Asheville’s River Arts District artists open their studios During HandMade: The Western North Carolina Craft, Architecture & Design Expo page 5 for two days of festivities during the River Arts District Studio Stroll. page 19

The Parker Quartet will perform during the Swannanoa Chamber Music Festival. Kate Steinbeck and others will create beautiful music during the 10th Keowee Chamber Music Festvial. page 7

The ARCH, a unique showroom and gallery providing architectural products and art, now sells, services, and installs wood-fired ovens and accessories. page 2

Asheville Bravo Concerts announces a diverse new season including the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players’ hilarious rendition of The Mikado. page 9

You’ll find a wide selection of art from some of the top artists and craftspeople in America as you follow the crafts trail set out for the Toe River Studio Tour – June 11, 12, and 13. page 32

Plus The NC Stage Company promises anarchy, amusement, and minstrelsy. page 11

SART’s 36th Summer Season. page 10 Asheville Lyric Opera presents an evening of food, wine, and music. page 30 RAPID RIVER ARTS asheville shops Bringing Old Europe Home with Wood-Fired Ovens by Dennis Ray ven baked brick or stone oven. pizza is to Wood-burn- Western ing pizza ovens are Over 11 Million Victims North Caroli- becoming all the rage na summer as across the US and of Identity Theft Last Year. Oturkey is to Thanksgiv- in Europe. Today, ing or a hot cup of cocoa many celebrities own Source: Javelin Strategy & Research. “2010 Identity Fraud Survey Report.” February 2010. is to a winter’s snowy their own brick ovens afternoon. Pizza is fast include Oscar-win- becoming the entertain- ning actress Gwyneth Help Protect Yourself Today. ment food choice of Paltrow, Jamie Oliver Americans over the past and Sherlock Holmes decade and it’s hard- director Guy Ritchie. ENROLL TODAY AND GET: PROMO CODE: ID pressed to find a single Yet, the most humble 30 DAY RISK-FREE* TRIAL restaurant, home table or picnic blanket in farmhouse, cottage, or urban patio can be the region without it this summer. a most fitting setting for those who simply CALL NOW: 1-888-252-5862 Instead of taking a trip to Europe you would love to cook and entertain with a may want to instead invest the money in wood-fired oven. *At the end of the 30-day free period your card will be billed automatically ($10.00 bringing old Europe to your home. Incor- “With such a fast paced society we monthly/$110.00 annually) unless you cancel within the 30-day period. You can cancel porating the wood-fired pizza oven into the live in people truly enjoy the opportunity anytime without penalty by calling 1-800-LifeLock. Offer is for new LifeLock members only. design of your outdoor patio or backyard will to slow down and spend the evening with add a centerpiece that adds warmth, atmo- friends,” Silver says. “Having a pizza oven is sphere, old-world cooking ambience and cu- a great opportunity to enjoy those moments linary achievement. It’s the perfect family get and the perfect reason to invite your friends together and something that will be enjoyed together.” again and again for many years. The ARCH provides residential Forno The ARCH, a unique showroom and Bravo modular pizza oven kits constructed gallery located in North Asheville that from both refractory material and brick. provides architectural products and art now Each Forno Bravo oven kit features a circu- sells wood burning ovens by Forno Bravo a lar dome, enclosed refractory cooking floor, leader in authentic Italian wood-fired ovens. vent, stainless steel chimney, door high Once used for upscale pizza and breads, temperature mortar, and complete dome the wood-fired ovens are now being used and floor insulation. Everything you need to in a wide variety of settings for roasting, assemble a pizza oven at your house. braising and grilling a wide variety of foods “We can help with ideas and installa- including seafood, chicken, pork, lamb, beef tion of the ovens,” Silver adds. “Jim Erskine, dishes, and vegetables. a mason with over thirty years of experi- The ARCH owner Catherine Silver ence is available to discuss installations and says “The ovens makes it possible to cook services. We also can help with design ideas pizza in two-three minutes and chicken whether stonework is being considered, a and fish in eight. You can also bake bread, natural lime plaster finish or select hand- pastries and cakes in these ovens as they made tiles. We can help with that.” retain heat beautifully. This is what I call a Forno Bravo imports and produces the cooking adventure.” finest Italian wood-fired pizza ovens for the A wood-fired oven gives that unique house and garden, caterers, bakeries and savory taste that cannot be reproduced in restaurants. Their pizza ovens are crafted a normal kitchen oven. These ovens have by hand using traditional methods and the been around for at least 3,000 years and quite highest-quality refractory materials, and likely since the early rise of civilization. then shipped to your home or business. The shape of the oven evolved in Egypt The ARCH also sells oven accessories and around the Mediterranean, and was including hard to find long handle peels independently developed by the Turkic (a shovel-like tool used by bakers to slide peoples of the Balkans to become the stan- loaves of bread, pizzas, pastries, and other dard shape in Europe. The wood burning baked goods into and out of an oven), brick oven has been discovered in the ex- brushes and high gluten flour which pro- cavations of virtually every ancient civiliza- duces the best tasting pizza crust. tion, with the wood-fired oven reaching its final modern form in ancient Rome. In Italy, the ovens were owned by The ARCH individual families and were smaller - which Architectural Finishes, Flooring and More is the foundation for Italy’s modern pizza oven industry. Round ovens built from 171 Weaverville Hwy. #103 brick, and even local stone, have been built Asheville, NC 28804 in Italy seemingly forever. Virtually every (828) 253 5455 www.thearchnc.com Tuscan farmhouse has, or had, an original

 June 2010 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 10 Vol. 13, No. 10 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — June 2010  RAPID RIVER ARTS we love this place The 4th Annual Art in Bloom takes place June 17-20 at the Black Mountain (NC) Center for the Arts, located in the reno- vated original City Hall at 225 W. State Street. The theme this RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE year is “Naturally Blue Ridge,” as we celebrate the 75th anni- Established in 1997 • Volume Thirteen, Number Ten versary of the Blue Ridge Parkway. On Thursday, June 17 floral designers spend the day creating their arrangements on site, the show opens that evening to ticket holders and floral designers at a Preview Party and Gala. On Friday and Saturday, June 18 and June 2010 2 Asheville Shops 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday, June 20 from noon www.rapidrivermagazine.com The ARCH ...... 2 to 4 p.m., the public can view the show for $5. A tour of gardens in Black Mountain will also be offered on Friday and Saturday, with local artists painting en plain air. On Sunday, June 20 from Publisher/Editor: Dennis Ray noon to 4 p.m., these paintings will be offered for sale at the Black Mountain Center for the Managing Editor: Beth Gossett 5 Fine Art Arts. For more information, call (828) 669-0930 or visit www.blackmountainarts.org. Marketing: Dennis Ray HandMade Design Expo ...... 5 Clay Day at the Folk Art Center . . 18 Sitting on her daddy’s lap, Sabrina Cabada would Staff Photographer: Dennis Ray bask in the smell of oil paint that drifted through the Layout & Design: Simone Bouyer River Arts District Studio Stroll . 19 studio in their Arlington, Virginia home. Sabrina has Book Editor: Cauley Bennett Twigs & Leaves Gallery ...... 33 been painting and selling art ever since. Curators, Poetry Editor: Ted Olson Southern Highland Craft Guild . . 38 architects, congresswomen are among those who own a work by Cabada. Her work is palatable in a Proofreader: Mary Wilson way that one exclaims “I have just the spot for that... Accounting: Sharon Cole Performance I must have one!” Cabada’s work will be featured 7 Distribution: Dennis Ray Keowee Chamber Music Festival . 7 at Studio 103 Fine Art Gallery, located at 103 West Painting by Sabrina Cabada Street in Black Mountain, through June 23, 2010. Swannanoa Chamber Music Festival 7 Gallery hours are Wednesday-Saturday noon-6 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday by appointment. For Contributing Writers: Summer at the Wortham ...... 8 more information please call (828) 357-8327 or visit www.Studio103fineartgallery.com. Cauley Bennett, James Cassara, Asheville Bravo Concerts ...... 9 Michael Cole, Amy Downs, John Ellis, The Western Region of the Watercolor Society of NC will Jim Faucett, Beth Gossett, Chall Gray, June Break host their event at the Governor’s Western Max Hammonds, MD, Phil Hawkins, Stage Preview Residence on June 16. The event begins with coffee at 10 10 a.m. and a tour of the residence, followed by a humorous Phil Juliano, Chip Kaufmann, SART’s The Foreigner . . . . . 10 discussion on entering juried shows by Ann Vasilik. Lunch Michelle Keenan, Sarah Larson, Asheville Community Theatre . . 10 is provided by the ‘Fig’ restaurant. The day will conclude Peter Loewer, Rob Miller, April Nance, NC Stage Company ...... 11 with a watercolor demonstration by Hendersonville’s Ted Olson, Michael Parker, well known artist, Jim Morrison. Artists are invited to Joseph Rathbone, Dennis Ray, bring a piece of their art to show. Cost to attend is $20 for Clara Sofia, Megan Stone, 12 Columns members and $25 for non-members. Call Ann Vasilik at William Tiernan, Rita Vermillion, Ted Olson - Poetry ...... 12 (828) 251-2997 or email [email protected] for further Greg Vineyard, Bill Walz, information and reservations. Book Reviews by Cauley Bennett, Painting by Jim Morrison Kristen Yarborough, Joe Zinich. Beth Gossett ...... 13-15 James Cassara - Music . . . . . 16 INFO Greg Vineyard - Fine Art . . . . 22 Rapid River Art Magazine is a free monthly publication. Address correspondence to: Bill Walz - Artful Living ...... 27 [email protected] or write to: Joe Zinich - Beer ...... 29 Rapid River Art Magazine Michael Parker - Wine . . . . . 31 85 N. Main St. Peter Loewer - Thoreau’s Garden 34 Canton, NC 28716 Joseph Rathbone - Youth Culture . 35 Advertising Sales Representatives Phone: (828) 646-0071 Max Hammonds, MD - Health . . 39 www.rapidrivermagazine.com Rapid River Magazine is Seeking Experienced Sales Personnel All materials contained herein are owned Help us promote local arts, organizations, and businesses. Great for retirees and copyrighted by Rapid River Art 17 Music needing extra income. Set your own hours – potential earnings are up to you! Magazine and the individual contributors Ol’ Hoopty ...... 17 Some experience necessary. Seniors are encouraged to apply. unless otherwise stated. Opinions expressed The Plants and Animals . . . . 28 in this magazine do not necessarily corre- Geoff Achison plays the Blues . . 28 Interested? Call (828) 646-0071, or e-mail [email protected] spond with the opinions of Rapid River Art Magazine or the advertisers found herein. © Rapid River Magazine, 23 Movie Reviews June 2010 Vol. 13 No. 10 30 Taste of Asheville About the Cover: Cultural Food and Wine Fest . . 30 Photo © 2008 Stewart Young courtesy of HandMade House at the Ramble. Noteworthy Design Credits: Huntboard, Donald Bradley; 34 Dinnerware, Allan Buitekant; Sculpture, Julia Burr Father’s Day Garden Tour . . . 34 and Jamie House; Flatware, Jim Charneski; Oak Dining Table, Ronno Cooke; Encaustic Paper on Wood, Celia Gray; Windsor Chairs, Jack Hastings; ™ Display Cabinet, Michael Keleher; Lanterns, 36 What to Do Guide Douglas Lapham; Yarn Braided Rug, Gill and Judy Best in Show by Phil Juliano . . 37 Morgan; Feather Serving Set, William Rogers; Callie & Cats by Amy Downs . . 37 Vases, Pitchers, Teapot, Akira Satake; Set of Canisters on Table, Gay Smith; A Spirit House, Corgi Tales by Phil Hawkins . . . . 37 Don Stevenson; Image Transfers, Cynthia Walker; Dragin by Michael Cole ...... 37 Napkins, Shirley Gragg.

Distributed at more than 390 locations throughout eight counties in WNC and South Carolina

 June 2010 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 10 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE explore the world of arts & crafts

HandMade: The Western North Carolina by Dennis Ray

Toni Sikes will Craft, Architecture & Design Expo be the keynote speaker during the Design esigning your home begins simply designers to realize your dream. If you’re The HandMade Expo’s Friday evening with a dream, an idea forged from looking to remodel your home, add an addi- Design Expo provides program, June 25 inspiration embellished from your tion, build a new house or simply decorate a all you need to get beginning at 5:30 p.m. own history. Perhaps you imag- single room, incorporating handmade com- started, or expand your at The North Carolina ine fluted columns and arches ponents will not only improve your home’s existing skills. It is the D Arboretum. throughout the house, pediments over the overall appearance but will create your own only event of its kind, entry doors accented with acanthus leaves, special living environment. offering opportunities HandMade in America is gorgeous handcrafted cabinets finished with On June 25 and 26 Handmade in to see examples of craft a non-profit organization exotic veneers in the kitchen and baths; America presents what may be the craft/ integration, talk with founded in 1993. Visit www. handmadeinamerica.org for original works of art and crafts that comple- home event of the year with HandMade: experienced profession- The HandMade House at the more information. ment the rooms, and the rooms are all filled The Western North Carolina Craft, Archi- als, and meet artists. Ramble. Photo Stewart Young with fine furniture, and the fine furniture is tecture & Design Expo. This event invites enhanced with intricate hand-carved detail. the public to join artists, architects, builders The patio might have a stone water- and designers to share and learn about suc- HandMade: The Western tickets at $150 include event admission both fountain that makes a low trickling sound cessful collaborations between craft artists, If North Carolina Craft, days, Friday evening keynote speaker and like a spring brook in the mountains, and homeowners and industry professionals. You Architecture & Design Expo, reception, and one tour. surely there would be smells of wood oils Model rooms, workshops, and tours of Go Friday, June 25 and Saturday, All tickets purchased by June 21 include and fresh cut flowers throughout. Every- private homes will offer opportunities to see June 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 admission and parking at the Arboretum. thing mixes effortlessly with the architec- how craft can be used for both architectural p.m. at the North Carolina Purchase tickets by calling HandMade in tural design of the house. Everything is in and design elements in your home. Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmstead America at (828) 252-0121, or visit www. harmony. Everything works with a chorus The event’s project manager Barbara Way, in Asheville. handmadeinamerica.org/designexpo. After of symphonic beauty for all the senses. Benisch says “Working with artists, ar- Tickets: $15 single day, $25 for both days June 21 tickets may only be purchased at Anything is possible, on your own, or chitects, builders and designers from the includes the Friday evening keynote and the Arboretum and require an additional $8 working with craft artists, architects, and beginning stages of a project will ensure that reception. Tours are $25. Special Patron parking fee. what you really want will come together in a beautiful way in the end.” Home Tours Drawing from the tremendous craft resources that are an unique and vital part Join small group of Western North Carolina, the event will guided tours to visit emphasize craftsmanship in architectural private homes and elements and design for both high-end and experience first-hand mid-range home markets. “We invited 12 how local residents local artists, six architects and four land- have integrated scape designers to put together groups that craft into their liv- will demonstrate to the public what can be ing environments. Each tour will accomplished when these professions work visit four locations, traveling in a 15-passenger van with a guide who together,” Benisch says. provides background information on Group leader Suzanne Gernandt, textile Asheville’s unique Arts & Crafts and artist and owner of Waynesville’s gallery architectural history and the homes Textures headed up a group that created on the tour. Most of the homeowners a master bedroom. “Different groups did will be on site to share their personal different rooms, a library or kitchen, so it’s experiences and answer questions. going to be exciting to see what everyone’s Morning Tour – 9:30 to 1:15 p.m. finished room will be,” she says. Afternoon Tour – 2 to 5:45 p.m. For her group she chose her husband John Gernandt a local fine furniture crafts- Each tour will run once both days, man; artist Doug Lapham who has been with additional runs added if neces- crafting functional sculpture for 25 years, sary. Reservations are required and working in recycled materials from steel and tickets are in addition to the Design aluminum to glass and wood; Amy Putansu, Expo admission fee. All tours leave fiber instructor at Haywood College, and from the NC Arboretum. designer Dianne Joyce, owner of Dianne If You Go: $25 ticket includes one Joyce Design Company, a full service archi- tour. Tickets subject to availability. tecturally oriented interior planning, design Tours are small and are expected to and purchasing firm in Tryon, NC. sell out. Spaces for the tours are filled The artists and groups are not com- on a first come, first serve basis as paid peting. There will be no best of show or reservations are received. Purchase trophies to be won. Those, more than 250, tickets at www.handmadeinamerica.org who are involved, are volunteering their or by calling HandMade in America at time. “But the opportunity to work with (828) 252-0121. other professionals in the art community,” Photo: Sink, Nick Friedman; Vanity and Mirror, Gernandt says, “was very advantageous for Denise Grohs; Wallhanging, Laura Sims. me as an artist and business owner.” Photo by Stewart Young

Vol. 13, No. 10 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — June 2010   June 2010 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 10 RAPID RIVER ARTS performance Keowee Chamber Music Festival Celebrating a Decade of Beautiful Music

eowee Chamber Music Festival Keowee for Kids! returns for its 10th year, June 8-21, Fun and interactive mini-concerts. Free in a tradition of the finest music admission, donations encouraged. and performances. Featured professional musi- Friday, June 18, 11 a.m. West Asheville Li- Kcians for the two-week festival include: brary, 942 Haywood Rd., Asheville. Kate Steinbeck artistic director/flute; Alicia Friday, June 18, 4 p.m. TRAC Gallery, 269 Chapman English horn; John Bryant trum- Oak Ave, Spruce Pine. pet; Fabio Parrini piano; Eric Wall organ; Saturday June 19, 12 p.m. The Hop Ice Simon Értz viola; Philip von Maltzahn cream parlor, Asheville. cello; Amy Brucksch guitar; and special guest Rick Chess poet. Week 1 Concerts Thursday, June 10, 7:30 p.m. Eastlan Baptist Church, 625 S. Pleasantburg, Greenville SC. Friday, June 11, 7:30 p.m. St. James Episco- pal Church, 766 North Main St., Hender- sonville NC. Sunday, June 13, 3 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, 40 Church Street, Asheville NC. Monday, June 14, 12:00 p.m. Live radio con- cert, WCQS, 88.1 Week 2 Concerts Thursday, June 17, 7:30 p.m. First Presbyte- rian Church, Asheville NC. Kate Steinbeck, Fabio Parrini, Alicia Chapman. Friday, June 18, 7:30 p.m. Toe River Arts Council Gallery, 269 Oak Ave, Spruce Pine, NC. Presenting some of the finest music quartet in residence for our second concert. We’ve decided to end the season pretty over two weeks, the first week’s program Sunday, June 20, 4 p.m. Pretty Place Chapel, They will begin the concert with a lovely much the way we started it, with the music entitled “Love in the City” highlights mu- YMCA Camp Greenville, Cedar Mountain, short piece by Samuel Barber and end the of Beethoven. This first piece will be an sic and poetry sure to stir up the love and NC. Free admission, donations encouraged. concert with the lush, romantic Quartet in early work, a Trio for clarinet, bassoon, and life of the city. Week two, entitled “Cel- Monday, June 21, 12:00 p.m. Live radio con- F Major by Robert Schumann. Inessa Za- piano. The Parker Quartet has decided to ebrating the Global Village,” is like nothing cert, WCQS, 88.1 retsky will be presenting her new composi- perform one of the greatest string quartets you have heard before. The program tion for Piano, Flute, Oboe and Horn with ever written, the opus 131 in C# minor. includes two brand new works written George Pope and Cynthia Watson returning The season will then come to a rousing con- especially for KCM. to join the ensemble. There will be also clusion with Beethoven’s famous Septet. If Tickets: $15 each / 2 for $25. music of Dring and Villa-Lobos. Pre-festival performances, “Generation u Students free. Visit www. Next”, will feature students in two concerts Yo For the third concert, we Go keoweechambermusic.org or welcome back David Bell on June 4, 7:30 p.m. in Greenville, and June 6, call (828) 254-7123 for ticket 3 p.m. in Asheville. clarinet and new bassoonist Lynn venues and more information. Heilman. George Pope joins members of the Parker Quartet for the Quartet in D Major by Mozart. Next we offer a lovely The Swannanoa wind quintet from the Danish composer, Carl Nielsen. Inessa Chamber Music Festival joins with the Parker Quartet to present the titanic Shostakovich he Swannanoa Chamber Music Trio Terzetto Quintet for Piano and Strings. Festival, one of the longest run- returns for the first Program four is this year’s ning chamber music festivals in concert which should Frank Ell Concert and we’re The Parker Quartet the United States, proudly presents appeal to all fans Peter deVries delighted to welcome a special it’s 41st season to the listeners of of chamber music. guest, internationally renowned violinist WesternT North Carolina. The season starts with perhaps the central Peter deVries. We will open the concert The five week festival will perform composer of western music, Ludwig van with a Trio Sonata by the Baroque com- If Ticket are $20 each for concerts in Swannanoa in Kittredge Theater Beethoven. It’s somehow appropriate that poser, Telemann. The wind quintet will You individual tickets and on the Warren Wilson College campus we should start with his first opus. After a next perform rarely heard music from the $75 for a series ticket. For Go more information, visit on June 22 and 29, July 6, 13, and 20. In wonderful quartet for violin, cello, horn, Renaissance in a wonderful arrangement by www.warren-wilson.edu/ Waynesville at the Waynesville Performing and piano by Jack Gallagher, Trio Terzetto Noel Stevens entitled Ars Nova Suite. Peter Arts Center on June 20 and 27, July 4, 11, presents the B Major Trio by Brahms. ~chamber. If you would like to contact will then be joined by pianist Paul Nitsch us in Swannanoa, call (828) 771-3050 or and 18. All concerts begin at 7:30 except for The Parker Quartet, who amazed last and hornist William Hoyt in one of the the July 4th concert in Waynesville, which season’s audiences with their combination e-mail [email protected]. In most popular chamber music pieces of all Waynesville call (828) 452-0593. will begin at 3 p.m. of beauty and virtuosity, returns as string time, the Brahms Horn Trio.

