles, curried fried rice, kimchi cold noodles, banh mi sandwich, Szechuan lamb noodle soup, rotating monthly ramen dishes and more. Gan Shan is open for dinner Tuesday-Sunday at 285 Haywood Road. For details, visit avl.mx/prxo. X
For menu updates and more, visit avl.mx/eki. X
Hail Mary Grand Opening Party
Hail Mary restaurant in West Asheville makes its late January launch official with a grand opening event 5-10 p.m. Saturday, March 8. Owner Kelly Gable, a Maryland native, will roll out a new menu of crush cocktails by offering $10 orange crushes — a vodka drink dreamed up in Maryland in the 1990s — at the event. Gable’s Jell-O shots and a limited food menu (including $10 burgers) will also be part of the fun, with DJ Mad Mike Martinez providing the party tunes. Hail Mary is at 575 Haywood Road. Learn more about the restaurant at avl.mx/ehj. X
Photo of Wildwood Still’s oyster dish by Tim Robison Jr.
Photo of Gan Shan’s cold kimchinoodles b y G r a c e
nosnikciD
Photo of Rhubarb owner John Fleer by Cindy Kunst
Photo ofMean Pies cheese pizza courtesy of MeanPies
Kids Issues!
SMART BETS
by Kay West | kswest55@comcast.net
Free Planet Radio
Free Planet Radio’s world-jazz fusion sounds take audiences around the globe, but on Saturday, March 8, at 7 p.m., the Asheville-based duo of River Guerguerian and Chris Rosser will stay close to home with a show at White Horse Black Mountain. Founded as a trio in 2001 with the late Grammy-nominated bassist Eliot Wadopian, Free Planet Radio’s mostly original compositions weave Guerguerian’s expertise on global percussion instruments — from Middle Eastern frame drums and doumbek to the Indian kanjira and African djembe — with Rosser’s melodies on Indian dotar, Turkish oud, guitar, piano and more. Grammy-nominated violinist Casey Driessen will join in for this show, performing his own songs and accompanying Guerguerian and Rosser in selections from their musical catalog. Like all shows at the nonprofit White Horse Black Mountain, tickets for this concert are available on a donate-what-you-can basis, with a sug-
gested contribution of $25. All ticket proceeds are split evenly between the performing artists and the White Horse Community Fund, which supports the Swannanoa Valley’s recovery from Tropical Storm Helene. avl.mx/eke X
Tribal Seeds
It takes a big stage to accommodate all nine members of Tribal Seeds, the San Diego-based reggae-rock band founded 20 years ago by brothers Steven Rene Jacobo and Tony-Ray Jacobo. There’s plenty of room to groove at The Orange Peel, where the group makes a stop on Tuesday, March 11, as part of its 2025 spring tour. The band’s recently released studio album, Ancient Blood — its fifth since it debuted with Youth RebelLion in 2005 — includes 17 tracks featur-
ing multiple guest artists, including Jamaican reggae musician Kabaka Pyramid. Pyramid, whose album The Kalling won the 2023 Grammy for Best Reggae Album, will open for Tribal Seeds at The Orange Peel, as will SensaMotion, a New Jerseybased reggae/dub ensemble whose new song, Fallin’ For You, dropped Feb. 14. The event is for ages 18 and older. Doors open at 6 p.m. for the 7 p.m. show. Tickets are $37.71. avl.mx/ekh X
Photo by Brandi Hubiak
Photo courtesy of Tribal Seeds
Resurrection Studios Collective
