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.

Thursday, June 30, 2022
Thursday Produce Sorting/Box Prep with Bounty + Soul
Jun 30 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Bounty + Soul

Before you even begin thinking about volunteering, ask yourself – Am I well enough to volunteer?

Your safety and limiting the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s main priority. We encourage you to review and adhere to the recommendations on the Buncombe County readiness site on how best to avoid COVID-19 and what to do if you think you might have it.


Bounty & Soul is a community-based non-profit with a mission to connect people to food, education and each other.

This opportunity involves sorting and inspecting produce donations from local grocers and placing them into food boxes that are distributed at weekly drive-thru markets. 

Time Commitment:

  • Thursdays 10am-12pm
  • Thursdays 1-3pm

Requirements:

  • Volunteers should agree to adhere to all the safety measures implemented
  • Ability to lift 25 lbs.
  • Bending, stooping, and twisting may be required
  • Closed toed shoes

Health/Safety:

  • We are asking volunteers to wear/bring their own face covering when delivering items
    • Cloth covering nose and mouth
    • Fabric or disposable face mask
  • Asking volunteers to maintain physical distance of 6 feet or more when possible
    • Note: there are times when the volunteer task requires volunteers to engage closer than 6 feet. Please do not sign up if you feel uncomfortable.

 

1 and older
Is Family Friendly
Is Not Outdoors
Is Wheelchair Accessible
CENTENNIAL CULMINATION CELEBRATION
Jun 30 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Aston Park

This event marks our last opportunity to join together in recognition of our 100-year anniversary, celebrate the people and organizations who work to make our community a better place for all, and launch into the NEXT 100 years of community service.

Join us at historic Aston Park located across the street from United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County’s Community Services Building. We will gather and reimagine the future as a resilient community where everyone belongs and everyone thrives.

 

FREE EVENT FOR ALL | FOOD | LIVE DJ | PRIZES |
A COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY ASSEMBLING SUMMER ACTIVITY KITS FOR YOUT

Pint Night
Jun 30 @ 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Down Dog Yoga Studio and Dog Bar

Pint Night

$1 off draft beers every Thursday!

ArborEvenings
Jun 30 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Thursdays and most Fridays through September 30, 2022 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.

There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.

Find more information, including a musician schedule, here.

Beverage Service

Beer, Wine, and soft drinks will be for sale onsite at the Green Gardener’s Shed from 5:30 to 8:15 p.m. each night of the event. Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited, but guests are welcome to bring in water or a favorite non-alcoholic beverage.

Food Available for Pre-Order, Picnics Welcome

Although the Bent Creek Bistro will not be open during the event, they will be offering their delicious dining options at ArborEvenings via pre-order! Simply place your online order — including alcoholic beverages — up until 11 a.m. on the date you plan to attend, then pick up your order at the Baker Information Desk between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. (In the event of rain cancellation, pre-orders will be fully refunded.)

Guests are welcome to bring in outside food and non-alcoholic beverages. However, outside alcohol is strictly prohibited.

Please note: ArborEvenings will not be held in the event of rain. Please check the website or Facebook page by 3 p.m. for any cancellation announcements prior to attending. 

The Beat Goes On: Lake Julian Park Drum Circle
Jun 30 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Lake Julian Park

We are shamelessly drumming up attention for our exciting new program at Lake Julian Park. Starting Thursday, March 31, Buncombe County Recreation Services is hosting a drum circle on the last Thursday of every month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The only thing you need to bring is yourself and a drum, and then just let the rhythm and beautiful scenery do the work as you enjoy the beat and comradery of fellow percussionists.

All experience levels are welcome, and registration is not required. If you have any questions, please contact Park Ranger Zach Hickok at (828) 684-0376.

 

: Every Last Thursday until -Sept. 29 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Park shelter number 2, Lake Julian Park, 26 Lake Julian R

Asheville Dulcimer Orchestra
Jun 30 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Enka-Candler Library

 

 

The Appalachian mountain dulcimer is a fretted stringed instrument of the zither family, using 3, 4, 5, or 6 strings; the strings and fretboard stretch the entire length of the sound box.  It’s closest European ancestor is felt to be the German scheitholt.

