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.

Friday, February 28, 2020
Patron Production Preference Survey Flat Rock Playhouse
Feb 28 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

Hello Flat Rock Playhouse Patrons, Donors, Friends, and all-around ‘Peeps!’

Please take a few minutes to take the survey and help us as we begin planning for the 2021 season and beyond.  We’ve listed a pretty large range of shows because we want to know what you’re interested in seeing on the stage.  Please choose your TOP 10 favorites in each category; Musicals and Plays. You will also have the opportunity to write in a title or author that may not otherwise be listed.  Please only choose ten of each so we can narrow down your preferences.

As an added note, we endeavor to give you exactly what your heart most desires.  That said, there are many factors that go into selecting shows.  Are the rights available? Can we afford to produce it properly? Does it align with our Union obligations?  These questions and many more are all part of the process and influence what productions we select.  It’s important to everyone at Flat Rock Playhouse that we deliver as much of what the audience desires as we can whenever we can.

Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your preferences with us.  We are hugely grateful for the insight!

Sincerely,

The Artistic Team

Flat Rock Playhouse

Saturday, February 29, 2020
Patron Production Preference Survey Flat Rock Playhouse
Feb 29 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

Hello Flat Rock Playhouse Patrons, Donors, Friends, and all-around ‘Peeps!’

Please take a few minutes to take the survey and help us as we begin planning for the 2021 season and beyond.  We’ve listed a pretty large range of shows because we want to know what you’re interested in seeing on the stage.  Please choose your TOP 10 favorites in each category; Musicals and Plays. You will also have the opportunity to write in a title or author that may not otherwise be listed.  Please only choose ten of each so we can narrow down your preferences.

As an added note, we endeavor to give you exactly what your heart most desires.  That said, there are many factors that go into selecting shows.  Are the rights available? Can we afford to produce it properly? Does it align with our Union obligations?  These questions and many more are all part of the process and influence what productions we select.  It’s important to everyone at Flat Rock Playhouse that we deliver as much of what the audience desires as we can whenever we can.

Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your preferences with us.  We are hugely grateful for the insight!

Sincerely,

The Artistic Team

Flat Rock Playhouse

Tax Help at Libraries Runs Feb. 1-April 15
Feb 29 all-day
Buncombe County Libraries

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in cooperation with the I.R.S, N.C. Dept. of Revenue, Buncombe County Library System and Council on Aging, Inc. will again offer free tax Preparations for low and moderate income taxpayers, with special attention to those age 60 and older. Both Federal and N.C. State tax returns will be electronically filed for safe and accurate preparation with faster refunds.

This service will be available from Feb. 1-April 15, at sites listed below. Please note that some locations have different start dates as several libraries will be hosting early voting for the Presidential primaries in February.

Tax help for Weaverville will be held at the Brookstone Baptist Church and tax help for West Asheville will be held at the West Asheville Presbyterian Church. All tax help locations can be found at irs.gov.

Steeped in Time: Tea and Traditions Exhibit
Feb 29 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Mountain Gateway Museum & Heritage Center

Mountain Gateway Museum & Heritage Center celebrated the opening of its newest traveling exhibit, “Steeped in Time: Tea and Traditions” on Saturday, January 18, 2020. The exhibit will run through the July 4th weekend at MGM, located at 24 Water Street in Old Fort. Admission is free.

 

Sunday, March 1, 2020
Rhythm of the Dance
Mar 1 @ 3:00 pm
Newberry Opera House

“Rhythm of the Dance” is an exhilarating and innovative Irish dance show internationally rated as one of the most popular and best Irish dance shows touring worldwide.

Since its creation in 1998, “Rhythm of the Dance” has impressed audiences and critics worldwide year after year. Direct from Ireland, this show uses song, music, and dance to transport audiences on an exciting and energy packed adventure through the many eras of Irish dance and music. Seen by 7 million fans worldwide in 57 countries, the company has received critical acclaim everywhere they go. “Rhythm of the Dance” is one of the best Irish dance shows in the world. Enjoy an early St. Patrick’s Day celebration at the Newberry Opera House!

Modelface Comedy at Fleetwood’s: Cherith Fuller
Mar 1 @ 8:00 pm
Fleetwood's

Cherith Fuller is a writer and comedian in Atlanta, GA. She performs regularly at clubs across the country like the Laughing Skull Lounge and The Comedy Attic, and has opened for everyone from Big Jay Oakerson to Moshe Kasher to Janeane Garofalo. She has written for Reductress and been featured on Audible. She has also performed at the Limestone Comedy Festival, the Laughing Skull Comedy festival, and Gilda’s Laughfest among others.

