2016-17 Season Preview:
Performing Arts & Live Theatre Guide of WNC
ARTS & CULTURE RAPID RIVER MAGAZINE’S
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August 2016 Vol. 19 No. 12
THE OLDEST AND MOST READ ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE IN WNC
Location: 82 Patton Avenue Downtown Asheville (828) 251-5796
2 Vol. 19, No. 12 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — August 2016
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ASHEVILLE, NC
Bethanne Hill
FORTY- FOURTH ANNUAL VI LLAGE
BILTMORE VILLAGE
www.SusanMPhippsDesigns.com 4 Biltmore Avenue - Downtown Asheville
Art
&
Craft Fair
2016/2017 SEASON
August 6 & 7, 2016 Saturday 10 –7
Sunday 12 – 5
A high quality art and craft fair held on the grounds of the Cathedral of All Souls.
114 Exhibitors Free Admission Rain or Shine
Book by
Bobby Goldman
A World Premier Musical
ALL IS CALM The Christmas Truce of 1914
JAN 25 - FEB 19
CRAFT FAIR T-SHIRTS
Wear a past craft fair t-shirt and RECEIVE $2 OFF a 2016 T-Shirt
George Brant
NOV 2 - NOV 20
DEC 7 - DEC 23
$17.95 each — Sm to 2XL available in Black, Pebble, Deep Red, Sapphire and Fatigue Green. Purchase at New Morning Gallery or by calling 828-274-2831.
by
SEPT 21 - OCT 9
by
Peter Rothstein
Jeeves in Bloom
MAR 15 - APR 2
?
Adapted by
Margaret Raether From the stories of
P.G. Wodehouse
by
Stephen Temperley
A FANTASIA ON THE LIFE OF FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS
d soon
announce Title to be
May/June 2017
www.ncstage.org • 828.239.0263
Vol. 19, No. 12 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — August 2016 3
AUGUST FEATURE ARTIST
Joseph A. Pearson Perception is Reality Perception is awareness, comprehension or an understanding of something. Picture this scene: You are out with friends having an interesting and lively conversation and just as you are about to make your point your friend receives a phone call and begins a lengthy conversation with the person on the other end or someone decides to text another party during your conversation. This Chilly: Personal relationships can be is a common scene in today’s social placed under strain when more attention is given to the device than to the person media driven society. present. I paint people as portraits and figures and my work embraces the concept of social realism by drawing attention to everyday conditions and situations. The scene above describes an example of my perception based on personal observation. The use of social media has greatly expanded global communication. Texting, tweeting and e-mailing allow for instant real time electronic communication anywhere in the world. However, there appears to be a wide disconnect when social media is used
during what seems to be an intimate social setting. My perception is that there is a dichotomy between the unifying element of social media and it’s tendency to disengage us from our immediate environment. I believe in the power of art to provoke and expand society’s re-imagination. I see my role as an artist as both observer and activist. I watch what’s going on around me, internalize and mix it with my own creative interpretation and reflect it back to society. The foundation of my training was attained at the Art Students League of New York, a school that teaches traditional drawing and painting.
Engaged: Even when we are alone preoccupation with our communication devices can distract us from attention to our immediate surroundings.
Joseph A. Pearson is a resident artist at the pink dog creative in the river Arts district. 348 Depot Street Ste. 130. Visit josephart.net or e-mail pearson@josephart.net
“We continue to be thrilled with the excellent service and magnificent frames that we get from BlackBird. They are a pleasure to work with, and make it a very easy and fun process for us.” —Margie and Rich Kluska, Asheville
WNC’S LARGEST SELECTION & MOST EXPERIENCED STAFF
pg.
36 MB
4 Vol. 19, No. 12 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — August 2016
365 Merrimon Ave • 225.3117 • blackbirdframe.com
CONTENTS 9 August 2016
ON OUR COVER
9
Volume 19, NO. 12
Richard Baker
The Starving Artist
10 12 14 15 16 7 8 13 18 36 37 38
22 27 28 33
Bob Martin / Riverview Station
The Modern Fine Art “Portrait” / Antiques
44th Annual Art/Craft Fair 11th Annual “Come to Leicester” Art Tour Asheville Gallery of Art Jane Molinelli’s ‘Layers’
Theatre “A Lee Smith Patchwork” UNCA
Greg Vineyard Art Classes Downtown Asheville Dougie MacLean
19 20 23 24 26 30
Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
‘Hiking the PCT - End of the Trail’ Written by John Swart
Waynesville Black Mountain
Laugh Your Asheville off Comedy Festival Drinks and Dining
Philosophy with Bill Walz
‘East Africa - The Masai Mara, Part Two’ Written by Eddie LeShure
‘Never Turn Around’ Written by Kinslyn Coffey ‘Closure on a Missing Hiker’s Journey’ Written by Phil Okrend
‘When a Nobody Kills a Somebody’ Written by Tom Davis
Spinning Discs Poetry Health
Wood Day at the Folk Art Center, 2016-17 Performing Arts Season Preview
CONTACT US: Rapid River Arts and Culture Magazine is a monthly publication in WNC. Mail: 85 N. Main St. Canton NC 28716 Email: Info@rapidrivermagazine.com Phone: (828) 646-0071
Only on www.rapidrivermagazine.com
New Short Fiction: Edited by Kathleen Colburn
Book Reviews
Johnnie Stanfield
Publisher/Layout and Design/Editor: Dennis Ray Proofreader: Michelle Crosby Newmeyer Poetry Editor: Carol Pearce Bjorlie
WebExclusives
NEXT MONTH
AUGUST
COLUMNS/ DEPARTMENTS
FEATURES
All levels of art supplies are found here at the Starving Artist
A Rainy Day
Distribution: Dennis Ray/Rick Hills Marketing: Dennis Ray/Rick Hills ADVERTISING SALES: Downtown Asheville and other areas — Dennis Ray (828) 712-4752 • (828) 646-0071 Dining Guide, Hendersonville, Waynesville — Rick Hills (828) 452-0228 rick@rapidrivermagazine.com
All Materials contained herein are owned and copyrighted © by Rapid River Arts and Culture Magazine and the individual contributors unless otherwise stated. Opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Rapid River Arts and Culture Magazine or the advertisers herein. © Rapid River Arts and Culture Magazine August 2016, Vol. 19, No. 12
Vol. 19, No. 12 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — August 2016 5
6 Vol. 19, No. 12 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — August 2016
‘A Lee Smith Patchwork’
Barbara Bates Smith’s One-Woman Show, Aug. 7 Appalachian Summer Theater Series at UNC Asheville’s OLLI to Premiere Barbara Bates Smith’s One-Woman Show, Aug. 7 The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UNC Asheville will present the premiere performance of A Lee Smith Patchwork, a one-woman show by Barbara Bates Smith, at 2pm on Sunday, Aug. 7 in the Reuter Center on campus. This performance, which features musical accompaniment by Jeff Sebens, is free and open to the public. A Lee Smith Patchwork features characters with a flair for storytelling all created by North Carolina novelist Lee Smith. The writer is no relation to the performer, Barbara Bates Smith, who portrays a mountain girl from Fair and Tender Ladies, a country singer from The Devil’s Dream, an evangelist snake handler’s daughter from Saving Grace, and a rural newspaper columnist from a story in Cakewalk. Barbara Bates Smith’s touring repertoire includes performances of a Ron Rash sampler and Go Granny D! Smith is a winner of a Southeastern Theatre Conference Best Actress award and has recently played featured roles in regional productions of Wit, Hamlet, Doubt, August: Osage County, and most recently 4,000 Miles at NC Stage Company. A Lee Smith Patchwork is the final show in OLLI’s 2016 Appalachian Summer Theater Series. For more information about OLLI events and programs, visit olliasheville.com or call OLLI at (828) 251-6140.
Theatre can’t be done again and again and again and again - it’s organic. — Kim Cattrall
PERFORMING ARTS By Staff Reports
“I think there is no world without theatre.” — Edward Bond
+
Faculty. Facility. Experience.
Find it at AcademyfortheArts.org
Jeff Sebens and Barbara Bates Smith in A Lee Smith Patchwork
5 Oak Street, Asheville, NC 28801 • 828.254.7842 info@afta-fbca.net • AcademyfortheArts.org
At the intersection of US Hwys. 19/74 and 441 Dillsboro, NC 28779
Summer Arts & Crafts
MARKET
Saturday, August 20, 2016 • 10am—4pm Arts & Craf ts! Mu sic!
Festival Foods! & Children’s Activities! Vol. 19, No. 12 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — August 2016 7
FINE ART
Social Media Musings #Now-Where-Did-I-Put-That-Hashtag?
By Greg Vineyard
Do you remember when the you even start typing! symbol “#” meant pound It’s PERFECT for reaching your sign? omniscient audience!” As in “When you are Sigh. done, press the pound I am using Microsoft on a PC, so sign,” or as it related to I’m already very used to that benefit. weights and measures? #ApologiesToMicrosoft. In addition Yeah, me, too. Because to business advantages, I like how #CardCarryingAARPMember social media has kept many of my and #LifeBeforeTheInternet. connections afloat until we can see Now, though, my life has each other in person again someday. evolved to the point that A long trek by miles is fairly at any given time when I instantaneous on my phone or Social Media Cat “ 2016, illustration encounter any situation or laptop. And despite all the changes, by Greg Vineyard scene, I’m thinking “Would email is still important. It also that be a good shot for my provides some stability for my contacts social media?” who only use email. Having the same For example, my rescue cat is watching me type account for 20 years (Literally! I joined EarthLink in right now. He is wondering why my moving fingers 1996, when Sky Dayton lived down the street from are not petting him, and whether I will give him treats. me in Hollywood.) has allowed me to be reachable by I look over at him and realize his earnest pose looks folks from the past. really interesting and I should take a photo. Not that I don’t also have addresses connected to Because #CatsRuleTheWeb. my website, my Google accounts, and etc. Remember As if you don’t already have enough pictures of my when people just had one land line in the kitchen with cat. Or cloud formations. Or close-ups of flowers. But a twisted-up cord? #Nostalgia. So, how does one the point really is that marketing in the age of social keep up when the Daily To Do List has become so media requires constant tending. For artists, sharing complex? In addition to rising 15 minutes earlier, it can can be about a process from start to finish, and the be useful to make … a chart! inspirations around creation, which pretty much covers Seriously. Create a grid with the days of the week everything. across the top, and your social media channels down At the moment, I am on the web, Facebook, the side, and plan your week’s intended topics and Instagram and Twitter for both my art activities as well posts. Enough space to notate times of day can also as my day job. That’s four core areas, doubled. And be helpful. There’s programs that can track all this, but actually, at work I have two Twitter accounts, which I need to see it on paper, and then check off boxes. involve multiple posts on about a dozen rotating One of the reasons people burn out on these duties topics. is because they keep it all in their heads, or on a three#FullNest Marketing traditions have changed a inch screen. Top-Of-Mind isn’t just for the brands we’re lot. There’s a more continual “Putting It Out There” selling, it’s also for our tasks. that can take quite a bit of time and effort, even Because #OutofSiteOutofMind. Yes, I’m abusing with scheduling tools. The avenues have shifted, the the symbol here. Because #PoundSignHumor. For audiences have widened, but the basics about content those who have not delved into social media yet, I generation still apply, in that it quite simply needs suggest picking one and just start. These channels to be good. Good words, good pictures, targeted are the leading edge of outreach. And don’t worry messaging. about running out of hash-tags — there’s plenty to go One must think about content as content and tools around. And it drives Microsoft’s Spell Check crazy, so as tools, and not the tools as the content. Um, unless there’s that. #WishingYouTheBest. the content is all about the tools. Because #GeekOutOnAllTheTools. Greg Vineyard is a marketing-communications I get asked about new channels very regularly. “Are professional, and an artist and writer living in Asheville, you on ‘SnorgleBlogZone’? ZaPOW Gallery carries his illustrations, prints and It’s AMAZING!! Your information disappears before cards. www.gregvineyardillustration.com
8 Vol. 19, No. 12 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — August 2016
COVER ARTIST
Paintings by Richard Backer
Richard Baker — Capturing the Moment Artist Richard Baker’s paintings reflect a naturalist’s keen eye for the glory of the Appalachian world around him. Trees, clouds, mountains, barns – under his hand all are rendered masterfully, with the finest of details whether in paintings or drawings. But it is his paintings of water that draw the most appreciation and acclaim. Art lovers and collectors visiting his studio come for the works that show water whether it is Lakes Summit or Logan, the French Broad or Pacolet rivers, or the mysterious pool of water he calls, simply,
“Secret Place.” Baker’s water shimmers with the natural light he captures on canvas. One senses a breeze playing across the surface of a lake or the coldness of a mountain stream coursing over its rocky bottom. Art collectors praise Baker for the realism and atmosphere in his paintings, reminiscent of the Hudson River School paintings. Like these master works, Baker’s paintings have a timeless quality that makes them good investments as well as aesthetic favorites.
