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.
Michael Palascak was named the 2018 Stand-up of the Year by the Late Nite Last Week podcast for his performance on The Late Late Show with James Corden. He’s also done stand-up on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, CONAN, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Letterman, Comedy Central’s HALF HOUR, was a top 5 Finalist on LAST COMIC STANDING, and this past summer he performed at Montreal’s Just For Laughs Comedy Festival where he taped a set for Kevin Hart’s LOL network. Norm Macdonald said Michael reminds him, “…of a guy that’s just as funny offstage as on, which is like magic.” Michael’s short film You’re Alive was accepted into numerous festivals including the Hollywood Comedy Shorts Festival and was the winner of the Audience Award at the Chicago Comedy Film Festival.
Retreatants will be invited to pause, to stop running, to stop ‘doing’, to calm minds and bodies and be at ease. During this retreat, the focus is on reconciliation, transformation, healing and how to bring quantitative change in one’s life by the mindfulness practices of walking, eating and sitting meditation, connecting with ancestors, deep listening, loving speech and the practice of touching the earth. A retreat is an opportunity to let go of worry and anxiety about the past and the future, rest, and begin to be present for what is happening in the present moment.
The retreat is being led by Sister True Moon of Clear Grace, a resident nun at Heartwood who received her novice ordination in the Plum Village Vietnamese Zen tradition headed by the Venerable Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. Sister Clear Grace shares that, “the practice of mindfulness has been the greatest source of insight and transformation to heal from injustices of all kinds. It has helped me to learn truths and unlearn deeply embedded beliefs that have kept me away from the liberation of such sufferings in my daily life.”
This retreat is suitable for both beginning and experienced mindfulness practitioners. Participants may register to stay at Heartwood or sign up for the commuter option. More information, registration and other retreats at www.heartwoodrefuge.org.
Sister Clear Grace is a member of the Care Taking Council for the Earth Holder Community, a mindful Earth/Social justice initiative in the Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism. She is a Core member for ARISE Sangha (Awakening through Race, Intersectionality, and Social Equity), a community of mindfulness practitioners and monastics who come together to heal the wounds of racial injustice and social inequity, beginning with looking deeply within oneself and using energy of compassion, understanding, and love in action.
Heartwood Refuge and Retreat Center, located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, provides interfaith meditation and wellness retreat. Heartwood is neither defined by a single lineage, nor confined by any single sect or practice. Heartwood hosts teachers from all faiths and wisdom traditions to share teachings and activities that promote compassion and clarity, whether through traditional wisdom or new thought.
Each year, we honor the history of Asheville and of Martin Luther King Jr. by spending a morning in service and in community together in the historic East End/ Valley Street neighborhood. Prior to the cleanup we will be joined Renee‘White, President of the East End Valley Street Neighborhood Association, who will speak about the history and importance of the neighborhood.
MLK Jr Park
This group is dedicated to the growing number of people interested in Awakening to their True Nature. We explore the experience of simply Being through:
| Self-Inquiry | Presence | Surrender | Gratitude | Meditation |
• Transcend egoic mind patterns
• See the gift in challenging situations
• Live your Life’s Purpose
• Find lasting Inner Peace
Group meetings consist of Meditation, Video Satsang (watching videos of spiritual teachers) and a Sharing Circle (optional).
Donations of any amount are welcomed. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. (Donate online at https://tinyurl.com/awakeningsupport)
About the Facilitator:
Trey Carland, author of “A Seeker’s Guide to Inner Peace: Notes to Self,” has been hosting Awakening group meetings since 2007. “My passion is sharing the gift of Awakening with the World.”
Comments:
“Trey Carland embodies perfectly the quote, “still waters run deep.” I happened upon Trey several years ago through his spiritual awakening group. From this experience, Trey appeared to me as a wise Sage. Trey is accepting and patient with people. His demeanor is calm and loving. For me, it was evident that the stillness of Trey’s soul, is like a shimmering river that runs endlessly, with much depth. With celebration, I am blessed for having him as a friend. ” ~ John K.
(Read More at http://www.treycarland.com)
The Black Mountain Center for the Arts is proud to host the Asheville based improv comedy troupe, Reasonably Priced Babies. RPB is a formidable improv comedy group consisting of Tom Chalmers, Mondy Carter, Karen Stobbe, Kim Richardson and Josh Batenhorst.
This is how it works: RPBs will ask the audience for suggestions and then they make that come to technicolor life. Get ready to be a part of the experience because this show will push the envelope of ridiculous fun.
