River Arts District Studio Stroll

Home , Dave Alvin, Lloyd Cole

Jonas Gerard paints live to music by the River Guerguerian Project during the River Arts District Studio Stroll. PAGE 21

Interview with Steven Lloyd, Executive Encaustic Artist Director for Haywood CONSTANCE Arts Regional Theatre. WILLLIAMS PAGE 34 Heats up the River District Arts Scene. PAGE 4

The Enso Quartet performs during the annual Swannanoa Chamber Music Festival. PAGE 8

PLUS: Interview with Pattiy Torno, Asheville Area Riverfront Redevelopment Commissioner. PAGE 3 NC Stage Company presents The Glass Menagerie. PAGE 6 Works by River Arts District Artists Stephen Janton, Jeff Pittman, and Sandee Shaffer Johnson. PAGES 22-23 Walk through Kenilworth with Peter Loewer. PAGE 28

Interview with pastel artist Artists open their studios Nancy Clausen. PAGE 36 June 11 & 12 for two days of festivities during the bi-annual Studio Stroll. Map on PAGE 20 PG. 39 H

Asheville, NC VISIT Artist Studios

240 26 19 ve. /2 n A 3 Pat to DOWNTOWN

n a ASHEVILLE m

g B 240 n i l

t River Arts District m o

RIVER ARTS r yw o o DISTRICT e a d R d. A H v e more than 150 studios . sEvery Dayn#HECKOURCALENDARONLINE 240 26 d. w R do Mea sSecond Fridaysn%VENINGS!PRILn.OVEMBER 828.280.7709 sStudio StrollnJune 11-12! 10AM to 6PM RiverArtsDistrict.com 40

2 June 2011 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 14, No. 10

PRINTS COLOR RAPID RIVER ARTS river arts

INTERVIEW WITH INTERVIEWED BY DENNIS RAY P iy Trn attiy Torno is one of the founding members of the River Arts District and currently serves as an Asheville Area Riverfront Redevelopment PCommissioner. Rapid River Magazine: What new businesses are now open in the River Arts District? Pattiy Torno: There has been a lot of growth in this area over the past couple years. * The Magnetic Field Café & Performance House, (lunch, dinner, bar, plus all original productions in a black box theatre. Pattiy Torno, one of the founding members * The Glen Rock Depot – 60 new affordable of the River Arts District. housing units. * Pink Dog Creative – home to 15 new stu- RRM: Does the River Arts District offer any dios as well as the Artery, the Asheville Area programs for students (K-12) this summer? Arts Council, and the Junction restaurant PT: Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts does and bar. Kids Clay Camps all summer long. Phil Me- * Nourish & Flourish – juice bar, Nia & chanic Studios does a kids art camp as well. I Network Care Studio. believe that Roots & Wings out of Pink Dog * Hatchery Studios – 5 new studios will Creative may also offer some programs. You open June 1 with White Duck Taco Shop, can find all these on www.ashevilleRAD. which is already open. com. Under business, please scroll down to * Roots Foods bought what was Railside teaching facilities. Studios and changed the name to Roots RRM: How did the River Arts District first Studios. Roots Foods is a company that come about? wholesales organic hummus and other PT: I recognized through my work on the products, as well as running Roots Café in COA River District Design Review Com- the Grey Eagle. mittee that the “River District” is a zoning * The Old Wood Company is a new furni- code designation. So, in order to locate the ture manufacturer at 99 Riverside Drive. area artists were calling home on the 14 mile * Wendy Whitson just purchased 357 Depot stretch of riverfront, we needed to name our Street, now called Northlight Studios. Ashe- geographic location. “River Arts District” ville Greenworks remains on the first floor, just seemed a natural, so in 2005 we started with 3 new artist studios upstairs. a push to get that set of words to mean to everyone else what it meant to us — a really RRM: The studio stroll, which happens great enclave/community of artists making twice each year, is of course always a huge amazing work, sandwiched between the rail- event, but what else is going on during the road tracks and the French Broad River. rest of the year? RRM: Are there any plans for summer week- PT: The Asheville RAD is open everyday to end mini-strolls? visitors. There are performances, theatre, PT: Not that I know of. classes and workshops, lectures, movies and music, as well as a full gamut of any type RRM: Where can we learn more about the of fine art or fine craft being created every River Arts District? day. In addition, you can now eat breakfast, PT: Visit www.ashevilleRAD.com or www. lunch and dinner here, as well as drink great riverartsdistrict.com for more information. beer, or get really yummy mixed drinks. Pattiy Torno, Hedy Fischer, and Constance RRM: From an economic perspective, are Williams are embarking on a project to broaden you seeing a rise in tourism again? support for the arts – visit their new website PT: The funny part is that we never saw www.collectARTasheville.com for details. a dip in tourism. The past two years have been abundant down this way. It has been At Pattiy Torno @ CURVE you’ll find suggested that our visitors were perhaps extraordinary quilts, eclectic clothing, and staying closer to home by coming to Ashe- her line of Fun Fleece hats, scarves, and ville. Honestly, we have stayed quite busy blankets. CURVE studios & garden is open — so the answer is no, it has been good all everyday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. along and continues to be so. www.ashevilleRAD.com

Vol. 14, No. 10 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — June 2011 3

PRINTS COLOR RAPID RIVER ARTS river arts

INTERVIEW WITH INTERVIEWED BY DENNIS RAY Ct nc Wi s apid River Magazine: When you first started your career as an artist, what were your goals and how have they changed, or grown, over the R years? Constance Williams: The creative process has been fluid throughout my life. As with many artists, I too, found professions along the way to financially survive and use my artistic skills. I do believe that all the things that I have done makes me appreciate what I do currently, with a sense of urgency and Constance working on a commission. passionate force that flows through me 24/7. RRM: Can you describe for us the process the surface of her under glazed clay surfaces. involved in creating one of your pieces? I just knew I needed to paint with it. CW: I paint thin translucent hues of a RRM: What does the encaustic medium molten paint medium of damar tree resin, mean to you and what do you love most beeswax and pigment, heated in a multitude about it? of electric skillets with a brush and fuse each CW: The clarity, depth and transparency of layer with a blow torch, which I wield with color, and the sculptural and dimensional precision to create all the effects through all effects that I can achieve are like no paint the layers I build and sculpt. medium. RRM: Do you plan your pieces before you start? CW: I always have a plan, this is an expensive paint medium and the process is fluid and complex. I need to build up the 25-75+ translucent layers one at a time so it is important to know where you want to go, for the most part these days, I have already worked it out in my head, so the painting effortlessly flows out on to my surface. RRM: Tell us a bit about your studio and the atmosphere when you create. PSeries, encaustic painting by Constance Williams, Do you have a ritual or something you private collection. do before you begin or while you are creating? I paint full color encaustic; for the most part, most encaustic work done today CW: I have a spacious daylight filled studio is as mixed-media. Even the famous Jasper and gallery of my work, open to the public Johns did mixed-media encaustic, which seven days a week, in Asheville’s River Arts enables the artist to incorporate using District, where you will find me painting Take Your Craft to mediums they already know how to use most days. I am surrounded by steel tables, without the long learning curve of manipu- piles of electric skillets, sculpting tools, and Another Level lating a molten paint medium, which acts blow-torches. My only ritual is to only start Workshops and Core Programs more like molten glass. a painting that is complete in my head. The fluid nature of this paint medium never fails for Adults and Youth RRM: How did you begin working in en- to amaze me, even though I have a plan, the caustics? beauty is in the nuances of the layers and CW: This is an ancient paint medium devel- complexity of depth that mean I can never oped by the Greeks about 3000 years ago, truly duplicate a painting. The Only Professional is mostly a forgotten medium, more than RRM: In a world saturated by images and Acting Studio in WNC likely because there are easier ways to paint with the speed of communications now, is a painting. I knew the art history story, but two dimensional painting still relevant? fell in love with the way it felt on the sculp- CW: This is a sculptural, dimensional paint www.stellaadler-asheville.com tures of my friend and fellow artist Jenny medium than can be touched, I know that I Mastin, who was applying clear encaustic to (828) 254-1320 Continued on next page

4 June 2011 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 14, No. 10

PRINTS COLOR RAPID RIVER ARTS fine art Clay Day at the Folk Art Center

lay Day has been a favorite hap- BY APRIL NANCE pening at the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Folk Art Center for over 20 years. it and watch as expert potters raku fire it for This free event features craft dem- you. Raku is a ceramic firing process which onstrations and hands-on activities C uses fire and smoke to create unique pat- for children and adults. terns and designs. Members of the Southern Highland Craft While at the Folk Art Center, visitors Guild demonstrate throwing on the potter’s will have the opportunity to visit Allanstand wheel, hand building, and surface design on Craft Shop, the Eastern National bookstore clay, among other techniques. and Blue Ridge Parkway information desk, A highlight of the day is the “Make- as well as three exhibition galleries. Outside and-Take” Raku Firing. Buy a $10 pot, glaze the Folk Art Center, there are hiking trails, picnic tables, grassy areas for a picnic and free parking.

IF YOU Clay Day at the Blue Ridge GO Parkway’s Folk Art Center. June 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Folk Art Center, Milepost 382 Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville, NC. Free parking. For more information, including a list of participating craftspeople, call (828) 298- 7928 or visit www.craftguild.org.

‘Constance Williams’ continued from page 4 RRM: Talk about working in and being a part of the River Arts District. cannot truly capture the true essence with CW: I have been in the district since 2005; a photograph, though Tim Barnwell does it has changed much since then. My first it better than anyone else I introduction to the River have used, and my website Arts District was a seren- take a does not do my paintings dipitous sidewalk conversa- summer stroll justice, though it does not tion with Brian McCarthy, stop people buying them who owns Highwater in our treasure from my website who have Clays and Odyssey, where seen them in person. I rented studio space, and garden RRM: What causes artistic our friendship is a good blocks? What do you do to source of conversation solve them? when we find time. It was at Odyssey where I met CW: I do not experience Jenny Mastin, who is now blocks, maybe because I one of my best friends, a paint and sell every day. fellow artist and source of I need to paint at least 20 Blue Person by Constance all things yummy, good paintings a month to keep Williams, available at the gallery. and positive. up with demand. I usually I am fortunate to have three to four commissions on my table have many fellow artists as neighbors and every month and occasionally I have time friends, such as Michael Hofman of Michael to hand build clay sculptures in my studio Hofman Studio, who nourishes me with above my painting studio/gallery. food he makes and serves in his hand made RRM: Where did you grow up and how has porcelain in his studio, and Phil DeAngelo, that helped to form the artist you now are? a painter in the Wedge whose kind nature is infectious. They fuel me with conversation, CW: I was born and schooled just outside inspiration and great happiness. of the City of Bath in the South of Eng- land. I have lived the best part of my life, in many ways, in the US, and am fortunate to have traveled the world. I married my Constance Williams Gallery is open 7 days amazing husband, Miller, in Linville NC, a week, and is located at 9 Riverside Drive and now reside in Asheville and have a in Asheville’s River Arts District. residence in Bermuda. All of the places I www.constancewilliamsgallery.com www.jewelsthatdance.com have lived add another complex layer to [email protected] how I paint and sculpt. (828) 225-1762 (AYWOOD3Ts!SHEVILLE .#s s(OURS-ON 3AT

Vol. 14, No. 10 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — June 2011 5 Discover the Best of Regional Craft RAPID RIVER ARTS stage preview TENNESSEE WILLIAMS’ MASTERPIECE The Glass Menagerie

orth Carolina BY AMANDA LESLIE Stage Compa- Jewelry: Barbara Joiner Barbara Jewelry: ny is proud to present Ten- “The Disorientation nessee Wil- of Butterflies” was Nliams’ heart-breaking, selected for the 2011 semi-autobiographical New York Internation- Allanstand Craft Shop play The Glass Menag- al Fringe Festival. at the Folk Art Center erie, June 1-19, 2011. Invitation to Milepost 382 Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville, NC The play is directed by Area Teachers Open Daily 9am-6pm | 828-298-7928 Hans Meyer, and co- produced with Immedi- As a gesture of ate Theatre Project, the gratitude, NC Stage has invited local full- Guild Crafts acclaimed local theatre Photo by Jen Lepkowski 930 Tunnel Road/Hwy 70, Asheville, NC company. time, K through 12 The story of a teachers to come see Open Mon.-Sat: 10am-6pm | 828-298-7903 young man and his shy, the production free crippled sister and their of charge during the faded southern-belle opening week of the mother, The Glass run, Wednesday, June Menagerie is one of 1 through Sunday, Williams’ best known June 5. works. The Glass Me- Quantities are 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. nagerie is set in St. Lou- limited, so early reser- is, Missouri in 1937 at vations are encouraged. the tail end of the Great This is a relatively rare Depression. The action opportunity for teach- focuses on the Wing- ers and students to field family – the main see a live, professional character, Tom, and his production of a play mother, Amanda, and that is often taught in sister, Laura, as well as a schools. “gentleman caller” who Accordingly, in offers a glimpse of hope addition to the free for the family. teacher tickets, NC The Glass Menagerie stars several local Stage is offering student tickets for just $10 actors. Willie Repoley (as Williams’ alter each throughout the run of the production. ego Tom) has appeared in dozens of plays at The Glass Menagerie will be performed NC Stage and Flat Rock Playhouse. Andrew in the intimate downtown theatre at 15 Hampton Livingston (Jim O’Conner) is Stage Lane – just off Walnut Street by the a Hendersonville native who has worked Rankin Parking Garage. Performances are at across the country and Europe, and recently 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, returned to Asheville. This season, Repoley and at 2 p.m. on Sunday afternoons. and Livingston appeared together in Flat Rock Playhouse’s sold-out hit 12 Angry Men at the Hendersonville Courthouse, IF as well as NC Stage’s acclaimed Angels in YOU Tickets are available from the NC America: Millennium Approaches. GO Stage box office, 15 Stage Lane in They are joined by Callan White Asheville, or by calling (828) 239- (Amanda) and Alaska Reece Vance (Laura). 0263. Box office hours: Monday through White relocated to Asheville from LA, where Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You may also she appeared in dozens of films, TV shows order tickets online at www.ncstage.org. and plays. Vance is the Artistic Director of For more information and a full calendar The Drifting Theatre in Elizabethton, TN. of exciting events, visit www.ncstage.org, She is also a playwright whose musical play www.immediatetheatre.org.

Advertise with Rapid River Magazine (828) 646-0071 www.rapidrivermagazine.com

6 June 2011 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 14, No. 10

PRINTS COLOR RAPID RIVER ARTS we love this place Join a global effort to crochet Friday, June 10 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE a coral reef, check out the Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Salute to America Established in 1997 • Volume Fourteen, Number Ten Reef exhibit, on display through Concert, with the Air August 12. The exhibit features National Guard Band of crochet models of healthy the South, 7 p.m. in Pack JUNE 2011 3 River Arts District coral, and coral stressed by Square Park, Asheville. www.rapidrivermagazine.com 3 environmental threats. Five Interview with Pattiy Torno ...... area crochet groups, open to the public, are creating the Interview with Constance Williams. . 4 Saturday-Sunday, Publisher/Editor: Dennis Ray Asheville Reef. UNC Asheville’s Center for Craft, Creativity River Arts District Studio Stroll . . . . 19 & Design, 1181 Broyles Rd., Hendersonville. Gallery hours: June 11-12 Managing Editor: Beth Gossett Constance Williams Gallery ...... 20 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Free and open to the public. For River Arts District Marketing: Dennis Ray Jonas Gerard ...... 21 more information on crochet groups and the exhibit visit Studio Stroll, from 10 www.craftcreativitydesign.org or (828) 890-2050. Staff Photographer: Dennis Ray Jeff Pittman...... 22 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days, Layout & Design: Simone Bouyer Magnetic Theatre...... 22 More information at www. The Benefit of Culture takes place Saturday, June 25 at riverartsdistrict.com. Poetry Editor: Ted Olson Bizarre Bazaar...... 23 the Highland Brewing Company Tasting Room from 7 to 11 Proofreader: Mary Wilson Janton Art Studio ...... 23 p.m. Expect a full line-up of events including a collaborative Saturday, June Accounting: Sharon Cole Interview with Greg Vineyard . . . . . 37 fashion tribute by Wink and Ship to Shore, Image 420, and Lisa Zahiya. Entertainment by River Guerguerian Project, DJ 11, 18, & 25 Distribution: Dennis Ray Panther God, LEAF in Schools and Streets youth; Burton St. Asheville Art in the Park 5 Fine Art Dancers with Lisa Zahiya, and the Shiloh Youth Drummers Art market in Pack Square CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Clay Day at the Folk Art Center . . . . 5 with Kenya Webster. Proceeds will benefit LEAF in Schools from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit Judy Ausley, Jenny Bunn, Interview with Nancy Clausen. . . . . 36 & Streets, and LEAF International programs. Tickets are $25 www.ashevilleartinthepark. James Cassara, Brian Claflin, or $50 for VIP. Visit www.theleaf.com/benefitculture for com for details. Michael Cole, Maggie Cramer, more details or call (828) 686-8742. Christine DiBenedetto, Amy Downs, Stage Preview Thursday, June 16 6 Terpsicorps’ Zombie Bowl. Beth Gossett, Chall Gray, The Glass Menagerie...... 6 Put a team of your favorite Appalachian Pastel Max Hammonds, MD, Phil Hawkins, Interview with Steven Lloyd...... 34 undead friends together Society Opening Phil Juliano, Chip Kaufmann, HART presents Deathtrap ...... 34 and help raise funds for Reception, from 5:30 to Michelle Keenan, Katie Lee, Terpsicorps at their annual 7:30 p.m. at Studio B, 171 Amanda Leslie, Peter Loewer, bowlathon! Sunday, June 26 Weaverville Hwy., Exit 23 Kay S. Miller, Jenny Moore, 8 Performance beginning at 2 p.m. Star Lanes, (Merrimon Ave./Woodfin) April Nance, Ted Olson, Swannanoa Chamber Music Festival. 8 491 Kenilworth Rd. in Asheville. Sign up and find more off I-26. For details Michael Parker, Joseph Rathbone, Bravo’s 2011-2012 Season ...... 13 information at bowl.terpsicorps.org. contact Patti Bell, (828) 225-5200, or visit www. Dennis Ray, Clara Sofia, The 5th Annual Laugh Your Asheville Off Comedy galleryatstudiob.com. Kelly Stoner, Greg Vineyard, Festival returns July 12-16. This year’s festival has more Bill Walz, Elly Wells, Joe Zinich. 9 Noteworthy Asheville Community Theatre . . . . . 9 comedians and performance venues than previous years. The Saturday, June 25 five-day event begins Tuesday, July 12 with a “Local Laughs Stories on Asheville’s INFO ASAP’s Family Farm Tour ...... 9 for Brother Wolf Animal Rescue” showcase at the Magnetic Front Porch from 10:30 Rapid River Arts & Culture Magazine is a Field that will include local Asheville comedians with all to 11:30 a.m. in the Rhino monthly publication. Address correspondence door proceeds benefiting Brother Wolf Animal Rescue. For Courtyard of Pack Place. to [email protected] or write to: 10 Columns the full lineup visit www.laughyourashevilleoff.com. Rapid River Arts & Culture Magazine James Cassara - Music ...... 10 85 N. Main St. Eddie LeShure - Jazz...... 12 Canton, NC 28716 Greg Vineyard - Fine Art ...... 18 Phone: (828) 646-0071 Joe Zinich - Beer ...... 24 www.rapidrivermagazine.com Michael F. Parker - Wine ...... 25 All materials contained herein are owned and Ted Olson - Poetry ...... 26 copyrighted by Rapid River Arts & Culture 27 Magazine and the individual contributors Book Reviews ...... unless otherwise stated. Opinions expressed Peter Loewer - Thoreau’s Garden . 28 in this magazine do not necessarily reflect Bill Walz - Artful Living ...... 29 the opinions of Rapid River Arts & Culture Max Hammonds, MD - Health . . 30 Magazine or the advertisers found herein. Judy Ausley - Southern Comfort. . 31 © Rapid River Arts & Culture Magazine, June 2011 Vol. 14 No. 10 11 Music Lloyd Cole ...... 11 Salute to America ...... 12 Dave Alvin...... 13 14 Movie Reviews

32 What to Do Guide ™ Best in Show by Phil Juliano . . . . . 33 Callie & Cats by Amy Downs . . . . 33 On the Cover: Constance Williams, www.constancewilliamsgallery.com Corgi Tales by Phil Hawkins . . . . 33 SEE PAGE 4 Dragin by Michael Cole ...... 33

Distributed at more than 390 locations throughout eight counties in WNC and South Carolina. First copy is free – each additional copy $1.50

Vol. 14, No. 10 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — June 2011 7 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE performance

Swannanoa Festival Programs

Chamber Program 1 Music of Boccherini, Berekely, Music Festival and Beethoven Kittredge Theater, Warren Wilson he Swannanoa Chamber College – June 21 at 7:30 p.m. Music Festival will perform concerts in Swannanoa in Waynesville Performing Arts Kittredge Theater on the Center – June 19 at 7:30 p.m. Warren Wilson College Program 2 Tcampus, and in Waynesville at the The Enso Quartet Waynesville Performing Arts Center. Music of Stamitz, Ginestera, For the first concert we wel- quartets. For the third concert we are Ravel, and Brahms come the Grammy nominated Enso looking forward to hearing one of the Kittredge Theater, Warren Wilson String Quartet. The Enso Quartet best young and upcoming quartets in College – June 28 at 7:30 p.m. the country, the Jasper String Quar- will be joined by Inessa Zaretsky on Waynesville Performing Arts tet. They will join Inessa piano and Wil- Center – June 26 at 3 p.m. liam Hoyt on horn. for a wonderful Keyboard After whetting the Concerto by Bach and end Program 3 audience’s appetite the concert with the famous Music of Bach, Brahms, and Special Free with a delightful “Death and the Maiden” Schubert Boccherini quartet quartet by Schubert. Book Offer! Kittredge Theater, Warren Wilson —Pat Boone and the dynamic but Program four is perhaps rarely heard Trio for the most eclectic of the sum- College – July 5 at 7:30 p.m. Crashing the Dollar: Violin, Horn and mer. Members of the Jasper Waynesville Performing Arts How to Survive a Piano by the British Quartet will open with a Center – July 3 at 3 p.m. Global Currency composer, Lennox string trio by Dohnányi. Collapse by Craig R. Berekeley, the Enso Then there is the lush, ro- Program 4 Smith was written to help Quartet will cul- mantic Quintet for Winds by Music of Dohnányi, Holst, Libermann, Dukelsky, and Strauss save American families minate the concert the English composer, Holst, from the economic death with one of the great who wrote The Planets. Kittredge Theater, Warren Wilson Paul Nitsch joins the spiral of a falling U.S. late string quartets College – July 10 at 7:30 p.m. by Beethoven, the Jasper Quartet for the final dollar and rising 0pus 130 in B flat. concert with one of the Waynesville Performing Arts Center – July 12 at 7:30 p.m. inflation. We welcome Jasper String Quartet greatest pieces of chamber To help prepare Americans for the dollar’s demise now, I back flutist George music ever written, the Program 5 have been authorized to offer a FREE copy of Crashing Pope, oboist Cynthia Watson, clarinet- Piano Quartet in c minor by Fauré. Music of Haydn, Beethoven, Special Free Book Offer! —Pat Boone ist David Bell and bassoonist Lynn and Fauré Hileman for the second concert Call 1-866-709-3643 today! featuring a lovely quartet for winds Kittredge Theater, Warren Wilson IF College – July 19 at 7:30 p.m. and strings by Stamitz and an exotic YOU Single tickets $20. duo for the oboe and flute by the great GO Season tickets $75. Visit Waynesville Performing Arts Argentinean composer Ginestera. swannanoachambermusic. Center – July 17 at 7:30 p.m. This year is unique in the com, call (828) 771-3050, or e-mail festival’s history as we have two string [email protected].

