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

Join us at the Asheville YMCA for this billigual Zumba class that is open to kids and their families!

This event is free and open to everyone.

Starring: 23 Skidoo & The Secret Agency, Empire Strikes Brass, Toybox Theatre, The Fritz and the Delta House Jazz Band

We are very excited to host the third annual Big Secret Family Festival on Sunday, July 21st!

Gates: 11:30 AM | Festival: 12:00PM

This year, the lineup is a goodie! 23 Skidoo & The Secret Agency, Empire Strikes Brass, The Fritz, and The Delta House Jazz Band, as well as loads of circus performers organized by Toybox Theatre and Cherokee Storytelling by John John Grant! Expect once in a lifetime performances where each band will collaborate with every other band to create weird and wonderful new musical mutations! Fun for the whole family, and unforgettable for everybody!!

100% of the profit from this festival will be split equally between DELTA HOUSE, Asheville’s oldest afterschool program, now celebrating its 40th anniversary, and BOUNTY & SOUL, an organization providing free nutritious produce to marginalized members of the Asheville and Black Mt. communities.

How do you feed the MIND, BODY, & SOUL of kids throughout the community, and have a BLAST DOING IT? …….That’s THE BIG SECRET!!!

Jack’s Bluegrass Brunch kicks off every Sunday at 12 noon — with lively bluegrass tunes courtesy of The Jack of the Wood Bluegrass Brunch Boys from 1-3pm. Sip a Bloody Mary or Mimosa or a warm Irish coffee. Tasty brunch specials alongside our regular menu and 18 taps of rotating craft brews! Sláinte, y’all!

Buncombe County Public Library is thrilled to announce The Hop Ice Cream as a proud supporting partner of this year’s Summer Reading Program to encourage youth literacy in our community. The Hop will provide free ice cream at the Summer Library Fest on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m.-noon at East Asheville Library. For added fun, The Hop owner Greg Garrison will collaborate with Secret Agent 23 Skidoo to provide a special dance performance to families in attendance.

Any kid or teen who visits a Buncombe County library to pick up their summer reading activity sheet will also receive a 10 percent off coupon redeemable at any Hop location or at Pop Bubble Tea. Return your completed activity sheet to any branch and receive a bookmark for a free kiddie scoop of ice cream at any Hop location. You must complete 10 or more activities on your sheet to be eligible for ice cream – and you can also select a free book of your choice!

Summer Reading runs from June 1 to  August 31 and is open to anyone from birth to age 18.  If you have any questions, just contact your friendly neighborhood library.

Come in from the heat and immerse yourself with the healing vibrations of a Sound Bath!
Join your host Kristin Hillegas, for a one-hour Serenity Sound Bath and experience a deeply immersive, full-body sound and vibrational experience. A sound bath can cleanse your soul, restore your balance, surround you with peace and tranquility and stimulate healing.
Note: Please bring a yoga mat/pillow/blanket since you will be lying on the floor. Wear warm, comfortable, and flexible clothing.
The Sound Bath will take place upstairs in the Education Building. Choose your space starting at 12:45 PM, doors close promptly at 1:00 PM.
This service is being offered on a Love Offering basis. Donations allow us to continue to provide these immersive experiences.
Accessible parking is available in the Center for Spiritual Living Asheville upper parking lot. The entrance to the upper parking lot is off of S. Bear Creek Rd between Science of Mind Way and Sand Hill Rd.
There is a boardwalk walk-way from the upper parking lot to the building entrance.

Cabaret

Book by Joe Masteroff

Based on the play by John Van Druten

and Stories by Christopher Isherwood

Music by John Kander, Lyrics by Fred Ebb

Willkommen to the Kit Kat Klub! A Berlin Nightclub at the end of the 1920s. Hitler’s totalitarian regime and the Nazi Party are on the rise. Be transported back in time and welcome for the first time at Flat Rock Playhouse, Kander and Ebb’s Broadway sensation, Cabaret! Dark and sensual, it will break your heart and lift your spirits more wildly than anything else you’ll see this season.  “Cabaret is one of the great Broadway musicals and musical scores of all time–an exhilarating, harrowing masterpiece.” –Time Out New York

*Adult language and content. Parental discretion is advised.

Guests will meet at Dssolvr Asheville (63 N. Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801) and then depart with their treasure map on a walking team scavenger hunt where they will use their minds and feet to follow clues, solve puzzles, and crack codes to find and unlock the treasure chest for a grand prize!