Vol. 13, No. 10 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — June 2010  RAPID RIVER ARTS performance Summer at the Wortham

he Diana July 15 - 17, 8:00 p.m. Wortham Laugh Your Asheville Theatre at Pack Off presents The 4th Place introduces Annual Laugh your Summer at the Asheville Off Comedy TWortham — a full sum- Festival. Anchored by mer series of comedy, HBO and Comedy music, dance, and jazz Central veteran Jake Jo- performances presented hannsen, the three-day by the theatre and vari- event showcases over 40 ous local arts groups and stand-up comedians. outside promoters. Acoustic Syndicate perform July 30, 8:00 p.m. “There has been a July 1 & 2 perception that the the- Diana Wortham Theatre atre is ‘dark’ in the sum- presents Christine Lavin mer, but the theatre has always had an array in My 25th Anniversary Concert: What Was of events in the summer, just presented by I (EVER!) Thinking? This singer-song- many different groups,” says the theatre’s writer-entertainer pulls out all the stops, Managing Director, John Ellis. “Due to the combining her signature songs with hilari- great number of events this summer, we are ous, memorable stories. coordinating them under the banner Sum- July 31, mer at the Wortham and promoting them as a full summer season.” 8:00 p.m. WNC Jazz The 2010 Summer at the Society pres- Wortham Series ents Freddy Cole Quartet. June 6, 7:00 p.m. Renowned WNC Jazz Society presents Rick Trolsen vocalist-pia- and The New Orleans Po Boys. Don’t miss nist brings his Another Great Summer Season this powerhouse sextet, the real deal in con- signature temporary New Orleans traditional jazz. elegance and Wd Freddy Cole authentic cool June 11 & 12, 8:00 p.m. Photo Clay Walker to the stage. WffWbWY^_Wd[l[d_d] Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre June 26 Balsam Range presents Jaque Mate and Frank’s Got The August 5 - 7, 7:00 p.m. July 3 Paul’s Creek Band Blues. Presented in collaboration with Folk Heritage Committee presents 83rd Alsurdanza Compania Contemporanea of July 10 Lonesome River Band Annual Mountain Dance and Folk Festival. • • June 26 Balsam Range Mexico, this original dance theatre features The nation’s longest running folk festival June 11 12 13 July 17 Alice Gerrard and an exciting collage of cultures and themes. showcases the best of traditional and old- July 3 Paul’s Creek Band Fri 12-4 • Sat 10-5 • Sun 10-5 The Kari Sickenberger Band time musicians, ballad singers, mountain Reception • Friday 5-8 JulyJuly 10 24 LonesomeDismembered River Tennesseans Band June 24 - 26, 8:00 p.m. dance groups and cloggers. TRAC Spruce Pine Gallery JulyJuly 17 31 AliceDehlia Gerrard Low and The Kari Sicken- Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance presents Rite berger Band of Spring, and other works. This infamous August 12 - 14, 8:00 p.m. Aug. 7 The Kruger Brothers ballet headlines an evening of contempo- Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance presents The July 24 Dismembered Aug. 14 New North Carolina Ramblers Tennesseans rary dance honoring the late choreographic Dream Project. An evening of contempo- Aug. 21 Jeff Little Trio genius of Salvatore Aiello. rary ballets created from interviews with July 31 Dehlia Low Asheville citizens about what dreams fill Aug. 28 The Farewell Drifters Aug. 7 The Kruger Brothers July 1 & 2, 8:00 p.m. their nights. Aug. 14 NewAll concerts North at 7:30Carolina pm in ourRamblers historic Asheville Skyline presents Playing It air-conditioned auditorium Forward, featuring Acoustic Syndicate and August 27, 8:00 p.m. Aug. 21$15Jeff adults, Little $5 studentsTrio (k-12), children free. Season tickets (10 shows) $120 adults, $40 students (k-12) Col. Bruce Hampton. Experience legendary Music City Artists presents James Gregory. Aug. 28 The Farewell Drifters artists alongside acclaimed rising talents . . . Storytelling at its best! Rib-tickling reflec- Come early and enjoy an authentic Appalachian dinner, served at 5:00 and 6:15 pm in our dining room. one intimate venue, one stage, two unfor- tions on life from the front porch. Reservations required. gettable evenings. 2010 August 29, 3:00 p.m. Toe River July 9, 8:00 p.m. Asheville Lyric Opera presents Marni Diana Wortham Theatre Nixon: The Voice of Hollywood. Present- Studio Tour presents Alison Brown ing a once-in-a-lifetime experience with the 121 Schoolhouse Road Quartet. This interna- most famous singing voice in Hollywood. Mitchell • Yancey Stecoah, NC tionally recognized banjo Counties (828) 479-3364 virtuoso pushes her in- Western North Carolina StecoahValleyCenter.com strument out of its famil- If Tickets for all events are www.toeriverarts.org iar Appalachian settings and into delightfully new You available at www.dwtheatre. musical territory. Alison Brown Go com as well as from the box The Premier Open Studio Tour in the Country by David McClister office at (828) 257-4530. top: Collene Karcher; middle: Thor Bueno; bottom: Barking Spider Pottery

 June 2010 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 10 AppEveRapidRiverAd.indd 1 5/10/10 3:11:38 PM RAPID RIVER ARTS performance Asheville Bravo Concerts Announces Diverse New Season t’s inevitable that any organization will by Chall Gray have to develop and grow over time, and the upcoming season for Asheville Bravo Concerts is Ivery much indicative of an evolution and devel- opment for one of the prominent members of the performing arts com- munity in Asheville. “In recent years our audience has, along with Asheville as a whole, be- come more diverse, and I think this season is a great example of outstanding arts programming that will appeal to a wide range of people and ages,” Bravo The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players, from their Executive Director Tracey production of The Mikado. Johnston-Crum observed recently. Bravo, an organization that for many The evening will be conducted by Rachael years presented a strictly classical repertoire, Worby, the acclaimed musical director of has in recent seasons broadened the scope of the Pasadena Pops, and she will lead the their program offerings, bringing in shows West Virginia Festival Orchestra. that are classically based but which have In late-October Bravo will present a been increasingly varied. These changes superb touring version of the classic show have yielded stellar results. that began Rodgers & Hammerstein’s sto- ried collaboration, Oklahoma! November will bring the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Play- ers’ hilarious rendition of The Mikado. In January of 2011 an exciting young trio of musi- cians, Time For Three, whose works combines classical, jazz, bluegrass, blues and other idioms together to form a dynamic confluence, will visit Asheville for an evening. Then, in April 2011, the season will finish with a remarkable show The Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company by the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, who will “Our 2008-2009 season concluded with perform a much-lauded piece that Mr. Jones more than 2,300 people attending a sold-out choreographed based on the life of President performance by the National Acrobats of Lincoln, to celebrate the bicentennial of his China, in 2009-10 we had very enthusias- birth. tic and large crowds for all of the shows, As one can tell from these brief descrip- especially Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte tions, Bravo’s season will cover a lot of terri- Carlo, and the Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess, tory — breathtaking dance, operetta, musical and the lineup for the 2010-2011 is, I think, theatre, and instrumental performance, and one of our most exciting and best ever,” Ms. it will offer our community the opportunity Johnston-Crum said. to see definitively world-class performances, The season begins on September 10, right here in Asheville. with Wall to Wall Williams, an evening of the music of John Williams, by far the big- gest name in movie score history. Mr. Wil- If For more information about liams composed the famous scores for Star You Asheville Bravo Concerts or Wars, Jurassic Park, the Indiana Jones and Go the 2009-2010 Season, call Harry Potter films, and dozens of others. (828) 225-5887, or visit www. ashevillebravoconcerts.org.

Vol. 13, No. 10 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — June 2010  RAPID RIVER ARTS stage preview SART presents The Foreigner, Again! Followed by Sondheim’s A Little Night Music

he Southern Appalachian Rep- ertory Theatre’s (SART) 36th by Rob Miller summer of shows this year will actually open with all-seats-dis- ish estate. There is T counted for a special produc- a current revival of tion of The Foreigner, a remount of the production on SART’s 2009 production with the same Broadway starring cast. Why? Well, last year The Foreigner Angela Lansbury was such a big hit, that many missed and Catherine seeing it thanks to its popularity result- Zeta-Jones. “Send ing in sold-out performances. in the Clowns” is its This southern comedy of man- signature song. ners was written by the late Larry Shue A Little Night who is known for his equally hilarious Music stars some comedy The Nerd. of SART’s most Froggy LeSueur and his buddy popular performers Charlie are visiting a resort-style fishing including Liz Aiello, Ben Starr Coates, lodge in rural Georgia for a few days A Little Night Music and Charlie’s severe shyness leads to Peter Tamm, and a harmless plan to pretend that he is a Jane Bushway. New non-English-speaking “foreigner” to the to SART in this performance is soprano caretakers and other guests of the lodge. Katherine Sandoval Taylor. Their ruse quickly places Charlie in very Produced by Weaverville Eye Associ- interesting and comedic situations where ates, A Little Night Music is rated PG-13 the others begin to share otherwise secre- and runs June 9-27, with an opening night tive and sometimes scandalous information, reception on June 10. assuming he knows no English. This 36th SART summer season of Reprising their roles in The Foreigner shows also marks another anniversary, the from last summer are SART veterans and 10th year that Bill Gregg, production direc- Actors Equity members Randy Noojin and tor for the musical, has been Artistic Direc- Enjoy Great Savings, Service and Benefits … Michael Mattison. Other returning cast tor with SART. Congratulations Bill! with the members include Chris Allison, Bradshaw Call, Kay St. Clair, and her husband Neil AARP Auto & Home Insurance Program St. Clair. Joining the cast this year is SART If Tickets are available by from The Hartford. veteran actor Kelly Christianson. You calling the SART box office Produced by Walter and Carole Currie, Go at (828) 689-1239 or visiting and Groce Funeral Home, The Foreigner is www.SARTplays.org. Call The Hartford Toll-Free Today rated PG-13 and runs through June 6. Tick- Additional group discounts ets for all seats/all performances are $20; $15 are offered. Season subscriptions for to Request Your FREE Quote: for 2010 Season Subscriber’s. the 2010 Season: A Little Night Music On the year of Stephen Sondheim’s (June 9-27), Tuesdays With Morrie (July 80th birthday, SART will bow to the famous 7-18), As You Like It (July 21-August 1) and CODE: 471103 1-877-547-1373 composer and lyricist with the presentation Tradin’ Paint (August 4-22) are available Monday-Friday, 7AM-11PM Eastern Time of A Little Night Music. Sondheim wrote for $100/$110. Individual tickets run $10-30 Saturday & Sunday, 8AM-6PM Eastern Time the music and lyrics. The book was written depending on the performance. by Hugh Wheeler. Set in Sweden at the turn Tickets for The Foreigner sold separately. Most AARP® members qualify for an immediate phone quote. of the 20th century, the story focuses on All performances are held in the historic Please have your policy handy. the romantic lives of several couples as they Owen Theatre on the campus of Mars Hill spend a weekend in the country at a Swed- College, Mars Hill NC.

FREE Calculator/Clock! Asheville Community Take our savings challenge! See how much we can save Theatre presents Noises Off you over your current auto insurance, and you’ll receive this Called the funniest farce ever written, third act takes us back to the first act of calculator/clock … just for requesting a quote. Noises Off depicts the onstage and back- Nothing On yet again, after two months stage antics of a fifth-rate acting troupe of touring. It is, deliciously so, a disaster. The AARP Automobile and Homeowners Insurance Program is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, touring in an awful sex farce called Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. CA License # 5152. In Washington, the Program is underwritten by Hartford Casualty If You Go: Noises Off, by Michael Insurance Company. In Texas, The Program is underwritten by Southern County Mutual Insurance Company through Hartford Nothing On. The curtain opens on the Fire General Agency. Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates are not financially responsible for insurance products Frayn, directed by Josh Batenhorst. July underwritten and issued by Southern County Mutual Insurance Company. AARP and AARP Financial Inc. receive from The Hartford dress rehearsal of the first act of Noth- 2-18. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; payments for AARP’s license of its intellectual property for use by The Hartford and for services rendered in connection with the ing On the night before it opens and Program. Amounts paid by The Hartford for this license are used for the general purposes of the Association and its members. Sundays at 2:30 p.m. No show July 4. AARP membership is required for Program eligibility in most states. Applicants are individually underwritten and some may not with things not going well. The second qualify. Specific features, credits and discounts may vary and may not be available in all states in accordance with state filings and Asheville Community Theatre, call (828) applicable law. The Program is currently unavailable in Massachusetts, Canada and U.S. Territories or Possessions. All first time act shows us what’s happening backstage 254-2939 or visit www.ashevilletheatre. responders receive the free gift. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. The free gift offer is not available in Georgia, but residents during the first act of Nothing On. The may still request a quote. Homeowners product is not available in all areas, including the state of Florida. org for more details.

10 June 2010 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 10 RAPID RIVER ARTS stage preview NC Stage Extends “What The Butler Saw” through June 6

ith just 101 a classic of 20th century seats, North comedy. Of a 1989 revival Carolina Stage of the play, the New York Company is Times wrote “to settle for known for the calling Orton’s comedy Wimmediate and intimate funny is not to do it justice. nature of its performances. In this work, the author of However, this asset can ‘’Entertaining Mr. Sloane’’ become a drawback when and ‘’Loot’’ wrote that rare the company stages a hit thing, a truly revolutionary comedy like What the Butler play.” Tell them you saw it in Rapid River Magazine Saw by Joe Orton. The Ron Bashford directs a award-winning theatre has stellar cast in this comedy: just announced five additional dates for this Matt Burke, Charlie Flynn-McIver, Casey hilarious farce, June 2 - 6, 2010. Morris, Rebecca Morris, Graham Smith and Dr. Prentice operates a success- Vivian Smith. ful psychiatry practice out of his London home, but when he attempts to seduce his attractive new secretary, it sets off a chain If What the Butler Saw of seductions, cover-ups, mistaken identity You Wednesdays – Saturdays at and double-crosses. Go 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. Before Orton’s untimely death, he June 2-6. At North Carolina shocked, amused, and outraged audiences Stage Company in downtown with his scandalous (and sometimes maca- Asheville. Regular tickets are $16 - $26, bre) comedies. It was only years later that varying by day of the week. Call (828) 239- What the Butler Saw became considered 0263 or visit www.ncstage.org.

The Redundant Theatre Company presents Public Domain*

he Redundant search for the American Theatre Com- Dream got changed in pany presents so many ways once they Public Domain*, arrived here.” a new play based But the show is Ton the trials of Sacco and not a tragedy, or, for Vanzetti, as part of North that matter, particularly Carolina Stage Company’s serious. “I don’t want to Catalyst Series. The show sit in the theatre while promises anarchy, amuse- somebody tells me this ment, and minstrelsy. sad story and makes A full length play sure I get how relevant about two Italian anarchists executed in 1927 it is today,” says Weakley. “I want to go to may seem like an odd choice for a company the theatre and have fun, be inspired, be that has made its reputation by presenting delighted, be challenged.” evenings of interconnected short plays, but With that in mind, Public Domain* company members are typically cagey in has the rough shape of early 20th century their descriptions of the piece. “Our thinking Vaudeville shows. Not just anyone would about the name Public Domain* has actually try and pull this off. But The Redundant changed a lot,” says TRTCT co-founder Theatre Company Theatre has never pre- Todd Weakley, explaining that the name tended to play it safe. Anarchy, amusement, originally hinted at a show made up entirely and minstrelsy indeed. of found text, but now means something more like “shared space.” But back to the central characters: “As If Public Domain* runs June the show developed over the past year, we You 17- 26 at North Carolina became really drawn to the story of Sacco Go Stage Company in downtown and Vanzetti and the whole atmosphere of Asheville. Tickets are $15, America in the 1920’s that helped commit show time is 7:30 p.m. them to death,” says co-founder Rebecca To purchase tickets in advance Morris. “The show doesn’t focus on wheth- (recommended), please call the North er they actually committed the murders Carolina Stage Company box office at (828) they were charged with, but on how their 239-0263 or visit www.ncstage.org.

Vol. 13, No. 10 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — June 2010 11 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE poetry & books Jeff Daniel Marion A Poetry of Wise Retrospection

ome might scoff at an overtly two-step, by Ted Olson sentimental holiday like Father’s the slow Day. Yet no one who has ever dance of the been moved by poetry could squawk as the green dial rakes needle be unmoved by Jeff Daniel across stations, the static riding its SMarion’s collection of poems entitled of distance hissing before merry-go-round, Father (Wind Publications, 2009), he fine-tunes the music from my mother’s head nestled which honors Marion’s late father, J. Nashville, the Grand Ole Opry. on my father’s shoulder as they D. Marion, and, indirectly, all fathers. To the twang of banjo he turned, lost in the sway of sounds, My intention in reviewing Father strikes a match with his thumbnail, summer nights and faraway this month is less to recommend it as cups his hands around the flame, places, the syncopation of time a Father’s Day present — though cer- lights his Lucky. He pats waltzing them to a world tainly that book would be a thoughtful his foot as voices flock they never dreamed, dance gift for a poetry-reading dad — than round the cigarette’s red glow, of then to the dust of now. to draw the attention of readers to the his little lantern swung back and forth through this faraway Since his work was first published most recent collection by one of the in the early 1970s, Marion has been a finest poets from Appalachia. Featur- dark, signal calling over mountains to the blue valleys, sensitive observer of rural scenes and ing poems previously published in of people living on and from the land. Marion’s earlier books and in various curling smoke from the homefires, wings of song settled down there. In many of his poems he has explored periodicals, Father grew out of a 1993 the past — not because he is especially conversation between Marion and his Readers charmed by Father will nostalgic but because he believes that friend, former U.S. poet laureate Ted no doubt enjoy Marion’s previous meaningful existence in the present is Kooser; the latter had recognized that book, Ebbing & Flowing Springs: predicated upon understanding and many of Marion’s strongest poems New and Selected Poems and Prose, appreciating the past. Marion’s is a explored a father’s profound influence 1976-2001 (Celtic Cat Publishing, wise retrospection. upon his son. 2002). Whereas Father is an attrac- The poems in Father — dating tively designed paperback containing from different phases of Marion’s 41 Marion poems, Ebbing & Flowing 40-year career (the oldest poem Springs is a reasonably priced, strik- Ted Olson is the dates from his 1976 book Out in the ing hardcover offering 111 poems as author of Breathing in Darkness: Poems Country, Back Home) — all portray well as 4 short stories and 3 creative (Wind Publications, April Is Still some aspect of that complex interrela- nonfiction pieces. Indeed, the latter is tionship. Father showcases the range 2006) and Blue more than likely the book upon which Ridge Folklife The cruelest month, especially for of Marion’s lyric voice, incorporating Marion’s literary reputation will be (University Press Aging poets and young lovers on the brief impressionistic sketches (such as based in future years. Make of Mississippi, 1998) and he is “Oil Cans”) as well as longer narrative One of the newer pieces in Ebb- the editor of numerous books, Sunset’s bare, leafless trees resemble poems (for instance, “The Gift”). ing & Flowing Springs, “78 RPM,” is including CrossRoads: A Southern Crosses; so much is revealed and one can The volume’s most memorable representative of one type of Marion Culture Annual (Mercer University Ponder: poems convey a poet’s complex feel- poem: vivid, detailed descriptions of Press, 2009). His experiences as Why in the U.S.A. earthquakes ings of respect, awe, and occasional the things associated with everyday a poet and musician are discussed Assasinations, and wars historically occur in ambivalence in a direct and unembel- life rendered in precise, memorable on www.windpub.com/books/ April lished language that is nonetheless language: breathingindarkness.htm. subtly musical. Take, for instance, Why baseball begins, robins lay eggs as well as In the back of the junkhouse Politicians “A Saturday Night, 1944,” which Poets who would like for their poetry to be recreates the poet’s early memory of stacked on a cardtable covered And did I mention the IRS? by a ragged bedspread, they rest, considered for a future column may send his father: their books and manuscripts to Ted Olson, A contrast of frosty mornings and sweaty black platters whose music once ETSU, Box 70400, Johnson City, TN My father fiddles the knobs crackled, hissed with a static 37614. Please include contact information Afternoons; intensified by Daylight Savings of our Philco, screech to Time, April highlights the dark nooks and like shuffling feet, fox trot or and a SASE with submissions. Landscapes of your soul A warm searchlight brightens your Home turf; reminding you of Unfinished projects; dreams conveniently Stories on Asheville’s Front Porch at Pack Square Forgotten Beginning them nationally known. Their sto- Opening for Stories on Asheville’s Making you want to go on the road or June 19, you ries are appropriate for people of Front Porch on June 19 is David Clean your house are sure to all ages and all stories are true, Novak (pictured), who mystifies delight in foun- although not all of them hap- with magical twists and turns. Depending on where you are in your tains, green space, and streams pened. The storytelling begins at With a scarf as his costume he Life path, so savor these 30 days of uncomfortable in the heart of dowtown Asheville 10:30 a.m. and lasts an hour. The moves in and out of character. Grace that is so in your face at Reuters Terrace. More than 20 sessions are free and are held rain Face painters and balloon sculp- storytellers will perform in Pack or shine outdoors in the park. tors will be present before the by Kennon Webber Square this summer, many of performance.

