Calendar of Events

Stop by to enjoy a meal and watch the premiere screening of the documentary “Stewards of Sky Island” with producer Caleb Owolabi! A portion of proceeds from the weekend sales will be donated to Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy.

Earlier this year, Caleb and his crew joined SAHC’s Roan Stewardship team in the Highlands of Roan to learn about biodiversity in these globally important ecosystems, and how overuse in some areas is jeopardizing this special place. Education can help reduce recreational use impacts in fragile ecosystems. Explore the world of these unique ‘sky islands’ and be part of the effort to “Enjoy Don’t Destroy.”

This 45-minute documentary will show on repeat throughout the weekend fundraiser, with members of the production team visiting intermittently and additional info about SAHC available.

In order for your purchase to count towards the fundraiser, download or print a copy of the poster below from Blaze Pizza and show it when you order. For phone or online orders, be sure to INCLUDE CODE 1351A.

Stop by to enjoy a meal and watch the premiere screening of the documentary “Stewards of Sky Island” with producer Caleb Owolabi! A portion of proceeds from the weekend sales will be donated to Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy.

Earlier this year, Caleb and his crew joined SAHC’s Roan Stewardship team in the Highlands of Roan to learn about biodiversity in these globally important ecosystems, and how overuse in some areas is jeopardizing this special place. Education can help reduce recreational use impacts in fragile ecosystems. Explore the world of these unique ‘sky islands’ and be part of the effort to “Enjoy Don’t Destroy.”

This 45-minute documentary will show on repeat throughout the weekend fundraiser, with members of the production team visiting intermittently and additional info about SAHC available.

In order for your purchase to count towards the fundraiser, download or print a copy of the poster below from Blaze Pizza and show it when you order. For phone or online orders, be sure to INCLUDE CODE 1351A.

Black Balsam Knob and Tennent Mountain feature expansive views of Shining Rock Wilderness. With sunset at 5:20p, we will begin the hike at 4p to reach the summit of Tennent Mountain in time to watch the sun dip below the horizon.
We will be doing this loop counterclockwise, which is the more challenging way. This is for safety – the latter portion of the hike will be in the dark, so going this direction means we will only have to navigate Ivestor Gap, an old Jeep road, after the sun goes down, rather than more technical trails.
This hike is 4.3 mi with just under 700 ft elevation gain. We will be doing most of the climbing in the first half. We will only have one hour to hike about 2 miles to Tennent Mountain summit. This is an easy pace on flat ground, but not with the elevation. If you are not accustomed to hiking like this, please join for a different hike (more will be planned).
I’m normally not a stickler for rules, but for this event, there are a few :-/

1. We will depart the trailhead at 4pm sharp. If you are not there, we will be leaving without you. I can’t guarantee phone service, so I may not see messages letting me know you’ll be late. And since the sunset is the goal, we don’t want the group to miss it by waiting for someone who is late. The trailhead is about an hour from Asheville, so please account for that, traffic, and time to find a parking spot. I’ll be there around 3:45.
2. Bring enough water for you (and your dog if you are bringing one).
3. Dogs are welcome if they are leashed (6 ft or shorter), well behaved, and socialized with other dogs and humans. I will be bringing my pup.
4. Bring a headlamp! We will be hiking in the dark.
5. Wear appropriate/supportive shoes – the trail is rocky.
6. Bring layers. It will be very windy at the summit, and up to 20 degrees colder than in Asheville.
7. Feel free to bring snacks. The goal is to chill and watch the sunset so we will have some time to rest.
8. You are responsible for you (and your dog, if applicable). I am not a trained guide and I am not trained in wilderness first aid. By RSVPing “yes” to this event, you are acknowledging that I will not be held responsible for any injuries you may sustain on this hike.

Okay, now that that unpleasant part is done, I’ve got some fun links below! I have not done this hike yet, but the links below are where I gathered my info! Please read :-)

Thanks! Can’t wait to see you there!

