The Asheville Ballet presents Free Fall, set to live music by the post-rock band Kangaroo. PAGE 8

Dailey & Vincent light up Diana Wortham Theatre’s 2010/2011 Mainstage Season. PAGE 7

NC Stage presents the heartbreakingly intimate Angels in America: Millennium Approaches. PAGE 10

The Chocolate Fetish expands, and celebrates 25 years. PAGE 32 RAPID RIVER ARTS noteworthy Winner of WNCAP Signature Piece Competition Selected

sheville artist Dawn Rentz has been BY PAM SIEKMAN Over 11 Million Victims selected winner of the Western North – Courage – Wisdom,” and of Identity Theft Last Year. Carolina AIDS Livingston’s piece was a clay A sculpture with marble base Project’s prestigious Signa- Source: Javelin Strategy & Research. “2010 Identity Fraud Survey Report.” February 2010. ture Piece competition for entitled “Starstruck.” its Raise Your Hand auction. Raise Your Hand, now Dawn’s winning entry “Gone in its 22nd year, is WN- Help Protect Yourself Today. Too Long” — mixed media CAP’s second largest fund- on panel — will be used on raiser and is always a lively, all promotional materials well-attended event. “Gone ENROLL TODAY AND GET A: USE PROMO CODE: for the event. The Signature Too Long” and all other en- Free SHREDDER Piece has become a corner- tries for the Signature Piece Document Shredder* stone of WNCAP’s annual ”Gone Too Long” competition will be available Raise Your Hand fundraiser. by Dawn Rentz for bid during the auction CALL NOW: 1-888-398-7518 Dawn was born in Wis- on September 25, 2010. In consin and now resides in Asheville. She is addition to great local art, the auction will represented by the Blue Spiral 1 Gallery on feature wines, trips and other treasures. *Only one shredder per household. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. Biltmore Avenue. Her passion for nature Culinary treats will be provided by chefs Offer is for new LifeLock members only. Call for details. inspires much of her creativity, as seen from Bouchon, Fiores, Corner Kitchen, and throughout her portfolio. Dawn’s style is Dining Innovations at the Doubletree. neither literal nor abstract, but her works are All money raised through the event will representations of experiences condensed support WNCAP’s mission of providing into imagery. prevention education for men, women and Judging for the Signature Piece compe- youth living in WNC, and supportive ser- tition took place on July 21, 2010 at the WN- vices for those affected by HIV and AIDS. CAP office in Asheville. Jurors were Karen Weihs, 2009 Signature Piece winner, Philip DeAngelo of Blackbird Art & Frame, and iF Raise Your Hand auction, Brie Castell of Castell Photography. There Saturday, September 25 were 15 entries in the competition won by YOU at the Doubletree Hotel, Rentz. A second place tie occurred for works gO Biltmore. For tickets and by Sue Fazio of Hendersonville and Nancy more information contact the Livingston of Black Mountain. Fazio’s WNCAP office at (828) 252-7489 or piece was an oil on canvas entitled “Love visit www.wncap.org/ryh

8Rd MOUntain danCe and FOLK FeStivaL The Mountain Dance and Folk Highlighted throughout this year’s Festival, now in its 83rd year of high- Festival are “Legacy Performers,” indi- lighting mountain culture, runs for three viduals recognized as having made signifi- full evenings, Thursday, August 5 to cant contributions to our region’s musical Saturday, August 7. The Festival begins heritage over several decades. Among the Thursday with Hometown Appreciation designated Legacy Performers this year Night. In keeping with the grassroots are: Ralph Lewis, a bluegrass musician flavor of the festival, local families and from Madison county; Paul Crouch, a individuals are encouraged to attend. self-taught fiddler from Weaverville; and Audiences at each of the three per- Betty Smith, a music scholar and bal- formances will see an extensive line-up ladeer, and recipient of the 1982 Bascom of the best musicians, ballad singers and Lamar Lunsford Award. Make plans dancers; each evening features at least to join us for an amazing repertoire of four dance teams from the very young to mountain performers. the young at heart. iF YOU gO: 83rd Annual Mountain The popular and long-standing Dance and Folk Festival. Thursday house band, the Stoney Creek Boys, through Saturday, August 5-7. 7 p.m. returns to perform, along with well- nightly at Diana Wortham Theatre at known musicians and new talent, rep- Pack Place in downtown Asheville, NC. resentative of the Southern Appalachian Tickets: Regular $20; Children 12 and Mountains and its continuing Scottish, under $10; Adult 3-night package $54. English, Irish, Cherokee and African For more details call (828) 257-4530 or heritage and traditions. visit www.folkheritage.org.

2 August 2010 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 12 Vol. 13, No. 12 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — August 2010  RAPID RIVER ARTS we love this place Hot air Balloon Rides at William King Museum, tuesday, august  from 6 to 8 p.m. during the Virginia Highlands Festival. Experience the excitement of flight from one of the highest points in Abingdon. RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE See Mt. Rogers and Whitetop from a whole different perspective. Cost Established in 1997 • Volume Thirteen, Number Twelve is only $15 for adults and $10 for children. William King Museum is located at 415 Academy Drive in Abingdon, Virginia. Free parking is available and the facility is fully accessible. Hours: Monday 10-5, Tuesday 10-9, Wednesday – Saturday 10-5, and Sunday 1-5. For more information, contact the Museum at (276) 628-5005. AUGUST 2010 2 Noteworthy www.rapidrivermagazine.com WNCAP Signature Work ...... 2 double Feature Film Screening, Sunday, august 8 beginning at 2 p.m. at the Asheville Art 10th Annual SEE Expo ...... 21 Museum, 2 South Pack Square, Asheville. Free with Museum Membership or Admission. Held Publisher/Editor: Dennis Ray in conjunction with the exhibition Hands in Harmony: Traditional Crafts and Music in Ap- Managing Editor: Beth Gossett palachia, photographs by Tim Barnwell, and Limners to Facebook: Portraiture from the 19th to the 21st Century. Marketing: Dennis Ray 5 Performance Asheville Symphony ...... 5 the Queen Family: appalachian tradition and Back porch Music is a short film (28 minutes) by Staff Photographer: Dennis Ray Neal Hutcheson about the Queen family, a true artistic treasure of Southern Appalachian culture. Layout & Design: Simone Bouyer Diana Wortham Theatre ...... 7 Listen in on the family at home singing from their back porch in Western North Carolina. Book Editor: Cauley Bennett Bravo ...... 9 In the true Meaning of pictures: Shelby Lee adams’s appalachia, documentarian Jennifer Poetry Editor: Ted Olson Asheville Ballet ...... 8 Baichwal tells the true stories behind the faces of the Kentucky Appalachian inhabitants — once Accounting: Sharon Cole labeled hillbillies — who were originally photographed by Shelby Lee Adams 30 years ear- lier. Baichwal tracks the lives of two families who have each endured their share of heartache Distribution: Dennis Ray 10 Stage Preview throughout their struggle to resist the influence of American popular culture. This documen- North Carolina Stage Company . . 10 tary discusses the way our culture handles stereotypes. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: ACT’s 2010-11 Season ...... 0 On Friday, august 27, Aaron LaFalce, The Blue Hotel, and Pierce Judy Ausley, Byron Belzak, ACT’s Offerings for Youth...... 4 Edens and The Dirty Work will perform at the Rock and Rescue James Cassara, Michael Cole, Benefit Concert for Animal Compassion Network at The Grey Amy Downs, John Ellis, Eagle. Doors will open at 7 p.m. and the benefit concert will begin at Beth Gossett, Steven R. Hageman, 11 Fine Art 8 p.m. Tickets are a $10 minimum donation. Bring a bag of dog or Max Hammonds, MD, Phil Hawkins, 11 cat food and you will be entered in a drawing to win a fabulous raffle Sharon Bailey, Jewelry Artist...... prize. Proceeds from the concert will benefit Animal Compassion Janna Hoekema, Phil Juliano, Clingman Café ...... 27 Network’s long-running, free pet food assistance public program and Chip Kaufmann, Michelle Keenan, Folk Art Center...... 8 its other lifesaving programs. For more information please call (828) Peter Loewer, Kathy Lowdermilk, 274-3647 or visit www.animalcompassionnetwork.org. Heather Maloy, Jaime Matthews, Kay S. Miller, April Nance, 12 Columns Craft, architecture & design at grovewood gal- Ted Olson, Michael Parker, lery – Six outstanding architects have created interior Ted Olson - Poetry ...... 12 spaces that demonstrate the impact and originality of Joseph Rathbone, Dennis Ray, Book Reviews - Cauley Bennett 1-14 incorporating craft in your home. The rooms are filled Pam Siekman, Elizabeth Sims, Bill Walz - Artful Living ...... 15 with great ideas and inspiration, and fine original hand- Clara Sofia, David Starkey, James Cassara - Music ...... 1 crafted elements. These architectural vignettes were Megan Stone, Ashley Van Matre, Judy Ausley - Southern Comfort . 22 brought to us by Handmade: The Western North Caro- Greg Vineyard, Bill Walz, lina Craft, Architecture and Design Expo. On display Elly Wells, Joe Zinich. Joe Zinich - Beer ...... 27 through September 5, 2010. Grovewood Gallery, 111 Greg Vineyard - Fine Art ...... 28 Grovewood Rd. in Asheville. For more information call 29 Butler’s Pantry, Jane Mathews of (828) 253-7651 or visit www.grovewood.com INFO Michael Parker - Wine ...... Mathews Architecture. Rapid River Arts & Culture Magazine is a Peter Loewer - Thoreau’s Garden . 1 monthly publication. Address correspondence to Joseph Rathbone - Youth Culture . 5 [email protected] or write to: Max Hammonds, MD - Health . . 9 Rapid River Arts & Culture Magazine 85 N. Main St. Advertise with Rapid River Magazine Canton, NC 28716 17 Music Phone: (828) 646-0071 17 www.rapidrivermagazine.com Nora Jane Struthers ...... Labor Day Concert ...... 4 (828) 646-0071 All materials contained herein are owned and Free web links • Free ad design • Easy monthly billing copyrighted by Rapid River Arts & Culture Magazine and the individual contributors unless otherwise stated. Opinions expressed in this 23 Movie Reviews magazine do not necessarily correspond with the opinions of Rapid River Arts & Culture Magazine or the advertisers found herein. 19 Biltmore Village © Rapid River Arts & Culture Magazine, August 2010 Vol. 13 No. 12 32 Asheville Shops Chocolate Fetish ...... 2 36 What to Do Guide ™ Best in Show by Phil Juliano . . . . . 7 Callie & Cats by Amy Downs . . . . 7 Corgi Tales by Phil Hawkins . . . . 7 Dragin by Michael Cole ...... 7 about the Cover: Daniel Meyer, Music Director of the Asheville Symphony. Photo by Michael Morel.

distributed at more than 90 locations throughout eight counties in WnC and South Carolina. First copy is free – each additional copy $1.50

4 August 2010 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 12 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE 2010-2011 season preview The Asheville Symphony Celebrates 50 Years

he Asheville Symphony is celebrat- oriented Holiday ing its 50th Anniversary season this Pops. In addition The Asheville Symphony year. Started in 1958 as the Ashe- to the orchestra is one of the largest arts ville Little Symphony, the orchestra the orchestra also T was incorporated as non-profit and has the Asheville employers in the area. changed its name to the Asheville Sym- Symphony Chorus phony. From those days as an all volunteer composed of 100 orchestra, the Asheville Symphony now volunteer singers According to Mr. Hageman, “The is a well regarded regional orchestra with and the Asheville Asheville Symphony is in a good financial a full professional orchestra composed of Symphony Chil- position. We are fortunate to have many musicians not only from Asheville but also dren’s chorus with loyal subscribers and patrons. Citizens of the region. Steven R. Hageman, Executive about 40 elemen- Western North Carolina are aware the Director of the Asheville Symphony says, tary students. Both Asheville Symphony is a valuable asset to “We are fortunate to have so many talented choruses perform the community. We are very pleased to be musicians who have decided to make Ashe- with the orchestra celebrating fifty years of wonderful music.” ville their home. They made this decision at the Holiday Pops for the life style and the many opportunities and present their Daniel Meyer, Music Director of the Asheville Symphony. they have to perform and teach.” own concerts. Photo: Michael Morel 2010-11 Season Schedule The organization is one of the largest To support the September 18, 2010 arts employers in the area with approxi- orchestra, the Asheville Symphony Guild Music Director and Conductor Daniel Opening Night: Nicolas Kendall Returns mately 100 artists employed during the year. was formed and now has over 300 house- Meyer has been the artistic leader of the or- – Tchaikovsky Suite from Sleeping Beauty. The Asheville Symphony’s budget is in hold memberships representing 500 volun- chestra for six years and has indicated that Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, 8 p.m. excess of $1 million annually. The orches- teers. Their mission is to provide financial he looks forward to continuing his relation- tra presents seven Masterworks concerts support to the orchestra and educational ship with the Asheville Symphony. Mr. October 1, 2010 (classical repertoire) and the annual family- opportunities for students and adults. Last Meyer is also the Music Director for the Beethoven’s Eroica – Walton Crown Imperial March. Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, year, the Guild’s Erie Philharmonic and will be conducting Asheville Civic Center 8 p.m. Music Education in the Asheville Lyric Opera’s performance of the Schools provided The Magic Flute in October 2010. He has november 20, 2010 ensembles, such also conducted at the Brevard Music Cen- A Midsummer’s Night Dream with NC as a string quartet Stage Company – Mendelssohn Midsummer ter in addition to other orchestras around Night’s Dream Suite. Thomas Wolfe or brass quintet, to the world. Auditorium, 8 p.m. every elementary The 50th Anniversary season begins school in Buncombe on September 18, 2010. Season tickets are Sunday, december 12, 2010 County and Ashe- available at significant discount compared to Asheville Symphony Chorus – Your favorite music from the holidays with the glowing ville City. Includ- single ticket prices. The orchestra also offers voices of the Asheville Symphony Chorus ing the orchestra’s a Pick 3 subscription. Potential subscribers under the direction of Dewitt Tipton, and annual Young have an opportunity on August 11, 2010 at 5 the Asheville Symphony Children’s Chorus People’s concert, the p.m. to visit Thomas Wolfe Auditorium in under Timothy Wilds. Thomas Wolfe Asheville Symphony the Civic Center to see the remaining seats Auditorium, 3 p.m. and Guild provided available for season subscriptions. Single February 12, 2011 musical education tickets will go on sale August 23, 2010. Valentine Delights with Romeo and Juliet for over 10,000 el- Students are offered Student Rush tickets 15 – Walton Touch her soft lips & Passacaglia The Asheville Symphony. Photo: Michael Morel ementary students. minutes before curtain for $6. from Henry V. Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, 8 p.m. March 12, 2011 Dvorak’s New World Symphony – Walker Lyric for Strings. Thomas Wolfe asheville Lyric Opera guild presents Auditorium, 8 p.m. “the voice of Hollywood” april 9, 2011 Eine kleine Nachtmusik – Brahms Violin Concerto, Soovin Kim, violin. Thomas Marni Nixon, “The Voice of highlights from her extensive career Wolfe Auditorium, 8 p.m. Hollywood,” presents a cabaret show in TV, recordings, movies, Broadway at Diana Wortham Theatre on August and opera. This once in a lifetime Sunday, May 1, 2011 29, at 3 p.m. One of the most famous event will bring the audience a unique 20th Anniversary Concert – Arthur voices in Hollywood film history, Ms. behind the scenes look into the music, Honegger’s King David. Arden Presbyterian Nixon is best known as the singing secrets, and success of Hollywood Church, 3:30 p.m. voice of Natalie Wood in West Side and Broadway in the grand glamour- Marni Nixon, “The Voice of Saturday, May 7, 2011 Story, Deborah Kerr in The King and I ous silver screen days. Konstantin Soukhovetski Returns! and An Affair to Remember, as well as Hollywood,” on stage August 29. This special event is sponsored by – Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3. Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady. Asheville Lyric Opera Guild and the iF YOU gO: Tickets are available at (828) Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, 8 p.m. 257-4530. Concert prices are $50, $40, This one-woman show of brilliant Grand Bohemian Hotel and will ben- iF YOU gO: For more information or to singing is part of the 2010 Summer at efit the ALO education programs and and seniors $35. For more information visit www.ashevillelyric.org or call (828) purchase tickets call (828) 254-7046, or the Wortham series, at Pack Place in opera activities. visit www.ashevillesymphony.org downtown Asheville. Ms. Nixon sings 236-0670.

Vol. 13, No. 12 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — August 2010 5  August 2010 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 12 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE performance The Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place 2010/2011 MainStage SeaSOn he Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack of the country’s most popular performing BY JOHN ELLIS Place presents a wide range of top arts troupes. touring artists in music, theater, Doug Varone and Dancers (February dance and other performing arts 9 and 10, 2011) kinetically thrilling dances mances of Nobel Laureate Luigi Pirandello’s of performances for its 2010/2011 make essential connections and mine the poignant and hilarious Six Characters in TMainstage Series. complexity of the human spirit, command- Search of an Author (February 4, 2011) The 2010/2011 Mainstage Series season ing attention for its expansive vision, versa- which dares to ask questions about the very opens on September 23, 2010 with song- tility and technical prowess. nature of art and entertainment and con- writer, guitarist and fiddler Dougie MacLean The award-winning innovative stage templates the blurry line between reality and The Mainstage Series opens with who is one of Scotland’s most respected and presentation of Viver Brasil (April 5 & 6, artifice; and Shakespeare’s timeless comedy, Dougie MacLean on September 23. popular musicians and a returning favorite to 2011) brilliantly explores Brazil’s racial, so- A Midsummer Night’s Dream (February 5, Asheville. MacLean’s performance is part of cial, and political history through exhilarat- 2011), which explores the universal theme of the 2010/2011 Special Attraction Series which ing movement, stunning costumes, pulsat- love through Aquila’s fresh and imaginative also includes: A Swannanoa Solstice (two ing percussion, and voice. interpretation. shows December 19, 2010), an ensemble of Celtic Series world renowned recording artists lead by Al Music Series Petteway, Amy White and Robin Bullock, The 2010/2011 Music Series presents The 2010/2011 Celtic Series presents returning for the 8th annual performance an amazing array of artists whose sounds four distinct bands in the Scots-Irish tradi- of joyful, thoughtful seasonal celebration; are so unique and distinct that none is tion. With crystalline vocals and insightful and the sharp, clever Billy D. Washington a substitute for another. Sweet Plan- songwriting, former Cherish the Ladies front (March 11, 2011) whose talents as a stand-up tain String Quartet (February 19, 2011) woman Cathie Ryan (February 25, 2011) has comedian and musician have taken him from launches the series, fusing Latin, classical, been at the forefront of this genre for more a career as a policeman to being the popular jazz and contemporary sounds through than two decades. Hers is a treasured voice in opening act for Aretha Franklin. compositions and improvisation. Celtic music. High energy favorite Dervish Rescheduled after a winter storm last (March 24, 2011) evokes the spirited pubs Bearfoot in concert September 25. Bluegrass Series season, the pop-opera crossover sensation and wild beauty of the west of Ireland. Brand new this season is the 2010/2011 Destino will perform April 8, 2011. Destino The Paul McKenna Band (May 7, Bluegrass Series with three top is comprised of three clas- 2011) is one of the hottest, fastest-rising acts: a perfect blend of string sically trained professional young groups in Scotland, and its contem- band traditions and youthful tenors and an accompanying porary approach to traditional instrumenta- creativity, Bearfoot (September violinist delivering romantic, tion has already earned the group “best band 25, 2010) showcases bluegrass award-winning opera via pop, of its generation” accolades; and the legend- licks with pop influences that gospel, and soul selections. ary group De Danann (May 27, 2011) takes appeal to traditionalists as Two time Grammy the stage — having been at the heart of the well as “newgrass” audiences; award-winning Turtle Island remarkable evolution of modern Irish music heralded as the best new act in Quartet performs May 6, since the 1970s. bluegrass and winners of mul- 2011, and will be joined by School Show Series tiple International Bluegrass special guest Mike Marshall Music Association (IBMA) for an evening of fresh, The 2010/2011 Mainstage School Show awards, Dailey & Vincent inventive, not-your-grandpar- Series is a full schedule of shows designed (October 30, 2010) light up ents’ chamber music. to complement the classroom curriculum Dailey & Vincent light up the stage on the stage with a deeply rooted of area students and teachers. Serving more October 30. Photo: Jim McGuire respect and admiration for Pilobolus mixes humor, Theatre Series than 5,000 students and educators every their art; and Mountain Heart invention, and drama. The 2010/2011 Main- year, the series features first-rate perfor- the theatre’s Pick 5 Series pass – discounted Photo: John Kane (March 18, 2011), redefining stage Theatre Series features mances, detailed study guides designed by tickets to any five shows in the season. A acoustic music with virtuosity, four exciting performances: educators, and post-show question-and-an- Super Saver Series pass, for admission to 13 unmatched energy, and enter- ‘S Wonderful - The New swer sessions. or more events at only $24 per event, may tainment dynamics — joined Gershwin Musical is an all- This year’s Mainstage School Show be shared among business clients, employ- by guitar legend Tony Rice. singing, all-dancing musical Series includes: Brown vs. The Board of ees, family members and friends. The Pick revue which incorporates Education (October 20, 2010); The Lion, 5 and the Super Saver Series ticket options Dance Series five mini-musicals inspired the Witch and the Wardrobe (December offer substantial savings over the cost of The 2010/2011 Mainstage by the real events occurring 20 and 21, 2010); Fancy Nancy and Other individual performances. Dance Series, recognized for in and around the lives of Stories (January 31, 2011); A Midsummer its presentation of some of the the Gershwin brothers (two Night’s Dream (February 7, 2011); Doug nation’s foremost dance com- shows October 16, 2010); a Varone and Dancers (February 10, 2011); panies, is pleased to present dramatic staging of the criti- My Heart in a Suitcase (March 17 and 18, iF Diana Wortham Theatre the following performances. cally acclaimed book by Tim 2011); Viver Brasil Dance (April 6, 2011); YOU 2010/2011 Mainstage Series, Acclaimed for its mix of Tyson, Blood Done Sign My and If You Give a Mouse a Cookie & Other gO September 2010 – May 2011 at humor, invention, and drama, Name (October 21, 2010) ad- Story Books (April 28 and 29, 2011). Diana Wortham Theatre at Pilobolus (January 21 and 22, dresses America’s painful racial Pack Place 2011) began as an experiment history; and the inventive and tiCKetS & SeRieS paSSeS To obtain more information on the Blood Done Sign Mainstage Series, or to purchase tickets, call among three guys in a Dart- My Name addresses highly lauded Aquila Theatre Tickets for all shows go on sale August mouth College dance class Company returns to Asheville 19 with two cost-saving options for multiple the theatre’s box office at (828) 257-4530 or America’s painful racial visit www.dwtheatre.com. back in 1970 and is now one history. Photo: Steve Exum for back-to-back perfor- ticket purchases. The most popular option is

Vol. 13, No. 12 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — August 2010 7 RAPID RIVER ARTS performance Asheville Ballet 2010-2011 SeaSOn

n 1948, Peggy and Beale Fletcher opened their Asheville school of dance, after decades of performances together on the Vaudeville/Night Club circuit. In 1960, Alice Weaver founded her Ashe- Iville ballet company, after decades of facilitating ballet and modern performances in the region.