12 June 2010 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 10 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE book reviews

Bloodroot, written by Amy Greene review by Cauley Bennett A Haunting Debut Novel Set in the Hills of East Tennessee “Like memories falling o lyrical you feel like singing its beauti- family that lives on Bloodroot ful mountain language, and so haunting Mountain. Like the bloodroot over one another in a you can’t stop thinking about it, Blood- itself, which drips a reddish hurry to be told…” root (Knopf, 2010), the first novel by sap, and can be both healing We host Saturday & Sunday in a hurry to be told, the book mean- June 2010 Readings, Bookclubs, Poetrio! young Tennessee writer Amy Greene, and poisonous, the family en- Partial Listing More events posted online. S ders back and forth in time, a literary is an ideal book to be enjoyed on audio. dures lives that are both ecstatic and miser- Thursday, June 3 at 7 p.m. MASHA Other reviews of this book mentioned able. Is there a curse on the Lamb family? device that may confuse some, but which I HAMILTON presents her novel 31 Hours. its unique language, incorporating old- And can the mothers in each generation save found thrilling. Greene writes so convinc- ingly of Bloodroot Mountain that I felt as if Friday, June 4 at 7 p.m. JOSHILYN JACKSON timey Tennessee words and phrasing, so I their children from it? Can anyone ever re- reads from and signs Backseat Saints. wanted to “hear” it rather than see it on the ally find happiness away from the mountain I had actually walked along its streams and page. In a 13.5 hour version, narrated by that gave birth to them and their ancestors? lain in its meadows of bloodroot. Each of the Tuesday, June 8 at 6 p.m. BELLE BOGGS six wonderfully evocative different voices The story revolves around alluring women in the family saga fall madly in love reads from and signs Mattaponi Queen. (Random House Audio), I found a perfectly blue-eyed Myra, and the people whose when they are barely out of childhood them- Wednesday, June 9 at 7 p.m. ANNA produced audio version. It was so well done, blood she bears and those she touches. selves. You want to throttle them to make FARIELLO joins us to discuss Cherokee and Greene’s language is so full of visual Byrdie is Myra’s granny, whom we meet as them stay in school and postpone marriage. Basketry: From the Hands of our Elders. imagery, that I actually felt I had watched a 15-year-old bride, coming to Bloodroot But under Greene’s intense detailing of pas- Thursday, June 10 at 7 p.m. CHRISTINA a movie. I can still remember its close-ups Mountain with dreams of mothering a sion and the uncontrollable lust each woman BJERGO reads from and signs The Tao of — the wild horse that no one could tame, large family. Doug is Myra’s childhood pal, feels for her beautiful man, you can’t help Tarot: The Way to Health, Happiness and the glint of silver on a young man’s clavicle, burdened with a disfiguring broken tooth, but understand how powerful young love is, Illumination Through Qigong Dreaming. a baby bunny saved from the jaws of a snake, who is so besotted with her that he thinks of and how cursed it can become. Friday, June 11 at 7 p.m. CLAIRE COOK and a red ring that was stolen impetuously nothing else. Seductive John is the hand- Ms. Greene’s debut novel, although reads from and signs Seven Year Switch. so sad you want to cry most of the time, is and later retrieved in horror. some young man in town who becomes Monday, June 14 at 7 p.m. ASHLEY ENGLISH Bloodroot is the tragic tale of mad- a monster after his passionate wooing of also so beautifully written, you feel elated will present her “Homemade Living” books, ness and magic among four generations of a Myra. Myra’s troubled twin children are just having the privilege of reading it. She’s Keeping Chickens & Canning & Preserving. Johnny, in and out of reform schools until a local writer who, if she allows herself to expand beyond the story of one mountain, Tuesday, June 15 at 7 p.m. LOCAL FOOD he discovers the power of words, and Laura, COOK-OFF! Bring your vegetarian dish made June book Reviews left alone to find her way in life. will soar to national prominence. with primarily (or all!) local ingredients, as book reviews by Cauley Bennett Like memories falling over one another Author website: www.amygreeneauthor.com well as a $5 entry fee/dish. additional reviews by Beth Gossett Friday, June 18 at 7 p.m. NORMA PRICE presents her book Crossing with the Virgin. Saturday, June 19 at 7 p.m. ELIZABETH Beatrice and Virgil “…the oddest, perhaps most ESLAMI reads from and signs Bone Worship. brilliant, fictional look at the Sunday, June 20 at 5 p.m. TREY MOORE An Allegory of the Holocaust written by Yann Martel reads from Some Will Play the Cello. Holocaust you could imagine.” t’s been nine years since the fantasy Monday, June 21 at 7 p.m. PATRICK review by Cauley Bennett GENE presents On the Blue Ridge Line: A adventure Life of Pi was first pub- taxidermist and delves into his creative Collection of Country-folk-blues Lyrics. lished, in Canada, and it became one endeavors, he grows more intrigued, of the biggest selling books of all time, of essays about the Ho- Thursday, June 24 at 7 p.m. DR. LAUREL locaust, a project Henry puzzled, then horrified. CLARK presents The Law of Attraction. catapulting author Yann Martel to fame Beatrice and Virgil is a story within a Ibeyond his dreams. Now comes Beatrice has labored on for ages. Friday, June 25 at 7 p.m. STEPHAN MARTIN story within a story. An allegory that tells and Virgil, a novel that also features animals Devastated, Henry takes his wife reads from and signs Cosmic Conversations. and goes to a distant city and disappears into an allegory. A contemporary tale that draws but in a much different way. It’s written on the Divine Comedy and Flaubert and Saturday, June 26 at 7 p.m. DAVID MADDEN with Martel’s characteristic attention to the life of an average person. performs scenes from his novel Abducted by He is contacted by a strange, com- even the Bible. A story about family and ex- detail, charm and humor — and it’s also im- quisite looks at nature and animals, and the Circumstance. mensely disturbing. plicated man — a taxidermist who wants Henry’s help on a play he has been writing oddest, perhaps most brilliant, fictional look Monday, June 28 at 7 p.m. LAUREN Henry, a famous author, gets the shock at the Holocaust you could imagine. ROSENFELD & JAMES MCMAHON present of his life when his agent and publisher all his life that features two of his stuffed their book Your To Be List. animals, Beatrice, a donkey, and Virgil, a The audio version (Random House rudely dismiss his latest project — a flip- Audio, 2010) was absolutely compelling, flop book that combines a novel and a series howler monkey. As Henry gets to know the read by Mark Branhall, who gave every 55 Haywood St. character a flawlessly different voice, making 828-254-6734 • 800-441-9829 the novel, which might have been extremely Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. complex on the page, easy to follow. I Sunday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Two Events for Readers and Writers can’t guarantee that Life of Pi fans will like The Book Club: Wednesday, New Writers Group: Beatrice and Virgil — it’s challenging and June 9, 3:00 p.m. Thursday, June 17, 6:00 p.m. deep and I’m still puzzling out the ending — but you will definitely admire it. At only In Strength in What Re- If you need a gentle kick in the butt to get six hours on five CDs, the audio version is mains, bestselling author your writing project on track, then the a short read, so short I’m going to listen to Tracy Kidder tells the new once-a-month writers support group it again try to discover in the early pages of extraordinary tale of Deo, a refugee from might be just your thing. the novel foreshadowings Martel must have Burundi who, with the help of strang- inserted to explain his shock ending. ers, goes from the streets of New York to If You Go: Accent on Books, 854 medical school at Columbia and a life of Merrimon Ave. Asheville. For more For more information helping others. information call (828) 252-6255. visit www.beatriceandvirgil.com

Vol. 13, No. 10 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — June 2010 13 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE book reviews

Tinkers, written by Paul Harding Aimee Bender review by Cauley Bennett Serves Up Winner of the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction Magic Cake ou might not have heard of Paul Har- like his brain was exploding, Paul Harding does. One mo- If you love local ding’s brilliant first novel, Tinkers turning into shards of kaleido- ment you are soaring on the author Sarah (Bellevue Literary Press, 2009, 191 scope glass that brought him wings of angels, another you Addison’s novels pp.). It’s not on the best-seller list. into an ecstatic union with na- are rolling in the grass as if you (The Girl Who Chased the Moon), There’s no Hollywood deal. Oprah ture — and maybe with God? can’t wait to be one with the soil you’ll find equally delicious the work Y beneath. The ordinary becomes hasn’t called him. All his novel did was win As frightening as his seizures of Aimee Bender, another rising star this year’s Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. were, they helped him soar to extraordinary, strings of words are in the universe of magic realism. Not George Washington Crosby is an old an existence far distant from like magic spells dismissing reality only does her new novel win the award man in New England, dying in the house his poverty stricken misery, for the adventures of the soul. for the most intriguing title of the he built, surrounded by his grieving family so he treasures them. But his wife is sick If you can go along with year, The Particular Sadness of Lemon members who wander in and out of his of tending to him and has arranged to have Tinkers shifting sands, so to speak, with its Cake, but it’s also charming, fanciful, room. Once a clock repairman of obsessive Henry locked up in the local insane asylum. wild and evocative imagery, with its coura- funny and wise — and you’ll never precision, his mind, Before this happens, geous leaps and most especially if you can bite into a piece of cake again without trapped in his dying Henry leaves her and let yourself drown in 191 pages of exquisite wondering if it will give you more than body, no longer feels “…an ecstatic conjunction of the children and is poetic prose and not worry about finding a a sugar rush. short sentence, you’ll be rewarded with one earthbound con- nature and fleeting states of never heard of again. straints. He halluci- That’s the story. of the most breathtaking reads in contem- If You Go: Tuesday, June 22, 7:00 porary fiction. p.m. Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café, 55 nates, imagining the transcendence…” Two generations Haywood Street, downtown Asheville. walls and the ceiling of men experience For details call (828) 254-6734. collapsing as if he’s exploding brains that caught in a movie of wild CGI effects, the bring about an ecstatic conjunction of nature house and the world around him both be- and fleeting states of transcendence. A page- Wizard Lev Cauley Bennett is an having like shooting stars. He loses all hold turning linear summer beach novel it’s not. Grossman Asheville writer. You can on real time and travels back to his child- No mysteries, no murders, not even much reach her by e-mailing Lands at hood, to try to get to know the father who sex. Women are fleeting figures and children [email protected] Malaprop’s abandoned him 70-some years ago. seem like invisible sprites. There’s so much Lev Grossman’s His father, Henry, was an itinerant shifting of point of view in Tinkers that new novel, The tinker and salesman of low-cost notions, many readers won’t have the patience for it. Magicians, has going out into the world every day with his Ah, but the language, the language! been called “Harry mule-drawn wagon. Henry was an epileptic, Rarely does an American author put words Potter for grownups.” That’s putting whose seizures were so severe that he felt together with such mesmerizing power as Eat Your Yard! it mildly, because the book is much, much more, full of strange powers, angsty romance, secret societies and Edible Trees, Shrubs, brilliant, flawed magicians — just the And She Said… Vines, Herbs and Flowers kind of people and predicaments you for Your Landscape want to spend lots of pages with. Poems by Barbie Dockstader Angell Written by Nan K. Chase If You Go: Sunday, June 6, 5:00 met Barbie Angell by chance at Star- review by Beth Gossett p.m. Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café, 55 bucks. I found out she was a poet and If you’re a gardener who’s both Haywood Street, downtown Asheville. within another few minutes I held in practical – you want to eat what you For details call (828) 254-6734. my hand a copy of her collected works, my van’s still half- grow – and artful – you want your yard to look beautiful, too – then Eat Your And She Said… I have to admit, I packed/Old regrets in Barbie I the back/And me- Yard! (Gibbs Smith 2010) is your ideal Sealovers’ wasn’t sure what I’d discover in Angell’s Dockstader written words, but I now I have to say that I mentoes of all I called gardening book. In stunningly illus- Heroine Angell trated 160-pages, author Nan K. Chase Comes to am intrigued with what I found. home,” from her In her poetry Angell opens up her soul poem “Current Situation,” about a woman narrows down the list of plants that Dry Land for all to see. She discusses her shortcom- who realizes life has moved too quickly and are both edible and lovely: certain fruit Downtown ings, her views on life, lessons learned and a she will never accomplish what she had at trees, nuts and Linda Greenlaw, host of other topics.You can definitely read younger times felt she would do. berries, herbs best-selling author strength in what she is saying and like all Angell holds the reader near, not like and vines, and of All Fisher- good writers she speaks not only for herself a lover, but like a seductress who lures the wildflowers. man Are Liars but of life in general and of reader to the dismal real- In addition, and Hungry Ocean, has written a the status quo. Her poems ization that seldom any- there’s an inspir- fast-paced account of her return to are sometimes gentle but thing works as planned or ing chapter on swordfishing. Nature, persistence, they can also have teeth even for the better. Angell how to preserve facing yourself, and the mixed bag of and it is these harder edged often performs live in the your harvest triumph are a few of the waves in this poems where Angell is at Asheville area. Check her and share your marvelous memoir, Seaworthy. her best. schedule on her website, bounty with oth- She captures a world www.barbieangell.com, ers. Eat Your Yard! is a perfect gift for If You Go: Saturday, June 12, 7:00 of lonely passionate people which also shows her new homeowners or anyone wanting p.m. Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café, 55 and fills their lives with eclectic artwork. to enhance their yard’s growing space. Haywood Street, downtown Asheville. Highly recommended. For details call (828) 254-6734. hopes and longings that ~ Beth Gossett is will never come true. She Author website: Illustration by Barbie an Asheville writer knows failed dreams. “And www.eatyouryardbook.com Dockstader Angell

14 June 2010 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 10 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE book reviews

Life Sentences Mrs. Darcy and the Blue-Eyed Stranger A Mystery Based on Memories A Collection of Southern Short Stories written by Lee Smith Written by Laura Lippman ee Smith, acclaimed au- more needy than she is. It’s one aura Lippman, winner of every significantly, partially thor of such spectacular of those stories that’s like a train mystery award possible, is my favorite on a racial divide she novels as On Agate Hill, wreck — you don’t want it to contemporary American mystery never admitted. Nor Fair and Tender Ladies happen, but when it does, you writer, so it was with great anticipa- can memory stand and Oral History, can’t help but watch to see what tion that I started her latest novel, Life as the truth in the L L has again brought greatness the fallout is. Sentences (Morrow, 2009). Alas, although pained mythology of forward in her latest collection Smith often takes some of thoughtful and layered, as all Lippman novels her own family. Interesting, thoughtful, of short stories, Mrs. Darcy the most depressing situations and are, this one doesn’t have a riveting, detour- sometimes poignant, the story nevertheless and the Blue-Eyed Stranger. shows us the almost unseeable filled, must-turn-the-pages story. doesn’t have the famous Lippman punch. It includes 14 stories — seven bright side. “Toastmaster” intro- It’s about a famous white memoir- It ends, as does Fallows search, on a tepid are brand spankin’ new and seven have duces us to a quirky, introverted ist, Cassandra Fallows, who returns to her tale that is more a look into the deception been previously published. and highly intelligent 11-year old named Baltimore home to uncover the secrets of of memory than on powerful mistakes that As always, Smith captures the es- Jeffrey who, finally, in one spectacular show an African American childhood friend who need justice. sence of being southern. Whether Smith of humor silences his overbearing mother spent seven years in prison refusing to reveal For readers who want to venture into uses a colloquialism or delves deep into and finds his own voice thanks to a bluster- the fate of her missing baby. During her Lippman territory, I suggest you start with the southern psyche, she pegs all of us ing group of drunken Toastmasters. investigation Fallows tries to reignite the her masterpieces, What the Dead Know and in one way or another. In some ways Mrs. Darcy and the Blue-Eyed Stranger friendships she had with three other African The Power of Three. it’s refreshing and in other ways it’s is highly recommended, especially as a book American girls. She is met with the harsh Author website: www.lauralippman.com uncanny. In “Bob, a Dog,” Cheryl deals to read outside in a comfortable place on a realization that all their memories differ with a divorce, unruly kids, a screwy warm southern-like day. mother — and a dog who has some kind ~ Beth Gossett is an Asheville writer. of psychological damage and is even Ford County: Stories Short Story Collection Written and Read by John Grisham Dave Tompkins Dazzles with Brilliant Tech History he good news about Ford County: Sometimes, a NPR Music Critic and historians. What’s a vocoder? Stories is that the seven stories story, such as the Oliver Wang calls Invented in the 1920s, the vocoder set in Mississippi were written by last one, “Funny author David began life as a way to encrypt human master storyteller, 22-time novel- Boy,” about a Tompkins, “One of speech, meaning a cool spy tool, and T ist John Grisham. The bad news young white man the most bugged, ended up being essential technology about the audio version is that Grisham also returning home to brilliant guys I in film and music. reads the stories (Random House Audio, 8.5 the town of Clanton to die of AIDS in the know.” Tompkins latest work, How hours 7 CDs). Grisham is not an actor who care of a kindly black spinster lady, actu- to Wreck a Nice Beach: The Vocoder If You Go: Thursday, June 17, 7 knows how to relish the ups and downs of ally becomes redemptive. But for me as the from World War II to Hip-Hop, The p.m., Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café, 55 emotions, and create different voices and reader, Grisham’s dry, monotone delivery, Machine Speaks is as fascinating Haywood Street, downtown Asheville. rhythms. He narrates as if he’s reading a especially on a story that should have been for scientists as it is for musicians For more details call (828) 254-6734. legal brief. hilarious, such as “Blood Drive,” made me As a writer, I could listen to these long for the good old-fashioned version on stories and admire the skill it took to write the printed page. them, the memorable characters, the flaw- Author website: www.jgrisham.com less construction and the lean, punchy style. Fancy Nancy Tea Party Author Maurice Stanley for Children Reads from New Novel Enjoy a real sit-down tea party, Sorrow’s End is Maurice Stanley’s Asheville’s River Arts District like the one described in the favor- new novel, based on the real life of his A Photo History of the Area ite children’s grandfather, Henry Baker, an outlaw Written by Rob Neufeld and Henry Neufeld book by Jane who rode with Jesse James. O’Connor. If You Go: ast month, Asheville’s River Arts son Henry, is jam- Saturday, If You Go: June 26, 6:30 p.m. District glowed in its 15 minutes of packed with photos, Saturday, June Blue Ridge Osondu fame nationwide when vacationing both historical and 19, 3:00 p.m. Books & Café, 152. S. President and First Lady, Barack present, and lots Blue Ridge Main St., Waynesville. and Michelle Obama, made a sur- of “I didn’t know Osondu Books & Café, 152. S. For more information Lprise visit to the barbecue eatery, 12 Bones that!” information. Main St., Waynesville. Cost: $10. call (828) 456-6000. Smokehouse. If you realized all the media Throughout the area’s history of Call for reservations: (828) 456- hoopla didn’t really offer much informa- industry and factories, frequent destruction 6000. See www.fancynancybooks. tion about this unique district in Asheville, by fire, and then creative revitalization is the com for games and other fun then you need to check out a great little sturdy thread of strong community ties. related to the series. book that does. Former Rapid River Magazine contrib- book reviews by Cauley Bennett The 128 pages of Asheville’s River Arts utor, Byron Ballard, gives the book a unique District (Images of America series, Arca- sense of continuity in the West End/Cling- dia Publishing, 2008), written by Asheville man section of the book with fascinating Advertise with Rapid River Magazine, Call (828) 646-0071 Citizen-Times author Rob Neufeld and his photos of her own family. Free web links • Free ad design • Easy monthly billing

Vol. 13, No. 10 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — June 2010 15 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE spinning discs

First off, thanks to an astute Rapid River reader who corrected my previous month’s reference to Edith Piaf as English born. She was of course French, a fact my brain knew CD Reviews but my typing fingers missed! Glad to know folks are willing to keep me on my toes. Feel by James Cassara free to email your comments to me at [email protected]. I’d be delighted to know what you’re thinking and what discs are spinning in your world.

Jeff Beck diminished one bit, nor has his lyrical rapier that they’d been together less than four Emotion and and knack for catchy hooks that worm their months – while the between song banter is Commotion way into your subconscious. a charming time capsule of the psychedelic Imaginary Television finds Parker era. Next up is the better late than never, Rhino Records in a decidedly contemplative mood – the authorized release of Moby Grape’s short It’s a given that incendiary sparks of his earliest records have set at the 1967 Monterey International Pop Jeff Beck is among been replaced by quiet indignation – but as Festival. The actual performance leaves the universe’s elite the ten songs here attest his writing skills much to be desired – the pacing of the set guitarist’s, able to extract sounds from his are as strong as ever. “1st Responder” is as list was a bit quirky, and the boys take a few beloved Stratocaster that seem both outer snappy (not to mention uncharacteristically songs to hit their stride, but once they do, worldly and intensely personal. Yet in many optimistic) as Parker gets, while “It’s My look out! The closing version of “Omaha” ways Beck has never been satisfied with Party (But I Won’t Cry)” gives a friendly rocks the house like there’s no tomorrow. being a “mere” rock guitarist; having long nod and a wink to both the Lesley Gore hit, The remaining tracks, culled from the ago forsaken that mantle he’s spent the and the era from which it sprang. Imaginary bands last years, are no less fascinating. By better part of four decades venturing into Television may be modest in its intent but this time Spence had left the group, and jazz, cabaret, and orchestral pop while never there isn’t a darn thing wrong with that. while the fireworks may be a bit lessened, quite letting go of the blues. As an artist Parker doesn’t need to the passion and harmonies stayed strong. His last studio effort (2003’s Jeff) was prove anything to anyone but himself, and “Trucking Man” still sounds great and the steeped in post modern electronica, making if he deliberately keeps his reach within his extended version of “Omaha” demonstrates this effort’s roots return even more deliber- grasp than more power to him. Thirty five Moby Grape’s skill in finding new pleasures ate. Teamed with producers Steve Lipson years distanced from Squeezing out Sparks in old gems. and Trevor Horn, Beck has fashioned a makes it unlikely that GP will attract any Finally, a 1966 Avalon Ballroom tape solid collection of blues, rock, and even new converts. Instead this is the sound of unearths the otherwise unrecorded “Dark prog, balanced against the sonic sweep of an artist who still has plenty of good stories Magic,” a seventeen minute workout that slick jazz funk and a 64-piece orchestra. The to tell and the talent and heart to know how hints at one direction the band might have range of material Beck chooses to translate best to say them. ***1/2 gone. It may meander a bit (okay, more than is typically impressive. A Screeching Jay a bit!) but what delightful meandering it is. Hawkins tune sits comfortably aside a pair Moby Grape While the band’s studio work reminds of Jeff Buckley songs while a temperate ren- us of the strength of their songs, Historic dering of “Somewhere over the Rainbow” Historic Live Live Moby Grape gives a more complete showcases the more restrained side of Beck. Moby Grape picture of them as a true band. It is abun- Guest vocalists such as Joss Stone Performances dant evidence for Moby Grape’s lofty status (who sits in for a pair of songs), jazz vocalist 1966-1969 in the annals of American rock is so well Imelda May, and opera singer Olivia Safe Sun Dazed deserved. ***** add a dash of contemporary coolness but Records the focus rightfully remains on Beck and Moby Grape is one of this nation’s Mose Allison his guitar. When he does ratchet up the pro- two greatest, unjustly forgotten, bands of The Way of The ceedings, such as the riff rocker “Hammer- the psychedelic era (the other being the World head” the effect is startling: You’re suddenly Beau Brummels), a talented collection of reminded how amazing a player Beck can so rag tag musicians who were never quite Anti Records casually be. The production values – crisp able to sustain the promise of their seminal Credit producer and voluminous – are pure 1990’s but the efforts. Given that the group is more fondly and musician Joe warmth and grace found herein perfectly remembered by fellow musicians than fans, Henry for coaxing the reclusive Allison out suites the albums title. Emotion and Com- the release of these performances is cause of his twelve year retirement and getting the motion may not be the most adventurous of for celebration. That the material reveals a man back into the studio where he belongs. his albums, but Beck has rarely sounded so side of MG not found on the studio songs After the undeserved lukewarm reception to consistently graceful and assured. makes them even more vital. 1998’s Gimcracks and Gewgaws – an album His playing is so sublime, so richly Showcasing material from a quintet of that many connoisseurs consider among his impeccable that it demands your attention, shows – spanning the years from the first best – Allison retreated to a life of leisure even when he seems deliberately trying to album through the fourth – Historic Live and endless royalties. That is until Henry avoid the spotlight. That is the mark of bril- Moby Grape nimbly captures the energy met him in 2008 and coaxed him back to liance. **** and spirit of the band, and in some instances work. The resultant seven originals and five better than the original albums. It kicks off covers that comprise The Way of the World Graham Parker with seven songs from a 1967 show at San – recorded in a scant five days with Allison’s Imaginary Television Francisco’s Avalon Ballroom, and while the usual entourage of players – shows that at 82 performances don’t match the precision of the man is as resourceful, witty, and inven- Bloodshot Records what came out of the studio, the fireworks tive as ever, with an endless ear for melody Quickly approach- between guitarists Peter Lewis, Jerry Miller, that most composers would kill for. ing his seventh decade and Skip Spence, more than compensate in Showcasing his craggy but still delight- GP is hardly the angry excitement and imaginative improvisation. ful baritone voice, one that exudes a certain young man we knew and love but he’s The band’s trademark five-part har- staccato drip drop phrasing, the album deftly managed to stay relevant without monies have never sounded better – made glides easily from smoking blues (the open- sounding cranky. His innate cynicism hasn’t even more impressive with the knowledge ‘CD’s’ continued on next page

16 June 2010 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 10 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE what’s happening

