Free virtual presentation, open to the public. Based on his award-winning Book, “Six Steps to Managing Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia,” join us for a presentation with Dr. Andrew Budson to learn how you can manage all the problems that come with dementia—including those with memory, language, vision, depression, behavior, agitation, aggression, sleep, falls, incontinence, and more—and still take care of themselves, in six simple steps Dr. Andrew Budson was educated at Haverford College and Harvard Medical School. Dr. Budson is Chief of Cognitive & Behavioral Neurology at the Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Director of Education at the Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Professor of Neurology at Boston University School of Medicine, and Lecturer in Neurology at Harvard Medical School.

To register for this free event, click here.

For more information, contact Liz Grieco, [email protected], 828-712-6094

This week-long, half-day summer theatre camp, young actors will discover the fun in foundational acting technique. In a fun combination of training, rehearsal, and performance, students will dive into engaging acting, voice, and movement activities. With a focus on imagination, improvisation, characterization, and collaboration, students will discover new tools for expression and apply these skills in a short performance presented at the end of the week for a small audience. This week is perfectly suited for imaginative students who are excited to collaborate with peers and professionals and interested in expanding their theatre skill set. No previous experience required. Every program covers new material. Space is limited.

Hosted by: The Buddhist Studies Institute

FREE – ONLINE – 30 MINUTES – DAILY
🌺Guided meditation support and community🌺

🌸Stabilization and Liberation:
In order to liberate our minds– we need stable calm.

🌸Consistency & Commitment:
Stabilizing in calm clear presence takes consistent training.

🌸Support & Community:
Daily Meditation is a container and support for your meditation focus.

Expand your meditation circle- join us online any day or every day!

Formerly known as 100 Days of practice to support a Tibetan Yogis tradition to practice 100 days in the winter, this has now been expanded to continue daily. To learn more and register: https://buddhiststudiesinstitute.org/daily-meditation/

Find fresh, local produce and handcrafted goods each Thursday through
October in Flat Rock.  This market is made of a diverse group of local produce farmers, makers, bread bakers, wild crafters and
merry makers.  You will love the friendly, informative, creative vendors that set up for the market.  Be sure you stop by each one to
introduce yourself and ask questions, Free, Pinecrest ARP Church, Hendersonville, [email protected],

Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.

Literacy Together (formerly the Literacy Council of Buncombe County) is a nonprofit organization working with children, youth, and adults to increase comprehensive literacy and English language skills through access to literacy resources and specialized instruction by trained volunteer tutors. Literacy Together relies on volunteer tutors to offer students personal instruction and high-quality materials through various programs.

The Youth Literacy Program is seeking tutors to meet with students K-5 twice a week for 50 minutes, between 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm. The Youth Literacy Program works with two after-school programs that primarily serve youth of color.  The two locations are in Asheville.

Youth Literacy tutors work with children from low-income families who read, write, and/or spell below their grade level. Tutors in this program complete an initial orientation and a 16-20 hours training, which includes some pre-course work and/or homework (short articles to read, short videos to watch). They then receive follow-up support and the option to attend in-service training throughout their tutoring commitment. Youth Literacy tutors commit to working with their students for at least one school year.

Time Commitment:

• Twice a week for 50-minute sessions between 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm.
• Youth Literacy tutors commit to working with their students for at least one school year.

Requirements: 

• GED or High School diploma
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to work patiently with various levels of literacy skills
• Access to reliable internet
• Ability to navigate virtual meetings with minimal distractions
• Complete a background check

Training:

• Tutors must complete 16-20 hours of training prior to being assigned a student

$1 off draft beers every Thursday!

Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.

Getting Back to the Basics/Project Lighten Up is a unique summer and afterschool educational opportunity for low-income and minority youth that supports students’ recreational and educational learning. We provide meaningful educational support and develop self-esteem in a positive environment through mentoring and enriching activities.

Project Lighten Up is seeking in-person volunteers to assist students attending the afterschool program during the school year with spelling and reading 1-2 times a week for 1 hour.  

