Rapid River Magazine March 2012

PAGES

Keigwin + Company brings its pure, electrifying brand of contemporary dance to Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place on March 30 and 31. PAGE 4 Saxophone soloist Douglas O’Connor performs music by Brahms in a concert conducted by The Asheville Symphony Orchestra’s music director Daniel Meyer. PAGE 6

The Western North Carolina AIDS Project joins 55 other cities across the country and Canada on Thursday, April 26 for Dining Out for Life®. PAGE 24 PLUS INTERVIEWS WITH: Carol Branton Morrow, fine artist and creator of this month’s cover. PAGE 19 Steven Eudy sells top-quality used guitars at the Guitar Trader. PAGE 37

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performance A Dream of Camelot: a Return to Love Featuring 25 New Original Songs!

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Presenting Jean Coralli’s “Giselle” Under Sergei Radchenko’s direction, leading dancers from across Russia present Jean Coralli’s Giselle, a story of young love, mistaken identity, and the journey of the spirit. The Moscow Festival Ballet’s performance maintains the Russian tradition of scrupulous production and loving concern for this gem of the romantic ballet.

Friday, March 9 @ 7:30 pm THOMAS WOLFE AUDITORIUM

Tickets $15–$60 • Students 1/2 price • Tickets available at the Civic Center Box Office, ticketmaster.com or 828.225.5887 • AshevilleBravoConcerts.org BMW of Asheville

bmwofasheville.com 828-681-9900

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sheville composer Richard Shulman’s inspiring musical A Dream Of Camelot is Rock Eblen as Merlin returning to the beautiful Masonic Temple, 80 Broadway St., Asheville, March 29, 30, 31, and April 1. It is being directed by Rock Eblen, a veteran of the Asheville theater scene.

Shulman and Eblen are combining their talents for what promises to be a compelling and uplifting evening of entertainment. Both have demonstrated years of dedication to boosting Asheville’s vibrant and independent performing arts community.

Richard Shulman Anthony Fogleman Photo: Carrie Turner This original musical opens with plays Lancelot/Mark the rise and fall of ancient Camelot.

Arthur, Merlin, Lancelot, and Morgaine was performed are vowing to keep their dream of a better and recorded by world alive. They become magically reborn members of the into today’s society, and find their modern Asheville Symholy grail through adventurous relationphony Orchestra ships and progressive lifestyles. Will the guy in 2002. get the girl? Will they find that illusive key A director to happiness? of a community A Dream Of Camelot is about loving center Shulman communication — inside and out — and worked with then about finding new ways within ourselves to suggested that he improve our lives. write a musical Shulman was initially inspired to on Camelot, and Steven Turner plays write about Camelot through an inner vithis story of the King Arthur sion of a sword descending from the heavCamelot characters ens. This led to his composing “Camelot bringing their dream into modern society Reawakened” a symphonic work which has inspired Shulman to launch developmental productions in 2009 and 2011, and now a third set of performances with some surprise character transformations and new musical arrangements.

Cast members include popular Asheville performers Steven Turner, Tony FoHendersonville Chamber Music gleman, Eileen Kennedy, Morgan St. Clair, presents the exciting Bill Gerhardt Justin Jones, Jenna Jaffe-Melissas, Gary Jazz Trio, Sunday, March 18 at 3 p.m.

Gaines, Chelsea St. John, Luke Dotson, and For fans of traditional jazz, it’s an Rock Eblen as Merlin. afternoon you won’t want to miss. A modern jazz icon, pianist, arranger and Down Beat Magazine award winner, www.richheartmusic.com Bill Gerhardt will be performing with Mike Holstein on bass, and Justin Watt on drums. Gerhardt “brought the IF house down” when he performed in YOU A Dream Of Camelot at the GO downtown Asheville Masonic Hendersonville last year.

Lodge, Thurs., March 29 – Sun. IF YOU GO: Bill Gerhardt Jazz Trio, at April 1. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Hendersonville’s First Congregational Friday, and Saturday, March 29, 30, and 31, Church, on the corner of Fifth Avenue and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 1. and White Pine. Tickets are $17, General admission tickets are available in available at Hendersonville Visitors advance for $20 at (828) 658-9604, at www.

Center or at the door on the day of the ADreamofCamelot.com, and at the door performance. For details visit www. for $25. Tickets for the special preview on hendersonvillechambermusic.org.

Thursday, March 29 are $15.

Bill Gerhardt Jazz Trio

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performance

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Danny Ellis Returns with Stunning 800 Voices

rish-born and nowBY JOHN ELLIS Asheville resident Danny Ellis performs Dublin in Spring 2013.

800 Voices, his highly Joining Danny for 800 lauded musical memVoices on March 9 is Jamie oir of his childhood in an Laval on fiddle, Duncan Irish orphanage on Friday, Wickel on fiddle and March 9 at 8 p.m. at Diana whistles, Daniel Barber on Wortham Theatre. keyboard and percussion, Ellis performs his and Zach Page on bass. new show, An Irishman in Accompanying Danny on America, featuring music the March 10 performance from his latest CD release, of An Irishman in AmerThe Space Between The ica is Duncan Wickel on Lines, on Saturday, March fiddle and whistles, Daniel 10 at 8 p.m. at Diana Barber on keyboard and Wortham Theatre in downDanny Ellis percussion, Zach Page on town Asheville. bass, and Byron HedgeSince touring the show peth on percussion. in Dublin, London and across America, 800 Voices is a cinematic, uplifting Danny Ellis has garnered much attention for and poignant journey through Danny’s his well-crafted and beautifully told memoir: the book is set for release in September ‘Danny Ellis’ continued on page 23 of this year, and the musical premieres in

oh, the endless expressions of

www.jewelsthatdance.com

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performance SMART AND SEXY

“...mixes the stretched lines of ballet with the more weighted, blunt quality of contemporary dance.”

Keigwin + Company

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nock-out fusion of pop culture and high art, Keigwin + Company brings its pure, electrifying brand of contemporary dance to Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place on Friday and Saturday, March 30 and 31 at 8 p.m. With the verve of New York Fashion Week and MTV MTV, Keigwin + Company delivers provocative, witty and engaging dance, overflowing with both style and heart.

Keigwin + Company reaches national and international audiences with its refreshing vision of dance, embodying a theatrical sensibility that is dramatically chic with an athletic impact. “One of Keigwin’s greatest gifts is for revealing the individuality of his champion dancers. He lets you see them, he allows you to love them,” remarks The Village Voice.

The company receives rave reviews and is regularly invited to perform at celebrated

BY JOHN

~The New York Times

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venues such as the Kennedy Center, Summerdance Santa Barbara, New York City Center, and The Joyce Theater.

During the March 30 and 31 performances at the Diana Wortham Theatre, Asheville audiences will see the preview of the company’s brand new work, “Contact Sport” before its official June 2012 premiere at The Joyce Theatre in New York. “Contact Sport” utilizes highly athletic and vigorous movement to explore the ever-evolving relationships between four brothers, set to the iconic sounds of Eartha Kitt.

Other works featured on Keigwin + Company’s Asheville program are: “Mattress Suite,” – six individual pieces featuring an array of music from the operatic Scarlatti and Giordani to the soulful Stevie Wonder and Etta James; “Caffeinated,” the full company of eight dancers in a hilarious, jittery mix of aerobics, cheerleading, ballet and boxing, featuring music by Philip Glass; “Triptych,” a group work showcasing the athleticism of individual dancers; and “Love Songs” featuring three separate couples accompanied by the music of Roy Orbison, Aretha Franklin, and Nina Simone.

Larry Keigwin is a native New Yorker and graduate from Hofstra University. He founded Keigwin + Company in 2003 and as Artistic Director, Keigwin has lead the company as it has performed at theaters and dance festivals throughout New York City

The Little Girl Who Loves to Twirl - Booksigning JeanAnn Taylor’s book signing event and fundraiser takes place on Tuesday, March 20, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Special performance by the Asheville Ballet Conservatory. Held at The Hop, 640 Merrimon Ave., Asheville. Call (828) 277-0998 for more details, or visit www.gratefulsteps.com.

Club Bellydance The Bellydance Superstars and the Asheville All-Stars in an exciting performance on Monday, March 12. Featuring dancers Lauren, Sabah, Moria, Sabrina, and Stefanya. Doors open 7 p.m. Show time 7:30 p.m. Tickets $20 adv., $25 day of show. The Altamont, 18 Church St., Asheville, NC. (828) 348-5327, or www.myaltamont.com.

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Photos: Matthew Murphy

and across the country. In addition to his work with K+C, recent commissions include Works & Process at the Guggenheim, The Juilliard School, The New York City Ballet’s Choreographic Institute, and The Martha Graham Dance Company, among many others. In 2010, Keigwin was named the Vail International Dance Festival’s first artist in residence, during which time he created and premiered a new work with four of ballet’s most prominent stars. Also in 2010 he staged the opening event of Fashion Week: “Fashion’s Night Out: The Show,” which was produced by Vogue and featured over 150 of the industry’s top models. In 2011, Keigwin choreographed the new musical Tales of the City City, at the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco, as well as the new off-Broadway production of RENT, now running at New World stages.

Keigwin has most recently been commissioned to create a new ballet for the Royal New Zealand Ballet in February 2012.

Pre-show discussions: For insight and increased enjoyment of the performances, ticket holders can attend free pre-performance discussions led by Larry Keigwin, company founder and choreographer, in The Forum at Pack Place at 7 p.m. before both performances.

IF YOU To obtain more information GO on Keigwin + Company’s

performance at Diana Wortham Theatre or to purchase tickets (Regular $35; Student $30), call the theatre’s box office at (828) 257-4530 or visit www. dwtheatre.com. Student Rush tickets ($10 for students with valid I.D.) are sold the day of the show, based on availability.

Child ticket unavailable. Some parents may find portions of these performances unsuitable for children.

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we love this place Pan Harmonia at The Altamont

RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE

Monthly concerts of premier chamber music, the 2nd Sunday at 5 p.m., in the heart of downtown Asheville. Sunday, March 11 – Music to Welcome Spring. Featuring Kate Steinbeck, flute; Amy Brucksch, guitar; and Elizabeth Gergel, cello.

Established in 1997 • Volume Fifteen, Number Seven

MARCH 2012

www.rapidrivermagazine.com

Publisher/Editor: Dennis Ray Managing Editor: Beth Gossett Marketing: Dennis Ray, Rick Hills Staff Photographer: Liza Becker Layout & Design: Simone Bouyer Poetry Editor: Ted Olson Proofreader: Mary Wilson Accounting: Sharon Cole Distribution: Dennis Ray CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Judy Ausley, Claire E. Barratt, James Cassara, Michael Cole, Amy Downs, John Ellis, Beth Gossett, Steven R. Hageman, Max Hammonds, MD, Phil Hawkins, Delina Hensley, Phil Juliano, Chip Kaufmann, Michelle Keenan, Eddie LeShure, Peter Loewer, Marcianne Miller, April Nance, Ted Olson, T. Oder, R. Woods, Dennis Ray, Alice Sebrell, Clara Sofia, Greg Vineyard, Bill Walz.

INFO Rapid River Arts & Culture Magazine is a monthly publication. Address correspondence to info@rapidrivermagazine.com or write to: Rapid River Arts & Culture Magazine 85 N. Main St. Canton, NC 28716 Phone: (828) 646-0071 www.rapidrivermagazine.com All materials contained herein are owned and copyrighted by Rapid River Arts & Culture Magazine and the individual contributors unless otherwise stated. Opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Rapid River Arts & Culture Magazine or the advertisers found herein. © Rapid River Arts & Culture Magazine, March 2012 Vol. 15 No. 7

2A Dream Performance of Camelot. . . . . . . . . . . . .

2 Danny Ellis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Keigwin + Company . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Brahms’ First Symphony . . . . . . . . . 6 Diavolo Dance Theater. . . . . . . . . . . 7 Asheville Symphony . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Christopher O’Riley . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Sagapool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

8JamesColumns Cassara - Music . . . . . . . . . . .

Eddie LeShure - Jazz. . . . . . . . . . . .

Greg Vineyard - Fine Art . . . . . . . .

Ted Olson - Poetry . . . . . . . . . . . .

Marcianne Miller – Books . . . . . . .

Judy Ausley - Southern Comfort. .

Bill Walz - Artful Living . . . . . . . .

Max Hammonds, MD - Health . .

Peter Loewer - The Curmudgeon .

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6AmiciMusic Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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The Gourds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Jonathan Scales Fourchestra . . . . . . 10 Night of the Blues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

11 Movie Reviews

Chip Kaufmann & Michele Keenan 11

17 Fine Art The Folk Art Center . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pan Harmonia celebrates the global village with a feast of traditions mixing fresh sounds from Brazil, Spain, Macedonia, Argentina, and North America.

Music by Piazzolla, Fred Hand, Vivian Fine, and others. Tickets are $12 in advance, available at www.Pan-Harmonia.org or $15 at the door. The Altamont Theatre, 18 Church Street, Asheville.

For more information call (828) 254-7123, or visit www.myaltamont.com.

Kate Steinbeck, flutist

Grammy Winner Mavis Staples at UNC Asheville Mavis Staples, one of America’s most enduring and best loved vocalists, will perform in concert at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 31, in UNC Asheville’s Lipinsky Auditorium.

Staples made her name as a singer of gospel and rhythm & blues. Her most recent album, “You are Not Alone,” won the 2011 Grammy Award for best Americana Album.

Staples began her career in 1950 as a member of her family’s popular gospel group, the Staple Singers. Her father, Pops Staples, was a close friend of Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Staple Singers became a leading musical voice of the civil rights movement in the 1960s. In the early 1970s, the group merged gospel harmonies with pop and funk sensibilities and reached Billboard Top 40 eight times, including number-one hits “Respect Yourself” and “I’ll Take You There.” Tickets are $35; $7 for students. For tickets or more information, visit cesap.unca.edu or call (828) 251-6674.

GeekOut 2012 – Preserving the Spirit of Fanaticon A celebration of comic books, gaming, costumes, art, and fan culture will take place May 11 through May 12, 2012. The de-centralized convention will take place within a walking radius of dozens of downtown Asheville venues and businesses who will be hosting themed events.

Programming will be free of charge for attendees.

Both evenings will feature all-ages activities as well as afterparties geared towards an 18+ audience. Saturday morning and afternoon will focus on programming appropriate for children and families. Participants are encouraged to attend in-costume. Local businesses are partnering with Multiverse Asheville to organize the celebration. For more information please contact Ken Krahl, ken@breakthe4thwall.com, or visit www.multiverseavl.com.

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{Re}Happening 2012 . . . . . . . . . . . 18 John MacKah Spring Schedule . . . 38

19 Interviews Carol Branton Morrow. . . . . . . . . .

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22 Stage Preview LYLAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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24 Shops Dining Out for Life . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Rapid River Magazine

Steven Eudy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Follow us online for the latest events www.rapidrivermagazine.com

NC Stage – Love Child. . . . . . . . . . 22

Vanuato Kava . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

34 What to Do Guide Best in Show by Phil Juliano . . . . .

™

On the Cover: One More Berry Please, by Carol Branton Morrow. Article on page 19.

Callie & Cats by Amy Downs . . . .

Corgi Tales by Phil Hawkins . . . .

Dragin by Michael Cole . . . . . . . .

Ratchet & Spin by T.Oder, R.Woods

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Distributed at more than 390 locations throughout eight counties in WNC and South Carolina.

First copy is free – each additional copy $1.50

Vol. 15, No. 7 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — March 2012 5

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stage preview ASHEVILLE SYMPHONY PRESENTS

Brahms’ First Symphony

T Special Free Book Off ffe ff fer!

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he Asheville

BY STEVEN R. HAGEMAN Symphony Orchestra continues its St. Petersburg until 51st season on 1928. When he was Saturday, March 17 commissioned in 1934 at 8 p.m., at Thomas to write the Saxophone Wolfe Auditorium in concerto, Glazunov downtown Asheville. produced a gentle, The concert will consist warm work, a nostalgic of music by Rossini, backward look at the Glazunov, Piazzolla, and past century.

Brahms conducted by Completing the music director Daniel concert’s first half will Meyer, and featurbe Astor Piazzolla’s ing saxophone soloist Oblivión, also featuring Douglas O’Connor.

O’Connor. Piazzolla’s Douglas O’Connor The evening will name is closely associbegin with the delightful Overture to ated with the tango. Born in Argentina La scala di seta (The Silken Ladder) by in 1913, his family moved to New Gioacchino Rossini. Written in Venice York in the 1930s, where he studied in 1812, when Rossini was 20 years piano and the bandoneón, a type of old, this opera was the 6th of the 38 concertina with a 38-button keyboard Rossini wrote during the major porthat had become the central instrution of his composing career. It is best ment in Argentinian tango ensembles. known for its rapid staccato theme for After a stint in Paris Piazzolla returned oboe, which is a part of virtually every to Argentina to form his renowned oboe audition. Scala di seta “duels” Tango Quintet, made up of the have been reported for oboe auditions, bandoneón, violin, piano, electric where the conductor ratchets up the guitar and bass. Because of the rarity tempo progressively for the candidates of the bandoneón, his works are often until a winner emerges! transcribed for other instruments – in Next on the program will be this case, O’Connor’s alto sax and the Concerto for Alto Saxophone orchestra. and String Orchestra, Op. 109 109, by Doug O’Connor has been actively Aleksander Glazunov. Born in St. working with a variety of composers Petersburg, Russia, in 1865, Glazunov who are writing pieces for his virtuosbecame Rimsky-Korsakov’s favorite ity, he is a firm advocate of both new pupil. Despite being alienated by the and traditional repertoire. According 1917 revolution, Glazunov stayed in to Maestro Meyer, “Doug’s staggering

March Musical Madness

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miciMusic, the new chamber music organization dedicated to playing great music in intimate venues and nontraditional spaces, will present three diverse programs as part of their “March Musical Madness” series.

including Aaron Copland, Cole Porter, and George Gershwin.

An American in Paris

Featuring soprano Amanda Horton, baritone Roberto Flores, and pianist Daniel Weiser in a program highlighting American composers who travelled to France 6 March 2012 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 15, No. 7

Roberto Flores

Thursday, March 8 at

“Seamless technique... sumptuous lyricism.” ~ Philadelphia Inquirer technique is matched by his ability to play to the heights of expressivity, and the Glazunov and Piazzolla will showcase those talents.”

Concluding the evening, the orchestra will play the colossal Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68 by Johannes Brahms. “You don’t know what it is like always to hear that giant marching along behind me,” Brahms wrote to conductor Hermann Levi, in reference to Beethoven. Premiered in 1876, this work was dubbed “The Tenth”

by Hans von Bülow, a well-known conductor of the time.

Two free presentations will be offered on the music and its background.

On Friday, March 16 from 3-4:30 p.m., at the Reuter Center on the Campus of UNC-Asheville, Music Director Daniel Meyer will discuss the music and introduce the featured soloists, with Chip Kaufmann presenting the composers’ lives and times. Then, on Saturday, March 17 from 7 to 7:30 p.m., Meyer will present an abridged version of his talk on the music, and will introduce the soloist, in the Banquet Hall of the Asheville Civic Center. Both events are free of charge and open to the public.

IF YOU Tickets are available through GO the Symphony office or

the Asheville Civic Center box office, and range in price from $55 to $20 (with discounts available for students). Visit www. ashevillesymphony.org or call (828) 254-7046 for more information.

Rd. in Black Mountain. $15 for adults; $5 for children/students.

Sunday, March 11 at 4

p.m. at Trinity Episcopal on Church Street in Asheville. $20 suggested donation; free for children.

7:30 p.m. at Trinity The Luck of the Irish Presbyterian Amanda Horton Featuring soprano ChrisChurch, 900 tine Cullen singing opera Blythe Street in arias, lieder, showtunes, and great Irish Hendersonville. $20 sugsongs, accompanied by Daniel Weiser. gested donation; free for children.

Thursday, March 15 at 7:30 p.m. Call (828) 505-2903 for details.

Friday, March 9 at 7 p.m. at White Horse Black Mountain, 105 Montreat ‘Musical Madness’ continued on page 15

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performance

2 0 1 1 - 2 0 1 2 SEASON Daniel Meyer, Music Director

Thrilling and Cinematic Dance Company

Call for tickets today!

Diavolo Dance Theater Captivates

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ith a wizardry all its own, internationally renowned modern acrobatic dance company Diavolo Dance Theater incorporates thrilling stunts with incredible interactive props in its oneof-a-kind performance at Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place.

Diavolo’s widely acclaimed dancers, gymnasts and actors deliver a magnificent cinematic experience, thrilling audiences with one powerful image after another. By employing oversized, surrealistic sets and props, Diavolo creates a sense of daring and risk-taking that juxtaposes human fragility and survival – and accomplishes its metaphors of the challenges of relationships, the absurdities of life, and the struggle to maintain our humanity in the shadow of an increasingly technological world. Audiences thrilled by Momix and Pilobolus will be blown away by Diavolo.

BY JOHN

ELLIS

MARCH 17, 2012 • 8pm BRAHMS SYMPHONY NO. 1

“World class: exacting choreography. Elegance, power, beauty, with the thrill of danger…” ~ Hannoversche Allgemeine, Germany Douglas O’Connor

environment, possessions and relationships.

Artistic Director Jacques Heim has been named one of the Faces to Watch in the Arts by the LA Times and one of the 100 Coolest People in LA by Buzz Magazine.

Heim has recently worked in television on BBC America’s Dancing with the Stars and Bravo’s Step Up and Dance. He has been invited to serve as Creative Director for the Opening Ceremony of The 16th Asian Games, in Guangzhou, China and is now working on a second commission for the Los Angeles Philharmonic based on John Adams’ Fearful Symmetries.

Rossini Glazunov Piazzolla

La Scala di Seta Overture Concerto for Alto Saxophone Oblivion

Brahms

Symphony No. 1

Diavolo’s members are an incredibly diverse group of performers – but above all, they are teammates. Under the guidance of Artistic Director Jacques Heim, they collaboratively develop works on massive sets and everyday structures. Heim’s childhood struggles and his journeys as a French-Jewish man shape his thematic choices within urban landscapes.

