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Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Friday, December 5, 2025
I Still Believe In Christmas: An Evening With Anne Wilson
Dec 5 @ 7:30 pm
Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville

Join GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Anne Wilson for “I Still Believe in Christmas, An Evening with Anne Wilson,” a limited run of Christmas shows this December. Come hear the music of the Christmas season, and new music from Anne’s highly anticipated upcoming album STARS. Don’t miss a festive and merry night of music and worship, this December!

Saturday, December 6, 2025
BRO Revels! 2025: A British Holiday
Dec 6 @ 3:00 pm
First Baptist Church of Weaverville

The Blue Ridge Orchestra rings in the winter season with BRO Revels! 2025: A British Holiday—two festive performances featuring chamber and orchestral works by British composers Handel, Walton, Coleridge-Taylor, Holst, and more, followed by beloved holiday favorites performed by our full orchestra!

While our home at UNC Asheville’s Lipinsky Hall undergoes its 2-year renovation, we’re grateful to continue our partnership with UNCA students and the surrounding community. This temporary displacement gives us an exciting opportunity to expand our reach—bringing live orchestral music directly to audiences in Weaverville, Swannanoa, and communities across Western North Carolina. This season of giving, please consider supporting our mission to keep great orchestral performances accessible to all.

Details:

Saturday, December 6th, 2025, 3:00 pm
First Baptist Church of Weaverville
63 N Main St.
Weaverville, NC 28787

Sunday, December 7th, 2025, 3:00 pm
Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church
101 Chapel Ln.
Swannanoa, NC 28778

Tickets: $20 General Admission, $15 Students, Free 6 and under

 

Santa in the Square and Holiday Market
Dec 6 @ 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Biltmore Park

Gather your family and friends Saturday, December 6, 2025, for a magical day in the heart of South Asheville where the holiday spirit truly comes alive. Biltmore Park Town Square can’t wait to welcome the community to this very special holiday tradition.

At the Town Square Green right in front of Reuter Family YMCA, children will have the unforgettable opportunity to meet Santa Claus, share their Christmas wishes, and pose for keepsake photos that will be treasured for years to come. Santa will be joined by Mrs. Claus and merry elves, all excited to greet families and spread holiday cheer. Children can even stop by the North Pole Express Station to write and send their very own letter to Santa, adding even more magic to magic to the day.

Visits with Santa will be surrounded by an array of family-friendly entertainment as the Town Square transforms into a holiday wonderland with whimsical stilt walkers, face painting, carolers, hot cocoa, festive treats, and so much more.

Along Town Square Boulevard, explore the Holiday Market with a vibrant selection of local vendors offering everything from artisan and crafts products to delicious seasonal foods and baked goods, jewelry, and handcrafted wooden toys. Whether you’re shopping for unique presents, savoring holiday flavors, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, the market is the perfect place to celebrate local makers and traditions among the warm glow of holiday lights. You can even take home a fresh-cut locally grown Christmas Tree – just in time for the season!

This cherished tradition brings the entire community together for a day of wonder, joy, and connection. Come be part of the magic at Biltmore Park Town Square and celebrate the holidays in true festive style!

Market Hours: 3-7PM
Where: Town Square Blvd

Visits with Santa: 3-6PM
Where: Town Square Green in front of Reuter Family YMCA

Children’s Entrepreneur Market
Dec 6 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Adventure Center

🎉 Calling All Young Entrepreneurs! 🍅
We’re thrilled to join with the Winter Wonder Walk for a one-of-a-kind Children’s Entrepreneur Market!
🌟 Got a kid with a big idea? Whether it’s homemade crafts, baked goods, lemonade stands, or creative services—this is their chance to shine!

🍅 Visit kids markets.com

Sign up your child’s booth 🌽
Explore upcoming children’s markets 🎨
Support young local entrepreneurs 💼

Join us at the Winter Wonder Walk where the season is brought to life like never before. Wander an outdoor trail and literally step inside the pages of a magical winter story. It’s a one-of-a-kind winter adventure you won’t want to miss being a part of.

Children’s Entrepreneur Market
Dec 6 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Adventure Center-Winter Wonder Walk

Join us at the Winter Wonder Walk where the season is brought to life like never before. Wander an outdoor trail and literally step inside the pages of a magical winter story. It’s a one-of-a-kind winter adventure you won’t want to miss being a part of.

