RAPID RIVER ARTS ART Talk A Birthday Celebration for Asheville he First Birthday Celebration for 15. Anyone visiting the Gallery from May Jonas Gerard Fine Art will kick 19 through June 15 can enter to win a off with a gathering of Asheville’s painting to be gifted to a lucky entrant on notables on May 19 at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, June 15 at 4 p.m. T As a token of appreciation for As a birthday gift to the community, a wonderful first year in Asheville’s River Jonas will be painting live in his studio on Arts District, Jonas Gerard will present Saturday, June 14 and Sunday, June 15 at two paintings to the City. Mayor Terry 2 p.m. All events are free and open to the Bellamy will accept a Gerard original for public with plenty of birthday cake, drinks the Mayor’s Office and Asheville Cham- and music. ber of Commerce President and CEO, Rick Lutovsky, will attend to accept the If you go large abstract painting that now hangs in the lobby of Asheville’s new Chamber Jonas Gerard Fine Art Gallery, 240 Cling- Office. man Ave., in Asheville. The Gallery continues its birth- Call (828) 350-7711, email jonas@jona- day celebration through the River Arts sgerard.com, or get full details at www. District Studio Stroll on June 13, 14 and jonasgerard.com.

Singer/Songwriter Vanessa Boyd Hosts Art Show by James Cassara hile her first love will always be art appropriation, exploring gender politics music singer/songwriter and per- through artistic expression. former Vanessa Boyd has never “In a milieu where women and the been one to limit her creative feminine are secondary to a dominant W outbursts to any one art form. male culture much of what I am express- Boyd will be showing her latest ing is in reaction to that domination, rep- works, a series of line drawings and mixed resenting my struggle against it.” Boyd’s media efforts collectively entitled Scream. approach is one of what she called “de- The series focuses on “an exploration of eliting” of art, finding a space where in all sexuality, sensuality and growth, meant to people can be creators and do what we do take the onlooker through several levels of naturally.” For further glimpses of Boyd’s examination of the way in which individu- efforts visit her on line gallery at www. als internalize the messages from outside vanessaboyd.com/Art_Portfolios.html influences, and the ways in which every- one lives with the weight of those digested If you go ideas.” The self trained artist’s visual efforts Scream: Recent works by Vanessa Boyd. have been described as “primitive yet May 2 opening from 5-8 pm, Courtyard sophisticated.” Boyd remains intensely in- Gallery, 9 Walnut Street, in Asheville. terested in the issues of reactionary art and (828) 273-3332, ashevillecourtyard.com ‘A Great Life’ Works by Stuart Bryan in the Front Window Gallery at Woolworth Walk Woolworth Walk has chosen the painter Stuart Bryan to be the featured artist for the month of May. Stuart, who is a self taught artist will be displaying paintings depicting surrealism, embel- lished landscapes, and even some cartoonish figures. Stuart Bryan seems to have been born with a paintbrush in his hand, and through the years he has become his very own ‘worst critic’. This has pushed him to continue to perfect his techniques, Advertise with Rapid River Magazine at times painting the same image over and over again to see it in a different way. Woolworth Walk will be holding an opening reception on May 11 from 2-4 p.m. (828) 646-0071 The show will be on display from May 9 to June 10. Woolworth Walk, 25 Hay- Free web links • Free ad design • Easy monthly billing wood St., (828) 254-9234, www.woolworthwalk.com

 May 2008 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 11, No. 9 WE’VE GOT YOUR Love Song!

It Might as Well Be Spring, Autumn Leaves, Stormy Weather, Too Darn Hot, Time After Time, Defying Gravity from Wicked, e Beatles ~ If I Fell & medley from Rent —1996 Tony Award winner for the Best Musical gps!!uif!hbsefo ! e Asheville Choral Society tqpotpsfe!cz;! Lenora om, Music Director Uif!Dmjggt!bu!Xbmovu!Dpwf! Uif!Hspwf!Qbsl!Joo!Sftpsu!'!Tqb! Uif!Xjof!Hvz Powerful voices. Remarkable music. pvuepps!fyijcjujpo Kvof!8.9-!3119 Btifwjmmf-!OD!}!939/364/8762 xxx/hspwfxppe/dpn

SEASONS OF LOVE Love, Time and the Seasons Terrifi c show band ~ Great choral arrangements Phenomenal soloists AND a bit of dancing

Saturday, May 17 at 8 pm Sunday, May 18 at 4 pm Diana Wortham eatre, One Pack Place, Downtown Asheville

Order your tickets now! $20/adults, $15/students Special Group Rates (828) 299-9063 www.ashevillechoralsociety.org ~ is group is good — better than good. You’ll never forget one of their concerts. Attending one is like witnessing Michelangelo paint the Sistine Chapel. ~ Rapid River Arts and Culture Magazine Message from the Publisher Rapid River ® Dear Readers, ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE Probably the most difficult and certainly most fun aspect of my job is designing the cover each Volume Eleven, Number Nine month. I usually plan a cover a month or two in advance Established in 1997 and over a period of a couple weeks sketch it out on paper with pencil. I jot down a bunch of notes and Distributed at over 390 locations when I feel I have a pretty good grasp of my subject throughout eight counties in WNC and South Carolina matter I head to the computer to begin my creation. This month I knew LEAF was going to be the feature cover story but I couldn’t figure out a way to express it with a single image. One night I awoke at Publisher/Editor: Dennis Ray May 2008 two in the morning because the dog barked or be- Managing Editor: Beth Gossett www.rapidrivermagazine.com cause a car horn honked or whatever. I don’t remem- Art Director: Dennis Ray ber and it really doesn’t matter. The point is, I was Print Production: Simone Bouyer awake and I couldn’t fall back to sleep. Marketing: Dennis Ray I started to think about LEAF, about how people Staff Photographer: Dennis Ray Inside from all over the country come here. I started imagin- ing a long line of cars bouncing on a dirt road, carry- Accounting: Sharon Cole ing old suitcases packed high on their roofs and music Distribution: Dennis Ray 5 Cover Dennis Ray blaring. Everyone is having the best time. In my mind The LEAF Festival May 9-11 and son Harrison I could see a VW bus pulling up the rear with a dog Contributing Writers Graham Ray. riding on the piled high suitcases while his owner Kim Adams, George Alexsovich, 6 Art shakes a guitar out the window. Why is she holding H. Byron Ballard, Sierra Bicking, a guitar out the window? I don’t know, except that’s what makes it a great story, Cornbread: American Folk Art . . 6 Maud Boleman, Gari Carter, something to care about, to remember. Fiber Weekend May 10-11. . . . 7 It made me think of a Norman Rockwell painting showing a family happily James Cassara, Roxane Clement, L.I.N.T at Black Mountain ...... 7 heading in a new station wagon for what appears to be a fun family vacation. They Jake Coleman, Adrienne Crowther, Jim Southerland ...... 9 all are excited. Dad is smoking his pipe, grinning at his wife as she reads a road Amy Downs, John Ellis, Genie Maples ...... 13 map, the kids are laughing and playing in the back seat, and the dog has his head Beth Gossett, Ruth Gray, Art After Dark ...... 14 out the rear window. Phil Hawkins, Nancy Hayes, That’s when it came to me. Why not do a Norman Rockwell type of cover, Lindsay Hearn, Pam J. Hecht, 14 Columns except use Photoshop because I can’t paint, and show a couple of people and Sarah Jennings, RoseLynn Katz, Peter Loewer ...... 15 their dog heading to LEAF? I figured I could throw in a signpost that mentions Chip Kaufmann, Michelle Keenan, James Cassara ...... 16 the LEAF festival is held twice a year, so if you don’t make it to the festival on Erin Krauss, Cynthia Lee, Roxanne Clement ...... 27 Mother’s Day weekend, plan to attend this fall. Valerie Leeper, Peter Loewer, That, my friends, is the story of this month’s cover. Mackensy Lunsford ...... 30 Mackensy Lunsford, Sandra Miller, Have a great month — we’ll see you in June. April Nance, Margaret Osondu, Music Michael Parker, Jonathan Rich, 17 Dennis Ray, Publisher Rapid River Magazine Konstantin Soukhovetski ...... 17 Terence Stomp, Ashley Van Matre, Asheville Choral Society ...... 18 Rita Vermillion, Kay Waldrop, Boosinger & Goforth ...... 18 Bill Walz, Simcha Weinstein, Elly Wells, Caitlin Wood, Joe Zinich 19 Books Peter Loewer H. Byron Ballard ...... 19 Printmaker Graphos=Studio INFO Rapid River Art Magazine is a free monthly publication. 23 Movie Reviews Address correspondence to: [email protected] Wine or write to: 28 Rapid River Art Magazine, 85 N. Main St.., 29 Beer Canton, NC 28716. Phone: (828) 646-0071 30 Local Flavor www.rapidrivermagazine.com 31 Artful Living All materials contained herein are PO Box 5039 ~ Asheville, NC 28813 owned and copyrighted by Rapid email: [email protected] River Art Magazine and the individual 32 Dance contributors unless otherwise stated. Opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily correspond with the 34 Stage Preview opinions of Rapid River Art Magazine or the advertisers found herein. 36 What to Do Guide™ © Rapid River Magazine, Callie and Cats ...... 37 May 2008. Vol. 11, No. 9 Corgi Tales ...... 37

Cover Design: Dennis Ray

 May 2008 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 11, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE COVER STORY

Mother’s Day Weekend at LEAF by Pam J. Hecht

ing beside the birds, dance amid And when it’s time to eat, LEAF the butterflies, and rest among the serves up more than just your standard flowers. The spring breeze will festival fare. The culinary range - food, soon carry the soulful sounds and being an art, of course - is broad, featur- joyful spirit of people and places far ing gourmet, international delicacies as and wide. It’s a mystical mountain well as local favorites, healthy selections, Sexperience not to be missed. It’s Western vegetarian entrees and organics. North Carolina’s bi-annual Lake Eden But LEAF, with its lofty goal to Arts Festival (LEAF) and it happens, rain connect cultures and create community or shine, at scenic Camp Rockmont in through music and arts, does more than Black Mountain during this month’s The Zydeco Cha Chas, Charmaine Nev- Village: The Health Adventure’s musical put on a festival, Pickering says. It’s also Mother’s Day weekend, May 9-11. ille, Corey Harris & The 5x5 Band, Latter science theater, special musical and roving an outreach organization that aims to What’s there to do at LEAF? Be it Day Lizards, Great Bear Trio, Big Sams performers, wacky games, parades, puppet empower kids through music. under the stars or beneath blue skies, Funky Nation, Big Sandy and his Fly- shows, jugglers, magicians, storytellers, LEAF International collaborates on the possibilities are almost endless at this Rite Boys, Bambu Station, Steep Canyon face-painting, balloon twisters, parachute music programs in Panama, Guatemala, three-day, multicultural arts and recre- Rangers, Akira Satake, and more than fifty play, shaving cream fun, sing-a-longs Rwanda, Bequia, and Mexico, teaching ational retreat in the woods. Sit back and others throughout the weekend. and karaoke, dancers, and kid-friendly music to hundreds of indigenous youth enjoy a song, story or dance – there’s a LEAF, celebrating its 26th festival, has workshops on things like hoop dancing, weekly. LEAF in Schools & Streets sends continuous line-up of performances, day come a long way. When current Execu- bubble blowing, craft-making, and some- mentoring performing artists to work and night. Stroll through a colorful juried tive Director Jennifer Pickering created thing new – an instrument “petting zoo” with children in local communities. fine art and crafts fair featuring more than Leaf in 1995, nearly 1500 people attended for a firsthand experience with a variety of “Local kids get to participate in 40 artisans or get up on your feet to learn the first weekend concert event. Nowa- musical instruments. the LEAF festival as performers. Their a new kind of dance. Try your hand at days, about 5,500 attendees show up to Meanwhile, outside their kid realm, families get to watch them and they see primitive survival skills and handcrafts; this world-class, but down home festival, there’s plenty in nature to appease. Kids themselves as someone special,” says relax and renew with some healing arts Pickering says. can build with rocks in the creek, play at Pickering. – nearly 50 different kinds - like medita- Why does the festival – an intimate a waterfront beach or find adventure on a tion, yoga or tai chi; take a dip in the lake gathering at a 600-acre camp – attract forest path. “LEAF” continued on pg. 8 or hop aboard a kayak or mountain trail. such a loyal following? Whatever you do, you’ll hear the “The site is phenomenal, absolutely muted tones of tunes in the air, coming beautiful, and it’s a chance to sample from faraway places like Cuba, Jamaica, many aspects of life that you don’t usually Asia, Africa, Russia, Mexico, and the do,” Pickering says. “You can even come Middle East, as well as those closer to by yourself and be comfortable, because home. Top notch entertainers from we’ve created that atmosphere, and it’s around the world converge twice a year at one of the few events that is designed for LEAF, bringing with them notes of reg- everyone from babies to grandmas – you gae, country, hip hop, celtic fusion, folk, can experience it as a family.” funk, bluegrass, salsa, classical, ragtime, In keeping with its emphasis on blues, zydeco and jazz, to name a few. families, endless activities abound to cap- Some of the musical performers you’ll see tivate kids. Many even become primary include: Nanci Griffith, Arrested Devel- players at the festival – with opportunities opment, Habib Koite’ & Bamada, Javier to perform on a stage and sell their own Garcia, Buille, David Wilcox, Nathan & crafts at the Kids Village. Also at the Kids

Vol. 11, No. 9 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — May 2008  RAPID RIVER ARTS FINE ART

Cornbread: by Caitlin Wood Southern Folk Artist Featured at American saying he didn’t think anybody Folk Art and Framing would ever pay money for one. ohn Anderson lives today in rural “I was just Georgia just north happy to get of Atlanta. It is the some of my paint money sort of setting one back. I never had a hobby would expect to that cost me money before. find a folk artist. Before this painting thing, J Smooth rolling I’d always just loved getting hills touching out into the woods.” His undisturbed woodlands, love for nature is evident in dirt roads, chickens his work, and his honesty squawking on the and modesty make him driveway, cows just a most noteworthy and off behind the weather respectable artist. worn barn grazing on swaying tall green grass. Inspiration. His After all, painting is the capturing of paintings moments. It’s the way the artist views the go for world around him. It’s the artist’s way thousands to explain the feeling of a county spring of dol- morning or hiking through the woods lars today and stumbling upon a doe and her fawn and are in early fall. If he explains it truthfully, in many honestly, we’ll pay attention. collections Anderson who today calls himself through- “Cornbread” as he signs his work in out the world. bold child-like scroll, doesn’t take the art Still, Cornbread doesn’t think of world too seriously. Actually, because of himself as an artist, saying he just likes this lack of regarding “what some might to paint. A sort of “jack of all trades.” He call art” is what got this master folk artist has made his living by “doing just about started in the first place. every kind of work,” from tire changer to “I went to a huge art show in Atlanta diesel mechanic to drug agent to deputy some years ago and saw paintings that sheriff to being a meat cutter and (most look like someone just stood back and favorably) to being a farm hand. “It seems threw paint at it. Heck, I said, I could do like by the time I learned something I got better than that.” bored with it,” he says of his extensive To which he went out and purchased résumé. some paint and brushes. Anderson began Will he tire of painting? painting with little intention of ever sell- ing his work. He painted just to see what Not hardly. Cornbread has been mak- he could do. “One thing led to another,” ing his living as a painter for the past seven he says. “I kept buying more brushes, years, and though he confesses he may tire acrylic paints and wooden panels. People of it someday — that day is nowhere in started liking my work.” sight. He laughs as he admits, “It’s some- Cornbread’s subject matter character- thing I thought I’d never be doing.” istically depicts the animals and woodland His passion for painting has taken scenes that he pulls from memories of him into a world he never thought he growing up in rural Georgia. His muted would enter, but as he believes as long as colored paintings portray foxes, guinea images and ideas continue to come into hens, crows, raccoons, turkey, quail, his mind and beg to be painted, he will woodpeckers and deer. In the future, continue to do so. Cornbread hopes to paint more scenes drawn from the Bible. In the early days of his painting career American Folk Art back in 1995, Cornbread gave away most and Framing of his paintings. As the supply of paint- ings began to fill up his home, Cornbread 64 Biltmore Avenue, took a chance on a friend’s suggestion in downtown Asheville that he ought to try to sell some of his (828) 281-2134 work. Endearingly modest, Cornbread www.amerifolk.com was shocked when his first painting sold,

 May 2008 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 11, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE Fiber Arts

Fiber Weekend at the Folk Art Center by April Nance Classes at hroughout Mother’s Day week- among the items which Cloth Fiber Workshop end the Folk Art Center will be will be featured. Designs blooming with fine crafts and range from contemporary demonstrations. On May 10 and to traditional, from funky Creative 11, the Southern Highland Craft to classic – all with fine Fabric Cards Guild will celebrate textile arts design and craftsmanship Working with a Tthrough their annual Fiber Weekend. and made by members of wide variety of one- On Saturday, Guild members the Southern Highland of-a-kind handmade will share their expertise in a variety of Craft Guild. There will be fabrics, you’ll learn fiber arts including quilting, spinning, two separate showings at 1 how to collage and weaving and surface design. There will and 3 p.m. layer them to make be hands-on activities Also wonderful, unique cards. With the for children including featured “Curl’s Spring Tryptych” tapestry by Sandy Adair. techniques offered in this class, you’ll weaving a bookmark and in col- be able to make cards and postcards for festive garden party environment with building collages. laboration with the fash- holiday gifts, use them for mail art, or floral ikebana arrangements. The festivities con- ion show will be separate combine them to make sets. tinue Sunday for the tenth displays of fine beaded Fiber Weekend at the Folk Art annual fashion show. This jewelry and contempo- Center offers something for everyone Saturday, May 3, year’s theme is “Garden rary art dolls. In addition, whether it be family fun on Saturday or 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Party: The Fashion Show Barbara Zaretsky, Guild a mother/daughter trip to the fashion Instructor: of Wearable Art.” Artists member and teacher at show on Sunday. Heather Allen- have been encouraged Cloth Fiber Workshop Swarttouw to use this theme when in Asheville, will pres- If you go Fee: $80 plus choosing work for the ent examples of surface materials show. Woven jackets and design and mixed media Saturday and Sunday, May 10 and 11. wraps, felted handbags, Shawl by Barbara Zaretsky. applications for fiber. All events are free. For more informa- Heather Allen- painted and marbled silk Photo by Susan Guild member Patti tion, call (828) 298-7928 or visit www. Swarttouw scarves and shirts are Stambaugh. Hill will help create the craftguild.org. Improvisational Piecing for Quilters L.I.N.T. Exhibit at Black Mountain Center for the Arts Throw those templates away. Learn the techniques and concepts of extiles have been a way of life in May 2-31, with an opening reception to by Rita Vermillion improvisational piecing: using a razor Southern culture for far more meet the artists on Friday, May 2 from cutter, we’ll “draw” and sew curvy than a century. “King cotton,” 7-9 p.m. lines and freehand circles, create crazy the group. “As non-traditional artists we grown on Southern soil paved Together they speak of their indi- checkerboards and wavy stripes, insert focus on creating work using a variety of the way for textile mills, which vidual work with textiles in an affirma- “floaters,” and design on a felt board surface design techniques including: fab- in turn paved the way for mill tive way. “The contemporary art quilt using value (contrast) as our organiz- ric dyeing, painting, hand and machine villagesT and communities. and surface design movement inspired a ing principle. “Linthead,” was the pejorative few quilt artists in 1996 to form L.I.N.T. sewing/embroidery, color xerography, nickname given to generations of mill stamping, beading, air-brush techniques, Tuesdays, May 13 - June 3, 6-9 p.m. workers who left the long hours in a photo transfer, collage, appliqué, fabric Instructor: Caroline Manheimer textile mill every day with cotton fuzz manipulation, silkscreen printing, blue- Fee: $155 plus materials stuck to their hair and clothing. Seam- printing, batik, shibori, trapunto, text, stresses, whether creative or non-cre- and metal foil lamination. The power of Contemporary ative, utilized whatever scraps of fabric the work is derived from its visual and Pop-Up Doll/Puppet tactile impact, using story, idea, color they had to make quilts to keep their Create a fanciful pop-up figure choices, material, texture, composition families warm. Now, textile mills have inspired by a vintage, European toy and craftsmanship,” their statement left the South for the most part, and mill and learn to sculpt an original character continues. community populations have diversified head from air-dry clay. Only basic ma- Members of the group are Norma so that few who live there have a history chine sewing skills, a sense of humor Bradley, Peggy DeBell, Vicki Essig, Di- with the mill or the community. and a good imagination are necessary! Another diversification that has tak- ana DeNardis, Suzanne Gernandt, Janice Saturday & Sunday, May 17 & 18 en place is the replacement from quilts Detail of work by Norma Bradley Maddox, Bernie Rowell, Judy Sim- as necessities, to quilts as art, made with mons, Kathy Spencer, Jude Stuecker, Jen Hours: 10 am - 4 pm specific techniques, colors, fabrics and – (We are) a group of nouveau textile Swearington, and Susan Webb Lee. Instructor: Lesley Keeble styles. A group of western NC artists artists who create highly personal and Fee: $155 plus materials have taken the negative use of the word unique works that offer differing visual “lint,” and turned it into L.I.N.T., an textures of cloth in the form of wall art,” If you go If you go acronym for ”Ladies in New Textiles,” L.I.N.T. members wrote in a group state- and in the process formed a new kind of ment about their history and mission. For more information, call (828) 669- Cloth Fiber Workshop, 51 Thompson textile community. Whether using their quilt art to tell 0930 or visit www.BlackMountainArts. St., Suite D, in Asheville. Barbara This group of twelve women will stories, raise public awareness of textile org. The Center for the Arts is open Zaretsky, Director. (828) 505-2958. present a month-long show at the Black art, support each other through network- Monday-Friday 10-5, and Saturday 1-4, [email protected], Mountain Center for the Arts in the old ing, or share ideas, these artists bring a but will be closed Saturday through www.clothfiberworkshop.com City Hall at 225 W. State Street, from diversity of ideas, materials, and talent to Monday of Memorial Day weekend.

