Calendar of Events

Since the early 1950’s Spruce Pine, North Carolina has been the host of the Festival and welcomed visitors from around the world to shop for beautiful jewelry, gemstones, minerals, beads, crystals, fossils and more! Even celebrities have been spotted at the Festival selecting their jewelry, gemstones and gifts! The Festival features gem, jewelry and mineral dealers from across the country showcasing their merchandise to fit every budget. Whether you are shopping for an engagement ring, a special stone for your own setting, a custom designed piece of jewelry or a special crystal display for your home, you can’t miss the NC Mineral and Gem Festival.

Th, Fri, Sat: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sun: 12:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Admission: $3
Children under 10 admitted free
Friday: $1 admission for Senior Citizens

The Commons Shopping Center
12121 Hwy 226 S
Spruce Pine, NC 28777

Contact:
Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce
Phone: 828-765-9033
Website: www.ncgemfest.com
Email: [email protected]

Take A Spin Clay Camp Ages 6-10 with Kelsey Sickmeyer

July 30- August 3
Monday- Friday, 2-5pm

First time throwing on the wheel? Maybe you’ve tried it a few times already? You won’t be alone! You will use the wheel to craft handmade cups, bowls, plates and who knows what else. Come ready to have fun and get messy! (PS- this class is NOT taught by Ms. Frizzell from The Magic School Bus. But close.)

Take A Spin Clay Camp Ages 6-10 with Kelsey Sickmeyer

July 30- August 3
Monday- Friday, 2-5pm

First time throwing on the wheel? Maybe you’ve tried it a few times already? You won’t be alone! You will use the wheel to craft handmade cups, bowls, plates and who knows what else. Come ready to have fun and get messy! (PS- this class is NOT taught by Ms. Frizzell from The Magic School Bus. But close.)

One Night Pottery Class

#10 Friday, August 3

Ever wanted to try your hand at the pottery wheel? Have you always wanted to learn to throw but you’re not sure if you want to commit to an 8-week class? Or maybe you and some friends are just looking for something different to do in Asheville on a Friday night. Well, look no further. Ready, Set, Throw is here!

Even if you’ve never touched clay before, our highly skilled staff will guide you through the entire process. It’s the perfect opportunity to get creative and have fun! All ages and skill levels are welcome.

Level: All Levels, Beginners Welcome
Tuition: $55 Per person, per night

Advanced Wheel Clay Camp Ages 8-12 with Kelsey Sickmeyer

August 6-10
Monday- Friday, 2-5pm

Attention all young artists! This is a camp for kids who have taken a wheel camp with Kelsey or who already have some experience on the potter’s wheel. Daily demonstrations will cover cool things you can do in the studio. A series of challenging projects will inspire your creativity. We will be working on making a set of bowls, cups, or plates, and show you the tricks for making taller vases and lidded jars.

Magical Nature Clay Camp Ages 4-8 with Cassie Mazur

August 6-10
Monday- Friday, 9am-12pm

Story time! In this camp, we will listen to a series of nature themed children’s stories and then illustrate our imagination with creative sculptures. Demonstrations will be given on how to create fairy houses, mushrooms, flowers, leaves and more. By the end of the week, we will have a whole collection of colorful sculptures to play with.

Advanced Wheel Clay Camp Ages 8-12 with Kelsey Sickmeyer

August 6-10
Monday- Friday, 2-5pm

Attention all young artists! This is a camp for kids who have taken a wheel camp with Kelsey or who already have some experience on the potter’s wheel. Daily demonstrations will cover cool things you can do in the studio. A series of challenging projects will inspire your creativity. We will be working on making a set of bowls, cups, or plates, and show you the tricks for making taller vases and lidded jars.

The Adult Education program teaches reading, writing, spelling, and math to adults who read at or below a basic skills level. This program serves approximately 50 students per year. Students come to the Literacy Council because they want to improve job prospects, help their children in school, enroll in a High School Equivalency program, and better navigate the world around them.