“Les Sylphides” October 2-3, 2010

say, “It takes ten years to produce a dancer, if…” That looks about right, from our his- tory of shepherding students from studio to stage, if all the variables Martha Graham was thinking of are in place. The Asheville Ballet’s 2010-2011 Season celebrates true classicism, con- temporary diversity, and a commitment to you, our community. All performances are at Diana Wortham Theatre, box office Ann (Hentz) Dunn and Burton Taylor (828) 257-4530. And all the stars you love (American Ballet Theater) 1963. are back (Lyle Laney, Allison Hertzberg), Photo by Orren Jack Turner with many new additions that will leave you breathless (Jaimon Howell, Fleming In 1972, Ann Dunn began a school and Lomax, Lisa Leitman). company in Indiana, and in 1980, moved to On October 2-3 we present the pure Asheville and continued her vision, first in white classical ballet “Les Sylphides” to her garage on Montford Avenue, and then Chopin’s beautiful music, and “Free Fall,” downtown in The Leader Building. In 1996, a world premier set to the music of the hot Dunn united these three ground-breaking new Chapel Hill Post-Rock band, Kangaroo, artistic accomplishments in The Asheville who will perform live on stage – continuing Ballet and its official school, The Asheville our tradition of Academy of Ballet, modeled on her alma commission- mater: The New York City Ballet’s School ing new work Fine Art of American Ballet. from promising In March, 2010, Dunn was honored by High Quality young artists, and her teacher, George Balanchine’s, institu- creating an excit- Furnishings tion in New York at Lincoln Center, as one ingly contrasting Pottery of twenty outstanding teachers and com- performance pany directors in the United States. Dunn experience for currently has students touring the world in our audience. internationally acclaimed dance companies. On De- This radically simplified history, which cember 9-12 we “Free Fall” is set to the music of the post- leaves out significant contributions (Linda present Tchai- rock band, Kangaroo and Walter Fletcher, Art Fryar, the first kovsky’s always Asheville Nutcracker), is one our com- beloved “The Nutcracker,” complete with munity must be proud of. And we must be falling snow, evil rats, and gorgeous sets and proud that this organization still survives costumes – to help tell the magical holiday and thrives in the face of significant finan- tale everyone, young and old, loves. cial stresses. Our audience loves us and On May 13-14, 2011 we present a dou- comes back and back – for more of what ble bill: Bizet’s sensual and classical “Car- they know we create. men” and “Ballet: The Beautiful Journey.” The Asheville Ballet’s 2010-2011 Season In addition to the season, select mem- celebrates its 63rd year of training dancers Exclusive Parking in the Rear bers of The Asheville Ballet will perform 29 Biltmore Ave. in the studio, and its 51st year of presenting Located between Mast General Store and Doc Chey’s. “Peter and the Wolf” with the Blue Ridge ballet productions for the region. Another of Orchestra, “Nutcracker” excerpts with the (828) 281-4044 :: www.vandykejewelry.com Dunn’s teachers, Martha Graham, used to ‘Asheville Ballet’ continued on page 28

8 August 2010 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 12 MUSIC, THEATRE, DANCE a GREAT NIGHT OUT :edÊjC_iiEkjedWd?dYh[Z_Xb[I[Wied

MWbbjeMWbbM_bb_Wci MUSIC Sweet Plantain String Quartet Cel_[cki_YXoYecfei[h Turtle Island Quartet w/Mike Marshall @e^dM_bb_Wci"\[Wjkh_d] ;]klafgÛÝÛ;gm_a]ÛDY[C]YfÛ i[b[Yj_edi\hecIjWhMWhi" >WhhoFejj[h?dZ_WdW@ed[i 8ÛJoYffYfgYÛJgdkla[]Û I[fj[cX[h'&"(&'& BLUEGRASS Bearfoot ;Yad]qÛ¬ÛMaf[]fl DgmflYafÛ?]YjlÛoal`ÛKgfqÛIa[]Û EabW^ecW THEATRE Blood Done Sign My Name J^[YbWii_YJedo7mWhZ#m_dd_d] ‘S Wonderful K`]ÛE]oÛ>]jk`oafÛDmka[YdÛ HeZ][hi>Wcc[hij[_dcki_YWb Aquila in Pirandello’s Six Characters in EYjeX[h()"(&'& Search of an AuthorÛÝÛ8imadYÛafÛ A Midsummer Night’s Dream DANCEÛ;gm_ÛMYjgf]ÛYf\Û;Yf[]jk GadgZgdmkÛÝÛMan]jÛ9jYkad J^[C_aWZe CELTIC Cathie Ryan 7^_bWh_ekief[h[jjWf[h\ehc[Z Xoj^[D[mOeha=_bX[hj ;]jnak`ÛÝÛ;]Û;YfYffÛ Ikbb_lWdFbWo[hi K`]ÛGYmdÛD[B]ffYÛ9Yf\Û Del[cX[h')"(&'& COMEDY Billy D. Washington

J_c[\ehJ^h[[ J^h[[oekd]l_hjkeiecki_Y_Wdi Xb[dZYbWii_YWb"`WppWdZXbk[i @WdkWho'+"(&'' Viver Jorge Vismara Brasil by 8_bbJ$@ed[i%7hd_[PWd[ :WdY[9ecfWdo DIANA WORTHAM THEATRE 7j^h_bb_d]f_[Y[XWi[Zedj^[b_\[ 2010/11 MAINSTAGE SERIES e\7XhW^WcB_dYebd Tickets on sale August 19th 7fh_b'+"(&''

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Vol. 13, No. 12 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — August 2010 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS performance North Carolina Stage Company Announces Ambitious 9th Season

ven after nine years of producing in America at the onset of the AIDS epidemic. Asheville (and winning Best Local A phalanx of characters - gay and straight, Stage Company for the past four Mormon and Jewish, famous and forgotten years), North Carolina Stage Com- - connect in devastating ways as the millen- pany is still something of a hidden nium comes to a close. Contains graphic gem.E Tucked away at the end of an alley in language and content. the heart of downtown Asheville, the theatre produces the kind of sophisticated, thought- Live From WVL provoking plays you’d expect in a city like Radio Theatre: It’s a Atlanta, Chicago, or New York, but with Wonderful Life almost entirely local talent. november 2 – For those who have already discov- december 4, 2010 ered it, NC Stage offers an intriguing mix It’s Christmas Eve, 1945, and only a handful of comedy and drama, contemporary and of radio actors have braved the blizzard to classic plays, all in a uniquely intimate 101- perform that evening’s broadcast of It’s a seat theatre. The theatre’s 9th season raises Wonderful Life and keep the radio station the stakes a bit, kicking off October 13th afloat. This clever stage adaptation breathes with Tony Kushner’s masterpiece Angels in new life into the poignant story of George America: Millennium Approaches. Bailey and Bedford Falls. Adapted by Willie Co-founders Charlie and Angie Flynn- V.R. Repoley and co-produced with Imme- McIver have wanted to produce Angels for diate Theatre Project. some years, and as North Carolina natives, they were aware of the controversial his- Boeing-Boeing tory the play has had in this state. A 1996 February 1 – production by Charlotte Repertory Theatre March 1, 2011 caused a firestorm of controversy over the Bernard’s love life is a onstage nudity, and that theatre had to seek perfect balancing act: when one of his stew- a court injunction to enable the show to ardess girlfriends touches down, the next open on time. one is already in the air. What could possibly Enjoy Great Savings, Service and Benefits … More important than the controversy go wrong? Scott Treadway and Charlie for NC Stage is playwright Tony Kushner’s Flynn-McIver star in this frothy 1960s farce. with the brilliant, witty, and heartbreaking writing. Written by Marc Camoletti, translated by AARP Auto & Home Insurance Program The theatre has always focused on language Beverley Cross and Francis Evans, and and story over spectacle (you won’t see any directed by Neela Munoz. from The Hartford. remounts of Mama Mia! on this stage). In addition to the epic Angels in One Flea Spare Call The Hartford Toll-Free Today America, NC Stage offers the delicious april 1 – May 1, 2011 French farce Boeing-Boeing, the haunt- A wealthy couple is preparing to Request Your FREE Quote: ing and mysterious One Flea Spare, and to flee London and the rav- Tennessee Williams’ classic tragedy The ages of the plague when a sailor and a young Glass Menagerie. Plus, the theatre presents girl are caught sneaking in to their boarded- 1-877-547-1373 CODE: 471103 a clever, intimate stage adaptation of It’s a up home. Now, quarantined together for Wonderful Life, which is quickly becoming thirty days, the only thing these strangers Monday-Friday, 7AM-11PM Eastern Time an Asheville tradition. Saturday & Sunday, 8AM-6PM Eastern Time fear more than the Black Death is each As a non-profit, NC Stage relies on other. Written by Naomi Wallace, directed Most AARP® members qualify for an immediate phone quote. donations from businesses and individuals by Angie Flynn-McIver. Please have your policy handy. to help keep ticket prices low: tickets range from $16 to $28, with $10 student rush tick- The Glass Menagerie ets. Subscriptions are on sale now, offering June 1 – 19, 2011 12% - 25% off ticket prices. Tom and his reclusive sister 2010-2011 MainStage SeaSOn Laura long for escape: he FREE Calculator/Clock! from a stifling job, she from a crippling shyness; and for Take our savings challenge! See how much we can save Angels in America: you over your current auto insurance, and you’ll receive this Millennium them both, the shadow of an absent father calculator/clock … just for requesting a quote. Approaches and a mother whose love is overwhelming. Written by Tennessee Williams, directed by The AARP Automobile and Homeowners Insurance Program is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, October 1 – Hans Meyer. Co-produced with Immediate Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. CA License # 5152. In Washington, the Program is underwritten by Hartford Casualty november 7, 2010 Insurance Company. In Texas, The Program is underwritten by Southern County Mutual Insurance Company through Hartford Theatre Project. Fire General Agency. Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates are not financially responsible for insurance products A gay fantasia on national underwritten and issued by Southern County Mutual Insurance Company. AARP and AARP Financial Inc. receive from The Hartford payments for AARP’s license of its intellectual property for use by The Hartford and for services rendered in connection with the themes written by Tony Program. Amounts paid by The Hartford for this license are used for the general purposes of the Association and its members. Kushner, and directed For more information call AARP membership is required for Program eligibility in most states. Applicants are individually underwritten and some may not iF qualify. Specific features, credits and discounts may vary and may not be available in all states in accordance with state filings and by Angie Flynn-Mc- YOU (828) 239-0263 or visit www. applicable law. The Program is currently unavailable in Massachusetts, Canada and U.S. Territories or Possessions. All first time Iver. Witty, ambitious, and heartbreakingly ncstage.org. responders receive the free gift. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. The free gift offer is not available in Georgia, but residents gO may still request a quote. Homeowners product is not available in all areas, including the state of Florida. intimate, Angels is a sweeping vision of

10 August 2010 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 12 RAPID RIVER ARTS asheville shops Jewelry Artist Utilizes Vintage Bakelite to Create Contemporary Chic

haron Bailey’s jewelry combines his- BY DENNIS RAY tory with modern design in a delight-



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'BDFCPPL fully fun technique by incorporating old Bakelite (the first true plastic, Sinvented in 1907) with sterling silver and gold. Sometimes her work captures subtle el- ements of Western North Carolina with the use of leaves and mountain colors. Other pieces offer vintage accolades of days before television and computerized assembly lines Tell them you saw it in Rapid River Magazine with the use of Bakelite. All of her designs, however, are artistic and significant. “I fell in love with vintage Bakelite jewelry a number of years ago,” Bailey says. “As I collected a few bangles I also picked up some old unused stock. I had a vague notion of someday using it in my jewelry.” That someday began in a workshop six years ago. Bailey, a successful businesswoman of Bailey over 20 years, retired in 1996 only to dis- combines cover the ultimate question “What do I do vintage with the rest of my life?” Since childhood Bakelite with she had a love for making jewelry and art. sterling silver Why not try a hobby, she thought. and gold. That fall she attended a couple jewelry-making classes at an art center in Atlanta. She became so addicted she too large to get out. I remember being so enrolled in the art department at Georgia fascinated by how the artist carved the ball State University the following year, where from within the cage. I wanted to capture she would spend three years studying art, that memory through my jewelry. jewelry design, and metalsmithing. Bailey creates her “ball in cage” motif Others, most notably her husband, using sterling silver and sometimes Bake- noticed she had a natural talent and a unique lite for the ball. The silver cages are made style all her own. She spent countless hours using a “lost-wax” casting technique then in her spare time making jewelry for friends hand polished and textured. Depending and family with no thought of doing it as a on the look she is after, individual sterling full time job. After all, she was retired. balls are polished, oxidized or burnished, or “For a long while I had a real difficult for an inimitable look she may use vintage time thinking of myself being a fulltime Bakelite. She has these in earrings, necklaces jeweler. I simply loved making jewelry too and bracelets. much. You can’t call something you really Another common theme she explores love to do work,” she says then smiles. through her jewelry is her fascination “How can you?” with calligraphy. These exquisite works In early 2001 she and her husband are created from sterling silver, sometimes moved to Asheville where she set up a stu- accented with gold. The primary technique dio and quietly began her second career. In used for these particular pieces is forging, 2003 she was accepted into the prestigious which is done by hand with a hammer and Southern Highland Craft Guild. People torch. The forgings are combined with then began collecting her work. other forgings and/or other elements to “I truly value my repeat buyers,” she make the finished pieces, which are then says. “Sometimes a customer will say ‘My oxidized and burnished. wife loved the heart necklace of yours I gave Because production virtually ceased her a few years ago, could you make a set of in the 1960s, vintage Bakelite has become ear rings to go along with it?’ Gladly I do. highly collectible today. It’s an opportunity to create something for someone that can be far better than they had to see more of Sharon Bailey’s jewelry ever hoped for.” please visit www.sharonbailey.com Over the past 14 years Bailey has devel- oped some trademark pieces that have been in steady demand. “I have a personal love of Jewelry by Sharon Bailey puzzles and games and old fashioned toys,” On display at van dyke Jewelry & Fine Craft she says. “When I was a kid I was given a small wood cage with a wood ball inside 29 Biltmore avenue in asheville (828) 281-4044

Vol. 13, No. 12 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — August 2010 11 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE poetry & books Asheville’s Neglected Books of Poetry Front porch o doubt the overall readership for poetry across the U.S. pales in BY TED OLSON comparison to the large audience interested in any one given type of pathetic, trustworthy publisher. The task genre fiction. Accordingly, certain becomes tougher for a poet with a regional Ncritics have complained that more poetry — as opposed to a national — readership, books are being published than exist dedi- in that a “regional” poet’s work, however cated poetry readers to purchase them. universal its literary yearnings, is often Such criticism, though, misses the seen by publishers based outside that poet’s point: many if not most poetry books are, home region as representing a market- and have always been, published to little ing challenge. (Some famous American luminous poetry fanfare. Some of the greatest poetry books poets of the early twentieth century might explores the sub- Doug Elliott have shared this fate: John Milton’s classic be described as having been, at one level, lime natural world as well as the humdrum epic poem “Paradise Lost” sold only 3000 “regional” — Robert Frost and Robinson human-made world. Within the 62 poems s incredible and enjoyable as copies in its first 11 years of publication in Jeffers come to mind — yet during their in Guardians (2009), Still evokes both urban this summer’s stories have book form, while the original book publica- lifetimes those particular poets were gener- and rural spaces, reclaiming dignity from been, Stories on Asheville’s tion of T. S. Eliot’s seminal modernist poem ally considered to be of “national” interest disorder, such as in the poem “Fireweed”: Front Porch is building to a “The Waste Land” also reached compara- and were marketed accordingly.) A When blast leveled my garden strong finale throughout the month tively fewer readers. Thankfully today, poets in the Appa- nothing was left above ground of August into the first Saturday of Of course, not every neglected book lachian region may find publishing outlets save charred trunks of giant oaks September. of poetry eventually enters the canon of the for their manuscripts by working with I thought would stand forever. Kick off teller Doug Elliott world’s most-beloved literature. Neverthe- small-press publishers. Among small-press I knew nothing of narrow pods buried unites earthlings with all things less, whether it falls into the hands and publishers across Appalachia, Celtic Cat in earth, needing a devouring flame living on Planet Earth, continuing minds of only a very small circle of readers Publishing (while not widely known or to split and release fluffy white seeds, with Diane Wolkstein who has been or it reaches countless people regionally, especially prolific in terms of its output) is of the tenacious willow herb — dubbed the best storyteller ever, nationally, or internationally, a new book worthy of attention. epilobium augustifolium — everywhere and for all time, Susan of poetry is inevitably a good thing in that it James B. Johnston, a poet who had that sends floating progeny out Danoff mystery and magic weaver asserts — in the face of collective apathy and emigrated to east Tennessee from Ireland, to settle in ash. from New Jersey, Kim Weitkamp in spite of the overarching, ever-encroaching founded Celtic Cat in 1995 to provide in no time lance leaves of the velvet darkness — some vision of the truth. publication opportunities for emerging and rise on spiky stems voice taking Since poetry books generally don’t sell established writers from his adopted region. topped by clusters of you through a significant number of copies, though, The books that Johnston has thus far is- purple, rose, mauve. Brilliant music to other most major publishing companies are re- sued include a masterpiece of Appalachian yellow stamens blaze into scars worlds, and luctant to release many if any poetry titles. literature — Jeff Daniel Marion’s Ebbing of newly burnt fallows, give nectar concluding This predicament particularly affects poets and Flowing Springs (a book reviewed in to bees, humdrum amongst this miracle, with Lloyd who can’t boast of a national reputation my June 2010 poetry column) — but Celtic this ordinary phoenix. Arneach from or a broad-based readership. University Cat has also published other poetry books Cherokee, re- presses have taken up the task of publish- potentially of interest to readers of Rapid Because of the commitment to poetry minding us of ing some poetry books, though relatively River, including two recently published of small-press publishers like Celtic Cat, our history. few of those presses make poetry books a books by east Tennessee-based poets: KB worthwhile manuscripts like Ballentine’s Sprinkled Ballentine’s Fragments of Light (2009) and and Still’s may find some serious readers Lloyd Arneach priority for their publication lists. amongst Nowadays, the majority of poetry books Laura Still’s Guardians (2009). — however modest their number — who these tellers for liveliness and local are being issued by the so-called “small Fragments of Light (2009) features understand that, while other genres of spark are four outstanding tellers press” publishers (small-scale and low-dis- 70 poems that respond to the cycle of the books receive far greater attention, a good of the Asheville Storytelling Circle tribution publishers committed to dissemi- seasons with rapture and delight. Most of poetry book offers access to many of life’s — Mica White who dares to tell nating books of “serious” literature despite Ballentine’s poems in this book (her second most unique mysteries. improvisational tales from your cho- negligible financial returns). poetry book for Celtic Cat) are crafted in a sen topics, Charlie St. Clair who’ll To subsidize the costs of publishing po- poetic language that is simple yet keenly de- make you laugh, experienced actress etry books, some university and small-press scriptive, evident in such poems as “Harvest ted Olson is the author of and performance storyteller Rose publishers have held contests, structured to Moon (September)”: such books as Breathing in darkness: poems (Wind Lynn Katz and Sandra Gudger, the allow a press to generate funds by solicit- Ragged stalks burr the dirt, publications, 200) founder who mines the rich core ing contest fees from aspiring poets whose scraps fallen from tractors, of local story. They will leave you submitted manuscripts are evaluated by a and Blue Ridge Folklife abandoned by hands that came (University press of breathless and wanting more. contest judge (or judges), with the winning behind. Moonlight voids night, Doug Elliott performs August manuscript generally getting published. Mississippi, 1998) and floods the dusking field, hours he is the editor of numerous books, 7, Diane Wolkstein will take center Such contests have been accused by some before bursting, ripe. including CrossRoads: a Southern Culture stage on August 14, followed by observers as encouraging literary trendiness Spider spirals gather dew, thread annual (Mercer University press, 2009). Susan Danoff on August 21. in terms of style or theme. Regardless of through asters and bedded morning His experiences as a poet and musician These performing tellers have such controversy, the proliferation of poetry glories, wink at the moon, rival are discussed on www.windpub.com/ been selected by Sarah Larson and contests has not substantially increased a the stars. Barns gorge with hay, books/breathingindarkness.htm. The Asheville Storytelling Circle poet’s chances of seeing his or her poetry pumpkins spill onto dance floors. in partnership with Leadership published in book-form. An owl swivels its ruff, Poets who would like for their poetry to be Asheville Seniors 23 and the Pack Granted the rather limited publishing last gasp of summer. considered for a future column may send their Square Conservancy. May the options, even an accomplished poet might books and manuscripts to Ted Olson, ETSU, Box stories never end. have to wait for years to negotiate a mutu- Whereas Ballentine’s imagination is 70400, Johnson City, TN 37614. Please include ally satisfactory arrangement with a sym- most at home in nature’s eternal realm, Still’s contact information and a SASE with submissions.

