Merrimon Galleries “Vanishing Steve Lloyd has Stand-up comedian John Ludovico, owner of Landscape” show with Jonas Gerard, helped put HART and Mark Eddie talks with Asheville’s favorite music Kim Porter, Heidi Foss, and Beverly Waynesville theatre on Rapid River about music store, Karmasonics. Simpson. PAGE 10 the map. PAGE 18 and comedy. PAGE 21 PAGE 33 RAPID RIVER ARTS AARTRT TALKTALK The Art of Steve Atkinson

id-life BY RILEY SCHILLING crises are overrated. Perhaps it better than a pho- the event tograph; to get as is better close as possible.” Mtermed as a mid-life Anyone that takes beginning. Steve At- time to be quietly kinson, a member of present in nature the Plein Air Painters “No Regrets Revised”, 24" x 12" understands the of the West (PAPW), Oil on Linen by Steve Atkinson intimacy experi- has come a long way enced. To share in to find himself in a position he describes that experience viewing Atkinson’s work as his dream job. is an awesome and truly blissful feeling. In youth, Atkinson intended to be- Atkinson portrays natural settings so real come a musician like several family mem- that the viewer needs not stand in that bers (including Chris Kirkpatrick of pop place, yet has opportunities to get a real sensation N’SYNC, and Jason Eustice, sense of the experience, to be emotionally now following his father’s footsteps as a moved with similar joy. Country singer) the young idealist was Atkinson continues to develop in rudely awakened with the harsh reality of painting and life and has studied among not having practiced enough to make the the best painters in US, including Joe mark, or note, as it were. Having a natural Paquet, a member of Plein Air Painters hand in drawing, the shift to illustration of America, Scott Christenson and Marc came easily. Hanson. He enrolled in one of the most rigor- Learning from contemporary greats ous, aboveboard illustration programs and a life-long dedication to personal in the country at Kent State. Atkinson growth are the ingredients to the recipe excelled in school, and before graduat- that is the work of Steve Atkinson. ing, an inspired teacher told him of an Recently, he broke ground winning agency in Cleveland. He immediately quit the John Steven Jones Purchase Award in school, taking the job as an illustrator, 2007, gaining respect from critical minds. figuring, “That’s why you go to school, to George Hallmark judged the competi- get a job.” tion at the Bosque Conservatory of Art In the fall of 2001 with no real plans and introduced his work to the operator of becoming an oil painter or attempting of Trailside Galleries who agreed that what Atkinson deems the “highest form the work has staying power. They are of art,” the weather brought a surprise obviously not alone in that opinion, as wedding gift to a newly wedded artist. Atkinson has shown work at the Frame Oil painting as he understood it, was Shoppe Gallery for several years now, something that took a “long time to do and continues to grow as an artist while well.” So when the inspiration came reputation builds around him. upon the “blazing colors of the leaves” Curiously, Atkinson has painted “en during that fateful Honeymoon in plein air,” Westerns, and Historical genre northern Minnesota, celebrating his new oil pieces for only six or seven years. It marriage to Ann, Atkinson thought to snuck up in his early 40s, when oil paint- himself, “It’s now or never.” ing was merely a dream for a traditional With a new vigor and a new wife, illustrator. Atkinson set out to make his best efforts From Count Chocula and Boo Berry at oil painting. The artist disciplined cereal boxes to hanging fine art in some himself to painting for four hours every of the best galleries in the US, Atkinson morning before work and one full day on has always sought to do the work he most the weekend. loves and doing it very well. “I’m blessed,” he says, “It doesn’t feel Atkinson’s work is currently on like work,” and for six years, that non- display at the Frame Shoppe Gallery work slowly became his non-career. in Asheville. He also displays work in Since 1983 Atkinson witnessed the Trailside Galleries of Dallas, TX, Jackson demise of traditional illustration amidst Hole, WY, and the LA Thompson Gallery the many transitions and dramatic of Fine Art in Clifton, TX. changes yielded by steady development of new technology and business needs. So in February 2008 he switched to oil painting Frame Shoppe & Gallery Advertise with Rapid River Magazine full time. 1378 Hendersonville Rd. (Inside the His goals were simple enough, yet Harris Teeter Shopping Center) (828) 646-0071 beautiful and profound. He explains, “To Asheville • (828) 274-3635 capture a great light effect” and “make Free web links • Free ad design • Easy monthly billing something believable, allowing one to feel www.frameshoppeandgallery.com

2 September 2008 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 12, No. 1 Asheville Choral Society Lenora Thom, Music Director Powerful voices. Remarkable music.

