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.

Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Trivia Night
May 3 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Hickory Tavern

Every Wednesday

Trivia Night

Ring of Fire, The Life and Music of Johnny Cash
May 3 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

From the songbook of Johnny Cash comes this unique musical about love and faith, struggle and success, rowdiness and redemption, and the healing power of home and family. More than two dozen classic hits including “I Walk the Line,” “A Boy Named Sue,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and, of course, “Ring of Fire.” Performed by a multi-talented cast.

 

Director Ben Hope adds “Having spent many years working on various productions of Ring of Fire (this production will be my personal 10th!), The most extraordinary thing I keep finding about Mr. Cash is how unanimously loved he is, even now, 20 years since his death. No other project seems to attract such a varied and enthusiastic crowd as the music of Johnny Cash. I think it’s because he wrote for the ordinary. His words and music are authentic and simple, and he speaks plainly about things we all connect with. He was fallible, with personal demons and shortcomings. He makes us feel like our own imperfections are normal and mundane, and he teaches us that there’s beauty and hope, even in despair. I love Johnny Cash, and I know Flat Rock audiences are going to love Ring of Fire’.”

 

Don’t miss this inspiring story, all the great music, and an evening of iconic Johnny Cash!

 

Ring of Fire is presented by WHKP and Carolina Ace Hardware. Flat Rock Playhouse’s 2023 Season is supported by Charlotte & Bob Otto, Optimum, WHKP, and WTZQ as well as the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. www.NCArts.org

 

For a complete lineup with show descriptions and to purchase tickets, visit www.flatrockplayhouse.org.

Lucinda Williams
May 3 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel
Thursday, May 4, 2023
ASAP’s 2023 Local Food Guide
May 4 all-day
online

The free, definitive resource for finding local food and farms also features farm stories and recipes.

 

The 2023 Local Food Guide, ASAP’s annual free publication for finding local food and farms, hits newsstands this week. This definitive resource lists hundreds of Appalachian Grown certified farms, farmers markets, restaurants, groceries, travel destinations, and more throughout Western North Carolina and surrounding counties in Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina. A digital version of the print Guide may be viewed at asapconnections.org/guide.

 

In addition to the listing content, the 2023 edition features stories that highlight the variety of farming across the region. Jake Puckett, of Crow Fly Farms in Marion, NC, details his passion for holistic animal management. Malcolm Banks, of Yellow Mountain Gardens in Franklin, NC, describes his mission to teach his neighbors—and the world—to grow their own food. Gwen and Jay Englebach, of Black Trumpet Farm in Leicester, NC, talk about building a business and customer relationships. Rounding out the issue are seasonal recipes from chefs at Cultura, Little Chango, The Montford, and Red Fiddle Vittles.

 

Find Local Food Guide copies at farmers markets, visitors centers, libraries, community centers, groceries, restaurants, and other partner businesses throughout the region. They are also available to pick up in the lobby of ASAP’s office in Asheville at 306 W. Haywood St., Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact ASAP if you need help locating a copy in your area.

 

In addition to the print Guide, ASAP maintains the online Local Food Guide at appalachiangrown.org. This database, with more than 1,400 listings, is updated throughout the year and is searchable by products, locations, activities, and more.

 

The 2023 Local Food Guide is made possible in part with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Agricultural Marketing Service and Beginning Farmer Rancher Development Fund, as well as the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina and Asheville Regional Airport.

Cinderella Magic Package
May 4 all-day
online w/ Flat Rock Playhouse

We are excited to bring this special package to you and your loved ones. It’s super easy!

  1. Pick your show date – June 14, 17, 21, 24 (Evening only)
  2. Choose 2 Adult Seats and 2 Student Seats
  3. At Checkout, discount will be applied

Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo!

Your wish is granted!

TICKETS + INFO

If you have any problems, our Box Office is happy to help!