Heim strives to propel the evolution of dance and entertainment through Diavolo, and to further integrate the arts into mainstream America. The company’s works investigate the latent absurdities of contemporary human life while seeking to re-contextualize those absurdities through the body, exploring the influences of the

For insight and increased enjoyment of the performances, ticket holders can attend free pre-performance discussions in The Forum at Pack Place at 7 p.m. before both performances.

Y.E.S. Fund Annual Raffle: During Photo: Kristi Khans both evenings of the Diavolo performances, the theatre conducts its 4th annual raffle to benefit the Youth Education Scholarship (Y.E.S.) Fund. The theatre’s Y.E.S. Fund provides children the opportunity to experience the arts by attending Young Audiences performances. At the annual raffle, patrons purchase raffle tickets, peruse lobby tables filled with art and craft gallery items, restaurant gift certificates, homemade goods and more, and then place their raffle stub in baskets by the items of their choice. Winners are announced at the end of the evening and the raffle adds fun and fanfare to the night of these performances. www.diavolo.org

Douglas O’Connor, saxophone

UPCOMING CONCERTS APRIL 14, 2012 MOZART’S “JUPITER” SYMPHONY Stravinsky The Soldier’s Tale Mozart Symphony No. 41 “Jupiter”

MAY 12, 2012 THE PINES OF ROME Schumann Mendelssohn Respighi

Symphony No. 1 “Spring” Concerto for Violin and Piano Pines of Rome

FOR TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION

828.254.7046 • www.ashevillesymphony.org

Echo Cooperative Spring Concerts

PRE-SHOW DISCUSSIONS

Diavolo Dance Theater – Trajectoire

CONCER T SPONSOR

SATURDAY

Sunday, April 1 at 3 p.m.

The Opal String Quartet with Brian Hermanson, clarinet. Clarinet quintets of Mozart and Brahms. Presented at St. Matthias in Asheville just off South Charlotte Street at Max Street, on the hill across from the Asheville Public Works Building (1 Dundee St.).

Wednesday, April 18 at 7 p.m.

Diavolo Dance Theater – Humachina

Mainstage Dance Series presents Diavolo Dance Theater, Tuesday & Wednesday, March 13 & 14, at 8 p.m. Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place.

To obtain more information or to purchase tickets (Regular $45; Student $40; Child $12), call the theatre’s box office at (828) 257-4530 or visit www.dwtheatre.com.

Student Rush tickets ($10 for students with valid I.D.) are sold the day of the show, based on availability.

IF YOU GO

The Renaissonics, internationally acclaimed, Boston-based ensemble. Renaissance and Early Baroque Chamber Music, Dance Music and Improvisations. Held at St. Matthias.

Sunday, May 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Pan Harmonia brings their exciting blend of chamber music to Jubilee! Kate Steinbeck, flute, Rosalind Buda, bassoon, Barbara Weiss, harpsichord, and Byron Hedgepath, percussion.

IF YOU GO: First Sundays will continue

into the summer. For more information on concerts, directions, and how you can support Art Outside the Box, visit www.echocooperative.org or call (828) 545-8865.

Vol. 15, No. 7 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — March 2012 7

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spinning discs CD Reviews

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It’s been a relatively slow month for new releases so let’s delve into a couple of welcome reissues, a long overdue boxed set, and a new album from an old friend. As always be sure to haunt your local music shop in search of these and other gems. They are the ones that help keep Asheville’s vibrant music scene going.

by James Cassara

Otis Rush and Friends Live at Montreux 1986 Montreux Sounds Records These bargain priced vintage Live in Montreux issues are a gift to those who purchased the initial run of poorly mastered and packaged releases, and while it might be tempting to ask for a refund on those first go rounds the bonus material and deluxe liner notes make these well worth seeking out.

Otis Rush is a seminal figure in electric blues; his left handed style is unique unto itself, and while his fellow guitarists worship him he’s never quite received the wide spread attention of such contemporaries as Buddy Guy or even Junior Wells.

Part of that may be the intermittent nature of his recording career: Rush went nearly twelve years from his 1956 rhythm and blues smash “I Can’t Quit You Babe” to finally recording his first full album and then spent much of the 1980s out of the scene, having famously stormed out of a 1984 session only to be later shunned by nearly every label in town. But during that studio hiatus Rush continued to tour relentlessly and, as this show aptly demonstrates, never lost his magic touch.

From the torturously slow burn of “Mean Old World” to the pounding “Gambler’s Blues” this is prime stuff, as Rush extracts every bit of pain and passion from his six strings while the band hangs on for dear life. It’s easy to see why long time drummer Jessie Lewis Green has described being on stage with Rush as “sitting in the eye of a hurricane.” Speaking of the stage, the expanded Live at Montreux considerably ups the ante by tossing in a few tracks that in and of themselves are enough to justify this release.

The friends in question include both Eric Clapton (who has recorded Rush’s “Double Trouble” on more than one occasion) and Luther Allison. The resultant fireworks have to be heard to be believed, as the three rip through a quartet of numbers including “Cross Cut Saw” and “All Your Love”. Clapton first recorded an Otis Rush song during his tenure with John Mayall’s Blues Breakers and it’s evident that he relishes the opportunity to show his gratitude to a genuine master of the Chicago Blues.

It’s a wonderful thing when a label works hard to treat an artist with the respect they deserve. Kudos go out to Montreux Sounds for resurrecting this 8 March 2012 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 15, No. 7

vintage performance and giving the material and Otis Rush the royal treatment they deserve. *****

Dion MiMucci Tank Full of Blues Blue Horizon Music Having long since exorcised the demons of his past—whether musical or personal—Dion DiMucci has settled in to a stellar late career, the sort of growing older gracefully that few artists are able to fully master. For the past decade or so Dion has embraced the blues, not as a white artist attempting to impose his style on that grandest of genres, but rather as one who grew up listening to music that transcends geography and time.

2006’s Bronx in Blue was an excellent collection of blues standards, a sort of declaration that he was not only ‘back’ but had in truth never really left. 2007’s Son of Skip James was a collection of revelatory blues covers and fine new material that hinted at just how deep Dion’s replenished creative well was. Tank Full of Blues, the final release of what he’s calling his “Blues Trilogy” is the next logical step. Recorded with the brothers Guertin on bass and drums the sound is sparse and direct.

Dion produced the album, wrote all but two selections, and purposely asserted his own underrated guitar work front and center. The result is a serpentine, street wise collection of inspired blues and roots, gritty rock numbers that are completely absent of hollow feel good nostalgia while giving the listener a lesson in how it should be done.

It’s hard to imagine any contemporary Blues man writing lyrics as convincing as the intensely powerful “Ride’s Blues (For Robert Johnson)” in which Dion conjures a new tale about the great bluesman while digging deeply into his own spiritual angst. “Two Trains” is a near perfect sampling of Muddy Waters’ “Still a Fool” and Johnson’s “Ramblin’ on My Mind”, while “My Michelle” is a clear tribute to the great Jimmy Reed. But be clear that while Dion proudly displays his influences they’re recast in wildly imaginative ways that continually surprise.

For the majestic “Bronx Poem,” a spoken word finale, Dion bares his soul in ways that lesser talents wouldn’t even attempt. It’s the most beautiful of dirges, a contemplative moment wherein Dion embraces his own spiritual convictions while celebrating the humanity in us all.

Once declared the greatest street poet

of his time Dion brings us back home again, revealing his own understanding and acceptance. Tank Full of Blues is heady stuff, and while Dion could easily take the easy way out that’s never been his style. As it is it ranks among his greatest achievements, an album that sounds like one for the ages. *****

The Smiths Complete Warner Brothers It’s a testament to the Smiths ferocious nature that this long awaited boxed set doesn’t—despite its name—feature the totality of their impressive output. There’s a handful of wandering B-sides that managed to escape Johnny Marr’s attention (he allegedly supervised the collection) and neither are the unreleased but heavily bootlegged sessions from their first album included. Having said that, it’s hard to quibble with what is here.

Despite a remarkably short life span— the band’s active years barely stretched from early 1982 until later summer 1987—few groups of the era were more influential or beloved. So what makes Complete so essential, even to those of us who own all the source material? First and foremost the remastering is exceptional, setting a new standard to which other boxed sets may now aspire. Layers of sonic interference have been meticulously cleaned out; leaving a sound that is as vibrant and animated as to be almost startling.

While there are no surprises in terms of material the presentation is exquisite, with copious liner notes, rare photos, and commentary insights that cast an illuminating light onto the band’s working processes. As to the music itself, its best digested in album length doses. The mid-period stuff never sounded better and while Rank, the band’s 1988 swan song, was still light years better than most of the synthesizer laden dross emanating from the UK at that time, the handwriting was clearly on the wall.

The limitation of Marr’s melodies was beginning to show and it became quickly apparent that Morrissey was interested in singing about only one thing: himself. So unlike far too many bands The Smiths pulled the plug at just the right time and while some may pine for a reunion tour—and who knows what the cards might hold—I’ll settle for luxuriating in this most splendid trip ‘CD’s’ continued on next page

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sound experience The Tasty Weirdness of the Gourds While their reputation has long been as the prototypical good-time, honky tonk band, such declarations have never done The Gourds full justice.

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ertainly they are that, but they are also consummate musicians who work damn hard at getting better, a fact in which they justifiably take great pride.

They’re also quirky enough to ally themselves with the alternative scene—a feat more easily described than accomplished—which has helped distinguish the band from the all too crowded musical environs of Austin, Texas.

Long time fixtures on the SXSW festival, where they have steadily moved from the outer fringes to main stage, the Gourds first gained the attention of the Alt Country crowd with the Saturday night house party sound of their 1997 debut Dem’s Good Beeble. While that effort hinted at a sound that would eventually become their own, its followup, 1998’s Stadium Blitzer was a huge step forward.

Despite such odd song subjects as the consumption of haggis and mismatched clothing patterns, intent listeners could tell there was something more to the band.

Later that year, the Gourds broke through to college radio with an EP of

‘CD’s’ continued from page 8

down memory lane. The Queen may be dead, but God save the Smiths! ****

Dr. John Live In Montreux 1995 Montreux Sounds Records While there is no shortage of live recordings from the good Doctor, few find him fronting a band comprised of such New Orleans greats, including saxophonists Alvin “Red” Tyler and David “Fathead” Newman (cool nicknames are a prerequisite for playing in this band), and fewer still are as uproarious and engaging as this extended version of the 2005 release.

Digging into his vast catalog of New Orleans classics as well as his own swamp drenched material, Dr. John whoops and hollers through such funk laden treasures as “Right Place Wrong Time” and beauti-

cover tunes, including such seemingly odd choices as Bowie’s “Ziggy Stardust” and Snoop Dogg’s “Gin and Juice” that again demonstrated their desire to avoid easy categorization.

Unfortunately, the demise of Watermelon Records, with whom the band had signed a mid level contract, stalled whatever commercial success they’d had to that point.

Happily, North Carolina based Sugar Hill Records stepped in, and the Gourds’ next album came out the following year. Over the next few years Sugar Hill also reissued the rest of the bands’ existing catalog.

Since 2003 the Gourds have bounced between the smallish Eleven Thirty Records and the somewhat more established Yep Roc (yet another Tarheel based label) before recently signing to Vanguard. Landing with such a storied label, one whose commitment to divergent music spans six decades, might well give the Gourds the commercial stability they’ve lacked.

The Texas group started out with

ful standards like “Blue Skies” and “Makin’ Whoopee.” He even cools down the sizzle long enough to enliven the pop era jewel “(C’mon Baby) Let the Good Times Roll” while giving a sophisticated rendering to the great Charles Brown’s “Tell Me You’ll Wait for Me.” Live in Montreux demonstrates not only John’s phenomenal piano skills but the added tracks, particularly the extended workouts like “The Bass Drum (On a Mardi Gras Day)” (which medleys with “I Shall Not Be Moved”) and the burning interpretation of “Mess Around” shows what a fine bandleader he is, willing and eager to turn this over to the ace musicians around him.

The interplay between the rhythm section and John, heard best on the extended jamming of “Iko, Iko” is simply amazing. Unlike the original issue, the remastered sound is spotless, immediate and warm, documenting a momentous occasion by an inspired band and a performer whose boundless talent never fails to astound and entertain. ****

multi-instrumentalist/vocalists Kevin Russell and Jimmy Smith (who also shared songwriting duties), accordionist Claude Bernard, and drummer Charlie Llewellyn.

In late 1997/early 1998, Llewellyn was replaced by a longtime friend of the band, Keith Langford, who was previously with the band Damnations TX. Ex Uncle Tupelo multi-instrumentalist Max Johnson, who’d recently spent time with Wilco, joined shortly thereafter and the band’s current incarnation was in place.

With the new lineup intact, the Gourds released Bolsa de Agua in the summer of 2000, followed in short order by 2002’s Cow Fish Fowl or Pig, Blood of the Ram in 2004, and in successive years Heavy Or-

BY JAMES

CASSARA

namentals, Noble Creatures, Haymaker, and Old Mad Joy. The last of those, along with an unnamed recently recorded but not yet released effort, were recorded at Levon Helm’s Woodstock, NY studio and produced by longtime Bob Dylan sideman Larry Campbell.

They’ve also dabbled into the world of soundtracks, focusing primarily on such independently funded efforts as the cult favorite Mike Woolf documentary Growin’ a Beard. October 2011.

While maintaining a consistent pace of one record per year The Gourds have also toured at an unyielding pace, often wracking up 200 dates per year. It’s a life they clearly love and the in concert honing of new material has clearly made their records all the better. What better way to welcome spring than to see them in their preferred habitat, emanating from stage the virtues of good times and great music?

IF YOU The Gourds perform GO Wednesday, March 21 at the

Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave. in Asheville. Showtime is 8:30 p.m. (doors open at 7:30) for this all ages, standing room only performance. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 day of show.

Phone (828) 232-5800 or visit www. thegreyeagle.com for more information.

The Campaign 1984

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he Campaign 1984 is best described as a “dirty south” rock ‘n roll band from Asheville, NC. The band is comprised of founding members Matt Anderson on lead vocals/guitar and Justin Biltonen on lead guitar/backing vocals, as well as bassist Brandon Burney. The band was formed in Fall 2004 and immediately began writing and recording music.

In 2005, they self-released “Jazz For Burning” and followed up with a tour up the East Coast. After a handful of other self-booked tours, the Campaign 1984 put out Blood For Nashville via Long Island’s Five Point Records.

Here, the music began to shift away

from earlier hardcore leanings and more towards a heavy rock influence. With less screaming and more singing and musical dynamics, they were beginning to establish themselves in a realm of raunchy, riff-based rock and roll.

This vision became fully realized on the 2008 digital self-release Southern Gentlemen. After two years of constant touring, they recorded this third album and released it for free via their website. In 2008, 2009, and 2010, the Campaign 1984 began work on what would become their fourth fulllength album, Sessions. These three years saw the band head to Nashville, TN to work with producers Chris Henderson (guitarist ‘The Campaign 1984’ continued on page 10

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for 3 Doors Down) and Roger Alan Nichols (Paramore’s “All We Know is Falling”) during three separate studio sessions.

The four songs recorded with Nichols formed the Black Magic Revival EP which was pressed before being combined with the other two recording sessions with Henderson. The 11-track CD was released on July 3, 2010. This album showcases the next stage of evolution in their sound: an aggressive yet accessible blend of hard, southern-fried riffage, catchy choruses, and lyrics poison-tipped with sex, cynicism, and social satire.

Night of the Blues

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ans of authentic boogie styled electric blues—and this music writer certainly counts himself among them— should be thrilled by the prospect of a full tilt evening of the real deal.

Organized by local blues aficionado Michael Martin, and hosted by the newly refurbished Asheville Music Hall (formerly Stella Blue) the evening features some of the finest blues players in our area.

Headlining the evening will be Mac Arnold and Plate Full of Blues. Arnold is the last remaining original artist from the famous “Muddy Waters Band.” He’s toured the world performing the music he was born to play and even at this later stage in life Arnold shows no signs of slowing down. His unique style of traditional blues, combined with a band of modern talents, is recognized as one of the true carriers of the torch.

Given that Arnold no longer tours as steadily as he once did this opportunity to hear him up close should not be missed.

Rounding out the evening will be the Chi-

www.TheCampaign1984.com Facebook.com/thecampaign1984 IF YOU The Campaign 1984 with GO Collapse, Saturday, March 17

at 9 p.m. at the Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave. in Asheville. $8 at the door. Standing room only. Phone (828) 232-5800 or visit www.thegreyeagle.com for more information.

WNC Jazz Profiles: Jonathan Scales Fourchestra The steel pan, an amazing musical discovery born in the Caribbean nation of Trinidad & Tobago, is often associated with sandy beaches, tropical climates and cruise ships.

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hat’s not exactly what you get from the jazz-fusion quartet, Jonathan Scales Fourchestra.

What you do get is a classicallytrained composer turned steel pan maestro and front man, Jonathan Scales, heavily influenced by the complexity of banjo virtuoso Bela Fleck to the hustle of Jay-Z. Born in San Francisco, CA and was raised in a military family, Jonathan grew up in Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and Germany. “I got into music at a young age like most people. My parents sang in the church choir and were always playing Gospel music and Michael Jackson around the house. My dad majored in music in college but went on to join the Army, so it was always in him, but he never had the opportunity to pursue it like I’m doing now. I started playing saxophone in 6th grade band and started trying to write music shortly thereafter.”

I asked Scales how he ended up in WNC? “I attended high school in Fayetteville, NC and only put in one college application - to Appalachian State University in Boone. Luckily I was accepted into the Music Composition & Theory program. Crazily enough, that’s

where I first picked up the steel drums. After I graduated, I moved to Asheville at the suggestion of a musician that I’d played with regularly in Boone.”

The Fourchestra was born in the January of 2007. “I’d previously played in a few different groups, but really wanted a focused ensemble that could really work on my compositions. I really wanted to take the reins of my career into my own hands.

I would say the vision is a common one in the music world - to perform my work for audiences around the world while simultaneously being able to make a living.”

“Scales is one of the most unique and inspiring musicians I have heard - you can hear a plethora of influences, ranging from classical counterpoint to Arabic music to Jazz fusion. The amazing thing about it all is how seamlessly he combines all these elements, while masterfully navigating a largely unexplored instrument.” Jason DeCristofaro (Jazz Vibraphonist/Composer) Gritty blues guitarist Duane Simpson and flat pick fusion bassist Cody Wright provide the harmonic support for Scales’ sound, while jazz/hip-hop drummer Phill Bronson drives the time-shifting, modern grooves. It’s all a means of delivering Jonathan’s musically complex yet somehow

10 March 2012 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 15, No. 7

BY JAMES

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cago Electric Blues band, a relatively new Southeast based rock/blues band who’ve been getting great press and have recently toured throughout Europe and Australia.

The band is touring in support of their recently released CD, Envision Nu Blues.

In addition to being a night of great music, a portion of the event proceeds will benefit The Rescue Missions of Asheville & Knoxville, an organization dedicated to helping those down on their luck gain the skills and support needed to get back on their feet.

It’s a cause we should all rally behind: Bona fide Chicago style blues and a chance to help our fellow citizens better help themselves.

How could you go wrong?

IF YOU Night of the Blues – actually GO two nights! Friday, March 23

at the Square Room (www. thesqaureroom.com) in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee. Saturday, March 24 at the Asheville Music Hall (www. ashevillemusichall.com).

BY

EDDIE LESHURE

Casey Dreissen, Del tha Funky Homosapien and Futureman.

Modern Drummer Magazine offers, “Jonathan Scales makes the pans fit in unconventional musical spaces.” Jazz Times states that Scales’ brings forth a “new vitality to the traditional Caribbean instrument... picking up where Jonathan Scales Fourchestra Photo: Frank Zipperer Othello Molineaux left off 20 years ago with Jaco Pastorius.” Scales has been called a “... accessible ideas to anyone willing to listen. rising star of the steel drums...” by Traps Jonathan has released three well Magazine, while Pan on the Net refers received, full-length works. First was to him as “the Real Deal” and having “A 2007’s “One-Track Mind”, then 2008’s Thelonious Monk-like attitude with a “Plot/Scheme, which featured the likes Mozart creativity that works.” When Steel of Jeff Coffin (of Dave Matthews Band), Talks sums it up with, “At the end of the Joseph Wooten (Steve Miller Band), and Jeff day, Scales is going to be a major play in Sipe (Aquarium Rescue Unit). Then 2011 rewriting the books on steel pan music ushered in “Character Farm & Other Short outside of the box.”

Stories”, a 45-minute dive deeper into nine compositionally-twisted, original instruwww.jonscales.com mental “stories”. Guest appearances on the record include Coffin, Yonrico Scott and Kofi Burbridge of Derek Trucks Band fame, Share Eddie LeShure’s plus fiddle virtuoso Casey Driessen. passion for jazz with Scales’ versatility and innovative nature Jazz Unlimited on MAIN have allowed him to share the stage with acts FM each Wednesday 7-10 p.m., at 103.5 or like The Wooten Brothers Band, Larry Keel MAIN-FM.org. & Natural Bridge, The Duhks, Everyone Orchestra, Toubab Krewe, Ben Sollee,

Reel Take Reviewers:

∑∑∑∑∑ - Fantastic ∑∑∑∑ - Pretty darn good ∑∑∑ - Has some good points ∑∑ - The previews lied ∑ - Only if you must M- Forget entirely

MICHELLE KEENAN is a long time student of film and a fundraiser for public radio.

CHIP KAUFMANN is a film historian as well as a program host on WCQS-FM. Both are members of the Southeastern Film Critic's Association (SEFCA).

For the latest REVIEWS, THEATER INFO and MOVIE SHOW TIMES, visit www.rapidrivermagazine.com

Illustration of Michelle & Chip by Brent Brown.

Questions/Comments?

BRENT BROWN is a graphic designer and illustrator.

View more of his work at www.brentbrown.com.