The mountain dulcimer is accepted as a true American instrument. It was “born” in the Appalachian Mountains in the early 1800’s.  It was, and remains, a major contributor to the development and spread of traditional music of the Southern Appalachians.

The Asheville Dulcimer Orchestra is a group of 18 Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer players led by Music Director, Mack Johnston and Executive Director Melanie Johnston. The dulcimer family of instruments include baritone and bass as well as traditional standard instruments, allowing us to create an orchestra of varied musical voices. Come hear the group play a varied program that includes music from many classical periods, as well popular and traditional music.

Program is free and takes place in the library community room.

Gluten-free comedy open mic at Ginger’s Revenge  
Jun 30 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Ginger's Revenge  

  • Gluten-free comedy open mic at Ginger's Revenge
  • 6:00pm – 8:00pm

    Open mic comedy every Thursday from 6-8pm at Ginger’s Revenge Tasting Room.

    Rotating hosts each week Clay Jones, James Burks and Katy Hudson

    No cover
    Signup starts at 5:30, and signup order will not necessarily be show order. Each comic gets 5 mins of stage time

A Cappella Alive!
Jun 30 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Senior Opportunity Center

We are a group of women who love to sing a cappella harmony in a variety of styles. We are seeking Leads but welcome other parts too—Baritone, Bass, Tenor.
Because we care about quality, we require user -friendly auditions.

We meet weekly.

Check us out!

Asheville Tourists Game Highlight: Thirsty Thursday
Jun 30 @ 6:30 pm
McCormick Field

See the source image

Come enjoy $1 Beers and $1 Cokes every Thursday, thanks to Catawba Brewing Co.!

Carmen
Jun 30 @ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Porter Center-Scott Concert Hall

Carmen

Bizet’s smoldering drama Carmen is one of the most popular operas of all time. With some of opera’s most iconic melodies, this tale of seduction and obsession promises to thrill both the seasoned opera lover and the opera-curious!


PERFORMANCE & ARTIST DETAILS
Janiec Opera Company of the Brevard Music Center
Brevard Festival Orchestra
Conductor, Joseph Mechavich

GEORGES BIZET Carmen

Sung in French with English supertitles

Auditorium seating is reserved.

GREENVILLE CHORALE: LAKESIDE PATRIOTIC CONCERT
Jun 30 @ 7:30 pm
Furman Amphitheater

To celebrate America’s Independence Day, the Chorale will join the Furman Lakeside Band for an uplifting, entertaining evening of music.

Proud Mary Theatre Company presents: Hello, Daddy
Jun 30 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Artists Collective | Spartanburg

Fresh off of her leading role in “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” at Warehouse Theatre, Delighted Tobehere is bringing her show “Hello, Daddy!” to the Proud Mary stage. Part musical theatre tribute and part heartfelt memoir, “Hello, Daddy!” celebrates 20 years of delighting drag audiences (including competing on America’s Got Talent!).!

Rich Nelson Band (Album Release Show)
Jun 30 @ 8:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

Rich Nelson Band (Album Release Show)

Rich Nelson is a rock musician originally from Detroit. He has been making music and art in the mountains of North Carolina since 2004. After playing in many bands for many years, Rich Nelson recorded his first solo album in 2018, his second in 2019, and the third in 2020-21.

The fourth album ‘Lucky Bounce’ will be released in June 2022, with an accompanying film documenting its recording.

Check out the recent ‘Fret And Wail’, the second record ‘Twenty Twenty Hearing’, and the first one ‘Ever Since Now’ at RichNelsonBand.com, at Dark Corner Records, or on iTunes, Spotify, etc. There’s also some fun stuff on YouTube.

The band features Rob Driscoll on drums and Jeff Manson on bass, and the band is excited about their new music and getting back out to play!

Rich Nelson Band (Album Release Show)
Jun 30 @ 8:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

Rich Nelson Band (Album Release Show)

Rich Nelson is a rock musician originally from Detroit. He has been making music and art in the mountains of North Carolina since 2004. After playing in many bands for many years, Rich Nelson recorded his first solo album in 2018, his second in 2019, and the third in 2020-21.