Time Commitment:

• Commitment to a 5-week session
• Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of 1 shift per week
• Volunteers choose from one, 1-hour session per week OR two, 30-minute sessions per week
• Volunteer shifts are Tuesdays & Thursdays between 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
• Please arrive 15 minutes prior to shift start for health screening and transition time

Requirements/Training:

• Respond above to the opportunity
• Answer all health/safety and opportunity related questions prior to submitting your response
• Phone interview with the program director
• Volunteer application
• Complete a background check
• Attend training by program staff
• Adheres to all CDC guidelines and safety protocols

Skillset: 

• Enjoys working with youth in different grade levels
• Enjoys working in a learning environment
• Remains patient and calm with students experiencing technical or learning challenges
• Demonstrates a positive attitude and empathy for students and Lighten Up team
• Non-judgmental, fair, firm, and friendly
• Models excellent verbal and non-verbal communication

Health/Safety:

• Health and safety screening prior to every shift start:
  • List of health and safety questions asked
  • Temperatures taken
• We are asking volunteers to wear/bring their own face covering (masks available upon request)
  • Fabric or disposable face mask
• Asking volunteers to maintain a physical distance of 6 feet or more when possible
  • Note: there are times when the volunteer task requires volunteers to engage with students closer than 6 feet. Please do not sign up if you feel uncomfortable.
• Volunteers will be asked to adhere to proper hand hygiene

Cook teams of 4-6 individuals are invited to bring ingredients and prepare meals onsite or bring meals that have been prepared elsewhere.  To meet our dietary standards, we ask that each meal provides a meat, vegetable and starch.

Requirements:

• Background Check
• Brief orientation prior to service
• Ability to Multi-Task
• Friendly Demeanor

Health & Safety:

• We are asking volunteers to wear/bring their own face mask if you have not been fully vaccinated
• Temperatures will be checked and a COVID-19 disclosure will be signed at the volunteer entrance

• Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

  Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.

  ---

  ABCCM Transformation Village provides up to 100 beds of transitional housing and will provide emergency shelter beds, post Covid-19.  Transforming lives is through four developmental phases called Steps to Success including stabilization, life skills, education and reintegration.  We are honored to report that 8 out of 10 leave us with a living wage job and permanent housing.

  Transformation Village gives hope, healing, health and a home to single women, mothers with children, and female Veterans experiencing homelessness.  We provide residents a fresh start and a place to heal surrounded and supported by Christian love, trust, education and companionship.

  We are seeking energetic volunteers to prepare and serve meals for our residents for lunch and dinner. This opportunity provides you with the chance to prepare meals in our commercial kitchen alongside our trained staff while serving the women and children of Transformation Village. 

Are you looking for a way to develop your Spanish language skills or a way to keep your skills fresh? Join this friendly and welcoming Spanish Language Practice Group organized by Pack Library. Newcomers are always welcome on the first Thursday of each month at 5 p.m. This group meets online and is focused on providing an intermediate level, immersive discussion experience. This event is free, but you do need to register. Please visit the library web page and use the link on the calendar for this program to sign up.

Fairview Library is excited to welcome back James Rosario for a summer movie and discussion series!  James is a North Carolina Film Critics Association member and author of the movie blog thedailyorca.com.

He will introduce each film and lead a discussion after.  All films will be on the 4th Thursday of the month at 5:30 in the Community Room.

Come out and enjoy Strangers on a Train with other movie buffs in Fairview!

This series is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

We are shamelessly drumming up attention for our exciting new program at Lake Julian Park. Starting Thursday, March 31, Buncombe County Recreation Services is hosting a drum circle on the last Thursday of every month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The only thing you need to bring is yourself and a drum, and then just let the rhythm and beautiful scenery do the work as you enjoy the beat and comradery of fellow percussionists.

All experience levels are welcome, and registration is not required. If you have any questions, please contact Park Ranger Zach Hickok at (828) 684-0376.

: Every Last Thursday until -Sept. 29 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Park shelter number 2, Lake Julian Park, 26 Lake Julian R

• 

• 6:00pm – 8:00pm

  Open mic comedy every Thursday from 6-8pm at Ginger’s Revenge Tasting Room.

  Rotating hosts each week Clay Jones, James Burks and Katy Hudson

  No cover
  Signup starts at 5:30, and signup order will not necessarily be show order. Each comic gets 5 mins of stage time

The Orchard sessions Live Concert series continues on Thursday June 23 at the Farm at Old Edwards. Settle into a musical evening under heirloom apple trees with The incredibly talented duo of Jilly Martin and Ryan Brooks Kelly. Standouts in today’s crossover country music scene, Jilly & Ryan’s songs bridge the boundary between traditional and new country. They’ve made their mark with highly-acclaimed original music and are winning over audiences each and every time they perform. Jilly and Ryan’s compelling song-writing, dynamic vocal harmonies and stunning musicianship have them poised for a breakthrough in the music industry. Enjoy their music for yourself on Thursday, June 23 at The Farm at Old Edwards.