Bullhead ∑∑∑∑1/2

You can email Chip or Michelle at reeltakes@hotmail.com

strangely absorbing and then had my preconceptions so comstory, due in part pletely overturned. to Roskam and in Andrew Detmer (Dean DeHaan), a part to Schoenaert’s lonely teenage misfit, finds solace in his achingly poignant video camera which helps him to deal with performance. It helps the outside world. After he and his cousin that the filmmakers Matt (Alex Russell) and high school BMOC REEL TAKE: Nominated for photograph SchoeSteve Montgomery (Michael B. Jordan) an Oscar this year for Best naert to great effect discover strange crystals inside a hole in the Foreign Film, Bullhead is the and the actor knows ground, they develop telekinetic powers.

Matthias Schoenaerts gives a disturbingly dark and absorbhow to make the After an initial period of exhilaration, they stunning and powerful performance ing story of two men tied by most of it. spiral out of control, leading to tragedy. in Bullhead. a childhood trauma. Writer Bullhead is not The parallels to drug and alcohol addirector Michael R. Roskam easy to watch. It is disturbing yet utterly diction are obvious, as are references to two makes his film debut with this profoundly moving. It is simultaneously quiet and calm Brian De Palma films of the 1970s (Carrie, sad and gritty drama from Belgium. Bullyet raging with anger. Jacky is the victim of The Fury Fury) but that doesn’t keep Chronicle head is not likely to win, but it is certainly a heinous crime, but no one in this story is from being original in its own right as well deserving of the nomination. innocent. All have done something that they as a heartfelt depiction of the anxieties and I need to be careful not to give away too will have to pay for eventually. To that end insecurities teenagers face during their high much of the story because its impact lies in Bullhead plays out in classic tragedian form. school years. This is due to a solid screenwatching the story unfold. In a nutshell, the I did not want to see this film, nor did play from Max Landis (son of director John story is pitted in the relationship between I think I would like it. Like isn’t exactly the Landis) and the assured first time direction Belgian cattle farmers (who are apparently right word, but I was completely fascinated of Josh Trank. I came away reminded of digenerous and free-wheeling with the growth and I won’t soon forget it. I will certainly rector Steven Soderbergh and his first time hormone injections) and meat traders and keep my eye out for more from both Roseffort Sex, Lies & Videotape. their relationship to the drug dealers who kam and Schoenaert. If you can palate it, see As someone who endured a difficult provide them with the Barry Bonds juice. it while you can. domestic situation and was bullied durAt the center of these tenuous alliances ing my middle and high school years, it Rated R for some strong violence, language and is Jacky Vanmarsenille, played beautifully by was easy to identify with Andrew and the some sexual content.

Matthias Schoenaerts. He is a quiet, broodphysical revenge REVIEW BY MICHELLE KEENAN ing bull of man, constantly hopped up on he inflicts on steroids and hormones (before you judge his tormentors.

Chronicle ∑∑∑∑1/2 him, wait to see the reaon). In the process of But Chronicle is a shady deal, he is reunited with his childShort Take: Chronicle is more than just a an impressive low-budget hood friend Diederik (Jeroen Perceval), teenage revenge sci-fi/fantasy of teen angst whom he hasn’t seen in 20 years. The two fantasy. It comgone awry. Although are forever bound by a childhood trauma. bines superit falters somewhat at It is a trauma so devastating their lives are hero films, the the end, it remains a forever marred by it. deservedly much surprisingly powerful film As the story unfolds, a murder within maligned “found experience. the wider ring of the hormone mafia puts footage” genre, the police on Jacky and his family. Jacky’s REEL TAKE: Long before and a coming-ofAndrew (Dean DeHaan) demonstrates his past come backs to haunt him, he can no Leonard Maltin arrived on age story into an telekinetic abilities in the remarkable low longer even remotely shut the memories the scene there was a TV extremely satisfybudget thriller Chronicle. down. He also senses that something is movie reviewer named ing mix. wrong and that they should back out of Steven H. Scheuer. Describing a 1957 film At 84 minutes there is really no wasted this particular deal. He is filled with a feelcalled Plunder Road he wrote “make a 1000 footage, although the climactic CGI destrucing of foreboding on all levels. It’s as if he’s Grade B crime melodramas and you’re tion scenes grew tiresome. But then somea time bomb; it’s not a matter of will he bound to turn out one gem and this is it.” thing had to pad the movie out and provide explode, but when.

Substitute 100 for “1000” and found footage footage for the trailers to get the all-imporRoskam weaves the layers of the story for “Grade B crime” and you have an accutant young male audience and their dates past and present to create a world of crime, rate assessment of Chronicle. Rarely have I into the theaters. The beauty of Chronicle, heartache, cruelty and vengeance. It is a gone into a film with such low expectations which takes its name from the fact that Short Take: The disturbing but absorbing story of a cattle farmer, his ties to the Belgian ‘Hormone Mafia’ and his dark past.

Andrew’s camera documents everything, is that it works so well on several different levels and provides you with so much more than just another “found footage” movie.

Rated PG-13 for intense action and violence, some language, sexual content, and teen drinking.

REVIEW BY CHIP KAUFMANN Nicolas Cage is back as supernatural motorcyclist Johnny Blaze in the uninspired sequel Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance.

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance ∑∑∑ Short Take: Sequel to the 2007 Ghost Rider has Nicholas Cage at his loopiest and a much better villain but overall it lacks the substance of the original.

REEL TAKE: It is somewhat surprising

that it took this long to mount a sequel to the first Ghost Rider. Although the 2007 original cost $110 million, most of it spent on CGI effects, its worldwide gross was a healthy $238 million and nothing in Hollywood is more highly prized than financial success. Almost 5 years later the sequel has arrived. It cost $35 million less and runs 95 minutes as opposed to 115. In this case though, less is definitely not more.

The number one problem is the script.

There’s about 30 minutes worth of material in a 95 minute movie and that means lots of padding to fill out the time. Most of it involves CGI transformations and lots of action chase sequences. Of course most of this is done to satisfy the IMAX audience and those who want gimmicky 3-D effects.

If that’s all you’re looking for then you’ll be satisfied but it doesn’t hurt to have a little more substance in the mix. After all, stew is a lot more satisfying than soup.

Although Nicolas Cage is back, Eva Mendes decided not to return. Her replacement, Violante Placido, does what is ‘Movies’ continued on page 12

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required of her but little else. There is, however, a real improvement in the villain department. Ray Carrigan (Johnny Whitworth), who is given the gift of decay by the Devil (anything he touches rots, except for a Twinkie), is much better than Wes Bentley’s Blackheart and there’s no comparison between Ciarin Hinds’ Satan and Peter Fonda’s. Hinds knows the best thing to do with rubbish like this is to chew the scenery and enjoy every bite. He does.

At the helm this time around is the directing team of Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor who were responsible for the two Crank movies starring Jason Stathan. Those movies were enjoyable because they were so over-the-top that they subverted the action genre that they belonged to. No such luck here. Ghost Rider 2 isn’t outlandish enough or serious enough to make much of an impact, although a demon bulldozer and the amphitheater sequence do manage to lift the film above the ordinary, but not for long.

Although it cost far less to make, GR2 took in considerably less at the box office its opening weekend. While it should wind up not losing money it probably won’t make any and for breaking Hollywood’s golden rule, that means there will be no follow up. While life is sometimes full of disappointments, at least Ghost Rider 3 won’t be one of them.

Theatre Directory Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company Movieline (828) 254-1281 www.ashevillepizza.com Beaucatcher Cinemas (Asheville) Movieline (828) 298-1234 Biltmore Grande 1-800-FANDANGO #4010 www.REGmovies.com Carmike 10 (Asheville) Movieline (828) 298-4452 www.carmike.com Carolina Cinemas (828) 274-9500 www.carolinacinemas.com Cinebarre (Asheville) www.cinebarre.com The Falls Theatre (Brevard) Movieline (828) 883-2200 Fine Arts Theatre (Asheville) Movieline (828) 232-1536 www.fineartstheatre.com Flat Rock Theatre (Flat Rock) Movieline (828) 697-2463 www.flatrockcinema.com Four Seasons (Hendersonville) Movieline (828) 693-8989 Smoky Mountain Cinema (Waynesville) Movieline (828) 452-9091

Rated PG-13 for sequences of action and violence, disturbing images, and language.

REVIEW BY CHIP KAUFMANN

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island ∑∑∑∑ Short Take: Old school adventure film that is a throwback to the Saturday matinees of yore with Michael Caine having a grand old time.

REEL TAKE: Seeing this movie was really a

trip back in time for me and not just because I saw the original 50 years ago. Before the film begins there is a new Looney Tunes cartoon shot in 3-D. It features animated figures instead of drawings and uses as its soundtrack a recording I had as a child called Daffy Duck’s Rhapsody which was set to Franz Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody #2.

Seeing Daffy and Elmer Fudd looking like Shrek and Donkey bouncing around to my old recording was a very surreal experience but an enjoyable one. It set just the right tone for the feature that followed.

I take my hat off to the filmmakers for having the audacity to make an old fashioned kiddie matinee in the 21st century.

I’m not sure if this was deliberate but they should be applauded for doing it. Back in 1961 it was Ray Harryhausen’s stop motion effects. Now it’s CGI, but the effect is still the same: Pure, unadulterated entertainment that will engage kids while amusing parents.

The 1961 film stuck fairly close to Jules Verne’s novel of Civil War soldiers carried away by hot air balloon to a mysterious island where their survival is ensured by the unseen premise of Captain Nemo. Harryhausen added several giant stop motion creatures to the mix, creating a film that became a minor classic. For this version the giant creatures remain but the basic story is a follow-up to the 2008 Journey to the Center of the Earth which had a contemporary setting.

Josh Hutcherson returns as Sean Anderson but Brendan Fraser is replaced by Dwayne Johnson. After receiving a coded message from his long missing grandfather (Michael Caine), Sean sets out, with the aid of his stepfather, to find him. They are joined by a helicopter pilot (Luis Guzman) and his young daughter (Vanessa Hudgens).

They make it to the island where they encounter Caine and then have to find a way off before it sinks.

Everyone enters into the spirit of the proceedings with Hutcherson and Hudgens an attractive couple and Dwayne Johnson acquitting himself nicely. At 78 Michael Caine seems as spry as ever and is having way too much fun. Luis Guzman also takes a break from his usual tough guy role and displays a flair for comedy.

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island succeeds admirably in what it sets out to do, which is be an old fashioned, family oriented

12 March 2012 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 15, No. 7

ity of her convictions and what that means drives her children and husband from her.

Alike’s father, played brilliantly by Charles Parnell is struggling in his marriage. Alike is daddy’s little girl, but daddy just doesn’t want to see the truth.

The story unfolds artfully and painfully.

It is rife with raw tension, frustration and sheer vulnerability. It feels so real, it’s like you are a fly on a wall while watching an Michael Caine and Luis Guzman are taken unscripted life. Ironically, there is nothing aback by one of the many giant creatures in in the world of reality television that’s as the family adventure Journey 2: remotely real or truthful as this film.

The Mysterious Island.

Overall there is nothing new about this story.

It is the texture and context of this adventure movie that follows in the footsteps film that sets it apart. For anyone who has of Treasure Island, Gulliver’s Travels (both suffered similar struggles, the film is bound play a key part in the film) and the original to strike a resonant chord. Part of the hu1961 version. Even without the nostalgia man condition and the human experience value I had a great time and you should too. is vulnerability and finding your truth and Rated PG for adventure action and brief mild your place. Regardless of race, class or sexulanguage. ality, these struggles are universal.

REVIEW BY CHIP KAUFMANN Pariah is uncomfortable to watch at times, but well done Pariah ∑∑∑∑ throughout. In the end, Alike reaches out to her mother, Short Take: Pariah turning her own words on is the raw and powerful telling her with, “Remember, God of young Africandoesn’t make mistakes.” If American woman’s you side with ‘team mom’ story of coming-ofon the issue of homosexualage and coming out. ity and/or think the late NC Senator Forrester was a true REEL TAKE: We have champion of family values film festivals to thank and the sanctity of marriage, Adepero Oduye stuggles to come out for the distribution Pariah may be a bit of stretch in the coming of age drama Pariah. of small, wonderfully for you. Otherwise, Pariah worthy, independent embraces the human condition poetically films like Pariah. Focus Features picked up and bravely, and is a film worth seeing. this brave and beautiful little film after its success at last year’s Sundance Film Festival.

Writer director Dee Rees turned her student short of the same name into a feature length film with the help of executive producer Spike Lee. Pariah is the powerful story of young woman struggling to quietly embrace her sexuality. It is a story of coming-of-age and of coming out. Ironically it marks Rees coming-of-age and coming out as a filmmaker as well.

Alike (Adepero Oduye) is a seventeen year old African-American woman who lives with her family in Brooklyn. She is an excellent student and a loving daughter, but she is keeping a secret. Alike is certain of her sexuality, but uncertain in how to embrace life as a lesbian. Her parents are enveloped in their own marital strife, and she knows her secret would compound their difficulties if it was known.

Alike’s mother (Kim Wayans) suspects her daughter’s sexual orientation but is determined to steer her daughter down a different path. “God doesn’t make mistakes,” she tells Alike, inferring that homosexuality is a mistake. In her heart of hearts, she is a loving wife and mother and just wants a good life for her children, but the sever-

Rated R for sexual content and language.

REVIEW BY MICHELLE KEENAN

Safe House ∑∑∑1/2 Short Take: A jaded, renegade CIA agent plays mind games with a younger, naïve agent in a fast-paced action drama.

REEL TAKE: Safe House is Swedish direc-

tor Daniel Espinosa’s first American film.

He is known for Easy Money Money, an actionpacked European sensation from a couple of years ago. There is no denying Espinosa can deliver the punch. Shoot outs and car chases are choreographed in unbelievable and gritty detail. There is gritty detail galore in Safe House, House but grit does not a great movie make. Espinosa relies just a little too much on his slick action sequences and fine performances from Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds. Safe House is a keepyou-on-your-toes action-packed couple of hours of entertainment, but unfortunately it doesn’t quite rise to what I think they hoped it would be – something more along the lines of the Bourne franchise. The sad part is, it could have been.

Washington plays Tobin Frost, a ren‘Movies’ continued on page 13

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egade former CIA agent, now operating in his own interests. Reynolds is Matt Weston, a rookie CIA operative in charge of a safe house in South Africa. When a transaction goes bad, Frost finds himself at the American Embassy in Cape Town, where he is quickly transferred to Weston’s safe house.

While being water boarded by the Americans, Frost shows his prowess for psychological evaluation and manipulation. When the safe house is attacked, Weston escapes with Frost and, after a few twists and turns, they become unlikely allies.

Watching everything unfold are

The Secret World of Arrietty ∑∑∑∑

tage. The storyline brings back childA remake of the 1997 hood memories live action film The Borof imagining rowers, The Secret World creatures such as of Arrietty chronicles the fairies or Thumbestory of a family of little lina living covertly people, Arrietty and her around us. The An ordinary house cat proves parents, who live in a friendship bequite a challenge for Arrietty, the house’s floorboards. They tween Arrietty and tiny borrower in The Secret undertake missions to the human boy World of Arrietty. borrow materials from the is heartwarming, humans in order to survive. But, for and watching the borrowers try to navigate safety reasons, the borrowers keep their a human household provides entertainpresence secret. When a human boy acment; for instance, simply fetching a sugar cidentally sees Arrietty, the family must cube from the kitchen becomes a treacherdecide to either risk trusting him or to ous task that requires an find a new home. assortment of tools and an The first word that comes to mind abundance of climbing. to describe Arrietty is “charming.” The Though Hiromaso animation is beautiful, the storyline is Yonebayashi directed The intriguing, and the soundtrack perfectly Secret World of Arrietty Arrietty, reflects both the borrowers’ exciting Hayao Miyazaki’s influence

by Clara Sofia adventures and the tranquil human cotis palpable, and I would

TEEN REVIEW

Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds are unllikely allies in Safe House.

Weston’s superiors at Langley, including Weston’s direct supervisor David Barlow (Brendan Gleeson), Barlow’s arch rival, Catherine Linklater (Vera Farmiga), and the top brass, Harlan Whitford (Sam Shepard).

While the film is largely predictable, even its twists and turns, said twists and turns offer the most interesting nuggets of the story. At first it’s all laid out very clearly: Frost is a bad man, and Weston is idealistically working for the good guys (CIA). It’s when the lines begin to blur that the story gets interesting and our two unlikely allies form a bond. Watching that bond emerge is one of the finer points of the film. It’s also one of the only respites from the non-stop action.

I wasn’t sure about the casting of Reynolds as Weston at first (a role that would have likely been Matt Damon’s ten years ago), but ultimately he does a great job as the wet-behind-the-ears rookie. He looks like he’s on the verge of tears for the first half of the film. It was off-putting at first, but only because it was so unusual to see such a human reaction to the events in such a gritty actions flick. Fear not, Reynolds fans – like Damon, he is still a sweetie, but he’s a sweetie with chops by film’s end. Having churned out a host of action films with his buddy Tony Scott since Training Day Day, the character of Tobin Frost was a cakewalk for Washington. Lucky for us, Washington brings just a little bit more than what the script demands.

Audiences are enjoying Safe House

more than the critics are. If you’re looking for an entertaining action film, Safe House will hold your attention while you’re watching it. Just don’t expect it to stay with you very long after you exit the theatre.

memory whatsoever of her life with Leo and, in fact, seems to have reverted to the status quo, country club life of her upbringing. Steadfastly in love with his wife, Leo is determined not only to make her fall in love with him all over again, but to unearth the Rated R for strong violence throughout and some wildly bohemian Paige buried somewhere language. deep inside. For Paige it’s a rediscovery of REVIEW BY MICHELLE KEENAN who she really is.

Complicating the The Vow ∑∑ ∑∑1/2 challenge already set Short Take: Inspired by before Leo is Paige’s a true story, The Vow is estranged family, who the well intended, but swoop in to reclaim ultimately mediocre telling their daughter after of a couple struggling to her accident. Sam find love again after the Neil and Hope Lange wife suffers a traumatic play her one-dibrain injury. mensional, affluent REEL TAKE: The Vow parents. I don’t think Channing Tatum and Rachel sounds like something I’m alone in thinking McAdams get plenty of lip lock straight out of a Nicholas that they were more time in The Vow. Sparks novel, but (very ( fortucreepy than upper nately for us) it’s not. Thank the film gods crusty. I would not have needed the reason for that, because the one thing this movie the story gives for an estrangement from could not have survived is the tragic flaw parents like them. that graces many a Sparks story. The Vow There is always room in the world for is a rediscovery of love within a love story simple little love songs and romantic mov– and no one dies. The film was inspired by ies. The Vow is well intended and speckled the true story of a couple, who had to fall in with some bright moments, but unfortulove all over again, after the wife suffers a nately it suffers from a mediocre script, traumatic brain injury and awakens with no slight miscasting, and some inconsistencies. memory of her husband.

Tatum’s heart is in the right place as the Paige and Leo are a young couple, romantic Leo, but as an urbanite, recording utterly and passionately in love with one engineer that hangs with a totally hipster another. She’s an up-and-coming sculptor. crowd, he just doesn’t quite fit. He and He owns a fledgling recording studio. Their McAdams don’t share the kind of chemisuber hip fairy tale is abruptly interrupted ‘Movies’ continued on page 14 by a horrific car crash. Paige is left with no

definitely put the film in league with My Neighbor Totoro and perhaps even Howl’s Moving Castle. Unlike some Japanese animated films (Spirited Away), the American dubbing for The Away Secret World of Arrietty did not annoy me. Amy Poehler and Will Arnett add character as Arrietty’s parents, and Bridgit Mendler’s voice makes Arrietty seem mature and competent.

I recommend The Secret World of Arrietty to anyone who enjoys well-executed animated films or who simply wants to see a feel-good film. It’s a perfect movie to take your kids to or even to see by yourself. Far removed from the troubles of the human world, Arrietty gives viewers a dose of happiness with a touch of magic.

Rated G for nothing objectionable.

Here’s Looking at You Kid TCM presents the Casablanca 70th Anniversary Event on Wednesday, March 21 at 7 p.m. at Carolina Cinemas. For more details phone (828) 274-9500 or visit www.carolinacinemas.com.

ActionFest 3 – This Time It’s Personal!

ActionFest returns to Asheville April 12-15. The event showcases the most exciting action films from around the globe, and features mind-blowing live stunts. The festival pays tribute to stunt men and women, fight choreographers, and 2nd unit directors, who make action films thrilling for audiences worldwide.

This year, Haywire star Gina Carano will be the recipient of the inaugural Chick Norris Award. The award honors the Best Female Action Star who embodies the attitude, spirit, athleticism, and grit of Hollywood legend Chuck Norris.

IF YOU GO: ActionFest, April 12-15 at Carolina Cinemas. More details available at www.actionfest.com.

Vol. 15, No. 7 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — March 2012 13

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try McAdams shared with Ryan Gosling in The Notebook Notebook, but it is a solid chemistry nonetheless. It plays out well in moments of passion, and even more so in the humor, but the over all telling of this romantic tale is too shallow for their chemistry and the movie as a whole to have any real emotional depth.

The film is largely predictable, but that’s not a deal breaker in any story for me, if it’s a good story. This is a good (albeit schmaltzy) story, and it starts off well and ends surprisingly strongly. The middle however is soft, and it magnifies the film’s weaknesses.

The Vow is best suited for young, mainstream hopelessly romantic girls (especially if any of the girls have a penchant for Channing Tatum’s bare bottom). Ladies, don’t make your husband or significant other take you to this one. Earn points for enticing them to see something you both can enjoy.

Rated PG-13 for an accident scene, sexual content, partial nudity and some language.

REVIEW BY MICHELLE KEENAN

Daniel Radcliffe is about to see something he doesn’t want to see in the first-class ghost story The Woman in Black.

The Woman in Black ∑∑∑∑1/2 Short Take: A classic, old school ghost story that is beautifully crafted and anchored by a remarkable, low key performance from Daniel Radcliffe.

REEL TAKE: I’ll say it right from the start,

The Woman in Black is not a horror film.