The fourth album ‘Lucky Bounce’ will be released in June 2022, with an accompanying film documenting its recording.

Check out the recent ‘Fret And Wail’, the second record ‘Twenty Twenty Hearing’, and the first one ‘Ever Since Now’ at RichNelsonBand.com, at Dark Corner Records, or on iTunes, Spotify, etc. There’s also some fun stuff on YouTube.

The band features Rob Driscoll on drums and Jeff Manson on bass, and the band is excited about their new music and getting back out to play!

RED ROCK HILL

Red Rock Hill plays original songs and selected covers in luminous arrangements.

 

With Jay Wetmore on lead guitar and vocals and Elise Fillpot on rhythm guitar and vocals, the Red Rock Hill Americana sound soars with rich dynamics, unique arrangements and raw harmonies.

Jay Wetmore brings 30 years of writing, recording and playing live music to Red Rock Hill. He has played professionally in numerous bands in New York, Utah and Iowa (including Long After Lunch, The Resistors, The Mark Watson Project, Traveling Mercies, Atomic Deluxe, and Dirty Bob Rocket, to name just a few) and has played the SxSW and NxNW music festivals.

 

Jay founded Red Rock Hill in 2010 to share his favorite music, both his own and that of other musicians. His influences include the Allman Brothers, Steve Earle, Little Feat, and the Grateful Dead. Extraordinary lyrics and haunting musical arrangements set his songs apart. Jay’s guitar trademarks are captivating leads and a strong percussive groove.

Elise Fillpot has lived in North Carolina, Texas, Montana and Utah. She brings a rock-steady, joyful groove to the stage. Since 2018, she and Jay have made their home in Landrum, South Carolina.

Friday, July 1, 2022
LEAF Summer Hip Hop Dance Camp
Jul 1 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
LEAF Global Experience

Hip Hop Dance Camp Week 2 – June 27 to July 1. Hip Hop Dance Camp is for rising 1st through 6th graders. This camp will be led by LEAF Master Resident Teaching Artist Otto Vazquez and will introduce students to the stylings, history, and culture of hip hop dance. Mr. Otto is sure to teach your kiddo some smooth moves!

Camps runs from 9 am to 5 pm at LEAF Global Arts Experience Downtown Asheville. Morning drop-off is between 8:30 am and 9 am and pick-up is from 5 pm-5:30 pm. Snacks will be provided, and students should bring a bagged lunch and a water bottle to camp every day.

MOANA WORKSHOP
Jul 1 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Asheville Performing Arts Academy

Moana 2022 Summer

Come and see how far YOU’LL GO!

This thrilling and heartwarming coming-of-age story follows the strong-willed Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage. Moana and the legendary demigod Maui embark on an epic journey of self-discovery and camaraderie as both learn to harness the power that lies within. With empowering messages of bravery and selflessness, Moana JR. is sure to bring out the hero within each of us.

Camp features: acting and improv classes, music and choreography, prop building, theatre games and more!

S.A.S.Y. Art Camps Ages 8-12
Jul 1 @ 9:00 am – 2:15 pm
Tryon Fine Arts Center

Our Summer Arts Camp is a one-week encounter with music, visual as well as performing arts. Our campers will be given the flexibility to choose their own art experience. They may want to dabble in the performing arts or take part in the visual arts or perhaps do a bit of both.

  • Origami: Susie Walker will teach you all the ins and outs of the folding world of Origami. In this hands-on class, you will not only learn the methods but you will learn all the practical applications of this ancient old world art. Time: 9:00 PM.

 

  • Drawing: Sharpen your skills with artist Ben Sellers. He will show us the how’s and why’s of pen and ink. Giving you the tools you need to be a better artist. Time: 9:00 AM.

 

  • Theater Camp: Lights, Camera, Action!!                                If acting is your thing or something you would like to explore theater camp will give you an opportunity to act live on stage. We will learn all the mechanics of the live stage.  On the first day, we will assign parts and begin practicing for our play that will be performed on Friday. Every child will have a speaking part, learn about blocking, and all the other aspects of stage performance. Teacher: Clara Rogers – Time: 9:00 AM-12:00  PM.

