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.

Tuesday, January 14, 2020
Seeking Nominations: Griffin Awards
Jan 14 all-day
Buncombe County
Each year, PSABC presents awards to outstanding projects and individuals that further our goals of historic preservation in Asheville and Buncombe County for our Griffin Awards.  Nominations for the 2020 awards to be held on May 28th are now open to individuals, companies and organizations in the following categories:
  • Restoration
  • Rehabilitation
  • Adaptive Re-use
  • In-fill Construction in Historic and Traditional Neighborhoods
  • Research, Publication and Education
  • Stewardship
  • Preservation
Discussion Bound Book Club
Jan 14 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Malaprop's Bookstore

Hosted by the Asheville Art Museum, this monthly discussion is a place to exchange ideas that relate to artworks and the art world. The club typically meets the second Tuesday of every month at noon at Malaprop’s. Click here to view important news and find the selection for this month.

 

Event date:
Tuesday, January 14, 2020 – 12:00pm
Tuesday, February 11, 2020 – 12:00pm
Tuesday, March 10, 2020 – 12:00pm
Awakening Support Group
Jan 14 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Appalachia School of Holistic Herbalism

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)

Duke Blue Devils at Clemson Tigers Mens Basketball
Jan 14 @ 7:00 pm
Littlejohn Coliseum
Duke *
v.
Clemson
Greenville Chautauqua Presents: Teddy Roosevelt Discussion
Jan 14 @ 7:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Hughes Main Library

Winter Chautauqua kicks off the 2020 theme of “Reinventing America,” with Teddy Roosevelt. What better way to “Reinvent America” then with the Rough Rider, Nobel Prize winning President who stepped down at the height of his popularity to four years later bolt the Republican Party and challenge his hand picked successor? In ninety days, Roosevelt’s “Bull Moose” Party humbled a sitting president and decisively beat a party that had dominated national politics for forty years. American politics was never then same again.

Join an audience that loves talking back to history to discuss Teddy Roosevelt – with AV Huff. This event is NOT a costumed performance. (Doug Mishler from Reno NV will perform as Teddy Roosevelt in Winter Chautauqua – Jan 31, Feb 1, Feb 2.)

AV Huff, PhD is a distinguished author, award-wining teacher, and public servant. AV is passionate about southern history and is author of Greenville: The History of the City and County in the South Carolina Piedmont. Dr. Huff has led previous Chautauqua Talks on historic South Carolina figures ranging from the controversial John C. Calhoun to escaped slave and Civil War military commander Robert Smalls.

Impeachment: Who, What, How and Why
Jan 14 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Weaverville Library

Impeachment:  Who, What, How and Why

Are you confused about what’s going on at the US Congress with impeachment investigations and hearings? Want to hear the history of this process?
The Friends of the Weaverville Library are bringing you some answers!

Ransom Riggs launches The Conference of the Birds
Jan 14 @ 7:00 pm
Malaprop's Bookstore

#1 New York Times bestselling author Ransom Riggs returns with a hotly anticipated new book in the blockbuster series, “Miss Peregrines Peculiar Children.” The new arc of the Miss Peregrine series launched readers into the previously unexplored world of American peculiars, one bursting with new questions, new allies, and new adversaries. Now, with enemies behind him and the unknown ahead, Jacob Portmans story continues as he takes a brave leap forward into The Conference of the Birds.

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY and make sure to provide an email address where you can receive reminders and updates from Brown Paper Tickets’ automated system.

There will be a TIERED TICKETING SYSTEM for this event, with three available options:

*GOLD TICKETS SOLD OUT: GOLD TICKETS will be issued to the FIRST 20 people to purchase tickets to this event. These tickets include a copy of THE CONFERENCE OF THE BIRDS. Gold ticket holders are invited to a special meet and greet with author Ransom Riggs, and will receive a swag bag, have access to the activity stations, the event, and first priority in the signing line. (Gold ticket holders admitted at 5:40 p.m. for meet & greet.)