Tickets $7 advance, $10 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/comedy-at-fleetwoods-cherith-fuller-tickets-86022259895

Tuesday, March 3, 2020
Awakening Support Group
Mar 3 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Appalachia School of Holistic Herbalism

This group is dedicated to the growing number of people interested in Awakening to their True Nature. We explore the experience of simply Being through:

| Self-Inquiry | Presence | Surrender | Gratitude | Meditation |

• Transcend egoic mind patterns
• See the gift in challenging situations
• Live your Life’s Purpose
• Find lasting Inner Peace

Group meetings consist of Meditation, Video Satsang (watching videos of spiritual teachers) and a Sharing Circle (optional).

Donations of any amount are welcomed. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. (Donate online at https://tinyurl.com/awakeningsupport)

About the Facilitator:

Trey Carland, author of “A Seeker’s Guide to Inner Peace: Notes to Self,” has been hosting Awakening group meetings since 2007. “My passion is sharing the gift of Awakening with the World.”

Comments:

“Trey Carland embodies perfectly the quote, “still waters run deep.” I happened upon Trey several years ago through his spiritual awakening group. From this experience, Trey appeared to me as a wise Sage. Trey is accepting and patient with people. His demeanor is calm and loving. For me, it was evident that the stillness of Trey’s soul, is like a shimmering river that runs endlessly, with much depth. With celebration, I am blessed for having him as a friend. ” ~ John K.

(Read More at http://www.treycarland.com)

Thursday, March 5, 2020
Modelface Comedy Presents Ramon Rivas
Mar 5 @ 8:00 pm
LaZoom Room

Ramon Rivas is a laid back, largely unemotional stand up comedian, writer, actor, independent artist & eminent latino from Lorain, OH. Ramon resonates a low-fi swag with the finest taste in jokes, juices & dope experiences one can have while immaculately navigating as an ambiguously brown man in America.

Initially making a name for himself by building up the Cleveland comedy scene through ACCIDENTAL COMEDY productions while traveling around the country to cities like Chicago, New York, Los Angeles & more, Ramon eventually started garnering respect around the country for his comedic chops & sandwich acumen, being recognized by COMEDY CENTRAL as a COMIC TO WATCH in 2015 and by most bodega bois across the country.

He founded his own festival, ACCIDENTAL COMEDY FEST in 2011. The festival has grown to be one of the countries best kept secrets, and garners industry attendees & out of state visitors to Cleveland. His work and the overall growth of the Cleveland scene was featured in the documentary film MAKE FUN (2013) available now to stream on AMAZON PRIME.

Rivas made his television debut in 2016, when he was one of 17 artists selected to record THE HALF HOUR with COMEDY CENTRAL. An outlier from the middle of the country, without a manager or an agent getting that sort of opportunity gave the streets hope.

Rivas also has a burgeoning career sounding like he just woke up from a nap on TV shows, with appearances as a contestant on @MIDNIGHT twice, as a cannabis shaman on numerous segments on VICELAND & began acting seriously on S4E3 of BROAD CITY and followed that up with an appearance on S2E7 of HBO’s CRASHING. His stand up was also featured on HBO Latino’s stand up special ENTRE NOS.

You can catch Ramon touring the country or highly chatting with people in these streets or highly eating snacks on COOKING ON HIGH on Netflix or listen to his dulcet tones every week on PREBAKED, where he uses his cannabis sommelier skills to pair a specific strain to match every guests characteristics. He’s a regular at some of the countries most respected comedy institutions.

ages 18+
Tickets $10 advance, $12 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-ramon-rivas-tickets-89426062761

Friday, March 6, 2020
Patron Production Preference Survey Flat Rock Playhouse
Mar 6 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

Hello Flat Rock Playhouse Patrons, Donors, Friends, and all-around ‘Peeps!’

Please take a few minutes to take the survey and help us as we begin planning for the 2021 season and beyond.  We’ve listed a pretty large range of shows because we want to know what you’re interested in seeing on the stage.  Please choose your TOP 10 favorites in each category; Musicals and Plays. You will also have the opportunity to write in a title or author that may not otherwise be listed.  Please only choose ten of each so we can narrow down your preferences.