This is the Babies’ third time performing at the BMCA, and the last two shows have sold out with a line out the door!
Tickets are $12 each in advance, and $15 if there are any left at the door. Seating is general admission and first come first served. Doors open at 7:00pm.
Kelly Collette has been a finalist on CMT’s Next Big Comic, and tours clubs and colleges throughout the country. Her jokes have been featured on Pandora and Sirius XM.
She has performed at the prestigious Limestone Comedy Festival, San Francisco Sketchfest, Laughing Skull Comedy Festival, Gilda’s Laughfest and The Lucielle Ball Comedy Festival. She is featured on the CD from Lucyfest called “Live From Jamestown”. She recently headlined the 3rd annual Super Dope Comedy Festival.
Kelly toured with The Nobodies of Comedy, a national theatre tour of comedians you should know. She will be performing at Gilda’s Laugh Fest in 2019 as part of the selected “Best of The Midwest” showcase.
Kelly is also a featured emcee and storyteller. She has emceed for the Cincinnati Reds and has been a storyteller for “Cincy Storytellers” where you can hear her story on Soundcloud. She also produces a monthly standup storytelling show called “Truth Serum” where comedians tell true or false stories and the audience participates as detectives.
Kelly’s writing has been published for Bust Magazine and in 2016 she wrote, produced and directed a parody play called “Reservoir Dames”. This all-female adaptation of “Reservoir Dogs” sold out and gained national attention. She most recently partnered with Gorilla Cinema and Pan American Airlines to create a script for an immersive 1960s pop up cocktail experience that is traveling the country.
Jeena Bloom is a transgender comic that SiriusXM once described as “the unicorniest unicorn in New York City.” She brings a wild and profane sense of humor along with bracing honesty to the stage. Jeena has been featured on Comedy Central, Viceland, SiriusXM, Vulture and on the popular podcast Guys We Fucked. She is the winner of the 2018 Harlem Comedy Festival and can now be seen dividing her time between Los Angeles and New York and everywhere in between.
Tickets $7 advance, $10 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/comedy-at-fleetwoods-jeena-bloom-tickets-84782925011
Meetup members pay just $7 at the door
Jeena Bloom is a transgender comic that SiriusXM once described as “the unicorniest unicorn in New York City.” She brings a wild and profane sense of humor along with bracing honesty to the stage. Jeena has been featured on Comedy Central, Viceland, SiriusXM, Vulture and on the popular podcast Guys We Fucked. She is the winner of the 2018 Harlem Comedy Festival and can now be seen dividing her time between Los Angeles and New York and everywhere in between.
This group is dedicated to the growing number of people interested in Awakening to their True Nature. We explore the experience of simply Being through:
| Self-Inquiry | Presence | Surrender | Gratitude | Meditation |
• Transcend egoic mind patterns
• See the gift in challenging situations
• Live your Life’s Purpose
• Find lasting Inner Peace
Group meetings consist of Meditation, Video Satsang (watching videos of spiritual teachers) and a Sharing Circle (optional).
Donations of any amount are welcomed. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. (Donate online at https://tinyurl.com/awakeningsupport)
About the Facilitator:
Trey Carland, author of “A Seeker’s Guide to Inner Peace: Notes to Self,” has been hosting Awakening group meetings since 2007. “My passion is sharing the gift of Awakening with the World.”
Comments:
“Trey Carland embodies perfectly the quote, “still waters run deep.” I happened upon Trey several years ago through his spiritual awakening group. From this experience, Trey appeared to me as a wise Sage. Trey is accepting and patient with people. His demeanor is calm and loving. For me, it was evident that the stillness of Trey’s soul, is like a shimmering river that runs endlessly, with much depth. With celebration, I am blessed for having him as a friend. ” ~ John K.
(Read More at http://www.treycarland.com)
Blaire Erskine is a weekend regular at Atlanta’s Laughing Skull Lounge, where she entertains audiences with silly observations and stories inspired by her eccentric family, rural upbringing, and love for cats. When she’s not telling jokes in Atlanta, you can catch her performing at venues all across the Southeast.
Tickets $7 advance, $10 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/comedy-at-fleetwoods-blaire-erskine-tickets-86017437471
Meetup members pay just $7 at the door!
Blaire Erskine is a weekend regular at Atlanta’s Laughing Skull Lounge, where she entertains audiences with silly observations and stories inspired by her eccentric family, rural upbringing, and love for cats. When she’s not telling jokes in Atlanta, you can catch her performing at venues all across the Southeast.