*SILVER TICKET holders gain access to the activity stations, receive a swag item, and are admitted to the event with second priority in the signing line. Silver tickets also include a copy of THE CONFERENCE OF THE BIRDS. (Activities for Gold/Silver ticket holders start at 6:00 p.m.)

BRONZE TICKETS are free and do not include a copy of the book. Bronze tickets are for admission to the author presentation and third priority in the signing line. (Doors open at 6:30 for general admission.)

Badfish: a Tribute to Sublime
Jan 14 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel

 

The phenomenon known as Sublime, arguably the most energetic, original and uniquely eclectic band to emerge from any scene, anywhere, ended with the untimely death of lead singer, guitarist and songwriter Brad Nowell in May of 1996. But encompassing the sense of place and purpose long associated with Sublime’s music, Badfish, a Tribute to Sublime continues to channel the spirit of Sublime with a fury not felt for some time. What separates Badfish from other tribute bands is that they have replicated Sublime’s essence, developing a scene and dedicated following most commonly reserved for label-driven, mainstream acts. Badfish make their mark on the audience by playing with the spirit of Sublime. They perform not as Sublime would have, or did, but as Badfish does!

.

Citizen Cope
Jan 14 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The Grey Eagle

Citizen Cope

Wednesday, January 15, 2020
Elwood Watson, PhD: Keepin’ It Real: Essays on Race in Contemporary America
Jan 15 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Malaprop's Bookstore

Keepin' It Real: Essays on Race in Contemporary America Cover Image

The past decade has been one of the most racially turbulent periods in the modern era, as the complicated breakthrough of the Obama presidency gave way to the racially charged campaigning and eventual governing of Donald Trump. Keepin’ It Real presents a wide-ranging group of essays that take on key aspects of the current landscape surrounding racial issues in America, including the place of the Obamas, the rise of the alt-right and White nationalism, Donald Trump, Colin Kaepernick and the backlash against his protests, Black Lives Matter, sexual politics in the black community, and much more.
America’s racial problems aren’t going away any time soon. Keepin’ It Real will serve as a marker of the arguments we’re having right now, and an argument for the changes we need to make to become the better nation we’ve long imagined ourselves to be.

Elwood David Watson is professor of history, African American studies, and gender studies at East Tennessee State University.

This event is free and open to the public. We ask that you purchase the books you want to be signed at our events from Malaprop’s. When you do this you are not only supporting the work it takes to run an events program, you are also telling the publishers that they should keep sending authors here. Can’t make it to the store for the event? Call us or order the book on our website in advance, and we’ll get it signed for you. Make sure you write your preferences in the comments if you purchase online.

 

Jus’ Running Pub Run
Jan 15 @ 11:30 pm – Jan 16 @ 1:30 am
One World Brewing West

Join us every Wednesday at 6:30PM at One World Brewing (520 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC) in West Asheville for a community run around West AVL. https://www.facebook.com/groups/988486641322045/ Hang around and grab a drink afterwards. All paces welcome. Well behaved, leashed furry friends welcome.
We will begin with one 4-ish mile route (https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/2424498334) through West Asheville, though will expand to include various options in the future.
Food options nearby, including on-site food trucks during warmer weather.

https://www.facebook.com/events/516081612251742/?event_time_id=516081738918396

An Evening with Branford Marsalis
Jan 15 @ 7:30 pm
Peace Center

The Branford Marsalis Quartet, first formed in 1986, remains Marsalis’ primary means of expression. In its virtually uninterrupted three-plus decades of existence, the quartet has established a rare breadth of stylistic range and a continuity of personnel. The Secret Between the Shadow and the Soul, recorded in the spring of 2018, contains the mix of challenging original and classic compositions, and the range of moods from the tender to the explosive that has defined the group. With its focus on melodic strength and extrasensory interaction, the album confirms that the Branford Marsalis Quartet remains a paragon of uncompromising jazz excellence.