As an added note, we endeavor to give you exactly what your heart most desires.  That said, there are many factors that go into selecting shows.  Are the rights available? Can we afford to produce it properly? Does it align with our Union obligations?  These questions and many more are all part of the process and influence what productions we select.  It’s important to everyone at Flat Rock Playhouse that we deliver as much of what the audience desires as we can whenever we can.

Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your preferences with us.  We are hugely grateful for the insight!

Sincerely,

The Artistic Team

Flat Rock Playhouse

Saturday, March 7, 2020
Patron Production Preference Survey Flat Rock Playhouse
Mar 7 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

Hello Flat Rock Playhouse Patrons, Donors, Friends, and all-around ‘Peeps!’

Please take a few minutes to take the survey and help us as we begin planning for the 2021 season and beyond.  We’ve listed a pretty large range of shows because we want to know what you’re interested in seeing on the stage.  Please choose your TOP 10 favorites in each category; Musicals and Plays. You will also have the opportunity to write in a title or author that may not otherwise be listed.  Please only choose ten of each so we can narrow down your preferences.

As an added note, we endeavor to give you exactly what your heart most desires.  That said, there are many factors that go into selecting shows.  Are the rights available? Can we afford to produce it properly? Does it align with our Union obligations?  These questions and many more are all part of the process and influence what productions we select.  It’s important to everyone at Flat Rock Playhouse that we deliver as much of what the audience desires as we can whenever we can.

Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your preferences with us.  We are hugely grateful for the insight!

Sincerely,

The Artistic Team

Flat Rock Playhouse

Tax Help at Libraries Runs Feb. 1-April 15
Mar 7 all-day
Buncombe County Libraries

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in cooperation with the I.R.S, N.C. Dept. of Revenue, Buncombe County Library System and Council on Aging, Inc. will again offer free tax Preparations for low and moderate income taxpayers, with special attention to those age 60 and older. Both Federal and N.C. State tax returns will be electronically filed for safe and accurate preparation with faster refunds.

This service will be available from Feb. 1-April 15, at sites listed below. Please note that some locations have different start dates as several libraries will be hosting early voting for the Presidential primaries in February.

Tax help for Weaverville will be held at the Brookstone Baptist Church and tax help for West Asheville will be held at the West Asheville Presbyterian Church. All tax help locations can be found at irs.gov.

Steeped in Time: Tea and Traditions Exhibit
Mar 7 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Mountain Gateway Museum & Heritage Center

Mountain Gateway Museum & Heritage Center celebrated the opening of its newest traveling exhibit, “Steeped in Time: Tea and Traditions” on Saturday, January 18, 2020. The exhibit will run through the July 4th weekend at MGM, located at 24 Water Street in Old Fort. Admission is free.

 

Saturday Social: A Free Party!
Mar 7 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Hickory Nut Gorge Brewery

Join us at the Hickory Nut Gorge Brewery, right near campus, for some social time and the chance to network with the OGS community. Kick back and relax with your fellow farmers and gardeners with local brews (alcoholic & non-alcoholic options available) and snacks! Keep the conversation flowing and farm inspiration growing.

Modelface Comedy Presents Yedoye Travis (Saturday)
Mar 7 @ 9:30 pm
LaZoom Room

Yedoye Travis is a stand up comedian, actor, and writer from Atlanta, GA. He is the creator and host of the Dark Tank podcast, which AV Club called “one of the most deliciously daring shows of the moment.” He was named a New Face at the Montreal Just For Laughs festival in 2017 and has since headlined festivals around the country and appeared on Comedy Central, TBS, CBS, and Netflix and written for MTV, IFC, Viceland, Crunchyroll, and Frederator. His debut album, OK, produced by Comedy Dynamics, was released January 2018.

ages 18+
Tickets $10 advance, $14 day of
FRIDAY Doors at 7:30, show at 8pm: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-yedoye-travis-friday-tickets-90845544469

SATURDAY doors at 9, show at 9:30: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-yedoye-travis-saturday-tickets-90847568523

Image may contain: 1 person, smiling, beard and closeup, possible text that says 'Modelface Comedy Presents YEDOYE TRAVIS March 6th & 7th LaZoom Room m'

Tuesday, March 10, 2020
Awakening Support Group
Mar 10 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Appalachia School of Holistic Herbalism

This group is dedicated to the growing number of people interested in Awakening to their True Nature. We explore the experience of simply Being through:

| Self-Inquiry | Presence | Surrender | Gratitude | Meditation |

• Transcend egoic mind patterns
• See the gift in challenging situations
• Live your Life’s Purpose
• Find lasting Inner Peace

Group meetings consist of Meditation, Video Satsang (watching videos of spiritual teachers) and a Sharing Circle (optional).