Pan Harmonia Concert Series an Harmonia will present a se- The musicians will be Steinbeck, ries of concerts at UNC Ashe- flute; Elizabeth Austin, cello; Eric ville – one for children, one for Dircksen, bassoon; John Bryant, trum- adults, and one featuring adult pet; and Jennifer Merrell, French horn. Pstudents who have spent a week Tickets for the June 16 concert are studying with Pan Harmonia. $20. The free children’s concert takes The highlight of the concert place at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, June series, “A Mixed Bag of Winds,” will 15, in the Grotto at UNC Asheville’s take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Highsmith University Union. June 16 at UNC Asheville’s Lipinsky Auditorium. The program, featuring flute, trumpet, French horn, bassoon IF YOU For more information call and cello, and spanning six centuries of Catch Kate Steinbeck, along with other GO the UNC Asheville Office of participants in the Asheville Chamber music, embodies music director Kate Cultural Events at (828) 251- Music Institute, for a free recital on Steinbeck’s desire to branch beyond 6991, or visit pan-harmonia.org. Saturday, June 18 at 2 p.m. at UNC typical chamber music. For tickets call (828) 232-5000. Asheville’s Reuter Center.

8 June 2011 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 14, No. 10 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE noteworthy

Stories of the African ello. Yes, I’m back. I had intended to Continent Come Alive write a review last IN BRIGHT STAR’S AFRICAN FOLKTALES, month but due to ACT’S MAINSTAGE, SATURDAY, JUNE 18 Hthe complete short- age of things to write about, I didn’t. This month I went and he next installment of the “Satur- saw Fast Five (an incredible BY JENNY BUNN days at ACT,” family theatre series movie). I rate Fast Five with is the Bright Star production, Afri- five stars due to the awesome can Folktales. “We’re also eager to let parents know cars, great action scenes, and The performance, best for ages that we offer study guides for our shows, well put together story line. T3-10, will take place Saturday, June 18 at 10 available for download on our website. Fast Five starts off exactly Paul Walker and Vin Diesel in Fast Five. a.m. Immediately following the performance These guides suggest additional reading where Fast and Furious (not to of African Folktales, audience members are from local libraries and have activities that be confused with The Fast and the Furi- Asheville for invited to meet the actors in the ACT lobby. families could do after seeing the show,” ous) left off. This movie incorporates all allowing me to Light snacks will be provided free of charge. adds Ostergaard. of the main characters from the other review this movie. In African Folktales, Akili and Jabari movies in the series. Basically, they all Video gam- share the folktales they’ve gathered from get together in an attempt to rob a man ing: One more Information about Bright Star Touring Theatre, across the African continent. From Ghana, of $100 million. thing that I including production videos, photos, If you are a car guy you will love would like to Liberia, and Nigeria in West Africa, to Ke- study guides and more is available online nya in East Africa to Zimbabwe and South at www.brightstartheatre.com. this movie because just about any car mention is E3 Africa, their stories come from a variety of you could imagine is included. Other which will be different people and tribes. The show brings than that, the CGI is great, the action coming out very to life the vastness of the African landscape fantastic, and the story line, too, is soon. E3 will be the IF fantastic. Due to quite frequently used official release of Call of Duty: Modern and a variety of clever animals, and in- YOU Bright Star Touring Theatre and cludes valuable character-education themes. GO Asheville Community Theatre bad language and intense sequences Warfare 3. African folktales were passed down orally present African Folktales on the of violence I recommend this film for Next month I will be reviewing through generations and tend to be very ACT Mainstage. June 18 at 10 a.m. All those age 11 Pirates of the interactive – and this production offers some tickets are $5, available at the door. The Box and up. Caribbean: fun opportunities for audience participation. Office will open an hour prior to the show. I would On Stranger “African Folktales is touring across five Asheville Community Theatre, 35 East also like to JOSEPH RATHBONE Tides or states this summer,” said David Oster- Walnut Street in Asheville. For questions thank the RECOMMENDS another huge gaard, Co-Founder of Bright Star Touring regarding ticketing, please call the ACT Beaucatcher summer Theatre. “We’re excited it will make a stop Box Office at (828) 254-1320 or visit www. cinemas in BY JOSEPH RATHBONE, AGE 12 blockbuster. in Asheville!” ashevilletheatre.org.

BY MAGGIE CRAMER pate in the tour, purchase a tour button at IF ASAP’s Family Farm Tour YOU Download a tour guide at www. select area businesses and tailgate markets, GO familyfarmtour.com. The guide n June 25 and 26, the gates and this year’s tour,” says farmer Laura Blackley. or online at www.familyfarmtour.com. But- includes a map and directions, barns of 41 Western North “Because we’re a relatively new farm, we tons are $25 in advance. One button admits tour tips, and other details. For more Carolina farms will open to the want to introduce the community to what an entire carload. Your Family Farm Tour information, including a list of button public for Appalachian Sustain- we do out here!” button also gets you into the Polk County vendors, visit www.familyfarmtour.com or Oable Agriculture Project’s annual The tour runs from 1 to 6 p.m. Satur- Farm Tour, June 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. call (828) 236-1282 ext. 114. Family Farm Tour. The self-guided tour is day and Sunday, June 25 and 26. To partici- Details at polkcountyfarms.org. your chance to learn how food grows, taste farm-fresh treats, interact with farm animals, and meet the community’s food produc- ers—many of whom don’t regularly open their farm to visitors. Says Chris Owen, who owns and operates Spinning Spider Creamery, a farm- stead goat dairy in Madison County, “The tour lets us give our customers a chance to see our farm in operation, in all its different aspects.” Over the weekend, Spinning Spider sets up stations dedicated to activities like hand-milking goats and, new for 2011, border collie herding demonstrations. This year, 18 new farm stops join the Owen family and other past participants. Newcomer Jordan Blackley Farm grows a variety of berries; raises bees for honey, as well as chickens; and offers on-farm guest- house rentals. “We’re thrilled to be a part of

Vol. 14, No. 10 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — June 2011 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE spinning discs

There is again an abundance of great music being released so, in order to CD Reviews cover as much of it as possible, I’ll try and keep my comments brief. Be by James Cassara sure to support the many excellent independent record stores our area has. They’re the ones who keep the music alive!

Steve Miller Tracy Nelson and direction to the next, the big question Band Victim of the remains this: Does the man ever sleep? Be- Let Your Hair Blues tween his solo efforts, his records made with Down The Venus Three, his frequent contribu- Delta Groove tions to tribute albums, and his on screen Road Runner Records and behind the scenes collaborations with Records From her film maker Jonathon Essentially a earliest days as vo- Demme, Hitchcock follow-up to last year’s Bingo!, Steve Mill- calist for Mother is a non-stop whirl- er’s latest was in fact recorded at the same Earth, up through her solo years, Tracy Nel- wind of creativity. sessions that produced his first album in 17 son has always shown an amazing knack for Tromso, Kaptein years. With Andy Johns again on board as both resiliency and the skill and determina- follows closely on the engineer and co-producer, the two albums tion to chart her own singular course. She’s heels of Goodnight are differing sides of the same coin. never achieved the fame of those whom Oslo and is largely In that regard, Let Your Hair Down still she’s obviously influenced – the Indigo Girls made up of outtakes finds Miller re-exploring his Chicago blues probably sell ten times as many albums as from recent album sessions (including the roots while presumably providing him and she does – but for my money there are few title track) and an exceedingly odd remake of his band a reason for hitting the summer artists who have stayed true to their roots “Raining Twilight Coast” from Hitchcock’s tour circuit. Given that he’s long included while consistently making records that stand 1990 acoustic masterpiece EYE. a few old blues numbers in their set it the test of time. Given its incongruent origins it is a should come as no surprise how comfort- Her latest again shows the versatil- surprisingly seamless effort, dominated by ably the band is in tackling these road-tested ity of her phrasing, her ability to make the the artist’s ongoing fascination with reptilian gems. Included here are the last recordings songs of others her own, and the love of life (“Dismal City”) and seasonal afflictions of Miller’s longtime collaborator Norton straightforward Blues. Again surrounding (“August in Hammersmith”). It’s also an Buffalo, whose harmonica playing was long herself with a core of excellent musicians, unusually chipper affair – Hitchcock seems a staple of his sound. Buffalo died shortly augmented by better known names such to be in rather sunny spirits these days after these sessions were completed and it is as John Cowan and Marcia Ball-Nelson, – replete with engaging choruses and lovely to him that they’re suitably dedicated. she storms her way through such delights singalongs all strummed to a lilting Mersey as Percy Mayfield’s “Stranger In My Own beat that rounds back towards the British Home” and Joe Tex’s “The Love You Save invasion. Miller has always had a (May Be Your Own)”. “The Abyss” is as endearing a love song knack for melding radio None of this material is particularly AS Hitchcock, who remains a true romantic friendly songs. groundbreaking. Over her long career she at heart, has ever write. And while the clos- has recorded different versions of many of ing “Goodnightt Oslo” drones perilously these tracks, but her voice has only gotten close to annoying, as long as Hitchcock As to the music itself Miller has always better with age and the professionalism she keeps putting out records as satisfying as this had a knack for melding radio friendly pop brings to the table leaves no doubt that while he’ll remain a vital force in music. ***1/2 songs and the blues and, like its predeces- her name may not be familiar to some, the sor, Let Your Hair Down leans towards the reputation Tracy Nelson has procured for Bowling for bluesy edge of his work, showcasing his oft more than four decades is well deserved. Soup under-appreciated guitar playing. And while And, as an interesting footnote, Nelson gives Fishin’ for Woos Miller enlists Sonny Charles to sing lead special thanks to the men and women of the on a few tracks, his own voice — which has Burns, Tennessee Volunteer Fire Depart- MRI Music gained a bit of a growl with age — is surpris- ment. Based on the ingly well suited for the material at hand. As this recording was being completed success of their hit All that adds up to an effort which is her home was destroyed by a fire. At her in- single “1985”, cer- even more fully realized than was Bingo, sistence the firefighters saved her studio, and tainly one of the most delicious pop songs of as if Miller needed to get the very notion all the music and history contained therein, the past quarter century, this Austin-based of again making records out of his system before attempting to salvage the rest of her band has been unfairly relegated to one-hit- before completely getting down to busi- belongings. That’s a tough loss for anyone wonder status. ness. Muddy Water’s “I Can’t Be Satisfied” but Nelson has always been a survivor. And The truth is, Bowling for Soup has con- is given an edgy workout while Rosco out of those literal ashes has arisen another sistently crafted a series of albums that are Gordon’s “Just A Little Bit” walks that fine fine effort from one of Blues music’s most as meticulous and infectious as those from line between lust and obsession. original voices. **** any of their peers, and if they’ll be forever It may not be “pure” blues, but it’s the remembered for THAT song they’ll likely Blues he loves, performed with gusto, rever- Robyn Hitchcock sing all the way to the bank. ence (but not too much so) and love. Let Tromso, Kaptein Fishin’ for Woos may hearken back to Your Hair Down is another strong come- Hype City Recordings the sound of there earliest records (a for- back from the original Space Cowboy, one mula they’ve rarely strayed from) but there’s whose voice was sorely absent for far too While the career of Robyn Hitchcock nothing wrong with that. There are plenty many years. ***1/2 has always been laden with stylistic mys- of catchy hooks, off kilter humor, tossed tery and intrigue, careening from one band ‘CD’s’ continued on next page

10 June 2011 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 14, No. 10 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE what’s happening

Lloyd Cole’s Perfect Fit BY JAMES CASSARA

As one of the most eloquent and thoughtful songwriters of the Post Punk era is so few people have Lloyd Cole occupies a unique place in modern pop. experienced the quiet pleasures of his most riginally hoping for a career in de Beauvoir, Norman Mailer, and On the recent albums (2006’s academia – with an especially Waterfront. “Perfect Skin,” the shimmer- Anti-Depressant and last strong interest in philosophy ing first single, reached the top 30 charts on year’s Broken Record). – the creative spirit won out, both sides of the Atlantic while the album I’ve done my part by Oand the itinerant artist opted generated respectable if modest sales. It was continually giving them instead for music. followed in short order by Easy Pieces, a the glowing reviews they Born in 1961 in Buxton, England, more slickly arranged effort (produced by deserve but by and large Cole eschewed the traditional path of the hit making team of Alan Winstanley and Cole remains one of pop numerous garage bands along the way Clive Langer) that included the singles “Lost music’s most underex- while moving directly into the limelight. Weekend” and “Brand New Friend,” both of Lloyd Cole in concert June 16. Photo by Paul Shoul posed talents, the sort of The Commotions, which he formed in which earned significant airplay on alterna- pleasures you’re tempted 1982, were the first proper band he ever tive radio outlets. lush, string-sweetened cabaret courtesy of to keep secret while acknowledging the belonged to. Their immediate success, a After the release of 1987’s Mainstream, arranger Paul Buckmaster, best known for selfishness of doing so. Which is I why result of timing, trends, and Cole’s own Cole, intent to establish himself as a solo his work with Elton John and the Roll- I am so thrilled to see he’s playing our out-of-the-gate fully developed songwrit- artist, inexplicably disbanded the Commo- ing Stones. However, commercial success town: I write about many shows, attend ing, was in direct contrast to the “years tions and moved to New York City. There continued to prove elusive. 1993’s Bad even more, but the prospect of finally of practice and endless gigs” model that he quickly joined forces with noted session Vibes delved deeply into psychedelic and seeing the indefinable Cole in so intimate had existed since the earliest days of rock drummer Fred Maher, guitarist Robert electronica but its poor sales led to the label a setting as The Grey Eagle truly excites and roll. Quine, and a then up-and-coming singer/ dropping Cole. the music lover in me. I can only hope Originally a large soul band, with songwriter/bass player named Matthew By the next year he’d come full circle, your reading of these words does the the obligatory backup singers and horn Sweet for Cole’s self-titled 1990 solo debut. returning to a more minimalist, folk-rock- same for you! section, the Commotions eventually In truth the record sounded much like inspired sound with Love Story, but that trimmed themselves down to the quintet his previous efforts, a move which tempo- album also failed to regenerate his commercial fortunes. After a five year hiatus from IF of keyboardist Blair Cowan, guitarist Neil rarily confounded his fans. However 1999’s YOU Lloyd Cole at the Grey Eagle Clark, bassist Lawrence Donegan, and Don’t Get Weird on Me, Babe (named for recording Lloyd formed a new band (The GO on Thursday, June 16, 8 p.m. drummer Stephen Irvine. a Raymond Carver short story) marked Negatives) and settled into a comfortable $12 advance / $15 day of show Rattlesnakes, the band’s 1984 debut, a dramatic stylistic shift. The first half groove of an album every couple of years, for this fully seated performance. was an uncommonly wry and heartfelt sounded like a typical Cole record while the interspersed with modest touring. It’s not Advance tickets available online (www. record of jangling guitar pop replete with second half, besides giving the CD the feel exactly the stuff of rock and roll riches but it thegreyeagle.com) and at Harvest cultural references to the likes of Simone of a double sided album, exploded into a seems to suit him well. The only downside Records.

‘CD’s’ continued from page 10 The guitar artistry is a given, but what the finest inter- Coffey’s autobiography might surprise you are the vocal tracks. pretive singers in Guitars, Bars and Motown aside pop culture references, and the sort A pair of stellar P-Funk covers, “All Your American music, of weekend anthems that sound best when Superstars, is a must read. Goodies Are Gone” and “I’ll Bet You”, adds recasting mate- enjoyed with your dearest buddies and a six a genuine vibrancy to the originals, while rial from a variety pack of beer. Wilson Pickett’s smoldering “Don’t Knock of composers Standin’ in the Shadows of Motown, al- My Love” is highlighted by the sultry voic- with a grace and The digital mixing may diminish some lowed him to toot his own horn a bit (and of the band’s pivotal oomph but what the ing of Fanny Franklin. beauty seemingly no doubt surprised everyone who assumed Along for the ride are some of the top unmatched. She broke new ground with heck; anyone who is familiar with Crash this cat just *had* to be Black), while his Test Dummies knows just what to expect, names in contemporary funk (members of 1995’s Wrecking Ball, an artistic statement autobiography Guitars, Bars and Motown the Detroit Cobras, the Dirtbombs, and Or- that surprised even her most ardent fans, be- and in that regards Fishin’ for Woos delivers Superstars, is a must read for anyone serious the goods in very fine fashion. *** gone can be heard here), paying their respect fore charting a new creative course that has about their music history. to a master musician. Now at age 70, Dennis taken her music into new and unexpected A trio of compilations over the past de- Coffey remains at the very top of his game, directions. Dennis Coffey cade has helped introduce him to a younger a guitarist and composer in a class of one. While she has always written a few of Strut Records audience but this, his first album of new He not only proves he can hold his own her own songs, over the past fifteen years The name material in twenty years, is enough to make with the young studs, but he pushes them in Harris has blossomed as a songwriter, may not be overly anyone get up and shake their groove thing. directions they likely never considered. revealing a depth of understanding and a familiar but any- Laden with his trademark lightning-blur As I write this review it’s only mid- knack for arrangement that few might have one who listened strum, wah-wah- warble and fuzz guitar May, but this marvelous disc is already my guessed. For her latest she’s had a hand closely to the great tone, these eleven tracks, roughly half new contender for album of the year. ***** in writing the bulk of the material, gifting Motown sides of and half covers, are sheer magic. us with a collection of songs detailing the the 1960’s has been regaled by the supreme From the opening ultra-bad instrumen- Emmylou Harris struggles of the everyday with genuine com- tal feast “7th Galaxy” and moving into the playing of Funk Brother Dennis Coffey. Hard Bargain passion and an ear for detail. For the better part of two decades, mind bending groove of “Space Traveler” In the tradition of Woody Guthrie lending his talents to more sessions than there’s nothing here that doesn’t rival such Nonesuch Records there are tales of those struggling to keep it even he might imagine, Coffey was the go legendary Coffey tracks as “Scorpio” and his Emmylou Harris spent the first two together, from the homeless (“Home Sweet trend setting Black Belt Jones soundtrack. to man. His appearance in the 2002 film decades of her illustrious career as one of ‘CD’s’ continued on page 12

Vol. 14, No. 10 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — June 2011 11 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE music

Salute to America ‘CD’s’ continued from page 11 elcome the Air National Guard lina) as “Goodwill Ambas- Home”) to the tragic (“New Orleans”) Band of the South to Asheville sadors” for the Georgia Air to the love lost (“The Road”). There’s on Friday, June 10 at 7 p.m. in National Guard. even a Dylan-like bit of social protest a Salute to America concert on Throughout the years, (“My Name Is Emmett Till”), but the stage in Pack Square Park. the band’s reputation has led while Harris swims in waters previ- WThe Air National Guard Band of the to requests to perform in all ously explored by others her own take is South is the official musical performing over America, the Azores never derivative. ensemble of the Georgia Air National Guard Islands, Norway, and the Hard Bargain may be a sad album, and plays a variety of popular classics, jazz Dominican Republic. The but it is my no means a depressing and even rock’n’roll. The concert, sponsored band has played for many one. Its sound is clear and uncluttered, by Pack Square Park Conservancy is free notable figures, including and Harris is too smart and talented to and open to the public. President Harry S Tru- allow melodrama to get in the way of All members of the band are traditional man and the president of a powerful story. These songs may not guardsmen, serving one weekend a month, Tanzania, honored generals be as immediately affective as those on two weeks during the year and at other from one star to four, and Wrecking Ball or even Red Dirt Girl but I suspect they’ll worm their way times when called to duty. The Band of the serenaded dignitaries from The Air National Guard Band of the South. South strives to musically exemplify the Air mayors and congressmen, to into my consciousness with delibera- Force values of excellence, integrity, and governors and presidents. tion and intensity. Now in her mid 60s Harris service above self. In addition to the concert band, the Air IF Under the direction of Captain Alan National Guard Band of the South contains YOU For more information about the remains one of our most vital musi- B. McConnell, the Band of the South several ensemble groups, including a cer- GO concert please call Pack Square cal treasures, an artist with a knack for averages fifty performances a year, and emonial band, Eagles’ Flight jazz ensemble, Park Conservancy at (828) 252- giving us one pleasant surprise after an- performs regularly throughout its primary a rock/pop ensemble known as Sound Bar- 2300. To learn more about what Pack other. Hard Bargain is yet another such area of responsibility (Georgia, Alabama, rier, and more. Square Park Conservancy is all about check honest and moving delight. **** our website www.packsquarepark.org. Florida, North Carolina, and South Caro-

WNC Jazz Profiles: David Wilken & the Asheville Jazz Orchestra BY EDDIE LESHURE

“David Wilken is one of the best young Big Band composers in artful variety of mind to perform it. Charts I’m writing our country. He writes tunes the players and the people like to sounds and the for the AJO also take into account our play and listen to. His music is playable, but yet challenging. way he used his lead trumpet players, what sort of grooves We are so very lucky to have Dave Wilken in Asheville.” band’s abilities our rhythm section plays particularly ~ trumpeter Dr. John A. Entzi, Mars Hill College so effectively. well and particular soloists that I want to Sammy Nestico feature on that chart. On the other hand, sheville, did you know we have Wesleyan University, for writing great sometimes I write a less specific sort of actually a bona fide, full-fledged Adams State College, and swinging charts. chart specifically because I want it to be jazz band - something many UNCA. Having evolved Thad Jones for useable by different bands.” much larger cities lack? Look no into a premier trombon- also swinging “Dave Wilken is a fine trombonist further than the Asheville Jazz ist, composer, arranger hard, but also and teacher, but I feel that possibly his AOrchestra and thank Dave Wilkin! and music educator, Dr. for his quirky best strength is in writing and arranging. Dave Wilken created the Asheville Wilken currently teaches lines and un- As a member of the Asheville Jazz Or- Jazz Orchestra (AJO) in 2006 after a cou- music at Western Carolina usual voicings. chestra, I have had the distinct pleasure ple of years of talking with other musi- University. Gil Evans, Bob of playing much of Dave’s music over cians about how much fun it is to play in Dave’s interest in The versatile Dave Wilken. Brookmeyer, the past several years. He is capable of a big band and wondering why someone composition extends to Jim McNeely, emulating the writing styles of many hadn’t put one together yet around here. teaching and presenting performances of Wayne Shorter, Charles Mingus.” other composers and arrangers from the Born and raised in the Chicago area, student and faculty works through founding Regarding the AJO, “We’re a full 17 past, but he also has a very distinct writ- Dave became interested in jazz at a young UNCA’s bi-annual Contemporary Music piece big band, with a pool of about 25 or ing style of his own. We are very lucky to age while playing in the high school Recital and presenting concerts of music so musicians that play with us according to have someone of Dave’s caliber here in band. Initially trained on the trumpet and by local composers and arrangers with the availability. We use the standard instrumen- Western North Carolina.” baritone horn, at one point the director AJO. A versatile trombonist, Dr. Wilken also tation that evolved during the Swing Era ~ local jazz drummer Justin Watt invited him to try out the difficult trom- performs regularly with a variety of en- and the music we play ranges from charts of www.ashevillejazz.org bone, since the band was lacking one. “I sembles besides the AJO (where he is Music the big bands from that time, to brand new was reluctant at first, because I’d have Director), such as salsa bands, symphony music, as a couple of regular players in the to give up most of my lunch period, but orchestras and a trombone choir. Known as band are also composers and arrangers. ended up loving it.” a versatile trombonist, he’s in demand as a I asked, “Duke wrote pieces with Share Eddie LeShure’s Dave earned a B.M in Composi- session player and has recorded for a variety particular musicians in his group in mind, passion for jazz with tion from Illinois Wesleyan University, of artists, also composing for numerous do you?” Jazz Unlimited on MAIN a M.M. in Jazz Studies from DePaul albums by a wide range of groups and artists. “It depends on what I’m after and what FM each Wednesday University and a D.A. in Trombone I asked Dave if there’s a particular I hope to do with the chart later. I usually 7-10 p.m., (rebroadcast Performance from Ball State University. composer/arranger who’s most influenced write more for a particular band’s ability Saturdays 4-7 p.m.) at He has since taught music at Indiana him and why? “Duke Ellington for his level and normally have a particular band in 103.5 or MAIN-FM.org.