It is a ghost story and if you don’t know the difference then you are likely to be disappointed. For those of you who do know the difference and appreciate those almost forgotten words “mystery & suspense”, then The Woman in Black will prove to be a very rewarding experience.

The ghost story film is a very small genre which essentially starts with The Uninvited in 1944 and extends through the The Innocents and The Haunting in the 1960s to the Nicole Kidman opus The Others in 2001. The undisputed top dog in this field is Peter Medak’s The Changeling (1980) with George C. Scott, which The

Woman in Black clearly references along with a little known 1997 British film, Photographing Fairies.

The screenplay by Jane Goldman (Kick Ass) is based on a bestselling book by Susan B. Hill that became a celebrated BBC made for TV movie in 1989 (which the author hated) and a currently running West End production which also opened in 1989.

Although different from the book, the play and very different from the TV movie, the author is reportedly quite happy with this adaptation and she should be.

Daniel Radcliffe plays Arthur Kipps, a young Edwardian lawyer who is widowed after his wife dies in childbirth. He is sent to a remote village to settle an estate. Once

Chip Kaufmann’s Pick: “The Changeling”

there he finds himself unwanted by the villagers but befriended by the local squire (Ciarin Hinds). Immediately upon arriving at an isolated old mansion, he becomes aware of a sinister presence there which quickly turns vicious. Children in the village begin dying by their own hands and Kipps desperately tries to discover the local secret and do something about it.

Director James Watkins, whose previous effort was a brutal 2008 horror film Eden Lake, forgoes all the visceral horror of the previous movie and concentrates on the classic tools of the ghost story film, jump cuts, atmospheric music, enhanced sound effects, and committed performances from the actors. All these elements and more

March DVD Picks

The Changeling (1980) Now that The Woman in Black has successfully added itself to the small but impressive canon of ghost story movies (see review this issue), I thought it would be appropriate to choose as my DVD pick this month the film which is considered the Mt. Everest of ghost story movies. That film is Peter Medak’s The Changeling (1980) which is not to be confused with Clint Eastwood’s Changeling (2008) starring Angelina Jolie, which is not a ghost story at all.

The film stars George C. Scott as a recently widowed NYC composer who rents an old mansion in Seattle in order to accept a teaching position and try and get his life back together. At first the house seems ideal but slowly odd sounds occur, things happen and Scott finds himself driven by unseen forces to uncover a dark secret from the past.

Melvyn Douglas, in one of his last film appearances, plays a powerful U.S. senator with a skeleton in his closet that he doesn’t even know about. Scott’s wife, Trish Van Devere, is a local real estate agent who wants to help Scott get to the bottom of the mystery. Character actor John Colicos is also impressive as a hostile police inspector who hinders Scott’s actions.

Director Medak, who is best known for the outlandish Peter O’Toole film The Ruling Class pulls out all the stops in crafting an old school ghost story using the time honored techniques of moody photography, effectively sinister music, quick edits and sound bites that startle the viewer without showing much of anything. In the middle of the film, a séance sequence that brings the ghost

14 March 2012 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 15, No. 7

to light remains unforgettable once it has been seen.

Made for a small company and out of print for many years, The Changeling is now readily available at a ridiculously low price if you want to purchase it. You can rent it locally or obtain it from Netflix as well. If you enjoy chills as opposed to gore with a few twists and turns along the way, then it doesn’t get much better than this. If you liked The Woman in Black, you’ll love The Changeling Changeling.

The Guard (2011) The Guard was, without a doubt, one of my favorite movies films of 2011. It is the kind of film that I’ll revisit periodically and roar with laughter each time. It was also one of the most overlooked movies of 2011, at least on this side of the pond. It’s now available on DVD, and I hope it will enjoy a larger audience now that it’s on the small screen. I’ll site St. Patrick’s Day as an excuse to recommend it to you this month, but really no excuse is needed. It’s just cracking good fun.

For me, The Guard was the most enjoyable and laugh-out-loud funny films to come down the pike in a good while. Written and directed by John Michael McDonagh, brother of Martin McDonough, The Guard drew

come together nicely to create a classic of the genre. If this sounds like your cup of tea, then by all means drink it.

Much has been made about The Woman in Black being a Hammer Film.

The old family company no longer exists but the new one is trying to follow in their footsteps by producing atmospheric, low budget (WIB cost $13 million) movies with solid scripts and quality performances. This and their three other films (The Resident, Wake Wood, and Let Me In) show that they are succeeding.

Rated PG-13 for thematic material and disturbing images.

REVIEW BY CHIP KAUFMANN

Michelle Keenan’s Pick: “The Guard” comparisons to Martin’s 2008 critically acclaimed but also much overlooked film In Bruges. While John Michael displays a similar flair for dark wit and peculiar characters as only the Irish can do, The Guard offers far more levity and is more readily digestible than In Bruges.

The film stars Brendan Gleeson (who also starred in In Bruges, ergo drawing some of the comparisons) as Gerry Boyle, a rather unorthodox, non-conformist police sergeant in rural Connemara. When a drug smuggling investigation inadvertently teams straight laced, by-the-book African American FBI agent Wendel Everett (Don Cheadle) with Segeant Boyle, hilarity and a head count ensue.

Cheadle plays straight man to Gleeson’s politically incorrect antics. I suppose one could say Gerry is innocently racist (by cultural perception, not by personal belief or conviction), which somehow makes his remarks appallingly funny, rather than just plain appalling. How Cheadle keeps a straight face is anyone’s guess. His deadpan ‘you-didn’t-just-saywhat-I-think-you-said’ looks play well off Gleeson’s innocuous comments.

A fantastic supporting cast provides a lively, if not unusual ensemble to flank our heroes. Fionnula Flanagan as Sgt. Boyle’s dying mum is a hoot. Mark Strong, Liam Cunningham and David Wilmot make the funniest trio of philosophizing bad guys since Pulp Fiction.

The Guard is a must see for those that enjoy a dark Irish comedy. It is the best vehicle yet for Gleeson’s talents.

Not one bit of the script and storyline is wasted. If this sounds like your cup of tea, you won’t be disappointed.

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noteworthy ASHEVILLE FILM SOCIETY SCREENINGS Films are shown on Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. in the Cinema Lounge at the Carolina Cinema on Hendersonville Road. Screenings are free.

March 6:

Hair

(1979 - Milos Forman) Czech director Forman’s film version of the famous 1960s counter culture musical.

March 13:

The Good Fairy

(1935 - William Wyler) Rarely seen William Wyler romantic comedy with Margaret Sullivan and Herbert Marshall.

March 20:

The Boys In The Band

(1970 - William Friedkin) William Friedkin’s once daring adaptation of the controversial play about gay relationships.

March 27:

Racetrack

Charlie Chan at the

(1936 - H. Bruce Humberstone) One of the better late entries in the popular series with the original Chan, Warner Oland.

Carolina Cinemas, 1640 Hendersonville Rd. (828) 2749500. For more information go to www.ashevillefilm.org

HENDERSONVILLE FILM SOCIETY Films are shown every Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Lake Pointe Landing Retirement Community (behind Epic Cinemas) in Hendersonville.

March 4:

Wings

(1927 - William Wellman) This silent film was the first movie to win a Best Picture Oscar and features a love triangle set against the backdrop of World War I. March 11:

The 7% Solution

(1976 - Nicholas Meyer) Intriguing “what if” film about a meeting between Sherlock Holmes and Sigmund Freud.

March 18:

The Party

S

Asheville Symphony hosts the Cleveland Institute of Music Orchestra

ince 1998, the Asheville Symphony has been pleased to present a competition winner from the Cleveland Institute of Music as soloist for one of the Masterworks concerts. Many of these young artists have gone on to have distinguished careers as soloists or members of major orchestras.

This year we are pleased to host the entire orchestra in a Sunday matinee performance on March 25, 2012 at 2pm in the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. According to Joel Smirnoff, President of the Cleveland Institute of Music, “Asheville has been such a welcoming audience to our students and we wanted to bring the entire orchestra of 90 musicians to play for the patrons of the Asheville Symphony. This marks the first time that the entire orchestra has traveled outside the state of Ohio. This is an exciting opportunity for our students.”

The orchestra will perform Berlioz’s Roman Carnival Overture, Concerto for Harp, Op. 25 by Alberto Ginastera and Prokofiev’s Suite from Romeo and Juliet Juliet, Op. 64.

Since its founding in 1920, CIM has offered a world class education

‘Musical Madness’ continued from pg. 6

Friday, March 16 at 7 p.m. at White

Horse Black Mountain. $15 for adults; $5 for children/students.

Sunday, March 18 at 3 p.m. at First

Baptist Church in Weaverville, 63 N. Main St. $15 suggested donation; free for children.

A ‘Franck’ly French ‘Faure’

Featuring violinist Rachel Patrick and pianist Daniel Weiser performing two beautiful Romantic Sonatas by Cesar Franck and Gabriel Faure.

Thursday, March 22 at

(1968 - Blake Edwards) Peter Sellers stars as a hapless Indian actor who wrecks a lavish Hollywood party.

March 25:

7:30 p.m. at a house concert in Asheville;

Brief Encounter

(1945 - David Lean) England’s version of Casablanca about an ill fated romance during World War II.

Daniel Weiser

Friday, March 23 at

7:30 p.m. at a house concert in Arden.

to students from 3 to 93 and provided concerts for the community. Located in University Circle, Cleveland’s cultural hub, CIM is easily accessible to all music lovers.

As a top-tier conservatory, CIM’s student body is international in its composition: 25% representing 23 other countries, 60% from 49 U.S. states, and 15% from Ohio. Nearly 3,500 talented students have completed programs from the bachelor’s to the doctoral level.

Eighty percent of the Institute’s alumni perform with the world’s most acclaimed musical organizations, in major national and international orchestras and opera companies, as soloists and in chamber ensembles, and hold prominent teaching positions around the world.

IF YOU Tickets for the concert are on GO sale now and may be purchased

by calling the Asheville Symphony office at (828) 254-7046, in person at the Asheville Civic Center or at TicketMaster by phone or online. For more information, visit the Asheville Symphony website at www. ashevillesymphonoy.org.

Saturday, March 24 at 7 p.m. at

White Horse Black Mountain. $15 for adults; $5 for children/students.

For details on either of the house concerts, contact Daniel Weiser at (828) 505-2903 Rachel Patrick or e-mail daniel@ amicimusic.org.

Reservations are required.

For more information on the performances at White Horse Black Mountain phone (828) 669-0816, or visit www. whitehorseblackmountain.com.

IF YOU All programs are subject to GO change. Visit www.amicimusic.

org for latest information. To get on the AmiciMusic e-mail list in order to get up-to-date info on all concerts, please contact Dr. Weiser at daniel@amicimusic.org.

Vol. 15, No. 7 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — March 2012 15

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AN INSPIRING VISIT WITH ARTIST DANIEL MCCLENDON

ou know

BY GREG VINEYARD when you have an elusive, yet world education. ever-presWorking in a different idea in your ent style previously, brain, waiting for his new inspiration that big bang where and passion made it suddenly all comes his old life feel like together? These mohe was â&#x20AC;&#x153;welding the ments of clarity bring same car part over forth new series that and over,â&#x20AC;? whereas delight artists and art now he gets to have appreciators alike. a passionate engageOn Friday, ment with his creMarch 21, 2011, at ative process every 3:59 a.m., painter day, without struggle Daniel McClendon or over-thinking. He had one of these is at a point where particularly powerful his current mode epiphanies, where it simply flows, and all suddenly solidiâ&#x20AC;&#x153;specifically shows fied. He sketched a the process thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bison on the last page been in my mind for Daniel McClendon in his fine art space. of a Double Tree a long time.â&#x20AC;? He has Hotel notepad, the first sketch for a new found that common ground where method series that became what the world saw at and visuals are one. the November, 2011, River Arts District Part of an artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success is a balance of Studio Stroll. talent and pragmatism. Daniel acknowledges Which is when I saw the resultant a realism about efficiency and costs in busifinal bison painting, and all the other new ness, and that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great to have a partner who works gracing the walls of his new space, watches those things, too. Michelle is Busidubbed â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Lift Studiosâ&#x20AC;?, in honor of ness Manager (aka â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Lift Operatorâ&#x20AC;?), the mechanical device toward the rear. I does the numbers and runs the event opporimmediately appreciated both the space and tunities. A cool dog named Huck rounds out the art, and how well each balances with this trio making a neighborhood-friendly each other, much as Daniel and his wife, go of things in one of the best places in the Michelle, complement each other in their country to do it. new adventure.

Daniel and Michelle started working Daniel remarked on all this when we on The Lift Studios last summer. With met again recently, noting that the buildsales and commissions going well, the ing and the work are tied together in a way, couple is staying busy, and will be inviting where it just seemed to have been made for everyone to a grand opening sometime in his artwork. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that magical pairing, the sort the near future. Join their mailing list at that seems to happen when all is flowing www.danielmcclendon.com, and be sure along the right track. to check out Danielâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work on-line and Full of colorful energy, Danielâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paintwhen youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in the River Arts District! ings are lined up on the brick walls in this Located at 349 Depot Street, they are open gorgeously restored, split-level industrial Tues-Sat, 10-5, and by appointment. On space thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also ideal for events. These large the front window, down low, it reads â&#x20AC;&#x153;A representations of animals swirl within Daniel McClendon Fine Art Space.â&#x20AC;? There powerfully laid-out splashes and scratches couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be a more perfect sentence to deand scrawlings. I enjoy their instantaneous scribe the experience as one steps inside. nature, as well as hearing about the artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s path that led to such raw, authentic visions.

Greg Vineyard is an artist, Daniel has harnessed that next wave of his art consultant and writer own artistic energy, something many artists, based in Asheville, NC. including me, strive for, and are inspired by. www.creativewayfinding.

Daniel explained to me that he apprecibyregion.net. Find his art ates his path in our arts-related community at Constance Williams of Asheville, and how it has provided a realGallery, 9 Riverside Drive.

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fine art The Folk Art Center Celebrates National Quilting Day

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elebrate NaBY APRIL NANCE tional Quilting Day on Saturthe process will also be day, March 17 provided. at the Folk Art Robin Brooks will Center. Connie Brown demonstrate all eleand Robin Brooks, who ments of quilt-making are members of the from design to piecing to Asheville Quilt Guild machine stitching. She and the Southern Highwill share examples of all land Craft Guild, will Connie Brown and her quilt, stages of the process. demonstrate their craft Target-Me-Not. During the event, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Allanstand Craft Shop in the center’s lobby. at the Folk Art Center will feature a variety The National Quilting Association, Inc. of traditional and handmade quilts made began sponsoring National Quilting Day in by members of the Southern Highland 1991. Quilting groups across the country Craft Guild, which represents craftspeople use the event as a way to raise awareness of living in the Appalachian mountains. To the traditional craft. At the Folk Art Cenbecome a member of the organization, ter, Connie Brown will present “Quilted artists’ work has to pass a rigorous jury Gardens,” an exhibition of quilts that have a process, ensuring the work displayed is floral theme. Modern and vintage examples always the highest quality. will be showcased.

Connie Brown also invites visitors to bring in their own quilts for evaluation.

IF Connie will use the clues within the quilt YOU The Folk Art Center is located GO at Milepost 382 of the Blue Ridge to find the pattern name and to determine Parkway, just north of the Hwy. 70 the era the quilt was made. These same entrance in east Asheville, NC. clues are a glimpse into history, the quilt maker’s life and the time in which she For more information about the Folk Art Center’s celebration of this event, call (828) lived. Helpful information about how to 298-7928 or visit www.craftguild.org. care for quilts and how to learn more about

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Kolorz – a Motion Sculpture Movement Installation

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hat is a “Motion Sculpture Movement Installation”?

It is an original concept designed by Cilla Vee Life Arts director Claire Elizabeth Barratt.

“Motion Sculpture” is a movement method which incorporates techniques similar to Tai Chi, Yoga and Butoh to produce seamless slowmotion dance and sculptural stillness. “Installation” is a presentation method wherein an environment is created and sustained for an extended time-period, during which the viewer is free to enter and leave as they wish.

Combine these two definitions, add an ambient yet edgy live soundscape, video projections and yards of color fabric – and your imagination might possibly begin to

piece together the MultiMedia arts spectacle ready to greet you at The Artery on Saturday March 31.

Collaborating with Cilla Vee Life Arts (CVLA) will be guest artist David Linton from NYC. His “Bicameral Research Sound & Projection System” offers the audio/visual elements of the installation.

“Kolorz” is a sixhour installation, during which audience members are welcome to arrive and leave at any time. Come for the afternoon, happy hour, or after-dinner entertainment. Kids are welcome, beer and wine will be served, donations taken at the door will benefit the “Mountain to Sky Artist Exchange.”

For information about Cilla Vee Life Arts visit www.cillavee.com. For informa-

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tion about the Creative Sector Summit and other Asheville Area Arts Council programs and events visit www.ashevillearts.com.

IF YOU “Kolorz” – a Motion Sculpture GO Movement Installation, Saturday

March 31, from 3 to 9 p.m. Barratt will also be teaching a series of Motion Sculpture movement workshops on the following Sundays through the month of March: 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th.

At the Artery – Asheville Area Arts Council, 346 Depot St., River Arts District. $10 suggested donation.

Vol. 15, No. 7 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — March 2012 17

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Allanstand Craft Shop

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Guild Crafts

Supporting mountain artists and setting the standard for fine crafts since 1930.

Shop online: www.craftguild.org The Southern Highland Craft Guild is an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service, Department of the Interior.

work shown: Jim McPhail

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{Re}Happening 2012 CELEBRATING INNOVATION & COLLABORATION IN THE ARTS

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he third annual {Re}Happening takes place on Saturday, April 7 from 6 p.m. to midnight in the original dining hall of the former Black Mountain College, now Camp Rockmont.

In partnership with The Media Arts Project (MAP), this Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center (BMCM+AC) event pays tribute to Black Mountain College by bringing its dynamic energy into the present day.

The project developed as an innovative fundraising and community building collaboration between the two non-profits, balancing the history, innovation and experience of BMCM+AC, with the forwardthinking and media-based collective of artists that defines the MAP. Among the more than fifty artists participating in this year’s event will be two projects supported by the MAP Community Grant.

“The {Re}Happening provides an opportunity for the MAP and BMCM+AC to directly support local artists by helping to develop and showcase their projects, while simultaneously contributing to innovation and culture in Western North Carolina,” says Gene Felice, a member of the MAP Board of Directors and the {Re}Happening’s artistic instigator. “The MAP is thrilled to once again offer the WNC arts community direct funding, after the outpouring of creativity and support that made the first two {Re}Happening events a success.”

Mysterium by the Institute for the Advancement of Occultism and Aerophonics.

Photo: Michael Oppenheim

Two projects were chosen and each funded with $1,500 grants in the 2011-2012 grant cycle, supporting work from three local artists which will premiere at this year’s {Re}Happening.

The April 7, 2012 event will begin with a cocktail hour, leading into a seated familystyle dinner. The second part of the evening will include drinks, light appetizers and an extended evening of art, performance, and dancing. Tickets for the entire event includ18 March 2012 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 15, No. 7

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fine art

at the Folk Art Center

Milepost 382 Blue Ridge Parkway | Asheville, NC Open Daily 9am-5pm | 828-298-7928 930 Tunnel Road/Hwy 70 | Asheville, NC Open Mon.-Sat.: 10am-6pm | 828-298-7903

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ALICE SEBRELL

Quasi Equivalence by Gene A. Felice II, Janice Lancaster, Kima Moore, Claire Barratt, Kathleen Hahn, and Paul Anderson.

Photo: Michael Oppenheim

ing dinner are $60 ($50 for BMCM+AC and MAP members); dinner begins at 6 p.m. The second half begins at 8:30 p.m. at a ticket price of $15 ($10 for members). The overall event will end by midnight.

At each year’s {Re}Happening, local restaurants provide flavors, scents and nourishment to both the audience and the artists.

The evening brings together more than fifty artists from the region’s diverse creative communities in a setting that occupies a unique place in history. The opportunity for contemporary artists and performers to collaborate and create new work in the dining hall, the roundhouse, the lodges, the outdoor grounds and waters of Lake Eden makes the {Re}HAPPENING a singular and deeply resonant event.

Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian will provide the main course, and dozens of local restaurants will contribute. Please visit www.rehappening.com for more details.

IF YOU {Re}Happening takes place April GO 7, 2012. For more information or

to purchase tickets for the event visit Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center, 56 Broadway, Asheville, phone (828) 350-8484, or send an email to bmcmac@bellsouth.net.

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fine art INTERVIEW WITH

Carol Branton Morrow

INTERVIEWED BY

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DENNIS RAY

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arol Branton Morrow spent her childhood in Winston-Salem, where her parents took every opportunity to instill in her their love of nature. This affair with nature has continued throughout her life and led her to live in the Asheville area. After a career in advertising, Carol picked up where she left off in college and is once again pursuing her love of painting.

Rapid River Magazine: How long have you been an artist?

Carol Branton Morrow: I have been an

artist all of my life. In my youth I always carried a sketch book to record objects or write down descriptions of things that inspired me. My college career started as a fine arts major, but ended up in the field of graphic design. After a 28-year career in that field, I finally have the opportunity to return to my first love – painting.

Carol Branton Morrow

Wade in the Water Children by Carol Branton Morrow

“spider-webbing” in just the right places to enhance a field of grass or a stand of trees.

Watercolor can be as spontaneous as oil, but in different ways. There still will be runs, but there also can be “blooms” that inspire and move the painting forward. At times, I apply the pastel sparingly to let the underpainting speak. Other times, the underpainting virtually disappears.

RRM: Why have you chosen mostly to work with pastel and watercolor as your media?

CBM: Pastel is such a spontaneous medium.

You don’t “mix” your paints like you do in wet mediums. I see that spot of beautiful purple in the shade, then look at a box of pure color until I find the pastel that says “put me there.” Of course, I can mix pastels together by layering or blending, but the initial emotional reaction to color and light is right at your fingertips.