Featuring tba
Tickets $7 advance, $10 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/comedy-at-fleetwoods-blaire-erskine-tickets-86017437471
This group is dedicated to the growing number of people interested in Awakening to their True Nature. We explore the experience of simply Being through:
| Self-Inquiry | Presence | Surrender | Gratitude | Meditation |
• Transcend egoic mind patterns
• See the gift in challenging situations
• Live your Life’s Purpose
• Find lasting Inner Peace
Group meetings consist of Meditation, Video Satsang (watching videos of spiritual teachers) and a Sharing Circle (optional).
Donations of any amount are welcomed. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. (Donate online at https://tinyurl.com/awakeningsupport)
About the Facilitator:
Trey Carland, author of “A Seeker’s Guide to Inner Peace: Notes to Self,” has been hosting Awakening group meetings since 2007. “My passion is sharing the gift of Awakening with the World.”
Comments:
“Trey Carland embodies perfectly the quote, “still waters run deep.” I happened upon Trey several years ago through his spiritual awakening group. From this experience, Trey appeared to me as a wise Sage. Trey is accepting and patient with people. His demeanor is calm and loving. For me, it was evident that the stillness of Trey’s soul, is like a shimmering river that runs endlessly, with much depth. With celebration, I am blessed for having him as a friend. ” ~ John K.
(Read More at http://www.treycarland.com)
Thursday night Feb 6
Slice of Life Comedy Open Mic!
Hosted by Cody Hughes
Doors 8:30p/9:00p show
$7 (+membership)
Professional Features and Newbi comics
Comics get in free (+free membership)
Free snacks/drink specials
Comics sign up at door or email [email protected]
New comics to venue get 3-5m
Regular comics get as much time as available. Look for light]
Contact Michele at [email protected] for more info/sign up early or request a feature (paid 20m)
The Thomas Wolfe Auditorium is proud to welcome comedian Ron “Tater Salad” White to Asheville, NC on February 7, 2020. Ron is a classic storyteller; relaying tales from his real life ranging from growing up in a small town in Texas, to sharing stories of his daily life, to becoming one of the most successful comedians in America. He rose to fame as the cigar-smoking, scotch-drinking funnyman from the Blue Collar Comedy Tour phenomenon, but since 2004 has established himself as a star in his own right. Over the past nine years he has been one of the top three grossing stand-up comedians on tour in America. Tickets will go on sale Friday, November 22nd at 10am online and at the venue box office. More information available here.
James Gregory, dubbed “the funniest man in America,” has been performing home-spun comedy to sold-out crowds for over 25 years. Delivering common-sense wisdom, old-fashioned values, and politically-incorrect humor, Gregory is known for rib-tickling reflections on life from the front porch.
Refusing the vulgar and profane, Gregory instead relies on a wry sense of the absurd, a southern accent, and universal storytelling – often drawn from his own life – to create an evening of non-stop laughter. The ridiculous, the common, and sometimes even the simplest events all become hilarious in the hands of this master storyteller and world-class comedian.
Gregory can be heard weekly on syndicated radio shows such as Rick and Bubba, John Boy and Billy, and Bob and Tom.
“The funniest man in America just might be the most successful comic you’ve never heard” — Atlanta Magazine
“James Gregory is in a class all by himself…his humor transcends all barriers: social, economical, racial, or whatever.” – Entertainment Magazine
“James Gregory doesn’t take the stage, he takes the room.” – The Seattle Times
VIP Package: $95
- One ticket
- Meet & Greet with photo op
- Crock Pots and Chicken Legs CD
James Gregory, dubbed “the funniest man in America,” has been performing home-spun comedy to sold-out crowds for over 25 years. Delivering common-sense wisdom, old-fashioned values, and politically-incorrect humor, Gregory is known for rib-tickling reflections on life from the front porch.
Refusing the vulgar and profane, Gregory instead relies on a wry sense of the absurd, a southern accent, and universal storytelling – often drawn from his own life – to create an evening of non-stop laughter. The ridiculous, the common, and sometimes even the simplest events all become hilarious in the hands of this master storyteller and world-class comedian.
Gregory can be heard weekly on syndicated radio shows such as Rick and Bubba, John Boy and Billy, and Bob and Tom.