Donnie Baker
Jan 15 @ 8:00 pm
The Orange Peel

FULLY SEATED SHOW

No act in the 30-year history of “The Bob and Tom Radio Show” has attracted more fans than Donnie Baker! This one-of-a-kind “mullet-headed, backwards-cap-wearing, small-town smart-ass” RETURNS to his home-away-from-home, where his LIVE shows started on Thanksgiving Eve in 2005! Donnie Baker is like NO OTHER comic! SWEAR TO GOD! In the words of Donnie, “I’m a singer, a comedian, and a certified bad-ass. And I’ll say it right to your face!” Don’t miss Donnie Baker!

Emporium Presents Jesse Cook
Jan 15 @ 8:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre

“I want to take people to places they haven’t been.” Jesse Cook, Juno winning master guitarist, known for his intoxicating fusion of world music, has travelled the globe looking for sounds that resonate with him. “I like finding common ground for different music traditions, a space where music from around the world can come together,” Cook explains. “A place where modern sounds can mix with ancient timbres.”

He was born in Paris, to Canadian parents. After moving back to Canada, Cook started guitar lessons. “My teacher played flamenco. Then, when I’d visit my dad in France, he was living next door to Nicolas Reyes, the singer of the Gipsy Kings. I saw gipsy kids on the corner playing that way too.” It was as if the world conspired to get me interested in this style and I was hooked.” It was when he heard the Paco de Lucia, Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin album, Friday Night in San Francisco that the die was cast. “I was captivated by the sheer virtuosity and freedom, that people could play whatever they wanted, creating in that space between jazz and flamenco.”

Disclaimer Lounge Comedy Open Mic
Jan 15 @ 9:00 pm – 11:45 pm
The One Stop

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.

Music Bingo at Banks Ave Bar (Asheville, NC)
Jan 15 @ 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Banks Ave.

Come join us for an amazing night of music, prizes, and drink specials. It’s Music Bingo at Banks Ave.. Test your music knowledge and compete against your friends and other patrons. It’s easy to play, and everyone is welcome! We’ll see you there!

https://www.facebook.com/events/391468795015437/?event_time_id=391468938348756

Thursday, January 16, 2020
Organic Growers School offers an Agroecology trip to Cuba
Jan 16 all-day

Asheville, NC. Organic Growers School is partnering with Food First and Altruvistas to offer
their second Cuba Agroecology Tour from January 7 through 16, 2020, with a focus on the
country’s intensive sustainable agriculture practices. The tour, to be comprised of growers,
community leaders, educators, and activists who are passionate about sustainable agriculture,
will begin in Havana and travel to destinations such as Pinar del Rio, Artemisa, and Matanzas.
The cost of the trip is $2,900 and will serve, in part, as a fundraiser for Organic Growers School
(OGS), a 501c3 non-profit organization. There are a limited number of partial scholarships for
farmers and food activists to attend. This tour and all registrants will not be affected by recent
political actions to restrict American travel to Cuba.

Branford Marsalis Quartet
Jan 16 @ 12:30 am – 2:30 am
Peace Center

After four decades in the international spotlight, the achievements of saxophonist Branford Marsalis continue to grow. He has expanded his vision as an instrumentalist, composer, bandleader, and educator, crossing stylistic boundaries while maintaining an unwavering creative integrity.

The Branford Marsalis Quartet, first formed in 1986, remains Marsalis’ primary means of expression. In its virtually uninterrupted three-plus decades of existence, the quartet has established a rare breadth of stylistic range and a continuity of personnel. The Secret Between the Shadow and the Soul, recorded in the spring of 2018, contains the mix of challenging original and classic compositions, and the range of moods from the tender to the explosive that has defined the group. With its focus on melodic strength and extrasensory interaction, the album confirms that the Branford Marsalis Quartet remains a paragon of uncompromising jazz excellence.

While the quartet thrives, Marsalis continues to expand his status as a musical collaborator, dating back to his early experiences as a sideman with Clark Terry, Art Blakey, and his brother Wynton Marsalis and extending through encounters with Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, Herbie Hancock, and Harry Connick, Jr. He has received a series of awards, including three Grammys®, and his citation (together with his father and brothers) as a Jazz Master by the National Endowment for the Arts.