12 August 2010 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 12 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE authors ~ books ~ readings

Ape House REVIEW BY CAULEY BENNETT

Bonobo Apes Speak To Humans – by Sara Gruen “…some of the most f you’re a fan of Sara Gruen and her four of her novels a genuine unforgettable chapters you’ll wildly popular previous novel, Water for love for animals and a pro- find in any book all year.” Elephants, you’re probably intending to fessional work ethic of care- We host numerous Readings, start reading her new book, Ape House ful research, qualities that aUgUSt 2010 Bookclubs, as well as poetrio! sexual contact with one another, re- PARTIAL LISTING More events posted online. (Spiegel & Gray, 2010), the minute you are quite apparent through- gardless of gender, at least four times Iget your copy and won’t stop reading until out Ape House. She spent tuesday, august , 7 p.m. – award-winning a day — the “hippie apes.” They have you reach the end 302 pages later. I recom- time in The Great Ape their own language with one another journalist Carol Bradley presents her book, mend you don’t do that. Trust, a scientific research — vocalizations and facial expressions Saving gracie: How One dog escaped the Shadowy World of american puppy Mills. Having just finished Ape House, I sug- facility in Des Moines, Iowa, where she met — and have become brilliant communica- gest you become familiar with bonobo apes a colony of six language-competent bono- tors with humans. Amazingly, the older thursday, august 5, 7 p.m. – the Barefoot — easily done on the Internet — before you bos, animals who have learned to communi- apes teach the younger ones the language Sisters hiked the appalachian trail from read the book. Having clear images of the cate with humans using a colorful lexigram Maine to georgia barefoot. they’ll sign they use with humans. copies of Southbound and Walking Home. animals in mind while you read will greatly keyboard with 400 symbols. Gruen remem- The bonobos, who are native to the enhance your enjoyment of the novel. bers that the thrill of actually talking with Democratic Republic of Congo, are endan- Sunday, august 8,  p.m. – penelope Sara Gruen has demonstrated in all the bonobos, was “magical,” especially with gered and live in peril from poachers. Ape Stokes reads from and signs her new novel the Book of peach. a shy older female named Panabisha with House, with its unprecedented fictional whom she bonded instantly. account of these animals, will become an Monday, august 9, 7 p.m. – enid Jackowitz, SaRa gRUen appeaRS at Ape House is peopled with stick figure important ally in their protection. author of Rest of the Way: a Coming Out MaLapROp’S in SepteMBeR human beings caught in a preposterous Story for parents and gay Children. movie-of-the-week plot involving troubled Wednesday, august 11, 7 p.m. – William Canadian- primate researchers, clueless animal rights author’s Website: www.saragruen.com e. King, presents his “images of america” born author activists, tabloid journalists, a worthless series book, Lake Junaluska. Sara Gruen fiancé, a dog named Booger, and a nasty thursday, august 12, 7 p.m. – presbyterian now lives in reality TV producer. Forget all that, silly minister Brett Webb-Mitchell shares his the Asheville fun though it may be — the bonobo apes To learn more about the Great Ape book Beyond accessibility. area. She will are the real interest in the story. Gruen’s Trust, and the animals studied there, go to GreatApeTrust.org. Saturday, august 14 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. present her sensitive depictions of the culture and – Customers wearing a Malaprop’s t-Shirt latest novel, communication skills of the bonobos are will be entered into a drawing to win a $50 Ape House, the fictional adventures not only the highlights of the novel but gift certificate, a Malaprop’s tote bag, and of a colony of six language-competent some of the most unforgettable chapters some fabulous book prizes! bonobo apes, at Malaprop’s in a tick- you’ll find in any book all year. Sunday, august 15,  p.m. – doctors Jade eted event. You may receive one ticket I could read the bonobo speech pat- teta and Keoni teta discuss the new with each purchase of Ape House. It terns all day. For example, in Ape House Me diet: eat More, Work Out Less, and will be officially released on Septem- the bonobo named Bonzi indicates she actually Lose Weight While You Rest. ber 7, but you can preorder the book didn’t like a previous visitor: “DIRTY BAD! thursday, august 19, 7 p.m. – Blanca and a ticket. Call 1-800-441-9829 or DIRTY BAD!” she points out. But she’s Miller presents don’t Bury Me Yet. stop by the store. worried that her beloved caretaker, Isabel Sunday, august 22,  p.m. – echoes across iF YOU gO: Saturday, September 11, Duncan, might be upset with her for saying the Blue Ridge: Stories, essays and poems 7:00 pm. at Malaprop’s Bookstore/ that, so she adds: “SMILE HUG…BONZI “SMILE HUG! SMILE HUG!” by Writers Living in and inspired by the Café, 55 Haywood Street, downtown LOVE VISITOR, KISS KISS.” This is Panabisha, author Sara Southern appalachian Mountains. Asheville. For more information call Bonobos are apes, not chimpanzees. Gruen’s favorite bonobo at the tuesday, august 24, 7 p.m. – Mockingjay (828) 254-6734. They live in a matriarchal society, and are Great Ape Trust. Release party for the third and final peaceful and sensitive, and have casual installment in this fantastic young adult series. Snacks and drinks, a costume contest, and more! Sunday, august 29,  p.m. – Susan gregg gilmore reads from and signs her latest mentally ill mother and two Winter’s Bone REVIEW BY CAULEY BENNETT novel the improper Life of Bezellia grove. young siblings, keeping the The Haunting Novel that wolf, literally, away from her The beauty of Woodrell’s 55 Haywood St. Inspired the Movie – written door with relentless determina- tion to do what she thinks she spare language and the power of his 828-254-6734 • 800-441-9829 by Daniel Woodrell must do. Her father’s been imagery turns an odyssey that could Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. missing for days. If he doesn’t be as bleak as its wintry landscape Sunday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. lthough the Ozarks are not the come back in time for the into a soaring tale of courage and re- Appalachians, Asheville readers of hearing on his latest meth- demption. It’s one of the best novels Winter’s Bone (Little, Brown and amphetamine manufacturing I’ve read in ages, and the movie on Company, 2006) will find much charges, the family will lose which it is based, directed by Debra familiar territory between this novel their home and its precious timber- Granik, is already generating Oscar A buzz. See the review of the movie Winter’s and our own legacy of gritty mountain lit- land. So Ree sets out, alone and on foot, to erature — loyalty to the land, love of family, find her father. She must retrace his steps Bone by Michelle Keenan on page 26. the ties of heritage, the spectre of poverty, through the underground meth culture the misery of isolation, and most especially, and navigate dangerous terrain, including For more information on the novel visit the granite character of its women. paranoic relatives, corrupt police, betrayal, www.goodreads.com/book/ Ree Dolly, age 17, takes care of her violence and terrible secrets. show/112525.Winter_s_Bone

Vol. 13, No. 12 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — August 2010 1 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE authors ~ books ~ readings

aUgUSt HigHLigHtS How to Retire Overseas REVIEW BY CAULEY BENNETT Everything You Need to Know to Live Well (for Less) Abroad at MaLapROp’S – Written by Kathleen Peddicord delivery of information that would be crucial to me as an Adam Elembaas American retiree. Shares His Poignant friend was recently informed by her Kathleen Peddicord (Hudson St. My friend decided that she Vision Quest husband of 40+ years, that he want- Press 2010) lives up to its subtitle: ed a divorce — after he revealed Everything You Need to Know to had to live in an English-speak- Friday, august , that he’d lost their life savings from Live Well (for Less) Abroad. Ped- ing country, so she narrowed 7 p.m. foolish investments. Her dreams dicord identifies fourteen retire- down her choices to American- A style developments in Belize. In From Minnesota to of a comfortable retirement were dashed ment havens where Americans my fantasies I settled on Panama the jungles of Peru, a — even after splitting the profits from the can live well on their social security City. I figured I could easily revive my col- troubled minister’s son heals the rift sale of their house, she would not be able to checks. Some I knew about, such as France, lege Spanish, and the capital city is urbane, with his father through hallucinogenic afford a suitable, albeit much smaller, house Ireland, Mexico and Thailand. Others were fully wired, and has a big expat community. experiences. Fishers of Men: The in Asheville. Nor, she discovered, would her a surprise: Italy, Croatia, Malaysia, Argentina Ideal on paper, huh? But the on-the-ground Gospel of an Ayahuasca Vision Quest social security check be worth much any- and Uruguay. The remaining are airplane- reality is that Panama City is hot and humid. is a powerful, unforgettable memoir of where else in the U.S. Visions of a miserable close in Central America: Belize, Dominican After suffering this summer’s heat wave transcendence. future haunted her. Republic, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Panama. One day she asked herself — who said The book clearly provides the pros and here, I’m aware how much I love cool weather. Panama City was out — but there Mary Lane she had to stay in the U.S.? If she had to cons of each suggested country and care- are lots of other possibilities. Connects Food drastically change her lifestyle, why not go fully lays out the questions you’ll have to ask and the Divine all the way and live in another country? yourself to decide where you’d like to live. Whether you’re in the “what if?” stage, Feminine Armed with a copy of How to Retire Over- It’s a process of truly coming to grips with or have graduated to an investigatory visit, or seas, she changed her outlook on her future. who you are and accepting your priorities. are now seriously intending to live overseas, Saturday, august 7, The book inspired her to think that with Housing costs. Availability of health care. you’ll find tons of research online, in book- 7 p.m. research, daring, and getting rid of all un- Cultural differences. Airports and other stores and Internet forums for expats — and Local chef, nutritionist, plant spirit necessary “stuff” she had accumulated over transportation. I was fascinated with the the book How to Retire Overseas will be healer and world traveler, Mary Lane the years, she might find the perfect place to current affairs and geography lessons that one of your essential resources. shares her inspiring wisdom in Divine spend her senior years. She shared the book I learned from reading the book (my, we with me and now I’m excited, too. Americans are so ignorant of other coun- Nourishment: A Woman’s Sacred Website: www.liveandinvestoverseas.com Journey with Food. The easy-to-read 288-page book by tries!) And impressed with the no-nonsense

Reception and Reading Celebrates New Edition of North Carolina REVIEW BY CAULEY BENNETT Literary Review Operation Mincemeat Saturday, august 14, How a Dead Man and a Bizarre Plan Fooled the Nazis and ciate it — unforgettable 7 p.m. Assured an Allied Victory – Written by Ben Macintyre characters, white knuckle A dozen authors, danger, the future of the including poet James he subtitle of Ben Macintyre’s lat- the Spanish coast, a corpse disguised world at stake, extreme cour- Applewhite, read selections from the est book says it all: it’s about the as a high level courier loaded with age and that most unique highly acclaimed scholarly journal/ most bizarre deception of WWII, false information that would wend and wondrous characteristic, literary magazine North Carolina planned by a motley corps of British its way up the espionage tree to the wry British humor. I read the Literary Review. Come hear the con- T espionage oddballs that turned out, Nazis. It needed a dead man no one would unabridged audio version (Random House tributors and join in the enthusiastic beyond all possible expectation, to actu- miss, a tailor, a submarine, theatre tickets, Audio, 11-1/2 hours), narrated by the enor- reception. ally work. The Nazis were deceived into love letters from a make-believe fiancé, good mously talented John Lee. His high energy, thinking that the Allies were going to invade weather, good luck and the grace of God. precise pronunciation, and tongue-in-cheek Susan Sparks Greece. But the truth was that Sicily is The creators of the massive fraud became performance made all the characters come Laughs Her Way to where the Allies staged their next onslaught, so involved in it that they were hard pressed alive and the complex espionage story easy Higher Spirituality winning a pivotal battle — and eventually to live in real life — the fantasy they created to follow. A real treat for history lovers. achieving victory in Europe. began to take over their lives. Wednesday, august The plan was to drop into the waters off This is history the way people appre- 25, 7 p.m. Former attorney, Susan Sparks is aCCent On BOOKS eventS Wednesday, august 11 at :00 p.m. the Book Club: now a Baptist minister and a stand-up the anthologist by nicholson Baker comic who is convinced that humor is Wine and Cheese Reception Celebrates Brian Lee Knopp thursday august 12, at :00 p.m. Monthly Writers a wonderful – and necessary – sacred Support group – no critiquing, just motivating! practice. She’s always got a punch line Saturday, august 28, general manager, Linda Barrett Knopp. accent on Books, 854 Merrimon ave., asheville, nC. in the pulpit – and in her thoughtful 7:00 pm. Knopp will read from a new story and For more information please call (828) 252-255. presentations. Her book is Laugh Your It’s been a year since Bri- discuss his current work in progress. Way to Grace: Reclaiming the Spiritual an Lee Knopp published Power of Humor. Bring any friend Wine and cheese follow the reading. A local bestseller, Mayhem who needs an infusion of laughter. large crowd is expected, so come early. in Mayberry, Misadven- Rapid River Book editor iF YOU gO: Malaprop’s Bookstore/ tures of a P.I. in South- iF YOU gO: Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café, Cauley Bennett is an Café, 55 Haywood Street, downtown ern Appalachia. Come 55 Haywood Street, downtown Asheville. asheville writer. You can Asheville. For more information call celebrate the anniversary For more information please call (828) reach her by e-mailing (828) 254-6734. with Knopp, and his wife, Malaprop’s own 254-6734. [email protected]

14 August 2010 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 12 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE artful living

The Problem of “Unsatisfactoriness” BY BILL WALZ

for significance, status and security as ing from the deepest level of human “Hundreds of stupid flies gather on a piece of rotten meat, enjoying, if there were no other way. The consciousness that knows that who they think, a delicious feast. This image fits with the song of the myriads suffering of unending unsatis- we are, to again quote Alan Watts, of foolish living beings who seek happiness in superficial pleasures; factoriness appears unavoidable. is “The Universe peering into itself in countless ways they try, yet I have never seen them satisfied.” But the Third Truth from billions of points of view” ~ 7th Dalai Lama (early 18th century) says that there is a way out of we have access to the happiness dukkha, and the Fourth Truth that Buddhism teaches is our “I teach about suffering and the way to end it” teaches that the Eightfold natural state. When “you and ~ The Buddha Path of “correct” thought, the Universe are in the speech, action, liveli- same place,” we no longer hood, understanding, are dependent on the su- here is great misunderstanding flow of the transitory nature of existence in effort, mindfulness and perficial, that is, that which concerning the keystone teach- a way that leads to the ability to be awake concentration will lead is outside ourselves for a ing of Buddhism known as the to and experiencing the satisfactoriness of to the cessation of the sense of deep satisfac- “Four Noble Truths.” The first life-as-it-is. suffering and unsatis- tion with the experi- of the Noble Truths states “life is So, returning to the Second Noble factoriness of dukkha. ence of life – no matter Tdukkha,” and the confusion arises from the Truth: Dukkha is caused by the grasping And what is “correct?” what the circumstances. difficulty in translating the word “dukkha” nature of the human ego. The usual transla- It is the awakened direct This may seem impossible, from the ancient Indian Pali language that tion leaves the teaching at “dukkha caused experience (not intellectual understanding) but if you meditate on the nature of mind was the Buddha’s tongue. by grasping” or, even more commonly, of the illusion of separateness caused by and on life until you are one with it, it is In his excellent book on Buddhist “attachment” and says nothing about human egoic perception. It is the realization that we absolutely possible to overcome the ego’s meditation titled “Change Your Mind,” ego. This is a great oversight. A person has are within the web of Life, the unfolding of deep and ongoing sense of “unsatisfactori- meditation teacher, John Wilson, who goes to study a great deal of Buddhism to get that the Universe, not separate. This is the core ness” with all the this and that of our life by the name, Paramananda, states that duk- what is being referred to as the cause for hu- realization, the awakening of Buddhism. circumstances. You will come to know kha “is normally translated as ‘suffering’, but man suffering and dissatisfaction is attach- Now it is very important not to look at (be awake to) the truth – not intellectually this is probably a bit misleading… dukkha ment for personal identity in what is called The Eightfold Path as like the Ten Com- – but, as Zen says, with a felt sense in the could perhaps be better rendered as unsatis- the “ego-self,” that unique characteristic of mandments of the Judeo/Christian tradition. non-dualistic realization that this is really factoriness.’” the human mind to abstract experience into These are not commandments about how this, and nothing more is needed. This is the Another translation for dukkha that linear, dualistic, separated objects, including to behave. They are realizations about what Universe and you in the same place. can be clarifying is “incapable of providing ourselves and other persons. will naturally occur when you live with perfect happiness.” As the 7th Dalai Lama’s an “awakened” awareness of the truth of poem describes, human beings have a great existence. You will have enlightened attitude Bill Walz teaches meditation deal of difficulty being satisfied, and never We experience ourselves and conduct concerning thought, speech, and mindfulness at UnCa to be fully satisfied is indeed a form of as separate and alone in action, livelihood, understanding, effort, and public forums, and mindfulness and concentration because it intractable suffering. Isn’t it “perfect happi- the universe… is a private-practice ness” that we seek, and isn’t it the failure of will be who you are. meditation teacher and the circumstances and relationships of our When, as is a saying in Zen, you realize life-coach for individuals in lives to provide perfect happiness that leaves We experience ourselves as separate that “you and the Universe are in the same mindfulness, personal growth us struggling with dissatisfaction? and alone in the universe, and with this place,” that “everything is as it can be,” to and consciousness. He holds a weekly So, the Four Noble Truths continue: experience of separateness comes an experi- quote Orientalist Alan Watts, even unsatis- meditation class, Mondays, 7 p.m., at the 2nd Truth - Dukkha is caused by the ence of insufficiency or unsatisfactoriness factory, even frightening situations from the Friends Meeting House, 227 edgewood. grasping nature of the human ego. in the face of an overwhelming world. To egoic perspective can be transformed, can be info on classes, personal growth and 3rd Truth - There is a way that leads to compensate, the human ego “grasps” after transcended into life-as-it-is, not to be suf- healing instruction, or phone consultations the release from Dukkha. fulfillment and becomes “attached” to fered, but to be lived fully. at (828) 258-241, or e-mail at healing@ 4th Truth - The way to release from objects, circumstances and relationships that In other words, happiness is a state of billwalz.com. visit www.billwalz.com Dukkha is the path of the Buddha (The will add to itself in the attempt to become mind, and when we become adept at liv- Eightfold Path) that teaches release from sufficient. Happiness, fulfillment, satisfac- attachment and identity from the grasping toriness is sought outside of ourselves. And nature of the human ego. there is never enough. As was noted in the As I have written before, to understand 7th Dalai Lama’s poem, we “seek happi- the teachings of the Buddha requires that ness in superficial pleasures” and are never inSpiRed aRt MiniStRY CLaSSeS we understand the meaning of the name, completely satisfied. Buddha. It means, “Awakened One.” And Complicating this is that human The summer term for the Inspired have creative freedom while learning Buddhism is the path of awakening. When societies act like macro-egos, creating a Art Ministry (Iam) art classes will begin skills with different art media. The visual we translate the word dukkha as the particu- group ego-self with values that insist upon August 9 at the First Baptist Church arts are essential to child development. lar kind of suffering that has to do with ex- competition, acquisitiveness, greed, anger, on Main Street in Waynesville. “I am” Art instruction can help improve writing periencing life as “unsatisfactory,” then the ignorant attitudes even violence as inherent classes emphasize individual abilities and and fine motor skills and additionally be teaching is about how to live in such a way to human nature, creating “dog-eat-dog” offer one-on-one instruction in a posi- used as a vehicle to develop creativity, as to see (that is, be awake to) the myriad cultures. These cultures condition into tive creative atmosphere. For example, problem solving skills, and critical think- ways that attachment to the ego for identity individuals increasing levels of insecurity instead of having critiques, which are ing skills. and its pursuit of “happiness in superficial and the seeking of happiness and fulfillment inherently negative, “protiques” are used Classes run in 6-week terms and be- pleasures” leads to the experience of life outside of ourselves, taking from others and which offer positive study and sugges- gin August 9, 2010. Please contact Char as “unsatisfactory.” It then teaches how to Nature to enhance ourselves and our group. tions for improvement. Avrunin at (828) 456-9197 or email reposition our sense of self-in-the-world It seems as if life is a constant game of top- Art experiences are flexible so that [email protected] to register or so that we are in harmony with the natural dog/under-dog with everyone scrambling students can develop their interests and for more information.