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/ivestor-gap-trail-to-tennent-mountain-and-black-balsam-knob-trail

Black Balsam Knob and Tennent Mountain Loop

Enjoy a guided tour on our beautiful Community Farm and see all the terrific projects we have in the works. Participants will hike The Discovery Trail in a 2-mile loop, returning to our education and event center. You are welcome to bring a packed lunch to enjoy there while overlooking the entire farm and surrounding mountains

Celebrate the holiday season with a FREE screening of “The Grinch” at the TD Stage at the Peace Center on Friday, December 2 at 6:30 PM. Let us know you’re coming

One of rock music’s most original and uncompromising groups is also one of its longest-lasting: founded in 1969 by guitarist Robert Fripp, King Crimson has changed the landscape of modern music more than a few times during its on-and-off existence. Fripp is the band’s sole mainstay; more than 20 musicians have passed through its ranks.

But some of the most groundbreaking and important musicians – especially in progressive rock – have been members of King Crimson: Greg Lake (ELP), Ian McDonald (Foreigner), John Wetton (UK, Asia), Bill Bruford (Yes), Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree) Boz Burrell (Bad Company), Adrian Belew (Talking Heads, David Bowie), Pat Mastelotto (Mr. Mister, Stick Men) and Tony Levin are just a few.

The ever-changing King Crimson ushered in the progressive rock era at the end of the ‘60s, pioneered progressive metal in the 1970s, combined “worldbeat” textures with Western music in ‘80s and explored industrial and post-rock styles in the 1990s and beyond. On the occasion of the group’s 50^th anniversary, filmmaker Toby Amies set out to make a documentary exploring the history of the band.

The resulting motion picture is as odd, idiosyncratic, challenging and ultimately entertaining as King Crimson itself. As the press kit for In the Court of the Crimson King: King Crimson at 50 asserts:

What began as a straightforward documentary about the cult rock band
King Crimson as it turned 50, mutated into an exploration of time, death,
family, and the transcendent power of music to change lives. But with jokes.

Hosted by Asheville-based author and music journalist Bill Kopp, Grail Moviehouse presents a special screening of the film on Monday, December 12 @ 7pm and sponsored by AshevilleFM. After a brief introduction, we’ll watch the film together. And then afterward, we’ll engage in a moderated discussion about King Crimson.

The event is the first in a planned series of Music Movie Mondays at Grail Moviehouse. We’ll watch and discuss new releases, classics and cult favorites.

Join us at TFAC for the 2022/23 Capers & Heists Series, kicking off in October with The Sting. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. for fun and mingling.

The film starts at 7:00 p.m. Tickets will be available to purchase online or at the door and concessions will be available.

Tickets are $8/person per film or $58/Season Ticket.

This announcement is revised from the original Dec 15th to Dec 22nd.
John Muir didn’t like the word ‘hike’. “We ought to saunter through them reverently, not ‘hike’ through them.”
I am going to scout the Stone Mtn Tr in DuPont; A few of you are welcome to join me.
Hike Distance: 4.0 Total (optional) ascent: 675 ft
Pace: 1.5mph – because I’m an ol’ Codger.
Difficulty: Well established Tr. No water Xings.
Optional Climb to Stone Mtn is 600 ft ascent in 1 mile.
(I, and the more leisurely of us, will skip this part. ;-)
Drive time: 25 min/14 mi 1-way

Hey everyone, let’s go see the Christmas lights at the Arboretum!

I’m going to reserve a spot for one car, but if more than one car-load show interest I can always buy another.

Tickets for next Thursday night are $55 per car so we’ll divide that up by the number of people in the car. If someone’s willing to sit in the middle we can get 5 in my car.

We’ll meet at the Ingles up the road on 191 (863 Brevard Road) and head over from there. We should plan on leaving the parking lot at 6:45(tickets are for 7pm entry).