 

  • Selfies, portraits, and collage: For a total emersion into all the elements of the facial features and then sign up for this class. Teacher, Kendal Stoney’s expert know-how will make it easy to create wonderful portrait artwork. Time: 10:45 AM.

 

  • Mural Painting: Ben Sellers, our hometown professional artist, will lead our young artist in a group effort to create a mural. This colorful experience will be a wonderful creative adventure. Time: 10:45 AM

 

  • Music Camp: Our favorite musical teacher and entertainer, Woody Cowan, will be ready and willing to give you a fun-filled singing experience that will have you toe-tapping and hand-clapping all week long. On Friday afternoon you will join all the other performing artists to show what you know.Time: 1:00 PM.

 

  • Wild & Wonderful Abstract Art: Abstract artist Tina Durbin will impart her love and knowledge of abstract art through her favorite abstract artist- Kandinsky, Piet Mondrian, and Jackson Pollack to name a few. Just have fun and let the world of color and line help you create your masterpiece!Time: 1:00 PM.
The Brevard Project: Reimagining the Future of Orchestral Programming
Jul 1 @ 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
apply online

Dates: July 11 – 16, 2022
Application: Available now through MyBMC
Cost: A $600 fee covers all housing, meals, classes, materials, and concert tickets. Spots are limited and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Please note: Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required for all students, faculty, and summer staff for the 2022 season. Please see our FAQ page for more information.


Program Summary

Brevard Music Center (BMC) presents The Brevard Project: Reimagining the Future of Orchestral Programming, a six-day intensive seminar and think-tank on orchestral programming intended for professionals and influencers in the orchestral field. Presented by Brevard Music Center in partnership with Bard College, the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University, the Chicago Sinfonietta, the South Dakota Symphony, the University of Michigan School of Music, and Project Director Joseph Horowitz, The Brevard Project takes place July 11-16, 2022. The central goals of The Brevard Project are to re-evaluate the artistic mission of the American orchestra and to share the skills needed to curate a more comprehensive, more inclusive American orchestral repertoire.


Curriculum

The Brevard Project: Reimagining the Future of Orchestral Programing complements Brevard Music Center’s week-long “Dvořák’s Prophecy” festival from July 11-16 and is inspired by Joseph Horowitz’s acclaimed new book Dvořák’s Prophecy and the Vexed Fate of Black Classical Music. Part think-tank, part seminar, this inaugural Project gathering equips practitioners and scholars alike to begin to answer questions about the dense nexus of culture and race, of historical, political, and moral reckonings surrounding the story of American orchestral music. The central goals of this program are to re-evaluate the artistic mission of the American orchestra and to share the skills needed to curate a more comprehensive, more inclusive American orchestral repertoire. The Brevard Project is designed for conductors, artistic administrators, executive directors, community engagement specialists, conservatory students, and engaged orchestra Board members.

Moving forward requires a fresh and closer look at our musical past – and to the lagging formation of an American symphonic canon. A new narrative of American classical music will be proposed that explores timely and topical issues that impact present and future orchestral programming. Why did our repertoire remain so stubbornly Eurocentric? What can we learn from this history? What can be mined from the treasure trove of long-hidden indigenous and Black music that can help to pave the future?

Classroom sessions will be highly interactive, drawing upon first-hand accounts of humanities-infused approaches to programming and community engagement. Topics of exploration include creating a “new paradigm” for American orchestral repertoire, rethinking the concert experience, and redefining the role of the music director. Participants will be challenged to envision programming and organizational initiatives to promote symphonic events grounded in the American experience, past and present.


