Calendar of Events

If you are interested in volunteering with the Friends of the Library to gift wrap the books from our Holiday Giving Tree, join us on Wednesday, December 11th at 2pm. Hot cocoa and holiday cheer provided. 

Andrew Michael is an Atlanta raised comic who is fueled by his love for comedy, claw machines, and chimichangas. Andrew provides a goofy yet intimate look into his life and the people that surround it. Andrew’s comfortable presence on stage has made him a favorite in the Atlanta comedy scene. In 2015 Andrew was audience choice for “Best Local Comedian” and his show WonderComedy won “Best Comedy Night” in the Creative Loafing ATL’s “Best of Atlanta” issue in 2015 & 2018. Andrew is a regular at the world famous Laughing Skull Lounge in Atlanta where he performs on weekend “Best of Atlanta” showcase shows and opens for headliners. He’s also performed at the Crom Comedy Festival, The Fest in Florida, Red Clay Comedy Festival, Altercation Comedy Festival. The Laughing Skull Comedy Festival and the High Plains Comedy Festival in Denver.

featuring Shaunak Godkhindi

Tickets $10 advance, $12 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-andrew-michael-tickets-73164189059

Join us and help restore native plant communities by controlling non-native invasive plants at Richmond Hill Park. This is the City of Asheville’s only forested park and is home to many special native plant and animal species! Volunteers help to stop the spread of harmful non-native invasive species and return native species to the unique park.

Close-toed shoes, long sleeves and pants are required. We will provide work gloves and eye protection, but you’re welcome to bring your own. Please also bring any water or snacks you may need and dress warmly!

Kyle Ayers is a comedian writer, actor, and producer. He is the creator of Boast Rattle, a Compliment Contest, the head-to-head comedic compliment show, which is now the television series Nice One on Quibi (which Kyle also created and is the Executive Producer on). Boast Rattle is also its own show on SiriusXM, running regularly.

He has appeared on Fuse, Comedy Central, VH1, and more, as well as in the film Box Elder, as Phil Ryerson. He’s been heard on Comedy Central Radio, SiriusXM, Bob & Tom, and more.

He has performed multiple times at the prestigious Just for Laughs Comedy Festival, where Time Out New York heralded him as a “breakout star.” He’s headlined all over the world, including Bonnaroo, The New York Comedy Festival, RIOT LA, The World Comedy Summit in Copenhagen, High Plains Comedy in Denver, and more.

His live show Never Seen It, where comedians rewrite famous movies and TV shows they’ve never seen, is now a top iTunes charting podcast on Starburns Audio, featuring Dan Harmon, Henry Zebrowski, and more, and has been featured at festivals around the US and Canada.

He also founded, constructed and runs the heralded underground sketch-acting-theater production-weirdness comedy show, “First Comes Love,” where comedians and actors act out anonymously written adult film scripts from actual aspiring adult film writers, solicited via Craigslist. The show was optioned by MTV for a pilot that Kyle will gladly show you because it should be on TV.

Kyle has written for CBS, Comedy Central, TBS, contributed to Roasts, as well as Huffington Post, CNN, The New York Times, Wired, the weekly sports-comedy show Sports Balls, and more.

He was the tweeter behind the internet sensation #roofbreakup, where he stumbled upon a couple breaking up on his roof in Brooklyn, and the entire world joined in. #roofbreakup was viewed over 10 MILLION times worldwide, appeared on NPR, BBC, Yahoo, Buzzfeed (2+ million views), and was even reenacted by Jerry Springer. The viral sensation haunts Kyle to this day.

If you’re still reading, now we’re into the fun stuff. Kyle created/hosted the viral podcast Faking A Murderer, where he talked with eight comedians for eight hours about the show Making a Murderer, but did not tell his guests that he’d never seen the show. He also wrote and put on the satirical play Glengarry Glenn Beck, which is pretty much what you think it is. He has a dozen more ideas that he wants to sell you, and would be extremely excited to talk to you about.

Featuring Gilbert Lawand

Tickets $10 advance, $12 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-kyle-ayers-tickets-79792881657

Dan Alten is a goofball from Kentucky who travels the country in his poorly maintained car, bringing his intelligently surreal nonsense to dive bars, punk houses, theaters, art galleries, and comedy clubs. He has opened for Kyle Kinane, Rory Scovel, Sean Patton, Hari Kondabulu, TV’s David Liebe Hart, rapper Open Mike Eagle, punk bands GRLWOOD and Boner City, and a guy at an open mic who tried to throw his father’s ashes into the crowd. If you don’t like him you can punch him in the arm.

