Bender Gallery Artists Featured in Asheville Art Museum Exhibition The New Salon: A Contemporary View The Asheville Art Museum will be opening their exhibit, The New Salon: A Contemporary View, on March 8 and it will run until August 19, 2024. The New Salon offers a modern take on the prestigious tradition of the Parisian Salon with the diversity and innovation of today’s art world. Guest-curated by Gabriel Shaffer, the show will include works from Pop Surrealism, Outsider Art, Street Art, and Graffiti genres.   Bender Gallery has been collaborating with the Asheville Art Museum to loan four paintings from three of our artists. The artists are Laine Bachman, Kukula, and Yui Sakamoto. Be sure to check out this special exhibition in downtown Asheville. Learn More Kukula, Impossible Voyage, oil on board, 48 x 24 inches Kukula (b. 1980, Israel) Nataly Abramovitch, better known in the art world as, Kukula, paints imagined worlds filled with elaborately dressed women in fanciful settings. The artist does extensive research on the layouts of paintings from the Renaissance and Rococo periods. Kukula subverts these images by depicting women characters in place of traditionally male positions and settings. Her characters are powerful, commanding, and have an air of indifference. Available Work Yui Sakamoto, Self Portrait, oil on canvas, 63 x 63 inches Yui Sakamoto (b. 1981, Japan) Our surrealist artist, Yui Sakamoto, will have two paintings featured including My Soul and Self Portrait. Self Portrait is still available from his recent solo exhibition at Bender Gallery. Standing in front of Self Portrait, one is immersed in the dual-worlds of Sakamoto’s Japanese and Mexican cultures. There is a sense of calm reflected in the repeating rose pattern, mixed with the uneasy realization that the coral, fungi, and otherworldly forms are what makeup the figure. Available Work Laine Bachman, Night Bloomers, acrylic on canvas, 18 x 24 inches Laine Bachman (b. 1974, USA) Our prolific Magical Realism artist, Laine Bachman, makes a feature in the exhibition with her painting, Night Bloomers. She has been hard at work making 17 new pieces for her solo exhibition at the Canton Art Museum in Canton, Ohio. The Canton show opens on April 28 and continues through to July 28, 2024. Available Work

In celebration of synthesizer pioneer Bob Moog ‘s 90th birthday, Pack Library will be having a two-part party! Bob Moog invented the Moog synthesizer in 1964, which revolutionized the face of music. He was a longtime Asheville resident, moving to the area in 1978 and his 90th birthday would have been on May 23.

On Friday, May 17 we will have the following events:

Switched On – 2 p.m.
We’ll welcome Michelle Moog-Koussa, Bob Moog’s daughter and executive director of the Bob Moog Foundation and the Moogseum, for a presentation about the inventor ‘s life. The presentation will include a historical exploration of Moog ‘s life and career through archival photos from the Bob Moog Foundation Archives interwoven with readings from the biography Switched On: Bob Moog and the Synthesizer Revolution by Albert Glinsky.

Mave Waves – 3 p.m.
Plan to stick around after the book talk and make some (sound) waves when the Moogseum will be on hand to demonstrate some of Moog ‘s famous instruments. Participants of all ages will be able to explore and play these groundbreaking electronic inventions, like synthesizers and theremins! Drop in anytime between 3 and 4pm and play a riff or just take a look – this will be hands-on musical fun for all ages.

Join us as we celebrate members Capstone Lifestyles, Inc. and their 5 year anniversary with a Ribbon Cutting!

At Capstone Lifestyles Inc. you can find unique approaches to your kitchen and bath cabinet designs and process. They prioritize client satisfaction and project success. Their services include designing cabinet spaces for various areas like kitchens, bathrooms, closets, and more, offering a range of cabinetry brands and countertop products, as well as delivery and installation.

Come and celebrate during just the ribbon cutting and hors d’oeuvres, or celebrate with them throughout the day from 10 AM – 6:00 PM!

 Coffee: 10am – 11:30am
 Hors D’oeuvres: 1:30pm – 3pm
 Wine tasting: 5pm – 6pm

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

19 vendors with prized annuals, carnivorous plants, cut flowers, edible shrubs, herbs, native plants, perennials, shrubs, trees, and vegetable starts from specialty plant vendors. Garden-related items will include garden décor, bee cabins, garden art and containers, wood carvings, and other special items. Members Market with goods and services. Bake sale, raffle for free plants and a wealth of good spirit.

