Calendar of Events
Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.
Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.
Join us for a Star Wars themed artisan music. We will have 15+ local artists and makers selling their wares and live music from 12-6pm!
FINE TUNED SESSIONS
This special event is a collaboration with the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area (BRNHA), showcasing talents from the BRNHA Fine Tuned program alongside other regional and national acts deeply rooted in Appalachian and Americana music. Immerse yourself in a full day of music at Rare Bird Farm, with camping options and onsite food/catering available.
Event proceeds will support the BRNHA Fine Tuned Program.
Experience a blend of traditional old Time music and contemporary Americana, featuring a cross-creative pollination of artists that promises an intimate and distinctive musical journey.
*Only 100 tickets will be sold to this intimate music event
DAY PASSES
$50 EARLY BIRD until April 1st / Tickets will go to $65 each starting April 1st
$25 PER CHILD 16 and under
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GATES open at 10:30 AM
MUSIC starts at 12 PM
MUSIC ends at 7 PM (there will be some later night special sets for campers – see below)
*There will be food available on site for purchase / This event is BYOB
Attention parents! Bring your kids aged 16 and under to enjoy our live music performances at a discounted rate. While we love little ones, we kindly request that they either listen to the music or play away from the show to maintain a respectful listening environment for all. Thank you for understanding and supporting our commitment to quality music experiences.
About Southside Community Farmers Market
Buncombe County will continue to offer ASAP’s Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables and Farm Fresh Produce Prescription.
Southside Community Farm hosts a farmers market featuring all BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) vendors on the first Sunday of every month, May-Oct. from 12-3 PM. The market is EBT accessible. Come enjoy delicious patties, hot sauces, veggies, fruit, flowers, medicines, crafts and more!
Visit LEAF Global Arts every Saturday for an in-house cultural exchange with Adama Dembele. Experience the Ivory Coast with our Culture Keeper from the House of Djembe.
Come stroll through Asheville eating tacos, enjoying exclusive margarita, tequila, and beer specials. Let’s taco about a party!!
Ticket Link: barcrawlusa.com/asheville-bar-crawls/
𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬: With your ticket, you’ll start with our registration party. You’ll receive your map to guide you to 5+ bars & taco tokens that you can exchange in at any participating bar for your free signature taco. Each stop will have discounted signature margaritas, beer, and tequila shots. We’ll have DJ’s at a few stops for you to dance off your tacos & margs. You’ll go at your own pace eating the best tacos & sipping tasty margs at 5+ bars until you end at our after party for the ultimate fiesta.
𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: Got a squad of 8 or more? Msg us for a promo code. [email protected]
𝗧𝗮𝗰𝗼 & 𝗧𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗮 𝗕𝗮𝗿 𝗖𝗿𝗮𝘄𝗹 𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁:
🌮 3 signature tacos
🌮 Discounted specials at every stop (Margs, Beer, and Tequila)
🌮 Taco & Tequila Crawl Map
🌮 DJs and entertainment to dance off the tacos & margaritas
𝗩𝗜𝗣 𝗧𝗮𝗰𝗼 & 𝗧𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗮 𝗕𝗮𝗿 𝗖𝗿𝗮𝘄𝗹 𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁:
🌮 Signature Taco Shirt (See design below)
🌮 1 additional taco (4 total)
🌮 1 hour early check-in time (1pm check-in)
🌮1 welcome beer at Banks Ave
🌮Everything included with general ticket
𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗽𝘀:
🌮 Daddy Mac’s Down Home Dive 1pm-4pm
🌮 Banks Ave 2pm-5pm
🌮 Twin Leaf Brewing 3pm-6pm
🌮 Claddagh Pub 3pm-6pm
🌮 One Stop Music Hall 3pm-6pm
𝗩𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘆:
🌮 Best Tasting Taco
🌮 Best Margarita
🌮 Favorite Bar
𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗕𝗮𝗿 𝗖𝗿𝗮𝘄𝗹 𝗨𝗦𝗔:
We’ve been doing events (bar crawls & festivals) since 2015 in over 20 cities. What separates us from the other crawl companies is that we are the creators of food & booze events such as our famous Taco & Tequila Crawl in our Boozy Brunch Crawl that date back to 2018-2019 when we took it nationwide. There may be others out there trying to imitate the events but be sure our event is the only crawl that includes tacos in every ticket type, VIP experience, & so much more. Check our Facebook & Google reviews for confirmation on just how much value and fun we bring.