By Staff Reports
His studio is open all day, nearly every day, because, he says, painting is “his breath.”
Visit Baker’s studio at 344 Depot St. in Asheville’s River Arts District. A gallery of some of his work is available for sale on his website, richardbakersstudio. com. He may be reached at (828) 234-1616 or RichardBakersStudio@gmail.com. Commissions are welcomed. IF YOU GO
The Starving Artist, art supply store, helps artists explore their talents By Staff Reports
Matthew Smith, the creator of The Starving Artist, saw a need for a wider variety of art materials in WNC. In 2010, he opened The Starving Artist in Hendersonville to fill that need. Perhaps the hight of the economic downturn wasn’t the best time to start this venture. But, in the era of big box stores and on-line shopping, The Starving Artist has not only survived, but has constantly found a way to expand as a locally owned, brick and mortar art supply store. Originally, The Starving Artist sold mostly painting and drawing materials and offered custom picture framing. As the demand grew, so did the selection and variety of inventory. The selection of existing mediums expanded. Less common mediums such as encaustics,
printmaking and scratch-boarding were added. Just as the art material selections grew, so did the framing choices and services. At last count, The Starving Artist had over 850 frames to chose from, not to mention a variety of ready made options. Other framing services such as custom cut mats, vacuum mounting and shrink wrapping soon followed. Most recently, The Starving Artist added a computerized mat cutter, which is able to cut highly detailed mats with multiple shapes, v-grooves and even a couple of tools to draw, write or emboss on the mat. Customers can now order custom cut mats in bulk quantities at an affordable price. In an increasingly digital world, some customers find
they need assistance getting quality digital photos for entering shows, updating their websites or printing, so in 2013, The Starving Artist launched photography and printing services. Giclee prints on canvas, watercolor or smooth fine art papers allowing artists to ‘Artist’ continued on pg. 25
Vol. 19, No. 12 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — August 2016 9
Riverview Station e or in the pl Ex
River Arts District Bob Martin – A Lifetime of Art
By Staff Reports
Bob Martin is known for both education and entertainment his amazing and diverse skills for the participants watching with both paint brushes of all Martin magically create a painting sized and shapes, and his deft in one session. He provided a and masterful handling of the delightful experience with his palette knife. running monologue as he worked. He has so many talents and His wealth of knowledge of skills to his credit it is difficult paints and pigments was clearly evident, and his demonstrations to name them all. And, he is a were attended by both aspiring notorious jokester and good sport. Bob Martin at work in his studio. and professional artists. Soon he was asked to teach hands-on Nothing will stop the artist classes by his avid fans and that that is the mighty force known led to wonderful classes in both as Bob Martin. palette knife and oil painting and his specialty, Martin came to 310 ART in the River Arts District in 2008 as a guest artist demonstrating ‘Martin’ continued on pg. 29 palette knife painting. His skill and humor was RV
191 Lyman St.
Riverview Station Asheville • Classes • Workshops • Demos
828-225-5000 JohnMacKah.com RV
pg.
11 RV
RV RV
10 Vol. 19, No. 12 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — August 2016
Shop, Eat, Explore. . . Everyday, All Year Round Riverview Station JOHN MAC KAH CLASSES If you are interested in joining a class, call and schedule for private lessons. His studio schedule varies with off-site teaching, painting trips, and the weather. WEEKLY: Thursday 7 – 10pm Saturdays 9 – 1pm (winter hours 10am – 2pm) Saturdays : 1 – 5pm (weather permitting) Landscape, Studio Workshops and Classes Available Private Instruction: 3 – 5 days in the studio or on location. Workshops: 1 – 5 day workshops at schools and for art groups of all levels. Events, like the weather are subject to change. Please contact us for before you visit.
RP
JOSEPH A. PEARSON Painter – Figures and Portraits RD
To place an ad on these ‘RAD’ pages please call Dennis Ray at (828) 646-0071
RS
Call (828) 225-5000
RF
Pink Dog DepotStreet, Street,Ste Ste120 130 Pink DogCreative, Creative,348 348 Depot
RC
RL
in the River Arts District • 504 615-4998
RV RP RG RJ RT
RB
RL
RV
RN RD RL
Vol. 19, No. 12 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — August 2016 11
Shop, Eat, Explore. . . Everyday, All Year Round
‘Good Night San Francisco,’ 16” x 20” oil painting by Sahar Fakhoury
‘Together,’ 16”x 20” in. oil painting by Sahar Fakhoury
The Modern Fine Art “Portrait” Sahar Fakhoury will show preliminary sketches, illustrating the artist’s approach to commissioned oil paintings to creating a special piece of art for her patrons, at Trackside Studios from August 1-31. “Commissions are great way for my patrons to have exactly what they want in a piece of fine art to enjoy in their home,” believes Fakhoury. “Subjects vary from portraits, landscapes, still lives, abstract and everything else in between. I have been painting commissioned pieces for a long time. However, this year I ventured down two new avenues - painting live, and painting a child’s ‘portrait’ through their toys.” Traditionally, portrait artists paint from observation of a sitting subject, or multiple subjects, in isolation in their studios. The sittings are often supplemented by studio sketches and photos, since the creation of the portrait can be time-consuming. For live painting, the artist paints during a special event, such as a wedding, to create a lasting fine art memory of the occasion.“One of the first well known … Live Painting events was
done during the 1976 Summer Olympics by LeRoy Neiman. In 1990’s, Live Painting began to evolve from the street and graffiti art scene. Today, Live Painting is a growing movement among visual artists around the world…. With each artist bringing his own style, each performance is unique, amusing and revolutionizing,” according to Live Painting artist Nataliya Tyaglo. No one needs to stand still for live painting; rather portrait subjects can just simply enjoy the event while the painting is being done. The performance of the visual artist becomes part of the event for guests, who can watch the progress of the painting. And a live painting commission is a memorable experience for the artist, too! “In contrast to live painting,” says Fakhoury, “I have also enjoyed working on custom still life paintings for children in the studio. I include their names and their toys, books or whatever fits their personality. A playful composition makes me happy while I work, and makes the family happy with a
Antiques at Riverview Station Come with me, back to a long lost time that was not automated and wired in, a time we left behind and are so happy to find. Antiques At Riverview Station is not the “cookie-cutter” type antique shop you find all over the South. Nothing lacy or cute is to be found; but treasures await you. Housed in an old tannery building built in 1900 on the banks of the French Broad River; Antiques At Riverview Station has served Asheville for six years. Inside these walls you can find the business window out of the old Biltmore Post Office, a Soap-box derby racer, 1920s pedal cars, and the list goes on and on.
Nick and Gina’s at Biltmore Estate, 30” x 40” oil painting by Sahar Fakhoury By Staff Reports
one-of-a-kind piece of art made specially for their child.” This modern ‘portrait’ depicts the child’s personality through his or her eyes in the child’s world of play. The final piece is one even a young child can also love through their connection to the beloved toy. Other work by Fakhoury can be seen at the Asheville Gallery of Art in downtown Asheville. She also offers oil painting classes in her Trackside studio. For further information about this artist, visit her website at www.saharart.com. Her email address is saharafakhoury@gmail. com Trackside Studios is located at 375 Depot Street in the River Arts District of Asheville, NC. Trackside is open daily from 11 am- 5 pm.“ IF YOU GO
By Staff Reports
The business is also home to artists in all mediums. Potters, jewelers, woodworkers and blacksmiths are just a few of the talents represented; but the true heart of this remarkable shop lives in the antiques. Stop by and spend an hour or a day. Just what you’re looking for is here, and a ton of other things you never even knew you wanted, but can’t live without. All this and more are waiting for you at Antiques At Riverview. (828) 254-4410 191 Lyman St. Asheville. www.antiquesatriverviewstation.com
12 Vol. 19, No. 12 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — August 2016
Fill your home with history. Antiques At Riverview Station has just what you need and more.
ART CLASSES
Learn to Paint or Draw
ART CLASSES ARROWHEAD GALLERY MINI CLAY WORKSHOP Linda Falcone, 2 hr class (min. of 3 students) Make a mug, choose glaze, pick up or have shipped. Weds.13pm. Pre-register PHOTOGRAPHY FOR KIDS 1-12 and 1-5 July 1, 7, 9 BATIK T-SHIRTS 10:30-12 kids 8-12, July 23 VINTAGE LOOK T-SHIRTS - adults and teens 1-2:30, July 23 PRECIOUS METAL SILVER CLAY — adults 10-4pm, July 30 WATERCOLOR 101 with Lorelle Bacon — August 13 (Sat.) 10 to 4, $95 members $105 nonmembers. Includes supplies. All Classes held at Arrowhead Gallery and Studios, Old Fort For more information go to www. arrowheadart.org
310 ART
MARVELOUS MONDAY STUDIOS WITH LORELLE AND NADINE, BEGINNER AND UP. $27 Lorelle Bacon and Nadine Charlsen, Instructors rotate class dates for a comprehensive learning experience for you. Monday dates listed below. Morning 9:30-12:30pm, Afternoon: 1-4pm. Sign up for one, or take both sessions to paint all day. 310 ART WORKSHOPS THIS AUGUST: Here are the workshops: Fine Art of Alcohol Ink - Aug 6th Nature Printing with Encaustic Aug 13th and 14th Beginning Painting - Sept 10th Take the Fear out of Watercolor Sept 15th Encaustic Comprehensive - Sept 17th and 18th Silk Painting - Sept 27th Adult classes, beginner and up, most materials provided. Register online or at studio. www.310art.com, 310 ART, 191 Lyman St, #310, Asheville. gallery@310art.com (828) 776-2716
ART CLASSES: Want to list your classes coming in August? $25 includes 50 words INTERESTED? Call (828) 646-0071 • info@rapidrivermagazine.com
Vol. 19, No. 12 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — August 2016 13
OUTDOOR FAIR
The 2016 poster artwork (detail) by painter and illustrator Bethanne Hill.
Will a dog finally make the Village Art and Craft Fair poster? Matt Chambers hopes to see such a change as do dog lovers from the world over.
Art buyers are surrounded with fine arts and crafts from 114 artists and craftspeople in historic Biltmore Village
44th Annual Village Art and Craft Fair New Morning Gallery and Bellagio are proud to once again sponsor this premier art show that draws thousands of shoppers into Historic Biltmore Village. Held on the grounds of the Cathedral of All Souls, the fair will feature 114 artists and craftsmen from across the country exhibiting everything from paintings, sculpture, and hand blown glass to jewelry, ceramics and textiles. This year the show has 30 first time exhibitors and includes artists from 17 different states. Both New Morning Gallery and Bellagio are located just steps away from the Craft Fair and are essential shopping destinations. Owner John Cram is a significant presence in the arts scene of the Asheville community. In 2013, he received the state’s highest civilian honor, the North Carolina Award for fine arts. He was also recently awarded an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from the University of North Carolina Asheville for founding and sustaining cornerstones of Asheville’s creative culture. Opened in 1972, New Morning Gallery has grown into a 13,500 square foot space of “Art for Living.”
