Haywood Hospice and the Haywood Healthcare Foundation are proud to announce a special community event taking place in Waynesville this July. “Christmas in July” is a fundraising concert to benefit children’s grief programs in Haywood County. Taking place at the Wells Event Center in Waynesville, North Carolina, on Saturday, July 29, “Christmas in July” invites the community to feel the spirit of giving and enjoy a night of music and fellowship for an important cause.

At 6:00 PM, the evening kicks off with a silent auction as well as a photo opportunity with Smoky Mountain Santa. Light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will be available. Live music from Gary Mehalick, Stephen Feron, and Lizzy Ibarra begins at 7:30, followed by featured performer Darren Nicholson. 

• Live Music, 6:00 p.m. and $8 specialty martinis all day at Leo’s Italian Social

tickets: Etix

For this year’s Pritchard Park Songwriter Series, the Asheville Association is teaming up with Paloma Madre who are best known for bringing Asheville the wildly successful, international concept, Open Folk. Each week will feature two world class songwriters from our community playing introspective and honest tunes about life in the 21st century. Pritchard Park will once again be filled with the sweet sounding songs of heartbreak, true love, heavy loss, and lots and lots of goofin. It’s a guaranteed good time that won’t cost you a dime!!

Join us on select Thursdays from April through September for live Americana music from the Waverly front porch along with great southern fare and cold beverages. Bring a lawn chair and/or blanket from 6-8pm for a great evening in Hendersonville.

May 4: Jess Jocoy, Waverly Front Porch Series

June 1: Letters to Abigail, Waverly Front Porch Series

June 29: The Gathering Dark, Waverly Front Porch Series

July 27: The Last Full Measure, Waverly Front Porch Series

September 7: Angela Easterling, Waverly Front Porch Series

October 5: David Childers, Waverly Front Porch Series

2023 Waverly Live

Join us on select Thursdays from April through September for live Americana music from the Waverly front porch along with great southern fare and cold beverages. Bring a lawn chair and/or blanket from 6-8pm for a great evening in Hendersonville.

June 29: The Gathering Dark, Waverly Front Porch Series

July 27: The Last Full Measure, Waverly Front Porch Series

September 7: Angela Easterling, Waverly Front Porch Series

October 5: David Childers, Waverly Front Porch Series

Game Highlight: Thirsty Thursday

Concert-goers are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets to each show. The 2023 series is made possible by the following sponsors: Pisgah AVL, Mark Kleive DDS, Cup of Jomo, Dough House, LEAF Global Arts, Greybeard Realty, Four Sisters Bakery, Acoustic Corner, The Red Radish, and Sarah Sunshine Pottery.

Our jazz trio with Thommy Knoles on keys, Felix Pastorius on bass, and Paul Gladstone on drums will perform an opening set from about 7-8:15 pm.

An open jam session follows. Drop-ins are welcome and encouraged for a suggested donation of $10.

Jazz Jam will feature a diverse array of music from jazz’s rich history, ranging from 1940s bebop up to 1970s jazz fusion, as well as material from prominent present-day composers. Bring your instruments and jam with us, or just come and enjoy!

ALL AGES
– STANDING ROOM ONLY
– RAIN OR SHINE

Peggy Ratusz
Austin, Texas transplant, Peggy Ratusz has been pulling from the cream of the Asheville music crop since moving here in 2002. This “ruby throated” chanteuse and her band won their way regionally to compete in the prestigious International Blues Challenge held in Memphis each year in 2008, 2010 and 2016. Voted “Best in Blues” for 9 of the past 12 years, in 2016, she won in 2 additional categories: Best Vocalist and Local Artist Who Gives Back. She’s opened for Tedeschi-Trucks Band, Geoff Atchison, Danielle Nicole Band, Karen Lovely, Taj Mahal and the Beach Boys. The dynamite configuration she’ll have with her for this show includes the superlative skills of Kelly Jones on guitar and vocals, James Kylen on drums, Taylor Pierson on keys and Zack Page on bass. From Traditional Blues and Swing to Rockin’ Blues and originals they set the stage on fire from slow ember to full alarm!

