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.
RSVP Required
FREE + Open to All
Max 30 participants
Join participatory artists Leap Then Look to re-imagine the experimental Light, Sound, Movement workshops that took place at Black Mountain College in the late 40s, led by W.P. “Pete” and Elizabeth Jennerjahn. Little is known of the workshops themselves, except that they continued the college’s approach to interdisciplinary art practice begun with Xanti Schawinsky’s Spectrodrama and prefigured the famous Theater Piece No.1 staged by John Cage at BMC in 1952.
“We do not always create ‘works of art,’ but rather experiments; it is not our ambition to fill museums: we are gathering experience.” Josef Albers
This collaborative workshop will take place via Zoom. Participants will be invited and encouraged to work together to create movement, sound, text, and objects, using a variety of prompts. The work will be brought together for a virtual “performance” using a randomly created time structure, allowing all elements to be included, to have equal weight and for no one “view” or experience of the piece to be the same.
From the fragments of the original Light, Sound, Movement workshop that remain in the archives at BMCM+AC, the strong spirit of experimentation emerges. Eighty years on, we will create a space for improvisation, responsiveness, collaboration, and surprise in the virtual realm.
Participants are asked to familiarise themselves with Zoom in advance of the workshops, to think about the spaces in their home in which they can work (we do not only want shots of head and shoulders, but environments filled with light, objects and bodies!) and to collect together a few materials from home which might be useful – for example, torches (flashlights), coloured plastic, cardboard, tape, string, fragments of text, awkward objects, a desk lamp, paper and pens. Please use a computer rather than a tablet or phone to join the workshop.
This work is part of a practical research project, and we will be posting content on Instagram (via Leap Then Look and BMCM+AC) from June 1st. Follow us @leap_then_look.
One of the most recognized classical ballets of all time, Giselle tells a story of love and loss through the exquisite choreography of Marius Petipa performed by phenomenal Guest Artists Katherine Barkman of Washington Ballet and International Ballet‘s own Sebastian Vinet.
One of the most recognized classical ballets of all time, Giselle tells a story of love and loss through the exquisite choreography of Marius Petipa performed by phenomenal Guest Artists Katherine Barkman of Washington Ballet and International Ballet‘s own Sebastian Vinet.
One of the most recognized classical ballets of all time, Giselle tells a story of love and loss through the exquisite choreography of Marius Petipa performed by phenomenal Guest Artists Katherine Barkman of Washington Ballet and International Ballet‘s own Sebastian Vinet.
One of the most recognized classical ballets of all time, Giselle tells a story of love and loss through the exquisite choreography of Marius Petipa performed by phenomenal Guest Artists Katherine Barkman of Washington Ballet and International Ballet‘s own Sebastian Vinet.
The need for blood donations continues! Asheville Outlets will host a blood donation drive in partnership with the American Red Cross, Friday, June 12, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm between Famous Footwear and VF Factory Outlet.
Donors are asked to register in advance, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/give and entering the sponsor code Ashevilleoutlets. The American Red Cross will establish additional safety guidelines to ensure all donors are socially distanced.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that the coronavirus (COVID-19) does not pose any known risk to blood donors during the donation process or from attending blood drives.
For more information visit ShopAshevilleOutlets.com.
- 18 +
- SEATED SHOW
- 11 AM DOORS/ 12 PM
Burlesque Brunch is a monthly burlesque and belly dance show with a classic speakeasy feel. Join us every month and relax and enjoy our dancing dames and dandies in an up close and intimate setting. It’s a Sunday afternoon to delight the senses!
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.
Help those in need by donating blood. Asheville Outlets will host a blood donation drive in partnership with the American Red Cross, Friday, June 26th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. next to Famous Footwear. The American Red Cross is now testing all blood, platelet, and plasma donations for the COVID-19 antibody. Red Cross donors can expect to receive the results of their antibody test within 7 to 10 days through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or on the donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org. Donors are asked to register in advance, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/give and entering the sponsor code Ashevilleoutlets. The American Red Cross will establish additional safety guidelines to ensure all donors are socially distanced.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that the coronavirus (COVID-19) does not pose any known risk to blood donors during the donation process or from attending blood drives. For more information, visit ShopAshevilleOutlets.com.
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit open the 36th season of An Appalachian Summer Festival on Sunday, June 28 at 8pm at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts. The summer stop is part of the highly anticipated national tour behind the group’s newest album, Reunions (to be released May 15). As such, the festival is included in the tour announcement and is opening up sales ahead of the rest of the festival in support of the tour. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit is A Schaefer Popular Series Event.
