Around Asheville | Since 2005

2011-12-27T21:32:00.000-05:00

Firestorm Cafe and BooksCoffee shops have often been associated with poets, activists, college students and any artistic type looking for a caffeinated connection. And, given that the patron saint of Firestorm is writer and feminist Voltairine de Cleyre, this stereotype fits perfectly with this café in Asheville, NC, and not in a bad way. The cafe opened in 2005 with the goal to be worker-owned, and for the past six years, they have achieved that goal while also using Counter Culture Coffee to make a mean cup of joe.Link | via

The 1st Annual - Asheville Tattoo Fest

2011-11-04T10:25:00.003-04:00

March 15 - March 18 , 2012

The A.T.F. is coming ! St. Patricks Day weekend

Asheville's 1st ever tattoo convention! This event will be held in beautiful downtown Asheville, NC. @ The Renaissance Hotel

*Over 50 of the worlds greatest Tattoo Artists/Tattoo Shops
*Local and National Sponsors / Vendors
*Burlesque Performances
*Live LOCAL Music & LOCAL Art Openings
*Seminars by some of the top tattoo shop owners,artists,machine builders & tattoo magazines.
*An Outdoor Ratrod Car Show
*Art Fusion and Silent Auction (Proceeds going to a local charity)
*Childrens Area (This Event Is all Ages!)
*Appearances by TV,Movie and Sports personalities
& lots more to be announced!

Link

Hip, Hip, Hoo-ray for Hooligans

2011-11-03T22:13:00.005-04:00

A city like Asheville naturally has a very hip and understanding city "guv'ment".

"Patience, understanding, dialogue"..., says Gordon Smith regarding the Occupy Asheville group to which I will add "open-minded" to describe Gordon or anything he's involved in.

Asheville has always attracted the brightest minds. Whether you are here busking on the corner or teaching in our schools, we are fortunate to have 99% of you.

Occupy Wall Street Asheville

2011-10-06T06:23:00.005-04:00

Lots of action around town. I've been busy and out of town and checking out a few events so here's a rushed version of what I've found so far. Feel free to add to the list in the comments, dear friends.

Here's a list of links to check out a few of the nationally links and in Asheville:

https://www.facebook.com/occupyashevillemediagroup
http://www.imageasheville.com/2011/10/occupy-wall-street-asheville-day-one
http://www.mountainx.com/article/35903/Occupy-Wall-Street-moves-to-camp-out-in-Pack-Square-Park
http://occupyasheville.org

Why I'm in solidarity with Occupy Wall Street - http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/10/05

Bloody Hell, Jeff Mangrum at Occupy Wall Street yesterday!

Global Revolution's Live Stream is covering the New York Wall Street peaceful event around the clock. Go take a look. http://www.livestream.com/globalrevolution

Moogfest 2011

2011-10-02T13:46:00.003-04:00

MoogFest is a three-day festival celebrating the innovative vision of sonic pioneer, Robert Moog, to be held Halloween weekend, October 28-30, in Asheville, NC.

In addition to the festival’s extraordinary musical offerings, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in workshops, engage with artists in panel discussions, enjoy visual art exhibitions, installations and film screenings, and explore their own musical creativity with a variety of Moog instruments.

IMPORTANT LINKS
Official Website
Day-by-Day Schedule

Featuring very special guest, Brian Eno. Also Beats Antique, Flaming Lips, Moby, St. Vincent, and many more.

BLUE RIDGE PRIDE Today!

2011-10-01T10:43:00.002-04:00

Blue Ridge Pride festival is happening with lots of entertainment noon-6 p.m. at Pack Square Park. Performers include children’s entertainer 23 Skidoo, Stephanies id, Cantaria, Natalie Smalls Productions and and the Idgies. After the festival, singer CeCe Peniston performs at the Grove House, 11 Grove St.

We'll be taking over Pack Square Park from 12-6 pm on Saturday Oct 1 to celebrate and raise awareness of the diversity of our community. We've got great entertainment, vendors, and community groups all coming in to make this a day you can't miss! Don't forget to check the events page for pre and post festival parties!

On the Net: www.blueridgepride.com

The TURQUOISE Ball

2011-08-24T17:45:00.000-04:00

link

America's "New Age Mecca"

2011-07-20T23:03:00.000-04:00

Asheville is a richly spiritual and metaphysical place, maybe because it's surrounded by mountains enjoying heavenly views, and angelic cloud forms, or it could be the huge amount of non-coherent quartz crystal in the ground (trillions of tons!)

It is claimed that this area has more geological vortexes than anywhere in America...or maybe, as legend says, it's the energy that the Atlantian and Lemurian scientists implanted here after their civilization fell into the sea! There are even rumors that the Cherokee (with their blue eyes) were Atlantians. Asheville's mountains (oldest in the world!) tower some 6,800 ft above sea level, the highest point on North America closest to the Atlantic ocean

link

Asheville TravelingBonfires

2011-07-01T17:18:00.000-04:00

The Indie is BACK! Now called, “The Indie of Asheville,” this community publication that plied the streets and back-alleys and lounged at indie cafes and stores of Asheville for 7 seven years, will be back in August—alongside a rejuvenated Traveling Bonfires. We had a two-year sojourn in Los Angeles and another two years of “hiatus” in the mountains of Candler—but we are BACK, for sure! In case you want to hop in the beautiful madness (as intern/volunteer, writer-journalist, cool spirit)—CHECK OUT http://theindieasheville.blogspot.com/ and email me: pasckie@yahoo.com

Tim Burton and Johnny Depp are in Asheville per Ashvegas reader

2011-05-28T01:39:00.002-04:00

Just wanted everyone to know that Tim Burton is staying at Hotel Indigo (from someone who works there) and Johnny Depp is in town as well. Busy time for stars in AVL!

Link Keep checking this link for more updates. Their people are more out and about and informed about this than I but we're all checking sources re: JD and Tim Burton.

Lots of famous people visit with us. From what I've gathered through the years, they can keep their privacy quite well here.

Asheville, NC, is one of the world's best kept secret spots where visitors exclaim soon after they come here that they're moving here permanently as soon as they can make it happen.

We are a big blue dot surrounded by a red state and we have almost a communal vibe with all the friendly musicians, street performers, concerts, protests and other fun gatherings. We're also very gay-friendly.

Drive towards downtown, park your car, get out and mingle to the sights, scents, and sounds of Asheville, Johnny. I'll be looking out for ya!

UPDATE: they're scouting locations for the impending Dark Shadows movie,a Gothic soap opera, where Johnny Depp plays Vampire Barnabus Collins. Tim has to be in LA today, May 28th, so don't know if he'll come back or if they're through.

Gay Games 2011

2011-05-03T15:12:00.000-04:00

GAY GAMES - In The Park

Plus - The Gay 5K
A fundraiser for Blue Ridge Pride

June 18, 2011

Carrier Park - West Asheville

Volunteers needed and sponsorships welcome. For more information or to learn more about the event and how you can get involved contact: gaygames2011@gmail.com / Amy Sawyer 823.490.1864

LINK

Walk A Mile in Her Shoes

2011-04-30T13:20:00.000-04:00

This event already happened Saturday morning. Sorry to be late but definitely wanted to document this worthy cause.

Join the hundreds of Asheville and Buncombe County men who are dedicated to ending sexual violence in the second annual "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes" on Saturday April 30th at 9:00 am at City County Plaza. Register yourself or a team online today at www.walkamileasheville.org

This is part of Walk a Mile in Her Shoes ® - The International Men's March Against Rape, Sexual Assault and Gender Violence and is a benefit for Our VOICE, the Buncombe County Rape Crisis and Prevention Center.

Link

World Peace is coming to Asheville!

2011-04-28T19:23:00.000-04:00

On Wednesday May 4th, World Peace and Other Fourth Grade Achievements will be screened at the Diana Wortham Theater. Following the screening, there will be a Q&A session with the film’s star, John Hunter, followed by a regional education leadership dialogue.

WHEN: May 4, 2011 at 6:45 PM
WHERE: Diana Wortham Theatre
TICKETS: K-12 Educators: Free, Non-Educators: $16

To learn more about the film, as well as the screening, please visit WorldPeaceAvl.com.

TED talk: http://www.ted.com/talks/john_hunter_on_the_world_peace_game.html

Asheville Bliss

2011-04-23T16:02:00.000-04:00

Asheville is not just ONE kind of bliss... it's layer upon layer of bliss... bliss which is often subtle, often hidden, with many aspects taking time and networking to discover.

The goal of AshevilleBliss.com is to reveal to visitor, newcomer, and long time resident alike, what makes Asheville so blissful, including aspects of Asheville's BLISS which aren't so readily apparent... to make these many wonderful islands and rivers of little-known bliss accessible ... in a way which has never before been done.

Whether you're into whitewater rafting or sitting sangha, Asheville Bliss will have the links for you. And plenty more.

