by Kate Hamill

Directed by Erika Tyner

Based on the literary classic, this play explores what it means to be a woman, a daughter, a sister, and a friend. We follow the story of Jo March and her reckoning with society, growing older, and finding her way as a writer with her sisters by her side. Each one exploring similar but different struggles and wins. Set to a backdrop of the Civil War, this play is a reflection of the waves of change that bookmarked author Louisa May Alcott’s life.

The Montford Park Players is pleased to announce auditions for its 52nd  Season: 

Muse of Fire: Shakespeare’s Wars of the Roses

Jason Williams, Artistic Director

5/10/2024 5/24/2024   Edward III, directed by Mandy Bean
5/31/2024 6/23/2024   Richard II, directed by Jason Williams
6/28/2024 7/21/2024   Henry IV Parts 1 & 2, directed by Dr. George Brown, Callista Brown and Elizabeth DeVault
7/26/2024 8/25/2024   Henry V, directed by David Doersch
8/30/2024 9/22/2024  Henry VI Parts 1, 2 & 3, directed by Glenna Grant, Ariel Robinson and Adam Kampouris
9/27/2024 10/27/2024 Richard III, directed by Kristi DeVille

Conveniently located in the heart of the Historic Montford District of Asheville, North Carolina, the Outdoor Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre is easy to get to and accessible from I-240 and I-26. And, it’s just a short drive down Montford Avenue from downtown.

Shirley Valentine

Produced by Third Eye Productions

About The Show

Third Eye Productions brings you a Tony Award winning comedy written by Willy Russell. Shirley Valentine is a tour de force role performed by Madison Brightwell and directed by Marc Cameron. Celebrate the incredible journey of life with Shirley Valentine – an off-beat journey of self reflection, the challenges of middle age, and the possibilities of finding happiness and love once more.

Embark on an unforgettable journey of resilience, friendship, and the triumph of the human spirit as the Playhouse proudly presents The Shawshank Redemption. Based on Steven King’s novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, and its subsequent 1994 film adaptation, this captivating story has enthralled audiences around the world. Prepare to be riveted, moved, and inspired by this timeless tale of hope and reclamation as it comes to life on the Playhouse stage!

*Adult language and content. Parental discretion is advised.

Get ready for an electrifying debut performance by Jupiter, a new trio with John English on guitar, Kris Gruda on guitar, and Jeff Arnal on percussion.

This highly anticipated event will take place at Little Animals in downtown Asheville on Friday, June 14, 2024, at 8pm. A $10 suggested donation to support the artists is encouraged.

Listen to Jupiter here: https://jupiter-nc.bandcamp.com/track/keyhole-darkly

Event Details:

• What: Debut performance of Jupiter
• When: Friday, June 14, 2024. Doors at 7pm / music at 8pm
• Where: Little Animals, 31 Carolina Lane (down the alley from 5 Walnut Bar), Asheville, NC
• Admission: $10 suggested donation

About the Artists:

John English is a guitarist, improviser, and photographer from Black Mountain, North Carolina. Kris Gruda is an avant-garde guitarist, sound experimenter, and songwriter based in western North Carolina. He plays in solo and group contexts on electric or acoustic guitar with or without electronics. His guitar-in-car album, Kris Gruda Plays for You, was released on Palilalia Records in 2023. Jeff Arnal is an accomplished percussionist and the Executive Director of the Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center in Asheville, NC. Some of his recent projects include collaborations with Ken Vandermark and Bonnie Jones on Catalyst Sound and Drum Major Instinct with Curt Cloninger on Mahakala Music. He recently appeared at the 2024 Big Ears Festival.

Jupiter’s debut promises an evening of experimental sounds and captivating improvisations. Don’t miss the chance to experience this groundbreaking performance in the intimate setting of Little Animals.

About Little Animals: Little Animals is a unique exhibition space in downtown Asheville dedicated to showcasing art. Tucked away on Carolina Lane, the venue offers an intimate atmosphere perfect for an immersive musical experience

Movies in the Park returns with free family favorite films projected on a massive outdoor screen in Pack Square Park just after dusk on the second Friday of the month! Community members are invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs to the beloved summer tradition produced by Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) and sponsored by Au Pair in America.

The APR Rec n Roll Play Zone opens about an hour before showtime with games, music, and other activities for kids and teens, as well as themed giveaways while supplies last.

.:. Movies in the Park 2024 Lineup .:.
🎩 May 10, begins around 8:25pm – Wonka – Kids receive free bottles of bubbles
🕶 June 14, begins around 8:45pm – Barbie – Kids snag free pink and black sunglasses with UV400 lenses providing 100% UVA and UVB protection
🦝 July 12, begins around 8:45pm – Guardians of the Galaxy – Kids get free Recycling Raccoon coloring books
🤠 August 9, begins around 8:25pm – Toy Story – Kids receive unique rubber duck toys that change color in water
.:. Make a Plan .:.