‘CD’s’ continued from page 14 ing “My Brain” is a unashamed rewrite of Ol’ Hoopty by James Cassara Willie Dixon’s “My Babe”) to barroom sung contemplations on the meaning of God ive a spin to Under the Mat, The band was rounded out (“Modest Proposal”) and beyond. the debut CD of Asheville funk when bass player Steve Cohen an- “Crush”, the lone instrumental track, band Ol’ Hoopty and you’ll swered a classified ad; the nucleus is built around Allison’s resilient harmonic immediately feel a sense of was in place and Ol’ Hoopty was instincts as his fingers glide across the familiarity, not in a “I’ve heard about to be born. Cohen, a New piano’s middle register with frightening ease. allG this before” sort of fashion, but rather Yorker through and through had Producer Joe Henry underscores the subtle in the way the band effortlessly weaves recently relocated to Asheville, nuances that make Allison what he is. The various musical threads into something bringing his music management strummed Gypsy swing mandola on “I Know new and comfortable. The band members business with him. For years he’d You Didn’t Mean It” and the odd waltz themselves like to think of it as “a prized alternated between pursuing his cadence of “Everybody Thinks You’re an old quilt that’s been in the family for business career, managing artists Angel” are but two examples of his simpatico generations.” like Bobby McFerrin, David Byrne, and seat by a young woman who got up to sing understanding of Allison’s song structure. Reflective of the long history of crafts Laurie Anderson. He’d made records and a Leonard Cohen song. Crystal Bray had Other standouts include the simply so vital to this region, Ol’ Hoopty has videos, and played concert halls and clubs, just moved to Asheville after bouncing gorgeous ballad “Once in a While” and the assembled the record with patience, love, always seeming to be about a week away around the Northeast, London and the resilient blues of “I’m Alright.” On the clos- and an abiding respect for the music that from making ‘the big time’. Virgin Islands. She had grown up in a mu- ing track, Buddy Johnson’s WWII-era pop preceded them. The band is anchored by The quartet immediately gelled. sical family, with an opera singer/music tune “This New Situation,” Allison duets keyboard player George Scott and guitarist They would make music in the style they teacher mom. As soon as they discovered with daughter Amy and the results are noth- Bill Norlin, both veterans of the Asheville loved – Wilson Pickett, and Ray Charles shared musical interests it was as if “the ing less than lovely. scene. The pair met at a school recital – music with substance and grit, sounds stars all seemed to line up. It would be a misnomer to call The where their children were performing and that would let them stretch out and grow. One rehearsal later Bray was on Way of the World a comeback album. Al- quickly hit it off. They began writing songs, jamming, and board and the band was trying to figure lison might have tried slipping quietly into Scott is a native of western North getting to know each other. With Cohen’s how best to fit the songs to a new voice. retirement, but his muse never abandoned Carolina with a retired music teacher/ industry experience Ol’ Hoopty was soon Bray speaks for everyone when she says, him. Henry simply knew that Allison had singer mom and a professor dad who dab- making inroads. “I love creating and tracking parts and some gas left in the tank. The resultant ef- bled in opera. He’d begun his lessons on “All of a sudden we were doing re- filling out a song, watching it take shape fort proves them both right, and we’re all piano and trombone early on, uncertain as ally well in regional polls and we found and change.” As the liner notes to the CD the better and more blessed for it. **** to what his musical path might be. His in- ourselves playing on big outdoor stages,” say, “We didn’t even know her until pretty terests included the likes of Pinetop Smith recalls Berlin. “The strong sense of well into the process… Next time she Merle Haggard and Dave Brubeck. Norlin started early purpose we’ve developed together has won’t surprise us like that, and you’ll hear a lot more from her.” I Am What I Am as well, playing guitar and singing Tom turned out to be a lot more rewarding and Dooley to his fourth grade music school a lot more fun than any of us could have In the meantime Ol’ Hoopty is work- Vanguard Records class. Though he played in rock bands as predicted.” By and by they built Juicebox ing at getting better and better. They all There’s a certain a teen, he grew to love jump blues, R&B Studios in Scott’s house and learned how continue working day jobs and making naked defiance in and blues above all else. He rambled to make a record. “Recording was always a music for love rather than money. If Un- Haggard’s persona, an around the country and somewhere along big, expensive undertaking,” says Norlin. der the Mat is any indication, it won’t be in your face resistance to whatever trends the way became a professional carpenter. “Computers have made it so anyone can long before one follows the other. rule the day. Nowhere is this more evident Following a few informal jam ses- make a record. We put the songs through than in the title track of his latest album. He sions, during which they naturally gravi- several demo stages, refined the parts and is what he is and after fifty years of making tated toward music by the likes of Jimmy the structures.” music nobody is going to change that. If Ol’ Hoopty will be Smith, Booker T. and the MGs, and Louis Ol’ Hoopty was on the way to mak- playing at the Lexington And who would want to? He’s clearly Jordan, Scott called his friend Mike Berlin ing a record on their terms. But things You o Avenue Brewery on comfortable in his own dust bowl creviced to sit in on drums. Berlin was a product have a way of changing. Halfway through G Saturday, June 19. Show skin, and while his later albums are guilty of Baton Rouge who’d spent much of the recording Scott ventured out to catch starts at 8 p.m. For of being too easy on the ears. What is most his youth hanging around juke joints and some music at the White Horse in Black additional information go to surprising about I Am What I Am is how soaking in the sounds. Mountain. He was nearly knocked off his www.myspace.com/olhoopty. easy Haggard makes such informal mastery seem. Sure, he’s been mining the same vein for decades – lazy in the saddle ballads tinged with western swing and an affection Professor They’re fronted by singer/keyboard comparison no one could win. for Mexicali – but he’s not too self aware player Aaron Louis Hurwitz (aka Professor Co-vocalist Marie Spinosa is more of a to toss in a bit of New Orleans jazz and Louie and the Crowmatix Louie) who worked with the Band in the blues wailer, powerfully showing her stuff Depression era oomph. latter stages of its tangled history. The other on ferocious interpretations of Leonard While I Am What I Am doesn’t often Whispering Pines band members all have connections with the Cohen’s “In My Secret Life,” and Bob reach such lofty heights, when it does, as in Woodstock Woodstock region made famous by Robert- Dylan’s “Gotta Serve Somebody.” Hur- the worn down by time “Down at the End Records son and company, and clearly share a love of witz and Spinosa cap things off by pairing of The Road,” or the wistful “Pretty When The collective the music that sprung from thereabouts. with the Czech Radio Symphony on the It’s New,” the effect can be chilling. It is spirits of Robertson, Danko, Manual, Helm, Whispering Pines consists of a selec- ambitious closer “Melody of Peace” prov- intentionally understated. Unlike Johnny and Hudson rest comfortably in the music tion of Band favorites, a smattering of ing that the essence of Big Pink knows no Cash, Haggard seems to have little need to of Professor Louie and his entourage. Not other cover tunes performed in a similar geographic boundaries. end things with a bang. This is the work quite a tribute band per se – they perform country/blues/rock vein, and a handful of Toss in a lively take of the Band’s sig- of a man, who, at 83, is no more interested equal amounts original songs and material originals written for this project. Hurwitz’s nature song “The Weight” and you’ve got in following trends now than he was a half from the source – Professor Louie and com- soulful and wounded tenor echoes (but a package that not only upholds the Bands century ago. Why bother when you can just pany could more rightly be labeled carriers could never match) the twin voices of Rick legacy but even manages to add something as readily set them? ***1/2 of the torch. Danko and Richard Manuel but that’s a to it. ***1/2

Vol. 13, No. 10 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — June 2010 17 RAPID RIVER ARTS fine art Clay Day at the Folk Art Center

elebrate Clay by April Nance Day at the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Folk Art Center Pots thrown by SHCG on June 5 from members, ready to be C10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This glazed and raku-fired. free event features craft demonstrations and Craft Shop, the Eastern hands-on activities for National bookstore and children and adults. Blue Ridge Parkway Clay Day has been information desk, as a favorite happening at well as three exhibition the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Folk Art Center galleries. Outside the Folk Art Center, there for more than 20 years. Members of the are hiking trails, picnic tables, grassy areas Southern Highland Craft Guild demon- for a picnic and plenty of free parking. strate throwing on the potter’s wheel, hand building, and surface design on clay, among other techniques. A highlight of the day is the Make and If For more information, Take Raku Firing. Buy a $10 pot, glaze it You including a list of participat- and watch as expert potters raku fire it for Go ing craftspeople, call (828) 298- you. Raku is a ceramic firing process which 7928 or visit www.craftguild. uses fire and smoke to create unique pat- org. The Folk Art Center is terns and designs. located at Milepost 382 of the Blue Ridge While at the Folk Art Center, visitors Parkway, just north of the Hwy 70 entrance will have the opportunity to visit Allanstand in east Asheville, NC.

18 June 2010 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 10 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE explore asheville’s river arts district River Arts District Studio Stroll Saturday & Sunday, June 12-13, 2010 wice a year, every second weekend in June and November, River Arts Asheville’s River Arts District artists open their studios to the public for two days of festivities known as the Studio Stroll. Studio Buildings The next Studio Stroll will be held November 13-14, 2010. * 240 Clingman T The River Arts District Studio Stroll, begun in 1994, is * 347 Depot John Mac Kah the biggest and easiest to navigate tour of working artist studios in the * Cotton Mill Studios region. More than 120 studios are open, including painting, pottery, * CURVE studios glass, photography, drawing, jewelry, quilts, encaustic, ironwork, * Fine Arts League sculpture, clothing, book arts, weaving, woodworking and more! * Odyssey Center Explore studios inside the revitalized old factories and warehous- * Phil Mechanic es along the French Broad River, just minutes from downtown. Local artist/entrepreneurs welcome everyone into their studios to learn * Riverside Studios more about their process and their art. * Riverview Station Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday! Ride * Roberts St. Studios free on the Asheville Historic Trolley between studio buildings. * Roots Board at the Asheville Visitor Center on Montford Ave. or hop on * Studio 375 anywhere along the route. * The Wedge * Warehouse Studios If You Go: An information booth will be located at the five-way stop where Clingman Ave. meets Lyman St. For more details visit www. Studio Stroll photos by riverartsdistrict.com or call (828) 280-7709. Laurie McCarriar.

Roots Café Constance Williams Gallery and Studios Visitors have a A trek upstairs in this historic building unique visual and reveals her clay studio, as well as the stu- Roots Café is the new destination in tactile experience dios of companions Jenny Mastin, Cassie the River Arts District for fast, fresh and in Constance Ryalls, Fran Welch, and Greg Vineyard. delicious organic food and coffee. Break- William’s large Their work is downstairs in the gallery fast and lunch menus are unique and working encaustic along with local artists Lucile Stephens, imaginative. The expanded outdoor patio studio and gallery, Patty Bilbro, Mystery Masiello, Kelly is perfect for a leisurely lunch in a day of which features Prestwood and Cynthia Wynn. Addition- studio and gallery hopping. The café will engage the imagination with intricate her engaging landscapes and abstracts, as ally, Constance is featuring guest artist be open from 10 to 5 both days of the patterns and intense color. You will also well as ceramics, sculptures, paintings, Phil De Angelo for an extended period. Studio Stroll. Current regular hours are find portraiture and fine art photography jewelry, furniture and metal works by Ever-involved in community service, 7 to 3 weekdays, and new summer hours displayed. several notable local artisans whose cre- Constance Williams is the current Presi- will be announced soon. The Roots building is at 166 W. ative intentions complement the spirit of dent of the River Arts District Artists, a Upstairs in the light-filled studios, Haywood St., tucked away behind her paintings. Constance has set up her 130+ member strong group in over a Barbara Frohmader of Abbi’s Brush fills Riverside Studios on the corner of W. gallery space to be an enjoyable, explore- dozen historic buildings. Just down the her studio with color and excitement in Haywood and Riverside Dr., just up around-the-corners type of adventure for hill from Patton Ave., the District is abuzz her oil paintings; at Silverpoem Studio, Riverside from 12 Bones and around the art lovers. Even when she is away from with not only a stunning breadth and Lynn Stanley creates dramatic Asian corner from the Cotton Mill Studios. the studio – which is rarely depth of amazing art, but also brush paintings with Chinese ink and Visit www.rootsfood.com, or call – her open working space with planning and coordinat- watercolor on rice paper; and Molly Rose (828) 232-2828 for more information. 14 provides an educational and ing all their marketing, pro- Freeman’s drawings delight the eye and aesthetic look at work in motions and events so that progress and what it takes to the public has a great time paint encaustics. when they visit. More and Constance continu- more studios are open more ally explores technique and and more often, with several Greg Vineyard color in this ancient Greek open seven days a week! One process. Upon cradled birch can find food, art and friendly Greg Vineyard is an connectivity and communication in a and clay-coated boards she applies pure artists every day in the District, and Con- artist, creative con- spiritual procession of awareness, service, beeswax, damar tree resin and wax paint stance is proud to be a part of that. sultant, and writer esteem, healing, humility, peace, joy, colors in dozens and dozens of luminous Open every day from 11 to 4, and in Asheville’s River serenity, light and love. layers. Use of a hand-held blow torch often later, Constance Williams Gallery is Arts District who His studio and his work can be keeps the surface heated and fluid so that located at 9 Riverside Drive, in CURVE trusts that all artistic expression has a found at Constance Williams Gallery, she can add and subtract layers of color studios and garden, across from 12 Bones purpose. His colorful, tactile and out- 9 Riverside Drive, in CURVE studios and apply surface techniques. She also Smokehouse. of-round meditation/tea bowls, carved and garden, across from 12 Bones. uses liquid washes, stains and three-di- www.constancewilliams.net keepsake boxes and animal/word tile Open every day 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. mensional materials in her work. (828) 333-3286 assemblages are about contemplation, Visit www.CurveStudiosNC.com 16 Constance is also a clay sculptor. 16

Vol. 13, No. 10 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — June 2010 19 FDIpDQG VWXGLRV :+D\ZRRG6W

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20 June 2010 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 10 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE studio stroll

jonas GErard fine Art Spring is here and June’s next door. I the firing of the clay I chose get a boost of creative energy during these to paint the newly found art times. The thing about spontaneous paint- form, instead of glazing it. I ing is that it allows the aliveness, energy rediscovered a new presence and vulnerability of the work to be felt by of expression and vulnerability the viewer and the pulse of transformation that was fresh and intoxicating. has begun. The heart is caught open by Again looking for new ways to surprise and bliss occurs. go deeper into this mystery of discovery, That aliveness permeates the atmo- I revisited doing small paintings from 4x4 sphere in the gallery. Art is alive. Thera- inch to about 8x10. Painting them fast al- During the Studio Stroll I will put pists on occasion bring their clients in lows the mind to be quiet and by-pass any my creativity on the line on Saturday and for inspiration and healing. Also many mental judgments. The results are little Sunday, June 12 and 13 at 2 p.m. This art classes come to partake of the creative gems, one after the other. time I will paint to the improvisational juices served daily. After going so small I’m now explod- music of the River Guerguerian Project In my continuous search to find new ing onto a large metal surface, painting a band, an outstanding group of very tal- outer forms to express that spontaneous car. Starting with my van, I find the shape ented improvisational musicians. You can process I became a student next door at and undulating form of the car’s body to experience the magic of hearing the colors the Odyssey Center under the guidance be very exciting which opens up a new ap- and seeing the music as if the music and of Alex Irvine. The self discovery began proach of expression because the medium the painting were having a conversation. all over again – I was like a is so different. Thus, art on cars is born. Come and enjoy watching the child playing with the It’s a fascinating new journey. spontaneous process of making art in the clay, using all my fingers People who come to see what this studio of my gallery, and now on the van, and every part of my spontaneous action looks like are mesmer- at 240 Clingman Ave. in the heart of the hand. It was a fabu- ized, as I am every time it happens, by its River Arts District. lous experience. After simplicity and appealing daringness. 4

Vol. 13, No. 10 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — June 2010 21 RAPID RIVER ARTS studio stroll 14 The Art of Community Musing on What it Takes to be (In) One

ccording to The American by Greg Vineyard Heritage College Dictionary, “com- But there is more to munity” means: the art of community than A“A group of people having just being on a list. I soon common interests.” The observed that I had joined a term is also used to refer- group that marches steadily ence where said group forward with activities such hangs out. The word’s as producing a yearly bro- Latin roots are obvious chure and hosting events (“communis”), but it also and shows. Plus put- relates to the warm-fuzzy ting on the twice-annual 16 concept of “fellowship.” Photo: Greg Vineyard gargantuan Studio Stroll, In May’s column where some lead, some 4 (where the photo of me with a bag over follow and all toil -- it takes a village to pull my head was rated “model-worthy” by all that together, so everyone pitches in and my friends – uh, thanks?), I suggested the result is 120+ artists letting the public that joining an art group was beneficial. into their studio and gallery environments at As a fairly recent transplant to the area, the same time. The extra energy is palpable, getting on the River Arts District’s roster people love it and they show up in droves. was a good way to bridge the gap from The artists make it look easy as pie, but I can broad categories (“Artist”) to specific ones tell you that it’s a highly-logistical affair. (“River Arts District Artist”), thus provid- What makes a community like this tick? ing me the opportunity to self-define, as After creativity, the breadth and depth of well as allowing others to know who I am, what I do and where to find me. ‘Community’ continued on page 28

20 21 Janton Art Studio American born Stephen R. Janton (b.1959) states, “I am a realist painter who enjoys the challenge of painting the human form. I have been so influenced and impressed by the Old Masters, the Dutch “Little Masters” and the best of the French academic painters of the nineteenth century. They carried oil painting to its highest pinnacle of techni- The Laughing Mermaid Soap Company 21 cal perfection.” King Penquins, 18" x 24" Oil on gesso In addition, having grown up in panel by Stephen Janton I can make you feel good all over! scents we have created some of the most Wilmington Delaware, Janton was ex- My name is Mary Novak and I own The original and outrageous soaps, lotions posed to the Brandywine School and the depth. I rely primarily on the tech- Laughing Mermaid Soap Company, and perfumes Asheville has ever seen. artists Pyle, the entire Wyeth family and niques of traditional oil painting but currently located in Riverview Station. I have been handcrafting soap for his friend and guide George Weymouth. have tested my deepest level of patience I have created a unique line of soaps, more than 11 years. I started my business Portraiture and the human form have al- by painting in egg tempera and appreci- lotions and perfumes that are a fusion of in South Florida and took a two-year hia- ways been Janton’s main interest and he ate the quality of skin tones created by “Funky” Asheville and “Sizzling” South tus while preparing to move to Western has developed a good sense of form dur- the unique process.” Beach. You’ll just have to experience it North Carolina. ing his many years studying and working “Artwork should stand on its own for yourself! I realized that I really missed soap as a Physical Therapist. His works in merits — or fail on its own shortcom- The mission of The Laughing making and decided to start a business still life and landscapes tend to be more ings if it does not succeed in registering Mermaid Soap Com- here in Asheville. As much as I love the experimental with a sense of realism. favorably upon the viewer’s sensibilities. pany is to make you feel coolness and funkiness of Asheville I still “I attempt painting what is real to Quality is the central issue, as it must be good all over. It is our miss the ocean. I wanted to somehow me... what I see. In doing a portrait, I where art is concerned. I am doing my pleasure to bring you incorporate these two elements into my enjoy finding the composition that best best and enjoying the process in my at- pleasure. Through the business, hence, The Laughing Mermaid. describes the individual’s personality tempts at creating quality in my artwork.” artful combination of Visit my website to place orders and I include the person being painted decadent oils, and view my line of products, www. in that process which makes for a more Janton Art Studio exotic butters, thelaughingmermaid.com. Or call (828) successful outcome. I frequently utilize Riverview Station, 191 Lyman St., vibrant colors 713-5190 for more information. the technique of a single light source Studio #211, Asheville, NC 28801 and splashy in my portraits as it helps create greater www.jantonart.com 20

22 June 2010 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 10 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.

The Girl With The here but it is very graphic shows up on the racetrack at Monaco and However, all is not gloom and doom Dragon Tattoo ∑∑∑∑ and appropriate. wreaks havoc, we’ve already had quite a ride. and frustrated expectations. Writer Justin Scandinavian But then the film changes speed and tone Theroux is smart enough to fashion the Short Take: Stylish Swedish cinema (and the Swedes and proceeds to go steadily downhill, with exchanges between Tony Stark and Pepper film with strong content and even stronger performances. in particular) has never only a few bright spots, until the protracted Potts as if they were in a screwball comedy shied away from making credits at the end. of yesteryear. Gynneth Paltrow is right Reel Take: The Girl with films about complex psy- Part of the problem is that we are given at home with this material and old time the Dragon Tattoo is the first chological issues (see the a secondary corporate villain in the person movie lovers can easily detect the spirits of of three films based on the Noomi Rapace is the Girl movies of Ingmar Berg- of Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell), a Tony Katherine Hepburn and especially Carole Millenium trilogy by Swed- with the Dragon Tattoo. man). While this film Stark wannabe who personifies the wimpy Lombard in her performance and delivery. ish novelist Stieg Larsson. lives up to that tradition, geek to the nth degree. As a dig at unethical Unfortunately, there just aren’t enough of The actual title of the book and film when it also has action and suspense to liven corporate executives, it is way too obvi- these scenes. Scarlett Johannson is woefully translated from the Swedish is Men Who things up a bit. It does however remain a ous and he gets far too much screen time underused, but when she’s there she gives Hate Women but that title wouldn’t appeal difficult movie to watch in places, especially (more than Mickey Rourke’s Ivan Vanko). the film a much needed burst of electric- to American audiences so the distributors the girl’s revenge and the revelation of what Rockwell is a fine actor but there’s not a lot ity. When she switches into her Emma Peel changed it. Nevertheless there are already she did to get hospitalized and why. he can do with his material. mode, watch out! plans for an American remake to be directed Although I haven’t read the book, In addition to a weak and uninterest- Of course there will be an Iron Man 3. by David Fincher (The Fight Club). I’m pretty sure there aren’t any significant ing secondary villain there’s the replace- Let’s hope that they learn from this sopho- On the surface the film is a mystery changes between the two (one can only ment of Terrence Howard by Don Chea- more effort (which hasn’t been as boffo as thriller. A wrongly disgraced journalist imagine what the American version will be dle as Stark’s military friend Col. Rhodes. expected) and next time around give us a (Michael Nyqvist) is hired to find out what like). The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is Cheadle is another fine actor but he brings movie more worthy of this character. happened to a young girl who disappeared ultimately about a woman who overcomes a sense of gravitas that seems out of place 40 years ago. It involves investigating a pow- Rated PG-13 for sci-fi action and violence her horrific background and emerges trium- compared to Howard’s take on the char- and some language. erful family with many dark secrets, secrets phant in the end, at least in this part. As I acter. As the Ocean’s 11 Review by Chip Kaufmann that prove to be much darker than the jour- mentioned earlier, this is the first part of a franchise proved, Cheadle nalist ever imagined. Assisting him in this trilogy to correspond with the books. Parts is more than capable of search is a gifted but emotionally scarred 2 and 3 have already been filmed and shown comic sensibility and Just Wright young Goth woman (Noomi Rapace) who on Swedish television. Whether they arrive it’s just a shame that he ∑∑∑1/2 is a top notch computer hacker. in the U.S. will depend on how this one didn’t do it here. Short Take: A It doesn’t take long before the film does. It’s a very good film, but if you go, be The middle portion formulaic but very delves deep below this surface story into the prepared for a rough ride. of the film then bogs likeable romance various psychologies and motivations of its with the most Not Rated but it contains graphic violence down in the obligatory characters and it is here that Girl with the genuinely likeable of a sexual nature and some language. angst that our superhero Dragon Tattoo reveals its strong content must endure to show us lady in Hollywood, Review by Chip Kaufmann and lives up to its original title. In looking his human side. If he were Queen Latifah. Paula Patton, Queen Latifah and for the missing girl, the journalist discovers just like us, then ∑∑∑ rapper Common in Just Wright. Reel Take: I a series of brutal torture murders stretch- Iron Man 2 1/2 he wouldn’t liked director Sanaa ing back over several years. In each case the Short Take: Loud be a superhero, so let’s just get Hamri’s Something New and Sisterhood murders seemed to be fueled by anti-Semi- and bloated sequel is over it and leave the angst to of the Traveling Pants. Moreover, I really tism. They also lead back to the aforemen- everything I expected it to contemporary dramas. Maybe it’s like Queen Latifah, a seemingly genuine tioned powerful family. be and is not as good as my age showing, but I prefer my and talented actress and singer. With both A parallel story involves the title char- the original. superheroes to be archetypes. theses ladies at the helm, I was looking for- acter and why she has become emotionally Reel Take: During the The finale of the film gives ward to Just Wright. While it’s not a slam scarred. She spent time in a psychiatric hos- first half hour of Iron Man 2, us the expected pyrotechnics that dunk, it is pretty darn enjoyable. pital for a horrendous crime committed in I was pleasantly surprised at the Marvel fanboys pay to see. I The story is totally formulaic – average her youth. Now that she has been released, how the film was going. The don’t have a problem with that. I girl meets hot guy, better looking girl gets even though she is of age, her inheritance opening credits sequence, Gwynneth Paltrow and like a big finale as well as anyone, in the way, but will Prince Charming pick is legally controlled by a parole officer who involving Mickey Rourke’s Robert Downey Jr. in but in this case it goes on way the trophy wife or his happily ever after? demands sexual favors in exchange for dol- bad guy character, was a Iron Man 2. too long and lacks variety, rather Leslie Wright (Queen Latifah) is a physi- ing out her money. If she complains, one model of how to introduce a like a second rate fireworks cal therapist, Jersey girl and huge Knicks word from him and back she goes. She ul- villain. We know all we need to know about display. It then commits the cardinal sin of fan. When she meets Knicks star player and timately gets her revenge in a “turnabout is him in just a few minutes so that when he being anti-climatic. fair play” sort of way, which I won’t reveal ‘Movies’ continued on page 24

