A new documentary film shines a light on four behind-
the-scenes L.A. musicians who were responsible for helping make much of the

era’s best music. A special January 8 screening of Immediate Family is the latest
entry in the popular Music Movie Mondays series hosted by author and music
journalist at Grail Moviehouse.
In the early 1970s music scene of Southern California, you couldn’t get a better bunch
of players than the four musicians who wold come to be known collectively as The
Section. Together and on their own, guitarists Danny “Kootch” Kortchmar and Waddy
Wachtel, bassist Leland Sklar and drummer extraordinaire Russ Kunkel played on a
staggering number of recordings made in that era. And an astounding number of those
songs would become hits.
Playing for and with the likes of Carole King, James Taylor, Stevie Nicks, Don
Henley, Keith Richards, Linda Ronstadt, Stevie Nicks and other well-known names,
that tightly-knit group of musicians would be responsible for the sound of an era. And today those four are the core of a popular
recording and performing unit, the Immediate Family.
Filmmaker Denny Tedesco (The Wrecking Crew) has dug into the collective history of these important musicians, and the result
is a new motion picture documentary, Immediate Family. Drawing from archival footage and contemporary interview with the
musicians (and the artists for whom they provided their expertise), Immediate Family fills in the blanks of an important – yet
often overlooked part of American popular music history.
And a post-screening discussion led by author and music journalist Bill Kopp provides an opportunity to share thoughts and
insight on the film.
As part of the Music Movie Mondays series, Grail Movie House in Asheville hosts a special one-night-only showing of the
film. Presented by Asheville-based speaker, author and music journalist Bill Kopp, the evening will include a screening of the
film followed by an interactive discussion.

“The End of the Affair” is a poignant and passionate drama film released in 1999, directed by Neil Jordan. Set in London during and after World War II, the film explores the complex and intense love affair between Maurice Bendrix (played by Ralph Fiennes), a writer, and Sarah Miles (played by Julianne Moore), the wife of a civil servant.

“The End of the Affair” is a poignant and passionate drama film released in 1999, directed by Neil Jordan. Set in London during and after World War II, the film explores the complex and intense love affair between Maurice Bendrix (played by Ralph Fiennes), a writer, and Sarah Miles (played by Julianne Moore), the wife of a civil servant.

READERS THEATRE SHOWCASE

For Readers Theatre Showcase auditions, there’s no need to make an appointment – we will get you signed in when you arrive! Expect to read from the script. Prepare for your audition by reading the script beforehand.

AUDITION DATES AT A GLANCE

• The Importance of Being Earnest – February 16-18, 2024
  • Auditions: January 23, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM

The Importance of Being Earnest

Performance Dates: February 16-18, 2024
Auditions: January 23, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Directed By: Maggie Crowell
Production Assistant: Susan Maley

About The Importance of Being Earnest: Wilde’s most successful and enduring play is a wonderful and witty comedy of deception, disguise and misadventure. Two bachelors, Jack and Algernon, create alter egos in an effort to avoid tedious social obligations and win the hearts of Gwendolen and Cecily, the two women they adore.

additional auditions:

• The Birds – March 22-24, 2024
  • Auditions: February 27, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
• Over the River and Through the Woods – April 26-28, 2024
  • Auditions: April 2, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
• Enchanted April – May 31-June 2, 2024
  • Auditions: May 7, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM

Youth Production Auditions

This an immersive performance workshop that is specially tailored for young artists who aspire to learn and grow in the performing arts. Read more about Youth Productions HERE.

At the First Cast Meeting, students will be taught a dance combination and song to take home and practice for auditions and parents will receive comprehensive information about the entire Youth Production process.

Disney’s 101 Dalmatians Kids

Ages: 8-12
Performance Dates: March 8-10, 2024
First Cast Meeting: Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 4:30 PM
Auditions: Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 4:30 PM

About Disney’s 101 Dalmatians Kids: Pet owners, Roger and Anita, live happily in London with their Dalmatians, Pongo and Perdita, stalwart dogs devoted to raising their puppies. Everything is quiet until Anita’s former classmate, the monstrous Cruella De Vil, plots to steal the puppies for her new fur coat. The Dalmatians rally all the dogs of London for a daring rescue of the puppies from Cruella and her bumbling henchmen. Based on the classic animated film, Disney’s 101 Dalmatians Kids is a fur-raising adventure with a high-spirited score and lovable characters that will charm and delight all audiences.

Read more about registering for Disney’s 101 Dalmatians Kids HERE

Mainstage Auditions

Auditions are held over two nights, and you may choose either night to audition. Please fill out the Audition Form (per show) to secure an audition time. Walk-ups will be asked to fill out the audition form on site and will need to wait until the next available time slot.

