All are invited to join St. John in the Wilderness for any or all of our Lenten Series sessions, to take place each Thursday evening in Lent. The evenings each have three offerings, all of which are open to the public with adults and youth most welcome. You do not have to be present for all three portions of the event to participate. See below for details.

​

• Evening Prayer at 6:00 in the Atrium Chapel of the Parish Hall

• Dinner at 6:30 in the Parish Hall – RSVP required below – $8/person or $20/family of 3+

• Program from 7:00 to 8:00 in the Parish Hall, or join via Zoom with RSVP

​

Our Lenten program this year will be led by the Sisters of the Community of St. Mary. These Episcopal Nuns live at their convent in Sewanee, TN and are members of a monastic movement that goes back to 1865 when their order was started in New York. The sisters will take turns sharing with us the richness of their ancient monastic way of life. Together we will learn about their Benedictine way of living that includes prayers, work, radical hospitality, rich community, accountability, and more. While many think of monks and nuns as being something restricted to the Roman Catholic Church, the Episcopal Church has a long history of monastic life that continues to influence our churches to this day.

For the first session on March 3, we will host the Prioress of the Community of St. Mary, Sister Madeleine Mary, who will travel from Sewanee to be with us. Sister Madeleine Mary has been living in religious life for over 50 years having entered the cloister after teaching middle school in New York and spending time advocating for environmental justice issues.

In the sessions following on March 10, March 17, March 24, March 31, and April 7, we will meet in person at the Parish Hall to gather for a virtual visit with other Sisters from the Order, including Sister Hannah Winkler, who made her life profession in January 2021, and Sister Elizabeth Grace, who will share on the Rule of St. Benedict’s emphasis on humility. You may also participate on Zoom for any of the sessions, but we will hope you will join us in person if you can. Click here to sign up to be emailed a Zoom link.

All are also invited to join us for Evening Prayer in the Atrium Chapel of the Parish Hall at 6:00pm on each Thursday in Lent (March 3 – April 7). Dinner follows at 6:30pm in the Parish Hall. RSVP and pay for dinner by clicking one of the boxes below by Tuesday of each week so food is not wasted. Masks will be required except when eating.

Sister Madeleine Mary will also be preaching at St. John in the Wilderness on Sunday, March 6, at the 8:45 and 11:00 services. Please join us as we journey through Lent together.

For more information:
https://www.communityofstmarysouth.org/about
https://www.facebook.com/communityofstmarysouth/

All are invited to join St. John in the Wilderness for any or all of our Lenten Series sessions, to take place each Thursday evening in Lent. The evenings each have three offerings, all of which are open to the public with adults and youth most welcome. You do not have to be present for all three portions of the event to participate. See below for details.

​

• Evening Prayer at 6:00 in the Atrium Chapel of the Parish Hall

• Dinner at 6:30 in the Parish Hall – RSVP required below – $8/person or $20/family of 3+

• Program from 7:00 to 8:00 in the Parish Hall, or join via Zoom with RSVP

​

Our Lenten program this year will be led by the Sisters of the Community of St. Mary. These Episcopal Nuns live at their convent in Sewanee, TN and are members of a monastic movement that goes back to 1865 when their order was started in New York. The sisters will take turns sharing with us the richness of their ancient monastic way of life. Together we will learn about their Benedictine way of living that includes prayers, work, radical hospitality, rich community, accountability, and more. While many think of monks and nuns as being something restricted to the Roman Catholic Church, the Episcopal Church has a long history of monastic life that continues to influence our churches to this day.

For the first session on March 3, we will host the Prioress of the Community of St. Mary, Sister Madeleine Mary, who will travel from Sewanee to be with us. Sister Madeleine Mary has been living in religious life for over 50 years having entered the cloister after teaching middle school in New York and spending time advocating for environmental justice issues.

