The SPARC Foundation empowers marginalized people with individualized support; increasing self-sufficiency, family health and community safety. Our mission is to keep residents of Western North Carolina out of institutional care. SPARC’s programs focus on: – keeping adults out of prisons and mental health facilities – keeping children out of foster care or group homes – re-educating domestic abusers; teaching them new methods of interacting with intimate partners and family members – supervising and facilitating DSS court-ordered family visits and coaching parents as they learn new parenting skills – ensuring access to nutritious, free food for low income residents living in designated “food desserts” – offering Family Centered Treatment; in-home therapy designed to support reuniting families – assisting former inmates with employment, education and housing opportunities to increase their chances of success upon re-entering society and decrease recidivism www.thesparcfoundation.org
Calendar of Events
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.
Sunday, September
22, 2019
‘Mountain Top Polka Band’ Oktoberfest Tour Dates
Asheville Van Life Rally
Imagine Music Festival Creates An Unbelievable First Round Lineup
Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
Local Natives The Gloomies
August 23, Appalachian Ridge Hard Cidery in Hendersonville
August 24, HiWire Brewing Company at the Big Top
Sept. 22, UpCountry Brewing on Haywood Road
Sept. 28, Southern Appalachian Brewery in Hendersonville
Oct. 4, Garden Deli in Burnsville
Oct. 6, Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School in West Asheville
Oct. 10, Highland Brewing Company and
Oct. 20, Saint Paul Mountain Vineyard in Hendersonville
A weekend of camping, community, connection, and celebration with van dwellers, weekend warriors, roadtrippers, overlanding geeks, and all sorts of adventure mobile lovers. There will be 400 vehicles camping and 3,000 daytime visitors on a beautiful 65-acre property just 20 minutes from downtown Asheville.
Join us for the weekend, or as a visitor Saturday during our general admission hours (10am-10pm). More information on our ticketing site.
This is a family-friendly event where all are welcome!
After giving fans a glimpse into Chapter Six of the aquatic fairytale, with the release of the theme for Imagine 2019- “What Lies Deep at the Bottom of the Ocean,” the first round lineup is finally here. Featuring a series of mind-blowing headliners, as well as talent that underscores the depth of this annual announcement, fans are once again invited back to this aquatic mecca September 20-22, 2019. Headlining artists joining previously announced Seven Lions, include: Diplo; REZZ; Above & Beyond; Alison Wonderland; Zeds Dead and Marshmello. With still more headliners to be announced, this initial collection of top tier names are joined by over 30 additional artists.
Featuring four main stages, with more stages and artists to be announced, Imagine’s immersive aquatic fairytale will permeate all areas of the festival- from the infield to deep into the early morning in the camping areas. Additional artists on the 2019 performer lineup include: Oceania Stage: Alan Walker; KSHMR; Matoma; 1788-L; Ghastly; K?D; Leah Culver; Said the Sky and Svdden Death. Amazonia Stage: Louis the Child; Tipper; Cherub; Detox Unit; GoldfishPhantoms and Thriftworks. Disco Inferno Stage: Claude Vonstroke & Dirtybird Players Stage Takeover; Anna Lunoe; Dr. Fresch; J.Philip; Justin Jay; Justin Martin; Nora En Pure; Rusko; Wax Motif; Grave Gang and HE$H. Aeria Stage: BT; Darude; AK1200 and Reid Speed.
“Finally we are able to let the cat out of the bag and show our fans what has taken many months to curate,” says Iris Presents founders Glenn and Madeleine Goodhand. “Each year we challenge ourselves to top the previous lineup and that is proving to be more and more difficult. We are thrilled with the initial lineup and have many more gems to reveal over the next few months.”
Returning September 20-22, 2019, Imagine continues to further evolve embracing the aquatic theme that has been its hallmark over the past six years. Fans can stay connected for updates on Instagram at www.instagram.com/imaginemusicfestival, Twitter at www.twitter.com/imaginemusicfes and Facebook at www.facebook.com/imaginemusicfestival.
General Admission is available now starting at $199 for a 3-day pass and $249 for a 3-day pass with camping. VIP passes with express entry into festival, exclusive viewing areas, VIP bars and lounges, and private air-conditioned VIP trailer restrooms start at $299 for a 3-day pass and $329 with a 3-day pass with camping. Payment plans are available for a downpayment as low as $57.00, where fans can elect for four low monthly installments. Tickets are available online at www.imaginefestival.com. Imagine Music Festival is an 18 and over event.
Imagine Music Festival is produced by Iris Presents. Visit www.imaginefestival.com for the most up-to-date information.
Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
Sundays
1 till who knows when?
