page 5

International dance troupe, “Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo,” livens things up with original works and comic interpretations of classic ballets. page 6

Bobby Potts and Josiah Hyatt are the owners of Asheville’s new Downtown Market, which carries products created by Asheville artists, crafters, musicians, farmers, and chefs. page 18

Business owner Lydia Scott, and Daniel Simmons, provide us with customized and flexible therapies at the new Luminaj Boutique Spa in the Haywood Park Hotel. page 30 Identity Theft Hits 5-Year High RAPID RIVER ARTS Leader in I.D. Theft Protection Strikes Back with Free Protection Offer for All TEMPE, ARIZONA – Identity theft has topped are enrolling more than one member,” said Todd noteworthy the Federal Trade Commission’s list of consumer Davis, the CEO of LifeLock known for giving out complaints for the past eight years. his real Social Security number in advertising to Now, a stunning new survey shows a record 9.9 show his confidence in the service. “It’s that simple.” million Americans were victims of identity theft last Immediately upon enrollment, all LifeLock The Asheville Art Museum year – a shocking 22% increase over the prior year members are protected by LifeLock’s $1 Million – according to Javelin Strategy & Research. This Total Service Guarantee. news mirrors a just-released report from the Federal Plans to Expand Trade Commission that cites a 21% increase in iden- Why should you protect your identity? Consider tity theft complaints during the same period. some of the Javelin survey’s specific findings: he Asheville Art Museum, celebrat- Apparently, individual consumers are not the According to the survey, more than one in every by Kim Zdanowicz only ones at risk: a recent review cited by the Wall ten victims knew the person who stole their identity. ing its 60th anniversary and its Street Journal reports that the cost of information The Javelin survey also revealed women are 26% extraordinary growth and success breaches to U.S. companies was also on the rise, more likely to be victims than men. The survey also since it relocated to Pack Square in 2,500 works of art. Only 3% of the collec- with the average total per-incident cost in 2008 ris- named higher income consumers (households with tion can be on exhibit at any given time ing to $6.65 million*. 1992 as a founding partner in Pack combined incomes of $75,000 or more) to be at TPlace, is pleased to announce plans for a fu- in the current facility and new, improved These studies send a clear message: in the wake higher risk. Latinos are 47% more likely to become of the global economic crisis, identity theft is a big ture expansion. These plans were discussed galleries are necessary to showcase these victims of new account theft, versus 32% of all vic- business. It’s up to consumers to take proactive steps at a meeting with the Asheville City Council American and Western North Carolina to protect themselves. tims. It’s important to point out that no one can stop all identity theft, but what LifeLock doesn’t stop, and Buncombe County Commissioners on treasures. Important special and traveling That’s why for a limited time, LifeLock, the exhibitions need spaces significantly larger industry leader in identity theft protection, is offer- they fix at their expense, up to $1 million. Tuesday, July 14, 2009. ing 30 days of guaranteed identity theft protection To get LifeLock free for 30 days during this As Pack Place partner The Health than the Museum’s current galleries. They service at no cost. special offer, call 1-888-252-5862 for individual Adventure plans to leave downtown, the require higher ceilings, larger uninterrupted “All you have to do is call 1-888-2525862 for an memberships, 1-888-261-1335 for multiple enroll- Asheville Art Museum is taking advantage areas of wall space, specific lighting and individual membership, or 1-888-261-1335 if you ments, and use promo code FREEMONTH. of this opportunity to expand and create climate control. larger, state-of-the-art galleries, public art- filled space and educa- tion space to meet the demands of the large and diverse audiences it serves. With the agreement of all Pack Place partners, the Asheville Art Museum determined that it could develop its facil- ity creating a central “When I first learned about a “I’m a former chief of police of a arts destination and company called LifeLock that major city. I knew identity theft 21st-century museum protects families from identity was a $50 billion a year business, for the community by theft, my husband was skeptical. and a prime focus of organized Night view of the new Asheville Art Museum. I signed us up anyway, and for- crime. But they got me anyway. expanding in its cur- Courtesy of Polshek Partnership Architects, New York. got about it. A couple of months Even though I was a senior law rent location. later, on a family vacation, my enforcement official, it took weeks “The new design husband received a phone to clear my name. I decided: The Museum’s planned expansion call asking if he was applying for a new credit card. never again. A reporter recommended LifeLock to me will bring a contemporary feel to the most Someone was trying to steal his identity. LifeLock had and I tried them out. I’ve never had a problem since. I important corner of downtown. It will also project is anticipated to generate as much stopped the thief cold.” Kim Barnes highly recommend them to you.” Bobby Jo Harris honor our great history of architecture and as $31.7 million in local economic impact the sense of place on Pack Square. My dad, with up to 80% of construction funds spent Roger McGuire, helped found Pack Place, regionally. The Museum will expand into and he hoped that Pack Place would grow Pack Place when The Health Adventure and change. This is exactly the kind of moves, renovating interior space, restoring exciting evolution he would have wanted,” the Pack Memorial Library and construct- said Kim McGuire, a community leader and ing a new 21st-century signature building Museum supporter. on the corner of Biltmore and Patton on the After an exhaustive recruitment process new Pack Square Park. conducted by the Asheville Art Museum The new building will anchor the new staff, board and a building committee of lo- Pack Square Park and continue to be the cal design professionals including Jim Sam- central arts destination spurring economic Writers for Feature Articles sel, John Rogers, Peter Alberice and others, and cultural activity in the region and Rapid River Magazine needs good writers willing to cover local the renowned firm Polshek Partnership downtown Asheville. businesses, artists, performances, and events. This is not a paid position. Architects of New York has been chosen to Compensation could include gift certificates to local restaurants, as well as design the new Asheville Art Museum and tickets to the Opera, LEAF Festival, and other local performances. restore the historic Pack Memorial Library If Centrally located in down- building. Polshek is continuing to work u town Asheville on Pack Interested? with John Rogers, Beverly-Grant and the Yo Go: Square, the Museum is open Call (828) 646-0071, or e-mail [email protected] building committee. 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., The Museum needs to expand in order Tuesday through Saturday to better serve Western North Carolina and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. and visitor audiences of all ages and to help Special docent-guided tour packages are Asheville remain competitive with other cit- available for groups and students. Advertise with Rapid River Magazine ies’ as a top arts destination. The permanent Admission to the Museum is $8.00 for collection is currently stored in overcrowd- adults and $7.00 for seniors, students with ed conditions. The size of the permanent ID and for children 4-15 (children age three (828) 646-0071 collection has tripled since 1996 and now and younger are admitted free). Members Free web links • Free ad design • Easy monthly billing includes an outstanding collection of nearly are admitted free to the Museum.

 January 2010 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 5 Vol. 13, No. 5 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — January 2010  RAPID RIVER ARTS we love this place The Fringe Arts Festival ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE January 21-24, 2010 Established in 1997 • Volume Thirteen, Number Five The annual multi-day and multiple venue performing arts extravaganza invites artists of all types to push their January 2010 6 Performance boundaries and present original and in- Trock Ballet . . . . 6 novative performance art to a culturally www.rapidrivermagazine.com SoliClassica . . . . . 7 adventurous audience. Now in our eighth year, join us Publisher/Editor: Dennis Ray Hendersonville Chamber Music . . 16 Dr. Cayenne Chardonnée and the Guerrilla Les Ballets Trockadero ...... 32 and explore the Fringe. Let’s help keep Divas. Photo: Benjamin McDowell Managing Editor: Beth Gossett Asheville weird! Plans are underway for Marketing: Dennis Ray a fabulous, fringey, opening night gala event on Thursday, January 21 to showcase Staff Photographer: Dennis Ray On Stage Asheville’s unique performing art talent – theatre, movement, music, spoken word, 8 puppetry, spectacle, whatever! Layout & Design: Simone Bouyer Bo Eason’s Runt of the Litter . . . 8 The 2010 Fringe venues include the purple LaZoom Bus, which will host a Poetry Editor: Ted Olson The Big Bang - ACT ...... 9 mobile show that will tour around town stopping at unique Fringe spaces for per- Proofreader: Mary Wilson Asheville Comedy Club . . . . . 13 formances as well as performances on the bus itself. Accounting: Sharon Cole Also featured is the Black Mountain College Museum and Arts Center on Broadway Street, Distribution: Dennis Ray 10 Columns which will host audio arts and experimental music Greg Vineyard - Fine Art . . . . 10 on January 22 and 23. Musicians, performers, and Contributing Writers: James Cassara - Music...... 14 composers will premiere and showcase new music Barb Butler, Nate Canton, Peter Loewer - Thoreau’s Garden . 17 and avant garde ambient sounds. James Cassara, Franzi Charen, Michael Parker - Wine . . . . 19 The Asheville Fringe Arts Festival is an annual Michael Cole, John Cress, Joseph Rathbone - Youth Culture . . 22 presentation of the Asheville Contemporary Dance Amy Downs, John Ellis, Ted Olson - Poetry ...... 29 Theatre and is recommended for mature audiences. Jim Faucett, Beth Gossett, Bill Walz - Artful Living...... 31 If You Go: Tickets and Fringe Freak All Access Max Hammonds, MD, Phil Hawkins, Joe Zinich - Beer ...... 35 Passes are available at the BeBe Theatre, 20 Com- Pam J. Hecht, Tim Henderson, Max Hammonds, MD - Health . . 39 merce Street in Asheville. Jill Ingram, Phil Juliano, Call the Box Office (828) 254-2621. For more Chip Kaufmann, Michelle Keenan, Tranceform Venus, – Blacklight. information visit www.ashevillefringe.org Peter Loewer, Kay S. Miller, 11 Fine Art Photo: Benjamin McDowell Ted Olson, Michael Parker, Gallery 86 ...... 11 Tracie Pouliot, Joseph Rathbone, Heritage Weavers (HWFA) . . 12 Dennis Ray, Andrea Rosal, sutherland ...... 12 Correction to Our December 2009 Issue Megan Stone, William Tiernan, Philip Jackson ...... 38 Paige M. Travis, Greg Vineyard, Bill Walz, Robert Wiley, The December 2009 issue of Rapid Kim Zdanowicz, Joe Zinich. 13 Music River Magazine featured an article on Jeff Daniels ...... 13 photographer Kathey Avery, whose work is INFO Robinella ...... 15 on display at Affordable Treasures. Kathey, Rapid River Art Magazine is a free monthly Those Darlins ...... 23 we are so sorry we mispelled your name. publication. Address correspondence to: Red June ...... 32 Please visit Affordable Treasures, located [email protected] in the Haywood Park Hotel at 1 Battery or write to: Park Avenue, to view Kathey Avery’s Rapid River Art Magazine 18 Asheville Shops beautiful photographs. 85 N. Main St. The Downtown Market ...... 18 Canton, NC 28716 Luminaj Boutique Spa . . . . 30 Phone: (828) 646-0071 The Chocolate Fetish . . . . 33 www.rapidrivermagazine.com All materials contained herein are owned 20 Restaurant Guide and copyrighted by Rapid River Art Magazine and the individual contributors unless otherwise stated. Opinions expressed 24 Movie Reviews in this magazine do not necessarily corre- spond with the opinions of Rapid River Art Magazine or the advertisers found herein. 36 What to Do Guide™ © Rapid River Magazine, Best in Show by Phil Juliano. . . 37 January 2010 Vol. 13 No. 5 Callie & Cats by Amy Downs . . . 37 Corgi Tales by Phil Hawkins . . 37 About the Cover: Costume illustrations Dragin by Michael Cole. . . 37 designed by Jayne Harnett-Hargrove for ALO’s 2010 production of “Don Pasquale.” Jayne is cross-trained in fine & theater arts, costume to couture, commercial and interpretive installation. To see other works go to harnetthargrove.blogspot.com

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 January 2010 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 5 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE opera asheville style The Asheville Lyric Opera presents “Don Pasquale”

our girlfriend’s friends all say by Tim Henderson you’re not good enough for her. They think your air-brushed tux- Sneak Peek at 2010 edo T-shirt is tacky. They call your more satirically-minded predecessors in the appy New Year! Asheville Lyric Opera will 1991 Dodge caravan a clunker. genre of operatic comedy. begin the new year with many exciting TheyY openly mock the fact that your favorite “It’s very accessible, matter-of-fact hu- projects. Take a peek below to find out restaurant is the all-you-can-eat breakfast mor,” says Starkey. “Almost like a sit-com.” H what is to come. buffet at Shoney’s. What you need, desper- Starkey believes that just as the original Pirates, Sailors, and the Lord High Executioner: ately, is a game-changer. Something refined. “Don Pasquale” helped to introduce a new A Taste of Gilbert & Sullivan class of European patrons to the opera in Something sophisticated. Something that January 21, 2010, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. the 19th Century through its laugh-induc- shows just how classy you really are. Some- Dinner: Heavy hors d’oeuvres by Vincenzo’s. Kristen Yarborough, "Norina" ing lyrics, ALO’s forthcoming performance thing — suggests Asheville Lyric Opera Show: A revue of the works of Gilbert and Sullivan. could do much the same here in Asheville, founder and director David Craig Starkey Tickets: $40/$50. Event takes place at The Venue, especially with Old Man Winter bearing — like a night at the opera. downtown Asheville. To order tickets, call the down so harsh and cold during these trou- “What we have here,” says Starkey, “is opera office, (828) 236-0670. the perfect date event.” bled times of recession and war — and not January is of course a time for New solely because of its comedic components. Der Rosenkavalier, January 9 at 1 p.m. Year’s resolutions, and those WNC resi- “Music uplifts your life, no matter how Carmen, January 16 at 1 p.m. dents who’ve resolved to raise their monthly bad the news is or how rainy the day,” says Simon Boccanegra, February 24 at 1 p.m. intake of high culture by supporting the Starkey. “That’s why we listen to music, Hamlet, March 27 at 1 p.m. local arts scene while also getting the chance why we turn on the radio and buy CDs. It’s to simultaneously exercise their funny bones why we attend concerts in the first place.” Armida, May 1 at 1 p.m. and dress-to-impress need look no further The tag-line for ALO’s 2009 -’10 sea- than the Asheville Lyric Opera’s upcoming son reads: “This is opera, Asheville-style” Asheville Lyric Opera thanks you for your presentation of “Don Pasquale.” — and indeed, there is plenty of local support of the opera and all the arts in this Written by the famed Italian composer flavor and homegrown (as well as nation- wonderful community! Gaetano Donizetti, “Don Pasquale” is a bel ally-renowned) talent in this month’s pro- canto-style opera buffa (or, comic opera). Its duction. Bass-baritone Daniel Webb — a plot revolves around the romantic misad- Knoxville resident, Broadway veteran, and Alternatively, on January 27, ALO is staging a ventures of Don Pasquale, a wealthy old longtime ALO contributor whom audi- sneak-peek dress rehearsal at a steeply-discounted rate for bachelor who sets out to marry a younger ences may remember from The Barber of seniors and students. “It’s a great opportunity for fans on woman in the hopes of producing an heir so Benjamin Smith, Director Seville and The Marriage of Figaro — stars fixed-incomes, especially those who want to bring their as to disinherit his nephew Ernesto from the in the lead role. grandkids so they pass along the experiences they had family fortune after Ernesto falls in love with a Soprano and area native Kristin Yar- growing up to a younger generation,” says Starkey. Tick- widowed commoner named Norina. Good laughs and borough is taking a break from her duties ets for this special preview are available through ALO’s Pasquale’s amorous ambitions are foiled, enchanting music as ALO’s company manager to play Norina. office in Pack Place. however, thanks to an elaborate ruse en- will lift one's spirits. The role of Dr. Malatesta will be performed gineered by his friend Dr. Malatesta, who by Gregory Gerbrandt, a New York-based baritone who has worked all over the coun- Tickets are available and range from supports the young couple’s love and con- If $28 to $49 with discounts for children try and debuted with ALO in 2007 as Figaro in The Barber of spires with them to teach the aging Don a lesson. He urges You and students. Future ALO special events the elderly curmudgeon to wed his younger sister Sofronia, Seville. Gennard Lombardozzi, an up-and-coming young ten- Go include opera guild recitals of local sing- a sweet convent girl. Pasquale is initially delighted, but then or who has been called “the perfect Donizetti tenor” will make ers the first Tuesday (February-June) and the good doctor secretly tricks him into a false marriage with his ALO debut as Ernesto. Also debuting with ALO is director “Carmen” in April. For tickets, call the Norina, who disguises herself to conceal her identity. As soon Ben Smith of the Seattle Opera, who is widely considered one Diana Wortham Theatre Box Office at (828) 257- as their fake vows are exchanged, the Don’s blushing bride-to- of the best young directors on the West Coast. 4530 or go to www.ashevillelyric.org. be transforms into a terrible shrew who drives him crazy by Musical accompaniment will be provided by the Asheville spending all his money and making his life a living hell. Lyric Opera Orchestra, led by the former longtime Asheville Hilarity ensues as the cantankerous know-it-all Pasquale Symphony conductor Dr. Robert Hart Baker. An impressive gets raked over the coals time and again until he finally real- array of local artisans are slated to provide sets and technical Sorry, We Neglected to Mention... izes the folly of his ways and reconsiders his decision to support, including costume designer Jayne Hargrove, an stand in the way of his nephew’s tying-the-knot. area native whose original outfits display a sensitivity to Rapid River’s December Originally performed in Paris in 1843, “Don concerns about sustainability and the environment. 2009 issue featured an article Pasquale” was hailed as a comic masterpiece and has The Asheville Lyric Opera’s performance on the Asheville Ballet’s remained popular around the world ever since. Much of “Don Pasquale” runs January 29-30 at Diana performance of “The Nut- of this, explains ALO’s Starkey, is due to the opera’s Wortham Theatre. Shows start at 8 p.m. Tickets cracker.” This informative focus on everyday situations and characters mass range from $28-$49 and are on sale now through article was written by Tim audiences can easily relate to. As opposed to opera the Diana Wortham box office and on-line at Henderson, who also wrote seria, which historically catered to elite tastes, www.ashevillelyric.org. a great piece on the NC opera buffa utilized comic plot lines and local For opening night, ALO is holding a “Young Symphony’s Holiday Pops dialects to address contemporary concerns in Professionals Night,” and is inviting all WNC- concert. Due to a produc- raucous fashion while eschewing the gloomier, area young professionals in search of “a classy tion error, that article never social critique-driven formulas employed by its experience, a brush with high culture, or just a made it into the publication. good date event” to attend a special reception dur- Thank you Tim, the work ing intermission where they can meet and mingle that you do for Rapid River Illustration by Jayne Harnett-Hargrove. with the show’s cast. Magazine is appreciated. See “About the Cover” on page 4.

Vol. 13, No. 5 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — January 2010  RAPID RIVER ARTS performance The Comedy of Ballet Extraordinary Troupe of Dancers to Perform One-of-a-Kind Show in Asheville

fter years of trying to bring Les by Pam J. Hecht Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo to Asheville, at last the timing was right. The internationallyA renowned dance troupe performs at the Asheville Civic Center on January 22. “We were finally able to match our season with their busy interna- tional touring schedule,” says Chall Gray, market- ing director for Ashe- ville Bravo Concerts, a non-profit organization that brings world-class music, opera, ballet and other classically-based “The Trocks” performance of Raymonda’s Wedding. works to Asheville. The talented dancers Aside from impeccable comic timing, of Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo The Trocks are also known for their bril- and their brand of ballet are anything but liant dance techniques and an obvious joy in ordinary. Since they formed in 1974, their performing, making their shows accessible style has met with rave reviews and sell-out and enjoyable for everyone, from dance crowds across the globe. connoisseurs to neophytes. “They’re in a league of their own: part “It’s not just men in pointe shoes high art, part campy humor,” says Gray. — these are talented, great dancers,” says “It’s exclusive, world-class ballet but with Gray. “It’ll be a treat.” a definite difference — it’s an amazing aesthetic experience.” Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte If Les Ballets Trockadero Carlo, or “The Trocks,” as they are affec- You de Monte Carlo, January tionately called, is a company of professional Go: 22, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. Wolfe male dancers performing both ballet and Auditorium, Asheville Civic modern dance, including classical and origi- Center. nal works. What makes them different is the Tickets: $20-$55. For tickets, go to: www. comedy they bring to the mix, by accentuat- ashevillebravoconcerts.org; the Asheville ing intentional “mistakes” while parodying Civic Center Box Office, 87 Haywood Street a variety of scenes from Asheville; Ticketmaster at www.ticketmas- works like Swan Lake ter.com or (800) 745-3000; or call Asheville and Giselle, and the Bravo Concerts at (828) 225-5887. choreography of George Bal- anchine and Martha Graham, among oth- ers. (Also, picture big, strong men deli- cately, and expertly, balanc- ing on their toes as swans, sprites, prin- cesses and angst- ridden Victorian ladies.) Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo

 January 2010 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 5 RAPID RIVER ARTS performance SoliClassica Concert January 17 Featuring two Metropolitan Opera Artists

oliClassica presents: mingo, Renee Fleming, Samuel “A Musical Offering” Ramey, and the Three Tenors. featuring Vinson Cole, He worked with the Met- tenor and George Darden, ropolitan Opera for 21 years Spiano, performing artists until his retirement in 2006. with the Metropolitan Opera. His long and distinguished ca- SoliClassica is Asheville’s pre- reer has taken him throughout mier classical print and music America, Canada, Europe, the store. Their January 17 program Middle East, and Asia. will include works by Chopin, Darden has worked with Bellini, Strauss, Debussy, Du- numerous great conductors, parc, and Rachmaninov. Vinson Cole, tenor. including James Levine, Charles American tenor Vinson Dutoit, Antal Dorati, Niko- Cole is internationally recog- laus Harnoncourt, and Valery nized as one of the leading artists Gergiev. of his generation. His career has He recently returned from taken him to all of the major his seventh trip to Moscow at opera houses across the globe the invitation of the Bolshoi including the Metropolitan Opera where he was the first Opera, Opera National de Paris pianist/coach to work with the Bastille, Teatro alla Scala Milan, newly-established Young Artist and many more. Program at the Bolshoi. Equally celebrated for his concert appearances, Cole has been a frequent guest of the Pianist George Darden “A Musical Of- most prestigious orchestras fering” at the If throughout the world and has Diana Wortham Theatre You collaborated with the greatest conductors on Sunday, January 17 at 3 Go: of this era including Christoph Eschen- p.m. Tickets can be pur- bach, Claudio Abbado, James Levine, Sir chased online at dwtheatre. Georg Solti and the late Herbert von Kara- com or by calling the Diana Wortham The- jan. He was recently given the Lifetime atre at (828) 257-4530. Achievement Award presented by The Special discounted tickets are also avail- Licia Albanese-Puccini Foundation. able by visiting the SoliClassica store at Pianist George Darden, a long-time 1550 Hendersonville Road, in Asheville musical coach and pianist with the Metro- just South of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Call politan Opera, has appeared in recital with SoliClassica for more info at (828) 277-4111 such distinguished artists as Placido Do- or visit www.soliclassica.com.