“ACS Sings Classical McCartney: The Benefi t Concert” Ecce Cor Meum Behold My Heart

‘It’s about truth, and love, and honesty and kindness, and just stuff that I thought was important in life.’ Paul McCartney

with Children’s Chorus and Orchestra Anne O’Byrne, soprano October 12, 2008 at 4:00 pm Diana Wortham Theatre Downtown Asheville

Lenora Thom Anne O’Byrne $100 “Sir Paul Section” Special Reserved Seating, Music Director Soprano Concert and Celebration Reception $75 Concert and Celebration Reception (828) 232-2060 ashevillechoralsociety.org MMessageessage ffromrom tthehe PPublisherublisher Rapid River ® Twelve Years in WNC ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE This month we celebrate our 12th year. Established in 1997 • Volume Twelve, Number One In some ways it feels I have been doing this publication all of my life. In some ways, Distributed at over 390 locations throughout eight counties when I look back to that fist issue, it doesn’t in WNC and South Carolina seem so long ago. Of course 12 years isn’t that long of a Publisher/Editor: Dennis Ray time, not in comparison to the New Yorker SEPTEMBER 2008 which has been printing since 1925 or the Managing Editor: Beth Gossett www.rapidrivermagazine.com Boston Globe which has seen over 136 years Art Director: Dennis Ray of publishing. Then, there are thousands Print Production: Simone Bouyer of free publications across this country that Marketing: Dennis Ray were started in the ‘70s and ‘80s and are IInsidenside still going strong. No, 12 years isn’t much Staff Photographer: Dennis Ray to write home about — however, it is the Accounting: Sharon Cole 5 Cover Story journey of 12 years that has been good and is Distribution: Dennis Ray Asheville Choral Society . . . . 5 worth mention. Over that course of time I’ve seen WNC CONTRIBUTING WRITERS grow, change and lose a few things along Art Dennis Ray, publisher, and son H. Byron Ballard, Sierra Bicking, 7 the way. Since I first arrived here in ’96 it Steve Atkinson ...... 2 Harrison Graham Ray who is Paula Bolado, Greg Brown, drawing with chalk. amazes me just how much the skyline in Art in Autumn Festival . . . . 7 Asheville has changed, most of it over the Jenny Bunn, James Cassara, 16 Patton ...... 8 past couple years. There seems to be a new building popping up each month Bessie Dietrich-Goggins, Merrimon Galleries . . . . 10 and this growth doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Amy Downs, Ada Dudenhoeffer, Focus Gallery . . . . 10 With this growth, of course, come new people and to all our first time read- Ann Dunn, John Ellis, Asheville Art Museum . . . . 13 ers this is a great chance for me to welcome you to WNC’s performing arts, fine Beth Gossett, Max Hammonds, MD, Lewis Buck Retrospective . . . 14 arts and culture. Phil Hawkins, Pam J. Hecht, Folk Art Center . . . . 14 Make sure to mark your calendars in October – the Asheville Choral So- Michael Huffstetler, Jill Ingram, Grovewood Gallery . . . 35 ciety will be singing Sir Paul McCartney’s “Ecce Cor Meum.” It has to be one Phil Juliano, RoseLynn Katz, of the most anticipated musical events of the fall or perhaps even the year. For Britt Kaufmann, Chip Kaufmann, more about this event see page 5. 15 Columns Michelle Keenan, Peter Loewer, Peter Loewer ...... 15 Most importantly, here’s a special toast to you our readers, all 35,000 of Kathy Meyers, MariJo Moore, James Cassara ...... 16 you, and to all the new readers who will grow with us as the area expands. It’s April Nance, Michael Parker, MariJo Moore ...... 22 good having you around. It’s good knowing that you’re out there. It’s good Jane Porterfield, Bonnie Rash, being here. Dennis Ray, Riley Schilling, Music & Stage Take care — we’ll see you in October! Ann Vasilik, Bill Walz, 13 Kim Zdanowicz, Joe Zinich. Movement for Peace . . . 13 Dennis Ray, Publisher Rapid River Magazine Eymarel ...... 17 HART ...... 18 INFO The Best Man at ACT . . . 19 Rapid River Art Magazine is Bard-a-Thon . . . 19 a free monthly publication. Playback Theatre ...... 19 Peter Loewer Address correspondence to: Mark Eddie Interview ...... 21 Printmaker Graphos=Studio [email protected] SART's Heritage Tour . . . 30 or write to: Rapid River Art Magazine, 23 Books 85 N. Main St.., H. Byron Ballard ...... 23 Canton, NC 28716. Phone: (828) 646-0071 25 Movie Reviews www.rapidrivermagazine.com All materials contained herein are 29 Wine owned and copyrighted by Rapid Michael Parker ...... 29 River Art Magazine and the individual contributors unless otherwise stated. Opinions expressed in this magazine 32 Beer PO Box 5039 ~ Asheville, NC 28813 do not necessarily correspond with the Joe Zinich ...... 32 opinions of Rapid River Art Magazine email: [email protected] or the advertisers found herein. © Rapid River Magazine, 33 Asheville Shops September 2008. Vol. 12, No. 1 Karmasonics ...... 33 36 What to Do Guide™ Best in Show by Phil Juliano . . . 37 Callie & Cats by Amy Downs . . . 37 Cover designed by Dennis Ray Corgi Tales by Phil Hawkins . . 37

