Calendar of Events

The Friends of the Polk County Public Libraries is excited to present local mystery writer Mark Schweizer as its featured speaker for the 2019 Friends of the Polk County Public Libraries Annual Meeting on Jan. 29.

Based in Tryon, Schweizer is the author of a series of liturgical mysteries featuring choir director/detective Hayden Konig. Set in the fictional North Carolina town of St. Germaine, the series includes such titles as “The Alto Wore Tweed,” “The Baritone Wore Chiffon” and the 15th book in the series, “The Choir Director Wore Out.” For more about Schweizer and his works, visit sjmpbooks.com.

Everyone is invited to the Friends Annual Meeting at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 29 in the Community Room of the Columbus Library at 1289 W. Mills St. In addition to Schweizer’s free talk, complimentary refreshments will be served. The annual meeting also will include information about the work of the Friends and a short regular business meeting.

Membership in the Friends of the Polk County Public Libraries helps support our community libraries. Annual Friends memberships are $10 for individuals and $15 for families living in the same household. Individual lifetime memberships are $100.

Through memberships and fundraisers like the upcoming Spring Book Sale, the nonprofit Friends group helps support such library initiatives as reading programs, special events, professional development opportunities for library staff, appreciation events for library volunteers and free programs for adults and children at the Columbus Library and Saluda Library.

Please considering joining the Friends and also volunteering your time at a Friends Book Sale. The Spring Book Sale will be Wednesday, May 8 through Saturday, May 11. On Wednesday, May 8, a Special Preview Day for Friends Only will be held exclusively for current Friends and for those who join the Friends that day.

Learn more about the Friends by visiting the Friends of the Polk County Public Libraries’ Facebook page and polklibrary.org/support/friends/ and by contacting Friends Board President Kevin Reynolds at [email protected].

https://www.facebook.com/events/791932347833593/

Want to sharpen your cooking skills? Learn how to make the ultimate meal staple in our Pasta Class! Part of our winter event series, this class is limited to 8 people for an intimate and casual cooking class.

$60 / person — includes small bites and your delicious pasta recipe prepared in class.

Cash bar will be available as well as a special themed cocktail to pair with your meal at additional cost.

LIMITED TO 8 PEOPLE

Our Pasta Class takes place in our butcher shop in beautiful Black Mountain. This class is for individuals 18 and older.

TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT:

Contact Meg at [email protected] or call 828-357-9029. You will be invoiced upon RSVP and your spot will be confirmed when class payment is received.

https://www.facebook.com/events/358859044928419/

Join us for a FREE event in the loft upstairs at Wild Wing Cafe! This month we have partnered with Hi-Wire Brewery! You will not be disappointed with the pairings we have for you! 4 samples of Hi-Wire’s crafty brews paired perfectly with 4 of our WILD sauces! Must RSVP to attend!

https://www.facebook.com/events/479857759202292/

Perfect meal ideas to brighten up your diet during the cold winter months. Taste the many oil & vinegar combinations that will excite you to eat those winter salads. And soups to warm you up too.

Tickets are $15 per person — full plate of food, sparkling vinegar spritzer, recipe booklet, PLUS flavor-packed cooking tips AND 15% off purchases that evening.

ADVANCE reservations and payment are necessary. Call 864-241-6689 to book your spot!

https://www.facebook.com/events/365192737631054/

Where? Foothills Wellness Center, Inc. – Fitness Center
When? Tuesday & Thursday 6pm
Who? Mark Sawyer
Cost? $10.00/class, discounts available for advanced purchase of punch card with multiple classes
More information? 828-859-5004 or [email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/events/338945186681233/?event_time_id=338945256681226

You got Served! Handbuilt Tableware

Tyler-James Anderson

Tuesdays 6:30-9pm
January 8- February 26

In this class we will be focusing our efforts into creating beautiful plates, platters, and assorted dishes to liven up your serving game at home. Implementing plaster mold making and slab construction, we will be making both loose and refined forms that showcase surface design and fluidity. This class takes a fun, whimsical, and creative approach to forming and decorating, while providing students with solid fundamentals for their future handbuilding endeavors.

Level: All Levels
Tuition: $310 + $55 Lab Fee

An epidemic of violence is sweeping the country: musicians are being murdered onstage in the middle of their sets by members of their audience. Are these random copycat killings, or is something more sinister at work? Has music itself become corrupted in a culture where everything is available, everybody is a “creative,” and attention spans have dwindled to nothing?

With its cast of ambitious bands, yearning fans, and enigmatic killers, Destroy All Monsters tells a haunted and romantic story of overdue endings and unlikely beginnings that will resonate with anybody who’s ever loved rock and roll.