Come support young entrepreneurs (ages 5–17) as they showcase their talents, sell their products, and learn the ropes of business firsthand at the Winter Wonder Walk! As part of the Winter Wonder Walk you will be transported into the magical world of Winterland, where the pages will come to life with live-action immersive story-walk on an outdoor trail.

📣 Interested in participating?
Young entrepreneurs can register at: https://kidsmarkets.com/
Follow us on Facebook @ChildrenEntrepreneursNorthCarolina for updates, sneak peeks, and more!
✨ Why You’ll Love It:
💡 Educational & Inspiring – Kids learn valuable skills in leadership, creativity, money management, and marketing.
🎨 Hands-On Fun –Family-Friendly Fun
🛍️ One-of-a-Kind Shopping – Support the next generation of business leaders and take home unique, kid-made treasures.
🛡️ Safe & Supervised – A welcoming, secure environment for kids and families.

Hub City Holiday
Dec 6 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Converse University Twichell Auditorium

Hub City Holiday

Dec 6, 2025 / 7pm – 8 pm

Celebrate the season with Spartanburg Philharmonic’s annual Hub City Holiday concert, a joyful evening filled with festive music and community spirit.

Tuatha Dea
Dec 6 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
White Horse Black Mountain

Tuatha Dea combines primal rhythms, melodic and ethereal ballads, and screaming guitar riffs with an Appalachian/Celtic vibe. Born of a family drum circle, they deliver an authentic tribal and clannish feel that not only draws the audience into the music but also into the moment and clan as well. Their rhythmic groove and interaction naturally inspire audience participation, which has become a staple of their performances. From the beginning, the band has embraced its Celtic heritage and meshed the traditional music of Scotland and Ireland with its own bold blend of mainstream rock, mountain drumming, and Appalachian blues to produce a truly unique sound that has a universal appeal! Dubbed “The Eclectic Steam-Punk Partridge Family in Kilts and Corsets” and “The Appalachian Fae”, this band is REAL family!!!

Sunday, December 7, 2025
PAN HARMONIA: Holiday Variety Show benefitting Working Wheels!
Dec 7 all-day
First Presbyterian Church of Asheville

Holiday Variety Show benefitting Working Wheels!
Every December since 2012, Pan Harmonia’s Shining Light Project has produced a benefit concert to raise funds for a local, non-profit organization. This year, our beneficiary is Working Wheels, which provides affordable, reliable transportation to local families in need.

featuring
Amy Brucksch and Andy Jurik Guitars · Kate Steinbeck Flute
Michaela Wright Soprano · Chandler Peveto Piano
Asheville Flute Choir · AC Reynolds High School Flute Quartet
Blue Ridge Classical Guitar Orchestra plus others!

Sunday, December 7, 3 pm · First Presbyterian Church of Asheville

For those who can’t make the event but would like to contribute, here’s the portal:

DEC 7 · Holiday Variety Show 

As ever, PAN HARMONIA offers Donation-based, Pay-as-You-Can Community Concerts. All are welcome!

panharmonia.org
828.242.1077

Uncommon Holiday Market
Dec 7 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Battery Park Hall

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Come celebrate & shop with us at our 11th annual Holiday Market. We’ll have vintage Christmas, art, plants, jewelry, homemade toys and gifts for those on your list.
The market will be held downtown at the beautiful Battery Park Hall, adjacent to the Haywood Park Hotel, 46 Haywood Street. Saturday 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday 10 am – 4 pm.
Admission is FREE! Park in metered street parking or in the Harrah’s Cherokee Center or Wall Street Parking Decks. Sunday metered parking is FREE.
Adoptable puppies with Mountain Pet Rescue will be here.
This is an INDOOR market and service dogs only are allowed.
Food & coffee onsite.

BRO Revels! 2025: A British Holiday
Dec 7 @ 3:00 pm
Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church

The Blue Ridge Orchestra rings in the winter season with BRO Revels! 2025: A British Holiday—two festive performances featuring chamber and orchestral works by British composers Handel, Walton, Coleridge-Taylor, Holst, and more, followed by beloved holiday favorites performed by our full orchestra!