The $40 ticket includes light bites, and a cash bar is available. The Orchard Sessions concert series brings a stellar lineup of well-known musicians to The Farm at Old Edwards – located at 336 Arnold Road in Highlands.

For more information about Orchard sessions 2022 lineup – and to book online visit oldedwardshospitality.com/ORCHARDSESSIONS.

We are a group of women who love to sing a cappella harmony in a variety of styles. We are seeking Leads but welcome other parts too—Baritone, Bass, Tenor.
Because we care about quality, we require user -friendly auditions.

We meet weekly.

Check us out!

Carnival-themed fundraiser takes place June 23rd at The Magnetic Theatre

The Magnetic Theatre will hold a carnival-style fundraising event at 6:30pm on Thursday, June 23, 2022, featuring live music, circus performances, auctions, raffles, games, and refreshments galore.

Step right up and show your support for Asheville’s home for new plays. Dress to the theme (yes, there’s a contest!) and join the fun as we gather for an exciting evening of dinner and dancing, daring deeds, playful performances, silliness and celebration. Test your skill with our carnival games!  Try your luck in our raffle!  Feel the thrill of bidding in our live auction!

Show off your moves to the sounds of Smooth Goose!  Marvel at the hilarious antics of magician Glenn Reed!  Be awed by the elegance of Claire Dima’s belly dance.  Light up the night with fire-breather Jered Shults!  Wonder at the weirdness of Asheville’s craziest clown, Rigel Pawlak!

Magnetic Magic & Mayhem kicks off at 6:30pm on June 23rd, 2022, at The Magnetic Theatre.  Admission includes food and beverage, entertainment, fun and games! Tickets are $40, Advance / $50, Day Of Event. To buy tickets, please visit https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=137845.

Located at 375 Depot St in the River Arts District, The Magnetic Theatre is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  It has been a home for live performance in Asheville for over a decade, producing a MainStage Season of original works, a New Play Development Program and Magnetic U, a series of theatrical classes and workshops for adults. To learn more, please visit: www.themagnetictheatre.org.

For questions, please contact Marketing Manager Cheyenne Dancy: [email protected] or call 828-239-9250.

Come One, Come All! To Magnetic Magic & Mayhem

Carnival-themed fundraiser takes place June 23rd at The Magnetic Theatre

Step right up and show your support for Asheville’s home for new plays. Dress to the theme (yes, there’s a contest!) and join the fun as we gather for an exciting evening of dinner and dancing, daring deeds, playful performances, silliness and celebration. Test your skill with our carnival games! Try your luck in our raffle! Feel the thrill of bidding in our live auction!

Show off your moves to the sounds of Smooth Goose! Marvel at the hilarious antics of magician Glenn Reed! Be awed by the elegance of Claire Dima’s belly dance. Light up the night with fire-breather Jered Shults! Wonder at the weirdness of Asheville’s craziest clown, Rigel Pawlak!

Magnetic Magic & Mayhem kicks off at 6:30pm on June 23rd, 2022, at The Magnetic Theatre. Admission includes food and beverage, entertainment, fun and games! Tickets are $40, Advance / $50, Day Of Event. To buy tickets, please visit https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=137845.

Biltmore’s Horticulture Director Parker Andes brings the estate’s vast garden spaces and forests down to scale, highlighting some of Frederick Law Olmsted’s original design ideas that Biltmore still strives to maintain. Andes offers considerations for contemporary application in today’s landscapes. Weather permitting, we’ll stroll through the gardens for principles in place as part of the Arboretum’s Thanks FLO seasonal landscape exhibit.

“Country music was the voice of the people. It wasn’t always the prettiest voice, but it was an honest voice,” says American Aquarium founder and frontman BJ Barham. “I think that’s where country music has lost its way.” He pauses, then adds, North Carolina accent thick and voice steady: “I operate in the dark shadows of what we don’t want to talk about in the South.”