“The Rivals” at 35below January 8-10, 2010 still a young man he had to fight two duels A Readers Theatre Showcase produc- in the course of obtaining the hand of the tion presented by The Autumn Players of woman he loved. Asheville Community Theatre. Written The object of affection of the three suitors by Richard Brinsley Sheridan, directed by is Miss Lydia Languish, who has never Hal Hogstrom. suffered a moment’s deprivation and is Written by one of the greatest playwrights therefore determined to marry a poor man in the English language, Richard Sheridan, and live a life of amorous impoverishment. who was a personal favorite of George Local Note: Asheville’s Malaprop’s Book- Washington, The Rivals features three men store derives its name from a character in bent on marrying the same woman. Com- The Rivals, a lady of affected learning who plicating the situation is the fact that one of manages the language the way a sausage- them is wooing her in disguise and another maker deals with meat. The invention of has been tricked into paying court by letter this character was so apt her name added to the wrong person. the word “malapropism” to the dictionary. These intrigues lead to embarrassing If You Go: The Rivals, at 35below, discoveries, outraged rejections, and chal- January 8 and 9 at 2:30 p.m. At the Re- lenges and duels. Much of the action comes uter Center January 10 at 2:30 p.m. from Sheridan’s own experiences – while

Vol. 13, No. 5 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — January 2010  RAPID RIVER ARTS stage preview Bo Eason’s Runt of the Litter

unt of the Lit- by John Ellis ter, written and performed by former Houston across demographics R Oilers safety Bo from sports enthusiasts Eason, is a one-man play, to theatre lovers. directed by Larry Moss, After retiring from that looks at what hap- football, Bo Eason began pens to two brothers in a his career as a writer and family of over-achievers. performer. He appeared Newsday raves, in television and movies “Raw power rarely seen before writing Runt of on stage,” and The New the Litter, which opened York Times calls it, Off-Broadway in New “One of the most power- York to rave reviews. Af- ful plays about sports in ter seeing a performance the last decade.” Soon to of Runt of the Litter, be a major motion pic- Leonardo DiCaprio hired ture, Eason is adapting Bo to write a screenplay Runt of the Litter for the for his company based on big screen, which will be the 1924 Olympic Rugby produced by Frank Da- “Runt of the Litter” with Bo Team. rabont (The Shawshank Eason. Photo: Joan Marcus Bo continues to Redemption, The Green perform Runt of the Lit- Mile). ter for audiences across the Runt of the Litter is a One of the most country, traveling to college semi-autobiographical ac- powerful plays campuses, corporations, pro count of Bo Eason’s life and sports teams and inner-city career. Bo grew up in the about sports in the schools. His inspirational shadow of his older brother, last decade. personal achievement pro- Tony Eason, a star quarter- ~ New York Times gram, “The Bo Eason 21- back and first-round draft pick Day Runt Program,” will be in the 1980s who led the New presented on January 15 to England Patriots to Super Bowl XX in 1986. area students as part of the Diana Wortham Growing up with his older brother as Theatre Mainstage School Show Series. the “golden child” of the family, at nine The Asheville performances of Bo years old Bo took a crayon and paper and Eason’s Runt of the Litter are made possible made a plan: to play professional football in by Performance Sponsor Clear Channel the NFL and become the best in the league Asheville, and by Mainstage Theatre Series at his position. However Bo was told he was Sponsors Drs. Lee & Mario DiCesare, BMW too small to play and was of Asheville, and UBS. passed over by every col- lege in the country. Bo subsequently tried out for a small Divi- For more information about Bo Eason’s “Runt of the Litter” go to sion II college, but after www.runtofthelitter.com two days of practice he was sent home. Instead of packing his bags, Bo de- Photo: Joan Marcus cided to stay, showing up for practice day after day and eventually earning a spot on the team. Four years and seven knee If The Mainstage Theatre surgeries later Bo was the first safety chosen You Series presents Bo Eason’s in the 1984 NFL Draft. Despite all odds he Go: “Runt of the Litter,” January went on to play five years for the Houston 15 and 16, 2010, at 8 p.m. Oilers, and as a safety Bo’s determination Diana Wortham Theatre at and killer instincts on the playing field re- Pack Place. main the stuff of legend. To obtain more information or to purchase Runt of the Litter takes place just before tickets (Regular $30; Senior $28; Student the “big game”, from the perspective of one $25), call the theatre’s box office at (828) player who is about to go up against a team 257-4530 or visit www.dwtheatre.com. quarterbacked by his older brother. The solo Student Rush tickets ($10 for students with play explores such themes as the com- valid I.D.) are sold the day of the show, petitiveness and violence of sports, sibling based on availability. This performance con- rivalry, and underdog versus favorite, cutting tains strong language.

 January 2010 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 5 RAPID RIVER ARTS stage preview The Big Bang Get set for the most expensive musical ever produced!

t’s short. It’s smart. It’s funny. And it’s by William Tiernan about the most fun you can have at the theatre. It’s The Big Bang, presented by Asheville Community Theatre, January Douglas Keating of The Philadelphia 15-31, 2010. Enquirer called The Big Bang the “funniest, I The Big Bang is a musical staged as a most spirited, and downright goofy 80-min- backers’ audition for an 83.5 million-dol- ute survey of history we’ve ever seen.” lar, twelve-hour stage history of the world ACT’s production of The Big Bang from creation to the present. The audition stars Michael Cheek and Jerry Crouch. takes place in the Lipbalms’ lavish Manhat- Cheek recently starred at ACT’s 35below tan apartment. They are away on a two- in Miss Gulch Returns! Crouch directed week trip to Israel, and The Big Bang’s ACT’s first production of the season, Peter creators, Jed Feuer and Boyd Graham, Pan. The Big Bang is directed by Eric Mills. have invited their prospects to an audition at which they will perform all the parts from the show. If The Big Bang, written by Jed Eighteen side-splitting numbers por- u Feuer. Book and lyrics by traying Adam and Eve, Attila the Hun, the Yo Boyd Graham. Directed by building of the pyramids, Julius Caesar and Go: Eric Mills. Columbus, among others, give potential Asheville Community The- investors — the audience — a taste of the atre, Mainstage. 35 East Walnut Street, impending extravaganza. In the process, the Asheville, NC. January 15-31, 2010. Fridays opulent Park Avenue apartment Feuer and and Saturdays, 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, 2:30 p.m. Graham have “borrowed” for the occasion is Tickets: $22 adult; $19 senior/student; $12 trashed as the two snatch its furnishings to children. ACT Box Office, 35 East Walnut create makeshift costumes while singing and Street, Asheville, NC. Phone: (828) 254- clowning their way through the show. 1320 or visit www.ashevilletheatre.org

"The funniest, most spirited, and downright goofy 80-minute survey of history we've ever seen." ~ The Philadelphia Enquirer

Michael Cheek (left) plays Jed, and Jerry Crouch plays Boyd in ACT’s production of “The Big Bang.”

Vol. 13, No. 5 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — January 2010  RAPID RIVER ARTS fine art

Studio Safety The Return of “Oops!” Part II And other words overheard, but not fit for print

n Part I of this series, I wrote about by Greg Vineyard painful studio mishaps; apparently, being M.K. (“Majorly Klutzy”) was a hit. Thanks, I think. Unfortunately, I Another issue with “Oops!” potential is don’t have any personal injury stories to P.O. (“Plug Overload”). Know your voltage. I Always use UL-rated appliances and surge report this time around (but if I ever write about my life as a T.S.D. (“Total Social protectors, and never plug one surge protec- Dork”), hilarity will ensue). This column is tor into another. about avoiding the word “Oops!” And other Pay attention to how much current words. You know, the ones that require the (“Amps”) is running through one circuit. Shift key on a keyboard. Some brief math: your Wattage divided by Let’s start with your Volts equals your S.D.E’s (“Spilled Amps. So, if you are Drink Emergencies”). in a house serviced Some of us can’t walk by 120 Volts, and you and talk and carry a plug in a 120 Watt cup of hot tea at the item, 120 divided by same time. OK, that’s 120 equals 1 Amp. Try just me, but as you not to exceed three- probably suspect, quarters of your surge liquids and art envi- protector’s capacity. At ronments are a risky the end of the day, un- mix. Unless you’re plug everything — and a performance artist sleep soundly. who splashes drinks on Here’s one more canvases. (Not that I’ve big “Oops!” to avoid: done that. Regularly. H.D.C.I. (“Hard OK, it was in college.) Drive Crashing Inci- I highly recommend Photo: Greg Vineyard dent”). You don’t have setting your well-bal- to do anything to make anced, flat-bottomed, this happen, except non-skid cup in an un- not having a back-up. It KNOWS. bumpable place. To avoid Plug Overload Test your range by Imagine your life swinging your arms in (P.O.) unplug everything without not only your an arc around you. If at the end of the day business papers and critical correspondance, the cup is JUST out of and sleep soundly. reach, you’ll likely avoid but also all of your an S.D.E. For soda cans, retouched photos you try setting them into a were going to use for coffee cup. One time years ago I was prying self-promotion, competition entries, books the letters off my keyboard with a screw- and licensing. OK, NOW imagine yourself driver in order to wipe Dr. Pepper out of G.T.T.M. (“Going To The Mall”) and get- every crevice. After the second time I never ting a back-up hard drive. did it again. Sometimes the littlest thing, like spilled “Oops!” can be a very long, slow-mo- coffee, can alter our schedule and finances tion utterance. Like during that eternity and take time away from creating art. Take between when you bump into that recently- some little steps to avoid a big “Oops!” and fired, gorgeous — and poorly-secured enjoy your day! — ceramic bowl, and when you ALMOST To be continued… catch it. And then in another eon (with lots of time to throw in an “Aack!” if you like) from when your fingers just miss it, to when it shatters on the ground. Which can lead to the C.F.I. (“Ceramic-Finger Inter- Greg Vineyard is a visual section”) mentioned last month. artist and creative consul- Artifact wax or putty, available un- tant in Asheville’s River der several brand names, is quite handy. Arts District. I’ll admit that when I was in California, I See his Ceramics for rarely secured my work to the shelves. My Contemplation and Con- quasi-famous F.W.O.B. (“Fabulous Wall nectivity at Constance Williams Studio & Of Bowls”) was one earthquake away from Gallery, 12 Riverside Drive. Open 11 a.m. being a shard disaster. to 4 p.m. www.riverdistrictartists.com

10 January 2010 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 5 RAPID RIVER ARTS fine art Haywood County Arts Council’s Gallery 86 presents CURVEilinear, Selected Works from CURVE Studios

he Haywood County Arts Coun- by Kay S. Miller cil is proud to pres- ent, “CURVEilin- Experiencing T ear, Selected Works “CURVEilinear” in from CURVE Studios” on Gallery 86 will give you display from January 11, a taste of the CURVE 2010 through Saturday, Studios & Garden Tell them you saw it in Rapid River Magazine February 6, 2010. Greg working studio experi- Vineyard, a CURVE Studios ence where seven days artist is serving as curator of a week visitors encoun- the show. ter artistic lines, shapes, “CURVEilinear” artists colors and textures at are Constance Williams, 6, 9 and 12 Riverside encaustic painting; Greg Drive in Asheville. Vineyard, hand thrown ce- “Luna” Ceramic sculpture With a synergis- ramics; Patty Bilbro, hand by Jenny Mastin tic communication thrown ceramics; Fran amongst the group nur- Welch, whimsical ceramic sculpture and tured by artist-owner Pattiy Torno’s desire vessels; Misty Masiello, silver and gem- to incubate a creative community, along stone jewelry; Kelly Prestwood, entomo- with extensive collaboration by Constance logical steel forms; Cynthia Wynn, recycled Williams, the energy is palpable, and every steel furniture; Steve Hauger, painting; day new works with interesting lines and Pattiy Torno, quilts and eclectic clothing; edges and surfaces take shape. Meagan Cheney, mixed media sculptural For more information about CURVE clay; Maria Andrade-Troya, hand thrown Studios & Garden visit 6, 9 & 12 Riverside ceramics; Cassie Ryalls, hand built ceram- Drive in Asheville’s River Arts District; ics; Jenny Mastin, hand built embossed contact Greg Vineyard at (828) 707-1641 ceramics; Cynthia Lee, hand built ceramic or [email protected]; visit www. sculpture; Holly de Saillan, hand built curvestudiosnc.com. ceramics; and Barb Butler, handweaving. For more information about the Haywood County Arts Council and the Gallery 86 show, “CURVEilinear” visit the Arts Council website at www.haywo- odarts.org. The mission of the Haywood County Arts Council is to build partner- ships that promote art and artists, explore new cultural opportunities, and preserve mountain artistic heritage. This project received support from the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency of the Department of Cultural Re- sources, and the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art. “Uprising II” Encaustic painting by Constance Williams If Haywood County Arts The show title, “CURVEilinear” is Council’s Gallery 86 pres- all about what people see and feel when You ents CURVEilinear. Selected they walk through the doors of the three Go: works from CURVE Studios historic brick buildings in Asheville’s River in Asheville’s River Arts Arts District: the flow of the horizon in an District will be on display from encaustic landscape, the vibrant colors in the Monday, January 11, 2010 through Saturday, fabric blocks of a larger-than-life quilt, the February 6, 2010. black-eyed pea glaze design on a teapot, pat- Gallery hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday terns carved into the rims of bowls, a sinu- - Saturday. Artists’ reception on Saturday, ous twist in a rebar candle holder. Function- January 16, 2010 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. al clay and decorative ceramics, textiles and Haywood County Arts Council’s Gallery 86 weaving, jewelry, metal works, furniture is located at 86 N. Main Street in Waynes- and paintings will be for sale in Gallery 86 ville, NC. FREE & open to the public. All plus a beautifully landscaped garden. artwork is for sale.

Vol. 13, No. 5 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — January 2010 11 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE fine art Heritage Weavers and Fiber Artists Move to Historic Johnson Farm

he Heritage Weavers and The boarding house porch will Fiber Artists (HWFA), a be used for spinning, weaving and study group of the Western fiber crafts. The indoor space has ten North Carolina Fibers/Hand rooms devoted to those purposes, Tweavers’ Guild, announces its with one room remaining furnished move to the renovated 1920 board- to represent a boarding house room ing house at Historic Johnson Farm, from the farm’s boarding house era of Hendersonville, NC. 1913-1958. Rug-hooking, spinning and HWFA is operating a gift shop weaving classes are open to the public featuring handmade fiber-related beginning in January 2010 and regis- gifts on the main floor. Fiber craft tration is underway. organizations will use the house as a When the Johnson brothers be- place to meet, and hold workshops queathed their farm to the Henderson ence hands-on learning in weaving, and demonstrations. See page 17 for County Public Schools, it was their spinning, dyeing and other fiber crafts, the 2010 class schedule. vision to create a heritage education fa- enriching their knowledge in NC his- cility. With the arrival of the Heritage tory and culture. Weavers and Fiber Artists, an addi- The farm’s gardening volunteers If The farm is open to tional heritage education component are establishing a dye garden to be You the public. Tours are will be added to the farm program, used for dyeing fibers produced on Go: given Tuesday through enhancing that original vision of the the farm. When the farm’s sheep are Friday at 10:30 and Johnson brothers. sheared in the spring, HWFA will 1:30 from September The farm boarding house will be oversee carding and spinning of the through May. Tour fees are $5 for the site of ongoing fiber arts classes wool for fiber projects. adults, $3 for students, preschoolers for children and life-long learners Students and visitors taking tours are free of charge. as the HWFA and Historic Johnson will learn what plants are used to dye The farm is located at 3346 Haywood Farm collaborate on this heritage crafts fiber, how fiber was used for warmth, Road, in Hendersonville, across from education program. As the Henderson clothing and bedding, and how ani- Rugby Middle School on Hwy. 191. County school children tour the farm mals provided the all-important fiber Fore more infomation (828) 891-6585, on school field trips, they will experi- and source to sustain pioneer families. or visit www.historicjohnsonfarm.org. sutherland Brings Handweavers to River Arts District new handweaving studio, In addition, sutherland will host by Barb Butler gallery and learning center twice-monthly, in-studio gather- is expanding the fiber art of- ings for weavers who want to share ferings in Asheville’s popular their successes, troubleshoot weaving dition to some special-subject work- River Arts District. Arden problems and get design inspiration shops for more experienced weavers. A Donde taught weaving in Southern resident Barb Butler and Candler resi- for future projects. “Web Chats at dent Karen Donde opened sutherland sutherland©” are billed as “face-to- New Jersey for five years before in Curve Studios, 6 Riverside Drive in face social networking for weavers.” relocating to Western North Carolina early December. Web, in this case, refers to woven in 2009. She holds a Certificate of Featuring a variety of handwoven fabric on the loom. Excellence in Handweaving - Level fashion accessories and household Butler operated a weaving studio I from the Handweavers Guild of textiles by the two weavers, suther- in the renovated 701 Whaley St. in America, and is a regular contributor land provides a unique shopping Columbia, SC, for two years. She to “Handwoven” magazine. experience for Asheville residents and named her business sutherland after Both Butler and Donde are mem- visitors looking for fine, one-of-a- her maternal grandmother and father, bers of the Western North Carolina kind and limited-edition handwoven and credits her Celtic heritage for Fibers/Handweavers Guild, Inc. textiles to wear, to use in their homes her fascination with woven tartans. and to give as gifts. Encouraged by interest shown in her Another primary mission of work at the Columbia studio, she If “Web Chats at suther- sutherland is bringing other Western decided to open this shop after moving You land, January 11 from 4 North Carolina or visiting weavers to- to Arden last year. She met Donde Go: p.m. to 6 p.m., with an gether to learn and support each other. at an international fiber conference alternate meeting time A series of classes and workshops has in 2006. When both weavers ended beginning January 29 been scheduled for beginning weav- up living in the Asheville area, they from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. ers, weavers who may need a refresher decided to team up. sutherland in Curve Studios, 6 River- course and experienced weavers look- Donde will teach most of the side Drive. Regular hours for Suther- ing for professional instruction. beginner and refresher classes in ad- land are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

12 January 2010 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 5 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE noteworthy Funny Woman Debra DiGiovanni Jeff Daniels Performs His at Asheville’s Funny Business Comedy Club Grassroots Music ebra Di- he Diana Wortham Giovanni is by Nate Canton by John Ellis Theatre at Pack Place a very funny continues its Main- woman… it hosted the Cream of stage Special Attrac- play God of Carnage with says so on her D Comedy award show for tions Series with An fellow actors James Gandol- business card! And the T fini, Hope Davis and Marcia the Comedy Network. Evening with Jeff Daniels, 8 people agree — voting She is also a fan favorite p.m., Saturday, January 23 at Gay Harden. her as Canada’s Best on the hugely popular the Diana Wortham Theatre Jeff Daniels’ Asheville Female Comedian at the Much Music Show at Pack Place in downtown performance is made possi- 2009 Canadian Comedy “Video On Trial.” Asheville. ble by Performance Sponsors Awards, her third win. She can regularly Well-known by Holly- Richard Blomgren & Tami In 2002 she was be heard on the CBC wood and Broadway audi- Pearson, and by Mainstage voted Canada’s “Best Debra DiGiovanni radio show The Debat- ences, Jeff Daniels has played Photo: John Sobczak Special Attractions Series New Stand Up,” and in ers as well as the voice everything from villains and Sponsors Eaton Corporation 2007 she won for Best Female. Toronto’s of Zellers radio. She co-hosted the Genie cads to heroes and romantic leads to tragic and Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa, with NOW Magazine have called her “The best awards in 2008 with Sandra Oh and during figures and lovably goofy idiots, in movies additional support from Media Sponsor comic to see after a messy break-up.” the summer of 2009, DiGiovanni taped her and on stage – but less known is Daniels WNC magazine. In 2007 DiGiovanni taped her first second gala at Just for Laughs as well as as an accomplished musician and vocalist Gala at the Just for Laughs Festival in her first Comedy Central special, “Live at who has been writing songs for more than Montreal, and has since been back to host Gotham.” 30 years. Detroit Free Press declares, “The the prestigious Home Grown Competition man can sing, the man can play the guitar, (2008/2009). She’s also performed at the Debra DiGiovanni performs the man can write a song.” Halifax, Winnipeg, Sudbury, Moncton and If January 15 and 16. Funny His albums Live and Unplugged and St. John’s Comedy Festivals. In the spring You Business Comedy Club is most recently Grandfather’s Hat showcase of 2008, DiGiovanni enjoyed a successful o: located at 56 Patton Ave., G Daniels’ range as a songwriter, from the west coast run with her “Girls Night Out” downtown Asheville, inside laugh-out-loud humor of “Have a Good tour and she ended that year by headlining the S&W building. Life (Then Die)”, to the self-deprecating Massey Hall for their New Year’s Eve gala. Showtimes: Friday & Saturday 8 p.m. and tongue-in-cheek of “If William Shatner DiGiovanni appeared on the 5th season 10:30 p.m. For more information phone Can, I Can Too”, to the quiet and poignant of NBC’s hit show Last Comic Standing (828) 318-8909 or visit www.ashevillecom- lyrics of “Middle of the Night.” Originally where she was chosen as a top ten finalist, edy.com. Shows are 21+. recorded as a means of raising money competing against comedians worldwide Tickets are available online at www.ashevil- for The Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea, – making it to the top eight. In 2008, she lecomedy.com, by phone at (828) 318-8909, Michigan — the equity theatre that Daniels taped her second “Comedy Now!” special or at the box office located in the lobby of founded in 1991 — the albums have be- for CTV/Comedy network and in 2009 she the S&W building the night of the show. Jeff Daniels on stage. come a back road journey that taps into the Photo: Steve Curran storyteller’s head. Daniels has been recognized for his honest, sincere, and relatable approach to The Haywood County Arts Council presents his songs, showing that he is not an actor ... a darned good guitarist, who sings, but an accomplished singer/ whether he was flashing songwriter whose musical talent does not Dinner With The Bard require the support of his acting. His tal- some fancy finger-picking ent is evidenced by the musicians Daniels or slashing through ponsored and hosted by and bagpipes. No doubt has performed with over the last couple some slide guitar blues. Jim and Marjorie War- you will be moved to join in of years, having been invited on stage to ren, “Dinner with the some Scottish dancing. Don perform with the likes of legends Lyle ~ Times Union, Albany, NY SBard” will provide an your kilt, tartan, sash or scarf Lovett, John Hiatt, and Guy Clark during authentic Scottish experience. (not required but encour- their rare Songwriters tour, and with Keb No Scot is more celebrated aged), and join Jim and Mo’ at other times. than the poet Robert Burns. Marjorie Warren for a great Jeff Daniels has received Golden Each year on his birth- evening of good food and Globe, Screen Actors Guild, Satellite, and For more information about day, dinners and parties are Poet Robert Burns celebration to support the Independent Spirits Awards nominations Jeff Daniels go to www.jeffdaniels.com held in his honor worldwide. arts in Haywood County. throughout his long film career. Most 2010 marks the 250th anniversary of notably, he is known for his roles in the Burns’ birth. Marjorie and Jim Warren Friday, January, 29, 2010, movies Terms of Endearment, The Purple will host a traditional Burns supper and If 6:30 p.m. at the Gateway Rose of Cairo, The Squid and the Whale, If An Evening with Jeff party. Supper will consist of traditional You Club, 30 Church Street, Speed, Gettysburg, Because of Winn-Di- You Daniels, January 23, 2010 Scottish foods, including a wee taste of Go: Waynesville, NC. Limited xie, Blood Work, and Dumb and Dumber. Go: at 8 p.m. Diana Wortham Haggis and perhaps a “wee dram.” to 100 participants, $50 per Daniels has also worked extensively Theatre at Pack Place. There will be toasts to “the im- person. Deadline for ticket on television and stage, where he first Tickets: Regular $38; Se- mortal memory, to the lassies and to the purchase is Wednesday, January 20, 2010. distinguished himself by winning an Obie niors $36; Students $33. Student Rush Haggis.” Partygoers will hear specially Tickets available at the Haywood County Award in Johnny Got His Gun, and was day-of-the-show (with valid ID) $10. selected Robert Burns poems and songs, Arts Council office, 86 N. Main Street, or most recently nominated for the Tony Info/Tickets: Box Office (828)257-4530, or and enjoy traditional music on the harp call (828) 452-0593. Award for Best Actor in the hit Broadway visit www.dwtheatre.com.