Link

Waking Up Mama - Spring Equinox

2011-03-18T08:07:00.001-04:00

CELEBRATION OF THE VERNAL EQUINOX
Saturday, March 19, 2011

7:00pm to 9:00pm

Waking up Mama - celebration of the Vernal Equinox (Public Ritual)

Family-friendly pubic ritual to celebrate the vernal equinox.

Location: Parish Hall of All Soul's Episcopal Church, Asheville, NC

This family-friendly and light-hearted spring welcoming ritual is open to the respectful public. A love offering will be accepted for Temple outreach projects and Mother Grove continues to gather non-perishable food items for the Mother's Cornucopia food pantry.

For more information, contact the Temple at info@mothergroveavl.org or

828-230-5069 | Link

If you are looking for a unique place to worship, visit this website for more information on their Sunday gatherings.

Asheville Mardi Gras Parade and Ball

2011-03-03T17:41:00.003-05:00

This year's theme-"Homegrown, Fancy, and Free"
Sunday, March 6 · 3:00pm - 10:00pm
Downtown Asheville, and Pack's Tavern's Century Room

Everyone is invited to participate in, or simply spectate this family friendly spectacle. Asheville's Mardi Gras celebration is rapidly growing as more and more sparkles, feathers, and beads show up each year to march in our annual parade. The parade, led by this year's King and Queen, will be full of dancers, roller skaters, drummers and krewe's of colorful characters. The parade will line up in Pack's Square, NOT Walnut Street at 2:00 pm and will step off at 3:00 pm sharp, RAIN OR SHINE. We will then dance and march our way towards Walnut St, then to Lexington Ave, making a left on to Lexington, and then a right on to College St. Next, the parade will loop around Pritchard Park and up Patton Avenue to Pack Square. This is where the parade ends and the Mardi Gras Ball begins.

Interested in being a part of the parade? Gather your krewe of friends, family, classmates or co-workers or just yourself and come be a part of this great event. Feel free to get creative! Art cars and homemade floats are always welcome. Please register them on the Asheville Mardi Gras Facebook groups page. Remember that Asheville's Mardi Gras is a family friendly event and is “Homegrown, Fancy and Free”. Another great way to enjoy this event is to gather your friends and family, pull up a chair, sit back and watch the show! Bring a camera and be ready to catch beads.

After the parade is over around 4:00 pm, continue the fun and revelry at the Mardi Gras Ball in Pack's Tavern's elegant Century Room. Costumes are not required to enter the ball. This is a free event for the entire community to enjoy. There will be festive libations and extraordinary live music performed by Sirius B to keep us dancing all night long. For more information on the Parade or Ball, and for Mardi Gras events leading up to the parade day, check in with the groups page on Facebook under Asheville Mardi Gras.

Link

Grand Krewe at the Parade
Sunday at 12:00pm
Pack Square, Vance Monument/fountain area

Bike Love Party

2011-02-10T17:31:00.001-05:00

Asheville on Bikes is proud to announce the 5th Annual Bike Love Party and Fundraiser, happening Saturday February 26th at the new downtown Arcade Asheville. It will be another memorable night of bike lovin’ featuring three bands: headliner Uncle Mountain, AoB’s own Red Dirt Floor, and the world premier performance from C Scott with The Multimodalers.

link

Nataraj

2011-01-15T12:45:00.001-05:00

Nataraj, translated from Sanskrit, means "king of dance", and we do our best to live up to that name.

Combining dynamic drumming with soaring otherworldly melodies, Our music weaves flowing improvisation together with the dancer's energy to create an interactive and high energy atmosphere. They are from Asheville, NC.

Facebook | Website

(cross-posted to Easy Bake Coven)

Activist Clare Hanrahan

2010-12-13T09:36:00.002-05:00

Activist Clare Hanrahan may leave the front lines, but her voice still rings out - by Jason Sandford, Citizen-Times

In her younger days, she marched with garbage workers in Memphis, Tenn., in the wake of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination.

She has shaken her fist at the front gates of bomb-making factories. She has chanted with immigrants demanding fair treatment. She has stood silent vigil with women advocating for an end to war.

And she once trespassed on the grounds of the Fort Benning, Ga., military base, home to a military training school commonly known as the School of the Americas — an offense for which she spent six months in federal prison in 2002.

“At one point in my life, I thought if I screamed loud enough and worked hard enough and was unrelenting in my kind of advocating and demanding, I could make change,” Hanrahan said.

Read More

Great story on a true peace warrior from Asheville.

Warren Haynes' Annual Xmas Jam

2010-12-09T23:06:00.002-05:00

WARREN HAYNES PRESENTS: THE TWENTIETH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS JAM

(Asheville, NC) --For the past 20 years, Warren Haynes has coordinated his annual Christmas Jam. Like a family reunion, the annual, one-of-a-kind, semi-structured marathon of music brings together old friends on stage and in the audience at the Civic Center Arena in Asheville, N.C. for one of the countries greatest live events. The London Times has rated it "One of the top ten concerts in the USA."

"Christmas Jam started 20 years ago as an opportunity for local musicians to jam at the one time of year they were all in town at the same time. Back then, we gave the money to whatever charity we felt like. As the event grew and we became aware of Habitat For Humanity, we settled on them because we believe in the organization and know the money goes where its supposed to."

Featuring:
Steve Miller Band
The Warren Haynes Band
Gregg Allman
John Bell (Widespread Panic)
Umphrey's McGee
The Dirty Dozen Brass Band
Missing Cats

twitter | facebook

Link

Dancing Santa - B-boy Santa Sneak Attack in Asheville

2010-12-08T10:55:00.002-05:00

A dancing Santa b-boy is on the loose in Asheville, North Carolina and he's looking to start a hip hop, break dance holiday flash mob. Did he succeed? Watch him sneak up and surprise visitors with head spins, flares and seriously fresh break dancing moves at the Pritchard Park Drum Circle, Pack Square, Asheville Visitors Center, Lexington Avenue Brewery, The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa, National Gingerbread House Competition, The Orange Peel and America's Largest Home, Biltmore.

Link

Santacon in Asheville

2010-12-07T10:52:00.006-05:00

Looks like they had so much fun, doesn't it?

Santacon, or Santarchy is a huge global success and Asheville participates, too.

In 2009, 2008, 2007, and now we had one this year over the weekend. (link below)

There are rumors of another TWO more Santacons scheduled in Asheville for this year. Either somebody needs to do a better job of organizing this damn thing or I should research this a bit further. If I find any more details I'll add them to this post.

For more on the story and to see many more photos, see this Link

Tango in Asheville with Karen Jaffe

2010-11-06T15:16:00.006-04:00

Karen offers other classes throughout the year. Watch for weekend Intro courses, and Special Seminars with Karen a a variety of partners from around the SE , teaching here in Asheville and also all over the SE region throughout the year.

Karen is available for group and private lessons, as well as performances.

See website @ Tango Gypsies | Yahoo! Group

Freaks of Asheville Calendar

2010-11-06T11:18:00.003-04:00

Freaks of Asheville 2011. Buy your calendar NOW!

via

Asheville Zombiewalk 10/10/10!

2010-10-09T10:03:00.003-04:00

Asheville Zombiewalk - Come out this SUNDAY! Check links for more details.

Location:Downtown Asheville Pizza and Brewing and the streets of Downtown Asheville
Time:6:00PM Sunday, October 10th

Link | Facebook | YouTube

Verve Asheville

2010-09-28T16:57:00.003-04:00

Our October issue should be out around town tomorrow! In the meantime, check out this behind-the-scenes album from our "Rock 'n Roll Couture" photo shoot. Shots by Stewart O'Shields, styling by Dema Badr, makeup by Mendy Hoffman and Scott Thompson, and hair by Gretchen Pheffer.

VERVE is Western North Carolina’s smartest magazine for women. Our sassy, sophisticated readers love our bimonthly publication for its stunning photography and riveting feature stories—which provide an in-depth look at Western North Carolina women in the arts, business, fashion and design.

link

Activist Community Potluck

2010-09-11T10:37:00.003-04:00

5-8pm, Sunday September 19
Malvern Hills Park
Asheville, NC

This is the first of many monthly potlucks, each on a different topic, and each in a different location. All activists, community builders and leaders, and any community members are welcome. This is a great opportunity to get together, build relationships, network, share ideas, brainstorm, and synergize.

Link

Asheville Octoberfest

2010-09-10T19:04:00.004-04:00

October 9, 2010

On the 200th anniversary of the first Oktoberfest, the Asheville Downtown Association is proud to bring you Asheville's own Oktoberfest! One of the highlights of the event will be the Brewery Team Contests! Asheville Brewing Co., Craggie, French Broad, Green Man, Highland and Pisgah will each field a four person team for team contests held throughout the day!

Contests will include:

* Keg-Rolling
* Stein Races
* Dizzy Gnome
* Bratwurst Eating Contest
* Alphorn Blowing Contest

Link

Asheville from a Chicago Point of View, ahem...

2010-08-23T16:19:00.002-04:00

I saw this on Ashvegas and just had to know more about another article on Asheville from an outsider. sigh...

and it dared to call itself:

Asheville, home of hillbilly progressives.