Donations of any amount are welcomed. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. (Donate online at https://tinyurl.com/awakeningsupport)

About the Facilitator:

Trey Carland, author of “A Seeker’s Guide to Inner Peace: Notes to Self,” has been hosting Awakening group meetings since 2007. “My passion is sharing the gift of Awakening with the World.”

Comments:

“Trey Carland embodies perfectly the quote, “still waters run deep.” I happened upon Trey several years ago through his spiritual awakening group. From this experience, Trey appeared to me as a wise Sage. Trey is accepting and patient with people. His demeanor is calm and loving. For me, it was evident that the stillness of Trey’s soul, is like a shimmering river that runs endlessly, with much depth. With celebration, I am blessed for having him as a friend. ” ~ John K.

(Read More at http://www.treycarland.com)

Thursday, March 12, 2020
St. Patty’s Day Burlesque Show
Mar 12 @ 9:00 pm
The Grey Eagle
BGR Burlesque Presents: St. Patrick's Day
Black Garter Revue is a burlesque troupe bringing you the ultimate St. Patty’s Day show in Asheville.
  • AGES 18+
  • SEATED SHOW
  • 8:30PM DOORS, 9PM SHOW

BLACK GARTER REVUE

While Irish eyes might be smiling your eyes will be delighting! Black Garter Revue is back at The Grey Eagle for a night of St. Patrick’s Day fun that will entice you into loving all things Irish

Friday, March 13, 2020
Patron Production Preference Survey Flat Rock Playhouse
Mar 13 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

Hello Flat Rock Playhouse Patrons, Donors, Friends, and all-around ‘Peeps!’

Please take a few minutes to take the survey and help us as we begin planning for the 2021 season and beyond.  We’ve listed a pretty large range of shows because we want to know what you’re interested in seeing on the stage.  Please choose your TOP 10 favorites in each category; Musicals and Plays. You will also have the opportunity to write in a title or author that may not otherwise be listed.  Please only choose ten of each so we can narrow down your preferences.

As an added note, we endeavor to give you exactly what your heart most desires.  That said, there are many factors that go into selecting shows.  Are the rights available? Can we afford to produce it properly? Does it align with our Union obligations?  These questions and many more are all part of the process and influence what productions we select.  It’s important to everyone at Flat Rock Playhouse that we deliver as much of what the audience desires as we can whenever we can.

Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your preferences with us.  We are hugely grateful for the insight!

Sincerely,

The Artistic Team

Flat Rock Playhouse

FairyKimSparkles.com at My Fresh Palette
Mar 13 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
My Fresh Palette

ASHEVILLE!
Get glammed up with Magical Fairy Hair!
You can wash, brush, comb, curl, flat iron, (up to 450°!), color, perm, blow it dry, get your haircut, etc.
Do whatever you normally do to your hair -but most of all; ENJOY IT!
Lasts until your hair sheds!
Space is limited. Sign up now for your Fairy Hair Sparkles!
Sign up at FairyKimSparkles.com/calendar

Saturday, March 14, 2020
Patron Production Preference Survey Flat Rock Playhouse
Mar 14 all-day
Flat Rock Playhouse

Hello Flat Rock Playhouse Patrons, Donors, Friends, and all-around ‘Peeps!’

Please take a few minutes to take the survey and help us as we begin planning for the 2021 season and beyond.  We’ve listed a pretty large range of shows because we want to know what you’re interested in seeing on the stage.  Please choose your TOP 10 favorites in each category; Musicals and Plays. You will also have the opportunity to write in a title or author that may not otherwise be listed.  Please only choose ten of each so we can narrow down your preferences.

As an added note, we endeavor to give you exactly what your heart most desires.  That said, there are many factors that go into selecting shows.  Are the rights available? Can we afford to produce it properly? Does it align with our Union obligations?  These questions and many more are all part of the process and influence what productions we select.  It’s important to everyone at Flat Rock Playhouse that we deliver as much of what the audience desires as we can whenever we can.

Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your preferences with us.  We are hugely grateful for the insight!

Sincerely,

The Artistic Team

Flat Rock Playhouse

Tax Help at Libraries Runs Feb. 1-April 15
Mar 14 all-day
Buncombe County Libraries

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in cooperation with the I.R.S, N.C. Dept. of Revenue, Buncombe County Library System and Council on Aging, Inc. will again offer free tax Preparations for low and moderate income taxpayers, with special attention to those age 60 and older. Both Federal and N.C. State tax returns will be electronically filed for safe and accurate preparation with faster refunds.