Vol. 13, No. 10 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — June 2010 23 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE film reviews

‘Movies’ continued from page 23 Shrek Forever Shrek films had been engaging, and it has its funny moments. NBA all-star Scott McKnight (rapper ‘Com- After ∑∑∑1/2 getting progressively There were also some clever bits that mon’) she’s actually surprised to learn what Shrek Forever worse, and therefore worked in other fairytales, such as the a nice guy he is. But before she can get her After is the fourth this one must be Pied Piper, and the writing also was not flirt on, her gold-digging cousin (Paula Pat- segment of the the most terrible of as bad as the prior film. ton, Precious) hones in on her turf. In male well-known Shrek all. However, I was Shrek Forever After is a fine family lug nut fashion, Scott falls for the hot bod enterprise. When pleasantly surprised movie, and I do recommend it to anyone instead of the real deal. However, when a Shrek grows tired by Shrek Forever who wants to see a movie with their kid knee injury threatens to sideline his career, it Donkey no longer recognizes Shrek of domestic home After, merely because or who is a fan of fairytales. I saw the is Leslie who stands by him, believes in him in Shrek Forever After. life with his wife I found it mediocre. movie in 3D, and while there were no and whips him into shape. Fiona and their three children, a trickster It was not the epic animated masterpiece dazzling effects, it definitely enhanced Just Wright is unpretentious, down to named Rumpelstiltskin convinces Shrek that the first Shrek is, but it was not dreadful the experience, though I’m not sure if it’s Earth and just plain likeable. Latifah, as usu- to sign a contract that creates an alternate like Shrek the Third. All the old cast are in worth the extra two bucks. Shrek Forever al, solidifies her box office appeal. The scenes universe where Rumpelstiltskin is King it: Mike Myers as Shrek, Cameron Diaz as After may not be an amazing movie, but between she and Common are good and they and Shrek never met Fiona. The rest Fiona, Eddie Murphy it’s a good way to get have some chemistry, but the scenes that I of the movie involves Shrek trying to as Donkey, and Anto- away from the worries found utterly real and heart warming were get his old life back and bring an end to nio Banderas as Puss in of life for a few hours, the ones with Latifah and James Pickens, Jr. Rumpelstiltskin’s reign. Boots. Walt Dohrn, who and it has good mes- (TV’s Grey’s Anatomy) who plays her ador- Teen I must say that after the last Shrek is a newcomer to doing sages in it for kids. ing but handy-man challenged father. Aside movie, which I do not think anyone voiceovers, did a very from the capable cast and an affable story, Review Rated PG for mild ac- liked, I was not particularly excited to good job as Rumpel- the camera work and editing were especially tion, rude humor, and see Shrek Forever After. I felt like the stiltskin. The plot is fairly by Clara Sofia good during the basketball sequences. brief language. In fact, the NBA scenes elevate this film from chick flick territory to date night safe bet. Ladies, if you make your guy take nest and downright refreshing. Best of all, it Swift’s sh#t kickery, recent hit Romeo and tell from the movie what they’re doing with you to Letters to Juliet, you probably won’t features real life loves Vanessa Redgrave and Juliet and other such twangy tunes pretty the character. get to pick the movie for a while (and Franco Nero and it takes place in the Tuscan much obscure the climatic moments of the The original MacGyver was renowned deservedly so). Guys, if you take your girl countryside. Need we say more? movie. I found this element so annoying for using a Swiss Army knife instead of a to Just Wright, you’ll score points in the The story of lost true love is not origi- and distracting I actually reduced my rating gun and for his resourcefulness in using romance department, but you won’t feel nal, but to place it this particular context by a half a star (sorry, my inner critic just whatever materials were at hand. True to TV like you’ve just sat through an estrogen-fest is. Sofie (Amanda Seyfried) is a young couldn’t leave it alone). action series of the time, there were lots of on Lifetime. Just Wright is decent take for a American on a pre-honeymoon in Verona, Hopeless romantics (especially those explosions and everything worked out in the wide ranging audience. Italy with her fiancé Victor (Gael Garcia who are old enough to remember Vanessa end. That part of the TV series (minus the Rated PG for some suggestive material and Bernal). Victor is about to open a restaurant Redgrave and Franco Nero from Camelot) Swiss Army knife) has been retained here. brief language. in Manhattan and is singularly obsessed with can while away a couple of pleasant hours It also gives writer-star Will Forte plenty to Review by Michelle Keenan everything food & wine. Left to sightsee at Letters to Juliet. Redgrave is luminous. parody such as when MacGruber opens a alone, Sofie discovers Juliet’s wall – a place Nero is mahuninah-huminah. Seyfried, sewing kit and smiles. Letters to Juliet ∑∑∑ inspired by Juliet Capulet of Shakespeare’s Egan and Bernal are fine. Significant – no. SNL compatriot Kristen Wiig plays the Romeo & Juliet, where lonely hearts, broken A light & fairly enjoyable bit of entertain- required love interest (not in the original Short Take: An innocuous but perfectly hearts and anguished hearts leave letters ment – yes. Letters to Juliet is exactly what series) and she has a number of very funny pleasant story of love lost and found. seeking Juliet’s advice. it is intended to be. scenes especially one in which she is dressed Reel Take: Fascinated, Sofie joins the “Sec- Rated PG for brief rude behavior, some as and has to act like MacGruber. Ryan While it is incred- retaries of Juliet” – a league of women language and incidental smoking. Phillipe plays the straight arrow military guy ibly good fun who answer the letters. It is then that she who has to bail out MacGruber time and Review by Michelle Keenan to slice and dice accidentally discovers a letter written 50 again because he is a complete putz. Some something truly years earlier. Her response to the letter ∑∑∑ of the gags are truly clever and dreadful, I think prompts the writer of the letter, Claire MacGruber 1/2 the writing in places resembles the typical snarky, Smith (Vanessa Redgrave), to return to Short Take: R rated movie vintage Mad Magazine. This part self indulgent film Verona to see if she can make amends version of the Saturday Night of the film was highly entertaining critic take them- for leaving her Lorenzo all those many Live sketch confirms the old and made me chuckle throughout. selves altogether years ago. She is accompanied by Charlie adage that “less is more.” Unfortunately there is more to too seriously Franco Nero and Vanessa (Christopher Egan), her haughty, British Reel Take: Say what you will the movie than that. and don’t review Redgrave are reunited (with a stick up his butt) grandson who about television but the jump It seems that there are two movies based on lovers in Letters to Juliet. takes umbrage with Sofie for meddling from the small screen to the big reasons for making a big screen what the film is in his grandmother’s life. The three em- one isn’t always an improve- version of TV material. One is intended to be. At Reel Takes, my colleague bark on a wild goose chase across the Italian ment and this movie is a prime to recycle proven material that Chip Kaufmann and I are dedicated to giving countryside in search of Claire’s Lorenzo, example. Even people who cashes in on baby boomer nos- you just that – a real take for real people. the results of which will of course change weren’t around when Richard talgia and the other is to be able Even so, we do still occasionally have to the course of their lives. Dean Anderson’s ABC show Will Forte brings to do things that you can’t do on remind ourselves to retract our critic’s claws You obviously don’t need me to tell MacGyver originally aired from his SNL Mac network TV. It is this that lowers and enjoy the show. One such recent movie you where all of this is heading. Yes – it’s a 1985-1992 are familiar with it Gruber character Mac Gruber in my estimation. was Letters to Juliet. complete, and I mean complete chick flick, through reruns and constant to the big screen. The name of the principal villain This innocuous little rom-com could and when the real Lorenzo (Franco Nero) references on The Simpsons is van Cunth, a name you can’t easily be sliced and diced; it is utterly predict- gives a toast to ‘Destino,’ women’s hearts otherwise Saturday Night Live and Will mispronounce on TV. The rest of the R able and worse yet, it could have been better – young and old alike – will palpitate. Un- Forte wouldn’t be parodying it. I have never than it is. On the other hand, it’s sweet, ear- fortunately an over abundant use of Taylor seen one of the SNL skits but it’s easy to ‘Movies’ continued on page 25

24 June 2010 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 10 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE film reviews

‘Movies’ continued from pg. 24 Eventually peace is The North Face refers to a dangerous Robin Hood ∑∑∑1/2 restored and the ladies section of a famous mountain in Swit- Short Take: Instead of the umpteenth rated material ranging from over the top decide they want to zerland known as the Eiger (remember re-telling of the legendary archer, sexual situations to unnecessarily crude have a celebratory lun- Clint Eastwood’s The Eiger Sanction from outlaw & do-gooding thief, Ridley Scott language reminded me of Saturday night at cheon in honor of the 1975?). Translated from the German, the and Russell Crowe give us an action the frat house not Saturday Night Live. Ferragosto holiday. word means ‘Ogre’ and as late adventure tale of the Easing my disappointment was a Throughout the as 1936 no one had successfully origin of Robin Hood. remarkably funny turn by Val Kilmer as goings on, Gianni made it to the top. With the Berlin the bad guy who has clever one-liners and dons his apron, plays Olympics just a few months away, Reel Take: It was paints 70 year old women, nude! Kilmer has host, cooks to suit, it became a matter of Nazi pride definitely a bit of a this and Werner Herzog’s Bad Lieutenant in cleans, shops and to have a German team be the first stretch when Kevin the last year so it’s good to see him back. It smoothes ruffled feathers – all in fairly good to do it. Climbers from all over Costner ventured into was also great to see Powers Boothe again. [if not slightly stressed] humor. It helps Europe were invited to a climbing Sherwood Forrest He was a mainstay of 80s movies, including of course that he keeps a glass of wine or contest to see who could finally territory. In the latest Russell Crowe as the The Emerald Forest, Southern Comfort, cigarette in hand throughout and who can conquer the mountain. version Russell Crowe legendary Robin Hood. and a truly frightening Jim Jones in Guyana. blame him. By the time he serves the Fer- The film focuses on two Ger- dons the tights. Or Here he plays the role of MacGruber’s boss ragosto feast, he no longer seems a down man men, friends from childhood rather, he’s cloaked in who is an Army colonel. The TV MacGyver and out middle-aged man, but a man who who take on the challenge. Their progress about 35 lbs of chain mail. Crowe as the distrusted the military. is enjoying giving a little happiness to a few is followed by another childhood friend legendary archer & do-gooding thief is not MacGruber sums up the problem with old ladies. None of them want the holiday now working for a Berlin newspaper who particularly a stretch, but it is a wonder as too many contemporary comedies in my to end. They want to go on eating what is in love with one of the men. After a slow to why he and Ridley Scott thought the opinion. There’s a lot of really clever gags they like, drinking what they like and living beginning of exposition setting everything story needed yet another re-telling. They and dialogue which then morphs into too how they like, not being micro-managed by up, the film really takes off once the climb too took this into consideration and instead, many F words and crude sexual displays. I well-meaning but restrictive families. The begins. Everything is going well for our we are given a prequel – the story of Robin call them Jekyll & Hyde comedies. Some story is as simple as that. protagonists until another climber is seri- before the Hood. people love the latter, I prefer the former The film was shot in color but is ously injured and they decide to help his This has been done in the course of and it doesn’t sit well to see both styles in shown in black & white. It was clearly done team get back down the mountain. just a few background sequences in other the same movie. on a very modest budget, and it is written The climbing scenes are ultra realis- versions, but for this tale, they stay entirely and directed by its star Gianni Di Gregorio. tic and you can feel the wind and the cold in his life before the legend. In fact, he only Rated R for crude sexual content, nudity, becomes the Robin that we know in the language, and graphic violence. Mid-August Lunch is a huge departure while watching them. In this day and age from his other writing credit, last year’s there must be clever angles and some CGI final frames of he film (does anyone else Review by Chip Kaufmann gritty Italian mob drama, Gomorra. Given involved but you really feel as if you are smell a sequel?). Much is being said about this Robin Hood and while I understand ∑∑∑∑ the two, I’m interested to see what DiGre- there. The leading performances by Benno Mid-August Lunch gorio does next. Furmann, Florian Lukas, and Johanna Wo- some of the criticism, I am not eager to Short Take: An unemployed, middle-aged Mid-August Lunch is a film festival trea- kalek are all excellent and really convey the share in it. man in Rome, living with his demanding sure, but as is often the case with such little emotional intensity of the characters espe- Yes – it’s a little long, but I’ve watched elderly mother and a mounting debt, films, no one sees them. If you love your cially as things begin to go horribly wrong. shorter things that felt eons longer. Yes, finds himself surrounded by some mother, have ever had to care for an older 20th Century Fox had secured the it’s cluttered by too many sub-stories and surprising house guests. person or just love all things Italian, seek this rights to this film for American distribu- thematic elements running through it, but it’s a fun, keep-you-on-your-toes plot. Yes Reel Take: Unfortunately by the time one out when it is released on DVD. tion then decided at the last minute not to – it takes a bit of liberty with history, but this issue of Rapid River is out, Mid-August release it. Perhaps they didn’t want to go This movie is not rated by includes smok- not as much as some people say; as a history Lunch will no longer be playing at the Fine to the trouble of dubbing it into English ing, drinking and mild sexual innuendo. major I was fine with how they bridged his- Arts Theatre. This is a shame, for very few (we all know how Americans love subtitled Review by Michelle Keenan tory and legend and how they interpreted it people saw it during its brief run and it is movies) or per- for our entertainment (remember folks – at well worth a view. We hope that you’ll recall haps the downbeat ∑∑∑∑ the end of a day is just a movie). The final this review when you come across it at the The North Face nature of the story major criticism I’ve heard is that it takes video store (probably not a Blockbuster, but Short Take: This gripping made them consider itself too seriously. I didn’t find that to be more along the lines of Rosebud or Orbit). drama based on a real life it a risky venture the case. It treads too closely to it here and Mid-August Lunch is a vignette. Clock- incident, revives an old (but then why there, but there is enough levity and wit ing in at about 70 minutes, it’s the story of German movie tradition. secure the rights throughout to keep it in good balance. After just a short moment in man’s life. Gianni is in the first place). Reel Take: Once upon a time all – this is Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott a middle-aged, unemployed man living in Even though the back in the 1920s, there was an – if you were you expecting Robin and his Rome with his demanding elderly mother proper place to see entire genre of German films merry men in tights and a wilting damsel in and mounting debt. He suddenly has an this would be up devoted to mountain climb- distress think again. opportunity to wipe his financial slate clean on the big screen, it ing. Most of these films were It’s 2010 and this is an action adventure when he is called upon by his building’s Florian Lukas (L) and Benno will still play quite directed by a man named Arnold Furmann attempt to conquer film befitting our time, complete with a superintendent and his physician. Both well on a DVD. Fanck and they starred a woman the Eiger in North Face. strong willed, strong minded, indepen- leave their mothers in Gianni’s care while If you have who would go on to become a dent Marion played by the always sublime they take off for their mid-summer holiday, any interest in mountain climbing then famous (and infamous) director. Her name Cate Blanchett. In this rendition Crowe is one of them even throws in an extra aunt you should check out North Face, but you was Leni Riefenstahl (Triumph of the Will, Robin Longstride, a man who deserts the to boot. The result is a humorous chain of should also check out the titles I men- Olympia). Films such as The Holy Moun- 3rd Crusade, after Richard the Lionheart is events that keep Gianni on his toes. tioned at the top of the review which are tain, The White Hell of Pitz-Palu, and The killed, and inadvertently ends up posing as When the old ladies first gather, available for rental. They are equally excit- Blue Light were shot on location on some Robert Loxley. Marion is Loxley’s wife and everyone is gracious and on their best lady ing and were done without the benefit of of Germany’s most dangerous mountains. though she is not keen to go along with the like behavior. Soon however, cattiness, any special effects. How the cameramen managed to get some farce, she and Crowe have great chemistry pettiness and stubborn ways prevail and it’s of the photography with 1920s cameras and This movie is currently unrated but con- from the get go. Max von Sydow is a treat as every man for himself. Stuck in the middle, how the actors survived would make a chal- tains scenes of mountain climbing violence. Gianni tries to make each of them happy. lenging film in and of itself. Review by Chip Kaufmann ‘Movies’ continued on page 26

Vol. 13, No. 10 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — June 2010 25 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE film reviews

‘Movies’ continued from page 25 him. In 1914 she becomes his purposes he turns his back in news reel footage – the Fascist propagan- lover. She sells her business, on Dalser and their son. da machine of Il Duce. Timi and Giovanno Lord Loxley. In fact the entire cast, includ- real estate and possessions Now a Fascist and rising Mezzogiorno, as Dalser, give captivating ing Mark Strong and Oscar Isaac (who both to fund his newspaper (Il in political power, Dalser performances. The cinematography and the appeared in Scott’s Body of Lies last year) Popolo d’Italia) and politi- is kept under surveillance. score also contribute greatly to the striking and William Hurt, seem like they are hav- cal career. They have a son From there the rest of the impact of the film. ing a great time. Brian Helgeland, who has together and, according to story painfully depicts her It is surprising then that I felt little em- written scripts such as LA Confidential and Dalser, they also married. obsession with Mussolini, pathy for Dalser. While the fate she suffers this year’s Green Zone, gives us the afore- Shortly after she learns her rage and her life in is terrible, it seems partly of her own mak- she is pregnant, she also Does Il Duce say ‘I do’ to a downward spiral. She ing. We see passion early on, but we never mentioned story that tries to do too much, Ida Dalser? Filippo Timi but is good nonetheless. Finally, the action learns that Mussolini seems remained steadfast in her see Mussolini express any love to her or to already have a wife and and Giovanno Mezzogiorno claims until her death in for her. Her obsession and devotion to him sequences are tremendous – the kind that star in Vincere. only Ridley Scott can do. family, but it doesn’t seem 1937. contributed to her and her son’s sad fates. This Robin Hood may not conquer the to fully register. For whatever reason, she Bellocchio uses muted colors through Mussolini was Socialist-turned-Fascist ego- box office, but I hope it does well enough remains devoted to, presumably as his most of the film, dotted only occasionally maniac who had few redemptive qualities. that we may see what Scott, Helgeland and mistress. During the war she hears noth- with something more luscious or vibrant. Vincere, while beautifully done, did nothing Crowe do with Robin Longstride, now that ing from him. When she learns he has been He interweaves the action of the film with to help dispel my opinion or understand the he is Robin Hood. wounded she goes to him in hospital. fantasy sequences, news reels and other devotion of his long abandoned lover, but it The scene is a powerful array of im- films (the silent films Christus and Chap- is a fascinating film worth seeing. Rated PG-13 for violence including intense ages, symbolism and archetypes. It is there lin’s The Kid become an active part of the This film is not rated by contains nudity, sequences of warfare, and some sexual however that it seems she is officially goings on). The result is stylistically impres- content. sexuality, anger, violence and some images abandoned; Mussolini’s lawful (or ac- sive and emotionally effective. In fact, after of war. Review by Michelle Keenan knowledged) wife is there and threatens to a certain point we no longer see Mussolini Review by Michelle Keenan kill her and Mussolini and for all practical portrayed by Filippo Timi, but rather only Vincere ∑∑∑∑ Short Take: A look at the woman who was Benito Mussolini’s mistress, possible first wife and mother of his Chip Kaufmann’s Pick: Michelle Keenan’s Pick: first son. “The Sentinel” June DVD Picks “Camelot” Reel Take: Marco Bellocchio’s Vincere is one of the most cinematically striking and stylistic films to come down the proverbial The Sentinel (1977) Camelot (1967) pike in a long time. Bellocchio wrote and The Thursday Night Horror Picture After seeing Vanessa Redgrave and directed the little known story of Benito Show over at the Carolina Cinemas Franco Nero in Letters to Juliet this Mussolini’s mistress and possible first wife, Lounge has turned out to be more suc- month, I decided the perfect DVD pick Ida Dalser. It is a powerful story of a woman cessful than co-hosts Mountain Xpress would be their first theatrical teaming in scorned, discarded and her dissent into critics Ken Hanke and Justin Souther 1967’s Camelot. Dubbed, ‘the most beau- madness. It is powerfully moving in a most expected. As a result it has opened up the tiful love story ever told,’ Camelot was a lonely and devastating way. possibility of other types of movies being Broadway phenomenon in 1960’s and the As the story goes, Ida Dasler was a well shown in this venue (witness the newly film was successful as well. to do young salon owner in Milan in the formed Asheville Film Society). The last For some it will be a nostalgic walk early 1900’s. When she meets a young social- film scheduled in the opening round of down Memory Lane. For others it will ist upstart named Benito Mussolini, she falls horror films is Michael Winner’s The Her fellow tenants are an odd lot headed be a new adventure. Young or old, it’s instantly, madly and passionately in love with Sentinel which deserves a closer look. up by kindly old neighbor Burgess Mer- hard not to fall for the magic of Camelot. I have long been a fan of British edith (in one of his best performances) It is, of course, the story of King Arthur, director Winner (see Rapid River July and an intense gay couple (Sylvia Miles Guinevere and the Knights of the Round 2008) who hasn’t made a movie since and Beverly D’Angelo). Chris Sarandon Table, in particular Sir Lancelot, who Theatre Directory 1999’s Parting Shots. During the 1970s plays her concerned boyfriend who har- makes the third corner of one of the most he had a successful run of well made, bors a dark secret. famous love triangles in legend, literature Beaucatcher Cinemas (Asheville) highly entertaining movies that featured The supporting cast is staggering. and film. Movieline (828) 298-1234 older Hollywood stars in strong char- John Carradine, Ava Gardner, Christo- The inimitable Richard Harris Biltmore Grande acter roles. Films like The Nightcom- pher Walken, Jeff Goldblum, Eli Wallach plays King Arthur and an auburn tressed 1-800-FANDANGO #4010 ers (1971), Chato’s Land (1972), Death just to name some of the better known Vanessa Redgrave is a radiant Guinevere. Carmike 10 (Asheville) Wish (1974) and the updated remake of ones although there are plenty of other Franco Nero is her gallant Lancelot, and Movieline (828) 298-4452 The Big Sleep (1978) were controversial familiar faces to spot. Half the fun of a the rest of the supporting cast plays like and successful. Although there were Michael Winner movie is watching the a who’s who of British Film of the 20th Carolina Cinemas horrific elements in these films, Winner incredible casts he was always able to century, including David Hemmings, (828) 274-9500 had never made a flat out horror film. commandeer. Lionel Jeffries and Laurence Naismith. The Falls Theatre (Brevard) That would change with The Sentinel While there is nothing new here, The film and the Broadway show Movieline (828) 883-2200 and its initial failure would bring about a the old clichés are given a new set of were an iconic part of the 1960s. While Fine Arts Theatre (Asheville) reversal of fortune in Winner’s career as outfits and put on quite a fashion show the pageantry and idealism of a ‘Camelot’ Movieline (828) 232-1536 a top flight director. thanks to effective photography and crisp really doesn’t hold today, the film stands Based on a bestselling book and editing. The outrageous ending remains the test of time. As most know Arthur’s Flat Rock Theatre (Flat Rock) coming 4 years after The Exorcist, The perfect kingdom – his utopia of Camelot Movieline (828) 697-2463 so even after 30 years. If you enjoy 70s Sentinel tells the story of a fashion mod- style horror and watching a veteran cast – can’t last forever, but the performances Four Seasons (Hendersonville) el (Christina Raines) who moves into go through their paces, then you can’t do, as does the love affair between Van- Movieline (828) 693-8989 a vintage New York apartment where go wrong with The Sentinel. It’s also an essa Redgrave and Franco Nero. Check it Smoky Mountain Cinema (Waynesville) (naturally) strange things began to occur. easy film to find. out on DVD. Movieline (828) 452-9091