A gardener’s dream sale. All are welcome to purchase from a wide variety of plant and garden vendors as well as baked goods and services from members.
Meet us in the Black Mountain Town Square parking lot from 3 to 7pm on May 17 and
from 9am to 3:30pm on May 18.
This year’s sale will feature prized annuals, carnivorous plants, cut flowers, edible shrubs, herbs, native plants, perennials, shrubs, trees, and vegetable starts from specialty plant vendors. Garden-related items will include garden décor, bee cabins, garden art and containers, wood carvings, and other special items.

Buncombe County will continue to offer ASAP’s Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables and Farm Fresh Produce Prescription.

Plan to collaborate with other musicians at Sideways Farm & Brewery in Etowah. Bring your instruments and voices and enjoy making music and networking with other artists, while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Food truck is on site and beverages available for purchase from Sideways (small
batch craft beers, hard jun, ciders, wine, and non alcoholic drinks). Family, fans, friends, and leashed dogs are all welcome!
During winter months enjoy playing under the covered, sheltered, heated porch! And during the summer months enjoy
collaborating in the fields, on the stage, or under the patio

With a curated beer and wine selection, craft cocktails, and air of sophistication, Wine & Roses offers a peek into the
captivating personality of the hotel’s namesake, Zelda Fitzgerald.
Designed by Hatteras Sky and with interiors by Nashville-based firm, Anderson Design Studio,
Wine & Roses is tucked within a thoughtfully restored turn-of-the-century mansion in Asheville’s
South Slope neighborhood. Wine & Roses is inspired by the clandestine meetings that first
ignited their whirlwind courtship, leaving Zelda wistfully nostalgic and furiously imaginative in her
writing and artistry. The space exudes warmth with golden hues, dim lighting, and lush velvet
accents. Always topped with fresh roses, the eight-seat bar at Wine & Roses sits under
glimmering chandeliers and overlooks a portrait of Zelda herself. Additional seating for up to 21
guests is spread throughout the bar area. A dreamy outdoor patio boasts two roaring fire pits
and 24 additional seats for those who choose to indulge al fresco.
Wine & Roses serves craft cocktails like The Sayre (Monkey 47, lemon, orange blossom, egg
white, and orange bitters), The Fitz (Four Roses, demerara simple syrup, angostura bitters,
orange, and luxardo cherry), and the Gilded Girl (Casamigos Reposado, orange curacao,
apricot juice, and lime juice), and a curated selection of local beers and wines by the glass. A
small menu of decadent bites will debut later this summer.
Wine & Roses is open to guests Sunday through Thursday from 4pm to 8pm, and to the public
Friday and Saturday nights from 4pm to 10pm. For additional information about Wine & Roses,
to book a private event, or to reserve a seat at the bar, call Zelda Dearest at 828.514.2489, visit
zeldadearest.com, or follow @zeldadearest on Instagram.

Downtown After 5 has become a staple of Asheville’s cultural calendar, offering residents and visitors alike a chance to experience live music in the heart of our vibrant city. This year, each event is centered around highlighting a nonprofit partner with a theme that celebrates diverse musical genres, food and beverage offerings, local makers, and community initiatives. Each Downtown After 5 event draws an enthusiastic crowd of between 5,000 to 6,000 attendees to North Lexington Avenue, transforming it into a vibrant hub of music, dance, and community.

May 17 | Yacht Rock
Teaming up with Blue Ridge Pride, we invite you to smooth sail through the sounds of Yacht Rock Schooner, with Lazr Luvr opening the night. Our emcee, DIVINE the Bearded Lady will ensure a memorable evening for all.

June 21 | Juneteenth
In a special collaboration with the MLK Foundation, we celebrate Juneteenth with the soulful Sierra Green & the Giants headlining and Lyric setting the mood.

July 19 | AVL Fest Kickoff
The official kick-off to AVL Fest, in support of Asheville FM, we’re bringing to the stage Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast as headliners, with The Greenliners opening.

August 16 | LEAF Downtown
In collaboration with LEAF Global Arts, we’re excited to bring back LEAF Downtown at Downtown After 5. Tito Puente Jr. will be headlining the event, with the LEAF Kono Band opening.

September 20 | Outdoor Rec Fest
Closing out the series is September’s Outdoor Rec Fest with Riverlink. Featuring headliner Oliver Hazard and opener Paul McDonald. Celebrate Asheville’s outdoor lifestyle by engaging with our outdoor recreation partners and vendors.

Downtown After 5 is more than just a concert series; it’s a community staple that celebrates the diversity and creativity of Asheville. Each event is free to the public, thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and partners. Food and beverage vendors will be on-site, with a portion of proceeds supporting the nonprofit partners associated with each event.