Tickets $7 advance, $10 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/comedy-at-fleetwoods-dan-alten-tickets-83112558901

We invite you to join us for the 5th annual Asheville Nativity exhibit, December 11 – 18, 2019. The website is http://www.ashevillenativity.org. Last year we had 300 Nativity sets from 60+ countries, and 1500 visitors who came to see them.

“Took my breath away.”
“Amazing, peaceful, joyous.”
“Beautiful.”
“Impressive and beautifully done.”
“Incredible.”

Join us for a Spirit-filled, family-friendly way to celebrate the Savior’s birth. The life-sized stable with costumes, so popular last year for photos, will be set up again. This is a free event (donations accepted).

We invite church groups or other organizations to help promote this event, and encourage anyone interested to help by loaning a set, hosting, or performing. There are time slots for choirs and music groups on the weekend.

We also have postcards for distribution and promotion and we can arrange to deliver quantities where appropriate. More information at ashevillenativity.org or by emailing [email protected].

Looking forward to another wonderful year,

Come laugh with us at The Orange Peel MainStage with some of the funniest comics in Asheville! Doors open at 7:00 pm and the show begins at 8:00 pm! Tickets are $10-$12.

Hosted by Cody Hughes, featuring 10 of Asheville’s funniest and up-and-coming-comics:

Ten comics for only $10!

Becca Steinhoff
Ryan Cox
Morgan Bost
Moira Goree
James Burks
James Harrod
Jake Koll
Derek Boskovich
Kenny Stempien
Katy Hudson

Brought to you by Slice of Life Comedy. For more info contact Michele Scheve at [email protected]

Host Cody Hughes
Cody Hughes is the weirdgod of southeastern comedy. He is a sea urchin – a delicacy but prickly. Cody presents himself first as a reluctant townie, bemoaning the doldrums of the work week, then slowly laces his act with elements of horror, gleefully abrasive crowd work, and feverish improvisations. As the performance opens up, Hughes reveals himself for what he truly is – a circus bear broken loose from his chains yet still wearing his felt crown.
Maria Bamford has described Cody as “a delightful beast” and Samm Severin has proclaimed “A comedy fever dream, Cody Hughes is some kind of wonderful.” Cody is a favorite opener of Lewis Black and has worked alongside John Oliver, Mike Birbiglia, and Rory Scovel

Becca Steinhoff
If you mix a New Jersey dryness with a Southern Appalachian sensibility and add a touch of Jewish guilt, you get the humor that is Becca Steinhoff. Her warm sarcasm and quick wit shows through in her easily annoyed yet bouyant perspective on everyday human interaction. Becca’s ease and appeal has been showcased at events including the Asheville Comedy Festival, clubs such as the DC Improv, and venues including the historic Howard Theatre.

Ryan Cox
Ryan Cox has performed on stages and streets around the globe as a musician and joke-teller. Ryan likes to seek out Kmarts to think about things.

Morgan Bost
A North Carolina native, Morgan Bost has quickly become a mainstay in the Asheville comedy scene. Her comedy captures the embarrassing and often painful parallels between adolescence and “almost-adulthood.” Vibrant yet vulnerable; her high-energy storytelling is influenced by her background as an improviser. She tours all over the southeast and has worked alongside national headliners such as Rob Delaney and Mia jackson.

Moira Goree
Moira Goree is from Asheville,Nc she’s a transgender woman who people have called darkly funny and authentic in her delivery. She’s opened for Shane Torres, Emma Arnold, and Rory Scovel. She performs all over the southeast.

James Burks
James Burks is a Burnsville/Asheville based comedian born and raised south of Orlando, Florida by a Canadian mother who immigrated to the States and an Arizona born redneck father who can make a sump pump from a pillow case and a bag of zip ties. His comedy revolves around his life as a 27 year old glassblowing, goat farming, step-father. He’s been on the main stage of the Orange Peel in Asheville, NC for the Black Out Diaries, featured at The Slice of Life under the Orange Peel in Asheville, NC. and been on Michele Scheve’s “EverythingAVL” podcast.

James Harrod
James Harrod is a comic from Asheville, NC. He has opened for Yedoye Travis, Myq Kaplan, Brandie Posey, Geoff Tate, and many more. In addition to performing all over the Southwest, he also hosts the beloved Comedy Freakshow at the Oddittorium. Although James is very funny he never has excelled at ending his comedy bios. James is also kinda tall.