Traditional Irish music is kept alive at Jack of the Wood with our unplugged Sunday session.
Jack of the Wood
95 Patton ave
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 252.5445
This Sunday, one of our very favorite indie/folk/pop bands Local Natives returns to the Peel and the show is almost sold out!
Thursday, September
26, 2019
Young Farmers BBQ Mixer
Under the Stars
Hickory Nut Gap Farm and the National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC) have joined together to celebrate all those interested in pursuing a career in agriculture.
On Thursday, September 26th from 5pm to 9pm, all new and future farmers are invited to spend the evening enjoying a buffet of farm-raised bbq, drinks, and fellowship. To start the evening, attendees will enjoy a guided square dancing icebreaker, followed by live music by Bull Moose Party and finally an update from the NYFC on their tireless efforts on capitol hill lobbying for young farmers.
“With the average age of farm owners in the U.S. approaching 60 and all of the food-related challenges ahead of us in the coming decades it can often feel hopeless and daunting to be involved with agriculture in the 21st century. But the truth is, there is hope, there are more and more young and beginning farmers joining our food system every day; but with such a decentralized form of production, these young farmers often don’t have many options to connect with each other, network, and feel encouraged,” says Hickory Nut Gap farm director, Asher Wright. “Here at HNG we have a great event space and kitchen with the capacity to host an event, and so we are very excited to welcome the next generation of producers to our farm to connect with each other and be assured that nobody is alone in this industry.”
5p-6pm: Mingle and Official Welcome
6pm-9pm: Complimentary dinner, drinks, live music
Dinner: BBQ, farm-to-fork sides, fresh breads all prepared by our culinary team at Hickory Nut Gap Farm
Drinks: Each attendee will receive two (2) complimentary drink tickets that can be used for beer, wine, or specialty soft drinks. Water and tea are unlimited. Additional beverages available to purchase.
Save the date for Asheville Museum of Science’s largest fundraiser of the year! The 6th annual “Under the Stars” is a benefit taking place September 26th from 6 PM to 9 PM at Highland Brewing Company with a special musical guest to follow. Come celebrate and support science and STEM education. For $40/person, the fundraiser includes dinner, drinks, live music, a visit inside the museum’s portable planetarium, and premier live and silent auction items to bid on. More details coming soon!
Friday, September
27, 2019
Asheville Greek Festival
CELTIC CORNER Music of the Irish Baroque Pan Harmonia
Arrival From Sweden: The Music Of ABBA
25th annual Twin Rivers Media Festival Feature Film: “Fever Dreams”
The Reel Sisters: Rosalind Buda Scottish smallpipes • Kelly Brzozowski harp
The original ABBA is Sweden’s biggest music export ever, with 370 million records sold. With rich sounds of pop, rock and funk, The Music of Abba is a salute to the legacy of countless hits including “Mamma Mia”, “Dancing Queen” and “SOS”. This band is hailed as the most authentic and greatest of all ABBA show bands ever! So pull out your spandex, pull up your platforms and prepare to dance the night away under the sparkle of the disco ball!
Ticket Prices: $25, $31, $38
“Fever Dreams”
Director: Rob Underhill (Carrboro, NC)
2nd Prize Feature film winner of the 25th annual Twin Rivers Media Festival
Four creepytales guaranteed to give you Fever Dreams…The Agent: an alcoholic screenplay middleman becomes trapped in acting out a nightmare scripted especially for him. The Entertainer: our host reveals on national television a tragic love story… and the contents of his coffee table. This is followed by a concise vignette on the importance of Timed Romance. The Cameraman: a wannabee movie-maker’s documentary turns into a real life horror story! Filmmakers, Director and Actors will attend the screening and be available for questions.
Doors open at 7:30 / Film begins at 8:00. Open donation.
Saturday, September
28, 2019
‘Mountain Top Polka Band’ Oktoberfest Tour Dates
Time Traveling Gala
2019 Blue Ridge Pride Festival
Asheville Greek Festival
Hendersonville Oktoberfest
The Ramble Fall Concert Biltmore Forest
Pride. Karaoke. Love.
August 23, Appalachian Ridge Hard Cidery in Hendersonville
August 24, HiWire Brewing Company at the Big Top
Sept. 22, UpCountry Brewing on Haywood Road
Sept. 28, Southern Appalachian Brewery in Hendersonville
Oct. 4, Garden Deli in Burnsville
Oct. 6, Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School in West Asheville
Oct. 10, Highland Brewing Company and
Oct. 20, Saint Paul Mountain Vineyard in Hendersonville
Leave your passports at home and visit Europe in Asheville!
The party kicks off at a steel foundry turned luxury hotel and then travels from the heart of Asheville to England, Italy and France, with food and cocktails inspired by each location.