𝗙𝗔𝗤:
Please visit our blog on how to be a Taco & Tequila Crawl expert at the event. Click link here: http://barcrawlusa.com/tips-to-being-a-taco-tequila…/
🌮 How do we get our tacos? Your lanyard will have tabs on it. You’ll need to tear off the tabs in exchange for the taco in the private taco crawl area at each bar/restaurant.
🌮 How do we get our drink specials? Show your wristband prior to ordering.
🌮 Guided or Free Flowing? This is a free flowing event with 5+ restaurants serving delicious tacos & drink specials. This is a 21+ as we’ll have exclusive party stops as well.
🌮 Do I have to go to all the stops? No! We’ll share the map in advance of what signature tacos are offered, what drink specials, and more. You can pick which ones you like. All within walking distance.
🌮 What is this crawl like? Food Crawl meets bar crawl that end up in an epic party.
🌮 Is this event 21+? Yes.
🌮 Refunds? No refunds within 7 days of event. Credits will be given week of with exception of day of event. No refunds or credits day of event. No exceptions!
🌮 Advice: If you are coming in large groups, it may be difficult for you to get tables for anything 4+ without a wait. Please be flexible and order at the bar, grab a drink, and get your taco. Have fun, grab a drink, and let’s get Taco’d!
🌮 This is a rain or shine event!
*VIP Ticket includes our awesome Taco Crawl T-shirt (pictured below). Sizes included: Small, Medium, Large, XL, 2XL, 3XL (Sizes are unisex)
2024 Gardening Series
Sign up for one or sign up for the whole series!
Classes will occur over four Saturdays, April 13 – May 4, from 2-4 pm. Each class is $25.
April 13 Class – Garden Planning and Prep
We will discuss what goes into garden planning through setting priorities, observation, mapping, budgeting, and succession planting. The class will include tips for choosing what to grow and how much to plant. Learn what is needed to start and care for plants, whether you are growing from seed indoors, purchasing transplants, and/or direct seeding; this will include discussions of useful tools and how to use them. This class will also include some hands-on transplanting. We will also review some great perennial edibles and how to care for them year-round.
April 20 Class – Soil Management and Care
In this class, we will dive into soil management. We will talk about the principles of healthy soil and how to amend your soil naturally and affordably, including discussions on composting, compost tea, and vermicompost. We will experience different strategies to build a raised bed, clear space for a new one, or revive an old garden bed. Get ready to get your hands in the dirt!
April 27 Class – From Lawn to Garden: Making the Most of Your Space
We will meet at Laura Ruby’s West Asheville garden for our third class together. Delve into the wide world of garden pro tips, tricks, tools, and secrets! This class will cover ideas and options for making your garden more manageable, fun, and productive through systems thinking. See established gardens and ways to adapt to your needs and growing space. You will also see how fruit production can be integrated with growing flowers and veggies.
May 4 Class – Summer Garden Management and Preservation
We will reconvene at Peace Gardens & Market for our final workshop, discussing succession planting, summer weed and pest management, and preserving the harvest (what to do with all those tomatoes and more!). We will share tips for keeping your body and energy up throughout the season to sustain you through the joy of harvests and eating your home-grown produce.
Other topics to be covered, time permitting:
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DIY structures, e.g., trellis, rainwater collection, bed building
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Early spring weeds, what’s edible, early tips for managing weeds
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Common garden pests & how to deter them
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Reading a soil test
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Cover cropping and NPK
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Common problems in the garden
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Maximizing your space
Calling adventurous tweens/teens! Join us for Dungeons & Dragons at the Weaverville Library! This program is open to tweens and teens ages 12+.
All skill levels are welcome.
Space for this program is limited. Registration is required. Please stop by the Weaverville Library or call 828-250-6482 to reserve your space!