Tutoring takes place for one hour twice each week at times and locations that are mutually convenient for students and their tutors.

Magical Nature Clay Camp Ages 4-8 with Cassie Mazur

August 6-10
Monday- Friday, 9am-12pm

Story time! In this camp, we will listen to a series of nature themed children’s stories and then illustrate our imagination with creative sculptures. Demonstrations will be given on how to create fairy houses, mushrooms, flowers, leaves and more. By the end of the week, we will have a whole collection of colorful sculptures to play with.

Advanced Wheel Clay Camp Ages 8-12 with Kelsey Sickmeyer

August 6-10
Monday- Friday, 2-5pm

Attention all young artists! This is a camp for kids who have taken a wheel camp with Kelsey or who already have some experience on the potter’s wheel. Daily demonstrations will cover cool things you can do in the studio. A series of challenging projects will inspire your creativity. We will be working on making a set of bowls, cups, or plates, and show you the tricks for making taller vases and lidded jars.

Magical Nature Clay Camp Ages 4-8 with Cassie Mazur

August 6-10
Monday- Friday, 9am-12pm

Story time! In this camp, we will listen to a series of nature themed children’s stories and then illustrate our imagination with creative sculptures. Demonstrations will be given on how to create fairy houses, mushrooms, flowers, leaves and more. By the end of the week, we will have a whole collection of colorful sculptures to play with.

Advanced Wheel Clay Camp Ages 8-12 with Kelsey Sickmeyer

August 6-10
Monday- Friday, 2-5pm

Attention all young artists! This is a camp for kids who have taken a wheel camp with Kelsey or who already have some experience on the potter’s wheel. Daily demonstrations will cover cool things you can do in the studio. A series of challenging projects will inspire your creativity. We will be working on making a set of bowls, cups, or plates, and show you the tricks for making taller vases and lidded jars.

Magical Nature Clay Camp Ages 4-8 with Cassie Mazur

August 6-10
Monday- Friday, 9am-12pm

Story time! In this camp, we will listen to a series of nature themed children’s stories and then illustrate our imagination with creative sculptures. Demonstrations will be given on how to create fairy houses, mushrooms, flowers, leaves and more. By the end of the week, we will have a whole collection of colorful sculptures to play with.

Advanced Wheel Clay Camp Ages 8-12 with Kelsey Sickmeyer

August 6-10
Monday- Friday, 2-5pm

Attention all young artists! This is a camp for kids who have taken a wheel camp with Kelsey or who already have some experience on the potter’s wheel. Daily demonstrations will cover cool things you can do in the studio. A series of challenging projects will inspire your creativity. We will be working on making a set of bowls, cups, or plates, and show you the tricks for making taller vases and lidded jars.

The Adult Education program teaches reading, writing, spelling, and math to adults who read at or below a basic skills level. This program serves approximately 50 students per year. Students come to the Literacy Council because they want to improve job prospects, help their children in school, enroll in a High School Equivalency program, and better navigate the world around them.

Tutoring takes place for one hour twice each week at times and locations that are mutually convenient for students and their tutors.

“BALANCE”
An Educational Experience Addressing the Many Aspects of Living Well with MS

This free event was designed to inform and empower people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their care partners.

(RSVP required to attend – Please see below)
Interactive Q&A to follow after the presentations!

———————————————————————
Special Guest Speaker #1:
Jeff Segal, NSCA-CPT, CSCS, CPTS
Certified Personal Trainer and MS Exercise Specialist

Will Discuss:
– Exercise and movement to improve strength and flexibility
– Heat intolerance: Management during exercise
– Specific exercises for specific issues
– Plus an inspiring talk focusing on living well with multiple sclerosis (MS) and what you can do today

35 min. presentation + 10 min. Q&A

———————————————————————
Special Guest Speaker #2:
Rebecca McGowan, PA
Physician Assistant at Asheville Neurology Specialists

Will Discuss:
– MS Symptom Management: Managing and addressing MS symptoms to improve your daily life
– MS Symptom Management Treatments: FDA approved and complementary therapies

35 min. presentation

———————————————————————
Special Guest Speaker #3:
James Patton, MD
Neurologist at Asheville Neurology Specialists

Will Discuss:
– An overview of multiple sclerosis (MS); increasing understanding for you and your care partner
– Understanding the impact of early treatment upon diagnosis
– Extending your healthcare team to meet all your needs
– Developing a team that works for your individualized needs

40 min. presentation

Plus a 25 minute interactive Q&A session with both Rebecca McGowan and Dr. James Patton.