Vol. 13, No. 12 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — August 2010 15 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE spinning discs

I’m back again with an unusually diverse selection of albums guaranteed to challenge CD Reviews your notions of music and (hopefully) expand your horizons. Given the abundance of reviews this month I’ll try and keep my comments uncharacteristically succinct. by James Cassara Thanks as always for reading, and feel free to email me at [email protected]

The Indigo Girls word poetry that likely sent the record execs touches, for the most part he keeps things Staring Down the scurrying for ways to promote. close to the bone, which is how it should be. Brilliant Dream Somewhere Gone is the first proper Kick was one of the archetypal main- solo album she’s released in quite some time, stream albums of its day, an intoxicating les- Vanguard Records and while the social and political concerns son in song craft and dance beat production In a career now that once dominated her music are gone that still sounds fresh. It’s the perfect fodder spanning twenty years the deeply personal ones that anchor this for an artist such as Beck who embraces the Indigo Girls Emily Saliers and Amy Ray album are no less commanding. As a writer past without being beholden to it. The best have demonstrated an uncanny knack for Cervenka has long been an astute observer of moment here is the one exception when changing with the times while staying true human frailties, filtered through her critical Beck stretches out and flexes his muscle: to their roots. They’ve weathered many a eye but coached in compassion, with the un- “Tiny Daggers” is recast as a thirteen min- storm (Grammy award winning albums canny ability to make our concerns her own. utes opus, a groove a minute joyride thru have been followed by commercial and ar- “Honest Mistake” is among her finest the eighties as only he could give us. tistic disappointments), but have somehow songs ever – at once intimate and guarded This is Beck’s fourth Record Club Rec- managed to persevere where others have – while the title track puts her beat influ- reation and while they’ve all succeeded to fallen by the wayside. Along the way they’ve enced vocal style up close and out front. In varying degrees Kick is the top of the bunch. developed a loyal audience base, one which fact throughout Somewhere Gone we’re It will be interesting to see if these sideline has stuck by them through good times and reminded what a truly gifted and audacious projects help jumpstart his own solo career bad and in that respect Staring Down the vocalist Cervenka is. She produced the but if he keeps making records as much fun Brilliant Dream is a thank you to them. album herself – a smart move on her part as this we might not even care. **** 31 songs, collected from performances – and plays more guitar than usual. recorded over the past five years, represent- Augmented by a handful of sympathet- The Derek ing every studio album they’ve yet laid down ic friends, including Amy Farris and Cindy Trucks Band as well as a few fan favorite cover tunes. It Wasserman, Somewhere Gone is a giant captures the immediacy of their concerts leap forward from her most recent efforts. Road Songs in ways few live albums ever do, mixing She’s never sounded more assured and Masterworks the expected (“Fly Away” or “Love of Our willing to take chances with the material. It Records Lives”) with such surprises as a killer take of doesn’t hurt that the songs themselves are Recorded during the Rolling Stones’ “Wild Horses” featuring among the strongest she’s ever strung to- a transitional period for the band (Trucks fellow Georgia rocker Michelle Malone. gether, making the end result an album that and wife Susan Tedeschi have since tempo- The earliest recordings are full band satisfies from start to finish and will surely rarily merged as the Derek Trucks), Susan while the more recent shows showcase just hold up to repeated plays. ***1/2 Tedeschi Band, Road Songs is a terrific Saliers and Ray with the occasional support sampler of Trucks as both guitar god and of accordionist/percussionist Julie Wolf. Beck bandleader. And what a band it is! Playing the songs stripped bare is a bold Kick INXS Members of the extended Allman move but one that pays surprising dividends, Brothers circle include the brothers Kofi demonstrating just how airtight the arrange- Beck Record Club and Oteil Burbridge, singer Mike Mattison, ments are. It’s also evidence of the mutual Records drummer J.J. Johnson, and a host of others. respect shared between artist and audience, a Does Beck Culled from a two night stand in late April relationship that continues to endure while Hansen ever sleep? In this set contains the equivalent of an entire promising even better things to come. *** addition to readying a new solo album, due show, brilliant music representing all facets out this fall, and producing/recording a disc of Trucks’ mercurial career. Exene Cervenka with Charlotte Gainesbourgh, the one man The sound is superb (which was not Somewhere Gone band now releases his third (!) record club the case with his previous live recordings) recreation in the past eight months. and nearly captures the intense and propul- Bloodshot Records Having previously gone retro with such sive energy the band brings to the stage. A In her days with sixties icons as Leonard Cohen and Skip fiery take of Dylan’s oft neglected “Down in X, Exene Cervenka was Spence, Beck now spins the dial a couple of the Flood” is the first of many highlights. a force to be reckoned decades ahead and tackles INXS’ Kick. It’s a In truth there are too many to mention, with, a one woman whirlwind of explosive move that is both risky and measured: while but the 15 minute “Afro Blue”, which closes energy coupled with lyrics that tore at your his own introspective leanings are hardly disc one and features gorgeous flute work heart even while she was screaming in your the stuff of which INXS are made, they do by Burbridge, is simply amazing. Disc two face. After the group initially disbanded share certain gleeful similarities. highlights a great mix of originals and covers Cervenka recorded a pair of excellent and Besides, given that this ongoing (including a revamped take on Bob Marley’s hard to find acoustic-based albums that series of off the cuff album recreations are “Rastaman Chant,” and that venerable blues proved to both her followers and herself available only as free downloads from his standard “Key to the Highway”) and ends, that she could turn down the volume with- website, who else besides the converted are appropriately enough, with “Anyway” from out lessening the impact. going to know or care? the Derek and The Dominoes album for Since then she’s released a number of Beck takes the original 1986 album, which young master Trucks is named. side projects including a reunited X, her one which broke the band through to mas- It’s hard to imagine that he is just past own band’s Auntie Christ and The Origi- sive stardom, and deftly makes it his own. 30 years of age. If there is any consolation nal Sinners, as well as several more solo His take is both expansive and reverential for Duane Allman being taken so early it projects, including an album of spoken and while he adds a few anticipated quirky ‘CD’s’ continued on next page

1 August 2010 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 12 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE what’s happening

‘CD’s’ continued from page 16 is that Derek Trucks gives us a glimpse of Everything Old Is New Again BY JAMES CASSARA the musician brother Duane might have become. His talent is astounding and the musical world is his oyster. nora Jane Struthers Blends vintage Flair with Modern Sounds If Road Songs is the last album the cur- rent incarnation of the Derek Trucks band ashville based musician Nora with my dad in the songs that sound gives us it is one heck of a swan song. ***** Jane Struthers prides herself in South: she explains. as if they have being able to combine elements “The two big been performed Noah Earle of the music she grew up lov- ones are the Galax by generations of ing with the sensibilities she Old Time Fid- folk musicians. In This Is the Jubilee hasN acquired along the way. Inspired by dlers Convention an age when the MayApple Records everyone from “Gram Parsons (her father in Virginia, which term Americana has The Kansas born Alan wrote a Doctoral Thesis on Par- is one of the oldest become a bit of a Earle combines the sons) to Sister Rosetta Tharp” her work anywhere, and the catch all, there is no earthy mid-Western draws from a wide range of influences Mount Airy Fid- doubt Struthers is sensibility of John Mellencamp with the and musical periods but, like any artist of dlers Convention in the real thing. The more deliberate pop affectations of Rodney talent, Struthers is able to combine these North Carolina. The upcoming album, Crowell, and while his songwriting skill elements into something uniquely hers. bluegrass community produced by indus- doesn’t yet come close to either of those Growing up in a supportive New Jersey that I found there try stalwart Brent talents there’s enough here to warrant family, one that shared her love of music, was very supportive. Truitt (Dolly Par- further investigation. Struthers was surrounded by records. “I’d It was the first time ton, Alison Krauss, The title track is a twang infused bit of sing and play bluegrass music with my I really spoke with Dixie Chicks), is roots rock Americana while “Awaken Me” father” she says. people who made the product of her shows off his ferocious way with a guitar. Adding to the mix her mother chimes their living playing experiences, pas- Jubilee proudly revels in the folk/blues musi- in “Jane could yodel before she could talk. music. Until then I sion, knowledge, cal traditions of his childhood (at times a bit When she was a little tyke, she would wait honestly thought that and authenticity. too much so) but his knack for conveying by the window for her dad to walk home was something that “I’m really happy mood, coupled with his deceptively easy go- from the train station after work, and she only rock stars do.” with it” she adds. “I ing narrative skills, adds up to a solid package. would greet him with a yodel.” Living in Now ensconced in Nashville, Nora know that’s the sort of thing I’m supposed If given the chance to see Earle in a smallish New York City for seven years Nora Jane Jane is performing her original songs with to say but it’s true.” Coming from Nora venue it’s one I would jump on. In the mean- played with her father in a bluegrass duo her own band, Nora Jane and the Lost Jane Struthers I am certain of that. while this disc will hold me just fine. *** “Dirt Road Sweetheart” performing clas- Boys. The group, either a trio or quartet sic material and original songs and even “depending on the show and who’s avail- Peter Case “the occasional yodeling medley, which able” beautifully augment her own pure iF Nora Jane Struthers and was always a crowd pleaser.” and natural voice. Struthers phrasing is YOU the Lost Boys at Jack of Wig! After a few years of teaching high clear and direct while her lyrics over- the Wood on Saturday, Yep Roc Records school English in the Brooklyn, NY, flow with imagery and reflect her love of gO August 14. Showtime It’s strange what borough of Williamsburg Struthers took a words. is set for 9 p.m. with major heart surgery “huge leap of faith” and relocated to Mu- The arrangements draw from the tra- limited seating. For more can do to a man. While sic City., “The turning point came when ditions of old time, bluegrass, gospel, and information and song samples go to spending most of 2009 resting and recover- I was going down to fiddlers conventions Celtic music, resulting in contemporary www.norajanestruthers.com. ing from what he describes as “a pretty close call,” Peter Case went through the quite normal process of reassessing his life and art. Purging through his records with the When Case screams out “Life is long and Bay Area psychedelic meets Texas blues, give the songs an updated sound that is pure Plimsouls, Nerves, and Breakaways for the road is hard” – as he does in a wry which resulted in a quintet of endlessly cre- Miller. His highly under appreciated guitar possible deluxe reissues he also became remake of his own “Old Car” – you know ative and daring albums ranging from 1968 work sets the tone – he really does have restless to make some new music. Assem- from whence he is coming. to 1971, and the later Steve Miller as radio a style all his own – while the band keeps bling a makeshift band comprised mostly Wig may not be the best record he’s ever friendly pop superstar albums that dominated steady if unspectacular time backing him. of old friends who stuck by him through it made (nor would it pretend to be) but it just FM radio and made him a wealthy man. “Hey Yeah”, with a killer guitar hook and all he quickly wrote a batch of new songs might be the most gratifying. First that it was Bingo!, his first studio record in 17 thumping bass line, sounds like it could have and hit the trail. made at all and second in that it likely moves years, is the first to successfully reconcile come right off of the Fly like an Eagle album. After road testing the material Case Peter Case into a more urgent and focused the pair. It’s a loving look back at the sounds Likewise with Rush’s “All Your Love (I elected to seize the energy, teaming up future. None of us would have wished this that first caught his ear and made him Miss Loving),” a song made familiar by John with X drummer DJ Bonebrake and guitar- on him, but if his near death experience want to play music, and while some might Mayall and a youngster named Eric Clapton. ist Ron Franklin and laying down a dozen results in more music like this then there is bemoan the absence of original material as It may be a fifty year old song but as inter- tracks in record time. The resultant album some very good coming out of the bad. **** a re-entry into making records Miller could preted by Miller it sure doesn’t sound like it. is loose, deliberately haphazard, and one have done much worse. Much of the credit for this contem- heck of a lot of fun. The Steve A collection of blues classics by such porary yet classic sound goes to producer The songs are basic and direct (no Nick Miller Band notables as B.B. King, Otis Rush, Howlin’ Andy Johns, who gives the album a modern Cave like mortality ruminations for this Wolf, Earl King, and Jimmy Reed it also but toothy sheen, and the presence of such gent!) with Case singing from the gut and Bingo! features a trio of songs by contemporary guest players as guitar wizards Joe Satriani the band holding on for dear life. “House Roadrunner bluesman Jimmie Vaughan. and Kenny Lee. Still, this is Miller’s album, Rent Jump” is about the decline of the Records But while the material is largely from and while his star has certainly dimmed economy (or perhaps Case’s personal assets) For long time years past Miller and his band (including over the past two decades Bingo is a surpris- but rather than bemoan his fate he sings it fans there are two dis- long time member Norton Buffalo, who ingly strong return to form from everyone’s like the apocalypse is just around the corner. tinct phases to Steve Miller’s career: the early died shortly after the record was completed) favorite space cowboy. ***1/2

Vol. 13, No. 12 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — August 2010 17 Haywood Arts Regional Theatre Western North Carolina’s Award-Winning Theatre

A Hilarious Look at Fishing, Beer and the Meaning of Life

BALSAM RANGE IN CONCERT! August 14th at 7:30 PM at Eaglenest Entertainment in Maggie Valley, NC AUGUST 25 - SEPTEMBER 5 Tickets: $15 at the Performing Arts Center This is a special event benefi tting HART. THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER THEATRE 250 Pigeon Street on Highway 276 S. in Waynesville Visit www.harttheatre.com or call 828-456-6322 for Tickets.

36th Season Sponsor The Layden Family Foundation TRADIN’ PAINT Produced by Dr. Connie Buckner & Jack Davis and Johnson, Price & Sprinkle Pa August 4 - 22 A Comedy about NASCAR! Caught in first gear, car parts stockwoman Darla Frye’s hapless life takes a new turn mid-race when she finds new friends in pit row and has a visit from the spirit of Dale Earnhardt! This (828) 689-1239 comedy about racing & romance, lug nuts & life will thrill even those who don’t know how www.SARTplays.org to change a tire. Rated PG-13 44 College Street It’s the bumps in the road that make the trip worthwhile. Mars Hill, NC

May 27 - June 6 June 9 - 27 July 7 - 18 July 21 - August 1

18 August 2010 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 12 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE explore biltmore village

Something New, Something Different What’s a naturalist?

o one can attend all the festivals BY BYRON BELZAK wners Hal and Laura Mahan and fairs that grace the Blue Ridge of The Compleat Naturalist Mountains every summer. But who are glad in Historic Biltmore Village those who require top quality mark O answer that question every to attend. The the annual Village Art & Craft Fair day, and it only takes one step into Nin Biltmore Village high on their “must-see” creatives who are chosen their store to discover for yourself. list. There’s good reason: Fine art, fine craft, The Compleat Naturalist has some- and always something new and different. to show are pleased to be thing for the nature lover in everyone John Cram, founder of the fair and of every age. owner of New Morning Gallery, Bellagio, included in Blue Spiral 1, and the Fine Arts Theatre, this presti- makes certain that there are always new gious fair. artists and artisans that join the ranks of ex- For example, hibitors who have become annual regulars. Gabriel Shaf- Left: Jimmy & Marlene Hopkins. Yard and garden art made from Doing so makes for the perfect mix, year fer, one of recycled metal. Above: Print by Linda Deaton. after year. Asheville’s As one recent fair attendee well great up-and-coming artists, had partici- look and buy something wonderful explained, “It’s one of the best festivals any- pated in the 2008 fair and hopes to remain a can expect that they will, once again, where.” This year’s fair is now in its 38th regular. Jeff Pittman, one of Asheville’s fin- find a treasure that they can cherish est and most popular artists, has always done for years to come. “We believe that an interest in year, and promises to hold that tradition of nature can change a person’s life,” excellence high. extremely well selling scores of his works and is certain to show this year as well. says Laura Mahan, who has made a Fair afficionadoes are not the only ones career out of teaching and inspiring Denise Meyers, known iF 38th Annual Village Art for her artistic handbags, a love of nature. “In my own case, it YOU and Craft Fair, sponsored was my mother who got me started. “bagged” many apprecia- by New Morning Gallery gO We used to go out on bird walks tive art-and-craft seekers and Bellagio. August 7 in previous shows. These and 8 on the grounds of when I was a young girl. I hated it and many other participat- the Cathedral of All Souls in at first because it was so early in the ing artists and makers of Historic Biltmore Village. morning and usually cold in the finely crafted items con- springtime. But one day I got a good Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday look at a Rose-breasted Grosbeak, sider it to be a high honor noon to 6 p.m., rain or shine. Free and I was hooked.” to be selected to show in admission. Concessions available. For this juried fair. more information call (828) 274-2831. The Compleat Naturalist offers And the thousands everything one needs to get into a na- who attend each year to Copyright 2010 MediaBear ture hobby. Steve Noggle Mary-Anne & Bill Collins They stock binoculars and spotting scopes, rock Neo Cantina Adds to the hammers, insect nets, Biltmore Village Renaissance hand lenses, and mi- croscopes, eo Cantina is “Neo Can- plus a huge Asheville’s new tina took La Paz’s inventory southwest grill, Tex-Mex theme of nature incorporating all and upgraded it field guides, your favorite dishes to a southwest books, and maps. The Mahans, both Nwith a fresh twist,” said grill,” said Bryant. biologists, lead trips and teach classes manager Mike Bryant. “It is “We increased for amateur naturalists. The store an integral part of the renais- the quality of all also features a wide range of nature- sance of Biltmore Village. the food items as oriented gifts, such as bright flower And we are working hard to well as the drinks, umbrellas, woodpecker door knock- become the top gathering and now offer signature property upgrades has been phenom- ers, one-of-a-kind etched glasswork, place of south Asheville.” dishes that include Spanish paella, featuring enal,” said Bryant. “Our table service is jewelry, and carved bears. Neo Cantina occupies the former La seafood, chicken or pork.” impeccable. And everything just keeps Paz location in Biltmore Village. Neo Can- Neo Cantina is open seven days a getting better.” tina is a licensee of the Neo trademark and week, offering the $3 Neo Margarita its proud tradition of local partnering and through the summer. the Compleat naturalist neo Cantina “making the world a better place one burrito Neo Cantina will be expanding its eve- 2 Brook Street, Biltmore village at a time.” Neo Cantina is a woman-owned ning patio seating to include Spanish guitar Southwest grill asheville, nC 2880 10 Biltmore plaza, asheville, nC 2880 business that opened in February 2010 with music by torch light for a magical evening. Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to  p.m. the management and kitchen crew of the The newly opened Breezeway Bar will have Open 7 days a week Most Sundays: noon to 5 p.m. former La Paz restaurant, allowing Asheville an outdoor smoking option. (828) 505-782 www.compleatnaturalist.com to save 50 local jobs. “The response to our changes and www.neocantina.com

Vol. 13, No. 12 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — August 2010 19 RAPID RIVER ARTS PURCHASE CRAFT FAIR T-SHIRTS NOW biltmore village

Receive $3 off History of Biltmore Village t-shirts with this ad. ore than a century ago, George Biltmore Village Take another $1 off W. Vanderbilt transformed the served three purposes: when wearing an old sleepy crossroads settlement to present an aestheti- known as Best, or Asheville cally pleasing prelude l

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Offer valid thru 8/6/10. r a his philanthropic M endeavors to benefit the people of the area, and to create a self-contained and self-sustaining community that would THE 38TH ANNUAL Village also provide rental income. Some of the original buildings are still here, such as All Souls Church (now All Art & Craft Fair Souls Cathedral), the Depot (now a restau- rant), and some of the original cottages. A fascinating new book has just been released, AUGUST 7 & 8 Around Biltmore Village, containing a mul- Sat 10-7 • Sun 12-6 titude of historic photographs of Biltmore 5 Biltmore Plaza Village over the past centuries. 828.277.8100 Written by Biltmore Estate Land- 120 Exhibitors • All Media 7 Boston Way scape and Forest Historian, Bill Alexander, 828.274.2831 Rain or Shine • No Admission Around Biltmore Village is a fascinating portrayal of times-gone-by. It’s available at ASHEVILLE, NC 2010 BILTMORE VILLAGE these Biltmore Village shops: Once Upon a Time, and The Compleat Naturalist. about the author A lifelong resident of Asheville, author Bill Alexander can trace his family roots to the organization of Buncombe County in 1792, when his fifth-great-grandfather was appointed as the first sheriff. Alexander grew up in the shadows of the Biltmore Estate and barely two miles from Biltmore Village. Employed by the estate for 30 years he wrote his first book, The Biltmore Nursery: A Botanical Legacy, in 2007. Alexander has drawn from his wealth of knowledge from research of the Biltmore Estate’s archives and various collections from North Carolina to Massachusetts, Florida, and California to publish Around Biltmore Village.

20 August 2010 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 12 RAPID RIVER ARTS noteworthy 10th Annual Southern Energy & Environment Expo StiLL ReLevant, StiLL inSpiRed, StiLL COMMUnitY ORiented

f it’s August in Asheville, think BY BYRON BELZAK sustainability, think green, think jobs. And this year, think of the number 10. are planned this On August 20, 21 and 22, year, as well as mu- I sical entertainment 2010, the Southern Energy & Envi- ronment Expo (SEE Expo) is coming and the Party for to town, again, for its 10th consecu- the Planet. Also, tive year, to the WNC Ag Center, he said, WNC Al- located across from the Asheville Ned Ryan Doyle, founder liance will hold its Regional Airport. of the SEE Expo. annual meeting at What was once considered the Expo. Fur- to be a fringe affair of long-hairs touting thermore, special courses and a green home solar panels has now become a three-day, tour for professionals and the public will mainstream, popular public event that has be offered for an additional fee. Visit www. helped to create thousands of sustainable, seeexpo.com for a full line-up and details. green jobs while raising the environmental Doyle pointed to a number of local conservation consciousness of countless businesses that are exhibitors and have suc- others throughout the Southeast. cessfully merged doing what is right with “What hits me the most about the what can make a profit, such as Sundance Southern Energy & Environment Expo after Power Systems, Home Energy Partners, 10 years is that it was the right idea in 2001, Deltec Homes, and Mike’s Heating and and it’s still the right idea in 2010,” said Ned Cooling, to name a few. Ryan Doyle, founder of the SEE Expo and “Sundance Power Systems is an excel- host of “Our Southern Community,” which lent example of a company that has put airs regularly on WNCW public radio. action and words together,” said Ned Doyle. “They have done a tremen- dous job of providing solar Discover the Best of Regional Craft technology and services, not just as a business, but as a real community effort. They have supported a lot of causes. They’ve gone out of their way to do the right thing. At the same time, they’ve run a thriving busi- ness and continue to grow.” Doyle praised the SEE Expo photos Copyright 2010 MediaBear community for coming together to support the SEE

“There are literally tens of thousands Expo over the past 10 years. “I want to give Joiner Barbara Jewelry: of people throughout the region who know a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all the participants there is a way to develop a sustainable and visitors.” economy, that there is a way to protect the He added: “The SEE Expo is one excel- environment and make money at it.” lent example of why sustainability is the The SEE Expo has consistently grown answer to all the complex problems that we Allanstand Craft Shop to become a prized meeting place, educa- look at today. Interrelating – energy, environ- at the Folk Art Center tional platform and networking wonder for ment and economics – puts all the different aware citizens, environmentalists and green issues of the oil spill and economic worries Milepost 382 Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville, NC businesses alike. Over the past 10 years, into place. Open Daily 9am-6pm | 828-298-7928 approximately 60,000 people will have at- “When we start to realize that a sustain- tended the Expo, many whom have learned able economic foundation is only possible that green is real and here to stay. when we have sustainable energy and Guild Crafts On each of the three days, there will conserve the natural environment, then the 930 Tunnel Road/Hwy 70, Asheville, NC be dozens of informative presentations, profit margin comes in. Green is ‘green,’ Open Mon.-Sat: 10am-6pm | 828-298-7903 seminars, workshops and exhibits. All are and that’s where the money is.” included in the $10 a day admission. There is also a V.I.P. pass, said Doyle, “which stands for ‘Very Intellectual Person,’ and For more information about the See expo visit www.seeexpo.com. costs only $50 that includes admission for all three days along with free camping and a For Byron Belzak’s complete interview free t-shirt.” with See expo founder ned doyle visit The Southern Highland Craft Guild is authorized to provide services on the Blue Ridge Parkway under the authority of a cooperative agreement with the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. Doyle said more activities for the kids www.thegreenerhome.com.