Vol. 13, No. 5 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — January 2010 13 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE spinning discs

Good heavens, is it really 2010 already? This marks my thirteenth year of pen- January ning these monthly missives. I trust our readers enjoy perusing them as much as I enjoy plunking down my thoughts! Remember, given two stars or five, be CD Reviews assured anything reviewed in these pages is worth your time and dollars. Just be certain to spend that dough at any of Asheville’s fine independent record by James Cassara stores. They’re the ones who really know and support the music.

Jerry Garcia Kris Kristofferson But there is plenty of room for Band Closer to the Bone tribute. “From Here to Forever” is a New West Records direct love song to his children while Let It Rock “Good Morning John,” a song written Garcia Vault It’s widely acknowl- for but never recorded by The High- Records edged that Kris Kristof- waymen, wishes Godspeed to the Man This double ferson is one of the most in Black. There are songs of heartache, disc performance, culled from a pair of insightful and persuasive divorce, desire, devotion to finding one’s November 1975 shows at the Keystone songwriters of his generation, an artist own truth, and the wisdom that (hope- Theatre in Berkeley, is both a welcome whose footprint may be small in size but fully) comes with age. addition to anyone’s Garcia collection and hugely influential. Which, given his sing- All are written with compassion and sturdy evidence that, when the stars aligned ing, is a good thing. Much like his one performed with a fervor that can only and the instruments were tuned, the early time mentor Bob Dylan or his contempo- come from having lived a life worth sing- incarnations of Garcia’s ever evolving en- rary Tom Waits, Kristofferson’s voice is a ing about. Much like Dylan’s triumphant sembles were most certainly the best. distinctly instinctive taste; it either works Time Out Of Mind, which heralded his Long available as a bootleg this official for you or it doesn’t. own late period comeback, if Kristofferson version offers dramatically better sound On his last outing, 2006’s This were to call it quits this would be a hell of – almost unworldly to be certain – and a Old Road, Kristofferson sounded tired, a way to leave. stripped down quartet showcasing the very strained, and almost intentionally out But my money says this is only the first version of the Jerry Garcia Band: Pia- of tune. Here, teamed once again with start, and that for whatever years he has nist Nicky Hopkins, drummer Ron Tutt producer/bassist Don Was and backed left it is obvious that he’s recaptured what- and longtime bassist John Kahn. by a core band – drummer Jim Keltner, ever inspiration spurs him on.***** Ideally paced the songs offer a diverse keyboardist Rami Jaffee, and guitarist range of styles, opening with the rousing extraordinaire Stephen Bruton – Kristof- Chuck Berry title track and moving briskly ferson works those vocal limitations to Stephen Stills through such Dead favorites as “Sugaree,” his advantage. Dedicated to Bruton, who Live at “They Love Each Other” and an invigorat- passed away just weeks after the comple- Shepherd’s Bush ing” Friend of the Devil.” tion of the album, the quality of the mate- Making good on Hopkins’ rhythm and blues versed rial is simply stunning. his promise to open playing is ideally suited for “Tore Up Acutely aware of his own mortal- up the catacombs Over You” and “Roadrunner” and truly ity (he’s now 73) as well as those around of his vast archives, shines during a nearly twenty minute take him Kristofferson has put together some this October 2008 show serves as solid on the Stones’ “Let’s Spend the Night of his most piercing and poignant songs confirmation that Stills’ musical contribu- Together.” Of course he’d already cut in decades. They’re given to grief, the tions are second to none. Deftly balancing his musical teeth playing with Mick and loss of people and things we love, and the acoustic and electric numbers the song company – not to mention having previ- quiet pleasures that abound, but mostly he selection includes material from all phases ously played with Garcia in Quicksilver sings of his deep gratitude for his life and of his career, everything from Buffalo Messenger Service – so his presence here its blessings. Surely these are not new or Springfield through CSNY, Manassas, and is both natural and inspired. uncommon themes but in Kristofferson’s the solo years. Unlike many performances from hands (and pen) they take on fresh and re- Included are the expected crowd this era the band is focused, rehearsed, newed meaning. As such it is a somewhat pleasers. No such collection would be and unbelievably tight. It’s a perfect mix uncomfortable album, one that confronts compete without “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes,” of improvisation (such as an off the cuff issues many of us would as soon forget. “For What It’s Worth,” “Change Part- wandering into the theme song from The The melodies are straightforward and ners” or “Love the One You’re With.” Addams Family) and professionalism. clear, the lyrics are unusually concise (with But the appearance of lesser known gems Kudos should also go to veteran sound nary an unnecessary syllable) and Kristoffer- like “Bluebird” and an especially searing engineer Jeffrey Norman, who has mixed son’s quivery monotone rarely rises above “Isn’t It About Time” (a highlight of his and mastered countless Dead-related the level of everyday conversation. As such Asheville show of two years back) makes projects through the years, for resurrect- it is a remarkably personal work. this more than just another greatest hits ing this monumental evening and giving The album’s opener kicks in with a retread. it the treatment it (and we) deserve. The snare drum flourish courtesy of Keltner and The inclusion of such covers as clarity of the vocals and instruments is glides easily into a reverent shuffle, layered Dylan’s “Girl From The North Country” absolutely stunning. with acoustic guitar and mandolin and and Tom Petty’s “Wrong Thing To Do” Rounding out this deluxe package is an exquisitely tailored to set the tone. Kristof- might be interpreted as a lack of confi- informative and meticulously researched ferson reflects upon his own blessing while dence on his own solo material but it is essay by David Gans which offers insights the chorus, sung by Bruton, reminds us that more likely that Stills just knows a great into the all too brief but pivotal Garcia- “Everything is sweeter/Closer to the bone.” song when he hears one. Hopkins collaboration, as well as a bevy of The two voices intermingle as one, and His voice has grown a bit rough delightful photographs. Except for the no- while such sentiments might well translate around the edges and, at age 65, he may table absence of a certain familiar burning into weeping sentimentality he’s far too not rock as hard as he once could, but at smell it is almost like being there. **** astute a lyricist for that. ‘CD’s’ continued on next page

14 January 2010 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 5 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE what’s happening Robinella at the Grey Eagle

he brainchild of mandolin player basis of local and regional radio play and Cruz Contreras, Robinella & an ever growing reputation for standout by James Cassara the CC String Band have been live performances, the band continued mainstays of the Knoxville, Ten- to make ground. first Dobro, and he has been T nessee music scene for more than Their break occurred when they playing music ever since. a decade. The group’s origins go back to were signed to Columbia Records, which Upon moving to Nash- 1997 while Contreras was attending the combined the strongest tracks from the ville in 1992, his career took University of Tennessee as a jazz piano early albums in the form of the EP Blan- off, and has continued to be major. It was there he struck up a friend- ket for My Soul. While that effort gained a busy and successful one. ship with singer/guitarist Robin Ella Tip- further traction it was the band’s tour Ickes is a founding member ton who was at that time pursing a degree with Kasey Chambers that gave them of the Bluegrass Super- in art education. some real national exposure. Suddenly group, “Blue Highway,” one The pair enlisted the services of a trio Robinella and company were playing to of the fastest rising groups of other students and musicians and the audiences many times larger than those in the genre and winners of quintet soon began gigging around town they were used to. a bevy of industry awards in a somewhat informal fashion. They In May of 2003 they released their and accolades. were serious enough about the music eponymous full-length, major label, self- Aside from his work Robinella - Photo: Jim McKelvey but never fully intended (or expected) titled CD, which garnered strong reviews with “Blue Highway,” to make it a career. After graduation the and sold surprisingly well. Six years later, choices, in words, and of body and mind. Ickes has also been busy as three friends moved on, leaving the soon the band, having officially changed its As an artist, and a singer and songwriter a session player in Nashville. In 1996 he to be married Contreras and Tipton to name to Robinella, has continued a slow I see this in paint, in color, and in a song contributed to a pair of Grammy win- make some important choices. but steady upward climb. rolling off my lips.” In music, as in all ning recordings: Alison Krauss and the By 1999 they had reconfigured the Their 2006 release, Solace for the things, Robinella is a distinct and un- Cox Family’s, “I Know Who Holds To- group, adding Billy Contreras on fiddle, Lonely (Dualtone Records) was a much compromising voice. morrow,” and the all-star Dobro release Steve Kovalcheck on electric guitar, and more professional effort. Produced by Sharing the evening with Robinella produced by Jerry Douglas, “The Great Taylor Coker on upright bass, to form Doug Lancio, known best for his work is singer/songwriter Rob Ickes. Born and Dobro Sessions.” Ickes was the young- Robinella & the CC String Band. The with Patty Griffin, Nanci Griffith, and raised in the San Francisco Bay area, Ickes est player to be invited to participate group built up a strong following around Steve Earle, it captured the intense live (rhymes with “bikes” he’s quick to say) in the project, a virtual “who’s who” of Knoxville while extending its touring ra- energy of the band while demonstrating comes from a musical family. His grand- Dobro players. dius to include Western North Carolina they’d fully learned how to use a studio parents played old-time fiddle music, and the Atlanta area. to their advantage. It’s their most focused while he trained his young musical ear at Robinella and Rob Ickes. They self released their first albums, and well rounded album yet. their weekly jam sessions. If Saturday, January 9, at Robinella & the CC String Band in 2000 As Robinella says, “The more things Although his family wanted him to You the Grey Eagle: 9pm. and No Saint No Prize in 2001. Both change the more they stay the same. The play fiddle, the instrument didn’t interest Go $10 advance / $12 day of were for the independent and under- longer I live the more I see the truth in him. Then, at the age of thirteen, Ickes show with advance tickets funded Big Gulley Records label, which this statement, and the truth I see is that was exposed to the Dobro playing of Mike available online and at our clearly lacked the means to distribute as the day to day passes, while the years Auldridge, and the sound immediately local outlets. There will be limited and promote the effort. Still, on the roll on, our lives are full of repetition, in caught his attention. Soon after, he got his seating available.

writer. Unlike 2007’s Not ‘CD’s’ continued from page 14 of Jones’ stature would Too Late, which seemed a There are few not otherwise have while Norah Jones Brings Songs this stage in his life, having amassed more deliberate attempt on her vocalists today who adding a specific late part to move beyond her from “The Fall” to Asheville fame and money than as a young kid from come even close to night in the Big Apple Texas he could have ever imagined, there knack for elegant lamenta- essence. Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 8 p.m. are far worse things than a nostalgic blast tion, The Fall deftly works matching her skills of That said this is by that should appeal to both his devoted fans both sides of the fence, seduction... no means a loose or in- At the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. and their children. ***1/2 evincing Jones the purist differently made album: Tickets are $59 and $44, avail- and modernist. The Fall may sound a able at Ticketmaster outlets, That aspect is no doubt the work of Norah Jones bit intentionally ragged (but not nearly so by phone at 1-800-745-3000, or producer Jacquire King, whose work with much as its predecessor) but Jones and King online at www.ticketmaster.com. The Fall Modest Mouse and Kings of Leon has set are clearly in charge. Blue Note a standard for up-to-the-moment hipness, The unpolished veneer adds a bit of “The Fall has been billed as Records but it’s Jones’ voice, wisely kept up front needed air – for all her talents Jones can Norah Jones’ rock album. In fact, Since first and center, that steals the show. There are often sound a bit stuffy – but the sheer it’s something breaking through few vocalists today who come even close to quality of the material (“Back to Man- even more sur- nearly a decade matching her skills of seduction and none hattan” and “I Wouldn’t Need You” are prising: a hot- ago Norah Jones that surpass them. particularly affecting) and that ever so blooded soul Jones is truly in a class of one. She again has progressively moved away from the extraordinary voice makes this another record.” silken smooth lounge ingénue leanings that employs the talents of frequent collaborators triumph for an artist who seems incapable marked her first records and towards a more and friends Jesse Harris, Ryan Adams, and of faltering. Call it mood music ambience ~ SPIN contemporary, and, dare we say, sophisti- Will Scheff. Such contributions give The Fall with heart and soul to spare. **** Magazine cated incarnation as an upscale singer/song- and certain independent street creed an artist

Vol. 13, No. 5 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — January 2010 15 RAPID RIVER ARTS performance Hendersonville Chamber Music Announces its 2010 Schedule

f you think of chamber music as by Robert Wiley old-fashioned and stuffy, think again. Because Hendersonville Chamber Music brings Ichamber music up to date and then some! Featuring five quite differ- ent performing groups, this year’s concert schedule is sure to attract audiences who simply enjoy great music brilliantly performed! The series leads off with pianist Marina Lomazov who “brought the house down” when she recently performed with the Hendersonville Symphony. She’ll be joined with two-piano partner Joseph Rackers in what promises The brilliant Marina Lomazov joins two-piano to be a wonderful afternoon. partner Joseph Rackers to kick off a series of five exciting performances. Here is a rundown of dates and performers: Renaissance and rock to Bach and Broad- way. Charleston’s Piccolo Spoleto Festival March 7 - Lomazov/Rackers Duo-pianos gave them rave reviews! Considered one of a handful of world- class piano duos performing today, Lom- May 23 - Opal String Quartet azov/Rackers first came to international Sometimes one finds an outstanding attention as Prize Winners of the Sixth Bi- treasure in one’s own back yard! Based in ennial Ellis Duo Piano Competition. Since Asheville, the Opal Quartet is one such. * then, they have performed as recitalists and Formed in January 2006 by professional $ in concert with orchestras throughout the musicians who both teach and perform 00 United States and Europe with performanc- with area orchestras, their playing rivals the es critics have described as “amazing! technique, excitement and sound of “name” Buys quartets. Members include Amy Lovinger 1 Globe Life Insurance March 28 - Diverse Quartet and Frances Hsieh, violins; Kara Poorbaugh, Discover how totally delightful this un- viola and Franklin Keel, cello. Adult Rates As Low As $3.49 Per Month†† usual combination of instrumentalists and Hendersonville Chamber Music Con- † voice can be as Eric Koontz, viola; Douglas certs will take place this season at the com- Children’s Rates As Low As $1.99 Per Month Miller, clarinet; Bair Shagdaron, piano and fortable First Congregational Church on the contralto Mary Gayle, faculty members of corner of Fifth Avenue and White Pine in No Medical Exam – Only A Few Yes/No Health Questions Appalachian State University and consum- Hendersonville. This project received sup- mate musicians, present an afternoon of port from the North Carolina Arts Council, /P
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.BJM both classical and modern works. an agency of the Department of Cultural Resources, and the National Endowment Choose $5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $30,000 or $50,000 Coverage April 18 - Giannini Brass for the Arts, which believes that a great na- This highly polished group from the tion deserves great art. Globe Life And Accident Insurance Company insures over 3.6 million North Carolina School of the Arts where policyholders with $55 billion of life insurance in force and has made life they are in residence, brings down the house insurance easy to buy since 1951. wherever they perform! Their “toe-tapping” If Performances are on Sunday repertoire encompasses “European Clas- u afternoons at 3 p.m. Sub- $50,000 Adult Life Insurance. *$1.00 pays for the first month. Then the rates sics” by Handel and Rossini plus “American Yo are based on your current age and are guaranteed for the life of the policy. Go scriptions for all five concerts Classics” from the Broadway stage, with are $70. Tickets are available $20,000 Children’s and Grandchildren’s Life Insurance. music of the Renaissance, Baroque and by mailing a check or money *$1.00 pays for the first 3 months. Then the rate is based on your children’s Romantic eras, Dixieland, jazz, swing and order, payable to HFCM, to Hender- marches added for good measure! or grandchildren’s present age and is guaranteed to stay the same for life. sonville Chamber Music, P.O. Box 271 Hendersonville, NC 28793. May 2 - Pastyme Series and individual tickets at $17 are also For FREE Information Visit This versatile group’s eight highly available at Hendersonville Visitors Center, www.BuyGlobe.com/offer222 trained voices takes its name from a mad- Opportunity House, and at the door on day rigal written by Henry VIII that extols the of performance. Subscription holders will be virtues of “all goodly sport” in passing away able to use their five subscription tickets for Or Call Toll Free: 1-877-233-4022 the hours. You’ll have to agree as Pastyme any or all performances. More information brings you an exciting cross section of the at (828) 697-0455 or (828) 890-4411 or visit ††Policy Form #GRTG or UIRT †Policy Form #GWLC/GWLP, GWL2000 or GWLA000 CIGZNL wonderful world of a cappella song from www.hendersonvillechambermusic.org.

16 January 2010 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 5 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE thoreau’s garden

by Peter Loewer the plant begins to wilt, soak it, Illustration by Peter Loewer The Poinsettia pot and all, by plunging into a t will be January when you read this masquerade as petals. The true flowers bucket of water. Keep the plant routine, and protect salute to a plant that is usually sold are the tiny yellow balls that cluster in the in as sunny window, rotating plants from the sear- from Thanksgiving to Christmas, but center of the bracts. If you look at them it every few days to maintain a ing midday sun in rest easy because the featured plant is under a hand lens you will see that some are symmetrical shape. If July and August. the poinsettia. And unlike other blos- pistillate, or female and others are staminate, you decide to keep With the com- I soms famous for decorating the holiday or male. The flower’s tips often exude small the plant for future ing of autumn, season, here’s a plant that will persist — as beads of crystal-clear nectar. In tropical use feed it every poinsettias will not long as you allow it living room. climates these plants assume the stature of month with a liquid set buds unless they Sometimes called Christmas stars or shrubs and even small trees, and if given fertilizer. Except at are exposed to days Flor de Noche Buena, these flowers have reasonable care, they can grow to a large size night, keep temper- no longer than 12 been stars of the Christmas even in the home. atures around 65°F, hours and temperatures holidays since the early 1920s, Poinsettias, scientifically and try to protect never below 65°F. Cutting when they hit the big time Euphorbia pulcherrima, are your poinsettia from back on light is no problem because the red flowers are members of a large family of cold drafts. in their native haunts easily manipulated by florists succulents that include the Continue with but here, you must to provide those flowers on popular crown-of-thorns this treatment until remember to move cue for the holiday trade. And and snow-on-the-moun- the bracts start to fade, the plant into a dark unlike many holiday blos- tain, each identified by their usually in late spring closet or a shrouded green- soms they can last well into white, milky sap called latex. — I’ve had plants that house allowing no more than the 12 late winter. The sap has been blamed have kept their bracts hours of light beginning around Oc- This is all pretty good for causing everything from until July. When they tober 1. Once the buds are evident, finally do fade, prune for a winter-flowering shrub Peter examines the a mild dermatitis in suscep- you can forget the blackouts. originally from Mexico and tible people to outright death the stems to below the point of flowering. blossoms of early- Don’t worry about the wounds dripping originally introduced to the blooming Lenten roses. for children and some pets. trade back in 1830. The genus But in recent years, most latex; they will soon dry and heal. Repot the plant in a mix of potting soil, compost, Peter Loewer is a well-known writer is Euphorbia (a name give by Dioscorides medical authorities continue to advise not and botanical artist who has written and to this plant and said by Pliny to honor Eu- eating the flowers or foliage but the Grim and sharp sand, one-third each. Move the poinsettia outside as soon as frost danger illustrated over twenty-five books on natural phorbus, a physician to Jing Juba of Mauri- Reaper is usually not in the audience when history over the past thirty years. tania) and not only are they grown as potted such activities do occur. passes. Water well, follow the fertilizer plants for sale up North, they’re also sold When you receive your plant — usu- during early July in the Southern Hemi- ally after Thanksgiving — remove the foil sphere. And they’re not just red anymore but wrap from the plastic pot. The pot will come in various shades of pinks and reds, usually be full of roots so be careful with not to mention white and sometimes yellow. the watering detail, wetting all of the soil Then, too, when bad taste surfaces (like and not just the top. There is usually a Heritage Weavers & Fiber Artists often at the box stores), sprayed with sequins high concentration of peat moss in the soil so they will sparkle in your living room. mixes and this can dry quickly in the warm 2010 Class Schedule What we think of as petals are really air of a typical house in winter. specialized leaves called bracts that only If you forget water for a day or two and Rug Hooking students. Led by Paula Ashworth. This Saturday, January 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. class meets on the last Saturday of each This group will meet bi-monthly. Class month through April. Paula raises and limit 8 students. Led by Sara-Beth Black. shears sheep, spins the wool for knitting Cost $25 + materials. The cost of kits and weaving, and dyes the fibers. BIRDS! range from $49 to $99 and can be seen at January 30 - Learn about spinning wheels. F.W. Front Gallery at Woolworth Walk www.mountainwool.com February 27 – Learn to spin fine wool. Beginning Weaving on a March 27 – Learn to spin mohair and other fine fibers. Rigid Heddle Loom or the month of Janu- art, come to the opening April 24 – Paula will shear a sheep for the ary the F.W. Gallery at reception on January 8 from Saturday, January 16 & 23 from 9 a.m. to Sheep to Shawl demonstration as part of Woolworth Walk will 4-6 p.m. and meet the artist, Noon, and Saturday, January 30 from 9 the Farm Day Festival at Historic Johnson feature the artwork Lisa Walraven. a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Class cost $75; Mate- Farm. of local painter Lisa rial fee $12. Class limit 4 students. Led F by Ruth Howe. Learn to plan, warp and After each session you will have a month Walraven of Wren Designs in “The Berry Connection” weave a scarf. Bring your own loom or to practice. It is recommended you spend the show “Birds!” Painting by Lisa rent a loom for $50. at least 10 minutes every day on your Lisa specializes in bird Walraven spinning. and nature art inspired from Inkle Weaving 101 Contact Ruth Howe, (828) 458-0738 or her past work as a wildlife January 27 & February 3. Wednesday 10 [email protected] to register, or for technician. Lisa has said Paintings by a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring your own lunch; tea more information. about the link from her past Lisa Wal- If and coffee provided. Cost $60 plus $12 occupation to her art work that “seeing each raven. Opening Reception: You materials fee. Class limit 8 students. Led Historic Johnson Farm, 3346 Haywood detail in the hand made me realize how Friday January 8 from 4-6 Go: by Ann Mullican. Create a colorful Inkle Road, Hendersonville, NC. (828) 891- individual each bird was, and I immedi- p.m. Show Dates: January Band. Inkle Loom rental $15. 6585, or visit the farm’s website: www. ately began depicting bold portraits of birds 2-30, 2010. historicjohnsonfarm.org. Beginning Spinning because I wanted everyone to see the birds Woolworth Walk, 25 Haywood Street, Ashe- Heritage Weavers and Fiber Artists as individuals.” ville, NC. (828) 254-9234. Hours: Monday- Saturday, January 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 (HWFA), 3346 Haywood Road, Hender- If you are a lover of birds or even just Saturday 11-6; Sunday 11-5; closed Tuesday. p.m. Cost $36 per session. Class limit 6 sonville, NC.