These days, those shadows are tall and wide, making it hard to recognize a neighbor, family––even yourself. On American Aquarium’s new album Lamentations, Barham shines light on dark American corners with heartbreaking conversations, long looks in the mirror, and empathetic questions, all through songwriting that is clear without sacrificing its poetry, and direct without losing its humanity. “As a songwriter, my number one job is to observe and then translate what I observe into a song, a story, a lesson,” Barham says. “I’d be doing myself and the listener a huge disservice if I didn’t talk about the things I see, which is a country, divided.”

americanaquarium.com

Renowned comedian, podcast host, and author Bert Kreischer announced his Fully Loaded Comedy Festival which kicks off June 16, 2022 in South Bend, IN. The 8-stop tour will feature an all-star lineup* of world-class comics includingNikki Glaser, Mark Normand, Big Jay Oakerson. *Lineup varies by market and is subject to change. Additional special guests to be announced.

“With my history of performing outdoors, and amassing crowds that love a great outdoor party over a cold beer and sunset in great company, I was presented with the idea of a tour of minor-league ballparks, a couple amphitheaters, a few racetracks, and a couple arenas,” says Kreischer. “I immediately thought, this is a festival I want to put together. I then put down a list of my favorite comics that I love to watch, work, hang, and have a drink with, and from there it was a no-brainer.”

Presale tickets are available for purchase starting Wednesday, April 6 with code LOADED. Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday, April 8 at 10am. For more information and tickets, visit fullyloadedfestival.com or follow @bertkreischer on social media

About Bert Kreischer

Bert Kreischer is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer and host who performs to sold-out crowds across the country. His brand-new stand up special “Hey Big Boy”, as well as “Secret Time” and “The Machine” are currently streaming globally on NETFLIX.  Bert recently debuted his new Netflix docu-series “The Cabin,” which shot straight to the top 10 within 24 hours and was the most-watched unscripted series on the platform the week it premiered. Bert Kreischer hosts Go-Big Show with celebrity judges Snoop Dogg, Rosario Dawson, Jennifer Nettles and Cody Rhodes. Described as having a “rare and incredible talent” (Interrobang), Bert has evolved from being named Rolling Stone’s 1997 “Number One Partier in the Nation” to one of the top names in comedy. Between his four stand-up specials, his three podcasts: “Bertcast,” “2 Bears 1 Cave,” and “BillBert,” his YouTube cooking show: “Something’s Burning,” his book Life of the Party: Stories of a Perpetual Man-Child (2014), Bert has succeeded in finding the elusive blend of “being a cringe comedian with real insight” (Interrobang).  Lauded as one of the best storytellers of his generation, Bert seamlessly and sincerely shares anecdotes about his family and fatherhood while showing his ability to prove “that there’s a way to take his [party-boy] antics into middle-age,” (Forbes). His infamous story about robbing a train with the Russian Mafia was recently optioned by Legendary (the studio behind The Hangover Series, Jurassic World, and Straight Outta Compton) to be turned into a movie. After the successful debut of The Body Shots World Tour in 2019, where he quickly sold out theaters and added shows in almost every market, Bert performed 59 shows of his “Hot Summer Nights,” a socially-distanced outdoor tour spanning 35+ cities across 18 states and reaching 80,000+ individuals, coining him as the first-ever stand-up comedian to embark on a drive-in comedy tour. Most recently, Bert has been performing across the country on The Berty Boy Relapse Tour, which includes shows in even larger venues.

About Outback Presents

Outback Presents is the leading independent, full-service promoter of live entertainment. Based in Nashville, Outback Presents produces thousands of music and comedy shows, tours, and festivals annually across North America and connects its diverse roster of artists with their fans.

Join writers and poets from across the country each month for a virtual writing workshop. A link will be added to their name when more details and sign-up information becomes available. These workshops are geared towards amateur writers, ages 16 and older recommended. Follow us on Facebook for notifications too.

Poetry of the Spirit with Luke Hankins

This class will focus on contemporary poetry that engages the “spirit” in some way, from a range of perspectives, both religious and non-religious. Some of the aspects of spiritual poetry that will come under discussion are the experience of transcendence, the longing for connection to something larger than ourselves, and the search for overarching meaning that might guide us throughout our lives. In addition to reading and discussing sample poems, we will do an in-class writing exercise aimed at writing from or to whatever “spirit” means to each participant.

Luke Hankins is the author of two poetry collections, Radiant Obstacles and Weak Devotions, as well as a collection of essays, The Work of Creation. A volume of his translations from the French of Stella Vinitchi Radulescu, A Cry in the Snow & Other Poems, was released by Seagull Books in 2019. Testament, a chapbook of poems, is forthcoming from Texas Review Press. His poems, essays, and translations have appeared in a wide variety of periodicals, including 32 Poems, American Literary Review, Image, New England Review, Poetry International, Verse, World Literature Today, and The Writer’s Chronicle. Hankins serves as an Associate Editor at Asheville Poetry Review and he is the founder and editor of Orison Books, a non-profit literary press focused on the life of the spirit from a broad and inclusive range of perspectives.