12 June 2011 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 14, No. 10 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE in concert The Endless Dust Roads of Dave Alvin

s much as anyone, the mercurial led to a long and well documented feud BY JAMES CASSARA artist born David Alvin helped to between the two brothers. revitalize the American roots rock While still with the Blasters, Alvin had scene that is now entering into its already begun exploring new ideas with a third decade. His first step was in Dave Alvin’s new studio pair of projects, both indicative of the near Athe early ‘80s with the Blasters, a band he schizophrenic nature of his music. The album Eleven Eleven will co-founded with his older brother Phil, Flesh Eaters ventured into Goth terrain and since that time in a number of varying be released June 21. while the Knitters, an acoustic ensemble ensembles and as a solo artist. in which Alvin performed vintage coun- Blessed (or cursed) with an incessant cal talent and the drive to accomplish their try and folk numbers with John Doe and desire to explore new ventures, a musical goals. In 1979 they formed the Blasters Exene Cervenka of X, turned down the “family tree” of Alvin’s career would have with fellow Downey residents Bill Bateman volume considerably. Shortly after leaving nary a straight limb. He’s rarely stayed in and John Bazz. the Blasters, Alvin joined X as a fully fledged one sonic space for long. Born in Downey, Combining the revved-up energy of member, replacing Billy Zoom on guitar. CA, in 1955, Alvin was raised by a family of punk rock, which at that time continued to But that didn’t last long as the restless Alvin music fans. By his early teens he and Phil dominate the musical landscape, with an amicably left the group to work on a solo had immersed themselves in blues, rocka- enthusiastic embrace of classic American project shortly after the recording sessions billy, and vintage country sounds. They sounds, the Blasters became a sensation in for the See How We Are album. both became “your typical music junkies, Los Angeles while winning an enthusiastic Alvin’s first solo album, Romeo’s collecting rare records and attending night- cult-following across the United States and Escape, added a purer country influence club performances by the likes of T-Bone Europe. But in an all too familiar story, along with a larger side portion of the blues. Walker, Big Joe Turner, and Lee Allen.” critical respect failed to translate into sales; While the album was critically well received, Dave Alvin in concert June 14. Like many such fans the brothers in 1986 Dave left the band while Phil Alvin it didn’t fare well in the marketplace, and wanted to play music influenced by the continued to front various lineups. Dave Alvin was dropped by his American re- to revitalize Alvin. Another Guilty Women sounds they loved. Unlike the rest of us would return from time to time but things cord label. In addition he suffered health album, coupled with an extended tour and they were gifted with unrelenting musi- were never quite the same, a situation that problems which sidelined him for a while. live DVD, soon followed. Except for a wild tour and subsequent live When not busy recording his own album with yet another band (The Pleasure material (and it should be obvious Alvin Barons, featuring longtime friends Mojo records a lot of music!) he’s also worked as Nixon and Country Dick Montana) Alvin a producer for several other roots-oriented BRAVO’S 80TH SEASON INCLUDES THE remained relatively quiet. acts, including Tom Russell, the Derail- In 1989, Dwight Yoakam scored a hit ers, and Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys, as “Greatest Violinist Alive” and More on the country charts with Alvin’s song well as collaborating with rockabilly legend “Long White Cadillac,” and Alvin used Sonny Burgess. oshua Bell, the musi- the royalties to start work on his second As a sideman, Alvin has recorded ses- BY BRIAN CLAFLIN cian who “doesn’t solo set, Blue Blvd. Released on Hightone sions with the likes of Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, stand in anyone’s Records, it received enthusiastic reviews Little Milton, Katy Moffatt, Bob Dylan, and sold surprisingly well, allowing Alvin and Syd Straw. In short he is a modern shadow” according today, and a dedication to the New York to reestablish himself as a significant artist day renaissance man, albeit one who chain J to reflect diverse cultural in the roots rock scene. smokes, swears as if there is no tomorrow, Times, is a notable offerings. highlight in a coming After 1993’s Museum of Heart, Alvin and speaks with an unmistakable Bakersfield season full of exciting Bravo’s 2011-2012 began to turn his attention to acoustic music drawl. At the age of 55 he’s back out with yet performances from some Season with 1994’s King of California. Over the another new band. of the most dynamic and Sunday, October 23 at 4 next several years he moved back and forth Having spent a remarkable amount of prestigious artists from p.m. National Acrobats between hard-edged roots rock and more those years on the road he’s certainly earned around the world, to help of The People’s Republic introspective acoustic material that still a few scars and learned some important celebrate the 80th season of China honored his influences and allowed him to lessons along the way, but even with all of concerts from Asheville Saturday, November 12 display a greater range as a vocalist. the detours and unexpected landings Dave Bravo Concerts, the area’s at 7:30 p.m. Joshua Bell In 2000, Alvin recorded a collection of Alvin has never veered too far from his oldest performing arts traditional folk and blues classics, Pub- chosen path. His shows are as energetic and non-profit. Sunday, January 29, 2012 lic Domain: Songs from the Wild Land, unpredictable as ever and his musicianship Bravo’s 2011-2012 Joshua Bell, violinist at 4 p.m. the Soweto which earned him a Grammy award for has only gotten better with time. Which is season will also include Gospel Choir Best Contemporary Folk Album. In 2004, why this show should be something special Giselle performed by the Moscow Festival Friday, March 9, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. The he signed with the then fledgling Yep Roc for those of us who, like Dave and Phil, still Ballet; a gospel concert like none other Moscow Festival Ballet performs Giselle Records. Ashgrove, his first release for his love our music. you’ve heard from South Africa’s musical new label, was a low-key but hard-edged ambassadors, the Soweto Gospel Choir; and, set of blues and rock. It was followed in back by popular demand, a return of the 2006 by West of the West and a year later IF by Live from Austin TX. IF National Acrobats of the People’s Repub- YOU Season subscribers enjoy the YOU Dave Alvin and the Guilty lic of China, who in 2009 astounded and GO best seating available, 20% off Sensing the need to again shake things GO Ones with special guests Los delighted a sold-out audience at the Thomas regular pricing, and exclusive up Alvin disbanded The Guilty Men, with Straightjackets at the Grey Eagle Wolfe Auditorium. communications regarding performances whom he’d toured for the better part of a on Tuesday, June 14, 8 p.m. $15 advance The coming season’s lineup reflects and artists. For more information decade, and assembled the Guilty Women, / $18 day of show. Advance tickets available Bravo’s longtime commitment to enrich- about Bravo’s 2001-2012 Season, please an all female ensemble anchored by the in- online (www.thegreyeagle.com) and at our ing our community with some of the most call (828) 225-5887, or visit www. domitable Cindy Cashdollar on Dobro and local outlets for this standing room only widely acclaimed top-tier talent performing ashevillebravoconcerts.org. pedal steel. The change of scenery seemed performance.

Vol. 14, No. 10 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — June 2011 13 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.

Bloodworth ∑∑∑1/2 worth, something fell short. It is ber and his character not entirely likeable, Short Take: A southern gothic tale of an filmed well, the music (T-Bone Bur- his performance is imbued with a brand of old country western singer who returns nett) is perfect and the casting couldn’t humor all his own. It’s a grown up Will Far- home after a 40 year absence to find the be better. The performances are not rell movie and it is good. remnants of what he left behind. where the film fails, nor is it in the Farrell stars as Nick Halsey, a man who parts of the story told. The fault lies in loses his job and his wife after a drunken REEL TAKE: Bloodworth will have come the in the parts of the story not told. escapade on a business trip. He returns and gone with nary a notice by the time this Something tells me we get more – a home to find the locks changed and all of issue comes out. While I would have loved whole lot more – in the novel. We are his belongings on the front lawn. Nick is a to have included The Hangover Part II in introduced to these complicated and recovering alcoholic, and seeing as he’s just this section, it wasn’t out before press time flawed people and then just as things hit bottom, he camps out on his front lawn and that worked out well for the inclusion get really interesting with the character and goes on an all out bender. Along the of this film. Bloodworth is one of those little development, that’s it. This happens way he is befriended by Kenny (newcomer films that my colleague, Chip Kaufmann, particularly with Dwight Yoakam’s Christopher Jordan Wallace), a lonely teen- and I like to celebrate and promote. (It Reece Morgan and Hilary Duff talk about character. His is a tragic storyline, but age boy as well as a new neighbor, Saman- reminded us both of movies we’ve screened escaping their lowlife Tennessee roots in the low budget indie film Bloodworth. it is diminished so greatly, either by tha (Rebecca Hall). The conversations adaptation or editing, that it merely reflect the awkwardness that sometimes for various film festivals in the region). laces the story with more bad news for accompanies new relationships. Nick’s life Theatre Directory Bloodworth is filmmaking at it’s simplest – a the Bloodworths. may be a train wreck for the time being, but good story, a solid cast and people who want This failing is unfortunate because his new friends are fragile in their own ways Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company to work, not to make a blockbuster, but just in all other respects Bloodworth is a fine and this makes for a nuanced layering as the Movieline (828) 254-1281 to make a good little film. little movie. To me it was a bit like Get story unfolds. www.ashevillepizza.com Based on the novel by William Gay and Low meets Winter’s Bone. Like last year’s As we learn more about Nick’s corpo- adapted by W. Earl Brown (who also appears Winter’s Bone, it depicts a world, a life and rate and personal rise and fall by the hand of Beaucatcher Cinemas (Asheville) in the film) Bloodworth tells the story of an a culture that most of us have not experi- the bottle, we also see two different versions Movieline (828) 298-1234 old singer, E.F. Bloodworth (Kris Kristoffer- enced, but a world that makes for some fine of a man – a good, thoughtful and observant Biltmore Grande son), who returns home to rural Tennessee storytelling. It may have come and gone man and an angrier, flawed man with father 1-800-FANDANGO #4010 after leaving his wife and three sons more before you even knew it existed, but Blood- issues (also a drunkard). The contrast is pal- www.REGmovies.com than forty years earlier. His wife (Frances worth is worth a rent. pable and it conjures empathy. Farrell plays Conroy) is forlorn and a little dotty but still Rated R for language, some violence and drug both sides unapologetically. Carmike 10 (Asheville) devoted to E.F; only she and E.F. know content Jordan and Farrell have great chemistry. Movieline (828) 298-4452 One gets the feeling they must have had the real reason he left. The three sons have REVIEWED BY MICHELLE KEENAN www.carmike.com issues stemming from their father’s disap- some fun outtakes. The dynamics between Carolina Cinemas pearance and there is not a particularly good Everything Must Go Nick and his neighbor are more deliberately (828) 274-9500 or kind bone in any of them. ∑∑∑∑ www.carolinacinemas.com The story is told from the perspective of E.F.’s grandson, Fleming (Reece Thomp- Short Take: Will Farrell makes a Cinebarre (Asheville) son). In spite of his upbringing he is a young significant departure from his www.cinebarre.com man with good heart and a poet’s soul. He is usual comic vehicles in a drama an aspiring writer and his family will even- about an alcoholic whose relapse The Falls Theatre (Brevard) leaves him with only what’s left on tually prove good source material. While Movieline (828) 883-2200 his front lawn. getting to know his granddaddy (whose Fine Arts Theatre (Asheville) presence he helps shield from his granny), REEL TAKE: Will Farrell made an Movieline (828) 232-1536 Fleming is the central figure between a wing interesting choice in his latest film www.fineartstheatre.com nut of an uncle (W. Earl Brown), a whoring Everything Must Go. It’s a distinct Flat Rock Theatre (Flat Rock) scumbag of another uncle (Val Kilmer), his departure from his usual fare, and Movieline (828) 697-2463 emotionally distant, angry, ex-wife stalking he rises to the occasion. During the www.flatrockcinema.com father (Dwight Yoakam) and his newfound press junket there was some specula- love Raven (Hilary Duff). tion that Farrell would receive good Alcoholic Will Farrell gets evicted by his family in the Four Seasons (Hendersonville) All the elements are here for a meaty notices but that his fan base would change-of-pace comedy/drama Everything Must Go. Movieline (828) 693-8989 southern gothic tale (it made me want to not respond well. I disagree with this. read the book) and while I liked Blood- Smoky Mountain Cinema (Waynesville) While the subject matter is more som- ‘Movies’ continued on page 15 Movieline (828) 452-9091

14 June 2011 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 14, No. 10 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE film reviews

‘Movies’ continued from page 14 such as Melissa McCarthy, who plays an uncomfortable, but there is still something Bridesmaids ∑∑∑∑ eccentric bridesmaid named Megan— really nice and genuine there. The key Finally—a Judd Apatow- keep the story from getting dull. Chris to Everything Must Go is vulnerability. style comedy targeted for women. O’Dowd also gives a fun performance as Whether it’s our piteous hero or the other Bridesmaids is a combination of the nice-guy Officer Rhodes. characters, it’s their vulnerability, awareness, quintessential chick flick values and In my opinion, not all of the jokes and honesty that make the difference. This crude humor. The comedy starts work, but there are enough laugh out is demonstrated in a couple of brief side sto- when Annie (Kristin Wiig) finds loud moments to ensure entertain- ries featuring Stephen Root and Laura Dern. out that her best friend, Lillian ment. My one veritable complaint with Obviously Nick can’t live on his front lawn (Maya Rudolph) is engaged and Bridesmaids is that it is a little too long. forever; everything must go and everyone is asked to be the maid of honor. The plot drags in some places but not must move forward. However, between personal prob- enough to make it truly boring. If you get Will Farrell, you’ll likely take lems and a series of unfortunate, I recommend this film to anyone to the film. If you’re not a fan or find him though hilarious, wedding-plan- looking for a unique comedy that is utterly obnoxious and juvenile, you will ning mishaps, she is horrified to Annie (Kristen Wiig) discovers her best friend Lillian certain to provide some laughs. Brides- certainly be more impressed by him in this (Maya Rudolph) is getting married in Bridesmaids. find Lillian moving closer to a new maids may be geared more toward outing, though you may still not really like friend, Helen (Rose Byrne), as females, but there are enough crass jokes him. If Farrell continues to do films in the Annie’s life continues to spiral out of decent values. The most refreshing part that I am sure many men can enjoy it comedic and dramatic realms, he will rise control. With the help of a handsome of the movie is that the female characters too. Furthermore, I think it’s a movie to even greater popularity and certainly to cop (Chris O’Dowd), Annie must try to actually seem real. that teenagers as well as more acclaim. get a handle on the situation and create a Annie is certainly an older audience will Rated R for language and some sexual content. great wedding. endearing, but she also appreciate. If you’ve been REVIEWED BY MICHELLE KEENAN I found Bridesmaids exception- has multiple flaws and TEEN waiting for a comedy ally entertaining. It contains plenty behaves like an average worth your ten dollars, Fast Five ∑∑∑1/2 of gross-out jokes—such as when the person. Kristin Wiig does REVIEW this is it. bridesmaids get food poisoning before a fine job of carrying the Short Take: Number 5 in the Fast and by Clara Sofia Rated R for some sexuality Furious franchise is an above average a dress fitting—but also promotes movie, and other actors— and strong language. heist film but it has a lot less car action than the previous four which will disappoint fans of the series. REEL TAKE: Fast Five continues the fran- Added to the mix this time around is Rated PG-13 for sexual content, chise that began in 2001 with The Fast and Hobbs (Dwayne “no longer The Rock” sequences of violence, language, and the Furious and continued with Too Fast, Johnson), a ruthless federal agent who intense action. Too Furious (2003), Tokyo Drift (2006), always get his man (or men in this case). REVIEWED BY CHIP KAUFMANN and Fast and Furious (2009). Although Hobbs is not a bad guy, he is just a badass there is action-a-plenty, fans of the series with a bad attitude. Hobbs is brought in Pirates of the Caribbean: may be disappointed with this outing as it by the corrupt Rio police to take Dom and On Stranger Tides ∑∑∑∑ focuses more on plot and characterization O’Conner down. He is there to harass our Short Take: Captain Jack Sparrow than on car racing. heroes and then come face to face with is back for a 4th pirate adventure them in the end. – argh! Essentially Fast Five is a classic heist film in the vein of Rififi or The Italian Job REEL TAKE: The box office phe- with the cars playing as important a part in nomenon and beloved Captain Jack the proceedings as the humans. This does Sparrow is back for yet another pirate allow the fans of the series to have one get adventure and hijinx on the high Johnny Depp and Geoffrey Rush are up to their old together scene in the auto underground seas. Is Pirates of the Caribbean: On pirating tricks once again in Pirates of the Caribbean: where you get to see lots of hot cars and Stranger Tides a been-there-done- On Stranger Tides. hot babes with thongs and a climatic chase that? Sure it is. Is it as good as the scene with a huge safe that has to be seen to first Pirates of the Caribbean movie Sparrow’s dad. (Given the fact that this tale be believed. that captured the hearts of moviegoers the focuses around finding the elusive Foun- There’s nothing new here other than world over? No. However it is far and away tain of Youth, you can imagine the conver- a scale back on the racing scenes. I’m not better than the third installment and far sation between Depp and Richards.) There O’Conner (Paul Walker) and Dominic better than I thought it would be. While still (Vin Diesel) check out the hot local action sure why the filmmakers chose to do this as is also an incredibly brief (blink and you’ll in Fast Five. it annoyed the audience that I saw the film a bit overblown in parts, it is filled with sol- miss it) cameo with Dame Judi Dench that with. While watching Fast Five, I realized idly funny dialogue and brilliantly choreo- evokes a good laugh. The exotic setting this time around is what a long, long shadow Brian De Palma’s graphed action sequences. Most important- This adventure begins in jolly old Rio de Janeiro where Dominic (Vin Die- Scarface has. Several times I saw setups and ly, Johnny Depp revels fully as everyone’s London. Captain Jack Sparrow is there to sel) and O’Conner (Paul Walker) are there camera movement and angles that were favorite swaggering and palavering pirate. rescue Gibbs from the gallows and to find to pull off a monumental heist and thwart clearly De Palma inspired. At 130 minutes Joining Depp for this adventure are out who is going around London looking for the local drug lord (Joaquim de Almeida) the movie is way too long and despite the Penelope Cruz and Ian McShane; Orlando a crew, claiming to be the infamous Captain who has every official, police and other- subject material, too slow in places. It’s not Bloom and Keira Knightly are neither men- Jack Sparrow. Along the way he learns that wise, in his pocket. It’s more about the a bad movie but it comes under the heading tioned nor missed much, as this adventure Barbossa is now working for the crown challenge than revenge at first but over the of completely disposable entertainment. In stands on its own. Geoffrey Rush returns as and that King George II (Richard Griffiths) course of the film that changes as things fact I’ve already forgotten the opening and I the ever present Captain Barbossa, as does wants to beat the Spanish to the Fountain of begin to happen to members of Dom and saw it shortly before writing this review. Kevin McNally as Gibbs, and – much to Youth. Just as he is figuring out what’s going everyone’s delight – Keith Richards as Jack O’Conner’s team. ‘Movies’ continued on page 16

Vol. 14, No. 10 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — June 2011 15 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE film reviews

