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.
Kids’ Comedy Tour: Wildly funny, this educational and entertaining tour features the perfect blend of Asheville’s history and kid-centric comedy. Geared specifically toward the 5–12 year old crowd, you’ll explore the town with our famously outlandish tour guides leading the way.
- Perfect for birthday parties
- Makes for memorable school field trips
- Tickets are $27 per person
- Beverages available for purchase at the LaZoom Room
- Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue
Romare Bearden (Charlotte, NC 1911–1988 New York, NY), African American writer and artist, is renowned for his collages. He constantly experimented with various techniques to achieve his artistic goals throughout his career. This exhibition highlights works on paper and explores his most frequently used mediums, including screen-printing, lithography, hand-colored etching, collagraph, monotype, relief print, photomontage, and collage.
Bearden’s work reflects his improvisational approach to his practice. He considered his process akin to that of jazz and blues composers. Starting with an open mind, he would let an idea evolve spontaneously.
“Romare Bearden: Ways of Working highlights Bearden’s unique artistic practice and masterful storytelling through art,” says Pamela L. Myers, Executive Director of the Asheville Art Museum. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Jerald Melberg Gallery to present these extraordinary works on paper in conversation with Bearden’s collage Sunset Express, 1984 in the Museum Collection (on view in the Museum’s SECU Collection Hall). This exhibition will also provide a glimpse into the cultural histories and personal interests that influenced his art-making practice, and we hope it encourages introspection and dialogue with our visitors.”
Jerald Melberg states, “Romare Bearden’s groundbreaking artistic practice continues to captivate audiences worldwide. With an unparalleled legacy of creativity and innovation, Bearden’s contributions to art remain deeply influential years beyond his life.” We have enjoyed organizing this exhibition with the Asheville Art Museum to showcase his artistic genius and inspire visitors from the Western North Carolina region and beyond.”
This exhibition is made possible in part by the Judy Appleton Fund. Many thanks to the Jerald Melberg Gallery for the loan of these important artworks and to Mary and Jerald Melberg for their long-standing support of the arts, artists, and the Asheville Art Museum.
Tracey Morgan Gallery is pleased to present an exhibition of paintings by artist Stella Alesi in our project space. This is Alesi’s first exhibition with the gallery and is presented in conjunction with Hannah Cole: A Mirror, Not a Window in our main gallery space. A reception for both artists will be held Friday, November 3 from 6-8PM.
The works on view are from the SQUISHY series, a group of geometric, abstract oil on oil paper paintings. With the use of simple shapes and a limited color palette, these works explore the visceral experience of living at this current moment. Alesi’s colorful, “squishy” shapes bend to the demands placed on them by their seemingly heavy, unforgiving counterparts. With this work, Alesi confronts contemporary issues such as climate change and political turmoil, as well as personal trials, using basic shapes, both hard and malleable to express a state of being. The shapes are gestural, fluid, and animated – sometimes resembling body parts even in their minimalism. The effect is a playful interpretation of heavy topics – a visual play on the deep and multi-layer well of human emotions.
Stella Alesi works across several styles and mediums, including drawing, painting, photography, collage, and large wall works. Their practice is characterized by a willingness to try new approaches in the ongoing investigation into new materials and visual languages, always exploring new ways to represent the visceral nature of the human experience. Born on Long Island, New York in 1963, Alesi was raised in New Jersey. They studied at Parsons School of Design, New York City; University Hampshire, Durham; and University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Their work has been purchased by many private and commercial collections. Career highlights include a recent solo exhibit (spring of 2023) at the Northern-Southern gallery, Austin, TX and a large-scale permanent installation in the lobby of The Foundry, Austin TX. Alesi currently lives and works in both Austin, TX and Asheville, NC.
The church and churchyard (cemetery) tours are sponsored by the St. John Episcopal Church
Docents. They will begin inside the Carriage Door entrance of the church. Reverend Josh
Stephens said, “The response has been overwhelming since we resumed tours last year to
learn about this historic church and churchyard. Beginning in 1836 and to this day, a vibrant
congregation has welcomed all to come to this sacred place and share in the story of St. John
in the Wilderness.”
The tours are free but advance reservations must be made online through the church’s
website, www.stjohnflatrock.org/tours. Space is limited for each tour.
The guided tours will be held the third Saturdays in November and December.