Men’s Softball
Follow the Terriers on Twitter at @WoffordBaseball
Immerse yourself in the extraordinary world of Matilda: The Musical, a delightfully imaginative adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s book. This Tony Award-winning musical weaves the story of Matilda, a young girl with a sharp wit, unbounded imagination, and psychokinetic powers. Despite the indifference of her shallow parents and the tyranny of the oppressive headmistress Miss Trunchbull, Matilda discovers the strength within herself to change her story. Infused with dark humor, whimsical storytelling, and dazzling performances, Matilda: The Musical is a testament to the power of imagination, resilience, and the transformative magic of learning. A must-see for audiences of all ages who love heartwarming tales of triumph against all odds.
A talkback with the cast & crew of Matilda: The Musical will be held following the performances on April 14th and 21st.
WNC Votes, a coalition of community nonprofits and volunteers, will hold a nonpartisan canvass on Saturday, May 5 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Deep canvassing is one of the most effective ways to increase voter turnout and engagement. We’ll ask voters about their concerns for this year’s elections, and empower them with info about the new Photo ID law and other recent changes. Having conversations with voters has a big impact on turnout-plus, it’s fun!
No experience needed. Volunteers canvass in pairs, so first-timers can go out with an experienced canvasser. We’ll start off with training and provide all the info and materials you need. Sign up today!
URL:
Facebook: https://go.evvnt.com/2394235-2?pid=10412
Date and Time: On Sat, 04 May 2024 at 11:00 – Sat, 04 May 2024 at 14:00
Designed for wine enthusiasts and novices alike, our Wine Club promises to be a delightful journey through the world of wine, filled with exclusive tastings, educational experiences, and enticing member benefits.
We are delighted to kick off our Wine Club featuring the exquisite wines of Andis Wine, located in the Sierra Foothills.
These events are the perfect opportunity to indulge your senses and discover new favorites while mingling with fellow wine lovers.
As a member of Claywood’s Wine Club, you’ll enjoy a host of fantastic benefits:
Exclusive Tastings: Gain access to our curated tasting events, where you’ll have the opportunity to sample a diverse selection of wines from top-notch wineries.
Complimentary Tastings: Members receive complimentary tastings when purchasing wine, allowing you to explore our selection with ease and enjoyment. You are more than welcome to join the tasting without purchasing wine, this will be a $25 investment.
Dining Discounts: When dining with us, Wine Club members receive an exclusive 30% discount on all wine bottle purchases, making every meal an opportunity to savor your favorite vintages at a great value.
Special Offers: Stay tuned for special offers and promotions reserved exclusively for Wine Club members. From limited-edition t-shirts releases to member-only events, there’s always something exciting happening in the world of Claywood Wine Club.
Join us on April 4th for our inaugural tasting event and raise a glass to the launch of Claywood’s Wine Club. Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot early to secure your place at the bar!
Cheers!
Even among the pantheon of music’s finest artists, Del McCoury stands alone . From the
nascent sound of bluegrass that charmed hardscrabble hillbilly honkytonks, rural schoolhouse
stages, and the crowning glory of the Grand Ole Opry to the present-day culture-buzz of viral
videos and digital streams, Del is the living link . On primetime and late-night television talk
shows, there is Del. From headlining sold-out concerts to music festivals of all genres, including
one carrying his namesake, there is Del. Where audiences number in the tens of thousands,
and admirers as diverse as country-rock icon Steve Earle and jamband royalty Phish count as
two among hundreds, there is Del.
Emerging from humble beginnings in York County, PA nearly eighty years ago, Del was
not the likeliest of candidates for legendary status. As a teen, he was captivated by the banjo
playing of one of its masters, Earl Scruggs, and decided he’d be a banjo picker, too. The
Baltimore/Washington, D.C. bar scene of the early 1960s was lively and rough. Del caught a
break. More than a break, really. It was an opportunity of a lifetime; joining Bill Monroe’s Blue
Grass Boys in early 1963. Considered the Father of Bluegrass, Monroe transformed McCoury,
moving him from the banjo to guitar, anointing him lead singer, and providing him with a
priceless trove of bluegrass tutelage direct from the source.
Countless hours of recording sessions and miles of tireless touring dotted the decades.
Del carried on, and carried with him the hallowed traditions of the form and its dedicated
following. The passing years became certificates of authenticity . So, in the sea of grunge and
R&B that dominated the music scene of the mid-1990s, it was special, perhaps even startling, to
see: There was Del.