Kick off the new year in Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park during this First Day Hike! Start your morning bright and early with a stroll, hike or bike ride up to the 3.2-mile Park road. Usually restricted to motor vehicle traffic only, there will be no cars in your way if you show up for this special, early morning hike that’s free to participants! Bicyclists are allowed to use the road also on this special morning to climb and descend the steep park road under controlled speed. Helmets are required.

Meet at the Old Rock Café at 8am. Registration is not required.

Music Movie Mondays Series:
Concert for George
Special one-night-only screening of the Grammy-winning concert film
followed by an interactive discussion moderated by music journalist Bill Kopp
George Harrison was sometimes referred to as “the quiet Beatle.”
Somewhat overshadowed by the immense songwriting of John Lennon
and Paul McCartney, his artistry might not have always received the
recognition it deserved. But Harrison – already the composer of classic
tracks like “Something” and “Here Comes the Sun” – blossomed as a
solo artist in the post-Beatles era. His 1970 triple album All Things Must
Pass is a landmark work. Along the way, Harrison developed deep and
lasting friendships with celebrated names in music, the arts,
entertainment and philanthropy.
In the wake of George’s untimely passing in 2002, an all-star group of those friends mounted a
concert in tribute to their friend. A film of that performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall, Concert for
George won a Grammy Award for Best Long Form Music Video.
In commemoration of the 20 th anniversary of the tribute event, a limited-engagement screening of
Concert for George is being scheduled in select theaters. Asheville’s Grail Moviehouse is hosting
Concert for George one night only: January 9, 2023. It’s the latest installment of the Music Movie
Mondays series hosted by author and music journalist Bill Kopp. Sponsored by AshevilleFM, the
event will include a brief introduction, a screening of the film, and an interactive discussion
immediately following.
As the press kit for Concert for George summarizes:
“On November 29, 2002, one year after his passing, Olivia Harrison and Eric Clapton
organized a performance tribute to celebrate the life and music of George Harrison. Held
at London’s Royal Albert Hall, the momentous evening featured George’s songs, and music
he loved, performed by artists including Eric Clapton, Joe Brown, Dhani Harrison, Jools
Holland, Jeff Lynne, Paul McCartney, Monty Python, Tom Petty, Billy Preston, Ravi &
Anoushka Shankar, Ringo Starr and more.”
Hosted by Asheville-based author and music journalist Bill Kopp, Grail Moviehouse presents a special

screening of Concert for George on Monday,
Jan. 9 @ 7pm and sponsored by
AshevilleFM. After a brief introduction, we’ll watch the film together. And then afterward,
we’ll engage in a moderated discussion about George Harrison and the
Concert for George in his honor.
The event is the second and latest in the series of Music Movie Mondays at
Grail Moviehouse. We’ll watch and discuss new releases, classics and cult
favorites.

Join us at TFAC for the 2022/23 Capers & Heists Series, kicking off in October with The Sting. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. for fun and mingling.

The film starts at 7:00 p.m. Tickets will be available to purchase online or at the door and concessions will be available.

Tickets are $8/person per film or $58/Season Ticket.

Stripes

January 10 @ 7 PM

Doors open at 6:30 PM

King in The Wilderness chronicles the final chapters of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life, revealing a conflicted leader who faced an onslaught of criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. While the Black Power movement saw his nonviolence as weakness and President Lyndon B. Johnson saw his anti-Vietnam War speeches as irresponsible, Dr. King’s unyielding belief in a peaceful protest became a testing point for a nation on the brink of chaos.

King in The Wilderness shares stirring new perspectives on Dr. King’s character, his radical doctrine of nonviolence and his internal philosophical struggles prior to his assassination in 1968.

Following the film, Dr. Steve O’Neill (Professor of History, Furman University) and Dr. Holly Pinheiro, Jr. (Asst. Professor of African American History, Furman University) will lead a discussion that audience members are invited to participate in.

Join Burton Street friends and neighbors for dinner and a movie highlighting the accomplishments of Black Americans. Please call (828) 254-1943 for more info.