For musical auditions: In general, come dressed to dance and prepared to sing 16 bars (30-45 seconds) of a musical theatre song, in the style of the musical. Depending on the show, you may be asked to bring sheet music to be played by an accompanist or you may be asked to bring a backing track (like a karaoke track on your phone) to play on a provided speaker. Please read each show’s audition requirements.

For non-musical auditions: Generally, you will be asked to memorize and prepare a monologue or to read pages from the script in front of the director, the stage manager, and another reader. Please read each show’s audition requirements.

Matilda: The Musical

Performance Dates: April 12-May 5, 2024
Youth & Teen Auditions: January 21, 2024 at 1:00 PM
Adult Auditions: January 22 & 23, 2024 with time slot
Callbacks (for Youth, Teens, & Adults): January 25, 2024
Rehearsals: February 5, 2024-April 11, 2024
Directed and Choregraphed by: Zoe Zelonky
Music Direction by: Kristen Johnson Dominguez

About Matilda: The Musical: Immerse yourself in the extraordinary world of Matilda: The Musical, a delightfully imaginative adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s book. This Tony Award-winning musical weaves the story of Matilda, a young girl with a sharp wit, unbounded imagination, and psychokinetic powers. Despite the indifference of her shallow parents and the tyranny of the oppressive headmistress Miss Trunchbull, Matilda discovers the strength within herself to change her story. Infused with dark humor, whimsical storytelling, and dazzling performances, Matilda: The Musical is a testament to the power of imagination, resilience, and the transformative magic of learning. A must-see for audiences of all ages who love heartwarming tales of triumph against all odds.

How to prepare:

Youth & Teens will begin with the dance audition then move into the vocal audition. Please arrive before 1 PM to check in and make sure you are ready to go as auditions will begin promptly. Dance auditions will take about an hour, and vocal & acting auditions will immediately follow in the order in which you check in. After you have completed your vocal & acting audition, you will be free to go.

• Dancing: Please wear clothes that allow full body movement. You will learn a short, upbeat dance combination and perform it in small groups.
• Singing: Please prepare a 1 minute cut of an upbeat musical theatre song. An accompanist will not be provided, so please bring your chosen track with you. This can be a YouTube karaoke track cued up to the correct time on your phone, an mp3 file on a flash drive, etc. We will provide a speaker for playback and will have a laptop available to play your track if needed.
• Acting: Choose one of the following audition sides (it does not have to be memorized, but if it is, that’s great, too!) and prepare to perform it. You may be asked to read another side in the audition room or at callbacks.

Adults:

• Singing: Please prepare a 1 minute cut of an upbeat musical theatre song. An accompanist will not be provided, so please bring your chosen track with you. This can be a YouTube karaoke track cued up to the correct time on your phone, an mp3 file on a flash drive, etc. We will provide a speaker for playback and will have a laptop available to play your track if needed.
• Acting: Choose one of the following audition sides (it does not have to be memorized, but if it is, that’s great, too!) and prepare to perform it. You may be asked to read another side in the audition room or at callbacks.

Audition Time Slots: 

• Youth & Teens: Youth & Teens auditions happen at the same time. Fill out the audition form HERE.
• Adults: Please select your time slot and fill out the audition form HERE.

Audition Sides

• Character Descriptions
• Youth & Teen Audition Sides
• Adult Audition Sides

Join us at 6:30pm for this free hybrid event. When storytelling, native wisdom and nature’s intelligence converge, something beautiful can arise. That’s the theme of the new film Nature’s Wisdom Thru Native Eyes by award-winning documentary filmmaker David Weintraub and the Center for Cultural Preservation. Weintraub will be joined by Cherokee elders Davy Arch and Mary Thompson for a screening Thursday, January 25 co-sponsored by Asheville Museum of History and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UNCA. There will be time for audience questions at the conclusion of the film.

More information and tickets: https://www.simpletix.com/e/history-hour-natures-wisdom-thru-native-ey-tickets-153780