Ask pastel artists how they feel when they open up a new box of pastels and you’ll see that we’re like kids in a candy store. The pure color just makes you want to express yourself.

Autumn Glory by Carol Branton Morrow

RRM: How many hours a day do you create?

CBM: I devote at least four or five hours a

individual objects but as shapes of masses.

I am not seeing a tree or house, but at this point, just shapes. I then lay in the shapes with my wet medium, starting with the shadows and dark objects. The underpainting IS NOT a finished painting. It is almost abstract, and sometimes actually is. I paint with the paper on a vertical surface. This allows the pigment to freely run down the paper, creating interest as it goes. Of course, you have to pick and choose which runs are acceptable, wiping out the unwanted ones, or you’ll end up with a mess.

After my underpainting has dried, I move to pastel. Just as in the initial painting, I lay in my darks first. Although it’s quite tempting to put detail in at this point, I try to refrain from doing that. I lay in my masses and gradually get more detailed.

The highlights are the very last thing I do, and this is the part I love the most. After I have worked and worked to make the painting a success, the highlights are the icing on the cake!

RRM: How would you describe your painting style?

artist? Did you start with pastels and then move to watercolor? How did that progression happen?

CBM: I am an impressionist. I don’t want

CBM: My mother was a watercolor artist,

day to my creative side. I am still freelancing for advertising clients, and that affects my schedule.

RRM: You use different mediums. How do

RRM: Can you tell me a little bit about your

so naturally I began there. It was not until late 2009 that I decided to get serious about pastel. Now that I mix the two mediums, I get the best of both worlds – the flow of wet pigment and the spontaneous application of pure pigment on the same painting surface.

It can be glorious!

CBM: The first thing I do before starting

Carol Branton Morrow’s work is on display at Studio B in North Asheville.

CBM: I usually choose the medium that best

suits my emotional reaction to a subject. I paint in watercolor, oil and pastel. My primary medium is pastel, but it’s unusual for my paintings to be pure pastel. Most often, I use watercolor or oil stain as an underpainting, adding layers of pastel on top.

I like my oil stains to have runs, and if I’m lucky the under-stain will provide

painting process?

a painting is to sit quietly and absorb my subject. I have to have an emotional reaction to the subject for me to feel as if my painting will be successful. I sketch out the subject in different formats – horizontal, vertical and square. I look at the sketches and decide if something needs to be taken out or moved to create a more pleasing composition.

When I move to my paper, I barely sketch in the outlines of the subject, not as

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RRM: What was your progression as an

to produce an exact replica of what I see. I want the viewer to feel the emotion of my first “Wow, how beautiful” moment. It’s all about color and light and how these elements mix and play off one another.

you decide what medium you’re going to use? Do different subjects call you to use different mediums?

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Studio B 171 Weaverville Highway, Asheville (828) 225-5200 www.galleryatstudiob.com Carol Branton Morrow’s web site: www.carolmorrowstudio.com

Vol. 15, No. 7 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — March 2012 19

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performance Virtuosic Pianist and Host of NPR’s “From The Top”

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Christopher O’Riley

ost of National Public Radio’s From The Top and interpreter and arranger of some of the most important contemporary popular music of our time, Christopher O’Riley plays Diana Wortham Theatre on Saturday, March 3 at 8 p.m.

From Ravel to REM and everywhere in between, Christopher O’Riley raises eyebrows. One of the leading American pianists of his generation, O’Riley skillfully expands his own repertoire and performances beyond classical and into the rich uncharted territory of contemporary and alternativerock. From groundbreaking transcriptions of Radiohead, Elliott Smith, and Nick Drake to unforgettably sublime interpretations of the classical canon, O’Riley stretches the piano beyond conventional boundaries with infectious passion. For his Diana Wortham Theatre performance, O’Riley will be utilizing the theatre’s Hamburg Steinway Model B piano.

As host of the popular classical music radio show, National Public Radio’s From The Top, O’Riley works and performs with the next generation of brilliant young musicians, demonstrating to audiences that these artists are as interesting and diverse in their personal lives as they are in their music-making.

Two years ago, PBS launched the weekly television series From the Top at Carnegie Hall featuring O’Riley as host, directed by Emmy winning director Gary Halvorson.

O’Riley’s first innovative recording of Radiohead transcriptions, True Love Waits received four stars from Rolling Stone and was as critically acclaimed as it was commercially successful. His Hold Me to This: Christopher O’Riley plays the music of Radiohead followed suit. Tackling the deeply emotional and complex work from the troubled singer/songwriter Elliott Smith, Home to Oblivion: An Elliott Smith Tribute drew critical praise from both classical and pop music critics. O’Riley’s fourth set of transcriptions from the contemporary popular songbook was Second Grace – The Music of Nick Drake, a collection of repertoire written and originally recorded by the late enigmatic British guitar wizard and songwriter.

In addition to his transcriptions, O’Riley ventures into alternate territory, touring with other classical artists. He has developed programs with fellow pianists: Heard Fresh: Music for Two Pianos; with the jazz pianist Fred Hersch; and Los Tangueros with the Argentinian pianist Pablo Ziegler, a program of two-piano arrangements that feature Astor Piazzolla’s classic tangos. In 1999 he collaborated with choreographer and director Martha Clarke, who staged several stories of Anton 20 March 2012 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 15, No. 7

BY JOHN

ELLIS

Christopher O’Riley Photo: Wendy Lynch

Chekhov set to the piano works of Alexander Scriabin, performed live on stage by Mr. O’Riley. This production, titled Vers la Flamme, toured Europe and the United States, and was presented by Jacob’s Pillow, Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center, among others.

Christopher O’Riley has toured the U.S. with the world-famous Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Chamber Orchestra.

He has appeared with the philharmonic orchestras of Los Angeles, New York, Moscow, and the Royal Philharmonic in London, the Minnesota Orchestra, and the symphonies of Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Baltimore, Philadelphia and San Francisco. The illustrious group of conductors with whom he has collaborated includes Michael Tilson Thomas, Semyon Bychkov, JoAnn Falletta, Krystof Penderecki, Kurt Mazur, James Gaffigan, Vassily Sinaisky, Christopher Hogwood, Roger Norrington and Leonard Bernstein. www.christopheroriley.com

IF YOU Christopher O’Riley, Saturday, GO March 3 at 8 p.m., Diana Wortham

Theatre at Pack Place. To obtain more information or to purchase tickets (Regular $30; Student $25; Child $12), call the theatre’s box office at (828) 257-4530 or visit www.dwtheatre.com. Student Rush tickets ($10 for students with valid I.D.) are sold the day of the show, based on availability.

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performance Joie De Vivre! Sagapool Gypsy/Swing World Music Show

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ich and brightly rhythmic, Sagapool brings the vibrant music of the world at large for a March 22 performance at the Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place. Guitar, bass, accordion, percussion, banjo, piano, glockenspiel, Rhodes violin, and clarinet all shine in the hands of these six multi-instrumentalists â&#x20AC;&#x201C; often switching hands right on stage, as each band member can play all instruments â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in a worldscape of passionate joy.

With masterful playing and brilliant melodies, Sagapool delivers an original and dazzling gypsy/swing repertoire that reflects the colorful influences of MontrĂŠalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cultural mosaic. Sagapool has enchanted audiences at venues and festivals from the hip South

By Southwest in Austin to the prestigious Montreal International Jazz Festival. Their Asheville performance coincides with the release of a brand new album, Sagapool.

With its diverse cultural background, Sagapool defies simple categorization and performs its own blend of joyful and cin-

BY JOHN

Radioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;World Beatâ&#x20AC;? chart, and number six on the Earshot Jazz chart. Ă&#x2030;pisode Trois also reached the Top Ten List of Montreal CD sales. Sagapoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Northern thoughtfulness won the band a Canadian Folk Music Award (2008) for Best Instrumental Album and earned them a showcase spot at WOMEX in 2010.

The bandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second album, St-Urbain CafĂŠ, received a nomination at ADISQ (the QuĂŠbec equivalent of the United Statesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Grammys) in the best instrumental album category. That same year, the group won the Roseq-Radarts prize, awarded by QuĂŠbecâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top music promoters.

ELLIS

ematic music, often with a friendly bit of mischief. It is no surprise when the guitarist jumps up to join the bassist for a thumping four-handed riff, or when the entire band leaps on stage just in the nick of time.

Sagapool was first conceived

by Luizo Altobelli (accordion) and Guillaume Bourque (clarinet) while jamming as students in the halls of the Conservatoire de Musique de MontrĂŠal. With the addition of four stellar musicians from around the world â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Marton Maderspach (percussion), ZoĂŠ Dumais (violin, glockenspiel), Alexis Dumais (piano, double bass and percussion) and Dany Nicolas (guitar, double bass and piano) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the bandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sound evolved into a joyous crosscultural collage.

Sagapoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s third album, Ă&#x2030;pisode Trois earned â&#x20AC;&#x153;Album of the Weekâ&#x20AC;? by Montreal

www.sagapool.com

IF YOU Sagapool, Thursday, March GO 22 at 8 p.m. Diana Wortham

newspaper Ici upon its release in 2008 and was subsequently number one for seven consecutive weeks on Montreal CIBL

Theatre at Pack Place. To obtain more information or to purchase tickets (Regular $30; Student $25; Child $12), call the theatreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s box office at (828) 257-4530 or visit www.dwtheatre.com. $10 tickets for students with valid I.D. sold on the day of the show, based on availability.

diana wortham theatre at pack place in downtown asheville

DANCE SERIES

MARCH 13 & 14 reinvents dance re-imagines theater redefines thrills

MARCH 30 & 31

"pure explosive energy" - NY Times

s www.dwtheatre.com Vol. 15, No. 7 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;&#x201D; March 2012 21

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stage preview

SUBS SO

FAST

YOU’LL FREAK!

LYLAS Debut Appearance Brand New Show at The Magnetic Field

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ll You Can Eat LYLAS is the tenth

BY DELINA HENSLEY totally original production written and performed by LYLAS. Featuring all new material, All You Can Eat LYLAS is an original sketch comedy show. Think Saturday Night Live, but with all women! Though LYLAS pokes fun at all things locally and globally, their shows have no agenda other than to make people laugh.

Written, directed, and performed by women, but chock full of enough hilarity for all genders to enjoy, LYLAS is just plain funny. LYLAS has consistently sold out performances for all of their past shows and leaves audiLYLAS is an acronym which stands for “Love Ya Like A Sis.” ences laughing for weeks.

LYLAS (an acronym which stands for “Love Ya Like A Sis” and is commonly IF found scrawled in yearbooks or texted YOU All You Can Eat LYLAS runs GO Thursday through Saturday nights between phones) is collaboration between at 7:30 p.m. March 1-10 and several Asheville women. LYLAS regulars March 3, 9, and 10 at 10 p.m.

Delina Hensley, Hollis Brown, Robin Raines, Sarah Carpenter and Marissa WilTickets: $15 Thursday nights, $12 Friday liams will be featured in this show. and Saturday nights.Tickets are available in advance at www.themagneticfield.com or by calling (828) 257-4003. Purchasing tickets in advance is strongly recommended.

For more information about LYLAS, The Magnetic Field, 372 Depot Street, in please visit www.lylas.org.

Asheville’s River Arts District.

THE HILARIOUS COMEDY

LOVE CHILD

5 BILTMORE AVE. 828.505.8020 FREAKY FAST

DELIVERY! ©2011 JIMMY JOHN’S FRANCHISE, LLC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

22 March 2012 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 15, No. 7

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orth Carolina Stage Company offers two straight hours of kneeslapping, side-clutching, tearson-your-cheeks laughter with its two-man comedy Love Child.

Love Child is also the name of the play-within-a-play in this comedy full of backstage shenanigans and on-stage hysterics. Writer/director Joel has pinned all of his professional hopes on his new English adaptation of the Greek tragedy Ion. Tensions are running high as Joel tries to keep his company of actors under control, his sanity intact, and his mom from offering unsolicited advice from the front row.

Charlie Flynn-McIver and Bill Muñoz play an enormous cast of characters, including the actors on stage, the crew behind the scenes, and the audience watching them perform. Directed by Neela Muñoz.

Bill Muñoz and Charlie Flynn-McIver star in the delightful comedy Love Child.

IF YOU Love Child runs through GO March 18, 2012. Performances

Wednesday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $17-$29 based on day of the week. For details visit www.ncstage.org or call (828) 239-0263.

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performance ‘Danny Ellis’ continued from page 3

remarkable experiences as a child and testament to the fact that we endure, even thrive, not despite obstacles and loss but because of them.

When he last presented 800 Voices to a packed Diana Wortham Theatre in March 2010, it was met with high acclaim. John Ellis, Managing Director of Diana Wortham Theatre, describes the response: “At the end of this surprisingly uplifting performance, the audience instantly rose as one…

Following the final bow, the Danny Ellis – An Irishman audience lingered in the theatre in America longer than I have ever seen – not wanting to leave – wanting to stay and talk about what they had just experienced.”

Danny’s extensive history as a bandleader, arranger, songwriter and performer are spotlighted the following night with his March 10 presentation of An Irishman in America.

The evening features songs from his latest release, The Space Between the Lines, along with a rich tapestry of musical genres that have inspired him throughout his fifty-year musical career, and the journeys through “Triumphant … the many places transcendent … a he lived before deciding to make searing testament to Asheville his home. the resilience of the Since the age human spirit.” of eight when he joined the school ~ The Irish Times band, music has been a driving force in Danny Ellis’ life – and ultimately his saving grace.

Although not known as a trombone player, it was actually Danny’s first instrument in school and his main instrument during his time touring for a decade with Irish showbands Graham Parker & The Rumour and The Foundations.

Audiences will have the opportunity to hear his trombone playing at the March 10 concert.

After a decade of touring Europe and several years working as a session singer in London’s Abbey Road Studios, Danny immigrated to America in 1991, ultimately settling in Asheville. He is a much sought after teacher of voice and songwriting, and has taught at the renowned Swannanoa Gathering. Danny has worked and performed with David Wilcox, Peggy Seeger, and Kat Williams as well as hundreds of students. Most recently, Danny worked with John Doyle and co-produced his latest album.

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The Green Light Cafe Homemade Vegetarian and Vegan Meals Catering :: Monthly Specials

www.dannyellismusic.com IF YOU The Mainstage Special Attractions Series presents GO Danny Ellis, 800 Voices: Friday, March 9 at 8 p.m.

and An Irishman in America on Saturday, March 10 at 8 p.m.

For more information or to purchase tickets (Regular $30; Student $25; Children $12), call the theatre’s box office at (828) 257-4530 or visit www.dwtheatre.com. Student Rush tickets ($10 for students with valid I.D.) are sold the day of the show, based on availability.

18 N. Lexington Ave. Downtown Asheville • (828) 250-3800 Dinner Monday – Saturday Tues.-Thurs. 11:30-8pm • Fri.-Sat. 11:30-9pm Sunday Brunch 11-4pm • Closed Monday

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www.GreenLightCafe.com Vol. 15, No. 7 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — March 2012 23

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Scratch Kitchen Locally Produced Foods

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restaurants Dining Out for Life

D a i ly S p e c i a l S M OnDay -F riDay 11 aM tO 3 pM S aturDay B runCh ~ 10 aM tO 2 pM

KANINIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S Dining Catering Take-Out

Paninis Salads Soups Desserts Seasonal Drinks

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1196 N. Main Street Waynesville, NC

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D ine -i n :: C arry -O ut

389 w walnut Street Waynesville NC 828-273-2635

Limited Delivery ~ Call for Details

www.villagegreencafe.com

â&#x20AC;˘ Daily Lunch Specials â&#x20AC;˘ Frozen & Fresh Take-Out Meals â&#x20AC;˘ Corporate & Special Event Catering â&#x20AC;˘ Pick-up & Local Delivery Available

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Visit our website for catering options, lunch menu & weekly specials!

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24 March 2012 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Vol. 15, No. 7

he Western North Carolina AIDS Project (WNCAP) will join 55 other cities across the country and Canada on Thursday, April 26, 2012, to host its 10th annual Dining Out for LifeÂŽ event. More than 100 restaurants will participate. All money raised in WNC will help WNCAP continue its mission to provide supportive services for individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS in 18 WNC counties, and prevention education for Participating all who are at risk.

Although the event restaurants will is based in Asheville, donate 20% of their this year we have added sales to WNCAP on restaurants in Arden, Black Mountain, BreThursday, April 26. vard, Hendersonville, Maggie Valley, Saluda, Sylva, Waynesville, West Asheville, Weaverville and Woodfin. On that date all participating restaurants will generously donate 20% of their gross sales to WNCAP. Last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event attracted over 10,000 patrons and raised $138,000, a new record for donations from both restaurants and diners. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, only 5.1% of our revenue went towards expenses.

Dining Out for Life (DOFL) is the largest annual fundraiser supporting the mission of WNCAP. Reduction in funding at both state and federal levels has created an even greater need this year for support from local communities.

Nationwide, over 26 million dollars for AIDS Service Agencies across the country has been raised since the first Dining Out for Life event in 1991 in Philadelphia. Asheville ranks 5th in the nation for total funds raised each year and number one for the least amount of expenses spent to produce the DOFL event.

On April 26, each participating restaurant will be part of an intense marketing campaign to increase diner traffic for breakfast, lunch and dinner and to introduce people to new dining experiences. Diners will be greeted at each restaurant

by Ambassadors to thank them for dining out; they will also be offered opportunity to win drawing prizes in appreciation for their support. Diners, Ambassadors and Restaurant staff are invited to celebrate with an After Party that evening at the Grove House featuring a variety of entertainment; Grove House will also donate 20% of their gross revenue to WNCAP as part of DOFL. Dining Out for LifeÂŽ raises much-needed AIDS awareness and serves as a reminder that our community is still affected by this devastating disease.

IF YOU To view a list of participating restaurants, sponsors GO or for more information, visit www.wncap.org/dofl/

or call (828) 252-7489 ext. 310.

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Prestige Subaru is proud to present

PALM SUNDAY LUNCHEON

he Greek Ladies Philoptochos of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church will hold their Annual Palm Sunday Luncheon on April 1 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The take out line will open at 10:30 a.m. There will be a variety of Greek dishes such as Pastichio, Spanakopita, Meat balls, and Baked Chicken oreganato served

Cafereria style. Prices range from $1 to $12.

Place an order at (828) 253-3754 between 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and (828) 254-4754 on the day of the luncheon.

There will also be Greek folk dancing performed by our youth Dance Troup. At the Hellenic Center, 227 Cumberland Ave. in Historic Montford.

April 26, 2012 On Thursday, April 26, dine at one of over 100 restaurants in Western North Carolina and PG.

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20% of your total bill will be donated to the Western North Carolina AIDS Project. You can also enter our drawing to win fabulous prizes!

investing in the souls of our city

• Awesome Desserts • Delicious Snacks • 23 Bottled Sodas • Mocktails • Full Espresso Bar

Creatures Café Alcohol-Free Music Venue and Café

Featuring: • Live Entertainment • Amazing Desserts • An Inspiring Art Gallery

81 Patton Ave., Asheville

Hours: Tues-Thurs, 5:30pm-12am Fri & Sat, 5:30pm-3am Creatures Cafe is a non-profit organization 501 (c)(3) ein 26-0245324

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828-254-3636 www.creaturescafe.com

Photos courtesy of Monzingo Photography

Bring in this Ad and We’ll Take

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Like us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter @WNCAP and visit www.wncap.org for details!

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Wireless Internet Access!

Vol. 15, No. 7 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — March 2012 25

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restaurants & wine Local Kava Aficionado Brews Inspired New Offerings

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anuatu Kava Bar, North Carolina’s first, has reopened at 15 Eagle Street after closing their old location in late December of last year. In addition to a change of location, numerous other changes are afoot for the local business including lower prices, new and stronger drink offerings, an even more laid-back atmosphere, longer hours, and a vegetarianbased menu for lunch.

Back in Asheville from a trip to Vanuatu, Andrew Procyk, who co-owns the business with his wife Keely Flow, is looking forward to implementing his new inspirations. “While experiencing fresh kava in Vanuatu, I had a breakthrough about its potential. The connections I made there have now allowed us to achieve that potential, and drop our per-drink prices at the same time.”

While he was there, Andrew was featured twice in the Vanuatu Daily Post, once with his picture gracing the cover.

“Ni-Vans (Native Vanuatu) were floored to

Vanuatu is to kava what France is to fine wine. Native cultures throughout the South Pacific have drunk kava for millennia. learn that kava was taking a hold in the U.S. in its traditionally-consumed form. It is a major crop for them, and the U.S. is a huge market, so we are putting a lot of money directly into the villages of the growers by doing what we do, and they are understandably excited about it.”

Vanuatu is one of the archipelago nations of Melanesia, in the South Pacific, just west of Fiji. It is the home of world’s strongest kavas and the likely birthplace of its domestication, boasting 100+ varieties of the root.

Tanna root ball

“Vanuatu is to kava what France is to fine wine,” as Keely puts it. Native cultures there and throughout the South Pacific have drunk kava for millennia. It is used both for social occasions and religious ceremonies, as the kavalactones, the active constituents, impart euphoria, relaxation and essentially a lovely buzz – one some believe allows them to communicate with their dead ancestors.

In Vanuatu, Procyk met with Dr. Vincent Lebot, one of the most published kava researchers in the world, viewed the growing process on the outer island of Tanna, and met with members of government agencies to discuss the implementation of qualitycontrol for exports.

“They are already essentially fairtrade because of their mandated minimum

per-kilo price, and organic by virtue of their purity law. The next step would be to have outgoing shipments tested for chemo types, to verify the cultivar before export.

This would not only ensures the product is contaminant free, but would guarantee the specific type/cultivar being exported.”

Meanwhile, down the street at your newly re-opened local kava bar, there are several new ‘Value-Added’ products that have been developed by Vanuatu Kava Bar’s kava source that stand to bring even more money into the less-developed nation.

Keely explains, “We have the first watersoluble, water-based extract of kava that can be put into any drink. Pure relaxation with no more rooty taste!” The new menu will be veg-heavy and feature island items as well as seitan gyros and tacos, tempeh sandwiches, at a recession-friendly $5 average price point.