26 June 2010 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 10 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE artful living

awareness. There is no language or Life as Foreground by Bill Walz experience with which to categorize and separate, judge and discriminate “Listen. Listen. This wonderful sound brings me that which comes into our awareness. Dualistic subjective-objective conscious- back to my true self.” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh We have not been shaped yet into ness dominates, with the thought our particular neurosis. form of me at the center of my This is the “original face” universe. There is a great deal of he central premise of Gestalt psy- tion that make for their craziness. The genius that Zen exhorts us to rediscover. emotional reactivity in this universe chology and Zen are nearly the same. of Gestalt is that by expanding the contours Immediately, the cultural forces as this “me” is under many stressors In Gestalt psychology, it is under- of a person’s awareness, to experience more of family, and later, society, begin to achieve its agenda of safety, stood that we live our lives paying possibilities, and to see where the possibilities creating a dualistic subject- sufficiency and success in the attention to only those aspects of are being cut off, the contours of the neurotic object orientation, and world “out there.” Incessant theT totality of what is present and happening personality begin to expand, becoming less the conditioned recogni- mental activity “in here” that resonates with our personal conditioning limiting, less neurotic, eventually completely tion and interpretation with nearly always some and our motivation in the moment. It uses healthy, even enlightened. of separate phenomenon degree of anxiety driving it language that talks about the “figure” experi- Now the simple truth is that the every- in the environment like a whip, becomes our ence, that which is in the foreground of our thing in the world that Gestalt calls “back- begins to take over the “normal” consciousness. awareness, and the “ground” or background of ground” is Life. It is Nature, the Universe, foreground of mental Only when the anxiety the total possibility of the moment. and this is where Buddhism picks up. Bud- experience. A personal- erupts into fear, anger, Our personal reality, our subjective ex- dhism is a psychology that looks to bypass the ity and a cognitive map compulsion, depression, perience, is made up of what we have brought neurosis completely by directing a person to of the world begin to form. For and addictions do we discern out of the background and into the foreground get in touch with the dimension of them- the rest of our lives this cognitive map of “me- something is wrong. What is really wrong is of our awareness, and it is the maintenance selves that is not neurotic. “Show me your in-the-world” and subject-object orientation that this craziness has become “normal” from of this subjective experience, our conditioned original face!” exhorts the Zen master seeking is reinforced, becoming stronger and more the perspective of contemporary life. personality, the who-that-I-experience-to- to awaken in the person an insight, a direct ex- pervasive, until that original pure receptive Remember the background? Remember be-me, that is our primary motivation. It is perience, a Satori, into the realization of their consciousness is nearly completely buried, for- Life? “Show me your original face.” Who are the way I walk and talk and think and feel. It deepest nature — which is what? Of course, gotten, inaccessible. But it is not gone. you? Well, on one level, you are this body and is what I see and hear and interact with out the only thing it can be: Nature. There are moments when the dualism the jumble of thoughts, emotions, percep- of the everything that is to be seen and heard Zen seeks to awaken the realization that evaporates in a pure and direct experience. As tions, behaviors, beliefs, prejudices, fears, and interacted with, and for each person this the same harmony and balance that is Nature small children we had these “satori” mo- ambitions and subject-object relationships that is different. is the core of every human. What else could ments all the time, such as when we became dominate your life circumstances. You experi- So, who is this “me?” This is the central it be? It is only that humans have allowed completely absorbed in an ant trail winding ence yourself as the center of this subjective question of both Gestalt psychology and that which is their natural core, their essential through the grass on a sunny day and we universe. On another level, the primary level, Zen, although they answer it slightly dif- ground of Being, to be the un-noticed back- became the ant trail winding through the grass the Zen level, you are this moment in aware- ferently. Gestalt, emerging out of Western ground of their lives, just like they dismiss on a sunny day — no me separate from the ness that has a body, that has a cognitive mind, psychology, is primarily concerned with the external world of Nature to be the blur experience. Or we were running and laugh- that has circumstances, but “you” are these personality development, and defines this me in the background of their personal strivings. ing with a playmate and there was no me and things only secondarily to being pure con- by its neurotic contours, the ego, the who-I- Humans give their attention primarily to the there was no playmate, there was only running sciousness in Life. experience-to-be-me. Zen, emerging out of neurotic story of their egoic self, conditioned and laughing. Or we curl up in our mother’s Life is the foreground experience. The Buddhist psychology, is primarily concerned into them by the neurotic egoic forces that lap and there is no me, no mother, only the situations and circumstances are just back- with enlightenment, the state of absolute dominate others and society. Nature, both in warmth and safety of the lap. ground stuff that needs attending to; and you mental health and human potential. So the the world and in themselves, is hardly noticed As adults, in moments of sports, arts, can attend to them, now skillfully, peacefully question, “who is this me?” has two answers. at all, a generally ignored background. love, Nature and sometimes, simply spontane- and with wisdom. A radical shift in gestalt There is the neurotic me and then there is the A famous Zen story has the student trail- ous openings, the original mind comes for- has occurred. The Universe has become the enlightened or “true,” “original,” “natural” me, ing after the Master as they walk through the ward, subject-object experience dissolves into center of you. It is what I call, “reversing the all terms that Buddhism uses to point to the woods asking questions about enlightenment, pure and direct experience of the moment, gestalt.” It is, like the faint sound of a moun- enlightened Being that resides within each of querying, “How do I enter into Zen?” Finally and time stops. This is Satori. The background tain stream, the entry into Zen — it is what us buried under neurotic conditioning. the Master instructed the student to sit down of Life directly, non-dualistically experienced “brings me back to my true self.” Gestalt seeks, through bringing into pres- and be quiet. The Master then asked, “Do comes forward to fill the foreground of ent moment awareness by various techniques you hear that mountain stream?” At first, the awareness and there is no separate me with and therapist interactions, that which is student, absorbed in his own noisy thoughts, my thoughts, emotions and proprioceptive Bill Walz teaches meditation happening in the subjective experience below heard no mountain stream, and so the Master separateness filling the foreground anymore. and mindfulness at UNCA the threshold of awareness, to expand the con- instructed, “listen harder.” As the student There is only the moment. Psychologists call and public forums, and tours of the “figure,” thus bringing insight to became quieter, and redirected his aware- these, “peak experiences” or “flow.” What they is a private-practice the person. As is said in Gestalt, “the contours ness from his own noisy mind into the world are is your “original face” coming forward as meditation teacher and of the neurosis are the same as the contours around him, as he allowed stillness and silence the little ego-bound self falls into the back- life-coach for individuals in of awareness.” We are primarily aware of that as the underlying fabric of the moment to fill ground. The subjective you is still there, but mindfulness, personal growth which conforms to the personality that is his consciousness, he heard the faint sound the object has merged with the subject. There and consciousness. He holds a weekly conditioned into us. of the stream emerging out of the silence. To is only the moment in experience with all self- meditation class, Mondays, 7 p.m., at the Friends Meeting House, 227 Edgewood. In example, an angry person is experienc- which the Master instructed, “Enter into Zen directed orientation receded. The egoic self ing out of the everything in the world more from there.” The Master is saying, in effect, is nowhere to be found. “Out there” and “in He will speak on “Awakening our Deepest reasons to be angry, and the anxious person, “find your true self in that level of attending to here” become one. Non-dualism. Satori. Life Nature” on Sunday, June 20 from 2-5 p.m. is experiencing out of the everything in the the background that is Life.” directly experienced. at JUBILEE Community Church, 46 Wall world more reasons to be anxious. This is a Zen challenges us over and over: “Who Mostly, however, we live with Life as a Street, downtown Asheville. simplification, but it is mostly true. The fore- is this ‘me’?” And the answer is never simple. barely noticed background to our subjective Info on classes, talks, personal growth and ground of a person’s experience is made up And it is profoundly simple. Always with strivings and cravings and aversions that fill healing instruction, or phone consultations of not only healthy functional aspects of their Zen, it is the paradox. We are born into our mental field. Our thoughts about our life at (828) 258-3241, or e-mail healing@ personality, but also the limitations in percep- this world with a consciousness that is pure situations and circumstances dominate us. billwalz.com. Visit www.billwalz.com.

Vol. 13, No. 10 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — June 2010 27 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE arts & music

‘Community’ continued from page 22 will find that we display each other’s brochures and artwork. We’re constantly Tending to the Plants and Animals which is a must, I’d say organized plan- sending visitors to each other’s studios ormed in 2004 he Mon- ning and communications, division of labor to help them find what they need. Jonas by James Cassara and duties, cooperation, volunteering and Gerard has an entire hallway dedicated treal-based indie rock perseverance. And Friends! Restaurants to showing off the rest of the artists in trio Plants and Animals at the Treatment Room, and and businesses are part of the membership, the District. are built around the at Studio La Frette outside which is important for a well-rounded, visit- There’s also the giving of time. collective talents of FWarren Spicer (guitar, vocals), of Paris. “It was like a wine able community. Tourists, locals and artists Each bit the artists give is a precious tasting” Woodley says. “The all benefit from Clingman Café, Roots Café, commodity, and whenever it happens, it Matthew Woodley (drums, Paris stuff is like nice Bor- Wedge Brewery and 12 Bones Smoke- benefits the group as a whole. I marvel percussion, vocals), and Nico- deaux and the Montreal stuff house. Imagine the District without them. at this artistic gang that celebrates each las Basque (guitar, bass, vocals) is more like a baked potato. You can’t! (And NOW you’re hungry and other’s successes, knowing that it’s not but like any successful band The sessions in Paris ended thirsty, aren’t you?!) just about sales, but also very much they share a common vision of by 10 p.m., the sessions in Another key aspect is marketing. The about collective joy. It’s a fellowship how the band should sound. Montreal by 6 a.m. We left community works hard to keep the website that keeps us all connected, growing and From the start Plants and the sessions nearly delirious. updated and informative, to brand itself creatively flowing, so come visit! Animals knew exactly what consistently and appropriately and to let the they wanted; a heady blend It gave us killer smiles and public know when and how to find us – and of genre hopping roots rock made our enemies wither.” that many of us are now open seven days a mixed with acoustic grounded heavy folk Ultimately it’s this sense Greg Vineyard is an of hilarious confidence that currently char- week. Specialists make sure certain advertis- artist and creative and country. Their self-titled debut EP was acterizes Plants and Animals, the assurance ing hits certain publications at certain times. consultant in released in 2005 (Secret Canadian Records) Artists continually update their Facebook Asheville’s River Arts and quickly gained a small but loyal follow- of a band that knows the best is yet to come. pages with current events. We collaborate, District, where he ing. It was followed by two years later by a “It’s a good feeling” adds Woodley. share thoughts, discuss and compromise. and his Ceramics For companion EP before the band released Parc And the concept of giving is a big deal. Contemplation & Creativity can be Avenue, their first full length album. More than ticking, we’re talking Hemi V8 found in Constance Williams Gallery Since then the three have continued to Plants and Animals at the (Open Every Day 11-4). tour at a fervent pace, prepping songs for the If here. I have seen some beautiful examples You Grey Eagle on Sunday, of granting recognition to each other. When Visit www.CURVEstudiosNC.com just released La La Land, their loudest and June 6. The show starts at you walk into any of the bigger spaces, you toughest effort yet. It’s also their most seam- Go 8:30 p.m., $8 advance / $10 less and cohesive, inspired by a rediscovery of day of show. Advance tickets electric guitars, amplification and fuzz pedals. available online and at our local The album was recorded in Montreal outlets for this standing room only show.

Geoff Achison Plays the Blues

ince moving from his by James Cassara native Austrailia to the states, Geoff Achison has steadily increased radio play in the US, his reputation as one of England, France, Belgium Sthe more acclaimed young and Australia. It hit #2 guitarists in blues. In 1995 on the Australian Blues he was awarded the Albert and Roots Chart as well King Award for most prom- as garnering album of ising guitarist – a distinc- Year nods in this country, tion that lead to his earning including #1 Blues CD on an endorsement deal with WNCW for 2009. Gibson Guitar – and helped Opening for Randall open the doors for him to Bramblett affords Achison gain wider exposure for his both the opportunity to music: After all, as an Oz stretch his own musical born Southern raised Blues purist, Achison muscles while being introduced to an ever occupies a sub genre of one. growing audience. For local Blues lovers it After receiving the Albert King Award, presents to us a pair of consummate musi- Achison released the solo acoustic album cians in an up close and intimate setting, an Mystery Train, earning him more critical occasion not to be missed. accolades. Gettin’ Evil (1999) featured his U.S. touring band the Soul Diggers backing him. Live at St. Andrews and Souldiggin’ in the U.K. were both issued over the next two If Geoff Achison and Randall years. Keeping a relentless touring schedule- You Bramblett at the Grey Eagle often topping 200 shows per year, Achison Go in Asheville, Tuesday, June 9. spent a portion of 2000 on the road in the This acoustic show starts at 8 States with Hot Tuna. p.m. His latest CD One Ticket, One Ride On June 11 the pair will play an electric has gathered strong reviews from many show at th Blue Ridge BBQ and Blues major blues/roots magazines and much Festival, Tyron, NC, 7:30 p.m.

28 June 2010 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 10 Craft Beer, RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE A Look into joe’s brew notes the Future Part 3 Cooking with Beer: Brew News Craggie Brewing Company in partner- Interviews with Local Chefs ship with Asheville’s own instrumen- tal quintet, Toubab Krewe, released Beer Recipe his is the third installment of the (mid May) its newly crafted, Toubab by Joe Zinich Brewe – a crisp, malty, and slightly Judd Lohof of Café Azelea share’s the four-part series which takes a look hoppy Bavarian Zwickel beer (lager). Beer Cheese Soup recipe he used for into the future of craft beer. While 2. With light colored food use light colored For each keg of Toubab Brewe a recent beer dinner held with Crag- the first article demonstrated the beer; and vice versa. Use a lager (example, sold, Craggie will donate $5 to Instru- gie Brewing (craggiebrewingco.com). phenomenal growth of the industry T pilsner or kolsch styles) in recipes with flaky ments 4Africa, a non-profit selected The recipe features Craggie’s Dub- and the second focused on the exploration white fish. Use an ale (example, brown ale, by Toubab Krewe. belicious, a Belgian-style double ale. of beer flavors, this chapter discusses the use of beer as a food ingredient. And what bet- porter, or stout) in recipes with meatier or Ingredients: ter way to learn more about using beer in a strongly flavored fish. The Thirsty Monk (downtown loca- tion) hosts “Perfect Pint Night” with ½ cup of a fat (bacon grease, butter, recipe than to talk with some local experts. 3. Target flavor balance in the recipe. pints of Sam Adams Lager served in canola oil, etc.) I spoke with chefs from three of Take care to not allow the beer flavor to their “perfect pint glass” on June 2. ½ cup of flour Asheville’s independently owned restau- dominate. rants — Adam Bannasch of Zambra Wine That will be Followed on June 4 1 large onion – diced and Tapas, Judd Lohof of Cafe Azalea; and 4. Cook with the beers you enjoy drinking. by “Firkin Friday” which features four local casks, one each from Craggie, 3 cloves of garlic – minced Polly Harding of the Village Wayside Bar 5. Because a beer pairs well with a food does Green Man, French Broad and High- 1 quart of half and half & Grille. Each not only shared suggestions not mean it will cook well in that recipe. 2 cups of Craggie’s Dubbelicious (if on cooking with beer but offered insights land. A first for a bar in Asheville 6. Be careful, two pale ales or two of any not available, a brown ale or porter) on a chef’s responsibilities. I learned a chef and a fun warm-up for the Beer City style of craft beer will have different fla- Festival on June 5. 2 cups chicken broth manages the kitchen from the employees (dishwashers, prep cooks, sous chefs), food vors. Cooking with two types of wine will Visit the Monk on June 10 for 1 tbl. each of brown mustard, worces- purchase, menu development, quality of the normally yield about the same flavor result. “Hatter Day” – a chance to taste five ter sauce and paprika food served through to profitability. They, This is not true with beer. rare beers from New Holland Brew- 1 tsp. of sugar much like brewmasters, work long, hard 7. Belgian beers and IPA’s can be difficult ery’s (Michigan) Hatter Collection. ½ to ¾ lbs of cheese (gouda, smoked hours and are driven to create and cook for to use in a recipe because they “bitter” very Pisgah Brewery hosts the WNC gouda, or a sharp cheddar) the sheer pleasure of having people enjoy quickly. The sheer variety of flavors and their creations. Highlands Celtic Festival the week- Directions: aromas are harder to pair with other recipe end of June 21. They are also brewing Most chefs learn to cook in the classic ingredients. Sweat onions in fat; cook at low heat French tradition which uses wine in many a new, as yet un-named, hoppy beer until translucent. Add flour to onions; dishes. With the explosive growth of craft 8. Don’t get discouraged. If the recipe to celebrate their 5th anniversary. stir vigorously for a few minutes. brew’s availability over the past 5-10 years, doesn’t work out, order a pizza, drink the Check their website for a big event beer, and try again. planned for the July 4th weekend. Add the 3 liquids (half and half, beer, beer has become more prevalent in food broth). Bring mixture to a boil: stir recipes. Beer’s variety of flavors provides If you’re not an experienced cook or a Green Man Brewery unleashed. the chef more tools in their flavor toolbox. frequently. risk taker, there is a treasure-trove of recipes With new ownership and increased Its versatility can enhance, contrast, or add Turn down to a simmer. Add every- and tips on line. For those with experience capacity planned, Green Man beers a subtle nuance or layer (more noticeable in thing else. Simmer for about an hour. or who are risk takers, forget the rules and will become more widely available its absence) of flavor to any dish. experiment. The reward is worth the effort. and brewmaster John Stuart will Shred cheese, then melt it into the Craft beer’s explosive growth is driven mixture. Salt and pepper to taste. So, what suggestions did they have? gain more room to flex his creative by people that are excited by new taste expe- brewing muscle and provide a greater Serve with well toasted rye or pum- 1. Keep the initial amount of beer low, riences, in a beverage, a cooking ingredient, variety of specialty beers. pernickel bread: good for dipping. more can always be added. Almost all beer and in combination. Challenge yourself and New owner Dennis Thies, a can bitter a recipe if it is cooked too long. find out why. former Green Man employee with a long history in the beer industry, intends to keep the standard line up Adam Bannasch, Polly Harding, Judd Lohof, of Green Man ales intact, and, as well, chef retain Dirty Jack’s (the tasting room) chef at Zambra Wine and co-owner of the chef and owner eclectic, comfortable, and relaxed and Tapas, began Village Wayside Bar of Café Azelea atmosphere. his career while in & Grille, was born and also a high school when and raised in the food Florida native, he worked as a dish industry. Her father, worked in res- washer for a Florida a cook and baker, taurants in restaurant. He pro- owned and operated high school For eight years, Joe Zinich gressed through a catering business and college for has been taking a self- busser, server, prep, and then line and a pastry shop with a commercial extra money. After college, he guided, high-intensity tour cook and knew this was his future. kitchen on their property. She helped discovered what he learned and of the Asheville beer scene. After high school, he attended culinary in both businesses and loved cooking experienced in various restau- Contact him at: jzinich@ school (New England Culinary institute) but never considered it as a career. rants excited him far more than bellsouth.net. and continued to work at various res- After graduation she worked in the anything he learned in college. taurants as cook, sous-chef, and chef. restaurant industry where she met He wanted to be a chef and, after After a 3-year stint in New Orleans her future husband Mark, and, shortly working in diverse restaurants restaurants, he moved to Asheville and after marrying, they opened the across the country, he moved to coming Next Month soon became the chef at Zambra’s. Village Wayside Grill. Asheville and opened Cafe Azalea. Part 4, She Said Beer, He Said Wine: Create a dinner with a beer and wine selection www.zambratapas.com www.villagewayside.com www.cafeazaleaasheville.com for each course.