Like a classic vinyl single, Destroy All Monsters has two sides, which can be read in either order. At the heart of Side A, “My Dark Ages,” is Xenie, a young woman who is repulsed by the violence of the epidemic but who still finds herself drawn deeper into the mystery. Side B, “Kill City,” follows an alternate history, featuring familiar characters in surprising roles, and burrows deeper into the methods and motivations of the murderers.

We ask that you purchase the books you want to be signed at our events from Malaprop’s. When you do this you are not only supporting the work it takes to run an events program, you are also telling the publishers that they should keep sending authors here. Can’t make it to the store for the event? Call us or order the book on our website in advance, and we’ll get it signed for you. Make sure you write your preferences in the comments if you purchase online.

https://www.facebook.com/events/209154376653474/

$25 per painter

Includes 9×12 canvas
Use of painting materials
Instruction from artist

Please email or message us to RSVP so we know to bring a canvas for you.

We’ll still have wine glasses to paint, too, at $20 per painter. This includes two glasses. Please also RSVP for the glass option.

https://www.facebook.com/events/234388824142669/

We’ve been talking to the folks from Bardic Alchemy, a Celtic Rock band from Asheville and they’ve agreed to play at Triskelion as many Tuesdays as they can come down to the Brewery.

Bardic Alchemy is a brand new element in the Celtic Rock world. This trio, based in the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina is comprised of multi-instrumentalist Connell Sanderson, guitarist Nick Marcone and percussionist and vocalist Tyler Watts.

Bardic Alchemy is best described as a psychedelic trip into a musical world that is heavily inspired by the Celtic musical traditions…run through various effects pedals. Everything from soothing, mellifluously reverberating whistle melodies supported by groovy guitar lines and thumping djembe beats to high energy dance tunes on the Scottish and Irish pipes to three part vocal harmonies and even improvised pieces, Bardic Alchemy is a surprisingly dynamic and unpredictable musical journey.

So… Tuesdays… will now be…

Celtic Rock Tuesday!

https://www.facebook.com/events/295165234422578/?event_time_id=295166027755832

Ben’s Tune-Up is proud to present an up close and personal music series led by Leeda Lyric Jones featuring women who Rock the Asheville music scene.
Every tuesday night these talented women will be performing in Ben’s new indoor cozy music nook. January and Febuary we are featuring artists Savannah Smith and Peggy Ratusz rotating weekly with Leeda Lyric Jones.

Music Schedule Every Tuesday 7-9
Leeda Lyric Jones Solo show: 1/15, 1/29 , 2/12 & 2/26
Peggy Ratusz Trio 1/22 & 2/19
Savannah Smith Solo Show 2/5

Lyric is a Western North Carolina favorite and holds several Mountain Xpress “best of” awards including, best funk band,best vocalist, best lyricist, best r&b/soul, best singer-songwriter. Since taking to the streets, Lyric has shared the stage with legends such as George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Mavis Staples, Gladys Knight, Booker T. Jones, Little Big Town, Dionne Warwick, Cedric Burnside, Amy Ray (Indigo Girls), Fred Wesley & the Lee Boys, Count M’Butu and Warren Haynes.

Peggy Ratusz has been pulling from the cream of the Asheville music crop since moving here in 2002. This “ruby throated” chanteuse has been a finalist in the International Blues Challenge in 2008, 2010 and 2016. A winner in three categories in the 2016 WNC’s “Best of” reader’s poll (Best Vocalist, Best in Blues and Artist Who Gives Back), she’s opened for Tedeschi-Trucks Band, Geoff Atchison, the Beach Boys and the recently departed Denise LaSall

Newcomer Savannah Smith, originally from Tupelo, brings North Mississippi Southern Soul to whatever stage she graces. Her original songs and their heartfelt melodies evoke emotions usually associated with more seasoned writers. Savannah is poised and ready to be the next important female singer/songwriter to come from the talent rich region of Western North Carolina!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1209459545869104/?event_time_id=1209459552535770

Join us to show off your knowledge of all things Sam & Dean from the hit show Supernatural! We’ll have the beer, the food and prizes! You just come win!