Playin’ it forward is her motto as evidenced by her many collaborative and philanthropic productions over the past 20 years, benefitting local musicians and charities.

Dana Cooper

Dana is a poetic songwriter, an insightful storyteller, and a rousing musician whose performances engage and inspire audiences around the world.

“Dana Cooper is an honest and passionate veteran who has paid his dues, done the work, and whose name deserves to be on the wall beside every other great who made Americana, folk and the music of the 70’s the treasure that it is today.”

Merlin David- M Music & Musicians Magazine

“Dana Cooper is an Americana treasure that you likely have never heard… If you are not previously hip to the Dana Cooper scene, use this opportunity to right a grievous wrong.”

Rock is the New Roll – Five Cool Ones

Cooper’s lifelong passion & devotion to music began at age 2 in Kansas City. His father, George, was a huge influence. One of Dana’s earliest memories is of his father taking him to the Calico Cat, popping a coin in the jukebox and listening to Dana sing along with Hank Williams & Ernest Tubb.At age 20 a move to LA resulted in a record deal with Elektra Records where he recorded his first album with members of “The Section” Russ Kunkel and Leleand Sklar, as well as other luminary players Jim Horn, Al Perkins, Jim Gordon, Joe Osborne, and Lee Holdridge. This album still wins accolades today and was recently reissued on the Warner/Japan label.

After several years in California and a year recording in Seattle, Cooper moved to Texas where he wrote and performed with Shake Russell. They released several independent albums and one album for Southcoast/MCA.

Cooper’s songs have been recorded by a variety of artists such as bluegrass singer Claire Lynch, Irish vocalist Maura O’Connell, Nashville songbird Jonell Mosser, as well as songwriters Pierce Pettis and Susan Werner. His incredible catalogue and musical sensibilities have led to endorsements from AirPlay Direct and Elixir Strings.

https://www.danacoopermusic.com/

—————–

Jeff Black

“His words and voice hold down center stage with a craft so deeply in the artistic pocket that it obscures anything outside”

Hyperbolium – No Depression

Boston’s WUMB listeners voted Jeff Black as one of the top 100 most important Folk artists of the last 25 years.

Black’s songs have earned GRAMMY recognition, radio chart-topping stats and numerous BMI awards. Although flying below the radar as a performer himself, he has been recognized by NPR as a musical pioneer in the digital age. His flagship podcast “Black Tuesdays” circa 2005-2007 are classic imprints on the format and his catalogue of critically acclaimed albums continues to grow. Composing music for film and television, his credits include numerous indie-film soundtracks and a repertoire of songs cut by artists as diverse as Alison Krauss & Union Station, Waylon Jennings, BlackHawk, Dierks Bentley, Jon Randall, John Oates, Jerry Douglas and Sam Bush. Black has forged a reputation as a true folk troubadour entertaining audiences globally for over three decades. A master songwriter and performer in the tradition of the great storytellers, his passionate, soul driven live performances of songs from his vast catalog are not to be missed.

https://www.jeffblack.com/biography.html

A fresh take on a timeless classic, perfect for the whole family. With great warmth and more than a touch of hilarity, the hearts of children and adults alike still soar when the slipper fits. Inspired by the acclaimed teleplay starring Whitney Houston and Brandy, this version of the magical fairy tale is reborn with the Rodgers & Hammerstein hallmarks of originality, charm and elegance.

The Center is proud to announce its latest documentary film (50th and counting).  This film takes an intriguing look at storytelling, native wisdom and nature’s intelligence to help us heal our broken relationship with the living world.  Through a whirlwind tour of history, culture and nature, this film is sure to inspire a love for history and for our natural world.