Vol. 13, No. 5 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — January 2010 17 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE asheville shops Downtown Market Changes the Look and Feel of Downtown Shopping for the Better

conomists say the heart of 1920s, gave way by Dennis Ray a community does its ac- to supermarkets tual growing in a down-turned and eventually to economy, that it is during this superstores like and two shots E time the foundations of busi- WalMart and espresso topped nesses are built. “When things are KMart. However, off with organic booming,” Economist Roger Dwells these mega stores homemade of Asheville says, “everyone is con- seldom supported whipped cream. cerned with the here and now. When local merchants, “This is the the economy goes south folks begin farmers or the ultimate picker focusing on the future and on their community they upper,” she says. community. Businesses have to be served other than Elizabeth more creative to stay in businesses.” to offer many Downtown Market owners Bloomquist, The Downtown Market at 45 S. products at very Bobby Potts and Josiah Hyatt. owner of Green French Broad Ave. Asheville, is a per- low costs. Jade Herbal says, fect example of business owners having The vendors at The Downtown “I sell at farmer’s markets all around to think “outside of the box” in order to Market are local with the majority the area and it’s nice to have a perma- cope with a struggling economy. of goods being produced in Western nent indoor location.” Bloomquist’s AB Tech Real Estate teacher North Carolina. There are plans to goal with her business is to improve and owner, Bobby Potts says, “Jo- host and feature surrounding neigh- the quality of life for her customers siah Hyatt, my business partner and borhoods and neighboring cities in through natural herbal and skincare I, bought buildings along S. French their Mountain Community Partner products and consultations. Broad as an program. “It’s a fun community experience,” opportunity “We Bloomquist says of her involvement as to resale for a currently vendor at the Downtown Market. “The profit. When have about 65 best part is,” she adds, “the booth space the economy vendors but is affordable. It would mean charging dropped, selling can grow to a lot more for my products if I had a was no longer over 100,” says retail storefront.” an option.” Marketing “We grow and improve every What to Director of the week as we support each other in do with more Downtown making this place the ultimate shop- than 42,000 Market, Pepper ping experience.” Parris says, “We square feet of Parris. She also want to encourage the entrepre- space, became adds, “We want neur in everyone. Where else can you Owners of the Hi Fi Coffee shop, John start a small business with no down the question to Nelson and Greta Dietrich. to showcase focus on. “We our Asheville payment or utility deposits, no long tossed a few ideas around but noth- artists, crafters, musicians, farmers and term leases and you don’t have to pay ing seemed right or even doable to be chefs but also highlight talented folks out a percentage of your profits to honest. Then a friend and econom- from all around WNC. anyone? The market is a great testing ics teacher proposed the question of In addition to the many arts and ground to find out if you can retail what to do with the huge space to her craft vendors, the Market also touts your art or products.” class as a project. And studying draw- an onsite coffee shop, organic themed Amazing Savings, a popular local ings and zoning codes, one group of grocery store, local produce farmers discount grocery store, has opened students presented a plan to turn the and an eclectic flea market. its newest location inside the Down- building into a huge indoor market.” Hi Fi Coffee shop, locally owned town Market. Manager Jada Nye says, October 17 was the Downtown Mar- by John Nelson and Greta Dietrich, “Customers really enjoy being able ket’s first day of operation in former serves organic/fair trade coffee, teas, to grocery shop downtown. We offer Industries for the Blind building. chai (spiced milky tea) and apple organic and gourmet products at 30% Large indoor markets or bazaars cider. Most of the specialty coffees are to 50% off of retail prices.” (a permanent merchandising area or their own recipes. The shop will soon For information about becom- group of shops where goods and ser- be open 7 days a week via a new walk- ing a merchant call (828) 255-8858, vices are exchanged or sold) have been up window. Monday-Friday, 9-5 p.m. huge economic builders in cities like “Hi Fi is designed for the coffee Seattle and Chicago over the past five lover on the go,” says Nelson. “Of to ten years as more people migrate course anyone can come and sit down Downtown Market from the suburbs to urban living. Liv- inside on our sofas or at a table when Shopping Hours: ing in cities with these bazaars permits the Downtown Market is open.” The Friday-Sunday, 10-5 p.m. individuals and families to take advan- Market is open Friday through Sunday 45 S. French Broad Ave., tage of the proximity, diversity, and 10 to 5 p.m. Downtown Asheville marketplace competition. Dietrich suggests trying their The marketplace, which saw Mexican Hot Chocolate — hot cocoa (828) 255-8858 its heyday in the U.S. during the served with cayenne pepper, spices www. downtownmarketasheville.com

18 January 2010 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 5 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE restaurants & wine Thoughts About Ageing, and a Tonic for What Ails Ya!

To hold, or not to hold? Be honest with yourself, too, because There are those who believe in Bour- by Michael Parker you may not like well-aged reds. You may bon. Others insist on brandy, and some Someone gave you wine for Christmas, prefer them somewhat younger than the prefer rum. About using expensive Bour- and you are thinking about saving it for a experts say you should. You may consider bon: save it for when you are healthy and special occasion. Wine gets better with age, January Events at not spending the money on reds with ageing your taste buds are uninhibited by a stupid right? Here we go again. potential and simply choosing reds that have cold. My personal choice is Benchmark at The Weinhaus Some wines improve with age; many a short shelf-life. $10 for a .750L bottle. more do not. There are numerous condi- Reservations are required for these About Champagne and sparkling wine: Besides your liquor choice, there are a tions that effect ageing potential. The trick events, please call the Weinhaus at no date, no wait. However, vintage Cham- variety of ways to make a good hot toddy. is to develop a sense about it, an instinct, (828) 254-6453 or 1-800-283-1544. pagne also calls for professional advice. The hot liquid can be water, tea, or coffee. and to simply enjoy the wine for what it Vintage Port doesn’t even begin to Personally, I have no interest in a is. And let’s face it — few people give you Monday, January 18 reveal its specialness until its tenth year, toddy that is made from something other a wine that actually is as nice as they want A Mediterranean wine dinner will be held but late bottle vintage is ready on release. than Bourbon. Call me a fool for Southern at Marco’s Trattoria in Brevard featuring you to think it is. And again: no date, folklore, but I do five courses of Chef Marco’s delicious and The ageing problem recently happened no wait. believe that Bour- innovative cuisine. The time is 7 p.m. The to a friend who described her Sauvignon There are awe- bon is good for the cost is $60 all inclusive. Blanc as the color her pee-pee gets after Call me a fool for Southern some exceptions. body. If the reason having digested a load of vitamins. (I didn’t There are some folklore, but I do believe that for making a toddy Wednesday, January 27 ask her if it tasted that way.) Of course it was quirky whites, is an ailing body, Cucina 24 will host a wine dinner with a bad experience; it had been atop the fridge Bourbon is good for the body. full of miner- then there is no the theme of A Night in Northern Italy for seven years. als that wonder- better choice. complete with wines from the Alto Adige In 2002, someone gave her a wine rack fully preserve the wine. From Italy, wines This is my toddy, it’s not as involved area in Northern Italy. The time is 7 p.m. for Christmas, and along with it a bottle of made from Fiano and Greco can surpass a as it looks, but it can get a little messy when The cost is $70 all inclusive. Sauvignon Blanc, and she assumed the top decade. I once drank a perfect 24 year old you make a lot of them: o’ the fridge is the perfect place. Wine gets Friday, January 29 white Rioja. Was there a way to predict better with constant warmth, right? How is • Cinnamon Sticks Friday night flights at the Weinhaus will this? Not without researching expert opin- it that everybody knows that cellaring is the feature Pinot Noirs from France and ions. If you really want a great old white • Whole cloves best storage for wine, but so many of those Oregon. The price is $10 for the tasting wine, it may be better to just pay the price • Fresh lemons same people are way too eager to store wine and light hors d’ouvres. Time is 5 to 7 rather than to age it yourself. in the swirling warm air of a large appliance? • Honey p.m. Held at the Weinhaus, 86 Patton, These particulars highlight the need If you lack a basement or cellar, or sim- • Bourbon Ave. Asheville. for personal service in locally-owned wine ply lack the energy to go down there, consider shops. If you think you have been given a Boil a stick or two with five to ten cloves another ideal place for your wine storage: the Every Saturday special wine, then ask your retailer. in two mugs of water until the water turns Join us every Saturday for a free, drop floor of your closet. Seriously — the tempera- brown. I use the microwave and a large glass in tasting from 2 to 4 p.m. We will have ture in there is fairly constant all year. There Hot Toddy Season measuring cup for this. You can reuse the something interesting to sip. are no devices creating heat. The floor in has arrived! cinnamon and clove at least twice. In this there is the perfect place for your wine stor- step, you are simply making a tea. Prices are inclusive of all gratuities and age, especially in the cardboard box. Do you taxes. Major credit cards accepted. We Holiday parties and ski season can Put a soup spoon-sized blob of honey in ever think about how much wine you could will mail you confirmation. certainly compromise an immune system. your glass or mug and add the hot liquid so buy for the price of a nice rack? That does not mean you need to compro- the honey dissolves. Add one or two ounces About ageing: here are a couple of The Weinhaus mise on a good winter drink. It’s almost of Bourbon, your preference, and squeeze simple rules to consider about a good age 86 Patton Ave., in Asheville worth having a scratchy throat to experi- in a fat wedge of lemon. for a wine. Almost all whites should be ence the goodness of a hot toddy. (828) 254-6453 drunk young, especially before they are four years old. Many reds are best drunk right at four years old. Again, this is a very general piece of advice. I consider the four-year mark a fairly consistent expiration date for white wines. Great values & styles Chardonnay, especially the standard (boring) California Chardonnay recipe of oak and butter and butter and oak (the ten-dollar Free Tasting at The Wine Guy South style often available for twice that price), can Every Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m. last a little longer. However, white wine is almost always ready to drink when released. Every week we invite a different distributor to pour 4 or 5 new More complex white varietals and blends are wines from their portfolio for us to sample. Light hors d’oeuvres often just right at the two-year mark. are served and all wines poured will be specially priced. The Wine Cabernet — again, in general — ages Guy stocks a diverse selection of wines from around the world. longer than merlot or other lighter-styled reds like Chianti or Beaujolais. One of my www.theAshevilleWineGuy.com favorites, old-vine zinfandel, is perfect for me right at four years. Pinot Noir is very Wine Retail ~ Tastings ~ Wine Classes 555 Merrimon Ave. (828) 254-6500 complicated and very hard to understand, so 1200 Hendersonville Rd. (828) 277-1120 forget about any general advice for it. Great wines for any occasion and budget.

Vol. 13, No. 5 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — January 2010 19 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE

Mellow Vincenzo’s Vincenzo’s Ristorante & Bistro is Rapid River Restaurant Guide Mushroom neither pretentious nor overly simplis- Founded by 3 Georgia college tic. The menu is reasonably priced and students, the first Mellow Mush- is quite extensive. They feature smaller room, a funky hole-in-the-wall pizza versions (piccolos) of some of their joint, opened its doors in 1974 and more popular plates. You can also order quickly attracted crowds that spilled side portions of practically every entrée. out onto the sidewalks. Their signature dish is the Filetto Touted as “bohemian-chic,” Gorgonzola ($25), two seared filet me- the Mellow Mushroom has its own dallions accompanied by a Gorgonzola unique flair while maintaining the cream sauce, pine nuts and caramelized fun, energetic and trendy atmosphere shallots. that distinguishes them from the Details – The restaurant fills up fast Curras Dom Limones typical pizza joint. By serving the so call for reservations.The Bistro is finest products possible, the Mellow California casual in style and offers Curras Dom puts Mexican cuisine An established restaurant featur- Mushroom has become synonymous live music seven nights a week. The on the culinary map by offering modern ing a mix of Californian and Mexican with quality. upstairs restaurant is smoke free. You Mexican cuisine in a friendly, casual cuisine, in a cozy and classy atmosphere Details – Soups, Pretzels, Bruschetta, can smoke in the Bistro after 9 p.m. fine dining atmosphere. It’s a great where the service is both professional place to relax, unwind and have a great and personable. Salads, Pizza, Calzones, and Hoages. Hours: Monday - Thursday 5:30 p.m. 71 beers on tap. Catering available. meal. Only 10 minutes from downtown The old cherry floors and lac- to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 5:30 Asheville. quered wood tables give the feeling of Hours: Monday - Thursday 11 a.m. to p.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday 5:30 p.m. to They offer a seasonal menu of modest, unassuming elegance, set- 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. 9 p.m. authentic dishes from the interior of ting the stage for meals that please the to 12 p.m.; Sunday noon to 10 p.m. Mexico using locally grown ingredients. palette and provide something a little Vincenzo’s Ristorante & Bistro They also have an excellent wine list different and apart from the ordinary. Mellow Mushroom 10 N. Market Street and a full bar. If you are adventurous, go The word about town is that chef 50 Broadway (828) 254-4698 ahead and try their very own Avocado and owner Hugo Ramirez, a native of Margaritas. Mexico, graces his ever-evolving menu (828) 236-9800 www.vincenzos.com Details – Outstanding service. Lunch: with local, organic vegetables, hor- www.mellowmushroom.com Appetizers and salads $2.50 to $7.50; mone-free meats and wild seafood. Ask Entrées: $7 to $9.50. Dinner: Appetiz- about the Tres Leches cake for a special ers and salads $7 and up; Entrées: $17 dessert treat. and up. Details – Dress: nice casual. Serving Open Tuesday through Saturday for brunch ($10-15), and dinner ($15-20). Everyone Loves lunch and dinner, and Sundays for Wine, beer, and cocktails. Reservations brunch from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Reserva- accepted. tions are strongly suggested. Hours: Monday - Sunday 5-10 p.m., Art and Chocolate Sunday brunch 10:30-2:30 p.m. Curras Dom “Tea-Up” with our fresh loose leaf Sunday, February 7 72 Weaverville Road Limones Swannanoa Valley Fine Arts League organic and fair-traded tea by the 13 Eagle Street in Asheville Members’ Show. Opening reception cup, pot, ounce or pound. (828) 253-2111 will be held Sunday afternoon at the (828) 252-2327 Sourwood Gallery from 2 to 4 p.m. www.currasdom.com This totally chocolate reception is free Blue Ridge and open to the pubic. The exhibit runs Osondu Booksellers through February 26 at the Sourwood 184 N. Main, Waynesville, NC Gallery, 110 Broadway St., Black Moun- (828) 456-8062 tain, NC. Phone (828) 669-4975. www.osondubooksellers.com

Delicious Specialty Pizzas Spring Water Dough Appetizing Salads Hoagies & Pretzels Fresh-Baked Calzones Healthy Ingredients 13 Eagle Street in Asheville

(828) 236-9800 Wide variety of vegan (828) 252-2327 Open 7 Days a Week options including vegan soy cheese

50 Broadway ~ Asheville, NC Wireless Bring this ad in for 15% off your order (excluding alcohol) Internet Access! Advertise in the Restaurant Guide ~ Free Web Links ~ Free Ad Design ~ Call (828) 646-0071

20 January 2010 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 5 RAPID RIVER ARTS Rapid River Restaurant Guide

Forest Blue Flying Frog Café Eclectic menu with a twist: Seafood The Flying Frog Café is one of Spinach Dip; Inside-Out Burger stuffed Asheville’s most unique upscale dining with cheese; Mixed Berry Tiramisu; establishments, featuring a culmination Panko Breaded Ahi Tuna with wasabi of flavors resulting from more than cream sauce; Stuffed Chicken with two decades of experience in Asheville. prosciutto, tomato, pesto, olives and The Flying Frog Café is owned and smoked Gouda cream sauce; and operated by veteran restaurateurs Jay Almond-Encrusted Pork Chops with a and Vijay Shastri. sweet raspberry sauce. Passionate about great food and Details – Clean, open, modern meets wines, chef and certified sommelier warm and woodsy. Non-smoking. Shastri showcases European and Indian Down-to-earth atmosphere. Full-ser- cuisines, both classic and innovative, vice bar for appetizers, mixed drinks, enhanced by his deft hand with spice. beers on draft and local wines. The restaurant also features a bou- Appetizers and salads - $7.99 to $10.99; tique wine list with several hundred Lunch: $7.99 to $15.99; Dinner: $16.99 vintages of great wines. The intense to $25.99; Brunch: $6.99 to $10.99 menu is matched by a professional wait Hours: Mon – Thurs 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; staff of food enthusiasts who know and Fri 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sat 4 p.m. to 10 understand what composes each dish. p.m.; Sunday brunch 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Flying Frog Café has earned Reservations suggested. Catering and an impressive list of reviews from private party space available. almost every major newspaper and cu- linary magazine in the United States. Forest Blue Restaurant & Lounge 900 Hendersonville Rd. Flying Frog Café (in Forest Center North complex) & Wine Bar 1 Battery Park in Asheville (828) 505-7055 www.theforestblue.com (828) 254-9411

Flying Frog Café & Wine Bar

Continental, German, Urban Indian

Wed-Mon 5:30-11 p.m. Reservations recommended 1 Battery Park in Asheville (828) 254-9411

Advertise in the Restaurant Guide ~ Free Web Links ~ Free Ad Design ~ Call (828) 646-0071

Vol. 13, No. 5 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — January 2010 21 Custom RAPID RIVER ARTS Replacement youth culture Windows Joseph Rathbone Recommends

NO PaymeNts, i, it’s Joseph. I hope that you all had a very Merry Christmas and a by Joseph Rathbone NO INterest Happy New Year! I hope that last month’s article was helpful for The trailers I’ve seen so FOr 12 mONtHs everyone in their Christmas shop- far suggest the film does when you use a qualifying Sears card and if paid Hping. So now let’s get down to business. not accurately follow in full within 12 months.* See below for important In my reading class I have been read- the book. Still, it looks to be a fun movie. deferred interest details. ing a book called The Lightning Thief and I plan on reviewing The Lightning Thief it’s pretty good. It is a fiction fantasy about movie in the March issue. a young boy, wrongly accused of stealing Be sure to look for my article next Zeus’ master lightning bolt, and his quest month when I will talk all about the Bilt- to find the stolen lightning bolt and to more House and all of the newly opened clear his name. rooms. I’ll be visiting the Biltmore House The book involves Greek mythol- next week on a school trip (I am writing this ogy but uses a modern day setting, which on December 14, 2009). Also I would like to adds a neat twist. I recommend this book encourage you to visit the Biltmore House for kids 10 and up. Recently, I discov- over the winter if you get a chance. It is a ered this book has now been made into great place to visit and if you go on a snowy a movie, and it comes out February 12, day it is a magnificent sight. Well, that is all I 2010. I figure if the movie is like the book have to say, so goodbye until next month. it should be very good and worth seeing.

Elevate School of Life and Art OFFer CODe: 777-M1-W1-10-WIND – Just $5 a Class o what can you learn by John Cress for $5 a class? Elevate s Quality materials and installation s Solid vinyl frames and sashes, is a new school of s Custom measuring to fit your home’s you may never need to paint or life and art offered by caulk your windows again** S local Asheville artists openings and teachers who are pas- sionate about their subjects, s Energy efficient design to help keep s Many styles that tilt-in for easy excited about sharing, and cleaning from inside your home happy to teach both children heating and cooling costs down*** and adults. Elevate was conceived s Flexible financing‡ and by artists of the recently Classes can be joined “in Satisfaction guaranteed+ formed Highland Acting process” if there is avail- Company, who presented ability. Classes are being the popular Broadway offered for various ages musical “Godspell” at The and skill levels in: Drama, HURRY!Hurry! Offer Offer ends ends 09/12/09. 02/12/10. CAllCALL N NOW:ow: Orange Peel last year. Over Guitar, Graphic Design, 2,500 people attended per- Learning to play guitar. Web Design, Life Draw- formances. ing, Acrylic Painting, Sign Elevate will be offering weekly classes Language, Basic Computer, Video Editing, 1-866-504-9602 beginning in January for 8 weeks in down- Sewing, Choir, Worship Dance, Keyboard, town Asheville at 34 S. Lexington Avenue. Math Tutoring, Beginning Photography, *IMPORTANT DEFERRED INTEREST PROMOTIONAL OFFER DETAILS (when offered): FINANCE CHARGES accrue on a promotional purchase from Creative Writing, and Love Languages. Most the date of purchase at the rate in effect from time to time and all accrued FINANCE CHARGES for the entire promotional period will be added to your account if the purchase is not paid in full by the end of the promotional period or if you default under the card agreement. Making the classes are designed for beginners and last minimum monthly payment will not pay off your promotional purchase in time to avoid FINANCE CHARGES. With credit approval, for qualifying between one and two hours. purchases made on a Sears card (Sears Commercial One® accounts excluded.) Sears Home Improvement Account (sm) valid on installed sales About a hundred people came together only. Offer is only valid for consumer accounts in good standing and is subject to change without notice. May not be combined with any other last year to offer their time and talent to credit promotional offer. Promotional offers of 14 months or more require minimum monthly payments as disclosed in the offer. Sears cards: produce “Godspell,” which was performed APR up to 26.49%, but if your account has a variable APR, the APR is up to 29.99% as of 06/01/09 and may vary. Lower rates may apply. in both Asheville and Charlotte. Local artists MINIMUM FINANCE CHARGE: up to $2. See card agreement for details including when the default rate applies. Sears cards are issued by Citibank gathered to build sets, paint scenes, sew cos- (South Dakota) N.A. **Ask your Sears representative about written limited warranty details. ***Energy savings may vary depending on your home and windows selected. Applies only to ENERGY STAR® rated windows. +See http://www.searshomepro.com/info/guarantee.aspx for Satisfaction Guarantee details. Sears Home Improvement Products, Inc. is a division of Sears Roebuck and Co. The fol- tumes, sing, act, dance, perform live music, lowing licenses are held by or on behalf of Sears Home Improvement Products, Inc.: AL (Res. Bldr. #3663; HVAC #8186); AZ (Res. Contr.#ROC117628; HVAC #ROC206649); AR (HVAC #1004181); CA (Gen. Bldg. Contr. #B-721379, HVAC #C20-721379, Glazing C17-721379); CT (HVAC #303642-S1; HIC #0607669); FL (Gen. Contr. #CGC012538; HVAC #CMC1249510); GA (HVAC and produce marketing materials in both #CN003489); ID (HVAC #C-6134, HVAC#J-6133; Contracting Bus. #RCE-25219); IL (City of Chicago Home Repair #1248977); IN (Evansville Res. Remodeling Cont. #RRC0185); KY (Master HVAC print and video. #M04667); LA (Res. Bldr. #84194; HVAC#45862); MD (HIC #87854; HVAC #6528; Contractor/Salesman #46542); MA (HIC #148607, All plumbing and electrical services performed by licensed subcontractors); MI (Res. Bldr. #2102131369; HVAC #7110944); MN (Res. Remodeler #20090017); MS (Res. Bldr. #RO5222); NV (Carp. Contr. #43242; Gen. Contr. #60609; Plumb. & Htg. Elevate’s teachers are comprised largely Contr. #60610; Refg. & AC Contr. #60608; Gen. Serviceman #S1469; HVAC #A0072); NY (NYC HIC #1225166, Nassau County HIC #H1809170000, Rockland County HIC #9990, Suffolk County #41506-H, Westchester County WC #18371-H06, Putnam County #3189-A, City of Yonkers #4213); NM (Gen. Bldg. Contr.#GB 98 58598; HVAC #MM98 52598; Elec.# EE-98 58598, MHD HVAC of these artists. Highland Acting Company #MM98 C58598, MHD Elec. #EE98 C-58598); NC (Bldg. Limited. #47330; HVAC #15343 H-2, H-3-1, HVAC #26961 H-3-II); OH (HVAC #44752); OK (HVAC #106841); OR (Gen. Contr. #113202); will next travel to The Orpheum Theatre RI (Res. Contr. #27281); SC (Gen. Contr. #105836-BD4; HVAC Res. #RBH-919); TN (HIC #2319; HVAC Contr. #54995); TX (Res. Bldr. Remodeler #9566; HVAC Dallas #TACLB00020401E, Houston #TACLB27482E, Lubbock #TACLB00027780E; San Antonio #TACLB00024674E); UT (Gen. Bldg. Contr. #B-100318604-5501; HVAC #S-350 318604-5501); VA (Class A Contr. #27-084717; in Wichita, Kansas in March to perform HVAC #2710046587); WA (Gen. Contr. #SEARSHI011LA); Washington, DC (HIC #50006423); WV (Res. Bldr,. #WV025882, HVAC WV025882); WI (Dwelling Contr. Cert. #15151; Dwelling Contr. Qualifier #982570; HVAC Contractor #15151). Some services performed by Sears’ associates. Other services and installation performed by Sears-Authorized licensed contractors; additional Sears license information available upon request. ‡Subject to applicant creditworthiness. ++ See http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits#c1 Learning to sew. continued on next page