Vol. 13, No. 12 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — August 2010 21 Get this RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE ExClusivE oFFEr Characters, Idols, and Journalism

riting a column about the felt comfortable with me and they books BY JUDY AUSLEY for unique characters that wanted to talk. I saw no danger in 6 cross my path each day in those days. Asheville and some I have Just to show you how crazy I was gone now and there is a sad time con- interviewed along the in those days, one time I was inter- cerning newspapers in this country. ¢ Wway in my 40 years in print media in viewing some circus performers in I refuse to own any electronic data 99 communities all over North Carolina DeLand, FL., for a feature spread I was made where you read great books or Plus a FREE GIFT is southern comfort. doing for the newspaper in town. I had newspapers on a screen in your hand. with membership My heart led me to the area in far too much to drink that evening so What has happened to our profession 1971 to a very different Asheville. not thinking, I invited them over to and the talented writers now out of Granted many of us were leftovers my house to party. The problem was, work and no place to go is a travesty! from the exciting Sixties, but I always I had not notified my housemate that I know in my heart people still considered myself a part of the Bo- they were coming! love newspapers and they want to read Enter code A5F147 hemian Era and the avant garde art’s After I left, I decided to go to the stories some of us are still writing. joinDoubledayBookClub.com movement in America. a different place in town and when It will not be America any longer if There was a magazine in New they ended up at my place for another newspapers are completely wiped out! York then that published under the party, I was no where in sight. My I am one of those writers who same name that I read. It was a won- friend was so angry, however, and to will continue to write unless someone derful time of some of the country’s this day she has never forgiven me! shoots me. best writers, poets and artists. Many Of course being me in those In case you are wondering, I were idols of days was okay no longer drink like I used to in the mine in college because I was beginning of my career. Twenty years in Florida in “…one has to live like a bound and have passed. The year I turned 50 I stopped because I was concerned the late ‘50s. writer, experience moments determined I recall to experience about my health. Life did get better idolizing with no boundaries in order every single and I no longer needed my crutch. Hemingway to write well.” thing put I may not go to such lengths and Tennes- before me by to get a story as I did when I was see Williams some of these younger, but I still want my characters early on. characters. The more far-out they to be unique and a bit unconventional Somewhere years ago, I read were the better. I had to find the gypsy just like always. that Ernest Hemingway once said types and the artists and poets who I am looking forward to writing something like, “one has to live like a lived in un-conventional non-con- about the unique characters I meet writer, experience moments with no forming ways. There I was at home and talk with for Rapid River Maga- HOUSing FOR Rent boundaries in order to write well.” I and in good company. zine. Stories you may find interesting, never forgot those words. Many of the creative people that or others that cause you to squirm in North Asheville 2 bedroom 1 bath townhouse I also had a creative writing were successful in those eras are dead your seat. $495/mo. Close to downtown Asheville. professor in college that taught with now and that is sad, but their words The late writer Barry Hannah Includes water. (828) 252-4334 WNC Rentals an easy way about him that inspired in are still here for us to read and enjoy, said in an article in Harpers Maga- me “going to the edge to get the story the poetry, the paintings and other art zine, and I am paraphrasing some of I wanted.” forms live on forever. his words from a speech he gave at If I had to go to a sleazy bar to I had to get that adrenalin high that Bennington College in 2002, “I write find the character I wanted to write I discovered the first time I ever wrote out of greed for lives, a need to listen about, I did.” If I had to take a drink a story for a newspaper. When it ended to the orchestra of living.” Hannah, to give me the courage to do certain up on the front page, that was even bet- a son of the South, could not have things in those early days, I did it and ter for a young reporter in those days. I expressed it better. never gave it another thought. miss those early years in journalism so As I share these stories with you I was young and I was a free-spir- much, the gifted printers and hot metal in Southern Comfort, I hope you will ited woman with a certain curiosity printing, people actually proofreading find bits and pieces of inspiration, and that allowed me to float in and out with pencil in hand, the editors and comfort from the words I write in this of many groups of somewhat seedy photographers, the deadlines and the column. people and different scenarios. People roar of the printing press when night was done. Another issue printed for Writer Judy morning deliveries. There was no more ausley has been exciting time for us reporters. Grab- a reporter with attention, bing a fresh copy to see our bylines and newspapers in Unpublished Writers! joining peers at the local pub for a cold nC for 40 years. beer after work. She retired in Chris Roerden is offering a free I gave my youth and most of 2005 and continues to freelance at workshop that gives writers insider my life to newspapers in Florida and tips on how to prepare manuscripts her home in asheville. She can be that excite agents and editors. North Carolina. I hate what has hap- contacted by e-mail at Judyausley@ pened to a profession that many of us aol.com. if you know a character iF YOU gO: Sunday, August 8, at 5 gave our lives to because we loved the in asheville who has not had a p.m. Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café, 55 job. We could not wait to put another conventional life, put them in touch Haywood Street, Asheville. For more issue out the next day. Those days are with Judy for an article in this information call (828) 254-6734. column, Southern Comfort.

22 August 2010 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 12 Reel Take Reviewers: ∑∑∑∑∑ - Fantastic CHip KaUFMann is a film historian who ∑∑∑∑ - pretty darn good also shares his love of classical music as a program ∑∑∑ - Has some good points host on WCQS- ∑∑ - the previews lied FM radio. ∑ - Only if you must MiCHeLLe Keenan is M- Forget entirely a long time student For the latest RevieWS, tHeateR inFO of film, a and MOvie SHOW tiMeS, visit believer in Illustration of Michelle www.rapidrivermagazine.com the magic of & Chip by Brent Brown. movies and a fundraiser for BRent BROWn is a graphic Questions/Comments? public radio. designer and illustrator. You can email Chip or Michelle at view more of his work at [email protected] www.brentbrown.com.

I Am Love ∑∑∑∑ That’s the movie in a Inception, but will they find it as enticing are enough to detract from my overall opin- Short Take: This very nutshell and like most as those efforts? I may be a little off here, ion and keep it in the good-but-not-great beautiful, immaculately European cinema it’s but my bet is that those whose frame of category. For starters, Inception smacks of produced family saga not what happens but reference is The Dark Knight will go easier several other films even though its story is a throwback to Italian how it happens. on it than those whose frame of reference is is unique; I thought this odd for Nolan, cinema of the 1960s and Director Luca based on Nolan’s earlier work (Memento, whose films are usually very much his own. features an amazing Guadagnino is a The Prestige). Regardless, Inception is I also grew weary of a few too many pro- performance from Tilda relative newcomer worth seeing this summer, for, if nothing longed chase scenes which became down- Swinton. to movies but he else, its originality; you likely don’t dream right ridiculous at times and did nothing to already shows a firm the way they do in this movie, but what forward the events of the story (I had this ReeL taKe: I Am Love is Tilda Swinton and Flavio Parenti grasp not only of film dreams they are. Writer-director Christo- issue with The Dark Knight as well). definitely not a film for the as the troubled mother and son technique but of how pher Nolan has returned to what he does Much has been said about what a brain average moviegoer. First of in the melodrama I Am Love. to handle actors and best – telling stories that push the boundar- twister Inception is and how hard it is to all it’s in a foreign language to pace a film in the ies of our psyche. follow. I disagree with this. I think it’s more (Italian), concerns itself with character and European manner. It’s appropriate that he of a shell game; Nolan deliberately dazzles not action, is deliberately paced (with lots cast Gabriele Ferzetti (Death in Venice) in and beguiles us with such dizzying strategy, of shots of food being prepared and con- the role of the patriarch. Ferzetti is now you think it’s more complicated and clever sumed), and has a downbeat ending. the grand old man of Italian cinema hav- than it actually is. It is a mindbender to be While watching this I couldn’t help ing worked with most of the great Italian sure, but if you just follow the story and go but think of the halcyon days of Italian Art directors in his youth. His age and his along for the ride, without trying to under- Cinema in the decade between 1965 and passing are the visual equivalent of “out stand each level of dream inception, you’ll 1975. Directors like Fellini, Antonioni, with the old and in with the new”. fare much better than those who are trying Bertolucci, Wertmuller and Visconti held While I admired the film, I must to dissect every detail. Much has also been sway and a number of masterpieces of Eu- confess that I didn’t particularly enjoy it. said about film’s ending. For this I repeat ropean cinema were produced. The movies It’s still a good movie, possibly a great one the aforementioned recommendation. of Luchino Visconti in particular come to but it left me scratching my head when it Bottom line, just enjoy the show and mind especially Il Gattopardo (The Leop- was all over. I won’t spoil it for you but if then rent Memento for a real brain teaser. ard) which deals with the decline of a once you see I Am Love, then ask yourself what Leonardo DiCaprio stars in the dreamy noble family. Rated PG-13 for sequences of violence and ac- you think of the ending. Be sure and stay action-adventure thrill ride Inception. This time around the family isn’t tion throughout. through the credits for there is a brief final aristocratic but upper middle class. The REVIEW BY MICHELLE KEENAN scene at the very end. Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a man setting is Milan at the turn of the millen- who has worked (and lived) in the art and nium. The Recci family have been associ- Rated R for nudity and strong sexual content. science of dream extraction – stealing the ated with textiles for years. The patriarch is REVIEW BY CHIP KAUFMANN deepest darkest secrets from the minds of retiring and leaves the company to his son vulnerable subjects. He takes the technique and grandson who have different ideas on ∑∑∑∑ Inception and corporate espionage to new heights what to do with the family business. The Short Take: Far from the confines of when he is contracted by a powerful Japanese daughter has decided to come out of the fan-boy fueled superhero content, businessman (Ken Wantanabe), not to steal closet and the mother/wife is trying to deal writer/director Christopher Nolan an idea from an unwitting victim, but rather with it all while retaining her composure. returns to what he does best – mind to implant one. Cobb is a man trapped by The movie is about inevitable change and bending suspense. grief and wrongfully charged with the mur- the consequences it brings. der of his wife. If he and his team can pull Tilda Swinton (Michael Clayton) is ReeL taKe: Christopher Nolan’s Incep- Noah Ringer as the title character in off this case, he will finally be able to return remarkable as the mother who is the central tion certainly capitalized on the popularity M. Night Shyamalan’s adaptation of to his life and his young children. figure of the story. She gives her entire of The Dark Knight (Nolan directed that as The Last Airbender. The movie is done well. The cast, performance in Italian (with a little bit of well), taking in more than $60 million in its which in addition to DiCaprio and Wanta- Russian) which she learned for the movie opening weekend. Will the fan-boy base of The Last Airbender ∑∑∑ nabe, includes Joseph Gordon-Levitt, having never spoken it before. The son’s The Dark Knight take to this more cere- Marion Cotillard, Tom Hardy, Cillian Short Take: This special effects filled secret desire is to open a restaurant with bral suspense drama? Time (and box office fantasy film taken from the Nickelodeon Murphy and even Michael Caine and Pete his best friend, a first class chef. He is also receipts) will tell. cartoon series is not nearly as bad as Postlethwaite in smaller roles, is exemplary. attracted to his friend and hopes he feels the Likewise, filmgoers that enjoyed most critics say it is. For the most part I was greatly entertained. same. When the mother has an affair with Nolan’s earlier works, Memento and The My issues with the film are few, but they the best friend then things began to unravel. Prestige, will flock to the theatre to see ‘Movies’ continued on page 24

Vol. 13, No. 12 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — August 2010 2 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE film reviews

‘Movies’ continued from page 23 The Twilight Saga: the other two most believe that they are both enamored ReeL taKe: M. Night Shyamalan, ev- Eclipse ∑∑1/2 were supreme- by the incredibly dull girl. ery critic’s favorite whipping boy, is being Another Twilight ly bad, that One improvement in Eclipse over chastised yet again for his latest effort but movie, which means the is not saying the other two Twilight films is its sense this time the verbal abuse is mostly unwar- usual multitude of vampires much. While of humor. The other two films took ranted. Is The Last Airbender a good movie? and werewolves, only this New Moon themselves way too seriously, but Eclipse Not particularly. The story isn’t spelled out time — they’re working was dreadfully not only incorporates some humor, it clearly, most of the acting is amateurish, and together. Eclipse is the third boring, Eclipse also seems to make fun of itself. the pace falters from time to time yet in spite film of the popular Twilight manages to just I recommend this movie to you only of these flaws I found the film surprisingly Saga created by Stephanie barely hold the if there is nothing better to see or if you entertaining and that’s not including the spe- Meyer, but unfortunately if viewer’s atten- are a fan of the books. There are some cial effects which are dazzling even in 2-D Taylor Lautner and Kristen Stewart you are not a hardcore fan in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse. tion. It cuts parts of it, such as the vampire battle at which is how the film was originally shot. of the books, you will prob- out all of the the end, that are truly fun to watch, and it The original title of the Nickelodeon ably find this film mediocre. unnecessary bits of the 640 page-long novel has a decent mix of romance and action, cartoon series on which the movie is based Eclipse is a continuation of the while still keeping true to the story. which could make it a good date movie. was Avatar: The Last Airbender but when vampire/human romance from the other There is more action, and the pace is Nevertheless, it is certainly not the best James Cameron made his epic film, he took two movies, but now, Bella Swann must faster so you are less likely to find yourself movie out there, and if you are simply the first part of the name and then registered choose between her vampire boyfriend falling asleep. Kristen Stewart continues to looking for something entertaining to see, it. Done in the Japanese anime style, the series or her werewolf best friend who happen give a poor performance and I promise you concerned the adventures of a young boy who to be mortal enemies. Meanwhile, there makes Bella not only a dull but that you could could control all four of the Earth’s primary is also a revenge-seeking vampire deter- also an extremely dimwitted do better. elements (Earth, Air, Fire, Water). Peaceful mined to kill Bella who the werewolves girl. However, Robert Pattinson teen and meek on the surface, he would invariably Rated PG-13 for and vampires must team up to destroy. and Taylor Lautner both do have to transform himself into something intense action and Eclipse is more entertaining than the an adequate job as Bella’s love RevieW powerful or harness the elements to over- violence and some prior two Twilight movies, but seeing as interests, and the viewer can al- by Clara Sofia sensuality. come whatever that episode’s obstacle was. The movie is essentially a live action version of that storyline. The Fire Nation seeks to enslave the other elemental nations through militaristic force. They think they Rated PG for fantasy action becomes homeless. While Yolande Moreau (Seraphine) and Jean-Pierre have destroyed all the members of the Air violence. living on the street he meets Marielle (The Da Vinci Code). Nation (who can master all the elements) REVIEW BY CHIP KAUFMANN a remarkable group of If you don’t like subtitles don’t let that however one last Airbender survives. Al- people including a pardoned deter you. The film is so chock full of visual though only a child, it is up to him to put a Micmacs ∑∑∑∑1/2 convict, a human can- inventiveness that it really doesn’t need any stop to their plans of world domination. Short Take: This magical nonball, a maker of junk dialogue for you to follow it although there If the storyline sounds simplistic and automatons, and a female are a few choice lines scattered throughout childish, it is, but that is precisely the point. French film about a group of eccentrics taking on a contortionist. Together they especially from the beleaguered executives. The Last Airbender never attempts to be plan a complicated series of The denouement is priceless. more than what the source material provides big corporation is a delight from start to finish. events which will result in Rated R for some sexuality and violence. and it follows in the steps of a long line of the downfall of the com- REVIEW BY CHIP KAUFMANN fantasy adventure films from The Thief of ReeL taKe: Although the pany’s two most powerful Bagdad through the Sinbad films to the cur- basic premise of this film executives. Along the way rent Prince of Persia. is borrowed from the1973 Mother and Child ∑∑∑∑ Dany Boon plots his director Jean-Pierre Jeunet This marks the first time that Shyama- classic The Sting, the execu- (Amelie), who co-wrote the Short Take: The intersecting stories of lan has done an adaptation of material other tion of that premise is not revenge against arms manufacturers in the screenplay, treats us to some three very different women and their than his own although the screenplay clearly only highly original, it’s also pointed social commentary relationship with motherhood. shows the Shyamalan touch in its verbosity very clever and that scores comedy Micmacs. and gives us an unlikely ReeL taKe: Even more so than Winter’s and its metaphysical allusions. MAJOR points with me. Cleverness has all romance as well. As mentioned earlier, the performances but disappeared from film comedy having Bone, I really, really did not want to watch The film’s complete title is Micmacs a Rodrigo Garcia’s Mother and Child. In are a mixed bag and range from good to been replaced by humiliation, ridicule, and tire-larigot which loosely translates as “non- indifferent to adequate. Put Dev Patel that bane of my cinematic existence, rude spite of good notices, it struck me as one of stop monkey business” and that is a perfect those entirely unnecessary and uncomfort- (Slumdog Millionaire) into the first category and/or crude humor. This movie shows description of what happens during this as Fire Prince Zuko. Shaun Toub and Aasif how you don’t have to be mean or stupid able exercises in unmitigated misery. Like film. I’ve given you the basics but you really Winter’s Bone (see review on page 13) I am Mandvi as his sympathetic uncle and an evil or gross to get laughs. There’s no way you have to see the film for yourself in order general are also memorable. Newcomer can see Micmacs and not leave the theatre happy to say I was wrong. Garcia’s story to appreciate just how everything comes is an unflinchingly raw story of three very Noah Ringer as the title character is mostly without a smile on your face. You might about. This is one of those movies that once OK but that’s all he needs to be. even utter a “wow” or two. different women and their relationship to you’ve watched it and seen how it all works motherhood, and it is good. It is very good. If given half a chance The Last Airbender The basic story couldn’t be simpler. A out you’ll want to watch it again so that you makes for pretty good summer entertain- young Frenchman (Dany Boon – Joyuex Karen (Annette Bening) is a 51 year can revel in all the little details. old woman haunted and hindered by the ment. My audience thoroughly enjoyed it. Noel), whose father was killed by a land This is director Jeunet’s first movie In fairness I should add that I saw this movie mine when he was a child, is accidentally loss of the daughter she gave birth to at since A Very Long Engagement back in 2004 age 14 and was forced to give up for adop- with my daughter who used to watch the old shot in the head with a bullet made by the and let me be among those to say “welcome TV show and she hated it. To each his own. same manufacturer. He survives and swears tion. She is abrupt with and demanding of back!” In addition to giving us a unique and people. She is unlikable and difficult on Ultimately I’m left with the feeling that had revenge on the company. It is his method of engaging take on the standard revenge story, anyone other than Shyamalan directed it then revenge and the people who help him carry the surface, but dig a little deeper and her Jeunet has populated the film with a strong pain is achingly apparent. the critics would have been much kinder. it out that make the movie. cast of French supporting actors including After his injury he loses his job and ‘Movies’ continued on page 25

24 August 2010 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 12 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE film reviews

‘Movies’ continued from pg. 24 she or isn’t she,’ she plays it super cool and aloof (not a stretch for Angelina), so we are Elizabeth not really given the opportunity to warm to Asheville Film Society August Screenings (Naomi Watts) her. This is a strategic mistake on the part of he Asheville Film Society will boxing days show up. Stars Mae West, is a 37 year old the filmmakers if they intended to launch a show the following films on Tues- George Raft and Constance Cummings. attorney on the female Jason Bourne-type franchise. People day nights at 8 p.m. in the Cinema rise. Adopted as the world over root for Jason Bourne be- Lounge at the Carolina Cinema She Done Him a child, she had cause the filmmakers made sure audiences T on Hendersonville Road. Tuesday night Wrong a less than idyllic would not only like him, they would care screenings are free, but membership dues 1933 – Lowell Sher- relationship with about him. for the society are only $10. Membership man. New York singer her adoptive However, taking it on its own, as a gets you into any special members only and nightclub owner family. As a one-time movie, puts it in an entirely dif- events and screenings. Lady Lou has more men result she is now ferent light. I thoroughly enjoyed Salt. It friends than you can a rather icy, emo- was action-packed and smart without being tUeSdaY, aUgUSt  imagine. Unfortunately tionally diffident too clever for its own good. Some critics The Crying Game one of them is a vicious criminal who’s woman who is have said it’s utterly predictable. It certainly escaped and is on the way to see “his” girl, both brutally honest and wickedly toying. has a few of those moments, but judging by 1992 – Neil Jordan. A British soldier is not realising she hasn’t exactly been faith- Lucy (Kerry Washington) is the em- audience reaction when I saw it, most of the kidnaped by IRA terrorists. He befriends ful in his absence. Help is at hand in the pathetic character of the lot. She’s a happy twists and turns worked. one of his captors, who is drawn into the form of young Captain Cummings a local person with a good life, but she feels like The spy genre, action movie is right soldier’s world. Stars Forest Whitaker, temperance league leader though. Stars a failure as a woman and a wife due to her up director Phillip Noyce’s alley (Patriot Stephan Rea and Miranda Richardson. Mae West and Cary Grant. inability to bear a child. When we meet her Games, Clear and Present Danger). Unlike she is looking to adopt a child. Christopher Nolan tUeSdaY, aUgUSt 10 tUeSdaY, aUgUSt 24 The three leads turn in great per- (see Inception Short Cuts formances and are complemented by review on page 23) One, Two, Three 1993 – Robert Altman. The everyday lives 1961 – Billy Wilder. Comedy about a superlative supporting cast. Tying all he doesn’t overplay of a number of Los Angeles residents are three stories together is a nun played or extend the ac- Coca-Cola’s man in West Berlin, who the subject of this loosely-knitted collec- may be fired if he can’t keep his Ameri- by Cherry Jones. Other supporting tion sequences. He tion of short stories. Stars Andie Mc- characters include Samuel L. Jack- keeps everything can boss’s daughter from marrying a Dowell, Jack Lemmon, Julianne Moore, Communist. Stars James Cagney son (who gives a lovely and reserved tight and mov- Lily Tomlin, Robert Downey, Jr. and a performance) as Elizabeth’s boss and ing forward at litany of others. lover, Jimmy Smits as the man who all times, which tUeSdaY, aUgUSt 1 sees past Karen’s hard exterior and S. is probably why tUeSdaY, aUgUSt 17 They Might Be Giants Epatha Merkerson as Lucy’s mother. Angelina Jolie stars as some of the plot Mae West’s 127th Birthday Double Feature 1971 – Anthony Harvey. They Might be All turn in believable and extremely Evelyn Salt, a CIA agent twists that aren’t Giants chronicles the adventures of Sher- likeable performances. All are pivotal accused of being a quite so astonish- Night After Night lock Holmes and Dr. Watson in mod- in the lives our three leads. Russian spy. ing, are at least 1932 – Archie Mayo. A successful ex- ern-day New York City. Stars George C. While I was drawn into the story still effective when boxer buys a high-class speakeasy and Scott and Joanne Woodward. more than I expected, and experienced a launched. I did wonder if some scenes may falls for a rich society girl, who doesn’t gamut of feminine emotions throughout, have been cut that would have drawn us to know about his past. Complications I thought it odd when the story fluxed be- her more, but that’s just pure speculation ensue when some ex-girlfriends from his visit www.ashevillefilm.org tween austere rawness to fits of melodrama. on my part. With her adrenaline pumping I don’t know if this played to the film’s physicality, intense presence and talent, Jolie strengths, but it did offer a bit of respite is the perfect person to play Evelyn Salt. from the backdrop of heartache. All in all Liev Schreiber (Defiance, The Manchurian ing in that it had really good potential but She’s Out of My League. It doesn’t work Mother and Child is a very good, if not alto- Candidate) and Chiwetel Ejiofor (Redbelt) squandered that potential on the inability to — these elements just don’t blend together gether pleasant, story and a worthwhile film. flank her perfectly as the story evolves. decide just what type of film it wanted to be. as the movie lurches awkwardly between Rated R for sexuality, brief nudity, and language. In the end, Salt is a great date night After a very promising opening set in the three different approaches. Much of the flick. It’s non-award contending, yet quality REVIEW BY MICHELLE KEENAN 8th century Britain that gives us the back- blame lies with the derivative and lackluster fare that offers something for everyone. It’s ground on the Nicholas Cage and Alfred screenplay which features no less than five neither an all testosterone action jack nor Salt ∑∑∑1/2 Molina characters, the film switches to the screenwriters. No wonder director Jon Tur- an estrogen-fest. It’s simply pure entertain- present and then tries to be a combina- teltaub (National Treasure), a capable man, Short Take: A CIA agent seeks ment. And if there is a sequel, it’ll probably tion of Harry Potter, Ghostbusters, and was unable to do more with it. vengeance and redemption after being at least be a pretty good ride. Cage and especially Molina as dueling named as a Russian spy, but is she or wizards give Sorcerer’s Apprentice the only isn’t she? Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action. worthwhile moments it has. They know ReeL taKe: CIA agent Evelyn Salt (Ange- REVIEW BY MICHELLE KEENAN the screenplay is crap but that doesn’t keep lina Jolie) is accused of being a Russian spy. them from having a lot of fun with it. Alice That’s pretty much all you need to know. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice Krige as the arch-villainess Morgana makes The rest of Salt is a high octane thrill ride ∑∑ the most of her all too few scenes but she’s a a la Jason Bourne. Indeed by film’s end, 1/2 long way away from Chariots of Fire. that’s exactly what the filmmakers seem Short Take: Disappointing effort from The bulk of the film then falls on the to have in mind. Unfortunately, while it’s Disney suffers from a lack of identity title character played by Jay Baruchel who good, it isn’t that good. Moreover, there’s a and an annoying title character. simply recycles his She’s Out of My League likeability issue. ReeL taKe: The Sorcerer’s Apprentice was performance only here instead of charm- Evelyn Salt is even more of an enigma by far and away the most disappointing of ing us it simply annoys us. When you wind Nicholas Cage and Jay Baruchel than Jason Bourne, minus the amnesia, and the four movies that I had to review for this because they want to keep us guessing ‘is prepare to battle evil forces in month’s issue. It was especially disappoint- The Sorcerer's Apprentice. ‘Movies’ continued on page 26