Vol. 13, No. 10 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — June 2010 29 RAPID RIVER ARTS taste of asheville

Asheville Lyric Opera Teams Up with Local Restaurants for Cultural Food and Wine Fest

ontinuing an effort to present the by Kristen Yarborough richness of the Asheville cultural community and give patrons a to- tally unique experience, Asheville Dwight Butner, owner of Vincenzo’s Lyric Opera will team up again Ristorante on Market Street and vice-presi- C dent of the ALO Board of Directors helped with local restaurants to present an evening of food, wine, and music. “Taste of Opera” to develop the dining and wine concept. will take place June 5 at 6 p.m. in Pack Place Another contributor, Michel Baudouin, and Diana Wortham Theatre. Chef-Owner of Bouchon, President of the “Restaurant dining and Opera truly go Asheville Independent Restaurant Asso- hand in hand,” says Asheville Lyric Opera ciation and award-winning chef has been, Pack’s Tavern General Director, David Craig Starkey, according to Starkey, “an important voice on the Asheville restaurant scene and a key Pack’s Tavern We have a carefully selected wine “since both share the goal of enhancing the quality of life for individuals and entire addition to the Taste of Opera group.” is proud to be menu and cocktail menu selections, all Executive Chef Peter Pollay of Posana housed in the of which can be enjoyed in our outdoor communities.” Sponsors for the evening are Volvo Construction Equipment, Merrill Café shared, “My wife and I were honored historic Hayes park-side seating adjacent to the park’s to be invited to participate in this event. and Hopson beautiful amphitheatre. Lynch and Bruce Strum, and The Grand Bohemian Hotel. We can’t wait to share our exciting ideas building located The lively South Bar offers perfor- with the Asheville community.” Altogether, in the middle mances by local and regional musicians, A major feature of the event will be the announcement of Asheville Lyric Opera’s around ten restaurants will present their of Pack Square several HD TVs including a 110" projec- cuisine at the event. Park. The tion TV, and darts and shuffleboard. upcoming fall and spring seasons, which will feature many of the regional opera Participating restaurants include The building has The Century Room on the Park, located Red Stage Grill of the Grand Bohemian been beautifully above Pack’s Tavern, provides a remark- stars of the ALO who will also perform at the event. “Our audience loves the operatic Hotel, Chief Mo’s, The Jackson Under- restored to its pre-prohibition grandeur. able special events venue overlooking the ground Café, Pack’s Tavern, Phi bar and Pack’s Tavern offers a large eclectic park with a large sports viewing room. talent of the area and surrounding regions. This event showcases them and allows audi- Bistro, Bouchon, Posana Café, Curra’s, Filo menu in an atmosphere of casual sophis- At Pack’s Tavern, you’ll experience Pastries, and the Lexington Avenue Brewery tication. The menu provides homemade the restored beauty of a downtown land- ence members to hear operatic works they have never heard before on the DWT stage (LAB). Additionally, French Broad Brew- fresh offerings featuring salads, specialty mark in an atmosphere that’s uniquely ing will provide a seasonal summer brew. A burgers, pasta, seafood, hand-cut steaks Asheville. Please visit our website at in previous ALO seasons,” says ALO Com- pany Manager, Kristen Yarborough. variety of fine wines will also be available to and much more. We offer the finest in www.packstavern.com or call (828) 225- all who attend the event. craft beer with an outstanding selection 6944 for more information. For forty or fifty dollars (depending of draft and bottled beer. on seating for the concert), guests will be entitled to a complete dinner sampling and treated to a concert of operatic works sung If The event will take place on by Asheville Lyric Opera’s singers. Starkey You June 5, beginning at 6 p.m., explains, “We want to expose our opera Go with the concert at 7:30 p.m. audience to all of these great dining experi- Tickets can be purchased by ences while introducing the restaurant own- calling the Asheville Lyric Say hello Advertise with ers to our wonderful patrons.” Opera box office at (828) 257-4530. to 35,000 of Rapid River Magazine Our Closest (828) 646-0071 Friends! www.rapidrivermagazine.com Late Night Hours at Rise ‘N Shine Cafe There is a new after-hours dining op- coffee. Humanely harvested meats and tion in north Asheville. The Rise ‘n Shine eggs are delivered by Far Side Farms, Cafe is now serving healthy homestyle with local honey provided by Haw Creek breakfast and lunch, Thursday through Honey. Saturday from 10:00 p.m. until 3:00 a.m. The Rise ‘n Shine Cafe supports These new late night hours are in addition sustainable, ethical and environmental to their regular hours of operation, Mon- practices in food production. We purchase day through Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 from regional producers and seek to be an p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. outlet for locals to support other locals. The Rise ‘n Shine is a locally owned We strive to offer a fresh tasting, cre- and operated small business who use lo- ative menu, and to employ staff who are cal and organic products to make a wide educated and enthusiastic about the food selection of breakfast dishes, sandwiches, we serve. fresh juices, and smoothies. Free range The Rise ‘n Shine Cafe is located at eggs and chicken, organic carrots, organic 640 Merrimon Avenue. Driving greens, organic milk and organic yogurt directions and a full menu can be found are all featured on the menu. Asheville at www.risenshinecafe.com. For more Coffee Roasters supply shade-raised and information call (828) 254-4122. fair-trade pure bean organic Nicaraguan

30 June 2010 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 10 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE restaurants & wine

Exploring and Enjoying the new releases of pleasing, crisp whites can be done a country or region at a time, quench- Greater Variety of White Wines ing one bout of thirst at a time: Austria – Gruner Veltliner could easily be Plus, Great Summer Events! everyone’s favorite white. The acidity and the same. The 2008 Ovacion Verdejo from refreshing flavor, with light citrus notes and Viña Bajoz is 100% Verdejo and a delightful some cool minerals, are just right for a lunch choice for a warm weather dinner of grilled Wine and Food Festival by Michael Parker out in the sun. Austria’s Berger Winery white meats and fish. Weekly Challenges supplies their 2009 vintage in a generous The WNC Chefs Challenge takes place whites are Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, one-liter bottle. Just a few steps away from the usual every Tuesday evening. Local/regional chefs Pinot Grigio, and Riesling. whites and into the world’s wider variety Australia – Sometimes bottled by itself, and from various restaurants and institutions To less experienced wine drinkers, is a move toward increased enjoyment and sometimes blended, Verdelho is another will pair off in head-to-head competitions stepping beyond the whites listed above and bounty in the summer wine glass. Yes, it is fast-track favorite. It can smell like little at the Flying Frog Café. Each chef will have toward more variety can be like going to a time for the cool, crisp whites of summer, honeyed white flowers and offer hints of access to the same pantry, but will be given party and having to learn a lot of new names, and time to share the pleasures. lime and pineapple on the tongue. Native to a secret ingredient the day of the event that including many foreign ones. “Verdic- Portugal, Verdelho flourishes in Australia, must be featured in every dish. chio? Vernaccia? I’m sorry your last name is the 2009 label from Woop Woop is loaded Diners’ scores decide the winner as Castelli di Jesi? No. Oh, excuse me. Hello, with nuances of tropical fruit. they use the same guidelines as professional Chardonnay! It’s good to see you!” June at the Weinhaus food critics. Attendees will enjoy three Italy – Near Naples, they grow and bottle creations from each chef, but they will not Experiencing new whites Falanghina, a mineral-rich, crisp white that Reservations are required for these events, know which chef has created each dish. should and can be a pleasure, can sometimes break the rules and age long- please call the Weinhaus at (828) 254-6453 Reservations are required. $39 per guest. not a task. term. The 2008 Falanghina from Terredora or 1-800-283-1544. Winery has a very appetizing nuance of Drinks, tax, and gratuity cost extra. Call In addition to those who feel over- Monday, June 7 apricots. While there is an enormous variety (828) 254-9411. whelmed by the vast selection, there are Sinbad Restaurant in Hendersonville with of great whites from this ancient country, Chef /Owner Vijay Shastri of the Flying too many customers out there who think their fine classical and middle eastern food the Italians must still fight some white wine Frog Café (the venue where each challenge that red wine drinking is a higher plane of will prepare a four course wine dinner with stereotypes left over from the 1970’s (thanks appetizers on the deck. The time is 7:00 takes place) will offer wine specials at these existence. They actually think that choosing to cheap bottles of Soave, and more recently p.m. The cost is $55 all inclusive. events, from which percentages will benefit white wine is something of a step down. to a glut of cheap Pinot Grigio). Manna Food Bank. Others find white wine boring, due Tuesday, June 29 Wine for Art’s Sake to limited experience with cloying styles of New Zealand – Sauvignon Blanc, one of the A beer dinner will be held at Jack of the Chardonnay and meaningless, mass-pro- classic whites of Bordeaux, found new life Wood featuring chef Jason Brian’s tasty The Asheville Art Museum will host duced Pinot Grigio. These drinkers do not – exciting life – in the Marlborough region “pub grub” combined with a sampling of the Seventh Asheville Wine Auction + Gala know about the better white wines they are of New Zealand. Typically loaded with local beers. The time is 7:00 p.m. The cost Dinner on Saturday, June 12, 2010 at 6:30 is $35 all inclusive. missing, and need to be taken there. flavors of grapefruit, or otherwise known for p.m., featuring a live auction (with expert Good wine knowledge, passed on in a grassy, herbaceous character, Marlborough Friday, June 25 auctioneer Andrew manageable doses, Sauvignon Blanc can be sold with the word Brunk) of fine wines, Friday night flights at the Weinhaus will can help reverse “zing” in the sales pitch. The 2009 from feature I Saw the Light, a tasting of lighter art, fantastic trips and It is time for the cool, those perceptions, es- Villa Maria is layered with flavors, even a red wines for the summer heat. The cost more. There will be crisp whites of summer. pecially since people hint of orange, and wouldn’t just comple- is $10 for a tasting and light hors d’ouvres. a formal dinner with From 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Held at the Wein- take pride in what ment an indulgent summer lunch, it would paired wines, held at haus, 86 Patton, Ave. Asheville. they know. Care and steal the show. an extraordinary facility donated by Togar patience simply need to be practiced as oth- Rugs. Call (828) 253-3227 to purchase your Spain – from the Rueda region in north- The Weinhaus ers learn. Keep that party analogy in mind tickets now and reserve. Tickets are $125 central Spain, Verdejo is not to be con- 86 Patton Ave., in Asheville – how many names can you learn in one per person ($55 tax deductible). All proceeds fused with Spain’s white Viura. Verdejo is evening? (828) 254-6453 benefit the Asheville Art Museum. fuller-bodied than Viura, a little more in the An exploration of this year’s countless direction of Chardonnay, but certainly not Don’t sweat the details, enjoy the variety! Every year at this time, wine columnists and wine shop newsletter writers give us their réchauffé reminders about the warm Great values & styles weather and the appropriateness of white wine, about our imminent thirst and the need to quench it. This annual round of an- Free Wine Tastings on Saturdays nouncements may seem cliché, but it must from 2 to 5 p.m. be admitted that the implied rule makes good sense. In general, wine drinkers are Tasting wine is not only fun, but it presents a chance to learn about comfortably guided by it. For wine sellers, wine and what it is about a particular wine that you like, or don't this is an opportunity. like. You can sip while you shop. Find some new favorites — try For those of us who share or sell wine, it before you buy it. We will usually have a few whites and a few this is an annual reminder to exercise our reds open, with the occassional guest speaker. Please stop by! knowledge and lead wine drinkers into a www.theAshevilleWineGuy.com wider, more enjoyable world of white wine. The variety is huge (too much to explore Wine Retail ~ Tastings ~ Wine Classes 555 Merrimon Ave. in one mere summer) and potentially good (828) 254-6500 news to the customers who think the only Great wines for any occasion and budget.

Vol. 13, No. 10 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — June 2010 31 RAPID RIVER ARTS fine art Toe River Studio Tour he mountains of Mitchell and Yancey Counties of Western North Carolina are home to some of the top artists and craftspeople in America.T Whether you want contemporary or traditional, two- or three-dimensional, to look at or to use, you’ll find a wide selection, as, map in hand, you follow the crafts trail set out for the Toe River Studio Tour. “Fisherman on Lake Chapala” This annual by Jerry Newton event, sponsored by the Toe River Arts Council (TRAC), is held twice a year: on the second week- Mike Henshaw end in June, and the first weekend in December. Studio visits in June take place Friday, June 11 from 12 to 4 p.m. with the Spruce Lucas House Sarah House Pine TRAC Gal- lery reception makers, printers, painters, fiber artists, held on Friday, photographers, sculptors, jewelers, metal June 11 from 5 to workers, and more can be found. 8 p.m. On both The Spruce Pine TRAC Gallery at Saturday, June 12 269 Oak Avenue will be open during the and Sunday, June Billy Ruth Sudduth tour and will have Studio Map-Guides, 13, studio visiting additional directions and information, and hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. an exhibition of participants’ work that is These self-guided free tours offer the displayed in a geographical fashion. The visitor an opportunity to search out the staff and volunteers there are eager to help professional artists and craftspeople working visitors decide where to go or to find their in the coves and hollows of the two rural way. An exhibition of participants’ work is mountain counties. Many stops on the map on display at the Spruce Pine TRAC Gallery will showcase more than one artist. through June 13. The TRAC Studio Map-Guide shows The Burnsville TRAC Gallery, at 102 the locations of the studios and galleries on West Main Street, will also have the tour along with pictures of artwork from Studio Map-Guides, and a special each participant, and a special section that exhibit by Artistree, that features lists a few local lodging places, restaurants, artwork in a home setting. and other special events. The Studio Map- Both galleries are open Guide, along with arrowed Tour signs aid Mondays through Sat- travelers in finding their destinations. urdays from 10 a.m. to More than 100 artisans open their 5 p.m., with expanded studio doors and welcome the public to see hours for the tour their workplaces. It is a rare opportunity to weekend. visit many of these studios. From world- class to Susan Hayden emerging . . . glass blowers, If An interactive map can be potters of You viewed at www.toeriverarts. every de- Go org or picked up at any of the scription, participating studios, galleries, wood and local businesses. For turners, more information contact the Toe River Arts Council al (828) 682-7215 or Glass by William and basket Katherine Bernstein 765-0520 or [email protected].

32 June 2010 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 10 RAPID RIVER ARTS fine art Local Artist Creates Beautiful Hand-Woven Baskets by Dennis Ray n old Appalachian adage is “Let your craft follow your heart.” This is some- thing Sandra Bowling takes, well, to heart. Her Alove is to make coiled pine straw baskets even though they require a great deal of patience and are very time consuming. It is the final product that makes the entire pro- cess worthwhile. Her bowls, vases or platters are remarkable in both their style and craftsmanship. Basket weaving is one of the oldest known North American crafts — there are baskets from the Southwest that have been identified by archaeologists as nearly 5,000 Sandra Bowling creates years old. As with most Native baskets set in tradition of Appalachian history. American art, there were originally multiple distinct basketry traditions Photo by Tara Melton-Miller in North America. Different tribes less generations, used different materials, weaving techniques, stitching together basket shapes, and characteristic patterns. one continuous coil Northeast Indian baskets, for example, are to shape the desired traditionally made out of pounded ash splints style or size. When or braided sweet grass. Cherokee and other I’m finished with Southeast Native American baskets are tradi- the basket I coat it tionally from bundled pine needles or river with beeswax to give it a nice finished look cane wicker. This is where Bowling draws as well as preserve it.” her inspiration. The prestigious Southern Highlands “Some of the most beautiful baskets Craft Guild, one of the strongest craft orga- I’ve ever seen,” she says, “were made here nizations in the country, accepted Bowling by the Cherokee. Their use of pattern and in 2004 as a member. Her work sells faster colors are remarkable. I don’t try and imitate than she can possibly produce but with their baskets but I am heavily influenced.” basket weaving there are no short cuts. “You Many Native American tribes preferred just have to do it and keep doing it until it’s straw to pottery because of its lightweight, done.” she says. “When I start I never seem ruggedness and storage capabilities. to know what shape will develop. Each Bowling began basket weaving in 2000 piece seems to have a life of its own.” when she stumbled across a book on the She explains she designs all of her pieces craft and thought “it sounded like some- to be both functional as well as aesthetic. thing fun to try.” She labored over her first “Baskets wear very well and can be handed bowl and honestly believed she would never down for generations,” she says. Other do it again, but the finished product gave benefits are they don’t break or fade and are her confidence and she continued on and lightweight which makes for easy shipping. did another and then another. Soon, friends Bowling’s work is on sale at Twigs and and family “begged” her to make for them Leaves in historic downtown Waynesville. one of her baskets. Since then she has never She will be doing a demonstration on basket slowed down. weaving there for the Art After Dark event Although the hours are long, spending on Friday, June 4. easily over 20 hours on one basket, Bowling Twigs and Leaves Gallery features enjoys the weaving process saying that it is nature-related art and fine crafts primarily very “therapeutic and calming.” She adds, from Southern Appalachia but includes a “After a hard day I look forward to getting select number of American handcrafting back to weaving.” artists from other regions, with the works In the autumn she gathers the fallen of more than 160 emerging and estab- needles from the long leaf pine tree on her lished artists. grandmother’s farm. “I clean the straw and then pour boiling water over it bringing out the natural shine and making it pliable.” Twigs and Leaves After the straw cools but is still damp she 98 North Main St., Waynesville, NC begins to stitch the basket. “I create my baskets using a coiling (828) 456-1940 technique that has been used for count- www.twigsandleaves.com

Vol. 13, No. 10 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — June 2010 33 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE thoreau’s garden

The Fragrant Hosta by Peter Loewer

he fragrant hosta (Hosta they often run afoul of early frosts, plantaginea) is a mag- so if temperatures are slated to fall nificent plant, originally below freezing, cover the plants arriving stateside from for the night; it’s worth the effort. Japan (after it was intro- By day the older flowers look ducedT from China). Japan is a tired, but come dusk they open country that early on recognized again, along with newer blossoms this hosta’s nocturnal habits which farther up the scape. To keep gave it great value for both the plants neat, worn out flowers are daytime and the nighttime garden. easily removed. Make no mistake Remember that Japan is a country about it, not only are fragrant that has soft pine-needle garden hostas attractive specimen plants, pathways. So that their thin slippers they are very fine when planted in will not be damaged (or the interior groups. Flowers are also valuable foot), pathways are cleared of spiky in bouquets. underbrush, thus guaranteeing the Provide these plants with safe passage of silken robes that are some shade (especially here in the clothing folks who are probably South), some good garden soil, carrying small glasses of wine or at and in times of drought make sure best, tea. In addition, Japan under- they get additional water. For folks scores the importance of stone or gardening in higher elevations, iron lanterns to light the garden at these plants are hardy through night — and the hostas. USDA Zone 5. Also called the August lily Illustration by Peter Loewer Hosta folk are usually very (marubatama-no-kanzashi in generous, especially with plants Japanese), this hosta is especially valuable because the leaves known to add to a gardener’s reputation. So be prepared Housing for Rent are a genuine garden delight (even for a hosta) and those to divide these plants when asked. In order to fill requests fragrant flowers are simply beautiful. I suggest you keep two or three plants in the nursery bed North Asheville 1 bedroom 1 bath townhouse When it comes to night-fragrant hostas I suppose that to divide, three to five in the garden for show, and one to $495/mo; 2 bedroom 1 bath townhouse $525/ in America, not one in a hundred nurseries inform the buy- practice bonsai techniques upon. mo; 3 bedroom 1 bath townhouse $595/mo. er of the characteristics that nature assigned to this evening Close to downtown Asheville. Includes water. charmer so allow me to describe the plant: The leaves are (828) 252-4334 WNC Rentals about six inches long and a little over four inches wide on Peter Loewer, shown here, examining eight to ten inch stems, ribbed with eight pairs of impressed *Special* the blossoms of early-blooming vein, plus the midrib, the entire plant forming neat clumps. Lenten roses, is a well-known writer North Asheville 2 bedroom 1 bath townhouse Trumpet-shaped flowers appear on thirty-inch scapes and botanical artist who has written $495/mo. Close to downtown Asheville. (a fancy botanical word for certain kinds of stem) and each and illustrated more than twenty-five Includes water. (828) 252-4334 WNC Rentals is five inches long and three inches wide at the top. The books on natural history over the scent is of pure honey. Plants usually bloom in late August past thirty years. in the north (and sometimes here in our mountains) but

Father’s Day Garden Tour: Sunday, June 20 ather’s Day is a day to celebrate gardens in Asheville. This year the event features a special preview party on Join Asheville GreenWorks on Sunday, June 20 for Saturday evening. We’ll take a gentle walk to 3 or 4 gardens the annual Father’s Day Garden Tour which for the while enjoying refreshments and the magic of twilight, end- first time will feature the unique, urban gardens of ing up at the West End Bakery for an evening of entertain- West Asheville. ment and delightful desserts. Details for this event can be FThe popularity of urban gardening has been expanding found online at www.ashevillegreenworks.org or by calling recently and West Asheville reflects this abundantly, with GreenWorks at (828) 254-1776. Proceeds from this special a quirky edge. An essential element of sustainable living, event will be used to landscape public spaces in West Ashe- urban gardening has taken root throughout the communi- ville with street trees, gateway plantings, and edible parks, all ty’s many neighborhoods and represents the multi-faceted part of the city-wide beautification work that GreenWorks nature of West Asheville. Gardens on the tour include a does all year long. restaurant’s kitchen garden, a public school garden, as well as gardens with recycled and permaculture features. Gardeners and gardening experts will be on hand to If The garden tour begins at the BB&T branch answer questions and discuss the landscapes. Asheville u bank near the intersection of Haywood Road GreenWorks Board members will offer homemade goodies Yo and Patton Avenue and runs from 1 to 5 p.m. and refreshments. Local gardeners will have divided peren- Go Tickets are $l5 each or two for $25 and can be nials for sale and local artists will sell their diverse creations purchased by calling GreenWorks at 254-1776. in selected gardens. It promises to be a delightful day! Fathers who attend will receive a boutonniere and Gardens on the tour have been clustered to encourage everyone may take home a few annual bedding plant starts bicycling or walking between stops. donated by our sponsors.

34 June 2010 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 10 RAPID RIVER ARTS youth culture Joseph Rathbone Recommends his month I will be reviewing Wonderworks in Pigeon Forge, by Joseph Rathbone, age 11 TN and the new hit movie Iron Man 2. If you’re looking for some- Forge, TN. For more thing fun to do this summer with information call (865) Tthe entire family let me suggest spending 868-1800 or visit www. the day at Wonderworks, which is a differ- wonderworkstn.com for ent and somewhat awesome kind of amuse- ticket and special engagement information. ment park. It is the number one indoor Overall Iron Man 2 (I give it 4 stars) is attraction at Pigeon Forge, and boasts of a great movie and basically just as good as having more than 120 interactive adventures the first one. This film had tons of action, that will challenge your mind and body. a lot of humor (which lately superhero Inside were several small rides, some movies seem to forget) and loads of mind- games/activities that were really fun, and blowing technology. This movie took many a lot of optical illusions (images that look surprising turns such as when Colonel differently from how they actually look). Rhodes (now played by Don Cheadle) stole Mainly all of the optical illusions were in the Iron Man Mark 2 suit, and Tony Stark the gallery though. Most of them were (Robert Downey Jr.) has problems with his pictures but some others were interactive, chest plate. physically moving illusions. There also was The plot remains focused as far as a bed of nails that you could lay on, which what happens between Stark and Whiplash was immensely cool. (Mikey Rourke), but does stray with a few However, not everything there is as too many storylines running throughout good as it could be. The laser tag wasn’t the film. I will not tell you what happens at fun, the arcade wasn’t fun, and the gift shop the end of the film but I highly suggest you was over priced. Well, almost everything stay for an after-the-credits-clip. This film in Wonderworks was cool and that is really is now showing at the Beaucatcher Cinemas all I can say about it. 100 Music Rd. Pigeon in Asheville.

