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.
We are excited to bring this special package to you and your loved ones. It’s super easy!
- Pick your show date – June 14, 17, 21, 24 (Evening only)
- Choose 2 Adult Seats and 2 Student Seats
- At Checkout, discount will be applied
Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo!
Your wish is granted!
If you have any problems, our Box Office is happy to help!
828.693.0731
Office Hours
By Norm Foster; Directed by Ellen Pappas
AUDITION DATES: Tuesday, May 2, 2023; 10:30 am-2:30 pm on the Mainstage
PRODUCTION DATES: May 26-28, 2023; All performances at 2:30 pm; Friday and Saturday performances at Asheville Community Theatre, Sunday performance at the Reuter Center on the campus of UNCA
REHEARSALS: Tuesdays & Thursdays May 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, and 25, 2023; 10:30 am-2:30 pm
DIRECTOR SEEKS: 3M, 2W playing 16 characters
A night of accomplishments and wonderful music. Join us as all six of GCYO’s ensembles take the stage.
We have three opportunities for you to help Connect Beyond AND see some music! We need volunteers to assist with wristbands for three shows this summer at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville in Downtown Asheville, N.C. Shifts are roughly (3) hours and all participating volunteers will also receive (1) free ticket to stay after and watch the show. The following dates and shows are available:
- May 7th: Gojira and Mastodon
- June 13th: boygenius
- August 12th: Motionless in White
From the songbook of Johnny Cash comes this unique musical about love and faith, struggle and success, rowdiness and redemption, and the healing power of home and family. More than two dozen classic hits including “I Walk The Line,” “A Boy Named Sue,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and, of course, “Ring of Fire.” Performed by a multi-talented cast, Ring of Fire paints a musical portrait of ‘The Man in Black’ that promises to be a foot-stompin’, crowd-pleasin’ salute to a unique musical legend!
From the songbook of Johnny Cash comes this unique musical about love and faith, struggle and success, rowdiness and redemption, and the healing power of home and family. More than two dozen classic hits including “I Walk the Line,” “A Boy Named Sue,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and, of course, “Ring of Fire.” Performed by a multi-talented cast.
Director Ben Hope adds “Having spent many years working on various productions of Ring of Fire (this production will be my personal 10th!), The most extraordinary thing I keep finding about Mr. Cash is how unanimously loved he is, even now, 20 years since his death. No other project seems to attract such a varied and enthusiastic crowd as the music of Johnny Cash. I think it’s because he wrote for the ordinary. His words and music are authentic and simple, and he speaks plainly about things we all connect with. He was fallible, with personal demons and shortcomings. He makes us feel like our own imperfections are normal and mundane, and he teaches us that there’s beauty and hope, even in despair. I love Johnny Cash, and I know Flat Rock audiences are going to love Ring of Fire’.”
Don’t miss this inspiring story, all the great music, and an evening of iconic Johnny Cash!
Ring of Fire is presented by WHKP and Carolina Ace Hardware. Flat Rock Playhouse’s 2023 Season is supported by Charlotte & Bob Otto, Optimum, WHKP, and WTZQ as well as the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. www.NCArts.org
For a complete lineup with show descriptions and to purchase tickets, visit www.flatrockplayhouse.org.
Enrollment is now open for two adult improvisation acting classes offered by Hendersonville Theatre (HT). Classes will be taught by professional improvisation actor and comedian Emily Swindal. Both classes are open to anyone over the age of 18, regardless of experience level.
Improv Level One: Communicate. Collaborate. Play. meets on Wednesdays from April 5 to May 24. Tuition is $180. In the class, students will work at getting comfortable on stage while having fun doing it. Students will learn to have compassion for themselves and their classmates as performers as they learn the fundamentals of improvisation and develop support and spontaneity. Together, they will learn the importance of “yes-and-ing,” heightening the absurdity and raising the stakes. They will also cover the differences between short form and long form improv. This is a short form class similar to Whose Line Is It Anyway?
Hosted by the
Asheville Guitar Bar, a discussion series provides deeper understanding and
greater enjoyment of music forms including rock, soul, blues and jazz. Led by
Asheville author and music journalist Bill Kopp, Music to Your Ears is an
interactive experience that shines a light on important music. Music to Your
Ears is a 90-minute conversation, held at the Guitar Bar, a music magnet in
Asheville’s historic River Arts District. The May 3 event features special guest Jody Carroll.