For 13 years, the Moog Music store and factory on Broadway in downtown Asheville was a destination for electronic musicians and synthesists. In 2023, Moog was acquired by InMusic, and its facility at 160 Broadway was closed. On Friday, March 7, at 5 p.m., the site’s doors will open once again with the official launch event for Resurrection Studios Collective, a reimagination of the iconic building intended to showcase the work of Asheville creatives. The ambitious project was spearheaded by Heidi Adams, and her husband, former Moog CEO Mike Adams. What used to be Moog’s production floor on the main level has been transformed into an expansive exhibition space featuring gallery walls for rotating artwork. The building’s top floor is now home to over 20 working artists with room for more. The opening exhibition will include art inspired by Tropical Storm Helene, and artist Kira Bursky — whose 31 images of post-Helene Asheville debuted at the West Asheville Library in January — will have a pop-up shop at Resurrection’s main entrance throughout March and April. The March 7 event will feature live music by Doss Church & The Unholy Noise and begin at 7 p.m. DayTrip will provide bar service. avl.mx/pryl X
Resurrection Studio Collective artists are pictured with founder Heidi Adams, far right; photo courtesy of Resurrection
Singer Songwriter ROUNDup
Photo of the guitar that inspired the event by
A photo of a battered guitar covered in dried mud salvaged during BeLoved Asheville’s cleanup from Tropical Storm Helene inspired the messaging for the Singer Songwriter ROUNDup organized by singer-songwriter Chris Wilhelm. On Wednesday, March 12, 16 popular local musicians will perform rounds at The Grey Eagle to benefit BeLoved Asheville’s storm recovery work. Starting at 7 p.m., a new lineup of performers will roll out at the top of every hour, beginning with Kim Smith, Kristian Phillip Valentino, Andrew Scotchie and Alma Russ. Performing at 8 p.m. are Hannah Kaminer, Mike Martinez, Amanda Anne Platt and Chris Rosser. The 9-10 p.m. slot features Kevin Smith, Mon Bethelwood, MerylJane and McKinney. The final round starting at 10 p.m. belongs to Stephen Evans, Chris Wilhelm, Ashley Heath and Jason Curtis with emcee Bruce Swan Will the whole gang return to the stage for a grand finale? You’ll have to be there to find out. The musicians will be paid for their participation through a sponsorship from the Jazz Foundation of America. Tickets to the partially seated, all ages show are $20.60 with 100% of net proceeds going directly to BeLoved Asheville. Doors open at 6 p.m. avl.mx/ekg X
IS ON THE MENU
MARCH 20TH FROM 11-1 PM
retirement has never been easier. Come enjoy a presentation about Givens Gerber Park: a more affordable rental retirement option (55+) and enjoy lunch on us. Monthly fees are all-inclusive based on income. RSVP required.
Leche Photography
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5
FLEETWOOD'S PSK Karaoke, 8pm GRANGE BY FOOTHILLS Trivia Night, 6pm
HI-WIRE BREWINGBILTMORE VILLAGE
Free Weekly Trivia, 7pm
JACK OF THE WOOD PUB
Old Time Jam, 5pm
OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.
Bluegrass Jam w/Derek McCoy & Friends, 6pm PULP
Mission Accomplished (classic-rock), 8pm
PISGAH BREWING CO.
Ashley Heath & Joshua Singleton (blues, country, soul), 6pm
SKYLARANNA HOTEL & RESORT
Standup Comedy w/ Drew Harrison, 7pm
SLY GROG LOUNGE
Weird Wednesday Open Jam, 7pm
SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN BREWERY
Jazz Night at SAB, 6pm
THE GREY EAGLE
Austin Meade w/Cole Barnhill & Devora (rock, Americana, folk), 8pm
THE JOINT NEXT DOOR
Rod Sphere (soul, rock, reggae), 6pm
THE MULE Trivia w/Party Grampa, 6:30pm
THE ONE STOP
Aaron Woody Wood (soul, blues), 10pm
WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN
Straight Ahead Wednesdays w/Jacob Rodriguez: A Nod to Sonny Rollins (jazz), 7:30pm
THURSDAY, MARCH 6
27 CLUB
Virginia Sweet, Fool Hardies, & Alex Cano (hard-rock, Americana), 8pm
ASHEVILLE MUSIC
HALL
Sierra Hull (bluegrass), 8pm
CROW & QUILL
Las Montañitas (cumbia), 8pm
EDA RHYNE
DISTILLERY & TASTING ROOM
The Gilded Palace of Metamodern Sounds, 6pm
EDA'S HIDE-A-WAY
Bless Your Heart Trivia w/Harmon, 7pm
FLOOD GALLERY
True Home Open Mic, 6pm
HI-WIRE BREWING
Open Mic Night w/ Stephen Evans, 6pm
HIGHLAND BREWING CO.