Music Movie Mondays:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Widely hailed as the greatest concert film
ever made, the 1978 Martin Scorsese-directed film The Last Waltz is a
landmark in history. Documenting the farewell concert of The Band, The
Last Waltz boasts a who’s who list of musical co-stars A special February
12 creening as part of the Music Movie Mondays series at Grail Movie
House will be hosted by Asheville author and music journalist Bill Kopp.
The Canadian-American group known as The Band were among the most
important acts of their time. Getting their big break as the backing group for
Bob Dylan, The Band would pioneer in the creation of the style of music now
known as Americana. But their music has always transcended genres. Their
vivid lyrical imagery, passionate vocals and sympathetic instrumental work
created a raft of classics.
But the group was always fraught with internal tensions, and by 1976 – just eight years after releasing their
groundbreaking debut Music From Big Pink – they decided to call it a day. But The Band went out in style, mounting a
concert event that included an all-star lineup of special guests. Though it wasn’t promoted at the time as a farewell
concert, The Last Waltz (as it came to be known) signaled the end of the group. But that concert extravaganza featured the
band at its peak, along with performances by a staggering lineup: Ronnie Hawkins, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Ringo
Starr, Paul Butterfield, Muddy Waters, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Neil Diamond, Dr. John the Night Tripper, Eric Clapton,
the Staple Singers and more, individually and collectively serving up a cross-section of American musical forms.
The whole ten-hour affair was filmed by director Martin Scorsese and a team of cameramen. When the finished movie
was released to theaters nearly 18 months later, it was a box office success. The Last Waltz quickly gained status as one of
the greatest concert films ever made, a reputation it maintains to this day. A contemporary digital restoration – sharpening
sound and imagery – has only improved it.
As part of the Music Movie Mondays series, Grail Moviehouse in Asheville hosts a special one-night-only showing of the
film. Presented by Asheville-based speaker, author and music journalist Bill Kopp, the evening will include a screening of
the film followed by an interactive discussion.

“Going to the movies has always been a kind of communal
experience,” says Kopp, host of Music Movie Mondays.
“Especially in this post-lockdown era, the opportunity to not
only watch a film but then to discuss it with others is
something even more special. And music-related films lend

themselves remarkably well to this shared, interactive experience.”
Music Movie Mondays is a monthly series moderated by Bill Kopp, hosted by Grail Movie
House and sponsored by AshevilleFM. Music Movie Mondays presents a special screening of The Last Waltz on Monday,
Feb. 12 @ 7 pm. The program will feature a brief introduction. Then we’ll watch the film together; afterward, we’ll
engage in a moderated discussion.
The one-night-only screening of The Last Waltz is the latest in the ongoing popular series of Music Movie Mondays at
Grail Moviehouse. Every month, we’ll watch and discuss new releases, classics and cult favorites.

Asheville Community Talent Showcase

March 10, 2024

Sunday at 7:30 PM

NOW ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS

ABOUT

ACT is excited to present the 2024 Asheville Community Talent Showcase, a vibrant celebration of the rich talent from communities across Western North Carolina. Join us as we spotlight the diverse and extraordinary skills of our community members, showcasing the best of our region’s performers on stage.

PRIZES & AWARDS

• One grand prize winner will take home $500!
• Additional Awards & Prizes (TBA)

PARTICIPATION

• Asheville Community Talent Showcase auditions are open to acts of all ages and levels of experience.
• Bring your best skills – singing, instrumentation, plate-spinning, singing, acrobatics, dancing, juggling, baton twirling – the possibilities are endless!
• Each act should be 3 minutes or less.
• Each act should be performance ready at the time of Auditions.
• Acts may audition in person or send in a video submission by February 20, 2024 at 6:00 PM.
• If chosen to participate in the Showcase, acts may be asked to work with a director to elevate their piece.
• There is a $20 suggested donation per act to help cover the costs of administration. This is not a required cost, if it is a barrier to participate.

IMPORTANT DATES

• Auditions: February 20, 2024 – 6:00-9:00 PM
• Mandatory Rehearsal: March 9, 2024 – 1:00-4:00 PM
• Performance: March 10, 2024 – Call Time 5:00 PM, Show Time 7:30 PM

Proceeds from the Asheville Community Talent Showcase support the Tanglewood Teens Senior Scholarship Fund. Tanglewood Teens is ACT’s audition-based performance troupe that provides a unique platform for high schoolers to receive top-level training in acting, singing, dancing, and the performing arts. This inclusive program is designed to develop artistic abilities as well as foster teamwork, discipline, and confidence.

TWIN PEAKS DAY

Diane, 11:30 a.m. February 24th.
Entering the town of Twin Peaks.

Join us for Twin Peak’s Day! At DSSOLVR Asheville

Featuring:
Murder Mystery Scavenger Hunt: (11:30 AM – 3:00 PM)
Complimentary Coffee
Mount Patisserie’s Pastries:
The Lynchpins Live Set (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM):
The Red Room Photo Booth
Limited Edition Merch!
Art Pop-ups
Release of Cherry Pie Coffee Donut Stout!

• READERS THEATRE SHOWCASE

  For Readers Theatre Showcase auditions, there’s no need to make an appointment – we will get you signed in when you arrive! Expect to read from the script. Prepare for your audition by reading the script beforehand.

• Performance Dates: March 22-24, 2024
  Auditions: February 27, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
  Directed By: Elliot Weiner
  Production Assistant: Ruth Planey

  About The Birds: Based on a story by Daphne du Maurier and made famous by Alfred Hitchcock, four strangers grapple with birds who have been transformed from creatures of beauty into terrifying, menacing predators.