Vol. 11, No. 9 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — May 2008  Have That Special Item RAPID RIVER ARTS Bella Donna Framed While You Visit DESIGNS, LLC With “Rafferty” FINE ART New Spring Merchandise Is Here Paintings by Doug Rappel – Including Tyler Candles! at Grovewood Gallery rovewood Gal- by Ashley Van Matre lery will be exhibiting new works by New changing pattern when Jersey artist viewed from various Doug Rappel perspectives. His appre- Gstarting in May. His cur- ciation of mid-Century rents works, paintings art design inspires him on steel, are the result to create works with a of many years of etching strong sense of space, and painting on the tradi- form and texture. tional mediums of paper and canvas. These pieces, created by forming steel into blocks and other OFFERING: shapes, are embellished with pigment col- If you go FINE FURNITURE Expert Picture Framing ored protein based paints and then etched LIGHTING ~ ACCESSORIES Shadowboxes ~ Mirrors and coated multiple times to achieve the Doug Rappel’s work will be showing Local Artists Work final result. His vision for this current through October. Call Grovewood Gal- Located at Pet Portraits by Maggie body of work is to create pieces that give lery at (828) 253-7651 for more informa- the viewer a sense of movement and tion or visit www.grovewood.com. Interiors of Asheville 900 Hendersonville Rd. Biltmore Station Suite 102 Asheville 2 Hendersonville Rd. 247-5176 “LEAF” continued from pg. 5 a $1,000 competition) and interactive www.fastframeasheville.com poetry workshops, contra and belly danc- 828-342-0809 New to LEAF this year: Thanks to ing, drum circles, storytelling, campfires, a sponsorship by Earth Fare, a company chess, comedy shows and craft demon- called 7 Star, Inc. has helped LEAF to strations. And, though it’s hard to believe, go “green” – to help keep the festival as there’s even more. environmentally friendly as possible. Some visit for the day, some set up With Guest Artist Another first for the festival will be an AtriciA Amos camp for the duration. When it’s over, P r interactive, multi-sensory electronic music many lament, but leave satisfied, knowing sAntiAGo chile Live Painting performance by the Moog Foundation, an that in October, LEAF will return. organization honoring the work of the late Demonstration electronic music pioneer and former West- may 10, 1 P.m. ern North Carolina resident, Bob Moog. If you go Lake Eden Arts Festival (LEAF), 377 Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain May 9 - 11, Friday: 4 p.m. - 2 a.m., Satur- artist reCePtion day: 9 a.m. - 2 a.m., and Sunday: 9 a.m. - 7 friDay, may 16 p.m. Sunday. All tickets must be purchased in advance. 6 P.m. Children under 9 are free. Day tickets: $29/kids $35/adults - Friday or Sunday; $39/kids, $45/adults - Saturday; Weekend Passes: $135/adults, $105/kids. Community Weekend Pass for locals (no overnight): $70/kids $85/adults. Childcare is $5/hour. A special Mother’s Day “wish card” for 828.252.6036 $50 includes a choice of massage or henna 365 merrimon ave. art, brunch or child care, and a gift; the $70 wish card also includes a Sunday ticket asheviLLe, nC – both are available for advance purchase. Parking on Saturday and Sunday (non- merrimongaLLeries.Com overnight attendees) is offsite at Owen Middle School, 730 Old US 70 / Swan- nanoa, NC, shuttle runs 9 a.m. - 2 a.m. For tickets, directions, camping informa- Now, what else is there to do and see tion and a full schedule of events, call at LEAF? Clogging, theater, stilt walking, 828-68-MUSIC (828-686-8742) or visit flag movement, a fiddler’s workshop, fire www.lakeedenartsfestival.org, or www. honoring the Beauty of the horse show, trapeze, poetry slams (including LEAF.com.

 May 2008 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 11, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS FINE ART Capturing of moments en plein air — Jim Southerland Shows Works at the Frame Shoppe and Gallery

rt is passion and by Terence Stomp passion is art. This statement holds true with Black Mountain Southerland’s work is more resident Jim Souther- modern, he doesn’t use bril- land who has been a liant vivid colors the way A popular local artist for those French Masters used over 10 years. them, and his body of work Last May in a book on art focuses mostly on places not he wrote, “Given time, a visual people. A Renoir painting artist can work in any medium. is a romantic glimpse into a So, by way of the art-making time that will never happen again (and perhaps never did). process, I have a tendency to Jim Southerland be clever for the joy of it, and Southerland’s work is more so clever I have been, and bold and unpretentious, so full of joy the process of accurately bringing the making art remains.” viewer to a normal, safe Like his writing, his place and says “Here you work is poetry, perhaps are. Now what are you not in motion, but moving going to do?” none-the-less. He man- “Artistic style is ages to capture a second dependent on the ability and gently holds it as if to observe,” says South- the slightest breeze would erland, “interpret, and shatter its existence. That’s respond through an hon- what painting en plein air est, perhaps undeniable, is. It is using the mind’s individual connection to photograph of a moment; a the formal elements and little fuzzy, a little muted, principles of visual art.” yet there in its entirety Southerland’s work is none-the-less. passionate and powerful Southerland prefers and will be a part of the working En plein air (a “Morning” by Jim Asheville area and Ameri- French term that trans- Southerland can art for decades, per- lates to “in the open air”, haps centuries to come. and is used to describe the act of painting If you’d like to see Jim Southerland’s outdoors not the painting itself) to studio work visit Asheville Frame Shoppe and work. Gallery this May. “No art experience equals the chal- lenge and joy of painting en plein air,” says Southerland. One could say his style is remi- niscent of the 19 century impression- ist French movement by such artists as Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Except that state- ment isn’t true taken just on face value.

Painting by Jim Southerland

Frame Shoppe & Gallery 1378 Hendersonville Rd. (Inside the Harris Teeter Shopping Center) Asheville • (828) 274-3635 “Island on Tomahawk“ by Jim Southerland www.frameshoppeandgallery.com blue Vol. 11, No. 9 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — May 2008  RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE FINE ART

New Works/New Artists The Perfect Mothers Day Gift is

Studio B is proud to announce the Awaiting You at FastFrame addition of two new artists to the gallery. Porcelain by Sarah Jaeger ooking for that perfect gift Paintings by Jeffrey Callaham that will delight your moth- er, grandmother or, wife Sarah Jaeger’s attention to form this mothers day why not and use of sumptuous glazes in her FRAME something special elegant utilitarian ware invite touch for that “very special” woman. and use, integrating a sensual aes- Have a meaningful photo thetic experience into the everyday. L framed, maybe include some words Jeffrey Callaham’s art is a radiant that will bring to mind a “memory expression of himself, his heritage moment”. Another great idea is to and his family. The life and color of “reframe” a piece of art or photo- the Lowcountry permeate his work. graph that has lost its luster over time Studio B, a gallery/framing studio, Here at FASTFRAME we have is located at 1020 Merrimon Ave., a vast selection of frames, have inge- in The Shoppes at Beaver Lake near nious, creative ideas and are known the North Asheville Library. for being friendly and accommoda- tion with all who walk through our Hours: Tuesday – Friday 10:00 a.m. door. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m. We also offer a large variety of Above: Local Original oil painting to 3:00 p.m. For more information, by Emilio Ramirez Leiton. art, original and limited edition paint- photographer call Patti Bell, (828) 225-5200 or Virginia Martin Toll Free 1-800-794-9053. ings from local and foreign artists. Our featured artists this month is has a very unique “Emilio Ramirez Leiton” from Costa way of capturing FASTFRAME [email protected] Asheville flora. www.galleryatstudiob.com Rica (see Abstract piece) and a local photographer Virginia Martin who Left: Costa Rican Bob Brown and Maggie Graham has a very unique and wonderful artist “Maraya” 900 Hendersonville Rd., in Ashe- style of presenting Asheville Flora. shows humor ville (below Amici trattoria) in her art. We carry a large stock of mold- (828) 274-5176 ings and mats and offer “same day” service. Come visit us and our three www.fastframeasheville.com adorable Dachshunds! Learn about Maud Gatewood during May 9 Art Break at the Asheville Art Museum by Jonathan Rich earn more about the art and life left behind an impressive body of work. and is free with Museum membership or of Yanceyville, NC native Maud The Museum is grateful for the opportu- with Museum admission. Maud Gate- Gatewood from area art collec- nity to showcase works from her bequest.” wood: Catching the Moment, will remain tors well-versed in her work at the The Asheville Art Museum began on view through Sunday, May 18. Asheville Art Museum on Friday, presenting this lunchtime series of gal- May 9 starting at 12:00 p.m. lery talks and presentations in January. LDuring a guided tour of the exhi- The presentations are designed to inform If you go bition Maud Gatewood: Catching the and engage visitors in a dialogue with Moment, several collectors of Gatewood’s members of our curatorial and education Centrally located in downtown Asheville paintings will lead a discussion designed departments, docents and special guests. on Pack Square, the Museum is open to help visitors better appreciate this Each Art Break begins at 12:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday through acclaimed artist. The collectors will talk Saturday and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on about the works they lent to the Museum Sunday. The Museum is open every Fri- for the exhibition, their personal experi- The Asheville Art Museum is the only day until 8:00 p.m. Special docent-guided ences with the artist and their impetus for nonprofit visual arts museum serving the tour packages are available for groups and collecting Gatewood’s work. 24 counties of Western North Carolina. students. “Maud Gatewood is one of the most Incorporated by artists in 1948, the Mu- Admission to the Museum is $6 for adults cherished painters of our region,” said seum collects, preserves and interprets and $5 for seniors, students with ID and Asheville Art Museum Assistant Curator American art of the 20th and 21st centu- for children 4-15 (children age three and Cole Hendrix. “She was committed to the ries with a focus on work of significance younger are admitted free). Members are people and places of North Carolina and to the Southeast. admitted free to the Museum.

The Asheville Art Museum is hosting an Urban Loft and Art Tour May 29 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This guided walking tour allows visitors into Asheville urban homes to see how each incorporates art and city living. Special reception following the event. Cost: $50 for Museum Members and $55 for non-Members. (828) 253-3227

10 May 2008 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 11, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS Asheville Shops Constance Ensner – Designer & Store Owner Credits Mom for Design Flair by Pam J. Hecht uccessful Asheville de- stripes and solids awaits signer and store owner transformation into nap- Constance Ensner’s destiny kins, pillows and clothes. began with a Barbie doll, at The store, meanwhile, was her mother’s knee. In- filled with colorful eye spired by her mother’s own candy at every turn – in Sclothing designs, she fashioned the form of clothes, shoes, an evening gown for her doll out purses, hair accessories, of a discarded silver Teflon iron- jewelry and sunglasses ing board. - with exposed pipes at Later, she would design her the ceiling and rhythmic own clothing, gleaning ideas music playing, giving it from catalogs and clothing maga- Constance Ensner an energetic, artsy vibe. zines, and wearing her creations She describes the store as to school. “dressier because it has more room.” She A clothing/home accessories designer recently opened Constance, located in and owner of three contemporary wom- Arden, which she describes as an “ed- en’s clothing/accessory stores in Asheville, ited version of the Biltmore store.” Her Ensner is a down-to-earth fashionista and downtown store, Context, is more casual, artist, passionate about fabric and eager with a large selection of jeans, t-shirts and accessories. One day, it will be something much different, she says. “I would like to convert Context (the name a blending of the words Constance and texture) to something more like a gal- lery, with all of my own designs,” she says. “But the time must not be right – I haven’t found the right seamstresses yet.” It’s just a minor stumbling block for Ensner, who is likely to persevere. She’s already overcome many challenges along the way, such as the end of her marriage, which forced her into sole proprietorship; flooding at her store; and a broken back “Whenever I come to Asheville I have to occurring during a hiking trip. She ascribes shop here.” - Katie Hatcher, Denver, CO her successes – her three stores especially to assist women in “finding their own – to “serendipity.” aesthetic” while shopping in her stores. “I didn’t plan on owning three,” she Schooled in Europe and studied in pattern says. “But each was a great opportunity making, she is no ordinary shopkeeper. that just came my way.” Meanwhile, she I visited Ensner at Constance Bou- makes it clear that a guiding force in her tique, her store at Biltmore Station, and life has been her mother. A framed dress was greeted in the parking lot with a of her mother’s hangs in one of her stores cheery “hello” and a wide smile. A woman and she’s currently working on an “Andy- who seems to truly love her work, as well Warhol-like” artwork of her mother’s face as her customers, she was clutching a to display in all three stores. swath of yellow, floral fabric, explaining, “I “My mother taught me a lot and love it, though it’s not my color usually.” created an interest in the art and drama of The fabric was headed to a shelf in fashion,” she said. “I want to honor her her back studio, where her stash of florals, vision.”

Constance’s Stores Constance Boutique, Biltmore Station, 2 Hendersonville Road, Asheville (828) 252-4002, Mon. – Sat. 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., Sunday noon - 5 p.m. Context, 62 Haywood Street, downtown Asheville, (828) 350-6006, Mon. – Sat. 11 a.m.- 6 p.m., Sunday noon - 5 p.m. Constance, The Overlook at Lake Julian, 100 Julian Lane, Arden, (828) 650-6566, Mon. – Sat. 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., closed Sunday Call to find out about our May sales event celebrating Constance Boutique’s 23rd anniversary. www.ConstanceBoutique.com

Vol. 11, No. 9 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — May 2008 11 12 May 2008 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 11, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE FINE ART

An Abstract View – The Paintings of Genie Maples by Simcha Weinstein eople travel from all across the I’m confident that I’m not alone in a window. I think world to visit Asheville. It’s be- this, but typically if I look at a paint- of my paintings come less and less of a secret that ing of something I am familiar with, as a conversation this area is located in one of the say a barn for example, then my mind between light, color most beautiful and majestic set- begins to wander thinking about and shadow. They tings that you will find anywhere. barns and all of my life’s connections are an open ended PWhen people arrive and spend some with barns. conversation.” time here, they quickly find that this area On one hand this experience is Genie has cre- is far more than just a “pretty face”. We part of the beauty ated many “open have a diverse and interesting community “A Bridge Adrift” painting of what art can do ended conversa- Genie Maples of people, delicious food and without by Genie Maples for us – connect us tions” for us to question one of the finest artist commu- with our own story enjoy - over 1,000 nities in the country. on canvas are conversa- in a way that is often since she began painting. Her work can What I particularly like about the tional, like people at a beautiful and magical. be seen at her studio in the Cotton Mill Asheville art scene is that it’s not typi- party. What’s expressed What I found that I re- Studios Building on Riverside Drive cal of what you see in a beautiful town depends on who’s next to ally enjoy about abstract during open studio hours on Thursday, whose primary industry is tourism. Go to whom, how close they all work is that it doesn’t Friday, and Saturday afternoons. She any beach town and you will see almost are, whether the lighting necessarily create that can be reached there by phone at (828) exclusively paintings of the coastline. is bright or dim. I don’t instant familiarity with 273-8426, or you can visit her website at Most mountain town galleries are filled start with a preconceived something since there is geniemaples.com. with mountainscapes, and so on. It’s not idea, but watch relation- no “familiar something” to say that Asheville doesn’t have it’s ships develop as colors that is apparent in the The public is also invited to these share of artwork that reflects the natural interact. The painting “The Red Rises” painting by work. I found that I was upcoming local events: beauty of the area, but it also seems to begins to take on a life of its Genie Maples just more being in the inspire just about every other form of own, and as themes emerge moment with the paint- May 15, 5-9 p.m. Small Works Show painting as well. I begin to assert more control over the ing – not really trying to see what it is or (featuring affordable paintings and giclee Genie Maples is an Asheville area process, choosing what to develop, what listening to my own inner story, but just prints) at the Cotton Mill Studios Build- artist and her work would not typically to obscure. The combination of my observing and enjoying. ing on Riverside Drive, in Asheville. be viewed as representational of this area. intuitive grasp of color with an intellec- There are other experiences that you June 13, 5-8 p.m. Cotton Mill Studios Rather, her work would be described as tual understanding of form gives these can easily have with abstract work as well. Pre-Studio Stroll reception. paintings depth and beauty that grows abstract. But don’t tell Genie that her It’s certainly not uncommon to begin to June 14-15, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. River Arts work is not representational of Asheville. more interesting over time. Clients say see those things that are familiar in our they love living with my paintings.” District Studio Stroll (visit over 80 artists Although she will readily admit that it life in the painting even if it’s not ap- in their studios). doesn’t necessarily look like what people Upon entering Genie’s studio the parent to everyone. According to Genie see with their eyes, in her own words she first thing I noticed was how easy it was this is something that she sees fairly describes it as “work that connects people to look at her work without my own often. She describes it as “ everyone has Simcha Weinstein is a freelance writer with the spirit of Asheville”. thoughts of “what this reminded me of” a different experience when viewing my living in Asheville. He can be reached at According to Genie, “The colors entering into my own internal dialogue. paintings. The work tends to become like (828) 298-7776.

Spring Open House at Curve Studios Spring Fling Luncheon – May 12

urve Studios is a trin- Laleah Adams creates sym- he Guild’s of the Museum of ity of art workspaces bolic homes with an unusual North Carolina Handicrafts and located in Asheville’s twist. Holly de Saillan’s raku the Haywood County Arts Coun- River Arts District. fired work is an investigation of cil will be partnering together Take this opportu- creatures that we depend on for to bring to our community the nity to meet Curve our very survival. Cynthia Lee’s Spring Fling luncheon to cel- CStudios newest artists during Wall boxes are a study of growth Tebrate this season’s opening of the Shelton our Open House Sale on cycles in plant and human life. House Museum! Friday, May 2 from 4-8 p.m. #12 Riverside Drive Ms. Cathey has generously donated and Saturday May 3 from Clay vessel by welcomes painters Constance one of her beautiful orignal metal candle- 12-6 p.m. Light refreshments Cynthia Lee Williams and Vicki Brow. sticks for raffle. The tickets are $2 each will be provided. Constance Williams’ enchanting or 3 for $5. Tickets will be on sale at the #6 Riverside Drive features the paintings are created by utilizing an histori- luncheon. Both guilds will have them for Celebrated metal sculpture artist familiar faces of Pattiy Torno (Textiles), cal method called Encaustic. Vicki Brow’s sale prior to the luncheon. Grace Cathey. Photo by Rick Hall. Rick Melby (Glass) and Meagan Chaney palette explores intense color as an expres- The Shelton House Guild will have (Mixed Media Sculptural Ceramics). sion of emotion, using textures and lines. their new community cookbook for sale If you go # 9 Riverside Drive showcases a the day of the luncheon — we have many dynamic group of eight ceramic artists. recipes from our community, along with Monday, May 12, 11:00 a.m., the His- Our newest clay artists are Cynthia Lee, If you go two from the Shelton side of the family toric Shelton House, 49 Shelton Street, Holly de Saillan and Laleah Adams along and also from the Ray family. The cost of in Waynesville. Ticket Price: $25. with established clay artists Maria Andrade, Friday and Saturday, May 2 & 3 the cookbook is $5 — they make wonder- Reservations: Contact Ms. Ruth Gray, Penny Clark, Ada Lea Birnie, Sheryl Baker Curve Studios, 6-12 Riverside Dr., River ful gifts and remembrances from your (828) 454-9046. Parking: Hart Theatre and Sandra Wright. Arts District, in Asheville. visit to the Shelton House. Parking Lot

Vol. 11, No. 9 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — May 2008 13 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE FINE ART Learn About Southern Appalachian Bonsai with NC Arboretum Bonsai Curator Arthur Joura at the Asheville Art Museum Thursday, May 8

earn about the art of bonsai with American by Jonathan Rich North Carolina Arboretum Hophornbeam Bonsai Curator Arthur Joura on tray landscape, Thursday, May 8 starting at 6:00 when the NC Arboretum received a NC Arboretum p.m. at the Asheville Art Muse- private bonsai collection from the Staples um. This event will be held in the family of Butner, NC. He started his and demonstrations across the country. Museum’s WNC Art Resource Center bonsai education in 1993 at The National During the past 16 years, Joura has L built the NC Arboretum bonsai program and is free to Museum members and to Bonsai and Penjing Museum in Washing- guests with Museum admission. ton, DC under the tutelage of Museum into one of the institution’s strongest Joura will use photographs of speci- Curator Robert “Bonsai Bob” Drechsler. components. mens, as well as several living examples In 1995 Joura continued his studies This event is held in conjunction from the NC Arboretum’s collection, to with personal instruction from Japanese with the Asheville Art Museum’s exhibi- delve into the mysteries of these minia- American bonsai master Yuji Yoshimura, tion Time is of the Essence: Contempo- turized living landscapes as well as the also known as “The Father of American rary Landscape Art which is on display process of cultivating ordinary plants Bonsai.” Later that same year, Joura began through June 22. into interpretive representations of the teaching bonsai at the NC Arboretum natural world. conducting educational classes and work- For more information on these and other Joura began his bonsai career in 1992 shops as well as providing bonsai lectures events, go to www.ashevilleart.org.

UNC Asheville Senior Presents by Nancy Hayes Printmaking Exhibition ture, the multifaceted aspects of deceit and the purpose of he Modern World in Ancient tion of Smith’s work toward a restraint in society.” Stories, an exhibition of some bachelor of arts degree at UNC 15 intaglio and letterpress pieces Asheville. by UNC Asheville senior Julia “Through the creation of If you go Smith, will be on view through- these prints I attempt to find the May 30 at UNC Asheville’s underlying theme at the core of a Blowers Gallery, located on the Blowers Gallery. story and present it in a way that Print by main floor of UNC Asheville’s TSmith’s prints focus on the Irish fairy a modern observer can access,” Julia Smith Ramsey Library, is open during tale “Guleesh,” the Japanese fairy tale “The Smith said. “Themes I have explored in regular library hours. Admission is free. Straw Cape” and the Greek myth “Apollo these pieces include love of various types, For hours of operation, call UNC Ashe- and Daphne.” The exhibition is a culmina- loneliness and loss, the thirst for adven- ville’s Ramsey Library at (828) 251-6546.

The Waynesville Gallery Association presents Art After Dark

On Friday, May 2, 2008, from 6-9 p.m. one of the most anticipated events of the season begins in Waynesville.

he Waynesville Gallery Asso- and fiber. Visit Grace Cathey Sculpture Gallery, T. Pennington Gallery, Blue ciation will kick-off this year’s Garden on Depot Street for an everlasting Owl, The Jeweler’s Workbench, Tex- Friday night celebrations of all flower show; experience Deja View for tures, Haywood County Arts Council’s things art known as Art After an artist couple with colorful landscapes; Gallery 86, Twigs & Leaves, and Grace Dark. Shops and galleries stay stop by TPennington Art Gallery for a Cathey Sculpture Garden. open late for buying art, watching colored pencil demonstration; and drop artT demonstrations, and meeting artists. in the Haywood County Arts Council’s Some of Western North Carolina’s Gallery 86 for the opening reception of If you go best artists live in Waynesville and many “Past ~ Present ~ Future,” an exhibition of them own local galleries. Visit the of works by faculty in the Professional Art After Dark begins Friday, May 2 in working studios and galleries on Main Crafts Department at Haywood Commu- Waynesville from 6 to 9 p.m. Street and in Historic Frog Level. Watch nity College. Downtown, Historic Frog Level, and demonstrations and buy new and origi- Look for flags at participating galleries Depot Street in Waynesville. nal works in a variety of media includ- like Burr Studio & Gallery, Ridge Runner FREE & open to the public. For more ing pottery, painting, jewelry, metal, Naturals, Deja View Gallery, Earthworks information call (828) 452-9284.