Angela Easterling & The Beguilers (Americana, bluegrass), 6pm
JACK OF THE WOOD PUB
Bluegrass Jam w/Drew Matulich, 7pm
LEVELLER BREWING CO.
Open Old Time Jam, 6pm
LOOKOUT BREWING CO.
Music Bingo w/DJ Spence, 6pm
ONE WORLD
BREWING WEST
Fee Fi Phaux Fish (Phish tribute), 8pm
PISGAH BREWING CO.
Swamptooth (bluegrass, Americana), 6:30pm
SHAKEY'S Karaoke w/Franco Nino, 9pm
CLUBLAND
MODERN-DAY MUSICAL WANDERER: Saxophonist and composer Chris Bullock (who also plays the flute, clarinet and keyboards) performs at Little Jumbo on Monday, March 10, starting at 7 p.m. The night will feature a mixture of original songs, along with some modern tunes and possibly a jazz standard or two. Photo courtesy of Estelle Vallente
SIERRA NEVADA BREWING CO.
Brothers Comatose (bluegrass, folk), 6pm
STATIC AGE LOFT
Auto-Tune Karaoke w/ Who Gave This B*tch A Mic, 10pm
THE EVENT CENTER AT HIGHLAND BREWING
Honky Tonk: Rodeo Night, 5pm
THIRD ROOM
The Lactones (funk, prog, psychedelic), 8pm
VOWL Karaoke Night, 8pm
VOODOO BREWING CO.
Music Bingo Thursdays, 7pm
FRIDAY, MARCH 7
27 CLUB
Assimilation, 10pm
ASHEVILLE MUSIC
HALL
The Main Squeeze w/ Quinn Sullivan (funk, blues, soul), 8pm
CATAWBA BREWING CO. SOUTH SLOPE ASHEVILLE
Comedy at Catawba: Naomi Karavani, 7pm
CORK & KEG Fancy & the 45s (jazz, country, rockabilly), 8pm
CROW & QUILL
DJ Dr. Filth (soul, R&B, jazz), 9pm
EDA'S HIDE-A-WAY
Pleasure Chest (alt-rock, blues, soul), 8pm
EULOGY
The Widdler, Tunic, King Shotta, Menace, & Lowlife (dub, reggae, edm), 8pm
FLEETWOOD'S Crumbsnatchers & East Ritual (garage-rock, post-punk, alternative), 8pm
HIGHLAND BREWING CO.
Bill's Garage (indierock, psych-folk, power-pop), 6pm
JACK OF THE WOOD PUB
Ben Balmer Birthday Bash (Americana, folk, blues), 9pm
LOOKOUT BREWING CO.
Friday Night Music Series, 6pm
ONE WORLD
BREWING WEST
The Dirty French Broads (Americana, bluegrass), 8pm
SHAKEY'S
• Big Blue Jams Band (multi-genre), 9pm
• Total Gold w/DJ Abu Disarray, 9pm
STATIC AGE RECORDS
Lavender Blue (tape release) w/Feeling Format & Walkhome (slowcore, indie-rock, Americana), 9pm
THE BURGER BAR Burger Bar Comedy, 7pm
THE GREY EAGLE Buffalo Rose (folk, Americana), 8pm
THE MULE SONG-O w/Divine: Drag Queen Music Bingo, 7pm
THE ONE STOP
• Generous Electric (classic-rock, psychedelic, folk), 6pm
• Mojo Mountain (multigenre), 10pm
THE ORANGE PEEL Donna The Buffalo w/ Ric Robertson (zydeco, folk, Americana), 8pm THE STATION BLACK MOUNTAIN Mr Jimmy, 5pm
WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN Dirty Logic (tribute-band), 7:30pm
SATURDAY, MARCH 8
27 CLUB Ol' Jim, Eek!, Epistaxis, & Puppy Chain (noiserock, shoegaze, doom-metal), 8pm
ASHEVILLE CLUB Mr Jimmy (blues), 6pm ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Bears Gone Phishin' (tribute-band), 9pm
CATAWBA BREWING CO. SOUTH SLOPE ASHEVILLE Comedy at Catawba: Naomi Karavani, 8pm CORK & KEG Soul Blue (soul, blues R&B), 8pm CROW & QUILL Nick Garrison (jazz), 8pm
EULOGY
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, 408, & Heartbent (post-hardcore, pop-punk, emo), 7pm
HIGHLAND BREWING
CO.