They begin promptly at 11 a.m. and last about an hour. Participants are encouraged to wear
comfortable shoes. There will be no rain dates.
The historically significant churchyard contains graves of un-named 19th century people who
were enslaved as well as distinguished political figures, and local citizens.
The church is located at 1895 Greenville Highway. For more information call the church
office at 828-693-9783 or visit www.stjohnflatrock.org.
In 1827, Charles Baring, a member of the Baring banking family of England, built a home in
Flat Rock. He and his wife, Susan, wanted a summer place to escape the oppressive heat,
humidity, and malaria of the South Carolina Lowcountry where they lived.
The Barings built a chapel on the property of their newly constructed home. Soon after it was
built the small wooden structure burned down in a woods fire. In 1833 work began on a
second church built of handmade brick.
In August of 1836 the Barings deeded their chapel to the Diocese of North Carolina and 20
members of the Flat Rock “summer colony” formed themselves into an Episcopal parish. In
the 1890s when the Missionary District of Asheville (later Diocese of Western North
Carolina) was formed, St. John in the Wilderness transferred its affiliation. It is the oldest
parish in the diocese.
With almost all the church members traveling back to the Lowcountry after the summer
season, the church mainly operated during summer months for its first 120 years. So rapid
was the growth of the Flat Rock community during the 1830s and 1840s that the parish
membership outgrew the capacity of the small chapel. In the early 1850s the decision was
made to rebuild the church, essentially doubling its size. With only a few minor modifications
the structure was completed in 1852. It is the one that stands today.
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Western North Carolina is important in the history of American glass art. Several artists of the Studio Glass Movement came to the region, including its founder Harvey K. Littleton. Begun in 1962 in Wisconsin, it was a student of Littleton’s that first came to the area in 1965 and set up a glass studio at the Penland School of Craft in Penland, North Carolina. By 1967, Mark Peiser was the first glass artist resident at the school and taught many notable artists, like Jak Brewer in 1968 and Richard Ritter who came to study in 1971. By 1977, Littleton retired from teaching and moved to nearby Spruce Pine, North Carolina and set up a glass studio at his home. Since that time, glass artists like Ken Carder, Rick and Valerie Beck, Shane Fero, and Yaffa Sikorsky and Jeff Todd—to name only a few—have flocked to the area to reside, collaborate, and teach, making it a significant place for experimentation and education in glass. The next generation of artists like Hayden Wilson and Alex Bernstein continue to create here. The Museum is dedicated to collecting American studio glass and within that umbrella, explores the work of Artists connected to Western North Carolina. Exhibitions, including Intersections of American Art, explore glass art in the context of American Art of the 20th and 21st centuries. A variety of techniques and a willingness to push boundaries of the medium can be seen in this selection of works from the Museum’s Collection. |
Whether you plan to decorate your tree from top to bottom with handblown glass ornaments or add a special ornament to your ornament collection, we invite you to sip, shop, and celebrate Small Business Saturday at Lexington Glassworks!
Join us on Small Business Saturday for our Annual Holiday Ornament Party on Saturday, November 25, from 12 PM to 4 PM. Visitors can enjoy glassblowing demonstrations, shop a large selection of handblown glass ornaments, enjoy a holiday DJ, and complimentary warm cider and hot chocolate for a festive Small Business Saturday celebration!
This event is in addition to our Limited Edition Ornament Release on Nov 18th. The 2023 Ornament will be released in our online store only.

French Broad River Park: Go to the parking lot off of Riverview Drive, which is off of Amboy Rd. Find the cobalt blue canopy tent!
We will be as close to as directly across the parking lot as we can, near the water, with the tent (go past the bathrooms and head to the water). So, you should be able to find us pretty easily if it’s your first time).
We’ll enjoy meditations/visualizations, psychic ability empowerment, chakra activations, and lively discussions about how we can participate in the evolution of the new earth… a world where truth and the ethos of love (e.g.: Law of One) are the guiding forces.
All who are interested in spiritual growth and evolution and getting to know others who are “on their wavelength” are welcome.
NOTE: Bring a chair, pillow, or towel to sit on, an open mind, and energies of love, receptivity, and curiosity.
We look forward to meeting you!
Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party
Brings the Magic to Fans at Bon Secours Wellness Arena
Through Innovative Technology and Transformative Performances
Disney on Ice Presents Mickey’s Search Party is bringing the magic to guests through dynamic moments that take place on the ice and in the air. This adventure delivers compelling storytelling through multi-leveled production numbers so be prepared to join this magical search and help unlock an epic journey when Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party delivers an unforgettable experience at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena from November 22-26, 2023.
- Disney On Ice Preferred Customers can purchase advance tickets starting today to get the best seats available before tickets go on-sale to the general public on July 25th. Fans can still sign up to become a Disney On Ice Preferred Customer and get exclusive access to the pre-sale offer code.
Embark on a quest with Mickey Mouse and pals as they follow Captain Hook’s treasure map for clues to find Tinker Bell after he attempts to capture her magic. Journey across the Marigold Bridge with Miguel from Disney Pixar’s Coco into the magnificent and mystical Land of the Dead and discover a vibrantly colorful performance with skeletons atop sway poles dancing over the audience in a beautiful cultural celebration of family. Travel to the wintry world of Arendelle and sing along with Elsa as video projection creates a kaleidoscope of crystals to help build her ice palace. Witness Belle lift into the sky as the enchanted chandelier comes to life high over the ice. Demonstrate the power of teamwork when Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jessie recruit the Green Army Men for a daring rescue in Andy’s room. Laugh hysterically as the hilarious pirates’ flip, tumble, and twist on tumble tracks, stilts and more to showcase their talents for Captain Hook. Sail away with Moana on her daring voyage across the ocean and bravely encounter the fiery wrath of Te Ka. And make memories with your whole family during Aladdin and The Little Mermaid as the search party becomes an all-out magical celebration
TEEN IMPROV 13-17 YEARS OLD:
Step into the spotlight with our Teen Improv class designed exclusively for ages 13-17. In this class, we empower young actors to shine by honing their stage presence and finding the funny. We encourage our students to let go of judgment and embrace the joy of improvisation. Our focus is on boosting confidence, creating genuine connections, and fostering a supportive and creative environment where talents can flourish. Through a series of dynamic “Whose Line is it Anyway” style improv games, teens will have the opportunity to showcase their comedic chops, quick wit, and storytelling skills.
It’s beginning to look a lot like…you got it! Keep the family tradition going. Same great quality, all new show! Come celebrate the season here on ‘The Rock’ with the always popular A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas! Join in and sing along to some of your favorite holiday tunes like, “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Jingle Bells,” “O Holy Night,” and many more. With an incredible cast
featuring dancers from Pat’s School of Dance and the Flat Rock Playhouse Chorus, there is truly no better way to kick off your holiday season!
Everybody look around! The Tony Award®-winning Best Musical that took the world by storm is back and coming to Greenville.
An all-new production of the groundbreaking musical The Wiz returns “home” to stages across America on a limited Pre-Broadway tour.
This revolutionary musical, adapted from The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, changed the face of Broadway—from its iconic score packed with soul, gospel, rock, and 70s funk to its stirring tale of Dorothy’s journey to find her place in a contemporary world. A dynamite infusion of ballet, jazz, and modern pop brings a whole new groove to easing on down the road.
The extraordinary cast features Alan Mingo, Jr. (“Doom Patrol,” Kinky Boots) as The Wiz, award-winning recording artist Deborah Cox as Glinda, Melody Betts as Aunt Em and Evillene, Kyle Ramar Freeman (A Strange Loop) as the Lion, Phillip Johnson Richardson (Sharper, A24) as the Tinman, and Avery Wilson (On Top of the World, Studio Album) as the Scarecrow. Nichelle Lewis(Hairspray National Tour) makes a star-turn Broadway debut as Dorothy.
Oz has been reimagined by a star studded creative team, led by director Schele Williams (Broadway’s upcoming The Notebook, revival of Disney’s Aida), choreographer JaQuel Knight (Beyoncé’s ‘Single Ladies’, Black is King), scenic design by Academy Award ®-winning Hannah Beachler (Black Panther, Beyoncé’s Black is King and Lemonade), costume design by Emmy Award®-winning and two-time Academy Award®-nominated Sharen Davis (Ray, Dreamgirls), lighting design by Barrymore Award-winning Ryan J. O’Gara (Thoughts of a Colored Man), sound design by Jon Weston (Parade), projection design by Daniel Brodie (Motown the Musical), and wig design by Charles LaPointe (MJ the Musical). Amber Ruffin (“The Amber Ruffin Show,” “Late Night with Seth Meyers”) pens additional material for William F. Brown’s trailblazing book. Charlie Smalls’ Tony Award®-winning score features iconic hits “Ease on Down the Road,” “Home,” and Luther Vandross’ “Everybody Rejoice,” with new musical moments from Joseph Joubert (music supervision, orchestrations, & music arrangements), Allen René Louis (vocal arrangements, music arrangements), and an Emerald Ballet composed by Timothy Graphenreed.