Jake Koll
Jake Koll is an Asheville based comic with a knack for taking audiences on a carnival like ride into his absurd reality. Jake’s comedic styling is captained by is waning self image and his skewed world view. He has opened for nationally recognized acts such as Andy Sandford and Sean Patton. Both of which said he did a great job, but did not want to hang out after the show.

Derek Boskovich
Derek Boskovich is an Asheville comic originally from Charlotte, NC. His comedic style mixes the observational with the silly and profane. You may have seen him unloading boxes at a warehouse, rolling burritos at a restaurant, or nervously pacing at an open mic near you. Of all the comics working in Asheville right now, Derek is definitely one of them.

Kenny Stempien
Kenny Stempien is an Asheville based comedian whose style is predicated on life experiences and misdirection. Quickly climbing the ranks of the Asheville comedy scene, audience and comics alike are drawn to him and it’s easy to see why he was compelled to tell jokes. At his day job as a traveling salesman, people have often heard he’s a comedian and said “yea, I’m not buying this.”

Katy Hudson
Katy Hudson is creating content clouds. Who’s to say whether that means a calm, collected cumulus, or a brainstorm of ideas that flood the banks of the Stream of Consciousness? They’ve been eager to perform since giving their TEDx talk called “Gay Clouds.” What they’ll do next will surprise everyone, including Katy!

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Equal parts foul mouthed drinking buddy and high functioning comic book nerd, Eric DaSilva is best known for headlining a sold out show at the Backstage Fillmore Theater in Miami Beach, performing in Comedy Central’s South Beach Comedy Festival, The Laugh Your Asheville Off Comedy Festival, The Norfolk Comedy Festival, The Latin American Comedy Festival his one hour comedy album, Adorably Offensive.

Eric’s been featured on HULU and his comedy album, ADORABLY OFFENSIVE can be heard on PANDORA radio.

Tickets $10 advance, $12 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-eric-dasilva-tickets-80587751133

Would you like to learn more about how literacy changes our students’ lives?

Please join us for coffee and a one-hour tour of the Literacy Council.

UPCOMING TOUR DATES for 2020

Friday, January 10 – 9am | Monday, February 10 – 4pm | Friday, March 13 – 9am
Monday, April 13 – 4pm | Friday, May 8 – 9am | Monday, June 8 – 4pm

A night of sketch comedy starring Cameron Davis, Carin Metzger, Jared Eriksen, Jessica Barlow, Joe Carroll, and George Awad

Tickets $10 advance, $12 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pancake-apocalypse-a-night-of-sketch-comedy-tickets-85835649739

On Sunday, January 12th, 2020 1 PM – 5 PM we will gather at Penny Cup Coffee (River Arts District) for a Townsend & Roney Canvass Blitz. With a short primary season before the March 3rd primary, we need your help knocking on doors. At this canvas blitz, we will hold a canvass training followed by boots on the ground door knocking. For more information and to RSVP, use the following link: https://actionnetwork.org/events/townsend-roney-canvass-blitz

In order to get the Asheville we all deserve, we must work together. We hope you and your neighbors will join us in 2020.

Asheville’s monthly all Queer stand up comedy showcase!
Our Jan. headliner is Dwayne Duke

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Dwayne Duke has honed his craft at venues across the nation. Dwayne’s act is not a leap into debauchery, more a gentle nudge into the profane. He’s been part of multiple comedy festivals including Cleveland Comedy, Broken Record, Burning Bridges, and Whiskey Bear. His second album “Shame Flashbacks” (2018) is available now. Dwayne is also the founder/ executive Producer of the Midwest Queer Comedy Festival.

Tickets $7 advance, $10 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queer-comedy-party-ft-dwayne-duke-tickets-84686516651

When Mo Alexander hits the stage, it’s clear that you’re in the hands of a man who knows what he’s doing. With comedy influences such as Bill Hicks, Paul Mooney, and Richard Pryor, Mo combines intelligence and debauchery into a product that is just as funny as it is important. With an ability to access both the smartest and the stupidest parts of your brain, there’s a reason this comedy phenom has been headlining comedy clubs nationwide for over 20 years.

Mo began his professional full-time comedy career in July 1996 featuring in clubs throughout the United States and by 1999 he was headlining.

After impressing Keenan Ivory Wayans with a good natured roast, Mo was invited to be the opening act on tour with Keenan in 1999.