Now helming the Del McCoury Band, with sons Ronnie and Rob, the ensemble did and
continues to represent in a larger, growing musical community a peerless torchbearer for the
entire sweep and scope of bluegrass history . Those many years, not to mention a good-natured
willingness to stay alert to the latest sounds and opportunities around him, earned McCoury a
whole new generation of fans, including some in unlikely places.
“I’m just doing what’s natural,” says Del. “When young musicians ask me what they
should do I always tell them, ‘You do whatever’s inside of you. Do what you do best.’”
No surprise that contemporary, bluegrass-bred stars sang his praises; marquee names
like Vince Gill and Alison Krauss (who first met Del at a bluegrass festival when she subbed for
his missing fiddler). Yet, here too was rocker Earle recording and touring with the group. Here
was Phish jamming onstage with the boys. Here was the band on TV, or headlining rock clubs
and college campuses; the can’t-miss appearances at country and jazz festivals. There was
Del.
“We don’t have a setlist,” says Del. “We try and work in the new songs, but a lot of times
it’s just requests from the audience. It’s more interesting for the band, for me, and for the
audience because nobody knows what’s coming next.”
Almost unimaginable, McCoury’s sixth decade in a half-century of bluegrass bliss brings new
triumphs, new collaborations, and new music. With but a single change in membership in twenty
seven years The Del McCoury Band shows unprecedented stability as well as garnering the
respect and admiration of the industry for its unmistakable work: nine IBMA Entertainer of the
Year trophies; in 2003, Del’s awarded membership in the cast of the legendary Grand Ole Opry;
the band’s first Best Bluegrass Album Grammy award, in ’05, followed by a second Grammy win
in 2014, (not to mention double-digit nominations).
“I know (having the same band) helped with my success. It keeps your sound constant,”
says Del. “We really enjoy what we’re doing.”
The group traveled with the groundbreaking post- O Brother “Down From The Mountain”
tour, and performed with Gill, recording on his Grammy-winning These Days , as well as country
sensation Dierks Bentley. In addition to becoming something of a regular at the wildly popular
Bonnaroo Music Festival, they’ve also curated and expanded Del’s annual namesake festival.
One of the premier string-band events in the country, the multi-day, multi-stage DelFest
showcases the new lions of the genre such as Greensky Bluegrass, The Infamous
Stringdusters, and Old Crow Medicine Show, and legends like Ricky Skaggs, Sam Bush, and
Bobby Osborne, plus a diversity of artists like Phish frontman Trey Anastasio and blues-rock
veterans Gov’t Mule to Americana darlings The Wood Brothers and Rhiannon Giddens.
“DelFest is a great accomplishment,” says Del. “I never thought it would be as successful
as it is. And, when Sony Music came calling, post-Hurricane Katrina, proposing a collaboration
with New Orleans’ revered Preservation Hall Jazz Band, there was Del. If there was ever a
collection of recordings confirming McCoury’s wide-ranging impact and spirit of musical
comradery, it would be American Legacies . A wonderfully fulfilling cross-section of traditional
bluegrass and the Dixieland pomp of New Orleans, the album typified the Del McCoury Band’s
evolution from bluegrass vanguard to an American treasure.
“All music is related. Bill Monroe went to New Orleans and listened to jazz players. Earl
Scruggs- some of the tunes he recorded were from New Orleans,” says Del. “It all fits together if
you’re willing to be open-minded.”
And like any genuine treasure, the gifts keep coming. On their latest release, Del
McCoury Still Sings Bluegrass – a title that echoes his 1968 debut on Arhoolie Records, Del
McCoury Sings Bluegrass – Del and the boys bring home another stellar collection of traditional
bluegrass music. With 14 songs brimming with hot licks, classic songcraft, even some
boundary-stretching electric guitar, and once again, Del’s matchless vocal delivery, the Del
McCoury Band moves up the gold bar standard of bluegrass yet another notch. “What I like in a
record is variety of moods, of tempos,” Del says. “I consider myself traditional at heart, but I
don’t have any boundaries. I’m just a guy that likes to sing and play music. Whatever strikes me
to do I’ll do it. Without wrecking things.”