This high quality gallery delightfully displays furniture, pottery, glassware, jewelry, garden art and much more all handcrafted by American Artisans. Bellagio is located in the same building as New Morning Gallery and showcases distinctive clothing, accessories and jewelry designed by acclaimed American artists. Cram also celebrated the rich art and craft heritage of the region by opening Blue Spiral 1, a fine art gallery in downtown Asheville representing Southeastern fine art and crafts. He followed that by buying the dilapidated theatre next-door revitalizing the Fine Arts Theatre where everyone can now enjoy first run art and independent films. Next came the opening of an additional clothing store downtown, Bellagio Everyday, offering comfortable innovative clothing for women at work and on the go. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the 44th Annual Village Art and Craft Fair. Whether you have attended for years or are planning to visit for the first time, you are sure to enjoy this event. Each year an artist is chosen to create the design for the unique commemorative
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Craft Fair posters and t-shirts which are available for purchase at New Morning Gallery. The highly anticipated designs have made the posters very collectible and many customers have accumulated quite the collection over the years. Painter and illustrator Bethanne Hill is responsible for this year’s fabulous image which of course continues the time honored tradition of featuring a cat as part of the shows advertising. However, Cram is the owner of four dogs and (currently) no cats, so next year …“Look out Kitty – it may be time for the “Hounds of Cramville” to invade the VACF posters!”
IF YOU GO
The 44th Annual Village Art & Craft Fair 2016
On the grounds of the Cathedral of All Souls in Historic Biltmore Village, Asheville Saturday, August 6,10-7pm. Sunday, August 7, Noon to 5pm. No Admission Charge. Held Rain or Shine.
FINE ART
Valerie Berlage —Hand-crafted Mirror
Deanna Lynch — textile artist
Rachel Clearfield “Cattail Pond” painting
Cat Jarosz — functional pottery
11th Annual “Come to Leicester” Art Tour August 20-21 Artists open their studios for demonstrations and work There are 19 talented artists opening their studios to demonstrate and show their work. Included in this year’s tour are award winning potters, doll makers, a quilter, broom maker, jewelers, painters, blacksmith, weaver, silk painter, candle maker and woodcrafters. Not only are the studios interesting, but the surrounding countryside is fabulous with a
delightful view from every location. Addison Farms Vineyard is the site of several new guest artists where you can enjoy their art and taste a glass or two of local wine. In Sandy Mush (a stunning valley within Leicester) stop by the old Leicester school (now the Sandy Mush Community Center) and get a bite of lunch by local Charles Brown and family. This unspoiled
By Laurie Brown area is a true oasis and home for three of our participating artists. Enjoy your time looking at stunning art and the beautiful countryside. IF YOU GO
The 11th Annual “Come to Leicester” Art Tour from 10-6pm, August 20-21. For more info visit www.cometoleicester.org
By Virginia Pendergrass
(Left-Right) “Estatoe Falls,” 16 x 24 in., “Aspen,” 16 x 24 in., “Looking Up,” 11 x 14 in. All are black & white photographs printed on metal by Steve Owen
Etude with Black And White Works by photographer Steve Owen
Works by photographer Steve Owen are being featured August 1-31 at Art Works Brevard, located at 26 Broad Street in Brevard. Owen’s photographs consist of new work in black and white, which capture the essence of shapes and mood in the landscape. The public is invited to meet the artist at a reception
during the Brevard Gallery Walk on Friday, August 26. Brevard residents are familiar with Owen as owner of a top-flight real estate agency in Brevard. Many, however, may not know about his beloved avocation of photography. “Photography for me is a form of meditation,” Owen says, “It forces me to slow down and be in the moment.” As a consequence of this meditative approach,
Owen focuses on scenic shots rather than images with lots of activity. In the past, he chronicled the beauty of NC waterfalls and winter scenes, the Blue Ridge, and the coast of NC in vibrant color. For this show, however, “I explored using black and white photography,” relates Owen. “This is relatively new for me and I find it makes me concentrate more on the subject, rather than get engrossed in the lush greens and other colors that we so commonly find in this area. I try to keep my compositions simple.” The photos for this show are all printed on metal. “Again, something new for me,” Owen reveals. IF YOU GO
Other work by Steve Owen is available online at www.steveowenphotography. com. For further information about the show, call Art Works Brevard at (828) 553-1063
Vol. 19, No. 12 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — August 2016 15
it is V
Asheville’s Longest Established Fine Art Gallery with 31 Regional Artists August
Asheville Gallery of Art August's Artist
Jane Molinelli ‘those long summer shadows’
Jane Molinelli ‘nothing can be known’
Jane Molinelli ‘gonna stand my ground’
Jane Molinelli’s ‘Layers’
Emotions found in memories and experiences expressed through layers of color “The name of the show comes most literally from my process of working in layers of paint, but also from the more abstract sense that my work contains different layers of meaning for each viewer,” says Jane Molinelli who describes herself as a contemporary expressive painter. “Rather than capturing a scene or object, I use color and line to convey an emotional connection found in shared places, memories, and experiences.”Molinelli works both in oils and acrylics to create work that is bold, energetic, colorful, and thought provoking. She says she discovered her “art tribe” early. “Even at a young age, I gravitated to the
modern section of any art museum I visited, and was always attracted to the abstract expressionists.” She believes color and line are powerful tools that can speak to us on a deep emotional level in a universal language we all share. The artist began her work as a fiber artist. She settled in Asheville after attending Penland School of Crafts where she studied weaving. “I spent years as a craft book editor, but realized my heart belonged back with the visual arts. Once I started painting, I knew I was truly home.” Molinelli lives in Asheville with her husband, Jim LaFerla. Her work is found both in private
collections and corporate settings and can be found at Asheville Gallery of Art in downtown Asheville and at 310 Art in the River Arts District. “Layers” runs August 1-31. The public is cordially invited to a reception on Friday, August 5, 5-8pm. Molinelli ’s work and that of the other 30 gallery members will be on display and for sale through the month during regular hours, Mon. - Sat., 11-6pm Sunday 1- 4pm. 82 Patton Avenue in Downtown Asheville, across from Pritchard Park.
Interview with Jane Molinelli Rapid River Magazine: You call your work nonobjective. What does that mean? Jane Molinelli: Because we perceive art without using words, we react on a subconscious or even visceral level to color, line, and composition to inform us as to what the painting means to us. This is just as true for paintings of scenes or objects as it is for work that doesn’t have a particular subject. Rather than depict what I see, I try to capture an
energy or emotion in my work. RRM: What inspired you to work this way? JM: My Dad introduced me to the Impressionists at an early age when visiting Chicago’s Art Institute. From there, I explored the abstract expressionists who showed me how nonobjective art can convey emotion, energy, and memory. At any international museum you can
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watch people from different cultures pause ‘Molinelli’ continued on pg. 25
FEATURE ARTIST
SEPTEMBER 2016 Everett Schmidt
Pastel Artist — Landscapes with emotion.
Asheville Gallery of Art
Mary E. Decker
Asheville Gallery of Art • 82 Patton Avenue, Downtown Chartreuse Moose Fine Art • chartreusemoose.com
Vol. 19, No. 12 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — August 2016 17
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More of what Makes Asheville Special:
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Singer-Songwriter for ‘The Last of the Mohicans’ Dougie MacLean comes to Diana Wortham Crowd favorite him one of Scotland’s Dougie MacLean preeminent singermakes a special songwriters. Highly popular performance on and often requested Wednesday, August among Asheville audiences, 17, 8pm. with his last appearance Making Asheville at Diana Wortham one of only three Theatre in May of 2013, stops on a short MacLean’s music has been US tour prior to his Dougie MacLean recorded by hundreds of artists worldwide and appearance at the been the subject of three Rocky Mountains BBC television music Folks Festival in documentaries. Colorado, MacLean performs a Asheville audiences can expect stunning selection of his new songs a variety of songs in Dougie along with much loved classics. MacLean’s set, including new MacLean’s unique blend of compositions and a few classic hits roots-based songwriting has made Drug and alcohol addiction is painful. Finding the right treatment doesn’t have to be.
such as “Caledonia,” which made him a musician to watch and ranked him among top contemporary tunes in Scotland after its release. Other fan favorites will include “Ready for the Storm,” “Turning Away,” and “This Love Will Carry.” In addition to contributing to Hollywood soundtracks such as The Last of the Mohicans, MacLean has built his reputation for excellence at concerts and music festivals worldwide, including Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall, London’s Festival Theatre, and New York’s Carnegie Hall. In 2014 MacLean performed at the closing ceremony of the XX
Songwriter, guitarist and fiddler Dougie MacLean graces the stage at Diana Wortham Theatre. Wednesday, August 17, 8pm. Tickets: Regular $38; Student $33; Child $20; Student Rush day-of-the-show (with valid ID) $10. Tickets/Info: (828) 257-4530 or at www.dwtheatre.com IF YOU GO
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Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, viewed by 40,000 live and over one billion people in 71 countries worldwide. Most recently, MacLean’s tour has taken him to venues and concerts in Spain, Australia, Ireland and Denmark.
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18 Vol. 19, No. 12 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — August 2016
Downtown Asheville — Dining • Shopping • Galleries • Music 10th Annual Laugh Your Asheville Off Festival
The Southeast’s largest comedy festival celebrates with stand-up from all around the world
The Southeast’s largest comedy festival celebrates ten years in Asheville this summer with stand up comedians from all around the world. Since its first two day festival in 2006, The Laugh Your Asheville Off Comedy Festival has grown into one of the country’s most prestigious comedy festivals among both comedians, comedy industry professionals and fans. The five-day festival will be showcasing 70 of the nation’s funniest comics in the industry today. The comics flock into town to turn the heads of the audiences, major TV network executives, casting agents, talent bookers, and comedy club owners that have traveled to the festival to discover comedians in an atmosphere designed to set the performers up for success.”The festival has nurtured its reputation for being very comic and comedy industry friendly by staying true to what we believe a comedy festival should be. FUNNY, classy, informative for the performers and comfortable for everyone from our comics all the way to our audience with the million moving parts in between including crew, sponsors,
volunteers, local talent and local businesses. We don’t complicate winning. We put high value on production detail because that’s what we would want from a big comedy show.” says Charlie Gerencer, festival Executive Producer/ Director and production company executive. Every year, Asheville is given a front row seat to see comedians from all around the world first. Many festival alums have gone on to great success including booking television and movie roles such as Seaton Smith (from the 7th year) who found himself in a supporting role on Fox’s Mulaney with David Spade. The 8th year’s headliner Chris Monty was in Mall Cop 2. And most recently, last year’s headliner, Chris Roach, will be starring in a new Kevin James comedy airing in October on CBS.And it’s no wonder so much talent makes its way on to the Laugh Your Asheville Off stages. Los Angeles based Event Producer, Charlie Gerencer, is a comedy Carl Labove business veteran. Charlie has a full time career as head of comedy television development for Pygmy Wolf Productions in Los Angeles where he manages the ‘Laugh’ continued on pg. 31
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Drinks &Dining Guide 2016 Asheville Wine and Food Festival Aug. 19-20 The 2016 Asheville Wine & Food Festival makes it possible to sample every delicious flavor Asheville has to offer. The GRAND TASTING is the largest culinary gathering of its kind in downtown Asheville. Join the Festivalians gathered to experience a riot of local and international wineries, local Beer City and area breweries, restaurateurs and chefs, farmers and artisan food producers.
Meet farmers, chefs, cookbook authors and artisan beverage makers, as well as regional crafters. Culinary events will take place throughout the day including Blind Wine & Beer Tasting and Winery Competitions. Armed with a wine glass, a Festival Program and Festival App, festival goers choose their own culinary adventure on each floor, enjoying wine and beer with sweet and savory morsels all for one ticket price. Don’t miss your opportunity to taste for yourself what so many others have found to be true. IF YOU GO
August 19 - SWEET - Friday from 8-10 PM (Historic Grove Arcade One Page Ave, Asheville)
August 20 - GRAND TASTING VIP early access 1-7pm (VIP Special Floor opens 4-7pm at the US Cellular Center 87 Haywood Ave, Asheville) pg.