In the sessions following on March 10, March 17, March 24, March 31, and April 7, we will meet in person at the Parish Hall to gather for a virtual visit with other Sisters from the Order, including Sister Hannah Winkler, who made her life profession in January 2021, and Sister Elizabeth Grace, who will share on the Rule of St. Benedict’s emphasis on humility. You may also participate on Zoom for any of the sessions, but we will hope you will join us in person if you can. Click here to sign up to be emailed a Zoom link.

All are also invited to join us for Evening Prayer in the Atrium Chapel of the Parish Hall at 6:00pm on each Thursday in Lent (March 3 – April 7). Dinner follows at 6:30pm in the Parish Hall. RSVP and pay for dinner by clicking one of the boxes below by Tuesday of each week so food is not wasted. Masks will be required except when eating.

Sister Madeleine Mary will also be preaching at St. John in the Wilderness on Sunday, March 6, at the 8:45 and 11:00 services. Please join us as we journey through Lent together.

For more information:
https://www.communityofstmarysouth.org/about
https://www.facebook.com/communityofstmarysouth/

All are invited to join St. John in the Wilderness for any or all of our Lenten Series sessions, to take place each Thursday evening in Lent. The evenings each have three offerings, all of which are open to the public with adults and youth most welcome. You do not have to be present for all three portions of the event to participate. See below for details.

​

• Evening Prayer at 6:00 in the Atrium Chapel of the Parish Hall

• Dinner at 6:30 in the Parish Hall – RSVP required below – $8/person or $20/family of 3+

• Program from 7:00 to 8:00 in the Parish Hall, or join via Zoom with RSVP

​

Our Lenten program this year will be led by the Sisters of the Community of St. Mary. These Episcopal Nuns live at their convent in Sewanee, TN and are members of a monastic movement that goes back to 1865 when their order was started in New York. The sisters will take turns sharing with us the richness of their ancient monastic way of life. Together we will learn about their Benedictine way of living that includes prayers, work, radical hospitality, rich community, accountability, and more. While many think of monks and nuns as being something restricted to the Roman Catholic Church, the Episcopal Church has a long history of monastic life that continues to influence our churches to this day.

For the first session on March 3, we will host the Prioress of the Community of St. Mary, Sister Madeleine Mary, who will travel from Sewanee to be with us. Sister Madeleine Mary has been living in religious life for over 50 years having entered the cloister after teaching middle school in New York and spending time advocating for environmental justice issues.

In the sessions following on March 10, March 17, March 24, March 31, and April 7, we will meet in person at the Parish Hall to gather for a virtual visit with other Sisters from the Order, including Sister Hannah Winkler, who made her life profession in January 2021, and Sister Elizabeth Grace, who will share on the Rule of St. Benedict’s emphasis on humility. You may also participate on Zoom for any of the sessions, but we will hope you will join us in person if you can. Click here to sign up to be emailed a Zoom link.

All are also invited to join us for Evening Prayer in the Atrium Chapel of the Parish Hall at 6:00pm on each Thursday in Lent (March 3 – April 7). Dinner follows at 6:30pm in the Parish Hall. RSVP and pay for dinner by clicking one of the boxes below by Tuesday of each week so food is not wasted. Masks will be required except when eating.

Sister Madeleine Mary will also be preaching at St. John in the Wilderness on Sunday, March 6, at the 8:45 and 11:00 services. Please join us as we journey through Lent together.

For more information:
https://www.communityofstmarysouth.org/about
https://www.facebook.com/communityofstmarysouth/

The Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness welcomes children of all ages to join the Young Families group hosting the annual Easter Egg Hunt at 10am on
Easter Sunday, April 17.
Participants are encouraged to join the fun in the Rector’s Garden and Parish Hall Lawn next to the Parish Hall across Rutledge Drive from the church. Parking is
available.

Families and people of all ages are invited to come and enjoy community, earth-friendly crafts, environmental education, and more!

Join Conserving Carolina and our partnering organizations as we share our knowledge and passion for the preservation of this amazing planet!

The event features educational activities, crafts, and hands on learning.  Subjects include river restoration, water quality and monitoring, non-native and invasive species, climate change and action, the history of Harmon Field, American Chestnut restoration, folk medicine, bee keeping, and more!