14 May 2008 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 11, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE Thoreau's Garden

The Lily-of-the-Valley by Peter Loewer

f you’re impressed with the nursery round the base dance. Then use stretches back to ancient times for business today, remember that gar- of the ovary suddenly it was Apuleius, writing in his Herbal of the deners and plant-growers have been — which proves evening and third century (not to be confused with plant and seed swapping since the late a great attraction gnomes were Apuleius, the author of The Golden Ass), 1500s, many turning this activity into to bees forbidden to be declared it was found by Apollo and given eventual business careers and delight- The root- out after sunset. to the world by Æsculapius, the leech. Iful avocations. stock forms They ran to get When collected in flower the entire Between the years 1734 and 1746, a small scaly their porcelain plant is dried is used for medicines as are one John Custis and one Peter Collinson rhizome or tuber cups but found the root, herb and flowers used sepa- kept up a devout exchange of letters and often called a pip the cups had rately. The inflorescence is said to be the a happy exchange of seeds, bulbs, plants, in older books. grown fast and most important active part of the herb. and information. For example, Collinson The word pip could only be The flowers are dried on the flowerstalk, sent the double-blossomed peach and refers to the removed by the whole stalk being cut before the double Dutch tulips to Custin and in flowering crown killing plants, lowermost flowers are faded. While dry- return Custis sent dogwoods, laurels, and or the individual something ing, the white flowers assume a brown- chinquapin nuts to Collinson. rootstocks of gnomes just ish-yellow tinge, and the fragrant odor In 1738, Custis received a package the plant and is couldn’t do. But usually disappears, being replaced by a from London containing lily of the valley derived from the the Queen of somewhat heady scent; the taste of the pips and one of the great gardeners of English word the Fairies saw flowers is bitter. America, Thomas Jefferson learned of the peep. While dic- their plight and When flowers are mixed in oil of plant and thought it would be perfect for tionaries cite the The Lily-of-the-Valley just laughed sweet almonds or olive oil, they impart to naturalizing — so he ordered from Custis. connection as and laughed. it their sweet smell, but to become really The lily-of-the-valley had great press. unknown it is, perhaps, because in early Then she raised he magic wand and pro- fragrant the infusion has to be repeated a In addition to the popular name of song spring the green shoots would peep out of nounced the magic words, “Convallaria dozen times with the same oil, using fresh and story, other local names included: the ferns and other woodsy dwellers wel- majalis,” and each of the cups became a flowers for each infusion. dangle bells, fairies’ bells, innocents, ladder coming spring in a big way. Propagation flower bell for lily of the valley. The chief principles of the plant are to heaven, lady’s tears, May blossoms, and is mainly effected by its quickly-creeping Lily of the Valley was Balzac’s favor- two glucosides. The first is convallama- white bells. To the French the flowers are underground stem, and in the wild state ite among all of his writings. The novel rin, a white crystalline powder, soluble called “the tears of the Holy Mary.” its fruit rarely comes to maturity. told the story of Felix and his fiancée in either water and alcohol, that acts In certain parts of England (as While flowering is usually limited Henrietta, whose correspondence on the upon the heart like digitalis. The second America), the plants are very common, to May and June, unlike many spring subject of love reveals her to be far more is convallarin, soluble in alcohol, slightly but in many other spots they are quite blossoms, the leaves persist all season experienced than Felix thought. soluble in water, a compound with a unknown. They are rare in Scotland and and in the fall become a beautiful shade In 1881, one Charles W. Fry wrote a purgative action. Russian peasants long naturalized in Ireland. of tan. Fruits appear in late summer as hymn entitled “The Lily-of-the-Valley,” used the lily-of-the-Valley for certain The genus refers to the Latin conval- small orange-scarlet balls. The berries are for the Salvation Army, with music by forms of dropsy. lis, a valley, denoting the plants natural poisonous. William S. Hays. Old writers tell of a decoction made habitat. The species name of majalis The perfume distilled from these of bruised roots, boiled in wine, that are means “that which belongs to May.” holy flowers was considered so precious, Lily-of-the-Valley good for pestilential fevers, while bread Plants have wide, oval-oblong leaves of a that only gold and silver vessels were fit made of barley meal mixed with the juice pleasant light green, always borne in pairs, to hold it. “I have found a friend in Jesus, is an excellent cure for dropsy. often with one leaf often larger than the In an allegory that arose out of a leg- He’s everything to me, Wait until Martha Stewart finds out! other. Like the end in Sussex, He’s the fairest of ten thousand flower stalk, England, St. to my soul; they all arise di- Leonard met The Lily of the Valley, rectly from the The perfume distilled from these the frightful in Him alone I see rootstock just dragon, Sin. holy flowers was considered All I need to cleanse and below ground For three make me fully whole. level. so precious, that only gold and days the saint Unlike silver vessels were fit to hold it. battled against In sorrow He’s my comfort, the namesake the dragon in trouble He’s my stay; of valley, I’ve but never gave He tells me every care found it growing beautifully in open up. On the fourth morning he had the on Him to roll.” woods and dry soil. In rich and shady satisfaction of watching the dragon creep Refrain woods, plants will cover the forest floor back into the woods, trailing its slimy with a rich carpet of green. And when tail behind it. And wherever the dragon’s “He’s the Lily-of-the-Valley, coming upon an abandoned cemetery, claws or tusks had struck the saint and his the Bright and Morning Star, the discoverer often finds a mass of these blood spilled upon the earth, up sprang a He’s the fairest of ten thousand charmers as families often planted both lily of the valley. to my soul.” lily of the valley and myrtle as low-care, As to legends, there are more. One Peter Loewer examines some but usually beautiful groundcovers. night the Queen of the Fairies decided Finally, to bring things radically up Lenten roses. The flower stems are slightly curved to hold a party for her friends and asked to date, there’s an all-girl folk-rock-funk- and bear a one-sided raceme of small, a group of gnomes to gather nectar. The punk group in Germany known as Lily- bell-shaped flowers of white with an gnomes trooped out into the woodland of-the-Valley from Wiesbaden. Peter Loewer is a well-known writer individual and very sweet fragrance. The but after collection only a few drops of When it comes to the Pharmaco- and botanical artist who has written and flowers contain no dripping nectars, but nectar they hung their little porcelain poeia, the lily of the valley has long been illustrated over twenty-five books on natural history over the past thirty years. there’s a sweet, juicy sap stored in a tissue cups on blades of grass and began to used for its medicinal virtues and that

Vol. 11, No. 9 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — May 2008 15 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE MUSIC

May CD Reviews by James Cassara

Give it two stars or the elusive five, rest assured that anything mentioned here is worth seeking out, preferably at your local independent record store. They are, after all, the ones who love what they sell. This month I review discs from artists as distant as the UK, as exotic as Los Angeles, and as near as Asheville.

Stephen Malkmus ment so refreshing. With Real tions. Its’ follow ups — Manzanita and and Jicks Emotional Trash Malkmus has the off kilter La Ninja: Amore and other Neil Diamond CD regained some of that joyful past Dreams of Manzanita — marked both a on Sale May 6 Real Emotional Trash in ways that bode quite well for new direction and a mild retreat. Free shipping! Fast Matador Records the future. ***1/2 Now comes GEA, Todd’s sixth turn-around! Call us Stephen Malkmus album in a decade and her most captivat- with your special has long been known for ing effort yet. She’s set aside the acoustic orders. Overnight writing lyrics that carried David Wilcox delivery in most cases. space that marked her last few not the slightest hint of Air Stream efforts and plunged head first rock ’n’ roll sentiment. What Are? into a world of ambience, sonic From his glorious tenure Records fireworks, and sheer gusto. as front man for Pavement to his now five More a collection GEA places Todd’s conserva- year solo career, Malkmus has very much of sparsely arranged tory-trained voice and exquisite followed his own roundabout path. His demos, Wilcox’s latest musicianship front and center. best songs, high on their own internal ensemble of tuneful Producer Carlos Nino has peered language, juggle vocabularies and voices homilies finds him in into the heart of what makes her in ways that give no warning as to when comfortable terrain, music work and extracted a sound they might veer from rat-tat-tat rock mu- largely accompanied that is rich and full, a landscape sic to indecipherable nonsense. They’re only by voice and both deep and wide. The in- the vehicle by which he expresses his in- guitar. Recorded in his Airstream trailer strumentation of harmonium, minimal ner rock star; if we as listeners understood (henceforth the title) there is inherent percussion, and occasional subtle arrange- the joke fine, but I often get the feeling he and unmistakable warmth that helps set ments for woodwinds, strings, and/or could not care less. aside the cares of the day in pleasant and horns melds beautifully with the jazz set- Oddly, Malkmus is drawn to the straightforward fashion. tings and orchestral overtones while the most sentimental rock of all: late 1960s While Wilcox’s solo gifts for storytell- singer herself has never sounded lovelier. hippie-dippy rock, with the kind of all- ing and audience participation work well The wistful gem “In the End” is consuming guitar fuzz and improvising on stage, in the confines of a living room truly stunning while the opener; a ten that have always been assumed as a route or car stereo it doesn’t quite click. There’s minute two part marathon, shows that to higher consciousness. This led to the plenty here to satisfy Wilcox’s followers. Todd is more than willing to take musi- brilliant paradox of such Pavement al- A song for his wife (“Forever Now”), one cal chances. Lyrically she plays it a bit bums as Wowee Zowee and the masterful for his son (“This Old Car”) and several safer which, within the context of her Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain. that accurately depict his compassionate adventurous arrangements, seems a Since going it alone Malkmus has and progressive world view. smart approach. Her words might be Joni been steadily turning up the knob, mak- Most direct is “Falling for It”, his Mitchell confessional but, like Mitchell, ing albums that build upon, rather than attack on the policies and fear tactics of she rarely swerves towards pretension. eschew, his past. Real Emotional Trash the Bush administration. As a song it The result is an album that plays a bit like — his fourth official album since dis- works on all fronts, partly because its’ a modern day Hissing of Summer Lawns, banding of Pavement — still has all that recipient is such an easy target and partly a confluence of jazz, pop, and poetry that glibly indirect lyric writing; (“To my because of Wilcox’s searing delivery. It’s could easily stand aside that masterpiece wheel-well you’re getting close/so say adi- one of the few times that Airstream might of musing. **** os/the conjecture is reject the rose.”) but make you sit up and seriously take notice. it’s a record that builds serious, musical Airstream pays off nicely. It’s a comfort- and very direct jamming into nearly every able listen, polite when it should be and Robyn Hitchcock song. Its peaks (“Hopscotch Willie, “Elmo angry when needed. It is, in short, a fairly Shadow Cat Delmo” and the title track) are multipart typical David Wilcox record. *** Sartorial Records bonanzas with long minor-key guitar Robyn Hitchcock is so undeniably solos over vamps and steady, patient, Mia Doi Todd prolific that the prospect of a new com- mid tempo grooves. pilation sometimes seems like business The album is both a generous, GEA as usual. Arriving on the heels of Yep transparent body pleasure and a fur- City Zen Records Roc Records reissues of his back catalog, tively oblique mind pleasure. It’s also As gifted and replete with a bounty of bonus tracks and beautifully played, with dynamic loops distinctive as she liner notes written by the man himself and speed altering riffs aplenty. His is, Mia Doi Todd’s Shadow Cat, his first release of largely band, buttressed by former Sleater- career has at times unheard material in two years, might face Kinney drummer Janet Weiss, is dyna- been as baffling as an uphill battle to get noticed. mite, helping to bring the large scale her music is explicit. As brilliant he is at creating crackling canvas of Malkmus’ imagination down to After putting together a string of solid and wildly energetic rock and roll it’s the the solid confines of mother Earth. This releases, Todd reached her zenith with quiet droll of his proper British upbring- tension between the other worldly and 2002’s The Golden State, a record that the easily digested was what made Pave- featured some of her strongest composi- ‘CD’s’ continued on next pg.

16 May 2008 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 11, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE WHAT'S HAPPENING

Konstantin Soukhovetski, Pianist by Kay Waldrop

he Haywood County Arts Coun- recitals at the “World of Head International Piano appearance on South Carolina’s Talk cil is pleased to announce Russian Piano” Series at Shenan- Competition; Second of the Town and Lowcountry Today pianist Konstantin Soukhovetski doah University, VA; Prize at the 2002 Walter talk-shows. in concert on Tuesday, May 6 at Arium, NYC; the North W. Naumburg Interna- The first half of Mr. Soukhovetski’s 7:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Dakota Museum of Art tional Piano Competi- Haywood County program includes a Center in Waynesville, NC. Concert Series, Grand tion; and the 2004 Paul & Haydn Sonata in E flat major, and the TMr. Soukhovetski performed for Forks, ND; The Priz- Daisy Soros Fellowship Beethoven Sonata op. 23, Appassionata. a sold out audience in August 2006 in rey, South Boston, VA; for new Americans. The second half of the program includes Waynesville, and is returning by popular SOPAC, South Orange, Recent career Schubert 19 Waltzes, Mozart Fantasie in demand. Mr. Soukhovetski was born in NJ; the Goddard Riv- achievements include re- d-minor, Rachmaninoff’s Moment Mu- Moscow in 1981 to a family of artists. He erside Concert Series in citals in Amman, Jordan; sicaux, in B-minor, and a Rachmaninoff began music studies in 1985 at the tender New York, NY, and in Beirut, Lebanon; Weill Sonata in B-flat minor. age of four. William Petschek Debut Recital Hall at Carn- Konstantin Soukhovetski is rapidly Recital Award recital at egie Hall; Rockefeller earning a reputation as a young pianist Alice Tully Hall at Lin- University, NYC; Kent If you go who captivates with distinctive lyricism, coln Center, NY. State University, and immaculate technique, vigor, refine- Soukhovetski has Photo of Konstantin by University of Tennessee. Haywood County Arts Council’s Young Christian Steiner. Artist Concert, Tuesday, May 6, 7:30 ment, and drama. In early 2008, Mr. earned numerous awards Orchestral engagements p.m. There will be a Meet the Artist Soukhovetski released two solo CDs on including First Prize and Audience Prize include The Cleveland Orchestra; Cape Reception following the concert. his new label, Constant Records, a bou- at the 2007 New Orleans International Town Philharmonic, KwaZulu-Natal tique label that focuses on production Piano Competition; the 2006 William Philharmonic, Eastern Cape Symphony; The Performing Arts Center, 250 Pi- of unique projects, and is an endeavor Petschek Debut Recital Award; Second Auburn Symphony; Austin Symphony, geon Street, Waynesville, NC. with acclaimed Russian pianist, Vassily Prize at 2004 UNISA International and the Hilton Head Orchestra in SC. Concert tickets are $20 each. A limited Primakov. Piano Competition in Pretoria, South Soukhovetski’s radio appearances number of free student tickets are avail- Mr. Soukhovetski can be heard this Africa; Third Prize at 2003 Cleveland In- include a one-hour live performance able for students age 25 and younger. season with the Asheville Symphony; ternational Piano Competition; Winner on NPR’s Performance Today hosted For more information about the concert Louisiana Philharmonic, LA and Auburn of Juilliard’s 2003 Gina Bachauer Com- by Fred Child; a feature on WQXR’s call the Haywood County Arts Council Symphony Orchestra, CA as well as solo petition; First Prize at the 2002 Hilton Young Artist Showcase, and a television at (828) 452-0593.

‘CD’s’ continued he remains one of the most to mention singer Robert be found in regional performers. Taken gifted songwriters in pop. *** Schneider’s warbling deliv- on its own virtues Stained Glass easily ing that is of- ery — the boys, along with holds up against the best contemporary ten the most Apples in Stereo guest appearances by the jazz releases. engaging. crème de crème of jangle Comprised of pianist Gerhardt, bass- New Magnetic Wonder pop, New Magnetic Won- ist Mike Holstein, drummer Tim Horner Some of his Yep Roc Records finest albums der breeze along at break- and Netherlands’ transplant Marc Mom- It is a pure delight to (Eye and I neck speed. Unlike some of maas on tenor saxophone the group has welcome back, after a five Often Dream their cohorts the band never become a mainstay of the still develop- year break, one of the most of Trains) slows down long enough to ing local jazz scene. Gerhardt offers up a consistent and delightful of were record- take itself seriously. quartet of compositions, each one a solid the many sixties inspired lo-fi indie bands ed in largely Tracks like “Can You Feel It?” or work through. that emerged during the mid 1990s. acoustic fashion, showcasing Hitchcock’s “Energy” might be lightweight to the The title track, the longest and most Along with Teenage Fan Club and under valued guitar skills. point of transparency but what the heck? adventurous piece herein, benefits from Guided by Voices, the Apples were the In many ways Shadow Cat is an inci- The Apples were never accused of being some wonderfully playful bass work leading light of the time, a band that dental relative to these works, a collection overly cerebral — which is why such courtesy of Holstein and guest Mark shimmered with delicacy and played with of fourteen tracks recorded between 1993 fluffy delights as “Same Old Drag” and Reboul. It weaves its way towards to a aplomb. Even more delightful is how the and 1999, most of which either haven’t “Play Tough” sound as fresh now as they vigorous melody, stretching and spinning Denver based quintet pretty much take been properly released or have surfaced would have back then. **** through elements of flamenco and bop. up where they left off, missing not a beat in the most obscure and collectable of Gerhardt’s own piano solos run in varied during their self inflicted hibernation. albums. For those who prefer the pen- directions, each distinctive but still be- New Magnetic Wonder is an ex- Bill Gerhardt and Cotangent sive and atmospheric side of Hitchcock holden to the basic rhythm. tension of what came before. Anyone Stained Glass Shadow Cat certainly offers its rewards; Other peaks include expecting a return to the experimental Steeple Chase Records the sleepy “Baby Doll” and the minimal “Paragraph” and “Words,” a studio wizardry of their nascent efforts Known as a resource- but absorbing “Beautiful Shock” are pair of concise pleasures built may find NMW a bit of a jolt: It’s a more ful and creative pianist Bill among the most ominous and intriguing around persuasive repetition stripped down effort (although not nearly Gerhardt rightfully thinks of songs he’s yet laid bare. countered against unexpected as barren as 2002’s Velocity of Sound) himself, first and foremost, This shouldn’t be mistaken for a tempo shifts that allow the which emphasizes the band’s knack for as a composer. Although “new” Robyn Hitchcock album, but as a band to stretch out a bit. buoyant rockers, sweet ballads, and mid- he has played extensively in sampler of odds and ends from his note- The end result is a disc tempo psychedelic meandering. New York and other far flung books. Mostly it’s a fine reminder of his that invigorates, soothes, and Anchored by thumping Sgt. Pep- climes his band Cotangent unlimited and daunting talents and why reveals heightened nuance per era bass, guitar, and drums — not serves as an example of the excellence to with each listen.***1/2

Vol. 11, No. 9 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — May 2008 17 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE Music Asheville Choral Society Has Your Love Song

nd that’s a great reason to get your tickets now for Annual Pops Concert the annual pops concert of one of Western North May 17 and 18 Carolina’s best perform- ing arts groups. AThe Asheville Choral Society If that’s not enough to move you, and Music Director Lenora here’s Music Director Lenora Thom’s Thom will showcase one after promise: “We’ll have a terrific show band, the other such memorable tunes great choral arrangements, phenomenal as “It Might as Well Be Spring,” soloists AND a bit of dancing as well!” “Autumn Leaves,” “Stormy Don’t miss this versatile Asheville Weather,” “Too Darn Hot,” Choral Society musical take on what is “Time after Time,” “Defying truly our natural fancy these days. Tis Gravity” from Wicked, and the indeed the season for “Seasons of Love.” Beatles “If I Fell.” The show will end in Diana Wortham Theatre’s intimate setting with a medley Asheville Choral Society pops concert If you go from the 1996 Tony Award win- “ACS at the Awards” at Diana Wortham Theatre ner Rent, including the show’s on March 25, 2007. “Seasons of Love,” the annual pops con- title “Seasons of Love.” cert of the ACS, will be presented Satur- Get a date. Celebrate a new paint the Sistine Chapel.” It’s certainly day, May 17 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 18 relationship or an anniversary. Honor a true of the ACS’s classical programs, but, at 4 p.m. at the Diana Wortham Theatre, long-time partnership. Or simply enjoy a Dennis, what about the pops concert? Ac- One Pack Place in downtown Asheville. wonderful downtown Asheville outing in tually, don’t wait for Dennis. Attend the Tickets are $20 for adults; $15 for students the spring. performance and send your own quotable and group discount rates are available for Rapid River’s editor Dennis Ray says quote to the ACS describing your experi- 10 or more concert-goers. Tickets may be a performance by the Asheville Choral ence at “Seasons of Love” via the website purchased by calling (828) 299-9063 or Society is “like witnessing Michelangelo www.ashevillechoralsociety.org . online at www.ashevillechoralsociety.org .

Laura Boosinger and Josh Goforth CD Release Party at the Arcade he Grove Arcade is delighted to by Lindsay Hearn host the CD release party for the new recording from Laura Boos- inger and Josh Goforth entitled autoharp or guitar. ‘Most of All.’ The celebration On ‘Most of All’ Boosinger will be in will take place in the Arcade on the company of Josh Goforth, an out- TSunday afternoon, June 1, from 3:00 to standing musician, acclaimed fiddler, gui- 5:00 p.m. and will feature free perfor- tar picker and mandolin player who has mances in the north Arcade. recorded in his own right and is in hot Boosinger wins glowing reviews demand as a session player. Although only wherever she appears and is blessed with in his mid-20s, Goforth has established an ‘essence of the mountains’ spirit that himself as a “one to watch” musician who Josh and Laura can take you back to the good old days is heading for the premier league. when folks used to huddle around the Goforth was raised in Madison Coun- radio. It is said that people who haven’t ty, NC, a community full of traditional If you go seen her ‘live’ should prepare themselves musicians including his cousin Sheila Kay for a “goose pimples experience”. Adams the seventh-generation ballad sing- Laura Boosinger and Josh Goforth Long ago er and storyteller. His reputation led him CD Release Party, Sunday, June 1, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Grove Arcade. established as one to land an appearance in the film Song- of the classier catcher as Fiddlin’ Will and he contributed The Grove Arcade is located at One Page $25 For All 3 Books! several pieces to the soundtrack. In 2000 Avenue at the heart of the Battery Hill (Includes autograph and S&H) performers on the Appalachian old- and 2003 and 2005, he was named Fiddler neighborhood in downtown Asheville To order call Jaileen at (828) 488-8216. time circuit, she of the Festival at the legendary Fiddler’s and offers unique shopping, dining and Books may be picked up at Malaprops. has developed a Grove competition. Josh has been retired regional crafts in one of Asheville’s archi- tectural jewels. faithful following from the festival competition deemed a for her appear- “Master Fiddler.” Parking is available in the Wall Street, Rankin and Civic Center garages as well ances that an “Most of All” For additional details about the outstanding stage performers or to download samples, visit as on the street. Directions to the garages presence, sweet voice and distinctive play- www.lauraboosinger.com and www. and the Grove Arcade can be accessed ing style, whether on clawhammer banjo, joshgoforth.com . www.grovearcade.com. For additional information, call (828) 252-7799.