22 January 2010 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 5 RAPID RIVER ARTS music Those Darlins at the Grey Eagle

fter 140+ gigs in 2009 the word is getting out that Those Darlins are hardly just a “quirky, Carter family- influenced country-pop” act. A They are a rock rock rock band that is delivering “full-on, double-time rock shows.” Releasing their self-titled debut album in 2009 and touring with everyone from Dan Auerbach to King Khan & BBQ Show, Wanda Jackson to Black Lips, the girls and Sheriff Lin continue their never ending tour at the top of 2010. In an interview with Nashville Life- styles magazine, Kelley Darlin explains, Photo: David McClister “People are looking for something genu- ine, even if it’s rough around the edges... Mama,” the band has a knack for writing Sometimes people need an excuse to have memorable hooks about booze, boys and fun. When you get into the stress of having everything in between.” ~ Rolling Stone a family and working, we remind you that you don’t have to be just one thing – you “The trio’s sassy Tennessee twang and can have fun and try new things.” Here’s nimble rockabilly swing, however, could your excuse to have fun. Giddy up. have landed them a regional radio showcase with Cline back in the day... brisk, breath- less, three-minute drum, bass, and baritone You can't resist their ukulele romp of no-bullshit “my way or charms. the highway” declarations sung in slightly jaded three-part harmonies. Meet the Vivian ~ Washington Post Girls’ hillbilly cousins.” ~ Pitchfork

“Those Darlins have created an infectious blend of country, rock and punkabilly on If Thursday, January 7, at the their witty, fuzzed-out self-titled debut. You Grey Eagle in Asheville, NC. From the hard-driving “Red Light Love” Go Friday, January 8 at the Eve- to the tongue-in-cheek “Snaggle Tooth ning Muse in Charlotte, NC.

‘Elevate School’ continued from page 22 ject with a minimal commitment of both time and money. “Godspell”. If you missed “Godspell” it will Adults may find themselves sitting be performed again April 2-4 at The Orange right alongside a younger student in the Peel in downtown Asheville. (See www. same class, simply illustrating the principle GodspellAsheville.com.) that one is never too old Asheville is known or too young to learn. to be a unique city for 50% of the pro- both the visual and ceeds go directly to the performing arts so it teachers, and 45% goes seemed only natural to toward building a full- offer classes to our com- time community center munity for those would for downtown Ashe- like to be taught a par- ville. It is the dream ticular subject at a most of Elevate School of affordable rate. So for Life and Art to one day only $40, based on eight have its own permanent weeks at $5 per class, location where art and students can expose life skills can be shared themselves to various with the community art and life subjects, and Instructor with drama student. as well as taught to the acquire some new skills. community. Our hope is that this learning experience will be both fun and rewarding. Many parents are excited about find- If To register and/or view class ing an affordable means to introduce their You schedules and descriptions, children to various subjects in the arts Go: as well as teacher bios, visit without the greater financial investments www.ElevateLifeAndArt.com often required for individual instruction. or e-mail info@elevatelifeand- It really is a good way to investigate a sub- art.com or call (828) 277-1637.

Vol. 13, No. 5 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — January 2010 23 Reel Take Reviewers: For the latest reviews, Chip Kaufmann is a film historian who theater info and also shares his love of classical music as , visit a program host on WCQS-FM radio. movie show times www.rapidrivermagazine.com Michelle Keenan is a long time student of film, a believer in the magic of movies and a fundraiser for public radio. ∑∑∑∑∑ - Fantastic ∑∑∑∑ - Pretty darn good ∑∑∑ - Has some good points ∑∑ - The previews lied Questions/Comments? ∑ - Only if you must You can email Chip or Michelle at [email protected] M- Forget entirely

Chip and Michelle’s Personal Favorites Oust the Critical Top Ten!

hen Chip and I started discussing our critical Top 10 Lists for 2009, we kept hitting stumbling blocks. For one, the industry’s annoying habit of releasing the best films of the year at the 11th hour prior to awards season, to ensure they are fresh in everyone’s mind, makes it difficult to see everything prior to deadline. W Second, we realized we weren’t having nearly as much fun assembling our Top 10 lists as we were when we talked about what films we really enjoyed this year. So it dawned on us, doing lists of our personal favorite films of the year actually presents a much more varied and interesting review of the year in film. That said here we go… Abbie Cornish and Bill Milner (left) and Adrian Brody, Rachel Weiscz Ben Whishaw star Michael Caine in “Is and Mark Ruffalo star in Chip’s Personal Faves of 2009 up to Juno is smart in “Keats.” Anybody There?” “The Brothers Bloom.” Listed below in alphabetical order are and sassy with refer- 10 films that I really enjoyed in 2009. Some ences to classic horror It’s for all ages and all types. The vocal talent onscreen marital relationship was one of the will make most critics 10 best list while oth- films thrown in for is spot on and it’s just – er … well, fantastic. best we’ve ever seen. good measure. ers are films that I felt were overlooked. Fi- 4. The Hangover – Quite simply the fun- 8. Pirate Radio – If you fondly remember nally there are those films that may not have 8. Law Abiding niest, laugh-out-loud film to come down the mid- to late-60’s or you have any affinity been that great but are ones that I personally Citizen – Solid, well- the pike in ages. This fairly low-budget film for the music of that era, you’ll likely enjoy responded to. For better or worse, here they made revenge thriller struck box office gold due to its writing, its this scarcely marketed, little noticed film by are (drum roll, please). with Gerard But- ensemble players and word of mouth. It’s Richard Curtis. Pirate Radio (more aptly 1. 2012 – Roland Emmerich’s latest disas- ler and Jaime Foxx not for the uppity or easily offended, but it is called The Boat That Rocked outside of the ter effort is a surprising epic of romance matching wits with top notch entertainment for what it is. U.S.) delivers a happy buzz that lasts for days. Megan Fox unexpected results. and heroism that transcends the disaster in “Jennifer’s 5. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince 9. Up In The Air – A hired gun for fire film genre. Body.” 9. Ponyo – Another – Despite a few surprising deviations from wracks up the frequent flyer miles and life 2. Bright Star – A realistic depiction of top notch work of the book, HP6 is one of the best install- lessons in this charming but ultimately sad the ill-fated love between English poet animated art from celebrated Japanese direc- ments, if not the best, in wizarding series portrait (see review). Writer/director Jason John Keats and his next door neighbor. tor Hiyao Miyazaki. thus far. I can’t wait for the two-part finale Reitman and George Clooney deliver one of Asheville’s Paul Schneider stands out in a 10. Up In The Air – George Clooney returns for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. the best pictures of the year. supporting role. to form in this well scripted and well di- 6. The Hurt 10. Up! – The 3-D cartoon that captured the 3. The Brothers Bloom – Two con man rected story of a frequent flyer whose job is Locker – If I hearts of young and old alike. brothers hook up with an eccentric heiress to fire people. were to pick a best film of Runners Up in this modern day comedy with surpris- Michelle’s Personal Faves of 2009 ingly serious overtones. the year, The Defiance – A striking story of brothers and From what I’ve seen so far this year, Hurt Locker 4. Everlasting Moments – This return to survival in WWII. these are the films (in alphabetical order) earns my form from director Jan Troell (The Im- that tickled my fancy in one way or another. vote. Direc- Departures – A little seen, but wonderful migrants) tells the story of how a camera Jeremy Renner stars in tor Kathleen Japanese film about an unemployed cellist changes one woman’s life in 1907 Sweden. 1. Bright Star – Jane Campion’s take on the who finds work preparing the dead. tragic love story of John Keats and Fanny “The Hurt Locker.” Bigelow’s 5. The Fantastic Mr. Fox – Wes Anderson’s Brawne is beautiful and more authentically depiction of Duplicity – A smart & sassy comedy that gets stop motion animation adaptation of Roald raw than many a costume drama. the war in Iraq seems the most real, relevant the last laugh. Dahl’s children’s book is a film for both kids and utterly absorbing yet. Inglourious Basterds – Quentin Tarantino’s and adults that is one of the most unique 2. The Brothers Bloom – This is my gratu- 7. Julie & Julia – Easily the most delightful WWII tale is an interesting homage to vari- offerings of the year. itous film geek pick of the year. The Broth- ers Bloom is its own strange beast of a story, and delicious film of the year. Meryl Streep ous cinematic genres and a Tarantino-esque 6. Is Anybody There? – Another fine little but it also gives a lovely tip of the hat to and Stanley Tucci as Julia and Paul Child re-working of history. film from England with veteran actor Mi- films of years gone by a la Agatha Christie. are nothing less than pitch perfect and their chael Caine as an elderly magician slipping into senility. 3. The Fantastic Mr. Fox – What is not to like about Wes Anderson’s stop-motion ani- 7. Jennifer’s Body – Diablo Cody’s follow- mated version of Roald Dahl’s classic tale?! Reel Takes reviewers, Chip Kaufmann and Michelle Keenan, will return next month with more reviews.

24 January 2010 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 5 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE film reviews

Fantastic Mr. Fox ∑∑∑∑∑ review), but it’s his portrayal as Ryan brilliantly by Reitman’s use of real people Short Take: Wes Anderson’s stop Bingham in Up In The Air that takes him (not actors) who were recent casualties motion animation adaptation of Roald to new heights, gracefully combining his of corporate ‘right sizing’ for most of the Dahl’s children’s book is a film for both comedic talent, his charming je ne sais quoi termination scenes. The result is a profound kids and adults that is one of the more and his dramatic depth. It’s also a film that I commentary on our world today. unique offerings of the year. hope will take writer/director Jason Reit- Also brilliant are the layers of Bing- man (Thank you for Smoking and Juno) ham’s character (both the positive and Reel Take: I rarely give a film 5 stars. anywhere he wants to go. negative aspects) and his emotional journey This is the only one for 2009. Last year there Up in the Air is by the film’s conclu- was only one (Jimmy Carter: Man from being mis-marketed sion. When he meets Plains) and no others since I began review- The Fox Family as a comedy. Rather, a fellow frequent ing for Rapid River a couple of years ago. To it’s a charmingly flier (Vera Farmiga) earn 5 stars the film must not only be very you have an unbeatable combination. They poignant and pain- who’s a female ver- good, it must also be unique and Fantastic aren’t just star voices along for the ride, fully timely story sion of himself, he Mr. Fox succeeds on both counts. they ARE the characters thanks to the script infused with wonder- starts to think that A lot of the unique factor comes from and the beautifully realized animal figures ful moments of wit maybe he’s found the fact that the film is in stop motion anima- brought to life by SMA. and humor. Ryan someone worthy of Chip and Michelle’s Personal Favorites Oust the Critical Top Ten! tion (hereafter SMA), a process that gave us While I admire the previous films of Bingham is a hatchet a real relationship. everything from King Kong (1933) to Clash Wes Anderson, I’m not a big fan of his. I man. He flies around Reitman’s of the Titans (1981) (both recently remade enjoyed The Royal Tenenbaums but could the country doing screen adaptation of as big budget CGI extravaganzas). There is have done without The Life Aquatic with the dirty work for George Clooney earns frequent flier Walter Kirn’s novel something both quaint and more intimate Steve Zissou. I knew that I would enjoy corporate managers is smart and per- about this technique of filmmaking that gives this movie because of the SMA. Thanks to miles and maybe an Oscar nod in and CEO’s that don’t “Up in the Air.” fectly executed. The its characters an added personality that CGI Wes Anderson’s deft direction of every- have the guts or de- dialogue sparkles just doesn’t have. thing I mentioned earlier, I loved it, really cency to take care of it themselves. Bingham with a wonderfully unpretentious brand The source material being by Roald loved it. After all I don’t give out 5 star has mastered his art and in doing so tries of wit ranging from topics of stereotyping Dahl also doesn’t hurt. Dahl is one of ratings everyday. to bring a shred of dignity to his job. It also and relationships to corporate hijinx and those writers who can appeal to children Rated PG for action, smoking, and usage of affords Bingham the life he wants - no at- Chuck E. Cheese. Reitman’s inclusion of and deal with adult themes at the same slang. tachments, lots of frequent flyer miles, and some truly beautiful aerial photography and time. Fantastic Mr. Fox is a children’s Reviewed by Chip Kaufmann his goal of achieving 10 million mile status airport sequences pay a nice homage to the film that’s made for adults. The story of a is within sight. aviation industry. If the success of last year’s crafty fox trying to overcome his natural Up In The Air ∑∑∑∑1/2 When Bingham’s way of life is threat- Juno wasn’t enough to do it, Up in the Air impulse to steal chickens while dealing ened by a young Ivy League grad set on should officially bolster Jason Reitman’s with his family and other animal friends is Short Take: A gun for fire flies the revolutionizing the hatchet-man industry by career to the first class. compelling and so true to life (ever tried to friendly skies. conducting all lay-offs via web-cam confer- squelch a negative impulse?). Rated R for language and some sexual Reel Take: George Clooney was good ence, he takes the corporate upstart on a content. Add star power voices the likes of as a man who stares at goats. He’s great in multi-leg termination trip to show her the Reviewed by Michelle Keenan George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Michael Fantastic Mr. Fox (see Chip Kaufmann’s harsh reality of the real world. This is done Gambon, and Bill Murray to the mix and

Seven Sisters Cinema Last One. The film focuses on the life About The Film: The Last One A documentary film series and times of Popcorn Sutton, legendary “In The Last One, Popcorn Sutton moonshiner of Western NC. The film- motors deep into Appalachia in his prized anuary 2010 marks the beginning of new young filmmak- maker, Neal Hutcheson, will be on hand A-Model to find a suitable location to a brand new film series. Seven Sisters ers. Many of their for a post-film discussion. Beer and wine run one final batch of traditional bootleg Cinema is devoted to local filmmak- films have won awards at numerous film will be available. Admission is $5 ($3 with whiskey. Through the laborious process Jers in Western North Carolina and festivals throughout the country but have student ID). of clearing a site, building a furnace, to other films of interest to regional rarely been seen in this area. Seven Sisters The Seven Sisters Cinema series is brewing corn mash and distilling high residents and visitors. Cinema will provide an opportunity for a project of local community arts orga- proof moonshine, Sutton reveals the The series these filmmakers to nization Serpent Child Ensemble. Seven craft of traditional distillation as practiced selects films which screen their work here Sisters Cinema is dedicated to fostering by his forbears and reveals a lifetime of are both entertaining in Western North dialogue among residents of the Swan- memories in the trade.” and educational. The Carolina. nanoa Valley about issues that impact our mountain community by presenting documentaries are Following the Screenings will take place a great way to learn screening of each film, documentary films and discussions that If at 7 p.m. on the third more about regional moderate discussions are related to the past, present and future u Thursday of each month of the region. Yo culture and the inter- will be led by the Go at White Horse Black esting people, places, filmmakers and other Future Films Mountain, a 225 seat venue and things which scholars. with a 17 x 9 foot theatre The Mystery of George Masa, by Paul make WNC unique. The series kicks screen. White Horse Black WNC is home off on Thursday, Janu- Bonesteel on Thursday, February 18. Mountain is located at 105C Montreat to many estab- ary 21 at White Horse Tobacco Money Feeds My Family, Rd. For more information phone (828) lished filmmakers “The Last One,” the story of Black Mountain, with by Cynthia Hill and Curtis Gaston on 669-0816 or visit www.whitehorseblack- as well as several moonshiner Popcorn Sutton. the documentary The Thursday, March 18. mountain.com

Vol. 13, No. 5 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — January 2010 25 RAPID RIVER ARTS road trip Big Ears Festival 2010 Featuring Vampire Weekend, Joanna Newsom, and Artist in Residence Terry Riley

he Big Ears Festival, slated for by Paige M. Travis the weekend of March 26-28 in Knoxville, Tennessee, is excited to tor for the festival. He’s involved in select- unveil the initial line-up for this ing artists to perform during the weekend, T year’s event. Building on the vision- commissioning new work, and conceiving ary programming of last year’s inaugural of several unique programs. festival, the 2010 Big Ears expands with a The Inner Ear Weekend Festival Pass remarkable line-up of even greater depth offers premium access to all Big Ears hap- and breadth than its predecessor. penings throughout the entire weekend More than 30 artists/bands are expected (subject to available capacity) as well as to perform some 50 concerts in at least eight exclusive invitations and access to select venues this year. In addition, there will be special events. art exhibitions, installations, film screen- Launched in February of 2009, BIG ings, workshops, interactive experiences, EARS was created as a forum to present the lectures and discussions. most exciting music of our time, while ex- The initial Big Ears line-up for March ploring connections and interfaces between includes Vampire Weekend, Joanna New- music, visual art, and film. The brainchild som, St. Vincent, Andrew WK, The Ex, of Ashley Capps, also know as the founder Gang Gang Dance, Clogs, 802 Tour (Nico and co-producer of the Bonnaroo Music Muhly / Doveman / Sam Amidon with and Arts Festival, Big Ears was a great suc- Nadia Sirota), The xx , Javelin, DJ/Rupture cess, receiving rave reviews from audiences, (solo), DJ/Rupture and Andy Moor, My artists, and critics alike and achieving imme- Brightest Diamond, the Calder Quartet, diate international recognition and acclaim. Gyan Riley, and jj. Visionary American minimalist composer Terry Riley will be the artist in If Tickets to the Big Ears residence. Celebrating his 75th birthday in u Festival may be purchased 2010, several of Riley’s compositions will Yo Enjoy Great Savings, Service and Benefits … Go through www.bigearsfesti- be performed throughout the weekend, in- val.com or by calling (865) with the cluding an all-star ensemble for his seminal 684-1200 ext. 2 between the In C and performances by the composer hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Visit www. AARP Auto & Home Insurance Program himself. Bryce Dessner, best known as bigearsfestival.com for up-to-date informa- from The Hartford. guitarist for the acclaimed rock band the tion, announcements, information about National, has signed on this year as a cura- travel and accommodations, and more. 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See how much we can save takes a song you adore and shows you how you over your current auto insurance, and you’ll receive this Wednesday, January 27, calculator/clock … just for requesting a quote. to fall in love with it all over again. With their sophisticated combination of bossa Toronto, ONT, Opera House. The AARP Automobile and Homeowners Insurance Program is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, nova, jazz and sixties pop they continue to Thursday, February 18, Atlanta, GA, Loft. Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. CA License # 5152. In Washington, the Program is underwritten by Hartford Casualty remaster post punk and new wave nuggets. Insurance Company. In Texas, The Program is underwritten by Southern County Mutual Insurance Company through Hartford Saturday, February 20, Fire General Agency. Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates are not financially responsible for insurance products underwritten and issued by Southern County Mutual Insurance Company. AARP and AARP Financial Inc. receive from The Hartford Tour Dates (partial listing) Washington D.C., 9:30 Club. payments for AARP’s license of its intellectual property for use by The Hartford and for services rendered in connection with the Friday, January 22, Program. Amounts paid by The Hartford for this license are used for the general purposes of the Association and its members. AARP membership is required for Program eligibility in most states. Applicants are individually underwritten and some may not Philadelphia, PA, World Café. qualify. Specific features, credits and discounts may vary and may not be available in all states in accordance with state filings and For more information about applicable law. The Program is currently unavailable in Massachusetts, Canada and U.S. Territories or Possessions. All first time Saturday, January 23, Nouvelle Vague go to responders receive the free gift. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. The free gift offer is not available in Georgia, but residents may still request a quote. Homeowners product is not available in all areas, including the state of Florida. New York, NY, Webster Hall. www.myspace.com/nouvellevague

26 January 2010 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 5 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE book reviews