The Wiz runs approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, including intermission.
Caribbean Cowboys are coming back to the mountain for an afternoon of fun – come join us!
Asheville Outlets is celebrating the holiday season with a Tree Lighting Ceremony sponsored by Paramount Kia on Saturday, November 25, 2023. Santa will light the tree at 6 p.m. in center circle near Zales Outlets and Kay Jewelers. Prior to the tree lighting, visitors will enjoy festive music from the Enka High School Marching Band, strolling magic, stilt walkers, face painting, a visit from the Polo Bear and Vineyard Vines Whale, and more!
Josh and Ariel from STAR 104.3 will broadcast live from the event from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Immediately following the tree lighting ceremony, visit Santa in the food court for a FREE photo provided by TapSnap Phototainment. Visitors receive a FREE 4” by 6” photo and digital download of a single image. (While supplies last.) Free Santa Photos are sponsored by the North Carolina Arboretum Winter Lights. For more information, visit ShopAshevilleOutlets.com.
Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party
Brings the Magic to Fans at Bon Secours Wellness Arena
Through Innovative Technology and Transformative Performances
Disney on Ice Presents Mickey’s Search Party is bringing the magic to guests through dynamic moments that take place on the ice and in the air. This adventure delivers compelling storytelling through multi-leveled production numbers so be prepared to join this magical search and help unlock an epic journey when Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party delivers an unforgettable experience at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena from November 22-26, 2023.
- Disney On Ice Preferred Customers can purchase advance tickets starting today to get the best seats available before tickets go on-sale to the general public on July 25th. Fans can still sign up to become a Disney On Ice Preferred Customer and get exclusive access to the pre-sale offer code.
Embark on a quest with Mickey Mouse and pals as they follow Captain Hook’s treasure map for clues to find Tinker Bell after he attempts to capture her magic. Journey across the Marigold Bridge with Miguel from Disney Pixar’s Coco into the magnificent and mystical Land of the Dead and discover a vibrantly colorful performance with skeletons atop sway poles dancing over the audience in a beautiful cultural celebration of family. Travel to the wintry world of Arendelle and sing along with Elsa as video projection creates a kaleidoscope of crystals to help build her ice palace. Witness Belle lift into the sky as the enchanted chandelier comes to life high over the ice. Demonstrate the power of teamwork when Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jessie recruit the Green Army Men for a daring rescue in Andy’s room. Laugh hysterically as the hilarious pirates’ flip, tumble, and twist on tumble tracks, stilts and more to showcase their talents for Captain Hook. Sail away with Moana on her daring voyage across the ocean and bravely encounter the fiery wrath of Te Ka. And make memories with your whole family during Aladdin and The Little Mermaid as the search party becomes an all-out magical celebration
Downtown’s Holiday Street Lighting kicks off the season with Christmas songs, hot drinks and delicious treats from Black Bear Coffee, shopping and a countdown as Santa arrives to light up Main Street. Lights will turn on at 6pm followed by free visits with Santa and carriage rides.
Join Barnes & Noble – 33 Town Square Blvd Suite 100, Asheville, NC on Saturday, November 25 at 5:30 PM ET, as we welcome author, actress and producer Christy Cashman for a signing and photo-op to celebrate the launch of her debut novel THE TRUTH ABOUT HORSES which is already a #1 new release.