The Faculty

A remarkable faculty has been assembled for this groundbreaking exercise.
*virtual participant

Joseph Horowitz, Project Director
Leon Botstein, President, Bard College; Music Director, American Symphony; Founder, Bard Festival and The Orchestra Now
Lorenzo Candelaria, Dean, Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University
Mark Clague, Music Historian, University of Michigan
JoAnn Falletta*, Music Director, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra
Christopher Gibbs*, Music Historian, Bard Conservatory; Artistic Co-Director, Bard Festival
Delta David Gier, Music Director, South Dakota Symphony
Blake-Anthony Johnson, CEO, Chicago Sinfonietta
Keith Lockhart*, Artistic Director, Brevard Music Center
Douglas McLennan, Founder/Editor, ArtsJournal
Jason Posnock, Chief Artistic Officer, Brevard Music Center
Jesse Rosen, Former CEO, League of American Orchestras
Larry Tamburri, CEO, Newark School of the Arts (former CEO, Pittsburgh and New Jersey Symphonies)

The Performers

Lara Downes, Pianist, producer, arts advocate
Sidney Outlaw, Baritone/pedagogue, Ithaca College
George Shirley, Tenor/pedagogue, University of Michigan


Enrollment Information

Conductors, artistic administrators, executive directors, community engagement specialists, conservatory students, and Board members are all encouraged to apply for The Brevard Project.

Capacity is limited. A $600 fee covers all housing, meals, classes, materials, and concert tickets for the week. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply now through MyBMC.

Support RiverLink at Your Local Caffeination Stations
Jul 1 @ 10:00 am
3 Different locations--see below

RiverLink is honored to be the beneficiary of the community giving program at High Five Coffee in June and July! Stop by for a beverage and add a $5 donation at the register—100% of your gift goes to RiverLink! In addition, 10% of branded merchandise sales will support our efforts to restore the French Broad. Three locations to serve you: 13 Rankin Ave., 190 Broadway St., or (our favorite) the 2000 Riverside Drive location in Woodfin, offering coffee drinks, pastries and smoothies plus outdoor seating and walking trails on the bank of the river. Now that’s a coffee stop!

Of course, you can always donate directly from this newsletter. Thank you for considering a gift today!

Friday Night Drum Circle
Jul 1 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Prichard Park

Visiting Asheville soon and looking for a fun way to fill your Friday night? The Asheville Drum Circle is a tradition unique to the area. While locals usually begin the beating of drums, tourists are welcome to join, dance, or simply take in the incredible atmosphere at any point.

If you’re looking for things to do in the area during your stay, this is a must! Here’s everything you should know about the Drum Circle.

The Asheville Drum Circle is a free event that’s open to all.

ArborEvenings
Jul 1 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Thursdays and most Fridays through September 30, 2022 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.

There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.

Find more information, including a musician schedule, here.

Beverage Service

Beer, Wine, and soft drinks will be for sale onsite at the Green Gardener’s Shed from 5:30 to 8:15 p.m. each night of the event. Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited, but guests are welcome to bring in water or a favorite non-alcoholic beverage.

Food Available for Pre-Order, Picnics Welcome

Although the Bent Creek Bistro will not be open during the event, they will be offering their delicious dining options at ArborEvenings via pre-order! Simply place your online order — including alcoholic beverages — up until 11 a.m. on the date you plan to attend, then pick up your order at the Baker Information Desk between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. (In the event of rain cancellation, pre-orders will be fully refunded.)

Guests are welcome to bring in outside food and non-alcoholic beverages. However, outside alcohol is strictly prohibited.

Please note: ArborEvenings will not be held in the event of rain. Please check the website or Facebook page by 3 p.m. for any cancellation announcements prior to attending. 

PATIO SHOW: Magenta Sunshine
Jul 1 @ 6:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

PATIO SHOW:  Magenta Sunshine

Magenta Sunshine laces danceable rhythms, horn-driven soundscapes, and poetic lyricism into genre-defying arrangements. The sextet’s sound synthesizes well-crafted songwriting into a brass inspired, funky psychedelia suited for hip shakers and wallflowers alike.

Asheville Tourists Game Highlights: Fireworks Night and Dollar Dog Friday
Jul 1 @ 6:30 pm
McCormick Field

See the source image

Fireworks Night

Post-Game Fireworks Show Presented By Ingles

 

Dollar Dog Friday

$1 hotdogs served every Friday, thanks to Blossman Gas!