While our home at UNC Asheville’s Lipinsky Hall undergoes its 2-year renovation, we’re grateful to continue our partnership with UNCA students and the surrounding community. This temporary displacement gives us an exciting opportunity to expand our reach—bringing live orchestral music directly to audiences in Weaverville, Swannanoa, and communities across Western North Carolina. This season of giving, please consider supporting our mission to keep great orchestral performances accessible to all.

Details:

Saturday, December 6th, 2025, 3:00 pm
First Baptist Church of Weaverville
63 N Main St.
Weaverville, NC 28787

Sunday, December 7th, 2025, 3:00 pm
Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church
101 Chapel Ln.
Swannanoa, NC 28778

Tickets: $20 General Admission, $15 Students, Free 6 and under

 

Tuesday, December 9, 2025
MAC ARNOLD | Nothin’ But the Blues | Blues Society All-Star Jam
Dec 9 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
White Horse Black Mountain

A powerhouse of blues is stepping into the spotlight—this week’s Nothing But Blues Jam welcomes the legendary Mac Arnold for a night you’ll be talking about long after the last note fades.

This electrifying event happens every Tuesday night! Bill and Peggy will rotate as hosts, generally every other week, and will kick off the evening with a set of Blues tunes starting at 7:30 PM. After their set, it’s your time to shine! We’ll have an open jam session where you can bring your instrument or your voice and perform up to three songs. Don’t worry about bringing a backline; the house band has got you covered. (You will need your own guitar, bass, harmonicas, or sticks.) Musicians and singers can sign up at the event, and we strongly encourage everyone to stick to the Blues genre to keep the vibe

Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Spirited Improv Performance
Dec 10 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Center for Conscious Living and Dying

What happens when a room full of humans walk on stage with no script… and only Love guiding the moment? Come witness the magic of a Spirited Improv Performance.

A Spirited Improv performance is unlike anything you’ve ever witnessed. More than entertainment, Spirited Improv is an enlivening emergent experience of collective creativity. It’s an improvisational showcase of the human spirit at play with invitations into music-making, dance, singing, acting, costumed silliness, story-telling, and ritual that deeply nourish the heart and soul. It offers a warm, playful, and safe container where laughter, tears, and connection flow freely.

Imagine entering a space where performers have no script, no plan, just a deep trust in Love, in each other, and in the creative aliveness of the moment. As an audience member, you are not just a passive witness; rather, you are part of the alchemy. You are invited to release judgment and practice radical acceptance of yourself and each human in the room, creating an encouraging play space for all. Whether you choose to simply offer your loving presence, share a prompt, tell a story, or step onto stage, you’re woven into the collective experience. What unfolds is spontaneous and sacred, hilarious and healing, shaped by the energy of Love in the room guiding it all.

Past audience member said, “Your spiritual improv was like going to a restaurant for the first time, and having one of the best meals of my life. I LOVED IT and was so grateful to have that unique experience of connection and healing.”

Thursday, December 11, 2025
Transylvania Choral Society Gloria & Carols by Candlelight
Dec 11 @ 7:30 pm
Porter Center at Brevard College

Join us for our Annual Holiday Concert, a celebration of the season filled with choral harmonies, candlelight, and joy. Listening to choral music by candlelight is an experience that feels suspended between sound and silence, light and shadow. The soft flicker of candles transforms the space. The usual sharpness of electric light is gone, replaced by something softer and timeless.

Vivaldi’s Gloria and Carols by Candlelight
Dec 11 @ 7:30 pm
Porter Center, Brevard College

Join us for our performance of Vivaldi’s Gloria and beautiful carols, a celebration of the season filled with choral harmonies, candlelight, and joy. Listening to choral music by candlelight is an experience that feels suspended between sound and silence, light and shadow. The soft flicker of candles transforms the space. The usual sharpness of electric light is gone, replaced by something softer and timeless.

Friday, December 12, 2025
20th annual Candlelight Stroll
Dec 12 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Weaverville, NC

Tree Lighting: 6:00 pm, The Weaverville Tree on Main Street

Storytelling, Music, Gifts, Kids Crafts, and a Shuttle Service to TownThe Community Center and The Dry Ridge Museum offer a full night of festivities, AND a ride from Lake Louise to Main Street.

Scavenger Hunt: Holiday characters are hidden throughout Main Street!

SantaAs usual, Santa is hosted by Keller Williams Realty!

Cops 4 Kids: Donation jars are dispersed along Main Street.

Festive Singing and CarolingDetails to come as we get closer to our event!