Click the link below if you've already had your nerve pills or your heart medication today. These pieces on Asheville tend to make this ol' hillbilly a might riled up. [/sarcasm]

Link

Brother Wolf Animal Rescue

2010-08-23T15:42:00.003-04:00

Join us Saturday, August 28th from 3-5pm for Mingling for Mutts, benefiting Brother Wolf Animal Rescue. Wine and beer tastings by Winestyles and Thirsty Monk, appetizers by Frankie Bones, Green Tea Sushi, and Rita’s Ice.

Live music by Scott Lelii, awesome raffle prizes, and pets for adoption. Bring your (well-mannered) dog! Held in Gerber Village off Hendersonville Road, South Asheville. Three wine or beer tastings or appetizers for $5.

We are proud to have the largest NO-KILL shelter in Asheville. Please stop by and visit with some of the wonderful cats and dogs, kittens and puppies awaiting adoption. We're open Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. - 8 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

DOGS
Phone (828) 808-9435
Email dogadoptions@bwar.org

CATS
Phone (828) 702-6130
Email catadoptions@bwar.org

It really takes a special kind of person to do this type of work. Sending blessings to everyone involved at BWAR. And the next time you are looking to adopt a pet, please consider Brother Wolf. They are right off Tunnel Road. Mutts make great, loving pets and if you're looking for a specific breed, 25% of their pets are purebred. Jot down these numbers or email.

DAY OF ACTION - Saturday

2010-08-20T16:52:00.003-04:00

Evolver Asheville, Transition Asheville and Ashevillage Institute are hosting a DAY OF ACTION!!!!

10am-5pm GETTING OUR HANDS DIRTY
At the Ashevillage Institute (directions below)
...
Bring a bag lunch and tools (wheel barrows, shovels, hard rakes, garden trowels, gloves, sneakers, weed whacker, buckets, tarps)

7-9pm FORMING ACTION ALLIANCES
Firestorm Cafe, 48 Commerce Street, Asheville, 28801

Creative Collaboration on future projects by individuals and organizations from Urban crop-mobbing to co-sponsored film screenings to anything we can dream up together... Bring your ideas and enthusiasm!!!

Link

Amy Sedaris is coming back to Asheville

2010-08-18T12:37:00.003-04:00

So who doesn't love North Carolina born Amy Sedaris? First let me just state that besides our alternative weekly magazine, Mountain Xpress bringing us all the goods each week, they ALSO keep their awesome, newsworthy website updated. You can sign up and comment there as well. And that's where I saw this article on Amy Sedaris. (via)

Amy has a new book out: Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People and, according to her book tour dates she’ll be at Malaprop’s on Friday, Nov. 12. Yay!

Link

TEDxAsheville

2010-08-07T13:30:00.004-04:00

Ideas are the nexus of our future. Some of us are dreamers some of us are doers. Those who speak at a TEDxAsheville event have lived in both worlds and excelled. come hear themshare their ideas worth spreading.

Sunday August 29th, The Orange Peel

"The Last American Man" EUSTACE CONWAY
along with:
Percussionist RIVER GUERGUERIAN
Innerpreneur JOHN MILES
Activist LAURIE MASTERSON
Songwriter BILLY JONAS
Filmmaker ANGELA SHELTON
and many more!

Link | Facebook

Valet Gourmet — formerly known as Blue Ridge To Go — makes some positive changes

2010-08-07T12:44:00.004-04:00

from the website - "Our service is very simple. We provide delivery from over 25 of your favorite Asheville restaurants to homes, businesses, hotels and most other places people want delivery."

Kenan Hopkins opened shop in 2003. They deliver from Asheville's best restaurants and they also have a large delivery area. This re-vamp of their successful business will bring about sustainability in the food delivery service.

I've used them many times and I will say that they are fast, affordable, and reliable. (photo by Jonathan Welch from Mountain Xpress)

via | Link

PRAMA INSTITUTE

2010-07-17T18:03:00.006-04:00

Holistic Education for People and Place

The Prama Institute is a conference and retreat center located on forested hilltops and grasslands surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains. It sits in Marshall, NC, near the French Broad River, about 25 minutes outside Asheville, NC. Our scenic and peaceful surroundings create the perfect place for educational conferences, yoga retreats, workplace seminars, and other events.

Besides the high-quality conferences that the Prama Institute organizes all year round, the facility is also available for rent to all types of groups, organizations, and businesses. Our experienced staff is available to offer you assistance with event planning, marketing, and registration. Let us assist you in creating your own successful workshop or seminar.

JULY 23 - 25

Blissful Path to Bliss - Yoga and Meditation Retreat with Stephanie and Michael Johnson

Link

French Broad Chocolates

2010-07-14T22:33:00.005-04:00

Simply the best chocolate in Asheville. Located downtown on Lexington Ave.

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

2005: Birth first baby (Sam) in the apartment above the restaurant. Realize they’re not beach people. Learn about theobroma cacao from Marcos, the artisanal cacao farmer down the road. Start to play with chocolate recipes. Get hitched, legitimizing their bastard son.

2006: Sell Bread and Chocolate to a young buck (younger than Dan!) from Baltimore. Repatriate, in same school bus, newly ordained missionaries of chocolate. Move to Asheville, preggers once again. Start French Broad Luscious Chocolates.

2007: Hone their chocolate repertoire. Birth Max at our house in West Asheville. Sell chocolates at tailgate markets, Earth Fare and on the interweb. Write a business plan at Mountain BizWorks for a retail location.

2008: Open French Broad Chocolate Lounge February 2. Open seven days a week, we haven’t been closed since.

photo credits: Christopher Shane

Link

Local Buskers and Street Performers

2010-07-13T15:18:00.003-04:00

Some local street performers Around Asheville this weekend were captured by some of our area photo bloggers. Lots of talented folks around here and super surroundings just waiting to be captured and shared.

Derek Olson Photography

Through The Lens

Found via Mountain Xpress

Firefly Gathering

2010-06-29T21:15:00.003-04:00

July 22-25, 2010

The Firefly Gathering is for people seeking to deepen and expand their connection with the natural world.

There will be over 100 classes available focusing on self-sufficiency and wilderness skills taught by over 40 masterful teachers from around the region and country.

It offers learning for adults and children, evening entertainment, and on-site camping.

Firefly will be held at Camp Pinnacle, a little over a half an hour from Asheville, NC. Rustic Camp Pinnacle has a beautiful 18 acre lake, many covered areas, plenty of camping, cabins, and showers. If it is hot we have a lake to swim and canoe in, if it is rainy we have plenty of shelter.

Register Now!

Link

Asheville Community Hoop Jam in Pritchard Park

2010-06-28T15:17:00.003-04:00

TUESDAYS

The Asheville Community Hoop Jam is held in Pritchard Park every Tuesday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. through the end of September. The events offer opportunities to hoop it up for fun and exercise as George Pond (Snake Oil Medicine Show) DJs. In this video, we talk to organizer Melanie MacNeil and capture some participants’ sweet moves. (Video by Jake Frankel.)

Link | More Hoop Jam

Asheville, NC Stonewall Commeration Weekend Parade #1.MOV

2010-06-28T15:01:00.000-04:00

The Stonewall riots were a series of spontaneous, violent demonstrations against a police raid that took place in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn, in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of New York City. They are frequently cited as the first instance in American history when people in the homosexual community fought back against a government-sponsored system that persecuted sexual minorities, and they have become the defining event that marked the start of the gay rights movement in the United States and around the world.

The Appalachian Shangri-La of Asheville, North Carolina holds an annual celebration to commemorate this historic event, with activities including speakers, dancers, workshops, and a grand parade through the downtown district, seen here. Several local non-profit organizations and companies sponsoring the event included Youth OutRight, Our Voice and the Montford Park Players.

(Video by Jeffrey DeCristofaro)

Pack Square Park, Downtown Asheville

2010-06-26T10:24:00.005-04:00

If you've not been in downtown Asheville the past year or so, you are in for a surprise. Pleasant or not, depending on your point of view.

They had to bulldoze over some lovely trees to put in lots of concrete but they did leave lots of grass and sculpture in their wake. I was so against the tearing down on one specific tree. But there is more room for live outdoor concerts, plays, picnics, and more.

And I haven't mentioned the best part yet. Smack dab in front of the old City-County Plaza is dancing water fountains. From afar it looks like a large, flat brick courtyard. But keep watching and water will begin spraying up the many spouts. Day or night will find young children and adults playing in the dancing water, which has been nicknamed, "Splashville". At night, you'll notice that the water shooting up is different colors.

The Vance Monument is still there. Behind it where the large pool of water once stood is now a beautiful 20' wide water fountain.

Pack Square Park provides a wonderful venue for events, both old and new. George Pack, who left the land to the city in 1901 specified that it only be used as a park for the people.

So, who's been? Do you like the changes downtown? Or does it suck royally? Go see for yourself in person and in the mean time, take a look at this link here and this one here.