2009 Books of Note reviews by Beth Gossett Best Historical Fiction caretaker for the newly opened their visit, the museum was open to student art gallery. This was a whites only. time when the University of Not long after Purser left The Education of Mr. Mayfield Mississippi was completely seg- Oxford to start the Art Depart- regated. What few outside the Art ment at the University of Florida, An unusual story of social change at January 2009 Department knew was that Purser Mayfield returned to Ecru to care Ole Miss, written by David Magee • Sunday, January 3, 3:00 p.m. also gave Mayfield one-on-one for his ailing mother. Ironically, Madeleine Kay, author of Serendipitously More than a decade before the media instruction and arranged for class- in 1967, Mayfield returned to work as a Rich: How to Get Delightfully, Delectably, reported on the disturbing events surround- room doors to be open so Mayfield could custodian at the Brooks Gallery, where he Deliciously Rich (or Anything Else You ing James Meredith’s enrollment at the listen to lectures while sitting in the nearby studied paintings on exhibit and displayed Want) in 7 Ridiculously Easy Steps. University of Mississippi in 1962, a differ- broom closet. Later, Purser took Mayfield his own artwork in the museum’s stairwells • Thursday, January 7, 5:30 p.m. ent story of interaction between the races on his lecture trips, passing Mayfield off as and employee work areas. In 1986, the Fastest Readings in the World! Join us quietly took place on that same campus. an assistant who carted equipment and set Center for the Study of Southern Culture for an hour of readings by Warren Wilson This story is now told in The Education of up the projector. at the University of Mississippi hosted one College MFA Faculty. Mr. Mayfield. While in Oxford, Purser also became of Mayfield’s first big art exhibits. After that • Saturday, January 9, 7:00 p.m. In 1949, soon after arriving in Oxford, friends with renowned author William show, Mayfield sold almost everything he Nicole Seitz, author of Saving Cicadas. Mississippi, as the school’s first Art Depart- Faulkner. Faulkner, along with Purser produced for the rest of his life. ment chairman, Stuart Purser was driving and other teachers and students in the Art The Education of Mr. Mayfield tells • Sunday, January 10, 3:00 p.m. through the nearby countryside when he Leanna Sain, author of Return to Department, purchased art supplies for the story of how M. B. Mayfield overcame Nowhere. “This is one of the best time spied some interesting sculptures on the Mayfield and encouraged his work. They many of the obstacles placed in his way due travel books I’ve ever read. It has suspense, front porch of a small farmhouse near Ecru. even took up a collection to send Mayfield to racism, but it also tells of the quiet acts of romance, mystery, and enough action to When Purser stopped to speak with the Afri- to Chicago to see a Van Gogh exhibit. One courage displayed by some white Southern- keep things interesting.” Carol Guy, author can-American artist, his longtime friendship particularly moving incident described in the ers who found ways to defy the injustices of of Sins of the Past. with M. B. Mayfield began. book came when Purser took Mayfield to that time and place. • Sunday, January 24, 3:00 p.m. That fall, Purser offered Mayfield a job Memphis to visit the Brooks Memorial Art Nancy Werking Poling, author of OUT OF as custodian for the Art Department and Gallery, only to discover that on the day of THE PUMPKIN SHELL. • Friday, January 29, 7:00 p.m. Joseph Gatins, author of We Were or regressed and how the group is there to Dancing on a Volcano: Bloodlines and Fiction reviews by Beth Gossett help fill in the gaps and be a touchstone for fault lines of a star-crossed Atlanta family, Favorite every single one of its members. South of 1849-1989. Broad is simply a tremendous work, whether and gaining her love and confidences. The • Sunday, January 31, 3:00 p.m. South of Broad you know Charleston or not, and should be Other Queen is full of delicious intrigues, From 75 Western North Carolina Women one to make your reading list. ridiculous people, a smattering of histori- Writers: Clothes Lines. Stories, poems, Written by Pat cal references and wonderful characteriza- essays, and memoirs run the gamut from Conroy tions which all ultimately end as history women’s fascination with shoes and the Anyone who Historical notes…with Mary Stuart’s death. The color red to the history of bras, from gas masks to girdles, from knows me knows Fiction Other Queen is definitely a book worth communion dresses to that I adore just Favorite checking out if you like a romance meets wedding dresses, from about any words history meets death and doom. prom dresses to muu penned by Pat Conroy….his The Other Queen muus, from jump suits lyrical way of writing is music to this south- Short Fiction Favorite and pants suits to bathing ern girl’s ears. South of Broad is probably suits and too-tight jeans, Written by Philippa from housedresses to one of my favorites by Conroy (next to my Gregory Going Away Shoes uniforms, from flour sacks ultimate fave, Lords of Discipline, which I was amazed to polyester... can never be replaced in my heart) because by how engaging, Written by Jill McCorkle of its subject matter, his quirky characters • Saturday, February 6, 7:00 p.m. no… engrossing The Other Queen by McCorkle artfully takes us through the and in the end, how Conroy ties everything Meet John Lee a.k.a. Richard “Dixie” Philippa Gregory (author of The Other trials and tribulations of a vast number of Hartwell author of When the Buddha Met together and makes everything cohesive and Boleyn Girl) was. It is the fictionalized sto- characters, we encounter everything from Bubba. well-rounded. ry of how Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots was bad parenting to divorce to death and living South of Broad is a story of how a captured by her cousin Queen Elizabeth I life after death and she tells it with an inter- group of friends, composed by a group of 55 Haywood St. of England and sent to live with the Earl of esting perspective, aura of kindness, a bit of high school outcasts, meet in the 1960’s and 828-254-6734 • 800-441-9829 Shrewsberry and his wife Bess. Against his sass and some outright hilarious moments. continue their relationships 20 years later. Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. better judgment, the Earl falls in love with Going Away Shoes has a story for everyone The group of the 60’s is composed of two Sunday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mary and under his nose, she commits ev- and is a fantastic col- black teens, one an orphan, one the son of ery possible act of treason. However, Bess, lection to add to your the high school’s new football coach, two the Earl’s highly intelligent and savvy wife, bookshelf to read “white trash” orphans from the moun- is secretly reporting all that she can to the over and over again. tains of North Carolina, two socially inept Queen’s own spymaster, William Cecil. If you’ve yet to dis- fatherless twins (the male twin is gay), three Bess spends time trying to entertain the cover McCorkle’s high society Charlestonians and one social Queen and keep her in the lifestyle to which wonderfully quirky outcast, son of the school principal, who she is accustomed, but Mary is literally stories, you must ties the group together. draining the coffers dry, and the Earl, being make this your first When they reconvene 20 years later to of royalty, could care less. He only cares purchase. You’ll search for one of their missing friends, you about the time he spends alone with Mary thank me later. can see how much each person has grown…

Vol. 13, No. 5 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — January 2010 27 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE book reviews

Non-Fiction Favorite New Books brings religion, morality, values and just reviews by Beth Gossett about anything else we hold dear to the core of ourselves into the bright light of open Mayhem in Mayberry: Saving Cicadas as a farmer and stock-trader. thought through the eyes of an innocent. Misadventures of a P.I. in It is only after Baker’s brother, Lafate, While some may disagree with the Written by dies in a horserace that Howard has fixed, Southern Appalachia content of the novel, I do not and feel that it Nicole Seitz that Howard considers Baker worthy and is an excellent mixing of thought, idea, hu- Written by Brian Lee Knopp takes him into his fold. The two, along with Saving Cicadas manity…and knowing that there are entities Howard’s friend B. J. Woodson (aka, James’ Mayhem in May- by Nicole Seitz is out there that always watch over us, never brother Frank) and other notables, reignite berry: Misadventures a well-thought out judge us and try to move us in the direction of a P.I. in Southern novel about an to help us make the best decisions about our Appalachia by Brian unwed mother of lives. No matter the cost. Lee Knopp turned two, with a third child on the way, told So, do I recommend that you get a An excellent choice for out to be my favorite through the point of view of eight-and-a copy of Saving Cicadas this very moment? book so far in 2009. half year old Janie Doe Macy. On the onset, You bet I do, and kudos to Nicole Seitz for a history buff, or a It has the amazing a reader may just think that this is going to taking a delicate subject and transforming it James' gang fan. ability of being both be a coming of age story or one of heart- into something uplifting. a great literary read break or miracles, and at that the reader may as well as a pure be only … half right. entreating delight. This touching, and sometimes heart- Sorrow’s End the James gang and set off to “be soldiers Not since Elmore wrenching, tale is the story of a family trying in a cause of the South” …or so Baker Leonard’s Maximum Bob (1991) have I read to heal itself from past ills and learning to let Written by was told. a book about a PI that was as funny as it is people go, when the time is right, so that life Maurice Stanley In fact, it became a life of deceit and entertaining, yet Knopp’s characters and may go on in the right direction. Janie, her Written in the first thievery that ultimately caused Baker prose push this book closer to Steinbeck’s sister, Rainey, who has special needs, their person, Sorrow’s End, to be imprisoned. He was sent to work Cannery Row or its sequel Sweet Thursday. Grandma Mona and their Poppy all play by Maurice Stanley in a convict lease in the coal mine in integral parts in helping Priscilla (mother takes us on the life ad- Tennessee’s Cumberland Mountains at and daughter, respectively) make a decision venture of Henry Bak- Coal Creek, from which he later escaped. As funny as it is about what to do with the new baby that is er (aka, T.W. Stanley), He spent 19 years on the run, and carefully entertaining. on the way. one of Jesse James reinserted himself into community life Since the father, Harlan, is nowhere to cohorts in the late 1800’s. where he married and raised a large family, be found, the weight of the decision lands The book is well written, well researched from which the author is descended. It is a non-fiction account on his days squarely on Priscilla’s fragile shoulders. Is and aided with a bit of family admiration. This book is definitely a page-turner as a PI in North Carolina and the events he she strong enough to care for another child Stanley introduces us to Henry Baker when and would be an excellent choice for a his- describes are as the old saying goes “Too on her own? Should she adopt….or con- Jesse James, then using the moniker John tory buff, or a James’ gang fan. Sorrow’s End incredible for anyone to have made up.” sider her third option? D. Howard, moves into the sleepy town of is told in great detail with wonderful flourish Although Knopp has fun with his Saving Cicadas is a big, bold novel that Waverly, Tennessee and begins his life over and prose. characters he never resorts to caricatures or stereotypes but actually creates people the reader will soon not forget. The only problem with Knopp’s book is that it is too short, but like Elmore Leonard is famous for WCU History Professor’s Book saying, “…that’s because all the parts people and his disserta- want to skip are left out.” Read Mayhem in Examines National Trends by tion as a doctoral Mayberry and rediscover just how much fun student at the Uni- a well-written, well-executed book can be. Looking at Citadel versity of Georgia. At WCU, Macau- lexander Macaulay, lay also coordi- assistant professor by Jill Ingram nates the history of history at Western graduate program. Reading/Signing of New Carolina University, has ing of citizenship has shifted over His research Book by MariJo Moore published “Marching in time and is no longer exclusively interests include A a male domain. The Citadel has the contemporary Step: Masculinity, Citizenship, South, modern Friday, January 8 at 7 p.m. and The Citadel in Post-World mirrored larger trends and ideas Alexander Macaulay War II America.” The book, nationwide.” is the author of American history, MariJo Moore will be reading from and concepts of and signing copies of her new book Macaulay’s first, was published For the book, Macaulay “Marching in Step.” in October by the University of chiefly researched in The Cita- masculinity. The Boy With a Tree Growing From “Marching in Step” is part of a UGA His Ear and Other Stories. Georgia Press. del archives. More than 40 oral “Marching in Step” examines interviews also provide material Press series called “Politics and Culture in Malaprops Books & The Citadel’s response to shifts in for the book. the Twentieth-Century South,” studies of Cafe, 55 Haywood life after World War II, including Macaulay, of South Carolina, earned his the region’s social, political and economic Street in Asheville. the Cold War and the ’60s student move- undergraduate degree from The Citadel and transformation. The book is available through ment, and concludes that The Citadel’s was a senior there in 1994, when Shannon Amazon and the University of Georgia Press, For more infor- Faulkner became the first woman in the and is on order at the WCU bookstore and mation please concept of masculinity as characterized by school’s history to register for day classes. City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. visit MariJo Moore strength, obedience and conformity was online at www. not distinct to the school or the South, but That event and those surrounding it have For more information about the WCU master’s marijomoore.com reflective of mainstream America. dominated Macaulay’s academic interest, program in history, contact Macaulay at 828- “Ultimately, this is a book about citi- serving as a catalyst for his thesis as a gradu- 227-3497 or [email protected]. zenship,” Macaulay said. “Our understand- ate student at the University of Tennessee

28 January 2010 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 5 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE poetry

Chris Austin The Cold Mountain Songwriting Contest

on the Other Side of the World Deadline: February 18, 2010 An extraordinary opportunity for aspir- y column this month looks at edition of Cold Mountain’s poetry, trans- by Ted Olson ing writers to have their original songs Cold Mountain, but I won’t be lated by Robert Henrick, also featured all heard and judged by a panel of Nash- discussing the Haywood County 307 poems in English versions.) ville music industry professionals, un- peak visible from the Blue Ridge The person responsible for The Col- Such a cosmic vision may be timeless, der the direction of this year’s volunteer Parkway, or the Charles Frazier lected Songs of Cold Mountain is Red Pine yet another quality present in Cold Moun- contest chairperson, Grammy-winning M tain’s poetry renders his poems especially novel inspired by that peak, or the motion (a.k.a. Bill Porter), who has translated a singer/songwriter Jim Lauderdale. picture adapted from that novel. wide range of classic poetry from the Chi- compelling to contemporary readers — its I’ll be exploring the poetry of the nese literary canon. Red Pine’s translations emotional honesty. When returning to Contest entries are now being accepted legendary Chinese poet Cold Mountain, of Cold Mountain’s poems are eloquent yet his boyhood home as an older man, Cold via the following methods: who many centuries ago composed univer- unadorned, without the imposition of dis- Mountain discovered that most of his kith 1. U.S. Mail – Send to PO Box 121855, sal poems about living among mountains tracting and inappropriate English-language and kin were deceased (“most had left for Nashville, TN 37212 (that poet’s Chinese nom de plume was punctuation. the Yellow Springs”), as he conveyed in Poem #53: 2. American Songspace – www.ameri- Han-shan, which meant, literally, “Cold In this same book, Red Pine includes cansongspace.com/chrisaustinsongwrit- Mountain”). poems by two Buddhist monks who were Once I reached Cold Mountain ingcontest Not much is known about Cold Moun- associated with Kuoching Temple: Big I stayed for thirty years 3. www.sonicbids.com/chrisaustinsong- tain the poet: he was a hermit who resided in Stick (Feng-kan) and Pickup (Shih-te). The recently visiting family and friends a cave located a short distance from Kuoch- presence of work by those two poets in The writingcontest most had left for the Yellow Springs ing Temple in China’s Tientai Mountains Collected Songs of Cold Mountain helps to slowly fading like a dying candle Details about entry fees, eligibility and sometime during China’s T’ang Dynasty illustrate the literary and social contexts in other requirements are available at or surging past like a flowing stream (618-906 A.D.). Cold Mountain’s Poem which Cold Mountain lived and composed www.chrisaustinsongwritingcontest. #207 offers some of the very few autobio- his poetry. today facing my solitary shadow org. The deadline for submissions is graphical clues present in his poetry: Obviously a spiritual man, Cold suddenly both eyes filled with tears February 18, 2010. To be eligible to en- The Tientai Mountains are my home Mountain possessed a complex view of ter, a songwriter must not derive more religion. In his poetry, he was sympathetic Cold Mountain may have been a her- than 50% of his or her total income mist-shrouded cloud paths toward, yet also critical of, both Taoism and mit “hiding” in the mountains, but he fully from songwriting or music publishing. keep guests away Buddhism, and his personal religious stance understood the sacrifices he had made to Songs are judged by a volunteer panel thousand-meter cliffs make hiding easy might be characterized as having been indi- realize his chosen life. In his poems, Cold of Nashville songwriters, publishers vidualistic and unorthodox. Mountain bravely confessed the sorrows as above a rocky ledge among and other music industry professionals. What matters to us today about Cold well as the joys he had experienced in living ten thousand streams Judging is based on a song’s originality, Mountain’s spirituality is that it infused his apart from the world of people. with bark hat and wooden clogs lyrics, melody and overall commercial poetry with a remarkable sense of awe and I walk along the banks potential. Twelve finalists, three from reverence toward nature. Much of Cold each category, will be announced dur- with hemp rope and pigweed staff Mountain’s poetry reflects the poet’s rapt Ted Olson is the author ing the first week of April 2010. Each of I circumambulate the peaks connectedness to the natural world — a of “Breathing in Darkness: Poems” (Wind the twelve finalists will compete on the once you see through connection so deeply felt that his experienc- Publications, 2006) and Austin Stage at MerleFest 2010. es are related in the poems as ecstatic and transience and illusion “Blue Ridge Folklife” often as transcendent. This is quite evident, The contest recognizes winners in four the joys of roaming free (University Press of categories – country, bluegrass, gospel are wonderful indeed for example, in Poem #26: Mississippi, 1998) and the and general. First place winners in Since I came to Cold Mountain editor of “CrossRoads: A Southern Culture each category receive: a performance Granted its wisdom and profound how many thousand years have passed Annual” (Mercer University Press, 2009). simplicity, Cold Mountain’s poetry was his- on the Cabin Stage at MerleFest 2010 His experiences as a poet and musician torically overlooked. Several more overtly accepting my fate I fled to the woods (April 29-May 2); an acoustic guitar; a are discussed on www.windpub.com/ sophisticated poets of the T’ang Dynasty to dwell and gaze in freedom check for $300; two boxes of D’Addario books/breathingindarkness.htm and www. strings; and one-year subscriptions to — including Tu Fu, Li Po, and Wang Wei no one visits the cliffs SonicBids.com/TedOlson. — have long garnered far greater attention both Acoustic Guitar and American in China as well as worldwide. forever hidden by clouds Songwriter magazines. Poets who would like for their poetry to be Many readers living in English-speak- soft grass serves as a mattress For additional information call the con- considered for a future column may send their ing countries first encountered Cold test hotline at 1-800-799-3838 or Laurie my quilt is the dark blue sky books and manuscripts to Ted Olson, ETSU, Mountain in Jack Kerouac’s Dharma Bums, Hayes, CASC Coordinator: 336-838- a boulder makes a fine pillow Box 70400, Johnson City, TN 37614. Please as that 1958 novel was dedicated to the 6158, [email protected]. include contact information and a SASE with Chinese poet. Over the past half century or Heaven and Earth can crumble and change submissions. so, leading English-language translators of Chinese poetry — notably, Arthur Waley, Gary Snyder, and Burton Watson — have translated some of Cold Mountain’s poems. Yet, the poet’s extant oeuvre, total- ing 307 poems (approximately half of the In Next Month’s Issue... poems he was alleged to have composed), writers wanted In February we’ll print the did not appear in an accessible English translation edition until 2000, when Copper To cover theatre, the arts, events and other interesting things. Please respond winning poems from our Canyon Press published The Collected by email with sample writings to [email protected] 13th Annual Poetry Contest. Songs of Cold Mountain. (A 1990 scholarly

Vol. 13, No. 5 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — January 2010 29 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE artful living Portrait Artist Opens Intimate Boutique Spa in the Haywood Park Hotel

rowing up, Lydia Scott never w Light Activated Teeth by Dennis Ray thought she would get into the Whitening (Free after pur- business world. Her heart and life chase of $600 of services) A well-executed portrait shows the in- has always been in the arts and w ner essence of the subject (from the artist’s Customized REAL Facials Gsciences. “I’m a third generation (8 in 1 Facial Machines point of view) or a flattering representa- portrait artist,” she says. “I was born of art- included) ists and I grew up with both parents making tion, not just a literal likeness. As Aristotle their living in the arts.” stated, “The aim of Art is to present not w $1500 Philanthropist Pack- She first started drawing detailed faces the outward appearance of things, but their age (limo, lunch, spa day, at age three and began taking art jobs in her inner significance; for this, not the external and picture in Haywood Park early twenties. “Art was drilled into me as manner and detail, constitutes true reality.” Hotel) a child. It was everything and everywhere. w Body Treatments (with Lydia Scott, owner of Luminaj, and Daniel Simmons. I didn’t know there was another way to be; take home dry brush) and now it is a major part of my business.” Don't worry. w Lash Extensions and tinting She and her husband, Gerald, opened Where Does the Word Luminaj Boutique Spa in the Haywood You're Beautiful. w Permanent Cosmetics (Lips, Eye Liner, Park Hotel in December of 2009. Using her Eyebrows) ‘Spa’ Come From? eye for color Scott decorated the Spa with w Customized massages (hot stone and Besides owning the spa Scott is a Spa historian Jonathan Paul De shades of reds and oranges accented with aromatherapy included) copper, from a CAD drawing by Doug- certified permanent cosmetic professional Vierville notes, “One possibility is that las Stratton (a local interior architect who (CPCP), certified by the Society of Perma- “Guests arrive at Luminaj Spa for the word is an acronym created from designs spas). nent Cosmetic Professionals. Permanent transformation” Scott says, “Here they step three words — allegedly scrawled as “My mother did portraits in copper,” makeup is essentially a skin tattoo that adds into a gentler pace and allow our therapists graffiti on the walls of ancient Ro- she says, “and always did beautiful interior coloring to specific areas of the face. The to transform them into a masterpiece of man public baths — salude per aqua.” design work. So when we were decorating makeup can be used to enhance features that renewal.” She adds, “What truly sets us apart Health through water. the spa I kept coming back to her work. It is traditionally require makeup, such as the are our customized and flexible therapies reflected in not only the colors but the soul eyebrows, lips and eyes but are time-con- developed to provide exactly what the client products are made in small batches and are and feel of the place as well.” suming for the average beauty regiment. wants and needs. We keep it simple. You Those who cannot apply makeup pay one price for a service, that’s it.” made locally here in Asheville. themselves, or those who have a problem Their approach is unique in that Lumi- REAL offers a complete line of skin re- Deep Tissue Massage with their eyes that prevents them from naj creates results oriented, comprehensive newal products such as cleansers and toners, wearing makeup can benefit from the packages addressing the special needs of moisturizers, masques and peels. Deep tissue massage targets the ‘tattoo’ treatment while enhancing their each guest, whether it is for men, mature “We gave our Haywood Park Hotel As- deeper layers of muscle and connec- looks, also. women, couples or brides to be. sistant GM / Sales Manager, Shanda Wyant, tive tissue. The massage therapist uses “Our mission is to help people signifi- At Luminaj, Tuesday is Humane Day an acid peel and facial using REAL botanical slower strokes or friction techniques cantly reduce their time getting ready and where 5% of revenue goes to the Humane skin care products,” Scott says, “and amaz- across the grain of the muscle. It is healthy, yet to be as beautiful as if you spent Society of Asheville; Wednesday is Manna ingly, she returned to work that hour with used for chronically tight or painful the whole morning getting ready. Hence, Food Bank day; and Thursday is AB-Tech no visible redness and she assured me, it was muscles, repetitive strain, postural our motto ‘Don’t worry. You’re Beautiful.” day for an AB-Tech scholarship for dis- the best facial she ever had. Shanda was in problems, or recovery from injury. Luminaj offers a number of different placed women. the spa business for well over a decade and People often feel sore for one to two treatments to choose from. Here are a few Daniel Simmons, one of four massage is a facial connoisseur, so we are ecstatic to days after deep tissue massage. of the local favorites: therapists at Luminaj, specializes in sports have her as a REAL fan.” massage, which is specifically designed for Because winter comes with short days people who are involved in physical activ- and little sunlight, Luminaj is offering free ity. But you don’t have to be a professional light therapy with a free cup of gourmet cof- athlete to have one — people who are active fee or tea. Light therapy, which strikes the and work out a lot use it. Simmons says the retina of the eyes, is used to treat circadian focus isn’t on relaxation but on preventing rhythm disorders such as delayed sleep and treating injury and enhancing athletic phase syndrome and can also be used to performance. treat seasonal affective disorder, with some He goes on and explains that combina- support for its use also with non-seasonal tions of techniques are used. “The strokes psychiatric disorders. are generally faster than Swedish massage,” “Come in for some free light therapy, he says, adding that facilitated stretching enjoy a cup of coffee and check out our is a common technique. It helps to loosen products and services,” Scott says. “I know muscles and increase flexibility. you’ll be happy that you did.” As far as beauty products go the spa carries REAL Skin Renewal. These won- derful products provide complete skin care Luminaj Boutique Spa systems for both here and at home appli- cations using only the highest quality all Downtown in the Haywood Park Hotel natural organic ingredients without harm- Open to the public by appointment ful or damaging synthetics. All of their (828) 423-0772 www.Luminaj.com