AJT’s Christmas Spectacular
Dec 12 @ 5:00 pm – Dec 13 @ 2:00 pm
AJT Studio

🎄 Second Annual Christmas Spectacular! 🎄

Step into a Winter Wonderland and experience the magic of the season at our Second Annual Christmas Spectacular— a joyful holiday showcase filled with music, dance, and festive fun for the whole family!

This year’s show features an Enchanted Forest theme, complete with festive holiday songs, tap and jazz dancing, and breathtaking aerial silks performances. You’ll also enjoy reimagined Christmas classics and a show-stopping hip-hop Nutcracker number that’s sure to bring the house down!

Enjoy performances by our 1-Year Choir students, Chamber Choir, and Performance Media Crew (dance troupe), plus a special preview number from our upcoming production of The Lion King Jr. at Wortham Center for the Arts (Jan. 10 & 11).

✨ 3 Showtimes:

Friday, December 12 – 5:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Saturday, December 13 – 2:00 PM
📍 Location:
174 Bradley Branch, Unit 4/5, 28704
(Please enter from the front side of the building.)

☕ Refreshments will be available for sale, with all proceeds benefiting AJT.

❄️ Expect an indoor snowstorm and plenty of sparkle and surprises along the way!

🎫 Seating is general admission (first come, first served).

🌟 Tickets will sell out quickly! Last year’s two shows completely sold out — so this year we’ve added a third performance to make room for everyone. Don’t wait — grab your tickets early and join us for this heartwarming, high-energy holiday celebration!

🎟️ Purchase your seats today for a truly spectacular Christmas experience!

Holidays at Peace
Dec 12 @ 7:00 pm
Peace Center
Greenville Symphony Orchestra presents “Holiday at Peace: Greenville’s favorite Christmas family tradition”.
Showings:
December 12, 2025  |  Fri
7:00pm
December 13, 2025  |  Sat
7:00pm
December 14, 2025  |  Sun
2:00pm
Love is a Rose – Celebrating the Music of Linda Ronstadt
Dec 12 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
White Horse Black Mountain

An exciting and critically acclaimed tribute to Linda Ronstadt, Paula Hanke and Peggy Ratusz belt out her hits in perfect harmony while adding personal stories of her impressive career. A must see concert, featuring Kelly Jones on guitar and vocals, Taylor Pierson on keys/piano, Ryan Kijanka on bass with James Kylen on drums.

Paula Hanke and Peggy Ratusz and their superlative 4-piece backing band shift effortlessly between genres with ease & control. These two lead and backing vocalists, have been mesmerizing audiences together & separately for over 45 years. Hanke, hailing from Wisconsin and Ratusz from Ohio, they have performed professionally in various shows together for 15 years.

Ronstadt was the voice of a generation, & both of these fervent, adaptive singers are natural catalysts for these iconic, nostalgic tunes. Their bandmates are exceptional artists in their own rights and bring their strong suits to these genre-hopping songs with panache and dedication.

DistinctMotive w/s/g Don Jamal
Dec 12 @ 10:00 pm
Third Room

WHERE: Third Room
WHEN: Friday December 12, 2025
DOORS: 9pm SHOW: 10pm
GENRE: dubstep
TICKETS: $20-$33

Distinct Motive is a Canadian producer/DJ creating explorative, visceral bass music for the masses. He quickly made a name for himself with his dark and minimal production style. Paying homage to the early aesthetic of dubstep while building a sound unique unto himself, he has put his respective hometown of Toronto on the map in international bass music circles, advocating for the original, dub-influenced side of dubstep to elated audiences across North America and Europe.

Originally from the Middle East, Don Jamal has made a name for himself in the West Coast Dub Scene. Notable shows include, support for Of The Trees, Skream, Mr. Carmack, all being sold out shows. Notable Label releases include: Deep Dark and Dangerous, Space Yacht and Phuture Collective. His sets aim to take you on a journey and include many genres with his own twist. Being from Jordan, a place where the bass scene is non-existent, he aims to encourage any talent from there to pursue the same journey.