“The funniest man in America just might be the most successful comic you’ve never heard” — Atlanta Magazine
“James Gregory is in a class all by himself…his humor transcends all barriers: social, economical, racial, or whatever.” – Entertainment Magazine
“James Gregory doesn’t take the stage, he takes the room.” – The Seattle Times
VIP Package: $95
- One ticket
- Meet & Greet with photo op
- Crock Pots and Chicken Legs CD
This group is dedicated to the growing number of people interested in Awakening to their True Nature. We explore the experience of simply Being through:
| Self-Inquiry | Presence | Surrender | Gratitude | Meditation |
• Transcend egoic mind patterns
• See the gift in challenging situations
• Live your Life’s Purpose
• Find lasting Inner Peace
Group meetings consist of Meditation, Video Satsang (watching videos of spiritual teachers) and a Sharing Circle (optional).
Donations of any amount are welcomed. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. (Donate online at https://tinyurl.com/awakeningsupport)
About the Facilitator:
Trey Carland, author of “A Seeker’s Guide to Inner Peace: Notes to Self,” has been hosting Awakening group meetings since 2007. “My passion is sharing the gift of Awakening with the World.”
Comments:
“Trey Carland embodies perfectly the quote, “still waters run deep.” I happened upon Trey several years ago through his spiritual awakening group. From this experience, Trey appeared to me as a wise Sage. Trey is accepting and patient with people. His demeanor is calm and loving. For me, it was evident that the stillness of Trey’s soul, is like a shimmering river that runs endlessly, with much depth. With celebration, I am blessed for having him as a friend. ” ~ John K.
(Read More at http://www.treycarland.com)
We hold space for the discovery of inner peace and stillness through the full embodiment of experience. When we accept and allow all of our thoughts, emotions, and sensations, and hold those with stillness, the elements merge and become something new. This healing practice embraces all of you- your anger, jealousy, desire, joy, and self loathing- – and cultivates a deeper integration towards wholeness. Our offerings have a strong focus on integrating the practice into daily living through exploring movement, song, dance, eating, loving, etc. Join Keli and Karin for an introduction to this healing practice of Embodying It All.
This free event has a cap of 8 people. Please register to reserve your spot. https://forms.gle/utLKcfCEeowzP2i48
Disclaimer Stand-up Lounge is the longest running comedy open mic in Asheville happening every Wednesday night. The show starts at 9:00, and there is no cover. Anyone wanting to perform needs to sign up by 9pm, and will get five minutes on stage. Local and not-so-local, professional and not-so-professional comics perform or just anyone wanting to get up in front of people and try to make them laugh. Always fun. Always free.
Love, Hate and Standup Comedy Revue,
featuring 12 of Asheville’s Sexiest Comics
Thursday February 13, 8p (doors 7p)
Where: The Orange Peel
Cost: $10/$12
Hosted by Cody Hughes, featuring some of Asheville’s funniest and up-and-coming-comics:
Cary Goff
Petey Smith McDowell
Tom Scheve
Hilliary Begley
Moira Goree
Morgan Bost
Justin Blackburn
Jess Cooley
Lilly Campbell
Cory Thompson
Corey Smathers
Brought to you by Slice of Life Comedy. For more info contact Michele Scheve at [email protected]
Syracuse native, Jessimae Peluso, from MTV’s “Girl Code”, can be heard weekly podcasts on her Sharp Tongue & Highlarious podcasts. Both available on iTunes, Stitcher, Sound Cloud and Google Play. She has a weekly Facebook live show called “Weedsday” every Wednesday that raises awareness for Alzheimer’s Disease.
You may have seen Jessimae on MTV’s “Girl Code” and “Safe Word”, TBS’s “Deal With It”, NBC’s “Last Call w/Carson Daly”, E!’s “Chelsea Lately”, FOX’s “World’s Funniest Fails”, VH1’s “Hip Hop Squares”, AXS’ “Gotham Live”, TruTV’s “Comedy Knockout” , and multiple appearances on Comedy Central’s “@Midnight. Chick be workin’!
Jessimae was featured in the Moontower Comedy Festival, New York Comedy Festival, Boston Comedy Festival, North Carolina Comedy & Arts Festival, Women in Arts Comedy Festival, and Just For Laughs and featured on Kevin Hart’s LOL Live network. She has contributed to Cosmopolitan Magazine, High Times Magazine, DOPE Magazine, Self Magazine, GQ.Com, Playboy.com, MadeMen.com, and was highlighted in the Huffington Post as ‘one of the funniest comics to follow on twitter’.
Television:
- MTV’s Girl Code
- TBS’ Deal With It
- NBC’s Last Call With Carson Daly
- E!’s Chelsea Lately
- Comedy Central
Festivals:
- Just For Laughs, Montreal
- New York Comedy Festival
- Boston Comedy Festival
- North Carolina Comedy & Arts Festival
- Women in Comedy Festival
One of the funniest musicals ever written. Sondheim’s joyous musical romp through Rome has desperate lovers, scheming neighbors and secrets behind every toga. This unforgettable, hysterical musical allows a terrify ensemble of comedic actors to shine!