The Doors Unhinged w/Reggie Headen (tribute-band), 5pm
JACK OF THE WOOD PUB
• Nobody’s Darling String Band, 4pm
• Adrianne Blanks & the Oracles (classic-pop, jazz, soul), 9pm
OKLAWAHA
BREWING CO.
Double Love & The Trouble + Carpal Tullar (rock, art-pop), 8pm
ONE WORLD BREWING Falspring (acoustic), 8pm
SHAKEY'S Underground Enigma w/DJ Wit My Demons (house, edm), 10pm
SHILOH & GAINES
Lyric (pop, rock, funk), 9pm
THE MULE
Miss Vee's Freakshow, 8pm
THE ONE STOP
JLAD: Jimmi Lang's Almost Doors (tribute-band), 10pm
THE ORANGE PEEL
The Emo Night Tour, 7pm
THIRD ROOM
Electro Lust w/Izzy Wise (funk, electronic), 9pm
WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN
Free Planet Radio w/ Casey Driessen (world, jazz, classical), 7pm
SUNDAY, MARCH 9
27 CLUB
Chelekis, A Lovely Worm, Human Urgency, & Porcelain Parrot (indie-rock, lo-fi, punk), 8pm
ASHEVILLE MUSIC
HALL
Diggin Dirt (funk, soul), 8pm
EULOGY
Twain w/Esther Rose (alt-country, folk), 7pm
FLEETWOOD'S Bloodletting: Goth Dance Night, 8:30pm
GINGER'S REVENGE CRAFT BREWERY & TASTING ROOM
Sunday Jazz Jam, 2:30pm
HIGHLAND BREWING CO.
The JackTown Ramblers (bluegrass, jazz), 2pm
JACK OF THE WOOD
PUB
• The Bluegrass Boys, 12pm
• Traditional Irish Music Session, 3:30pm
ONE WORLD BREWING WEST
• Suns of Stars Sunday Residency, 2pm
• Jeff Thompson's What Four (multi-genre), 8pm
PULP
Asheville Guitar Bar Presents: The MGBs (multi-genre), 4:30pm
PISGAH BREWING CO.
Pisgah Sunday Jam, 6pm
SLY GROG LOUNGE Open Mic w/Mike Andersen, 6:30pm
THE GREY EAGLE
• Country Brunch w/ Old Chevrolette Set, 11am
• Hackensaw Boys w/A Lee Edwards (folk-punk, old-time), 8pm
THE MULE
Served by Sev Drag Brunch, 12pm
MONDAY, MARCH 10
27 CLUB
27 Club Karaoke, 10pm CATAWBA BREWING CO. SOUTH SLOPE ASHEVILLE Musicians in the Round: Monday Open Mic, 5pm
FLEETWOOD’S Best Ever Karaoke, 9pm
LITTLE JUMBO
Chris Bullock, 7pm
OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.
Takes All Kinds Open Mic Nights, 7pm
ONE WORLD
BREWING
Open Mic Downtown, 6:30pm
ONE WORLD
BREWING WEST
Mashup Mondays w/ JLloyd, 8pm
STATIC AGE LOFT
The Hot Seat Comedy, 7pm
THE JOINT NEXT DOOR
Mr Jimmy & Friends (blues), 7pm
HIGHLAND BREWING CO.
Trivia Night w/Two Bald Guys & A Mic, 6pm
THE ORANGE PEEL Inhaler w/Benches (indie, pop-rock), 8pm
WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN
Carolina Celtic w/Robin Bullock, 7pm
TUESDAY, MARCH 11
HI-WIRE BREWING
Not Rocket Science Trivia, 7pm
LOOKOUT BREWING CO. Team Trivia, 6:30pm
OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. Team Trivia, 7pm
ONE WORLD BREWING WEST
The Grateful Family Band Tuesdays (Grateful Dead tribute), 6pm
STATIC AGE RECORDS McKay, Trust Blinks, Star Anise, & i26connector (indie-folk, shoegaze), 8pm
THE GREY EAGLE
Golden Folk Sessions (acoustic), 7pm
HIGHLAND BREWING CO.