26 WB
I don’t go long without eating. I never starve myself: I grab a healthy snack. — Vanessa Hudgens
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August 20 - GRAND TASTING General Admission 2-5pm (US Cellular Center 87 Haywood Ave, Asheville) For more info and tickets visit: www.ashevillewineandfood.com
Drinks&Dining Guide The 2nd Mountain Jewish Festival August 21 Agudas Israel lunch and for large size Congregation is purchases. presenting its second Don’t miss the MOUNTAIN JEWISH opportunity to come, FESTIVAL on Sunday, see and learn how we August 21, 11-4pm at the celebrate our Jewish synagogue (505 Glasgow holidays and how we Lane, Hendersonville). observe Shabbat. This year’s festival Meet and greet our Photo 1. (left to right) Rabbi Sandy Marcus, Joan Kershner and Marlene Wiener offering tastes of Passover. will include more food, Rabbi, Rachael Jackson, Photo 2. Homemade Rugalach more transportation and as she conducts Life Cycle more parking for your events in the sanctuary. convenience. Increased Satisfy your curiosity parking will be available in the area, with frequent shuttle buses to the about the Jewish customs of a Jewish Wedding (11:30am & 2:30pm), Bar Festival. Handicapped parking will be in the synagogue parking lot. This and Bat Mitzvah (12:30pm & 3:30pm), and Baby Naming/Circumcision Festival will feature tidbits of Jewish food and traditions. (1:30pm). Live Music under the tent‌featuring song leader, Penny White. Homemade traditional Jewish food will be served and sold including: Chicken Soup with Matzah Balls, Chopped Liver, Kugels (noodle Free Admission. Food tickets will be sold at the door. In addition, IF YOU our Judaica Boutique will be open and stocked with beautiful pudding), Potato Latkes (pancakes), and Homemade Baked Goods: O G Mandelbread, Rugalach, Hamentashen, and braided Challahs. In new items. Cash, check and credit cards will be accepted. Call the addition, Pastrami, Corned Beef, Knishes, Bagels with Lox Cream synagogue office at (828) 693-9838, or visit our website: www. Cheese, Babka (sweet yeast cake), and more, will be available for agudasisraelsynagogue.org
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Vol. 19, No. 12 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — August 2016 21
FINE CRAFT
Creative fusion of talent finds the art of “Fellowship” 50 Guild members exhibit works of collaboration in Folk Art Center gallery It is not often to find artists crammed together in a studio, piecing together ideas of varied elements to form a masterpiece. The notion that creatives generally lead isolated lives, perhaps even deemed ‘lone wolves,’ is evident in celebrity of craft media, established through collector bases and patronage. However, at the root of artistic expression, makers often tap into their human need for connection. In the upcoming exhibit “Fellowship,” over 50 members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild showcase works of collaboration – dispelling the individual ego and finding value in community. The upstairs main gallery will feature over 30 pieces, crafted and fused through multiple hands. The exhibit opens on Saturday, August 13 and is free to the public through Sunday, November 6. The Guild, founded in 1930, formed on the idea “Economic success was greater through a community rather than on the individual.” Presbyterian missionary Frances Goodrich worked in building relationships among mountain communities, in particular female weavers, to start cottage industries. The legacy of small creative businesses continues today through the human artistic network that the Southern Highland Craft Guild offers members. Diane Getty and Tommye Scanlin have been friends since meeting in graduate school at East
Robin Ford partnered with jeweler Amolia Willowsong in an embroidered tapestry titled “Water Music.” Tennessee State University. For a crafts person, one’s hands are essential and both Getty and Scanlin have had challenging hand injuries and surgeries that have affected their ability to make artwork. “Fellowship” became an opportunity to express their appreciation for regaining dexterity. Their piece, “Healing Threads,” is a mixmedia assemblage of handwoven tapestry and collographic prints. The prints were designed from x-rays of Getty’s hands, taken prior to surgery, and applied over a tapestry woven by Tommye, the first one she was able to do, several months after a severe accident to her hand.
“We are both very grateful that our hands have recovered enough from the surgeries and the injury so that we are able to work in the stitching and weaving that we love,” says Getty. “We’ve found the process of making artwork one of the paths toward emotional healing from physical trauma.” Other members have also joined up in teams for varied collaborations in 11 different media. Batik and fiber artist Robin Ford partnered with jeweler Amolia Willowsong in an embroidered tapestry titled “Water Music.” Building from one of Willowsong’s beaded bracelets, the two created free form shapes that are intimately layered with color and wax. With their headquarters in the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Folk Art Center, the Guild offers visitors a variety of experiences with the craft form, from their oldest store, Allanstand Gift Shop, to two galleries, an interior design space, a library and archives, and their Permanent Collection Gallery. The main gallery is upstairs in the Folk Art Center and is open year-round with free admittance.
The building is open daily from 9-6pm. Show runs: August 13 – November 6, For more information call (828) 2987928 • or visit www.craftguild.org IF YOU GO
70 Main Street • Clyde, NC 28721
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ZEN AND THE ART OF LIFE “The arts of Zen are not intended for utilitarian purposes or for purely aesthetic enjoyment, but are meant to train the mind, indeed, to bring it in contact with ultimate reality.” - D. T. Suzuki Zen and the art of (fill in the blank)” has become a familiar phrase, a way to describe engaging in an art form, sport or activity at the highest level, a level where the person seems less like they are “doing” the activity as “being” the activity. “Zen and the Art of Archery,” “Zen and the Art of Pottery,” “Zen and the Art of Tennis,” Zen and the Art of Flower Arrangement,” “Zen and the Art of Writing,” “Zen and the Art of Painting,” and the famous “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” are all book titles dealing with complete immersion into the moment where self and activity become one. Meditation begins with Zen and the art of breathing. When we see the words “I am breathing,” from our conventional perspective we understand this to mean this person “I” am engaged in the activity of “breathing.” There are two phenomena: “I” and “breathing.” One is doing the other. In Zen the same words, “I am breathing” imply one phenomenon. It is saying that in this moment the entire experience of “I” is the phenomenon “breathing.” I am breathing. In that moment, in answer to the question, “Who am I?” The answer is “breathing.” So, for example, Zen and the art of tennis, is “I” as the phenomena of tennis racket, ball, court, body moving, eyes concentrating and tracking, mind calculating angles, opponent’s movements, etc. These are not all different and separate phenomena; there is just this one field of integrated and connected experience that is this moment in awareness. Sometimes this is called “flow.” In sports it is often called, “in the zone.” The experience of “I” doing has shifted into “I” being the activity, which amounts to there being no “I” experienced as the doer. When this occurs, what is being done takes on a beautiful sense of unity as the moment in action and the skill level become “peak” while the experience is both relaxed and exhilarating, transcendent and thrilling. In fact it would qualify as what psychologist Abraham Maslow would describe as a “peak experience.” The person so engaged will afterward be astonished at what they have accomplished, unable to explain it. So, as D.T. Suzuki suggests, “art” in Zen brings us in contact with ultimate reality. This is why, while painting and calligraphy and music, and those activities usually associated with “art,” can be elevated with the descriptor “Zen,” so too can
“chopping wood and carrying water,” as in the famous Koanic response to the question, “What is Zen?” The point of any of these activities is “ultimate reality.” To be flow; in the zone. What is “ultimate reality?” The point of Buddhist teaching and of wisdom teachings from all over the world is to point us to ultimate reality. This could be, and has been, described as “God,” but this is a word carrying too much confusion, disagreement and conflict in its application; and confusion, disagreement and conflict are not Zen. Reality is Zen, ultimate reality is Zen. There is no confusion, disagreement and conflict in ultimate reality. Ultimate reality is here-and-now. And hereand-now is the universe, infinite; how could it be anything else? One very insightful definition of God was given to us by Carl Jung who said it is “a word meant to express all that is not ego.” The ego makes here-and-now (infinitely vast and unified) into here and now (two things rather than one integration) small and personal, the space and time around “me.” Of course, hereand-now, is all eternity and infinity; where could its boundary possibly be? This is Zen. And within it is the space and activity around “me.” How could I be excluded except by delusion of my ego. Ultimate reality is here-and-now. Where, when and what else could be? Ultimate reality is the Universe, not as we perceive it with our senses, but as the underlying interdependent fields of energy that our senses are incapable of perceiving except as separate objects, but we are able to intuit as connected. Where is there a gap? Where is there a dividing line? In ultimate reality there is just energy, matter energy and consciousness energy, all interconnected. There is just this moment arising in matter/consciousness energy, everywhere, infinitely. Eckhart Tolle once answered the question of who we were as “the moment arising in awareness.” The moment arising, here-and-now, with this body and mind, these eyes and hands and brain in the service of this physical moment, here-and-now. Tennis, anyone? How about chopping some wood? Carrying water? This moment, here and now without ego becomes ultimate reality, here-andnow as painting, archery, tennis, chopping wood. Breathe the art of life. Pick up a paint brush. Pick up your guitar or tennis racket. Begin to dance. Write a poem. Chop some wood, sweep the floor, wash the dishes, walk a trail, as no one — just the action and the medium of the moment.
PHILOSOPHY By Bill Walz
Suzuki said it is not for utility or aesthetics. It is for contact with ultimate reality. What result other than the very best you are capable of can happen when you get self-conscious or distracted or lazy self out of the way. Ultimate Reality contacted and channeled. Life realized as art. Utility and aesthetics realized at its highest level, not aiming for utility or aesthetics. Mozart and daVinci would have told you the same thing; their art was in the service of God. It was God happening through them, they would tell you. It is prayer and meditation in action. Only Zen tells us this art is not only for music or painting, aesthetics or entertainment. It is for Life. No confusion, disagreement or conflict, just allow, and there is God, ultimate reality, this ordinary day, this ordinary action, perfect, everywhere that is not ego. Flow.