https://www.facebook.com/events/2413096618760308/

Get all of your legs down to THE BLOCK for One Leg Up!! There will be swingin’ music, and great classes for beginners! Stay late for our post-band blues DJ! Plus the venue is not only gorgeous, but they have a fabulous bar!

~~~Schedule (short version- see below for details)~~~
7 pm: Second Stops (Choreography) w/ Jean and Karolina
8 pm: Intro to Lindy Hop w/ Sparrow and Keith
9-11pm: Swing AVL Dance w/ One Leg Up
11pm – close: Blues Dance w/ DJ
~~~~~~~~~~~~
PRICING: Dance/Band is $5 (includes blues) and classes are $10/$8 for Swing Asheville members. Blues Dance is $2 suggested donation for those who didn’t pay for Band admission.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Interested in free dances or half priced lessons? Want to help promote the swing scene? Consider volunteering for Swing Asheville! To see what sort of opportunities are available and to sign up, please head over to http://signup.com/go/LMqYCSz

MUSIC
One Leg Up represents Asheville’s jazz scene in fine form, playing a lively, danceable mix of gypsy jazz, Latin, swing, and original compositions. Always a responsive and fun dance band, and also delightful to just sit back and watch while they make musical magic!

BLUES
Band finished and you’re not done dancing? You’re in luck… stick around for our blues after party! Continue dancing to DJ’d music until the bar kicks us out. $2 suggested donation for those coming just in time for the blues.

FOOD: Feeling peckish? The bar has a small selection of vegan goodies to help keep your stamina up! Ask a bartender for more details.

CLASSES
7pm: Continuing Class: Second Stops (Choreography) w/ Jean & Karolina

Second Stops, Swing Era Lindy Hop routine from the Savoy Ballroom. This routine was a part of many dancers repertoire and is an important part of the Lindy Hop history.

“Continuing” classes are for those dancers who have cemented the basics of the dance being featured that specific month. This includes knowing (and being able to execute cleanly and consistently) basic footwork and lead/follow skills for that dance. Some continuing classes may require no advance knowledge of a dance. This will be noted in the the class description.
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8 pm: Core Class: Intro to Lindy Hop w/ Sparrow & Keith

Learn the foundations of the 8 count Lindy Hop, the high energy dance from Harlem that swept the nation and then the globe. Starting from the very beginning, breaking down the steps and rhythms in easy to understand ways, Keith and Sparrow will get ya on the dance floor and having fun in no time. No partner required and drop in friendly, though of course you’ll learn the most if you start at the beginning of the month and stay till the end!

“Core” lessons stress the fundamentals of swing dancing for beginning dancers. Lessons rotate monthly to focus on a different kind of swing dance (6 Count Lindy, 8 Count Lindy, Charleston, Balboa, etc.). Because good fundamentals are hard to develop in one month, we recommend repeating Core lessons (on the same topic) to help develop the solid foundation you’ll need in continuing classes. Core lessons are also great for intermediate and advanced dancers who want to “get back to basics” or learn a different dancing role (lead vs. follow).
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GIFT CERTIFICATES
Do you want to buy a gift certificate for our classes as a gift, or to pre-pay for a block of classes for yourself? You can purchase gift certificates at the door at our weekly dance! They are $40 for a block of 4, and a great way to dive into the fun world of dance.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Feb 5: Community Jazz Jam
Feb 12: Valentine’s Day Dance w/ Sparrow & Her Wingmen
Feb 19: Queen Bee & the Honeylovers
Feb 26: Gravyhouse Storytellers
March 5: Mardi Gras Community Jazz Jam
March 12: The French Broads

https://www.facebook.com/events/362176694514963/

Come out and see what the fuss is all about! Team Trivia Tuesday at Sanctuary Brewing Company with host Josh Dunkin!

Team Trivia Western NC & The Upstate of SC is every Tuesday at 7 PM at Sanctuary Brewing Company on 1st Avenue in Downtown Hendersonville! There is no limit to how many people can participate on each team. You can have 1 or 20!

The game is free to play and the top two teams each week receive a gift card of $40 (1st place) and $20 (2nd place).

https://www.facebook.com/events/281414405828018/?event_time_id=281414422494683

Ready to start having fun working out? Begin your pole dancing journey with our 8 Week Intro to Pole Series: All ages, body types, and fitness levels welcome!
Start from the beginning and learn the fundamentals of spins, climbs, and sexy dance moves on the static and spin pole. This concentrated eight week series is great for building strength and a quicker understanding of the mechanics, timing, and grace that is helpful for pole dancing.
We will focus on the static pole for the first 6 weeks and move to an introduction of the beauty of spin pole for the last two.
Pole dancing is fun, an amazing workout, and sensually expressive. Enjoy learning with the same group of students each week who are all brand new to pole.