In partnership with Parsec Financial, there will be a special showing of NOVA’s Polar Extremes at the Tryon Depot, 22 Depot St, Tryon, NC, at 6:30 pm. Click here for more information. Space is limited and pre-registration required at this link.

Organizations and presenters at the event include: MountainTrue, Foothills Equestrian Nature Center (FENCE), Polk County Soil and Water, Drunken Root Apothecary, NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources, NC Forest Service, Polk County Agricultural Economic Development, Trout Unlimited, Polk County Appearance Commission, the Henderson Polk County Chapter of Citizens Climate Lobby, Quible & Associates, P.C., Foothills Humane Society, Unity in the Community, Polk County Library, NC Cooperative Extension Polk County Center 4-H Youth Development, Girl and Boy Scouts, National Centers for Environmental Information, American Chestnut Foundation, Housing Assistance, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Polk County Health and Wellness, NC State Parks, Steps to Hope, Polk County Parks and Recreation, Tryon Arts and Crafts, North Carolina Bluebird Society, Tryon Garden Club, nature and forest therapy, and an expert bee keeper!

Music by Blue Wall, Phil and Gaye Johnson, and the PacJAM Clover Pickers!

Manzolina’s Eatery will provide food for purchase: hotdogs, hamburgers, chips, nachos, drinks, etc.

History of Earth Day:

Earth Day was a unified response to an environment in crisis — oil spills, smog, rivers so polluted they literally caught fire.

On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans — 10% of the U.S. population at the time — took to the streets, college campuses, and hundreds of cities to protest environmental ignorance and demand a new way forward for our planet.

The first Earth Day is credited with launching the modern environmental movement, and is now recognizes as the planet’s largest civic event.

Theme in 2022:

The theme for Earth Day 2022 is Invest in Our Planet. “This is the moment to change it all — the business climate, the political climate, and how we take action on climate. Now is the time for the unstoppable courage to preserve and protect our health, our families, our livelihoods… together, we must Invest In Our Planet.“  Click here for more information.

Climate change represents the biggest challenge to the future of humanity and the life-support systems that make our world habitable.

Come join us for our second annual Hemp Festival!

Fun for all ages! Located downtown Asheville in front of the court house at Pack Square Park for April

Wed 4/20 – Sat 4/23. We will be hosting a 4-day event with live music on 2 stages.

Pack Square Amphitheater

&

Instant Karma Bus Stage

One of our main goals is to make something accessible and engaging for the whole community.

In honor of the Hemp Plant, we are getting our community together to celebrate and inform about all the wonderful benefits Hemp has to offer!

In collaborating with local hemp farmers, musicians, community activist and educators, including diverse talent from live glassblowing, fire spinning, live painters, visual arts, and so much more.

This is one you dont wanna miss.

For volunteer, Vending, sponsorship, or more information about involvement visit.

AshevilleHempFest.com

STAY TUNED FOR MORE DETAILS

The 5th Annual Greenville Blues Festival is returning to Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville at 7 p.m. on April 23. The festival is set to feature a blues honor roll of performers and legends alike, including Tucka, Ronnie Bell, Pokey Bear, Nellie Tiger Travis, Lebrado and Calvin Richardson.

The 5th Annual Greenville Blues Festival is presented by North American Entertainment Group Inc., one of the leading independent promoters of entertainment tours and live events in the United States.

ABOUT TUCKA

Tucka James is a songwriter and amazing artist. He’s in a lane of his own coming out of New Iberia, LA. Tucka James hit the scene in 2010 and never looked back. The ladies love his swag and style. Along with the charming voice. Tucka James has set standards that have never been set, he has performed in many states and cities. He has a unique flavor of music. You can never get enough of his hits such as “Candyland,” “Don’t Make Me Beg,” “Country Road,” “Sweet Shop,” “Booty Roll,” and so many more. He has collaborated with many other artists. They don’t call him Tucka for nothing. He’s a force to be reckoned with. There’s no stopping Tucka James.