828.693.0731

Ring of Fire – The Music of Johnny Cash
May 4 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

From the songbook of Johnny Cash comes this unique musical about love and faith, struggle and success, rowdiness and redemption, and the healing power of home and family. More than two dozen classic hits including “I Walk The Line,” “A Boy Named Sue,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and, of course, “Ring of Fire.” Performed by a multi-talented cast, Ring of Fire paints a musical portrait of ‘The Man in Black’ that promises to be a foot-stompin’, crowd-pleasin’ salute to a unique musical legend!

Ring of Fire, The Life and Music of Johnny Cash
May 4 @ 2:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

From the songbook of Johnny Cash comes this unique musical about love and faith, struggle and success, rowdiness and redemption, and the healing power of home and family. More than two dozen classic hits including “I Walk the Line,” “A Boy Named Sue,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and, of course, “Ring of Fire.” Performed by a multi-talented cast.

 

Director Ben Hope adds “Having spent many years working on various productions of Ring of Fire (this production will be my personal 10th!), The most extraordinary thing I keep finding about Mr. Cash is how unanimously loved he is, even now, 20 years since his death. No other project seems to attract such a varied and enthusiastic crowd as the music of Johnny Cash. I think it’s because he wrote for the ordinary. His words and music are authentic and simple, and he speaks plainly about things we all connect with. He was fallible, with personal demons and shortcomings. He makes us feel like our own imperfections are normal and mundane, and he teaches us that there’s beauty and hope, even in despair. I love Johnny Cash, and I know Flat Rock audiences are going to love Ring of Fire’.”

 

Don’t miss this inspiring story, all the great music, and an evening of iconic Johnny Cash!

 

Ring of Fire is presented by WHKP and Carolina Ace Hardware. Flat Rock Playhouse’s 2023 Season is supported by Charlotte & Bob Otto, Optimum, WHKP, and WTZQ as well as the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. www.NCArts.org

 

For a complete lineup with show descriptions and to purchase tickets, visit www.flatrockplayhouse.org.

Mother’s Pizza Thursday Pizza Party!
May 4 @ 3:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Oak & Grist Distilling Company

We are absolutely STOKED to announce that Mother’s Pizza is coming back for a series of Pop-Ups this Spring! Come by and get delicious Neapolitan-style pizza paired with your favorite Oak and Grist cocktails. We’re even staying open a little bit later so you can enjoy the beautiful Black Mountain sunset! Make sure you cancel those dinner plans, ‘cause you won’t wanna miss this exclusive pop-up event! Available for dine-in or take-out!

MOTHERS PIZZA WEBSITE

Not Rocket Science Trivia at Highland Brewing Downtown
May 4 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Highland Brewing Downtown

Trivia, Singo, tailgate games, and more! Our games are sure to challenge you, but c’mon… it’s not rocket science!

Waverly Front Porch Series
May 4 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Waverly Inn

Join us on select Thursdays from April through September for live Americana music from the Waverly front porch along with great southern fare and cold beverages. Bring a lawn chair and/or blanket from 6-8pm for a great evening in Hendersonville.

May 4: Jess Jocoy, Waverly Front Porch Series

June 1: Letters to Abigail, Waverly Front Porch Series

June 29: The Gathering Dark, Waverly Front Porch Series

July 27: The Last Full Measure, Waverly Front Porch Series

September 7: Angela Easterling, Waverly Front Porch Series

October 5: David Childers, Waverly Front Porch Series

Intro to Sketch
May 4 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Whitmire Activity Center

Want to know how to write like they do on SNL? Would you like to level up your comedy knowledge? Learn the basics of sketch comedy writing! We’ll talk about the history of sketch, and the differences between the famous sketch and improv schools based in NYC, Chicago, and LA. Want to learn about the crossover of skills practiced in sketch writing and improv? Are you interested in learning some of the differences between British and American humor? Are you curious about the similarities between sketch and satire? (Think: The Onion.) We’ll talk about it! We’ll read a variety of sketch scripts, break them down into parts, and learn the mechanics. We’ll watch a number of sketches together, practice identifying the formula, and specifically labeling what’s funny about them. We’ll also practice idea generation and pitching. Hold onto your hat!