Tickets:
$60 adults, $50 students. *Limit 4 tickets per transaction*
MONDAY, MARCH 2 at 9AM – LOCAL/WALK-UP PRESALE – Maximum 500 tickets available for purchase in person only at the Schaefer Center Box Office, 733 Rivers Street, Boone, NC. No phone/online sales.
Beginning TUESDAY, MARCH 3 at 9AM – Online, in person, or by phone at www.appsummer.org, 800-841-2787 or 828-262-4046.
● Antonin Dvořák: Symphony No. 9 “From the New World”
● Ellen Taaffe Zwilich: Avanti!
Inspired by American dreams and legends, Dvořák created some of his greatest works while living in the United States, above all the “New World” Symphony. This program illuminates the multiple stories and influences – Native American, African-American and Czech – that Dvořák transformed in his most beloved work. Ellen Taaffe Zwilich’s Avanti! offers a contemporary interpretation of the American archetype of “moving on.”
To learn more about All-Star Orchestra: https://allstarorchestra.org/
Available via YouTube, Facebook, appsummer.org
Praised for their “superb capacity to find the inner heart of everything they play, regardless of era, style or technical demand” (The International Review of Music), the Tesla Quartet brings refinement and prowess to both new and established repertoire.
Enjoy this special message and preview scheduled in conjunction with the Tesla Quartet’s planned appearance as part of An Appalachian Summer Festival’s 2021 season.
To learn more about Tesla Quartet: http://www.teslaquartet.com/about-us
Available via YouTube, Facebook, appsummer.org
Hailed as a “masterpiece” by the Chicago Sun-Times, Ballet Hispánico presents choreographer Gustavo Ramírez Sansano’s CARMEN.maquia – a Picasso-inspired, contemporary take on Bizet’s classic opera. Recorded at Lincoln Center, this riveting, imaginative and theatrical performance will be available online until Tuesday, July 14.
Join us for a memorable evening of jazz-infused ChamberSoul, featuring live interviews with cellist/singer-songwriter Shana Tucker and her band, moderated by Todd Wright, Professor of Jazz Studies in the Hayes School of Music.
With a deep respect for lyrical storytelling, cellist/singer-songwriter Shana Tucker delivers a unique voice through her self-described genre of ChamberSoul™. Shana’s melodies weave strong hints of jazz, classical, soulful folk, acoustic pop and a touch of R&B into a distinctive rhythmic tapestry. Touted by JazzTimes Magazine as a jazz talent “…whose imprint and vitality has already been quite visible…” Shana’s style and sound as been described as a blend of Dianne Reeves, Joni Mitchell, and Tracy Chapman, with an efficient complexity that is reminiscent of Bill Withers.
To learn more about Shana Tucker: http://www.shanatucker.com/bio
Available via YouTube Live, appsummer.org
Hailed as a “masterpiece” by the Chicago Sun-Times, Ballet Hispánico presents choreographer Gustavo Ramírez Sansano’s CARMEN.maquia – a Picasso-inspired, contemporary take on Bizet’s classic opera. Recorded at Lincoln Center, this riveting, imaginative and theatrical performance will be available online until Tuesday, July 14.
Enjoy this select program featuring archival gems, glimpses of the dancers at home, and sneak peeks of the world premieres that were scheduled for The Joyce this spring.
Known for their remarkable athleticism and stunning ensemble work, Parsons Dance brings exuberance, joy and passion to any stage. Flawlessly fusing the gestures and movements that comprise modern dance with the discipline and precision of a classical dance company, the company is internationally renowned. Stunning works, like the iconic Caught, exemplify this company’s innovation and huge audience appeal.
This special preview is scheduled in conjunction with the planned appearance by Parsons Dance as part of An Appalachian Summer Festival’s 2021 season.
To learn more about Parsons Dance: https://www.parsonsdance.org/
Available exclusively via YouTube, appsummer.org
Hailed as a “masterpiece” by the Chicago Sun-Times, Ballet Hispánico presents choreographer Gustavo Ramírez Sansano’s CARMEN.maquia – a Picasso-inspired, contemporary take on Bizet’s classic opera. Recorded at Lincoln Center, this riveting, imaginative and theatrical performance will be available online until Tuesday, July 14.