ABOUT RONNIE BELL
Ronnie “RnB” Bell grew up in the small town of Walker, Louisiana. Since the age of five years old he sang in his church choir at Gloryland Church of God in Christ in Walker. RnB quickly became popular due to his extraordinary vocal ability at such a young age. At the age of fifteen he began to sing alongside his mother, uncles, and his late Great Uncle George Perkins as a member of “George Perkins and the Voices of Harmony”, a gospel-recording group based in Hammond, Louisisana. A year later after growing restless of quartet singing, he joined Kenneth Mitchell and the Voices of Praise. In college, he became a member of the world-renowned Southern University Concert Choir directed by the great Charles Lloyd, Jr. While under the instruction of the Legendary Dr. Issac Greggs and Mr. Lawrence Jackson, RnB performed at the Bayou Classic Battle of the Bands in the New Orleans Super dome in 2004, 2006, 2008, & 2011 as a guest soloist with the Southern University Marching Band. At Southern University, RnB opened for Juvenile and 112 while performing at the annual homecoming 2006 in both the halftime show and the annual concert. In 2008, RnB opened for Erykah Badu and Bun B in the Spring Fest at Southern University. Currently Ronnie Bell has transformed himself into a new genre of music with two Hit Singles: “Cotton Candy” and “I’ll Pay The Shipping Cost.” Both at one point number one Blues/Southern Soul/Swing Out songs in Louisiana, South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama and sweeping over the Southern Region. Ronnie’s new label R.E.E.L. Entertainment Group has joined forces with Worldbeat Entertainment to take the Blues/Southern Soul/Swing Out genre by storm with his highly anticipated debut album “Ronnie Bell 365” released on May 5, 2020. But he has not forgotten his true love and genre of R&B and Soul. He plans to release a series of EP’s showcasing his talents so all the fans can experience his flavor of music.

ABOUT POKEY BEAR

Wardell “Pokey Bear” Brown was born on February 2, 1970 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He is known for his soulful sound of music in the Blues/Southern Soul genre; however he did not start out that way. Pokey Bear began his career as a rap music artist, but after doing it for a while decided to try other styles. His venture off into other styles of music would lead him to be the soulful singer that he is today. He was first recognized in music for his first two projects produced by Beat Flippa. Particularly his songs entitled “They Call me Pokey” and “Side Piece,” The song “Side Piece” happened as a result of a hook that was written by Heavy in which he asked Pokey to write lyrics to. He has worked with artists such as Tyree Neal, Adrian Bagher, Ms. Pat, Veronica Raelle, and Cupid.

ABOUT NELLIE TIGER TRAVIS

Nellie Tiger Travis couldn’t be more destined to sing the blues. Born deep in the delta in Mound Bayou, Mississippi, Nellie grew up singing gospel music. During the mid-eighties, Nellie was lead vocalist for the Mississippi based group “SSIPP,” opening for acts from Dee Dee Warwick to Ray Charles. Since relocating to Chicago in 1992 Nellie has been an undeniable force in the Chicago Blues Community. Koko Taylor was a major influence, mentor and friend to Nellie. Koko took Nellie under her wing after she witnessed an extremely emotional performance immediately after Nellie’s mother had passed away. Nellie has headlined at the Chicago Blues Festival and performed at numerous national and international festivals and clubs. Nellie has performed in Japan, Greece, Italy, Germany, Brazil, as well as her hometown in Mississippi. She has shared the stage with such greats as Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Koko Taylor, Glady’s Knight, Ronnie Baker Brooks to name a few. Nellie’s latest release “I’m Going Out Tonight” was released on March 18, 2011 with a star-studded release party at Buddy Guy’s Legends.

ABOUT LEBRADO

Lebrado Wilson first broke out into the music industry with his guest vocal appearance on his older brothers’, K-Ci and Jo Jo’s single entitled “Suicide” from their year 2000 album “X.” Continuing and expanding on his brother’s legacy, Lebrado’s released his debut album, Try Me, in 2006, which included his first hit single “Missing You, Babe.” His highly anticipated sophomore LP entitled Fire was subsequently released in 2009; its popular single “Fire” featuring his brother K-CI.