About the Teacher

Emily Swindal lived in New York City for 8 years as an actor and improv comedian and relocated to Hendersonville during the pandemic. Emily has studied and performed improv and sketch comedy writing at NYC’s Magnet Theater and Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre NY. Emily has performed with an assortment of improv teams. Some of her past instructors include Elana Fishbein, Peter McNerney, Ross Taylor, Michael Lutton, and Nicole Drespel. She has a BFA in Musical Theatre from Shenandoah Conservatory. Emily can’t wait to meet you.

The String Cheese Incident
May 4 @ 6:30 pm
Salvage Station

The String Cheese Incident will be performing LIVE on the Outdoor Stage at Salvage Station for an incredible three-night run (Thursday, May 4th, Friday, May 5th and Saturday, May 6th)! Doors open at 5:30pm and the music starts at 6:30pm. All tickets are General Admission and these shows are all-ages with children under 7 free.

Root Down will be serving their delicious twist on Southern Soul food PLUS we will have additional food trucks on-site for the duration of the show.  And, of course, we will have MULTIPLE full bars open for you to enjoy!

Ring of Fire – The Music of Johnny Cash
May 4 @ 7:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

From the songbook of Johnny Cash comes this unique musical about love and faith, struggle and success, rowdiness and redemption, and the healing power of home and family. More than two dozen classic hits including “I Walk The Line,” “A Boy Named Sue,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and, of course, “Ring of Fire.” Performed by a multi-talented cast, Ring of Fire paints a musical portrait of ‘The Man in Black’ that promises to be a foot-stompin’, crowd-pleasin’ salute to a unique musical legend!

Shrek the Musical
May 4 @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Asheville Performing Arts Academy

“Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek….” And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there’s one on hand… and his name is Shrek.

Shrek presents a treasure trove of creative opportunities, including costumes, sets, puppets (there is a fire-breathing dragon after all) and more! Irreverently fun for the whole family, Shrek proves that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre.

Shrek is produced by our APAA Company members. This production is double cast. If you are interested in seeing a specific performer, please consult with them before purchasing tickets. Tickets will not be refunded or exchanged to see a specific performer.

Shrek The Musical JR
May 4 @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Asheville High School

Join the APAA’s Company Member in the hilarious stage spectacle with everyone’s favorite Ogre.

 

“Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek….” And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there’s one on hand… and his name is Shrek.

 

Shrek presents a treasure trove of creative opportunities, including costumes, sets, puppets (there is a fire-breathing dragon after all) and more! Irreverently fun for the whole family, Shrek proves that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre.

Ring of Fire, The Life and Music of Johnny Cash
May 4 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

From the songbook of Johnny Cash comes this unique musical about love and faith, struggle and success, rowdiness and redemption, and the healing power of home and family. More than two dozen classic hits including “I Walk the Line,” “A Boy Named Sue,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and, of course, “Ring of Fire.” Performed by a multi-talented cast.

 

Director Ben Hope adds “Having spent many years working on various productions of Ring of Fire (this production will be my personal 10th!), The most extraordinary thing I keep finding about Mr. Cash is how unanimously loved he is, even now, 20 years since his death. No other project seems to attract such a varied and enthusiastic crowd as the music of Johnny Cash. I think it’s because he wrote for the ordinary. His words and music are authentic and simple, and he speaks plainly about things we all connect with. He was fallible, with personal demons and shortcomings. He makes us feel like our own imperfections are normal and mundane, and he teaches us that there’s beauty and hope, even in despair. I love Johnny Cash, and I know Flat Rock audiences are going to love Ring of Fire’.”

 

Don’t miss this inspiring story, all the great music, and an evening of iconic Johnny Cash!

 

Ring of Fire is presented by WHKP and Carolina Ace Hardware. Flat Rock Playhouse’s 2023 Season is supported by Charlotte & Bob Otto, Optimum, WHKP, and WTZQ as well as the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. www.NCArts.org

 

For a complete lineup with show descriptions and to purchase tickets, visit www.flatrockplayhouse.org.

THE COULDN’T BE HAPPIERS
May 4 @ 7:30 pm
White Horse Black Mountain

Couldn’t Be Happiers make music that is witty and entertaining even as the lyrics weave in serious topics to consider.