4 September 2008 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 12, No. 1 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE CCOVEROVER SSTORYTORY The ACS Sings Classical McCartney: The Benefit Concert Paul McCartney’s Oratorio Performed for the First Time in the Southeast by the Asheville Choral Society on October 12

usic Director Lenora Thom each ticket cost is tax deductible. Facts about Ecce cor Meum and the Asheville Choral This is one concert you should not (Behold my Heart) Society will perform Sir Paul miss! It could likely be the most im- • The recording of Ecce cor McCartney’s oratorio Ecce portant performance in Western North Meum was a huge hit in the cor Meum (Behold my Heart) Carolina during the 2008-2009 perform- classical world, reaching the — its first performance in the ing arts season. number two spot in the Top Msoutheast — at the Diana Wortham The- Ecce cor Meum (Behold my Heart) Classical Albums charts in the atre on October 12 at 4 p.m. U.S. The oratorio had its American debut by Sir Paul McCartney at Carnegie Hall in November 2006 and Chamber Chorus with the Celebra- • The U.S. premiere of the the ACS performance will be the second tion Singers, Ginger Haselden, director choral piece occurred before performance in the U.S. Influenced in (children’s chorus); soprano soloist Anne a sold-out crowd at Carnegie part by McCartney’s first wife Linda, who O’Byrne and orchestra. All conducted by Hall in New York City on No- died of cancer, the work will be pre- Lenora Thom. vember 14, 2006. sented by the ACS Chamber Chorus with Sunday, October 12, at 4 p.m. Diana • McCartney was awarded the Seated at the piano, ACS Music Director children’s chorus (Celebration Singers, Wortham Theatre, Asheville. “Sir Paul ‘Best Album Award” by Classi- Lenora Thom. Ginger Haselden, director), soprano solo- Section” special reserved seating, concert cal Brits in 2007 for the work. ist Anne O’Byrne and orchestra. and celebration reception: $100. Concert • Ecce cor Meum is an Oratorio The entire ensemble will be conduct- and celebration reception: $75. in four movements (with a short in- New York City. The work is also ed by ACS Music Director Lenora Thom. terlude for solo oboe) scored for adult partly inspired by his first wife Linda Beginning her ninth season as ACS music If you go chorus, children’s chorus, soprano and was composed during the period director, Ms. Thom is excited about doing soloist and orchestra. of her battle with, and subsequent the McCartney piece. “Composing a four- death from, cancer. Tickets to “The ACS Sings Classical • The title was inspired by an inscrip- movement oratorio is no small task,” said McCartney” may be ordered online, visit tion above a statue of Christ that Mc- ‘Asheville Choral Society’ Thom. “Ecce cor Meum is very accessible www.ashevillechoralsociety.org or by Cartney saw in St. Ignatius Church, continued on pg. 7 and filled with those wonderful McCart- calling the ACS office Monday-Friday at ney melodies. I know the audience will (828) 232-2060. be swept away by our chamber chorus, the children’s chorus, marvelous soprano Facts about this Asheville Choral Anne O’Byrne and the orchestra.” “The ACS Sings Classical McCart- Society Benefit Concert ney: The Benefit Concert and Cel- • Music Director Lenora Thom will ebration Reception” will raise funds to lead the Asheville Choral Society, support efforts to increase audiences for the children’s chorus, soprano soloist the season concerts. Holders of the $100 Anne O’Byrne and orchestra in the tickets will be in the “Sir Paul Section” of October 12 performance. reserved seating, have their names listed • The concert is a major benefit for the in the concert program and will attend ACS. Its purpose is the raise funds the reception following the one-hour to assist the ACS in attracting larger concert. Purchasers of the $75 seats may and more diversified audiences to its also attend the reception. A portion of regular season performances.