Vol. 13, No. 12 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — August 2010 25 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE film reviews

‘Movies’ continued from page 25 completely wrong. incapacitated mother in the Jennifer Lawrence plays Ree with a As a viewer you may have rural mountains of Missouri. quiet reserve and dignified strength that up rooting for the bad guys then you know to give it a few minutes at the Dad is a deadbeat and a meth brings both believability and an elegance something’s wrong. beginning to engage you (at cooker with a rap sheet. When of sorts in her. The layers of the characters The story, for what it’s worth, involves first it reminded me in tone and a cop comes to the house one and the story are so nuanced you feel like a nerdy New York City geek who just quality of many entries that my day, Ree learns that her father you are a fly on the wall in someone else’s happens to be Merlin’s chosen successor. colleague Chip Kaufmann and has skipped bail, placing life. The supporting cast, especially John He and his mentor must keep a diabolical I have screened for both the the house up as bond. If he Hawkes as ‘Teardrop’ and Dale Dickey as sorcerer from releasing the spirit of sorcer- Asheville Film Festival and the doesn’t show up for his day Merab contribute greatly to the success of ess Morgana who is trapped inside a Russian Southern Appalachian Interna- in court, they lose the house. this movie. nesting doll called a Grimhold. If she gets tional Film Festival.). For me From there a mystery unfurls, This movie could have very easily out, she plans to use the greatest spell from it also took a few minutes to revealing dark secrets and a fallen into the realm of condescending Merlin’s book which will allow her to raise adapt to the bleak reality of the mistrustful subculture with stereotyping. Instead it creates something the dead and enslave mankind. This spell is Ozark mountain community its own set of rules (kin or no so much more powerful. I am not familiar known as the “Rising” and the question then where the story is set. It’s harsh, kin, they might kill ya). with the work of writer-director Debra becomes not whether they will be able to cruel and near hopeless; if you Jennifer Lawrence One of the things that Granik. Neither am I familiar with the stop her but how they will do it. are like me, you just don’t want takes on the criminal makes Winter’s Bone so novel on which the film is based. I would In order for the movie to live up to its places like that to exist. How- subculture of a back captivating is its absolute lack however hazard a guess that novelist Dani- title and because it’s a Disney film, there is ever, once you are through the country Ozark town of pretense and artiness. The elle Woodrell is likely very pleased with a live action version of the famous Mickey first few minutes, you are in it to save her family in situations the characters find the screen adaptation of her book. That’s Mouse segment of Fantasia where a number until the end. Winter’s Bone. themselves in are presented something you don’t see every day. of brooms and mops get out of control Ree (Jennifer Lawrence, authentically, unapologeti- Rated R for some drug material, language and flooding a room while the apprentice is TV’s The Bill Engvall Show) is a seventeen cally and in a very matter of fact manner. violent content. year old high school dropout, taking care There’s no bemoaning the situation – things powerless to stop it causing the wizard to REVIEW BY MICHELLE KEENAN intervene. They even use the original Paul of two younger siblings and a mentally just are the way they are. Dukas music. It’s cute and it’s clever but it’s not enough to save The Sorcerer’s Appren- tice from its own indecisiveness. Rated PG for fantasy action violence, brief lan- Chip Kaufmann’s Pick: “Journey Michelle Keenan’s Pick: guage, and some mild rude humor. to the Far Side of the Sun” august dvd picks “Memento” REVIEW BY CHIP KAUFMANN

Winter’s Bone ∑∑∑∑ Journey to the Far Side of the good, I think Memento is the better mind Sun – (1969) bender of the two. It’s not as big a budget, Short Take: This year’s big winner at the cast is small (and at the time they Sundance is a stark, captivating and Both Michelle and I were influenced by Christopher Nolan’s Inception (see were relative unknowns). There aren’t unapologetic mystery/drama set in the any great effects, nor is there even a lot of back country of the Ozarks. Michelle’s review on page 23) for our DVD picks this month but, as usual, action, but it is suspenseful, and (I prom- ReeL taKe: I didn’t think I was going to my choice goes a little further back in ise) it does suck you in. like Winter’s Bone. I had read the plot de- cinematic time. Guy Pearce plays Leonard, a man scription and thought it was going to be an Shortly after Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: suffering from short term memory loss over-hyped, trendy little indie film depict- A Space Odyssey (one of the great mind- due to an injury sustained at the time his ing a bleak and condescending caricature benders of all time) came out in 1968, wife was murdered. Her murder is the of rural America. I am happy to say I was this fascinating bit of British sci-fi hit the Journey to the Far Side of the Sun last thing he remembers. He now spends big screen. Journey is loaded with quality harks back to an era when thought pro- his days trying to solve her murder, but special effects and an original storyline voking sci-fi was the norm and a number he cannot create any new memories, so theatre directory that provides food for thought during and of quality films (Five Million Years to he has to be quite crafty in his process. In after the movie. Earth, Silent Running, Solaris, THX- order to successfully investigate, he leaves Beaucatcher Cinemas (asheville) In the near future (the film was made 1138) were made within a few years of himself daily reminders of what he has Movieline (828) 298-1234 in 1969), enlarged photographs show the each other. If you care to time travel learned and what has transpired (pho- existence of an unknown planet located back to that era then this forgotten gem tographs, post it notes and even tattoos Biltmore grande figure prominently). 1-800-FANDANGO #4010 behind the sun. A spaceship, manned by of a movie is an ideal place to start. The two astronauts, is sent to investigate. The film was designed for the big screen so Adding to the intrigue is the way the Carmike 10 (asheville) ship crashes while attempting to land those of you with flat screen TVs are in story is told. Half the story unfolds by Movieline (828) 298-4452 there and what the astronauts discover, for a real treat. moving from past to present. The other Carolina Cinemas takes them to the edge of sanity. half present to past. Meanwhile the narra- (828) 274-9500 Sylvia and Gerry Anderson, the duo tive is told through a series of phone calls Memento – (2000) where Leonard talks about a man who he the Falls theatre (Brevard) responsible for Space 1999 (how many After reviewing Christopher Nolan’s of you remember that show?) did the thinks suffered from the same condition Movieline (828) 883-2200 latest film, Inception, I was prompted to he does. The story is a confusing revela- remarkable production design and the revisit one of his earlier works, the one Fine arts theatre (asheville) movie stars Roy Thinnes (from TV’s tion of puzzle pieces. Movieline (828) 232-1536 that brought him international recogni- Memento is a film truly unlike any The Invaders) and Ian Hendry as the tion. Memento was one of those cin- Flat Rock theatre (Flat Rock) other. It is simple filmmaking and great astronauts who discover a world they ematic experiences I’ll never forget. It was Movieline (828) 697-2463 story telling. If you haven’t seen Memen- never dreamed of. The film is tightly a total brain twister in the best and most directed and features a memorable elec- to in many years, do revisit it. If you have Four Seasons (Hendersonville) entertaining sense. never seen it, I highly recommend it. Movieline (828) 693-8989 tronic score that enhances the mood of It is the type of story I think Nolan surprise and unease. Smoky Mountain Cinema (Waynesville) does best, and while Inception is very Movieline (828) 452-9091

2 August 2010 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 12 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE joe’s brew notes

A Conversation with Terrapin Brew news Brewing Company’s Brewmaster Craggie Brewing intro- duces their Herkulean BRian “SpiKe” BUCKOWSKi IPA in August. Made with Hallertau Herkules Hops (a first in the US) expect a he knowledge and enthusiasm of BY JOE ZINICH smooth, floral flavor and an intense Asheville’s beer lovers, our beer spicy aroma. The high bitterness (18% scene, beer and breweries attracts alpha acids) of the Herkules hops is many craft-brew industry lead- stretch in flavor and style. balanced with Munich and wheat ers. They want to meet us and we For example: A pale ale? No, malts. A touch of roasted rye is added Tbenefit from meeting them. the Rye Pale ale (rye added to for color. Aroma, flavor, bitterness, On a recent visit to the Pint House, the grain bill). A brown ale? and balance puts this beer on my I had an opportunity to speak with Brian No, the Hop Karma Brown Brewmaster and co-owner Brian “Spike” Buckowski definitely-must-try list. (www.crag- “Spike” Buckowski, recognized as a creative IPA (a malty brown, hoppy of Terrapin Brewing Company at the Thirsty Monk. giebrewingco.com) force in the industry. His brews offer flavors IPA hybrid). When Georgia Eight of his craft beers and a cask of Boom Shaka that intrigue, challenge and satisfy. raised the beer alcohol cap to Lager were available to taste. the Brews Cruise brand is poised Brian graduated from college in the 14% in 2005, Spike’s creativ- to rapidly grow and expand. Under early 90’s with a video-communication ity was unleashed. His beer creations would Although Spike has won numerous a license agreement, Mark Lyons degree and a nickname, Spike (based on his be constrained only by his imagination. He awards and recognition from his peers, has passed the reins of leadership of hairstyle at the time). He moved to Atlanta responded with the monster series — Big ultimately he brews to satisfy himself and the Asheville Brews Cruise to Joel for a job and soon after received a call from Hoppy Monster (an imperial red ale), Rye hopes others will enjoy the beers he makes. Bender. Mark’s focus will turn to the a college roommate in CA who told him Squared (the Rye Pale with double the And they must. In the last seven years Ter- expansion of his Bruise Cruise brand about a new phenomenon — home brew- ingredients), Wake-n-Bake Coffee Oatmeal rapin has grown in sales volume from 250 to nationwide; next stop Bend, OR. Joel ing. His friend recommended Spike give it Imperial Stout (brewed with locally roasted about 17,000 bbl/year. plans to build on the Brews Cruise a try and he did. In a short period of time, coffee), and more, all between 8 and 9% Brewers like Spike are important for the tradition with the addition of some his curiosity turned into passion. With his alcohol. These are big beers but balanced in craft brew industry because they push the unique, new tours. Stay tuned. (www. father’s advice in mind (“find something appearance, flavor, and aroma — something flavor envelope and have sales success. Their brewscruise.com) Spike constantly strives to achieve. you’re passionate about, then find a way to celebrity status encourages consumers to try the thirsty Monk has added Chef make a living at it”), it was off to brewing To keep his imagination under control something new and different and brewers to and satisfied, Spike started a “side project” Mark Rosenstein to their culinary school (American Brewers Guild). Soon trust their creativity and take risks. Asheville team. He will help redesign the afterward he became head brewer at Atlanta series in 2008. These are limited-edition, has been and will be visited by other indus- one-time batches which feature a new brew- food menu and plan menus for their Brewing Company where he met John Co- try leaders. It is worth your time to person- beer dinners. Chef Mark is former chran, an equally enthusiastic brewer. ing improvisation that highlights a different, ally meet and speak with them. What a great diverse brewing style. Because of his creative owner and executive chef of the In 1998 Spike and John developed the city for beer lovers. Market Place restaurant in downtown idea for Terrapin Brewing Company (ter- and adventurous approach to brewing, Spike was selected to travel to Belgium and co- Asheville and is credited with starting rapinbeer.com). At that time, many of the Asheville’s whole-food movement. southeast breweries produced beers of simi- design a beer at the De Proefbrouwerij for lar taste and style. However, they wanted to the prestigious Brewmaster’s Collaboration the thirsty Monk South (the Smonk) Series (sbs-imports.com). The result is the For eight years, Joe zinich be more experimental and produce beer un- has been taking a self- is now offering music on Thurs- Monstre Rouge, an imperial Flanders Red constrained by familiar and accepted styles. guided, high-intensity tour day and Saturday nights. No cover. They wanted to make beer that changed the (8.5%) with a complex flavor profile — tart, of the asheville beer scene. Americana music will be featured on way people thought about beer. After 3 years sweet, sour, hoppy and woody. It is current- Contact him at: jzinich@ Thursdays and Blues/Americana on of failing to attract investors, they started ly available on draught at the Thirsty Monk bellsouth.net. Saturdays. (www.monkpub.com) Terrapin by contract-brewing. in Asheville (monkpub.com). In early 2002 Spike released his Rye Pale Ale into the Athens, GA market; it was an instant success and won a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival. In 2004 his second creation, an extreme cream ale Clingman Café presents “imaginary Friends” (since modified to a golden) was successful- ly introduced and won a silver medal at that hree mediums, three perspectives, whether dark, humorous or absurd. Degree in Clay from Haywood Commu- same festival — 2 years, 2 beers, 2 medals three unique approaches to narrative Julie Armbruster has a Masters in nity College Craft School as well as a BA in — not bad. Sales grew rapidly and by 2007, expression. Come meet the many painting from New York University. She Psychology from the University of North investors had found them. They opened T characters inhabiting the minds of is currently a River Arts District Artist Carolina, Asheville. She is a River Arts Dis- their brewery and tasting room in Athens. painter Julie Armbruster, papier-mâché with a studio in the Wedge Building. trict Artist whose work can be found locally From the start Athens was the planned sculpture Tiffany Ownbey and ceramic Tiffany Ownbey is a self-taught at Curve Studios and Garden. home for the brewery. The University of artist Patty Bilbro. papier-mâché artist Georgia, the small town feel, the respect Each artist uses and holds a BFA for the environment, and the music scene narrative imagery in ceramics and The Work of Julie appealed to them. Both John and Spike are iF to evoke curios- printmaking from YOU Armbruster, Tiffany music fans and the name Terrapin comes ity, self-reflection, Western Carolina Ownbey and Patty Bilbro, from the Grateful Dead’s album “Terrapin imagination and University. Her work gO on display through Station”. The Terrapin logo, a turtle with a emotion challenging was recently shown August 31, 2010, Opening banjo, fits in with their slow, easy, long- the viewer to place in Yokohama, Japan. Reception Friday, August 6 term approach, and Athens music scene. themselves in the Patty Bilbro from 5 to 7 p.m. at Clingman Café, 242 Spike’s beers are always different, a midst of the story holds an Associate Clingman Avenue in Asheville.

Vol. 13, No. 12 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — August 2010 27 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE contemplation & creativity

‘Asheville Ballet’ continued from page 8 national Exchange Program that will bring four brilliant young ballerinas Diary of an Artistic Shut-In Asheville Youth Symphony, over 25 perfor- from Thailand, Japan and Sweden to mances of “Christmas at Biltmore” with the Asheville. Do not miss their perfor- My Drawing Workshop with Francesco Lombardo Biltmore Estate, multiple school and retire- mances in our season productions. ment community shows, and introductory Finally, the official school of y close lecture/demos for international performanc- The Asheville Ballet, The Asheville friends BY GREG VINEYARD es hosted Academy of Ballet and Contemporary know I’m by Asheville Dance, is taking registration now for secretly that now houses 28 Bravo and Fall classes in Classical Ballet, Mod- content art studios. It has Diana ern, Partnering, Jazz, Tap, Broadway Mto create art in front a stopped-in-time Wortham Dance, Jazz, Creative Movement for of an endless stream look, with two Theatre. Children, and Zumba! of B-grade sci-fi classroom wings This The Asheville Ballet is one of shows about giant flanking a center year we are Asheville’s three oldest and strongest lizards and meteors auditorium. also proud non-profit arts organizations. We thrive careening toward Frank set up to announce because we believe that bigger is not Earth. This could multiple models On December 9-12 we the reforma- better, and newer is not better – good easily make me around the room, present Tchaikovsky’s tion of The is better. And because we live here “Activity-Adjacent”; gave some initial “The Nutcracker.” Asheville year-round, we can perform monthly, however, as I’ve instruction and Chamber weekly, daily, to help fulfill our commu- conveyed previ- then consistently, Ballet, known formerly as ADDANCE nity’s artistic needs. ously, getting out is patiently roved – Ann Dunn and Dancers) – a small group GOOD for Cre- amongst the group, of professional dancers, much like a string atives, so I try to fol- offering individual quartet, available for bookings in non-tra- instruction and tips For more information low my own advice ditional spaces for events, churches and iF now and then. I love Francesco Lombardo in his to each of us. I got please call (828) 258- Marshall High studio. schools. Call for bookings. YOU 1028 or visit www. to draw, so when some excellent re- This year we are also very happy to gO ashevilleballet.com Francesco (“Frank”) minders about how announce our participation in an Inter- Lombardo in Marshall announced a full- to draw what I was seeing. Yet at the same day life-drawing workshop, I overrode time, Frank also let us express ourselves my primal instinct to Nest and signed up in our own styles. This is a fine balance to immediately. Which gave me a great excuse achieve in teaching, where students feel to go to True Blue in downtown Asheville welcome, and OK as they are, as well as to upgrade my drawing supplies. Twice. constructively critiqued. ‘Cause I “needed” ten more shades of Frank’s philosophy regarding instruc- Conté Crayon. tion: “…after someone first learns and then successfully does something, they continue to improve their knowledge on the subject Through the process, I grew by offering to teach it. Through the process to understand my own of articulating the methods of an art form like figure drawing to a class of students, intention and technique. I grow to understand even better my own intention and technique. This cycle of So I was excited, but also a little anx- learning, doing and then teaching contin- ious. Frank, who currently has a portrait ues to refine my clarity on the subject of hanging in the Smithsonian, is an expert fine art making.” in the fine art method and can tell people a Frank’s teaching style is purposeful, thing or two about how to capture the hu- genuine and generous. Even a Shut-In can man form. Since I’m, like, a hundred years feel comfortable and learn something. I had old, my original lessons were in Rimmer’s a great day. Leaving the house and interact- “Art Anatomy” fine art style … but how ing with the other humans – even if you’re would I fit in all these years later with my a little nervous about it – is totally worth the now loose (understatement), expressive effort and time spent. Don’t even let a Shark (read: more looseness) attempts scribbled Movie Marathon stop you! (Trust me, on newsprint? And what about my freak- they’ll re-run it.) There’s quality instruction ish figurative proportions and my tendency available all over the region. And if you want to bleed limbs off the edges of the paper? to draw or paint in Marshall with Frank, Would a Michaelangelo-esque artist at contact him at www.francescolombardo. the next easel “shush!” me while trying to com or www.theislandstudio.com. focus on capturing the nuances of light and shadow on a clavicle? What if the model hates my drawing? greg vineyard is an artist I drove on up to Marshall with these and creative consultant fears in mind. I even had extra time for in asheville’s River arts district. He and his my self-centered nonsense while I waited Ceramics for Contemplation patiently at both of downtown’s red & Creativity can be found at lights before turning left over the bridge Constance Williams gallery, 9 Riverside dr. to Blanahassett, the French Broad-sur- Open every day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. visit rounded island with its 1925 high school www.CURvestudiosnC.com.