Melissa Clarke, Americana Highways,

“Song Premiere: Couldn’t Be Happiers ‘Treehouse’” (10.27.21)

Every single facet about Couldn’t Be Happiers latest record release Songs For Butchie, Vol. 1 has been nothing but flawless in our eyes.

We Write About Music,

“Couldn’t Be Happiers craft a complex sound on Songs For Butchie” (11.09.21)

The Couldn’t Be Happiers are an Americana songwriting husband-wife duo expressing the musical ethos of their home states of Texas and North Carolina. The couple interacts with each other and the audience for an engaging, performance-driven set.

Winston Salem Journal: “Best Bets” (January 20, 2019)

Jodi Hildebran Lee and Jordan Crosby Lee are both law school graduates, but they didn’t meet in a courtroom.

They first met in Winston-Salem in 2013 at an old-time music circle that gathered once a month to share music, food, and company to decompress from the rigors of ordinary life. A career opportunity sent Jordan to Texas and separated the two friends until they serendipitously reconnected a year later. This new connection was different, and it was strong. So strong that Jordan packed up his dog and guitar and left both Texas and the practice of law for a life of music with Jodi in North Carolina.

Now they’ve got four dogs and a band together, and they couldn’t be happier.

The name says it all. Energetic and quirky, Couldn’t Be Happiers is a folk-rock duo that clearly enjoys every moment of their second chance at happiness, and it’s contagious. Described by Doug Davis of Flytrap Studios as Violent Femmes meets Johnny and June, this married songwriting duo mixes up rock, pop, bluegrass, and folk into a Carolinian succotash you need to taste to understand. Their songbook includes stories about the obsessive drive of a Bigfoot hunter, the life cycle of a plastic bag, the untold perspective of the first woman hanged in North Carolina, and the acrobatic feats of strength performed by a Cajun burglar feeding his gambling habit.

But aside from the stories, what you’ll notice first is the voices — and in particular the beautiful homespun harmonies. Those voices will take you from church to holler to club to Opry and back again all in one song, thanks to the exhilarating power of Jodi’s vocals and the smoothly classic twang of Jordan’s. With Jodi on drums, Jordan on guitar, and now backed by local legend Michael Bennett on bass, Couldn’t Be Happiers roll out an incredible sound, a set of great original songs, and a live show that all but dares you not to enjoy yourself.

– Tuck Satterfield of The Simple Joy

CLICK HERE for more info and videos from THE COULDNT BE HAPPIERS

—————————–

Also on the program will be Nashville-based artists

Adrian + Meredith

Four years since their debut release, Adrian + Meredith take their fearless, blistering, and Balkan-tinged Americana to new heights on their sophomore record, Bad for Business. Recorded in the living room of their midcentury East Nashville house with friends like Paul Niehaus (Justin Townes Earle, Colexico), saxophonist Ken Francis Wenzel (Carlos Santana, Bobby Parker), and banjo player Fats Kaplan (Jack White)Bad For Business is a raucous, rebellious and home-spun variety show. The record’s intimate connection with the recording space and personnel creates the right conditions for Adrian + Meredith to soar sonically and lyrically, as they consider disillusioning times for the country—and the world

CLICK HERE for more info on Adrian + Meredith

Friday, May 5, 2023
Adam Chase + Friends feat. Chris Bullock of Snarky Puppy
May 5 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
One World Brewing West

ADAM CHASE & friends ft. CHRIS BULLOCK of SNARKY PUPPY

MAY 5 – ASHEVILLE NC – ONE WORLD WEST – CINCO DE MAYO PARTY! – 3-6PM

(String Cheese Incident Pre Party)

Adam Chase (Chase Brothers, Jazz Is Phsh), Chris Bullock (Snarky Puppy, Boomtown) and John Daniel Ray (The Allman Brothers, Mr. Haircut, Vintage Astronaut) and Danny Darress (Chess Club) come together for this very special, one time performance at One World West in Asheville NC on May 5, 2023 (3-6pm).