‘Movies’ continued from page 15 Rob Marshall (taking the reins from Gore Potiche ∑∑∑1/2 Verbinski) is a master choreographer who Short Take: Catherine Deneuve delights on, Sparrow is shanghaied onto the Queen works wonders here, making the non-CGI in this comedy about a middle aged Anne’s Revenge, the ship of another rather action sequences come together like a game trophy wife in 1970s France who takes well known pirate. Ian McShane is spot on of Mousetrap. Personally I thought a couple over the running of the umbrella factory as the legendary and fearsome Blackbeard. of darker moments of violence were slightly that her father started and her husband Giving new definition to ‘pirate’s booty’ is out of place with the Pirates of the Carib- mismanaged. Penelope Cruz as Angelica Malon, Black- bean franchise (cursed pirates that turn into skeletons are one thing, but slitting a man’s REEL TAKE: Catherine Deneuve and beard’s alleged long-lost daughter and one Gerard Depardieu shine in the light French of Sparrow’s scorned lovers. throat – that’s not quite fitting). You don’t need me or any other re- comedy Potiche. The time is 1977. Cath- With the race on to find the fountain, erine Deneuve is Suzanne Pujol, a middle the stage is already set for a comic pirate viewer to tell you to see or not see Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. I can’t aged, upper class trophy wife with a kind Catherine Deneuve and Gerard Depardieu adventure, but throw in some black magic demeanor despite a complete lack of respect show they still have what it takes in the and some seriously badass mermaids and think of one person that doesn’t like Captain French labor farce Potiche. Jack Sparrow. In the end it is disposable from her loathsome and unpleasant hus- you’ve got a convoluted, big budget swash- band Robert (Fabrice Luchini). He runs the buckler on your hands. Don’t get me wrong, entertainment, but it’s also “yo ho ho and a bottle of rum” fun! umbrella factory that her father started many someone must step in, and it’s none other it’s a lot of fun, but overly long CGI action years prior. One day Robert, a dreadful than Suzanne. Turns out that after years of sequences tend to bore me and detract from Rated PG-13 for sequences of action/adventure manager and human being, and his secretary raising children, looking pretty and wanting the story and the rest of the fun. Fortu- violence, frightening images, sensuality and in- are held hostage by the workers on the eve for nothing, Suzanne has a head for business nately the cast and script is strong enough nuendo. of a strike. When a heart attack renders him and for people. to withstand the CGI fest and director REVIEWED BY MICHELLE KEENAN temporarily unable to run the company, With the help of Maurice Babin (Gerard Depardieu), a liberal Labor party type union organizer turned politician, the strike is settled, everyone is happy, and she Chip Kaufmann’s Pick: Michelle Keenan’s Pick: turns the company around and poises it for June DVD Picks growth. She is dazzling and she is respected. “Hunchback of Notre Dame” “Pride and Prejudice” She even brings her two grown children into the fold. Her son, an artsy type whom her husband would never have employed, The Hunchback of Notre Pride and Prejudice (2005) turns out to be great in the design depart- Dame (1956) The 2005 version of Pride and Preju- ment. Her daughter, who takes after the According to IMDB (internet dice is XX in an uber chick flick kind father, is not quite as useful nor supportive movie data base) there are no less than of way. Directed by Joe Wright (Atone- of her mother’s efforts but serves more as a 12 different versions of Victor Hugo’s ment), the almost 200 year-old Jane Aus- dupe and a pawn for her father and her own The Hunchback of Notre Dame, start- ten classic got a makeover and a reduction loathsome husband. ing with a short French version in 1911 befitting 21st Century film goers. The costuming and set design for 1977 and ending up with the Disney animat- Screenwriter Debborah Moggach, are perfect, quite the time capsule. The ed version in 1996. (with the help of an uncredited Emma casting is spot on in Potiche. Deneuve is The two most famous are the 1923 Thompson), whittled Austen’s work down as gorgeous as ever and the role seemed silent version with Lon Chaney and the to a beautiful 2-hour adaptation, which effortless for her. She and Depardieu have 1939 version with Charles Laughton, still manages to stay true to its scribe. Joe great chemistry, and even though he is an which is usually considered the finest ally the case and this enables him to give a Wright gives the story a cinematic lumi- actor of some depth, he possesses a charm of the lot. While I concur with that moving performance that relies very little on nosity with breathtaking photography and that serves him well in this genre. The and would place the Chaney version pathos. In fact he is very similar here to his a lusciously romantic score. supporting cast, including Karin Viard second, the 1956 version with Anthony Zampano the strongman which he did two Kiera Knightley and Matthew as the husband’s secretary/mistress and Quinn and Gina Lollobrigida has been years earlier in La Strada for Fellini. MacFadyen play two of literature’s most Judith Godreche and Jeremie Renier as the sadly overlooked. Gina Lollobrigida is all but forgotten beloved characters, Elizabeth Bennet younger Pujols, are all exactly what they are I first saw it as a child as was not today, but she was as big a star as Sophia and Mr. Darcy. An all star cast including supposed to be. Much like a French farce overly impressed at the time. Of course I Loren back then. She gives a very strong per- Brenda Blethyn and Donald Sutherland for the stage, it’s an ensemble piece, but as saw it on a small black and white portable formance as Esmeralda, even if she is a little and Mr. and Mrs. Bennet as well as a moviegoer I was glad that Deneuve and TV in what was obviously a pan and scan too old for the role. In fact I would rate her Dame Judi Dench as Lady Catherine de Depardieu really make the show. copy. I have since seen the Laughton as my favorite Esmeralda of all time. Bourg are nothing short of delightful. Potiche is a light comedy with classic and Chaney versions many times, but Another selling point is that, of all the While the English societal woes of French farce characteristics. Serious real- it wasn’t until just recently that I rented versions out there, this version is the closest the early 1800’s don’t have much bearing world issues, politics and women’s rights this version to check it out after so many to the original novel, which is called Notre today, the bonds of family, friendship are a back drop that only the French could years, and it was a revelation. Dame of Paris. The focus is on multiple and love still resonate, most especially make such use of in comedy. We forget that First of all the film was in color and characters and the cathedral, not just Qua- in this version. With Sutherland at the only a mere 30 some years ago women were in the vibrant hues of 1950s Tech- simodo. It also contains the most moving helm, the Bennets seem like a real fam- still second class citizens. It is amazing to nicolor. Secondly, the film was shot in ending of the story that I have ever seen. ily. Most importantly however Knightley think how far we’ve come and in a sense widescreen Cinemascope so that most Miramax has prepared a 45th anniver- and MacFadyen give Elizabeth and Mr. this movie celebrates that social shift with a of it was missing on my old TV set. sary edition that looks and sounds gor- Darcy electricity, lust and a romantic joie de vivre. Although obviously shot on a set, the geous. The original version was in French heart that makes every girl’s stomach do Potiche is light enough to be classified cinematography gives the film an added and this is English, dubbed, but they do that funny flip … as a French chick-flick, but balanced enough depth and that makes for a completely a good job. If you would like to see what So ladies, skip book club this month, to be entertaining to men and women. This different viewing experience. Victor Hugo’s novel is really all about, break out the merlot and enjoy the film will likely disappear from The Fine Arts Anthony Quinn’s Quasimodo then check out this stylish version which is heralding of summer, Austen style, Jane Theatre right about the time this issue hits makeup is not nearly as heavy as is usu- readily available. Austen style. ‘Movies’ continued on page 17

16 June 2011 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 14, No. 10 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE film reviews

‘Movies’ continued from pg. 16 On hand to lend the movie a little Anthony Hopkins as no less than Odin, the dignity (and to collect a hefty paycheck no king of the gods, he has a powerful enough the newsstands. On the off chance it makes doubt) is the 82 year old Christopher Plum- actor to make these scenes the best part it to any other theatres in our region, see it mer who just gets better with age even if his of the first half of the picture. Once Thor quickly as it won’t last long. However this movies don’t. He spends most of his time on defies his father and is banished to Earth, is a film that will lose nothing on DVD and a throne as the head of the Church, refusing stripped of all his powers, then the movie will certainly be worth a rent. to believe that the vampires are regrouping really hits its stride. I was fully engaged the because if he did then there wouldn’t be a rest of the way. Rated R for some sexuality movie. Paul Bettany gives his usual commit- I got so caught up in Thor’s plight and REVIEWED BY MICHELLE KEENAN ted performance, although this type of role the machinations against him above and is starting to get to be a habit with him (Le- below that it was over halfway through the Priest ∑∑∑1/2 gion, Da Vinci Code). Karl Urban has the film before I realized that the love inter- Short Take: A real mess of a movie that most fun as the bad guy Black Hat (subtle!) est was Natalie Portman. That’s a tribute tries to cram too much into too little because the script allows him too. Morgan Spurlock checks in with Ralph Nader to her skill as an actress and to Branagh’s but it still manages to be entertaining While watching Priest, I was reminded in The Greatest Movie Ever Sold. storytelling abilities. I also enjoyed seeing thanks to committed performances and of the low budget apocalyptic thrillers, A view session I saw a preview for Zookeeper Stellan Skarsgard in a good guy role (he’s a spectacular finale. Boy and his Dog, The Road Warrior, and where a trip to T.G.I. FRIDAYS figures this generation’s Max von Sydow), although REEL TAKE: I’ll say it right from the start, Death Race 2000, that graced drive-in prominently in the trailer), so Spurlock sets as a true Scandinavian he would have been Priest is a real train wreck of a movie and screens in the 1970s and 80s, movies that out to visit top companies and their ad agen- perfect to play one of the gods. that’s not because it actually contains one. weren’t good by certain critical standards cies in an attempt to get his movie made. Now that I have taken care of the big It’s because the filmmakers tried to insert but that managed to be entertaining without Surprise! None of the big boys are interested name players, let’s take a look at the relative everything except for the kitchen sink into wearing out their welcome. I’ll close by say- in Spurlock’s concept. One agency tells him unknowns who play antagonists Thor and the screenplay which is based on a series of ing that although Priest may not be a good that if he includes some female nudity (actu- Loki. Chris Hemsworth as the title character Korean graphic novels. Having not read the movie, I enjoyed it the most of the movies ally a lot) then something could be worked is suitably rash in the beginning, appropri- source material, I cannot say how much was that I reviewed this month. out. Spurlock’s response is to show us a ately befuddled when he comes to Earth and borrowed or invented for the film but there’s Rated PG-13 for sequences of violence and ac- series of 19th century nude photographs. loses his powers, and pleasantly engaging as absolutely an amazing amount of stuff here. tion, disturbing images, and brief strong language. I won’t mention any names of compa- he adapts to his new status as a mortal. Tom REVIEWED BY CHIP KAUFMANN nies, as that would be product placement in my review and I can’t have that. There The Greatest Movie Ever Sold are some companies who were willing to ∑∑∑1/2 cooperate (shoppers at upscale supermar- kets and health food venues might rec- Short Take: Morgan Spurlock’s follow-up ognize something in the film’s title) and to his highly successful previous effort there’s an amusing sequence with con- Super Size Me is clever, insightful, and sumer advocate Ralph Nader and shoes, fascinating but it runs out of steam but overall Greatest Movie wears out its before reaching the finish line. welcome before it’s done. Worth seeing for REEL TAKE: Once upon a time back during what Spurlock is attempting but ultimately my first semester in college, I was briefly a this is a gimmick film that would have Business Administration major with plans made a great one hour episode of Michael Paul Bettany comforts a dying victim in to go into advertising. I did this primarily Moore’s old TV Nation program. the post-apocolyptic thriller Priest. to please my father who did not consider Rated PG-13 for some language and sexual a major in drama and speech to be of any material. real value. One semester was all that I could Chris Hemsworth as the title character, tries The story, as such, is set in a post REVIEWED BY CHIP KAUFMANN to recover his magic hammer in Thor. apocalyptic future where humans live inside stand, not being temperamentally suited to massive walled cities to protect them from the task (“You mean that I’m not supposed Thor ∑∑∑1/2 hordes of super vampires who have suppos- to tell the truth about this product?”) so Hiddleston as his half brother Loki success- I switched over to a theatre major, to my Short Take: Kenneth Branagh’s take fully conveys his burning ambition while edly been vanquished. The Church (cor- on a mega-million dollar comic book rupt of course) controls everything and has father’s everlasting disdain. And the rest, as displaying the anguish of the less favored movie is not half bad (once you get past child who seeks his father’s favor. disbanded its warrior priests since there are they say, is history. If I had only known that the wholly derivative first half hour) no more vampires to fight inside the cities. Mad Men would have been such a hit 40 Although it clocks in at under two thanks to winning performances and an hours (115 minutes to be exact), Thor still When a member of his family (Lilly Collins) years later. Oh well. archetypal script. is kidnapped by a renegade vampire-human Where was I? Oh yeah, I’m reviewing seems a little too long. Trimming the open- hybrid (Karl Urban) then one of the priests Morgan Spurlock’s possible documentary REEL TAKE: For the first 30 minutes of ing battle scenes would have tightened up (Paul Bettany) must try and get her back Pom Wonderful Presents The Greatest Thor I was reminded of the advice given the beginning of the film and made the final before she is corrupted, or “familiarized”. Movie Ever Sold (to give it it’s full and to director Frank Capra at the preview confrontation that much more exciting. For If the plot sounds vaguely familiar complete title) so here it is. For those of you showing of Lost Horizon, ”burn the first all its CGI millions, Thor is essentially a that’s because it’s a weird mixture of Blade who don’t recognize Morgan Spurlock’s two reels.” He didn’t burn them, of course, B movie with a pedigree, the Steve Reeves Runner and the classic John Ford western name, he was the guy who, a few years back, but he did cut them and the movie became Hercules with people who know how to The Searchers. Add the fact that the villain took on McDonald’s with his self sacrificial a classic. Thor will never become a classic act. The cardinal rules of B movies are to is called Black Hat and dresses as if he were documentary Super Size Me, in which he but The Lord of the Rings derivative battle not outstay their welcome, and to say and a leftover from a Spaghetti Western (most ate only fast food and totally wrecked his scenes that open the film could easily be do everything as simply and directly as of the characters have names like Priest, health (he has since recovered). dispensed with and the movie would be they can. Thor almost achieves this but the Priestess, Salesman, Familiar) with vampires This time around he’s come up with greatly improved. multi-million dollar budget just keeps get- similar to those in Lifeforce and you have the novel idea of funding and creating a Director Kenneth Branagh (Hamlet) ting in the way. a totally wigged out enterprise that scores movie totally based on product placement. knows a thing or two about Shakespeare and Rated PG-13 for intense sci-fi action and points for referencing classic older movies Not a bad idea considering how prevalent about how to bring gravitas to a larger than violence. and for sheer chutzpah. that has become in movies (during this re- life dysfunctional family saga. And with Sir REVIEWED BY CHIP KAUFMANN

Vol. 14, No. 10 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — June 2011 17 RAPID RIVER ARTS river arts The Enriched Experience DISCOVERIES IN THE RIVER ARTS DISTRICT

s I pondered my June column about BY GREG VINEYARD hidden things one can find in the while walking in a medita- River Arts District, tion circle or garden. AI thought to myself: “Well, if Enjoyable Connections they’re secret, how will I look are to be found, too. Due to for them?” that “Field Of Dreams”-in- It’s sorta like trying stilled vision we have here, to look up “pteradactyl” in I’ve had interactive conver- the dictionary if you don’t sations with folks from all already know how to spell it. over about art, community Or “knight”. Or “herb”. Or and life in general. People’s “Klingon”. (Although admit- earnest, energetic descrip- tedly with “Klingon” you tions about their lives, what have a 50-50 chance of guess- drew them to Asheville and ing it begins with either a “k” how much they like the working studios are stimu- or a “c”. But Klingons have Black Bird by an inspired their own dictionary, further and inspiring visitor. lating. A serious talk about complicating the matter.) art therapy with friends First to my mind were logical discov- from Mississippi sparked my little gray cells. eries, like History. The old buildings are A meeting with folks from Chapel Hill fascinating, each with its own story. Brick fueled forward thinking; not just because and mortar art businesses are the current we enjoyed each other’s company, but also tenants in structures from the era of tanner- because I was given a fantastic drawing by ies, ice houses and cotton mills. I sometimes one of their kids. Some of the best gifts are wonder what Constance Williams Gallery, exchanges of information and ideas, and as PG. 39 built in 1916 by Standard Oil, looked like simple as an inspired image on lined note- B back then as I sit at night carving tiles while book paper. the rumbling train’s headlights cast eerie I suggest here to you that the biggest yet comforting shadows across our working hidden surprise is right in front of us: PEO- studio. PLE. It is us. It’s our visitors. It’s the feelings I also thought about Stuff. The variety we feel, the art we ingest and the yet-to-be- of artistic offerings is nearly limitless -- discovered things we find ourselves reacting people are often surprised to find they can, to and sharing about. as I often say, “Decorate Your Life”. Each The Studio Stroll is a great way to meet stop reveals something new as they follow all 150+ artists at the same time, get the lay the map and explore. of the land, and enjoy art and friends . Com- And one can certainly find Information, ing back time and again is a great way to and sometimes that is new, too. Like how keep enriching the experience and to unfold the artists and their food-venue friends are more secrets. just four or so minutes from downtown, See you at Studio Stroll! depending on red lights en route. And that even on Sundays one can find work by over 50 artists, because several buildings are open Greg Vineyard is an artist and creative consultant seven days a week. Another pleasant surprise in Asheville’s River Arts is that it’s OK to ask the artists how they do District. He and his what they do, as questions are welcome. Ceramics for Contemplation Looking deeper, it’s evident that artists & Connectivity can be found and visitors alike have Wonderful Mo- at Constance Williams ments. Like peace while wandering through Gallery (the middle building in CURVE), an inspiring gallery. And the pleasure of The Premier Open Studio Tour in the Country 9 Riverside Dr. Open seven days 11-4. www.toeriverarts.org journaling with a cup of tea in a favorite cof- Visit creativewayfinding.byregion.net 22 fee house. Or perhaps processing a thought 2011 Take time to visit a few of the Toe River June 10 t 11 t 12 Friday 12-4 River Arts District’s wonderful, Studio Tour Saturday 10-6 Sunday 10-6 independently owned, “Asheville Mitchell t Yancey Counties Reception t Friday 5-7 Grown” businesses. Western North Carolina Spruce Pine TRAC Gallery From left: Kathleen Turczyn, Lisa Gluckin, Simona Rosasco From the 2010 Studio Stroll. Photo by Lynne Harty

18 June 2011 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 14, No. 10

PRINTS COLOR RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE river arts district studio stroll

RIVER ARTS Rvr Arts Dﬆ i Sui Sr STUDIO BUILDINGS Saturday & Sunday, June 11-12, 2011 * 240 Clingman * 347 Depot f you haven’t visited the * 97 Roberts Street BY JENNY MOORE River Arts District in Ashe- * Cotton Mill Studios ville recently, you are in * CURVE studios for a HUGE SURPRISE. Asheville’s famous microbrews * Galaxy Studios Over 150 artists now have at The Wedge. I * Hatchery Studios their studios in the District. Getting to and around Many of them are open every in the River Arts District is a * Northlight Studios From the 2010 Studio Stroll. Photos by Lynne Harty day, but the best time to see all Catch the trolley at breeze. Accessible by car from * Odyssey Center of them is during the Studio Riverview Station. Downtown, West Asheville, * The Old Wood Co Stroll on Saturday and Sunday, and Biltmore Village, there is June 11 and 12. plenty of parking. Catch the trolley at River- * Phil Mechanic The first, largest, and most walkable view Station or any of the stops listed on * Pink Dog Creative tour of working artists’ studios in the region, the map. An Information Booth is located at * Riverside Studios the River Arts District Studio Stroll takes the 5-points intersection of Depot St. across * Riverview Station place in 19 historic buildings along the from the Clingman Café. French Broad River. There will be artists’ * Roberts St. Studios demonstrations and hands-on activities * Roots Studios IF throughout the weekend. YOU River Arts District Studio Stroll, * Studio 375 Depot Sprinkled throughout the District are GO Saturday, June 11 and Sunday, June * The Wedge lots of new places to eat, drink, see a perfor- 12 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both mance or just hang out. Try some nation- days. Check www.riverartsdistrict.com * Warehouse Studios ally renowned barbeque, organic juices and for hours, directions, more information, or Encaustic Demonstration November 2010 teas, tacos, or great-tasting local food. Try to download a map of the District.

Vol. 14, No. 10 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — June 2011 19

PRINTS COLOR RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE river arts district studio stroll Constance Williams Gallery & Working Studios

hen you enter glow on the walls, lumi- explore human relationships Constance nous and welcoming. and interactions, connection Williams Gal- Constance is also a through anonymity and the lery & Work- hand-built clay sculptor, very nature of existence. ing Studios, and her ceramic studio is Angelique’s functional Wyou are immersed in the upstairs above the gallery wares break the rules of fash- sensory, creative world alongside on-site studio ion, whimsically combining of a dozen local artists. artists Jenny Mastin, colors, patterns and figures Constance’s encaustics -- Cassie Ryalls, Angelique with glaze and decals, evok- painted using a heat-fused Tassistro and Greg ing the magic times of favorite mixture of pure beeswax, Vineyard. Jenny’s clay childhood memories. Greg’s damar tree resin and wax Constance Williams sculptures bridge a sacred out-of-round meditation bowls paint colors -- are created dialogue between the and communication animal series, along clay and mixed-media), Mystery Masiello right before your eyes in her in-the-round physical and spiritual worlds, referencing with tactile tile designs, are about connect- (crystal and silver jewelry), Kelly Prestwood studio right on the main show floor, and her cultural myth, folklore, legend and observa- ing with self, each other and spirit. (metal works for home and garden) and abstracts, landscapes and tree scenes simply tion. Cassie’s “Souls” and clay sculptures You will also find work for sale by lo- Cynthia Wynn (industrial steel furniture). cal artists Phil DeAngelo (acrylics), Mary Constance Williams Gallery also hosts Farmer (encaustics), Patty Bilbro (functional encaustic painting workshops, events and illustrated clay), Lucile Stephens (paintings, opens a new show the second Saturday of every month in their “gallery-within-a- gallery”. Come meet the artists, ask questions and share a story or two. Constance Wil- liams Gallery is open to the public seven days a week, and is located at 9 Riverside 19 Drive, across the street from 12 Bones Smokehouse.

www.constancewilliamsgallery.com 20 [email protected] 22 Upstairs studios. (828) 225-1762

HISTORY OF ASHEVILLE’S RIVER ARTS DISTRICT 16 sheville’s River Arts District has Triplett. In 1995, the Chesterfield Mill was been evolving for the past 25 consumed by fire, as was most of the old years. A group of dedicated artists, Cotton Mill. Some of the remnants of the 15 landowners and businesses have Cotton Mill were renovated into more live/ 22 laid claim to a neglected section work studio spaces in 1996. The building Aof Asheville’s riverfront and are calling it was purchased by Marty and Eileen Black in home. The first arts based business to locate 2003 and renamed Cotton Mill Studios. 8 in what is now the River Arts District was 1995 was also the year that Highwa- Highwater Clays. They moved from Bilt- ter Clays purchased 238-242 Clingman more Village in 1985, to the current home of Ave., now home to Odyssey Center for the Gennett Lumber. Ceramic Arts, Odyssey Gallery & Studios, In 1987, Porge & Lewis Buck were the Jonas Gerard Fine Art (2007) and the Cling- first artists to actually buy a building in the man Cafe (2004). The Grey Eagle Music Asheville RAD, which they named Ware- Hall re-located to Clingman Avenue in house Studios. In 1989, Pattiy Torno bought 1999, becoming the first music venue in 12 what is now CURVE studios & garden to the River Arts District. The flood in 2004 make a punk rock club called Squashpile. destroyed the Home Cooking Cafe, which The club lived in #6 CURVE for two years, inadvertently made room for 12 Bones after which all three CURVE studios & Smokehouse (2005). garden buildings were renovated to make The unique aspect of Asheville’s River the first live/work studio spaces in the River Arts District is ownership. Most of the 24 Arts District. buildings that house artist studios in the 25 The early 1990’s saw a migration of ARAD are owned by artists. The Asheville artists out of downtown into what was the Area Riverfront Redevelopment Commis- Chesterfield Mill. The first Studio Stroll sion, formed in 2010, has worked to encour- took place in 1994 and included such age an organic, homegrown approach to our 11 notable artists as Kevin Hogan and Cathy riverfront that has served the area well. 14 WWW.RIVERARTSDISTRICT.COM

20 June 2011 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 14, No. 10

PRINTS COLOR RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE river arts district studio stroll