Music Bingo w/Spencer, 6pm
THE ORANGE PEEL
Tribal Seeds w/Kabaka Pyramid & SensaMotion (reggae, dub, rock), 7pm
VOODOO BREWING CO. Trivia Tuesday w/ Principal Mike, 7pm
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12
EULOGY
Vundabar w/ Yot Club & faerybabyy (indie-pop, surf-rock, post-punk), 7pm GRANGE BY FOOTHILLS Trivia Night, 6pm
HI-WIRE BREWINGBILTMORE VILLAGE
Free Weekly Trivia, 7pm
JACK OF THE WOOD PUB
Old Time Jam, 5pm
LEVELLER BREWING CO.
Folk Club Open Mic, 6:30pm
OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. Bluegrass Jam w/Derek McCoy & Friends, 6pm
PISGAH BREWING CO.
Hunter Begley (acoustic), 6pm
SKYLARANNA HOTEL & RESORT
Standup Comedy w/ Paul Snyder, 7pm
SLY GROG LOUNGE
Weird Wednesday Open Jam, 7pm
SOUTHERN
APPALACHIAN
BREWERY
Jazz Night, 6pm
THE MULE Trivia w/Party Grampa, 6:30pm
THE ODD Terraoke Karaoke Takeover, 9pm
THE ONE STOP
Eli Kahn (jazz, hip-hop, funk), 10pm
THE ORANGE PEEL
Bright Eyes w/Hurray for the Riff Raff (folkpunk, indie), 8pm
VOODOO BREWING CO.
Music Bingo Thursdays, 7pm
THURSDAY, MARCH 13
ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL
The Kings of Queen w/ East Coast Dirt & Asheville Rock Academy (rock, psychedelic), 8pm
CORK & KEG
The Horsenecks (oldtime, folk), 7pm
CROW & QUILL Las Montañitas (cumbia), 8pm
EDA RHYNE
DISTILLERY & TASTING ROOM
The Gilded Palace of Metamodern Sounds, 6pm
EDA'S HIDE-A-WAY
Bless Your Heart Trivia w/Harmon, 7pm
FLEETWOOD'S All Blissed Out, Busy Weather, & Basement Healer (punk), 9pm
FLOOD GALLERY True Home Open Mic, 6pm
HI-WIRE BREWING Open Mic Night w/ Stephen Evans, 6pm
HIGHLAND BREWING CO.
The New Suspenders (country), 6pm
JACK OF THE WOOD PUB
Bluegrass Jam w/Drew Matulich, 7pm
LAZOOM ROOM BAR & GORILLA Eyes Up Here Comedy Presents: AVLGBTQueer Comedy, 7pm
LEVELLER BREWING CO.
Irish Session, 6pm LOOKOUT BREWING CO.
Music Bingo w/DJ Spence, 6pm
ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Fee Fi Phaux Fish (Phish tribute), 8pm
PISGAH BREWING CO.