Bill Walz has taught 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. Information on classes, talks, personal growth and healing instruction, or phone consultations at (828)258-3241, e-mail at healing@billwalz.com Learn more, see past columns, video and audio programs at www.billwalz.com
Vol. 19, No. 12 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — August 2016 23
MUSIC REVIEWS
Spinning Discs
Neil Young is back with duck calls and crickets In my ongoing efforts to stay current with the many releases that cross my desk I’ll again try to keep my comments to around 150 words or less. So much music and so little space to cover it all! Neil Young + Promise of the Real ‘Earth’ Reprise Records Duck calls, dog barks and the chirping of crickets? What exactly is the ever twitchy Young up to? This live collection finds him at his adventurous best and self indulgent worst, enhancing perfectly great songs with the intrusive sounds of nature calling. It’s an environmental statement of sorts (he is, after all, the co-founder of Farm Aid) that works better as concept than execution. Promise of the Real add new spark to older songs (and Young still plays a mean guitar) but with the exception of the rarely offered “Vampire Blues” much of this is overly familiar to long time fans. Mostly Earth serves as a painful reminder of how poorly the new material compares to previous glories, with Young’s continued railing against big box stores and greedy corporations reducing him from activist to crank old man. It’s hard to imagine the same guy who wrote “Cinnamon Girl” inflicting the banality of “A Rock Star Bucks a Coffee Shop” upon an
unsuspecting world. *** Cowboy Mouth ‘The Name of the Band Is Cowboy Mouth: The Best of (So Far)’ I’ll admit up front to never quite understanding the attraction of this Louisiana based band, a hybrid mix of pop/rock/Cajun that inexplicably choose a name sounding like an infectious disease. But for two decades they’ve bucked the odds, maintaining and building upon a fiercely loyal fan base that loves their CM. Having said that I’ll readily admit that the nine tracks culled from various phases of the band’s history-nicely supplemented by a trio of new recordingsoffers a different perspective of the group, demonstrating a maturation that speaks well of their perseverance and the breadth or their sound. It naturally opens with “Jenny Says”, the closest the band has to a hit, but newcomers would be wise to give “How Do You Tell Someone?” and the new songs repeated plays. Best Of (So Far) is both a tidy summation of their history and an excellent jumping on point, which I suspect is precisely what they had in mind. ***1/2 Dale Watson and His Lonestars ‘Live At the Big T Roadhouse’ Red House Records As this generous (over 30 tracks) collection reveals nobody, but
24 Vol. 19, No. 12 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — August 2016
By James Cassara
nobody, puts on a show quite like Dale Watson and company. Fully replicating the sweltering feel of those Texas nights-without the gyrating hips, cowboy attire and clanking of beer bottles-is a difficult challenge but it’s one that Live at the Big T Roadhouse nearly pulls off. The party like atmosphere of “I Won’t Rock No Cradle” is hard to resist while classic takes on “The Bottle Let Me Down” and “Deep in the Heart of Texas” proves Watson is looking for more than just a cheap thrill. Rousing, raunchy, expertly played and sung, on one heck of a lot of fun. **** Vincent Cross ‘Old Songs for Modern Folk’ Rescue Dog Records If the notion of setting contemporary concerns and language into traditional melodic phrasing appeals to you as much as it does me (think early Fairport Convention) then Irish born/NYC resident Vincent Cross should be right up your alley. Cross brings the trials and tribulations of the hard road to his music, but does so with authenticity, reverence and an irrepressible determination. The mix of guitar and banjo certainly speaks of Appalachia (“Michael Brown,” based on the English folk ballad “Louis Collins” is a perfect example) but time and again Cross gives the music a twist that is uniquely his. Even when singing of modern day issues‘Disc’ continued on pg. 30
The Academy for the Arts
at First Baptist Church of Asheville seeks to empower students
CLASSICAL & INSPIRATION MUSIC ‘Artist’ continued from pg. 9
Their Mission Faculty recitals are presented The Academy for every semester. Bach’s Lunch is the Arts at First Baptist a series of monthly mini-organ Church of Asheville concerts presented at First Baptist seeks to empower Asheville. Concerts are free and students of all ages and open to the public. Following the backgrounds in reaching Bach’s Lunch concerts, there is a $5 box lunch available for purchase. their greatest potential There are three extraordinary both as artists and as performance spaces available to human beings. Our music students at AFTA for individual highly-skilled teachers August Cover Artist Richard Backer values the quality of paint and recitals and group presentations. create an atmosphere of brushes supplied by the Starving Artist Varying in seating capacity for nurture and expectation A student learning the Saxophone audiences from 120 to 1200, all in which students pursue reproduce their artwork with high-quality. offer performers roomy stages, excellence in their The promotional print service offers high quality, state-of-the-art sound and recording artistic crafts, developing yet affordable rack cards, post cards, note cards capabilities, and are equipped with grand mature and disciplined character. and more to help artists promote themselves and Believing that artistic inspiration and talents pianos, as well as a 42-rank pipe organ in their work. the largest auditorium. The spaces all offer are gifts which need to be shared in order to As demand continues to grow, it is evident be fully realized; we offer regular and exciting comfortable seating, are accessible from that The Starving Artist will expand with it. ample parking, are supported by lovely opportunities for individual and group “Renovations are all ready under way to increase to reception halls, and are frequently in demand performance. footprint of The Starving Artist,” Smith says.“What by professional music groups throughout the gets added next, I guess we’ll have to wait and region. Opportunities see.” With all of these opportunities and more, Private and group music lessons are the Academy is thrilled to announce its third available for a variety of instruments, The Starving Artist IF YOU year! The fall term begins August 15th. including those of the classical cannon814 Kanuga Rd, Hendersonville GO voice, piano, organ, percussion, violin, viola, (828) 693-3191 For more information visit afta-fbca.net. cello, bass, harp, flute, clarinet, bassoon, wncStarvingArtist@gmail.com saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, and tuba-as well as Old Time Bluegrass and ‘Molinelli’ continued from pg. 16 work? Early Swing instruments such as fiddle, banjo, mandolin, dulcimer, guitar, and bass. AFTA in front of a Rothko, Frankenthaler, Twombly, JM: I don’t think about what people will see or celebrates a high standard of excellence Mitchell, or Kline. not see in a painting as I’m working. My process within our teaching staff. All our instructors These are objects made with the simplest seeks colors that are satisfying, a line that is hold at least one degree, and most of them of materials; cloth, paper, paint, charcoal, meaningful to the whole, and a composition that multiple degrees, in music from an accredited graphite. Yet, they speak to us in ways we can’t hangs together. Yet, I hope my work will always university/conservatory, or have equitable comprehend. They take us on a journey. provoke thought, convey a sense of mystery, or expertise in their genre. They unite us with a wordless language we all speak of connection. AFTA offers several choral ensembles. understand. It’s incredibly powerful. Asheville Youth Choirs are community choirs open to grades K – 12. The Asheville Youth RRM: How did you come to painting? Choirs include a High School Choir, a Middle School Choir, and a Children’s Choir, and sing JM: I started as a weaver. I loved the texture, in area churches, civic functions, seasonal color, and ability to create beautiful utilitarian concerts, and summer tours. The choirs offer objects. I also did batik, which gave me a sense the opportunity for children and teenagers of layering color. From nature and figure drawing to come together to enjoy the challenge and courses, I learned lines could be as expressive friendship found in creating beautiful music, as poetry. I had spent years as a writer and thereby making a positive impact in our editor and decided I didn’t want to be tied community and beyond. In addition to the to a computer. I wanted the physicality that Asheville Youth Choirs, AFTA is now a proud went along with making an object so I came to sponsor of the Asheville Symphony Youth painting. Orchestra. Their new home for rehearsals and concerts is the sanctuary at the First Baptist RRM: What do you hope people see in your Church of Asheville. Vol. 19, No. 12 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — August 2016 25
“Art is the stored
honey of the human soul, gathered on wings of misery and travail. “ —Theodore Dreiser
POETRY/OPINION Poems to reflect upon as our world grows more crowded
By Carol Bjorlie — “The Poet behind the cello”
WILD LIFE i thank you god for most this amazing day for the leaping greenly spirits of trees and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything which is natural which is infinite which is yes. e. e. cummings
Peregrine’s Roost, after whatever it was that got killed/uprooted there.”
This is the first verse of my most favorite prayer/poems. What a celebration these words are. I especially love the sound of blue true dream of sky. For the last two weeks in July, I will be in a cabin in the woods communing with the leaping greenly spirits of trees of Northern Minnesota. I admire this e.e. cummings poem because every day has the potential of an amazing day, and I want it to stay this way. However . . . apartments are going up in my neighborhood. Trees came down, earth was moved and rearranged to make room for 365 apartments. I imagine future light pollution. I love the dark we have, for now. I acknowledge that people need a place to live, but . . . I dread the loss of every tree and darkness. There are no street lights where I live. Stars and fireflies steal the show . . . for now. We have bears, deer, raccoons, birds, birds, birds, butterflies, humming birds, bees . . . for now.
MAD DOG Like a great yellow dog, the sun laps up the water in the creeks, and his hot panting breath curls the corn and sears the pasture brown. He runs wild through the dry summer as if no master could whistle him back,or drive him to cover in a kennel of clouds.
Aldo Leopold writes: “Conservation is a state of harmony between man and land. Here’s an amazing day poem from James Hearst:
Here’s a word from Minnesotan, Robert Bly, who once had a cabin on “our” lake. WHAT THINGS WANT You have to let things Occupy their own space. The room is small, But the green settee
Yehudi Amichai writes: Poetry remains the only language of the soul we have. Poetry is the pulse of human beings. To me, the following poem from William Stafford is full of hope: BEING A PERSON Be a person here: Stand by the river, invoke the owls. Invoke winter, then spring. Let any season that wants to come here make its own call. After that sound goes away, wait. A slow bubble rises through the earth and begins to include sky, stars, all space, even the outracing, expanding thought. Come back and hear the little sound again. Suddenly this dream you are having matches everyone’s dream, and the result is the world. If a different call came there wouldn’t be any world, or you, or the river, or the owls calling. How you stand here is important. How you listen for the next things to happen. How you breathe. And Wendell will have the last word: “Heaven,” said one of the frontier preachers, “is a Kentucky of a place.” But strip miners have harrowed Paradise, as they would harrow heaven itself were they to find coal there. Where a little town once stood in the shade of its trees by the riverbank, there is now a blackened desert. We have despised our greatest gift, the inheritance of a fruitful land. For the destruction of Paradise — there will be hell to pay.
“I acknowledge that people need a place to live, but . . . I dread the loss of every tree and darkness. There are no street lights where I live. Stars and fireflies steal the show . . . for now.”
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A word from Barbara Kingsolver: “We succumb easily to the prevailing tendency to pave places, build subdivisions upon them and name them The Willows or
Likes to be here. The big marsh reeds, Crowding out the slough, Find the world good. Even God says As he creeps up Into the field “Can I have my space?”
26 Vol. 19, No. 12 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — August 2016
Poets, let your pulse be heard. Consider Wild Life. Consider it’s loss.
BOOKS/WRITERS
New book offers a ‘Grand Tour’ Debut novelist Adam O’Fallon Price, whose previously published stories have appeared in The Paris Review, Glimmer Train, EPOCH, and Narrative, arrives this summer with The Grand Tour (Doubleday; August 9, 2016; $26.95) — a cinematic,
darkly comic road novel about two deeply flawed characters whose struggles with thwarted success, disappointment, regret, and the incessant fear of failure coincide during the world’s most catastrophic book tour. When Richard Lazar, a faded, alcoholic author, experiences unlikely late-career success with a memoir about his experience in Vietnam, he’s sent out on the road to promote his book. At the
August reading events for the kiddos Friday, Aug. 12, 6pm. Workshop for Teen Writers: Writing Dialogue with YA Author Robin Constantine. 90 min. Get tips on how to create engaging dialogue; learn dialogue pitfalls to avoid; and practice with an exercise to spark your creativity. Ages 13-18. Free with purchase of book. Details on our website at spellboundbookshop.com. Saturday, Aug. 13, 11am. Story Time with Author/Illustrator Vanessa Brantley-Newton Illustrator of the new book Mary Had a Little Glam, a fashionable and fun take on Mother Goose, as well as two books based on Bob Marley songs and many others. Expect stories, drawing, music, and FUN. All ages. Free. Friday, August 19th at 6pm. Teen Book Club for ages 14-18 meets to discuss book voted on by the group. Every Saturday at 11am. Story Time for ages 3 to 7 years. Free. Spellbound Children’s Bookshop, 640 Merrimon Avenue. (828) 708-7570.