28 August 2010 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 12 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE restaurants & wine

Hot August Whites august at the Weinhaus tuesday, august 17 pinK Wine at nigHt, dRinKeR’S deLigHt The Corner Kitchen with chef Joe Scully will host a fine wine dinner. Come to this y second mea culpa this sum- But before this reads like I am pitching prestigious restaurant that was the choice BY MICHAEL PARKER mer: I have long rolled my for pinks over whites; they are to be loved of President Obama on his recent visit to Asheville. Event begins at 7 p.m. The cost eyes when people say, “I prefer equally and equally revered. Here’s a list Raffaldini, Vermentino, Yadkin River is $65 all inclusive. Please call the Weinhaus white wines in summer,” be- of not-so-common summer wines. Please Valley, North Carolina 2008 ($23) Pricey, for reservations at (828) 254-6453. cause it is one of those lines you pardon my hot air: but good. Our state’s Raffaldini winery Mhear countless times by people speaking it Friday, august 27 Broadbent, vinho verde, Portugal, produces a good quality, native-to-Sar- for points. (Some of those people believe Friday night flights at the Weinhaus will non-vintage ($11) Pronounced /VIN-yo/ dinia Vermentino. Aromatic, with thirst- me when I tell them they are supposed to feature The Wines of Southern France, an and translated to green wine, this always quenching acidity, and a surprisingly pleas- swirl their white wine counterclockwise exploration of a country famous for its fine refreshing white is to be drunk while still ant hint of its North American soil. wines. The price is $10 for a tasting and light and their reds clockwise. Morons.) “green,” never aged. There is a delightful hors d’ouvres. From 5 to 7 p.m. Held at the To be fair. They are correct, even little bit of spritz in this one. Some labels elk Cove, Rosé of Pinot Noir 2009 ($20) Weinhaus, 86 Patton, Ave. in Asheville. if obvious. I had to be different. I had have more. Ask Strawberries, nice body, smooth and silky. to recommend Love it. Saturday, august 28 your wine shop The Slow Food Convivium will join the reds in summer. staffer. Always and con- It's a great season to delight Chateau de annibals, Rosé, Coteaux Va- Weinhaus for a fund raiser promoting fresh Fred Loimer, rois en Provence, France 2009 ($20) Lots local foods in the schools. This will be a sistently confess- tasting featuring fresh local foods and global ing my love for in the minerals and multiple Gruner Veltliner and lots of rosé comes from this region so it must be shopped with care and questions wines. Event begins at 5:00 p.m. The cost is the whites of the fruit nuances, to reinforce “Lois”, Austria $10. No reservations needed. whole world, I 2008 ($15) If I had for your wine shop staffer. This particular and add to your knowledge of bottle is from a winemaker who clearly, if was also as guilty to pick a white The Weinhaus as those I criti- whites, and pinks as well. for a favorite, it not pinkly, understands how to work with the palette of varietals provided by the 86 Patton Avenue in Asheville cized for think- would certainly be (828) 254-6453 ing that red wine Austria’s Gruner south of France. drinking is a higher level of existence. Veltiner, for its label-to-label consis- Red has more stuff. More oomph. Stuff tency (I’ve never had an ordinary one), and oomph are good. its minerals, and its lemony appeal. This In the current heat wave, however, bottle packs a good texture along with the big reds can be more than potentially minerals. annUaL CLaSSiCS and CHOCOLate COnCeRt intoxicating, they can be disturbing. Too Haywood County Arts Council’s Summertime, They Can’t Take That Skouras, Rhoditis/Moscophilero, Greece much red wine in the summer can make annual concert pairs the highest quality Away From Me, and Someone to Watch 2009 ($9) Greek wines need to be bought you feel like garbage. On the white side, it live musical performance with a sumptu- Over Me. For more information please wisely and with guidance in the shop. is a great season to delight in the minerals ous all-chocolate reception. This year’s visit www.haywoodarts.org. Some taste like pine resin, and others are and multiple fruit nuances, to reinforce concert features Lisa Odom, soprano and just white wine but with, of course, vary- iF YOU gO: The Haywood County and add to your knowledge of whites, and Fabio Parrini, piano. ing quality and tastes. For this delightful Arts Council presents Lisa Odom and pinks as well. For a sneak preview choice, Rhoditis gives the wine a thirst- Fabio Parrini in concert, It is also a good time for many drink- listen to Lisa Odom and quenching acidity. Moscophilero lends it Saturday, August 21 at 7:30 ers to check the alcohol percentage as stat- Fabio Parrini on WCQS fragrance and spice. p.m. at the Performing ed on the label. Our bodies experiencing radio with host Dick Kowal Arts Center, 250 Pigeon summer heat appreciate less in our wine Flavio Federico, Bianco Veneto, Italy non- on Friday, August 13 at 2 Street in Waynesville, NC. – but not to suggest reduced or de-alcohol- vintage, one liter ($9) This is a bargain. p.m. The August 21 pro- Tickets are $15 per person. ized wines, Lord no! Under that plain, boring label is quality gram will include favorite Call (828) 452-0593 for There are several delightful choices, and quantity, a simplistic refresher with Gershwin songs such as, Lisa Odom Fabio Parrini tickets and information. usually a touch sweeter than standard surprisingly nice texture. whites. Riesling is often, but not always, somewhat sweet. Moscato, often with a little bit of fizz inside, and a full-on fizz in the form of Prosecco, both in white and pink, are widely available and highly recommended. Great values & styles Pink wine is not for sissies. (Well, it is, but my point is the existence of so many FREE Wine Tastings on Saturdays wine drinkers who are afraid to depart from something erroneously called white from 2 to 5 p.m. zinfandel or white merlot should not lend Tasting wine is not only fun, but it presents a chance to learn about any reputation to those of us who are will- wine and what it is about a particular wine that you like, or don't ing to be wiser.) like. You can sip while you shop. Find some new favorites — try Good quality pink, rosé, rosado – a couple of troublemaking winemakers call it it before you buy it. We will usually have a few whites and a few blush – is indeed good quality, with more reds open, with the occassional guest speaker. Please stop by! flavor, more pronounced fruit, more body. www.theashevilleWineguy.com As sparkling wine, it is almost always a better, more distinguished product than its Wine Retail ~ Tastings ~ Wine Classes 555 Merrimon ave. white version. Great wines for any occasion and budget. (828) 254-500

Vol. 13, No. 12 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — August 2010 29 RAPID RIVER ARTS stage preview ACT’s 2010-11 Mainstage Season

here’s never been a better time to BY JANNA HOEKEMA “Get in on the ACT!” Asheville Community Theatre turns 65 this a hot rock opera that follows a group of year but we feel younger than ever. bohemians struggling in modern day New T To celebrate our youthful exuber- York. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; ance we’ve put together a season bursting Sundays at 2:30 p.m. with music, energy, humor, and intrigue. We encourage subscriptions through Arsenic and Old Lace our flex passes which offer a 15% discount on shows, vouchers for concessions, flexibil- april 22 – May 1, 2011 ity and discounts on tickets when you bring A delightful comic concoction which a friend. For our Mainstage shows, you can mimics the cozy charm and ingenious plot- purchase either 6 ticket flex passes for $112 ting of an Agatha Christie whodunit. Poison ($97 for seniors) or 4 ticket flex passes for has never been so much fun. Fridays and $74 ($65 for Seniors). Individual tickets to Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 2:30 p.m. any of our Mainstage show are $22 adults, $19 senior and students (with an ID). The Dixie Swim Club Oliver! June 10-19, 2011 This Jones-Hope-Wooten comedy fol- September 17 – October , 2010 lows five Southern women who set aside a This little pickpocket will steal your long weekend every August to recharge the heart. Based on the Dickens novel, Oliver! friendships formed on their college swim will engage the audience with its pathos team. By Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and and drama, while delighting everyone with Jamie Wooten. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 its outstanding musical numbers. Musical p.m.; Sundays at 2:30 p.m. direction by Chuck Taft. Directed by Jerry Crouch. Fridays and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Honky Tonk Angels Sundays at 2:30 p.m. august 5 – 21, 2011 A Christmas Story Meet three women from three very different backgrounds who meet by chance december 2 -12, 2010 on the bus to Nashville. This funny country Peace, harmony, comfort and joy? musical will delight with thirty country Everyone knows what nine-year-old Ralphie classics songs. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 Parker wants for Christmas: an official p.m.; Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot range model air rifle - with a compass in the stock. Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Satur- days and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. iF The 2010-2011 Mainstage YOU Season. Flex Passes $65-$112 Rent gO for 4 or 6 tickets. February 18-27, 2011 Tickets: $22 adults; $19 seniors and students. Online No day but today. ACT is proud to at www.ashevilletheatre.org or by present the 1996 Tony Award winning Rent, calling (828) 254-1320.

0 August 2010 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 12 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE thoreau’s garden

The Indoor Linden Tree BY PETER LOEWER

ccording to the last in larger containers rather than working reference book in pots. The species is Africana devoted to the deriva- and in its native land the other tions and changes within common name is African hemp scientific nomenclature because the fibers of this plant A— or Hortus III, there are three are used in making cloth, having species of the genus Sparman- the linden moniker because the nia. All are shrubs in their native leaves are similar to the linden South Africa, and one makes tree found all over Europe. an excellent plant for the home Formally, the indoor linden during the winter. Known as the was a member of the Tiliaceae indoor linden tree, this is a great- family, which is now included in looking plant that loves to sit Malvaceae. outdoors in open shade during These large, soft leaves are the summer. angled and lobed, usually up to The genus is named in eight inches long, and covered honor of a Swedish traveler, one with a silk down that glistens Dr. Anders Sparrman (1748- in the sunlight. Even the stems 1820), who accompanied Captain retain a few silky hairs long after Cook on his second voyage and their surface has matured to enjoyed a very exciting life as he bark. Clusters of two-inch white sailed on endless seas. Begin- flowers appear in many-flowered ning as a disciple of Linnaeus umbels, usually in mid-spring (the founder of all contemporary and each flower has four smaller botanical nomenclature), Spar- white petals that surround a rman first traveled to the East bunch of purple-tipped stamens. Indies and China working as a The stamens slowly spread apart ship’s doctor and collecting plant Illustration by Peter Loewer when they are touched by fingers and animal specimens that were or a gentle breeze. unknown to European science. These are fast-growing Then he joined the great These are fast-growing plants, plants, usually flowering when Captain Cook on the HMS usually flowering when only only two feet high but they Resolution, where they voy- continue to grow up to eight feet aged to the chill of the Antarctic, two feet high. in the home and over twenty followed by a incredible sail to feet outside in a USDA Zone 9 the interior of the Western Cape of Africa where he found, climate, which seems to be waiting in the Asheville wings as in addition to heat, an incredible collection of fantastic flora our summers get hotter and hotter. A search online will find and amazing fauna unfortunately often tarnished by witness- a number of sources for these handsome plants. ing the horrors of the active slave trade. Dr. Sparrman returned to Sweden in the late 1770s where he was appointed the curator of the Cabinet of Natu- peter Loewer, shown here, examining ral History of the Swedish Academy of Sciences. But thanks the blossoms of early-blooming to his incredible discoveries he soon ran up against all the Lenten roses, is a well-known writer cheap jealousies his so-called compatriots nourished their and botanical artist who has written egos upon plus an amazing amount of bureaucratic corrup- and illustrated more than twenty-five tion. books on natural history over the He died in bankruptcy and was buried in a common past thirty years. grave. His namesake, the indoor linden, is usually grown

vOLUnteeRS needed FOR tHe paRKWaY’S 75tH anniveRSaRY CeLeBRatiOn The Blue Ridge Parkway will call 1-800-228-7275. You can choose Working alongside Park staff, you officially mark its 75th Anniversary which dates and times you are avail- can be part of this historical event with a weekend celebration on Sep- able to volunteer. and help ensure all our visitors have tember 10-12, 2010. About 400 vol- “The Blue Ridge Parkway was a memorable and safe visit.” unteers are needed for parking and created 75 years ago with the hopes The events will be held in two traffic control, as well as program- that it would connect the communi- primary locations – at the Blue ming and interpretive activities. ties and the people in Appalachia,” Ridge Music Center at Milepost Signing up to volunteer is said Blue Ridge Parkway Superin- 213 near Galax, Virginia, and at quick and simple by visiting www. tendent Phil Francis. “The Parkway Cumberland Knob at Milepost 217 blueridgefriends.org and clicking on is calling on those same communi- near the Virginia-North Carolina the Volunteer for the BRP 75th link ties and people to help us make our line. All activities are free and open right on the home page. You can also 75th anniversary event a success. to the public.

Vol. 13, No. 12 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — August 2010 1 Another Great Summer Season RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE Wd WffWbWY^_Wd[l[d_d] asheville shops June 26 Balsam Range July 3 Paul’s Creek Band July 10 Lonesome River Band A Quarter Century Later June 26 Balsam Range July 17 Alice Gerrard and July 3 Paul’sThe Kari Creek Sickenberger Band Band the Chocolate Fetish is JulyJuly 10 24 LonesomeDismembered River Tennesseans Band Still Expanding JulyJuly 17 31 AliceDehlia Gerrard Low and The Kari Sicken- berger Band Aug. 7 The Kruger Brothers n the business world there is an old July 24 Dismembered BY DENNIS RAY Aug. 14 New North Carolina Ramblers saying: “Grow or go.” Bill, Sue, and Tennesseans Elizabeth Foley, owners of The Choco- Aug. 21 Jeff Little Trio July 31 Dehlia Low late Fetish, have taken the former and product and service but Aug. 28 The Farewell Drifters Aug. 7 The Kruger Brothers Iexpanded their award-winning store, practi- not always taking the safe cally tripling their original retail space. This and well-worn path. Aug. 14 NewAll concerts North at 7:30Carolina pm in ourRamblers historic air-conditioned auditorium now allows them to offer a wider range of “Actually,” says Bill, Aug. 21$15Jeff adults, Little $5 studentsTrio (k-12), children free. product and more room for their customers “small business own- Season tickets (10 shows) $120 adults, $40 students (k-12) Aug. 28 The Farewell Drifters to comfortably move about. In addition they ers though out history Bill Foley, co-owner of the Chocolate Fetish, Come early and enjoy an authentic Appalachian dinner, expanded their production and packaging have been known for speaks with a reporter about the store’s expansion. served at 5:00 and 6:15 pm in our dining room. Reservations required. area to increase efficiency. their willingness to take “Before, on busy days,” Bill says, “ we chances. To decide to become self-em- voltage lights on wires that concentrate light had lines stretching out the door and people ployed is to take risk. Most small business on the specific task area without brightly waiting in the weather to come in. We have owners understand that in order to com- illuminating the room floor to ceiling. “The a lot of loyal customers and couldn’t have pete with the national competition, they employees actually can see better now than 121 Schoolhouse Road them waiting outside because the retail shop have to take risks.” before with the new task lights and we Stecoah, NC was full. Now everyone can freely move Expanding during a down turned econ- create less heat and save on electricity for (828) 479-3364 about in our air conditioned show room.” omy is understood to be a risky business lighting as well as cooling” he says. StecoahValleyCenter.com While many businesses across the coun- decision. But within days of their finished He also had to redesign the front try are cutting costs, cutting jobs and pulling expansion and ribbon cutting on June 10 room’s lighting as well. “In the Chocolate back the Foleys have once again proved the Chocolate Fetish has seen a significant business,” he adds, “you are always aware of the secret to success is not only a superior increase of sales as well as the immediate heat and light because light makes heat. In satisfaction of new and old customers. the past it was really hard to properly light a display case. Too much light and the chocolate melts. Too little and the customer has a hard time see- AppEveRapidRiverAd.indd 1 5/10/10 3:11:38 PM ing the product. Today with LED lighting and improved fluorescent technology it’s a whole new world. You get bright light with less heat The Asheville Symphony and and lower energy cost.” Pack Square Conservancy Bill worked with local ar- chitects, contractors and artists present a in designing the new space. He * also expressed the need to make FREE CONCERT everything more efficient. The air in needed to circulate with less energy Pack Square Park Elizabeth Foley, (lower right), during used. Doorways needed to be put the celebration. in so walking from one station to the next required fewer steps. The Labor Day “This looks like it will be our biggest customer, he demanded, must be able to see Monday summer yet,” Bill says, “and we’ll be cel- the chocolate making process with an easy September 6, 2010 ebrating our 25th year starting in January.” view. He also wanted the new store to be Not only is the space larger but also more customer friendly with low counters, 7pm the entire shop has been completely re- wide-open spaces and wide doorways. modeled and redecorated with a delicate “Everyone,” Bill says, “should be blending of the past with the present. The able to come in here and experience the technology the Foleys use in lighting and wonders and childlike joy that a chocolate cooling is state of the art; and keeping with shop offers.” the times, quite green. To capture the symbolism and artistry “We wanted our business to be as green of the old world and an old time choco- as possible with increased use of natural late store the Foleys purchased two pairs light and the use of low heat directional of handcrafted display cases dating back to LED lights,” says Bill. “We also painted 1895. The seven-foot tall, almost eleven- using non VOC paints.” Volatile Organic foot long solid hardwood cases feature Compounds (VOC) are pollutants that con- ornamental carvings from a bygone era of tribute to smog, can cause lung and breath- American craftsmanship. They were made ing disorders and they are also part of our in Asheville and have been used in finer greenhouse gas emissions. local stores ever since. Bill found them in for tickets and more informATION Instead of having to light all of each a downtown warehouse where they were back workroom Bill utilized moveable low being prepped for shipment to an auction 828.254.7046 U www.ashevillesymphony.org

2 August 2010 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 12 RAPID RIVER ARTS asheville shops

In addition to the expanded merchandise, they have developed 15 new products ranging from truffle to rochers and sea- sonally offered items. And, as always, they use only the finest ingredients and all their signature products are made in small batches to assure maximum freshness. Their chocolate does not contain chemical preserva- tives or vegetable oils. “The world is a better Sue Foley (lower left) mingles with customers place with chocolate,” a during the opening. French scholar once noted. Indeed, the world is, and in Atlanta. They were in remarkably good now with The Chocolate Fetish’s updated shape. He had them cleaned and polished expansion, things are perhaps a little brighter to a warm glow. A local craftsman then tied and oh so sweet. everything together using matching woods and finishes which mimic the patina of age. “If you work with wood or simply enjoy looking at fine wood craftsmanship the Chocolate Fetish inc. it is worth a visit. Elizabeth plans to exhibit  Haywood Street, asheville future chocolate sculpture in these wonder- (828) 258-25 ful old cases. This was truly a way to think www.chocolatefetish.com green and recycle.” Bill says.

www.seeexpo.com 10th Annual Southern Energy & Aug 20–22, 2010 Environment Expo WNC Ag Center Fletcher, North Carolina

Vol. 13, No. 12 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — August 2010  RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE youth culture

March 5, 2011, ACT is Bursting With Offerings for Youth 2:0 p.m. his year Asheville Community Class begins January 3, 2011. Performances Struggle For BY JANNA HOEKEMA Theatre is offering new and exciting March 11-13. Kids ages 11-15. Cost: $300 Freedom – Best for ages 8-adult. performances and classes for youth. per class. October 2, 2:0 p.m. Classes are offered for beginners This production Jack’s Adventure in American His- and advanced students, for young annie Jr. is an illuminat- T What girl hasn’t dreamed of performing the tory – Best for ages 6-12. Packed ing look at the and old, and in many different genres. with audience participation, this Teachers are local actors, directors, musi- title role? The bright, tuneful score is easy American Civil high-energy show is loved by adults Sadie’s Spectacular Saturday cians, and other theatrical professionals. to sing and filled with familiar numbers. Rights move- Class Begins April 18, 2011. Performances and children alike! ment. neW pROdUCtiOn CLaSSeS! June 23-25. Cost: $300 per class. december 18, 10:00 am May 7, 2011, These new classes offer an amazing op- Other Tanglewood Youth Theatre classes Once Upon A Time – Best for 2:0 pm portunity for the full Mainstage experience are offered either after-school ages 3-10. Jack & the Beanstalk and Jack’s Adven- of preparing, developing and rehearsing a or during the day. More Cinderella are hysterically brought ture in North musical production. Each culminates in a details can be found at www. to life in this high-energy comic Carolina History public performance on the ACT Mainstage. ashevilletheatre.org. masterpiece. – Best for ages Payment plans are available. 6-12. This 45- alice in Wonderland, Jr. BRigHt StaR tOURing tHeatRe december 18, 2:0 pm minute celebra- This fast-paced stage adaptation of Alice in Saturday Performances at Asheville Com- A Dickens Tale – Best for ages African Folktales tion will leave Wonderland features updated dialogue and munity Theatre on the 8-adult. Join our actors as they every young new arrangements of such classic Disney Mainstage. $5 a show magically recreate Victorian England in this Tarheel swelling with pride! This produc- songs as “I’m Late,” “The Un-birthday with tickets available at retelling of Charles Dickens, A Christmas tion matches the NC History Standards. Song” and “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah.” Class the door. Carol. June 18, 2011 10:00 am begins August 17. Performances October March 5, 2011, 10:00 a.m. October 2, 10:00 a.m. African Folktales – Best for ages 3 to adult. 22-24. Kids ages 7-14. Cost: $300 per class. Sadie’s Spectacular Saturday – Best for ages The Lady of Bullyburg Celebrate world cultures, literature and the 3-10. Sadie the caterpillar has started classes thirteen – Best for ages 3-10. Join art of African storytelling! at a brand new school. This bug-filled A story every kid can relate to, 13 The Lady Kindness in this anti-bullying fairy adventure teaches good judgment, kindness, Musical is a heartfelt, coming of age musi- tale as she embarks on a journey to save her friendship and respect! cal that deals with issues such as fitting in, town from a visiting bully. iF Youth Theatre Production growing up, and discovering who you are. Classes and Performances. YOU More information available by gO calling (828) 254-1320, or visit www.ashevilletheatre.org. Free Labor Day Concert in the Park

n Monday September 6, 2010 the and education of the people of Western purchased by September 2. A rain date is Asheville Symphony Orchestra North Carolina. set for Tuesday, September 7, 2010. and Pack Square Conservancy Beginning at 7 p.m. music will fill The concert is made possible by a O join forces to replace the work- the park for 90 minutes. Bring lawn grant from The Chaddick Foundation day woes with a world class concert in chairs, blankets and a picnic and find a and is a benefit for both 501(c)3 organiza- Pack Square Park. space on the lawn for free. Or sit in com- tions. Radio Media Sponsor is WCQS In celebration of their 50th Anniver- fort with a reserved seat up close to the 88.1 – Western North Carolina Public sary, members of the Symphony will per- performers for $20. Radio. All proceeds from the event will be form on the new Bascom Lamar Lunds- Tickets to a V.I.P. pre-concert recep- shared by Asheville Symphony Orchestra ford Stage in the park’s Roger McGuire tion with hors d’oeuvres and beverages, and Pack Square Conservancy. Green. The concert will be conducted by plus preferred seating are $50 and must be Symphony Music Director, Dan- iel Meyer featuring light classical selections including Rossini’s iF Visit the Symphony Finale to the William Tell Over- YOU website at www. ture, Bizet’s Suite from Carmen, ashevillesymphony.org gO or call (828) 254-7046 and selections from Rogers and for more information Hammerstein, John Williams, about the concert and to and John Phillip Sousa. purchase tickets, or to inquire about As a steward of the 6.5 acre subscription tickets for the upcoming renovated park, Pack Square 50th Anniversary Season. Conservancy is committed to To find out more about Pack Square providing quality programs such Conservancy, make a contribution, learn as this concert for the entire about sponsorship opportunities, or community. The Conservancy arrange a private tour of the park, contact Drawing by 12-year-old Cara Levy. supports the Symphony as it per- the Conservancy at (828) 252-2300, or Cara loves drawing, and tries her best forms and promotes symphonic to draw anime/manga, a complex Daniel Meyer, Music Director of the Asheville visit www.packsquarepark.org. Japanese art form. She wants to be music for the benefit, enjoyment an artist, graphic designer, or a manga Symphony. Photo: Michael Morel cartoonist when she grows up.