Hands Across The Sand

2010-06-24T19:41:00.004-04:00

Join us (Hands Across The Sand & Surfrider Foundation) in drawing a human line in the sand to protest offshore oil drilling & yes to clean energy on Saturday, June 26th, 11am at Carrier Park. 220 Amboy Road & on beaches all over U.S.A!

Please use the Carrier Park entrance with the stone gates at the intersection of Amboy & Michigan. We will be to your left.

TIME: 11am-12:30pm

PLEASE WEAR BLACK. PLEASE CAR POOL. PLEASE BRING SIGNS.

Hands Across The Sand | Twitter

Marijuana - Does Asheville need some Weed?

2010-06-24T18:49:00.003-04:00

North Carolina NORML Chapter Inaugural Benefit Concert

Sunday, June 27, 2010, 9:00pm, The Garage at Biltmore, 101-D Fairview Rd., Asheville

Asheville attorney Jennifer Foster announces the initiation of a statewide North Carolina Chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), www.norml.org, a nonprofit, public-interest lobby that for more than 30 years has provided a voice for those Americans who oppose marijuana prohibition. No statewide chapter has existed to date.

NORML supports the removal of all criminal penalties for the private possession and responsible use of marijuana by adults. This model, similar to that recommended to Congress by President Nixon's esteemed Shafer Commission in 1972, is called "decriminalization.” NORML also strongly supports the right of patients to use marijuana as a medicine when their physician recommends it to relieve pain and suffering. NORML has advocated for the legal use of medicinal marijuana since 1972. Lastly, NORML supports the right of farmers to commercially cultivate the non-psychoactive strain of cannabis known as hemp for industrial purposes, such as food and fiber production.

On Sunday, June 27, 2010 at 9:00 pm, The Garage at Biltmore will host a benefit concert for the forming chapter featuring Trouble with Aaron Woody Wood, Jay Sanders, Jason Flournoy, and Mike Rhodes, whose collective resume spans such influential groups as Acoustic Syndicate, The Blue Rags, Donna The Buffalo, Larry Keel and Natural Bridge, Hollywood Red and Shanti Groove just to name a few. Closing out the evening will be The Screaming Js, featuring Jake Hollifield (The Blue Rags), Jason Krekel (Mad Tea Party), Mike Gray (Firecracker Jazz Band), Jonathan Paul Hess (Erika Jane and Remember the Bees). A minimum donation of $10 at the door will help the forming chapter gain 501(c)(3) status and provide for initial operating expenses.

Information will be provided as to how citizens can become involved to support the pending North Carolina Medical Marijuana Act, HB 1380, and otherwise help to reform marijuana and hemp prohibition in North Carolina.

SOURCE

Firestorm Cafe & Books

2010-06-05T12:09:00.003-04:00

Firestorm Cafe and Books is gearing up for a second anniversary celebration today, Saturday, June 5th!

These folks are super plugged in to the Asheville community and the whole damn world for that matter. They bring you good live music, book signings, readings, and more. They have an active presence on Facebook as well.

A worker-owned community event space located in Asheville at 48 Commerce Street.

Open 10am - 10pm (except Sun)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On Sunday, June 6th | 4:00pm
Firestorm Orientation [meeting]

Come out to Firestorm to learn about how your local worker owned, worker operated cafe and bookstore runs and operates.

link

The Spring Idiotarod: The Legendary Shopping Cart 5k returns on May 23

2010-05-15T09:32:00.003-04:00

That's Idiot-irod! Sign your team up at raceforawesomeness.com

link

It's The "All Go West" Festival

2010-04-23T17:18:00.002-04:00

Haywood Road district gets its own festival on Saturday

The inaugural All Go West Festival in Asheville, NC is on Saturday, April 24th, 2010 from noon -10pm.

Long gone are the days when West Asheville was written off by residents as “Worst Asheville.” That frontier off Haywood Road has been settled by artists and entrepreneurs, hipsters and hippies.

This transformation into a bustling creative neighborhood is what the All Go West festival is celebrating from noon-10 p.m. Saturday.

This free street festival will be behind the Rocket Club and near Harvest Records on Waynesville Avenue, Westwood Place and Michigan Avenue in West Asheville. All Go West focuses on neighboring products featuring local art, food, beer vendors and musicians.

Exhibits and booths will showcase local Asheville artists and local nonprofits. There will be an Asheville craft beer tasting from noon-3 p.m. Tickets for the tasting are $20 advance online at www.allgowest.com or at The Rocket Club.

link | via

The Return of Free Water Project

2010-04-22T10:41:00.004-04:00

Saturday, April 24, 2010 at 7:00pm

The Garage at Biltmore
101 Fairview Rd. Suite B
Asheville

The Return of Free Water Project is a multimedia installation exploring issues surrounding the commodification of our world's water supply. We hope that you will join us at 7pm for an educational reception hosted by Ilsa Ananda Door of Creatrix Laboratories. Following the reception, at 8pm, you may mingle and dance the night away to fine local artists for the ear, eye and heart!

The Story of the Oasis…

The Oasis is a grove of trees made from the detritus of the water industry (plastic water & soda bottles, discarded PVC pipe, etc.) linked together to filter rainwater, pond water, or gray water into pure, clean water that you can drink. The Oasis is one phase of the Return of Free Water Project, an immersive, collaborative multimedia installation with the intention of helping people realize that they have the power to make a difference in our world’s water crisis by transforming their own relationship with water.

We invite you to join us in an evening of wonderful music and dance, live art, and transformation. Your donation at the door not only grants you entry to the event but helps the RoFW Project to purchase materials crucial to the timely development of this installation. Art has the powerful ability to draw people’s attention to the relevant issues of our time. When complete, the Return of Free Water will tour the Americas to spread its message to the masses.

For ideas on how you can make a positive difference, opportunities for participation, and for more information about the Project and our world’s water crisis, visit:

http://www.ReturnofFreeWater.org

7p - Reception and overview of The Return Of Free Water
8p - 5am(ish) - Music with:
LOGOS (live) http://www.logosmusic.net
Annuaki (live) http://www.touchsamadhi.com/live-acts/Annunaki
Gilbot http://www.ashevillefullmoongatherings.org
Arun - AVLFMG
Zennsie - TOUCH Samadhi
PoiZen - AVLFMG / TOUCH Samadhi

Visuals by Creatrix Laboratories & Awe Lucid http://www.awelucid.com

$10 entry 21+ to drink

Live At Moog with Amanda Palmer

2010-04-14T16:06:00.003-04:00

YouTube via MoogMusicInc — April 14, 2010 — "Amanda Palmer & Her Nervous Cabaret Live at Moog Teaser. Catch Miss Palmers raucous performance shot live in the Moog Music Sound Studio in Asheville, NC Premiering April 21, 2010 exclusively at www.liveatmoog.com."

link | via

Tears of Color – Abolishing: Human Trafficking

2010-04-14T14:09:00.003-04:00

link | via

Asheville Earth Day

2010-04-13T22:08:00.002-04:00

link

Cartoon: The Girl Gangs of Ashvegas

2010-04-06T11:58:00.002-04:00

link | artist

Asheville Pet Friendly Restaurants

2010-03-28T16:03:00.003-04:00

Downtown

The Laughing Seed Cafe
A completly vegetarian restaurant specializing in foods from around the world. The dishes prepared here celebrate fresh vegetables combined with all natural and predominantly organic ingredients. 828-252-3445

Carmel's Restaurant and Bar
Carmel's is already known as a destination in downtown Asheville with its Alfresco Dining, Romantic and Intimate Dining Room and Jazzy-chic Bar. Located in the Historic Grove Arcade, the exterior boosts some of the best outdoor seating — the perfect place to sit and watch Asheville go by while enjoying cocktails and some fantastic food. Executive Chef Carole Bowers invites you to Carmel's to enjoy what the Mountain Xpress called "Carmel's drop-dead gorgeous menu…" For menu details and reservations, please see our web site. (828) 252-8730

Jack of the Wood Brew Pub
Where the Smokey Mountains meet the British Isles. Handcrafted beers and wine & spirits. Located below the Laughing Seed Restaurant at 95 Patton Avenue. 828-252-5445

Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company
77 Coxe Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801. For pizza, brews, and entertainment, this is the place, and they offer indoor and outdoor dining options. Dogs are allowed at the outer tables. They must be under owner's control/care, and leashed or crated at all times. 828-254-1281

Cats and Dawgs
1 Page Avenue, Suite 132, Asheville, NC 28801. Specializing in all beef hot dogs and catfish sandwiches, this eatery also offers indoor or outdoor dining options. Dogs are allowed at the outer tables. Dogs must be well behaved, under owner's control/care, and leashed or crated at all times.
828-281-8100

KAMM'S Frozen Custard Shop
111 O'Henry Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801. Located at the Grove Arcade, this creamery offers a variety of daily homemade ice creams and for those who like to build their own flavor there is "Flavor by Request". Dogs are allowed to have their share at the outer tables only. Dogs must be well behaved, under owner's control at all times, leashed or crated, and cleaned up after at all times. 828-225-7200