The hunt involves walking a distance of up to 2.0 miles in total and will take place rain or shine, so long as the weather does not become dangerous. The hunt typically takes about 60 minutes to complete.

Children under 10 years old are welcome to participate for free with the purchase of an Adult ticket.

A SLOW RIDE | PLAY BY JOSEPH REED HAYES

Three generations of women take a Sunday ride. A story about the tension, humor, affection and near-demented discord of families; the journey of mothers and daughters; in-jokes, embarrassment and eyeball rolling; but also the concerns and terrors of living under — and living with someone within — the shadow of encroaching dementia.

Award-winning playwright Joseph Reed Hayes has had dozens of productions and readings of his works in Florida, New York, California, and the United Kingdom; he’s also a performance artist and jazz producer, whose Jazz on Edge series encourages the performance of original music. Born in Manhattan, Hayes moved to Asheville in 2023, after a nearly three-decade career as a freelance writer and food critic in Florida. He has been a three-time associate artist-in-residence at the Atlantic Center for the Arts and has been the recipient of state and local arts grants and fellowships. “A Slow Ride” and “Destination Moon” are his first Asheville productions.
https://www.hayesplays.com

Three generations of women take a Sunday ride. A story about the tension, humor, affection and near-demented discord of families; the journey of mothers and daughters; in-jokes, embarrassment and eyeball rolling; but also the concerns and terrors of living under — and living with someone within — the shadow of encroaching dementia. The Asheville premiere of a play by award-winning playwright Joseph Reed Hayes. Destination Moon is produced by HayesPlays and presented in partnership with Asheville Community Theatre.

It’s about one moment. It’s about hitting the wall and having to make a choice… or
take a stand… or turn around and go back. These are the stories and characters of
today, the Songs for a New World. The first musical from Tony Award winner, Jason
Robert Brown (Parade, Bridges of Madison County), this moving collection of powerful
songs examines life, love and the choices that we make.
With a small, powerhouse cast and a driving, exquisitely crafted score that runs the
gamut of today’s popular music, Songs for a New World is a great way to bring the next
generation into the theatre.

Head to www.avlmt.org or @avlmusicals for more information.

Newly engaged and wondering where to even begin?

We want to make planning your Asheville wedding feel as simple and memorable as saying “I do,” with an intimate wedding planning experience, curated by local industry professionals. Whether you’re planning your dream wedding or helping a friend, this event is a must-visit. Discover the best vendors in Asheville’s wedding scene all under one roof at Rhubarb’s Event Space (7 SW Pack Sq). From photography to florals, live music to planning, stationary & calligraphy to our favorite local officiant, find everything you need to make your special day perfect in Asheville’s most charming downtown venue. And of course, Rhubarb and The Rhu will be serving up some tasty treats with an Hors D’Oeuvres station and a Dessert Bar featuring a custom Wedding Cake by Pastry Chef, Mallory Foster. Plus, an open bar with beer & wine! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to meet with top professionals and get inspired for your big day!

Learn more HERE.

Children’s Summer Theater Production of Bye Bye Birdie

Old Farmer’s Ball hosts family dances and waltzes at the Harvest House Community Center.

America’s favorite blonde, Elle Woods, is ready to prove who’s in charge in this fabulously fun, award-winning musical based on the adored movie. In the ultimate tribute to girl power, Legally Blonde follows Elle’s transformation from the UCLA sorority house to the Harvard halls of justice as she tackles stereotypes and scandal to pursue her dreams. Action-packed and exploding with pink, memorable songs, and dynamic dances – this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal!

Greenville Drive vs. Bowling Green

Jack’s long-running Traditional Irish Music Session is the perfect way to enjoy the Celtic-influenced sounds of talented pluckers from all over WNC & further afield! Stop in to enjoy a pint or afternoon Irish coffee with the music! Sláinte!

Relax and unwind to the rhythm and charm of Antler Hill Village as accomplished jazz, blues, rock, pop, swing, bluegrass, and rock duos, trios, and bands deliver fantastic 45-minute sets! Grab a sandwich, a cool drink, or an ice cream cone to enjoy against a backdrop of excellent musicianship, dynamic vocals, and the beauty of Biltmore Estate. Included with admission.