Vol. 12, No. 1 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — September 2008 5 
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Masterworks one 3ATURDAY3EPTEMBER sPM Call Thomas Wolfe Auditorium now for tickets! OPENING NIGHT: RUSSIAN SPECTACULAR Daniel Meyer, Conductor Vladislav Lavrik, trumpet

Dmitri Shostakovich: Waltz 2 from Suite for Variety Orchestra Alexander Arutiunian: Trumpet Concerto Sergei Rachmaninoff: Symphony No. 2 in E minor

SPONSORS Mr. & Mrs. Gary Coleman

swww.ashevillesymphony.org

6 September 2008 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 12, No. 1 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE FFINEINE ARTART ‘Choral Society’ continued from pg. 5 2nd Annual “Art in Autumn” • “It’s about truth and love and hon- esty and kindness,” Sir Paul Mc- Arts and Crafts Festival Cartney said, “[what] I thought was important in life.” See interview with he second annual Art in Autumn by Ada Dudenhoeffer Paul: http://www.youtube.com/ Outdoor Arts and Crafts Festival watch?v=2UgBt4v1hWM takes place Saturday, September 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ally absorb all that nature The 2008-2009 Season on Main Street in downtown provides, seek to document Weaverville. interests, and share my pas- The 2008-09 Concert Series includes TSponsored by the Weaverville sion for life.” “Magnificent Christmas” with music by Business Association, the festival fea- Nancy Fleming’s her Mozart, Pachelbel, Rutter, Walton and tures over a hundred juried artists and work represents the influ- others on December 13-14; “GAIA: A craftspeople, as well as an exciting array ence of emotion and spirit Celebration of the Earth” with music of food and live music. In recent years, upon our lives. “Passion, by Vaughan Williams, Libby Larsen and Weaverville has established itself as a whether heartache, pain, Haydn on March 28-29, 2009; and the culturally rich destination point. It has joy, elation, or love is pops concert “The Colors of My Life” my source of inspiration. Metal is the set, and a bottle cap cabinet called Red, earned a reputation for its quaint small White and Brew. with great songs like “I’m always Chasing town atmosphere, artistic spirit, and language I use to tell my story. Using Rainbows,” Mood Indigo,” “Yellow Sub- mixed metals, gemstones, and collected Pop artist René Criglers’ style is distinctive shops. The second annual heavily influenced by her formal educa- marine” and many others with show band Art in Autumn festival brings a jovial objects; I express life as I see it. Imagery on May 30-31, 2009. from within provides the challenge for tion in the discipline of silkscreen print- celebration of community and fine art to making. Reminiscent of 60’s pop and the Main Street of this ‘Mayberry-esque’ my hands to create the work.” Nancy’s Magnificent Christmas jewelry and mixed-media sculptures are 70’s psychedelic, René chooses easily town. All are welcome. Admission and recognizable subjects and employs a va- Magnificent settings of Magnificat by parking are free. a narrative, clearly affected Mozart, Johann Pachelbel and Arvo Pärt by memories, beliefs, and riety of symbols that are sometimes cam- The Weaverville Busi- ouflaged. She paints with carbon fiber, a and holiday music by John Rutter, Z. Ran- ness Association has been dreams. dall Stroope, William Walton and others. Partners Kathleen process she became familiar with while planning the 2nd annual Art working in the motor sports industry. Saturday, December 13, at 8 p.m.; in Autumn since its initial Doyle and Thomas Sunday, December 14, at 4 p.m. Central Reardon are Portfolio Each of her carbon fiber paintings are debut in 2007. The success baked, which protects the painting and United Methodist Church, Asheville. of the inaugural event was Metalwork. Resident studio artists at the Grove- gives it a shiny, clear finish which can be Gaia: A Celebration Of The Earth nothing short of phenomenal wood Gallery, Doyle and cleaned or waxed just like a race car or Vaughan Williams: A Sea Symphony, with 70 artists and 5,000 visi- standard automobile. tors in attendance. Organiz- Reardon make uniquely Libby Larsen: Missa Gaia (Mass for the designed jewelry and fine These featured artists are