Modesto
One Page Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801. A trattoria specializing in brick wood-fired oven pizza, salads, soups, desserts, espresso coffee, wine and beer. Dogs are allowed to have their share at the outer tables only. Dogs must be well behaved, under owner's control at all times, leashed or crated, and cleaned up after at all times. 828-225-4133

Bouchon
62 North Lexington Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801. Visitor and locals agree... Bouchon is the smart downtown destination for a cool cocktail or a great glass of wine. Staying for dinner? Experience an authentic French bistro in the "Paris of the South." Bon appetit y'all!. Dogs are allowed to have their share at the outer tables only. Dogs must be well behaved, under owner's control at all times, leashed or crated, and cleaned up after at all times. 828-350-1140

City Bakery Cafe
88 Charlotte Street, Asheville, NC 28801. Family-owned and operated bakery offering European-style organic breads and fresh pasteries, all handmade, along with organic coffee, sandwiches, pizza and salads. Dogs are allowed to have their share at the outer tables only. 828-254-4289

Malaprop's Bookstore & Café
55 Haywood Street, Asheville, NC 28801. A booklover's favorite, locally as well as nationally! Great books, great food, great coffee. Live music performances and author events throughout the year. Dogs are allowed inside the book store as long as they are away from the cafe area. 828-254-6734

Marble Slab Creamery
14 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801. Select the ice cream flavor and "mixins" of your choice and watch as they are mixed into your creation on a frozen marble slab. Dogs are allowed to have their share at the outer tables only. 828-225-5579

New French Bar Courtyard Café
12 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801. A quaint European bistro with a variety of menu options specializing in crabcakes and chocolate mousse. Enjoy Sunday Brunch in the garden courtyard and nightly drink specials at the bar. Dogs are allowed to have their share at the courtyard area. 828-254-5070

Salsa
6 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801. A funky blend of Mexican and Caribbean flavors, Salsa offers innovative cuisine in a unique downtown Asheville setting. All food is made fresh. Organic and vegetarian fare are available. Dogs are allowed to have their share at the outer tables only. 828-252-9805

Thai Basil - Asheville
Authentic Thai cuisine by native Thai chefs. Enjoy fabulous food surrounded by authentic handmade Thai art. Outside dining in season. Pets allowed in outdoor seating area. Located in historic Grove Arcade Market. 828-258-0036

North Asheville

Usual Suspects
North Asheville Neighborhood Bar & Restaurant. Independent and locally owned. Patio and large dining area. Relaxed atmosphere. Dynamic global menu and daily specials. Boutique wine list and temperature controlled cellar. Full liquor bar. Extensive bottled beer selection and 14 on tap. Emphasis on evolving food and beverage options. 791 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville, NC 828-350-8181

Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company
675 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville, NC 28804. For pizza, brews, and entertainment, this is the place, and they offer indoor and outdoor dining options. Dogs are allowed at the outer tables. They must be under owner's control/care, and leashed or crated at all times. 828-254-1281

South Asheville

Corner Stone Restaurant
Serving Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Open seven days a week. 6:30 AM - 10:00 PM. Homemade Soups, Salads, USDA Steaks, the fines Seafood delivered and prepared daily, Pasta, Charbroiled Burgers and Fresh Daily Specials. 102 Tunnel Road. 828-236-0201

West Asheville

Westville Pub
West Asheville at 777 Haywood Road, smoke-free neighborhood pub and restaurant, featuring microbrews, imports, and domestics on tap and bottled, with a full bar. Freshly made menu items include award winning wings, grill favorites, and light to hearty meals for carnivores and vegetarians. Live music 5 nights a week. Hours 12 noon - 2 am daily.. Kitchen open 12 noon - 11 pm daily, till 1am Friday and Saturday. 828-225-9782

Sunny Point Cafe and Bakery
626 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC 28806. This eatery and bakery specializes in using local, organic ingredients with dinner and daily specials, and indoor and outdoor dining options. Dogs are allowed at the outer tables. Dogs must be under owner's control/care, and leashed and cleaned up after at all times. 828-252-0055

West End Bakery and Cafe
757 Haywood Road, West Asheville, North Carolina. West End Bakery and Cafe use 100% organic flour and the freshest ingredients available. Everything served at the West End is made from scratch, and whenever possible we use locally grown produce and organic products. Dogs are allowed at the outer tables. Dogs must be under owner's control/care, and leashed and cleaned up after at all times. 828-252-WEST (9378)

East Asheville

Cafe Azalea
1011 E. Tunnel Rd. Suite. 100, Asheville, NC 28805. Breakfast includes a three-egg omelet with lobster and brie cheese and French toast stuffed with raspberry cream cheese and topped with a raspberry-orange compote. For lunch, the restaurant features paninis, fresh salads and sandwiches, including a pulled duck in molasses barbecue sauce. Dogs are allowed at the outer tables. Dogs must be under owner's control/care, and leashed and cleaned up after at all times. 828-299-3753

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Gaia's Handfasting

2010-03-06T11:09:00.003-05:00

Handfasting is THE traditional way to marry. It reaches across nationality, religions, race, and sex. We have sold many beautiful cords to satisfied couples all around the globe.

Nestled in the mystifying mountains of Asheville NC, USA.

We specialize in beautiful hand-crafted handfasting cords custom designed to match your lifestyle.

Officiating for all types of weddings, handfastings, unions, or poly-amorous bondings.

Visit our website for more information on our cords, services, and to read our satisfied customer reviews.

Call us: Monday-Friday from 8am-7pm EST

(828)670-1768

Link

Joyful Belly

2010-02-20T08:56:00.005-05:00

creates yummy, healthy recipes using Ayurveda. We're an encyclopedia of food complete with ingredients and health tips. We make it simple to enter your doshas and create a personal Ayurvedic diet online, complete with a grocery shopping list and your own personal recipe book shipped to your door.

Joseph is the founder of leading Ayurvedic dieting website JoyfulBelly.com. He promotes practical Ayurveda at diverse locations nationally from local yoga studios to world renowned Yale University (invite him!). He is a faculty member at the Appalachia School of Holistic Herbalism, director of Ayurveda for Yoga Spirit Studios and writes for the Light on Ayurveda Journal. He earned a bachelors degree from Harvard University where he was also a teacher of mathematics, business and software development. Joseph studied Ayurveda under Dr. Vasant Lad and in India.

He runs an Ayurveda clinic in Asheville, NC. Contact 828-348-4880 for an appointment.

Prior to Ayurveda, Joseph worked on public health projects with a particular focus on South Asia & the Middle East. He continues to manage a public health project using mobile communications for clean water in Bangladesh. Joseph studied the language and culture of Bangladesh over ten years and is fluent in Bengali. He loves Bengali art and spent a year filming folk music in the streets of Dhaka city, Bangladesh. He is also a student of Sanskrit.

The Joyful Belly technique is practiced around the country. To find a practitioner in your area and for more information, you can visit the website. link

Friday @ Asheville Green Drinks

2010-02-02T12:45:00.002-05:00

This Friday, Rev. Itsumi and Sister Denise of the Nipponzan Myohoji peace-walking Buddhist monks will be speaking at the weekly Green Drinks gathering.

People gather for Green Drinks at 6:00 to socialize, and the presentation starts at 6:30. It usually involves a talk of about 20 minutes with questions to follow. The location is the Bobo Gallery, 22 North Lexington (just off college Street).

Itsumi and Denise will speak about the interrelationship of peace and environmental issues, specifically emphasizing how they are intertwined at the nuclear weapons manufacturing complex in Oak Ridge, TN, just over the mountains and upwind of western North Carolina.

Link | Facebook
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Green Drinks isn't just an Asheville thing but it does lean "Green". And it's global. If you're not in Asheville, see if your local node has a gathering.

Asheville FringeArts Festival!

2010-01-20T10:36:00.001-05:00

Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 8:00pm
End Time: Sunday, January 24, 2010 at 5:00pm
Location: Bebe Theatre and other venues
Street: 20 Commerce St, etc

Come One, Come All! Experience the best of the avant-garde, the experimental, the fringey, freaky, and titillating performances at the 8th Annual FringeArts Festival!

Featuring many talented local performers in a few venues!
All shows are different, so come see them all!

Festival Opening Night Extravaganza!
Jan 21st at 8pm
Located at Scandal's Nightclub, 11 Grove St.
Tickets only $8.00
Jen & The Juice, our musical headliners with Cookie La Rue, our mistress of ceremonies!