This service will be available from Feb. 1-April 15, at sites listed below. Please note that some locations have different start dates as several libraries will be hosting early voting for the Presidential primaries in February.

Tax help for Weaverville will be held at the Brookstone Baptist Church and tax help for West Asheville will be held at the West Asheville Presbyterian Church. All tax help locations can be found at irs.gov.

Steeped in Time: Tea and Traditions Exhibit
Mar 14 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Mountain Gateway Museum & Heritage Center

Mountain Gateway Museum & Heritage Center celebrated the opening of its newest traveling exhibit, “Steeped in Time: Tea and Traditions” on Saturday, January 18, 2020. The exhibit will run through the July 4th weekend at MGM, located at 24 Water Street in Old Fort. Admission is free.

 

Carolina Guitar Show
Mar 14 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Davis Event Center
SELL OR TRADE!
TURN UNUSED GEAR INTO CASH$$
Hundreds of Dealers & collectors. Thousands of electric and acoustic guitars, amps, effects and accessories.
NEW, OLD, VINTAGE AND USED
.
Kid Hop Hooray! Indoor Dance Party
Mar 14 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
The Orange Peel

Doors and Event begin at 10:00am til 1:00pm – Open Floor Dance Party for Kids with a Live DJ Oso Rey! Drop in anytime.

Playing Child-Appropriate FUN dance music from the Jackson 5’s “ABC” to “Shake it Off” to old-school hip hop tracks, favorites from 23 Skidoo, and much more!

There will be FREE Glow accessories for your little dancers, plenty of room to run, dance, and get their sillies out while it’s cold outside, and snacks for purchase from Asheville Pizza Co and the Hop Ice Creamery! And of course, The Orange Peel bar will be open for mom and dad’s refreshments (and/or kids’ juice boxes).

Padded area available for crawlers and new walkers to play and explore.

The music will be especially chosen to appeal to kids from ages 2 to 12, but the whole family is more than welcome! 12 and under are only $3 (under 2 years old are free) and everyone else is $5.

2 private rooms available for rent for birthday parties after the dance party ends! Bring decorations and a cake and let the Orange Peel & the Hop help you create a fun and unique birthday experience for your child and their buddies after they dance their booties off! Contact [email protected] for more information and party reservations.

Nantahala Outdoor Center Work Hard, Play Hard Job Fair!
Mar 14 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Nantahala Outdoor Center

 

Join us on Saturday, March 14 for the first annual NOC Work Hard, Play Hard Job Fair!

Managers from NOC’s Adventure, Retail, Restaurant and HR Departments will be available for open interviews, giving you the opportunity to be hired on the spot! To register in advance, send your resume to our HR office by clicking “Register Now”! Browse a list of open opportunities at noccareers.com.

All offers will be conditional pending successful background and reference checks.

Two Step and Swing Dance Class
Mar 14 @ 11:30 am – 2:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

Two-Step & Swing Dance Class

The Grey Eagle hosts Dance For Life and their two-step and swing dance class!
  • ALL AGES
  • DOORS 11:30AM / CLASS 12PM

Have fun dancing anywhere with these popular dances. Taught by UCWDC World Champions Richard & Sue Cicchetti.

No partner needed (Bring one if you can). Both classes are beginner level. Take one or both.

Online discount: 2-hour class $20 or, first hour 12-1 pm

Beginner $10 or, second hour 1-2 pm Level-two $10

At the door: 2-hour class $25, 1-hour class $15.

TICKETS: https://squareup.com/store/dance-for-life?fbclid=IwAR3wYr5ZrbRp34IGDoA14qzMlk6V04C2QcfVHszQwdrekBK6vHubJ1cDNcE

Sunday, March 15, 2020
POSTPONED: Grand Opening Celebration for Mel Chin’s Wake
Mar 15 all-day
44 Collier Ave. Asheville, NC 28801

Join us for the grand opening celebration!

‘Wake’, Mel Chin’s giant animatronic sculpture, installed in New York City’s Times Square last summer, will be on view in Asheville, from March 15 to September 7, at 44 Collier Avenue. Chin, a WNC based conceptual artist, was named a MacArthur Fellow in September 2019.

This event is free and open the public.