a sampling Earth) and Haydn: The Creation (selec- ers, Beth Mangum and Sher- of the range and caliber of exhibitors rye Perry, feel confident that metalwork . Together they tions). Soloists Elizabeth Keusch, soprano Metalwork by produce a collaborative who will be participating in the 2nd and Stephen Bryant, bass-baritone this years’ festival will exceed Annual Art in Autumn Festival. Rain expectations. “We have over Kathleen Doyle and line that blends their two Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 8 p.m.; Thomas Reardon jewelry collections into or shine, Art in Autumn will transform Sunday, March 29, at 4 p.m. Central Unit- a hundred artists and craft- downtown Weaverville into a market- speople slated to participate,” one entity reflecting the ed Methodist Church, Asheville. strengths of each. place for fine art and craft. Plan to have says Mangum “Many are a bite to eat and plenty of time to kick from this area, but there The resulting collec- Pops Concert: tion contains landscape back with local bluegrass tunes. The Colors of My Life are a few exhibitors coming The music stage and food vendors from other areas around the brooches, nature inspired “I’m always Chasing Rainbows,” are located at Rodney’s Auto Service on southeast. I believe we will jewelry, wedding bands, “Mood Indigo,” “Shakin’ the Blues Away” Main Street. Local Old Time Music and have an excellent mix of new engagement rings, Judaical and many more with show band. bluegrass bands are scheduled to play artists and known favorites.” objects, Kiddush Cups, Saturday, May 30, 2009, at 8 p.m.; throughout the day. Included on the list of communion cups, cus- Sunday, May 31, at 4 p.m. Diana Wortham “It is a wonderful opportunity to exhibitors for the 2008 event tom designed awards, and Theatre, Asheville. have such a high-caliber show here in are painter Marcus Thomas, commemoratives. Portfolio Individual concert tickets are $25/ Carbon fiber work by Weaverville. What the organizers have the 2007 Best of Show award Metalwork designs are adult, $15/student, $20/Groups of 10 or Rene Crigler packed into a one day event is astound- recipient and jeweler, Nancy made in pewter, sterling more. silver, and karat golds often ing. It’s a great day for the family to Fleming, who received the spend together. There really is some- second place award. A sampling of other with highly technical processes such as “Early Bird” Season Subscription repousse, gold leaf, and file finishing. thing for everyone to enjoy.” ~ Jewelry exhibitors who will show at the 2008 Art Artist, Nancy Fleming Special in Autumn festival includes: Kathleen Folk Artist Susan Hayden is a Save 33% off the single ticket rate! Doyle and Thomas Reardon of Portfolio second year exhibitor at the Art in Order your subscription by November Metalworks, folk artist Susan Hayden, Autumn festival who makes whimsical If you go 1 for only $50. The McCartney Benefit and pop artist René Crigler. mixed-media sculptures and functional Concert is not included in Season Sub- Painter Marcus Thomas was com- items. She takes the pieces that you Saturday, September 20, from 10:00 am scriptions. Phone (828) 232-2060, or visit pletely paralyzed from the shoulders throw away, or sell at a flea market and to 5:00 p.m. www.ashevillechoralsociety.org. down after a skiing accident in 1985. Af- those become her supplies. According to Music Schedule: ter a year of recovery and a determined Susan’s’ website, “I’ll work with bottle 10:30 a.m. – Reems Creek Rattlers pursuit of a fulfilling life, he discovered caps, pennies, lock washers, license 12:00 p.m. – Butter Holler String Band The mission of the Asheville Choral the art of painting. Marcus paints by plates, railroad spikes, shovels, rakes, 1:30 p.m. – Crescent Moon Society is to inspire and to enrich springs, street signs and tin cans... just to 2:00 p.m. – New Southern Ramblers performers and audiences through the holding the paintbrush in his mouth. His paintings are a reflection of his pas- name a few!” Examples of this include Main Street in downtown Weaverville presentation of remarkable music at the the Wrench Bench, a license plate desk highest artistic level. sion for the outdoors. He says, “I visu- Free Admission and Parking