Delta blues is one of the richest and fascinating strains of American music. From the muddy Mississippi Delta
comes this primarily acoustic, deeply soulful and historically significant style. Charley Patton, Robert Johnson
and Big Joe Williams were important figures in the music; more than a century old, Delta blues remains vital
thanks to current-day practitioners like Jody Carroll. (jodycarroll.com)
Carroll combines his interpretations of Delta blues classics with his original material, stories and an engaging
presentation that showcases his fingerstyle guitar work. His music draws from other genres – rock, jazz,
country and more – creating something unique in the process. Carroll is a traveling musician, though for a time
he set aside his itinerant ways and was based in Asheville. During that time he was a regular and beloved
fixture at Asheville Guitar Bar. He has since returned to the road, but Carroll is making a special and long-
awaited return for a performance at AGB on Thursday, May 4.
And this month’s Music to Your Ears is a special entry: it provides an additional opportunity to see, hear and
meet Jody Carroll. On Wednesday, May 3 – the evening before his concert – MTYE host Bill Kopp welcomes
Jody Carroll for an evening of conversation and music. We’ll explore Carroll’s musical roots and inspirations,
learn about his creative process, and enjoy some up-close-and-personal music. As always, Music to Your Ears
is a discussion, and the active participation of attendees is what makes the evening an experience far beyond
a talk or a mere concert.
ABOUT THE DISCUSSION SERIES
Music to Your Ears is Bill Kopp’s monthly discussion series hosted by Asheville Guitar Bar and co-sponsored
by AshevilleFM. On the first Wednesday of each month, music enthusiasts gather to discuss an important
album, artist or musical movement. An interactive evening, Music to Your Ears isn’t a lecture; it’s a discussion
led by experts and designed to enrich the listening experience. The character of each session is defined by the
participants (that’s you). The conversation goes where the attendees take it: the person seated next to you
might have attended Woodstock or seen The Beatles in concert. The insights of everyone in the room are what
make each and every Music to Your Ears a unique experience.
ABOUT BILL KOPP
With over 500 bylines in Western North Carolina publications (Mountain Xpress, Bold Life, WNC Magazine and
more), Asheville-based author and music journalist is an acknowledged expert on popular music. Author of two
books – Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon and Disturbing the Peace:
415 Records and the Rise of New Wave – Bill Kopp writes for publications across the country and abroad. A
contributing editor at Goldmine Magazine and contributing writer at GRAMMY.com, he has authored more than
30 album liner note essays and conducted more than 1000 interviews. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions
on artists and albums of historical importance, and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and
podcasts.
From the songbook of Johnny Cash comes this unique musical about love and faith, struggle and success, rowdiness and redemption, and the healing power of home and family. More than two dozen classic hits including “I Walk The Line,” “A Boy Named Sue,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and, of course, “Ring of Fire.” Performed by a multi-talented cast, Ring of Fire paints a musical portrait of ‘The Man in Black’ that promises to be a foot-stompin’, crowd-pleasin’ salute to a unique musical legend!
RAIN – A Tribute to the Beatles performs songs from Abbey Road & the Rooftop Concert LIVE, in addition to all your favorite hits! This mind-blowing performance takes you back in time with the legendary foursome delivering a note-for-note theatrical event that is the next best thing to seeing the Beatles.
Experience the world’s most iconic band and get back to where you once belonged with RAIN – A Tribute to the Beatles.
From the songbook of Johnny Cash comes this unique musical about love and faith, struggle and success, rowdiness and redemption, and the healing power of home and family. More than two dozen classic hits including “I Walk the Line,” “A Boy Named Sue,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and, of course, “Ring of Fire.” Performed by a multi-talented cast.
Director Ben Hope adds “Having spent many years working on various productions of Ring of Fire (this production will be my personal 10th!), The most extraordinary thing I keep finding about Mr. Cash is how unanimously loved he is, even now, 20 years since his death. No other project seems to attract such a varied and enthusiastic crowd as the music of Johnny Cash. I think it’s because he wrote for the ordinary. His words and music are authentic and simple, and he speaks plainly about things we all connect with. He was fallible, with personal demons and shortcomings. He makes us feel like our own imperfections are normal and mundane, and he teaches us that there’s beauty and hope, even in despair. I love Johnny Cash, and I know Flat Rock audiences are going to love Ring of Fire’.”