Bring heels because they are fun to dance in and a lot less intimidating than they seem! Wear shorts that come at least 2 inches above the knee. Do not wear lotion.

https://www.facebook.com/events/211441276398436/?event_time_id=211441283065102

Join us for an extra hilarious evening of “Adult Swim” themed Trivia. This will include innuendos, and a Cards Against Humanity style of humor. It may have a bit of dirty humor but we promise it won’t be crude. NOTE: This doesn’t have anything to do with the adult swim channel.

Trivia starts off with a blind beer tasting round for bonus point followed by two rounds of 10 questions with songs playing in between questions for more bonus points!

The evening ends with our version of Final Jeopardy where you can wager you points to win big or lose it all!

You can play by yourself or have a team with up to 10 players! There are prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place teams.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2247324448858169/

FREE

Every Tuesday evening Isis presents our Tuesday Bluegrass Sessions. The sessions are hosted each week by a local bluegrass musician with friends or a band. Following the host band, Bluegrass musicians from the Asheville area gather on stage to jam in an open session. Occasionally, we feature a touring band that will perform prior to the open session and help co-host the jam. It’s always a great evening of music and community.

https://www.facebook.com/events/233332210893411/

Chris Bullock, known to many as the saxophonist in the band Snarky Puppy, will be bringing his band to Pisgah Brewing Company. They will be playing music from his debut release, Boomtown. The band includes Justin Stanton (Snarky Puppy), Frank LoCrasto (Cass McCombs, Breastfist), and Jharis Yokley (My Brightest Diamond). This synth heavy music is best heard live. We hope to see you!

Chris Bullock – sax/synths
Justin Stanton – keyboards/synths
Frank LoCrasto – keyboards/synths
Jharis Yokley – drums

Chris Bullock is a saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer. The Snarky Puppy member has recently stepped out as a leader with the release of his debut record, Boomtown. This album is a hybrid of sorts. On the album, Chris has explored ways to combine his varied interests in jazz, woodwind chamber music, electronic music, and hip hop production elements.
As a longtime member and composer for Snarky Puppy, he has received three Grammy awards and maintains an active schedule performing for audiences all over the world. Chris resides in Brooklyn, NY where he balances his time leading his solo project, playing live shows with a diverse range of artists, and performing for studio sessions.
Originally from Asheville, NC, Chris’ musical obsession began as a child with early interests in the Beach Boys, hip-hop cassettes, and learning the clarinet and electric guitar. Over time the saxophone became central to his music making.
As a multi-instrumentalist, Chris has performed and recorded with a variety of artists including David Crosby, Michael McDonald, Lalah Hathaway, Charlie Hunter, Chris Thile, Eric Harland, Phish, and Soulive. In addition to his work as a live musician, Chris is also an educator and clinician. Chris Bullock plays D’addario reeds, Yamaha Saxophones, and Earthquaker Devices FX pedals. You can find more info at chrismbullock.com.

https://www.facebook.com/events/211662139721892/

Come down to ONE WORLD BREWING DOWNTOWN!!! for PIZZA KARAOKE!!! Every TUESDAY!! COME GET YOUR SANG ON before FUNK JAM!!! Free FRESH PIZZA when YOU SING!!!

https://www.facebook.com/events/2088188291270135/?event_time_id=2088188297936801

The best trivia in town is happening every Tuesday at Twin Leaf Brewery. Its week four of the “Take Home the Belt Tournament”. Over the first eight weeks of Trivia I’ll be keeping track of your team’s score, and the team with the highest total gets to take the Championship Belt Home for life! Free to play, teams of up to six and prizes to win!

https://www.facebook.com/events/591235817998175/

Zack Mexico + Nest Egg at The Grey Eagle

https://www.facebook.com/events/260956471260848/

10pm
21+
Donation$
One Stop

Join us downstairs during Funk Jam for an all-star local cast of rotating DJ’s spinnin’ vinyl and scratchin’ like there’s no tomorrow!

https://www.facebook.com/events/2261496624135396/?event_time_id=2261496634135395

Tuesday Night Funk Jam – 11PM – Ca$h Donation$ – 21+

EVERY Tuesday at Asheville Music Hall!

Tuesday Night Funk Jam has been a huge part of Asheville’s vibrant music scene since 2008 and is #Asheville’s hottest weekly concert.

Tuesday Night Funk Jam is programmed and orchestrated by an evolved Legendary House Band with trombonist Derrick Lee Johnson at the helm.

At 11PM sharp, the Legendary House Band kicks off the night followed by opening up the stage to jam to our local community of musicians for an ‘Open Jam’.

While this is an amazing opportunity for musicians to network and refine their musical chops it is ALSO an event for the people who support our music scene and need a night to shake their hips to the best funk around town!