18 May 2008 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 11, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE BOOKS That Better Not Be An Iron – Dear Old Mom Wants a Book, Buster

t is sheer madness to think I can given short shrift and made by H. Byron Ballard choose “books for moms” in 2008. invisible throughout scores May 2008 Moms never have been a monolithic of insipid history tomes. Friday, May 2 at 7 p.m.: Janet Lembke dis- culture and we certainly aren’t now. Roberts’ first work on the how those strengths can make cusses how we relate to other species in With that in mind, I have picked out subject was an eye-opener the world better. Get this for her book Because the Cat Purrs. your rabble-rousing mom and some books for specific moms and for those of us who learned Thursday, May 8 at 7 p.m.: II’ve recommended accordingly. American mythology as a new-baby gift for the next Puja Thomson discusses After Shock: From Vicki Lane’s new one, “In A Dark instead of American his- world leader in your family. Cancer Diagnosis to Healing. Season”, won’t be tory. (I can never feel the “Green Sisters: a Spiritual Ecology” by Sarah McFarland Saturday, May 10 at 7 p.m.: Join us for a available in time same about Ben Franklin, slideshow with photographer Bob Schatz. for Mother’s Day knowing how he treated Taylor is green and heart- Bob will also sign copies of his new book, giving but I high- his wife.) The new book rending and inspiring and Asheville Impressions from 1-3pm. practical. I met some of these ly recommend all uses primary sources and Wednesday, May 14 at 7 p.m.: her books. Start Roberts’ engaging style “green nuns” last year at a con- John Kessel reads from his SciFi stories at the beginning brings us fully-fledged ference at Bellarmine College The Baum Plan for Financial Independence with “Signs in characters that spring from the page. and was smitten with their energy and – Gregory Frost reads from Shadowbridge. passion for the earth. the Blood” and You thought you knew Abigail Adams Friday, May 16 at 7 p.m.: get to know and Dolly Madison but you ain’t heard Dot Jackson reads from Refuge, winner of the characters nothing yet. I recommend this for my the Appalachian Book of the Year Award. Your mother or wife or from there. florist diva friend, Beth, who has been the Saturday, May 17 at 7 p.m.: Miss Birdie is power behind the throne and now has her granny is unique and Joshilyn Jackson reads from her novel, every hill-girl’s own queendom. your local independent The Girl Who Stopped Swimming. granny and “Red Bird: Poems” by Mary Oliver is bookstore will have the Sunday, May 18 at 12 p.m.: this series for Ali, the Greek scholar and artist. For Retired Colonel Ann Wright signs copies of will give newcomers to those of you perfect book for you to her book Dissent: Voices of Conscience. the area an idea of what “locals” are really who know give to her. Tuesday, May 20 at 7 p.m.: like. This one goes to my bud, MariJo, Pulitzer- Michael Boyko reads from The Hour Sets. who loves strong women like Elizabeth winner Ol- Julian Vorus recites from The Nasty Namaste. Goodweather, because she is one. iver’s work, We spent time together Thursday, May 22 at 7 p.m.: Mike Farrell “Look Me in the Eye: My Life with I needn’t say reads from his memoir, Just Call Me Mike. Asperger’s” by John Elder Robison. I have much. This talking about a young friend with Asperger’s and this collection is everything from Saturday May 24 at 7 p.m.: Shirley Hayden sacred landscape author of The Women of Nelson and Joy book opened redolent with Jordan-Lake author of Blue Hole Back Home my eyes (if her keen sense to composting read from their novels about racism. you’ll pardon of the natural toilets. Taylor’s book takes us Thursday, May 29 at 7 p.m.: Nava Lubelski the expres- world and her reads from The Starving Artist’s Way. sion) about intimate place on a tour of this this puzzling in it, touching movement — a Friday, May 30 at 7 p.m.: Sufi Spiritual disorder. We on the pain of movement that healer James Keeley, aka Abdu Rahim discusses his book Walking With God. first met oppression and encompasses not Robison in empire. This cycle of love poems is just environmen- Saturday, May 31 at 7 p.m.: his brother remarkable, even for tal activism Journalist Rob Christensen discusses his Augusten a poet like Oliver. and healing but also social justice. book The Paradox of Tar Heel Politics. Burroughs’ The book has 61 new This is for my colleague Rebecca, Celebrate our 26th Anniversary! 25% “Running poems, a blessing in whose kids are grown and away off sale Sunday, June 1 from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. with Scis- any world. and who always finds her spiritual sors” but My friend Dawn needs filled in nature. 55 Haywood St. this heart- is the mother of all Your mother or wife or 828-254-6734 • 800-441-9829 breaking and oddly hilarious memoir is financial managers granny is unique and your local independent bookstore will have Hours: Mon-Thurs—8am-9pm a must-read for anyone who cares about and now she’s got a Fri & Sat—8am-10pm children or families. And Kiss fans — you bun in the oven. So the perfect book for you to give Sun—8am-7pm know who you are — better check it out, this rec is for her and to her. Tell the bookseller a little too. This one is for Terri, who says her the soon-to-be ruler about this marvelous woman kids drive her nuts. of the western world. and ask them to wrap it up. That “Ladies of Liberty: the Women “ Why Women Should gives you some extra time with Who Shaped Our Nation” & “Found- Rule the World” by which to buy the appropriate ing Mothers: the Women Who Raised Dee Dee Myers. You chocolates and flowers. Our Nation” by Cokie Roberts. Any- may remember My- one who has enjoyed the televised John ers from her days as a White House press H. Byron Ballard is a local knee-jerk Adams series has an inkling about how secretary in the Clinton years. This book feminist, bookseller, writer, and mom who important women were to the founding isn’t about male-bashing, it’s about ac- blogs for the Asheville-Citizen Times as of the republic, though they are mostly knowledging the strengths of women and The Village Witch.

Vol. 11, No. 9 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — May 2008 19 RAPID RIVER ARTS Poetry

poetry Photographs: A sacred fury... Poetry Without an uncommon madness... Words

by MariJo Moore

Graphic, explicit, vivid, stark Asheville’s Favorite Coffee Houses — which of these adjectives describes best the photographs Don’t miss the May issue of in the book “Look Close, See Rapid River — we’ll explore some of a scattering of birds... Far: A Cultural Portrait of the Asheville’s favorite coffee houses. Maya” by Bruce T. Martin? Want to be included? Call (828) 646-0071 for details. Reduced erhaps real is the suitable descrip- around her waist. She is from Cuchu- advertising rates for coffee houses. tion. But can photographs be real? matan, Guatemala, and the year is 1999. Isn’t that a contradiction in terms? She has one hand lying atop the other; her nails look bruised, partially black. Silver FURNITURE | GARDEN SCULPTURE | JEWELRY | CERAMICS | GLASS Feasibly it would be more apropos to define this photog- earrings dangle from her ears, flattering www.rapidrivermagazine.com rapher as a realist, who, in 1987, her silver hair, which is pushed up under Next to The Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC Pbegan a twenty-year journey through a straw hat. There is a questioning look his own misconceptions concerning an on her face, as if to ask, “Why would you 828-253-7651 www.grovewood.com indigenous people of whom he was only want to photograph me?” Someone’s superficially aware. grandmother and great grandmother, no In a recent interview, Martin revealed doubt, which brings to mind a poem I the following: wrote several years ago, perchance un- “I stepped into the Maya world, knowingly for her. (see insert) and there was revealed the long, I didn’t ask Martin if he remembered beautiful, rich, complicated, history her; I’d rather glean what I can from this !LL.ATURAL7OODEN7ATCH and culture that they hold. One of photograph. Sitting erect on a hand carved my favorite aspects of this project was !FFORDABLY0RICED^&ORTHE#OLLECTOROF&INE7ATCHES going there and the feeling of being The History of Our .ATURAL overwhelmed by the Maya people and their story. I can’t put it in words Mothers’ Dreams %LEGANT but I have tried to put it into my 5NIQUE photography. That awakening and The deepest part of ourselves what I have learned in this project has is formed before we are born. changed me and helped me to see life This is when the grandparents )TSFEATHER LIGHT in a different light. It also made me WEIGHTANDSMOOTH breathe into the dreams realize how little of this world I really of our mothers. TEXTUREMAKEIT know or understand, but at the same COMFORTABLEON time inspires me to continue on and Heavy breaths colored by YOURWRIST learn more.’’ Yellow black red and white. (AND CRAFTED I sit with this book and stare at the Sighing breaths sounding of IN#ANADAAND black and white photographs so beauti- poetry singing music and dance. fully arranged, so painfully revealing, so MADEOFNATURAL Falling breaths formed from PLANTATIONGROWN majestically printed in this collection, and I wonder, are these people aware that so birds clouds trees and tears. SUSTAINABLE Yet we do not know 3ANDALWOOD many others in the world today con- sider them a “long ago” people, and have the history of our mothers’ dreams. !LLWOODEN various misconceptions concerning their BRACELETSARE culture and history? Are they insulted by The colored sounding forming dreams HYPO ALLERGENIC the misleading, not to mention crude, holding the breaths of 3IZEDTOlTALL Mel Gibson movie “Apocalypto? Do they think of the Maya prediction of 2012 our grandparents. 7EHAVETHE – the so-called “Doom’s Day Prophecy” It is time we begin -ODEL3HOWN') LARGESTSELECTIONOF in modern–day vernacular? According to to listen. -OSTDESIGNSAREPATENTED WOODENWATCHES Martin, these people are more concerned with surviving day to day. From the book “ On page 43, there is a photo Martin Spirit Voices of Bones” 4OLL&REE   ^   took of an elder woman, dressed in a © 1997 MariJo Moore blouse of traditional Maya design with a &ORMOREINFORMATIONVISITWWWTENSEWATCHCOMOREMAILTENSE TENSEWATCHCOM multi-colored hand woven shawl roped “Poetry” continued on next page

20 May 2008 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 11, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS BOOKS

“Poetry” continued from pg. 20 ing their clothes, speaking their native languages, performing their ceremonies, wooden bench, she is simply beautiful, and growing their beloved corn. a poem without words. No camera has To this beautiful Maya elder, and to stolen this strong woman’s spirit. She is as Martin, I offer gratitude for the reas- firm as any mountain and graceful as wa- surance life does continue on regardless ter flowing in any river. She is a testament of interference. And photography taken to the determination and resilience of a from the heart is definitely poetry with- people who will continue on, long after I out words. have read and reread the interesting essays included in this book, long after I have George Braziller/New York published passed it on to my young granddaughters. Look Close, See Far: A Cultural Portrait of Perhaps she gave the Polaroid photos the Maya by Bruce T. Martin, in 2007. For Martin gave her to her granddaughters. more info, go to www.brucetmarin.com. Perhaps she has them stuck above her door; perhaps she threw them away. Perhaps she has now passed on to spirit. Doesn’t matter. Martin has given the MariJo Moore is the author of a dozen world the opportunity to see this woman, books including three books of poetry: in her native land, in her everyday sur- Spirit Voices of Bones, Confessions of a Madwoman (now available on CD), and the roundings, and made it perfectly clear forthcoming Poets Inhale The Darkness Art- the Maya people are still around after ists Breathe. She resides in the mountains hundreds of years of encroachment and of western NC. www.marijomoore.com misconceptions. They are still hand weav-

The Sugar Queen an Irresistible Follow-up to Garden Spells Written by Sarah Addison Allen hen Josey woke up and saw her startlingly the feathery frost on her win- keen feminine in- dowpane, she smiled. Finally, stincts, and find- it was cold enough to wear ing her narrow long coats and tights. It was existence quickly Wcold enough for scarves and shirts worn expanding. in layers, like camouflage. It was cold Before long, enough for her lucky red cardigan, which Josey bonds with she swore had a power of its own.” Chloe Finley, a So begins Sarah Addison Allen’s young woman latest novel The Sugar Queen an ir- who makes the resistible follow-up to her New York best sandwiches Times bestselling debut, Garden Spells. in town, is hounded by books that inex- Sugar Queen covers the story of a young plicably appear whenever she needs them, woman whose family secrets — and and — most amazing of all — has a close secret passions — are about to change her connection to Josey’s longtime crush. life forever. As Josey dares to step outside herself, Twenty-seven-year-old Josey Cir- she discovers a world where the color red rini is sure of three things: winter in her has astonishing power, passion can make North Carolina hometown is her favorite eggs fry in their cartons, and romance can season, she’s a sorry excuse for a South- blossom at any time. It seems that Della ern belle, and sweets are best eaten in the Lee’s work is done, and it’s time for her to privacy of her hidden closet. For while move on. But the truth about where she’s Josey has settled into an uneventful life going, why she showed up in the first in her mother’s house, her one consola- place — and what Chloe has to do with it Wireless tion is the stockpile of sugary treats and all — is about to add one more unexpect- Internet paperback romances she escapes to each ed chapter to Josey’s fast-changing life. night…. Until she finds it harboring none Brimming with warmth, wit, and a Access! other than local waitress Della Lee Baker, sprinkling of magic, here is a spellbinding a tough-talking, tenderhearted woman tale of friendship, love — and the en- who is one part nemesis — and two parts chanting possibilities of every new day. fairy godmother… Delicious Fleeing a life of bad luck and big mistakes, Della Lee has decided Josey’s If you go Specialty Pizzas clandestine closet is the safest place to Spring Water Dough crash. In return she’s going to change Sarah Addison Allen Book Signing (828) 236-9800 Appetizing Salads Josey’s life—because, clearly, it is not May 20, 7 p.m., Barnes & Noble Open 7 Days a Week the closet of a happy woman. With Della 89 South Tunnel Rd., Dreamland Shop- Fresh-Baked Calzones Lee’s tough love, Josey is soon forgoing ping Center, Asheville, NC. Hoagies & Pretzels pecan rolls and caramels, tapping into For more info call (828) 296-9330. 50 Broadway ~ Asheville, NC Healthy Ingredients Vol. 11, No. 9 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — May 2008 21 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE BOOKS

Stephen King’s Troubled State: The Civil War Journals of Franklin Archibald Dick Latest Audio Book Written by Gari Carter hen my mother gave me my war, Dick practiced law with Montgom- of the Civil War instead of another essay In the emo- great-great-grandfather’s Civil ery Blair, Lincoln’s Postmaster General, about historical facts. tional aftermath of War journals in the 1960’s, I in Washington’s Blair House. He died in her baby’s sudden had no idea that they would Philadelphia in 1885. If you go death, Em starts become a book – Troubled Franklin Dick knew and described all running. Soon State: The Civil War Journals the famous people of his time, discussed Gari Carter will be speaking and sign- Wof Franklin Archibald Dick. I was young, investments, politics, and the situation ing her book, Troubled State: The Civil she runs from her husband, to the not interested in war, and thought they in the divided city of St. Louis, and his War Journals of Franklin Archibald Dick airport, down to were another family possession to pass on. beloved Union. At the St. Louis book at Books A Million on Saturday, May 17 the Florida Gulf and out to In the following twenty years, I had launch, the Civil War Roundtable mem- at 2 p.m.; at Barnes & Noble on Sunday, the loneliest stretch of Vermillion a range of careers using my languages bers mentioned how grateful they were to May 18 at 1 p.m.; and at Malaprop’s on Key, where her father has offered – French, Spanish, and Italian. In 1982, I read a new intelligent first hand account Wednesday, May 21 at 7 p.m. the use of a conch shack he has was in a massive car accident. It took the kept there for years. Em keeps up next ten years to reconstruct my face, legs, her running — barefoot on the and life. My first book, (Healing Myself, beach, sneakers on the road — and Hampton Roads 1993), prompted by a one another and sees virtually no one. writing class, told that story. After a year Forget Me Not then fell in love. of traveling and speaking, including a talk This is doing her all kinds of A memoir by Jennifer Lowe-Anker They married and good, until one day she makes the at Malaprop’s, I moved to Black Moun- Conrad became the mistake of looking into the drive- tain and settled down to write. In 1999, professional climber adoptive father of way of a man named Pickering. Reading Franklin Dick’s private Stuart Alexander Lowe — commonly Alex’s sons, Max, Pickering also enjoys the privacy journals for the first time, I was fascinated known as Alex Lowe — was killed Sam and Isaac. of Vermillion Key, but the young by my ancestor. It was a thriller about the in an avalanche while exploring the In her new women he brings there suffer the turmoil in Missouri. I spent the next ten Tibetan Himalaya. memoir, “Forget consequences. Will Em be next? years deciphering and researching what A freak accident on the 26,000- Me Not,” Jennifer became Troubled State: The Civil War foot peak Shishapangma also took Lowe-Anker reveals Simon & Schuster Audio, May Journals of Franklin Archibald Dick. the life of fellow expeditioner and the intimate details of 2008. 2 Compact Disks (Un- Born in Philadelphia in 1823, Frank- filmmaker David Bridges, but spared her life of 18 years with Alex and the abridged) $19.95. Available at Mala- lin Dick went to St. Louis to practice law Alex’s best friend and climbing partner new life she has created with Conrad. props and other local bookstores. in 1842. His quiet life as an attorney and Conrad Anker. At the age of 41, Alex businessman was disrupted when he held left behind three young children and a secret Union meetings in his law office. loving wife. If you go Serving as Nathaniel Lyon’s Assistant Jennifer Lowe mourned the Emmy award-winning composer Adjutant General at Camp Jackson, the passing of her husband, but took Lowe-Anker will be signing books at and multi-instrumentalist Chris first incident in Missouri’s Civil War, great comfort in the support of his Malaprops on Friday, May 9, 7 p.m. 55 Haywood Street, in Asheville, NC. Spheeris at Osondu Booksellers, Dick describes unknown events. After friend Conrad. Through their shared Thursday, May 1, at 7 p.m. meeting with President Lincoln, Franklin grief, they discovered affection for Phone (828) 254-6734 for details. Tickets $10 in advance, $12 at Dick continued to write the president the door. (828) 456-8062. about conditions in Missouri. After the Woman’s World Nature’s Magical Moments: Written by Graham Rawle and reviewed by Jake Coleman omen’s magazines of The result is a page-turning Reflections on Nature and Self the 1960s set impos- thriller that’s utterly original Written by Ellen Hitchcock sible standards for the yet retains the sensibility of its modern housewife: She source material. Even with- Ellen Hitchcock fa- Ellen is dedicated to the im- was expected to be an out Rawle’s amazing facsimile cilitates workshops/ portance of personal healing and is immaculate housekeeper, presentation, Woman’s World retreats that focus certified in the Usui System of Reiki Wa brilliant entertainer, a fashion plate, stands on its own as a delight- on the assimilation Natural Healing. She incorporates her and (natch) a perfect pleaser of the fully dark suspense novel about a and incorporation of multi-cultural training to assist clients in bridging man in her life. family with a horrible secret. wisdoms for personal and professional their personal and professional lives For Norma Fontaine — the first- Norma Fontaine lives in a per- growth in present-day settings. She is with authenticity and sufficiency. person narrator of the new, wholly fect woman’s world of handy tips and founder and director of the Center for original thriller Woman’s World — the sensible advice. Whether it’s choosing Well-Being in Oak Ridge, TN which tips, instructions, and suggestions in the right foundation garment, polishing is committed to bringing various edu- If you go these magazines rule her life, which is no a whatnot or practising feminine allure cational and spiritual programs to the surprise, considering her every thought through meticulous grooming, Norma community. Ellen Hitchcock, Personal Life Coach and utterance literally originates from the measures life by the standards set in will be reading and signing her book at Ellen is a graduate of the Uni- magazines she worships. the magazines she reads. So when she versity of Alabama. She has a private Malaprop’s “Make Your Life a Cel- ebration Event” on May 1, at 7 p.m. In creating Woman’s World, collage bumps into Mr Hands and he suggests practice as a Personal Life Coach and artist Graham Rawle spent five years cut- taking tea at the Excella Café how could Clinical Social Worker with a Tennes- For more information on Ellen and ting 40,000 snippets of text and spot illus- she possibly refuse? What could be more see Certification as a Family Mediator. this event, go tocreativementor.net . trations from 1960s women’s magazines exhilarating, or appropriate? and pasting them onto 437 sheets of paper.

22 May 2008 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 11, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE

For the latest reviews, theater info and movie show times, visit www.rapidrivermagazine.com

The film is essentially a cross be- tween Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and The Karate Kid but utilizes the best elements of both. Director Rob Minkoff (The Haunted Mansion) does a fine job in coordinating the many different aspects of the production. Like the Hollywood movies of old, The Forbidden Kingdom is not so much one man’s vision as a col- laborative effort between the director and many fine craftsmen. There are visual ref- erences to earlier fantasy adventure films Jackie Chan in “The Forbidden and the main character’s name of Jason is Kingdom” surely no coincidence. Like a good book, one of the aspects The Forbidden that I love most about the movies is their Kingdom∑∑∑∑ ability to transport me to exotic places and Short Take: Old-fashioned fantasy different historical eras that I will never adventure with lavish production values be able to go to myself. The Forbidden gifted students and trains them in his that should please action fans yet is Kingdom is just that sort of movie and if ∑∑∑∑∑-Fantastic system of counting cards. They then go ideal for families. it’s your sort too then go see it and take Reel Take: Sitting in the darkened to Las Vegas on the weekends under as- the family along. ∑∑∑∑-Pretty darn good theatre watching The Forbidden King- sumed identities and proceed to clean up Rated PG-13 for martial arts action and ∑∑∑ dom, I was transported back in time. -Has some good points at the casinos. Naturally this does not go some violence. Not to the kung fu/chop socky movies ∑∑-The previews lied unnoticed by the casino higher-ups and of the early 1970s but back to the fantasy Review by Chip Kaufmann so a seasoned casino enforcer (Laurence ∑-Only if you must adventure films of the early 1960s such Fishburne) waits his chance to take M as Captain Sindbad (yes, it’s spelled that -Forget entirely action. The key to success is not to get way) with Guy Williams, The Magic Forgetting caught up in the gaming. Play but don’t Sword with Basil Rathbone and Ray Sarah Marshall gamble. Once that rule is broken (and Harryhausen’s Jason and the Argonauts. ∑∑∑ Reel Take Reviewers: you know it will be) then the best laid Despite being billed as a kung fu Chip Kaufmann is a film historian who also plans of men… etc, etc. Short Take: action extravaganza featuring martial arts shares his love of classical music as a program While the situations and the way Predictable story stars Jackie Chan and Jet Li, The Forbid- host on WCQS-FM radio. they play out are nothing new, Australian of depressed, den Kingdom is really family oriented director Robert Luketic (Legally Blonde) jilted boyfriend Michelle Keenan is a long time student of fare that has a little something for every- who finds it’s not directs it all with a visual panache that film, a believer in the magic of movies and a one. There is lots of but not too much so hard to forget keeps things hopping. Jim Sturgess and fundraiser for public radio. martial arts action that is beautifully cho- Sarah Marshall Kate Bosworth make an attractive couple reographed by Woo-ping Yuen (Crouch- after all. while Laurence ing Tiger, Hidden Dragon). There is also Reel Take: Forgetting Sarah Mar- Fishburne is ap- 21 (Twenty-One) lush, exotic photography shot on location shall? I saw the move only yesterday and ∑∑∑∑ propriately menac- in China and engaging performances I’ve already forgotten Sarah Marshall. I’ve ing as the enforcer. Short Take: Well from the two stars. Both have dual roles spent more time trying to figure out what Kevin Spacey is just made caper film with with the usually stoic Li getting to cut so many critics see that’s so great about right as the math solid performances loose as the Monkey King, a traditional this movie than actually thinking about the teacher whose smil- overcoming a so-so character from Chinese mythology. movie itself. ing face and easy script. The plot is simple and nothing new. Forgetting Sarah Marshall is about a Reel Take: “Win- demeanor mask Jason, a downtrodden teen from South nice, but droopy, sad-sack of a guy who’s ner, winner, chicken something much Boston (Michael Angarano), who rents nursing a broken heart after being left dinner” declares darker underneath. kung fu movies from an old Chinese by his CSI Miami-like girlfriend Sarah college student Ben The other shopkeeper (Jackie Chan), is magically Marshall (Kristen Bell). Jason Segel (TV’s Campbell (Jim Stur- Jim Sturgess eyes the blackjack performances are transported back to ancient China where How I Met Your Mother) wrote the film gess) at the very begin- tables in Robert Luketic’s exciting equally fine and he becomes involved in a plot to over- and stars as the utterly dejected Peter ning. The term refers caper film ‘21’. that’s necessary throw an evil warlord (Collin Chou) Bretter. to what dealers call out because the script and free the Monkey King who has been After being unceremoniously when you hit a blackjack straight up. His which is credited to three writers is the imprisoned inside a stone statue. Joining dumped for another man and trying to voiceover narration sets the stage for what film’s weakest element. him on this quest are a silent monk (Li), escape the memory of his ex, Peter jets will be an inside look at the high stakes I had fun at 21. The casino scenes a tipsy Chinese vagabond (Chan), and to Hawaii for a vacation. Who does he world of Las Vegas casino gambling. were exciting, the close-up look at card a young woman (Yifei Lu) who is bent run into while checking into the hotel? 21 is inspired by the book Bringing counting fascinating, and the performanc- on revenge. Along the way Jason learns Yep, none other than Sarah Marshall Down The House. In the original all the es were engaging especially from Stur- how to stand up for himself and falls in and her new British-rocker boyfriend students were Asian and the fact that in gess and Spacey. From an entertainment love with the girl. Before confronting Aldous Snow (Russell Brand). As Peter this movie they aren’t has upset some standpoint, 21 is a safe bet. the warlord, the quartet must deal with drowns his sorrows in tropical, umbrella people who object to the “Hollywoodiza- Rated PG-13 for some violence and the powerful and cunning white haired bedecked drinks, he makes friends with tion” of the book. sexual content including partial nudity. witch (Bingbing Li) who has been sent to several of the hotel employees, including The film’s story concerns an M.I.T. Review by Chip Kaufmann destroy them. professor (Kevin Spacey) who recruits ‘Movies’ continued on pg 24