ADAM CHASE

Drummer, Adam Chase, is an acclaimed music director and drummer that has built a name for himself by putting together a variety of Funky and Jazzy All-Star projects. Adam’s unique approach to drum reflects his unique personality and his visionary approach to performance.

Chase has worked with an uncanny amount of acclaimed musicians including Fred Wesley, Clyde Stubblefield, John Medeski, MonoNeon, George Porter Jr. (The Meters), Adam Deitch (Lettuce), Aron Magner (Disco Biscuits), Scott Metzger (JRad), Craig Robinson, Antwaun Stanley, Shaun Martin (Snarky Puppy), Domi Degalle, Dennis Chambers, Marcus King, Isaiah Sharkey (John Mayer), Robert Walter (Greyboy Allstars), Jeff Sipe, Claude Coleman Jr. (Ween) and many others.

CHRIS BULLOCK

Chris Bullock is a Brooklyn, NY-based saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer. He has enjoyed an expansive career performing with a variety of artists across all sorts of musical styles. Most notably, he is known for his longtime role as a saxophonist and composer in the genre-bending ensemble, Snarky Puppy. With this band, he has received four Grammy awards and is often on tour around the world performing at concert halls to music festivals to small rock rooms.

As a multi-instrumentalist, Chris has performed and recorded with a variety of artists including David Crosby, Michael McDonald, Lalah Hathaway, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Charlie Hunter, Chris Thile, Eric Harland, Metropole Orkest, Phish, and Soulive. In addition to his work as a live musician, he recently wrote and recorded his first commissioned film score.

In 2018, Chris released his debut solo album, Boomtown. This music is a hybrid of sorts. On the album, Chris explored ways to combine his interests in improvisation, jazz, chamber music, electronic music, and hip hop production elements. With his Boomtown band, Chris has brought a synth-heavy, grooving sound environment on live tours across the US and Canada.

JOHN DANIEL RAY

John Daniel Ray is a progressive jazz bassist and composer, and operates a production company called Mr. Haircut. He has produced dozens of projects and has played with hundreds of bands and ensembles in his 20 year career, from the Allman Brothers to the Roots.

John plays with his original band Vintage Astronaut, a progressive jazz/electronic project that pushes the boundaries of what live music can accomplish by utilizing computers as improvisational tools and incorporating electronic sounds into live performance. He also performs regularly with Noobious, a video game music cover band, RKIII, an experimental electronic band, Lucky Pocket, a dance/party band, and he produces and hosts a podcast called Mr. Haircut with renowned drummer Jonathan Greene.

John has performed and toured with bands from all over the country including The Allman Brothers, The Embers, Solos Unit, and shared the stage with The Roots, Gap Band, Common, Wu Tang Clan, The New Deal, George Clinton, Oteil Burbridge, The Platters, The Temptations, The Funky Knuckles, Jonathan Scales Fourchestra, Jazz is Phish, and more.

DANNY DARRESS

New York based pianist, Danny Darress is a recent Berklee School of Music graduate that is coming from a special circle of musicians that include DOMi Degalle and Jonathan Huber. The young musician and songwriter has quickly become a rising star in the pop community with his new project Chess Club, which has drawn collaborations with A list musicians and producers.

Having toured the country as a jazz pianist while writing and producing pop music has given Darress a unique voice in music. His approach to playing has the ability to be deep and complex while consistently providing rich and expressive melodies that allows the listener to enjoy a journey of story telling that can both perplex and inspire a sing along simultaneously.

CINCO DE SSOLVR
May 5 @ 3:00 pm
DSSOLVR

This Cinco de Mayo at DSSOLVR brewery, we’re excited to celebrate with…
CINCO DE SSOLVR a Cinco de Mayo celebration!

Join us for the release of our new, Mexican-style lime lager, Ceni Cero Lime, and delicious tamales from Tortilleria Molina, a local Hispanic-owned company. And if you’re trying to get saucy! We’ll have a hot sauce bar on the patio! If it gets too spicy, we’ve got the cure! ….AND NOW INTRODUCING THE NEXT EVOLUTION of SELZTER INGENUITY… SELTZER COCKTAILS!!!! That’s right! We are adding a special patio popup seltzer bar to the mix, serving some killer Mexican inspired cocktails, and dressing our Lime Lager “Ashtray” style to heat things up!