30 January 2010 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 5 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE artful living

Habits of Mind calm and capacity for insight often to be true is that the mind is concen- develops as the mind trains itself trating on something. The purpose away from the restlessness and of Buddhist meditative training is to “Our ordinary sense of practical reality…is a construct of insecurity of ego into an experience thoroughly familiarize the practitioner socialized conditioning and repression, a system of selective of certainty about placement with what the mind is concentrat- inattention whereby we are taught to screen out aspects and within life. All need for self- ing on, what it is familiarizing it- relations within nature which do not accord with the rules of the justification or to measure self with, what habits of mind are up to socially imposed active, and to see how limited game of civilized life.” ~ Alan Watts, from This is It standards relaxes. and limiting our socially condi- We are free to be in so- tioned mind is, literally living ciety, pursuing occupations, within a conceptual prison. hile meditation is commonly maintaining relationships Then the practice and by Bill Walz understood to be a practice of and families, but we are philosophy leads a person calming the mind with certain no longer the prisoner into deeper and deeper techniques, and entering into realized as the only place that we ever have of social anxieties. In insights as to the true di- a self observant, relaxed yet to actualize our lives. We fail to live deeply, this way, meditation mensionality of mind. It Wvery alert awareness, in India and Tibet, the skillfully and perceptively in the present. traditions originating deliberately retrains the concept is more complicated, based in the Obviously, when the present moment is in spiritual contexts mind into expanded root meaning of the word as concentration only a blur getting from our past to our can have profound and deeper aware- and familiarization of mind. future, we guarantee that our lives will be psychological ness, able to encom- Concentration is the foundation of experienced without much depth or sense benefit. pass non-dualistic ex- meditation, but the issue is always: concen- of placement in life. Our experience is one In Buddhism, perience and ultimately tration on what? Aren’t we often concen- of obsessive, sometimes scattered, mental albeit practiced by millions awakening into Enlightenment, trating, if what that means is training our activity in a story in time always colored as a religion, we find what is fundamentally mind’s true and original nature, completely minds upon something? Of course, yes, by fears of not being enough. It is a very the most psychological tradition of medi- breaking free of the trance of the medita- and what is recognized in the East is that limited and limiting way to live. tation. Having emerged from the Hindu tion on self and social/cultural conditioning, we mostly concentrate our minds on what What we more commonly know as cultural context that teaches that the Divine while still free to live a completely engaged we have previously concentrated our minds meditation, however, emerging out of the (Brahman) is to be found within the human and productive life. on, that which we have grown familiar with, Asiatic cultures, is the concentrating of soul (Atman) as well as all of life, Buddhism But don’t let ego entice you into been directed to attend to, and what seems the mind and familiarizing it with deeper, teaches that the divine source is Nature, the Enlightenment as a goal. In a twist on that to be important to our particular sense of calmer and expanded dimensions of mind Universe, needing no naming or deification. old saying from Maine, “You can’t get there self-in-the-world. that are the antidotes to these human dif- Nature penetrates all existence, including, of from here,” likewise, you can’t get here from Importantly, this can even include our ficulties. course, humans. there. Just stay with here. Be free of habit, focus restlessly shifting, flitting from thing Meditation training in the Buddhist, Buddhist meditation is meant to awaken meaning you can use or not use habitual pat- to thing, thought to thought, emotion to Hindu and other mystical traditions teaches the realization that the perfection of Nature terns of thought and action, for habits have emotion, because this is what is familiar to us to awaken out of this trance-like state of unfolds within as well as around what is their uses, but they can also be what trap us. our minds. We are focused on using our ego-story-myopia through specific practices, experienced as self. It realizes that beneath Let your new habit be to hold your minds in the manner we are personally meditations, meant to familiarize the mind the small self, within the realm of inner habits in clear awareness, seeing them for accustomed to and upon what has been with that which is larger than the confines silence, there exists a greater Self uncor- what they are. Enlightenment is the freedom socially conditioned into and out of us. of our personal story, our ego, which after rupted by socialization into dualistic thinking to see and act clearly, your meditation con- We are living within set habits of all, is only the contents of the mind, not the of inside and outside. Self is then a function centrating on the truth of the moment, the mind. It is important to realize that after a mind. These contents have as their source, of the Universe unfolding through localized universe unfolding through your experience. fashion we are meditating, that is, con- other people and society. How can this be awareness in the form of a person. At first You can change the habits of mind. centrating, all the time, it’s just that the our essence, who we are at our truest and glance, this can seem an obscure, esoteric Most importantly, you can change the habit meditation we mostly practice is the one deepest level? concept, but in reality is immensely practical of mind from imprisonment within ego of holding together our personal/cultural These traditions teach and guide a and liberating. and conditioning into freedom and har- world-view and personality with its par- person to access a deeper dimension of In Buddhist meditation, the mind is mony with life unfolding. This liberation is ticular habits of mind. stillness and silence within the mind that trained to “awaken” beyond the confines of Buddhism’s “awakening.” This can be called the meditation on is the realm of pure awareness, free of the the small egoic socially conditioned self, into self, and is another way of defining ego. It conflicts of the restless and noisy surface where there is only Life, and the mind that is the story of “me”. We are generating the dimension of egoic mind. This dimen- can comprehend this directly is an awakened Bill Walz teaches meditation thought stream of our self-in-the-world sion of pure awareness, and the regions of mind, untainted by social/cultural training and mindfulness at UNCA with its past and projecting it into the consciousness that become activated with into dualism. The mystery of the Universe and public forums, and future, attempting to make the story of me the experience of unsullied awareness, is unfolds everywhere, including within and as is a private-practice turn out the way we want it to, fearful that the realm that religious practices recognize human consciousness. meditation teacher and it will turn out in ways that we do not want. as where God can be realized directly, and Buddhist practice is specifically intended life-coach for individuals in This meditation, or relationship to mind, is what Buddhism refers to as our true or to bring a person in touch with their own mindfulness, personal growth recognized in the East as what creates all the original Self. nature and source, free of the confusion and consciousness. He holds a weekly difficulties of the human condition. Recognizing this, these meditation and delusion of egoic constructs. Thus, it meditation class, Mondays, 7 p.m., at the We fail to experience the full potential practices both fulfill and then transcend functions non-dualistically as a psychology Friends Meeting House, 227 Edgewood. of the moment, not within the circum- mere religious practice. They become that is also a theology, a cosmology, a way of He will hold a “Satsang,” an opportunity stances, the environment, nor ourselves. We powerful tools for psychological healing, life. One need not be a religious Buddhist to for deep meditation and issue exploration, think we are present and fully aware of the as awareness of mind activity, and what benefit deeply on all these dimensions from on Saturday, February 20, from 2 to 5 p.m. potential of what is occurring, but how can lies beneath the mind activity, awakens an its practices. The practice can even deepen at the Friends Meeting House. intelligence that is free of conditioning and we be when we are projecting our precondi- spiritual experience that is not Buddhist in Info on classes, personal growth and is able to intuit the true source of self as this tioned expectations onto the moment? The doctrine, as Catholic priest Thomas Merton healing instruction, or phone consultations, moment is experienced primarily as a means witnessing awareness. famously discovered. at (828) 258-3241. Or send an e-mail to to an end, some imagined future. It is not In all these forms of meditation, a deep Moment to moment, what we know [email protected]. Visit billwalz.com.

Vol. 13, No. 5 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — January 2010 31 RAPID RIVER ARTS music Red June in Concert Haywood County Arts Sunday Concert Series

he Haywood County Arts Coun- by Kay S. Miller cil is proud to kick-off the 2010 concert season with the Asheville-based trio, TRed June in concert on Sunday, January 17, 2010 at 3 p.m. at the Haywood County library auditorium in Waynes- ville. The concert is part of the Sunday Concert Series at the Library which is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Haywood County Library. The concert is free and the public is cordially invited to attend. Red June is a musi- cal collaboration that brings together three contrasting but complementary musicians in a beautifully distilled form. Will Straughan performed with the Red June band members, Will Straughan, Emma Gibbs Band from 1996 to Natalya Weinstein, and John Cloyd Miller. 2004 and is a talented multi-in- strumentalist, songwriter and singer with soon coalesced into the current ensemble, an instantly recognizable vocal style and Red June. The band is a vehicle for Will approach. He is a highly sought after session Straughan and John Cloyd Miller’s original player and works with Eliza Lynn and Lance music as well as songs we all know and love. Mills, among others. For more information about Red June John Cloyd Miller is a versatile singer/ visit www.myspace.com/redjunemusic. For songwriter as well, concentrating largely information on the Sunday Concert Series on bluegrass music for the past several at the Library and other arts programming, years in the band Lo-Fi Breakdown. His please visit the Haywood County Arts vocal and instrumental style is soulful and Council website at www.haywoodarts.org, genuine with an unmistakably authentic or call the office at (828) 452-0593. old-time flavor. This project received support from the Natalya Weinstein plays almost any North Carolina Arts Council, an agency style of fiddle or violin and is a solid harmo- of the Department of Cultural Resources, ny singer. Over the past few years she has and the National Endowment for the Arts, performed regularly with Polecat Creek and which believes that a great nation deserves Lo-Fi Breakdown, has recorded on several great art. albums, and is an accomplished instructor in the Asheville area. The trio began perform- Red June, Haywood County ing together in The Will Band in 2005 once If Arts Council’s Sunday Con- or twice a year as schedules allowed. You cert Series. Sunday, January With the desire to make more time Go 17 at 3 p.m. at the Haywood for a project, Will, Natalya and John County Public Library, in started rehearsing again in late 2008 and Waynesville, NC.

UNC Asheville’s January Events

Thursday, January 7 – Asheville Chamber Wednesday, January 20 – UNC Asheville’s Music Series Lecture: La Catrina Quartet, Free Noontime Concert, 12:45 p.m., UNC 4:15 p.m., UNC Asheville’s Reuter Center, Asheville’s Lipinsky Auditorium, free. free and open to the public. Thursday, January 21 – Martin Luther King Tuesday, January 19 – Martin Luther King Day screening of “Let’s Get Real,” 4:30 Day Unity Service: “Celebrating King’s p.m. and 8 p.m., UNC Asheville’s High- Faith and Dream Through Song, Word, smith University Union, room 104, free. and Art,” 7 p.m., UNC Asheville’s High- Call (828) 251-6585 for more information smith University Union Grotto, free. on these events.

32 January 2010 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 5 RAPID RIVER ARTS asheville shops Artist Elizabeth Foley Demonstrates Chocolate Sculpture at National Show

or artist Elizabeth Foley the con- by Dennis Ray “Indulge Your cept of art is something fluid, like Dark Desires.” water, where you have to look down Edible chocolate through it, not at it, to see how the on itself. She first began using balance as sculpture created objects you’re familiar with bend an art form during her time spent on the by Elizabeth F Foley. and twist. Instead of clay or stone or metal, west coast doing performance rock balanc- Foley chose as her medium, chocolate. Her ing. Rock balancing is about placing some “I’ll be using works lie somewhere between the philo- combination of different or same size stones couverture chocolate,” sophic designs of metal sculptor Bruce Gray in arrangements, which require patience and she says, “which is and the imagination of novelist Roald Dahl sensitivity to build, and which appear to be much more difficult who penned Charlie and the Chocolate physically impossible while actually being to sculpt with than Factory (1964). only highly improbable. molding chocolate Through her sculptures, sometimes “There is great beauty about balance,” but couverture is what larger than three feet, Foley uses the idea of she says. “With some of my pieces people people would want if purchasing a chocolate balance as a metaphor for a chaotic world have come up to me and said, ‘How do sculpture, which is meant to be eaten, as a that somehow manages not to crumble in you keep it from falling down? Do you use center piece for a wedding or other presti- a metal frame?’” She laughs with gious event.” Couverture chocolate is a very memory then adds, “I tell them I high quality chocolate that contains only do not and sometimes I think they cocoa butter and no vegetable oil. The cocoa Establishing the balance don’t believe me.” butter combined with the processing, gives of the sculpture. In the spring 2007 Foley the chocolate more sheen, moved back to Asheville perma- firmer “snap” when nently to help with her parents’ trade I’ve learned from broken, and a creamy award winning chocolate store, the other chocolate artists superior flavor profile. Chocolate Fetish, in downtown at these conventions; “This will be huge,” Asheville. What began as a tem- things that have saved she says. “I will be putting porary job turned into what Foley countless hours in pro- together a sculpture in considers the most “perfect job in ducing my craft,” Foley about two hours in front the world” for her. says. “And I’m there to of 150 or more people. “I didn’t want to get into busi- help others as well. As The show isn’t opened to ness,” she said. “I wanted to focus an artist it’s very satisfy- the public so everyone at- on my art for awhile to find myself, ing to meet other artists tending has a pretty good so to speak. And the funny thing and just share stories or knowledge of what I’m was I did find myself. It’s kind of anecdotes.” doing, so I cannot make strange how things work out in ways Archimedes once any mistakes without we never would have imagined.” said, “Give me a lever everyone knowing.” Chocolate sculpting, although Guilding moulded cocoa pods long enough and a ful- The Philadelphia a very respected art form, isn’t with 24 carat, edible gold dust. crum on which to place National Candy Gift and heavily practiced here in the U.S. it, and I shall move the Gourmet Show founded Chocolate, for one, is a very ex- world.” If the dream in 1949 by a few local suppliers to display pensive material (when producing is the lever and the fulcrum the art then Christmas and Easter goods to retailers has sculptures of large size and weight) Foley is doing just fine. She might not be grown to become America’s largest trade and has a short shelf life. Second, putting the art world on its ear, or painting show dedicated to the retail confectioner. the tools needed to create the another Sistine Chapel ceiling, but that’s Originally held in Philadelphia at numerous sculptures are also very expensive all right with her. Her art keeps her life in Forming the basic structural elements which locations, the show moved to the Atlantic and cumbersome. Also, the tech- balance. And that’s something worth hang- will represent the Earth, Sun, and Moon. City Convention Center in 2006 to com- niques are not taught at many of ing your hat on. fortably accommodate all of the attendees the schools and universities. on a single floor. For Chocolate Connoisseurs “It helps to come from a family that The show, now in its 60th year, at- For more information about happens to be in the chocolate business,” she tracts over 3,000 gourmet, candy and gift The Philadelphia National Candy Fine chocolate now shares the says. “They (her mother and father Sue and retailers. These attendees converge for Gift and Gourmet Show status of wine and cheese: connois- Bill Foley) have allowed me to really hone in the free, trade-only show, intent on fill- visit www.phillycandyshow.com. seurs have learned to taste differences on my skills. And I’m constantly attending ing their shelves with new products for among producers and even among seminars, lectures and conventions across Valentine’s Day and beyond. cacao growers, with single-plantation the country to better my abilities as a choco- Shirley Cox, event organizer of the and single-origin chocolates emerg- latier as well as a sculptor.” The Chocolate Fetish Philadelphia National Candy Gift and ing from Indonesia, Venezuela and the On January 10, Foley will be attending 36 Haywood Street Gourmet Show, said, “The three-day trade Cote d’Ivoire. the Philadelphia National Candy Gift and Asheville, NC 28801 show offers buyers, vendors and retailers the The Theobroma tree, from whose Gourmet Show held in Atlantic City where chance to network, chart product and display (828) 258-2353 seeds chocolate comes (Theobroma is she will demonstrate chocolate artistry and trends and take advantage of professional www.chocolatefetish.com Greek for “food of the gods”) grows in sculpture techniques culminating in a fin- development opportunities.” Monday-Thursday 11 to 6 p.m. hot humid climates within 20 degrees of ished chocolate sculpture that embodies the “It’s amazing how many tricks of the Friday-Saturday 11 to 9 p.m. the equator. life of a cocoa tree. Sunday, Noon to 5 p.m.

Vol. 13, No. 5 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — January 2010 33 RAPID RIVER ARTS noteworthy Phil Lesh & Bob Weir Take it Furthur

rateful Dead members Phil Lesh & Bob Weir embark on a musical adventure with their new band Furthur, arriving in G Asheville on February 9. Fans can expect Lesh & Weir to push the musical envelope with jaw- dropping improvisations and loving ren- ditions of Grateful Dead classics, with Phil Lesh - Photo: Jenn Mahoney an all star band that includes keyboardist Jeff Chimenti and percussionist Jay Lane Furthur featuring Phil Lesh (RatDog), drummer Joe Russo (Benevento If and Bob Weir, Tuesday, - Russo Duo, Trey Anastasio), and guitarist You February 9, at 8 p.m. Thomas John Kadlecik (Dark Star Orchestra). Go Wolfe Auditorium. New and old fans of the Grateful Dead Tickets are $57 and are alike will be entranced as Phil & Bob take available at all Ticketmaster the musical journey “furthur,” exploring outlets, Asheville Civic Center box office, by some of the Grateful Dead’s most beloved phone at 1-800-745-3000, or online at www. songs in a show that promises to keep the ticketmaster.com. For more information on feet stomping and the bodies shaking. Furthur please visit www.furthur.net.

Win a Season’s Worth of Tickets to WNC Musical Performances

he Asheville Choral Society (ACS) by Andrea Rosal has opened raffle ticket sales for “Magical Musical Moments in the Mountains,” an ACS fundraiser that Lyric Opera, Asheville Symphony, Blue T promotes the musical arts across Ridge Orchestra, Brevard Music Center, western North Carolina. Two identical Flat Rock Playhouse, Mars Hill College grand prize packages will be awarded to Musical Theatre, Southern Appalachian two lucky winners of the raffle on May 23, Repertory Theatre (SART), Swannanoa 2010, during the final ACS performance of Chamber Music Festival, and Western the current season. Carolina University Musical Theatre. Each winner will receive a pair of Raffle tickets are $25 each, and can be tickets to at least 15 different musical per- purchased online at www.ashevillechoral- formances across Western North Carolina society.org or by calling (828) 232-2060. in 2010-2011, an entire season’s worth of Winners need not be present at the draw- local performing arts culture and entertain- ing to win. The raffle will close once 500 ment. Only 500 tickets will be sold. tickets have been sold. Visit www.ashevil- While proceeds from the raffle will lechoralsociety.org for more details and support the Asheville Choral Society’s updates to the participant list. operations and artistic goals, the raffle also celebrates the broad variety of high quality The mission of the Asheville Choral Society is musical performances regularly offered in to inspire and to enrich performers and audi- Buncombe and adjoining counties. ences through the presentation of remarkable “This is a fabulous opportunity for music at the highest artistic level. music-lovers to get to know mountain-area performing arts groups… and what a joy it is to have all this music close to home!” said Jan Milin, ACS board president. Contact information for Each prize package includes two tick- If You auditions, donations, spon- ets from 13 regional non-profit performing o sorships, collaborations, and arts organizations for the 2010-2011 sea- G general information: phone son, including Asheville Chamber Music (828) 232-2060; visit www. Series, Asheville Choral Society, Asheville ashevillechoralsociety.org; mail Community Theatre, Asheville Contem- PO Box 7112, Asheville, NC 28802; email porary Dance Theatre (ACDT), Asheville [email protected].