“Christy Cashman has written a beautiful, thrilling tale about a teenage girl’s journey from fear to courage, from anger to forgiveness, from broken-heartedness to openness. The Truth about Horses is so much about the mysterious forces, within us and around us, that are always there to guide us, and the way in which people enter our lives exactly when we need them—if only we’ll let them.” —Jane Seymour, actress, author, and co-founder of the Open Hearts Foundation
Praise for The Truth About Horses by Christy Cashman
“With all of the unpredictable thrill of a horseback ride, The Truth about Horses took me deep into the mind of a teenage girl searching for her post-traumatic truth. It is a beautiful, moving story that I’m glad to know and certain to remember.” —Harry Connick Jr., Emmy Award–winning actor and Grammy Award–winning musician
Don’t waste another moment reading these simple lines of praise. Go straight to the horse’s mouth. By the way, it’s a winner.” — Carly Simon, musician, singer, songwriter, and author
“This is a heartwarming novel about facing down the perils of adversity. It’s also an examination of how and why we become stronger at the broken places. Christy Cashman has written a book for everyone, young and old, who wants to know about the elemental gallop of the heart.” —Colum McCann, author of Apeirogon and Let the Great World Spin
Wanna hear the best local music and drink the best local beers? Hop aboard LaZoom’s Purple Bus and rock out with a local band while we take you on a journey to Asheville’s premiere local breweries.
Join us in celebrating 10 Years of Winter Lights ❅
❅ November 17 through December 31!
Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show made from over one million lights! Located at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, North Carolina, this year’s event features favorites like the famously tall 50-foot lighted tree and the Quilt Garden, along with enchanting new details designed to delight and surprise.
Please leave your furry friends at home!
To keep both visitors and pets safe, pets are not permitted at Winter Lights at the Arboretum. Service animals are always welcome.
Experience the Arboretum in a Whole New Light!
LISA CURRY is an internationally touring comedian and TV writer based in Los Angeles. She began her career as part of Second City Hollywood
Every Friday Modelface Comedy brings you the best comedians from all over the country. This weekend we have Lisa Curry from Los Angeles!!!
LISA CURRY is an internationally touring comedian and TV writer based in Los Angeles. She began her career as part of Second City Hollywood’s house improv ensemble, where she performed with some of the most well-respected names in comedy. Her quick mind and sharp wit have landed her jobs as a correspondent, covering a range of events, from the first Women’s March in New York to a cryptocurrency conference in Silicon Valley. In 2017, Lisa was the subject of an episode of the PBS docu-series, ‘Angeleno.’
In 2019, Lisa toured Europe for eight weeks, performing 51 shows in 9 countries with two separate hours of material. On that same tour, she headlined two festivals, recorded her debut album, “Alive For a While” in London and performed for the U.S. troops on an air force base in Jordan. Lisa has worked as a creative on ad campaigns for both Amazon and Comedy Central. She has also written for NBC, TruTV, and Comedy Central, where she was a staff writer on The Jim Jefferies Show. Lisa’s debut comedy album, “Alive for a While” topped the charts following an exclusive release on Sirius XM. Her show, “Long Story Long” airs Thursdays on Sirius XM’s “She’s So Funny” channel. Lisa splits her time between headlining around the world and opening for Jim Jefferies on his theatre tours.
Featuring Jess Cooley
ages 18+
doors at 6:30pm, show at 7pm

GHOST COMEDY BUS TOUR
Grab a local beer, crucifix and a rubber chicken* —You might survive this hour long hilarious haunted ghost tour of Asheville.
- Guided comedy bus tour of Haunted Asheville
- 60 minutes; tours run nightly after dark
- $33 per person (Ages 17+ only)
- Departs from 76 Biltmore Avenue
*Legal Note: Crucifix not required to board the bus; we do not condone exorcisms, chickens, rubber, or any combination of the three.
– ALL AGES
– RAIN OR SHINE
– FREE ENTRY
Join us this Fall for our Full Moon Market 7 p.m – 10 p.m.! Let the lunar light guide you as you peruse local art and crafts vendors, food trucks, music + more. Interested in vending? Email [email protected].
Every Saturday Modelface Comedy brings you the best comedians from all over the country. Party Dawgs comedy features the best local comics and our favorites from all over.
Hosted by Clay Jones
Featuring Brandi Agustus, Julia Macias and more!
ages 18+
doors at 6:30, show at 7pm
It’s beginning to look a lot like…you got it! Keep the family tradition going. Same great quality, all new show! Come celebrate the season here on ‘The Rock’ with the always popular A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas! Join in and sing along to some of your favorite holiday tunes like, “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Jingle Bells,” “O Holy Night,” and many more. With an incredible cast
featuring dancers from Pat’s School of Dance and the Flat Rock Playhouse Chorus, there is truly no better way to kick off your holiday season!