Sets begin on the half hour at 4:30 until 8:15 p.m. (last set starts at 7:30)

Relax and unwind to the rhythm and charm of Antler Hill Village as accomplished jazz, blues, rock, pop, swing, bluegrass, and rock duos, trios, and bands deliver fantastic 45-minute sets! Grab a sandwich, a cool drink, or an ice cream cone to enjoy against a backdrop of excellent musicianship, dynamic vocals, and the beauty of Biltmore Estate. Included with admission

Sets begin on the half hour at 4:30 until 8:15 p.m. (last set starts at 7:30)

July Schedule:

Thur. 7/4 – SPEAK EZ, Jazz, R&B and Motown

Fri. 7/5 – FLASHBACK, Classic Rock

Sat. 7/6 – MICHAEL STEVENS QUARTET, Jazz

Sun. 7/7 – STORMY WEATHER, Swing and Rock

Fri. 7/12 – CLAY LUNSFORD BAND, Americana

Sat. 7/13 – FREEPORT JAZZ, Jazz

Sun. 7/14 – FIRECRACKER JAZZ, Jazz

Fri. 7/19 – MICHAEL STEVENS QUARTET, Jazz

Sat. 7/20 – EMPORIUM, Variety 1950’s-Today

Sun. 7/21 – DRAYTON AND THE DREAMBOATS, Swing Jazz and Early Rock

Fri. 7/26 – ANNE COOMBS AND COMPANY SWING, Swing, Jazz, Blues and Pop

Sat. 7/27 – JOSEPH HASTY AND CENTERPIECE JAZZ, Jazz

Sun. 7/28 – MARK GUEST QUINTET, Jazz

To enjoy this complimentary event, guest must have a daytime ticket, a Biltmore Annual Pass, or a stay at one of the estate’s splendid overnight properties. Space is limited; seating available on first-come, first-served basis. Dates and live performance schedule subject to change. Outside food and beverage not permitted on Village Green. Outside alcohol not permitted on Biltmore property.

Every Sunday Modelface Comedy brings you the best comedians from all over the country. This weekend we have Lydia Popovich from Nashville!!!

Lydia Popovich originally hails from San Jose, CA but currently lives in Nashville, TN. Her anecdotal humor and vivid storytelling make her a unique voice in a sea of dick jokes. On stage, she is a force to be reckoned with bringing energy and unparalleled confidence to each performance. She’s a featured performer at Improv Comedy Clubs, Laugh Factory Comedy Clubs, Punch Line SF, Punch Line Sacramento, Cobb’s Comedy Club and Zanies Comedy Clubs. Her comedy can be heard on popular comedy podcasts The Daily Zeitgeist (iheartmedia), Celebrity Book Club, What Up Fool? with Felipe Esparza (ATC) and The Dork Forest (ATC). She’s performed at festivals like Oddball Comedy & Curiosity, SF Sketchfest and Netflix is a Joke Festival. Lydia tours nationally and internationally having performed as far away as Singapore, Berlin and London. Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters once touched her arm and said, “Hey, you’re pretty funny!” The only things that bring her more joy than comedy are Dolly Parton and brunch.

ages 18+
Doors at 6pm, show at 6:30pm

Immerse yourself in the magic of twilight and experience the wonders of nighttime in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Enjoy a mindful, integrative experience along the French Broad River as the sun sets and the full moon rises. Experience the golden hour and the beauty of dusk and moonlight like never before. During this guided nature immersion, explore a series of invitations to quiet your mind and awaken your senses while deepening your connection with nature, community, and Self.

This gentle and restorative experience is suitable for most ages and activity levels and will not exceed one-mile round trip. We’ll end with a candle-lit wild-foraged tea ceremony!

These retreats take place on peaceful private property.

General Show Info
This show is open to all ages.
4:30PM GATES FOR VIP – 5:30 FOR GA and FOOD TRUCK VILLAGE OPEN / 7:00PM SHOW (set times subject to change at artists discretion)
This event is rain or shine.
There is no re-entry into the concert venue, except for emergency situations.
Children 5 years of age and under are admitted free.
Camping chairs and blankets are permitted, however chairs will NOT be allowed within 150 feet of the front of stage.
All tickets are General Admission.

Ticket Information
Pricing:
VIP Tickets: $250
Advanced General Admission: $65
At the Door General Admission: $75

VIP Tickets Include:
Early Entry to concert grounds and food trucks – 4:30PM
Premium Viewing Area in front of the stage
Lifted Premium viewing area by the VIP Tent & VIP Bar
Access to VIP Area Portable Restrooms
One complimentary drink ticket

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.