Vol. 11, No. 9 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — May 2008 23 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE FILM REVIEWS

‘Movies’ continued from pg 23 Actor/Director George Clooney has Will the Bulldogs survive? Will the bow less than ten minutes later. Ironi- taken quite a critical tackle for Leather- Carter Rutherford scandal kill the sport cally Jack spends almost the entire movie the very pretty front desk clerk Rachel heads, though why I’m not altogether forever? Will Dodge get the girl? Grab stuck at sea on the leaking remnants of his (Mila Kunis from TV’s That 70’s Show). sure. Many of the classic screwball com- your popcorn and find out. storm-damaged boat and yet unbeknownst Gradually Peter forgets Sarah Marshall. edies, though replete with razor sharp Rated PG-13 for brief strong language. to us, somehow manages to fashion a wit and rapid fire dialogue, were merely mast, sail and raft in the dark of night, with Segel’s character is likeably awkward Reviewed by Michelle Keenan but it’s the sub-characters that are the entertainment, not critical masterpieces. sharks circling and monsoon raging, and really fun ones to watch. Russell Brand From the use of a vintage Universal logo show up for the happy ending with about and old-style opening credits, and our 30 seconds to spare. Even for a fanciful darn near steals the show as Aldous, and Nim’s Island Paul Rudd takes a funny turn in a bit part local, now celebrity cow with catawam- ∑∑ family adventure film, this is a stretch. as a stoned surfer dude who’s probably hit pus horns, to the non-stop repartee even 1/2 For all of its flaws Nim’s Island is his head on the coral one too many times. as they ride into the sunset, Clooney Short Take: Be not a complete loss. If I were a parent, While it was refreshing to see the delivers a great tip of the hat to Howard the hero of your Nim is just the kind of fictitious character filmmakers try a few news things in the Hawks and Frank Capra, all-the-while own life story. I’d want my child to be inspired by. Will age old story of romantic road kill, give me keeping it very … well … Clooney. While Reel Take: today’s consumerist, X-Box / Game-boy a lovelorn John Cusack movie any day. nowhere near perfect, Leatherheads deliv- You know that playing youth actually enjoy and relate to ers a funny bit of classic matinee fare. phrase “Too many such a character? One can hope. Rated R for sexual content, language and Clooney stars as Dodge Connelly a cooks spoil the some graphic nudity. Rated PG for mild adventure action and forty-something, charming football hero stew?” There brief language. Reviewed by Michelle Keenan in 1925 who is determined to keep his were way too team, the Duluth Bulldogs, alive. Along many cooks in the Reviewed by Michelle Keenan the way he schemes to make kitchen for the film adaptation of Wendy Leatherheads ∑∑∑∑ professional football as big Orr’s novel Nim’s Island. The result is Smart People Short Take: George Clooney if not bigger than college a mish-mash of movie. When the film- ∑∑ directs and stars his way football, something no one makers can’t even decide whether Nim 1/2 through a screwball comedy possible. When Dodge cajoles should call her father Jack or Daddy, it’s Short Take: A about the beginning of America’s postwar golden a good indicator that decision making movie about professional football. boy and college football hero wasn’t one of the strong suits. an unlikable, Reel Take: Since the golden Carter Rutherford (TV’s John What’s wrong with this film falls egocentric era of the silver screen, many Krasinski) to leave Princeton squarely on shoulders of its director Jen- professor and have tried their hand at so-called and join the team, it looks like nifer Flackett, its many writers (including his dysfunctional screwball comedy. No one has it’s smooth sailing. Smooth Flackett), and its producers. The capable family that isn’t ever come close to capturing sailing that is until Lexie cast led by none other than ‘Little Miss as smart as it the essence that made those Littleton (Renee Zellweger) Sunshine’ herself Abigail Breslin, does thinks it is. screwball comedies shine – a - a fast talking minx with a its best to make the most of it. Breslin Reel Take: sparkling, fast talking essence found in the press pass and pen - sets her sights on shines as Nim, a young girl who lives on There was some pretty good buzz about likes of Cary Grant, William Powell, Clark young Rutherford. Once she gets him to a remote island in the South Pacific with Smart People during the Sundance Film Gable, Rosalind Russell, Jean Arthur, and spill the beans on his mythical war hero her scientist father, plays with native ani- Festival this year. In retrospect perhaps the Myrna Loy. No one that is, until now. record, all bets are off. mals, and learns everything a girl would buzz was more about attendance of the Though he didn’t take a writing ever need to know through the magical film’s stars than about the film itself. With credit, Clooney apparently claims he re- world of books. Jodie Foster, who would all the great indie films coming off the film Theatre Directory worked the screenplay by Duncan Brant- most likely have played Nim if this film festival circuit these days, this one was a ley and Rick Reilly quite a bit. Brantley had been made back in the 70’s, takes a real disappointment. Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company and Reilly wrote the story so long ago refreshing comic turn [from her tortured, Dennis Quaid stars as Lawrence Movieline (828) 254-1281 they can’t remember who wrote what, victimized, captive roles of late] as the Wetherhold a widowed, miserly, unlik- www.ashevillepizza.com but regardless of credit, every line is great, neurotic, agoraphobic action adventure able, middle-aged professor whose life Beaucatcher Cinemas (Asheville) even the throwaway lines (especially the novelist Alex Rover. gets a well needed shake up, when his Movieline (828) 298-1234 throwaway lines). Perhaps today’s audi- Scottish hunka hunka Gerard Butler under-achiever, adopted brother Chuck (Thomas Haden Church) shows up for an Carmike 10 (Asheville) ences aren’t accustomed to listening so plays Nim’s father Jack Rusoe and Alex closely, but if they do, Leatherheads is a Rover’s alter ego ‘Alex Rover’. Butler unexpected stay. Meanwhile Lawrence’s Movieline (828) 298-4452 relationship with his children is tenuous. www.carmike.com constant chuckle. clearly has great time playing the adventure Clooney and Zellweger have zingy hero but seems less comfortable as Jack; His son James is clearly bitter, angry and Cinebarre (Asheville) chemistry befitting the genre. Like Cloo- He damn near chokes on some painfully resentful of his father. Lawrence’s daugh- www.cinebarre.com ney, Krasinksi will make an easy transition cheesy lines as Nim’s dad. One can only ter Vanessa (Ellen Page) is a Lawrence- in-training. Bless her over-achieving, The Falls Theatre (Brevard) from the small screen to the big screen. surmise that they used the higher paid pseudo-intellectual heart, she does try to Movieline (828) 883-2200 The delightful supporting cast includes the writers to craft the scenes of witty banter almost always wicked Jonathan Pryce, but between Alex Rover and her alter ego. be the lady of the house and keep some Fine Arts Theatre (Asheville) is topped off most perfectly by character Even though the filmmakers had all semblance of family tradition, but the Movieline (828) 232-1536 actor Stephen Root as Suds, the local those hands in the pot, they apparently character is strangely one-dimensional. www.fineartstheatre.comm reporter/drunk to whom Dodge feeds the forgot to hire an editing team. The film After refusing to pay the fee to get Flat Rock Theatre (Flat Rock) play-by-play story for each game. felt longer than its 96 minute running his car out an impound lot, Lawrence Movieline (828) 697-2463 Clooney fumbles the ball a couple of time. Perhaps a really savvy crew could sustains trauma-induced seizure and www.flatrockcinema.com times when the story meanders into ex- have fixed some of the pacing issues that head injury because of fall from a fence tended Keystone Kop-like segments and beleaguer the otherwise well-intentioned while retrieving his briefcase from the Four Seasons (Hendersonville) impounded car. He doesn’t know it but Movieline (828) 693-8989 lengthy barroom brawl scenes, but even and fun story. For instance, they spend 86 these are fairly pretty enjoyable, mostly minutes or so just getting Jodie Foster’s the injury turns out to be the best thing Smoky Mountain Cinema (Waynesville) because you know George and the boys character to the island, only to wrap up the that could have happened to Lawrence. A Movieline (828) 452-9091 are having just altogether too much fun. whole thing in a great big happy-family- ‘Movies’ continued on next pg

24 May 2008 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 11, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE FILM REVIEWS

‘Movies’ continued from pg 24 Do-It-Yourself American Film History In 3 Easy Steps former and long forgotten student, Dr. f you are seriously interested in the Toll of the Sea, the first Tech- Janet Hartigan (Sarah Jessica Parker), by Chip Kaufmann revokes the professor’s driver’s license early history of American film, then nicolor feature from 1923, as for six months. Lawrence is forced to you’ll be glad to know there’s any well as shorts, period docu- of women in American depend on his undependable brother easy way to learn it that is not only mentaries and cartoons. society). The film high- for transportation. The injury also informative but a great deal of fun The second set, More lights here are The Soul of brings him a romance with the good as well. All you need is some cash, a Treasures, came out in 2004 IDVD player, and a place to watch movies and features a mere 9 ½ hours Youth, by director William doctor, though I confess, it’s a relation- Desmond Taylor (whose ship I just didn’t get. — the Treasures from American Film Ar- on three DVDs. It also has 1922 unsolved murder Ironically the only non-smart per- chives series will do the rest. newly recorded helped to bring about son in the story happens to be the only The National Film Pres- music scores Anna May Wong in censorship); Cecil B. De likable person in the movie. Chuck ervation Foundation is a non- where needed, TOLL OF THE SEA. Mille’s The Godless Girl, brings what little warmth and depth profit organization created commentaries by a film that tackles atheism, overzealous there is to the story. Ultimately Chuck by Congress to help preserve 17 different film historians, Christianity, and reform school abuse; turns out to be the brains, the heart, America’s film heritage. Since and a 200-page book on all and the real prize, a restored version of the soul and glue in the family. 2000 the NFPF has released the offerings. Film highlights Lois Weber’s controversial 1916 film The cast delivers solid but stiff three box sets of DVDs that include the first sound film Where Are My Children? which deals performances. It’s a definite depar- cover the period of American from 1894, early works by with birth control and abortion. ture for normally ruggedly handsome film from its origins in 1894 Ernst Lubitsch and D.W. William S. Hart As the descriptions would indicate, and affable Quaid, who is known to the heyday of the Holly- Griffith, a 1926 color short in 1916’s HELL’S these sets are not cheap. Prices vary but to possess pack of abs worthy of a wood studio system follow- of dance by Martha Graham, HINGES. they are all under $80 and used copies cooler. Though he hides behind his ing World War II. Particular and short films from pioneer are available for as low as $50. However character’s beard, it is unnecessary for attention is paid to films that were made women directors Alice Guy-Blache and they are more than worth the price when Quaid to emphasize the dowdy, pad- before 1934, when self-imposed censor- Lois Weber. There’s even a 1925 feature you take into account that all proceeds ded tummy as much as he does in his ship was enacted through the Hays Code starring the original Rin-Tin-Tin (a Ger- from the sale of these box sets go to fund portrayal of Lawrence. for the next 34 years. man Shepherd found on a WWI battlefield more restoration from America’s film The best audience for Smart Peo- The first set, Treasures From who became the first big animal star). archives. The sets can be ordered from ple are those that gravitate to pseudo- American Film Archives, was released in Treasures III was released in Oc- regular video outlets or online from sites intellectual, semi-pretentious characters 2001 and contains over 11 hours of rare tober 2007 and unlike the previous two like Amazon. For more information visit in works such as Noah Baumbach’s films on four DVDs that are taken from sets, focuses on specific social issues in www.filmpreservation.org. The Squid and the Whale and Margot the best surviving materials. There are American film from 1900-1934. There are at the Wedding. However, even those 50 films altogether along with a 150- four DVDs with over 12 hours of mate- folks may be taken aback by the sudden, page book complete with full credits and rial and optional voiceover commentary tidy and altogether not-too-smart happy details. Each film contains an optional that greatly aid in putting these films into Section co-editor Chip ending. While pleasant, it didn’t seem spoken commentary from various film perspective. Each disc carries a particular Kaufmann is a film histori- to match the movie, nor its unlikable, scholars to provide more background. social theme, such as Toil & Tyranny an who also shares his love dysfunctional characters. This particular set focuses more on an (about the rise of organized Labor), The of classical music on public overview of early American film with City Reformed (a look at crime in major radio station WCQS-FM. Rated R for profanity, brief sex & nu- highlights that include William S. Hart’s American cities), and New Women dity and brief alcohol & drug use. doom-laden 1916 Western Hell’s Hinges, (which focuses on the transformation Reviewed by Michelle Keenan

Street Kings ∑∑∑1/2 TEEN REVIEW by Sierra Bicking Short Take: This revamp of L.A. Confidential should satisfy most action fans. Drillbit Taylor ∑∑∑1/2 I admit it; I am kids and Reel Take: If you’ve seen the film Short take: Three high school an Owen Wilson fan. teens can L.A. Confidential then you’ll know boys hire a homeless man to I’ve seen most of his relate to what to expect from Street Kings protect them from a bully with films, like You, Me, and which which comes as no surprise when you unexpected results. and Dupree, Wedding will draw consider that both were written by Attention Owen Wilson fans-- Crashers, Shanghai them fur- L.A. crime writer James Ellroy who he’s back in yet another crazy film Noon, etc. I love that ther into specializes in the affairs of the Los playing yet another crazy character. certain sparkle in his the movie. Angeles police department. In Wilson’s latest film, Drillbit Sierra Bicking is eye he gets when he is Drill- Keanu Reeves, in one of his better Taylor, three young boys, Wade an arte aficionado really enjoying himself. bit Taylor extraordinaire. roles of late, plays Tom Ludlow, an (Nate Hartley), Ryan (Troy Gen- But in this film, his is a pretty officer who is a member of a highly tile), and Emmit (David Dorfman), eyes didn’t have the good successful special vice squad headed finally get to high school only to end up same joy. This may have something to movie, up by Captain Jack Wander (Forrest dealing with a really bad bully named do with his suicide attempt last August. especially for younger kids and Owen Whitaker). Their success rate is not Filkins (Alex Frost). Not able to beat With that chapter behind him now, Wilson fans. surprising since they plant evidence him up themselves, they decide to hire a it is great to see him back on the silver Rated PG-13 for crude sexual and shoot first and arrest afterwards if cheap bodyguard to protect them. Who screen again. As for the kid actors, being references throughout, strong bullying, it’s still necessary. do they hire? Good ole’ homeless (or as young and somewhat inexperienced language, drug references and partial he calls it, “home-free”) Drillbit Taylor didn’t stop them from stealing the nudity. (Owen Wilson). show. The movie has real kid-lingo that ‘Movies’ continued on pg. 26

Vol. 11, No. 9 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — May 2008 25 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE FILM REVIEWS

‘Movies’ continued from pg 25 Chip Kaufmann’s Pick: Michelle Keenan’s Pick: “Oh! What A Lovely War” DVD Picks of the Month “Lars and Real Girl ”

Oh! What A Lovely War town in northern Wisconsin. His sister The classic 1969 anti-war film final- in-law is worried about him, but his ly makes it to dvd. Take the overall look brother dismisses her fears until Lars and feel of the recent film Atonement, brings ‘Bianca’ to dinner one night (that combine it with the concept of Julie would be the love doll). After a hasty trip Taymor’s Across The Universe where to the town doctor/shrink the next day, the songs of The Beatles dictate how the Dr. Dagmar (Patricia Clarkson) explains film will evolve and that will give you that Lars is delusional and that Bianca is some idea of Richard Attenborough’s very real to him. Dagmar says that the Keanu Reeves shoots first and asks 1969 anti-war masterpiece Oh! What A delusion will end when he no longer questions later in David Ayers’ corrupt Lovely War. Just substitute songs from needs it, so they should just go along cop drama STREET KINGS. World War I for those of The Fab Four. with it in the meanwhile. ingly despondent and cynical until OWALW began life as a BBC radio The ensuing story is delightful. The hymns like Onward Christian Soldiers The Keanu Reeves character is very play that became a stage show first in town welcomes Bianca into their com- are sung with bitter irony. similar to the Jack Bauer character played London and then in New York. It was munity; she gets a job, goes to parties, When this movie was first released by Kiefer Sutherland on TV’s 24. He is an the height of the Viet Nam war and and even gets a haircut. Lars meanwhile in 1969 it was given a G rating mak- unstoppable one-man wrecking crew who the show made quite an impression in works through his issues and, thanks to ing it the heaviest, most intense G film always gets the job done. When his partner certain circles. Paramount Pictures had this un-real girl, becomes a man, and no ever made. I suspect the rating would be (Terry Crews) is killed during a routine just been acquired by Gulf & Western, a – not in that way. upped today if it were ever to be reissued convenience store robbery, things don’t big conglomerate of the time, and they What makes Lars and the Real Girl to theatres. It’s interesting to note that add up and Tom begins to investigate his wanted to make a big splash in Hol- so utterly disarming and quite wonder- not one drop of blood is shed through- unit under the probing eye of another lywood so when Richard Attenborough ful is the raw honesty and vulnerability out the film which goes to show that it police captain (Hugh Laurie) who is deter- (Gandhi) pitched a film version to them, of the story and its characters. This is possible to make a powerful statement mined to bring the vice squad down. they accepted. awkwardly shy, reclusive young man is by using subtlety and restraint. Director David Ayers (Harsh Times) In order to improve the movie’s truly sweet. Love dolls and the men who If you enjoy upscale entertainment makes the most of this recycled material chances for success, Attenborough ‘love’ them, conjure an unseemly and that has something to say then you need by giving the film a hard-edged look with persuaded several of England’s finest pathetic image. Lars is the antithesis of to see Oh! What A Lovely War. It is a fast moving camerawork that resembles performers to appear in small but signifi- this image. He’s the epitome of a gentle- film whose time has sadly come again. rap and hip-hop videos. In fact three cant parts. The cast included Laurence man suitor, something that is rare in life hip-hoppers/rappers (Common, The Olivier, John Gielgud, Maggie Smith, and films today. Game and Cedric the Entertainer) portray Vanessa Redgrave and her brother Corin Lars and Real Girl The far-fetched but touching notion significant characters in the story. At 107 as well as their father Michael, and John Until Juno was released last year, of the townspeople embracing Bianca minutes the film moves along and doesn’t Mills who plays Sir Douglas Haig, the Lars and the Real Girl was on track to because they care so much for this wear out its welcome. head of Britain’s war machine. be the Indie film of the year. Those that young man is genuinely heartwarming, The best thing Street Kings has going This was Attenborough’s first saw it in the theatre were charmed. Even and somehow even plausible. Executed for it are the performances of its colorful film as a director and he skillfully uses with glowing reviews from the snarki- with an eloquent balance of humor, cast. In addition to Reeves there’s Chris his performers and his technicians to est of critics, many stayed away from the emotional nakedness and humanity, Evans as a cop willing to help him uncover weave a seamless epic which moves little film that featured a love doll as one first-time feature director Craig Gil- the corruption in the vice unit, and then from Brighton Pier (the symbol of of its main characters. As my sweetie lespie delivers one of the best little films there’s Forrest Whitaker. His vice squad England in the film) to the trenches of said after seeing a trailer for it, “I know in a long time. commander demands your attention the Western Front and other venues all you said you loved that movie, but it just whenever he’s on screen much like he did tied together by songs of the era like looks … odd.” Far more sweet than odd, in The Last King Of Scotland. Inky,Dinky, Parley-vous and Keep The Lars and the Real Girl is hands down my Questions/Comments? Street Kings has nothing new to offer Home Fires Burning. The songs begin DVD pick of the month. You can email Chip or Michelle at and some of the dialogue is unfortunate on an optimistic, patriotic note but as Lars, (Ryan Gosling) is a painfully [email protected] but it is smartly directed and should satisfy the war drags on they become increas- shy young man living in a small, rural most action fans and ardent admirers of crime dramas. Just ignore the fact that you’ve seen it all before. Rated R for strong language and pervasive violence. Experience “Naqoyqatsi: Life as War” Review by Chip Kaufmann The Ashe- of Philip Glass and computer-manipu- by Jonathan Rich ville Art Mu- lated images to comment on the war of Whoops! seum will screen daily living. Naqoyqatsi: Life as War is obscure, enters our heads and our hearts Last month in my review for In the experimental the final film in a trilogy which began through strangely beautiful, yet unintel- Bruges I listed Into the West as documentary with Koyaanisqatsi: Life Out of Balance ligible channels.” one of Martin McDonagh’s plays. film Naqoyqatsi: and Powaqqatsi: Life in Transformation. This screening is free to Museum I meant to say Lonesome West. Life as War on “Naqoyqatsi IS filmmaking at its Members or guests with Museum ad- While Into the West is another fine Saturday and purest and most visceral – a tale full of mission. It is held in conjunction with Irish story, it’s not McDonagh’s. Sunday, May 10 sound and visual fury,” said Washington the exhibition Time is of the Essence: - Michelle Keenan and 11, starting at 2:00 p.m. each day. Post staff writer Michael O’Sullivan. Contemporary Landscape Art, which will This 2002 work features no words or “(Director) Godfrey Reggio has given be on view at the Asheville Art Museum commentary, but instead uses the music us a work of art whose meaning, while through June 22, 2008.