In 2003 he was given his own Las Vegas show, “The Mo Funny Show” at the Casino Royale.

In the past few years Mo has been on several syndicated radio shows in major markets, such as Bob & Tom (Indianapolis), and Mancow (Chicago). He made his way through the ranks to become a semi-finalist in both the San Francisco Comedy Competition (2012) and the Seattle Comedy Competition (2013) and has been a headliner at a number of comedy festivals such as: Asheville Comedy Fest (2015), Altercation Comedy Festival (2016 & 2018), Hopkins Comedy Festival (2017), Memphis Comedy Festival (2017), North Carolina Comedy Festival (2018), The Lookout Comedy Festival (2019), Eastside Comedy Festival (2019).

On December 15, 2017 Mo’s first national stand-up appearance aired on Comedy Central where he appeared in Kevin Hart’s “Hart of the City: Memphis”

Mo is excited to announce his signing with record label Stand Up! Records owned by Grammy Award Winner producer, Dan Schlissel. In Septemeber of 2019, Mo made history by becoming the first comedian ever to record an album at world famous Sun Studio in Memphis, TN. The album is as yet unnamed and it’s release is to be announced soon.

A BBQ connoisseur, Mo is also currently working on a new web series he co-created called Mo Alexander’s BBQ Beatdown. He plans to determine once and for all just who has the best BBQ and episodes are coming soon.

To say that Mo is funny is like saying that Michelangelo was a good painter. Taking all of life’s absurdities and creating a night of hysterical laughter is why Mo Alexander is one of this industries greats. Mo takes a lifetime of experience and insight and transforms them into some of the most ingenious laugh riots you will ever experience in your life. Not for the faint of heart or mind, intelligent and hard-hitting are two terms that best describe what everyone that has ever been to a Mo Alexander Show will experience. Nothing compares to the energy of a room when Mo is through with it. Watching Mo Alexander is a night of hilarity and mischief that one won’t soon forget. He usually tries to leave you with the underlying message,”I’m trying to save the world, one comedy show at a time.” After a night with Mo you realize that not only were you entertained, you’re changed. You have a mission: “Slap the stupid!”

Tickets $10 advance, $12 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-mo-alexander-tickets-85816466361

Being from Huntsville, Alabama, Scott Eason knows what you’re thinking…and he’s here to shatter the Southern stereotype. Not your typical good ol’ boy, he brings a new sensibility to Southern comedy. He’s been featured on SiriusXM and the Comedy Central Roast Battle Podcast. He performs regularly at clubs across the southeast. Scott’s performed in clubs, bars, basements and comedy festivals all over the country, such as the Altercation Comedy Festival, Asheville Comedy Festival, Flyover Comedy Festival, Laughing Skull Comedy Festival and Limestone Comedy Festival. In Spring 2020 you can catch him on Amazon’s new comedy series, Punching Below The Bible Belt.

ages 18+
Tickets $10 advance, $12 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-scott-eason-tickets-86080813029

Doors at 8:30, show at 9pm

Join the Western North Carolina based podcasters from Mountain Murders for an afternoon of true crime, comedy, booze and live audience participation!

Heather and Dylan will discuss truly terrifying Appalachian true crime cases!

Come hang out with the biggest creeps in town & Warm up with a hot blooded murder

Carter Deems is a stand up comedian, writer and friendly battle rapper originally from the town of Cartersville, Georgia (for real). He is a cast member on the upcoming Season 14 of the MTV show Wild ‘n Out and his YouTube videos have gained millions of views. Carter was a member of the writing staff for the TV show Drop The Mic on TBS and he is currently a writer on the Emmy nominated series Epic Rap Battles of History. He has made appearances on Funny Or Die, Snoop Dogg’s Gladiator School, Animation Sandwich and he voiced a character for the viral animated short ‘The Rap Off’. His Twitter account was featured in the 50 Funniest Tweets of 2016 on The Daily Dot and he was named the Funniest Battle Rapper of 2015 by Hip Hop DX’s Battlerap.com. Carter is a co-writer and producer for the scripted radio show Live: On Air Comedy on WXRW 104.1 Milwaukee. Carter does standup and battle rap across the country and has performed at the Comedy Store, UCB Franklin, Zanies Chicago, the Milwaukee Comedy Festival, and the Asheville Comedy Festival.

Featuring Ryan Cox

ages 18+
Tickets $10 advance, $12 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-carter-deems-tickets-86164695925