With an international reputation as one of the most popular brass ensembles today, Canadian Brass has truly earned the distinction of “the world’s most famous brass group.” Masters of concert presentations, Canadian Brass has developed a uniquely engaging stage presence and rapport with audiences. Each of their concerts ranges from trademark Baroque and Dixieland tunes to new compositions and arrangements created especially for them – from formal classical presentation to music served up with lively dialogue and theatrical effects. The hallmark of any Canadian Brass performance is entertainment, spontaneity, virtuosity and, most of all, fun – but never at the expense of the music. Whatever the style, the music is central and performed with utmost dedication, skill and excellence.
This special preview is scheduled in conjunction with the planned appearance by the Canadian Brass as part of An Appalachian Summer Festival’s 2021 season.
To learn more about Canadian Brass: http://www.canadianbrass.com/
Available via YouTube, Facebook, appsummer.org
Hailed as a “masterpiece” by the Chicago Sun-Times, Ballet Hispánico presents choreographer Gustavo Ramírez Sansano’s CARMEN.maquia – a Picasso-inspired, contemporary take on Bizet’s classic opera. Recorded at Lincoln Center, this riveting, imaginative and theatrical performance will be available online until Tuesday, July 14.
Hailed as a “masterpiece” by the Chicago Sun-Times, Ballet Hispánico presents choreographer Gustavo Ramírez Sansano’s CARMEN.maquia – a Picasso-inspired, contemporary take on Bizet’s classic opera. Recorded at Lincoln Center, this riveting, imaginative and theatrical performance will be available online until Tuesday, July 14.
Sit down for an informal and compelling chat with Winston-Salem-based NC Black Rep Artistic Director Jackie Alexander as the award-winning playwright-director talks about the history of the acclaimed company and the importance of sharing the black experience on the stage. A native of New Orleans, Jackie Alexander is an award-winning actor, writer, producer, director, former Artistic Director of The Billie Holiday Theatre in New York, and current Artistic Director of North Carolina Black Repertory Company, producers of The National Black Theatre Festival. His debut novel, Our Daily Bread, was published by Turner Publishing in the fall of 2012. His debut feature film Joy was awarded Best Feature Film by the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame, and also earned Best Actor and Best Screenplay honors for Jackie on the festival circuit. The OBIE and AUDELCO Award-winning Billie Holiday Theatre in New York devoted its entire 2010-2011 season to Jackie’s work; commissioning him to write three new plays and making him the only playwright in the storied history of the theatre to receive that honor. In 2018, the Black Theatre Network (BTN) honored Jackie with the Presidential Pathfinder Award at its yearly conference in Memphis, Tennessee. The award is presented to an artist or an institution that illuminates a path to innovations and new concepts in Black Theatre.
This special preview is scheduled in conjunction with the planned performance by the NC Black Repertory Company as part of the festival’s 2021 season.
To learn more about NC Black Rep: https://ncblackrep.org/
Available via YouTube, appsummer.org
Called “a master of the genre” by The New York Times, Sarah Jones is a Tony® and Obie Award-winning performer and writer known for her multi-character, one-person shows (Broadway hit Bridge & Tunnel, originally produced by Oscar® winner Meryl Streep, and her current, critically-acclaimed show Sell/Buy/Date). Renowned as “a one-woman global village,” she has given multiple mainstage TED Talks garnering millions of views, and performed at The White House for President and First Lady Obama.
This special preview is scheduled in conjunction with the planned appearance by Sarah Jones as part of the festival’s 2021 season.
To learn more about Sarah Jones: @yesimsarahjones
Available via YouTube, Facebook, appsummer.org
- 18 +
- SEATED SHOW
- 11 AM DOORS/ 12 PM
Burlesque Brunch is a monthly burlesque and belly dance show with a classic speakeasy feel. Join us every month and relax and enjoy our dancing dames and dandies in an up close and intimate setting. It’s a Sunday afternoon to delight the senses!
Steinway artist Julian G, commonly referred to as “Pianist with the Hair” because of his distinctive look, is a renowned classical pianist and composer, who performs all over the world, in prestigious venues from New York’s Carnegie Hall to Singapore’s Symphony Stage, and has been featured on radio and TV in North America, Europe, and Asia. A classically trained pianist, Julian captivates his audience not only with his technical precision but also with his Woody Allen-ish wit. Julian invites his audience to abandon all preconceived notions about classical concerts. On stage he presents a program that includes classical standards, Tango transcriptions, and his own compositions. In between pieces, he engages the audience by sharing his personal stories, anecdotes from the lives of composers, and his home remedies for jet-lag.
This special preview performance is scheduled in conjunction with the planned appearance by Julian Gargiulo as part of the festival’s 2021 season.
To learn more about Julian Gargiulo: http://pianistwiththehair.com/home.html
Available via Facebook Live, appsummer.org