For the Love of Levon & Lowell: Music of The Band & Little Feat (tribute-band), 6:30pm SHAKEY'S Karaoke w/Franco Nino, 9pm
STATIC AGE LOFT Auto-Tune Karaoke w/ Who Gave This B*tch A Mic, 10pm THE ORANGE PEEL Bright Eyes w/Hurray for the Riff Raff (folkpunk, indie), 8pm THIRD ROOM PORTALS w/Space Fiddle, Osiah, & More (electronic, psychedelic), 8pm
WHERE YOUR DRINK
Tournament, 6pm TUE OPEN JAM: 7:30pm Signup
FREEWILL ASTROLOGY
ARIES (March 21-April 19): The world’s darkest material is Vantablack. This super-black coating absorbs 99.96% of visible light, creating a visual void. It has many practical applications, like improving the operation of telescopes, infrared cameras and solar panels. I propose we make Vantablack your symbol of power in the coming weeks. It will signify that an apparent void or absence in your life might actually be a fertile opportunity. An ostensible emptiness may be full of potential.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Among their many sensational qualities, rivers have the power to create through demolition and revision. Over the centuries, they erode rock and earth, making canyons and valleys. Their slow and steady transformative energy can be an inspiration to you in the coming months, Taurus. You, too, will be able to accomplish wonders through the strength of your relentless persistence — and through your resolute insistence that some old approaches will need to be eliminated to make way for new dispensations.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Centuries before European sailors ventured across the seas, Polynesians were making wide-ranging voyages around the South Pacific. Their navigations didn’t use compasses or sextants, but relied on analyzing ocean swells, star configurations, cloud formations, bird movements and wind patterns. I bring their genius to your attention, Gemini, because I believe you are gaining access to new ways to read and understand your environment. Subtleties that weren’t previously clear to you are becoming so. Your perceptual powers seem to be growing and so is your sensitivity to clues from below the visible surface of things. Your intuition is synergizing with your logical mind.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): The Maeslant Barrier is a gigantic, movable barricade designed to prevent the flooding of the Dutch port of Rotterdam. It’s deployed when storms generate surges that need to be repelled. I think we all need metaphorical versions of this protective fortification, with its balance of unstinting vigilance and timely flexibility. Do you have such psychic structures in place, Cancerian? Now would be a good time to ensure that you have them and they’re working properly. A key factor, as you mull over the prospect I’m suggesting, is knowing that you don’t need to keep all your defenses raised to the max at all times. Rather, you need to sense when it’s crucial to assert limits and boundaries — and when it’s safe and right to allow the flow of connection and opportunity.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): The authentic alchemists of medieval times were not foolishly hoping to transmute literal lead and other cheap metals into literal gold. In fact, their goal was to change the wounded, ignorant, unripe qualities of their psyches into beautiful, radiant aspects. The coming weeks will be an excellent time for you to do such magic. Life will provide you with help and inspiration as you try to brighten your shadows. We all need to do this challenging work, Leo! Now is one of your periodic chances to do it really well.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Cosmic rhythms are authorizing you to be extra demanding in the coming days — as long as you are not frivolous, rude or unreasonable. You have permission to ask for bigger and better privileges that you have previously felt were beyond your grasp. You should assume you have finally earned rights you had not fully earned before now. My advice is to be discerning about how you wield this extra power. Don’t waste it on trivial or petty matters. Use it to generate significant adjustments that will change your life for the better.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In North America, starlings are an invasive species introduced from Europe in the 19th century. They are problematic, competing with native species
BY ROB BREZSNY
for resources. They can damage crops and spread diseases that affect livestock. Yet starlings also create the breathtakingly beautiful marvel known as a murmuration. They make mesmerizing, ever-shifting patterns in the sky while moving as one cohesive unit. We all have starling-like phenomena in our lives — people, situations and experiences that arouse deeply paradoxical responses that we both enjoy and disapprove of. According to my analysis, the coming weeks will be prime time to transform and evolve your relationships with these things. It’s unwise to sustain the status quo. I’m not necessarily advising you to banish them — simply to change your connection.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Buildings and walls in the old Incan city of Machu Picchu feature monumental stone blocks that fit together precisely. You can’t slip a piece of paper between them. Most are irregularly shaped and weigh many tons. Whoever constructed these prodigious structures benefited from massive amounts of ingenuity and patience. I invite you to summon some of the same blend of diligence and brilliance as you work on your growing masterpiece in the coming weeks and months. My prediction: What you create in 2025 will last a very long time.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):