DSSOLVR believes in celebrating culture and supporting our community. That’s why a portion of our proceeds will benefit Pisgah Legal and be donated directly to the Together We Dream Fundraising Challenge. Providing Pisgah Legal with more resources to respond to the critical needs facing immigrant neighbors.
As we raise our glasses to cheers, let’s take a moment to honor the significance of this day.

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla, where Mexican forces, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, triumphed over French forces on May 5, 1862. This victory was a turning point in Mexico’s history and served as a symbol of Mexican resilience and determination.

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the rich history and culture of Mexico while celebrating with our new Mexican lime lager, patio cocktails, and delicious food. We hope you’ll join us in supporting our community and raising awareness for immigrant rights. Salud!

LAZOOM Tours: BAND AND BEER TOUR
May 5 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
LaZoom Room

Wanna hear the best local music ​and​ drink the best local beers? Hop aboard LaZoom’s Purple Bus and rock out with a local band while we take you on a journey to Asheville’s premiere local breweries.

  • Curated Live Music & Brewery Bus experience
  • 3 Hours long, includes three 30 Minute Local Brewery Stops
  • You Can Drink on the Funky Purple Bus! **Must be purchased at LaZoom or at brewery stop**
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
May 5 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Burton Street Community Center

Celebrate Mexican-American culture with authentic food and music followed by an outdoor movie.

Cinco de Mayo is sometimes mistaken for Mexico’s Independence Day — the most important national holiday in Mexico — which is celebrated on September 16, commemorating the Cry of Dolores in 1810, which initiated the war of Mexican independence from Spain. Cinco de Mayo is a yearly celebration held on May 5 commemorating the anniversary of Mexico’s victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. The victory over the French army was a morale boost for the Mexicans.

The String Cheese Incident
May 5 @ 6:30 pm
Salvage Station

The String Cheese Incident will be performing LIVE on the Outdoor Stage at Salvage Station for an incredible three-night run (Thursday, May 4th, Friday, May 5th and Saturday, May 6th)! Doors open at 5:30pm and the music starts at 6:30pm. All tickets are General Admission and these shows are all-ages with children under 7 free.

Root Down will be serving their delicious twist on Southern Soul food PLUS we will have additional food trucks on-site for the duration of the show.  And, of course, we will have MULTIPLE full bars open for you to enjoy!

Ring of Fire – The Music of Johnny Cash
May 5 @ 7:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

From the songbook of Johnny Cash comes this unique musical about love and faith, struggle and success, rowdiness and redemption, and the healing power of home and family. More than two dozen classic hits including “I Walk The Line,” “A Boy Named Sue,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and, of course, “Ring of Fire.” Performed by a multi-talented cast, Ring of Fire paints a musical portrait of ‘The Man in Black’ that promises to be a foot-stompin’, crowd-pleasin’ salute to a unique musical legend!

Shrek the Musical
May 5 @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Asheville Performing Arts Academy

“Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek….” And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there’s one on hand… and his name is Shrek.

Shrek presents a treasure trove of creative opportunities, including costumes, sets, puppets (there is a fire-breathing dragon after all) and more! Irreverently fun for the whole family, Shrek proves that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre.

Shrek is produced by our APAA Company members. This production is double cast. If you are interested in seeing a specific performer, please consult with them before purchasing tickets. Tickets will not be refunded or exchanged to see a specific performer.

Shrek The Musical JR
May 5 @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Asheville High School

Join the APAA’s Company Member in the hilarious stage spectacle with everyone’s favorite Ogre.

 

“Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek….” And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there’s one on hand… and his name is Shrek.

 

Shrek presents a treasure trove of creative opportunities, including costumes, sets, puppets (there is a fire-breathing dragon after all) and more! Irreverently fun for the whole family, Shrek proves that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre.