One listen and it’s clear as crystal. There is Del.
Modelface Comedy presents Eyes Up Here Comedy at Ginger’s Revenge!
Eyes Up Here Comedy is a night featuring all femme comedians and this month we have a special show featuring comedians from Asheville and around the South East. Hosted by local favorite Erin Terry.
ages 18+
doors at 6:30pm, show at 7pm
Explore the dark side of Beer City on LaZoom’s Ghosted Tour!
Duration
1 hour
About
Come enjoy our most popular Asheville tour!
About
Bachelorette/Bachelor Parties are not permitted on this tour. The Fender Bender Bus is bachelorette/bachelor friendly!
Learn about Asheville’s strange, sometimes sordid past from our ghoulish guides. You’ll laugh! You’ll scream! You’ll discover mysteries and chilling tales of scandal and murder on the blood-stained streets of this picturesque town!
Ghosted runs approximately 60 minutes. Beer and wine are welcome onboard, but no open containers, and absolutely no liquor, please! All beer and wine must be purchased from the LaZoom Room. (Passengers must be at least 21 years old to drink on the bus, and must have valid ID.)
Age Restrictions
17 and up. No exceptions.
What’s Included
A bunch of bus seats
History of murders, ghosts and tragedies in the Land of the Sky
Tongue-in-cheek comedy
A live (not dead) tour guide
What’s Not Included
Bathroom breaks (It’s 60 minutes long – plan accordingly!)
Beer or Wine (Purchase at our bar, the LaZoom Room, and take on the bus)
Laughing (we’ll give you the funny, but it’s up to you to laugh)
Gratuity (guides only accept dead president currency)
Waitlist
If your desired time and availability is full, then please give us a call to be added to the waitlist.
Modelface Comedy brings you the best comedians from all over the country. This Saturday we have Django Gold from NYC!!!
Django Gold is a comedian and writer who lives in New York and regularly performs at comedy clubs, festivals, and dive bars all around the country.
His debut stand-up special Bag of Tricks was released to widespread acclaim in September, and was named one of the year’s best specials by the New York Times, New York Magazine, Paste Magazine, and Uproxx. “If you love Norm Macdonald’s delivery style, watch this,” raved the Times.
In addition to his live performance doings, Django has also written for Colbert and the Onion, where his headshot was assigned to beloved op-ed columnist Derek Ralphs. He has seven Emmy nominations and a Peabody Award, for some reason.
Cynical, bizarre, without shame or better judgment: That’s the Django Gold guarantee.
Come laugh your little butt off.
featuring Ryan Gordon
ages 18+
doors at 6pm, show at 7pm
Experience the magic of a galaxy far, far away at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Saturday, May 4th, 2024. The Greenville Symphony Orchestra presents “Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert.” Enjoy the iconic film with a live performance by GSO of John Williams’ Oscar®-winning score. Feel the force as the orchestra delivers an unforgettable family-friendly event.
Tickets go on sale Tuesday, January 16 at 10:00 am and can be purchased online at BSWArena.com. Don’t miss this chance to be part of Star Wars like never before. May the force be with you!
Link: https://www.bonsecoursarena.com/events/detail/starwars-greenvilesymphonyorchestra-greenville
The Greenville Symphony Orchestra will present Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert featuring a screening of the complete film with composer John Williams’ iconic Oscar®-winning score performed live to the film. The concert will be led by conductor Thiago Tiberio on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, January 16 at 10:00 a.m. ET, and start at $29.50, taxes and fees not included. Tickets can be purchased online at BSWArena.com or ticketmaster.com.
Since the release of this first Star Wars movie over 45 years ago, the Star Wars saga has had a seismic impact on both cinema and culture, inspiring audiences around the world with its mythic storytelling, captivating characters, groundbreaking special effects and iconic musical scores composed by Williams. Fans will experience the scope and grandeur of this beloved film in a live symphonic concert experience.
Legendary composer Williams is well known for scoring all nine of the Star Wars saga films, beginning with 1977’s Star Wars: A New Hope for which he earned an Academy Award® for Best Original Score. His scores for The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker were each nominated for Best Original Score.
The presentation is licensed by Disney Concerts.