first stop, he meets Vance Allerby, a young, aspiring writer, and his biggest fan. They embark on a promotional tour through the western United States that becomes a disastrous crucible, testing Vance’s faith in art and Richard, and forcing Richard to face the wreckage of his former life, including his failed marriage to a woman he still loves and his failed relationship with an estranged daughter who may not love him any longer. In The Grand Tour, Price imagines himself into the skin of one of the oddest literary couples located in American fiction in years. Tracing their journey from eastern Washington and Portland through
Northern California and all the way to NYC, readers will want to strangle Richard Lazar and smack some sense into Vance — but their misadventures and oddly-evolving relationship are both excruciatingly touching. Price was born in Los Angeles and grew up in the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia and Knoxville, Tennessee. He received an MFA from Cornell University, where he taught writing. His fiction has appeared in Narrative Magazine, The Iowa Review, Glimmer Train, EPOCH, The Paris Review, and elsewhere. He lives with his wife in Chapel Hill, NC. Price will be signing books at Malaprop’s Bookstore, 55 Haywood St. Downtown Asheville on August 16, 7pm. Call (828) 254-6734
Amy Ammons Garza signs latest book By Staff Reports
AUGUST
PARTIAL LISTING
We host numerous Readings & Book clubs, as well as Salons! Visit www.malaprops.com
READINGS & BOOK SIGNINGS LGBTQ BOOK CLUB discusses TRANS GENDER WARRIORS 08/01/2016 - 7pm JULIE BARTON presents DOG MEDICINE 08/02/2016 - 7pm AUTISM BOOK CLUB discusses UNDERSTANDING DEATH AND ILLNESS AND WHAT THEY TEACH ABOUT LIFE 08/03/2016 - 1pm JOY CALLAWAY, ERIKA MARKS & KIM WRIGHT 08/13/2016 - 7pm ADAM O’FALLON PRICE presents THE GRAND TOUR 08/16/2016 - 7pm
KYLE T. WEBSTER presents she was busy writing, her whole life Local author PLEASE SAY PLEASE changed, almost in-between the Amy Ammons 08/20/2016 - 3pm words. Here is a compelling story Garza will have WORKS IN TRANSLATION of a mountain girl who found the a book signing discusses INNOCENCE courage she needed in her own at City Lights 08/25/2016 - 7pm life as she listened and then retold Bookstore for her the stories of her family and her newest offering, DANNY JOHNSON presents heritage, becoming the storyteller. Appalachian THE LAST ROAD HOME In this 8th book by Garza the Storyteller in a Feed 08/28/2016 - 3pm story begins with her reason for Sack Dress. becoming a storyteller, and then “To tell your own story, goes back to “On Wolf Mountain” it takes courage, a sense of humor 55 Haywood St. and “On Cullowhee Mountain,” and hope,” says Garza. “In this (828) 254-6734 • 800-441-9829 then proceeds with the many lives book, I’m telling the story of my life Monday-Saturday 9AM to 9PM M. 21 she’s led: mountain child, piedmont as I lived it, in storytelling fashion. Sunday 9AM to 7PM child, teenager straddling both Each chapter is a story in itself.” Born and raised in WNC with a cultures, a WAF (Woman in the Air grandfather who impressed upon Force), wife, mother, owner of a her to save family stories, Garza truck and trailer repair shop. realized early on how important it was to save heritage. Therefore, City Lights Bookstore Sat., Aug. when she began to write, she had 6, 3pm. Refreshments will be a purpose. The books she wrote provided. For more information, contact City Lights Bookstore at before this, books that made up (828) 586-9499. the story of her extended family, took years to accumulate, and while Vol. 19, No. 12 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — August 2016 27 pg
We
e v o L
A Unique Mountain City Experience Dining • Shopping • Galleries • Festivals
Waynesville, NC
Learn to paint on copper this August
This August, learn to paint on copper, gold or silver leaf. This textural method allows the beautiful leaf to peek through your painting. Sign up for a one day workshop on August 13 with most supplies included. Students should bring their own paints. The cost is $80 per person, and the class is from 10-4pm at the Haywood County Arts Council. Teacher, Sharon Sandel, has been exploring this technique for five years and she loves the
luminosity the leaf gives to a painting. To sign up, contact Sharon Sandel at (828)645-5338 or email sharsand46@gmail.com. More examples of this technique can be found on Sandel’s website at sharonsandel.com. For more information about HCAC programs and events, visit the Haywood County Arts Council website at
WP WO
FROG LEVEL
HAZELWOOD WV
‘Red Breasted Bird,’ 11”x14” by Sharon Sandel, painting on copper www.haywoodarts.org.
To Place an ad in our Waynesville Section please call Rick Hills at (828) 452-0228
Live Webcam www.downtownwaynesville.com
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28 Vol. 19, No. 12 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — August 2016
To Hazelwood
FINE ART
‘Martin’ continued on pg. 25 Sumi-e ink paintings. Martin is “black Ink painting.” now retired from teaching and Drawing on the techniques of continues to be an ancient established and East Asian revered working Painting, resident-exhibiting where artist at 310 ART. emphasis is He is called placed on affectionately the the beauty Artist Emeritus of each of 310 ART and individual works at his easel stroke of there almost every the brush, day. His work is on Martin exhibit year round developed at the gallery. a personal Born on Long style of Island, NY in landscape 1932, Martin took ink painting up a brush and with an began painting at American an early age. His sensibility early education all his own. and experience The included Chinese attendance at speak of Martin uses Suni-e techniques where emphasis is Pratt Institute. “writing a placed on the beauty of each individual stroke of He next painting” the brush entered the US and Army in 1952 “painting a as an illustrator for the 6th Army. poem”. He painted training aides at Fort In this tradition, Martin captures Ord, California and at the Army the spirit of the landscape rather Language School, Monterey, than a detailed rendering. In these California. paintings he uses brushes he After receiving an Honorable makes from feathers and bamboo Discharge from the Army, Martin (both tiny Japanese brushes and worked as an apprentice for a LA huge long natural hair brushes). based architectural illustration firm, With some of these paintings starting a career that was to span he collaborates with his wife Betty decades and allow him to hone his Carlson, who writes accompanying drawing skills to a master level. He haiku poetry. went on to freelance in architectural His accomplishments in the arts delineation, a skillful art form he are as diverse as his interests. His has mastered over the years from public work, still extant, includes which he retired three years ago. a fresco mural for the Church of Throughout this professional Religious Science, Las Vegas. architectural career, Martin painted He illustrated the book The Voice constantly and dedicated his life to Celestial by Dr. Ernest Holmes, his art with unrelenting purpose. Dodd-Mead, publisher, in 1960. His work moved from When there are festivities and impressionist styled brush oil parties, it is easy to spot Martin paintings, to his own unique style in full regalia. He may be clad of bold tonal palette knife work. in a Japanese style hand woven Martin also focused on Sumi-e kimono made by Carlson or a paintings though the decades. hand tailored kilt he made himself. SUMI-E is the Japanese word for Martin began tailoring the Scottish
kilt commercially in 1976 and began kilt research in 1980, both here and in Scotland. He authored a column “The Kiltmaker’s Corner” for the Scottish American newspaper. His book All About Your Kilt (with CDROM) grew from these articles and was published in 2001 by Unicorn Books. He was elected a fellow of the former Scottish Tartan Society in 1983 and to the Guild of Tartan Scholars of the Scottish Tartan Authority in 1993. He continues to work as a consulting historian of the kilt, but retired as a kilt maker in 1998. This spring Martin was honored in an invitational show at the Asheville Area Arts Council titled “An Artful Life.” The show featured master level artists who have dedicated a lifetime to their art. The exhibit was produced in collaboration with the Arts Council and The Council on Aging of Buncombe County and
Western Carolina University. The founder of a large clan, Martin has five children, six grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren and lives in Candler with his wife. He continues his painting in palette knife oils, Sumi-e ink and Sumi-e with watercolor. Along with regular shows of his work, Martin has participated in ‘Quick Draw’ and ‘Plein Air’ Painting demonstrations, as well as at charity auctions and events. “I paint to please myself. I have nothing to prove with my painting, no theory to expound, no revolutionary ideas to give to the world. I give myself, using my talents to the best of my ability.” Bob Martin is a resident and exhibiting artist at 310 ART, 191 Lyman Street, Studio 310, Asheville. 11-5 Mon.-Sat. www.310art.com gallery@310art.com IF YOU GO
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Vol. 19, No. 12 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — August 2016 29
HEALTH
Type 2 Diabetes is Unnecessary A recent study revealed that people with type 2 diabetes for longer than 10 years have the same risk for having a heart attack as those who have had a heart attack in the past. Just like people with type 1 diabetes, the type 2 diabetics also have two to four times the risk of heart failure and stroke; have 20 times the risk of lower limb amputations (poor circulation); and have a markedly increased risk of blindness and kidney failure, in addition to an increased frequency of infections and an increased risk of dementia. As a result, type 2 diabetes is associated with a 10-year-shorter life expectancy. This recent study is just one more reminder that type 2 diabetes creates an increased risk for multiple diseases, a risk that is so unnecessary. Multiple lifestyle factors are primarily responsible for the development of type 2 diabetes. Excess sugar and fat in the diet,
especially saturated and trans-fats, and the lack of fiber in the diet are the primary dietary contributors. A lack of exercise, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, a stressful, driven work ethic and chronic lack of sleep also contribute to the increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Even eating an excessive amount of white rice is a risk. But the major cause of type 2 diabetes – in 60-80% of European or African descent – is excess body fat – being obese.
Beginning in 1985 a cooperative study has been tracking the rates of obesity in each of the states of the United States. In 1990, among states participating at the time, 10 states had a prevalence of obesity less than 10% and no state had prevalence equal to or greater than 15%. By 2000, no state had a prevalence of obesity less than 10%, 23 states had a prevalence between 20–24%, and no state had prevalence equal to or greater than 25%.In 2010, no state had a prevalence of obesity less than 20%. 36 states had a prevalence of obesity equal to or greater than 25%; 12 of these states had a prevalence of obesity equal to or greater than 30%. Since 1960 the rate of development of type 2 diabetes has increased markedly in parallel
By Max Hammonds, MD
with the rate of obesity. As of 2013 there were approximately 368 million people diagnosed with the type 2 diabetes as compared to around 30 million in 1985. Certain Native Americans of the American Southwest share with certain Indians of northern Mexico an identical, markedly increased genetic risk of developing type 2 diabetes. But only 10% of the Mexican Indians develop diabetes, whereas 90% of the US Native Americans develop diabetes. The difference? A lifestyle of a plant-based diet – without added sugar and fat – and an active, nonstressed life-style, resulting in a normal body weight. In the US we are facing an epidemic of type 2 diabetes with all of the subsequent diseases, deaths, and exorbitant expenses. Avoid being part of the epidemic. All those disease risks are so unnecessary.
‘Disc’ continued from pg. 24 “Garments of Shame” exposes the horror of cheap Bangladesh labor-the songs sound as deeply rooted as an ancient oak. Vincent Cross remains one of my favorite unknown artists, but in this case I am delighted to spread the word. **** J.D. Malone and the Experts ‘Town and Country’ JD Malone may be just one more heartland rocker with oodles of talent but the independence he brings to his music-influenced but not encumbered by Springsteen, Petty, Mellencamp, et al, elevates him several ladder rungs above his contemporaries. Having a crackerjack band certainly helps, yet Malone’s knack for arrangement (partial credit goes to co-producer Cliff Hills) and the rock solid nature of the songs carry the day.
“Courage Under Fire” has a nice anthem like feel (without sounding forced) while “My Own Paradise” shows a more introspective side. Coming in at a scant 30 minutes Town and Country is a powerhouse of sound in a small package, and this month’s most unexpected delight. ***1/2 Van Morrison ‘It’s Too Late To Stop Now’ Legacy/Sony Recordings Long considered one of the greatest live albums ever this deluxe reissue of the 1974 double LP proves it was only the tip of a glorious iceberg, culling material from dates in and around the original. Backed by the fabled Caledonia Soul Orchestra Morrison rips his way through six sides of vinyl R &
B perfection, covering songs by his heroes (most notably Ray Charles) while digging deeply into his own vast catalog. There’s also a terrifically shot DVD of the July 24, London gig, intended for commercial release but eventually sacked, that captures Van and Company in all their mystical, muscular, glory. Engineer Guy Massey does a stunning job of capturing the sophisticated interplay of the band-no easy task given its wide instrumental range-while the Man himself is at the peak of his creative prowess. Make no mistake; this is the real deal, a vital addition to your Van Morrison library and one of the most indispensable reissues of the year. *****
30 Vol. 19, No. 12 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — August 2016
Michael Martin Murphey ‘High Stakes’ Murphey Kinship Recordings The original Cosmic Cowboy rides again with a surprisingly fresh collection of songs, proving decades after he first broke through with the hit “Wildfire” he still has plenty to say and the skill to say it: No longer the singular troubadour roaming horizons in search of elusive romance, Murphey instead turns his attention to such pressing issues as the environmental devastation of his beloved western plains. On the moving “Campfire on the Road” he beseeches us to “never let them take this life away” and while that tale is set in Australia it might have just as easily have been Colorado. The inclusion of a pair of ‘Disc’ continued next pg.