“Branford Marsalis’ quartet has been a model of daring, unapologetic artistry for the past three decades.” – Jazziz

“His quartet, featuring Eric Revis on bass, drummer Justin Faulkner, and pianist Joey Calderazzo, has become an institution.” – PopMatters

“Together, they play with a deft abandon that often borders on focused chaos.” – All Music

“Lively, collaborative, at times powerful, other times sensual, the Branford Marsalis Quartet is at the top of its form.” – Step Tempest

https://www.facebook.com/events/1073512962851549/

Disclaimer Stand-Up Lounge Comedy Open Mic
Jan 16 @ 2:00 am – 4:30 am
Disclaimer Stand-Up Lounge

Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic every Wednesday 9:(ish)pm at The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall.

Fun and free show of hit-or-miss comedy where comics stop by to work on their material or try out new stuff. Anyone wanting to perform needs to sign up by 9pm, and will get five minutes on stage. The order of sign-up is not necessarily the order of the show.

https://www.facebook.com/events/3174166542609086/?event_time_id=3174166669275740

Leads Group East
Jan 16 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Hendersonville Community Coop

Date/Time: 1/16/2020, 8:00am – 9:00am

Every business wants new customers, but networking often takes a lot of time. What if you could get a weekly review of local business happenings from 20 professionals during a casual one-hour meeting? Do you think making stronger connections with other, like-minded professionals will possibly lead to referrals and additional business?

That is exactly what can happen!

The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce offers a Lead’s Group that meets in the Community Room at Hendersonville Community Coop, 60 S. Charleston Lane, Hendersonville, facilitated by Angelic Cannon, Realtor with Beverly-Hanks & Associates. Wide-open to all business types, get in before someone from your industry does.

Leads Group North
Jan 16 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Kosta's Kitchen

Every business wants new customers, but networking often takes a lot of time. What if you could get a weekly review of local business happenings from 20 professionals during a casual one-hour meeting? Do you think making stronger connections with other, like-minded professionals will possibly lead to referrals and additional business?

That is exactly what can happen!

The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce offers a Lead’s Group at Kosta’s Kitchen, 4055 Hendersonville Road in Fletcher. Facilitated by David Maupin with Edward Jones. Openings for various business types, get in before someone from your industry does!

Leads Group South
Jan 16 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Mike's on Main

Every business wants new customers, but networking often takes a lot of time. What if you could get a weekly review of local business happenings from 20 professionals during a casual one-hour meeting? Do you think making stronger connections with other, like-minded professionals will possibly lead to referrals and additional business?

That is exactly what can happen!

The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce offers a Lead’s Group that meets at Mike’s on Main, 303 N. Main Street, Hendersonville, facilitated by Michelle Tracz.

Half Off Thursdays
Jan 16 @ 9:00 pm – Jan 17 @ 1:00 am
Asheville's Fun Depot

Includes All Non Redemption Arcade Games, Activities, and Attractions!

Such as…
Indoor Climbing wall | Indoor/Outdoor Go-karts | Arcade Games | Laser Tag | Bumper Cars | Mini Golf | Mini Bowling | X-Rider Theatre | AeroBall | & More!

https://www.facebook.com/events/323685011602260/?event_time_id=323685164935578

Half Off Thursdays!
Jan 16 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Asheville's Fun Depot

Come in to enjoy creating memories with us during a time that your dollars go farther! Half-off games and attractions after 4pm. See y’all soon!

https://www.facebook.com/events/582585695548471/?event_time_id=582585865548454

Appalachian Fire Bluegrass Concert
Jan 16 @ 6:00 pm
Hendersonville Library

Celebrate the new year with live bluegrass music at the library.

 

Free

Ponderers Cafe – The Four Agreements – The Second Agreement
Jan 16 @ 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Kenilworth Presbyterian Church

Meet and greet at 6pm, Pondering starts at 6:30.