Don’t miss this inspiring story, all the great music, and an evening of iconic Johnny Cash!
Ring of Fire is presented by WHKP and Carolina Ace Hardware. Flat Rock Playhouse’s 2023 Season is supported by Charlotte & Bob Otto, Optimum, WHKP, and WTZQ as well as the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. www.NCArts.org
For a complete lineup with show descriptions and to purchase tickets, visit www.flatrockplayhouse.org.
We have three opportunities for you to help Connect Beyond AND see some music! We need volunteers to assist with wristbands for three shows this summer at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville in Downtown Asheville, N.C. Shifts are roughly (3) hours and all participating volunteers will also receive (1) free ticket to stay after and watch the show. The following dates and shows are available:
- May 7th: Gojira and Mastodon
- June 13th: boygenius
- August 12th: Motionless in White
We are thrilled to share the news that bestselling author of Southernmost, Silas House, will keynote Literacy Together’s 14th Annual Authors for Literacy Dinner & Auction on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at the Crowne Plaza Resort Expo Center.
House has authored six novels, a book of creative non-fiction, and three plays. He is the executive producer and one of the subjects of the documentary Hillbilly.
House is a former commentator for NPR’s “All Things Considered.” His writing has appeared in Time, The Atlantic, Ecotone, The Advocate, Garden and Gun, and Oxford American. House serves on the fiction faculty at the Naslund-Mann Graduate School of Creative Writing and as the NEH Chair at Berea College. Read more about Silas here.
Proceeds from the Authors for Literacy Dinner & Auction will benefit programs to help people of all ages reach their personal and educational goals through the power of literacy. Literacy Together provides volunteer tutors to more than 300 students and sends books to over 5,000 preschool children in Buncombe County.
General admission is $95, and a limited number of VIP passes include a meet and greet with the author.
We are excited to bring this special package to you and your loved ones. It’s super easy!
- Pick your show date – June 14, 17, 21, 24 (Evening only)
- Choose 2 Adult Seats and 2 Student Seats
- At Checkout, discount will be applied
Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo!
Your wish is granted!
If you have any problems, our Box Office is happy to help!
828.693.0731
From the songbook of Johnny Cash comes this unique musical about love and faith, struggle and success, rowdiness and redemption, and the healing power of home and family. More than two dozen classic hits including “I Walk The Line,” “A Boy Named Sue,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and, of course, “Ring of Fire.” Performed by a multi-talented cast, Ring of Fire paints a musical portrait of ‘The Man in Black’ that promises to be a foot-stompin’, crowd-pleasin’ salute to a unique musical legend!
From the songbook of Johnny Cash comes this unique musical about love and faith, struggle and success, rowdiness and redemption, and the healing power of home and family. More than two dozen classic hits including “I Walk the Line,” “A Boy Named Sue,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and, of course, “Ring of Fire.” Performed by a multi-talented cast.
Director Ben Hope adds “Having spent many years working on various productions of Ring of Fire (this production will be my personal 10th!), The most extraordinary thing I keep finding about Mr. Cash is how unanimously loved he is, even now, 20 years since his death. No other project seems to attract such a varied and enthusiastic crowd as the music of Johnny Cash. I think it’s because he wrote for the ordinary. His words and music are authentic and simple, and he speaks plainly about things we all connect with. He was fallible, with personal demons and shortcomings. He makes us feel like our own imperfections are normal and mundane, and he teaches us that there’s beauty and hope, even in despair. I love Johnny Cash, and I know Flat Rock audiences are going to love Ring of Fire’.”
Don’t miss this inspiring story, all the great music, and an evening of iconic Johnny Cash!
Ring of Fire is presented by WHKP and Carolina Ace Hardware. Flat Rock Playhouse’s 2023 Season is supported by Charlotte & Bob Otto, Optimum, WHKP, and WTZQ as well as the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. www.NCArts.org
For a complete lineup with show descriptions and to purchase tickets, visit www.flatrockplayhouse.org.
Join us on select Thursdays from April through September for live Americana music from the Waverly front porch along with great southern fare and cold beverages. Bring a lawn chair and/or blanket from 6-8pm for a great evening in Hendersonville.