———————————————————————
Date: Tuesday, August 14th, 2018
5:39pm – Check-in
6:15pm – Program Begins
Complimentary Dinner

Location: Doubletree by Hilton- Asheville-Biltmore
115 Hendersonville Rd.
Asheville, NC 28803
———————————————————————

PLEASE Register (RSVP) Online at: www.events.msvn.org
If you do not have internet access, please call (888) 871-1664 – Ext 102

Program limited to the MS Patient plus a max of (1) guest
No children permitted under the age of 16 unless this is a child that has MS

Organized by: MS Views and News, a 501C3 not for profit organization

Support for this program was provided by: Sanofi Genzyme and Celgene

Exhibitors: Sanofi Genzyme and MS Views and News

Susan Anderson presents Paul’s Prayers: A Mother’s Account of Raising an Autistic Son

Paul’s Prayers is the story of a moderately autistic young man navigating life with a spiritual intelligence that runs further than most people can walk. Written by Paul’s mother, this insightful memoir gives readers a unique look at the challenges and joys of raising her autistic son in a large Catholic family.

The first of six children, Paul’s early years were an exciting and confusing time for his parents. At the time, very little information on autism and its early signs was available, and the fact that the disorder is a spectrum ranging from mild to severe was not widely known.

Unpredictable outbursts and sensitivities to light and schedule disruptions lead Paul’s parents to refer to his condition as “The Marauder.” The Marauder sweeps over the hospital nursery as the fluorescent lights blind Paul’s eyes. The Marauder throws his black cape over the Christmas holidays, stealing four-year-old Paul’s speech for three long days. In school, The Marauder keeps other students at bay, leaving Paul isolated and alone. Finally a developmental assessment gives some clarity to the exhausted family: Paul is on the autism spectrum, and they will all have to adjust their perspectives. Small victories emerge as Paul begins to reach developmental milestones in creative ways. Six years of piano lessons lead to a dramatic improvement in reading skills. A jaunt through the mountains with his father introduces Paul to his talent for running; with his brothers, he joins the high school cross country running team, which goes on to win the state championship. After high school, Paul works for the family business and attends college.

Throughout this intimate memoir, every day is a challenge to be met with creative thinking, patience, and faith. Paul finds comfort in contemplative prayer and the support of his family when the world around him becomes too chaotic. As her son grows up, Susan Anderson learns how to cope with autism and embrace the importance of faith in the things unseen. Her family’s experience is a beacon of light for those who find themselves on a similar path.

This book is available for purchase in-store, by phone, or online by visiting https://www.malaprops.com/book/9781680993479

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/1063959153770449/

Are you looking for an excuse to knit or crochet for a good cause? Help make baby hats and blankets and adult hats, scarves, and slippers to support at-risk newborns and homeless adults.  Your handmade knitwear will keep our neighbors warm.  Volunteers with basic skills in knitting or crocheting are welcome. Please bring your own needles or crochet hooks and a pattern.

Check out Knit-n-Give on WLOS: http://wlos.com/news/only-on-wloscom/close-knit-group-of-women-use-their-talents-to-help-asheville-charities

The Adult Education program teaches reading, writing, spelling, and math to adults who read at or below a basic skills level. This program serves approximately 50 students per year. Students come to the Literacy Council because they want to improve job prospects, help their children in school, enroll in a High School Equivalency program, and better navigate the world around them.

Tutoring takes place for one hour twice each week at times and locations that are mutually convenient for students and their tutors.