4 August 2010 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 12 ARTS & CULTURE youth culture JOSepH RatHBOne ReCOMMendS

his month I am going to review BY JOSEPH RATHBONE, AGE 11 three movies, Eclipse, The Last Airbender and The Sorcerer’s Ap- The Last Airbender. November 1-14, 2010 prentice, plus I’ll talk a little about a I give it four stars because Fourth of July festival. there is constant action buy TickeTs oNliNe TThis year I had the opportunity to visit throughout the entire www.aicff.org Brevard for their annual Fourth of July festi- movie and good special effects. Though the val. It’s one of the better local festivals and 3D is not very good and most critics hated it is fun for all ages. It hosts a huge car show the film’s plot, I found it enjoyable and fun. Come celebrate the best and tons of vendors and crafts, plus activities The storyline is about Ang, a.k.a. The Last in international children’s like face painting and a bicycle race through Airbender (Noah Ringer), gathering follow- cinema with 125 films town. Also at 3 p.m. the mayor reads the ers to fight the Firenation while he is on the Declaration of Independence. Worth seeing run. It’s based on a children’s cartoon of the from 30 countries. if you get a chance next year. same name so don’t go in expecting to see You’ll see films that are Eclipse. I give it two stars because I’m The Sixth Sense. I recommend The Last a boy. First of all, the only reason I saw this Airbender for kids eight and up. inspiring, magical and movie is because my mom wanted me to see The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. I give it four one-of-a-kind. it and I had nothing better to do. This movie and a half stars because it is full of action, had very, very little action and it is mainly plus it has a lot of humor. The special effects just a boring romance. Plus Jacob (Taylor are pretty good but some of the story lines left: magic Carpet. Above: On my Way. Lautner) never wears a shirt. The storyline are a little strange. The story revolves around Below (l-R): Chills and Thrills, Creature Comforts was all about Bella (Kristen Stewart) trying Dave (Jay Baruchel) becoming a powerful to stay alive and get the point across to Jacob sorcerer. He is taught by Master sorcerer that she likes Edward (Robert Pattinson) but Balthazar Blake (Nicolas Cage). Overall it is a not him. The acting is dull and the special very good movie and I recommend it for kids effects average. I recommend this movie for 10 and up. A special thank you to Carmike 10 all teen-aged girls. and Beaucatcher Cinemas! For information visit www.aicff.org or call (828) 298-4789

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Vol. 13, No. 12 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — August 2010 5 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE what to do guide ™

Friday, Monday, august 9 august  Concerts at Staying Healthy with events at Waynesville St. Matthias Church essential Oils Jonas gerard Fine art Celebrates Concerts start at 3 p.m. Held every 2nd Monday from 7 to art after 8:30 p.m. at Fitness Soullutions, 475 Friday, august 1 dark Sunday, august 1 – Concert S. Church, Hendersonville. Overview Gallery Open After Hours from featuring the Biltmore Brass of essential oils and bringing natural 6 to 8 p.m. The Waynes- tiful Maggie Valley sunset. For more Quintet. healing into your everyday life. Free, Saturday, ville Gallery but must reserve space. Call Judy Ray information visit www.haywoodcom- Association Sunday, august 8 – Concert at (828) 553-8146. august 14 munityband.org or call John Barrett at presents Art featuring two jazz bass players. Painting (828) 452-5553, or Bob Hill at (828) After Dark tuesday, august 10 & 24 Perfor- 452-7530. Our next concert will be on from 6 to 9 Sunday, august 15 – Concert by mance at September 19 in Maggie Valley. p.m. Enjoy a stroll through working the Sweetwater Trio (dulcimer). Free Unity and Mystic Heart 2 p.m. studios and galleries on Main Street, A free-will offering will be taken Universe guided Meditations august 21-2 Depot Street, and the Historic Frog for the restoration of the beauti- Two free monthly guided Medita- Friday, august 27 Healing touch Level 1 Level. Above: “Icon for a Sun Lover” Abstracts in Bloom, Opening ful and historic church. St. Mat- tions via teleconference calls. This For all those interested in learning the by Sylvia Everett can be seen during thias’ Church is over 100 years month’s calls are Unity Meditation, Reception from 5 to 8 p.m. the artist’s reception at Gallery 86. program many clinics and hospitals old and is on the national historic Tuesday, August 10, from 8 to 9 p.m. September 11, 2010 currently use. 18 CEU’s for RN’s and register. The church is located in EST, and Mystic Heart Universe Friday, august  Painting Performance. LMBT’s. No previous training neces- Asheville just off South Charlotte Meditation, Tuesday, August 24, sary. Held in Hendersonville. Call for the Comedy of errors Street at Max Street on the hill from 8 to 9 p.m. EST. Jonas gerard Fine art location and more details. Saturday & Asheville Community Theatre’s across from the Asheville Public From your heart center, in the rhythm 240 Clingman avenue Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tanglewood Youth Theatre Sum- Works Building (1 Dundee St.). of your heartbeat, your Mystic Heart asheville, nC Call Judy Ray at (828) 553-8146. mer Camp presents one of William is waiting to be awakened more fully Shakespeare’s earliest plays, and one to the qualities of love, kindness and (828) 50-7711 Friday, august 27 www.jonasgerard.com which is considered the most farcical. august 7 & 8 compassion in complete wholeness. Moni Hill Two sets of identical twins who were 8th annual Celebrate the Unity of your Oneness Folk art separated at birth end up in the same with all that is! To sign up for the town at once and create confusion and village art meditation contact Mary & Barry at Sunday, august 15 Reception for mayhem. and Craft Fair (828) 338-0042 or visit www. Blockbusters, then and now Moni Hill, folk art artist, from On ACT’s Mainstage beginning at 2 This high quality MysticHeartUniverse.com. The Haywood Community Band craft fair, spon- 5 to 8 p.m. Show runs through Sep- p.m. Directed by Michael MacCauley. will present a FREE Concert on the tember 22, 2010. Studio 103 Fine Art Tickets: $10 at the door or by calling sored by New august 12-14 pavilion adjacent to the Maggie Val- Morning Gallery the dream project Gallery, 103 West St. Black Mountain. (828) 254-1320. ley Town Hall. The concert, which For more details call (828) 357-8327 or and Bellagio, is part of the Maggie Valley Concert takes place on the Terpsicorps visit www.studio103fineartgallery.com. Theatre of Dance, Series, is sponsored by the Maggie Val- How to place an event/ grounds of the ley Civic Association, and will begin Cathedral of All Asheville’s profes- august 27 & 28 sional contempo- at 6:30 p.m. Theme for the concert classified listing with Souls in Historic Biltmore Village. is Blockbusters, Then and Now, and puppet Slam Fair hours are Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 rary ballet company, Rapid River arts & presents an evening includes popular show themes Come on down to the Bebe Theatre p.m. and Sunday noon to 6 p.m., rain from Oklahoma, My Fair for the Asheville Puppetry Alliance’s Culture Magazine or shine. Free admission. Concessions of dance inspired by the subconscious Lady, and Chicago. Bring a Puppet Slam. This adult puppet event Any “free” event open to the public available. For more information call picnic dinner and enjoy a beau- is sure to tickle your whiskers and jerk can be listed at no charge up to 30 (828) 274-2831. thoughts of words. For all other events there is the Ashe- a $9.95 charge up to 30 words and ville com- munity. A the next Step: teenagers inspiring positive Change 10 cents for each additional word. Storytelling and poetry 160 word limit per event. series of short works interpreting what Reading at City Lights goes on in the minds of your neighbors Saturday, august 28 11 years old Sponsored listings (shown in as they sleep, these dances will grant us A dynamic group of 11-19 year boxes) can be purchased for $12 Gaming the Educational System Saturday, august 7, 7:00 p.m. a peek at the unbridled imaginations of olds will present their ideas ~ Jonathan Schenker, 16 years old per column inch. Deadline is the those we see on the street everyday. 8 for the future at Asheville’s 19th of each month. Payment Gary Carden, playwright, p.m., Diana Wortham Theatre, Pack first TEDx event for youth. Youth Leadership in Our must be made prior to printing. dedicated eccentric and one of Place, Asheville. $30/25 students & TEDxNextGenerationAsheville Community ~ Chase Pickering, Email Beth Gossett at: WNC’s favorite storytellers, per- seniors. To purchase tickets call (828) will be an interactive, multi-media 23 years old, Adult Speaker [email protected] forms at the bookstore’s monthly 257-4530 or visit www.dwtheatre.com. event held at the Orange Peel in Liar’s Bench. For more infor- Bullying Prevention: Everyone Or mail to: 85 N. Main St, Can- downtown Asheville. It will spotlight Needs a Helping Hand ton, NC 28716. Call (828) 646- mation visit http://hollernotes. Saturday, august 14 some of the region’s most creative blogspot.com ~ Martel Jackson and Andrea 0071 to place ad over the phone. Mary Judith Messer Reading young people Griffin, 17 years old – Disclaimer – and Booksigning and their “ideas thursday, august 19, 10:0 a.m. worth spreading.” Social Justice Through Music Due to the overwhelming number of Local poet, woodworker, and Mary Judith Messer is the author of TEDxNGA and ~ Miranda Norlin, 14 years old local event submissions we get for our philosopher William J. Everett the powerful and often disturbing TEDxAsheville Reconnecting with the Stars “What to Do Guide” each month, we reads and discusses his poetry memoir, Moonshiner’s Daughter, are sister events, ~ Duvey Rudow, 17 years old can no longer accept entries that do not at the monthly morning Coffee which tells of her life as the middle specifically follow our publication’s taking place on Culture Change and Music with Poets event. Author’s web- daughter of an abusive moonshiner August 28 and 29. format. Non-paid event listings must site: www.williameverett.com and his mentally ill wife, the incredible Sampling ~ Nate Wilcox-Pettit, be 30 words or less and both paid and hardship her mother and the four chil- presenters include: 17 years old non-paid listings must provide infor- City Lights Bookstore dren suffered at her alcoholic father’s The Simplicity of Awareness Filmmaking: A Powerful Tool for mation in the following format: date,  east Jackson Street time, brief description of what your hand, as well as the trauma the chil- ~ Estella Cumberford, 16 years old Learning ~ Emery McGaha and event is and any contact information. Sylva, nC 28779 dren suffered growing up in Haywood Ross Marnock, 15 years old County. Blue Ridge Books beginning What’s Wrong with Our Food Any entries not following this format (828) 58-9499 “System”? And How We Can For more information please visit will not be considered for publication. at 3 p.m. 152 South Main Street, www.citylightsnc.com Waynesville, NC. (828) 456-6000. Make a Difference ~ Birke Baehr, www.TEDxNGA.com.

AUGUST EVENTS ~ ANNOUNCEMENTS ~ CLASSIFIEDS

 August 2010 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 12 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE what to do guide ™ on your heart strings. Featuring Ashe- ville area puppeteers with new bawdy Conscious Craft exhibit at Woolworth Walk University theatre 2010/2011 experimental short theatre and cabaret style acts. Tickets are $12 in advance, Reception: Friday, august  Mainstage Season $15 at the door. Doors open at 7:30, Local artist Nora Hartlaub will display her works at FW Front show starts at 8 p.m. Mainstage productions are directed by faculty mem- Gallery at Woolworth Walk. Nora has, for the last fifteen years, bers from the School of Stage and Screen. For the explored the (dis)connections between craft and fine art. For this through august 25 first time, the season includes three musicals: “The show Nora has created mixed media houses titled “Houses for Seven Deadly Sins,” an operatic ballet by Kurt Weill; Rebecca d’angelo Haiti”, a portion of these sales going to the American Red Cross. “Rent” by Jonathan Larson; and “Kiss Me, Kate” by photography exhibit Come meet the artist at the opening reception from 5-7 p.m. and Cole Porter. Studio 103 Fine Art Gallery presents also enjoy the coinciding art walk. On display through August 30, In addition to the musical works are a combination Black Mountain based photographer, 2010. Woolworth Walk, 25 Haywood Street in Asheville. Phone of contemporary and intimate productions staged Rebecca D’Angelo. D’Angelo has a (828) 254-9234. Gallery Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 to 6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 to 7 p.m.; in the university’s Niggli Theatre: the comedy BFA in photography, and has spent Sunday 11 to 5 p.m. “Romantic Fools” by Rich Orloff; the Tony Award- her career nominated “Reasons to be Pretty” by Neil LaBute; primarily as and a selection of “theAtrainplays,” six short works a photo- by different authors all set on an iconic New York journal- subway route. ist. This Best in Show by Phil Juliano exhibit Friday and Sunday, September 10 & 12 explores “Seven Deadly Sins” An exploration of good and evil her work as written as World War II threatened Europe. “Seven Muhammad Ali accepts the Society an award during Spirit of Deadly Sins” will play at the Fine and Performing Humanity Awards dinner. Beat pho- Arts Center. $20, general; $15, seniors and WCU tographer faculty and staff; $5, students. for the Washington Post where she photographed more than 1000 soires Wednesday through Saturday, October -9 over the course of about 8 years. “Romantic Fools” A series of sketches about love, Hollywood celebrities mingling with dating, lust and romance. At the Niggli Theatre. the power players of DC, and the ($15, general; $10, seniors and WCU faculty and power players of DC mingling with staff; $5, students. the want-to-be players, and so on. Full of intrigue and juxtaposition. This ex- Callie & Cats by Amy Downs Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, hibit is a limited edition print exhibit. november 17 & 20-21 Studio 103 Fine Art Gallery, 103 West “Rent” by Jonathan Larson and guest-directed by St., Black Mountain. Open Wednes- Broadway’s Owen Johnston. This rock musical tells day-Friday, noon to 6 p.m., most Sat- the story of a group of impoverished, talented artists urdays, and by appointment. For more and musicians. In the Fine and Performing Arts details call (828) 357-8327 or visit Center. $20, general; $15, seniors and WCU faculty www.studio103fineartgallery.com. and staff; $5, students. Wednesday through Saturday, February 9-12, “Reasons to be Pretty” explores the struggles and Call for artists triumphs of four working-class friends and lovers. In the Niggli Theatre. $15, general; $10, seniors and deadline (not postmark) WCU faculty and staff; $5, students. august 1, 2010 Corgi Tales by Phil Hawkins thursday through Sunday, March 24-27 Western Carolina University “Kiss Me, Kate” reveals the hilarity and poignancy seeks applications for the 2010 of love gone awry. In the Fine and Performing Arts Outdoor Sculpture Competition. Center. $20, general; $15, seniors and WCU faculty Open to sculptors working in and staff; $5, students. the Southeast (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Wednesday through Saturday, april 1-1 Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, “theAtrainplays” by various playwrights and directed Kentucky and Virginia, West by D.V. Caitlyn. These six short works represent Virginia) Age 18+. the best of a theater project created in one of New No entry fee. 5 works selected for York’s most famous subway lines. Hailed as hilari- 1 year exhibit. Winners will each ous and deeply human, the selections hum with receive a $2,000 honorarium plus energy. In the Niggli Theatre. $15, general; $10, complimentary lodging. seniors and WCU faculty and staff; $5, students. Dragin by Michael Cole This event is part of the 5th an- Season tickets offer substantial savings over indi- niversary celebration of the Fine vidual show prices. Tickets may be purchased indi- Art Museum at WCU. Download vidually or in season packages. The six-show combo an application at www.fineartmu- is $60, a savings of $40 over regular ticket prices. seum.wcu.edu. Or, contact Dawn For tickets, call the Fine and Performing Arts Behling, Museum Attendant, Center box office at (828) 227-2479. For more Western Carolina University, information on the University Theatre’s Mainstage Cullowhee, NC, (828) 227-3591. productions, or if you are interested in becoming a member of the Patron Club, contact the School of visit www.fineartmuseum.wcu.edu Stage and Screen at (828) 227-7491. for more details.

CLASSES ~ LECTURES ~ ARTS & CRAFTS ~ READINGS

Vol. 13, No. 12 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — August 2010 7 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE noteworthy

Wood Day at the Folk Art Center

he Folk Art Center in east Asheville will BY APRIL NANCE host its annual celebration of wood crafts at Wood Day on August 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festivities include live demon- Eddie Howard carving. Tstrations and the Tenth Annual Carve-Off Competition from 1 to 3 p.m. For the contest, Southern High- participants have two hours to turn a simple block land Craft Guild of wood into a work of art. Carvers must sign up by members Sandra 12:30 to participate. Rowland and Jan The Folk Art Center’s auditorium will be filled Morris will host with lathes, sawhorses, wood tools and the master activities and take craftspeople who know how to use them. Demon- home projects for stra- children. tions include wood turning, broom making iF Admission to Wood Day and the Folk Art and furniture YOU Center is free. The Folk Art Center is located design and gO at Milepost 382 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, construction. just north of the Hwy 70 entrance in east Rapid River Magazine Encourages The Caro- Asheville, NC. You to Support Our Advertisers lina Mountain Headquarters of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, the Woodturners Center also houses three galleries, a library, Allanstand Craft Buying local helps keep money in the neighborhood. will help visi- Shop, and a Blue Ridge Parkway information desk and For every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $45 tors try work- bookstore. For more information, call (828) 298-7928 or goes back into the community. Local businesses are Wood Turning ing on a lathe. visit www.craftguild.org. owned by people who are invested in our future.

8 August 2010 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 12 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE healthy lifestyles The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same

n 1997, the World Cancer Re- 1. Be as lean as possible within the BY MAX HAMMONDS, MD search Fund and the American normal range of body weight. Institute for Cancer Research Maintain normal body weight published Food, Nutrition, and throughout the life cycle. 8. aim to meet nutritional needs the Prevention of Cancer: a global through diet alone. Iperspective. It became the “bible” of 2. Be physically active as part of Dietary supplements are not recom- information for governments and everyday life. mended for cancer prevention. agencies around the world to study and Be moderately active, equal to brisk quote in establishing health care policy walking 30 minutes a day. 9. Mothers to breastfeed; children and writing health care brochures and to be breastfed. books. . Limit consumption of energy- Breast feed exclusively infants up to six In November, 2007 the Second dense foods. avoid sugary drinks. months of age, continue with supple- Report: Food, Nutrition, and Physical Consume energy dense foods spar- mentary foods. Activity and the Prevention of Cancer: ingly. NO sugary drinks. Fast foods sparingly if at all. 10. For cancer survivors, follow a Global Perspective was published by the recommendations for cancer the same international group of experts 4. eat mostly foods of plant origin. prevention. who come from the Netherlands, the Eat five portions of non-starchy fruits If able to do so, maintain body weight, AFFORDABLE, FLEXIBLE health insurance. UK, India, China, Nigeria, Chile as NO, REALLY. well as the US. and vegetables every day. Eat rela- nutrition and exercise. In the intervening ten years, tively unprocessed whole grains and How can HumanaOne help you? legumes at every meal. Limit refined 11. it is assumed – nO SMOKing. much new information has come to Do these look familiar? After five light concerning body weight and starchy foods. Short term GET A FREE QUOTE years of extensive research, this group INDIVIDUAL plans are IN MINUTES composition as well as food, nutrition 5. Limit intake of red meat and PLANS AS LOW available has confirmed what is already known too! and physical exercise as they all relate avoid processed meat. – this time specifically related to cancer AS Call Center Hours to cancer causation and prevention. M-Th 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. EST Limit WEEKLY intake of red meat prevention. In any magazine at the All of this information was reviewed, Fri 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. EST to less than 18 oz., little if any to be check-out counter you will find these Sat 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. EST correlated, and debated to come to a processed. recommendations: maintain normal $ 78 consensus on guidelines for govern- weight, be physically active, don’t eat Is this you? ment agencies and personal recom- . Limit alcoholic drinks. sugary or fatty foods, eat a plant-based • Self-employed mendations for individuals. Alcohol, if any – limited to 2 drinks diet, stay away from alcohol and tobac- • Early retiree After five years of gathering and a day for men, one drink a day for co, limit salt intake, get your nutrition • Losing benefits at work correlating hundreds of scientific stud- women. from a well-balanced diet. ies, this erudite group has published This not only decreases markedly 7. Limit consumption of salt. avoid the following recommendations to be the risks of cancer, it also promotes 1-888-691-9689 used by all world governments and eating moldy cereals (grains) or excellent heart health, lung health, all cultural people groups of all ages pulses (legumes.) *Male, 39, NS, Chicago 60605, Monogram. Rates vary by age, location and plan selection. kidney health, brain health, and life in All applications are subject to underwriting approval. Waiting periods, limitations and around the world. My personal recom- exclusions may apply. Insured by Humana Insurance Company, Humana Health Plan, Limit salt-preserved, salted or salty general. Now you know the principles. Inc., Humana Health Insurance Company of Florida, Inc., Humana Employers Health Plan mendations are below each point. of Georgia, Inc. and Humana Insurance Company or Humana Health Benefit Plan of foods. Limit salt intake to less than Go for it! Louisiana, Inc. For AZ residents: Insured by Humana Insurance Company. Short Term Medical plans are 2.4g per day. not renewable, do not cover pre-existing conditions, and refunds are not available (varies by state). GCA07A2HH_A

Vol. 13, No. 12 — Rapid RiveR aRtS & CULtURe Magazine — August 2010 9