Starting March 16th, visitors can experience Wake daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The full schedule of programs is available at ashevillearts.com/public-art

Carolina Guitar Show
Mar 15 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Davis Event Center
SELL OR TRADE!
TURN UNUSED GEAR INTO CASH$$
Hundreds of Dealers & collectors. Thousands of electric and acoustic guitars, amps, effects and accessories.
NEW, OLD, VINTAGE AND USED
.
Burlesque Brunch
Mar 15 @ 12:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

Burlesque Brunch

Join us on the third Sunday of every month for Burlesque Brunch!
  • 18 +
  • SEATED SHOW
  • 11 AM DOORS/ 12 PM 

Burlesque Brunch is a monthly burlesque and belly dance show with a classic speakeasy feel. Join us every month and relax and enjoy our dancing dames and dandies in an up close and intimate setting. It’s a Sunday afternoon to delight the senses!

Return to the Green – Celtic Celebration
Mar 15 @ 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Fluor Field

Even if green isn’t really your color, you’ll want to get in on all the (free!) fun at Greenville’s longest-running Celtic celebration.

In an era when parents taking their kids downtown feel like walking ATMs, we have worked hard to make sure that this family-friendly event is not just a lot of fun, but also FREE. Yes, there is no admission charge, and all children’s activities are also free! We hope that you find your ‘Return to the Green’ to be festive, family friendly, and a memorable cultural experience. And of course you could be that extra lucky attendee who returns home $500 richer thanks to our cash prize giveaway.

1:00 ~ Event Start
1:00 ~ Live music by the Dunn Sisters  
2:00 ~ Children’s Area Opens (Runs from 2-4)
2:15 Opening Ceremonies: Céad Míle Fáilte
             City of Greenville Pipes & Drums:
          ~ Irish & American National Anthems
             John Hanson/Whitney Bradley
2:30 ~ Irish Youth Hurling/ Gaelic Football Exhibition 
2:30 ~ Irish Dance Performance – Westend Dance Company
3:00 ~ Live Celtic Music – ‘Keltic Kudzu’
5:00 ~ Irish Dance Performance 
5:30 ~ Grand Prize Drawing for $500 Cash Prize 
             Must be present to win
6:00 Return to your House    
Monday, March 16, 2020
Transition Asheville: Racing Extinction (Documentary)
Mar 16 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
St. Mary's Episcopal Church

This Discovery Channel documentary released in 2015, is full of beautiful and horrifying images that are not easily forgotten. From majestic whale sharks to slaughtered manta rays, the subjects of this new documentary reveal nature’s beauty and force viewers to confront the detrimental effects of human activity on the planet.

The documentary introduces its viewers to the Anthropocene, the geological age that began when human activities became a driving force for major geological changes. The film mixes cogent scientific facts with captivating images to convey the urgency of the crisis facing our planet—an emergency stemming from global climate change and mass species extinction.

Scientists predict that within the next 100 years, 50 percent of Earth’s species will become extinct if we continue down this path. Species go extinct regardless of human interference, but in the next decade alone, humans will drive other species to extinction ten times faster than normal.

Most of the film is dedicated to ocean quality because oceans are crucial to global stability. “When carbon dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere, between a third and a half gets absorbed by the oceans, making them more acidic,” said Louie Psihoyos, director of Racing Extinction, in the documentary. This increased acidity kills phytoplankton—the organisms responsible for producing half of the world’s oxygen supply—and harms many other oceanic creatures.

The film highlights recent and massive decreases in shark populations. The film also highlights the illegal market for shark fins in China, which claims the lives of 1.3 to 2.7 million sharks every year. Sharks have survived four mass extinctions in the earth’s history, but now human activity has decreased the shark population by 90 percent in one generation.

The documentary exposes specific ways that humans contribute to the changing geochemistry of the planet. According to Psihoyos, our livestock contribute more greenhouse gases to the atmosphere than all direct emissions from the transportation sector. However, the film also recognizes our ability to solve these problems by providing pathways for people to live more sustainably: “If every American skipped meat and cheese just one day a week for a year, it would be like taking 7.6 million cars off the road,”

The film concedes that large-scale geological changes are not simple problems to solve, but it advocates for people to find a way to help alleviate the problem. Overall, Racing Extinction drives home the message that saving the planet is worthwhile by unveiling the hidden beauty of the earth. The film inspires its viewers to maintain hope and convinces them to see and hear the beauty and vibrancy of the world that surrounds them.

http://www.yalescientific.org/2016/03/documentary-review-racing-extinction/