26 May 2008 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 11, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE The ARTFUL Home

The Arch, An Uncommon Resource In North Asheville by Roxane Clement

unique establishment on the The Arch repre- north side of Asheville known as sents a large number The Arch The Arch opened two years ago of local artisans, and this month. I was able to speak she has often col- Catherine Silver, with the owner, Catherine Silver laborated with them Owner about her vision for her company. to do custom work 1020 Merrimon Ave. AThe striking logo on the front of the for local builders. Asheville, NC building is certainly eye-catching, and Part of Catherine’s when I asked Catherine how she arrived vision is to be a good (828) 253-5455 at the name for her business she respond- reference for people, www.thearchnc.com ed that she had always loved arches. For to point them to her they represent timelessness and stabil- other sources for Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 9:30 - 5:30 ity. The products that she carries reflect products. Although Saturday, 10:00 - 3:00 her love for these qualities as well. she stays on the Catherine brings an eclectic back- lookout for more ground to her business. She lived on products to carry, the Big Island of Hawaii for ten years she is determined to Decorative painter Roxane Clement has and while there created a handmade tile do something well, worked on numerous restoration projects business. She has worked as an interior rather than spread in Asheville including the Smith-McDowell designer, and, most recently, herself too thin. workshops to help acquaint people with House, the Biltmore Estate, and the A-B taught for thirteen years in the In line with her love of the products she carries. She also wel- Tech library. comes artisans to contact her about their Buncombe County school sys- timelessness and stability, Her decorative painting business special- tem. She formulated the idea for Catherine offers a large selec- products in her quest to assist others in creating healthier, more beautiful homes izes in stone effects and wood graining. her business because she wanted tion of environmentally friendly Contact her at [email protected] to do something creative; with products. She carries cork and and businesses. the assistance of Mountain Micro bamboo flooring, as well as Enterprise, she was able to open Eco Timber hardwood flooring The Arch. which is highly respected by the The Arch caters to a wide US Green Building Council. clientele: builders, designers and Roxane She researches the production of Is the Air architects as well as home owners Clement, these products, taking care that simply wanting to improve the professional the flooring she sells contains no aesthetic of their houses can find decorative formaldehyde. The American in Your Home a wide variety of beautiful accents painter. Clay Earth Plaster, showcased on here. The showroom elegantly the walls is also hypo-allergenic displays a wide variety of flooring as well as being very versatile and Making You Sick? and wall surfaces as well as accessories, beautiful. She has found that the builders but Catherine stresses that even a simple in this area have a good conscience about accent such as an unusual tile or knob can using green products. set off a room. She sells anything from Looking to the future, Catherine Trapped Moisture and Gases that to entire installations. plans to host open house events and Can Be Harmful! Remove Unhealthy Air

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Vol. 11, No. 9 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — May 2008 27 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE REstaurants & Wine Observations at Recent Tastings – and Café Ello Comes to Asheville May Events Fancy Dress Affair may suggest that a North Carolina-only by Michael Parker tasting is still a good or fair idea. at the Weinhaus In mid-April, the Blue Ridge Wine But, the wine business is business, Reservations are required for these Festival happened in lovely Blowing and our taste buds demand performance. events unless otherwise noted. Call Rock. The big event, called the Grand Mayberry Mea Culpa North Carolina’s small wineries, God the Weinhaus at (828) 254-6453. Tasting, was under the big top at Chetola bless them, work extra hard and deserve At a recent Asheville tasting, I ap- Resort, and featured a welcome change. proached the lonely table of Mt. Airy’s local support. But, the prices are generally Wednesday, May 7 Once upon a time, this tasting was all Old North State Winery, tasted, and higher and the tastes very often fall short Sugo’s restaurant will partner with North Carolina wines, now it is a tasting choked. I choked hard, too. It wasn’t their of our expectations. the Weinhaus in presenting a fine of the world’s. wine, it was a drinking problem on my Many of us have already chosen five course wine dinner featuring A man and a woman showed up in part, but it looked bad and I am very sorry. our favorite styles from other parts of the creative cooking of chef Damien handmade bunch-o-grapes costumes. For this, I want to recommend their the world, regions with totally different Cavicchi. The restaurant is known Sexist, they were; he was Cabernet Autumn Leaf Gold. It is an unconven- agricultural situations. These choices and for it’s use of fresh and local foods Sauvignon and she was Chardonnay. tional, peach-scented blend of Viognier experiences have shaped the standards we combined in the Italian trattoria style (Although I always did think that Char- and Sauvignon Blanc. Next year they impose on regional wines. of dining, a wonderful way of dining. donnay would be a pretty name for a little should be certified organic. In the mean- North Carolina probably won’t ever Time is 7:00 p.m., the cost is $65 per girl.) As they traipsed about the tent, he time, every Asian restaurant should have produce the rustic reds like those from person. Call the Weinhaus at (828) did the talking in an English accent of this wine on its list. the heel of Italy or salt-scented whites 254-6453 for reservations. uncertain cause. like those from the west coast of Iberia, I must admit, I admired Chardonnay’s Ello! but competent winemakers, especially Saturday, May 17 grapes as never before, and she even let those with good funding, are working Locals will always call it Gold Hill, but me handle them! I assured her that even A free wine tasting will be held at the hard to learn what performs and pro- what was subsequently Everyday Gour- Weinhaus, 86 Patton Ave, Asheville, though they were not real, they were fabu- duces in our state. met, and then Picholine, is now Café Ello, lous. “My name’s not really Chardonnay” from 2-4 p.m and featuring “Appe- Biltmore Estate, for example, excels “Urban Café and Teahouse”. The new tizing White Wines”. she confided with a smile, “It’s Amy.” at sparkling wine. Calaboose Cellars in owners, Lorne Richman and Ellie Blue- See? All this wine lingo really does Andrews produces a delicious and smooth stone, just moved here from Chicago, but Wednesday, May 21 matter. Accurate descriptions can win Gewurtztraminer-Viognier blend. Rock- have already been well-schooled on the friends and influence people. Chef Adam Banasch and Zambra’s house Winery performs well. Gold Hill thing. In the Windy City, Lorne restaurant will provide a fine five Fruit of the Loons? Especially noteworthy is (the spec- gained impressive experience with the course meal paired with wines from tacularly funded) Childress Vineyards in Four Seasons and Sullivan’s Steakhouse. the Weinhaus. Zambra’s is located in As the four-hour Grand Tasting event Lexington. Winemaker Mark Friszolowski It is their first ownership, and on their a beautifully created grotto like set- entered its fourth hour, the North Caroli- released a super 2005 Reserve Merlot, first day they participated in Dining Out ting and features unique Mediterra- na tables experienced more attention than and makes a terrific Port-style wine called For Life, the annual fund-raiser for West- nean cuisine. Time is 7:00 p.m, cost they had seen all day. Sadly, it was due to Starboard - with blueberries! He under- ern North Carolina Aids Project. They is $55. Call the Weinhaus at (828) the other tables running out of wine. This stands the dilemma in showcasing North plan to offer tastings on weekends and 254-6453 for reservations. Carolina wines. “Yes, in-state tastings are to add flights to the wine selection. The helpful to local wineries, but, then again, menu will show an emphasis on delicious Coming in June putting them out there in a room with small plates. With Lorne’s experience at a The Weinhaus Due to overwhelming response, we’ll wines from other regions may ultimately superior steakhouse, I think we can look 86 Patton Ave., in Asheville explore Asheville’s favorite coffee serve to influence our winemakers to pro- forward to good eats and treats. (828) 254-6453 houses in the next issue of Rapid River. duce more wine that the buyers want.”

Our FREE Saturday tastings continue at The Wine Guy South, every Saturday, from 4-6 p.m. Every week we invite a different distributor to pour 4 or 5 new wines from their portfolio for us to sample. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served and all wines poured will be specially priced.

www.theashevillewineguy.com 555 Merrimon Ave. (828) 254-6500 1200 Hendersonville Rd. (828) 277-1120 Asheville, North Carolina

28 May 2008 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 11, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE Joe’s brew Notes

Asheville Brews Cruise: A Beer Field Trip for Adults Beer of the Month eer connoisseurs Mark est brewery. We’re greeted on by Joe Zinich and Trish Lyons moved arrival by our Highland guide Rocket 77 from to Western NC for its who provides a tasting Asheville Pizza and Brewing mountains, quality of life, glass quickly filled with Rocket 77 (about 4% alcohol) is a and, more importantly, Saint Therese’s Pale light to medium body, crisp refresh- the energetic craft-beer Ale. After a brief histo- ing, beer that pours with a white Bscene. One day Mark woke with ry of Highland Brew- head and cloudy gold/orange color. an idea and a name; create a tour ing, our guide takes us It finishes with a distinct hop flavor. to connect people interested in through the brewery An excellent warm weather beer, will craft beer with the brewers who Beer lover and discusses beer sci- pair well with most food. make it….Brews Cruise. Joe Zinich. ence and production Launched about two years from grain addition to ago, the Asheville Brews Cruise provides packaging and all the tanks in a safe and interactive way to explore the between. The tour is well paced Asheville Beer Notes 101: breweries, meet the brewers, sample for questions, responses, and their beers, and enjoy the camaraderie of samples of their flagship Gaelic Wheat Beer a shared experience. Cruisers discover Ale and three additional styles. Wheat beer is brewed with the various beer styles at each brewery, After all questions are an- between 50 – 70% wheat in addi- learn how they’re produced, and enjoy swered, it’s back on the van for tion to barley usually very lightly tastings that showcase each beer’s distinc- a quick trip to the French Broad Mark Lyons owner of the Asheville Brews Cruise. hopped. There are 3 major styles of tive flavor. The samples chosen appeal to Brewery near Biltmore Village. wheat beer, German (Weizen/Weiss- both the amateur and connoisseur alike. Our host escorts us to a table and Brewing guide join us to talk about bier) with hint of clove and banana, Ample time is given to answer questions set for tastings and discussions of their the tour, the experience, and any ques- Belgian (Wit) with notes of orange- and provide additional information about beer styles. First up is Gateway Kolsch a tions that remain. citrusy fruitiness, and American Asheville’s expanding brew scene -- the crisp, light beer designed by the brewer The Asheville Brews Cruise expe- (White) with a light fruity taste. breweries, the festivals, and also tidbits “as a gateway from mass produced beers rience is a pleasure. It’s relaxed and in- Wheat beer is a great summer thirst about Asheville’s history and distinctive to the richer flavors of craft beers”. As we teractive with a personal touch. So, if quencher, slightly sweet, light in architecture. taste the next four samples the brewer you want to learn more about Asheville’s body and color, cloudy or clear with describes the characteristics of each style, breweries, taste some remarkable beers, about 5 % alcohol. answers questions, and encourages us to and have fun along the way, this is the savor and appreciate the flavors. field trip for you. On the return to Asheville Pizza and Brewing we relax, enjoy the scenery, Asheville Brews Cruise For five years, Joe Zinich has been tak- and listen to anecdotes about this bus- ing a self-guided, high-intensity tour of tling city’s history and architecture. Be- (828) 545-5181 Asheville’s beer world. Contact him at: fore we enter the building each Cruiser www.ashevillebrewscruise.com [email protected] receives an Asheville Brews Cruise pint glass to commemorate the trip. We’re all pleased the tour ends at a restaurant (noted for its pizza) where we can order much-needed nourishment. During the tour of the facilities, many East of Asheville Studio Tour are surprised to find a game room and a Brews Cruisers boarding the van for the movie theater as well. At this point, the On May 3 Brochures with detailed maps next stop of a fun tour. Cruisers are content to focus on food, and 4, 23 artists will be available at local Asheville and conversation, and sample their flagship from Black Black Mountain businesses, Black The 3-1/2 hour Asheville Brews Shiva IPA and 3 other styles (served in Mountain, Mountain Visitor Center for the Arts, Cruise tour starts and ends at Asheville pitchers). Mark and our Asheville Pizza Swannanoa and online at www.e-a-s-t.info and at each Pizza and Brewing on Merrimon the Riceville artist’s studio. Watch for the big yel- Avenue. As we hop aboard we’re valley in East low signs directing you to each artist. welcomed and presented a swag bag Asheville open In preparation for the tour, weav- of snacks and items to make the trip their studios to er and fiber artist Andrea Williams has comfortable and enjoyable. Thought- “Let Joy Be the public. added to her collection of Handwoven fully, water is also available through- Unconfined” by Now in its 3-D Imagery™. Combining precision out the trip for hotter days or when Andrea Williams. fourth success- cutting and loom weaving techniques, the beer tastes especially good. ful year, the East of Asheville Studio she creates bold, bright three-dimen- On the way to Highland Brew- Tour (E-A-S-T) offers work by some sional fabric figures. More of her work ing, the first stop, Mark reviews the of the top artists and crafters in their can be viewed at www.SouthernHigh- cruise’s itinerary and reminds every- field. A wide variety of media will be landGuild.org/crweave. one “this is a marathon not a sprint”. represented: glass, clay, fiber, metal, With three breweries and generous jewelry, wood and mixed media, along If you go samples of almost 15 different beer with fine art painting. Equally enjoy- styles, this is good advice. able is the opportunity to chat at length Saturday, May 3, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Highland Brewing, located with the artists in a relaxed and homey Sunday, May 4, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. in east Asheville, started the area’s Paul Rollo, Highland Brewing, explaining beer setting, along a route that encompasses For more information contact Maud craft-brew explosion and is its larg- science and production. local areas of exceptional beauty. Boleman (828) 686-1011.

Vol. 11, No. 9 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — May 2008 29 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE Local Flavor

Yoga for the Wallet? Basic Hummus: Yields about 2 cups Making hummus really only Ingredients: downward-spiraling takes about ten minutes. Yes, you 2 or 3 cloves of garlic by Mackensy Lunsford economy, ever-grow- can find the time, you busy bee. 1 can of drained garbanzo beans ing food costs, sticker Here’s how: stop watching “Deal 1/3 cup tahini shock at the pump plain smart – it’s like sweat or No Deal.” This recipe can be 1/2 cup olive oil – what could possibly equity for the pantry. Even if considered a base – add chipot- be good about any of you don’t have a yard, bucket les, olives, or anything else that Juice of 1 lemon Athese things? Plenty, if you gardens can be planted in strikes your fancy. Save extra cash 1 tsp salt already have your basic needs driveways, even rooftops. by buying dried chickpeas and Puree dry ingredients first, then add wet taken care of – food, shelter, Any way you grow it, fresh cooking them yourself. This very ingredients, thinning with warm water health, clean water and plenty Asheville Chef produce right outside the simple recipe will provide several Mackensy Lunsford if desired. Spread on bread or serve with of crossword puzzles to take doorstep not only saves snacks and lunchtime sandwiches. vegetable crudite. How easy is that? your mind off of your plung- money at the market, but at ing investment values. the pump as well. Though it may not sound entirely fun Your meals will also have less of a for some, now may be the time to reevalu- carbon footprint, so to speak. If your food that I ought to have a show called “Cook- processed upon purchase. In the restaurant ate how we live from day to day. From comes from your yard instead of Paraguay, ing with Trash.” People often roll their business, where the labor dollar is usually procuring our food to the way that we well that’s an obvious emissions saving. eyes as I rescue shrimp shells and vegetable one of the highest expenditures, processed dispose of it, we affect our health, the lives Also, if you learn how to compost, my scraps from becoming landfill fodder. foods can make sense. Unless you have of others and – yes – our bank accounts. green-leaning friends, Those woody mushroom stems that you your own staff of cooks, the labor dollar Now may be a good time to train our- you not only save thought were good for nothing? Sautee in your home should be pretty darn low. selves to redirect our energy toward pro- landfill space and them with some thyme, onions, celery Buying your own raw ingredients to make ductive and down-to-earth practices like money on soil and ad- scraps and carrot butts, add water and bay, things that cost a pretty penny at specialty gardening and true from-scratch cooking. ditives, you cut down simmer, strain and voila: mushroom stock grocery stores saves not only money but Sure, it may be practical to try and save on methane emis- for your barley stew. Shrimp shells can be landfill space. Plus, who wants to pay for money the old-fashioned way, but it can sions. Yes, really. The roasted then simmered with similar aro- the packaging if you can’t eat it? also be holistically enriching. Think yoga methane from rotting matics for stocks as well. Were you going to Have an idea for future articles for Local for the wallet. Are you yawning yet? Well food is reabsorbed by throw away that fruit because it was getting knock it off. This can actually be fun. soft? Why not peel it, chop it, then freeze it Flavor? Local foodies we must know about? the composting pro- Workshops or community food events? cess, if done correctly. for smoothies? Throwing away food is like Grow your own – the victory garden throwing away money. Contact Mackensy Lunsford at catalyst@ reconsidered. As an extra bonus, very few compost-turn- charter.net. ing, weed-pulling gardeners need to pay Make your own Victory gardens were planted during for a gym membership. the first two world wars to help ease the Do you buy premade hummus? Are Mackensy Lunsford is an award-winning food writer who co-owns Café Azalea with her pressures of the many costs of war. Sound Stop throwing away so much stuff! you made of money? In hospitality pur- chasing 101, students learn about value- husband Judd Lohof. Café Azalea is proud to familiar? Whether during times of war or Do you have any idea what you throw support the local farm community. peace, planting a produce garden is just away? Well do you? My parents like to quip added products, or foods that are already

What’s Ashevillian for “Great Italian?” Answer: “Vincenzo’s” by Beth Gossett owntown Ashe- Italy it’s like stepping into a neighborhood and requires more than a few minutes to ville has been a bar/bistro for good conversation, good glance through. There are many cocktails restaurant desti- drinks and good food. to choose from. Their drinks are little on nation for over The owner, Dwight Butner, (who the strong side so if you care for a less a decade now, lately has gotten into local politics) is a alcohol taste let your server know before which is more native of Western North Carolina and has you order. Dthan enough time for a owned and operated Vincenzo’s Ristorante In accordance with the fashion of region to develop its own & Bistro since 1996. The restaurant itself the day, the menu also features smaller unique sense of dining has been around since 1990. versions (piccolos ) on some of their more “style.” “While our main popular plates. You can Yet the majority of the dining room is white also order side portions new restaurants moving in table cloth our Bistro (after the salad, appetiz- (and quite a few that have is California casual in ers and a couple drinks a been here awhile) appear style and offers live full entrée might prove to be the same place only Manager J. Burdo of Vincenzo’s greets guests music seven nights a to be too much) of prac- with a different name. as they arrive. week,” says Butner. tically every entrée. They are usually dark with “The Bistro is one of Their version of drab oil paintings hanging from faux-tex- But this was back in 1988. Now they just Asheville’s favorite local Ostriche Florintine tured yellowish-brown walls, fake broken bore me. Judging by the number of res- hangouts offering our (Oysters Florentine) taurants to go under, here in the Asheville plaster showing old weathered brick, same great food in a Filetto Gorgonzola is Rockefeller style lacquered rusty pipes and books staggered area, during the past five years I’m certain deliberately more casual oysters on the half shell about on wooden shelves with fake plants. I’m not the only person to have this opion. atmosphere.” with sautéed spinach, bacon and Lacatelli I have to admit the first time I saw this Vincenzo’s Ristorante & Bistro is its Vincenzo’s Ristorante & Bistro béchamel, and for just under $10 is an type of décor, something like private Ed- own place — neither pretentious nor over menu is reasonably priced (only two wardian smoking rooms, I was impressed. simplistic. For those who have been to dishes cost over $30) is quite extensive ‘Vincenzo’s’ continued on pg. 39

30 May 2008 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 11, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE ARTFUL LIVING

The Omega Journey by Bill Walz We see a human tide bearing us upward with all the force hat a muddle humanity is in. ted against each other. The of a contracting star; not spreading like a tide, as we A simple honest look tells us deep-rooted orientation might suppose, but one that is rising: the ineluctable that the Earth’s human popu- toward objectification growth on our horizon of a true state of ‘ultra-humanity’. lation is presently estimated of the experience of - Teilhard de Chardin to be 6.6 billion and growing life keeps us insecure, exponentially, estimated to anxious, combative and Wtop 9 billion by 2050, increasing by over a insatiable in our quest bringing into play that which makes Chardin’s vision. It is individuals in third in forty years. for personal humans unique: self-aware con- realization that the models of conscious- Earth’s non-human popula- and group sciousness. It is the fulfillment of the ness we have inherited are the cause of our tions are dwindling alarmingly. significance Universe’s destiny through this dan- individual and collective insecurity shaking The Earth’s resources, likewise, and domi- gerous and seemingly oh-so-out- off our slumber to actually become con- are dwindling alarmingly. Human- nance. of-place creature called humanity. scious in our lives. It is one individual at a ity has been compared to a cancer Hu- It is the realization of what de time realizing the potential of true human spreading across the organism manity Chardin called “the Omega point”, consciousness, shared by a growing mul- Earth, dooming its host, and like- seems blind to the ultimate awakening of humanity out of titude, until a new form of human society wise, itself. Like mythic lemmings the limitations of the model for its long slumber of small self-absorption emerges, experiencing harmony within its headed for a cliff, the surging Bill psychological and social identity we into full consciousness, seeing its place in individuals, with each other and the planet. herd of humanity swarms blindly Walz embrace. the Universe, experiencing its conscious- Are you ready to take your place on toward its demise. This tide is We stumble forward hoping all ness as one with the Universe. While de the horizon, on the edge of this human spreading such that this promon- will be well if we just keep doing Chardin takes this to dimensions beyond evolutionary leap that rises upward, not tory in the universe, our home planet, will more of the same. More for me and mine. corporality and fulfills Christian theology, plummets down? “Ultra-humanity” no longer be able to contain its multitudes More for me and mine. It is “a tale told by it can be more modestly and practically awaits. Please know; this is not New-Age and begin spilling us off. an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying seen as humanity “awakening” in a more drivel. This is the only destiny that leads But, we are not lemmings, nor cancer. nothing.” Except that it signifies something Buddhist sense and becoming an enlight- to a quality survival for humanity and the We have intelligence. This is what the huge, increasing individual psychological ened species creating an enlightened soci- achievement of our true “being-ness”. Do mid-20th Century theologian and paleon- insecurity and a collective social and eco- ety in harmony on our home, this Earth, you understand? Are you ready? tologist Teilhard de Chardin understood. nomic structure headed for catastrophe. in this galaxy, in this universe. We have a complex consciousness that Is that it? Is that the sad end to the How will this happen? It will hap- is not limited to a linear destiny such as story of humanity and this most beautiful pen one individual at a time experiencing Bill Walz is a UNCA adjunct faculty mem- lemmings that multiply endlessly and of planets, choked to death by increasingly themselves at their personal end with a ber and a private-practice teacher of mind- fulness, personal growth and conscious- then swarm over a cliff in their migration competitive overpopulation, destruc- too limited model of consciousness and ness. He holds a weekly meditation class, simply because the momentum of their tion of the environment and exhaustion liberating themselves. It will be you and Mondays, 7 p.m. at the Friends Meeting numbers cannot stop when the edge is of resources? Are we lemmings doomed me personally expanding beyond the small House, 227 Edgewood. encountered. Humanity is capable of leaps to topple over the precipice by the ever- mindedness that has imprisoned individu- of quantum understanding. increasing pressures of those pushing als in anxiety-filled lives, and created a He will be leading beach retreats next to Hunting Island, SC on May 22-25 & 25-28 Humanity and all those species that forward unable to see the precipice until fearful, combative, materialistic society (contact www.barefootretreats.com). Info we co-inhabit this planet with are at the they are tumbling off? that drives us all into varying levels of cra- on classes, events, personal growth and edge. All the habits of humanity lead us It does not have to be. What is this ziness and pushes the entire planet toward healing instruction, or phone consultations toward demise. Greed, competitiveness, “ineluctable growth on our horizon of suicidal insanity. at (828) 258-3241, or e-mail at healing@ national, religious, racial, regional, class a true state of ‘ultra-humanity’” that de This process of awakening is what billwalz.com. Visit www.billwalz.com and political identification keep us pit- Chardin is writing about? It is the fully I call the Omega journey in honor of de