The new location is decorated with handmade pecky Bald Cypress furniture crafted by Procyk, including a ½-ton, 12-foot table and benches which are the communal centerpiece of the new bar.

An equally massive reinterpretation of Gauguin’s Where Do We Come From?

What Are We? Where Are We Going? by local artist Anne Marie McAllister will grace the wall. Vanuatu Kava Bar smacks of rustic sophistication, conjuring island relaxation sans umbrella drinks or leis.

“We are really excited about the new space and its potential, and hope to see lots of new faces,” says Keely.

Vanuatu Kava Bar 15 Eagle St., Asheville, NC 28801 (828) 505-8118 info@vanuatukavabar.com www.vanuatukavabar.com

Great values & styles FREE Wine Tastings on Saturdays from 2 to 5 p.m.

Tasting wine is not only fun, but it presents a chance to learn about wine and what it is about a particular wine that you like, or don’t like. You can sip while you shop. Find some new favorites — try it before you buy it. We will usually have a few whites and a few reds open, with the occassional guest speaker. Please stop by!

Wine Retail

~

Tastings ~ Wine Classes

Great wines for any occasion and budget.

26 March 2012 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 15, No. 7

www.theAshevilleWineGuy.com 555 Merrimon Ave. (828) 254-6500

March 2012 Events at The Weinhaus Wednesday, March 14 Wine Dinner at The Market Place As an Asheville institution The Market Place is moving in innovative, new directions under Chef/Owner William Dissen. After graduating from the CIA, William honed his skills at the prestigious Greenbrier Resort. From there he made his way through the low country cuisine of Charleston before coming to Asheville to pursue his farm-to-table vision of dining.

We look forward to pairing wines with his five course culinary creation. The time is 7 p.m. Price: $65 all inclusive.

Please call the Weinhaus for reservations at (828) 254-6453.

Friday, March 30 Friday Night flights presents Springtime in Spain. We all think of Spain for their red wines, but what about their sparkling wines and lovely, acidic white wines. As the forsythia blooms, we will offer an evening of wines that are lighter on the palate.

The transition to lighter fares and longer evenings lead us to wines that are less dense on the palate. This evening will travel from cava, through white, to light-bodied red wine. The wine will be accompanied by light hors d’ouvres.

The price is $10. Time is 5:30-7:30 p.m. Held at the Weinhaus.

The Weinhaus, 86 Patton Avenue Asheville, NC (828) 254-6453

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authors ~ books ~ readings Naked Came the Leaf Peeper

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hey say more than one cook ruins the stew, but Asheville readers will soon find out that a handful of authors can whip up one deliciously entertaining novel. Twelve local writers contributed to a literary relay race, each one writing a 6,000 word chapter (in only two weeks!), adding their specialized ingredients — usually zany, often lusty,

AUTHORS OF NAKED CAME THE LEAF PEEPER Linda Marie Barrett: poet, fantasy author, general manager and co-owner of Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café.

Wayne Caldwell: poet, short story author and novelist (Cataloochee) .

Fred Chappell: former poet Laureate of North Carolina, writer of short stories, novels and literary criticism.

Latest fiction is Ancestors and Others, New and Selected Stories.

Gene Cheek: author of the painful true story: The Color of Love: A Mother’s Choice in the Jim Crow South.

Annette Sanooke Clapsaddle: author and teacher who lives in Cherokee and serves as an assistant to Principal Chief Michell Hicks.

Tony Earley: a graduate of Warren Wilson College, now living in Nashville, writer of short stories and novels ( Jim the Boy Boy) Alan Gratz: writer of short stories and young adult mystery novels (Something Rotten).

Tommy Hays: novelist (In the Family Way) and Executive Director of the Way Great Smokies Writing Program at UNCA. Brian Lee Knopp: author and memoirist (Mayhem in Mayberry, Misadventures of a P.I. in Southern Appalachia).

Vicki Lane: novelist, Day of Small Things, and five books in the popular Elizabeth Goodweather Appalachian mystery series.

John P. McAfee: author of poetry and two novels (A Slow Walk in a Sad Rain).

Susan Reinhardt: syndicated columnist (Asheville Citizen-Times) and author of four humor books (Not Tonight, Wait Till I’m a Size Six Six).

Afterword by Charles F. Price, artist and novelist of historical stories set in North Carolina (Nor the Battle to the Strong Strong).

sometimes depraved, and always clever — to create a hilarious Appalachian novel named Naked Came the Leaf Peeper.

Leaf Peeper is the latest entry into the genre of relay novels begun by Naked Came the Stranger in 1969, a hoax written by 24 journalists, under the name of Penelope Ashe, as a protest to what they considered the popularity of low-brow writing. Shocking everyone, it became a bestseller. Proof, I say, that even when they’re trying to write a potboiler, good writers can’t help but turn out good writing. And it helps, as in the case of Leaf Peeper, if you have one of the country’s Peeper best independent bookstores encourage the project and publish it.

Leaf Peepers begins as a parody of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Tiny, red-haired Garnell Lee Ray is a guilt-free assassin with a spud gun. She shoots a nasty real estate developer in the back with a Yukon Gold, sending him splattering down a cliff of the Blue Ridge Parkway. But when Garnell returns to the Linville Falls campground, a figure juts out of the shadows and shoots her — with real bullets. Next comes the proverbial outsider, Avery County Sherriff Detective J.D. Klontz, who hails from Buffalo and hasn’t a clue about mountain people and the interlocking predicaments they get themselves into. Brian Lee Knopp, who knows a thing or two about mountain crime from his years as a private investigator, wrote this first chapter.

“…zany… lusty…depraved… and always clever…”

One by one the other authors stir the pot, throwing in fiendish murders, peppering it with deranged plot twists, and taking the lid off salacious family secrets. The fun in reading Leaf Peeper is recognizing the style of each writer — we all know the Southern belle columnist who can’t help being sassy no matter what she writes, and which honored poet is so inherently lyrical that even his nonsense is a work of art. The biggest surprise is how well the styles of the disparate writers meld together. Leaf Peeper is amazingly seamless — it can stand on its own, not just as a novelty, but as a truly enjoyable novel.

Though the story takes place in autumn, in order perhaps to have the riotous Samhain gathering in Pack Square that serves as the ending chapter by Tony Earley, (who had entirely too much fun creating utter chaos which lets no criminal go unpunished, and one naked upturned butt), there aren’t many words about the glory of our changing leaves. Not much nature at all, really — except for a strange raven named Pecker,

REVIEW BY

MARCIANNE MILLER

A fine, hilarious novel that natives and tourists alike will enjoy.

MARCH

We host numerous Readings, Bookclubs, as well as Poetrio!

PARTIAL LISTING More events posted online.

READINGS & BOOKSIGNINGS Monday, March 5 at 7 p.m. – D-I-Y HERO RON TANNER Talk & Booksigning.

and a beagle who loves to eat golf balls. This pair turns up, like omens of Granny magic, throughout the novel, as if reminding us that this story is not meant for Yankees — unless of course, they’re planning to move here or pay their tithes as tourists.

All of the writers are totally irreverent towards everyone who makes Asheville so wonderfully weird. No local is spared, not Republicans or Wiccans, not Evangelicals or nurses with fancy lingerie and certainly not environmental polluters. The Asheville Citizen-Times is pilloried for its lazy headlines and the Mountain Xpress is chided for its blatant liberal bias and its shameful lack of sports coverage.

I want to complain that nobody made fun of Rapid River Magazine. We don’t cover sports and politics isn’t our thing — all we do is write about local arts and culture — couldn’t we have warranted even one snarky barb?

Written by Brian L. Knopp et al Malaprop’s Bookstore/ Cafe (2011) 212 pages, ISBN: 9780965865777 www.malaprops.com

Meet the Leaf Peeper Authors The public is invited to celebrate the publication of Naked Came the Leaf Peeper and meet the 12 local authors who wrote it.

The gathering is co-sponsored by the Great Smokies Writing Program — so it’s a good time to meet instructors and students in that fun group, too. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to park and make your way to the Humanities Hall.

IF YOU Friday, March 30 at 7 p.m. in GO the Humanities Lecture Hall, on

March 8 at 7 p.m. – Sweet samplings from the SUNNY POINT CAFE COOKBOOK. Friday, March 9 at 7 p.m. – Visionary Shamanism with STAR WOLF. March 10 at 2 p.m. – ANNE CHESKY RICEVILLE presents Images of America.

March 10 at 7 p.m. – STEPHANIE POWELL WATTS presents her debut novel WE ARE TAKING ONLY WHAT WE NEED. March 13 at 7 p.m. – Chinese Medicine For Spring with KATH BARTLETT. March 14 at 7 p.m. – A Friend In Grief: Simple Ways to Help Discussion & Signing with GINNY CALLAWAY. March 15 at 7 p.m. – TASERIZED: KYLE ROSS discusses her experience with police brutality.

March 16 at 7 p.m. – PHOTOGRAPHY & POEMS with AUGUSTUS NAPIER. March 20 at 7 p.m. – NICARAGUA: SURVIVING THE LEGACY OF U.S. POLICY Discussion & Slideshow.

March 21 at 7 p.m. – NLP MEETS ADHD: Discussion with BRUCE STEWART, MNLP. Thursday, March 22 at 7 p.m. – CHI MARATHON with DANNY DREYER. March 24 at 7 p.m. – MIKE SEEGER’S Life & Musical Journey: an old-time country music event with BILL C. MALONE. March 27 at 7 p.m. – Discussion with Buddhist Nun KELSANG LHADRON. March 28 at 7 p.m. – GLOW: a reading with novelist JESSICA MARIA TUCCELLI. Thursday, March 29 at 7 p.m. – TOXIC FOOD/HEALTHY FOOD, Discussion with DR. EDWARD ARONOFF.

55 Haywood St.

828-254-6734 • 800-441-9829 Monday-Saturday 9AM to 9PM Sunday 9AM to 7PM

the campus of UNCA. For more information please call (828) 254-6734, or visit www.malaprops.com.

Marcianne Miller is a local writer.

She’s completing her first novel, set in Asheville. She can be reached at marci@ aquamystique.com.

Vol. 15, No. 7 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — March 2012 27

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On the way there where Sun smells different through bright air There Where she sits in robed silence Staring at nothing, the massive wall clock Clicking out seconds of her still moments, Pricking the quiet in tocks That mimic her heartbeat: Tireless glass meter measuring a life.

She articulates notice of blankness, Of sameness of days That have somehow blurred To decades, Swallowed in a warm grey cave Walled by ghosts Floored with phantom steps of kin And keen elegance Where once she had busy breaths Of bright unruly children and days of difference.

Here now, the enormity of small tasks And time that won’t stay put.

What crawled away in the night this time?

Was it a hand or a foot?

Or something more useful that at dawn Turned to earth?

Memories are voiceless.

Only the clock asserts its diligence To a deaf room Mute as a tomb but for the glass heart On the wall that, bloodless, looms And today no one comes, No one at all.

~ Kirsten M. Walz

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poetry & poets

Widow What mischief the wind whips up Ordering and reordering sky’s vapors, Fashioning strange shapes in foamy grey white While sun melts to oily light Staining firs that rim the sky.

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Returning to Appalachia:

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FIVE POEMS FROM FIVE BOOKS

hen I began writing this monthly column for Rapid River Magazine in June 2009, I thought I’d primarily be reviewing books by contemporary Appalachian poets. I did so more or less regularly for about a year, but then began to explore other territory….for no other reason than there were many other territories to explore. Thereafter, I often turned my atten-

BY TED

OLSON

tion to the poetry of other countries and other cultures. I’ve periodically returned in my Rapid River Magazine columns to my original focus on Appalachia, writing reviews of particularly interesting poetry books from regional poets.

Over the past year or so, I have frequently avoided the traditionally analytical role of the reviewer and have instead Axed by a FAX responded to the world of poetry as an unself-conby Kennon Webber scious fan. This column will He had just returned from his 2 week vacation when follow along that vein.

Below are some recent He got the Word: poems by five exciting po…services no longer…clean out your desk by… ets from across Appalachia.

His final check arrived by mail with a curt note These poems are some“Don’t fail to apply for COBRA” what arbitrarily selected from the memorable books Plus a cheery reminder from in which they originally Human Resources to sign up appeared, all published in ASAP for employment counseling and an the past year. My hope and Anger management seminar recommendation is that if Job search networking scheduled soon you like the poems, you A precise date forthcoming will seek out the books.

You’ll not regret becoming Yes, axed by a FAX, just when it was no longer more familiar with these The Job but a way of life poets and those books.

But he had heard for years that over-55 Men and women were disappearing from the

2ND PLACE The Hills Are Green and Fresh After rain I wander slowly across the graveyard and grant immortality for an hour of remembering.

Miss Hettie, whose fingernails with ridges were beautiful to a first grader, and Mrs. Kingery, Sunday School teacher, who comforted an orphaned four-year-old, lie near the hill’s crest. I am joined

by Cousin Eugene who says Billy Joe, the naughty boy who used an art class jar when Miss Lavonia said he “could not leave the room,” survived Pearl Harbor on the USS North Carolina, fought on for four years, came back a broken man.

We remember the War and how all of us left then, the first of our folks to leave the hills.

They are here, Mother, Daddy, Aunt Madge, Tom, Grandpa, Uncle Lon, Aunt Pearl.

The gravestones speak memories as the reluctant sun sets.

At Lois’s we eat strawberries washed with love, sweetened by rain.

~ Lenore McComas Coberly

National work force Now, he was going to find out where they went. from Leo Poems [an internal chapbook in Minotaur #60, 2011]

Conservation

by Thomas Rain Crowe Let the god-knows-what be brown as earth on skin and bone Let the young morning become soft night and the disappearing dew become stone Let the open nectar of flowers be like bald meadows high on The Roan Let the murmur of song sparrows seep from rivers melted with frost and fire Let wet smoke bloom and dance after soft rain goes wild blushing at blue wind fecund of flickers and rise higher Roan Mountain–Fall 2010 from Every Breath Sings Mountains [Voices from the American Land, Vol. II, No. 3, 2011]

28 March 2012 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 15, No. 7

Punch

by Linda Parsons Marion I fought it for years, buying cigars for a man who kicked cancer’s ass, beat heart attacks, TIAs. Then asking his favorites, I left the tobacconist with a boxful of Punch Deluxe. A premium smoke, he strokes the Sumatran wrapper like a foreskin, blend of fine Honduran broadleaf he wets in the O of his lips. He tells of visiting Castro’s Havana, late ‘60s, clandestine factory tour in treacherous times, loco Americano slipping in the side door. Coffee-dark workers handed him fresh Maduros, sealed with a hark of spit. Although Tampa, or maybe that trip to the Bahamas, is the closest my father ever sailed to Cuba, I let him disembark on its turquoise shore, let sand scuff his shoes, canefields sweeten every inlet for miles. He taps ash on his pantleg, inhales revolution, the sweating rollers and cutters, the spice routes of old. To get the last dib of good, he screws the hot stub in a corncob pipe and draws to the bitter end. from Bound [Wind Publications, 2011]

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annual poetry contest winners 3RD PLACE

FIRST HONORABLE MENTION

SECOND HONORABLE MENTION

Another Thanksgiving

All Grown Up

The Book of Jobs

My mother wasn’t there.

She would have loathed the talk Twenty percent discounts a friend of a friend could squeeze you in cash in your miles three trips for the price of one Atlantic City, Disneyworld, Vegas Next month they leave for Florida they got this great deal So now the task of eating everything left in their fridge back home and describing in unsparing detail how their car will join them on the car train.

My mother wasn’t there for the stirring at the stove the carving at the board the unmolding of the jello the two kinds of stuffing the crisp and the soggy And yet she was, angered anew by interruptions from multiple cellphones, virtual switchboard from hell My father wasn’t there either and yet he was as I drank his seven glasses of Scotch and wine and mouthed unflattering commentary beneath my breath.

The grass is thick and deep and wide calling fragrant from outside one blade within the other cries for rain to fall down from the clouds

Today’s skimming of the web is like reading the Book of Job with an added s—

The grass is tall and growing still alive with crickets and lady bugs spiders perched upon clover thickets etched silver and pearlescent in sweet morning droplets

The horrors of a body’s ills have been replaced by mental doubts that linger

I used to weep when the grass was cut soft muted muffled sounds gurgling forth my secret love trembling rivulets spilling out the widening edge of river I could never find I lingered there all alone resisting the pull of the world

A once nimble finger

It’s downhill all the way.

In the mind of the few brains left— For art is gone, its glory past.

Now casts about for meaning behind foolish attempts at creating weakened images, All in a search for icons to glorify what’s left of pure cult And swiftly move to a mass-cult domain.

now I step lightly into the quiet throw the barn doors open and turn the key in the mower the crickets retreat and lady bugs vanish the spiders fleeing up their invisible webworks

Gather

We here at Rapid River Magazine always like to provide a forum for our local and regional poets. This year’s contest winners are unique, diverse, and talented. As always, we thank each and every person who submitted work, and encourage them to continue writing. We hope you enjoy these poems as much as we did.

~ Natalia Kalianna

Devil’s Snuff

by Jesse Graves

Some springs, apples bloom too soon.

The trees have grown here for a hundred years, and are still quick to trust that the frost has finished. Some springs, pink petals turn black. Those summers, the orchards are empty and quiet. No reason for the bees to come.

My cousin David and I made sport of it, Ranging into the woods to see who Could turn up the most, then smashed our shoes Down on the knobby brown heads of dust—

Other summers, red apples beat hearty in the trees, golden apples glow in sheer skin. Their weight breaks branches, the ground rolls with apples, and you fall in fruit.

The devil felt so real to me that I trembled a little At the spores spreading wide in the air, His hot breath breaking loose upon the earth, Our laughter another sign that he owned us.

from The Always Broken Plates of Mountains [Four Way Books, 2012]

Just pitiful iconography

~ Peter Loewer

by Rose McLarney

You could say, I have been foolish. You could say, I have been fooled.

You could say, Some years, there are apples.

No sunbursts or slices of a moon, Filled with reptilian hearts of emptiness.

and I mow mow mow never looking backwards my ears stopped by machine roar my eyes fixed ahead upon the day’s chores my heart stilled to childish feeling that only my spirit still remembers slipping past blinders that block the slow moving turtle and snake the newborn rabbits in their nests and all the rest of life to my right and to my left

~ Fran Ghee Ross

No pyramids, no dollar signs, no crosses of a medieval cast,

from Tennessee Landscape with Blighted Pine [Texas Review Press, 2011]

Ted Olson is the author of such books as Breathing in Darkness: Poems (Wind Publications, 2006) and Blue Ridge Folklife (University Press of Mississippi, 1998) and he is the editor of numerous books, including The Hills Remember: The Complete Short Stories of James Still (University Press of Kentucky, 2012). His experiences as a poet and musician are discussed on www.windpub. com/books/breathingindarkness.htm

Poets who would like for their poetry to be considered for a future column may send their books and manuscripts to Ted Olson, ETSU, Box 70400, Johnson City, TN 37614. Please include contact information and a SASE with submissions.

Vol. 15, No. 7 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — March 2012 29

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southern comfort COLLECTED STORIES AND PROSE OF WRITER, JUDY AUSLEY

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Celebrating Mike Seeger in Words and Song Bill C. Malone, Professor Emeritus of History at Tulane University, is one of the country’s leading historians on country and traditional music. The Society for American Music gave him a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008. His newest book is Music from The True Vine: Mike Seeger’s Life & Musical Journey. Malone will discuss his biography of Mr. Seeger and play a little old-time country music with his wife Barbara.

IF YOU GO: Saturday, March 24 at 7

p.m. Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café, 55 Haywood Street, downtown Asheville.

For more details: (828) 254-6734, www. malaprops.com.

Help Me Keep Asheville Weird!

s the Dolly Parton song goes, “Here in Asheville, it makes no difference to me. she comes again.” That rings true Each and every person is the same, not one for me, as I am back again with new person is better than someone else. Every columns for Rapid River Magazine. one of us has a story to tell.

Sometimes, at least for me, a little Life for all of us is very different than hiatus from the writing is sowhen I was younger. Our bering and good. It certainly lives can be snuffed out in Every one of us has a moment’s time. So many clears the head and allows for a new start with new ideas. of us never get the chance a story to tell.

So, here we go again! to hold that person again or During my time with even say thank you for all the newspapers, an editor told me one day that great years. Did you say, “I love you, honey,” my real talent is feature writing. I know when you left for work today? we live in a time that people value family Life is more than precious to me these members more than ever, because life is so days. I think about every single person I very precious. I can see it in the obituaries have known over the years, some that I in the newspaper each morning. I always did not stay in touch with and others I just have to see if the deceased is someone I lost contact with. Why not call me or email interviewed on some newspaper in North me and together we will feature some very Carolina. Sadly I have seen more than one unsuspecting person in my column? Then in recent months. in the event of tragedy, you will have that There have been times with newspaspecial story in your possession to read pers where I generated my own stories inagain and again. stead of having an editor give me an assignIf you are someone who has a hard time ment. People have also called and asked me describing things or a significant other in to look into doing a story on someone they hold special.

So, always looking for new story ideas that can make a difference to another person, I began thinking about news stories for Rapid River. No matter how newspapers have changed there is always a need for ynthia Drew’s first novel, City of features about real people in our city and Slaughter, tells the powerful story Slaughter county. There is not one person I know who of a young Jewish immigrant who would not be honored if I called and said, flees Russia in 1900. She finds “I would like to write a story about you.” work in the sweatshops of New York, at I have never had anyone turn me down or the ill-fated Triangle Waist Company, refuse to have their story printed. where 146 garment workers were killed So, my new idea for Southern Comin a terrible fire. With courage, determifort is to share more people stories with nation and hope, the woman struggles to our readers. There are no qualifications reach the highest level of society. Drew that a person must have in order for me to is the winner of Rapid River Magazine’s interview someone. Just call me in Asheville short fiction prize (2005) and teaches at (828) 253-3655 or send me an email: Judyausley@aol.com with your suggestion and phone number of that special person. I will find out what is unique about this person when I call them for an interview.