Bright Star
May 5 @ 7:30 pm
Asheville Community Theatre

Music, Book, & Story by Steve Martin; Music, Lyrics, & Story by Edie Brickell

Set in our very own Blue Ridge Mountains, Bright Star tells the story of Alice at two different points in her life: as a young girl in the mountains, and 22 years later as the well-to-do editor of a successful Asheville magazine. A serendipitous encounter inspires Alice to face her past, and a stunning realization changes her life forever. Bright Star is based on the Grammy Award-winning bluegrass album, Love Has Come for You, and centers particularly on the song “Iron Mountain Baby.” Be sure to listen also for the song with our namesake – “Asheville”!

Content Warning: Bright Star contains swearing, language that some may find blasphemous, incidental drinking and smoking, and kidnapping.

 

Accessibility:

All performances: Accessible wheelchair/scooter seating available.

Saturday, May 6, 2023: ASL-Interpreted Performance

Ring of Fire, The Life and Music of Johnny Cash
May 5 @ 7:30 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse

From the songbook of Johnny Cash comes this unique musical about love and faith, struggle and success, rowdiness and redemption, and the healing power of home and family. More than two dozen classic hits including “I Walk the Line,” “A Boy Named Sue,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and, of course, “Ring of Fire.” Performed by a multi-talented cast.

 

Director Ben Hope adds “Having spent many years working on various productions of Ring of Fire (this production will be my personal 10th!), The most extraordinary thing I keep finding about Mr. Cash is how unanimously loved he is, even now, 20 years since his death. No other project seems to attract such a varied and enthusiastic crowd as the music of Johnny Cash. I think it’s because he wrote for the ordinary. His words and music are authentic and simple, and he speaks plainly about things we all connect with. He was fallible, with personal demons and shortcomings. He makes us feel like our own imperfections are normal and mundane, and he teaches us that there’s beauty and hope, even in despair. I love Johnny Cash, and I know Flat Rock audiences are going to love Ring of Fire’.”

 

Don’t miss this inspiring story, all the great music, and an evening of iconic Johnny Cash!

 

Ring of Fire is presented by WHKP and Carolina Ace Hardware. Flat Rock Playhouse’s 2023 Season is supported by Charlotte & Bob Otto, Optimum, WHKP, and WTZQ as well as the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. www.NCArts.org

 

For a complete lineup with show descriptions and to purchase tickets, visit www.flatrockplayhouse.org.

Savannah Sipping Society
May 5 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Hendersonville Theatre

By: Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, Jamie Wooten

Director: Beth Norris

Approximate Run Time: 2 hours
Rating: PG due to mild adult themes

In this delightful comedy, four unique Southern women, all needing to escape the sameness of their day-to-day routines, are drawn together by Fate—and an impromptu happy hour—and decide it’s high time to reclaim the enthusiasm for life they’ve lost through the years. Over the course of six months, filled with laughter, hilarious misadventures, and the occasional liquid refreshment, these middle-aged women successfully bond and find the confidence to jumpstart their new lives. Together, they discover lasting friendships and a renewed determination to live in the moment—and most importantly, realize it’s never too late to make new old friends.

The cast of Savannah Sipping Society:

Jennifer Treadway: Marlafaye

Joan Rinchisen: Jinx

Natalie Broadway: Randa

Katie Winkler: Dot

PINKISH FLOYD
May 5 @ 8:00 pm
White Horse Black Mountain

Pinkish Floyd is an Asheville-based, true-to-the-original Pink Floyd tribute band. Passionate about delivering a completely immersive Pink Floyd experience, the show comes complete with the music, projections, lasers, and best of all, an enthusiastic audience! It’s just like the real thing… ish.

Featuring:

Jason Watson

David Bradley

Travis Corcoran

Rob Grace

David Bruce

Patrick Landis

Jenny Lee

Rebekkah Hilgraves

Kathleen Watson

Visit The Artists Website

The last appearance of PINKISH FLOYD at White Horse was a standing room only crowd.

Tickets are likely to sell out in advance this time .

Thus, advance ticket purchases are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED !!!!!!!