🌜 All movies begin after dusk in Pack Square Park on 80 Court Plaza in downtown Asheville. Approximate showtimes listed above, but plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior.
🥰 Bring blankets and folding chairs for comfort.
🎨 APR Rec n Roll Play Zone activities start approximately an hour before showtime.
👛 Bring money for treats from local vendors Kona Ice of Asheville and Kernel Mike’s World Famous Kettle Corn.
🌮 Food truck and food tent spaces available for vendors who sell more substantial food like pizza, sandwiches, and other entrees. Please contact Calvin Owens at [email protected] or (828) 747-1347 for more info.
🚲 Parking is free in marked spaces on city streets and in city-owned lots on Marjorie and Valley streets after 6pm, so there’s no need to feed the meter.
🚫 Pets, smoking, and alcohol prohibited.
🥳 Have fun! Dress up as your favorite characters, invite friends, and celebrate cool summer nights. Be sure to tag APR on Instagram and Facebook.
⛈ Outdoor events may be impacted by summer weather. Follow APR on Instagram and Facebook for cancellation announcements.

Every Saturday from 8am-12pm, This is the 44th year for this
weekly tailgate market, where vendors sell fresh-picked seasonal vegetables and fruit, local honey, cut flowers, plant starts and
more, The market will be open through October. L

Hendersonville Farmers Market in front of the Historic Train Depot, 8am-1pm, Hendersonville Farmers Market aims to be a world-class market that contributes to the success of local producers and growers, expands access to farm fresh foods, and creates a
vibrant community gathering space. With fresh produce, meats, baked goods, crafts, live entertainment, food trucks, and more,
it’s a weekly outing with something for everybody! Visitors can expect a lively atmosphere celebrating food, farm and family with
live music every Saturday! At least 30 vendors from within a 60-mile radius participate in each market, offering produce, meat,
eggs, dairy, honey, baked goods, crafts, beverages, and more. Special events such as Tomato Day, Wellness Day and
Juneteenth Celebration will occur at the market regularly throughout the season. Food trucks will also be a staple, allowing
visitors to enjoy breakfast or lunch on their farmers market adventure

Welcome to Western NC’s most premier farmers market!

Since 1980, we have been providing Asheville and the surrounding area with a full range of local, sustainably produced produce, meats, eggs, cheeses, breads, plants, prepared foods and crafts. Day vendors complement the members’ offerings with additional products and services.

The North Asheville Tailgate Market is a weekly, Saturday morning gathering of the best farmers, craftsmen, and bakers. With over 40 vendors and more than 40,000 annual customers, the market’s energetic and warm environment welcomes all.

At each Plant Clinic, Master Gardener volunteers will be available to answer all of your gardening questions and address your related concerns.
Feel free to bring plant or insect samples for identification and/or problem resolution.
You can pick up soil test kits and receive information about in-person programs and activities at The Learning Garden and the Gardening in the Mountains online seminars.
Please stop by to learn more!

Join us for Father’s Day at the Market!
Details TBA

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Going out into our community to have face-to-face conversations with potential voters and volunteers is one of the best ways that you can help elect Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Democrats up and down the ballot in North Carolina!

During this event, we will:

• Connect with new folks in our community and get them fired up about joining our campaign

• Provide training for new volunteers about how to have effective conversations with voters

• Meet other volunteers and have fun while we take action together!

Sign up to join us. Can’t wait to see you there!

Baker Exhibit Center

Where can you see a butterfly with a five foot wingspan, or a longhorn beetle with antennae more than twelve feet across? The answers can be found amongst the enormous sculptures on display in BUGS: Outside the Box!

Scientifically exact, with a keen attention to detail, the exhibit features a virtual army of giant bugs with one aim in mind – educating the public and shining a light on museum collections, taxonomy, and the power of magnification.

Among the highlights of the exhibit is a rarely seen long-arm beetle more than ten feet in height, a collection of heavily armored stag beetles with impressive jaws and horns as long as your arm, and an insight into the amazing intricacy of the physiology of each insect on display. Alongside these impressive works of art is the insect in question represented at life size,  and detailed information on the life habits, location, and other facts unique to each insect and its family.

• Parking Fees
  • Personal/Standard Vehicle (up to 20′ long): $20
  • Large vehicles (21′-29′ long): $60
  • Busses and Oversize Vehicles (30′ long+): $125
  • Members: Free

  Apart from the parking fee, there is no other admission charge to enter the Arboretum or our facilities, except in the case of advertised ticketed events.

Splasheville

Splasheville is located in Pack Square Park on 80 Court Plaza. The free splash pad’s regular daily hours are 9.m-8:30pm, but may close for special events or during inclement weather. Check the calendar for scheduled closures.

In collaboration with West Asheville Yoga, join us on the Museum’s rooftop Sculpture Terrace for a unique Creative Flow experience that combines the beauty of art with the power of mindful movement. All levels are welcome.