Saturday, December 13, 2025
Warren Haynes Presents The Christmas Jam
Dec 13 all-day
Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville

Curated and presented by Grammy Award-winning vocalist, songwriter, producer and revered guitarist Warren Haynes, the Christmas Jam is a one-of-a-kind music marathon. Since its inception in 1988, the concert has provided an opportunity for the performing artists, audience, and the local community to give back during the holiday season as Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity’s largest annual contributor. For more than 20 years, Haynes – an Asheville native – has worked closely with Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity. To date, 50+ houses have been built with proceeds from the Jam and more than 2.8 million dollars has been raised, including a record-breaking half-million dollars marking one of the largest-ever contributions to the organization. In addition to supporting the construction of new energy-efficient homes, proceeds also go towards purchasing and developing land to build entire Habitat neighborhoods – such as the 25-house Hudson Hills neighborhood in West Asheville (named in honor of Warren and his wife Stefani’s son Hudson), a 21-house community in Arden (South Asheville), a 12-family neighborhood in Candler, and phase 1 (38 homes) of New Heights in West Asheville.

Christmas Jam’s rich history continues to grow year after year and has seen unforgettable musical moments from past performers including The Allman Brothers Band, Ann Wilson, The Avett Brothers, Blackberry Smoke, Blues Traveler, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Bob Weir, Branford Marsalis, Brothers Osborne, Coheed & Cambria, Counting Crows, Dave Grohl, Dave Matthews, Dinosaur Jr., The Doobie Brothers, Eric Church, Gov’t Mule, Grace Potter, Hiss Golden Messenger, Hot Tuna, Jackson Browne, James Johnson, Jason Isbell, Joe Bonamassa, John Paul Jones, John Scofield, Johnny Winter, Marco Benevento, Michael Franti, Michael McDonald, moe., O.A.R., Peter Frampton, Phil Lesh, Ray LaMontagne, Sheryl Crow, Steve Miller Band, The String Cheese Incident, Taj Mahal Trio, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Trey Anastasio, Tyler Childers, Umphrey’s McGee, Widespread Panic and many more.

Yule Tide Pride
Dec 13 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
AB Tech Mission Conference Center

So excited for Asheville Phoenix Fire Nonprofit’s 1st Annual – YULE TIDE PRIDE – Holiday Market Convention! We are bringing Pride into the festive season! Come get your holiday gifts, enjoy some local live music, coffee shop treats, connect with resources, take a holiday photo, sink in with community and more!

Emberfrost: A Fae Masquerade @ Fae Nectar Tavern
Dec 13 @ 7:00 pm
Fae Nectar Meadery

Once again, the magic of the Fae will fill our Great Hall with whimsy and elegance, illuminating the night in a spectacle of music, dance, and shared revelry to warm the winter’s chill. The sylvan sounds of Holler & Crow will grace the stage as we waltz through the evening, and in the witching hours DJ Jaime ignites the dance floor with enchanted rhythms that turn our royal court into pure revelry.

Don’t forget to attire yourself, and your entourage, in your finest regalia! A masque is required, and our Costume Contest will reward the most resplendent creations with generous prizes during our grand on-stage finale.

Join us on Saturday, December 13th, for an unforgettable night of enchantment and revelry at the next incredible Fae Masquerade!

The first 50 tickets are available at Early-Bird prices!
🌙 Indoor event | Ages 18+
🏰 Great Hall doors open at 7 PM
💃 Formal festivities begin at 8 PM

Holidays at Peace
Dec 13 @ 7:00 pm
Peace Center
Greenville Symphony Orchestra presents “Holiday at Peace: Greenville’s favorite Christmas family tradition”.
Showings:
December 12, 2025  |  Fri
7:00pm
December 13, 2025  |  Sat
7:00pm
December 14, 2025  |  Sun
2:00pm
Josh Goforth
Dec 13 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
White Horse Black Mountain

A night you don’t want to miss.

Josh grew up in Madison County, North Carolina surrounded by the music and stories of his ancestors. He is a highly accomplished storyteller and oldtime, bluegrass, and swing musician playing close to 20 instruments. His fiddling was featured in the movie Songcatcher, both onscreen and on the soundtrack. He has performed in all 50 states, throughout Europe, Asia, and Australia and gracing such stages as the Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and The Grand Ole Opry. He was nominated for a Grammy for his 2009 release with David Holt, entitled Cutting Loose.

Sunday, December 14, 2025
Holiday at Peace: Greenville’s favorite Christmas family tradition
Dec 14 all-day
Peace Center

Michael Maliakel, vocalist
Broadway’s Aladdin

Perfect for ages 7 to infinity! 