May 4: Jess Jocoy, Waverly Front Porch Series
June 1: Letters to Abigail, Waverly Front Porch Series
June 29: The Gathering Dark, Waverly Front Porch Series
July 27: The Last Full Measure, Waverly Front Porch Series
September 7: Angela Easterling, Waverly Front Porch Series
October 5: David Childers, Waverly Front Porch Series
Want to know how to write like they do on SNL? Would you like to level up your comedy knowledge? Learn the basics of sketch comedy writing! We’ll talk about the history of sketch, and the differences between the famous sketch and improv schools based in NYC, Chicago, and LA. Want to learn about the crossover of skills practiced in sketch writing and improv? Are you interested in learning some of the differences between British and American humor? Are you curious about the similarities between sketch and satire? (Think: The Onion.) We’ll talk about it! We’ll read a variety of sketch scripts, break them down into parts, and learn the mechanics. We’ll watch a number of sketches together, practice identifying the formula, and specifically labeling what’s funny about them. We’ll also practice idea generation and pitching. Hold onto your hat!
About the Teacher
Emily Swindal lived in New York City for 8 years as an actor and improv comedian and relocated to Hendersonville during the pandemic. Emily has studied and performed improv and sketch comedy writing at NYC’s Magnet Theater and Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre NY. Emily has performed with an assortment of improv teams. Some of her past instructors include Elana Fishbein, Peter McNerney, Ross Taylor, Michael Lutton, and Nicole Drespel. She has a BFA in Musical Theatre from Shenandoah Conservatory. Emily can’t wait to meet you.
The String Cheese Incident will be performing LIVE on the Outdoor Stage at Salvage Station for an incredible three-night run (Thursday, May 4th, Friday, May 5th and Saturday, May 6th)! Doors open at 5:30pm and the music starts at 6:30pm. All tickets are General Admission and these shows are all-ages with children under 7 free.
Root Down will be serving their delicious twist on Southern Soul food PLUS we will have additional food trucks on-site for the duration of the show. And, of course, we will have MULTIPLE full bars open for you to enjoy!
Known as the “high priests of brass,” the American Brass Quintet has performed around the world and across the United States at many prestigious venues. Known for playing a wide range of music, they are accomplished in early, classical, and contemporary compositions. They play with assurance, technical prowess, and bravura.
Our jazz trio with Thommy Knoles on keys, Felix Pastorius on bass, and Paul Gladstone on drums will perform an opening set from about 7-8:15 pm.
An open jam session follows. Drop-ins are welcome and encouraged for a suggested donation of $10.
Jazz Jam will feature a diverse array of music from jazz’s rich history, ranging from 1940s bebop up to 1970s jazz fusion, as well as material from prominent present-day composers. Bring your instruments and jam with us, or just come and enjoy!
From the songbook of Johnny Cash comes this unique musical about love and faith, struggle and success, rowdiness and redemption, and the healing power of home and family. More than two dozen classic hits including “I Walk The Line,” “A Boy Named Sue,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and, of course, “Ring of Fire.” Performed by a multi-talented cast, Ring of Fire paints a musical portrait of ‘The Man in Black’ that promises to be a foot-stompin’, crowd-pleasin’ salute to a unique musical legend!
“Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek….” And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there’s one on hand… and his name is Shrek.
Shrek presents a treasure trove of creative opportunities, including costumes, sets, puppets (there is a fire-breathing dragon after all) and more! Irreverently fun for the whole family, Shrek proves that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre.
Shrek is produced by our APAA Company members. This production is double cast. If you are interested in seeing a specific performer, please consult with them before purchasing tickets. Tickets will not be refunded or exchanged to see a specific performer.
Join the APAA’s Company Member in the hilarious stage spectacle with everyone’s favorite Ogre.
“Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek….” And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there’s one on hand… and his name is Shrek.
Shrek presents a treasure trove of creative opportunities, including costumes, sets, puppets (there is a fire-breathing dragon after all) and more! Irreverently fun for the whole family, Shrek proves that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre.
Welcome to the world of suspense, intrigue, love, loyalty, and tragedy in this new masterpiece from Barcelona Flamenco Ballet. Welcome to LUXURÎA!
Under the direction of choreographer David Gutiérrez, ‘Luxurîa’ is deeply innovative in its combination of both traditional and contemporary flamenco dance, making it without doubt one of the most eye-catching new productions in recent years.
Join Barcelona Flamenco Ballet, one of the most popular dance companies in the world, for an unforgettable night of beautiful music, lyrical dance, and the fascinating synthesis of classical, jazz, and conventional flamenco that’s not to be missed!