Fringe in a Blackbox: A Fringe Focus on Movement and Theatre
Jan 22nd, 23rd at 7:30pm, Jan 24th at 3pm
Located at Bebe Theatre, 20 Commerce St.
Tickets: $12 Students with ID/Seniors $10

Fringe on Wheels: A LaZoom Bus Mystery Tour
Jan 22nd, 23rd at 7:30 and 10pm
Bus departs from the Bebe Theatre
Tickets: $12 Students with ID/Seniors $10

Fringe Audio: A Fringe Focus on Sonic Experimentation
Jan 22nd, 23rd at 8pm
Black Mountain College Museum and Arts Center, 56 Broadway
Tickets: $12 Students with ID/Seniors/BMCM+AC members $10

GET YOUR FREAK PASS AND SEE ALL SHOWS FOR JUST $25!!!
**Tickets for individual shows are also available

Visit ashevillefringe.org for schedules, to buy tix, and get more fringey info.

See you at the Fringe!

Haircuts for Haiti: Bringing Community Together in Support of Relief Efforts in Haiti

2010-01-18T13:03:00.003-05:00

Area citizens and business are finding ways to contribute to the Haiti relief efforts and by getting your haircut in a participating salon on Feb. 1, you can participate as well.

Haircuts for Haiti is one way Asheville citizens and businesses are coming together to support relief efforts in Haiti. Five Asheville salons are holding a cut-a-thon and donating 100% of haircut proceeds on Monday, February 1, 2010 to relief efforts for the earthquake that devastated Haiti.

The salons welcome other businesses to match what is raised or become part of Haircuts for Haiti in whatever way is feasible for them.

Participating businesses will be listed on the Wildflower Studio website, www.wildflowerstudioasheville.com.

Businesses interested in participating in this effort should call Amanda at 505-9490.

link

Way to go, guys. I wish you tons of success.

Flashmob in Asheville Coming Soon

2010-01-15T10:57:00.003-05:00

Facebook has a FLASHVILLE page where they're trying to organize a flashmob for Jan 28th.

Stop in for more details.

link

Asheville film 'Solatrium' heads to Slamdance Film Festival

2010-01-13T14:08:00.003-05:00

“Solatrium” by local director Chris Bower will make its world debut at the Slamdance Film Festival in Park City, Utah Jan. 21-28.

Many Asheville-area residents know Bower from “Moon Europa,” the Asheville based science fiction film he produced with multimedia developer G. Craig Hobbs. But few know that “Moon Europa” was originally a short film, “Solatrium.”

For more on Slamdance, visit slamdance.com. Local links are www.solatrium.com, www.slamdance.com and www.chrisbower.tumblr.com.

link

Asheville Vaudeville

2010-01-08T21:15:00.002-05:00

link

Friends of Asheville Vaudeville Facebook Group

Are You A freak?

2010-01-05T16:38:00.004-05:00

The Freaks Pageant is much like a standard beauty pageant, but without the beauty, swimsuits and tiaras. You'll perform your fabulous offbeat talents, show your best get-up-and-go costume gear, and of course, give the all-important interview.

And, much like standard beauty pageants, you can bribe the judges. At the auditions, expect to perform a short piece of your choosing and show photos of your costume creations (or other -fully clothed- exploits).

Please register immediately to receive audition guidelines by e-mailing avlfreakscalendar@gmail.com.

A registration fee of $25 will be required to secure an audition appointment.

The Freaks of Asheville pageant will take place at Grove House (11 Grove Street) from 8-10 p.m. Feb. 13.

Contestants will perform a 3-minute talent segment, show a costume of their own creation runway style and respond to 3 minutes worth of interview questions relevant to the kingdom of freaky behavior and thought. Contestants will compete for a single appearance in the 2011 Freaks of Asheville Calendar.

The Freaks of Asheville Pageant is produced by Kitty Love, Craggie Brewing Company, and the Freaks of Asheville. The Freaks of Asheville calendar is a fundraiser for Arts 2 People.

Read More »

Wolf Ridge Ski Resort

2010-01-01T19:46:00.002-05:00

Wolf Ridge Ski Resort in Mars Hill, NC, wants to share the scenery of our mountain with you. We now have three web cams that show incredible views of the slopes and the surrounding mountains.

For singles, couples, families, in the height of ski season their inclusive accommodations are definitely worth looking into.

link

Sweet Peas Hostel set to open in downtown Asheville

2009-12-21T23:14:00.003-05:00

During an era when most new hotel-style lodging in Asheville has veered toward the higher end, a downtown business is poised to open a decidedly cheaper opportunity for overnight visitors: Sweet Peas Hostel, at 23 Rankin Ave., is slated to open on Saturday, Dec. 26.

To reserve your bed, read this information, then call (423) 612-5325 Mon-Fri 9-5 EST or send them an e-mail.

link | hostel

Snow Day!

2009-12-18T10:59:00.003-05:00

link

This link is from Asheville Live Cam website. Snow days are always huge days for AshevilleLiveCam.com's web traffic, as native Ashevillians, expatriots and fans check in from all over the world to see the mountains and the downtown area blanketed in white.

Winter Solstice Events

2009-12-16T11:54:00.001-05:00

Monday, Dec. 21

WINTER SOLSTICE HIKE, 7-9 p.m., Hooker Falls parking lot, Dupont Road, DuPont State Forest, Hendersonville. A winter solstice hike will offer participants an opportunity to quietly welcome the return of the sun to the northern hemisphere and celebrate the darkness of the longest night along the 1/4-mile moderate trail to Hooker Falls. Hikers are urged to bring flashlights and a warm drink to toast the winter solstice.

DuPont State Forest, DuPont Rd.; Monday, 7-9 p.m.; free; (828) 692-0385; www.eco-wnc.org

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A Swannanoa Solstice
December 20, 2009, Sunday
2:00p.m. & 7:00p.m.

The Winter Solstice is a time for joyful and thoughtful seasonal reflection. Delight with family and friends at the 7th annual edition of this holiday concert that has become a warm winter tradition of tis own.

link

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**There are still a few Winter Solstice celebrations that aren't being widely advertised so I'm not going to post them until I can find out if they are for everyone. So regardless, have a wonderful Winter Solstice.

Santa in Pritchard Park

2009-12-01T17:47:00.003-05:00

We've got Saturdays with Santa again this year! Saturdays will be special at Pritchard Park because Santa will be stopping by from 10 - 11 am every Saturday right up until Christmas. Bring the kids and grandma and grandpa, too! Everyone loves Santa.

Stay in downtown after visiting Santa and enjoy lunch at one of our great restaurants, do some holiday shopping and then enjoy the Saturday Sizzle at Seven fireworks, presented by the Grove Park Inn and the Asheville Downtown Association.

Protesters on Generator at Cliffside - PHOTO

2009-11-30T10:41:00.001-05:00

Protesters Chain Themselves To Generator

2009-11-30T10:13:00.001-05:00

Breaking News: Two people are locked down to the Cliffside generator in Greenville, SC. Press release below and more info coming. Also keep track at: http://twitter.com/RisingTideNA

Photo taken today near Cliffside coal plant

Greenville, SC - Two protestors have locked themselves to the 1.5 million pound generator destined for Duke Energy’s Cliffside coal plant in Rutherford County, North Carolina. Protestors are vowing to prevent the generator, which has been traveling across South Carolina on a 300 foot trailer, from reaching the coal plant. “Our nation has no choice, we must stop burning coal. The only choice that we can make is whether we do that in time to still have breathable air, drinkable water, a livable climate, and standing mountains,” said, Catherine Anne. Protestors also draped a large banner from the top of the generator reading, “Stop Cliffside.”

The 880,000-pound generator is on its way to Duke Energy's Cliffside Steam Station in Boiling Springs, N.C.

An environmental group called Asheville Rising Tide said in a statement sent to FOX Carolina that the protesters are vowing to prevent the generator from reaching the coal plant. via

Asheville Gingerbread Tour

2009-11-15T09:46:00.003-05:00

TOUR - our participating inns, including The 1900 Inn on Montford, At Cumberland Falls, Abbington Green Bed and Breakfast and The Albemarle Inn. The tour begins at the Asheville Visitor Center, where a trolley ferries participants to the inns.

SEE - Professionally designed Gingerbread House scenes, each telling part of the story of the beloved poem "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" at each of the Inns

TRAVEL - Go to each of the Inns via Asheville’s Gray Line Trolley while enjoying music and songs of this magical season, $30 per person

WHEN - Every Saturday, starting at 5:00 pm

For More Information | See Photos

Some footage today of artists working on the Art Mural on Lexington Ave

2009-10-23T15:30:00.001-04:00

link

Saturday, October 24, 2009

2009-10-21T13:40:00.003-04:00

2pm – 4pm
In front of Asheville City Hall
2 – 3pm Kids and Adult Activities
3:00 pm Climate Action Rally
3:30 – 3:50 pm Be in the Big Photo that is going to Copenhagen!

350 is the most important number in the world--it's what scientists say is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Everyone from Al Gore to the U.N.’s top climate scientist has now embraced this goal for stabilizing the planet and preventing complete disaster. Our leaders need to craft a treaty and policies that will put the world on track to get to below 350.