Our first passholder-exclusive event of the year! Join a naturalist for an intimate hike with fellow passholders in an area of the Park not typically open to the public. This moderate hike traverses our own old growth forest and gives you the opportunity to learn what makes this ecosystem unique. This event is exclusively for Annual Passholders.

The Asheville Truffle Experience will rock the mountains from Friday through Sunday, February 10th through 12th, 2023, with multiple mouth-watering sessions in beautiful downtown Asheville and environs.  Guests will plunge into the mystery of this ultra-prized ingredient, of which many species exist—traditionally hailing from the deep, dark woods of France, Italy and Spain, but now also cultivated across the States, particularly in the northwest and southeast.

The event will kick off at 5:00pm on Friday the 10th, in the upstairs lounge of Michel Baudouin’s Bouchon (Lexington Avenue), with truffled appetizers and sparkling beverages, and a chance to mingle and share stories with other truffle aficionados.

At 8:00pm there will be a showing of The Truffle Hunters, in the intimate setting of Warner Studios, just a short walk down from Bouchon, on Broadway.

Saturday morning the 12th will begin with a culinary demo, from 10:00am-12:00 noon, at the Timbers Clubhouse, off Beaverdam Road, followed by a tasting of dishes prepared.

An educational session, for those who wish to learn more about all aspects of truffles, from the planting to the varieties to the harvesting and highlighting on the plate, will be held from 3:00-5:00pm at Warner Studios on Broadway, and will feature experts in the field of truffle history, cultivation, hunting, and cuisine. From 5:00-6:00pm, light appetizers will be served, along with a chance to ask questions of the experts.

On Saturday evening, guests will be delighted with a selection of provocative dishes during a special seated wine-paired Truffle Extravaganza, orchestrated by Chef Michel Baudouin, at RendezVous, off New Haw Creek Road.

On Sunday the 12th we will head out to the truffle orchard at the Mountain Research Station in Waynesville, overseen by Dr. Jeanine Davis. There we will witness a truffle dog in action, observe the various stages of a truffle orchard in production, and sample some truffle snacks before departing.

Pricing for the entire weekend is available in several packages. You may also register for individual sessions à la carte.

Visit www.ashevilletruffle.com for further details, or contact Susi Gott Séguret at 828-301-2792.

Covid protocol: Please test yourself before attending, and stay home if you have any symptoms or evidence of positivity. Masks are encouraged whenever in close quarters. Please use your judgement, and respect those who may be of fragile temperament.

Note: Haywood Park Hotel is offering a 10% discount to ATE attendees, as long as rooms are available. Call the front desk ((828-252-2522) and ask for the truffle discount.

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Grail Moviehouse in Asheville’s River Arts District continues its popular event series: Music Movie Mondays. Showcasing the best in new, classic and cult films about music, these special screenings feature an introduction by music journalist Bill Kopp (that’s me), followed by a screening of the film and then a moderated discussion about what we’ve just seen and heard.

The latest in the series is WATTSTAX, the 1973 film documenting the all-star concert held in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The show — attended by more than 110,000 concertgoers — featured headliner Isaac Hayes and many other big names from legendary Memphis-based label Stax Records. My special co-host for the post-film discussion is Sidney Barnes (Motown staff writer, member of psych-soul band Rotary Connection, etc.). Details are in the attached press release; more info at http://musoscribe.com/movies

Join us at TFAC for the 2022/23 Capers & Heists Series, kicking off in October with The Sting. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. for fun and mingling.

The film starts at 7:00 p.m. Tickets will be available to purchase online or at the door and concessions will be available.

Tickets are $8/person per film or $58/Season Ticket.

This 6-mile, moderate hike with some steep inclines crosses the beautiful Bailey Mountain Preserve near Mars Hill, NC. This hidden gem consists of adjoining properties under a conservation easement that the SAHC monitors each year. The Preserve encompasses over 250 acres. Please note that this property is open to the public, but if you wish to join this guided hike you must pre-register for this event. FREE for SAHC members, $10 for non-members.