Jonas Gerard Paints Live River Arts District Studio Stroll DURING THE BI-ANNUAL STUDIO STROLL DEMONSTRATIONS & ACTIVITIES

ome join us dur- 8 24 ing the bi-annual 240 Clingman Avenue Riverview studio stroll on Jonas Gerard – 42nd Street Jazz Band, Station Saturday and Sat. 12-2 and 3:30-4:30 p.m. Village Potters Sunday, start- Jonas Gerard – Live Painting Demo – Potters Wheel Cing at 2 p.m. each day, as Demos, Sat. & with River Guerguerian Project, artist Jonas Gerard paints Sat. 2-3:30 p.m. Sun. 12-4 p.m. live! Saturday he will Children of all Mark Guest Trio, Sun, 12-2 and 3:30- Glass Blowing 2010 paint along with the River ages can try the Photo by Lynne Harty Guerguerian Project and 4:30 p.m. Jonas Painting Demo w/ wheel, Sat. & Sunday he will offer his Music, Sun. 2-3:30 p.m. Sun. 1-3 p.m. own compilation of musi- 20 Cotton Mill Studios cal tunes and harmony. 19 Roots Studios These improvisa- The Potter’s Mark Studio – Lynn Stanley – Sumi-e Asian Brush tional musical painting Wheel Demos, Sat. & Sun. all day. Painting Demo, Sat. & Sun. 1-2 p.m. performances are the Margaret Cogswell – Hands-on for adults and children ac- perfect setting for all true Jonas paints while the River Guerguerian Project performs. Tiny Mailbox Exhibition, companied by adults. music and art lovers. Sat. & Sun. from 10-6 p.m. energetic vocalist and spunk that cannot be 14 Studio 375 Depot Jonas’ gestural energy and theatrical Sutherland Handweaving Studio missed. And, the Mark Guest Quartet will style of painting combined with the River – Hands-on Weaving Demos, Jewelry Making Demos, Sat. & Sun. play on Sunday, June 12, offering a more Guerguerian Project’s ecstatic and engaging Sat. & Sun. all day. from 12-4 p.m. laid back groove for easy afternoon listening. Both are superb! The Hop – Selling Ice Cream, Brandy & Dave/Planet Art – Chair Can- As part of a fun-filled event Sat. & Sun. all day. ing, Sat. & Sun. all day. full of music, dancing, paint- MacKensie King – Enameling Demo, ing, and connecting, the gallery 22 CURVE Studios Sat. & Sun. 1:30 & 3:30 p.m. will provide light refreshments, Akira Satake – Handles for Teapots Dawn Dalto – Clay Handbuilding wine, and non-alcoholic beverages Demo, Sat. & Sun. all day. Demo, Sat. all day. throughout the day. Music. Sat. & Sun. on and off. So come witness this uplifting Les Powell – Wheel Throwing Demos, exchange of energy between all of Constance Williams Gallery – Clay & Sun. all day. these incredible performers as this Encaustic Demos, Sat. & Sun., all day. 11 The Glen Rock transformation of music, painting, Odyssey Center – Wheel and Hand- and the experience itself comes building Demos, Sat. & Sun. all day. Magnetic Field – Open Special Hours to life – right here in the heart of Sat. 10-2 p.m., and Sun. 10-5 p.m. Jonas’ energy engages the audience. Asheville’s River Arts District. This 12 Pink Dog Creative The Witches Quorum (play) Sat., amazing compilation of artists is Holly de Saillan – Mosaic Art Demo, 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. interpretation of music make for an experi- something for everyone to enjoy! Sat. 11-4 p.m. Faces of Asheville – Exhibition & Meet ence worth seeing! the Artist, Sat. & Sun. 10-4 p.m. Jonas’ spontaneous style of 19 Riverside Studios painting, based on abstract expres- Sherrod Barnes-Ginifer – Handbuilding 16 The Wedge sionism, infuses his paintings with Clay Head Demo, Sat. & Sun. 3 p.m. Perez Art Studio – Clay Sculpture life, movement, and color, reflecting Demo, Sat. & Sun. at 12, 2, and 4 p.m. his passionate outlook on life. With his Brazilian/Parisian ancestry and an extensive 50 years of experience behind him, he has developed a wide variety of mediums, allowing him to flow effortlessly with fresh ideas that emerge and inspire all. River Guerguerian is also joined by an incredible group of talented artists/musicians: improv vocalist Sage Sansone, (who is also part of the gallery family), multi in- The Jonas Gerard gallery and studio. strumentalist Chris Rosser, and Jake Wolf on the fusion bass guitar. In addition, the gallery will also be featuring two other bands. 42nd Street will play IF YOU Jonas Gerard’s gallery and studio on Saturday, June 11, with a vivacious and GO are located at 240 Clingman Avenue. Phone (828) 350-7711. The Stroll hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 For more information, please visit p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 1 p.m. us at www.jonasgerard.com 8 to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Vol. 14, No. 10 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — June 2011 21

PRINTS COLOR RAPID RIVER ARTS river arts Jeff Pittman

esiding in the beautiful mountains of Asheville North Carolina, Jeff Pittman is never short on inspiration for his colorful oil paintings. R He is primarily known for his dramatic skies, panoramic mountain vistas, and small town street scenes of Western NC. Born in Greenville, NC, Jeff grew up observing his father paint rural scenes of eastern and coastal North Carolina. He has taken the artistic impressions he learned early on and applied them to his colorful landscapes, seascapes, and cityscapes. “I strive to capture the scene in bold, expressive colors that represent the different views of North Carolina as I see it and particularly enjoy the play of light against the

Downtown Charlotte Street, oil painting by Jeff Pittman

downtown buildings, and the ever changing color in the skies and mountain ridges that surround us here. My goals is not to present my art as realistic, but rather to cast a unique light on my subject as I commit it to canvas to share with others.”

Jeff Pittman 140-D Roberts Street Studios Saturdays 10-4 www.jeffpittman.com By Chance or Red Barn Cane Creek, (828) 242-8014 15 oil painting by Jeff Pittman Appointment

MAGNETIC THEATRE’S LATEST OUTRAGEOUS WORLD PREMIERE The Witches’ Quorum 11

he Magnetic Theatre, Asheville’s BY CHALL GRAY newest professional stage company, 7+(%,=$55(%$=$$5 and the only theatre in the South- TriArts Global Studio east dedicated exclusively to new T works, continues its series of world premieres with an explosive new play, The 2µ½8bObO½OF8Î88²nbÊ½Oob8²½ Witches’ Quorum, by David Eshelman. Eshelman calls his play “a quasi-historical created around the world by Sandee Johnson. spectacle, an abuse of great literature, an aspiring political tract, a comedy that ought not to be.” Set in 1617 Jamestown, on the eve of Pocahontas’s fictitious North American 5LYHUYLHZ6WDWLRQ1RUWK tour, The Witches’ Quorum follows the struggles of Mistress Hibbins (the witch- 6WXGLR 8SVWDLUV Stephanie and Tracey Johnston-Crum in lady from The Scarlet Letter) and Cassy (the The Witches’ Quorum. /\PDQ6WUHHW slave-woman from Uncle Tom’s Cabin) as they attempt to flee their oppressive sur- for the easily offended or the faint of heart. $VKHYLOOH1& roundings and arrive in the mythical land of “This play is beautifully written, utterly ac- Croatoan, where they believe they will find cessible in spite of its literary roots, incred- freedom for all witches. ibly inventive, and wonderfully funny,” he 828-989-3359 The play’s director, and The Magnetic declares. “It traffics in adult language, overt [email protected] Theatre’s artistic director, Steven Samuels, cautions that The Witches’ Quorum is not Continued on next page

22 June 2011 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 14, No. 10

PRINTS COLOR RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE river arts district studio stroll Bizarre Bazaar Janton Art Studio An International tephen R. Janton grew up in deepest level Gallery Space featuring Wilmington Delaware, where he of patience by was exposed to the Brandywine painting in egg Sandee Shaffer Johnson School and the artists Pyle, the tempera and S entire Wyeth family, and his appreciate the fter 35 years of living on four friend and guide George Weymouth. quality of skin continents, Sandee Shaffer Johnson Portraiture and the human form tones created recently chose Asheville as home. have always been Janton’s main interest by the unique This restless gypsy spirit and prolif- and he has developed a good sense of process.” A ic artist, photographer and journal- form during his many years studying “Artwork ist has traveled or worked in 83 countries. and working as a physical therapist. His should stand Her artwork has been shown in over works in still life and landscapes tend to on its own 200 group, corporate or solo exhibitions, be more experimental with a sense of merits — or including Paris, Moscow, Rome, Berlin, realism. fail on its own Geneva, Shanghai, Seoul, Tokyo, NYC, “I attempt painting what is real to shortcomings if it does not succeed in regis- Amsterdam, Brussels, Tel Aviv, Budapest, me... what I see. In doing a portrait, I tering favorably upon the viewer’s sensibili- London and Stockholm. enjoy finding the composition that best ties. Quality is the central issue, as it must be Surprises await you at every nook and describes the individual’s personality where art is concerned. I am doing my best Bowl of Life, acrylic mixed medium, 30 x 20 and I include the person being painted and enjoying the process in my attempts at niche upstairs at Space 320, North River- by Sandee Shaffer Johnson in that process which makes for a more creating quality in my artwork.” successful outcome.” view Station. Her sprawling “Bizarre Ba- “I frequently utilize the technique Janton Art Studio zaar” is piled high with curiosities, ephemera of a single light source in my portraits Riverview Station, 191 Lyman St., and artifacts from around the world along as it helps create greater depth. I rely with an inexhaustible inventory of artwork. Studio #211, Asheville, NC 28801 primarily on the techniques of tradi- 25 Sandee’s versatile work ranges from tional oil painting but have tested my www.jantonart.com acrylics, collage, papermaking and encaustic to watercolor, oils, printmaking, assem- blages, pen & ink, and photography. Visit her website at www.sandee-art.eu and don’t miss exploring this captivating space!

The Bizarre Bazaar - TriArts Global Studio Riverview Station North, Studio 320 191 Lyman Street, Asheville, NC (828) 989-3359 Wallflowers, photographic mixed medium, 20 [email protected] x 16 by Sandee Shaffer Johnson 24

‘Witches’ Quorum’ continued from page 22 Ruth; Lucia Del Vecchio, most recently seen in the underground sensation Rock Saber; sexual situations, lesbianism, cross-dress- Sara Fields, familiar from Divalicious and ing, skewed views of religion, murder, and a Noises Off!; and Scott Fisher, who plays the song in French. In other words, it’s intended witch-burning Reverend Mr. Camden, who for mature audiences only, and those audi- strives ruthlessly to block Cassy & Mistress ences should anticipate a rollicking good Hibbins’ escape to Croatoan. time. Late shows of The Witches’ Quorum The Witches’ Quorum further estab- should be especially engaging.” lishes The Magnetic Theatre, in its home The show features some of the best base at The Magnetic Field, as one of Amer- acting talents in Western North Carolina. ica’s most inventive and audacious theatrical Stephanie and Tracey Johnston-Crum, both troupes, and a groundbreaking leader in the lauded for their performances in the hit development and production of the nation’s When Jekyll Met new plays. Hyde earlier this year, star as Cassy and Mistress Hib- IF “YELLOW SPRING FLOWERS” bins, respectively. The Witches’ Quorum opens YOU 30”X40” OIL ON CANVAS The cast is rounded GO June 4, after preview performances out by Kathryn June 2-3. Tickets $12/14, previews Temple, who $8. For tickets or reservations, please visit earned rave reviews www.themagneticfield.com, call (828) 668- for her portrayal 2154, or stop by The Magnetic Field, 372 of the title role of Depot St. in Asheville’s River Arts District.

Vol. 14, No. 10 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — June 2011 23 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE joe’s brew notes Adam Reinke – Winner of the “Just Just Brew It Brew It” Celebrity-Judge Award Just Brew It (JBI) is a homebrew festival and low-key com- n Sunday, May 1, Just Econom- BY JOE ZINICH petition designed to highlight our area’s ics presented “Just Brew It,” talented home brewers. It is organized Asheville’s Homebrew Festival light lagers to ambers and from his “I hate and presented by Just Economics in part and Competition. More than hops” conviction to full appreciation of to increase awareness of their activities 45 homebrewers demonstrated the complete flavor palate craft beers offer. and membership. Otheir brewing talent and competed for 13 His now avid enthusiasm for all-things This is a fun event for the brewers and awards. The beers were evaluated on flavor beer prompted beer gifts from friends and attendees. Most home brew competitions by judges that included local professional family. On one occasion he received two are formal affairs with trained judges that brewers, knowledgeable individuals from Mr. Beer kits as gifts. use BJCP (Beer Judge Certification Pro- our active beer scene, and festival attendees. This potentially awkward start to gram, bjcp.org) style sheets to select win- One of the 13 awards was the Celeb- his home-brewing career was avoided ners. At this festival decisions are based on rity-Judge Award and as one of the celeb- by brewing two successful batches at beer flavor, not style sheets, with trained rity judges (others were Julie and Jason the same time. His first brew was a tasty and untrained beer enthusiasts selecting Atallah, Gordon Smith, Cecil Bothwell Mr. Beer pale ale fermented in four large the winners. With 13 awards (Celebrity and Rick Rice), I wanted to write about growlers. Hops were added to the malt Judge, People’s choice, Best Beer Name, the event and our Celebrity-Judge winner, boil in a clean sock (the kit did not have a Adam Reinke, Celebrity-Judge Award Winner 5 brewery awards, etc.) the brewer has Adam Reinke. Adam’s beer was an Ameri- hop-addition bag), a creative and success- the opportunity to receive recognition for can “hop-bursted” IPA, which he named ful innovation. Encouraged, he continued their beer, brewing skills, and creativity. “Hop Salad”. to brew and over time began to share He tends to brew for the season, IPA In the interview I learned Adam was beer and ideas with fellow homebrewers. and Pale ales in the spring, light lagers and born and raised in Illinois and attended With the positive feedback and knowledge Wit’s in the summer, and darker, richer Northern Illinois University. There he gained, he ventured from “Mr. Beer”- beers in the fall and winter. The specific majored in mechanical engineering and style, malt-extract brewing to all-grain. beer brewed is chosen based on whatever was a team member on an engineering Adam bought and borrowed equip- piques his interest. It could be a specific fla- project in racecar design. That project led ment to make his first all-grain batch and vor or color or aroma or brewing technique to an expertise in turbochargers, and, after never looked back. He now owns and or a desire to add a style twist. graduation, he joined Borg-Warner turbo shares equipment, continues to exchange “Hop Salad” developed after Adam systems in Asheville, moved here, and mar- beer and ideas (his “beer fridge” is typi- sampled a commercial IPA made with a ried his wife Missy. cally filled with 4-7 different selections on new “hop bursting” technique - the addi- The first beer Adam ever tasted was tap and more in bottles), has won numer- tion of massive amounts of hops late in the his dad’s favorite, Heileman’s Old Style ous awards, and is a very active member of wort boil and prior to fermentation. The Lager; but by the end of college he began Mountain Ale and Lager Tasters (MALT) beer had the flavors and aroma he liked Fun at the Festival to try other brands. The move to Asheville with a focus on education. To increase his but not enough bitterness. He decided to Most festivals beer fans attend involve proved to be a flavor-revelation and a chal- knowledge of flavor, aroma, and styles, he brew a version with a new (commercially professional brewers. Arguably the US lenge. Beers he enjoyed in the Midwest completed the Beer Judge Certification available) hop-blend, which had a distinc- craft beer industry is brewing the best beer were primarily lighter styles while beers he Program (BJCP) recommended by fellow tive, citrusy, piney flavor and aroma, and to in the world. Our professional brewers sampled here were the much richer, craft MALT members. This made it easier to use the hop bursting method for late hop are not bound by tradition but they are brews. His flavor journey took him from reproduce beers that intrigued him. addition (3 separate additions in the last 30 constrained by a need for profitability. minutes). The result was a delicious IPA Homebrewers are not bound by tradi- JUST ECONOMICS OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA with a tasty balance of hop flavor, aroma, tion nor profitability; their constraints are and bitterness. imagination and skill. Also where else can The most difficult styles for Adam to you meet King Gambrinus (David Maida) Just Economics (JE) (US Housing and make with the flavor and aroma profiles and sample his “Aggravated Fairy Milk” or of Western North Urban Development he likes are imperial and light-lager types. try Rebekah French’s “Downtown Chili Carolina is a regional agency) current year It’s no surprise that lagers (like pilsner) Brown” made with four different chilies organization based in fair-market rent for a are hard to make. Mistakes in brewing (it smelled like chilies and had definite Asheville, NC. Their 1-bedroom apartment techniques will stand out on first sip. But chili bite and at the same time was very mission is to educate, in the Asheville Area. imperial styles are different; mistakes can drinkable), and 100 additional creative and advocate, and organize A Living Wage is what be hidden in the savory richness of the traditional styles? for a just and sustainable the minimum wage beer. Adam contends imperials demand a JBI blends a festival with a competi- economy that works should be and varies in solid base-recipe combined with precise tion in a way that makes it as unique as for all. JE was born out different areas of the brewing techniques to achieve the most the beers served. Didn’t go this year? of the Asheville-Bun- state and the country. Just Economics Executive flavorful and balanced beer. Done properly Good thing there will be another one combe Living Wage JE has succeeded in Director Vicki Meath (left) an imperial is transformed from savory to next year. Kudos to the brewers and to Campaign; an effort getting the first-liv- with Living Wage Certification deliciously nuanced. Just Economics. that initially began in Coordinator Mark Hebbard. ing-wage ordinance Adam offers these secrets for successful 2000 took root in 2006. passed within our brewing - continue to learn about flavors, In 2007 Just Economics became the region which guarantees Asheville City ingredients and brewing techniques; share organizational home for the Asheville- employees receive a Living Wage. They your knowledge and the beer you make; be- Buncombe Living Wage Campaign. have also certified over 200 private-sec- come an expert at sanitation, fermentation- For eight years, Joe Zinich has A Living Wage is the minimum tor employers in Buncombe County. temperature control, and yeast addition; been taking a self-guided, high- amount a worker must earn to afford To find out more, to join, or to donate, and taste, analyze, and enjoy. Judging by his intensity tour of the Asheville the necessities without public or private go to www.justeconomicswnc.org “Hop Salad”, very good advice. beer scene. Contact him at: assistance. It is calculated using HUD’S [email protected].

24 June 2011 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 14, No. 10 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE restaurants & wine Good for the Prez, Bad for the Press - PLUS, PINK WINE FOR HE-MEN

n May 24, a headline got passed rank, not so the masses can be wowed by around and posted on Drudge- reports of presumed price tags or entertained BY MICHAEL PARKER June 2011 like websites, perhaps to make by the lifestyles of the royal and famous. Events at the Weinhaus hay, perhaps not, announcing the The lands held and cultivated by the color that’s very pretty. You will taste berries President and First Lady having Domaine de la Romanée-Conti are consid- and a touch of tangerine. He-men will not Tuesday, June 21 sippedO a $1000 wine at Buckingham Palace. ered — have been for centuries — some of be comfortable with the packaging, but this Wine Dinner at the Posana Cafe-. Paul Bedard, writing for U.S. News the very best vineyards in the whole world. wine is worth the money. Educated at the Culinary Institute of and World Report, gave the following rather The wine served was a Grands-Echezeaux, Domaine de Triennes Rosé, Vin de Pays America, Executive Chef and owner tacky report while at the same time arousing not just an (or “A”) Echezeaux; there is a de Provence 2008 (under $15) This is an Peter Pollay brings years of restaurant suspicion that he wrote under (or his editor difference. Finishing a dinner with Vintage impressive dry and minerally oh-so-lightly experience to downtown Asheville’s was under) the influence of wine: Port, while ever-increasingly popular in colored pink wine. There is even an appetiz- Pack Square. Posana Café utilizes local “Finally, after two straight presidents America, is a British thing, usually served ing whiff of cantaloupe. Crisp, steely, thirst farmers and purveyors for items such who didn’t appreciate the taste of a fine with Stilton, but in this case with a charlotte quenching… but don’t gulp this. Made from as organic milk, goat cheese, fruits, vegetables, trout, lamb, and pork. We French burgundy [sic], Buckingham Palace à la vanille. Cinsault grapes, which love the hot, dry, look forward to your joining us in their tonight had a chance to put on the Ritz for A Chablis Grand Cru (Les Clos 2004) Mediterranean climate of Europe and North a first family who enjoy a long dinner and was also served, and including this in the private dining room for a four course Africa. He-men will be as comfortable with meal, paired with biodynamic wines luscious wine. report would have informed many readers the stark package as well as its ability to “Most notable from the wine cellars of that Chablis is not the cheap white with the from the Weinhaus. The time is 7:30 stand with a heartier summer meal. In line p.m. The cost is $60 all inclusive. Please the famous palace: A [sic] Echezeaux Grand hijacked name on the lower shelves of the with this column, the Domaine de Triennes Cru 1990, Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, wine aisle in the grocery store. This one, call the Weinhaus for reservations at is co-owned by a co-owner of the Domaine (828) 254-6453. that goes for $1,000 - $1,700 per bottle in served at six and a half years, underscores an de la Romanée-Conti. Like the pricey rosés the United States. exception to the rule that whites generally of Domaines Ott (Chateau Romassan Ban- Friday, June 24 “There were a bunch of other wines, are not meant for long-term ageing. dol Rosé Clair de Noirs 2009 woo-hoo!), Friday night flights at the Weinhaus will like Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin champagne This moves us to the next topic: pink this is rosé for serious wine drinkers. feature California Dreaming with wines [sic] and a very nice $170, 1963 port [sic] wine. We have laughed at people who drink from the golden state. The tasting will President and first lady [sic] Michelle the so-called White Zinfandel and the win- Monmousseau Rosé d’Anjou, Loire Valley, have the classic wine varietals that we all Obama, who are noted for dinner dates at eries who produce it. Not so fair anymore France 2009 (under $15) This is pink wine associate with California. As usual, we Washington’s finest restaurants have prob- — rosé , blush, pink — the color has been for serious wine drinkers. Made from the will endeavor to throw in a little twist to ably had before.” turning noses upward for a long time, but obscure and no-good-for-red Grolleau and liven up the evening and the wines will Politics don’t matter here. He is the one of the bigger secrets in the wine world the slightly tannic Cabernet Franc, it has a be accompanied by light hors d’ouvres. President, and the Windsors had damn well is the supply and selection of good quality touch of sweetness and should be served The price is $10. Time is 5:30-7:30 p.m. better open the best for him. Michelle, look- rosé, produced by numerous makers who chilled but not cold. Held at the Weinhaus. ing better than a movie star in Tom Ford give a damn. Crios de Susana Balbo, Rosé of Malbec, The Weinhaus, 86 Patton Avenue white, evidently had no drinking problem. (Memo to Bedard: notice how here I refrain Argentina 2010 (under $12) WOW! Lovely Asheville, NC (828) 254-6453 This column has before expressed pleasure from reminding the reader of the season’s color, great body. The flavors of strawber- in the Obamas and their appreciation for description and from suggesting where the ries – wild, ripe ones – and cherries steal the restaurants. A headache it may be for the reader can sit and drink the wine.) show. Plus, there are spices that I cannot stopped-in-traffic, I’m glad they go out. pinpoint. I thought I got an atom of anise Fermentation was arrested so natural sugars The would-be story of the royal menu Gaga Rosé, California 2009 (under $15) but - ?? – it just dances around. The finish is remain, but this is not a bottle of candy. It’s and matching wines is a missed opportunity This quality pink wine has nothing to do dry and nice. simply for those who are loyal to White Zin to inform readers. What is the big deal here? with what’s-her-name, and has certainly and want to keep it a little sweet. There are reasons such things are served at been around (and will be around) longer. Campus Oaks, White Zinfandel, Califor- such occasions, nods to nations, respect to Delicious, with a silky texture and a light red nia 2009 (under $10) Yes, I’m listing this.