34 January 2010 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 5 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE joe’s brew notes Craggie Brewing Company, Asheville’s Newest Brewery

n late November of 2009, the much by Joe Zinich anticipated Craggie Brewing Com- pany opened for business. The new brewery produces a variety of flavorful business classes were focused on plans for American and European style session a craft brewery. After graduation, to gain I practical experience, he joined Highland beers (4-5% alcohol) which can be enjoyed through the course of an evening. Their brewing. He left Highland with knowledge, Public House (tasting room) has an atmo- experience and passion; it was time to open sphere you might experience at a pub in the a brewery. British Isles — a place where friends and Simone Seitz met Jonathan through her family gather for a pint and socialize as the friendship with Bill and his wife. Over time The Mural created by Alex Sacui. night’s events unfold. she took an interest in and then contributed to their business-planning process and was Craggie Brewing is co-owned by Bill from which Craggie derived their name. Its Drew and Jonathan Cort. They were in- welcomed to the team. Simone has worked in education, catering, event management rich colors add to the visual vibrancy of our troduced by a mutual associate and became fair city. Take a look, enjoy, and ponder the friends when they worked together at High- and advertising as well as owned and oper- ated a fitness business. A former beer agnos- meaning of the observer depicted on the land Brewery. After leaving Highland, they right hand side. decided to open a brewery with Bill focused tic she has achieved full beer snobbery and enjoys the marvelous flavors of craft beer The Craggie Brewing Company is a on beer production (brewmaster) and Jona- wonderful addition to the Asheville beer than on sales and promotion. and the Asheville brew scene. Craggie’s current scene. Visit, have a beer, and relax with beer lineup is Battery conversation or a game of shuffleboard. Hill Bitter, Solshine, Return for a brewery tour (every Friday at Swannanoa Sunset, 4 PM, call ahead) where you’ll learn about and a seasonal, Test their commitment to quality beer and to our Patrons enjoying a beer in the community with some local history thrown Batch No. 1 (English, Public House. Belgium, German, and in for good measure. American style ales). Craggy Gardens) while the spelling (ie My favorites are the instead of y) honors this area’s and Bill’s Battery Hill Bitter, and Jonathan’s Scotch-Irish heritage. Also, Craggie Brewing Company which isn’t bitter but the brewery buys from local vendors when 197 Hilliard Avenue tart with a crisp fin- possible and supports three area non-profits Asheville, NC 28801 ish, and the Solshine, (Manna Food Bank, Children First, Holi- (828) 254-0360 a balanced flavor of day Angel) through their “Willie Special” www.craggiebrewingco.com malt and hops livened program (when you bring in items for one From the left, Jonathan Cort, Simone Seitz, by the citrusy/spicy and Bill Drew. Photo: Jessica Lee of these charities you get a special price on flavors from the yeast, your beer). finishes clean. All are 4.2% alcohol with The company was complete when Craggie has a mural, not a sign, to ad- For eight years, Joe Zinich Simone Seitz joined them to handle busi- a variation of gold in color. The beers are vertise their business. To support Ashe- has been taking a self- ness and marketing. Bill now refers to unfiltered (Bill believes filtering decreases ville’s arts community, they held a contest guided, high-intensity tour their team as “2 guys, a gal and a brewery.” flavor) which produces a cloudy appear- to select the artist. Local artist Alex Sacui of the Asheville beer scene. Their business is based on the production ance. They plan to offer three standard beers won. The mural, painted on the building’s Contact him at: jzinich@ of easy-to-enjoy, flavorful beer and com- and a seasonal which will change regularly. west side, depicts the historical landmarks bellsouth.net. munity support. Craggie’s beers are one of the few I’ve tried Bill’s appreciation for beer flavor and where the first sip is very good and later sips styles began in college and increased while are even better. he studied in Europe. In his travels he Their public House, managed by David learned highly flavored beers do not need a Lee, is a relaxed place to have a beer. It has high alcohol content and, also, the im- two sections, one with 3 shuffle board tables portance of the local pub in the European and one with cozy booths and a bar. The family’s social life (not just singles). He booths have narrow, unique wooden table- returned to the states with a passion for beer tops (just big enough for your beer glass and and a desire to make it commercially. He snack bowl) and low seat backs to encourage studied styles and production, worked two conversation with your neighbors. Histori- different times at Highland Brewing (once cal pictures of Asheville are displayed on the as a brewer), and worked as a brewer at walls. Beers are served in Willibecher glasses Dogwood Brewing in Atlanta (since closed). (22 ounce glass designed for session beers). Now, with twelve years of experience, it was You can buy a full or half “Willi” or a “Willi time to start a brewery. Special”. Although still evolving, events, Jonathan’s desire to own and operate such as live music, are planned; drop in with a brewery started in college. A lucky draw your suggestions. (projects were picked at random) in biology Community support begins with the class led to a paper on fermentation. He brewery’s name which recognizes Asheville’s learned his favorite beers were made with regional history and mountains (the 1904 that process. From then on, projects in his Craggy Trolly Line, Craggy Prison, and

Vol. 13, No. 5 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — January 2010 35 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE what to do guide ™

Sunday, January 3 35 East Walnut Street, Asheville, Auditions for Building Bridges Events NC. Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 Elevate School of Life and Art The Boxcar Children p.m.; Sundays, 2:30 p.m. Tickets: The next session of Building $22 adult; $19 senior/student; $12 Just $5 a class. Classes are between 1 and 2 hours long and will be offered Directed by Lori Beland Hilliard. Bridges starts January 25, 2010 children. Phone (828) 254-1320 or for 8 weeks (Jan/Feb) in downtown Asheville at 34 S. Lexington Avenue. Auditions will be held Sunday, Janu- at MAHEC, you can sign up and online at www.ashevilletheatre.org. For varied ages and skills in Drama, Guitar, Graphic Design, Web Design, ary 3, from 4 to 6 p.m. and Monday, pay with a credit card through Life Drawing, Acrylic Painting, Sign Language, Basic Computer, Video January 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. Seeking: PayPal on the website. Editing, Sewing, Choir, Worship Dance, Keyboard, Beginning Photogra- four students (8 years+) and ten Thursday, January 21 phy, Math Tutoring, Creative Writing, and Love Languages. adults (all ages); families encouraged The Martin Luther King Break- Haywood County Arts to audition. Show dates: weekends, fast is Saturday, January 16 at the Council Annual Classes start the week of January 4 and can be joined in process. To reg- March 5-21, 2010, plus two daytime Grove Park Inn. Membership Meeting ister and/or view class schedules and descriptions, as well as teacher bios, school matinees. Scripts available at On Saturday, January 23 there The Haywood County Arts Council visit www.ElevateLifeAndArt.com or e-mail [email protected] the Asheville Community Theatre will be a meeting to develop an will hold its annual membership or call (828) 277-1637. box office, (828) 254-1320. inclusive vision for Asheville. meeting from 5:30-6:15 p.m. in Gal- lery 86 located at 86 N. Main Street, Sunday, January 10 On Thursday, January 21 there Waynesville. The public is cordially will be a meeting of United to invited to attend. New board mem- Jazz Concert End Racism. Stained Glass Classes The band Joe Mambo will present a bers will be elected, highlights of program of Afro-Cuban jazz begin- Please check the blog on the 2009 will be discussed, and the 2010 Cheryl Stippich will be teaching an 8 week stained glass class starting ning at 3 p.m. at St. Matthias Church Building Bridges website for schedule will be presented. Light Tuesday, January 12 through February 2, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Oppor- in Asheville. The band is led by Rich more information, www.build- refreshments will be served. tunity House in Hendersonville, NC. Willey on trumpet, who has played ingbridges-asheville.org For information about Haywood Learn the fun and addictive craft of stained glass just in time for holiday with such jazz legends as Maynard County Arts Council and its pro- gift giving. The class will focus on the copper foil method of stained glass, Ferguson, Lionel Hampton and Mel gramming visit www.haywoodarts. made popular by Tiffany, and is geared for beginners as well as interme- for the artists. The church is located Torme, to name a few. org or call the Arts Council office diate students. in Asheville just off South Charlotte at (828) 452-0593. The Haywood Other players in the band include: In the class students will learn how to cut and fit glass properly, foil, Street at Max Street on the hill across County Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) Stuart Reinhardt on sax, Jeff Knorr solder, patina and finish their own glass projects starting with small sun- from the Asheville Public Works non-profit organization partially on piano, Grant Culbertson on bass, catchers and working up to larger hanging panels. The class is also open Building (1 Dundee St.). funded by the North Carolina Arts and Juan Louis Merced and Ozzie to intermediate students wanting to prefect their technique guided by a Council and the National Endow- Orengo, Sr. and Jr. on percussion. professional instructor or glass grafters interested in refreshing their skills January 15-16 ment for the Arts which believes that or working in a group setting. A free-will donation will be taken Runt of the Litter a great nation deserves great art. Bo Eason’s powerful, semiauto- For more information contact Cheryl at: [email protected] or biographical solo play Runt of the Friday, January 22 call (828) 693-0781. Or phone the Opportunity House (828) 692-0575. How to place an event/ Litter touches sports enthusiasts and More Than Just the Parkway classified listing with theatre lovers alike. Mainstage The- Rob Bell of the Blue Ridge Natural Rapid River Art Magazine atre Series, Diana Wortham Theatre Heritage Area, 11:30 a.m., UNC at Pack Place. 8 p.m., Friday and Asheville Hardware Classes Any “free” event open to the public Asheville’s Reuter Center, free. Call Saturday, January 15 and 16, 2010. (828) 251-6140 for details. can be listed at no charge up to 30 Contains strong language. There is plenty of room in our winter classes. Gift certificates for classes words. For all other events there is a (or merchandise) are available! Call Rob Kimzey at (828) 252-8088 with $9.95 charge up to 30 words and 10 Regular $30; Senior $28; Student Sunday, February 7 questions about classes. cents for each additional word. 160 $25; Student Rush day-of-the-show Flute and Piano word limit per event. $10 (with valid I.D.) Tickets/Info: for Valentines Introduction to Woodturning, January 12-14, from noon to 4 p.m. $175 Sponsored listings (shown in (828) 257-4530 or online at www. Kate Steinbeck on flute, Dan Weiser Google Sketchup I – Sketchup is free and downloadable from Google. It boxes) can be purchased for $12 dwtheatre.com. is a program for 3D design of furniture and more. Students must come per column inch. on piano. Performance begins at 3 p.m. at St. Matthias Church in Ashe- to the class with the program already loaded onto their laptop. Instructor: Deadline is the 19th of each January 15-31 ville. Free admission. The church John Yurko. January 16 from noon to 4 p.m. $60. For the novice. month. Payment must be made The Big Bang prior to printing. is located just off South Charlotte Fundamentals of Woodworking, Instructor: Tim Williams. January 23 & Written by Jed Feuer; book and Street at Max Street on the hill across 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Max. enrollment: 6; Cost $145. Email Beth Gossett at: lyrics by Boyd Graham; directed from the Asheville Public Works [email protected] by Eric Mills; starring Michael Building (1 Dundee St.). Intermediate Woodturning with Instructor Joe Ruminski. February 9-11 Or mail to: 85 N. Main St, Canton, from Noon to 4 p.m. $195 NC 28716. Call (828) 646-0071 to Cheek and Jerry Crouch. Asheville place ad over the phone. Community Theatre – Mainstage, Febuary 26-28 Advanced Woodturning with Instructor Joe Ruminski. March 23-25 from Noon to 4 p.m. $195 – Disclaimer – Dancers Wanted for 48 Hour Project Demo General Finishes – Demo January 23 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For Due to the overwhelming number of Miscellaneous Nothing local event submissions we get for our The 2nd annual 48 Hour Dance everyone, from the novice to the professional. “What to Do Guide” each month, we Gayle Paul’s “Miscellaneous Project is coming soon and we are Asheville Hardware, 91 Biltmore Ave. in Asheville. (828) 252-8088. can no longer accept entries that do not Nothing”, a collection of ab- looking for dancers! Last year’s Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit specifically follow our publication’s stract paintings that explore the festival was a huge success, and we format. Non-paid event listings must www.ashevillehardware.com. be 30 words or less and both paid and relationship of color and line. are hoping this year’s will be even non-paid listings must provide infor- On display in the lobby of Ashe- better. This festvial randomly pairs mation in the following format: date, ville Community Theatre, 35 5 local choreographers with a group We do require that all of the dancers will be on February 28. If you are time, brief description of what your East Walnut, through February of dancers. They then have only be experienced (any technique is ac- interested in participating or have event is and any contact information. 2, 2010. For more information 48 hours to put together a piece of cepted) and be college age or above. questions about the festival, send us Any entries not following this format visit www.gaylepaulart.com. choreography and perform it at the will not be considered for publication. The dates for the festival are Febuary an email at [email protected] or give end of the festival. 26 and 27, and the performance us a call at (828) 254-2621. January Events ~ Announcements ~ Classifieds

36 January 2010 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 5 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE what to do guide ™

Directors Wanted for 2nd Annual Winter Still Life Workshop sutherland Classes & Events 2010 Summer Season February 18-20 dents focus on the bigger shapes of a composi- sutherland, a new handweaving studio, gallery The Montford Park Players, A three day workshop tion. Emphasis will be put on values, edges, and learning center in Asheville’s River Arts North Carolina’s Longest Run- in the artist’s studio. and color, and simplifying a composition to District, presents a series of beginning weaving ning Shakespeare Festival, is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., create paintings that have unity. classes and casual gatherings for weavers. seeking directors for the 2010 Thursday, Friday, and Instructor demonstrations daily. Individual January 8, 9 or 10: outdoor season for the following Just Weave©. Weave a scarf in Saturday. Tuition: $300. Maximum students: 6 instruction and critique easel necessary. productions: a day on a pre-warped loom. For beginners who This workshop is designed for intermediate Contact Richard Oversmith at richardover- want to give weaving a try or experienced weavers • The Complete Works of students to improve their still life oil paint- [email protected] or by phone at (828) 299- with no time to warp who simply want to spend Wiliam Shakespeare ing skills. Students will explore all aspects of 1066 for more infomation and a supply list. a day weaving. $75/person, plus yarn. 9 a.m. to 4 (abridged). May 20-30 still life paintings. Working on canvases (9x12, Visit www.richardoversmith.com. p.m. Instructor: Karen Donde. 11x14, 12x16) with large brushes will help stu- • King Lear January 11: Web Chats at sutherland© “Face-to- June 18 through July 11 face social networking for weavers.” sutherland • Troilus & Cressida invites area weavers to gather in the studio for in- July 30 through August 22 formal chat and support sessions. Come in, grab a snack and a chair, and share weaving successes, • Twelfth Night Best in Show by Phil Juliano problems and challenges with others who speak September 10 through the same language. 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Free. October 3 January 17 - March 7: Weaving I – Three Warps, Interested candidates should Three Towels©. This in-depth introduction to request a guidelines packet by weaving guides students through planning, warp- emailing info@montfordpark- ing and weaving three separate projects on three players.org. For more informa- different short warps in eight weekly classes. De- tion call (828) 254-5146. signs will progress in complexity. For beginners or weavers who need a warping refresher. $275, plus yarn. Noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Instruc- tor: Karen Donde. Call for Artists by Amy Downs January 29, 2010: Web Chats at sutherland© Callie & Cats Area weavers share weaving successes, problems and challenges with others who speak the same Deadline: February 12, 2010 language. 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Free. The Public Art Commission of Waynesville, North Carolina, is To register for classes or RSVP for Web Chats, issuing a call for artists to create contact Barb Butler or Karen Donde at suther- a piece in honor of the Great [email protected] or (803) 513-1814. Smoky Mountains National For questions about classes, contact Donde at Park, and the Town of Waynes- [email protected] or call (856) 261-4324. ville’s unique and historic con- nection to it. sutherland is located in Curve Studios, 6 Riverside Drive, Asheville. This distinctive and lasting work, in the form of an artistic Corgi Tales by Phil Hawkins railing in the downtown Mini Park, must be designed to stand up to environmental and human Our VOICE 10th Annual Survivors factors, and meet NC building codes for a railing. Art Show - Call For Art Open to all professional artists Our VOICE is seeking works of art for the 10th or teams over the age of 18, Annual Survivors Art Show. Display your art in residing in North Carolina the Survivor’s Art Section – Art as a medium for or Tennessee, the two states encouraging wounds to heal and spirits to perse- contiguous with Great Smoky vere. Or, display your art in the Art Auction. All Mountains National Park. The silent auction proceeds support the work of Our Commission and a commu- VOICE. nity advisory panel will select a Dragin by Michael Cole All submissions must be received by March 1. finalist. Exhibited art will be reviewed. For more infor- For more information click on mation please contact Our VOICE, 44 Merrimon the Public Art button on the Avenue, Suite 1, Asheville, NC 28801. Phone: town website, www.townof- (828) 252-0562, or visit www.ourvoicenc.org. waynesville.org. Or, phone the In pursuit of a community that is free of sexual Downtown Waynesville As- violence, Our VOICE serves all individuals of sociation for more information Buncombe County affected by sexual assault (828) 456-3517. through counseling, advocacy, and education.

Classes ~ Lectures ~ arts & crafts ~ readings

Vol. 13, No. 5 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — January 2010 37 RAPID RIVER ARTS fine art UNC Asheville Hosts Exhibit by Noted Painter Philip Jackson

till Life as Theater, an exhibition of by Tracie Pouliot some 30 paint- ings, drawings and and the master’s degree photographs by from Bowling Green State notedS artist Philip Jack- University. Currently, son, will be on view at he is on the faculty at the UNC Asheville’s High- University of Mississippi. smith University Union “Jackson’s paintings Gallery from January celebrate precarious and 6 through February 2, unpredictable experiences 2010. A closing reception through commonplace and artist talk will be held objects. Referencing, from 4 to 6 p.m. Tues- but moving beyond the day, February 2, in the concept of ‘still life’ gallery. The exhibition he intentionally places and reception are free inanimate objects into and open to the public. “Snake In The Tacks” theatrically charged, ani- Jackson is a con- by Philip Jackson mated spaces,” said Tracie temporary realist painter Pouliot, UNC Asheville’s whose work has been exhibited nationally Highsmith University Union Gallery direc- and internationally. His work is included tor. “Motivated by his own visual curiosity, in the permanent collections of the Evans- Jackson hopes that his paintings will stir the ville Museum of Art and the Fort Wayne hearts and minds of viewers to pause during Museum of Art, both in Indiana. Jackson their daily routine and experience special has been featured in a number of premiere moments of wonder.” magazines, including Southwest Art, Ameri- can Artist and Art in America. He has received numerous awards, If UNC Asheville’s Highsmith including an Individual Artists Grant from You University Union Gallery is the Mississippi Arts Commission, a research o: located on the lower level of fellowship from the University of Missis- G the Union. sippi and an internationally juried fellowship The Gallery is open 9 a.m. from the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation to 9 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Canada. Jackson holds a bachelor’s degree Saturdays, and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays. For from the Columbus College of Art & Design more information, call (828) 251-6991.

Call for Artists for “Art Teachers Create” Art teachers are invited to Henderson County to submit work for the ex- children. This show hibition, Art Teachers Cre- is open to Henderson ate, which will run from County public, private and February 5 through March parochial school art teach- 6 at the Arts Council of ers who have students Henderson County. eligible to participate in Art Teachers Create either the elementary or will focus on the art of secondary student exhibi- Henderson County stu- tions. All art submissions dents and those that teach must be available for sale. them. All exhibitions will All media accepted. be in the D. Samuel Neill Ceramic by Robert A maximum of five pieces Gallery at the Arts Council Wallace, art teacher at may be submitted by each of Henderson County, 538 East Henderson High art teacher. Work must be North Main Street, 2nd School. delivered on Friday, Janu- floor, in downtown Hen- ary 29 or Monday, Febru- dersonville. All shows are free and open ary 1, between 1:00 – 5:30 p.m. to the public. For more information or to receive Art Teachers Create is the first an- an artist prospectus please contact the nual exhibition presented by artists and Arts Council at [email protected], or art teachers who provide art instruction phone (828) 693-8504.

38 January 2010 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 5 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE FLEET PHOSPHO-SODA ALERT Oral Sodium Phosphate Laxatives can lead to dehydration and increase levels of phosphate in the kidneys which healthy lifestyles causes an overproduction of crystals that can damage the organs. Beginning the New Year by Max Hammonds, MD If you or a loved one suffered kidney damage after taking he beginning of the year lation lowers the ability of the virus to females are experiencing false positive Fleet Phospho-soda, call James seems like a good time to spread, stopping an epidemic, lower results and undergoing unnecessary Rolshouse & Associates toll review some significant news rates of vaccination allow the epidemic biopsies or other procedures. free at 1-877-623-4038. stories and review some to go on spreading. PLEASE NOTE: This does NOT articles that will be helpful to 7. If the information you are hear- apply to those who have a history of YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO Tmost readers. The intention is not to breast cancer in their families or have ing sounds horrific, unbelievable, or MONEY DAMAGES exhaustively discuss each topic, but to some of the other risk factors for in- ridiculous – it probably is. Avoid rants Prior results do not guarantee future outcomes. give an overview and a list of websites and panic messages. For example, the creased chance of having breast cancer. for more detailed information. flu vaccine does NOT contain swine This does NOT apply to other age Lawyers at James Rolshouse & Associates are licensed in MN with principal offices in Number One News Story products of any kind and can not be groups. This does NOT suggest that Burnsville MN and associate with experienced lawyers throughout the U.S. The number one medical news story caught from pigs. Here are several no one should have mammography. It only suggests that the risk of having James Rolshouse & Associates of 2009 is the H1N1 flu. The facts are: excellent websites for more accurate Personal Injury Attorneys information: www.preventinfluenza. complications from unnecessary pro- 1. This flu is a new strain of influenza cedures outweighs the benefits of the A, therefore no one has immunity to it. org and www.flu.gov. procedure in this age group. Remem- CALL TOLL FREE: 1-877-623-4038 2. This type of flu differs from other Excellent Article ber, this is only one study. It needs to flus in that it occurred out of the flu Back pain will afflict 80% of the be confirmed by other studies. season, is more catching, and attacks adult population at some time. There There are many other organiza- children more easily. Highly conta- is a tremendous amount of misinfor- tions who will not be changing their gious and attacks kids means more sick mation about back pain, some of it guidelines without conformational kids than usual. spread by physicians. So a well-writ- studies, including the American Can- cer Society. This is not a time to panic 3. Like the regular flu, H1N1 flu can ten article on back pain is a wonderful find. The article in the November, or be angry or be suspicious. This is cause death but is less likely to do so one study that doctors will now con- than the regular flu – that is, more 2009 Good Housekeeping is so well done, it deserves to be read in its en- sider along with many other ones. The catch this flu but a smaller percentage 24 hour news cycle is not built for the die from it. tirety. If you or someone you know has a back pain problem, get the article and carefully considered and purposefully 4. Like all flus, those who already have share it with them. Read it yourself. slow vetting process that accompanies a chronic illness are more likely to have You are likely to need it. any “new” medical information. severe complications with the flu. When considering any medi- Mammograms 5. The vaccination for the flu is 70- cal information, stick with reputable A new study has recently suggest- information and reasoned thought 90% effective, which means 10-30% of ed that the guidelines for recommend- those vaccinated will still get the flu, processes, devoid of hype, accusations, ing mammography for detection of and fear tactics. but NOT from the vaccination itself. breast cancer in 40-year-olds is proab- 6. A 70% vaccination rate of the popu- ably being overdone. As a result many Happy New Year

Independent Businesses Campaigning for Support

n Saturdays shoppers will awareness of why inde- by Franzi Charen see a new sign in the win- pendent businesses are dows of local businesses in essential to maintaining Asheville. The poster with Asheville’s unique char- used to continue to build the logo “Asheville Grown acter and local economy. awareness thoroughout MRI/MRA SCAN WARNING O– Buy Local” will raise the conscious- The Asheville Grown the year via additional A dye used with some MRI and MRA scans is ness of consumers as to which busi- Campaign hopes to make posters, a website and linked to a serious disorder called Nephro- nesses were started and are run by it easy for consumers to directory of independent genic Systemic Fibrosis or NSF, also known entrepreneurs in Asheville. buy from local, indepen- businesses in Asheville. as NFD. Symptoms of NSF include: By displaying these posters, shop- dent businesses. Top 10 reasons to support locally •Swelling And Thickening Of The Skin pers will be made aware of the vast Asheville Grown intends on con- owned businesses: (Especially On The Arms Or Legs) variety, quality and affordability of the tinuing its efforts this season with plac- •Joints Contract And Become Inflexible goods and services that can be found in ing “Buy Local” stickers on the shop- 1. Keep Asheville Unique (Especially The Hands, Wrists, And Elbows Asheville. Local business owners proj- ping bags of independent businesses, 2. Get Better Service Or The Feet, Legs, And Knees) ect that this educational campaign will distributing an educational handbill 3. Reduce Environmental Impact Symptoms usually begin within a few days to several months make a difference in where shoppers outlining the top ten reasons why buy- choose to spend their money. ing local is important and launching a 4. Invest in Our Community after being injected with contrast dye. In some cases, NSF can Some independent businesses collectible letterpress poster designed 5. Create More Good Jobs be fatal. If you or a loved one suffered symptoms of NSF fol- have their employees wearing t-shirts by a local artist. 6. Conserve Local Tax Dollars lowing a MRI or MRA scan, call James Rolshouse & Associ- with the “Asheville Grown – Buy Lo- In addition, t-shirts with the ates at 1-877-636-0495. 7. Have More Choices cal” logo to further spread the message “Asheville Grown – Buy Local” logo Lawyers at James Rolshouse & Associates are licensed in MN with principal offices in on the busiest of shopping days. will be available for purchase at select 8. Support Our Community Burnsville MN and associate with experienced lawyers throughout the U.S. December marked the official businesses downtown. All proceeds 9. Ensure that Asheville Stands Out James Rolshouse & Associates launch of the Asheville Grown Cam- will go to LAMA, the Lexington Ave- from the Crowd Personal Injury Attorneys paign. The group’s mission is to build nue Merchants Association and will be 10. Buy Local – Support Yourself CALL TOLL FREE: 1-877-636-0495

Vol. 13, No. 5 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — January 2010 39