ABOUT CALVIN RICHARDSON

Born and raised in Monroe, North Carolina, Calvin Richardson is the fifth of nine children and the son of a Gospel singer. His life as a performer goes back to childhood: as a kid, Calvin’s mother led a Gospel act called The Willing Wonders and Calvin was the group’s youngest member. His first solo album, Country Boy, was released in 1999 by Universal Records and featured the singles “True Love” (featuring Chico DeBarge) and “I’ll Take Her” (featuring K-Ci Hailey). After being dropped by Universal, Calvin eventually rebounded and landed another record deal, this time with Hollywood Records. In September 2003, he released his second album, 2:35 PM.

The album, which was named after the time that his son Souljah was born, featured the Grammy-nominated hit “More Than A Woman,” featuring Angie Stone. Other singles from the album were “You’ve Got Me High” (featuring Slum Village) and “Keep On Pushin’.” Most recently, Calvin signed with Shanachie Records. His first Shanachie album, When Love Comes came out May 27, 2008. It was followed by the Grammy-nominated Bobby Womack tribute album Facts of Life in 2009 and an all-new album, America’s Most Wanted, in 2010.

In WNC we are so lucky to have a bounty of incredible natural spaces surrounding us. These ancestral lands of the Cherokee Indian are full of life, beauty, and magic that deserves to be experienced by everyone. This Earth Day we want to celebrate our planet and natural resources with you and your family!

Join RiverLink and a host of local environmental organizations to learn about: plants and animals, mountains and streams, composting and recycling, and so much more. Every participating organization will have fun games and activities, interactive displays, arts and crafts, etc for kids to engage with. We hope that these future stewards will have a chance to connect deeper with their environment and learn about what these groups are doing to protect it.

At the festival we will also be showcasing entries and announcing the winners for RiverLink’s Voices of the River: Art and Poetry contest. Our mountains and rivers are an incredible source of creative inspiration and artistic exploration. These talented young artists and writers have created beautiful works that honor our rivers and Mother Earth herself.

We hope you’ll join us for a day of fun, education, and creativity as we celebrate everything that our planet does for us.

Join us for the Spring Fling Farm Fest, taking place at 91 Holbrook Road, Candler, NC, 28571 on April 30th, 2022 from 11:30 AM to 4 PM. In addition to the beautiful greenhouses being open, guests are invited to enjoy live music, food trucks, curated vendors selling art, craft, CBD products, and much more in one of Asheville’s most remarkable locales.

Spring is in the air and we are ready to celebrate with the community!
We are thrilled to announce a vibe session meet and greet with Lauren Davis of @fiddyshadesofgreen from 12 PM to 1 PM, with photo opts available.

We will also have an amazing line-up of local musicians, including Joker’s Trade, Istari, John Kirby and the New Seniors, and Appalachian Standard’s very own Substandards. Bear’s Bar-B-Que will be on site with incredible food, as well as kettle corn.

We’ll have a fun mechanical bull and several artisans in our greenhouse selling their beautiful wares, including Honey Creek Pottery! And, of course, our greenhouse will be bursting with a few new and glamorous plants.

The Spring Fling Farm Fest is free to the public. Parking is available on site, however can be limited so it is
recommended that groups carpool. This is an outdoor event.

The first 100 people to join us will receive a goodie bag!

Appalachian Standard is a veteran-owned, craft hemp farm and greenhouse nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina. Our hemp is greenhouse, field, and indoor grown in small batches year-round by a team of experienced growers. Come experience music in one heck of a unique venue!

Website: www.AshevilleHerbFestival.org

Contact 828-301-8968 or 828-301-3010 for additional information.

Part science fair, part county fair, and part something entirely new, Maker Faire is an all-ages gathering of tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, authors, artists, students, and commercial exhibitors. All of these “makers” come to Maker Faire to show what they have made and to share what they have learned. With an emphasis on interactive, hands-on exhibits, people of all ages will leave inspired to make something of their own! Get your FREE tickets today!