All screenings include live music provided by native flautists as well as a brief discussion with the director and film participants following each screening. The screening at North River Farms is drive-in theater event with a food truck.  A weather date will automatically apply in case of inclement weather.  The Orange Peel has drinks and food and Trinity Presbyterian will have a reception prior to the screening.  This is a general admission event except VIP seating is available at The Orange Peel.  Tickets are expected to sell out, so order your tickets now. As a special offer for our ticketbuyers, if you purchase the DVD along with your tickets, you get $5 off the DVD price and save the additional $5 shipping and handling.  (Do not choose this option until after you’ve bought your tickets first or you will be charged a $10 processing fee to return your money.)  Please note that all sales are final and tickets are non-refundable. If inclement weather, tix to outside venues will immediately convert to tix for the rain date(s).

See venue information below for more details. This is a ticket-less event.  Your name will be at the reservations table at the door at the time of the event.

Register now before these shows are sold out!

For more information, contact us at (828) 692-8062.

WORLD PREMIERE DATES AND LOCATIONS

Saturday, June 24 – 7:30 PM, North River Farms, 3333 N Mills River Rd, Mills River, NC 28759.  Tickets are per carload.  All cars are $45 each. Larger vehicles must park in the rear. Sound is available via outside speakers or through your car radio.  Whether you watch from your car or sit outside under the stars, a spectacular way to watch a film! Bring your camp chairs and either sit by your car or upfront to enjoy the music and film! (weather date:  June 30.)

Thursday, June 29- 7:30 PM. The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801. Tickets are a donation of $25 per person for premier seating or $20 per person for general admission.  Snacks and drinks available at the venue.

Saturday, July 1 – 7:30 PM, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 900 Blythe Street, Hendersonville, NC 28791.  Tickets are a donation of $20 per person. A special reception for the film participants will be held starting at 6:30 which will include delicious treats and drinks for sale from the Hendersonville Community Co-op.

Romance. Tragedy. Passion. Parties! Filled with timeless melodies, iconic arias, and an unforgettable score, Violetta and Alfredo’s love story will transport you to a bygone era. Join BMC’s Janiec Opera Company and see why Verdi’s La Traviata is the world’s most beloved opera.

PERFORMANCE & ARTIST DETAILS
Janiec Opera Company of the Brevard Music Center
Brevard Festival Orchestra
Dean Anthony, stage director
Steven White, conductor

GIUSEPPE VERDI La Traviata

Sung in Italian with English supertitles

Auditorium seating is reserved.

Collie Buddz will be performing LIVE on the Indoor Stage at Salvage Station on Thursday, June 29th, 2023 along with Sammy Adams! Doors open at 7PM and the music starts at 8PM. This is a General Admission, 18+ show (no exceptions). FREE PARKING!

Root Down will be serving their delicious twist on Southern Soul food and we’ll have a few rotating food trucks on-site as well! There will also be MULTIPLE full bars open for you to enjoy!

AGE LIMIT: Must be 18 or Older

– ALL AGES
– SEATED SHOW
– LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE

Greg Ruby, Don Stiernberg, Evan Price and Kevin Kehrberg will bring their unique tapestry of acoustic string swing to the Grey Eagle on Thursday, June 29, 2023. Performing work from their latest record “Rhythm Twist,” they will weave together elements of Hot Club jazz, mando-bop and old school swing – all on an acoustic guitar, mandolin, violin and upright bass.

With Greg from New York, Don from Chicago, Evan from San Francisco and Kevin from Asheville, the four have collaborated every summer while in residency as teaching staff at the Swannanoa Gathering. In 2020 and 2021, the Covid-19 pandemic prevented them from getting together so instead they created a remote record – “Rhythm Twist”.  Each musician composed one song and arranged two others. Passing charts, tracks and ideas between them, they created something unique and collective. Guitarist Greg Ruby states, “not only did this project help us maintain a sense of sanity and ground us in creativity, it kept us in touch with each other while riding out a very strange period of human history.”

“Spontaneity, conversation, and swingin’ good vibes” – The Mandolin Café

Poetry Open Mic Hendo is the all-new sister event of Poetry Open Mic Asheville, the
longest-running open mic in Western North Carolina, this weekly event welcomes all people and all forms of creative expression at
Hendersonville’s only Kava lounge.