Your special person can be a son or daughter, your husband or parents, grandparents or a fireman or police officer, a ditch urder as a Call to Love is Judith digger or someone who cleans out sewers Toy’s extraordinary story of how she recovered from the murder of her family, and, using mindfulness, reached a state of forgiveness and love. She was a core member of worldrenowned teacher Thich Nhat Hanh’s order in 1997 and his teachings abound in her book.

With her husband Philip Toy, also an ordained Zen master, she leads

30 March 2012 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 15, No. 7

BY JUDY

AUSLEY

your life, just pick up the telephone and give me a call and I will help you. I will write the story about your favorite person.

I am looking forward to hearing from you in the next few weeks.

Writer Judy Ausley has been a reporter with newspapers in NC for 40 years.

She retired in 2005 and continues to freelance at her home in Asheville. She can be contacted by e-mail at Judyausley@aol.com. If you know a character in Asheville who has not had a conventional life, put them in touch with Judy for an article in this column, Southern Comfort.

CYNTHIA DREW AT ACCENT ON BOOKS

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creative writing at UNC/Asheville’s Reuter Center.

IF YOU GO: Friday,

March 16 at 5 p.m. at Accent on Books, 854 Merrimon Avenue in North Asheville. For more details phone (828) 252-6255 or visit www. accentonbooks.com. www.cynthiadrew.com

ZEN MASTER’S EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEY

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workshops and retreats in the U.S. and abroad.

IF YOU GO: Sunday,

March 25 at 3 p.m. at Malaprop’s Bookstore/ Café, 55 Haywood Street downtown Asheville. For more details call (828) 2546734, or visit www.malaprops.com www.theforgivenessproject.com

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artful living Personal Peace

BY

“Everything is as it can be.” ~ Alan Watts, philosopher/theologian

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ckhart Tolle advises us “our suffering is in our resistance to what is.” The “what is” of life contains the entire spectrum of possibility from the sublimely beautiful to the unfathomably hideous, from the birth of a child, to the Holocaust, from the bloom of flowers in spring, to the wasteland of a nuclear explosion or catastrophic global climate change. Many rightfully ask whether it is not necessary to resist “what is” if it is patently destructive, anti-life and human dignity?

The answer is in the manner of resistance we bring. Tolle is not advising us to passivity. He is advising us to wise seeing of things for what they are, and not resisting the understanding that “everything is as it can be.” To oppose a wrong, we must first see the wrong as the natural outcome of the way things are. To change what is wrong and destructive, we must work with the “what is” of the conditions that created it.

First, we must be willing to see it for what it is, to not be apathetic, not turn a blind eye. Having seen it, we must not shrink from it as if it cannot be, or that it is too frightening to us. Nor can we fight a wrong from the place of hatred. Hatred created it. In the end, from the place of hatred, we will replicate much of what we fought to displace. Action emanating from

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love, compassion and courage are the non-resistance that is the only true counterweight to evil, hatred and apathy.

“Everything is as it can be” is an amazing insight into the unfolding evolutionary dynamic of society. Human society is a collective consciousness that, exactly like an individual consciousness, is in a process of evolution, of moving from a narrow, self-absorbed, frightened and limited sense of self into more expansive, inclusive and resourceful awareness.

In example: along the path of human history, absolutist monarchies, slavery, religious wars, sexism and racism have been accepted political consciousnesses. Humanity, individually and collectively has, or is in process of, evolving beyond such consciousnesses. The “what is” of humanity has evolved into a new “can be”.

Today, economic, political and national competition and conflicts are accepted political consciousnesses along with unfettered exploitation of the Earth’s resources.

Sick and Tired obby! How’s it going, dude?” Josh leaned over the cubicle wall. “Great Super Bowl, huh?”

“Yeah. Great game.” Robert did not look up from his computer key

board.

“Wow, man, what happened?” Josh came around the cubicle wall to get a closer look at his friend. “Did your team lose you a lot of money, or what?”

“Nah. The game was fine. It’s the commercials. They make me sick and tired.”

Josh banged his “enter” key with a flourish and looked up.

“What!? You didn’t like the polar bears?” Josh said half-jokingly. But he knew his friend didn’t get upset easily over trivial matters. “What gives, man?” He could see the fire in Robert’s eyes.

“I am sick and tired of commercials that portray males as slobbering sexual idiots, females as sex objects like blow-up dolls, and heaven as some sexual fantasy place.”

BY

MAX HAMMONDS, MD

“Is this a religious thing?” Josh asked.

He knew Robert was a professing Christian.

“No, man.” Robert was adamant. “It’s my head they’re messing with. Do you know what that does to your mind – when you see all those scantily clad female bodies dancing around in some idiot male mind as if heaven were some sexual fantasy place?

You begin to think that this kind of thinking, this kind of behavior is normal. You begin to believe that this is how we should think of each other, that we are just sex objects to be exploited, that life is just a big party.”

“Easy, man. They’re just some commercials on TV. Everyone knows that isn’t reality.”

“Yeah. Tell that to Delbert.” Robert turned back to his computer, staring at its blank screen.

“You mean the guy over in accounts receivable?” Josh looked puzzled as Robert nodded. “Why? What happened to him?”

BILL WALZ

Such thinking, however, is beginning to be questioned and challenged by an increasing number of individuals who are evolving in their consciousness. These visionaries see the necessity for a social awareness that enfolds all peoples, all species, even the ecosystem of the planet itself as the necessary identity for humanity if we are to survive and prosper into the future.

A growing mass of such evolving individuals is necessary to achieve an evolving, healthy human society that moves what “can be” to entirely new dimensions of “what is.”

It is a very difficult lesson to absorb that without the recognition of the “what is” of the limited consciousness that leads to destructive social patterns, there can be no evolving to what can be. The starkest example of this is that it took the insanity of the Holocaust for the majority of humanity to say, “never again” to genocidal racism.

It took the shocking devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki for a growing realization to take root that unlimited war can never be waged again. It will, sadly, probably take the shock of dramatic consequences to human-created climate change to force a new evolution of human

“He and some of the girls in shipping seem to have accepted that fantasy world as reality.” Robert shook his head, trying to clear away the stark reality that had intervened. “Now he’s in a messy divorce and is at risk of losing custody of his kids.” Robert looked up at Josh and nodded. “Yeah, those cute kids in the picture that he has on his desk – the ones that he’s always bragging so much about to us.”

“Oh, wow.” Josh rolled his eyes and ran his hand through his hair as he walked around in a small circle trying to take it all in. “Oh, wow.”

Robert put his head in his hand. “Those commercials totally ruined the game for me, man.” He stood and headed for the coffee machine, then turned, walking backwards and speaking. “I’m telling you, I am sick of being the target of these sexually perverse advertisements and I am tired of the bombardment, man.” He spun around and walked away. “I am sick and tired of it all,” he tossed over his shoulder.

“Oh, wow,” Josh muttered as he turned back to his cubicle.

consciousness in relationship to the planet and our place upon it.

The horror of “what is” is sometimes necessary to wake us up to what can be, to what must be, if we are to evolve successfully as a species. No, to realize that “suffering is caused by resistance to what is” is not a call to passivity. It is a call to come out of denial into consciousness. It seeks to awaken us to the need for action that moves us beyond the “is-ness” of a destructive unconsciousness.

Paradoxically, this evolved consciousness can bring us personal peace while we engage the forces of history and social conflict.

Sometimes, force is needed to constrain violence, but only peace will bring peace.

Ultimately, violence only perpetuates violence. Only identification with the totality of life on this planet will save humanity from the consequences of our identification with separateness, consumption and competition moving us toward Armageddon.

Do not resist facing this “what is.” It got this way because it is how everything has been. We must evolve our vision as individuals and then as a species into a new “can be” if the next stage of human history is a consciousness capable of a peaceful, beautiful, sustaining future. To resist this will surely bring suffering.

Reprinted from February 2008

Bill Walz teaches meditation and mindfulness in university and public forums, and is a private-practice meditation teacher and guide for individuals in mindfulness, personal growth and consciousness. He holds a weekly meditation class, Mondays, 7 p.m., at the Friends Meeting House, 227 Edgewood in Asheville. By donation.

Information on classes, talks, personal growth and healing instruction, or phone consultations at (828) 258-3241, e-mail healing@billwalz.com. Visit billwalz.com.

Vol. 15, No. 7 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — March 2012 31

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noteworthy Local Retreat for Times of Transition

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wo seasoned teachers will lead a retreat in downtown Asheville on Friday, March 16 and Saturday, March 17. Crossing Thresholds: Navigating Your Uncharted Territory invites participants into quiet reflection and expressive activities to explore the hopes and fears of facing change. Co-leadExplore the hopes and ers Laura Collins and Barrie Barton fears of facing change. will create a safe community where participants can dive into the choppy waters associated with transition and leave with tools for further reflection.

Barton, who last year directed the community choreography production, Hand Me Down, at the Diana Wortham Theater, says the retreat will “help participants create a new relationship to the experience of moving through transitions, allowing them to lean gently into the change.” She will use her experience as a dance teacher to lead participants into an awareness of the body’s natural wisdom. “Each of us has access to an inner intelligence that emerges when we give ourselves time to play, connect and reflect,” adds Collins, a local writer, counselor and retreat leader. “We’ll guide participants to find their own compasses for navigating the uncertainty.”

About the Retreat Leaders With 30 years of dance, choreography and teaching experience, Barrie Barton brings a wide-open, liberating and ineffable skill for creative expression to her role as a community choreographer, dance educator and artistic director. Currently, Ms. Barton serves as artistic director of Community Choreography Project, which invites participants to artful play, exploration and expression through movement, stories, creative writing and choreography.

Ms. Barton taught dance for Buncombe County Schools for 22 years. She continues to inspire teachers and students as guest faculty at the N.C. Center for the Advancement of Teaching, Upward Bound at Mars Hill Collage and through community adult dance classes and workshops. Ms. Barton successfully produced four multi-media movement theater performances: ‘Hand Me Down,” in 2011, ‘Knock, Knock,’ in 2009, ‘Holding Us’ in 2007 and ‘Holding Love’ in 2006.

Laura Collins began leading retreats more than 20 years ago and brings humor and empathy to her work of creating community. With backgrounds in theology, contemplative spirituality, counseling and creative writing, Ms. Collins weaves poetry and play into sharing and silence. She served congregations for 16 years and has worked in hospice, with men coming out of prison and with at-risk youth.

She now works as a retreat leader and ritual artist through Living Rituals and Sacred Separations, as a writer and editor through The Write Idea, and at Mission Hospitals as a Family Support Liaison helping families with difficult end-of-life conversations.

IF YOU The retreat, 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, GO March 16, and 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday,

March 17 will be held at Jubilee! Community at 46 Wall Street. Only 25 participants will be accepted to provide for a more intimate retreat experience.

Early registration prices end on March 10. Registration and additional information is available by emailing either leader: bbarton@charter.net or laura@livingrituals.com. Lunch from Loretta’s may be ordered when registering.

32 December 2011 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 15, No. 4

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the curmudgeon The Curmudgeon and the Sweepstakes

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he Curmudgeon has a facetious look about his visage,” said Cityfella to Mrs. Storekeep as he waited for the morning mail to be sorted with the deft hands of the second in command.

“Just before you arrived I gave him his Sweepstakes Prize Selection Kit from The Publisher’s Clearing House — in fact, there’s one for you coming up. The prize is up to $10,000,000.00 so I imagine he’s thinking about it as we speak.”

She put the pile of the various weekly shoppers aside in order to reach Mrs. Cityfella’s copy of Harper’s Bazaar and neatly file it with his Progress Energy bill — including its usual notice of all the good things it does for everybody’s welfare — and a copy of The New York Times, plus his phone bill from AT&T. Cityfella opened the brown envelope from Port Washington, NY, and began to sort through the cards and the enclosed computer-generated letter, and immediately started to smile.

“Now you know why I’m smiling so,” said Curmudgeon, “because this promise of so much money tells me just what my lifelong dreams should be.”

“What?” asked the local Tax Collector as she piled her tax records on the counter next to the newspapers and sat down on the small stool below the bowling trophies.

“Well,” he said, “to begin with: Imagine returning to my place of birth with $10,000,000! I could pay off all my bills . . . invest for the future (that’s a good one), plan for my children’s education (where?), and still have plenty of money left over to treat my family to some pretty fancy luxuries. Think of the looks on my various neighbors if I drove home in a brand-new luxury car.”

“What’s a luxury car?” asked Mrs. Storekeep. “Most of the trucks that roll around these roads cost more than most luxury car, especially with all the extras they usually contain.”

“What luxuries?” asked the Tax Collector with a knowing gleam in her eye.

“I could,” continued Curmudgeon, “build a new home in the area’s best neighborhood . . . complete with a gigantic swimming pool and a wet bar in the patio.”

“And you would have 1 in 1,215,500,000 chances to win,” said Cityfella.

“The mosquitoes and the midges would love the patio bit,” said Mrs. Storekeep as she glanced at the shelf loaded with various repellents for the summer to come.

“And if I win,” said the Curmudgeon, “at 9:30 one morning a Cadillac limo could pull up on front of my home — “

BY

PETER LOEWER

“ — not unless you pave it,” Illustration by Peter Loewer said Cityfella. “. . . and my entire family could be chauffeured to the Atlanta Airport where we would board a private jet that would carry us to any place in the world — ” “ — that would let you in — ,” said Mrs. Storekeep.

“And, I think, you still have to go through security checks,” said Cityfella.

“And,” said Mrs. Storekeep, “remember you’re a bachelor, live alone, and your only relatives are two sisters in Cincinnati — who never visit.”

But the look on the Curmudgeon’s face showed he was no longer listening, but in a voice tinged with emotion started a rundown of just what he could to with a pile of money.

“I could solve the mysteries of the Mexican pyramids and actually know what happens after the Aztec calendar for 2012 comes to an end. I could know how to guarantee success at my job — ” “What job,” muttered the Farmer who up to now had been quietly sitting over near the front window reading his copy of The Wall Street Journal. “The only job he ever had was the time he bought stock in that company that planned to buy iceberg chunks and float them down to various countries in the Mideast that were running short of their water supplies, like France planned for Africa.”

“I could have seven cars, one for each day of the week — ” “I think,” said the Tax Collector, “there’s a county council meeting I should be attending.”

“Seven in a neat row, each with different colors — ” “I’ve got some fertilizer to order — unfortunately not as ripe as what you have around here,” said the Farmer to Mrs. Storekeep, “so have a great day,” and he ran to the door.

“A huge wall-covering TV with a dish on the roof that would pull in Japanese soccer matches — ” Cityfella picked up his mail, put the sweepstakes stuff in the waste basket by the front door radiator, and waved good bye to Mrs. Storekeep. “ — Not to mention life size statures of Batman and Superman to stand over near the wet bar — ”

Thank You to Our Fine Sponsors:

Asheville Lyric Opera, Sign-A-Rama, Great Smokies Creations, Mia Galleries, Van Dyke Gallery, Gallery 262, Frame It To-a-T, Neo Cantina, Jack of Hearts Pub, Creatures Cafe, Mamacitas Restaurant, Jimmy John’s Subs, Green Light Cafe, The Fine Arts League of the Carolinas.

CALL FOR ARTISTS: Submit 5 Designs for $20

Grand Prizes • Your Artwork on the Cover and a Feature Article in Rapid River Arts & Culture Magazine • Publishing Contract - Sign-A-Rama • $500 Framing - Great Smokies Creations • 12 Week Art Class, $700 value The Fine Arts League of the Carolinas • Taste of Opera - Asheville Lyric Opera • One Man/Group Show - Creatures Cafe • Awards Reception - Neo Cantina • One Man/Group Show - Luke Atkinson Furniture • One Man/Group Show - Gallery 262 • One Man/Group Show - Jack of Hearts Pub & Restaurant • One Man/Group Show - Frame it to a T Entry Deadline May 31, 2012

Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 entries. There will also be a People’s Choice Award.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Friends of Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

Entry Forms Available at These Locations Asheville

Asheville Lyric Opera * 236-0670, YMI Building, 39 S. Market Street Bistro 1896 * 251-1300, 7 Pack Square SW, Downtown Asheville Creatures Cafe * 254-3636, 81 Patton Ave., Asheville Fine Arts League of the Carolinas * 252-5050, 362 Depot St., Asheville Frame It To-a-T * 665-7730, 1103 Brevard Rd., South Asheville French Broad Food Co-Op * 255-7650, 90 Biltmore Ave., Asheville Green Light Cafe * 250-3800, 18 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville Guitar Trader * 732 Haywood Rd., Asheville Jimmy John’s Subs * 5-A Biltmore Ave., Downtown Asheville Luke Atkinson Furniture * 252-7168, 728 Haywood Rd., West Asheville Made In Asheville Gallery * 254-8949, 61.5 Lexington Ave., Asheville Mamacita’s Mexican Grille * 77 Biltmore Ave., Downtown Asheville Sign-A-Rama * 484-1590, 1216 Hendersonville Rd., www.wncsigns.com Van Dyke Gallery * 281-4044, 29 Biltmore Ave., Downtown Asheville Biltmore Village

NEO Cantina * www.neocantina.com Waynesville

Bogarts Restaurant * 452-1313, 303 South Main St., Waynesville Cornerstone Cafe * 452-4259, 1092 North Main St., Waynesville Friends of Great Smoky Mountain National Park Gallery 262 * 142 N. Main St., Waynesville Great Smokies Creations * 85 Muse Business Park, South Waynesville Kanini’s * 507-3654, 1196 North Main St., Waynesville Village Green * 273-2635, 389 Walnut St., Waynesville Strains of Music * 456-3331, 67 Academy St., Waynesville Weaverville

Jack of Hearts * 645-2700, 10 South Main, Weaverville Peter Loewer has written and illustrated more than twenty-five books on natural history over the past thirty years.

Vol. 15, No. 4 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — December 2011 33

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what to do guide Thursday, March 1

Friday, March 2

Artistic Diversity in Fiber

Cecil Clemons

A new exhibition showcasing quilting, knitting, dollmaking, and other fiber arts, opens at Blowers Gallery in Fiber art by Cheryl UNC Asheville’s Alderman Ramsey Library.

The exhibition is free and open to the public and will remain on view through March 30. An opening reception will be held from 6-8 p.m. in the gallery.

The exhibition features the work of members of the Fiber Arts Alliance, which is affiliated with the Asheville Quilt Guild. These artists work in many types of fibers and their creations take many forms, ranging from the traditional to the innovative, flat and three-dimensional. For more information, call (828) 251-6436.

Friday, March 2

Artists of Constance Williams Gallery Mixed-media.

Souls by Cassie Ryalls Reception from 6-8 p.m. On display at the Mesh Gallery through April 13, 2012. 114-B W. Union St., Morganton, NC. (828) 437-1957. Free.

10% proceeds to Options.

How to place an event/ classified listing with Rapid River Art Magazine Any “free” event open to the public can be listed at no charge up to 30 words.

For all other events there is a $14.95 charge up to 35 words and 12 cents for each additional word. 65 word limit per event. Sponsored listings (shown in boxes) can be purchased for $18 per column inch.

Deadline is the 19th of each month.

Payment must be made prior to printing.

Email Beth Gossett at: ads@rapidrivermagazine.com Or mail to: 85 N. Main St, Canton, NC 28716. Call (828) 646-0071 to place ad over the phone.

– Disclaimer – Due to the overwhelming number of local event submissions we get for our “What to Do Guide” each month, we can not accept entries that do not specifically follow our publication’s format. Non-paid event listings must be 30 words or less, and both paid and non-paid listings must provide information in the following format: date, time, brief description of your event, and any contact information. Any entries not following this format will not be considered for publication.

An opening reception for the Asheville Gallery of Art’s featured artist will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The exhibition, “Three,” will Dream, 36x48, acrylic. feature passionate, colorful, non-representational paintings inspired by Central American native traditional clothing. On display through March 31, 2012 at 16 College Street. For more information, call (828) 251-5796 or visit www.ashevillegalleryof-art.com.

Tuesday, March 6 at 7:30 p.m. Heartney will present Out of the Shadows: the Changing Place of Women Artists in Our Times at the Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center, 56 Broadway, Asheville, NC.

Thursday, March 8

Haywood Community Band

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Appalachian Pastel Society Juried Show Deadline: March 24, 2012 Pastel artists: “On Common Ground: From the Mountains to the Sea” 2012 Statewide Pastel Exhibition, June 1-30 in Raleigh, NC. For prospectus, visit www. pastelsocietyofnc.com take visual arts classes at the Center.

Opening Reception from 3-4 p.m. On display through April 5, 2012. For more information call (828) 669-0930 or visit www.BlackMountainArts.org.

Sunday & Monday March 4 & 5

Thursday, March 8

Auditions for “Look Homeward Angel”

Odyssey Community School Open House

Tuesday, March 13

The Haywood Arts Regional Theatre will hold auditions for its spring production of the Thomas Wolfe classic Look Homeward Angel at 6:30 p.m. Directed by Steve Lloyd. The play opens April 27 for a two week run and has nineteen roles for men and women of various ages. The lead is a young teenager. Anyone interested in working production should stop by. Auditions will be held in the Performing Arts Center at the Shelton House, 250 Pigeon St. in Waynesville. For more information go to www.harttheatre. com

From 5:30-7 p.m. meet the teachers, administrators, and tour the beautiful, six-acre campus. Learn more about an integral education for pre-k through high school, and its relevance to your child’s future. 80 Zillicoa Street, Asheville, NC, 28801. For more information visit www.odysseycommunity.org or call (828) 259-3653

Monday, March 5

Celebrating Women’s History Month The Asheville-Buncombe League of Women Voters will Actress Caroline present a one-woman McIntyre portrays Frances Perkins. show at NC Stage Company honoring Frances Perkins. Perkins was the first woman to serve in a Cabinet, a fighter for women’s rights, and FDR’s Secretary of Labor. The venue will open at 6 p.m. with a cash bar and snacks. Show from 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $19.50, $10 for students. Reserve tickets at www.ncstage.org or by calling (828) 239-0263.