Padma: Living and Painting Her Own Way by Caitlin Wood adma’s parents named her Melissa, Though appreciative of what she make sense of it.” She also “loves at Pura Vida, 39-B Bilt- but during her yoga teacher training learned there, Padma struggled with the splashes of color that stand out more Ave. (828) 271-6997. course Padma settled on the name emphasis on representative realism. She on their own.” For Padma, each Her cards are colorful and that she goes by today. She derived understands everyone sees and interprets piece is “about whatever entity contemplative; they are like “Padma” from “padma-asana,” the the world differently, and therefore each comes out” as she works. miniature visual poems. Sanskrit name for the Lotus Pose. artist has his or her own voice. She be- Padma’s experiences and Each is accompanied by a PHer family to this day doesn’t fully lieves strongly in trusting her voice, and emotions inspire many of her title that assists the viewer understand her chosen path or call her by in using it in the world. works, but she also enjoys doing to glimpse the subtle yet her chosen name, but they respect it, for Inspired by artists such as Jackson live paintings with concerts. She profound concept that the they understand that Padma is walking Pollock and Helen Frankenthaler, and will set up her easel and paint to Padma image illustrates. the path that brings her happiness. embracing the spontaneity, immediacy the band’s music as they play, Padma has always sought to make and rebelliousness pioneered in the ab- translating the sounds and emotions her own way in the world, though it was stract expressionist movement (a post– within the music into shapes and colors. If you go not until she was 21 she discovered her World War II art movement), Padma’s These paintings are a great deal of To see Padma’s work, visit: love of painting. She remembers how en- paintings are characterized by explosive fun and demonstrate her enthusiasm thralled she was when granted the use of color and a lively, distinctive personality. for being completely immersed in the Salsa’s – 6 Patton Ave., Asheville, a friend’s painting supplies: “I spent nine Pamda’s work reflects the flow and creative flow as she paints. May 1 - June 30, (828) 252-9805 hours painting the front door.” Ever since inquisitiveness of her creative process, Her paintings will be on display at Pura Vida – 39-B Biltmore Ave., then, she was hooked. Soon afterward, which may involve flipping a canvas sev- Salsa’s in downtown Asheville begin- Asheville, (828) 271-6997 she enrolled in East Tennessee State eral times as she paints. “I work in layers,” ning May 1. In addition to her paintings, True Blue – 30 Haywood St., Asheville, University to study painting. she says, and will “rework a surface until I Padma sells watercolor greeting cards (828) 251-0028

Vol. 11, No. 9 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — May 2008 31 RAPID RIVER ARTS Dance Pulses and Rhythms – Center Stage Dance Ensemble Award aise your pulse, by Sandra Miller Winning calm your pulse, quicken your Builders pulse, and soothe beats, the dancers bring your pulse all bright jubilation to the in one evening! stage in a combination RCenter stage dance en- of ballet, ballroom and semble presents: pulses social dance forms. and rhythms Rounding out the Asheville’s innova- production is Synergy. tive regional civic ballet A blend of opera and company, Center Stage hip hop that demon- Established • Trusted • Knowledgeable Dance Ensemble, will strates that old and new, give audiences a chance classic and contempo- Environmentally Responsible to feel the affect of the rary can blend to create physical expression of a product that is larger Custom Home Building and Extensive musical rhythm with its than its parts. What that Remodeling of Fine Homes. presentation of Pulses elicits in ones pulse is and Rhythms. Utilizing totally personal and Design and Drafting Services Available a diverse range of music, the demonstration of Artistic Director Sandra all that’s possible with Miller, will take audiences Pulses and Rhythms. Call Today to Get Started on Your Custom Home! on an experiential journey The thrill of emotion, www.homesourcebuilders.com that will raise, calm, quick- the vibration of sound, 828.298.0201 en and soothe the audi- the cadence of music ences’ pulse and deepen and the movement of the understanding of the the body reflect the beat power of music and dance of the human heart. in the human body. Center Stage Dance Frenzy’s Inevitable Ensemble dancers are Half-Life is a contempo- some of Asheville’s most rary piece set to Grieg’s gifted artists. Past and Holberg Suite that present members have UNLIMITED Local & Long Distance Calling demonstrates that intense been invited to study emotion and pace in- at some of the most evitably decompose. An prestigious companies intensely physical piece, and schools in the U.S. the movement combined such as American Ballet with complicated patterns Theatre/NY, NCSA, the demonstrates externally, the inner land- Joffrey Ballet, Alvin Ailey, Complexions, $ scape of frenzy. Lines, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Houston In complete contrast to frenzy stands Ballet and North Carolina Dance Theatre. Mirror Trance. Set to the calming voice of Artistic Director, Sandra Miller is the QFS
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SFMJBCJMJUZ the era of ragtime. The luscious possibili- 24/month FREE! ties intrinsic in the syncopated rhythms see below for details of ragtime take the viewer on a complete If you go pulse oriented excursion. If pulsating Latin rhythms raise your pulse to cardiovascu- Diana Wortham Theatre in Asheville, Call: 1.800.706.3173 lar training levels, Ritmo del Baile will Friday and Saturday, May 30 & 31, 8 p.m. provide a virtual aerobic workout. Set to General Admission, Adults $25, Children FREE MONTH OFFER ON $24.99 UNLIMITED RESIDENTIAL PLAN ONLY. PLAN FEE WAIVED BUT ALL OTHER CHARGES APPLY. NEW SUBSCRIBERS ONLY. V Free Calls to Europe Offer (Available Only with Unlimited Residential Plan) Does Not Apply To Certain Call Types, Such As Calls to Cell Phones, and is Limited to Italy, France, Spain, UK and Ireland. Other International the exciting salsa, samba, cha cha and tango $15. Box Office (828) 257-4530. Rates May Vary. See http://vonage.com/intrates for Details. Vonage 911 service operates differently than traditional 911. See www.vonage.com/911 for details. High-Speed Internet Required. Alarms and other systems may not be compatible. † Rates exclude: broadband service, regulatory and activation fees and certain other charges, equipment, taxes, & shipping. International calls billed per minute. Offer valid in the US only. See Terms of Service for details. ‡ $300 savings claim based on 3/07 survey of competing land line service providers. For complete details visit www.vonage.com/compare1. < 30-day money back guarantee is refunded for any paid 32activation May fee, 1st 2008 month service — charge, initialRapid shipping charges Rive and terminationr Ar fee.tS Applicable & only CUL to first TorderedUR lineE per Magazine account. Available only in the — event of Vol.timely cancellation 11, forNo. subscribers 9 who have not exceeded 500 minutes of usage and who obtain a valid return authorization number from 1-VONAGE-HELP, and return of equipment in original condition and packaging within 14 days of cancellation. Refund will not include charges for taxes, international usage, payphone calls to Vonage toll free numbers and directory assistance. Offer revocable. ^ Where available. The number transfer process takes approximately 10 business days from the time you confirm your transfer request. ©2008 Vonage. RAPID RIVER ARTS Dance The Eloquent and Explosive Choreography of Koresh Dance Company by John Ellis

he Diana Wortham Theatre 2008 Mainstage Dance Series concludes its season with the Koresh Dance Company, May 2-3 at 8:00 p.m. Renowned for its power- ful stage presence and high-en- T ergy style, Philadelphia’s Koresh Dance Company has been hailed as an extraordinary and vital force in the local and national dance scene. Founded in 1991 by Israeli born choreographer and artistic director Ronen Koresh, this troupe presents its audiences with an exciting and emotional blend of ballet, modern and jazz, molded into aganza is accompanied by familiar tunes, a style of chore- sure to be recognized by the audience. ography that is While the first part of the program is both eloquent and decidedly light-hearted, the second part explosive. is more introspective. Entitled Hidden Koresh Dance Drives, this is a piece with parallel nar- Company’s perfor- ratives at work, as it explores one couple mances feature an whose relationship is bound up in violence; eclectic repertoire another whose interactions are of a spoiled of over 50 works child and impatient parent; two women by Ronen Koresh, whose lives (and bodies) literally revolve as well as guest art- around a bench; and a fellow with a suit- ists such as Brian case on wheels who finds much of what’s Sanders, formerly around him to be laughable. of Momix, Hector Pre-performance discussions: Pre- Vega and Donald performance discussions led by Asheville Byrd. Ballet’s Ann Dunn will be held at 7:00 The company’s critically acclaimed p.m. in the Forum at Pack Place before work attracts increasing audiences across each Koresh Dance Company perfor- the nation, and Koresh’s reputation for pas- mance. Free for ticket holders. sion and outstanding technique regularly Master Class: In conjunction with results in sold-out performances. Koresh Koresh Dance Company’s performances in Now showing through May 31 Dance Company presents bi-annual home Asheville, a master class with the com- in BlackBird’s smart new shop at season concerts, and performs on tour at pany is offered for area dancers and dance various national festivals, performing arts students. For more details or to register, 159 South Lexington Avenue centers, university performance venues, contact Rae Geoffrey at (828) 257-4544 (behind and south of The Orange Peel) and charity benefits. x307 or [email protected]. Koresh’s performances at the Diana Wortham Theatre are divided into two Koresh Dance Company’s Asheville halves. Looking Back: Music of the ‘40s performance is made possible by Perfor- and ‘50s digs deep into America’s musi- mance Sponsors Steve & Rena Hoffman cal roots to weave the many styles, beats, and Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour, fashions, and metaphors of this time period and by Dance Series Sponsors Tina & John into one fantastic performance. This toe- McGuire and Hedy Fischer & Randy Shull. tapping swing/pop/rock/soul dance extrav-

If you go Asheville’s finest custom framing Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place presents the Koresh Dance Company, May 2-3, 8:00 p.m. Regular $32; Seniors $30; Students $27 Student Rush day-of-the-show (with valid ID) $10 Box Office (828) 257-4530 www.dwtheatre.com Artist Website: www.koreshdance.org

Vol. 11, No. 9 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — May 2008 33 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE STAGE PREVIEW

The Last Night North Carolina Stage Company Catalyst Series by Roxane Clement of Ballyhoo “The Only Thing Worse You Could Have Told Me…” s part of its 2007-2008 Catalyst “Immediate,” which is to develop new, keep costumes and sets minimal, so their Highlands Series, the North Carolina Stage thought-provoking pieces. Hans remind- productions are perfectly suited to the Community Players Company is presenting The Only ed me, however, that the company “cut intimate space of NC Stage. Thing Worse You Could Have its teeth on American classics” and has Hans and the Immediate Theatre Directed by Mary Adair Leslie, Told Me…by Dan Butler. This is given them a fresh look and new life to Project has found great support in their this comedy by Alfred Uhry is set another production of the Im- make them relevant to modern audiences. connection with NC Stage, but are look- in Atlanta, GA in December, 1939. Amediate Theatre Project, as part of their They don’t actively solicit new scripts but ing to the future as well, with possible Gone With the Wind is having its continuing collaboration with NC Stage sometimes pieces collaborations world premiere in the city and Hit- Company. come to their atten- with theatres in ler is invading Poland, but Atlanta’s I was able to speak with Hans Meyer, tion. New York and elite Jewish community seems “A funny, fresh look at the artistic director of Immediate The- Dan Butler, Chicago. Part of more concerned about who is at- growing up gay in America” atre Project, about the company and this the author of The the company’s tending Ballyhoo, the social event production in particular. “Immediate” Only Thing Worse vision is to create of the season. was formed four years ago by Hans and You Could Have Told Me… hasn’t yet theatre outside of New York and take it It may be the last chance for two fellow Guilford College theatre arts made his name as a playwright, but Hans there, rather than have it always be the dreamy, unpopular Lala Freitag to graduates, Willie V R Repoley and Lauren says he is: “falling in love with the script other way around. They are on a mission find a suitable husband. The arrival Fortuna. They are enjoying a successful more and more.” It has been described as to prove that great theatre can be pro- of a young man from New York association with NC Stage; in fact, the a “funny, fresh look at growing up gay in duced in other areas of the country. “Im- complicates matters and Lala’s fam- script for The Only Thing Worse You America, and the New York Times calls mediate” has already started preliminary ily is torn with dissension, but all Could Have Told Me… was one of a it: “…both larger than life and ineffably discussions to showcase this production is resolved with plenty of comedy, collection of scripts North Carolina Stage true to it.” Hans told me the play “defi- in larger cities, but we have the opportu- and romance along the way. Company director Charlie Flynn-McIver nitely speaks to a gay audience, but has a nity to see it in Asheville first. had on hand. much larger resonance.” If you go The Only Thing Worse You Could Rehearsals for this play are very If you go Have Told Me… is a one-man show per- much a collaborative process, partly due “The Last Night of Ballyhoo”, May formed by New York actor Francis Kelly. to the fact that it is a one-man perfor- The Only Thing Worse You Could 8-11, and May 15-18; Evenings 7:30 He plays ten characters in this drama that mance. Francis Kelly is an equity actor, Have Told Me… through May 11 at p.m., Sunday 2:30 p.m. grapples with what it means to be a gay but “Immediate” pays all of its actors, and the North Carolina Stage Company, Martin-Lipscomb Performing man in America today. The theme of this hopes to soon pay them all a living wage. 15 Stage Lane in Asheville, NC. Arts Center, 507 Chestnut Street, play is consistent with one of the aims of The aesthetic choice of the company is to (828) 350-9090 or visit www.ncstage.org Highlands, NC Tickets $15. Box Office Hours: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (828) 526-8084

Hart Presents “Outrageous Acts” Six short plays by oming next to the HART theatre the frustrated mother, Amanda, oversee- Christopher Durang The White Rose is an evening of non-stop laughs ing a twisted family that includes Adam by one of the theaters wittiest Kampouris, Patrick Rogers and Adrienne Finally the entire cast comes together playwrights. “Outrageous Acts” Mollette. to play the chorus in “Media” with Francis NC Stage Company is a collection of six short plays Harold Pinter’s “Old Times” which Davis as “the actress who will play the As part of its Catalyst series, by Christopher Durang. was performed during the 2006 HART great tragic figure,” Strother Stingley as NC Stage Company presents The C The production grew out of Studio Season is the next to fall victim to Jason, her unfaithful husband, and Roger White Rose by Lillian Groag. Set performances by some of HART’s more Durang’s wit. “Wanda’s Visit” is the story Magendie as an unlikely angel. in 1942, this play tells the story of a experienced actors in a scene study class of a couple who suddenly have to play host Christopher Durang is best known group of students in Munich who last year. In the class Reta Scribner and to an ex-girlfriend on the run from the for his plays “Sister Mary Ignatius Explains stood up against Hitler’s regime in Adam Kampouris were assigned to per- mob. Allison Stinson, makes life a night- it All for You,” and “The Actor’s Night- a series of anonymous leaflets titled form the roles of Amanda and Lawrence in mare for Beth Galloway, Roger Magendie mare.” He has written for many of the “The White Rose.” a spoof of Tennessee Williams’ “The Glass and Tabatha Judy. worlds most famous comedians and is best The story centers on the arrest Menagerie.” The Durang play titled “For “Funeral Parlor” directed by Tom De- known for writing short works. Fasten of five members of “The White Whom the Southern Belle Tolls,” left ev- wees with Sandy Soto and Patrick Rogers, your seatbelts and get ready for a fun ride. Rose” and the five days leading up eryone in tears of laughter and the decision was written for Carol Burnett and Robin to their trial. Presented by Zealot. was made to seek out more of Durang’s Williams and was originally seen on “The work to see if a complete evening could be Carol Burnette Show.” assembled. In the end six plays were se- “The Hardy Boys or the Mystery If you go lected from more than thirty works by the of Where Babies Come From” is being If you go playwright and five different directors have directed by Adam Kampouris and the title Tickets: $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, “The White Rose”, May 15 - 25 been assigned to the different “acts.” pretty much says it all. Featuring Joshua Thursday - Saturday 7:30 p.m.; and $8 for students. Performances on May Sunday 2 p.m. NC Stage Company, Suzanne Tinsley directs Barbara Merrell and Andrew Greene, as the clue- 2, 3, 9, and 10 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday 15 Stage Lane, Asheville, NC Bates Smith in the show’s opener, “Mrs. less sleuths, with John Winfield as their May 11 at 3 p.m. For reservations call Sorkin,” inspired by Durang’s dotty great frustrated dad and Judith Gibson as their Tickets: $15; Students $10 (828) 456-6322. Box office hours are aunt. Then Steve Lloyd directs the piece ever helpful school nurse, it is sure to Monday through Saturday from 1-5 p.m. Box Office (828) 350-9090 that inspired it all: “For Whom the South- tickle the funny bone of anyone familiar www.ncstage.org All performances take place at the HART ern Belle Tolls” with Reta Scribner as with the sweater clad teen heroes. Theater, 250 Pigeon St. in Waynesville.

34 May 2008 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 11, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE STAGE PREVIEW High Society Glamor Takes a Bow at Asheville Community Theatre xpect drop dead gorgeous tius, in the one-woman show, Sister Mary by RoseLynn Katz costumes in the haute cou- Ignatius Explains. ture style of the late 1930’s, As for the unique shadow of the one privileged members of Philadelphia high posh sets complete with a and only Hepburn, Kelly isn’t dismayed. society get their comeuppance.The city fountain and a pond set in a “I’m really nothing at all like Hepburn,” had long been an enclave of “old money” garden for the ultra rich – all she says, “so I couldn’t imitate her even families, the Wanamakers, the Harrimans in time to the tunes of Cole if I tried.” She’s definitely not trying; E and the DuPonts among them. Porter and Eddie Duchin. instead she’s doing it her way, inspired by Asheville Community Theatre direc- You’ll find all of it in The the play’s language which she finds witty, tor, Bernie Hauserman, is familiar with Philadelphia Story, onstage at the quick and stylish. this world. “I consider myself a Philadel- Asheville Community Theatre Others in the cast include Steven phian,” he says, “having gone to art school where it opens on May 2 and runs Wilder, Dan Clancy, Waylon Woods, there as well as working as a costume for 9 performances. Beth Ely, Peter Ely, Margaret Butler, designer for Wanamaker’s, one of the It’s the comic tale of a haughty Delinah Hensley, James France, Mike city’s snootiest department stores. He also society girl who must learn how to Boudos and Jeff Corpeling. got his theatrical start in the city where he love, a role originally made famous The sumptuous sets have been worked for the Philadelphia Lyric Opera by Katharine Hepburn. “I didn’t designed by Jack Lindsey. Costumes are as well as Plays and Players, one of the want to duplicate her,” explains by Linda Underwood, while the lighting, most renowned playhouses in the nation. director Bernie Hauserman, “but including a garden scene under moon- Since moving to Asheville, he has I wanted to find an actress who light, is by Jason Williams. Seated from left-right are Waylon Wood (George directed many productions, among them could convey that same aristocratic Originally a Broadway play, The Kittredge), Dan Clancy (Mike Connor), and Moon Over Buffalo, Raindrop Waltz and strength and free-spiritedness – one Philadelphia Story gave Katharine Hep- Steve Wilde (C.K. Dexter Haven) with Kelly Jake’s Women. you could picture playing a mean Christianson (Tracy Lord) standing behind. burn the boost she badly needed after If you’ve seen The Philadelphia Story round of golf, going on safari in being condemned by Louis B. Mayer as before, either in the movie with Hep- Africa and both dazzling and holding her an actress of many talents who has done “box office poison”. Written expressly burn or the 1956 remake High Society own with men.” roles ranging from a pop singer in the for her by Philip Barry, the role of Tracy with Grace Kelly, Bing Crosby and Frank He found that actress in the person musical My Way: Music of Frank Sinatra Lord, both spirited and patrician, suited Sinatra, this production offers several new of the auburn-haired Kelly Christianson, to the opinionated nun, Sister Mary Igna- her to a “T” and propelled her right back twists that are sure to surprise you. “As into the limelight. To assure her the part for those people who’ve never seen it,” in the much anticipated screen version, says Hauserman, “I’m sure this produc- her then lover, Howard Hughes, pur- tion will knock their socks off.” Mark Olson Rides Again chased all rights to it. From there Hep- burn had complete control, free to choose here early-90’s alt-country Big-Name-Turned- not only her director but also herself for If you go are two Homebody to the Musical-Troubadour- the starring role. The movie remains a versions With-A-Guitar-Made-Of-Heartstrings- classic to this day and assured Hepburn “The Philadelphia Story”, May 2 through of Mark And-Hope. a lasting place of honor in Hollywood’s May 18, Fridays and Saturdays 8 p.m; T Olson’s Mark and his international back- galaxy of greats. Sundays 2:30 p.m. The Salvation Blues: There’s the critically ing band (Italian professor and virtuoso Because it was written during the Reservations highly recommended. acclaimed CD release, the first solo outing Michele Gazich on violin; Norwegian Depression, the play gave its hard hit Tickets: (828) 254-1320 by this figurehead of alt-country, which singer-songwriter Ingunn Ringvold on audiences a satisfying chance to see the www.ashevillecommunitytheatre.org vaulted him back into the public con- harmonies and everything but the kitchen scious after years of introspective desert sink) hauled their beautifully crafted wandering... music across North America and Europe And there’s the sock-ya-in-the-gut over the past year, logging miles in vans, documentary by NYC filmmaker Ray planes, and trains – the latter of which Foley, who followed Olson and his mer- served as the initial inspiration for The Asheville Playback Theatre Continues 13th Season rymakers around the city during a rainy, Salvation Blues. Asheville Playback Theatre invites Calling children, youth of all ages, bleak April, capturing a deep well of We joked a while back about how you to an improvisational night of “First adults – young at heart, you are invited emotion in a man whose work and mind Mark outsold Kanye West in Norway Times” welcoming the stories of your to Asheville Playback Theatre’s im- could never even approach shallow. (which he actually did), but the point is first kiss, first rite of passage, first love, provisational show of “Real or Make- Once the main songwriter for The that Mark Olson, a nice Midwestern guy first loss, first memory, first blooper, Believe? True Stories for Kids of All Jayhawks, Mark Olson spent the last who settled down in the desert, eschew- or first awakening. Whether sweet or Ages.” Tell us how your imagination year summarily erasing and exceeding ing a more mainstream career in favor of scandalous, thrilling or heart-breaking, blurs the line between fact and fiction. expectations – both public and private. making music from his soul, is a champion courageous or outrageous, your ‘firsts’ Join us in celebrating the creative way The cowpoke country ramble of The of much more than record sales and radio can come back to life on stage! of the child! Creekdippers, Olson’s musical map for charts; he is a talented champion of the the past decade, has been replaced with poet living deep within the common man. soul-seeking and sparkle – his band is the If you go If you go tightest he’s had in years, and this body May 9 at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7:30 May 17 at 2 p.m. Doors open at 1:30 of work, produced by Ben Vaughan, has If you go p.m. 1st come seating! BeBe Theater, p.m. 1st come seating! been called “Olson’s best work since The 20 Commerce Street (off Coxe Av- UNCA Carol Belk Theatre Jayhawks.” (Harp) Mark Olson and Peter Case, at The Grey enue), downtown Asheville. Eagle Tavern, 185 Clingman Ave., in Price: $10; $5 student/seniors. No one With Foley’s documentary now Price: $10; $5 student/seniors. beginning to screen at film festivals across Asheville. turned away for lack of funds. the US, Olson enters his artistic renais- Friday, May 9 at 9 p.m. Tickets: $12. sance, having reinvented himself from the (828) 232-5800, www.thegreyeagle.com (828) 670-5881 • www.globalplayback.org/asheville-playback