The Adult Education program teaches reading, writing, spelling, and math to adults who read at or below a basic skills level. This program serves approximately 50 students per year. Students come to the Literacy Council because they want to improve job prospects, help their children in school, enroll in a High School Equivalency program, and better navigate the world around them.

Tutoring takes place for one hour twice each week at times and locations that are mutually convenient for students and their tutors.

This Saturday at Grovewood Gallery, Asheville fiber artist Karen Kennedy, a graduate of Haywood Community College’s Professional Crafts Program, will demonstrate needle felting using locally dyed wool to create fall pumpkins and leaves. Pre-made versions will be available to purchase, a perfect addition to your Halloween and Thanksgiving décor.

https://www.facebook.com/events/326354097954572/

Fall is just around the corner and we couldn’t be more excited! To celebrate the beginning of our favorite time of year we are kicking off our countdown to fall mimosa series this Tuesday! Each week leading up to the first day of Fall we’ll feature a different Mimosa dedicated to all those delicious Fall flavors we love! This week our feature is an Apple Cider Mimosa- with local Apple cider, Simonet Blanc de Blanc and a cinnamon-sugar rim.

Plus, each week we offer wine specials, food specials and a complimentary champagne bar with fresh juices, fruits and Bitters for you to add to your sparkling wine (sparkling wines purchased separately).

Sept 4th- Apple Cider Mimosas

Sept 11th- Vanilla Bean Pear Mimosa

Sept 18th- Pumpkin Pie Mimosa

https://www.facebook.com/events/679259562446616/

The Fourth Annual Asheville Housing Fair gives current and potential homeowners the tools to fund, maintain and invest in housing and real estate opportunities.

The fair features lenders, advisors, builders, specialists and more to answer questions and showcase available resources that can help you achieve your housing goals.
Workshops facilitated by local businesses and nonprofits will cover topics such as
• First time homebuyers
• Renter’s rights
• Asheville homestays and
• Tips and tools to help make the most of your real estate investment.

This family-friendly event is free and open to the public and will include plenty of free parking, free hot dogs, a bounce house for kids, a 50/50 raffle and door prizes.
For more information, visit www.ashevillehousingfair.com.

Cold readings from the script which will be provided. Looking for three female actors, aged late teens to early forties. ALL EXPERIENCE LEVELS ARE ACCEPTED AND HIGHLY ENCOURAGED! You won’t want to miss this spooky show–just in time for Halloween!

https://www.facebook.com/events/261264131181196/

The Magnetic Theatre will present the world premiere of Karen Saari’s intimate, affirming, and heartfelt play, IN A CLEARING.

Mark is three months into sobriety. He is still haunted by the death of close friend, who died in an unexplained roadside accident after a night of hard partying. The looming guilt Mark secretly feels about his friend’s death has motivated him to become sober; a challenging feat in the small north woods, Wisconsin small town where he has always lived. Seeing friends, family, and the world in a whole new light; Mark rekindles a relationship with Pam, an old “friend” from school and the aggrieved sister of his dead friend, and finally solves the mysteries of his own heart.

The production is being directed by Andrew Gall, The Magnetic Theatre’s co-Artistic Director.

Featuring:
Thomas Traugaer
Emily Tynan McDaniel
Kay Galvin
Jered Shults

Scenic Design: Rodney Smith
Lighting Design: Abby Auman
Costume Design: Victoria Smith
Sound Design: Mary Zogzas

https://www.facebook.com/events/259302424887309/

JOSEPH at The Grey Eagle

There is nothing like the sound of siblings singing together. Whether it’s the Beach Boys or the Everly Brothers—or, more recently, First Aid Kit—absorbing the same breathing rhythms and speech patterns adds an element to vocal harmonies that can be pure magic. With the release of I’m Alone, No You’re Not, the mesmerizing, hypnotic sound of the trio known as Joseph—made up of sisters Allison, Meegan, and Natalie Closner—joins this elite company.