AT LONG LAST! The time has finally come for VOWL to open its doors. We invite you all to join us at the OFFICIAL LAUNCH PARTY on Friday, May 17th at 5pm.

VOWL is a new craft cocktail bar and event space concept brought to you by DSSOLVR, focusing on amplified cocktails and Natural Wine/Cider through the lens of innovation. While connected to the original taproom, it is also a separate space that stands all on its own, from the beverage program to the decor to the color palette. Envision sipping sunset cocktails in the Mad Hatter’s garden while getting stick and poke tattoos to the soundtrack of 80’s Glam Rock. It’s kinda sorta that, but with an eye toward accommodating the industry as much as the adventurous imbibers.

Located next door to DSSOLVR’s original Asheville taproom at 61 1/2 N Lexington Ave. We’ve been working toward the next chapter of DSSOLVR for a few years now, and we couldn’t be more excited to breathe more life into our space.
For the lifting of the veil, we have some WILD releases and happenings at both DSSOLVR and VOWL.
Featuring:

Spring Cocktail Menu Drop!!!
Boilermaker Specials
New Natural Wines and Ciders
Mocktails and N/A offerings galore
“Hustle is Weird” AVL Super Collab
Surreal Liquor Slushies
“Atomic Bomb” Tropical Tiki GF Sour (DSSOLVR & VOWL Collab)
Flash Tattoo Pop-up from JD Burnett
DJ set from @abudissary (& guests…?)
And a couple more surprises you’re not gonna want to miss!

This will be the first of many events to come. Be sure to follow VOWL for menus, hours, updates, and booking info. We’ll probably do a Grand Opening later this Summer, as well!

National Tennis Month is a nationwide grassroots effort driven by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and its industry partners celebrating tennis, a sport which challenges one both physically and mentally. For 31 straight days, players, local coaches, facilities, retailers, tennis manufacturers and more will be driving awareness about the sport and its benefits by bringing existing and new players to the game with special events, promotions and play opportunities in their communities … many of them FREE.

Tennis participation has seen growth for four consecutive years, with people turning to the sport to stay physically fit in a safe manner. According to the latest Physical Activity Council’s participation report, more than 23.8 million people hit the tennis courts in 2023.  That number represents a 25% increase since the start of 2020, with 6.2M more players picking up a racquet. In addition, according to multiple sources and studies, tennis has been shown to have a significant positive impact on the health of participants. Tennis players on average lived an additional 9.7 years than sedentary individuals.

“The increase in tennis participation for the third year in a row is not only important for the health of our sport, but also for the health and well-being of those who have made the game a part of their lives,” said Brian Hainline, Chairman of the Board and President, USTA. “Tennis has a multitude of benefits, ranging from the mental to the physical, and we are excited to help lead the continued growth of a sport that helps players of all ages and ability levels stay active and healthy.”

For more information about National Tennis Month, visit USTA.com/NationalTennisMonth or search hashtag #NationalTennisMonth on social media.

Womansong, Asheville’s longest-running women’s community chorus, celebrates its 37th anniversary with the spring concert, “We Come From Women.” The concert will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, One Edwin Place, Asheville 28801, on Friday, May 17 at 7 PM and Saturday, May 18 at 3 PM. Another performance will be held at Fletcher United Methodist Church, 50 Library Rd, Fletcher, NC 28732 on Saturday, June 1 at 3 PM.
The concert features music celebrating the legacies of women who came before us as well as inspiring us to carve our own paths for those who will come after. It includes songs by our own Lytingale along with favorites by Sara Bareilles, Ysaye Barnwell, May Erlewine, Holly Near, Dolly Parton, and Carly Simon. From choral anthems to contemporary pop tunes, there’s something for everyone — music to make you laugh, cry, and dance!
Womansong celebrates the unity, diversity, and empowerment of women through musical expression, as we sing for Joy, social justice, and community. Our concerts help fund the operation of our nonprofit organization including the choir’s New Start Program, which provides scholarships and emergency funds to local women in need.
Womansong concerts are accessible to the hearing impaired through music sign language interpretation by Shiner Antiorio. Advanced tickets (including NC sales tax) are $25 for per adult, and tickets will be available for purchase at the door for $30 per adult. Children ages 12 and younger are free! Tickets are available at www.womansong.org.