Vol. 11, No. 9 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — May 2008 35 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE WHAT TO DO GUIDE ™

Pet Adoption Events prano, Amanda Gardner, Alto, How to place an Every Saturday Don Davidson, Tenor, and Kevin Nashville Singer Songwriter Night Doherty, Bass. event/classified From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pet Harmony, Animal Compas- There is no charge for the con- With Corinne Chapman and Clay Mills listing with Rapid sion Network’s new pet store cert, but donations will be taken Corinne Chapman has written (or co-writ- for rescued pets. Dozens of for the restoration of the beauti- ten) over 35 songs recorded with producer Russ River Art Magazine ACN dogs, puppies, kittens and ful and historic church. St. Mat- Zavitson (Billy Ray Cyrus, The Wilkinsons, The Any “free” event open to cats will be ready to find their thias’ Church is over 100 years Kinleys, Michelle Wright) over the past couple the public can be listed at permanent homes. The store also old and is on the national historic of years. She works to make her songs strong and offers quality pet supplies where register. The church is located in intelligent, but most of all, “reflections of life, por- no charge up to 30 words. all proceeds save more home- Asheville just off South Charlotte tals into the moment we crave and fear — visceral, For all other events there is less animals. Come see us at 803 Street at Max Street on the hill cleansing, alive, and full of hope and love.” a $9.95 charge up to 30 Fairview St. (behind Province across from the Asheville Public words and 10 cents for 620 off Hendersonville Rd), visit Works Building (1 Dundee St.). www.corinnechapman.com each additional word. www.animalcompassionnetwork. Clay Mills, notable songwriter/record producer org, or call 274-DOGS. Fostering Sunday, May 4, 5 p.m. currently living in Nashville. With 20 years 160 word limit per event. Animals Saves Lives! Music for Sacred Space experience in the music business, He has had Sponsored listings (shown in songs recorded by many country superstars in- African Drumming Organ Concert by Kathy Geyer cluding Reba McEntire, Jo Dee Messina, Trisha boxes) can be purchased for Lessons Baldwin. Free of charge. First $12 per column inch. Yearwood, Steve Holy, and Little Big Town. United Methodist Church, Currently Clay has the Kimberley Locke single Wednesdays, 6-7 p.m. Waynesville. Deadline is the 19th of each Beginner Class “Fall” which is climbing the AC chart. month. Payment must be Sundays, 1-2 p.m. Saturday, May 10 www.myspace.com/claymillsmusic made prior to printing. Intermediate Class International Migratory Thursday May 29, at 8:00 p.m. in The Back Room. Please feel Email Beth Gossett at: Sundays, 3-4 p.m. Bird Day free to bring a pizza or something to eat. Please no liquids. The [email protected] Beginner Class The Cradle of Forestry cel- Back Room is located just down the street from The Flat Rock or mail to: 85 N. Main St, Held at Skinny Beats Drum ebrates with guided bird walks at Playhouse in The Singleton Center behind The Flat Rock Wine Canton, NC 28716. Or Call: Shop, 4 Eagle St., downtown 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Family Shoppe. Please call (828) 697-6828 for more information. (828) 646-0071 to place ad Asheville. $10 per class. Call oriented activities begin at 1:00 (828) 768-2826 for information. that focus on bird adaptations, over the phone. conservation, and natural history. through Wildlife, from 3-5 p.m. raptors and other wildlife. Little Show’s by Woody Pines! For more information call (828) at Jubilee! Celebration Space, Pearls will debut “Wild and Free: Thursday, May 1 877-3130 or visit www.cradleof- 46 Wall Street, Asheville, NC. a Screech Owl Named Pinkey” – Disclaimer – At the Bobo Gallery. forestry.org Wildlife magic is afoot for animal and honor Clyde Hollifield, Due to the overwhelming Saturday, May 3, 6-8 p.m. lovers of all ages in an unusual the human “star” of these films. number of local event submis- At the French Broad Brewery. Saturday, May 10 event in downtown Asheville. This event is a fundraiser for an sions we get for our “What to Little Pearls presents This event will feature fascinat- upcoming series of “tiny films” Do Guide” each month, we can Saturday, May 3, 10 p.m. until ing wildlife tales in film, story- called Animal Pearls. Tickets at At Ruby’s BBQ Shack. “Wild and Free” telling and song, along with live the door are $7 adults and $4 no longer accept entries that Connecting with Wonder do not specifically follow our Woody is a founding member of children. the Kitchen Syncopators (New publication’s format. Non-paid Orleans) and has shared the stage Sunday, May 11 event listings must be 30 words with Old Crow Medicine Show or less and both paid and non- multiple times. We play 20’s and Montford Park Players Auditions Mother’s Day Greek Lun- paid listings must provide infor- 30’s jump and jugband blues / cheon & Bake Sale mation in the following format: old country / ragtime / jazz on Henry VIII – The Montford Park Players, North Carolina’s Lon- At the Hellenic Center of the date, time, brief description of resonator guitar, upright bass, gest Running Shakespeare Festival, brings a summer of power, in- Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox trigue and passion to the stage as it continues its 36th season with what your event is and any con- stripped down drum kit & ka- Church, 227 Cumberland Ave. zoo/voice/harmonica. For more the rarely-performed Henry VIII, July 11 through 20. Henry VIII from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. tact information. Any entries not is presented as a part of the Stripped-Down Shakespeare Series. following this format will not be information visit www.myspace. Cafeteria Style with a variety of considered for publication. com/woodypines. Auditions will be held as follows: Saturday, May 3, 11 am - 6 Greek gourmet dishes like Lamb p.m. at the Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Drive; Shank with Manestra, Baked Sunday, May 4 Sunday, May 4, 1 to 6 p.m. at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre Chicken with rice, Spanakopita, Chamber Music Concert The Asheville Shakesperience – Featuring the best of William Pastichio, Moussaka, etc. We will There will concert by a chamber Shakespeare in an ensemble format, plus the Southeast premiere also have a variety of our pastries, choir and orchestra at 3 p.m. at of The Upstart Crow, a play about the life of Shakespeare by cookies and breads. Our Greek Advertising Sales St. Matthias Church on South Emmy Award-winning director Vincent Dowling. folk dance troop will perform the traditional Greek dances dressed Charlotte St. in Asheville. The Auditions will be held as follows: Friday, May 9: 7-9 p.m at the Representatives program will include Bach’s in the authentic costumes.Tours Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Drive; Saturday, of our newly renovated Sanctuary Cantata No. 11, Lobet Gott in May 10, 1 - 5 p.m. at the Montford Community Center, 34 The Rapid River needs Seinen Reichen and Haydn’s will also be available. experienced sales personnel. Pearson Drive; Sunday, May 11, 1 - 5 p.m. at the Hazel Robinson Mass in Time of War. The Amphitheatre Carry out will be open from Interested? 20-voice chorus and the 28- 10:30 a.m to 2:00 p.m. For more piece orchestra will be directed information call the church of- Call (828) 646-0071, or e-mail For more information call (828) 254-5146 or visit by Stephen Klein. The soloists www.montfordparkplayers.org. fice at (828) 253-3754 between 9 [email protected] include: Andrea Blough, So- a.m and 12 p.m or the Hellenic May Events ~ Announcements ~ Classifieds

36 May 2008 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 11, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE WHAT TO DO GUIDE ™

Colburn Earth Science Museum Hart Auditions for Osondu Booksellers “Kiss Me Kate” Bookstore Happenings Saturday, May 17, 10 - 5 Saturday, May 3, 7 p.m. Geologic Rafting Trip – Join Colburn curator/educator Phil Sunday and Monday, Potter and the expert guides at the Nantahala Outdoor Center for Flora McDonald Gammon, May 4 and 5 at 6:30 p.m. Marjorie Warren and Norma a trip into high adventure! This exciting white water raft trip of The Haywood Arts Regional Kimzey will provide an the French Broad River will feature fascinating background infor- Theatre will hold auditions evening of entertainment and mation on the geologic history and makeup of the mountains and for the Cole Porter classic education on their Scots- Maye river valleys. The best way to learn is hands-on and this fun trip is “Kiss Me Kate” in the HART Irish families’ immigration. the most hands-on learning imaginable! Theatre at the Performing $50 per person; $45 for Museum members. Pre-registration Arts Center in Waynesville. Saturday, May 10, 3 p.m. required; call (828) 254-7162 to register or for more information. The show features numerous Peter Loewer read’s from Faire roles for men and women. and signs his latest book Saturday, May 24, 10:30 – 12 Geology Walk of Downtown – Experience downtown Ashe- “Kiss Me Kate” features Loves Me, Loves Me Not: Saturday, May 10 ville in a whole new way with geologist guide Ken Hasson. Learn such Broadway standards as The Hidden Language of more about local history and the forces that created Asheville’s “Another Opening, Another Flowers. Arts & Craft Faire, unique and special geology. $5 per person; pre-registration en- Show” and “Brush Up Your couraged but not required. Shakespeare” among others. Saturday, May 17, 3 p.m. 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Author and medium MariJo The Colburn Earth Science Museum is located on the lower HART’s production will run Moore will present “The Corner of Charlotte St. level of Pack Place Education Arts and Science Center in the heart July 11 through August 3. If and Macon Ave. Power of Intuition.” Call for of downtown Asheville, at the corner of College and Biltmore you are unable to attend the reservations. $20 per person. in Asheville. Avenues by the Vance Monument. Museum hours are 10:00 a.m. regularly scheduled auditions to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 you can call (828) 456-6322 Well known artists & Friday, May 30, 4-6 p.m. p.m. on Sundays. Admission is $4 for adults; $3 for students and and the directors will arrange crafts of all kinds! Phil Bowie, author of two seniors; kids under 4 are free. an early audition. action-packed novels themed Baked goods, fish & around the history of the chips lunch, coffee, sau- Corgi Tales by Phil Hawkins early Cherokee nation in sage biscuits and donuts. NC, will read from and sign Diamondback and Guns. Silent auction, cloggers and folk dancing! Friday, May 30, 7 p.m. Hattie Caldwell Davis re- counts the history of various areas in Haywood County Center at (828) 254-7424 on the – Cataloochee Valley, Ghost day of the luncheon. Sponsored Town and more. by The Land of the Sky Ahepa Chapter #28. Saturday, May 31, 3 p.m. Karen Chavez has written a book about her first love, Shelly, and their shared love Callie & Cats By Amy Downs Kowal will present a concert at of the mountains. Entitled 3:00 p.m. at St. Matthias Church. Best Hikes with Dogs: North Carolina, Chavez’ descrip- The 24-piece orchestra will tions along with trail maps play music by Bach, Vivaldi, will be invaluable for others and Pachelbel as well as several who share similar loves. arrangements of jazz and rock tunes. Several of the pieces will Saturday, May 31, 7 p.m. include a piano played by John Join Chris Minick and Crowley. There is no charge, but Friends for an evening of the donations will go to the res- mountain music. toration of the historic church. Hours: Monday thru Through May 24 Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m. Personal Expressions: Saturday, May 17 chian Offsets will be on hand to supplies last.) Earth Fare, 66 to 9 p.m.; Closed Sunday. educate you on your contribu- Westgate Parkway, in Asheville. Quilts Eco-Friendly Cookout tion to global climate change A show of quilts by local tex- Osondu Booksellers tile artists will be on display Join us from 2-4 p.m. on the and the ways you can reduce Sunday, May 18 184 N. Main patio for an eco-friendly cookout your carbon footprint. So grab a at the Cloth Fiber Workshop, Waynesville, NC and psychedelic fusion music by friend and come out for a great Chamber Music Concert 51 Thompson Street, Suite D, Wharton’s Jelly. We’ll be serving cause. Vegetarian options will be The Hendersonville High Biltmore Station, in Asheville. (828) 456-8062 local Hickory Nut Gap Farm available. $5 plate donation goes School String Orchestra under Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 10 www.osondubooksellers.com burgers, chips and tea. Appala- to Appalachian Offsets. (While the direction of Mrs. Marjorie a.m. to 6 p.m. Classes ~ Lectures ~ arts & crafts ~ readings

Vol. 11, No. 9 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — May 2008 37 RAPID RIVER ARTS Note worthy Virtuosic Irish Group “Buílle” Performs at Diana Wortham he Diana by John Ellis Wortham Theatre 2007/2008 Main- stage Celtic Series the concertina, in partnership earning him with The Swan- much acclaim. nanoa Gathering Paul Tat Warren Wilson College Meehan grew presents virtuosic Irish up and started group Buille (pronounced learning Irish “bwill-uh”), 8 p.m. Thurs- music in day, May 22. Manchester It is rare that an in the midst individual instrument is of a flourish- reinvented by an individual musician, ing music scene. He quickly established but according to The Irish Times and himself as a rising star on the banjo, while other raving critics, this is precisely what more recently spending a lot of time on Niall Vallely (brother to Lúnasa’s piper, the guitar. Cillian Vallely) has accomplished with Like his older brother, Niall, Caoim- his concertina. Add to his expert playing hín Vallely grew up in Armagh and began his brother Caoimhín on piano (another tin whistle lessons at the Armagh Pip- member of the talented Vallely clan) and ers Club before moving on to learn the guitar powerhouse Paul Meehan (also fiddle. More recently he has recorded on currently plays with Lúnasa and the Karan albums and performed with groups such Casey Band) and you have Buille, one of as Nomos, his brothers Niall Vallely and the most potent new sounds emerging Cillian Vallely, the Karan Casey Band, from Ireland. In the words of The Irish Connor Byrne and Méabh O’Hare, Mí- Times, “As fresh a breath that’s blown chéal Ó Súilleabháin, and Mel Mercier. through traditional and roots circles in a Buille’s Asheville performance is long, long time.” presented in partnership with The Swan- Buille first came into being dur- nanoa Gathering at Warren Wilson Col- ing the summer of 2004. Buille, which lege, and made possible by Celtic Series means ‘beat or pulse’ in Gaelic, is the Sponsors Don & Nancy Ackermann Cole appropriately named self-titled debut and by Media sponsor WNCW 88.7. album released on the Vertical label in III Corps Images June 2005. This new music, composed by If you go “I am a veteran and I am quietly proud of my service.” Niall Vallely, is based in traditional Irish forms but also draws on a wide range of Mainstage Celtic Series presents “Buille”, influences, particularly from the worlds May 22 at 8:00 p.m. of jazz and classical music. According to Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place The Irish Times and other raving crit- ics, Buille is one of the most potent new Tickets: Regular $28; Seniors $26; Stu- sounds emerging from Ireland. dents $23; Student Rush day-of-the-show Armagh-born Niall Vallely has (with valid ID) $10 established himself in recent years as one Box Office (828) 257-4530 of the most original and distinctive voices or visit www.dwtheatre.com in Irish music. Over the years Niall has Artist Website: www.vallelymusic.com/ developed a unique approach to playing buille Happy Swallowtail P-51 Mustang Brevard College Senior Music Recital n Friday May 2, Megan Kinsler by Valerie Leeper and Shane Parreco will present a joint recital at the Paul Porter Center at Brevard College. Kin- theater, works for solo marimba, Spanish sler is a senior voice student at art songs accompanied on percussion, and Brevard, and Parreco is a senior several numbers for jazz combo. Laundry Day, Khe Sanh The Fleet percussion student. The two The performance is scheduled for Ograduating seniors have been active per- 7:30 p.m. in the Scott Concert Hall at the Photography, Digital Painting and Retouching formers of both classical and jazz music. Porter Center at Brevard College. The Their program will include vocal concert is free and open to the public. Lonnie Darr www.3corpsimages.com solos from opera, oratorio, and musical Refreshments will be served afterwards.

38 May 2008 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — Vol. 11, No. 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE Note worthy Applications Still Available for 18th Annual Altrusa/Literacy Art on Main in Hendersonville Council Spelling Bee by Erin Krauss rtist applications are still avail- by George Alexsovich and Kim Adams his event is a entrance to win door able for the 49th Annual Art major fund- prizes donated from a on Main fine art and fine craft raiser for variety of local busi- show in Hendersonville, NC. also be introduced including a Patrons the Literacy nesses in Asheville. Show dates will be Friday, Au- Purchase Award Program, “Art Wars” a Council, the There will also be gust 1 through Sunday, August competition for artists, art demonstra- area agency an opportunity for 3. The event is being spon- tions, and musical entertainment. which spectators to make A The Arts Council of Henderson sored by the Arts Council of Henderson Tprovides adults with donations in the name County. County is a community organization individual Basic of their favorite team. Artists may request an application by that advocates for the arts and provides Literacy and English The Spelling Bee calling the Arts Council at (828) 693- opportunities to enrich the lives of our as a Second Language is hosted by Altrusa 8504 or by downloading an application children and adults through the arts by instruction. International of Ashe- at www.acofhc.org/Support.htm. The offering exhibits and art education. The This year’s fund- ville in conjunction deadline for applications is May 2, 2008 gallery is located at 538 North Main raising goal is $36,000. Contestants in with the Literacy Council of Buncombe (postmark). There is a $20 non-refund- Street (at the corner of 6th Ave.) in Hen- the Bee are in teams of three adults each, County. Through the years, with the sup- able jury fee and a booth fee of $200. dersonville on the 2nd floor. including representatives of Buncombe port of the business community and the This high quality show has grown to Gallery hours are Tuesday-Friday County organizations and businesses, general public of Buncombe County, the include over 70 of the finest artists and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays who will compete for prizes and brag- Spelling Bee has raised over $110,000 for crafts people from the southeastern U.S. from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. For further infor- ging rights. adult literacy. To increase sales, Kimberley Adams, mation about Art on Main or other arts- Teams already registered for this Come join us on Thursday, May 29 chairperson for the event, is gearing related programs, please contact the Arts year’s Bee include Asheville City Schools, and watch some of Asheville’s bravest try up for next year’s 50th anniversary by Council of Hendersonville at acofhc@ Phi Theta Kappa, Asheville Speech As- their hands at spelling some of the hard- adding Friday afternoon to the sched- bellsouth.net or (828) 693-8504. sociates, The Givens Estates, A-B Tech, est words in the English language! Make ule. Several exciting new programs will MAHEC, The Mountain Xpress, and literacy happen! Buncombe County If you go overheard a couple ask the young wom- Schools, Beaver “Vincenzo’s” continued from pg. 30 an behind the counter where they could Dam Run Book Altrusa International of Asheville and the find a good restaurant. They explained Club, Smith Literacy Council of Buncombe County incredible way to begin your dining ex- they were from out of town, Chicago Barney. invite you to attend the 18th Annual perience. A Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to be exact, and were in the mood for Tickets are Spelling Bee Fundraiser on Thursday, would compliment both the sweet oysters authentic Italian. $5 at the door May 29 at 7:00 p.m. in the Laurel Audito- and creamy sauce. Look for Rivera “Terra “Vincenzo’s,” the young woman and will include rium on the A-B Tech campus. Al Monte” Sauvignon Blanc, ($28) a replied. “It’s just up a couple blocks.” medium-bodied white from Italy. “Their food’s really good, huh?” What could be called their signature “Vincenzo’s is how we Ashevillians dish is the fabulous Filetto Gorgonzola say Italian,” came her reply. ($25). – Winner of the Asheville Area Shine On Brightly Chamber of Commerce “Culinary Shine On Brightly is delighted to announce the launch of its Showcase” award for Best Entrée in 2000 Vincenzo’s website at www.shineonbrightly.com – Two seared filet medallions accompa- Ristorante & Bistro nied by a Gorgonzola cream sauce, pine This online company features following artists, listed by medium. nuts and caramelized shallots. 10 N. Market Street artist-designed, hand-crafted products Ceramics: Amy Goldstein-Rice, As for dessert, I give a strong recom- Downtown Asheville. to memorialize and celebrate lives of Rose Tripoli-Mueller, JR Page, Tom mendation for their Tiramisu made (828) 254-4698 loved ones, including friends, family, Turner, Kim Dryden, George Handy, of Lady Fingers dipped in coffee and or cherished pets. A variety of materials Louis and Christine Colombarini mascarpone cream. I didn’t get their Hours: and styles is available, including ceram- Glass: Robert Levin, Rick Melby recipe but I’m guessing the Lady Fingers Monday - Thursday 5:30 - 10 p.m. ics, jewelry, glass, wood, metal, textile are sprinkled with or briefly soaked in a Friday and Saturday 5:30 - 11 p.m. art, hand-crafted books, and memorial Wood: Ray Jones mixture of rum and sugar. Traditionally Sunday 5:30 to 9 p.m. poetry. The website also offers links to Bookmaking: Mary Carol Koester they are layered with a mixture of mas- valuable resources to help with end-of- Metal Sculpture: Julia Burr carpone cheese and zabaglione, a custard Prices: Appetizers $8 to $11; Entrées (full) $11 to $33. life issues. Textiles: Norma Bradley made from egg yolks, Marsala, and sugar. The idea for the company was de- I’m almost certain this is how they make Ideal Meal: Filetto Gorgonzola veloped from a lifelong passion for art, Jewelry: Kathleen Doyle & Thomas theirs. Cocoa powder is then sprinkled and the belief that every life deserves to Reardon on top. The best part is, if you’re in the Note: The restaurant fills up fast any be honored and celebrated. Adrienne Memorial Poetry: Lisa Sarasohn mood for a Tiramisu, you can order it night of the week so call for reservations. Crowther, owner of Shine On Bright- with a cup off cappuccino in the Bistro. Both commissioned and non- ly, believes that “art has the power to The restaurant upstairs as far as I Scratchpad: The service is intention- commissioned pieces are available. heal, to unite, to express feeling when know has always been smoke free. You ally slow paced to allow you to enjoy Orders can be placed online, by calling the food and conversation. Tradition- words sometimes can’t be found.” (828) 348-0455, or toll free at 1-866- can smoke in the Bistro but only after ally meals in Italy can last as long as five 9 p.m. Shine On Brightly is based in 844-4469. Friendly, compassion- hours. Please allow ample time if you Asheville, and represents many of ate customer service responds to all A couple weeks ago while enjoying a will be attending an event later on in the cup of coffee and reading the New York the master artisans who work here. inquiries and sales requests Monday evening, or simply let your server know Included in this all-star lineup are the through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. EST. Times in Malaprop’s Café/Bookstore I you are rushed for time.

Vol. 11, No. 9 — Rapid River ArtS & CULTURE Magazine — May 2008 39 By Philip Barry * Directed by Bernie Hauserman

Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. * Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets: $22/adults * $19/seniors & students * $12/children 828.254.1320 www.ashevilletheatre.org