Please enter the church through the front door. There is ample parking on the street in front of the church. There will be a $2 per person offering for the use of the church facilities and I think this is very fair. This is in addition to any donation you may wish to give for the expenses of the meetup itself. Feel free to bring any reasonable food or drink for yourself or to share.

RSVPs go live every Friday at 5pm.

Notorious HBC (History Book Club)
Jan 16 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Malaprop's Bookstore

Join host and Malaprop’s bookseller Patricia Furnish to discuss a range of books across different periods of history. The club tackles challenging subjects, hence “NOTORIOUS.”  Click here to see a full schedule of what the club is reading. Club attendees get 10% off the book at Malaprop’s!

The club meets at Malaprop’s on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 7:00 pm.

Event date:
Thursday, January 16, 2020 – 7:00pm
Thursday, February 20, 2020 – 7:00pm
Thursday, March 19, 2020 – 7:00pm
Thursday, April 16, 2020 – 7:00pm
The Black Market Trust
Jan 16 @ 7:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre, Asheville

The Black Market Trust

Combining the soulful sounds of legendary American crooners with the fire and energy of gypsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, The Black Market Trust have found their niche in the world of American pop and vocal jazz, melding two distinctly different vibes into a single cohesive, stylish sound. Hailing from Los Angeles, these five world class musicians travel the globe recording with music’s most renowned artists and delivering high-energy, crowd-pleasing performances filled with material from The Great American Songbook, infusing some of the greatest songs ever written with jazzy romance and flavor.

 

Friday, January 17, 2020
Cuba Agroecology Tour
Jan 17 @ 12:00 am – 1:00 am

Join OGS for a Tour of Cuba’s Sustainable Farms

— Learn from farmers and food activists about Cuba’s transition to agroecological farming practices and its national policies that prioritize organic farming and hunger remediation.
— Connect with farmers, consumers, activists, NGOs, policymakers, and experts working to transform the global food system.
— Acquire the knowledge and strategies to create just, sustainable, local, and healthy food systems in your own communities.

Agroecology = Agriculture + Ecology

Agroecology is the study of ecological systems as they apply to agriculture. It is a science, a movement, and a practice. At OGS, we like to think of the farm as a system and observe nature as the ideal model of sustainable production.

Agroecological practices strive to incorporate all elements of an agricultural ecosystem—water, nutrients, soil, plants, and animals—to maximize production and minimize impact. Agroecological methods include the following:

— Silvopasture = animals in the woods
— Agroforestry = forest farming
— Permaculture = systems designed to be sustainable and self-sufficient

Of course, each of these methods has been practiced on every continent since humans have existed, though they are only recently being named and defined by the modern sustainable agriculture community.

During this trip, you will participate in and observe how the Cuban agricultural community has embraced agroecology in all of its forms and learn why Cuba is considered one of the leading global experts in agroecological methods.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2315414532048890/

Mitch’s Totally Rad Trivia at The One Stop
Jan 17 @ 12:00 am – 2:00 am
The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall

Mitch’s Totally Rad Trivia is a team trivia played in 7 rounds over the course of 2 endlessly entertaining hours. The game covers everything pop culture and is always irreverent by nature. The game is not your average pub quiz as it explores everything from didgeridoo covers of pop songs to bad celebrity tattoos and everything in between. Ever wanted to identify animals by their gonads? Then this is the game for you! Mitch curates a one of a kind trivia smorgasbord of random, unusual, and hilarious subjects. This absurd trivia game is not about historical facts or sports stats, it is all about random movies, unforgettable ear-worms, and the hilariousness of growing up in the 80’s and 90’s. The game starts at 7pm in the cozy One Stop in downtown Asheville. Drink specials include $4 bourbon/$4 Washington Apple Shots and $5 White Russians, and food is available from MOJO Kitchen which offers 1/2 price nachos during the game! Best of all the winning team each week takes home a collection of Totally Rad Prizes including a $35 gift certificate to The One Stop/MOJO Kitchen.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2129604460458895/?event_time_id=2129604593792215