The homes we are visiting are historic and guests should be prepared for stairs and uneven surfaces.
Blue Ridge Pride is back and better than ever! The festivities begin on Friday evening with Friday in the Park, an opportunity for youth performers to showcase their talents on the stage at Pack Square Park!
A procession from Scandals Nightclub on Grove St. kicks off Saturday’s event at 10:00 a.m., come out and show your pride all the way from Scandals to Pack Square Park!
Finally, the festival begins at Pack Square Park at 11:00 a.m. The family-friendly environment features exciting vendors of all kinds, food, music at two different stages, dancing, performances, an inflatable bounce house, educational and community resources, and more!
Celebrate Oktoberfest in Hendersonville with games, food, music, and of course great beer! Things to do for all ages. Small entrance fee at gate. You don’t want to miss this event!
Join Aloft Asheville Downtown on Saturday, September 28 from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. for a night of fun, laughs and karaoke! Hosted by local comedian Betsy Puckett, Pride. Karaoke. Love. is an event you won’t want to miss.
And, all weekend long, Aloft Asheville Downtown will be hosting an information desk to answer all your questions. Stop by and be sure to check out these other awesome events happening all weekend long!
Movies & Mixers – Thursday, September 26
Catch a movie at the Fine Arts Theater then head over to Aloft for a fun-filled mixer! Tickets are $20 and include a complimentary drink.
DJ at W xyz Lounge – Friday, September 27
Enjoy an evening of music and fun at w xyz Lounge.
Blue Ridge Pride Festival – Saturday, September 28
Stop by the information booth during the Blue Ridge Pride festival with all your questions! Even better, there will be w xyz gift cards up for grabs!
Green Man Brewing IPA Special – Thursday, September 26 – Sunday, September 29
Stop by for a refreshing glass of Green Man Brewing Luv All Brut IPA. Receive a complimentary Green Man Brewery pint glass and Green Man Pride sticker for every 16oz Luv All Brut IPA purchased. The best part? All sales go to Blue Ridge Partner Fund!
Call (828)232-2838 for more details. We hope to see you there!
Sunday, September
29, 2019
Asheville Greek Festival
Longhorne Slim and The Lost at Last Band
Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
The New Mastersounds
Please join us for an afternoon of live music, beer, food and comradery! This event is a fundraiser for Fernleaf Community Charter School. 50% of ticket sales will go to directly serve the schools mission which can be found here http://www.fernleafccs.org. Children 12 and under are free and do not require a ticket.
Schedule
1:00 PM- Gates Open
2:00 PM- Hayley Jane
3:15 PM- The David Mayfield Parade
4:30 PM – Jill Andrews
6:00 PM- Langhorne Slim and The Lost at Last Band
Jack of the Wood : Sunday-Irish Session
Sundays
1 till who knows when?
Traditional Irish music is kept alive at Jack of the Wood with our unplugged Sunday session.
Jack of the Wood
95 Patton ave
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 252.5445
Touting the release of their new album, “Shake It,” and celebrating an epic 20-year-run
Tuesday, October
1, 2019
Motionless In White: The Trick ‘R Treat Tour
Support:
We Came As Romans
After The Burial
Twiztid
An industrial city situated in Northeastern Pennsylvania, you could say Scranton quietly prides itself on a tried-and-true Rust Belt blue-collar work ethic.
For their fourth full-length album and first for Roadrunner Records Graveyard Shift, Motionless In White-Chris Motionless [Vocals], Ricky Horror [Guitar], Ryan Sitkowski [Guitar], Ghost [Bass], and Vinny Mauro [Drums]-dug into the roots of their hometown’s pervasive attitude.
“We’re a band that came out of the small town blue-collar spirit,” affirms Chris. “We put ten years into growing this and working hard to do what we love the most. We look forward to putting in another ten. Both the area we come from and the fan base brought us to this point. Graveyard Shift is all about that work ethic. It’s been instilled in us. Early on, we realized if you give the time and effort to chase a dream, it’s possible to achieve it by the sheer amount of drive and passion you have.”
Since 2006, that ethos has fueled Motionless In White’s rise to the upper echelon of modern rock. Albums such as 2010’s Creatures and Infamous in 2012 would galvanize a rabid fan base around the quintet. During 2014, Reincarnate reached new heights, bowing at #9 on the Billboard Top 200 and claiming #1 on Billboard’s Top Rock Albums Chart. The title track and lead single turned into a Top 20 Active Rock smash and notched 13.2 million YouTube views and 9.8 million Spotify streams. Simultaneously, they have shared stages alongside everyone from Slipknot, Korn, and Breaking Benjamin to A Day To Remember and Marilyn Manson in addition to making arresting festival appearances at Warped Tour, Aftershock, Rock On The Range, Rock Allegiance, and beyond.