Written by Margaret Raether
based on the writings of P.G. Wodehouse
*Please note, this performance is NOT included in the 2023-24 Season Pass*
tickets are, however, available at a 10% discount with the purchase of a season pass
Join us for an holiday presentation of Jeeves Takes a Bow! The British upper crust meets the New York mob in this witty play. Everyone’s favorite hapless hero, Bertie Wooster, embarks on an American adventure armed only with his handsome fortune, his talent for trouble, and his remarkable manservant, Jeeves. In less than a New York minute, they’re knee-deep in trouble with vengeful gangsters, chorus girls, and a new Broadway musical.
LEANNA FIRESTONE
Leanna Firestone is an impressive artist and talented musician from Nashville, Tennessee. While attending Recording Industry school, Leanna entered the professional world of songwriting by fusing her writing with the community of anime stans she found when she first joined TikTok. Ultimately, this led to a short snippet of what would become her first release, “Strawberry Mentos” which reached 5M streams. Then, in 2021, her next track “Least Favorite Only Child” reached 4M streams, while her EP Y/N peaked at #8 on the US singer-songwriter iTunes Charts. One of her songs was also featured during an episode of Love Island UK. In early 2022, she released her first full album Forward / Slash, featuring “Diet Coke”, “Gambling Addiction” and “Smitten.” Currently, Leanna is signed to Frtyfve Records out of London.
Abby Cates is a singer/songwriter from Cincinnati, Ohio currently residing in Nashville, Tennessee. Cates started performing in musicals at the age of seven and plays a variety of instruments including guitar, piano, and ukulele. After competing on The Voice in 2018, she continued to pursue music, uploading covers and snippets of original music to social platforms such as Instagram and Tik Tok. After garnering an impressive and loyal following on socials, Cates released her debut single, “roadtripsong” in June 2021.
When she’s not creating music, Cates spends her time in class at Belmont University and enjoying the outdoors, from where she finds most of her inspiration.
SPIDERWEBS: A TRIBUTE TO NO DOUBT & GWEN STEFANI
Foo 4 You – The Ultimate Tribute To The Foo Fighters
Everybody look around! The Tony Award®-winning Best Musical that took the world by storm is back and coming to Greenville.
An all-new production of the groundbreaking musical The Wiz returns “home” to stages across America on a limited Pre-Broadway tour.
This revolutionary musical, adapted from The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, changed the face of Broadway—from its iconic score packed with soul, gospel, rock, and 70s funk to its stirring tale of Dorothy’s journey to find her place in a contemporary world. A dynamite infusion of ballet, jazz, and modern pop brings a whole new groove to easing on down the road.
The extraordinary cast features Alan Mingo, Jr. (“Doom Patrol,” Kinky Boots) as The Wiz, award-winning recording artist Deborah Cox as Glinda, Melody Betts as Aunt Em and Evillene, Kyle Ramar Freeman (A Strange Loop) as the Lion, Phillip Johnson Richardson (Sharper, A24) as the Tinman, and Avery Wilson (On Top of the World, Studio Album) as the Scarecrow. Nichelle Lewis(Hairspray National Tour) makes a star-turn Broadway debut as Dorothy.
Oz has been reimagined by a star studded creative team, led by director Schele Williams (Broadway’s upcoming The Notebook, revival of Disney’s Aida), choreographer JaQuel Knight (Beyoncé’s ‘Single Ladies’, Black is King), scenic design by Academy Award ®-winning Hannah Beachler (Black Panther, Beyoncé’s Black is King and Lemonade), costume design by Emmy Award®-winning and two-time Academy Award®-nominated Sharen Davis (Ray, Dreamgirls), lighting design by Barrymore Award-winning Ryan J. O’Gara (Thoughts of a Colored Man), sound design by Jon Weston (Parade), projection design by Daniel Brodie (Motown the Musical), and wig design by Charles LaPointe (MJ the Musical). Amber Ruffin (“The Amber Ruffin Show,” “Late Night with Seth Meyers”) pens additional material for William F. Brown’s trailblazing book. Charlie Smalls’ Tony Award®-winning score features iconic hits “Ease on Down the Road,” “Home,” and Luther Vandross’ “Everybody Rejoice,” with new musical moments from Joseph Joubert (music supervision, orchestrations, & music arrangements), Allen René Louis (vocal arrangements, music arrangements), and an Emerald Ballet composed by Timothy Graphenreed.