Summer Skies Raffle Great values & styles Great art. Great experiences. Great raffle. Seven fabulous packages! Fine art, luxury travel, local adven- FREE Wine Tastings on Saturdays ture and more! $100 per ticket, only 100 tickets per package. from 2 to 5 p.m. Winners selected at the Summer Tasting wine is not only fun, but it presents a chance to learn about Skies Party, Thursday, June 30, Pack wine and what it is about a particular wine that you like, or don't Plaza Parking Deck, 6 to 8 p.m. A like. You can sip while you shop. Find some new favorites — try luau-style soiree to support the it before you buy it. We will usually have a few whites and a few Asheville Art Museum. reds open, with the occassional guest speaker. Please stop by! Tickets available: in person at the www.theAshevilleWineGuy.com Museum front desk, 2 South Pack Square; by calling (828) 253-3227; Wine Retail ~ Tastings ~ Wine Classes 555 Merrimon Ave. online at www.ashevilleart.org. Great wines for any occasion and budget. (828) 254-6500

Vol. 14, No. 10 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — June 2011 25 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE poetry & poets

GROUPS & DISCUSSIONS BY TED OLSON AT MALAPROP’S Mﬆ r n Vr agur: the region. The later years of Verdaguer’s relatively short life were turbulent, as he was Poetrio “REGIONAL” POETS, ROLE MODELS forced out of the priesthood for questioning Sunday, June 5 the religious and cultural conventions in late at 3 p.m. n a port town in southern France, stand- French officials as early as the 15th century. ing on a pier beside the Mediterranean, Realizing that there was need for a nineteenth century Spain. Featured poets I saw an intriguing modernist statue revival of his home region’s language and Verdaguer wanted his “country” are Ronald Moran of a fisherman. It turned out to be a culture, Mistral spent twenty years on his — namely his region — freed from the au- (The Jane Poems), contemporary depiction of Calendau, a major scholarly work Lou Tresor Dou Féli- thoritarian rule of an unsympathetic national Lou Lipsitz (If This Icharacter in a nineteenth-century narrative bres (The Treasury of Félibres), published state. And granted that Catalonia has since World Falls Apart), poem by Frédéric Mistral (1830-1914). in two volumes during the 1880s. This secured a considerable measure of cultural and one other poet. I had read somewhere that Mistral’s was ostensibly a dictionary, though it also autonomy (if not gaining as much ground Women On Words work celebrated France’s Provence region, included material on Provençal folklore as toward claiming political or economic autonomy) from Spain, Verdaguer’s words and Thursday, June 16 at 5 p.m. but when I encountered the statue I did not well as biblical translations into Occitan. know much about that poet or the extent of Mistral’s best-known poetry books fea- his personal example have clearly encour- Women on Words is a women’s poetry his influence. tured narrative poems set in Provence and aged several generations of Catalonians. circle where the members inspire each In further travel across Provence I written in Occitan: Mirèio (1859), Calendau Having witnessed the importance of other and critique the presented po- noticed references to Mistral in countless (1867), and Lou Pouèmo dóu Rose (1897). poetry in shaping the cultural life of two ems. New members always welcome. places. As I learned more about him and his For his efforts toward revitalizing the regions in southern Europe, I began to ponder past and present roles of poetry in Comix Club work, it became clear to me the power of regional culture of Provence, Mistral was poetry in building a real and enduring sense awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in strengthening cultural identity across the Monday, June 20 at 7 p.m. of pride among the people of a region whose 1904; with his prize money he founded an Appalachian region. Since within the U.S. Join our bookseller host for a discus- regional identity had often been portrayed ethnographic museum in Arles that inter- Appalachia remains a culturally misunder- sion of the latest selection by the as deficient by others living outside their preted Provence’s traditional culture. stood region as a result of media stereotyp- graphic novel club! region. Journeying subsequently to Spain’s In 1854 Mistral served as co-founder ing and political and economic marginaliza- tion, the poets of Appalachia might find in E-books: The Whats and the Hows Catalonia region, I noted a similar phe- of Félibres, a cultural association dedicated nomenon there — numerous references to to promoting Provence’s language and the work of such acclaimed “regional” poets Tuesday, June 28 at 7 p.m. poet Jacint Verdaguer i Santaló (1845-1902) customs. One of the goals of Félibres was to as Mistral and Verdaguer inspiring exam- Meet Matt Kane from Charlotte Street across that region suggested that Verda- strengthen ties between France’s Provence ples of poetry that not only served regions Computers as he discusses e-books. guer obviously played a significant role in and Spain’s Catalonia, which bordered one but also helped save them. He’ll talk about what they are and strengthening regional pride in Catalonia. another and possessed many historical con- how to get them for your computer, As I observed in these two southern nections. Just as the poets of Provence were Ted Olson is the author of e-reader, or mobile device. European regions, poets can literally and attempting to wrest their regional iden- such books as Breathing figuratively change the face of the regional tity from the grip of a dominant national in Darkness: Poems (Wind GET TICKETS NOW! landscapes that they celebrate in their culture, the poets of Catalonia sought to Publications, 2006) and Blue poems. While technically Mistral was from reclaim their region’s culture and language Ridge Folklife (University Press Rosanne Cash of Mississippi, 1998) and France and Verdaguer was from Spain, and (Catalan) from obscurity in the wake of he is the editor of numerous Visits Asheville! while both are widely considered impor- Spanish nationalization. books, including CrossRoads: Tuesday, August 2 at tant poets from their respective nations, it Beginning in the 1860s, Félibres formed A Southern Culture Annual (Mercer University 7 p.m. is indisputable that Mistral and Verdaguer an alliance with the several poets then writ- Press, 2009). His experiences as a poet and should be considered primarily as “region- ing poems in Catalan, including Verdaguer. musician are discussed on www.windpub. Malaprop’s Book- com/books/breathingindarkness.htm. store & Cafe is al” rather than national (that is, French or Mistral thereafter served as an influence on honored to pres- Spanish) poets. and mentor of the younger poet. These poets were not merely of their Verdaguer was an acclaimed Catalan Poets who would like for their poetry to be ent Rosanne Cash, considered for a future column may send their Grammy Award regions, they changed them forever, work- poet and a leader of the Renaixença, a liter- books and manuscripts to Ted Olson, ETSU, Box Winner and Johnny Cash’s eldest ing tirelessly throughout their lives to rescue ary movement in Catalonia that sought to 70400, Johnson City, TN 37614. Please include daughter. Ms. Cash will be inter- their regional cultures from near-oblivion. revive Catalan culture; he was also a priest. contact information and a SASE with submissions. viewed on stage by local musician and The resulting revivals of Provence’s and Indeed, some of his lyric poetry reflects un- WNCW DJ Laura Blackley. Ms. Cash Catalonia’s regional cultures and their orthodox use of religious themes (Spanish will answer questions from the audi- growing political autonomy (particularly church officials occasionally took issue with ence, and sign copies of her memoir, in Catalonia) led later leaders within the him for his religious views). Art and Poetry Exhibit Composed. two regions to commemorate both poets as His poems celebrating Catalonia were heroes; statues, honorary museums, subway quite popular in the region; for instance, Randy Siegel and Tickets are $23 and include a paper- stations, street names, and other formal an estimated 100,000 copies of Verdaguer’s back copy of her book. Tickets must Laura Hope-Gill tributes reflect the lasting legacy of their po- 1883 poem “Oda a Barcelona” (“Ode to Bar- present a collabora- be purchased in advance at Malaprop’s. etical contributions. Most significantly, the celona”) were circulated among the citizens tion of poems and Event takes place at Diana Wortham poetry of Mistral and Verdaguer remain in of that city by local governmental officials. paintings, Reunion: Theatre, 2 South Pack Square, Down- the hearts and minds of many people living As Mistral had done in Occitan, Verdaguer and the Two Shall town Asheville. Seating is general in their respective regions. wrote lengthy narrative poems in Catalan, Become One. A admission. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Mistral was born and died in the small including L’Atlàntida (Atlantis, 1876) and reading and recep- town of Maillaine, yet his poetry and schol- Canigó (1886). tion will be held Thursday, June 16 IF arship reinvigorated the cultural life of virtu- The recipient of numerous awards for from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. On display YOU Malaprop’s Bookstore/ ally every community in Provence. While he his poetry, Verdaguer in 1878 met the Pope through the month of June. GO Café, 55 Haywood Street, wrote his earliest poems in French, Mistral (Leo XIII), who lauded the poet’s efforts IF YOU GO: downtown Asheville. For soon began composing poems in Occitan, a to write in Catalan about religious mat- Grateful Steps Publishing House and Bookshop, 159 S. Lexington more information call (828) 254- Romance language historically spoken and ters. In 1886 Verdaguer was named “Poet in Asheville. Phone (828) 277-0998. 6734, or visit www.malaprops.com. written across Provence but suppressed by of Catalonia” by a leading bishop based in

26 June 2011 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 14, No. 10 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE authors ~ books ~ readings

John Prendergast BY CHERRY HART

AT ASHEVILLE BOOK SIGNING Washington, D.C. The story is told in duet with Prendergast and Mattocks taking turns relating events in their lives over the years. ohn Prender- As Prendergast spent more and more gast, interna- We host numerous Readings, time traveling to Africa, Mattocks slipped JUNE Bookclubs, as well as Poetrio! tional humani- into drug dealing in his poverty-stricken PARTIAL LISTING More events posted online. tarian, came community. It became easier for Prender- READINGS & BOOKSIGNINGS to Malaprop’s gast to interact with Mattocks’ younger sib- Jin Asheville Saturday, June 4 at 7 p.m. – Theodore lings who were as yet unaffected by drugs. Richards reads from and signs his book on May 24 for As Mattocks became a man and re- the book signing of Cosmosophia: Cosmology, Mysticism, and moved himself from the world of drugs, he the Birth of a New Myth. his newly released Prend- and Prendergast rekindled their relation- Unlikely Broth- ergast has co-au- ship. Mattocks married the mother of his Wednesday, June 8 at 7 p.m. – Rebecca ers. As co-founder thored two books Rasmussen reading and signing for her five children and worked hard to build a debut novel, The Bird Sisters. of the nonprofit with actor Don good life for his family. Prendergast said, Enough Project, he Cheadle, helped “Michael actually taught me lessons about Thursday, June 9 at 7 p.m. – Timothy has devoted his life John Prendergast (left) signed Unlikely Brothers, start the Satellite Spira will discuss his new Southern as he talked with an Asheville resident and Sia being a husband and father.” He continued, Gateways Guide, Wildflowers and Plant to ending genocide Sentinel Project “Growing up, I had a difficult relationship and crimes against Sanneh (center). Photo by Cherry Hart. with George Cloo- Communities of the Southern Appalachian with my father. I never thought I could Mountains and Piedmont. humanity. ney, and worked experience love and companionship until Saturday, June 11 at 7 p.m. – Kelly He last visited Asheville in September, on films with Ryan Gosling. His trips to she came along.” He pointed in the audience 2009, to co-host the opening night of “The Africa with 60 Minutes have aired on four O’connor Mcnees reading and signing for to his fiancée, Sia Sanneh, attorney for the The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott. Greatest Silence: Rape in the Congo” at different episodes. Equal Justice Initiative. the Fine Arts Theatre. The documentary Prendergast has been a Big Brother Sunday, June 11 at 3 p.m. – Chuck Werle film was presented to bring attention to since 1983, reaching out to a total of nine presents his new golfing guidebook, From the sexual violence in the African coun- Little Brothers. In Unlikely Brothers, he To read more about Prendergast and Tee to Green in the Carolina Mountains. try where Prendergast works to eliminate chronicles his 27 year relationship with Unlikely Brothers, go to enoughproject.org Friday, June 17 at 7 p.m. – Rick Mcdaniel inhumane treatment. Michael Mattocks, an at-risk youth in or unlikelybrothers.com. reading and signing for An Irresistible History of Southern Food. Saturday, June 18 at 3 p.m. – Linda Stout reading and signing for Collective include New York Visioning: How Groups Can Work Together Sharyn McCrumb’s Times Best Sellers for a Just and Sustainable Future. She Walks These Hills Sunday, June 19 – Father’s Day cards, “THE BALLAD OF TOM DOOLEY” and The Rosewood gifts, and ideas in stock! Casket, which deal Tuesday, June 21 at 7 p.m. – Irmansyah haryn McCrumb, of all: the legend of Tom Dooley. with the issue of the Effendi reading and signing for Smile to award-winning The New York Times Bestselling Au- vanishing wilder- Your Heart Meditations. ness, and The Ballad Appalachian writ- thor has published more than two dozen Wednesday, June 22 at 7 p.m. – er and author of novels of critical acclaim. She will be of Frankie Silver, the Rameshwar talks about Be Love Now, then Sthe riveting The Devil speaking at the annual Montreat College story of the first woman he will skype Ram Dass in Maui for Q & A. Amongst the Lawyers, will discuss her Friends of the Library Luncheon on Sat- hanged for murder in Thursday, June 23 at 7 p.m. – Warren upcoming novel based on the true story urday, June 18 at 12 noon. The luncheon the state of North Caro- Grossman, energy healer and author of To behind the most famous mountain ballad will be held in the college’s Gaither Fellow- lina; The Songcatcher, Be Healed by the Earth. ship Hall, with the program taking place in a genealogy in music; and Ghost Riders, an account of the Civil War in the Appala- Wednesday, June 29 at 7 p.m. – Master the adjacent Gaither Chapel. Zhongxian Wu will discuss The 12 Chinese In The Ballad of Tom Dooley, what chians. A film of her novel The Rosewood Animals and Chinese Shamanic Cosmic began as a fictional re-telling of the histori- Casket is currently in production, directed Orbit Qigong. Born in China and currently JAN KARON DISCUSSION cal account became an astonishing revelation by British Academy Award nominee Ro- residing in Virginia, Master Wu recently AND BOOK SIGNING of the real motives and the real culprit in berto Schaefer. founded the Blue Willow Health Center. the murder of Laura Foster. With the help Copies of her books will be available for Monday, June 6 at 7 p.m. of Wilkes County historians, lawyers, and purchase and signing following the presen- 55 Haywood St. A benefit appearance for The Writers’ researchers, Sharyn McCrumb visited the tation. The Friends of the Library will be 828-254-6734 • 800-441-9829 Workshop, a non-profit literary center actual sites, studied the legal evidence, and accepting new and renewing memberships Monday-Saturday 9AM to 9PM at the Grove Park Inn. The event will uncovered a missing piece of the story that ($15) for 2011. Sunday 9AM to 7PM take place in the Wilson Room. Copies will shock those who think they already of her books will be sold at the event, know what happened. including her latest IF The Ballad of Tom Dooley brings to YOU Sharyn McCrumb at Montreat best-seller, In the life the star-crossed lovers of this mountain GO College, Saturday, June 18. Company of Others. tragedy with understanding and compas- Tickets for the Friends of the Tickets are $15, or sion. The new information unearthed by her Library Luncheon and Program are $15. $20 at the door. To research may also bring belated justice to an Luncheon begins at 12 noon. order tickets, email innocent man. Tickets for just the presentation and signing writersw@gmail. McCrumb is best known for her Ap- are $10. Program begins at 1 p.m. To make com, or call (828) palachian “Ballad” novels, set in the North reservations please call (828) 669-8012 ext. 254-8111. Carolina/Tennessee mountains. Her novels 3504 or 3502.

Vol. 14, No. 10 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — June 2011 27 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE thoreau’s garden Walking Through Kenilworth sually walking though history can be beneficial but more often such BY PETER LOEWER tours become a pain, either physically or psychically. Not so when Quality For- Uward is at the head and their planned pedestrian tour of Kenilworth scheduled for Father’s Day 2011 is no exception. After all, Susan Rod- erick and her annual garden tours first seeing the light of day in 1995 n Father’s Day, Sunday, June when they began in Biltmore Village 19, in a tour of a dozen private as part of the Preservation Society gardens in the historic Ke- Heritage Week. nilworth neighborhood, the “Here’s your chance,” said Susan, O lake will be on view. And you can chat “to gain admission into those secret The developers of Kenilworth riding across the with the gardeners, and take home a gardens where you can stroll to your old Patton Farm. The field in the background is now free plant. heart’s content and garner inspira- the site of Kenilworth Lake. At the lead is Jake Chiles, Dads receive a complimentary tion from some of Asheville’s most the man who dreamed of the development and boutonnière. But the garden tour talented gardeners along with some turned it into a town. is not just for Dads — everyone is novices who are just starting to burn with welcome! The tour takes place from horticultural bursts of energy. 1 to 5 p.m., rain or shine. And don’t “There are artists’ gardens, bed and forget, wear comfortable shoes. breakfast gardens secret gardens and even wild gardens.” IF For an entrance badge The Kenilworth Community, located YOU and map showing garden in the city of Asheville, North Carolina, has GO locations, first stop at the a long and colorful history going back to the Kenilworth Presbyterian beginning of the 1900s. They’re proud to Church, at 124 Kenilworth Road. have elected the first woman mayor in the You may tour the gardens as you state of North Carolina, happy that their please but you will need to know original jail house is still standing (only just where to go. now it’s a private residence), and delighted For more information, call (828) to be the usually peaceful home of 800 254-1776. Or contact Jenny Moore Kenilworth Dam in the process of being some residents who live within a twenty- at [email protected]. constructed. Some 80 years later, it’s still there, holding back the lake. For its day, this minute walk of downtown Asheville, but was an engineering marvel. still revel in rural charm, walkable streets, a Maintaining and improving the marvelous collection of trees, quality of life in Buncombe County a fascinating mix of housing www.ashevillegreenworks.com styles (from totally grand to early-American bungalow), and an 18-acre lake. If you want to know ter, just outside of Asheville), who suffers exactly where you are walking, neglect, insult, and eventually dies at her Kenilworth’s Zip’s are 28803 husband’s hands. Kenilworth was a magnifi- and 28805, the area bounded cent castle near Stratford, now on the final on the east by Tunnel Road, on stages of decay. the west by Biltmore Avenue, And because Kenilworth Castle had a on the south by the Swannanoa lake, a grand and glorious lake, Mr. Chiles River Road, and to the north decreed that his Kenilworth would also have by the crest of the mountain a grand body of water to reflect the noble looking over the city, where houses and trees that would one day spring the old reservoir once stood. up on its shores. Like many folks of his day, Jake Chiles had romantic notions about England, specifically Scotland, and he dreamed Peter Loewer, a dream development based shown here, examining the on the wonders of Kenilworth, blossoms of as featured in the novel of Sir early-blooming Walter Scott (1771-1832). “Ke- Lenten roses, nilworth” published in 1821, is a well- is the improbable story of Amy known writer Robsart, the wife of Robert The Kenilworth Development Company ran advertisements and botanical artist who has written and in local newspapers highlighting the marvelous refinements Dudley, the earl of Leicester illustrated more than twenty-five books on available to buyers who built on lake property. (as immortalized in Leices- natural history over the past thirty years.

28 June 2011 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 14, No. 10 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE artful living

living in these fairy tales, and like BY BILL WALZ Evolving Consciousness an adolescent who creates a cruel fantasy of their own privilege to assuage the pain of their neglect “The light of consciousness is all that is necessary. and loneliness, we only drift further This “Kingdom of Heaven” from the belonging and well-be- You are that light.” ing for which we hunger. is the happiness we seek, a ~ Eckhart Tolle Increasingly I see in the world of security, peace and teachings of Jesus and Bud- kindness, of compassion and dha, and all the religions at their core, time-capsule understanding. umanity is seeking only one thing. “Unless you turn and become prophecies and instruc- That one thing is lasting happi- like children you will never en- tions from a time when ness. We seek it in everything we ter the Kingdom of Heaven.” civilizations were first This true-self, this Buddha-self is the do. Yet, happiness eludes us. It Now, this “Kingdom of taking sway of this evolved human that carries the light of would seem pretty simple. We Heaven” is the happi- planet. I see in consciousness, and as Eckhart Tolle reminds Honly want this one happiness thing. How ness we seek, a world us: “You are that light.” And when human- them warnings of hard can that be? of security, peace and what would be lost ity shines that light of awakened compassion Well – look at human history. Look kindness, of compassion in the great age of and caring on all its members, on our fellow at your own life. Look at the lives of the and understanding. It is human ego, and, at creatures and on this planet, our home, we people around you. Sometimes there is where we have the eyes least in the case will be like the children who naturally carry something we call happiness. We have to see the miracles of Buddhism, these true human values — and we will find smiles on our faces. There is laughter and of Life all around I see them Jesus’ “Kingdom of Heaven” — and the fun. There are meaningful and fulfilling us, and we don’t offering us a happiness we seek. moments. And then – it’s gone. Smiles turn feel lost in a sea of vision of what to frowns, sometimes to tears, to screams. troubles. It is where humanity as true And then — after a while — happiness again this moment Now is lived as the gateway to grown-ups could be. stops by for a visit. And the roller coaster Eternity, and even misfortune can be held - And there is an urgent need for human- Bill Walz teaches meditation rolls on. To borrow a phrase from Mind- as Zen awkwardly describes - in its pure “as ity to grow up, as our sciences, psychologies and mindfulness at UNCA fulness therapy guru, Jon Kabat-Zinn, the it is-ness,”– Shikan-taza, in Japanese. and religions fail to cure our existential ill- and public forums, and is a “Full Catastrophe” happens. Unfortunately we live not child-like, ness, for an evolving into full mature human private-practice meditation What is wrong here? To borrow but rather childish – in that self-absorbed consciousness. Remember, “The light of teacher and life-coach for individuals in mindfulness, another phrase, as the saying goes, in this adolescent sort of way. We think by being consciousness is all that is necessary.” Can personal growth and hunt for happiness, “we’re looking in all greedy and petty, cruel and selfish we will we open our eyes to see we will never have consciousness. He holds a the wrong places.” We think we will find find happiness, that by getting more for lasting happiness unless we realize we are weekly meditation class, Mondays at happiness by looking for it in the circum- ourselves than others have, by scorning one people on one planet, shared with all the 7 p.m., at the Friends Meeting House, stances of our lives, and the circumstances simple things for ever-more elaborate and living creatures – just as it was in Eden? Can 227 Edgewood in Asheville. of our lives have no stability, no reliability, expensive possessions, we will get for our- we wake up – as the very word “Buddhism” “Evolving Consciousness, Healing Ourselves no certainty to them. Buddhism describes selves this happiness thing. Well Jesus may means in its ancient tongue – can we evolve? and the Planet,” Sunday, June 26 from this as having no center, empty. No lasting have been a Jew, but he was clearly also a What is clear is that consciousness is 2 to 4:30 p.m. Lecture, meditation and happiness there. Buddha. He saw where our suffering was the evolutionary lynchpin of this universe. discussion, by donation, at Asheville coming from. Every step of evolution is marked by com- Unitarian Universalist Church, 1 Edwin Yes, Humanity is plexifying consciousness moving inexorably Place in Asheville. We try to pull to us what we think will give childish. But perhaps toward a Universe conscious of itself, its Info on classes, personal growth and us happiness, and push away what we the good news is that it own unity and miraculous diversity, all held healing instruction, or phone consultations is only an evolutionary in a perfect balance – perhaps the mythic at (828) 258-3241, or e-mail at healing@ think will take away our happiness. phase. We have come “Kingdom of Heaven.” billwalz.com. Visit www.billwalz.com out of our infancy and Buddhism asks us to realize, to stop, to simple goodness in the meditate, to contemplate what an illusion So perhaps Buddhism can offer us forests where we walked in Eden. it is to believe that this selfish egocentric something with its teaching about the We abandoned our primordial world childishness will ever be the provider of the nature, cause and resolution of human and made proud cities and civilizations happiness we seek. Buddhism asks us to suffering. It teaches us that the problem of with our growing cleverness, places to wake up and to realize the light that we are. happiness is a problem of consciousness. hoard our shiny toys and make argument The modern day Zen Master Sek- It tells us that our problem is that we are with each other. Vaguely we remembered kei Harada instructs us, “In the course of practically unconscious, believing stories Eden, and so we created religions to tell us our lifetime, there is one person we must about ourselves, others and society, always stories and fairy-tales about how Heaven meet... This person is in this world. Who worried about what will give or take away awaits us, where Eden will be reclaimed if is this person? It is the true self. You must our happiness. we are good members of our secret clubs, meet the true self. As long as you don’t, it We try to pull to us what we think and happiness will be ours as long as we will not be possible to be truly satisfied in will give us happiness and push away what follow the club’s rules. And here is where the depths of your heart. You will never lose we think will take away our happiness, and the unconscious part comes in, for we are the sense that something is lacking. Nor we are all left off balance, careening out of will you be able to clarify the way things are. control. And this is the basic plan human- This is the objective of life …It is because ity follows – on the individual, family, in- we think there is a center to something that stitutional, community, national, religious There is an urgent need for essentially doesn’t exist that all delusion and and finally, species level of our experience. humanity to grow up. suffering arises. So truly accept that… there A catastrophe. is no ego-self, the only thing we can do is to In the book of Matthew, Jesus said, become a Buddha.”