GILBERT LAWAND is a Brooklyn based comedian by way of Atlanta. You can see him performing all over the New York City area at some of the best shows such as Night Train, the Knitting Factory, and Bar Matchless as well as comedy clubs like Caroline’s, Gotham, New York Comedy Club, and the Creek and the Cave. He also produces the annual Red Clay Comedy Festival which takes place in Atlanta every September. Gilbert has performed in several festivals including Bridgetown, High Plains, and the Laughing Skull Festival where he was a finalist in 2015. He’s a frequent opener for Rory Scovel and has also opened for Dave Chappelle.
ages 18+
Tickets $10 advance, $12 day of
FRIDAY: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-gilbert-lawand-friday-tickets-89416522225
SATURDAY: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-gilbert-lawand-saturday-tickets-89418100947
Syracuse native, Jessimae Peluso, from MTV’s “Girl Code”, can be heard weekly podcasts on her Sharp Tongue & Highlarious podcasts. Both available on iTunes, Stitcher, Sound Cloud and Google Play. She has a weekly Facebook live show called “Weedsday” every Wednesday that raises awareness for Alzheimer’s Disease.
You may have seen Jessimae on MTV’s “Girl Code” and “Safe Word”, TBS’s “Deal With It”, NBC’s “Last Call w/Carson Daly”, E!’s “Chelsea Lately”, FOX’s “World’s Funniest Fails”, VH1’s “Hip Hop Squares”, AXS’ “Gotham Live”, TruTV’s “Comedy Knockout” , and multiple appearances on Comedy Central’s “@Midnight. Chick be workin’!
Jessimae was featured in the Moontower Comedy Festival, New York Comedy Festival, Boston Comedy Festival, North Carolina Comedy & Arts Festival, Women in Arts Comedy Festival, and Just For Laughs and featured on Kevin Hart’s LOL Live network. She has contributed to Cosmopolitan Magazine, High Times Magazine, DOPE Magazine, Self Magazine, GQ.Com, Playboy.com, MadeMen.com, and was highlighted in the Huffington Post as ‘one of the funniest comics to follow on twitter’.
- MTV’s Girl Code
- TBS’ Deal With It
- NBC’s Last Call With Carson Daly
- E!’s Chelsea Lately
- Comedy Central
Festivals:
- Just For Laughs, Montreal
- New York Comedy Festival
- Boston Comedy Festival
- North Carolina Comedy & Arts Festival
- Women in Comedy Festival
One of the funniest musicals ever written. Sondheim’s joyous musical romp through Rome has desperate lovers, scheming neighbors and secrets behind every toga. This unforgettable, hysterical musical allows a terrify ensemble of comedic actors to shine!
GILBERT LAWAND is a Brooklyn based comedian by way of Atlanta. You can see him performing all over the New York City area at some of the best shows such as Night Train, the Knitting Factory, and Bar Matchless as well as comedy clubs like Caroline’s, Gotham, New York Comedy Club, and the Creek and the Cave. He also produces the annual Red Clay Comedy Festival which takes place in Atlanta every September. Gilbert has performed in several festivals including Bridgetown, High Plains, and the Laughing Skull Festival where he was a finalist in 2015. He’s a frequent opener for Rory Scovel and has also opened for Dave Chappelle.
ages 18+
Tickets $10 advance, $12 day of
FRIDAY: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-gilbert-lawand-friday-tickets-89416522225
SATURDAY: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lazoom-comedy-gilbert-lawand-saturday-tickets-89418100947
One of the funniest musicals ever written. Sondheim’s joyous musical romp through Rome has desperate lovers, scheming neighbors and secrets behind every toga. This unforgettable, hysterical musical allows a terrify ensemble of comedic actors to shine!
Aaron Naylor is a stand-up comedian from Kansas City, MO. He won the 2014 Kansas City’s Local Comic Standing, the 2017 Funniest Person in Wichita Competition, placed 2nd in the 2016 Cleveland Comedy Festival, and has performed at SF Sketchfest, Blue Whale Comedy Festival, Cape Fear Comedy Festival, Trial by Laughter, Asheville Comedy Festival and many other festivals. He has opened for real people who do this for a living.
Featuring Ryan Trickey
Tickets $7 advance, $10 day of
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/comedy-at-fleetwoods-aaron-naylor-tickets-84685056283