‘Laugh’ continued from pg. 19 company in a working development deal with Then the event carries on to a three night Lionsgate. run at the beautiful Diana Some of Charlie’s Wortham Theatre for four previous works include shows ending on Saturday producing Last Comic August 13 with comedian Standing seasons 1-3, legend Carl Labove. Mohrsports on ESPN, Individual show pricing: multiple comedy pilots $25/ticketCosmo Festival for various networks, Passes: $125 offering Creator and producer a savings of $25 that of the comedy event for gives access to every RIMPAC at Pearl Harbor, show on the schedule. Hawaii and development Tickets available at: www. executive for Giraffe laughyourashevilleoff.com Productions at Sony Entertainment. About Laugh Your While actively Asheville Off Comedy producing comedy Festival — The largest television he also non-competitive comedy dedicates a large amount The surprise addition of Eleanor J. Kerrigan as festival in the southeast, of time to seeking out LYAO hosts comics, industry a featured performer at this year’s Laugh Your new comedic talent for professionals, and talent Asheville Off! Eleanor will be closing out the night potential development on at Highland Brewing Company on Wednesday, producers during a multithe big screen. day, multi-venue event in August 10th. The festival kicks off Asheville. Previous talent Tuesday August 9 with have gone on to appear a double dose of Highland Brewery “Festival on network sitcoms, half-hour Comedy Central Launch Parties” that will feature Flip Schultz specials, and late night flagship shows like The opening night and have a combined total of Late Show with David Letterman, Conan, and over 20 comedians on both shows Tuesday and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon as well as Wednesday Aug. 9-10. many others.
“Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.” — Plato ‘Disc’ continued ballads by Tompall Glaser (“Running Gun”) and Marty Robbins (“Master’s Call”) shows that his taste is as finely tuned as his songwriting while the Celtic influence of “The End of the Road” gives evidence that Murphey hasn’t insulated himself to the musical world at large. Top notch stuff, one of the best of his long and storied career. **** Eric Clapton ‘I Still Do’ Bushbranch/Surfdog Records Clapton has always been best when mining the roots of the music he loves: for all his excursions into reggae, country, and pop, he’s first and foremost a blues man. Reunited with Glyn Johns, producer of his 1977 hit Slowhand, EC brings back some of the fire of his youth while offering us the wisdom of his experience. “Alabama Woman Blues” sets an immediate
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tone, a cascading take of Leroy Carr’s 1930 original that swaps the basic piano-and-acoustic guitar arrangement for a full-on band, with Clapton’s fiery electric torching the landscape in ways he hasn’t in years; it’s a sharp contrast to the sleepwalking of 2013’s Old Sock. Skip James’ “Cypress Grove” is equally effective, constructed around a heaving accordion while Clapton hoots and hollers like a man possessed. Still, not all is Peaches and Diesel: the depression era “Little Man, You’ve Had A Busy Day” is particularly cloying while “Catch The Blues” is Clapton at his most lightweight. But balanced against the fervor of Robert Johnson’s “Stones in My Passway” and an unexpectedly spry reworking of Dylan’s “I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine” I Still Do is the first Clapton effort since I don’t know when that bears repeated spins. **** Vol. 19, No. 12 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — August 2016 31
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Downtown Black Mountain
49 Annual Juried Members Show
The 39th Annual
Sourwood Festival
August 13 & 14
th
By Staff Reports
FREE ADMISSION About 200 vendors • No Alcohol
Artists are getting their creations started and finished to enter them into the 49th Annual Juried Members Show this August. Curator Susan Lueck has issued a call for each member to submit his or her best work of art. Only the best of their best will be selected for the show. SVFAL has a membership of more than 200 artists who work in a variety of two and three dimensional Cheryl Keefer — “Memories of Provence,” oil, 5x7” Best of Show, 2015 media, including oil, water color, pastel, Texas. His interest in art developed at a young acrylic, pencil, pen and ink, photography, age strongly influence by his uncle Hong-En sculpture, clay, glass, wood, mixed media, fiber Huang, a professional painter and art educator. art and collage. He moved to the US in 1985 and embarked on The judge for this year’s show is Qiang Huang a career in optical engineering while remaining (pronounced as Chong Wong) who was born and raised in Beijing China and now lives in Austin ‘49th’ continued on pg. 34
Sourwood Idol Contest Friday, August 12 ★ 7-10PM Sourwood5K.com Saturday, August 13 ★ 8AM
800-669-2301 www.sourwoodfestival.com Presented by the Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce
✿ Arts & Crafts ✿ Children’s Area ✿ Specialty Items ✿ Great Food ✿ Carnival Rides ✿ Wonderful Music ✿ Dancing ✿ Honey Bee Demonstrations
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BLACK MOUNTAIN / ART MARKET
August Arts & Crafts Market
‘49th’ continued from pg. 33 active in local art communities. To further develop his artistic skills he attended classes and workshops studying art from multiple master-artists like David Leffel, Scott Burdick, Carolyn Anderson and Sherrie McGraw. Huang’s works show remarkable accuracy and expressive brush strokes. Since 2004 his paintings have been selected for the 14th 15th 16th and 18th Oil Painters of America’s National Juried Exhibitions. American Artist Magazine has featured his teaching in the summer issue of the “Workshop.” The InSight gallery in Fredericksburg, the Capital Fine Art Gallery in Austin and the Marta Stanfford Fine Art gallery in Marble Falls, Texas, represent Huang. In July 2016 he taught a
workshop for artists at the SVFAL. Friday, August 5, 5-7pm will be an Awards Reception for the public to meet the artists. At this time the artists will learn who has received the ribbons and Best of Show Awards. This Reception is open to the public and is a perfect time to view the show. IF YOU GO
49th Annual Juried Members Show July 27-August 29. The Red House Studios & Gallery is located next to the Monte Vista Hotel, 310 West State Street. The gallery is open Mon. - Sat. 10-5pm and Sun. noon - 4pm. For more information visit www.svfalarts. org or contact the curator Susan Lueck at (828) 669-7848.
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Dillsboro August 20, 10-4pm
Not only Located come and adjacent spend the to the day at the Tuckasegee Arts & Crafts River, the Market, but historic spend some town of time in the Dillsboro small town of sometimes Dillsboro. It is feels the like stepping breeze back in from the A great day for family fun and learning. Here time. Its five river’s cool a child learns how to make pottery crafts. square blocks waters, of centurylingering as old stores, the town’s restaurants, galleries and inns summer festival, it’s foods, it’s are a nostalgic reminder of what music, it’s arts and crafts vendors our grandparents saw. There is makes for a great summer also the Great Smoky Mountains activity. to hike, rivers to raft down, or On Front Street by the railroad the porch of the Jarrett House to tracks, over 40 vendors will watch a lazy go by display and demonstrate their arts and crafts along with live entertainment the whole day, IF including clogging in the streets. YOU Dillsboro is located in the O G Great Smoky Mountains Festival foods such as Italian of Western North Carolina Ices, funnel cakes and kettle at the intersection of US Hwys. corn…with an array of children’s activities, including a “fishing trip” 19/74 and 441— 45 minutes west where each child wins a prize; a of Asheville and just 20 minutes booth where kids can design their from Waynesville. For more own candle, face painting by Kim, information, call Connie Hogan and coloring opportunities galore at (828) 586-3511, or go to www. will be on Church St.. visitdillsboro.org.
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Dragin
By Michael Cole
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Vol. 19, No. 12 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — August 2016 35
FINE ART
The beautiful style and imagery of Johnnie Stanfield “I love working in many different mediums and sizes,” says Johnnie Stanfield. “One week I’ll be painting a two inch by two inch miniature painting for someone and then a 25 foot mural the next month. So, I haven’t quiet decided yet on my favorite medium but when a subject or object inspires me, I’ll study it. Then I will decide on the best way to capture the image based on my feelings and abilities.” Loving the challenge of the capturing the smallest of details and enjoying the use of contrast in colors and light in her creations. Stanfield’s favorite part in her creative process is adding some unexpected color into her paintings, such as purple and blues in her tree’s trunks and rocks, and bright oranges and blues in her grassy areas and mountains subjects. Stanfield’s work has been described as whimsical, refreshing and animated. As an artist and furniture consultant she encourage clients to “Start with the Art” when decorating or redecorating an area or room. “It is so much more fun selecting your 36 Vol. 19, No. 12 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — August 2016
favorite personality piece and then decorating around it, than saving the artwork hunt for last or having to then find a piece to match, blend or compliment your color and furniture choices,” says Stanfield. Do you have a favorite image you want to transformed into a creative work of art? Stanfield would be happy to talk to you personally about customizing a painting just for you.
Those Interested in seeing some of her new and previous works can see her display now at the Asheville Gallery of Art, located at 82 Johnnie Stanfield Patton Avenue in downtown Asheville or at: www.Johnnie-Stanfield.pixels.com
FINE CRAFT EVENT
Wood Day at the Folk Art Center, August 6 As one of the first mediums in craft, the skill and mastery of wood has Guild, Valerie Berlage, adds a flair of whimsy to this functional craft by evolved into a celebrated material that members of the Southern Highland incorporating paint through layers to texturize her work. Craft Guild will showcase on Saturday, August 6, 10-4pm. Woodworkers “As a child, I helped my grandfather in his woodworking shop, and also will demonstrate and share their working painted and learned traditional Southern handcrafts from my processes with visitors at the Folk Art Center. grandmothers,” says Berlage. This free event not only educates the public on The knowledge and skill passed on through generations the rigors and talent that goes into woodworking, has transformed through her own interpretation of wood with but serves the mission of the Guild in preserving a modernization. “My art has gone through several transitions over longtime culture and heritage. the years, but it has remained rooted in my relationship with my Wood has multiple sources, such as branches, loved ones.” trunks, roots and even bark; all are used in both Visitors will have the opportunity to learn multiple processes, function and decoration. such as carving, flute making, turning, and more. Southern Its earliest forms were generated for basic Highland Craft Guild member Ronnie McMahan and the Western living, as a means of shelter or protection. Pieces North Carolina Carvers will be teaching participants on bars of of Egyptian furniture from around 2500 BC survive soap with spoons and other tools. as literal examples of peoples ability to create objects of beauty from wood. IF Being one of Appalachia’s indigenous Wood Day, August 6, 10-4pm. Southern Highland Craft YOU resources, trees formed items for the early settlers GO Guild at the Folk Art Center. For more information call of this region, such as tables, chairs, bowls, (828) 298-7928 or visit www.craftguild.org/woodday. coopered barrels, as well as wagons and homes. Admission to Wood Day and the Folk Art Center is free. The John Dickens carving Over time, woodwork transitioned into a Folk Art Center is located at Milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge a wooden donkey leisure activity through whittling and carving. Parkway in east Asheville. One of the newest members of the
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SEASON PREVIEW 2016-17 DIANA WORTHAM THEATRE MAINSTAGE SEASON
16). The Mainstage Celtic Series features Irish and Americana folk elements from Solas (February 25) as well as the more traditional Irish tunes played by the Máirtín O’Connor Trio (April 1). Liz Carroll, John Doyle, and Bill McComiskey (April 22) take the stage with legendary talents combined to present a purely magical evening of Irish music, and the Tannahill Weavers (May 20) power through a set of revamped Scottish and Celtic arrangements that, though all traditional, pack an electrifying effect.