March 5 & 6

Contemporary Art and Women Artists Eleanor Heartney, distinguished art critic, editor, and author will give two lively presentations about art and the contemporary artist’s role in society.

Tales of Plastic Surgery, Genetically Altered Rabbits, and Other Acts of Art, will take place Monday, March 5 at 5 p.m. in Western Carolina University’s Bardo Art Center, Room 130. On

Daughters of the American Revolution Reading and book signing event from 1-2:30 p.m. Courageous Kate and Fearless Martha written by Shelia Ingle and illustrated by John Ingle. John and Shelia Ingle will dress in colonial period clothing and display toys of the period. Enjoy red and white mints, apple cider, ginger snaps, and exciting stories from another era. At Grateful Steps Publishing House & Bookshop, 159 S. Lexington Ave., Asheville. Phone (828) 277-0998, visit www.gratefulsteps.com.

Saturday, March 10

The Broadcast CD Release Party With Antique Firearms 8 p.m., $10, all ages show at The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave., Asheville. (828) 232-5800 or www.thegreyeagle.com.

Sunday, March 11

Emerging Artists Exhibit The Black Mountain Center for the Arts, located in the old City Hall at 225 W. State Street, hosts a gallery show featuring the works of students who

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Band rehearsals are held at Grace In The Mountains Episcopal Church, 394 Haywood Street in Waynesville. The first rehearsal will take place Thursday, March 8 at 7 p.m., and will last until 8:30 p.m. Anyone interested in joining the band should call Rhonda (828) 456-4880. Visit www.haywoodcommunityband.org

Saturday, March 10

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Auditions for Over the River and Through the Woods Readers Theatre Showcase production. Auditions from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Directed by Thelma Cousins. Roles available for 3 men and 3 women. All roles at ACT are open to anyone in the community. No experience is necessary to audition. All audition material is provided and will be available at the auditions.

Performances Friday, March 30 and Saturday, March 31, 2012 at 35below at Asheville Community Theatre; Sunday, April 1 at the Reuter Center on the UNCA campus. All performances are at 2:30 p.m. and all tickets are $5.

For more information please visit the Asheville Community Theatre web site at www.ashevilletheatre.org.

Friday, March 16

i mag i na tion Odyssey Gallery hosts a ceramic show featuring Jan Cothran, Paul Frehe and Tisha Cook. Opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. On display through Friday, May 4, 2012. Odyssey Center is in the ever-growing River Arts District, at 238 Clingman Avenue, two doors up from the Clingman Café.

March 22-31

Tartuffe Theatre UNCA will stage Molière’s 1664 satiric comedy, with seven performances in the university’s Carol Belk Theatre. “Tartuffe” is the story of a con man pretending to be a religious figure, and the family he tricks. Performances at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, with a 2 p.m. performance on Sunday, March 25. Tickets are $10; $8 for seniors, and $5 for students. Tickets available online, at the box office one hour before curtain, or by calling (828) 232-2291.

For details visit drama.unca.edu.

Sunday, March 25

Asheville Community Band Spring Concert begins at 3 p.m. in the Auditorium of Asheville High School on McDowell Street. Admission is $8.

Students admitted free. Scholarships will be awarded to college students who are majoring in Music Education. Call (828) 254-2234 for information.

Friday & Saturday, March 30 & 31

Keigwin + Company A knock-out fusion of pop culture and high art. Mainstage Dance Series, Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place, 8 p.m. Regular $35; Student $30. This performance is unsuitable for children.

Student Rush day-of-the-show (with valid I.D.) $10. Tickets/Info: (828) 2574530 or at www.dwtheatre.com.

Saturday, March 31

Language Is Music Artist reception from 5-7 p.m. Stephen R. Ham original monoprints installation, “Language Is Music, A Revealing of the Human Soul,” at the Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park, through April 9, 2012. Free and open to the public.

Saturday, April 7

Appalachian Pastel Society Spring Show Opening recepSandia Crest by tion 4-6 p.m. On Karen Chambers display March 30 through April 30, 2012 at 310 Art Gallery, Riverview Station, 191 Lyman St. #310, Asheville. Hosted by gallery founder, Fleta Monaghan. For information go to www.appalachianpastelsociety.org, or contact Fleta Monaghan at (828) 776-2716.

Oktoberfest Arts and Crafts Applications Hickory’s Oktoberfest 2012 is now accepting applications for Arts and Crafts vendors. Celebrating its 27th year, this annual festival will be held October 12, 13, and 14, 2012 in Downtown Hickory, NC. Estimated attendance is more than 100,000 for the three day event.

Oktoberfest’s Arts and Crafts show is a juried event, with prizes given for the top three artisans. Early registration (postmarked by August 1, 2012) is $100. Regular registration is $150. Electricity is available for an additional $25.

Applications are available on line at www.hickoryoktoberfest.com.

MARCH EVENTS ~ ANNOUNCEMENTS ~ OPENINGS ~ SALES 34 March 2012 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 15, No. 7

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Robin Bullock CD Release Concert Friday, March 23 at 8 p.m.

Every Thursday at 9 p.m. Singer Songwriter Showcase – Dan Coyle and Nate Tasker hosted by Wilhelm and McKay

Friday, March 2 – Sarah and the Saturday, March 3 – Matt

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Every Wednesday – Salsa Night Party. $5 cover per person. $8 per couple. Includes a salsa dance lesson at 8:30 p.m.

Secrets and Flesh and Stones

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Callie & Cats

by Amy Downs

A special concert celebrating the release of Robin’s Photo: Paul Schraub new CD, Majesty and Magic. Robin’s virtuosity on guitar, cittern and mandolin blends the ancient melodies of the Celtic lands into one powerful musical vision. Tickets $15. White Horse, 105C Montreat Road, Black Mountain, NC 28711. For more information call (828) 669-0816 or visit www.whitehorseblackmountain.com.

Chancy and Rather to be Chosen

Friday, March 9 – Harvest and

UNC-A Student Performances

international star Nate Tasker with five #1 Christian music hits in Australia, and one #1 in the UK.

Admission is $5 at the door for each performance, with students and children free.

Friday, March 16 – Tyler Her-

March 15 – Jazz Combos Concert under the direction of William Bares and Brian Felix. 7:30 p.m., Lipinsky Auditorium.

ring and Same Ol’ Sound

Saturday, March 17 – Michael McFarland and Arms of Mercy

March 18 – Chamber Music Concert – performances include the String Quartet and Brass Quintet. 4 p.m., Lipinsky Auditorium.

Friday, March 23 – Sarah and the Secrets and Shield of Salvation

Creatures Cafe

Corgi Tales

by Phil Hawkins

81 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28801

April 15 – Wind Ensemble & Symphony Concert under the direction of Milton Crotts. 4 p.m., Lipinsky Auditorium.

(828) 254-3636 www.creaturescafe.com

April 17 – Contemporary Music Concert – 20th and 21st century music as well as student compositions.

7:30 p.m., Lipinsky Auditorium.

National Writing Contests The Writers’ Workshop of Asheville, NC, is sponsoring the following contests. Any writer may enter, regardless of residence or experience.

For more information, call the Music Department at (828) 251-6423 or visit music.unca.edu.

Dragin

by Michael Cole

The awards for all contests are: 1st Place: Your choice of a 3 night stay at The Mountain Muse B&B in Asheville; or 3 free workshops (online or in person); or 100 pages line-edited and revised by our editorial staff.

In addition, ten Honorable Mentions will also be given.

Painting and Playing in Italy The Fine Arts League of the Carolinas is once again pleased to return to Italy with a trip to Tuscany between May 19 through May 27.

Based in Lucignano, a small Medieval hill town located south of Florence, our guests will comfortably lodge just outside the town walls in old world Villas with kitchens, modern rooms with baths, and a swimming pool.

2nd Place: 2 night stay at the B&B; or 2 free workshops; or 50 pages line-edited and revised by our editorial staff.

3rd Place: One free workshop, or 25 pages line-edited and revised by our editorial staff.

March 25 – University Singers Concert under the direction of Melodie Galloway. 4 p.m., Lipinsky Auditorium.

Ratchet and Spin

by T. Oder and R. Woods

23rd Annual Poetry Contest

Lucignano is centrally located in the heart of the Chianti region. Guests simply have to open their door and step out each morning to draw or paint the Tuscan landscape surrounded by Olive Groves and overlooking Cortona.

A member of The Fine Arts League staff will lead a daytrip to one of the surrounding towns to draw, paint or sightsee. Morning drawing and painting will be led by Fine Arts League instructors John Dempsey and Christopher Holt. Afternoon drawing or painting sessions with founder Ben Long.

Deadline: Postmarked by March 30, 2012

Hard Times Writing Contest Deadline: Postmarked by June 30, 2012

For more information, please contact the Fine Arts League of the Carolinas at (828) 252-5050, or visit www.fineartsleague.org.

For guidelines and more details visit www.twwoa.org www.jackiewoods.org • Copyright 2012 Adawehi Press

CLASSES ~ AUDITIONS ~ ARTS & CRAFTS ~ READINGS Vol. 15, No. 7 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — March 2012 35

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Cornerstone Cafe

Green Light Cafe

Mamacitas

Altamont Theatre

Diana Wortham Theatre

Guild Crafts

Mellow Mushroom

Amici Music

The Fine Arts League Of The Carolinas

The Guitar Trader

Neo Cantina

Jack of Hearts Pub & Restaurant

The New York Studio of Stage and Screen

Jewels That Dance

North Carolina Stage Company

Jimmy John’s

Rider’s Roost

Kanini's

Southern Highland Craft Guild

Karmasonics

Studio B

Luke Atkinson Furniture

Van Dyke Jewelry

Malaprops Bookstore/Cafe

The Wine Guy

alandeutschphotography.com

(828) 452-4252

www.myaltamont.com

www.dwtheatre.com

www.amicimusic.org

www.fineartsleague.org

Asheville Bravo Concerts

www.ashevillebravoconcerts.org

Asheville Lyric Opera

Double Exposure Giclee Fine Art Printmaking

www.doubleexposureart.com

www.ashevillelyric.org

Frame It To a T

Asheville Symphony

www.frameittoat.com

www.ashevillesymphony.org

FB Food Co-Op

Beads and Beyond

www.frenchbroadfood.coop

(828) 254-7927

Frugal Framer

Bistro 1896

www.frugalframer.com

www.bistro1896.com

Gallery Two Six Two

BlackBird Frame & Art

www.gallerytwosixtwo.com

www.blackbirdframe.com

Great Smokies Creations

Bogart’s Restaurant

(828) 452-4757

www.bogartswaynesville.com

Great Trade Solutions

The Chocolate Fetish

www.greattradesolutions.com

www.chocolatefetish.com

Great Tree Zen Temple

The Chocolate Bear

www.greattreetemple.org

www.thechocolatebears.com

(828) 250-3800

www.craftguild.org

(828) 236-9800

www.ashevilleguitartrader.com

www.jackofheartspub.com

www.ncstage.org

www.jimmyjohns.com

www.firesidecottages.net

www.kaninis.com

www.craftguild.org

(828) 259-9949

www.galleryatstudiob.com

lukeatkinsonfurniture.com

www.vandykejewelry.com

www.malaprops.com

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MAGGIE VALLEY

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unique asheville shops INTERVIEW WITH

Steven Eudy of The Guitar Trader

T

he Guitar Trader in West Asheville is a locally owned shop selling top quality used guitars and music gear.

They feature some of the best deals in WNC on used guitars, bass guitars, tube amps, effects and accessories.

Rapid River Magazine: Tell us a little

INTERVIEWED BY

DENNIS RAY

business because of those experiences.

I’ve learned a lot from watching others and by working for other people.

When you bring together my desire to be around other musicians, my sales back ground, and the opportunity that was presented to me here, it definitely seems meant to be. I’m doing what I love to do!

about The Guitar Trader. How did you get started?

RRM: How long have you

Steven Eudy: Long before “The Guitar

SE: 1 year, 2 months, and 24

been in business?

Trader” there was a business here called “The Consignment Center”. They sold everything from furniture to electronics but eventually ended up focusing on used instruments, thus “The Guitar Trader” was born. I was one of the regular customers and eventually became good friends with the owner, Steve.

In December on 2010 Steve told me he wanted to sell his inventory and move on.

I was able to purchase all of the inventory, the fixtures in the store, and the name “The Guitar Trader”. By January 1rst of 2011 I was the new “Guitar Trader.” One day, in the tradition of The Dread Pirate Roberts, I will find another “Steve” to be “The Guitar Trader,” lol.

days... but who’s counting?

RRM: Do you play the guitar? If so when did

SE: I love Fender Stratocasters! They are

you first become interested in playing the guitar?

SE: Of course! I’ve been playing since I was

12, and I’m 34 now and terrible at math, so you tell me how long that is, lol. My mom got me started actually. She has played guitar and sang since she was a kid. The first songs I learned to play were “Wipeout” and “Jingle Bell Rock.” She taught me a lot of “Boogie Woogie” type licks, “House of the Risning Sun,” and “Bad Leroy Brown.”

That was a really solid introduction to rock and roll and that type of fun, energetic, rock and roll is still my favorite type of music to play. We had a lot of good people around to teach us both and I took lessons as a kid too. I still take lessons!

RRM: What was it that made you get involved with dealing guitars?

SE: My intent in moving to Asheville was

to surround myself with good friends and musicians and somehow become a part of the music scene here. I’ve been fortunate to have made a lot of friends here in the last 10 years, and a lot of them are very talented musicians. I also have a pretty good background in sales. I’ve helped a couple people start up new businesses and I feel like life has been preparing me for having my own

Steven Eudy sells top-quality used guitars and music gear. Photo: Liza Becker

RRM: Do you deal more in

higher end vintage guitars or more recent issue used guitars?

mind up “on the spot”. Find a guitar that you can’t stop thinking about, then buy it!

RRM: Do you

SE: Yes! Lol, I actually started out with a

RRM: What do you see in the future for the

SE: Not yet!

pretty rough inventory. I had stacks of obsolete PA gear from the 80’s, speaker cabinets, a bunch of cheap guitars, no effects or accessories, and and maybe 2 or 3 “nice” guitars.

Through trading and reinvesting my profits I have grown the inventory to include about 100 guitars, some high end, a lot of midlevel priced, and I always keep around some entry level affordable guitars too.

RRM: What are some of your personal favorite guitars and why?

light, easy to play, and you get a lot of different tones. I listen to a lot of Steve Miller, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, and Stevie Ray Vaughn, all masters of the Stratocaster. I like how on a strat, even with a little distortion, you here the natural sound of the guitar come through. I like hearing the strings hit the fretboard, something that you don’t always get from other guitars. I like Telecasters too, but Strats are my favorite.

guitar market?

SE: Well, for me things can only keep get-

ting better. I’ve found a good niche in the market, and that’s what you’ve got to have.

I think less people are buying “new” these days because of the economy. I feel positive about the future though. I think our economy will get better but people will probably be more cautious with their spending. I think dealing “used” equipment is a good niche in either economy. Now is a good time to buy vintage guitars because prices are down. Still, some guitars are increasing in value.

When the economy gets better I imagine that all of these people who have had to sell their instruments to get through hard times will be out here shopping for “new to you” instruments. People are always going to want to play guitars. I think guitars have a solid future.

offer lessons?

And I think maybe I’ve offended a few people by saying “no, we don’t have the time or space”, Photo: Liza Becker but that is honestly the truth. I’m less distracted these days though and we are slowly making some room in the back for a lesson studio. I imagine we’ll offer lessons in the near future.

The Guitar Trader (828) 253-2003 732 Haywood Rd., Asheville

RRM: If someone is interested in buying a

vintage guitar can you give some advice as to what to look for?

SE: Of course! The holy grail of electric

guitars is always “Made in USA”, but look around for “Made in Japan” guitars from the late 60’s, early 70’s as well. Even in the 80’s and 90’s a lot of the MIJ guitars rival the quality of the USA guitars.

If you’re shopping for something to hang on the wall you might not be overly concerned about the playability of the guitar.

But, if you’re looking for something for a “collection” or something that you are going to play make sure that the neck is nice and straight, that the strings aren’t too high up off the fretboard, look for previous repairs, and check out all of the electronics. Most of all, don’t feel like you have to make your

The Fine Arts League of the Carolinas Annual Fundraiser

March 27, 2012 Cocktails Beginning at 5PM Dinner and Dancing at 8PM The Fine Arts League of the Carolinas Gallery in the

Grove Arcade, 14 Pack Square Place Food provided by local restaurants and members of AIR.

www.fineartsleague.org 828.252.5050

Fine Arts League of the Carolinas 362 Depot Street • Asheville’s River Arts District

Committed to teaching the realist traditions of the old masters.

Vol. 15, No. 7 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — March 2012 37

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John MacKah Spring 2012 Schedule WEEKLY Saturday Studio Classes

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The Guitar Trader : 732 Haywood Rd. (828) 253-2003 : www.AshevilleGuitarTrader.com

LUKE ATKINSON FURNITURE Family Owned and Operated Since 1955

PG.

Morning classes for beginners and intermediate painters on special projects: still-life, texture studies, color, and skill development. Easels provided, otherwise bring your own materials. Topics include: intro to oils; acrylics; use John Mac Kah of mediums; painting on panel; making your own materials; stretching canvas. Please RSVP. $25. Some materials fees may apply.

Thursday Night Painting

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Ongoing class for intermediate painters. Easels provided.

Still-life; finishing, self-directed projects, self-portrait. Bring your own materials.

Join any time. $25 Please call for more information.

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Create the Sofa You’ll Love

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Many Styles and Fabrics to Choose From Starting at $425

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Thank You for Voting Us #1

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38 March 2012 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 15, No. 7

Workshops in ContemRime Frost by John Mac Kah porary Realism with John Mac Kah. Weekends, Friday-Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bring your lunch and a beverage.

Studio Composition March 16-18 – This class is to prepare the student to work

and make decisions on location. We will cover atmospheric perspective, organizing spatial relations, and effects of light, then we will move to oils and develop value studies (underpaintings). Materials list provided on registration. Fee: $225.

Register by March 10 for $200.

Phenomenal Painting: Adding Atmosphere March 23-25 – Capture ethereal phenomena: fog, mist,

reflections, rain, shadows, and snow using a tonalist approach to oils. This is a studio class to lay the foundation for effective painting outdoors. Fee: $225. Register by March 18 for 200.

Natural Textures: Bring Them to Life April 27-29 – Learn how to build textures – bark, fur, grass, foliage – to produce natural patterns. Oils, combined with acrylics and egg tempera will be demonstrated. Fee: $225.

Register by April 21 for $200.

Pigment & Paint: What’s in your palette?

May 4-6 - Explore color on a practical level. Learn how

pigments and color are related and how to read the labels on a tube of paint. Friday 1-4 p.m.; Saturday 10-4; Sunday ‘John MacKah Classes’ continued on page 39

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‘John MacKah Classes’ continued from page 38

1-5 p.m. Fee: $175. Register

by April 27 for $150. This class is one of two in a series, the second is scheduled for June15-17.

Take one or both. Instructor: Ruthanne Kah.

Mountainside Dining at its Best Grandmother Lake, Grandfather Mountain, Oil on panel by John Mac Kah

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Painting a Mountain: Cold Mountain May 18-19 – We will spend three days at Mt. Pisgah and

Buck Springs to capture the unique view and weather system around Cold Mountain. All levels welcome. Materials list on registration. Fee $225. Register by May 12 for $200.

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Personal Palette: The Colors on Your Plate

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June 15-17 – The second of a two part workshop on color

and pigment. Fee: $225. Register by June 8 for $200. You need to be experienced with working in oils. Materials list on registration. Bring your lunch. Friday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Instructor: Ruthanne Kah.

WEEK-LONG, RESIDENTIAL WORKSHOPS

Joanne and the Girls

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6490 Soco Rd. • Maggie Valley, NC 28751 1 1⁄2 miles west of Ghost Town, East of the Blue Ridge Parkway

(828) 926-1730 • www.firesidecottages.net firesidecottages@charter.net Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

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April 15-20 – Painting Abazzo Style – the layering of colors

rich in oil and varnish mediums to create maximum depth and control. Painting will take place both in the studio and on-location. Some supplies provided by the instructor for an additional studio fee. Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts, Gatlinburg, TN, www.arrowmont.org.

June 3-9 – Oil in Plein Air: The Painter’s Craft – Mastering

the use of oils to craft a painting based on historically proven methods. We will make our own supports and grounds, as well as traditional oil-varnish mediums. Pure gum turpentine will be used in mixing mediums; odorless solvents in the studio. John C. Campbell Folk School, Brasstown, NC, www. folkschool.org.

Strains of Music, Inc. Waynesville’s Complete Music Store PG.

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ONGOING Instructor, Core Program through April 20, 2012. Fine Arts

League of the Carolinas, Asheville, NC. (828) 225 5050. Visit www.fineartsleague.org for more information.

The Finest Assortment of Chocolates, Candies, and Custom Gift Baskets

Study Abroad Program June 1-30 – Tuscany Italy: Paint and Play in Italy. Register

by April 1 for discount. Open Registration deadline: May 11, 2012. Classes by Ben Long, Christopher Holt, and John Mac Kah. Art History excursions to Florence, Rome

Save up to 30%

Summer 2012: Master/Apprentice Program Landscape Painting Intensive, Asheville

on Selected Musical Instruments

July 9 – August 10 – Five week intensive Summer Session: Register by May 11 to receive discount. Open Registration deadline: June 29, 2012. John Mac Kah, Instructor.

John Mac Kah 122 Riverside Drive, Asheville, NC 28801 (828) 225-5000 www.johnmackah.com mail@jmackah.com

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Vol. 15, No. 7 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — March 2012 39

85 Muse Business Park Waynesville, NC 28786 Give a Gift For Life PG.

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WNC’s Only Professional School for Stage and Screen 27 Different Classes and Workshops • • • • • • • •

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Audition Preparation Script Analysis Improv for Performance Movement for Actors Alexander Technique The Artist’s Way Intro to Design Acting for Film

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(917) 710-2805