Asheville 350 | Global 350

TribOriginal

2009-10-02T10:52:00.000-04:00

OCTOBER 8 - 11, 2009

Tribal Dance, Music, and Culture Camp

TribO aspires to offer something for everyone: the bellydancers, musicians, burgeoning circus sideshow types, mates, spouses, children, teens, morning people and late-nighters, meat-eaters and vegetarians, camping-types and city folks.

link

Looking For Evolver Asheville Group Organizers

2009-09-25T22:17:00.001-04:00

Our regional coordinator made the big move to NYC and we are now looking for bold, daring evolutionaries to organize monthly "Spore" gatherings in the region. If you're interested in kick-starting the evolution in Asheville, just send an email to jonathan((at))evolver((dot))net with "Asheville Coordinator" in the subject line.

Evolver Asheville

VIRATO LIVE! on Saturday

2009-09-17T12:20:00.001-04:00

BRIAN "SKYE" FESTA

Saturday, September 19, 2009, 10:06 AM-11 AM EDT

Virato's guest this Saturday morning, Brian "Skye" Festa, was born and raised in Lancaster Pennsylvania, home to the Amish. Amidst his many adventures, he has studied Percussion Performance and Music Education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

He founded Koinonia in the Spring of 2008 and has compiled a holistic curriculum which gives each student their own creative foundation from the very beginning.

Organicfest 2009

2009-09-13T11:34:00.002-04:00

is TODAY!

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Asheville Full Moon Gatherings

2009-09-03T20:38:00.003-04:00

Sept. 4-7, 2009
Location: Kuykendall Falls, Brevard, NC
Theme: Pisces Moon-Exstasis

The theme for this gathering is Exstasis - A transference of consciousness from the physical plane to another inner and superior plane, accompanied by awareness and memory of the experience.

Please bring artwork, costumes, and food to share at the Saturday and Sunday lunchtime potlucks. As this is a gathering we also ask you to help with any labors of love needed during the weekend.

This is a leave no trace event. Pack it it and pack it out. There is no trash and recycling removal except YOU.

link

SPUD Patrol

2009-09-02T11:05:00.002-04:00

Come and volunteer for these SPUD Patrol Dates!

September 5, October 3, November 7, December 5

We now have coordinators for a new S.P.U.D. Patrol in Asheville, North Carolina! Chuck & Annette Hunner at 828-216-1422 or hunner@charter.net

Location in Asheville is Pritchard Park, downtown Asheville in the triangle formed by Patton Avenue, Haywood Street, and College Street.

Stay tuned for SPUD Reports from the beautiful city of Asheville, and thank you, Chuck & Annette!

Sign up in your city by emailing or calling the coordinators in your city below:

link

TEDx Asheville

2009-08-29T01:43:00.006-04:00

--by Jason Sandford in the Mountain Xpress.

Call it a circus for your brain. Call it an idea explosion with a rock-and-roll vibe. Call it a variety show for nerds, by nerds.
No matter how organizer Jennifer Saylor describes it, the TEDx Asheville event set for Aug. 30 at the Orange Peel will do one thing — spotlight the ideas and talents of Asheville's big thinkers and creative minds. The event is the culmination of several months of planning after a local group of fans of the annual California-based conference known as TED (which stands for technology, entertainment and design) got together and decided to stage an Asheville version of the event.

"Our presenter lineup is the result of around 90 speaker nominees and months of volunteer labor, watching videos, reading bios, discussing our options, listening to talks and ideas," Saylor says. "We think our lineup is completely in the TED spirit of humor, mastery, changing society and having vision for the future. It's made up out of the coolest and most interesting people we could find in a citywide search several months long."

The line-up of speakers includes David McConville, co-founder of The Elumenati, an Asheville design and engineering company that creates custom immersive environments such as domes; Drew Jones, a specialist in systems dynamics and climate-change modeling who is program director for the Vermont-based Sustainability Institute; Dee Eggers, an environmental studies professor at UNC Asheville; Robert Zimmerman, whose Web development company has created sites for illustrators and art directors; and Caroline Yongue, a home-funeral educator who talks about end-of-life transitions.

There's plenty of entertainment mixed in the four-hour event, with acts including poet Glenis Redmond and Chris Tanfield and Dave Hamilton. Saylor promises a couple of "big surprises" as well.

Seating is limited to 400 people and the show is free, so Saylor is encouraging people to arrive early to be sure they get a seat. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The party starts at 7 p.m. Saylor says she doesn't have a feel for whether the event will fill up, but adds that interest has been high.

Asheville resident Rick Fornoff, who coaches public speakers and is a TEDx Asheville organizer, has been coaching four of the event speakers. The TED requirement is that each speaker be limited to 18 minutes.

"Part of the power of the talks is that it's great information that's condensed. You don't have long to get it out there," Fornoff says. "So it's a matter of pruning and getting to the point."

Both Saylor and Fornoff note that local organizers have a real passion for TED, which is built around the idea of offering a global forum for ideas worth spreading. They hope that their excitement shows in the production.

"We're all fans of TED, and in Asheville we're all proud of the fertility of the community here," Fornoff says. "This is a chance for us to show off our intellectual capital."

The goal is to hold the event again next summer, with planning for that starting in October. Saylor urges anyone interested in getting involved to send an e-mail to tedxavl@gmail.com.

For more information, visit http://www.tedxasheville.com.

Source | live simulcast of this Sunday’s TEDx event

The Village Witch

2009-08-26T21:00:00.001-04:00

Byron Ballard is a local writer, urban farmer and Buncombe county native who writes about traditional Appalachian witching and modern Earth religions. She holds a BA from UNCA, a Master of Fine Arts from Trinity University and lives in historic West End of Asheville, NC with her husband, daughter, four cats and a demanding garden. This blog is the place to come to find out what’s happening in the local Earth religions community, to learn about mountain cures and charms and to ask questions about which witch is which.

link

Follow along on the Citizen-Times website.

Gathering of the Peacemakers

2009-08-21T01:44:00.002-04:00

Asheville/Black Mountain, NC

August 30-September 5, 2009

Our 90th One Event - Our 4th One Love Retreat!

Tons of events and music!

link | performers

"Rethink Afghanistan" movie on August 27th

2009-08-21T00:26:00.000-04:00

Film & Discussion — Free
Thursday, August 27, 2009 7-9PM
North Asheville Library, 1030 Merrimon Ave.

Since the October 2001 invasion of Afghanistan, the U.S. has spent almost
$225 billion and coalition forces have lost more than 1300 troops. In just
the first six months of 2009, we killed more than 1,000 civilians. There
is no end in sight.

Why are we still there? Are the people of Afghanistan any better off? Have
women’s rights improved? Is the government stable? Are there better ways
to spend our tax dollars? Is our military presence effective?

Carnegie Endowment's Gilles Dorronsoro says:
"The mere presence of foreign soldiers fighting a war in Afghanistan is
probably the single most important factor in the Taliban's resurgence."

What do you say?

Join Veterans For Peace for a screening and discussion of Brave New Films’
documentary, “Rethink Afghanistan” (http://rethinkafghanistan.com/). This
full-length documentary about America’s escalating military involvement in
the country provides expert opinions as well as troubling images as it
answers many questions and raises others.

www.Veterans4Peace.org More info: (828) 626-2572

Sunday's Washington Post On Asheville

2009-08-14T23:32:00.003-04:00

Asheville, N.C., Has a Song at Its Heart

By Christina Talcott
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, August 16, 2009

In Asheville, music is everywhere. From church bells and buskers to pipe organs and drum circles, the city pulses with soundtracks as different as the experiences it has to offer. Read More »

There's also a page on What To Do In Asheville/Where To Go.

The Grey Eagle, August Calendar

2009-08-14T16:13:00.007-04:00

Some of the best music around today can be found at The Grey Eagle. It boggles the effin' mind, I tell you.

If you appreciate the essence of classic rock, you'll like Dungen. They're from Sweden and their sound is psychedelic rock sung in Swedish. Dungen's appearing Tuesday, AUGUST 18. And Woods is also on the bill.

The White Rabbits AND Fiery Furnaces visit Tuesday, August 25. They've got two drummers and tight vocals with a solid rock sound. What's not to love? Here's a video of my favorite song of the White Rabbits called "Percussion Gun".

There's much more in store in August at The Grey Eagle. Stop by the website and have a look at the calendar section. link

Pets of Western NC

2009-08-13T15:43:00.004-04:00

I've found a website that is just loaded with all sorts of pet information for the surrounding 18 counties.

Lost Pets of Western NC began with the intention to provide information and resources that will shorten the time between loss and reunion. It's full of good information for any pet owner and someone has really put their heart into this website.

They also have tons of resources.

Pet Sitting
Pet Mobile Services
Pet Behaviorists
Pet Daycare/Boarding
Lost & Found Information
Vets & Hospitals
Shelters/Human Societies
Pet Memorials
Pet Portraits

link

2009-08-08T17:17:00.001-04:00

World Bridge IV: Veils will be lifted, worlds be bridged.
7-9 August 2009 presented by Those People Productions

Join us once again for a ritual of deep, dark, twisted, mind expanding, trance dancing. It's another year of amazing tribal/neuro trance under the stars at Deerfields Retreat, NC,US.