Vol. 12, No. 1 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — September 2008 7 RAPID RIVER ARTS Make a Statement with Style FFINEINE ARTART Classic Jerry LaPoint in Group Show at Wooden 16 Patton Gallery BY RILEY SCHILLING Watches ather of five, loving husband, avid and Belts roadside cyclist, well-read, semi- retired Art Director, and talented 29 Different painter, Jerry LaPoint is currently Watch Styles represented by several galleries across the state. Among those are Fthe Collectors’ Gallery in Raleigh and the $ gallery first to represent LaPoint, the gal- 10 Off lery at 16 Patton in Asheville. for $56 or $58 Doodling at age 11 led to one day Mention coupon #CWW-RR graduating with a B.F.A. in Painting Expires 9/30/08 and Illustration from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. Having over 30 years • Free Shipping of experience as an Art Director with • Light Weight several companies (beginning in NYC and ending in Arden, • Great for people NC) and after raising who are allergic to five children, all of nickel & metal whom are now happily married, LaPoint is 704-567-9770 The Romano Uno content living with his Wholesale Inquiries Welcome RE126W wife Beverley and two bichons in Fletcher, “Saturday Night” by Jerry LaPoint www.wooden-watch.com Comes with a 2 Year Warranty NC, spending most of www.woodenbelt.com in 2005, and included in several group [email protected] his time painting. Ten years ago, shows, including a former event called LaPoint took a new Inside Out at Catherine Hayes Art and direction with his Jerry LaPoint Sculpture in Greenville, NC. In the personal art, and began future, (the artist) hopes to begin show- showing fine art in traditional form. Con- ing outside of North Carolina. Mean- tinuing the pursuit of creating beauty in while, LaPoint is proud to be represented truth, the veteran artists’ eye is caught by in a show called Escapes: Day to Night the delicacy of textures, natural patterns - Cityscapes and Nightscapes at 16 Pat- of light and dark, even man-made shapes ton through September 28. Otherwise, and colors all serve to inspire his work. curious eyes may view his work online at Uncertain if one would deem the www.jlpstudio.com. process development or deterioration, LaPoint enjoys bearing witness to the growth and change in his body of work. If you go He explains, “It’s mostly semi-abstract mode,” working in oils or acrylics, Jerry LaPoint in group exhibition “Es- LaPoint often uses photographs as jump- capes” at 16 Patton Gallery on the corner ing off points in the studio. He utilizes of Lexington and Patton. memory recall to draw upon emotions The show runs through September 28. associated with scenes such as landscapes, See www.16patton.com for more info. cityscapes, and port scenes. Gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday LaPoint has been honored with a 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 pm. Sunday 1 p.m. to 6 solo exhibition at the Trion Art Center p.m., or by appointment. (828) 236-2889.

Art Break Lunchtime Events Friday, September 5 Friday, September 19 A discussion of the smArt Speak: Ruined Landscapes with Mark Hol- Distinguished Artist Series with Nancy land, Asheville painter. Sokolove. smArt Speak will be bringing Each Art Break is from noon to 1 p.m., Art Spiegelman, Pulitzer Prize-winning at the Asheville Art Museum. Free with illustrator to Western North Carolina Museum membership or with admis- for the first time on September 11. sion. All smArt Speak programs are part Other artists featured in upcoming of the Museum’s 60th Anniversary Cel- smArt Speak events are Faith Ringgold ebration continuing all year. and Christo and Jeanne-Claude.

8 September 2008 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 12, No. 1 Vol. 12, No. 1 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — September 2008 9 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE FFINEINE ARTART