“It’s just second nature, like a fifth limb that’s already on you,” says first-born Natalie. “There’s an ability to anticipate what’s going to happen and blend with it. When Meegan and Allison sing, they know exactly what I’m going to do and when.”

But the Closners didn’t actually start singing together when they were growing up in Oregon, the children of artistic parents (their dad was a jazz singer and drummer, their mom a theater teacher). Natalie was the performer—“the older sister who stood on the edge of the fireplace and told everyone, ‘Watch me!,’“ she says. Twins Meegan and Allison stayed out of her lane, joining in for their mother’s musical theater productions but otherwise avoiding the spotlight.

When Natalie was in college, she began pursuing music more seriously. The summer before her senior year, she went to Nashville to check out the scene and work on her guitar playing and songwriting. She had recorded an EP and done a few rounds of touring when a friend sat her down one day.

“It was kind of dramatic,” she says, “He took me aside and said, ‘I don’t think you really believe in this.’ It stopped me in my tracks.” She thought deeply about the music she was making and had a curious epiphany; she decided to ask her sisters if they would consider singing with her.

Initially, they didn’t really get it. “We thought she was asking us to be background singers, so we didn’t take it that seriously,” says Allison. “It was more commitment than I was expecting—I even tried to leave at one point, but after a while, I was convinced.”

A transformation occurred when the Closners were in the process of recording their first album, Native Dreamer Kin. At the time, they were calling themselves Dearborn, but their producer felt that the name didn’t fit the strength of the music. They went to visit their grandfather Jo, in the eastern Oregon town of Joseph. Allison made a playlist for the trip and called it “Joseph,” which is what influenced the band’s name.

“Once she said it, it just hit us all—that’s what this is and who we are, these are the sounds of the land that we’ve lived on,” says Natalie.

With this new sense of themselves, Meegan and Allison began taking a more active role in the group’s songwriting. Meegan notes that while the process was a “totally new journey” for her, it felt similar to the candor and vulnerability of her long-time journaling—just “pulling out the gold and arranging that into neater lines.”

She and Natalie both point to the song “Honest” as a keystone for the development of I’m Alone, No You’re Not. “We were trying really hard to write a song, but nothing was coming,” recalls Natalie. “One night, Meegan was working on some lyrics and getting frustrated, so she wrote in the margin of the page, ‘I can’t say a true thing. It’s hard to be that honest.’ Immediately after that, her most honest sentence spilled out—‘There’s always two thoughts, one after the other: I’m alone. No, you’re not.’ And she thought, ‘Oh, there’s the song.’ “

Meanwhile, the group was cultivating a devoted fan base in the most traditional ways possible: touring the Western states playing living room shows, backyard parties, and secret house party gigs; reaching an audience directly through such platforms as Noisetrade; selling their self-released CD and building a loyal following step by step. By the time they were approached by ATO Records, Joseph had already built a strong community of fans on its own.

As they moved toward making their second record, the project took an additional turn when the Closners decided to work with some other songwriters in Los Angeles. “We were afraid of it at first because the songs were more pop than we were used to writing,” says Meegan, “but as we internalized them, they started becoming super-important to us.”

They point to “More Alive Than Dead,” co-written with Ethan Gruska, as an example of these contributions. “That song describes an experience with a partner where you have hard things in your combined past,” says Natalie. “You’re haunted by them until you realize that those things are dead, and as long as you dwell on them, you’re missing the real live person in front of you.”

She adds, though, that Gruska was critical in clarifying and sharpening the nuanced emotion of the lyric. “When Ethan sent us back the demo, I lost it, He was able to see the heart of the song and bring it out, cut to the core of what I was trying to say.”

Finally, the women of Joseph recorded the album with acclaimed producer Mike Mogis (Bright Eyes, Jenny Lewis, First Aid Kit) at his studio in Omaha. He was able to open up their expansive, evocative vocal sound with powerful and striking arrangements, adding depth while highlighting their haunting intensity.