About Disney Concerts:
Disney Concerts is the concert production and licensing division of Disney Music Group, the music arm of The Walt Disney Company. Disney Concerts produces concerts and tours, and licenses Disney music and visual content to symphony orchestras, choruses and presenters on a worldwide basis. Disney Concerts’ concert packages include a variety of formats, such as “live to picture” film concerts, and themed instrumental and vocal compilation concerts that range from instrumental-only symphonic performances to multimedia productions featuring live vocalists and choirs. Featuring concerts from the largest movie franchises in the world – from Walt Disney Pictures, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, Pixar and 20th Century Studios – current titles include the Star Wars Film Concert Series, Toy Story, Aladdin, Disney Princess – The Concert, Coco, The Lion King, Up, Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas and The Muppet Christmas Carol.
About the Greenville Symphony: THE GREENVILLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA is recognized as one of the finest professional orchestras in the southeastern U.S., and through a diverse mix of concert performances, educational programming, and community engagements reaches more than 50,000 individuals throughout the Upstate each year.
The Symphony has announced its ground-breaking 76th season in 2023-2024. Beginning with the season opener, September 9 & 10, the GSO will be led by 6 different finalists vying for the title of Music Director of the Greenville Symphony. Each MD candidate has curated a special program combining traditional and modern repertoire with blockbuster soloists. The orchestra’s unique offerings also include four signature programs conducted by Greenville musical giants, and Holiday at Peace, a 30+ year tradition featuring local and national celebrities.
For over two decades The Walker Family Band has delighted audiences throughout the Southeast with a distinctive take on traditional styles, performing Irish dance music and American old time music with a forward reaching attitude. We especially enjoy sharing original tunes, which grow naturally from these basic roots and from our thorough training and experience in classical music and jazz. Now living in the Asheville area, we are looking forward to performing for our new, and old friends here in these beautiful mountains! The Walker Family Band creates a confluence of sound with an end game plan; a fresh connection with each audience. True to Irish and American tradition, we share our experience and knowledge by conducting multi-instrumental workshops and by hosting an annual summer camp. The Walker Family Band Music Camp is attended by families and students from coast to coast.
Visit here to learn more: https://thewalkerfamilyband.com/
Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime. Seating is general admission. Online ticket sales end 1 hour prior to showtime. There may still be tickets available in the office after online sales have ended. Call the office for more information – 828.669.0930.
Elderly siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert asked the orphanage for a boy. What they got was Anne Shirley––a plucky redhead with a huge imagination and an even bigger temper. Soon, Anne burrows her way into the hearts of the Cuthberts, and the residents of Avonlea, as she grows from a hysterical twelve-year-old to a whip-smart young woman who burns with ambition. Adapted from the 1908 book by Lucy Montgomery, this classic faithfully follows Anne’s journey through all of her iconic moments.
A mother. A daughter. 3 possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget!
Set on a Greek island paradise where the sun always shines, a tale of love, friendship, and identity is beautifully told through the timeless hits of ABBA. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited decades ago.
For nearly 25 years, people all around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story, and the music that make MAMMA MIA! the ultimate feel-good show.
Directed by Philip Kershaw
CAPTIVATING | HISTORICAL | BIODRAMA
From his landmark victory in Brown v. Board of Education to becoming the first African American to serve on the Supreme Court—Thurgood Marshall devoted his life to the pursuit of a more just world. This captivating one-man play explores his work and life with riveting and inspiring storytelling.
“All bio dramas should be as vivid and entertaining as THURGOOD. A story rich in history, humanity and humor.”
–New York Daily News
Content advisory: strong language, use of racial slurs, and descriptions of violence
Les Hicken, conductor
Erik Franklin, clarinet
Richard Strauss: Serenade for 13 wind instruments
Robert Kurka: The Good Soldier Schweik
Erik Franklin: Solo Clarinet (Premiere)
Igo Stravinsky: Symphonies of Wind Instruments
Kurt Weill: Little Three-Penny-Opera for Symphonic Winds
Richard Strauss was the son of an extraordinary horn player. Even the notoriously cranky composer Richard Wagner was quoted as saying “when he plays his horn, one cannot stay cross with him.” Did Richard’s dad influence his Serenade in E-flat? Probably. Either way, you can’t miss this chance to hear clarinet soloist Erik Franklin and the outstanding winds of the Greenville Symphony in a program that features just them. It’s a rare and wonderful opportunity to focus on the instruments of the orchestra powered by breath alone.