MG Fine Art & Framing BY PAM J. HECHT Has Come a Long Way pretty picture to hang over a couch,” she said. fixture on North Asheville’s Mer- an auction to Most of the artwork rimon Avenue since the late 70s, benefit local at MG is created by local Merrimon Galleries once offered organizations. artists, many of whom primarily locals, reliable framing On Sep- are “big-name” artists services and a good selection of tember 19, MG who’ve recently moved posters and prints. hosts the 3rd here from other places ANowadays, it’s got a whole new vibe. annual “Vanish- and are looking for a new, Curator Heidi Foss, brought on board ing Landscape,” creative place to show their by the owners two years ago, is well on her event, with a live Jonas Gerard, Kim Porter, work, she said. “Visit the way to re-creating the flagging business, auction to ben- Heidi Foss & Beverly Simpson. gallery each month – we’ll renamed MG Fine Art & Framing, into efit the Southern always have new things.” one of Asheville’s premier fine arts galler- Appalachian Forest Coalition (S.A.F.C.), MG has always offered full-service ies, while continuing to help artists make a a regional non-profit organization that custom framing with low-cost as well as living doing their art. protects and restores public lands in five high-end frames and art restoration. They “We connect artists with clients,” she southern states. All artwork, donated by lo- stretch canvases for artists and give a great said. After months of revitalizing the space, cal artists, focuses on the environment and artist discount. Foss works with customers (“I came in on Sundays with my family is currently hanging in the gallery. and designers to choose artwork to display to do the physical work,”) Foss sold the In December, the gallery will host in area homes and businesses and also of- store’s existing posters and prints on EBay, its 2nd annual “Christmas is for Kids” fers art rentals for special functions or for brought in local original art, and focused benefit event, in which young artists of business space art rotation. on shows – something the business all ages will sell their work to benefit a And while it has remained a family had rarely done before – while continuing child-related organization. Last year, a business for years, co-owned by Beverly to provide framing and restoration services. percentage of the money raised was given Simpson and son, Marshall (another son, “Print shops have gone the way of the to children in Darfur. Robert Simpson, is art conservator), MG past – people can go online now for prints “These kinds of events help the com- has truly been transformed. and posters – and a lot more people get munity – they bring money to the artists as “We have a clear idea of who we are,” their frames ready-made,” Foss said. “At well as a greater awareness of community she said. “And the buzz is out.” the same time, Asheville is becoming an issues,” said Foss. arts Mecca and many artists and fine art Housed in a restored 20s bungalow, collectors are moving here.” MG has a sophisticated, energetic urban If you go Foss, who is passionate about nur- feel, with raised ceilings, gray-black walls turing Asheville’s arts community, has and an eclectic mix of art styles and forms MG Fine Art & Framing, 365 Merrimon managed other galleries, provided art - paintings, photography, jewelry, sculp- Ave, Asheville. (828) 252-6036, consulting services and as an artist’s agent, tures. “When you come in, you’ll see edgy www.merrimongalleries.com, continues to represent several local artists artwork as well as classic oils by strong, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon. - Fri.; in town. “I don’t want to see artists have to professional artists - not typical, safe tourist 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat./Sun. wait tables,” she said. art,” she said. “It’s definitely not the same- “Vanishing Landscapes” live art auction, Every other month, she organizes old, same-old. benefiting Southern Appalachian For- an opening at MG to spotlight artists of “What’s selling now is art with a little est Coalition (S.A.F.C.), September 19. a particular genre and twice a year, holds deeper meaning and emotion, not just a Preview 6 p.m., auction 7 p.m.

Focus Gallery Features Marge Rohrer and Sharon Bailey BY APRIL NANCE n display now through October Sharon Bailey combines Bakelite with 7 is the work of textile art- gold and silver to create one-of-a-kind and ist Marge Rohrer and jeweler limited edition pieces of jewelry. Bakelite Sharon Bailey. The exhibition is is a type of plastic invented in 1909. As a celebration of self expression an incurable collector, Sharon discovered through wearable art. Bakelite in her travels to flea markets and OMarge Rohrer designs capes, scarves, antique shops. Sharon then discovered hats and purses. With the help of her hus- Bakelite which had been cast in various Marge Rohrer Sharon Bailey band, David, who is the primary weaver, shapes, but that never made it out of the the couple creates accessories for the wom- factory or warehouse. After some experi- an who loves to wrap herself in luxury. mentation Sharon knew it would be the For the Focus Gallery exhibition perfect element to add color to her jewelry. If you go Marge designed pieces which would echo After carving and polishing the Bake- her love for Art Deco style. Squares and lite, she combines it with silver and gold. For more information call (828) 298-7928 rectangles in various colors and textures She has been working on the pieces for the or visit www.craftguild.org. are the building blocks of her designs. She Focus Gallery show over the past couple The Folk Art Center is located at Milepost makes clothes which are delightful to the of years. Sharon will also display comple- 382 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, just north eye and sensuous to the touch. mentary designs in sterling silver and gold. of the Hwy 70 entrance in Asheville, NC.

10 September 2008 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 12, No. 1 Vol. 12, No. 1 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — September 2008 11 12 September 2008 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 12, No. 1 RAPID RIVER ARTS NNOTEWORTHYOTEWORTHY Ashcans, Trains and Factories Students and Followers of The Eight obert Henri, John Sloan and other members of The Eight BY KIM ZDANOWICZ were as noted for their tal- ents as teachers as they were “Outdoor Soda Fountain” by Isabel for their creative skills. One Bishop, 1950, of Henri’s students wrote etching. Rdown his classroom comments and assembled them into a book titled This exhibi- The Art Spirit. Both collectively and tion complements individually, The Eight inspired a Life’s Rich Pag- generation of artists to look at the eant: A Centennial urban life around them. Celebration of The This exhibition features the work Eight, on exhibit of artists influenced by The Eight’s from September emphasis on scenes of contemporary 12, 2008 through urban life. The exhibition will include January 4, 2009 works by Robert Brackman, Alexander with a special reception on Saturday, Kruse, Reginald Marsh, Elizabeth Olds, September 13, from 5 to 7 p.m. Walter Pack, Raphael Soyer, Eugene Thomason and others. These works will If you go be drawn from the collection of the Ashe- ville Art Museum. Ashcans, Trains and Factories: Students Ashcans, Trains and Factories: and Followers of The Eight opens Friday, Students and Followers of the Eight will September 19, 2008 in the Asheville Art be on exhibit from September 19, 2008 Museum’s Holden Community Gallery through January 11, 2009. which is free to the public. Movement for Peace Project