Regularly, nationally touring musicians, TONIGHT funk jam is going to be off the chain. We have Lee Allen (of Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band) jumping back in with The Legendary House Band. Come out to the Asheville Music Hall tonight and help us kick off the first funk jam of 2019. We start at 11pm. #asheville #noplacelikehome #makemusiceveryday #mftnfj

https://www.facebook.com/events/786766998382570/?event_time_id=786767015049235

The Cooperative Extension of Polk County is hosting our annual berry plant sale. This year, the Cooperative Extension director has chosen four varieties of blueberries, two varieties of raspberries, two varieties of strawberries, and one blackberry variety that have proven to specifically thrive in the North Carolina Foothills.

Orders will be accepted for plants now through February 22 and will be available for pickup in mid-March. Proceeds from this fundraiser go to support the activities, classes, and research that make the Cooperative Extension such a vital part of the Polk County community. For more information or to place an order, visit the Extension’s website at https://polk.ces.ncsu.edu or give us a call at 894-8218.

Download the Order Form HERE: https://polk.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/2019-Berry-Plant-Order-Form-Writeable.pdf?fwd=no

https://www.facebook.com/events/393022604782447/?event_time_id=393022628115778

Come practice with me every Wednesday evening at Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards at 6pm-7pm to get over that crazy mid week hump!

All levels welcome for an upbeat and energizing power flow while focusing on turning inward and cultivating an intention that you can take with you off your mat!

10$ for 60 minute power vinyasa flow and glass of wine!
6pm-7pm Please share and feel free to bring your friends!
DM if you have any questions! Hope to see you there✨✨

https://www.facebook.com/events/1224464734374111/?event_time_id=1224464751040776

Motheread

https://www.facebook.com/events/1095505313986881/

Winter can be the most beautiful time of the year at Chimney Rock. Leafless trees make for expansive views of Lake Lure and the Hickory Nut Gorge. The sky is clear; you’re likely to find a quiet spot to sit and enjoy the peacefulness. You may even see a critter scamper by you in the forest. Capture that special moment or scene on your camera, enter it in our Winter Wonders Photo Contest and tell us about it. We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.

Cost: No additional cost to enter.

https://www.facebook.com/events/789533238046693/?event_time_id=789533334713350

We are honored to share our passion for our Beloved Black Bears in our exhibit at the “FW Gallery” in Woolworth Walk – downtown Asheville. We are grateful to have been chosen to be their Featured Artists. We want to also thank the many lovely people who work at Woolworth Walk and have supported and assisted us with the exhibit.

The FW Gallery exhibit will end Tuesday, January 29th at 6pm. Our permanent artist booth #229 downstairs “Beloved Black Bear” has over 50 black bear canvases 11×14 at $75 each. We hope you will stop by to visit.

We are happy to say that many black bear canvases have been sold and are now adorning many homes. Our wish is for all of us to share our compassion for the black bear with our friends, family, and neighbors and create connections with the bears giving them a voice.

Love, April Johnson & Jeff Miller

https://www.facebook.com/events/300039080626478/

We are honored to share our passion for our Beloved Black Bears in our exhibit at the “FW Gallery” in Woolworth Walk – downtown Asheville. We are grateful to have been chosen to be their Featured Artists. We want to also thank the many lovely people who work at Woolworth Walk and have supported and assisted us with the exhibit.

The FW Gallery exhibit will end Tuesday, January 29th at 6pm. Our permanent artist booth #229 downstairs “Beloved Black Bear” has over 50 black bear canvases 11×14 at $75 each. We hope you will stop by to visit.

We are happy to say that many black bear canvases have been sold and are now adorning many homes. Our wish is for all of us to share our compassion for the black bear with our friends, family, and neighbors and create connections with the bears giving them a voice.

Love, April Johnson & Jeff Miller

https://www.facebook.com/events/300039080626478/?event_time_id=300039177293135

BLUE PLATE SPECIAL FUNDRAISER January 30, 2019

MANY THANKS to Joan and Ernie Sipler of HALF PAST for sponsoring our January 2019 Blue Plate Special!

MENU
– 3 Cheese Penne MarinaPasta
– w/Optional Meatballs
– Salad
– Bread
– Carrot Cake or Chocolate Cake

https://www.facebook.com/events/285575582160237/

Medical workers, we want to thank you for your hard work! Come into our South Asheville location from Monday 01/28 through Wednesday 01/30 and receive 10% off. Just show us your work ID or name badge to receive your discount!

#medicalworkers #healthcare #wellness

https://www.facebook.com/events/1287877518021354/