Performing to critical acclaim for over 20 years and over 3000 shows, Dark Star Orchestra continues the Grateful Dead live concert experience. Their shows are built off the Dead’s extensive catalog and the talent of these seven fine musicians. On any given night, the band will perform a show based on a set list from the Grateful Dead’s 30 years of extensive touring or use their catalog to program a unique set list for the show. This allows fans both young and old to share in the experience. By recreating set lists from the past, and by developing their own sets of Dead songs, Dark Star Orchestra offers a continually evolving artistic outlet within this musical canon. Honoring both the band and the fans, Dark Star Orchestra’s members seek out the unique style and sound of each era while simultaneously offering their own informed improvisations.

Dark Star Orchestra offers much more than the sound of the Grateful Dead, they truly encapsulate the energy and the experience. It’s about a sense of familiarity. It’s about a feeling that grabs listeners and takes over. It’s about that contagious energy…in short, it’s about the complete experience and consistent quality show that the fan receives when attending a Dark Star Orchestra show.

Dark Star Orchestra has performed throughout the entire United States, including a sold out debut at Colorado’s Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater, plus shows in Europe and the Caribbean with the band touching down in seven different countries. DSO continues to grow its fan base by playing at larger venues for two and even three-night stands, as well as performing at major music festivals including Bonnaroo, Milwaukee’s SummerFest, The Peach Music Festival, Jam Cruise, Wanee Festival, SweetWater 420 Festival, Mountain Jam, and many more.

In addition to appearing at some of the nation’s top festival, Dark Star Orchestra hosts its own annual music festival and campaign gathering, titled the “Dark Star Jubilee”, currently in its eighth year where DSO headline all three nights and are joined by a mix of established and up and coming national touring acts. Beyond the shores of the United States, DSO has taken its internationally-acclaimed Grateful Dead tribute to the beaches of Jamaica in the dead of winter for the past six years, with their event appropriately titled ‘Jam in the Sand’. Featuring an ocean-side stage, DSO sets up camp to perform shows for four nights along the tropical sands of an all-inclusive resort, selling out the event each year for hundreds of lucky attendees.

Fans and critics haven’t been the only people caught up in the spirit of a Dark Star show. The band has featured guest performances from six original Grateful Dead members Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Bill Kreutzmann, Donna Jean Godchaux-MacKay, Vince Welnick, Tom Constanten and even toured with longtime Dead soundman, Dan Healy. Other notable guests have included Mike Gordon and Jon Fishman of Phish, Keller Williams, Warren Haynes, Steve Kimock, Peter Rowan, Ramblin’ Jack Elliot and many more.

“For us it’s a chance to recreate some of the magic that was created for us over the years,” keyboardist and vocalist Rob Barraco explains. “We offer a sort of a historical perspective at what it might have been like to go to a show in 1985, 1978 or whenever. Even for Deadheads

who can say they’ve been to a hundred shows in the 90s, we offer something they never got to see live.”

Dive under the sea and into the magical world of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid Jr.”! Follow the adventurous mermaid princess Ariel as she dreams of a life above the waves and falls in love with the handsome human prince, Eric. With toe-tapping songs, colorful costumes, and unforgettable characters like Sebastian the crab and Flounder the fish, this junior adaptation of the beloved Disney classic brings all the enchantment of the original to the stage. Join Ariel on her journey of self-discovery, friendship, and true love in this heartwarming musical extravaganza perfect for audiences of all ages. Get ready to be swept away on a wave of fun and fantasy in “The Little Mermaid Jr.”!

​

The sleepy town of Popcorn Falls is forced into bankruptcy when a neighboring town threatens to turn them into a sewage treatment plant. Their only hope – open a theater! Two actors play over twenty roles in a world of farce, love, and desperation, proving once and for all that art can save the world.

Imprisoned on the Isle of the Lost – home of the most infamous villains who ever lived – the teenaged children of Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Jafar, and Cruella De Vil have never ventured off the island… until now. When the four troublemakers are sent to attend prep school alongside the children of beloved Disney heroes, they have a difficult choice to make: should they follow in their parents’ wicked footsteps or learn to be good? Based on the popular Disney Channel Original Movies, Disney’s Descendants: The Musical is jam-packed with comedy, adventure, Disney characters, and hit songs from the films!

“The Four Seasons story still hits all the high notes!” Experience the Unforgettable Music and Untold Story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons with Jersey Boys. This Tony Award-winning musical, filled with chart-topping hits, captivating storytelling, and electrifying performances, will have audiences singing and dancing in their seats. Featuring iconic songs like “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” this musical is a celebration of the timeless music that defined a generation. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic, the music, the story of Jersey Boys.

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.