Ticket price includes applicable sales tax.
Thursday, October
3, 2019
Baa’d to the Bone Shakedown Dinner 2019
Isis Music Hall Free Music Lawn Series
SPARC After Dark
The Gina Furtado Project Isis Music Hall
Nobuntu
The Reflection Tour with Sarah Clanton & Carrie Welling and special guest Andy Beckey
Joseph
Baa’d To The Bone Shakedown Dinner 2019 -to benefit those living with blood cancers. Come enjoy the greatest tunes of several generations with The Rewind Band, enjoy some of the tastiest beverages from the famous taps of Highland Brewing Company, and fill up with the “baa’d”est of burritos from Baa’d Sheep Burritos Food Truck on October 3, 2019 at the Meadow at Highland Brewing in Asheville, North Carolina AND help those living with blood cancers! This fun, family-friendly event will be the first of many.
Every Wednesday and Thursday (weather permitting) we will be featuring local bands on the Isis Lawn. Music starts at 6pm and ends at 8pm. It’s an evening of community. Bring a chair or blanket or grab one of ours that we offer.
Thursday, Oct 3rd :: 6:00PM :: Matt Fassas Trio
Wednesday, Oct 9th :: 6:00PM :: Upland Drive
Thursday, Oct 10th :: 6:00PM :: Pimps of Pompe
Wednesday, Oct 16th :: 6:00PM :: Queen Bee and the Honeylovers
Thursday, Oct 17th :: 6:00PM :: Fwuit!
Let your little light shine for The SPARC Foundation as we sparkle and glow (feel free to wear your boldest and brightest) along the French Broad River! Hosted by Asheville Affiliates, SPARC After Dark will light up the night to raise funds for programs working to keep people out of institutional care. Modern Strangers will fill the autumn air with high-energy music… and the event will overflow with tasty local food and drinks from Urban Orchard, Roots Hummus, Catabaw Brewing, Mellow Mushroom, and more. Expect spectacular raffle packages and local prizes.
The SPARC Foundation
Venue: Lounge
Genre: Acoustic, Bluegrass, Jazz, Swing
Nobuntu — Thursday, October 3, 2019, 8 p.m. The five voices of Nobuntu echo with power and intensity, emanating pure joy while embodying the spirit of the artists’ Zimbabwe home. An all-female a cappella vocal quintet, Nobuntu draws international acclaim for its inventive performances that are accompanied by minimalistic percussion, traditional instruments and organic, authentic dance movements
Venue: The Main Stage
Genre: Blues, Folk Rock, Pop/Rock
October 3, 2019 9:00 PM
Doors Open: 8:00 PM
Doors Open: 8:00 PM
Meet Jo package includes:
-One general admission ticket with early entry to see Joseph live
-Meet & greet / photo opportunity with Joseph
-Invitation to a special pre-show experience, featuring:
-Private 2-song performance
-Q&A session with Joseph
-Access to a cash bar*
-An autographed merchandise gift custom designed by the band
-Early merchandise shopping opportunity before general doors
*Local liquor laws apply
-One general admission ticket with early entry to see Joseph live
-Meet & greet / photo opportunity with Joseph
-Invitation to a special pre-show experience, featuring:
-Private 2-song performance
-Q&A session with Joseph
-Access to a cash bar*
-An autographed merchandise gift custom designed by the band
-Early merchandise shopping opportunity before general doors
*Local liquor laws apply
Support:
THAD
Ages 18+
There is nothing like the sound of siblings singing together. Whether it’s the Beach Boys or the Everly Brothers-or, more recently, First Aid Kit-absorbing the same breathing rhythms and speech patterns adds an element to vocal harmonies that can be pure magic. With the release of I’m Alone, No You’re Not, the mesmerizing, hypnotic sound of the trio known as Joseph-made up of sisters Allison, Meegan, and Natalie Closner-joins this elite company.
“It’s just second nature, like a fifth limb that’s already on you,” says first-born Natalie. “There’s an ability to anticipate what’s going to happen and blend with it. When Meegan and Allison sing, they know exactly what I’m going to do and when.”
But the Closners didn’t actually start singing together when they were growing up in Oregon, the children of artistic parents (their dad was a jazz singer and drummer, their mom a theater teacher). Natalie was the performer-“the older sister who stood on the edge of the fireplace and told everyone, ‘Watch me!,'” she says. Twins Meegan and Allison stayed out of her lane, joining in for their mother’s musical theater productions but otherwise avoiding the spotlight.
Ticket price includes applicable sales tax.