Vol. 14, No. 10 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — June 2011 29 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE healthy lifestyles & workshops

Before It’s Too Late BY MAX HAMMONDS, MD ecently a woman in her result, he is confined to a wheel chair. use before) and what to do for high or late sixties was told by her The physical therapy people are trying low readings. The counselor suggested physician that she could not to invent pool exercises and exercises several other lifestyle changes that have her total knee replace- that he can do at home. But the basic would help him lose weight and help R ment until she lost at least consequences of his stroke are irre- get his diabetes under control. 100 pounds. He said that her morbidly versible. Is it too late for him? The problem? He has lost 80% of obese weight would make her surgery A 48-year old female went his vision and has renal failure. The more risky, would make her recovery through cardiac lifestyle workshop. doctor will not put him on a waiting more hazardous, and would likely She had her lipid profile, blood sugar list for a kidney transplant until his destroy any good effect the surgeon levels, blood pressure, height and loses weight and demonstrates that he had created with the new knee joint weight measured. She received excel- can get his diabetes under control. Is it replacement. lent counsel on the changes that she too late for him? The problem? She can barely needed to make to help her heart and It is never too late to make lifestyle walk with a cane so calorie-burning vascular system become more healthy. changes; the worst of medical condi- exercise of any type is unlikely. She The problem? She had a heart at- tions can be made better with im- has no conscious control of or rational tack last year which left her heart able proved lifestyle habits. BUT – when guidelines for her eating habits. At her to function at about 18% of normal permanent damage has been done to age and body size and mental attitude, capacity. Even wearing her oxygen an organ system, it is now too late to she is not likely to be able to lose the and taking her medications, she is prevent that damage. The best one can weight. Is it too late for her? only able to walk across her living hope for is further improving recov- A 55-year old man attended a room before she must stop and catch ery, maximizing the use of what is left lifestyle workshop where he learned her breath. She can change her diet as of that organ system, and preventing various strategies for – among other counseled but the exercise portion of further damage. things – keeping his arteries cleaned her counseling is not possible. Is it too Every health educator prays for out so that he would have better blood late for her? people – young people before they flow to his heart, kidneys, and brain. A 43-year old, obese male was develop problems, people who have He has decided to change from a sed- diagnosed with Type II diabetes a family history of chronic illnesses, entary life with high fat, high calorie, eight years ago. Only in the last people who know they have the early high salt foods and no treatment for three months has his wife been able stages of a chronic, life-threatening, his high blood pressure to a lifestyle to convince him to see the diabetes life-altering disease entity, people who of moderate, regular exercise, low-salt counselor. The counselor helped him have had an earlier warning that their Mediterranean diet and regular physi- and his wife to create a meal plan that medical condition is advancing – to cian visits. they could maintain on their limited make the changes and avoid the catas- The problem? He has had two income. The counselor showed him trophes that are coming. They pray that strokes which have paralyzed him on how to check his blood sugars with a these people will do it today – before his right side – both arm and leg. As a glucometer (which he had refused to it’s too late.

Monday Night Workshop Series

The Stella Monika Gross and Dusty McKeelan living in the moment. Adler Studio Monday, June 27 from 7-10: SHAKESPEARE: Participants will of Acting SHAKESPEARE with instructors explore the universality and versatil- invites you Monika Gross and Dusty McKeelan ity of Shakespeare’s language through to join us for a relaxed, improvisatory format. No the summer Movement Workshops will meet preparation is necessary, although any season of in Asheville Contemporary Dance amount of memorized text adds to the our Monday Theatre’s BeBe Theater (20 Com- overall fun. merce Street in Asheville). All other Night Work- Registration & Cost shop Series! classes will meet in Asheville Com- One class, in advance: $30 (current Running from June 6 to August 29 (no munity Theatre’s 35below (35 East students: $25). One class, at door: $35 class on July 4), the Series will include Walnut Street). (current students: $30). FlexPass (4+ classes in Movement, Improvisation, Course Descriptions classes), in advance: $25/class and Shakespeare. MOVEMENT: This class ex- (current students: $20/class). 12-Week June Workshops plores the Williamson Technique and Season, in advance: $275 (current stu- Monday, June 6, from 8-10: a Laban-based approach to movement dents: $225). Please call ACT at (828) MOVEMENT with instructor for actors, focusing on connecting 254-1320 for more information. Richard Handy the actor with their environment and other people. Monday, June 13 from 7-9: IMPROVISATION: The class Stella Adler Studio of Acting, IMPROVISATION with instructors will play a series of improvisation c/o Asheville Community Theatre Richard Handy and Dusty McKeelan games and exercises in order to free 35 E. Walnut St. in Asheville. Monday, June 20 from 7-10: the mind and body of habitual choices (828) 254-1320, SHAKESPEARE with instructors and to discover the joy and truth of www.stellaadler-asheville.com

30 June 2011 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 14, No. 10 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE southern comfort A JOURNAL OF SHORT STORIES BY JUDY AUSLEY Just A Sweet Southern Love Story

very writer should have a better treat everyone there equally. BY JUDY AUSLEY goose story to write in order to In 2004, the fine feathered critter had become an experienced feature run off the mailman and several meter writer. Feature writers have readers, she told me with a big laugh. me,” she said, winking. “I hope me and to seek constantly to find odd Best’s daughter, Jackie, said her my boy down on the edge of the pond Estories to write about. It was my cup mom doesn’t think he would bite or have lots more time for more conversa- of tea for many years and still is with attack anyone. But, those guys can tell tions under the pine trees that line the Southern Comfort. you they were snipped on the ankle fence,” she added. Each of the stories I write in this or pants leg. Jackie also said that the As late afternoon approached, she column is not only healing for me, but naughty gander chased the cats all gathered her bird food and his favorite reading pleasure for those who read over the backyard. Best said, “Well, treat and headed out back and down to and hopefully garner some inspiration. those cats are way too fast for him to the pond to spend some quality time One of the last stories I wrote was catch; he’s just playing with them like with Big Bird. She said, “I pray he lives in 2004 for South Carolina Magazine a dog would.” as long as I do so we can enjoy life.” in Greenville, South Carolina. My Laughing Best said, “He acts like I surely hope that came true for goose story was chosen as winner in a jealous husband and he is just too this sweet woman, Louise Best. the feature story (magazine) bracket possessive of me.” This story was one of the sweetest recognition by the 2005 Association Shortly after that, Best feared that stories I ever wrote. Read it carefully for Women in Communications in her Big Bird might play too close to and you will learn a little life lesson on South Carolina. I was very proud. the highway so she made him a home the innocent and simple love that grows The story is about Louise Best, near the pond with her other ducks. between a pet and the person who cares who lived in Great Falls, South She went down every day to feed and for them during an average day on a Carolina with her five-year-old pet play with him in the backyard and farm in the Carolinas. Japanese goose. Named “Big Bird” by talk to Big Bird about local and world his owner, the goose was very intelli- events. gent and caused a ruckus of some kind “He listens to me, like he knows Writer Judy several times a week in this small town everything I am saying,” Bird said, Ausley has been near Columbia. smiling. a reporter with Big Bird had a busy morning most So as Big Bird thrived in that newspapers in NC for 40 days. He followed her to the mailbox summer afternoon in August, Best years. She on the road in front of her home. In said she thought he might need a retired in 2005 the afternoon Louise prepared the mate, so she was in search of a “frisky and continues water in the backyard to give him his female” to come and live with them to freelance at her home in Asheville. daily bath with cool water. He relished on the farm. She can be contacted by e-mail at in the pleasure when the heat poured At the time, Best was an energetic [email protected]. If you know a down too hot to estimate on South and healthy senior still mowing her character in Asheville who has not had Carolina afternoons in summer. yard each week. She also never missed a conventional life, put them in touch Best, a funny slight woman with a Sunday in church. with Judy for an article in this column, Southern Comfort. a kind voice and calm demeanor, also “I don’t let nothing get the best of had conversations with her talented fine-feathered friend each day, especially when she and the bird wandered down the backyard to a pond on her property. BOOK SIGNING/FUNDRAISER FOR ACN She told a story that she kidnapped Big Bird from a pond in Char- eanne Webster, for knowledge will be lotte. Whatever happened, she bragged author of Strays, is particularly enamored “it was love at first sight.” She said she hosting a book sign- with Strays, but it knew at the time that she would give ing/fundraiser for promises smiles, nudges him a home for rest of his life. Over JAnimal Compassion of awareness and an in- the years, Best said he has allowed her Network (ACN) on sightful journey for any to pick him up in her arms and love Saturday, June 11 from reader. on him as if cuddling a baby. They 2 to 4 p.m. at Accent on Visit the author’s bonded incidentally, she added. Books in Asheville. website and read an Ms. Webster is a Jeanne Webster, author excerpt from the book. If Ms. Best is still living she would of Strays. be in her 90s by now. I hope Big Bird local author whose books It’s the story of how dog is still aging her. When I met her in have garnered several national awards became man’s best friend and it’s sure 2004, she had four dogs, nine cats, a and are reprinted internationally. to touch your heart. cockatoo and a parrot called “Bill”. Big Strays is her third book and debut Go to www.straysthebook.com Bird fit right into that family from the fiction. start, she said, and eventually became Pet owners, wildlife advocates, IF Meet the author Saturday, the ruler of the roost in this coun- protectors of the environment, spiri- YOU June 11 from 2 p.m. and try home. Some folks have come up tual seekers, and those interested in GO 4 p.m. at Accent on Books, against Big Bird and found they had ancient paths of the human question Merrimon Ave. in Asheville.

Vol. 14, No. 10 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — June 2011 31 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE what to do guide ™

Saturday, June 4 Saturday, June 11 Classes start June 13 MariJo Moore Reading Odyssey Center for The Bluff Mountain Festival Kids Summer Clay Camps Chautauqua Festival 1 p.m. at Crystal Visions. Moore reads Ceramic Arts Lectures This free, family-friendly festival Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts has from her new book A Book of Spiritual features old-time and bluegrass music, 8 weeks of creativity and imagination Monday June 20-23 at 7 p.m. Wisdom - for all days. This will be Lectures are free and open to the ballad singing and clogging. Silent lined up – Let’s Get Our Hands Dirty, Ideas that Changed America‚ four her first reading from the book! 5426 public. auction includes fine art, local crafts, Clay Puppets Spectacular, Groovali- nights of interactive theater under Asheville Highway, Hendersonville, Tuesday, June 7 – Leah Leitson vacation packages and more. Enjoy cious Clay Games with Captain Gabe, the Chautauqua tent at the Smith- NC 28791, (828) 687-1193. Visit www. delicious food and stay for the evening and It Came from Outer Space... to McDowell house, 283 Victoria marijomoore.com Tuesday, June 14 – Alice Ballard square dance. Bring a lawn chair or name a few! Exciting hands on classes Rd., in Asheville. Tuesday, June 21 – David Gamble blanket. Please no dogs or alcohol. for youth age 4-12. Call (828) 285-9700 Monday, June 20 – Mark Twain, Sunday, June 5 Hot Springs Resort & Spa, off Hwy to register. Odyssey Center, 238 Cling- America’s First Celebrity. Thursday, June 23 – Alex Irvine man Ave., Asheville. Cynthia Decker Reception 25/70, Hot Springs, NC. For more Tuesday, June 21 – Frances Tuesday, June 28 – Liz Zlot details visit www.madisoncountyarts. From 3 to 5 p.m., lobby of the Hilton Summerfield Tuesday, June 14 Perkins, the mind behind Social Asheville Biltmore Park. 2-dimensional com, www.main.nc.us/bluff, or phone Security. Lectures begin (828) 649-1301. Engage a Visitor in Your Studio at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, June 22 – W.E.B. Du Free Craft Lab from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bois, the New Racial Reality. Concerts at and are held at Saturday & Sunday, June 11 & 12 HandMade in America, 125 S. Lexing- Odyssey Center Auditions for Julius Caesar ton Ave., in Asheville. Learn the right Thursday, June 23 – legendary St. Matthias Church for Ceramic questions to ask a potential customer physicist Albert Einstein, relativity Arts, 236 The Montford Park Players will hold for everyone! auditions at the Hazel Robinson Am- to get them to buy. Workshop taught June 5 – The Signature Winds, a Alice Ballard Clingman Ave. by Gwynne Rukenbrod. To register, woodwind Quintet will perform. phitheatre, 99 Jersey St. in Asheville. $4 per show or 4 shows for $10 Audition times are: Saturday, June 11 [email protected] For more details contact Friends June 12 – The Jason DiChristifaro from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday, or call (828) 252-0121 x308. of the Buncombe County Library still images rendered from 3-dimen- Jazz Ensemble will perform. June 12 from 1 to 5 p.m. Bring head- (828) 250-4722 or visit www. sional digital environments. Refresh- June 19 – Soprano Amanda Hor- shots and resumes if available – if not, Tuesday, June 14 chautauqua2011.com ments will be served. On display ton will present a vocal recital. don’t worry, they’re not required. Blue Ridge through June 27. The hotel is located June 26 – The Land of the Sky at 42 Town Square Blvd., just off Long Julius Caesar will be directed by C. J. Watermedia Symphonic Band will perform. Shoals Road (I-26, Exit 37). For more Breland and will be performed Fridays Society Meeting Saturday, June 18 Concerts are held on Sundays at details call (828) 231-5355. through Sundays, August 12 through Featuring Jo Ridge A Midsummer Night’s Dream September 4, 2011. For more informa- 3 p.m. A free-will offering will be Kelley. Takes place Fundraiser to benefit the Fine Arts taken for the restoration fund and Thursday, June 9 tion call (828) 254-5146 or email info@ in building 1406 at Haywood Commu- montfordparkplayers.org. League of the Carolinas. From 6 to 9 for the musicians. The historic The Found nity College from 6:45 to 9 p.m. p.m. at the Fine Arts League Gallery, church is located just off South Footage located in the Grove Arcade, 115 O’ Charlotte Street at Max Street, Saturday & Wednesday, June 15 Festival Sunday, June Henry St., in Asheville. Food will be on the hill across from the Public Guided Teleconference Meditation provided by Fiore’s! Live music! Tick- Works Building (1 Dundee St.). A showcase of 11 & 12 ets: $50 in advance, $65 at the door. odd and hilarious found videos. Hosts Free Christ Full Moon Guided Tele- The Gang’s conference Meditation from 8 to 9 p.m. Nick Prueher and Joe Pickett present June 23-25 found video clips and live comedy be- All Here est. Phone 213-406-8520, access code ginning at 8 p.m. at the Grey Eagle, 185 Celebrating 457-2382#. Visit www.LotusHeartB- Vampyre How to place an event/ Clingman Ave. in Asheville. Preceded the River Arts lessings.com. Terpsicorps classified listing with by a screening of the legendary music District Studio Stroll. Art by twelve Theatre of documentary, “Heavy Metal Parking gallery artists. Opening reception 10 Thursday, June 16 Dance presents Rapid River Art Magazine Lot.” Tickets are $10, available at Orbit a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. On display Appalachian a gothic tale of Any “free” event open to the public can DVD, 783 ½ Haywood Rd., or 108 N. through July 7, 2011. Constance Wil- Pastel Society love, death and Lexington Ave, or at www.foundfoot- liams Gallery & Studios, 9 Riverside immortality. 8 be listed at no charge up to 30 words. An opening For all other events there is a $14.95 agefest.com. Dr., Asheville. Open every day 11-4 p.m. at the Di- reception will be charge up to 35 words and 12 cents for p.m. (828) 225-1762. Nancy Clausen ana Wortham held for the Ap- each additional word. 65 word limit June 11, 18, and 25 Theatre. palachian Pastel Society from 5:30 to per event. Sponsored listings (shown June 11-12 Admission: $30 Asheville Art in the Park 7:30 p.m. at Studio B, 171 Weaverville in boxes) can be purchased for $18 per / $28 seniors / She Sings, She Drums, Hwy., one-tenth of a mile north of Exit column inch. This high quality art market takes place $25 students She Dances For Womansong 23 (Merrimon Ave./Woodfin) off I-26. Deadline is the 19th of each month. in Pack Square in the heart of down- / $20 teens (12-17) / $12 children. To For more details please contact Patti Payment must be made prior to printing. town Asheville from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. purchase tickets, call (828) 257-4530 or Bell, (828) 225-5200, www.galleryat- Email Beth Gossett at: Participating artists will donate 10% visit dwtheatre.com. studiob.com. [email protected] of their sales to a local non profit each Or mail to: 85 N. Main St, Canton, Saturday. Donations from the June 11 Saturday, June 25 event will go to the Artist Resource June 17-18 NC 28716. Call (828) 646-0071 to Stories on place ad over the phone. Center, a new program of Arts2People. Solo Shots, Visit www.ashevilleartinthepark.com Dance on the Asheville’s – Disclaimer – for more information. Front Porch Due to the overwhelming number Rocks Donna Marie Todd of local event submissions we get for Saturday, June 11 A concert of origi- is the featured sto- our “What to Do Guide” each month, nal dance theatre Retrospective of Local women performers lift their ryteller for opening we can not accept entries that do not choreography by voices, dance in beauty, and beat their day of the summer specifically follow our publication’s Faces Asheville Con- drums! Concerts take place on Satur- series. Event takes place in the Rhino format. Non-paid event listings must Artist reception 6 to temporary Dance day, June 11 at 7:30 p.m., and Sun- Courtyard of Pack Place, located next be 30 words or less, and both paid and 8 p.m. for works by Theatre dancers day, June 12 at 3 p.m. in the UNCA to the Diana Wortham Theatre. Enter non-paid listings must provide infor- Joyce Thornburg. On and guests. Performance takes place Lipinsky Auditorium. Tickets are $12 from Biltmore Avenue by the Marble mation in the following format: date, display June 1-30, at the BeBe Theatre, 20 Commerce time, brief description of your event, in advance/ $15 at the door. Child/Stu- Slab Creamery. There is an indoor 2011. Atelier Gallery, Street, Asheville, at 8 p.m. Adults $17 at and any contact information. Any en- dent tickets are $7. Available online at space should there be rain. Free event 24 Lexington Ave. in Asheville. Phone the door $15 in advance. Students $12 tries not following this format will not www.womansong.org, or at the door. takes place Saturdays from 10:30 to (828) 505-3663, www.atelier24lex- at the door $10 in advance. Call 828 be considered for publication. For more information phone (828) 11:30 a.m. ington.com 686-9010. 254-2621 or visit acdt.org JUNE EVENTS ~ ANNOUNCEMENTS ~ OPENINGS ~ SALES

32 June 2011 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 14, No. 10 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE what to do guide ™

Saturday, June 25 An Appalachian Evening Shindig on the Green – July 2, 9, 16, & 23 Carolina Roots Music in Tryon, NC Stecoah Val- A joyously spontaneous celebration of traditional and old-time ley Cultural string bands, bluegrass, ballad singers, big circle mountain Sunday, June 12 Arts Center dancers and cloggers on summer Saturday evenings in the The KingPup Radio Show’s presents this heart of downtown Asheville. Stage show and informal jam “Sunday in the Park” concert summer series sessions. Pack Square Park, FREE. series returns to the Log Cabin every Saturday at Harmon Field in Tryon, NC. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, family and friends. More details evening from The free afternoon concert will The Kruger Brothers at (828) 258-6101 x345, or visit www.folkheritage.org. June 25 until feature Carolina Blue, Fays- August 27, 2011. On stage June 25, soux McLean & Company, and The Kruger Brothers. July 2, The Steel Sanctum Sully. Joining them Wheels. Great performances through- Phil and Gaye are musical hosts Phil and Gaye out the summer. Season tickets are Johnson Johnson. The music starts at $120 for adults and $40 for students Best in Show by Phil Juliano 4 p.m. and will last until 8 p.m. Admission is free. (K-12). Call (828) 479-3364 or visit Donations will be accepted. www.stecoahvalleycenter.com Sunday, June 26 Evolving Consciousness Call For Art Demonstrations Healing Ourselves and The Planet, 2-4:30 p.m. with Bill Walz, conscious- Deadline: June 30, 2011 ness teacher. Discussion and medita- The Arts Council of Henderson County is looking tion on healing our mind and spirit for artists interested in demonstrating their craft at through Buddhist teachings. Asheville the 52nd annual Art on Main Festival in downtown Unitarian Universalist Church, 1 Ed- Hendersonville, held October 1 & 2, from 10 a.m. win Place. Donation $10-20 suggested. to 5 p.m. Artists working in media such as plein by Amy Downs air painting, carving, wood turning, blacksmithing, through June Callie & Cats spinning, weaving, and lampwork are sought. Ma: The Artists will be juried and should submit three images Space of finished pieces. Artists must provide their own Between 10' tent/canopy. A charge of $25 will be required. Appalachian Artists will be allowed to show and sell their art. Artists Collaborate to Explore the Submissions may be dropped off or mailed to Arts Japanese Concept of “Ma”, an aware- Council office at 401 North Main Street, 3rd Floor, ness of form and non-form as equally Hendersonville, NC 28792. For more information significant. Show runs through June call (828) 693-8504, e-mail [email protected], or visit 30 at the Asheville Area Arts Council. www.acofhc.org. For more information, contact Barbara Zaretsky at (828) 505-2958. through July David Stewball Ackley Memorial Grant Neon Heathens Corgi Tales by Phil Hawkins Deadline: July 31, 2011 A group show featuring the work of A sum of $4500 will be awarded to fund a new Andy Herod, Jesse production or other outreach events in the city of Reno, Michael C. Asheville. The project must involve live perfor- Hsiung, Shawn mance, and take place in Asheville. Participating Oldham, Hierony- artists must be residents of Western North Carolina. mous, Nathanel Roney, and Nicolas Project must begin by April 1, 2012. Preference for Pecoraro. Curated by Gabriel Shaffer. ongoing projects. Project must relate to the Scape- Poetry by Nathanel Roney. Sounds by goat Theatre Collective mission. Application and Ben Lovett. The show will be up until information available at www.scapegoattheatre.org or July 10, 2011. Push Gallery, 25 Patton email [email protected]. Ave., Asheville. all Summer Sculpture for Dragin by Michael Cole HATCH Short Film Competition the Garden How do you pursue your passion? What happens to Opening recep- the world around you when you are living your pas- tion June 4 from sion with the most intensity? 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Answer one of these questions in a 20 minute or less Showing through short film to enter. Films must be made in 2011. All December 2011. film styles and genres will be accepted. The top ten Outdoor sculp- HATCH the Passion Inside entries will be selected ture invitational by a 3rd party panel of judges and will be showcased features contemporary sculptures on the HATCHexperience.com website. The top by 13 nationally-recognized artists. winner will receive a filmmaking package worth Grovewood Gallery, 111 Grovewood $10,000 and an all expense paid trip to participate in Rd. in Asheville. Call (828) 253-7651 the next HATCH Experience. Visit www.hatchexpe- for more information or visit www. rience.com for more details. grovewood.com.