Bioluminescence is light emitted from living creatures. They don’t reflect the light of the sun or moon but produce it themselves. Fireflies do it and so do glow-worms and certain fungi. If you go to Puerto Rico’s Mosquito Bay, you may also spy the glimmer of marine plankton known as dinoflagellates. The best time to see them show what they can do is on a cloudy night during a new moon when the deep murk reveals their full power. I believe their glory is a good metaphor for you in the coming days. Your beauty will be most visible and your illumination most valuable when the darkness is at a peak.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Capricorn-born Shah Jahan I was the Emperor of Hindustan from 1628 to 1658. During his reign, he commissioned the Taj Mahal, a magnificent garden and building complex to honor his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. This spectacular “jewel of Islamic art” is still a major tourist attraction. In the spirit of Shah Jahan’s adoration, I invite you to dream and scheme about expressing your devotion to what you love. What stirs your heart and nourishes your soul? Find tangible ways to celebrate and fortify your deepest passions.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Over 2,100 years ago, Greek scientists created an analog computer that could track astronomical movements and events decades in advance. Referred to now as the Antikythera mechanism, it was a unique, groundbreaking invention. Similar machines didn’t appear again until Europe in the 14th century. If it’s OK with you, I will compare you with the Antikythera mechanism. Why? You are often ahead of your time with your innovative approaches. People may regard you as complex, inscrutable or unusual when in fact you are simply alert for and homing in on future developments. These qualities of yours will be especially needed in the coming weeks and months.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): No cars drove through London’s streets in 1868. That invention was still years away. But the roads were crammed with pedestrians and horses. To improve safety amidst the heavy traffic, a mechanical traffic light was installed — the first in the world. But it had a breakdown a month later, injured a police officer and was discontinued. Traffic lights didn’t become common for 50 years after that. I believe your imminent innovations will have better luck and good timing, Pisces. Unlike the premature traffic signal, your creations and improvements will have the right context to succeed. Don’t be shy about pushing your good ideas! They could revamp the daily routine.
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ACROSS
1 Home of Spaceship Earth
6 Kimono sash
9 To date
14 Author Novik of the “Scholomance” trilogy
15 Kiddie
16 Cherish
17 Direction toward the very top of the world
19 Testify (for)
20 “Game of Thrones” actress Diana
21 Appropriate for all gamers
23 West Coast team, on scoreboards
24 Characteristic of a fork in the road
26 Margarine
27 Minnesotan trio?
28 Armenia, e.g., until 1991: Abbr.
29 Snack whose name translates as “breaded”
31 “Star Wars” heroine
33 Shape of the Stade de France
35 Ctrl-Alt-___
36 Break a sweat
38 Gemma’s role in “Crazy Rich Asians”
42 Like fake nails, typically
43 One of a wide pair for snow sports
45 Setting for Cape Cod at Christmas, in brief
46 Tegan’s pop music bandmate
47 “___ Him Back!” (Olivia Rodrigo hit)
48 Zoom past
51 Farm share inits.
53 Class for a pre-med student
54 Ending with new or teen
55 Chore-doing robot brand
58 ___ up (get hyped)
59 Professor’s goal
61 Goes a-courting?
62 “Same here”
64 Merchandise with logos for “Baienglaca” or “Guddi,” e.g.
66 Justice Kagan
67 Environmentally friendly prefix
68 “Priscilla” director Coppola
69 “Ladies and ___ …”
70 Org. for care in the U.K.
71 Togetherness
DOWN
1 Ledger item
2 2024 Olympics host
3 *Remedy for a cold
4 Some sorority members, informally
5 “Cat on a Hot ___ Roof”
6 ___ vez (again, in Spanish)
7 Event that might feature unlimited mimosas … or a literal description of the answers to the starred clues
8 What might be necessary after a crash 9 *Help avoid disaster 10 Prefix with -meter 11 Received a card, say 12 Major or minor part of a tarot deck
13 *Go over again
18 Mined find
22 Bad thing on a live broadcast
25 *Raise one’s glass 29 Kernel locale
30 Vocal range for Amy Winehouse 31 World of Warcraft or Rune, in brief 32 Flotsam or Jetsam, in “The Little Mermaid” 34 Retro, maybe 37 Person using a crystal ball 39 *Little scamp
40 Anger 41 Toxic insecticide
44 “Eloise” author Thompson
Light as a feather, e.g.
Biggest hits
Popular logic puzzle
“You’re already leaving?”
*No-goodnik
Video camera button
Suit
Analyze, as 18-Down
Large Aussie