Erik Franklin, a Furman graduate and prominent American clarinetist is a former student of Les Hicken, and has written a new work which will be premiered on this program. South Carolina history is happening here.
Leslie Hicken, Conductor
Leslie W. Hicken, Professor Emeritus and the Charles E. Daniel Professor of Music, taught on the faculty of Furman University from the fall of 1993 until his retirement in 2019. Within the music department, his responsibilities included the directorship of the Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble; professor of music education and instrumental conducting; and Assistant Director with the Marching Band. He was also the Director of the Furman Music by the Lake Concert Series and the Lakeside Concert Band. Currently, Dr. Hicken is the Artistic Director of the Carolina Youth Symphony and Co-Director of the Poinsett Wind Symphony. During the 2021-2022 academic year, he was the Visiting Professor at Clemson University as conductor of their Symphony Orchestra. This year, he is the interim Director of the Wind Ensemble at the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities.
Prior to his appointment at Furman, Hicken was Director of Bands at Youngstown State University in Youngstown, Ohio. In addition to his duties at Youngstown State, he was the director of the Youngstown Symphony Youth Orchestra and a clarinetist in the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra. Earlier in his career, Hicken was employed for five years as an instrumental music teacher in the Durham (NC) County School system. He began his musical career as a clarinetist in the United States Military Academy Band at West Point, NY.
In the fall of 2000, Hicken completed a residency with the public schools of Volta Redonda, Rio de Janeiro State in Brazil preparing a concert with their String Orchestra. Hicken received the Outstanding Bandmaster of the Year Award in 2000 and the Outstanding Contributor Award in 2002 from the South Carolina Chapter of Phi Beta Mu. In 2002, he was elected into the American Bandmasters Association. In the spring of 2010, he was inducted into the South Carolina Band Directors Association Hall of Fame. In 2015, he received the Excellence in Teaching Award from the South Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities organization. He is Past President of the College Band Directors National Association Southern Division and the South Carolina Band Directors Association.
Dr. Hicken received his Bachelor of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music, a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a Doctorate in Music Education from Indiana University. He studied clarinet with D. Stanley Hasty, Leon Russianoff, and Bernard Portnoy; and conducting with J. Marion Magill, Robert Klotman, and Ray Cramer.
Guest Artist: Erik Franklin, Clarinet
Award-winning composer and clarinetist Erik Franklin balances a vibrant, varied career on and off the stage. He has given concerts in nearly all fifty states and throughout Europe, performing for audiences large and small in venues from veterans’ homes to Carnegie Hall. A former member of the United States Army Field Band (Washington, D.C.), Franklin now performs as a soloist and chamber musician across the country as a member of the Ann Street Trio and the Heartwood Duo.
As a composer, Franklin is equally at home in the worlds of vocal and instrumental music. His art songs delight performers and audiences alike, with his penchant for writing lyrical, expressive melodies. His works have earned prizes from the National Association of Teachers of Singing and at the 2023 songSLAM festival in New York City. His debut opera, a collaboration with Facing West Shadows in San Francisco, is slated to premiere in the Fall of 2024. As an instrumental composer, Franklin has been commissioned by the Interlochen Arts Academy Band and the United States Air Force Academy Band.
Franklin is a passionate and experienced educator. He is a current faculty member at the Peabody Preparatory Institute and formerly served on the faculty at Towson University and the SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities. In the summer, he directs the Indiana Clarinet Experience—a music camp he co-founded in 2014.
Franklin holds a B.M. in Clarinet Performance from Furman University and an D.M. in Clarinet Performance from the renowned Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. He is a South Carolina native and currently lives in Baltimore, MD. He is happily involved in his local arts community, where he enjoys hosting concerts in his home, drinking coffee, reading books, and nursing his ice cream addiction.
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…
A mysterious invitation is sent across the stars, beckoning the most bodacious beings from every corner of the galaxy to gather for a most epic boogie disco dance off. YEAH BABY!