This workshop is open to writers of all skill levels and is a fun way to find inspiration from a new prompt or revise current work. It is hosted by the Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara and will use Zoom for the virtual connection. The link will be sent by the morning of the presentation. Check your junk folder if you have not received it by then.

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

When his husband dies, Remy Washington, a Black man, finds himself both the owner of a drive-in movie theater and a caregiver to his late husband’s straight, white teenage son, Peter, who goes by “Pup”. United by their love of classic American monster movies, the two have developed a warm and caring familial chemistry – but their relationship fractures when Remy discovers Pup and his friends have been bullying a gay teen at his school. Told through dueting monologue and playful dialogue, “Monsters of the
American Cinema” is a haunting and humorous tale about fathers and sons, ghosts, and the monsters we battle in the world and within ourselves.

All-vocal Country entertainers Home Free have made their mark on the music scene, racking up nearly 600,000 album equivalents globally; embarking on major international tours; amassing 500+ MILLION views and over 1.3-Million Subscribers on YouTube, and being declared “Country music fans’ favorite a cappella group” (Taste of Country).

The band will be bringing new music from an unnamed recording project, that should be released in late summer. This new project follows the acclaimed group’s DIVE BAR SAINTS album, which arrived at #2 on the Billboard Country Album Sales chart. Home Free’s extensive catalog spotlights six Top 10 albums, including TIMELESS, FULL OF (EVEN MORE) CHEER, FULL OF CHEER, COUNTRY EVOLUTION, and their breakout debut CRAZY LIFE (2014).

With praise rolling in from the likes of Billboard, Rolling Stone, FOX & Friends, and American Songwriter the extraordinary showmen have continued to build a loyal fanbase with their harmony-laden versions of hits by John Mayer, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Maren Morris, the Oak Ridge Boys, and more.

Join us for a perfect evening of mixed upbeat Nashville-dipped pop hits, country and western standards, incredible harmony, and quick-witted humor.

Favorite arias, duets, and ensemble pieces from the world’s most beloved operas.

PERFORMANCE & ARTIST DETAILS
Janiec Opera Company of the Brevard Music Center
Steven White, conductor

Auditorium seating is reserved.

The Magnetic Theatre presents the local premiere of Starbright, written by Asheville resident Sean David Robinson, running July 8th through July 23rd, 2022.
Starbright is the story of Grace, an astrophysicist who lost her daughter Abby nearly a year ago. As Grace’s life spins out of control, Abby appears to her and begins making predictions about the cosmos. Grace must determine if her daughter’s appearance is a sign of her dwindling sanity, or proof that there’s more to the universe than even she understands.

When Grace’s visions from beyond the grave start seeping into her reality, husband Calvin and aunt Margaret must put aside their own struggles and come together to assess Grace’s stability and safety. In light of her family history of mental health issues, can Grace persuade them to trust in her conviction that Abby is speaking to her?

Starbright is Sean David Robinson’s first full-length play. It was selected by the Broadway Bound Theatre Festival in New York City and made its original debut Off-Broadway in 2018. Starbright was named the winner of the 2018 North Carolina New Play Project and the Centre Stage New Play Festival in Greenville, SC. It was also shortlisted as a semi-finalist for the inaugural New Works Festival at the Garry Marshall Theatre in Burbank, CA.

Directed by Ashleigh Goff, Starbright features Courtney DeGennaro Robinson as Grace, Scott Voloshin as Calvin, Ivy Voloshin as Abby, and Janet Oliver as Margaret. Performances run Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 4:00pm. For tickets and more information, visit https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=132323.

Located at 375 Depot St in the River Arts District, The Magnetic Theatre is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It has been a home for live performance in Asheville for over a decade, producing original works, experimental theatre, variety shows, comedy, late night shows, and more.

The Moth resumes their recurring monthly Asheville StorySLAM at The Grey Eagle on June 23rd at 7:30pm! This month’s theme is BIRTHDAYS.

BIRTHDAYS: Prepare a five-minute story about a celebration. Once a year, for better or worse. Party hats, blowing out the candle, opening the gifts, or weeping in solitude, wondering where all the years have gone.