Prepare… this one is going to be a psychedelic journey of massive proportions! Come dance with us in the mountains!

Bring your art, vibe, rituals, & moves, and meet us on the floor for trancendental communication through sound and movement.

link

TRANSFIGURATIONS

2009-07-28T14:46:00.005-04:00

THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY - AUGUST 13-15, 2009

TRANSFIG-URATIONS: Kurt Vile, Coathangers, & more.

Other artists playing TRANSFIGURATIONS include: Bonnie Prince Billy, Akron/Family, The Books, The Budos Band, Espers, Circulatory System, The War on Drugs, Mount Eerie, Brightblack Morning Light, Jonathan Kane, Steve Gunn, Villages & Ice Cream.

Harvest Records of West Asheville will be celebrating its 5-year anniversary with TRANSFIGURATIONS -- an intimate gathering of Harvest's favorite musical artists today.

link | link

Roller Derby in Asheville this Saturday

2009-07-07T23:26:00.002-04:00

More information about the Blue Ridge Rollergirls is available at: blueridgerollergirls.com or myspace.com/blueridgerollergirls

STONEWALL RALLY ASHEVILLE JUNE 27th!

2009-06-12T11:45:00.003-04:00

Asheville's Annual Stonewall Commemoration Rally will be held at the end of this month. Please join us for a momentous celebration in honor of those who laid the groundwork for the contemporary LGBTQ movement during the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City!

There will be speakers, performances, a permited sidewalk march, and of course an ice cream social. Following the days events will be an after party to remember with live music, drag, dance troupe and burlesque performaces and a dance party into the night.

Join in with your partners, friends, allies, family, and neighbors! Feel free to dress for the occasion by bringing out your best flare or just your own fabulous self! Please use your community contacts to forward this widely and let's come together for the best Stonewall Rally Asheville has ever had!

This year's theme is Super Queeros! We will be honoring our community's very own super hero legends of the past!

Here's the Info:

Saturday June 27th!

Day events location: Prtichard Park, downtown Asheville
5:00 Rally with speakers and music
6:00 Permited sidewalk march, we have signs, but you can also bring your own signs and rally cries!
7:00 Ice Cream Social with music at Pritchard Park

Afterparty events location: Hookah Joes (behind Hairspray)
Event begins at 9:00 and we can admit under 21 with prior coordination with organizers

Performances include:
Blondie Coverband (Durham, NC with ex-members of Roxotica-long time supporters of Stonewall and Tranzmission events)
Sparkle Rainbow Ponies of Death (local rockers!)
Burlesque and Drag Performers by Asheville's finest Tranzmission Drag Troupe
Talon Dance Troupe
DJ dance party to follow!

Stonewall Commemoration Rally organizers

for more info contact: Louise138@gmail.com

The Biltmore Forest home of Andie MacDowell

2009-06-10T17:29:00.007-04:00

Photos by John Fletcher.

link

Beards Of Comedy Tour

2009-06-08T14:26:00.003-04:00

This coming weekend at 35 Below.

Friday, June 12, 2009 at 8:00 and 10:15 pm
Saturday, June 13, 2009 at 9:00 pm

The Beards of Comedy Tour is comprised of four seasoned and bearded comedians, in a unique format that blends stand-up, sketch and audience comedy. The show is 90 minutes of nonstop laughter, with several surprises in store.

link

Protest against NC Congressman in Asheville after his 2-day visit to Sri Lanka

2009-06-05T22:25:00.002-04:00

Raleigh, NC June 5, 2009– Tamils Against Genocide is holding a protest march in Asheville, North Carolina on Saturday June 06th in response to Congressman Heath Shuler’s (D-11) two day visit to Sri Lanka last week. On his recent visit, Representative Shuler took a tour sponsored by the Sri Lankan government to the internment camps in northern Sri Lanka, in which 300,000 ethnic Tamil refugees are currently being held. Human rights advocates are angry after Representative Shuler commended the Sri Lankan government on the conditions in the internment camps after a government conducted tour. The protest will be held in Pritchard Park in downtown Asheville from 11am to 3pm.

Two weeks ago, the Sri Lankan government ended the island-country’s 26-year civil war in a final assault which killed more than 20,000 Tamil civilians. Shuler’s statements contradict reports by reputable human rights organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, who accuse the government of intentionally shelling the civilian population and denying foreign media and non-governmental aid organizations into the conflict zones.

Free Asheville

2009-05-24T21:00:00.001-04:00

Get free items in the Asheville North Carolina Area on Twitter at Free Asheville.

Green Bash

2009-05-21T14:47:00.003-04:00

A banging bass-heavy warehouse party to feel great about. Introducing Asheville to Atlanta’s infamous “80 Megaton” soundsystem (4 x 18″), light up dance floor, and snow machine and more all made possible by Mellow Mushroom. Just wait til you see how this event gets decked out.

Featuring spoken-word poets of The Poetix Vanguard, hip-hop stylings of Preach Jacobs, the freshest DJ sounds of Bowie, Midnite Ace, Mindelixir, and Cameron Corey, with digital projection art from VJ collective The NightLight Riders.

Party kicks off at 9:00 pm sharp on Saturday May 23rd. @ The Star Factory, 191 Lyman St. Suite 101, Asheville, NC.

Drum Circle to receive new equipment

2009-05-21T11:12:00.001-04:00

The Asheville Downtown Association will present several drums and accessories to the Asheville Drum Circle at 7 p.m. Friday.

“We are so fortunate to have this group of people who create this music in Pritchard Park,” said Byron Greiner, the president of the association's board of directors, in a statement. "The circle encourages participation and we are donating instruments to support their activities."

The association is donating a 55-gallon dun dun, two djembes, an ashiko, a cowbell, three sets of claves and three shakers.

The drum circle has been active since 2001 and takes place each Friday, weather permitting, in Pritchard Park, downtown.

Asheville Communes & Cohousing

2009-05-11T15:23:00.005-04:00

Visitors come by here looking for communes in the Asheville area so I'm going to put up this post and hope it gets in the search engines.

The best place to look from the urban co-ops to cohousing groups to ecovillages to rural communes in the Western North Carolina area is the Intentional Communities website by state. You can also update that site yo'self. (Earthaven is probably the most well known place around.)

Cohousing has really grown around our area the past decade or so. It's an attempt to utilize the social, economical, and practical benefits of cooperative living while at the same time allowing for individual needs and privacy. In cohousing, families reside in their own private apartments but unlike traditional urban or suburban neighborhoods where anonymity is the rule, cohousing not only allows for, but strongly encourages social interaction, interdependence, and cooperation among all members. Think of it as living in a dorm. You can learn all about cohousing at cohousing.org

The websites stay up to date I so hope this helps out a bit and if there's anything we need to add please let me know.

Free_Asheville

2009-05-04T15:49:00.001-04:00

Free material items in the Asheville North Carolina Area.

This twitter feed on Free Asheville items is busy, busy, busy.

Black Whole

2009-04-15T13:59:00.004-04:00

An immersion in video, sound and dance at downtown Asheville’s Food Lion Skate Park.

The Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center along with co-sponsors the City of Asheville, Moog Music and Centering on Children are proud to present an outdoor, multi-media, interdisciplinary performance entitled BLACK WHOLE at downtown Asheville’s Food Lion Skate Park on Saturday, April 25th.

The evening will begin at 8:00 pm with an interactive pre-show “Theremin Garden” featuring Moog Music’s Jason Daniello, a celebrated local musician.

link

Your Chariot Awaits

2009-04-12T09:38:00.003-04:00

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TRON-A-THON

2009-04-09T12:42:00.003-04:00

Tron-A-Thon Electronic Music Summit

Friday & Saturday April 10-11, 2009.

Club Nashwa & Hookah Joes
38 N French Broad St Asheville, NC.

Featuring live performances by Pnuma Trio, Future Rock, Elliot Lipp, Kap10, DJ Rootz, Two Fresh, Random Rabbit, Freepeoples Frequency, Sci Fi, Agobi Project, Midnight Ace, Aquarium, Somni Suite, DJ Ginza, Mindelixir, EP3, Tropa, Darth Brown, DJ Bowie, Par D, Live Painting by Ishmael, and Live Graphics by CODE-E.

For Tickets visit: http://www.tronathon.com

link

Paul Hersey - Organic Armour

2009-04-09T00:37:00.000-04:00

Paul Hersey, the tailor to the gods, goddesses, warriors and priestesses of our world works in an unassuming studio on Lyman Street in Asheville. He fashions the gold and copper breastplates, armbands, headdresses and elaborate belts that supernatural beings wear for ceremonial purposes, performances or just for really great parties.

Made with foam, latex, paint, faux jewels and a heaping dose of transformative power, Paul Hersey's "Organic Armor" is simply divine in more ways than one, and to wear it is to discover the hidden warrior-princess-tribal-punk-fairy that you never even knew lurked within you.

link | via