Get those rumps ready to boogie on the dark side for “DARTH DISCO” Star Wars Costume Party and Dance Off May 4th at 8pm. Hosted by one of the funkiest cats, DJ Manitoba! Hold on to your lightsabers, this is gonna be a night of disco fever and interstellar moves, where the fate of the galaxy rests in your hips.
Featuring
The release of “Ultra Vader” Oreo Cookie Barrel Aged Imperial Stout!
Blue Milk of Tatooine Hard Slushies!
Jedi Jello Shots!
Groovy Galactic beats from DJ Manitoba!
May The Fourth Be With You.
Jesus of Nazareth returns after 2,000 years, but this time he’s no carpenter — he’s a stand-up comedian. Shining the light of truth on false prophets, duplicitous politicians and immoral sheeple, J.C.’s razor-sharp satire has been intelligently designed to redeem sinners of all faiths. This season, the creator of The Book of Moron is back with his rare breed of humor, channeling what God created on the eighth day: comedy.
Call the box office for availability: 828-257-4530 x1.
While White Horse Black Mountain is under construction, we will present several shows at other locations in our community. This event will take place at Kittredge Theatre on the campus of Warren Wilson College.
Born of a session in Paisley, Scotland, and named for the town’s historic weaving industry and local poet laureate Robert Tannahill, the Tannahill Weavers have made an international name for their special brand of Celtic music, blending the beauty of traditional melodies with the power of modern rhythms. As one of the world’s premier traditional Celtic bands, their diverse repertoire spans the centuries with fire-driven instrumentals, topical songs, original ballads and lullabies, and humorous tales of life in Scotland.
“The music may be pure old time Celtic, but the drive and enthusiasm are akin to straight ahead rock and roll.”
– Winnipeg Free Press
“An especially eloquent mixture of the old and the new.”
– New York Times
The 4SCO is pleased to present a program featuring music blending world cultures entitled “The Global Symphony,” featuring works by Borrodin, Nielson, and Asheville based world-music duo Free Planet Radio. The concert features Chris Rosser and River Guerguerian, who will bring their “shared vision of multi-instrumentalists exploring the infinite and seamless relationships between musical cultures through the universal language of sound” to the 4SCO stage through their Global Symphony Project, a world-Jazz tour de force. Also on the program are two masterpieces of the symphonic repertoire bridging cultures: In The Steppes of Central Asia, by Alexander Borodin, and Carl Nielsen’s Aladdin Suite.
As the Four Seasons Chamber Orchestra continues with the mission of connecting music with important causes in our community, donations will be accepted at this concert for the 4SCO Student Lesson Scholarship Program.
ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) has released a survey to learn more about how people in Western North Carolina shop for food and why they choose the food they do. The survey, part of a three-year project by ASAP’s Local Food Research Center, is for any resident of Western North Carolina over the age of 18, no matter where or how they shop for food. It can be completed online at surveymonkey.com/r/WNCFoodASAP or over the phone by calling ASAP at 828-236-1282. It should take approximately 8 to 12 minutes to complete and will be open through Oct. 31, 2024. Respondents are encouraged to share the survey widely with families, friends, and co-workers.
“By completing this survey, you are helping local farmers understand and connect with consumers,” said Amy Marion, ASAP Associate Director and lead researcher. “The challenges of our food system are constantly evolving. Improving it requires active participation from all community members. With this research we can better understand consumer values and the barriers they face, and help farmers and food producers improve communications with their customers and their communities.”
The survey is part of a three-year research project, “Connections in Direct Markets: Assessing the feedback loop between consumer values and farmers’ marketing strategies,” which will examine and improve communication and alignment between farmers and consumers in Western North Carolina. The research phase will also employ consumer focus groups, farmer interviews and case studies, and more targeted surveying. The broad consumer survey provides an update to the last consumer survey conducted by the Local Food Research Center in 2014. Results from the current research project will be shared in 2025.
ASAP founded the Local Food Research Center in 2011 to study the economic, environmental, and social impacts of localizing food systems. From its inception, ASAP’s programs and services have been grounded in research and evaluation, adjusting based on a strong feedback loop and observation of current conditions in the food system.
This project is supported in part by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2022-38640-37488 through the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program under subaward number LS23-382. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.