Music On Main Concert featuring DeanO and The Dreamers
Jul 1 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Visitor Center Stage

Music on Main is the annual Friday evening summer concert series at the Hendersonville Visitor Center. Each week, bring a chair, sit back and enjoy free live music! Every concert showcases a different band performing diverse line-up ranging from pop, oldies, rock, to contemporary music. The family-friendly event offers concessions such as hot dogs, ice cream, pretzels and lemonade for sale. Every Friday evening, the Carolina Mountain Car Club hosts a classic car show in conjunction with Music on Main. The car shows are located in front of the Wells Fargo between Barnwell and Caswell Streets, which will be closed to traffic.

This week, enjoy the music of DeanO and The Dreamers, a dance party band that plays all of your favorite from the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s & 90s.

In case of inclement weather, the concert will be postponed until 8pm. If the weather does not improve by 8 pm the performance will be canceled.

This Concert Series is sponsored by Burger King, Kathy Watkins of Preferred Realty, Firehouse Subs, Blue Ridge Hospitality and Mast General. This event is hosted by the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority.

Shostakovich 5
Jul 1 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium

Shostakovich 5

While Barber’s style of American Romanticism is lyrical without restraint, Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 is complex and issues the perfect invitation to read between the notes of a composition written during an era of political strife and war. Kirill Gerstein brings his ferocious technique, discerning intelligence, and imaginative musical presence to Bartók’s lyrical 3rd Piano Concerto, one of the composer’s very last works.


PERFORMANCE & ARTIST DETAILS
Brevard Music Center Orchestra
Keith Lockhart, conductor
Kirill Gerstein, piano

SAMUEL BARBER Second Essay
BÉLA BARTÓK Piano Concerto No. 3
DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH Symphony No. 5

Auditorium seating is reserved.  Lawn seating is general admission.

Proud Mary Theatre Company presents: Head Over Hills
Jul 1 @ 8:00 pm
ARTISTS COLLECTIVE SPARTANBURG

Proud Mary Theatre Company presents the Upstate premiere of the bold new musical comedy Head Over Heels by The Go-Go’s, the Musical Comedy of the Summer for seven performances only June 24-July 2, 2022.

This laugh-out-loud love story is set to the music of the iconic 1980’s all-female rock band The Go-Go’s (2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee), including the hit songs, “We Got the Beat,” “Our Lips Are Sealed,” “Vacation,” “Head Over Heels,” and Belinda Carlisle’s “Heaven is a Place on Earth” and “Mad About You.”

West Side Story
Jul 1 @ 8:00 pm
Flat Rock Playhouse
West Side Story. July 1 - 30.

The number one requested musical from our 2019 show survey: you asked for it, you got it! From the first notes to the final breath, West Side Story is one of the most memorable musicals and greatest love stories of all time. Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City as two young, idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the ‘American’ Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of fear, violence, and prejudice remains one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching, and relevant musical dramas of our time. With a score by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, West Side Story is widely regarded as among the best musicals ever written.

Saturday, July 2, 2022
The Brevard Project: Reimagining the Future of Orchestral Programming
Jul 2 @ 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
apply online

Dates: July 11 – 16, 2022
Application: Available now through MyBMC
Cost: A $600 fee covers all housing, meals, classes, materials, and concert tickets. Spots are limited and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Please note: Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required for all students, faculty, and summer staff for the 2022 season. Please see our FAQ page for more information.


Program Summary

Brevard Music Center (BMC) presents The Brevard Project: Reimagining the Future of Orchestral Programming, a six-day intensive seminar and think-tank on orchestral programming intended for professionals and influencers in the orchestral field. Presented by Brevard Music Center in partnership with Bard College, the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University, the Chicago Sinfonietta, the South Dakota Symphony, the University of Michigan School of Music, and Project Director Joseph Horowitz, The Brevard Project takes place July 11-16, 2022. The central goals of The Brevard Project are to re-evaluate the artistic mission of the American orchestra and to share the skills needed to curate a more comprehensive, more inclusive American orchestral repertoire.