Plants, plants, & more plants will be showcased at the Black Mountain Garden Sale on Friday, May 20, 4 -8pm and Saturday, May 21, 9am-4pm at the Town Square Parking Lot at the corner of E. State St. and Richardson Blvd.

Hosted by Black Mountain Beautification Committee the sale will feature annuals, herbs, native plants, perennials, shrubs, trees, and vegetable starts from specialty plant vendors. Plus garden décor including garden containers, wood carvings, and other special items.

The popular Clothesline Sale will have personal services for sale. Buy raffle tickets to take a chance to win plants. Proceeds help support the Seed Money Award and to keep the town beautiful!

More info at blackmountainbeautification.org. Let us help you create the garden of your dreams!

After a two-year hiatus, the Saluda Arts Festival returns to Saluda’s historic downtown, the event will feature approximately 85 artists from the Carolinas and Tennessee, children’s’ activities, and live music on Main Street in downtown Saluda

Join the Chamber in kicking off GRINDfest 2022 hosted by Black Wall Street AVL!

BLACK WALL STREET AVL, a North Carolina based non-profit organization, is pleased to announce the 2nd Annual GRINDfest  – a celebration of local Black business and entrepreneurship.  Black Wall Street starts, grows and expands businesses, owners and networks to Honor History and Build Wealth together.

GRINDfest is a free, 4-day festival that celebrates Black Business and entrepreneurship. A block-party style event will take place on 8 River Arts Place! This includes a weekend full of music, games, live performance, food, local vendors + learning, employment and partnership opportunities. The goal of the festival is to highlight the progress made by people of color while also connecting folks in the community. A long weekend of fun and excitement.

The ribbon cutting/kickoff will feature Brian Hamilton, the founder of Brian Hamilton Foundation and its program, Inmates to Entrepreneurs. Come enjoy drinks, snacks and help kickoff this year’s festival.

FESTIVAL DATES: MAY 27-30, 2022

Parking Instructions: Parking is located behind, in front of and across the street from the Black Wall Street AVL Building at 8 River Arts Place.

The Lake Lure Arts & Crafts Festival offers 90+ artisans, multiple food vendors, continuous entertainment and kids activities in Downtown Lake Lure.

The Lake Lure Arts & Crafts Festival offers 90+ artisans, multiple food vendors, continuous entertainment and kids activities in Downtown Lake Lure.

The Lake Lure Arts & Crafts Festival offers 90+ artisans, multiple food vendors, continuous entertainment and kids activities in Downtown Lake Lure.

• May 30, 2022, will be the next festival. Follow us on social media or check back here for more details as we plan the 36th Carl Sandburg Music Festival in 2022.

The music festival began in 1987, to honor Carl Sandburg’s efforts to document the history of American music in his American Songbag. Carl Sandburg published the American Songbag in 1927 after spending years documenting and researching early American songs. As Sandburg said, “The American Songbag is a ragbag of strips, stripes, and streaks of color from nearly all ends of the earth. The melodies and verses presented here are from diverse regions, from varied human characters and communities, and each is sung differently in different places.” His publication does not focus on one genre of music, but rather on the human experience. “It is an All-American affair, marshalling the genius of thousands of original singing Americans.”

Sandburg enjoyed all American musical genres. He spent years interviewing musicians and singers, documenting their songs, including folk, gospel, jazz and blues. Carl Sandburg said, “the American Songbag comes from the hearts and voices of thousands of men and women.”

Compiling and publishing the American Songbag was one of the most difficult writing projects Sandburg took on during his life. Today, the Carl Sandburg Music Festival celebrates his work and the work of modern singers and songwriters to share diverse and original American music.

Music Festival is supported by:
Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara, Inc.
America’s National Parks, the non-profit partner that operates the park store
A grant from the North Carolina Arts Council; administered by the Arts Council of Henderson County.