“This was our first time doing a recording like this,” says Natalie, “and we learned so much about creativity. Mike is a genius, and he’s just a total maniac as a musician, so he took these bare bones songs and brought them to life with lush, gorgeous textures and sounds.”

The initial reaction to the music on I’m Alone, No You’re Not has been remarkable. Joseph was selected as a #SpotifySpotlight artist, and booked for festivals including Bonnaroo, Pickathon, and Sasquatch even prior to the release of the single “White Flag,” a song inspired by an article predicting a massive earthquake for the Pacific Northwest.

“Reading that created a heaviness that was making us jumpy, scared, and miserable,” says Natalie. “It became clear we had two options: be scared and cowering, backing away from the world into paralysis, or keep moving and live. Defy fear. Wear peace. Find better ways to love the people in our lives instead of huddling together like frightened sheep thinking about earthquakes.”

Most rewarding for the Closner sisters has been feeling the audience response to the new songs, as they tour supporting such artists as James Bay and Amos Lee. “This is really when you learn what’s special about a song, or if it’s special,” says Natalie. “It’s this crazy firecracker thing that happens—‘Am I feeling something? Is anyone? What is this song, what does it do, which parts make the most sense?’

“It really is about connection with people, and we’re so grateful we’ve gotten the chance to do that. This has been a totally wild journey, and we’re constantly blown away with possibility of what could be.”

https://www.facebook.com/events/188070488495632/

Come and get it, honey! Queen Bee & the Honeylovers will be swinging the block tonight! There will be fabulous music, and great classes for beginners! Stay late for our post dance blues hour! Plus the venue is not only gorgeous, but they have a fabulous bar!

~~~Schedule (short version- see below for details)~~~
7 pm: Level-Up Lindy w/ Deb & Jean
8 pm: Intro to Lindy Hop w/ Deb & Jean
9-11pm: Swing AVL Dance w/ Queen Bee & The Honeylovers
11-12pm: Vintage Blues Hour w/ DJ
~~~~~~~~~~~~
PRICING: Dance/Band is $5 (includes blues hour) and classes are $10/$8 for Swing Asheville members. Vintage Blues Hour is $2 suggested donation for those who didn’t pay for Dance/Band admission.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Interested in free dances or half priced lessons? Want to help prom…http://signup.com/go/qiyRjLG

MUSIC
Queen Bee and the Honeylovers is an upbeat, nostalgic dance band that indulges in an eclectic exploration of jazz, swing and latin music styles. Their unabashedly joyous repertoire includes classic standards as well as the occasional peppering of more obscure latin and jazz tunes. Vocal-driven with an infectious groove, they’re guaranteed to put a grin on your face and a tap in your toes.

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

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: Level-Up Lindy w/ TDeb & Jean

For people who can do basic lindyt footwork on demand and feel comfortable doing this footwork within the context of basic social dancing. We will work on practical dance technique, common but interesting social moves / repertoire, styling, and anything else that moves your dancing forward! Remember, the more regularly you show up, the more the whole group can make progress! Come swing out with us, y’all!

“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 w/ TBA

In this class, we’ll focus on rhythm and lead-follow technique while learning a basic “vocabulary” of steps to build your swing dance repertoire. In just a short time, you’ll be able to get out on the dance floor with a partner and have fun dancing! For brand new dancers and those who would like to review and improve their basic steps and technique. No partner or experience necessary.

“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
Sept 18: Big Dawg Slingshots
Sept 25: Low Down Sires
Oct 2: Community Jazz Jam
Oct 9: Sparrow & Her Wingmen
Oct 16: Drayton & The Dreamboats
Oct 23: Gravyhouse Storytellers
Oct 30: House Hoppers Halloween Spooktacular

https://www.facebook.com/events/2062955600382148/

Matt and Kim
plus Michael Christmas
Show: 8pm
Doors: 7pm
$25 – $28
Ages 18+
Language not suitable for all ages.