Kicking off the season is The Acoustic Living Room: Songs and Stories with the talented musician and activist Kathy Mattea featuring guitarist/arranger Bill Cooley, on September 24, 8pm as part of the Mainstage Music Series. Recognized as one of the most respected country stars of her era, Kathy Mattea is a legendary hit-maker committed to musical authenticity, bringing elements of folk, To obtain more information on the bluegrass, gospel, and the intimacy Mainstage Series or to purchase tickets, call of a singer/songwriter to her work. the theatre’s box office at (828) 257-4530 or The Mainstage Music Series visit www.dwtheatre.com. includes the rising Americana and folk-pop fusion band Darlingside (October 7), jazz aficionada NC STAGE Nnenna Freelon (October 8), Grounded (drama) presented in Partnership bluegrass superstars Balsam Range with Immediate Theatre Project. George (November 4), and the incredibly Brant’s one-woman drama. talented Judy Carmichael Trio When a hot-shot Airforce F16 fighter pilot (January 21). Black Violin (March becomes unexpectedly pregnant, she is 25) lights up the stage with removed from her super-sonic life in the sky Susan Werner (May 6) delivers classical music with a modern and placed in a trailer in the Nevada desert a heartfelt and passionate folk hip-hop twist, while local band to fight the “war on terror” piloting a drone. performance Free Planet Radio (May 5) takes A powerful story of a solider pulled out of audiences on a world tour. the battlefield and thrust into domestic life, Susan Werner (May 6) delivers a from the blue abyss to a small grey screen, and into a heartfelt and passionate folk performance, and expert reality she never imagined. violinist Kelly Hall-Tompkins (May 19) enlists piano Sept. 21-Oct. 9, Wed-Sat at 7:30pm. Sundays at 2pm. virtuoso Craig Ketter to bring together a whirlwind Select Saturdays at 2pm. Tickets are $16 - $40. experience. The Mainstage Special Attractions Series showcases five spectacular acts, starting with The Capitol Steps (October 28-29), a troupe set on putting the mock in democracy with its hit show What to Expect When You’re Electing. Jackie Tohn (November 11) brings a hilarious and eclectic mix of comedy and music, and A Swannanoa Solstice (December 18) celebrates the holiday season with award-winning multiinstrumentalists and special guests including David Holt. The long awaited and highly anticipated presentation of Ladysmith Black Mambazo (February 28) provides family-friendly and uplifting vocal harmonies. Laughter and good-natured, brutally honest humor take over when The Blackpack (March 31) comes to the theatre. This season’s Mainstage Dance Series presents a trio of dance companies for Asheville audiences including the talented Parsons Dance (October 18-19) and the earthy, emotive coming of age tale presented in Pilobolus: Shadowland (January 25 & 26). The series is wrapped up by Camille A. Brown & Dancers (February 16 & 17) in a witty display of rhythmic dance and storytelling. The Mainstage Theatre Series features two performances by Aquila Theatre Company: Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Nile (February 3) and Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing (February 4). The series wraps up with the compelling story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s equally genius sister in The Other Mozart by Sylvia Milo (March 15 &
Curvy Widow (Musical, Comedy) by Bobby Goldman with music and lyrics by Drew Brody, A World Premiere Musical Based on a true story, Curvy Widow is a sassy, frank and witty musical comedy that follows the daily exploits of a 50-something widow whose adventures in the least expected places reveal unexpected truths about life, love, survival and sex. Featuring a book by Bobby Goldman, music & lyrics by Drew Brody and direction by Peter Flynn, Curvy learns the HARD way what it means to start life over in the modern age. Discretionary Warning: Strong sexual content and adult language. Not recommended for children. Nov. 2-20, Wed-Sat at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2pm, Select Saturdays at 2pm. Tickets are $16-$40. All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 (Historical) by Peter Rothstein with musical arrangements by Erick Lichte and Timothy C. Takach with featured singers. This wonderful family show returns by popular demand. It is a captivating story reliving a poignant moment in history when Allied and German soldiers laid down their arms to celebrate the holiday together during WWI. This dramatic presentation presents traditional patriotic and holiday songs from both sides of the Western Front and is interspersed with text read from letters, journals and interviews from the soldiers who lived it. “These miracles are what make All Is Calm such a
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pure example of what was meant when angels first declared, ‘Peace on Earth.’” – Star Tribune Dec. 7-23. Wed-Sat at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2pm, Select Saturdays at 2pm. Tickets are $16-$40. Jeeves in Bloom (Comedy) adapted by Margaret Raether, based on stories by P.G. Wodehouse. The sequel to last season’s smash hit, Jeeves Intervenes, continues with the lovable yet hapless Bertie and faithful valet Jeeves. The pair pay a visit to the English countryside where Bertie’s amphibianloving school chum, Gussie, hatches a plan to win the heart of the fanciful Madeline Basset, who has fallen for Bertie, while Aunt Dahlia drags him into plan to commit burglary, all while escaping the attacks from the disgruntled French chef. In the midst of such mayhem, there is only one man who can set everything straight: Jeeves! Jan. 25-Feb. 19. Wed-Sat at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2pm, Select Saturdays at 2pm. Tickets are $16-$40. Souvenir: A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins (Drama) by Stephen Temperley based on the life of Florence Foster Jenkins. Jenkins is an eccentric socialite who lives under the delusion she is an enchanting coloratura soprano when she is actually incapable of holding pitch. After teaming up with a pianist she begins to hold recitals that spark a cultish following of faux fans around New York in the 1930s and 40s. Based on a true story, this beautiful comedy pierces the heart of the hopeful artist that lives in all of us. “A beguiling comic jewel with a heart.” —Variety. March 15-April 2, Wed-Sat at 7:30pm. Sundays at 2pm. Select Saturdays at 2pm. Tickets are $16-$40. TBD Dates – May/June 2015-Will be announced later in the season.
ACT
Sweeney Todd (Musical Thriller) Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim; Book by Hugh Wheeler and based on an adaptation by Christopher Bond and directed by Jerry Crouch. Sweeney Todd is an unjustly exiled barber who returns to 19th Century London seeking vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife and daughter. The twisted road to revenge leads Todd to the hilarious Mrs. Lovett, a proprietress of a failing pie shop, above which he opens a popular new barber practice. Mrs. Lovett’s luck sharply shifts when Todd’s thirst for revenge inspires the integration of an ingredient into her meat pies that has the people of London lining up, and the carnage has only just begun! October 7-30 Snowbound (Musical) by Tom Godleski, directed by Mark Jones. A mountain play with mountain music. It’s Christmas Eve in 1955 at a small town train depot where the snowy weather has caused some delays.
SEASON PREVIEW 2016-17 Over the course of the evening, strangers become friends, friends become family, and the warmth of human connection is deepened through stories and songs. Though the weather outside is frightful, inside the depot it’s delightful as memories of Christmases past are shared. A World Premiere play with original bluegrass music played live onstage by members of Buncombe Turnpike and Sons of Ralph. December 2-18
THE ASHEVILLE SYMPHONY
Seven-concert Masterworks Series featuring favorite works and composers of Music Director Daniel Meyer; an all-new New Year’s Eve celebration with a performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony; and the return of the highly popular Asheville Amadeus Festival in March 2017 with the famed violinist Midori as its headliner and artist-in-residence. Masterworks 1: Tchasing Tchaikovsky An all-Tchaikovsky celebration including the composer’s Suite from Sleeping Beauty, Francesca da Rimini, and Violin Concerto. Guest soloist Jennifer Koh (violin). Saturday, Sept. 17, 8pm.
Masterworks 6: The Passion of Chopin All three composers on the April concert program had a firm grasp on the art of choosing the perfect instruments for the right musical moments. Solo piano combines perfectly with the orchestra in Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2, featuring guest solo pianist Soyeon Kate Lee. Debussy’s Petite Suite and Franck’s Symphony in D minor take advantage of the full palette of the orchestra to beautiful effect. Saturday, April 22, 8pm.
Peter and the Starcatcher (A coMasterworks 7: Mahler’s “Titan” All of the things production with the UNCA Drama that make Gustav Mahler such a singular composer, Dept) A Play by Rick Elice; Music his ear for color, his ability to shift from one emotional by Wayne Barker, based on the extreme to another, are on display in his First Novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Symphony, ‘Titan.’ This monumental work serves Pearson and directed by Chanda as the finale for the ASO Masterworks season. The Masterworks 2: In the Key of Calentine Performed at the evening opens with Mendelssohn’s EEEEEEEEEEE! – Brahms’ Carol Belk Theatre on the UNCA Violin Concerto featuring guest violinist Double The symphony’s campus. Yevgeny Kutik. frightfully delightful October Tony-winning Peter and the Saturday, May 13, 8pm. Guest soloist Jennifer Koh (violin). concert opens with two Starcatcher upends the centurySaturday, Sept. 17, 8pm. works perfect for the old story of how a miserable OTHER ASO PERFORMANCES IN Halloween season: Saintyoung orphan comes to be The 2016-2017 Saëns’ Danse Macabre or Boy Who Would Not Grow Up “Dance of Death,” and (a.k.a. Peter Pan). Peter and his mates are shipped Asheville Symphony Chorus: From Schmitt’s La Tragédie de Salomé, off from Victorian England to a distant island. At sea, Bach to Bernstein Our 25th Anniversary which recounts the biblical story of the boys are discovered by a precocious young girl Celebration The Asheville Symphony Salome’s insistence on the beheading named Molly, a Starcatcher-in-training, who realizes Chorus shares its joy of singing together of John the Baptist. for 25 years by offering a retrospective of that a mysterious trunk in the captain’s cabin, contains Saturday, Oct. 22, 8pm. the choral works it has performed since starstuff, a celestial substance so powerful it must its inception. Music Director Dr. Michael never fall into the wrong hands. Masterworks 3: Rhapsody in Blue Lancaster has selected his favorite When the ship is taken over by pirates, led by the Sample of some of America’s finest Guest solo pianist Soyeon Kate Lee movement from each work on the fearsome Black Stache, a villain determined to claim composers highlighted by Gershwin’s Saturday, April 22, 8pm. program. Highlights include selections the trunk and its treasure for his own, the journey iconic Rhapsody in Blue, featuring from Orff’s Carmina Burana, Mozart’s quickly becomes a thrilling adventure. masterful solo pianist Conrad Tao. Requiem, and Vivaldi’s Gloria. Featuring a dozen actors portraying more than 100 Selections from Copland include the distinctly Saturday, Nov. 12, 7:30pm at Arden Presbyterian unforgettable characters, Peter and the Starcatcher American sound of Our Town, and the Old West Church playfully explores the depths of greed and despair drama of Billy the Kid. The program also includes and the bonds of friendship, duty, and love. Diamond’s decidedly American take on European Joyous New Year – Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony March 30 – April 15, 2017 musical forms in his Symphony No. 4. The ASO presents what’s sure to be the “hot ticket” Saturday, Nov. 19, 8pm. on New Year’s Eve — a performance of Beethoven’s The Producers (Musical, Comedy) by Mel Brooks and Symphony No. 9. Each year orchestras around the Thomas Meehan with Music and Lyrics by Mel Brooks Masterworks 4: Eine Kleine Rhine Musik – Brahms, world ring in the New Year with performances of based on the 1968 film, directed by Jerry Crouch. Haydn, Schumann ASO explores some of Maestro this towering musical work, which celebrates hope The plot is simple: a down-on-his-luck Broadway Meyer’s favorite Germanic composers. The program and brotherhood. Ring in the New Year with this producer and his mild-mannered accountant come opens with Brahms’ Haydn Variations, an intense unforgettable musical celebration featuring the up with a scheme to produce the most notorious emotional experience, followed by Haydn’s Cello Asheville Symphony Chorus, and four guest vocal flop in history, thereby bilking their backers (all “little Concerto in C featuring guest cello soloist Cicely old ladies”) out of millions of dollars. Only one thing Parnas. The program closes with Schumann’s ‘Rhenish’ soloists. Saturday, Dec. 31, 8pm. goes awry: the show is a smash hit. The antics of Max Symphony. Bialystock and Leo Bloom as they maneuver their Saturday, Jan. 14, 8pm. Asheville Amadeus Festival Asheville Amadeus way fecklessly through finding a show (the gloriously returns. The acclaimed 10-day festival inspired by the offensive “Springtime For Hitler”), hiring a director, Masterworks 5: Music from Fantasia Walt music and life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is back raising the money and finally going to prison for their Disney’s Fantasia — and its sequel in 2000 — offers in 2017. misdeeds is a lesson in broad comic construction. At an unforgettable marriage of classical music and The incomparable Midori joins the festival as the core of the insanely funny adventure is a poignant ingenious illustrations. Program includes selections headliner and artist-in-residence for a schedule of emotional journey of two very different men who from both Fantasia films with a focus on composers performances, education programs, social events, become friends. who paint pictures with their evocative scores. and collaborations with community partners. This Aug. 18 – Sept. 10, 2017 Highlights include Stravinsky’s The Firebird, and the celebration will have something for everyone — from wry Piano Concerto No. 2 from Shostakovich, which beer to theatre to music. features guest pianist Inon Barnatan. March 10-19, full schedule of events and venues TBD. Saturday, Feb. 11, 8pm.
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