Bubble Lab, Illusion Gallery, and Lazer Tag at Wonderworks in Pigeon Forge, TN

Children Take Center Stage at Waynseville Library aywood County Libraries go all Inside and outside — plenty of space. For out in the summer with pro- more information contact Carole Dennis grams for adults and children at (828) 452-5169 x 2511 or Lisa Hartzell (828) all the branch libraries. For more 648-2924. details visit www.haywoodlibrary. Thursday, June 24, Horg. Here are two of the children’s events from 7 to 8:30 p.m. planned at the Waynesville library in June. Pajama Story Time: Saturday, June 12, from 1 to 4 p.m. Where the Wild Things Erik Dobell, magician and mentalist, prom- Are. Based on the clas- ises to boggle your mind at the Kick-Off sic book by Maurice Party of the library’s Sendak, Where the Wild Things Are, the Summer Reading auditorium will be transformed into Max’s Program. Will he room. We’ll read the famous book, make make the rabbit disap- wild things crafts, and best of all, have a pear? Will he read warm supper when the adventures are over. your mind? Will he Space is limited, so call for reservations predict how many (828) 452-5169 x 2511. books you’ll read this summer? If You Go: Waynesville Library, 678 South Haywood Street, Waynesville, NC 28786. Free popcorn Free and open to the public. Children of all and snowcones! Erik Dobell ages and abilities.

Vol. 13, No. 10 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — June 2010 35 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE what to do guide ™

Wednesday, June 2 of jump ropin’, dancin’, and hoola- Saturday, June 12 June 24-26 Recreation Center from 1 to 4:30 p.m. National Running Day hoopin’. Lots of activities, fun prizes, a Asheville Civitan The Rite of and will provide teaching and funda- ton of Ultimate Ice Cream and lots of mentals such as shooting, passing, ball Join us at the ChiLiving World Head- good eats. Great fun in a kid and dog Pancake Breakfast Spring handling, and defense. Fun competi- quarters for an hour long event to friendly environment from 10 a.m. to Tickets are available for the pancake Terpsicorps tion games will be played. Five on five celebrate National Running Day. The 5 p.m.! Free parking at the Downtown breakfast which will be held in the Theatre of competition and game fundamentals event will include a brief introduction Market, 45 S. French Broad Ave. in cafeteria at the Irene Wortham Center, Dance presents will also be taught. There will also be to ChiRunning and ChiWalking, fol- downtown Asheville. More details at 916 West Chapel Road, in Asheville. The Rite of testimonies and share time dealing lowed by a short run and walk around www.DowntownMarketAsheville.com Tickets will be $5 in advance and $6 Spring & other with age-appropriate issues. the neighborhood – you pick your at the door. Children 12 and under works, 8 p.m., group. You will be guided by members Sunday, June 6 are always $3. Call John Reed at (828) Diana Wortham Theatre, Pack Place, The cost for the camp is $90 per of the ChiLiving team. 30 Orchard person. For more information call Joseph and the Amazing 348-4222, or any Civitan member, to Asheville. $32.50/27.50 students and Street, in Asheville. For more informa- purchase tickets. For more informa- seniors. $2 goes to support the WNC (828) 456-2030 or email recathletics@ tion visit www.ChiRunning.com. Technicolor Dreamcoat tion contact the Irene Wortham Center Aids Project. To purchase tickets, call townofwaynesville.org The Youth Choir from First Baptist (828) 274-6051. (828) 257-4530 or visit dwtheatre.com. Friday, June 4 Church of Asheville will present Joseph through June Big Night Fundraiser and the Amazing Technicolor Dream- Saturday, June 19 Friday, June 25 Shamanic Journey: Three The Western Carolinians for Criminal coat in a 4 p.m. matinee performance She Sings For Womansong Fred Feldman Reception Women’s Perspectives and a 7 p.m. evening performance. Justice’s annual fundraising party. This Benefit concert for Womansong and Exhibition by Lynn August, Blue Fire year’s event will be held at Lioncrest Directed by Rev. Clark Sorrells. First Macmahon, and Tina Powell at the Baptist Church of Asheville, 5 Oak the New Start program. Guest artists: on the Biltmore Estate. Festivities will Laura Hope-Gill, The Boom Chix, Clingman Café, 242 Clingman Ave. in begin at 7:00 p.m. and include a silent Street. For more information contact Asheville’s River Arts District. Clark Sorrells at (828) 252-4781. Honey Holler, Tongue and Groove. and a live auction. Biltmore will cater Tickets: $15 in advance, $18 at the the affair with a low country menu, Friday, July 2 Wednesday, June 9 door, $7 for students. 7:30 p.m., Lipin- music provided by Bayou Diesel. Tick- sky Auditorium, UNCA. For tickets Weathered and Feathered ets are $55 each or $100 for a couple. Satsang with and more information go to www. Opening reception for local painter For more details call (828) 252-2485 or Paramanand Maharaj womansong.org. email [email protected]. Justin West from 5 to 7 p.m. On dis- Unravel ancient esoteric teachings Functional wood pieces by Fred Feld- play through July 30, 2010 at Wool- Sunday, June 20 man on display June 25 - July 21 with a Saturday, June 5 easily and rediscover experiential worth Walk, 25 Haywood St. (828) universal oneness with renown Vedant Bill Walz at Jubilee reception for the artist on Friday, June 254-9234. Jump, Jivin’ Children’s Festival teacher. 158 books have been written 25 from 5 to 8 p.m. Studio 103 Fine Bill Walz will present a program enti- A fun-filled children’s street festival on his techniques. Music by Chait- Art Gallery, 103 West St., Black Moun- Friday, July 2 anya. At Jubilee, 7-9 p.m. For more tled, Awakening Our Deepest Nature, tain, NC. Call (828) 357-8327 or visit (rain or shine) featuring shows by Ro- an exploration of bringing forward into Chrysalis Bone the clown, Sassy’s Marionette details call (828) 215-3194 or email www.studio103fineartgallery.com [email protected]. our experience our innate capacity for Exhibition Puppet Theater, along with exhibitions sanity and spirituality within a crazy Saturday, June 26 Beginning with an June 11-12 materialistic world. From 2 to 5 p.m. at Jubilee Community Church, 46 Wall Free Mystic Heart-Mystic opening reception on Contemporary Street, downtown Asheville. $10. Call Christ-Mystic Universe Friday, July 2, from How to place an event/ 6 to 8 p.m., Chrysa- Dance Theatre (828) 258-3241 or visit www.billwalz. The Mystic Heart Universe Medita- classified listing with com for more information. lis will exhibit the Power, pain, joy, tion is being offered via free telecon- collective works of Rapid River Arts & love and promises ference call from 8 to 9 p.m. est, to Sunday, June 20 ten women artists from the Southeast Culture Magazine kept are themes celebrate the mystical union of our in a month-long show at the Black well represented Love Makes The World Go Around outer divine consciousness and our Mountain Center for the Arts, located Any “free” event open to the public inner mystical heart. Join us in this in both ballets pre- Free concert by the Haywood Com- in the original City Hall at 225 W. can be listed at no charge up to 30 sented by ALSUR opportunity to deepen our conscious words. For all other events there is munity Band beginning at 6:30 p.m. State Street. The public is invited to Danza Com- awareness of our oneness with the attend and meet the artists. The show a $9.95 charge up to 30 words and Held at the pavilion next to the Maggie God-Presence that lives and breathes pania de Danza Valley Town Hall. Bring a picnic din- will end on July 30. To find hours for 10 cents for each additional word. Contemporanea del Estado de Yucatan. each of us. To sign up contact Mary 160 word limit per event. ner and enjoy a beautiful sunset as the the Center, call (828) 669-0930 or visit Asheville Contemporary Dance The- and Barry at (828) 338-0042 or visit www.blackmountainarts.org. “band www.MysticHeartUniverse.com. Sponsored listings (shown in atre and White Dog ProjectX present plays on.” boxes) can be purchased for $12 Frank’s Got the Blues and Jaque Mate July - Our con- June 27 - July 1 per column inch. Deadline is the (Check Mate), at 8 p.m. at Diana certs are September 19th of each month. Payment Wortham Theatre. $25 general admis- Bringing Dreams and always on Shindig on must be made prior to printing. sion, $20 students and seniors. For the third Community Together Email Beth Gossett at: more information call (828) 257-4530 the Green Sunday With more than 150 presentations, [email protected] or visit www.acdt.org. of each A joyously Or mail to: 85 N. Main St, Can- including the Dream Art Show, the month, diverse panels, workshops and presen- spontaneous ton, NC 28716. Call (828) 646- Saturday, June 12 May through October. Visit us online celebration 0071 to place ad over the phone. tations offered during the International Twilight Firefly Tour at www.haywoodcommunityband.org, Association for the Study of Dreams of traditional and old-time – Disclaimer – From 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Cradle or call John Barrett at (828) 452-5553, 27th annual interdisciplinary confer- or Bob Hill at (828) 452-7530 for more string bands, Due to the overwhelming number of of Forestry. Admission is $5 for adults, ence will cover clinical, theoretical, free for youth under age 16. Phone information. research, cross-cultural, artistic and bluegrass, bal- local event submissions we get for our lad singers, big “What to Do Guide” each month, we (828) 877-3130, or visit www.cradleof- spiritual approaches to understand- forestry.org for more details. Sunday, June 20 ing dreams and nightmares. At the circle moun- can no longer accept entries that do not tain dancers Green Grass Cloggers. specifically follow our publication’s An Aiello Evening Crowne Plaza Hotel. For more infor- Photo: Tony Martin format. Non-paid event listings must Saturday, June 12 mation or to register for this event visit and cloggers Join Heather Maloy, director of the on Saturday evenings in downtown be 30 words or less and both paid and Mystic India Feast & Satsang Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance, and www.IASDreams.org. non-paid listings must provide infor- Asheville. Stage show and informal New Moon Satsang with Paramanand a panel of the original cast of chore- jam sessions. Bring a lawn chair or mation in the following format: date, ographer Salvatore Aiello’s The Rite June 28 - July 2 time, brief description of what your Maharaj, 7 p.m. Indian organic feast blanket, family and friends. July 3, 10, event is and any contact information. and Kirtan by Chaitanya. Overnight of Spring, 7:00 p.m., BoBo Gallery, Crossfire Basketball Camp 17, and 31; August 14, 21, and 28; and Any entries not following this format available. By donation. RSVP by calling 22 Lexington Avenue. The evening This is a half-day camp offered for September 4. Free, Pack Square Park. will not be considered for publication. (828) 215-3194 or visit www.pramain- includes two short documentaries and boys and girls ages six to 12 years. The Details (828) 258-6101 x345 or visit stitute.org. a discussion. Free of charge. camp will be held at the Waynesville www.folkheritage.org.

June Events ~ Announcements ~ Classifieds

36 June 2010 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 10 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE what to do guide ™

Concerts at Contrast at the FW Front Gallery at Woolworth Walk Theatre Under the Stars St. Matthias Church Glass artist Kyle Brenda uses variegated yarns to help expand the Every Friday through Sunday at 7:30 p.m. from June Concerts start at 3 p.m. unless Keeler and fiber artist color palette and to create movement in her work. 4 through the first weekend in October at the Hazel otherwise noted. Brenda McVey will She strives to create hand woven articles which Robinson Amphitheatre, 100 Gay St., in Asheville. Sunday, June 6 – the Signature be featured in the are artful in design and elegant in function. Free and open to the public. F.W. Front Gallery Winds woodwind quintet based An opening reception will be held on June 4 The Asheville Shakesperience – June 4-13, July 16- in Cullowhee. This will be part at Woolworth Walk for the month of June. Kyle from 5 to 7 p.m. The coinciding Art Walk runs creates gorgeous functional and decorative glass 25, and August 27 through September 5. Directed of the First Sunday Classical from 5 to 8 p.m. Woolworth Walk, 25 Haywood by Scott Keel. Opening weekend will feature a Chamber Music Series. pieces including but not limited to jewelry, vases, Street Asheville. Gallery Hours: Monday through perfume bottles, and sculptures. special performance by the TOPHAT Children’s Sunday, June 13 – the Asheville Thursday 11-6 p.m., Friday & Saturday 11-7 p.m., Theatre. Jazz Orchestra. Part of the Sec- Providing a delightful juxtaposition to Kyle’s Sunday 11-5 p.m. Phone (828) 254-9234 for more King Lear – June 18 through July 11. Directed ond Sunday Jazz Series. glass works are Brenda McVey’s soft fiber pieces. details. by Dr. Robert A. White. Sunday, June 20 – the 40+ piece Land of Sky Symphonic Band. Troilus & Cressida – July 30 through August 27. A story of the Trojan War, directed by Jason Williams. Sunday, June 27 – David Star- key, Sr. will present a recital of art Best in Show by Phil Juliano Twelfth Night – September 10 through October 3. songs and arias. Directed by Dusty McKeelan. A free-will offering will be taken For more information visit www.montfordparkplay- for the restoration of the beauti- ers.org or call (828) 254-5146. ful and historic church. St. Mat- thias’ Church is over 100 years old and is on the national historic register. The church is located in Asheville just off South Charlotte Pisgah Forest in Plein Air Street at Max Street on the hill across from the Asheville Public June 1-28 Works Building (1 Dundee St.). Artists from the Transylvania County Arts Guild and the Art League of Henderson County display paintings inspired by the Cradle of Forestry and the Callie & Cats by Amy Downs Pisgah Ranger District. On display in the Cradle of Forestry Forest Discovery Center. Call (828) 877- Asheville Community 3130 or visit www.cradleofforestry.org for details. Theatre’s June Events Auditions Workshops Offered at NC Oliver! Onstage at the Asheville Community Theatre Mainstage, Center for Creative Retirement September 17-October 3, 2010. The NC Center for Creative Retirement will offer a Saturday June 19: Youth Audi- series of hands-on summer workshops. The courses tions from 10 to 5 p.m. on the are open to students of all ages and skills and take ACT Mainstage and 35below. place at UNC Asheville’s Reuter Center. Sunday June 20: Adult Auditions June 4-6 – Photographer Bob Walther will teach from 1 to 5 p.m. on the ACT “Photography, Your Travel Companion”. The Mainstage and 35below. Corgi Tales by Phil Hawkins workshop will introduce students to tools, tech- niques and tips for taking spectacular snapshot pho- Wednesday June 23: Callbacks, tos while traveling. Cost for the workshop is $205. 5 to 7 p.m. in 35below at ACT. Saturday, June 12 – Susie Wilde, a veteran Leading Role Auditions children’s book reviewer, will lead “Getting Beyond The Sunshine Boys, presented by It Was a Good Book: Two Ways to Open Books, the Autumn Players of Asheville Minds and Communications” from 10 a.m. to noon. Community Theatre, July 9-11. This reading workshop is designed for children ages 5-10 and their parents. Cost is $25 per family. Tuesday, June 22, 11-3 p.m. in ACT’s 35below. Seeking four Saturday, July 10 – Life Master bridge player Rory men, one woman, and a narrator Novell will teach “Mastering Transfer Bids” from of either sex. 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Participants will learn all the nuances of the Stayman and Jacoby Transfers in Tanglewood Summer Camp Dragin by Michael Cole the game of bridge. These skills make it easier to Information Session: June 4 from describe one’s hand accurately and end up in the 4 to 6 p.m., ACT Lobby correct final contract. Cost is $40. Camp Session I: July 19-30 July 16-18 – Painter Jane Snyder will lead “Loosen Advanced Camp: July 26-August 6 Up – A Fast and Fun Watercolor Workshop.” In this Camp Session II: August 2-13 course, students will try their hand at a variety of watercolor applications, including wet wash and fast Full details on all ACT perfor- paint techniques. Cost is $160. mances, auditions, events, and education opportunities at www. Space is limited; early registration is required. To ashevilletheatre.org. register for the workshops, call the Center for Cre- ative Retirement at (828) 251-6140.

Classes ~ Lectures ~ arts & crafts ~ readings

Vol. 13, No. 10 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — June 2010 37 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE fine art

The Southern Highland Craft Guild will host the Haywood Community College Graduate Show

raduates of Haywood’s Professional Crafts Program will showcase their by April Nance talents in wood, clay, fiber, metal and jewelry. This exhibition continues the the studio making their work. At the end of Ghistorical relationship between the the two-year program, graduates are awarded Folk Art Center and Haywood, an Educational either a diploma or an Associate of Applied Center Member of the Southern Highland Science degree. Craft Guild. The teaching of professional practices has Haywood Community College is located set Haywood’s program apart. The college has in Clyde, North Carolina, just west of Ashe- worked closely with NC REAL Enterprises ville. The college’s Professional Crafts Program Buckle by Julie Merrill (Rural Entrepreneurship through Action began in recognition of the region’s strong craft Learning) to develop a hands-on approach to heritage. It was envisioned that students would learn the the business and marketing of crafts. This practical training basics of craft media and how to transform that craft into a has proven far more success- business. The clay studio was the first to open in 1974. With ful than academic business the addition of jewelry, wood and fiber studios, a compre- classes in the development of The mission of HandMade in America is to hensive curriculum was in place by 1977. entrepreneurial skills. For more grow handmade economies by creating tools, The program’s total enrollment is about 60 students; information about the Profes- markets, and partnerships that honor craft, classes are, therefore, small which allows for one-on-one sional Crafts Program, call cultural heritage, and a spirit of community. Since student to teacher attention. Students come from the area, (828) 627-4674 or visit www. its founding, HandMade in America’s vision has the nation and abroad. They may or may not have prior haywood.edu. been to make Western North Carolina known experience of their craft and many are pursuing crafts as a Haywood Commu- nationwide as the center of the handmade object. second or third career. The course of study is challenging, nity College and the Southern HandMade: The Western North Carolina Craft, combining craft concentrations with supplemental classes Highland Craft Guild share a Architecture & Design Expo has been developed in design, drawing, craft history, business, marketing and history that documents the role to promote this vision. For more information visit photography. Students spend the majority of their time in of craft education in preserving the website at www.handmadeinamerica.org. traditional culture, creating eco- nomic opportunity and foster- ing professional practice. All of the artists represent the vitality Vase by Lindy Erwin and creativity of craft practice today, which is the ultimate purpose of both institutions. Many Haywood graduates have become individual members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild and have served the Guild in various capacities.

If The Graduate Exhibition will be on display You in the Folk Art Center’s Main Gallery Go through September 5. The Folk Art Center is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 382, just north of the Hwy 70 entrance in east Asheville. For more information, call (828) 298-7928 or visit www.craftguild.org

Wood! Exhibition at the Arts Council of Henderson County WOOD! features local and regional artists and craftspeople exhibiting carved, turned, constructed, and paintings or two-dimensional wall art with trees or similar wood-related subjects. Prizes will be awarded in each category. WOOD! runs June 4 through July 3, 2010 in the june 25 & 26, 2010 D. Samuel Neill Gallery at the Arts Council, 538 N. Main St. in downtown Hendersonville. The opening The North Carolina Arboretum reception and awards ceremony will be Friday, June 4 Asheville, North Carolina from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. The exhibition and reception HandMade are free and open to the public. For more information in America more information at: contact the Arts Council at (828) 693.8504 or visit handmadeinamerica.org/designexpo www.acofhc.org. Photo courtesy of handMade house at the raMble ©2008 stewart young

38 June 2010 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 13, No. 10 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE healthy lifestyles

by Max Hammonds, MD ting feeling back in it. The nurses notice that the sag in his Stroke face is going away. t has gone by many names – apoplexy, apoplectic sei- As in 30% of strokes, the doctors can’t find a cause for zure, cerebrovascular accident. It’s Greek name means Beau Biden’s stroke. They will begin him on blood thinners – a “striking down with violence.” It is the second lead- and continue to monitor him for the next several months. ing cause of death world-wide. In the English-speaking The second stroke can follow on the heels of the first easily world it is known as a stroke. and quickly if not prevented. But Beau Biden has recovered I A stroke is usually thought of as a disease of older all of his normal nerve functions – this time – thanks to the people; however, it has gained recent notoriety as it occurred quick actions of his friends to get him to the hospital in that in Vice President Joe Biden’s 41-year-old son, Beau Biden, magical first three hours. attorney-general for the State of Delaware. Imagining how If it happens to you, if the symptoms of drifting arm, sag- Beau might have been cared for can help outline the impor- ging face, slurred speech begin, don’t deny it is happening to tant points concerning this “brain attack” that is similar in you. Don’t wait. Go as quickly as is safe to the nearest full ser- cause, treatment and prevention to a heart attack. vice ER where they can care for you within that golden three Imagine the first minutes of the onset of the stroke. hour period. Your brain and your life could depend on it. Beau probably noticed a slowing of his usual muscular func- tion on one side. Others around him would have noticed slurred speech and a sagging of one sided of his face. These are the first symptoms of a stroke are the only signs one gets that something is wrong. Although Beau is trying to shake off the funny feelings in his leg and hand, his friends rightly insist that he must go to the hospital. One of his friends knows that he has only three hours to get treatment before the effects of the stroke become permanent. On arriving at the hospital, the medical people quickly check the function of his nerves – the nerves to his face, the nerves to his hands and arms, the nerves to his legs and feet. They ask Beau to hold up both arms and notice that one arm is slow to rise and gradually falls down. He He must get can’t keep it up. They treatment before the also notice his sagging effects of the stroke face and slurred speech. become permanent. Even as the lab people are drawing his blood for tests, the medical people quickly ask about significant medical problems: high blood pressure, diabetes, alcohol use, trauma, previous history of a stroke, irregular heart rhythms, high cholesterol, drug use. Others are checking him physically, running an EKG, and getting an IV started. They can see he is not overweight and that his blood pres- sure and pulse are normal. They are in a hurry. The three hour clock has already ticked away 30 minutes. Because he does not have a headache and has not passed out, they think that he has had a clot and not a bleed in his head. But they can’t be sure. They must do a CT scan to make sure he isn’t bleeding in his head before they can give medicines to break up a clot in his brain circulation. Giving him “clot busting” medicines when he has a bleed can be fatal. He is sent off with an escort to the CT scanner with orders to do it “stat.” Another ten minutes has gone by. Within half an hour the CT scan is done and is read by the radiologist. There is no evidence for a bleed in his head. Back he goes to the ER where tPA, the “clot buster,” is ready to be infused into his IV. He is hooked up to the EKG moni- tor again. The infusion of medicine is begun with only one hour to go. The brain can burn only sugar and oxygen. Any other fuel is not sufficient. If the brain is without blood flow of these vital nutrients for greater than three hours, it begins to die. Time is of the essence. While the medicine flows in and the nurses monitor his vital signs, the physician is finding out about the lab results. Breaking up the clot is only the beginning of Beau’s treat- ment. The doctor must know the cause of the clot and begin to address that issue to avoid a repeat of today’s events. This will take several days but it begins now even as the medicine begins to break up the clot. Beau notices that his arm is get-

Vol. 13, No. 10 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — June 2010 39