Tickets & Info: www.theorangepeel.net/event/matt-and-kim/

For many bands, making music is all about the routine of recording an annual album, or being able to tour in progressively bigger venues. Not Matt and Kim. “Our goal is to make music we want to hear,” says Matt Johnson, who co-founded the band with Kim Schifino. “When it comes time to make a new album, I’m just so excited, since I know we have all these ideas and I just want to get them out there.” As for the band’s extra-emphatic live shows, which these days happen in large venues, he explains, “We’ve always just really enjoyed playing music, and things have kept growing.”

Matt and Kim’s enthusiasm comes across loud and clear on the band’s new album, Lightning, its most diverse and developed to date. From the relentless drive of “Now” to the dance-fueled beat of “Let’s Go” to the more contemplative “Ten Dollars I Found,” Lightning is the strongest distillation yet of Matt and Kim’s unique sound: a spunky hybrid of indelible songs, an emphatic beat and almost tangible energy, mixed with the duo’s influence of listening nonstop to Top 40 Hip-Hop and pop-punk.

To make the album, Matt and Kim spent six months working in their home studio in Brooklyn, producing the record themselves. Lightning is a touch more minimal than their earlier work – with layers taken away, instead of added, enabling its intense performances and memorable tunes to really come to the forefront. “What’s made the songs on this album really strong is we’ve been able to pull a lot off – to not have so much going on – and still have a strong song,” Kim explains.

“It’s easier to make a song with a lot going on,” Matt adds. “It feels very safe. It’s like putting on a lot of clothes: you feel all covered up so no one can judge just one aspect of it, but when you try to break it down to be as simple as can be, you’re really baring it all. When you can see clearly what’s going on, those are the times that the songs are easiest to connect to.”

Connecting with their audience is certainly a key focus for Matt and Kim. The indie dance duo’s live shows – which are legendary for constant, in-your-face exuberance – feel more like vibrant, sweaty loft parties than traditional concerts, for both audiences and the band. “I think we’ve managed to continue to make them feel intimate,” says Matt. “When we first started playing venues instead of playing on the floor at parties, we tried hard to keep the vibe of ‘we’re all doing this together and having a wild time’ going. The show is not just the two of us: it’s the 3002 of us, or however big the venue is.” Or, as in the words of Rolling Stone: “Matt and Kim’s reputation as a live act precedes them – and justifiably so. Simply put, they are a two-person dynamo, frantic, tightly wound, and full of good cheer. Their performances are as physical as they are musical. . . . For sheer adrenaline-per-second, no other band comes close.”

The band started in 2004, essentially by accident when Matt and Kim were art students at the prestigious Pratt Institute, where they studied film and illustration, respectively. When Kim wanted to learn to play drums and Matt (who’d been in bands before) was getting his head around a new keyboard, the band was born. Since then, they have earned a Gold Record for the upbeat, stick-in-your-head track “Daylight,” played festivals like Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Bonnaroo, along with international festivals like V (U.K), Pukkelpop (Belgium), Fuji (Japan), Big Day Out (Australia), Primavera (Spain), Oya (Norway), SWU (Brazil), as well as hundreds of shows. They have won 3 MTV awards: a Breakthrough Video Music Award and mtvU Best Video Woodie Award for “Lessons Learned”, as well as a 2011 award for Best Live Band. Lightning is the band’s fourth album, following Sidewalks, Grand, and their self-titled debut.

Matt and Kim have always been inspired by Brooklyn’s general urban din as well as the area’s artists, yet Matt points out, “I don’t think a place can define a person. We simply write songs about us and our life so that’s why where we live comes up.”

Indeed, there’s something universal about a song with a beat that grabs you, with a great melody, played by a band that simply loves to play music. And that, in Williamsburg and way beyond, is the key to the universal appeal of Matt and Kim.

www.mattandkimmusic.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyVzPx4ecHA

https://www.facebook.com/events/250605672364492/

Cost covers 11×14 canvas, step-by-step instructions and all supplies!

https://www.facebook.com/events/322109515014065/

The King is Returning

https://www.facebook.com/events/260360611276551/