Celebrate the magic of the season with Holiday at Peace, Greenville’s favorite Christmas family tradition! This year’s festive program features the stunning vocals of Broadway’s Aladdin, Michael Maliakel! Rooted in cherished traditions and filled with new surprises, this holiday spectacular unites nationally renowned artists and beloved local talent in a heartfelt celebration of family, community, and the spirit of the season.

December 12, 2025  |  Fri 7:00pm
December 13, 2025  |  Sat 7:00pm
December 14, 2025  |  Sun 2:00pm
Vegan Market Asheville
Dec 14 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Bridge & Tunnel Cafe at A-B Tech Coman Center

A pop up vegan market featuring vegan vendors
Come join us at the Bridge & Tunnel Coffee Cafe at the Coman Center at A-B Tech for a wonderful day filled with good food and good people. We are so excited to have local vegan vendors get together and show you what they’ve got. You can stop by and get some treats to go or, even better, hang out with us for a while. There will be plenty of seating for eating and socializing. Find out more on Instagram and Facebook @vgnmktThe event is indoors and is Rain or Shine. There will be some food trucks right out front.Hours are 11:00 – 3:00.Admission is free and everyone is welcome. It’s a vegan party & you’re invited!

Blue Ridge Ringers “An International Christmas”
Dec 14 @ 4:00 pm
Lutheran Church of the Nativity

The Blue Ridge Ringers announce “An International Christmas” concert series celebrating the holiday season. This concert series will include holiday selections from around the world with varied styles.

Jim Brickman: The Gift Of Christmas
Dec 14 @ 4:00 pm
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

Jim Brickman’s distinctive piano style and captivating live performances have revolutionized the popularity of instrumental music, making him a driving force behind modern American music. The hit-making songwriter is the best-selling solo pianist of our time, earning 22 Number One albums and 32 Top 20 Radio Singles. He’s garnered two Grammy nominations, Gospel Music’s Dove Award, two SESAC Songwriter of the Year Awards, a Canadian Country Music Award, and is a member of Pandora’s “2 Billion Streams” Club.

 

Holidays at Peace
Dec 14 @ 7:00 pm
Peace Center
Greenville Symphony Orchestra presents “Holiday at Peace: Greenville’s favorite Christmas family tradition”.
Showings:
December 12, 2025  |  Fri
7:00pm
December 13, 2025  |  Sat
7:00pm
December 14, 2025  |  Sun
2:00pm
Monday, December 15, 2025
Johnny Loves Johann – Music and Dance
Dec 15 @ 7:00 pm
Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center

PERFORMANCE: Johnny Loves Johann – Music and Dance
With violinist Johnny Gandelsman and choreographers Melissa Toogood and John Heginbotham
Monday, December 15, 2025 at 7PM
Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center {120 College Street}
TICKETS – $15 General Admission / $10 for BMCM+AC members + Students w/ID

Join us Monday, December 15 at BMCM+AC for a one-night-only performance featuring world-renowned violinist Johnny Gandelsman and internationally acclaimed choreographer/dancers John Heginbotham and Melissa Toogood.

In this intimate, museum-scale version of Johnny Loves Johann, Gandelsman will perform Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1 with new choreography by Melissa Toogood and Cello Suite No. 4 with new choreography by John Heginbotham. This unique program offers a powerful glimpse into the larger evening-length work, bringing together music and dance in fresh, unexpected ways. With Gandelsman’s folk- and dance-inspired interpretation at its core, Toogood and Heginbotham infuse Bach’s timeless compositions with humanity, curiosity, and contemporary movement—transforming them into a vibrant celebration of connection and community.
___
About the Program

At its heart, Johnny Loves Johann is a tribute to community – both among the artists themselves and with the audience members who join them on this journey. By inviting these remarkable choreographers to bring their personal and cultural narratives to Bach’s music, the project creates a tapestry of voices and perspectives that reflect the shared human experience.

Bach’s music is often put in the context of order and notions of perfection. While we can enjoy hearing it this way, it can also limit our experience of this music as the celebration of humanity and beautiful opportunity for connection that it is.

Gandelsman’s interpretation of Bach’s Cello Suites is special in its folk music- and dance-like qualities. Building upon that, the Johnny Loves Johann collaborators—each known for visceral, big-hearted art-making—re-visit the suites by leading with their humanity and curiosity.