Curriculum

The Brevard Project: Reimagining the Future of Orchestral Programing complements Brevard Music Center’s week-long “Dvořák’s Prophecy” festival from July 11-16 and is inspired by Joseph Horowitz’s acclaimed new book Dvořák’s Prophecy and the Vexed Fate of Black Classical Music. Part think-tank, part seminar, this inaugural Project gathering equips practitioners and scholars alike to begin to answer questions about the dense nexus of culture and race, of historical, political, and moral reckonings surrounding the story of American orchestral music. The central goals of this program are to re-evaluate the artistic mission of the American orchestra and to share the skills needed to curate a more comprehensive, more inclusive American orchestral repertoire. The Brevard Project is designed for conductors, artistic administrators, executive directors, community engagement specialists, conservatory students, and engaged orchestra Board members.

Moving forward requires a fresh and closer look at our musical past – and to the lagging formation of an American symphonic canon. A new narrative of American classical music will be proposed that explores timely and topical issues that impact present and future orchestral programming. Why did our repertoire remain so stubbornly Eurocentric? What can we learn from this history? What can be mined from the treasure trove of long-hidden indigenous and Black music that can help to pave the future?

Classroom sessions will be highly interactive, drawing upon first-hand accounts of humanities-infused approaches to programming and community engagement. Topics of exploration include creating a “new paradigm” for American orchestral repertoire, rethinking the concert experience, and redefining the role of the music director. Participants will be challenged to envision programming and organizational initiatives to promote symphonic events grounded in the American experience, past and present.


The Faculty

A remarkable faculty has been assembled for this groundbreaking exercise.
*virtual participant

Joseph Horowitz, Project Director
Leon Botstein, President, Bard College; Music Director, American Symphony; Founder, Bard Festival and The Orchestra Now
Lorenzo Candelaria, Dean, Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University
Mark Clague, Music Historian, University of Michigan
JoAnn Falletta*, Music Director, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra
Christopher Gibbs*, Music Historian, Bard Conservatory; Artistic Co-Director, Bard Festival
Delta David Gier, Music Director, South Dakota Symphony
Blake-Anthony Johnson, CEO, Chicago Sinfonietta
Keith Lockhart*, Artistic Director, Brevard Music Center
Douglas McLennan, Founder/Editor, ArtsJournal
Jason Posnock, Chief Artistic Officer, Brevard Music Center
Jesse Rosen, Former CEO, League of American Orchestras
Larry Tamburri, CEO, Newark School of the Arts (former CEO, Pittsburgh and New Jersey Symphonies)

The Performers

Lara Downes, Pianist, producer, arts advocate
Sidney Outlaw, Baritone/pedagogue, Ithaca College
George Shirley, Tenor/pedagogue, University of Michigan


Enrollment Information

Conductors, artistic administrators, executive directors, community engagement specialists, conservatory students, and Board members are all encouraged to apply for The Brevard Project.

Capacity is limited. A $600 fee covers all housing, meals, classes, materials, and concert tickets for the week. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply now through MyBMC.

Support RiverLink at Your Local Caffeination Stations
Jul 2 @ 10:00 am
3 Different locations--see below

RiverLink is honored to be the beneficiary of the community giving program at High Five Coffee in June and July! Stop by for a beverage and add a $5 donation at the register—100% of your gift goes to RiverLink! In addition, 10% of branded merchandise sales will support our efforts to restore the French Broad. Three locations to serve you: 13 Rankin Ave., 190 Broadway St., or (our favorite) the 2000 Riverside Drive location in Woodfin, offering coffee drinks, pastries and smoothies plus outdoor seating and walking trails on the bank of the river. Now that’s a coffee stop!

Of course, you can always donate directly from this newsletter. Thank you for considering a gift today!

11 Year Anniversary Oak & Smoke Party!
Jul 2 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Dalton Distillery

Come join Dalton Distillery for their 11 year anniversary party! Owner Adam Dalton will be smoking a variety of meats with the 100% French oak chips used to age the award winning Hammond Oak Rum. Food is free to enjoy with purchase of a $5 tour and tasting!

Franny’s Farmacy will also be celebrating with us by passing out samples, coupons, and hosting a Tourist baseball ticket raffle.

Festivities start at 1pm

Music by Iggy Radio 2pm-5pm