The Wiz runs approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, including intermission.
The Asheville Art Museum is excited to be celebrating its 75th anniversary this year! Over the past seven and a half decades, the Museum has served as the hub for artistic inspiration and education in Western North Carolina, bringing together artists and art enthusiasts from all walks of life.
As we approach the holiday season, we reflect upon the transformative power of art and the indelible impact it has on the young minds that visit the Museum. This year, we are especially grateful for the enriching experiences made possible by the Museum, experiences that extend far beyond the confines of our walls and into the hearts and minds of future generations.
Imagine the excitement of a 10th-grade class stepping through the Museum doors, wide-eyed and curious, ready to embark on a journey of artistic discovery. Your support of the Annual Fund has played a pivotal role in shaping these moments of inspiration, allowing us to provide an immersive and educational environment that fosters creativity.
During their recent visit, students were transported into the vibrant world of art, exploring diverse exhibitions that span decades and cultures. The Museum’s thoughtfully curated exhibitions became a canvas for their imagination. Witnessing the awe in their eyes as they encountered the beauty of creativity was a testament to the lasting impact of your generosity.
The following message was forwarded to the Museum’s Learning and Engagement department by Jennifer Riels, an educator and parent. “Our class of 10th grade students came to the Museum on Monday, October 30. It was wonderful. I can’t remember the name of the man who led our tour, but he did a phenomenal job asking questions and connecting the art to math. We enjoyed our visit and are grateful for the opportunity that the Asheville Art Museum provided our students!”
Your continued support and dedication not only facilitates these eye-opening field trips but makes it possible for the Museum to expand its educational outreach programs. Through your contribution, we can continue to inspire the next generation of artists, thinkers, and visionaries.
In the spirit of gratitude, we invite you to donate to our Fall Annual Fund. Your support ensures that we can continue to provide transformative experiences, empowering students to think critically, express themselves creatively, and develop a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
Your support is not just an investment in the Asheville Art Museum; it is an investment in the cultural enrichment of our community and the development of young minds. Together, we can continue to create moments of inspiration that resonate for a lifetime. Make your gift today by clicking the DONATE NOW button, visiting www.ashevilleart.org/donate or calling 828.253.3227 x114.
Asheville Outlets will again host the Venardos Circus, a Broadway-style animal-free circus, with its all-new “Let’s Build a Dream” Tour from November 2-19, 2023. This season the wondrous Venardos Circus cast will take audiences on a journey under the big top as it unveils a fresh, magical, and all-new experience for fans. The show features an original score, amazing performers, stunning lighting, and dazzling costumes. The 2023 Venardos Circus is traveling with a new, custom-crafted, Italian-made red-and-white striped tent that offers expanded seating around a central stage for an immersive experience.
Additionally, Venardos Circus will host a special Sensory Friendly Performance on Saturday, November 4 at 11am. General Admission tickets start at $16.95 for youth under age 12 and $27.95 for adults. For schedules and more information, please visit VenardosCircus.com or ShopAshevilleOutlets.com.
Buncombe County Special Collections is excited to announce a call for proposals for the third year of its creative residency program.
This is an annual opportunity for artists in Buncombe County to create new, research-driven creative work using BCSC’s historic resources as source material and/or inspiration, and to present their work in the Carolina Record Shop, a dedicated exhibition space in the BCSC reading room. Artists age 18 and up, based in Buncombe County, working in any creative discipline are invited to apply.
Buncombe County Special Collections is looking for projects that will:
- Offer new, diverse perspectives on our shared history
- Identify and address gaps and/or amplify narratives that are historically underrepresented in the collection
- Educate and inspire non-traditional users of archives and special collections to engage with the collection in new ways.
More information (including the PDF of the call for proposals) is available at here. The 2024 Creative Residency is made possible in part by the Trust Fund for Buncombe County Public Libraries.
You can also visit Buncombe County Special Collections in the lower level of Pack Memorial to view the current exhibition in the Carolina Record Shop, “Belonging & Non-Belonging: The History and Future of Zines in Western North Carolina,” curated by 2023 resident Miles Lamberson.