CLASSES ~ AUDITIONS ~ ARTS & CRAFTS ~ READINGS

Vol. 14, No. 10 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — June 2011 33 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE performance

INTERVIEW WITH INTERVIEWED BY DENNIS RAY

work. Auditions for HART productions are open to the public, and we Stv Lloy are always eager to welcome new faces. Rapid River Magazine: Tell us a little he Haywood Arts Regional about Haywood Arts Regional Theatre Theatre, founded in 1985, is a (HART) and what is happening there volunteer-based community this summer. theatre showcasing the talents of the people of the region. Steven Lloyd: Deathtrap by Ira Levin T is playing in June. HART, under the leadership of Execu- tive Director Steven Lloyd, has grown RRM: What drew you to selecting this into one of the most active theatres in play? the Southeast, producing a year-round SL: Deathtrap is one of the best thrill- schedule of plays and musicals from its ers ever written. HART actually pro- home, The Performing Arts Center at duced it in 1989 when the theatre had the Shelton House. very limited resources so this seemed Opened in 1997, and funded by like a good opportunity to do it again the support of people throughout at a different level. I also have fond the community, HART’s home is a memories of it because one of my first stunning facility constructed in the Steven Lloyd, Executive Director for professional jobs as an actor was in a Haywood Arts Regional Theatre. style of the traditional Summer Stock production in Greensboro in 1983. playhouses of the 1920’s. Architect Joe Sam Queen and builder Pat Burgin RRM: What’s been the biggest chal- it to my Board of Directors. I spend used native materials to create a facility lenge of this show? almost a year floating titles by actors that is both grand and informal. SL: It has an elaborate set and very and directors and try to pick to please HART’s main stage performances specific prop list that includes battle them first. If I don’t have actors excited are in the James Auditorium, a 255- axes, a crossbow and various others about doing a show we won’t end up seat traditional proscenium space that instruments of destruction. with a strong cast, and the audience operates April through November. In RRM: How are your plays chosen for isn’t interested in seeing anything if it the winter, productions shift to the isn’t done well. 75-seat Feichter Studio Theatre for a each season? Continued on next page second season of more experimental SL: I create the season and propose

HART presents “Deathtrap” ART continues its 2011 role of Sydney Bruhl, a down season with one of Broad- on his luck mystery writer. way’s biggest hits, the comic Victor Garber, best known thriller “Deathtrap,” which for playing Jesus in the film runs June 3 – 10 at the Per- “Godspell,” played the role Hforming Arts Center in Waynesville. of Clifford, a young stu- A deathtrap is a theatrical literary term dent with a brilliant script. As a side note, used to describe a situation in which In 1982 the film version Wanda Taylor is the hero has been captured, some- was made starring Michael reprising the role of Helga ten times unknowingly by the villain who Cain, Christopher Reeve Dorp, a character she first played has set up an elaborate mechanism for and Diane Cannon. in HART’s 1989 production. his murder. Ira Levin was one of the liter- Remember Edgar Allen Poe’s ary world’s most successful writ- “Cask of Amontillado” where the ers. Stephen King described him as victim is lured into the catacombs in “the Swiss watchmaker of suspense IF YOU HART presents search of a fine wine only to find him- novels, he makes what the rest of us GO “DEATHTRAP” June 3, 4, self being walled up by his host? You do look like cheap watchmakers in 9, 10, 11 at 7:30, and June 4 get the idea. drugstores.” His works included the and 12 at 3 p.m. Tickets; $18 for Well, in 1978 Ira Levin cre- comedy “No Time For Sergeants” Adults, $16 for Seniors, Student/child ated his own “Deathtrap,” and, in the (the play that made a star out of Andy $8. Special $5 discount tickets for process, one of theatre’s most suc- Griffith) the mystery “A Kiss Before Students for Thursday and Sunday cessful plays, and the longest running Dying” and the novels “Rosemary’s performances. thriller in Broadway history. The Baby” “The Stepford Wives” and Box Office Hours: Monday-Saturday play ran four years with more than “The Boys from Brazil.” 1-5 p.m. Call (828) 456-6322 for eighteen hundred performances. The HART’s production will feature reservations. Tickets available at www. Broadway casts included John Wood, an elaborate set and is being directed harttheatre.com. Stacey Keach, John Cullum, Robert by Charles Mills. The cast includes HART is located at the Performing Reed, and Farley Granger replac- Steve Turner, Casey Morris, Christy Arts Center at the Shelton House, 250 ing one another over the years in the Bishop, Wanda Taylor and Jack Ross. Pigeon St. Waynesville, NC 28786.

34 June 2011 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 14, No. 10 RAPID RIVER ARTS LDL>?jhi

‘Steven Lloyd’ continued from page 34 SL: Our attendance is over ten thousand l^i]

Vol. 14, No. 10 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — June 2011 35

PRINTS COLOR RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE fine art

INTERVIEWED BY DENNIS RAY INTERVIEW WITH NC: I see the organization growing even more over the next five years, attract- N ncy Cl ing more members from across the re- tudio B Custom Framing & Fine Art gion and offer more will be hosting a member exhibit for learning opportuni- the Appalachian Pastel Society (APS). ties for pastelists. APS was formed in 2006 to promote And APS is now an understanding and appreciation working with three S Nancy Clausen, of soft pastel painting throughout Western other pastel groups pastel artist. North Carolina and surrounding areas. in North Carolina Mouthwatering Gifts Its mission is to elevate the standards of to sponsor a Statewide Pastel Show on a excellence for the benefit of artists, collec- rotating basis. tors and those who appreciate the medium. Winter Sunset, pastel by Nancy Clausen. Pastel has a long and illustrious history RRM: What are the requirements to be a dating back to the 1600’s, and is now enjoy- member of APS? ing a surge in popularity among artists and NC: There are really no requirements for NC: Painting every day is a goal I hope to ac- collectors alike. being a member except an interest in soft complish this year. The more you paint the We had a chance to talk with one of the pastel art and to pay a membership fee of better you become. I continue to take classes co-chairs of APS, Nancy Clausen, about the $25.00. You are welcome whether you are a and workshops to help improve my tech- society, and about being an artist. beginning artist or a professional. We feel we nique as well as learn other ways that might have much to offer beginners as well as the 100% Satisfaction Rapid River Magazine: Tell us a little more enhance my paintings. % Guaranteed! about the Appalachian Pastel Society. How professional. Save 20 Our meetings are held every other RRM: What benefits do you find from be- Offer only available at: Over 20 Million Berries, did it get started and how has it changed longing to a group like APS? www.berries.com/big Hand-Dipped. month from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the or call 1.888.743.1347 since it first began in 2006? *20% discount will appear upon checkout. Discounts may not be used in conjunction with other special offers, coupons Ag Center. Our next meeting will be in July, NC: When you are an artist you do a lot or discounts. Discount applies to item cost only and does not Nancy Clausen: APS started out with include discounts on shipping and handling or taxes. Discount and a membership application and infor- of painting on your own, and the group only applies to items over $29. Valid now through 12/31/2011. 13 members at the downtown library in mation about our upcoming programs and provides you with comraderie and sharing August. In October 2006 we had our first activities are described on our website. of ideas. Members often bring paintings members show. We meet now at the West- RRM: There are mainly three different types they are working on to our meetings to get gifts for ern NC Agricultural Center in Fletcher the feedback from each other. 2nd Saturday of every other month. July of pastels. The most commonly available GLMPHVIR ones in the market are the soft and the hard RRM: What is it that inspires you to paint For the best in baby & children’s gifts, 14th will be our next meeting. We have look no further. From keepsakes to grown to over 75 members and have mem- kinds. Other types are oil pastels, conté what you paint? toys, we can help you ﬁ nd unique and sticks and pastel pencils. Which do you personalized gifts to ﬁ t every budget. bers in North Carolina, Tennessee, South NC: When I look outside and see God’s Carolina and Georgia. We have a website prefer? Which is the most popular among beautiful creation, I want to put down what APS artists? great gifts (www.appalachianpastelsociety.org) and are I see on paper. I love to paint the mountains starting at save $ 95 an additional also on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ap- NC: The artists mainly use soft pastels. and the trees and feel that I am where I am 19+s/h palachianpastelsociety). The APS has also Many artists will use the hard pastels to start meant to be, to create what I enjoy.

products. Discount will appear upon checkout and % ® sponsored two National Shows, attracting 20 a painting and then use their soft pastels to RRM: What style of pastel paintings should wonderful pastelists from all over the coun- finish. I myself use this method and it works we expect to see at the member exhibit for try, our last one this past Fall in October very well. Pastel pencils are generally used To redeem this offer, go to www.RedEnvelope.com/down the Appalachian Pastel Society? or call 1.888.506.9740 2010. We offer workshops and many oppor- toward the end of a painting, to provide

handprint canvas stainless steel wine tunities to show our members work. NC: You should see a variety of styles. We stoppers detail. I would like to note here that oil have portrait painters, landscape painters, RRM: Where do you see APS in five years? pastels are not really pastels, but an entirely different medium. some still life, and perhaps some expression- ist paintings. personalized personalized RRM: How would you describe your paint- cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Offer expires 1/31/2012. expires or discounts. Offer cannot be combined with other offers *Discount does not apply cates, to same-day shipping gift delivery, and cards handling, or taxes, certiﬁ third-party hosted products (e.g. wine), or Bose signs animal storybook ing style? RRM: How do you protect pastel paintings from smudging? NC: I think I am a rather loose painter. I like Bring in this Ad to paint landscapes, but I don’t paint in all NC: Many artists use a fixative, which is a spray. As for myself, when I am finished I and We’ll Take the details. I like to leave that for the viewer to fill in with their imaginations. turn the painting over and tap the back to take the excess dust off. Whether I use a mat 15% Off RRM: How has belonging to APS changed or not, there will be spacers put in to keep your life as an artist? the painting from touching the mat or glass Your Order NC: APS offers many workshops to learn and any dust will fall down inside and not Excluding Alcohol and grow in the medium. I feel that I am harm the painting. 1 Coupon Per Table becoming a better artist by the opportunities The opening reception will be held at (828) 236-9800 presented in the workshops and programs at Studio B on Thursday, June 16 from 5:30 Delicious the meetings. Painting is a progression. No to 7:30 p.m. and the exhibit will remain on Open 7 Days a Week matter how accomplished you are, there is display through August 2, 2011. Hoagies & Pretzels always room to become better. And APS has Fresh-Baked Calzones provided me with that opportunity. 50 Broadway ~ Asheville, NC RRM: As a professional how do you cur- Studio B, 171 Weaverville Hwy., take exit Specialty Pizzas • Spring Water Dough • Salads Wireless rently learn or improve your artwork? 23 off I-26. Call (828) 225-5200 or visit Vegan Soy Cheese, and other Vegetarian Options! Internet Access! www.galleryatstudiob.com.

36 June 2011 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 14, No. 10

PRINTS COLOR RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE

fine art SEND BOUQUETS FOR ANY OCCASION

E N D E V AY S S

O GUARANTEEDF ERRMZIVWEV] F

R PART 2 OF 2: A CANDID TALK WITH E S S FMVXLHE] H N E S NYWXFIGEYWI $ 99 Greg Vne r FLOWERS FROM 19+s/h ER n the May issue of Rapid River I\XVE INTERVIEWED BY DENNIS RAY %:) 3** Magazine, available online at 7EPVIEH]VIHYGIHTVMGIWSRSXLIVFSYUYIXW www.rapidrivermagazine.com, Greg Vineyard shared his goals and “Love” show up repeatedly in I for his art. We continue the my work. I’m also always inspired conversation this month with the by my high school art teacher, Pat way people identify, connect, decide, Abbott, who taught me that you and resolve issues through the stories really can do anything, and that *Minimum product and accessories found in Vineyard’s work. it’s OK to explore and enjoy. To purchase of $29.99. Does not apply to Offer ONLY available at: her, everything was “wonderful!”, gift cards or certi cates, same-day or in- RRM: Your work gives people the Greg Vineyard is an artist and ternational delivery, shipping & handling, pro owers.com/spirit and she was right. taxes, or third-party hosted products opportunity to play with a pairing or creative consultant. (e.g. wine). Offer expires 12/31/2011. or call 1.888.431.1230 grouping of animals, word tiles or RRM: What are you working on at the matter what else is going on in one’s other assemblage items. Tell us more moment? about this approach. life, keeps a sense of purpose and peace Help Protect Your Home and Family GV: Interestingly, two opposite alive. Whenever I move away from that A home is burglarized every 9.1 seconds, donít let yours be the next! GV: People automatically select one thoughts. “The Bully” from the path, especially as the decades start fly- animal over another to play with, posi- afore-mentioned show was the largest ing by, hope fades. So I decided when I tion it a certain way, place a tile here animal I’ve made to date, and it was moved to Asheville that everything I do FREE Home Security System! or there. This process quite popular, needs to be art and artist-related. $ is often subconscious 850 Value! which got me to At no cost to you for parts and activation with only a $99 installation fee and the — they are forming a thinking “How RRM: Where do you see art as being purchase of alarm monitoring services. Terms & Conditions below. connection through big could I make a major part of our culture here in 24/7 PROTECTION only assigning the players one of these?”, Asheville? $35.99/mo. roles, or reaffirming so I’m working GV: Art is in everything we do here. Get up to a 20% DISCOUNT a thought or regain- on a large one, The region has such a rich history, on home owner’s insurance! ing a bit of footing by but with a posi- from industrial art and craft like furni- FREE wireless remote Available two-way voice that allows touching something control with PANIC BUTTON! you to instantly communicate with tive slant. ture, textiles and functional clay, to the an ADT Security Specialist. tactile. The same can At the art deco architecture, that it’s embed- happen when holding Call Now and Help Protect Your Family! same time, the ded in our daily lives, and adds to the an out-of-round bowl. little animals quality of the visits by our precious 1-888-791-9189 I encourage The Bully by Greg Vineyard Mon-Fri 8am - 11pm - Sat 9am- 8pm - Sun 10am - 6pm EST are fascinating tourists. Visitors find all these modern $99.00 Customer Installation Charge. 36-Month Monitoring Agreement required at $35.99 per month ($1,295.64). Form of payment must be by credit people to view the card or electronic charge to your checking or savings account. Offer applies to homeowners only. Local permit fees may be required. Satisfactory to me. They’re incarnations of art, craft and design in credit history required. Certain restrictions may apply. Offer valid for new ADT Authorized Dealer customers only and not on purchases from ADT works as vehicles for Security Services, Inc. Other rate plans available. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Licenses: AL-10-1104, AZ-ROC217517, CA-ACO6320, like “everyanimal” in a play, and I CT-ELC.0193944-L5, DE-07-212, FL-EC13003427, EC13003401, GA-LVA205395, IA-AC-0036, ID-39131, IL-127.001042, IN-City of Indianapolis: all parts of town. 93294, KY-City of Louisville: 483, LA-F1082, MA-1355C, MD-107-1375, Baltimore County: 1375, Calvert County: ABL00625, Caroline County: 1157, focusing on meditation, or to use as Cecil County: 541-L, Charles County: 804, Dorchester County: 764, Frederick County: F0424, Harford County: 3541, Montgomery County: 1276, feel like they deserve little words and In the River Arts District, they get Prince George’s County: 685, Queen Anne’s County: L156, St. Mary’s County: LV2039R, Talbot County: L674, Wicomico County: 2017, Worcester keepsake bowls to hold special items. County: L1013, MI-3601205773, MN-TS01807, MO-City of St. Louis: CC354, St. Louis County: 47738, MS-15007958, MT-247, NC-25310-SP-LV, environments that help them gain to enter converted buildings and see 1622-CSA, NE-14451, NJ-34BF00021800, NM-353366, NV-68518, City of Las Vegas: B14-00075-6-121756, C11-11262-L-121756, NY-Licensed by I think people need these things in the N.Y.S. Department of State UID#12000286451, OH-53891446, City of Cincinnati: AC86, OK-1048, OR-170997, Pennsylvania Home Improvement some identity. I’m also designing the working studios inside. Asheville is Contractor Registration Number: PA22999, RI-3428, SC-BAC5630, TN-C1164, C1520, TX-B13734, UT-6422596-6501, VA-115120, VT-ES-2382, their lives to connect to their higher WA-602588694/PROTEYH934RS, WI-City of Milwaukee: 0001697, WV-042433, WY-LV-G-21499. For full list of licenses visit our website some new tiles. a good example of how fostering and www.protectyourhome.com. Protect Your Home – 3750 Priority Way South Dr., Ste 200, Indianapolis, IN 46240. "Crime data taken from selves — I think it can help in a http://ovc.ncjrs.gove/ncvrw2008/pdf/crime_clock_eng.pdf" preserving the individual artist role tough moment. RRM: You work in a fine art gallery, within a multi-cultural experience can you create art, you collect art. What do be a major driver for the economy. RRM: Your work is very “soul lifting” you do to take time out from work? and very “inspiring” what are your RRM: A few of your favorite famous influences? GV: Time out? What’s that? Seriously, though, when I can, I try to take a artists? GV: That’s a tough one - I think a lot couple days and go get Creatively Fed. GV: I could never list them all! The of artistic vision moves through us, I’ve written about going to the Smith- ones you’ll almost always find on my and I struggle to define it, as part of sonian, the LA County Museum of coffee table along with art history and life’s journey seems to me to be about Art and doing things like taking an all native arts books in general are Joseph just trusting what comes to our minds day drawing workshop. Meditation, Cornell, Marcel Duchamp, Kandin- and out of our hands. That being said, yoga or a hike can be a great break. sky, Van Gogh, Richard Diebenkorn, I can also add that all art and art his- And as you know, I have a bit of a Basquiat, Cy Twombly, JMW Turner, tory inspires me. And I tend to look sci-fi addiction, so just shutting out Georgia O’Keefe, Ross Bleckner, Louise at negative things like social injustice the world and watching a movie is one Bourgoise, Richard Serra and William and try to create art that leans toward of my favorite time outs! Suspending Morris. I’m also inspired by individual positive affirmations in an attempt to disbelief for a couple hours can really artists I have discovered at different counteract it. recharge my batteries. times in life, like Sean Scully, David My recent show was entitled Lance Goines and Jimmie Durham. “Mis-Community-Cation: Dioramas RRM: The best thing about being an of Discord”, which sounds nega- artist is? tive, but the point of the interactive Greg Vineyard’s works can be found GV: Hope. I’ve been a corporate groupings and pairings was for the at Constance Williams Gallery (the executive, I’ve had odd jobs. Defining audience to move things around and middle building in CURVE), 9 Riverside oneself as an artist, and working on create harmony out of chaos. “Yes” Dr., Asheville. Open seven days 11-4. that as a personal, driving vision no Visit creativewayfinding.byregion.net

Vol. 14, No. 10 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — June 2011 37 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE experience west asheville

1400 Patton Avenue in West Asheville E (828) 258-0736

Breakfast B GET ON THE MAP, CALL A C special (828) 646-0071 • 2 Eggs Any Way • Hashbrowns $ 95 – Homemade 3 • Biscuits – Made from Scratch D Bring in this Ad for a FREE Cup of Freshly Brewed, Steaming Hot Coffee Expires 8/1/2011 A Sign-Up for Our Daily E-Mail Specials!

"4)&7*--& Contemporary Latin Fusion ummer Lo Made From Scratch Daily All S ng! ,*5$)&/4"/%#"5)4

Free Kitchen Cabinetry by Omega & StyleCraft Appetizer or Dessert With Purchase of any 2 Regular Priced Dinners Kitchen & Bath Accessories

> DELivERy > DinE-in > STREET CaRT > TakE-OuT

Banh Mi Sandwich – Roasted pork, chipotle crema, pickled daikon and carrots, sweet pickled yellow onion, cilantro, and jalapeno on an 8" cuban roll, served with a side of garlic braised yucca.

• Plumbing • Counters Bandidos Burritos • Fixtures • Stone 697 E. Haywood Rd. • Fittings • Tile Burgermeister Plaza ~ Asheville, NC Serving Mouth Watering Lunch & Dinner Support Locally Owned Business Ed Mertz • Serving WNC Since 1979 • Susie Turner 828-255-8681 Mon-Sun 11am - 10pm Visit our website for the latest menu and 1051 Haywood Road cart locations. Locally owned and operated. 1047 Haywood Road in West Asheville • (828) 253-4608 www.bandidosburritosasheville.com B West Asheville ~ 828 255-5148 C www.ashevillekitchensandbaths.com D [email protected]

38 June 2011 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 14, No. 10

PRINTS COLOR RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE waynesville & maggie valley WHAT’S HAPPENING Saturday, June 11 A Appalachian Lifestyles Celebration on Main Street in Downtown Waynes- ville on Saturday, June 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A heritage-themed event, providing educational and entertain- C ment opportunities for guests of all ages, where traditional crafts are dem- G onstrated and offered for sale. Two stages will feature live entertainment B throughout the day. FREE. D Friday, July 1 Haywood County Arts Council’s Gal- lery 86 presents “The World Around H Us,” an exhibition of international artists living and working in Hay- wood and Buncombe counties.Artist E reception is Friday, July 1 from 6 to 9 p.m. Free and open to the public. On display Wednesday, June 29 through Saturday, July 30, 2011. Gallery hours F are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Haywood County Arts Council’s Gallery 86, located at 86 N. Main Street in Waynesville. E

For more information visit www.haywoodarts.org

D C

Waynesville Canton Discover the Gateway for 828-452-5822 828-646-3750 Your Next Event Catering: 1-800-569-5484 $2 Off 10oz. Ribeye Not good with any other offer. Coupon Expires June 15, 2011

$3 Off The Gateway Club 14oz. Ribeye Not good with any other offer. Church Street, Waynesville NC Coupon Expires June 15, 2011 828-456-6789 ~ www.thegatewayclub.com A

Vol. 14, No. 10 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — June 2011 39

PRINTS COLOR PG. 38 Hungry for a E Down Home Feast?

Try Our Family-Style Barbeque Pork Dinner BARBECUE with Baked Beans, Cole Slaw, INN Hush Puppies, Drink and Ice Cream Bar – Enuf for 4

Celebrating 1341 Patton 50 Years of the Finest Barbecue in Avenue the Carolinas Asheville, NC 28806 www.BarbecueInnInc.com (828) 253-9615

Find F on the Map on Page 39 20

PG. 39 G

PRINTS COLOR