ovement for Peace, a multi- BY KATHY MEYERS dimension event designed to inspire, inform and involve community while promoting This concert will feature: original cho- 11 days of peace, leading up to reography from Moving Women, a collab- the UN’s International Day of orative dance performance ensemble and MPeace on Sunday, September 21. project of Arts 2 People (www.arts2people. The Movement for Peace project org); work created in collaboration with includes: a 6 week yoga for peace series local community members, as well as offered at French Broad Movement and live, original music from UNCA Music Learning Center; a moment (3 minutes) Department faculty Dr. Wayne Kirby of stillness everyday at noon in Pritchard with other Asheville musicians includinng Park from 9:30-11:00; an opening perfor- Richard Shulman, Franklin Keele, Ian mance at Pritchard Park on September Cunningham, Mark Garner, and Coco 11 at 6:30; a collaboration with Play- Palmer. The performance will also feature back Theater; performances by UNCA an installation by Shelley Pereda Camp students; a peace building organizational made from a thousand origami cranes. informational booth on the UNCA cam- pus; and many other happenings through- out the 11 days, including the associated If you go Walk for Peace sponsored by The Peace Alliance on September 20 at 11:00 a.m. September 11-21. UNCA Campus, vari- from City County Plaza. ous community locations, Walker Arts The event culminates on the Inter- Center (The Asheville School Campus) national Day of Peace, September 21 with Most events free; Moving Women’s clos- two events. In the afternoon, a moving ing dance concert, Sunday, September 21, meditation at UNCA from 11:30-12:30, as “Movement for Peace”, $13. A portion of thousands of other organizations around the proceeds benefit local, peace build- the world will also be honoring this day ing organizations such as The Mediation at noon, (www.internationaldayofpeace. Center, Helpmate, Our Voice, Outward org). Then that evening at 7:00 pm the Bounds Unity Project, WNC Dept. of “Movement for Peace” dance performance Peace Campaign, and others. will be held at Walker Arts Center on The For more information please visit our web Asheville School’s Campus. site at www.movingwomen.org.

Vol. 12, No. 1 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — September 2008 13 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE FFINEINE ARTART

Western’s Fine Art Museum Launches Season with BY JILL INGRAM Lewis Buck Retrospective attracted me to it,” Buck said. Asheville artist and writer Connie he Fine Art Museum at Western sity with a degree in Bostic describes Buck as an individual Carolina University opens its fall English and received who pays as much attention to life as art, season with the first retrospec- a master of fine arts once writing that, “Following his lead, the tive exhibition of work by Lewis degree in printmaking viewer of his work is rewarded through Buck, a lifelong artist and long- from Virginia Com- deep contemplation.” time Asheville-area resident. monwealth University. Buck has exhibited in group and solo T “The exhibit offers insight into the He served in the Navy shows since the 1940s, most recently at breadth of Buck’s work, taking a close look from 1943 to 1946, and Asheville’s Semi Public: A Space for Con- at his evolution as an artist and his early met his wife, Porge, temporary Art in 1999 and the Captain’s inspirations and influences,” said Martin an artist and master Left: “Little Known Bird of the Inner Aisle,” assemblage Bookshelf in 2002. His work is held in DeWitt, the museum’s founding director. printer, in 1950 in a by Lewis Buck, 1978. Right: Lewis and Porge Buck sort private, public and corporate collections. A vibrant color palette, multiple tex- life-drawing class. through artwork at their Black Mountain studio. tures and the presence of found objects In 1984, the Bucks mark Buck’s often large-scale works of moved from Maine to the historic Ashe- sions. “I didn’t want to hang little things If you go painting, collage and assemblage. He ville neighborhood of Montford, where all over it, so I started stretching large names as his primary inspiration two art- they ran a print-making studio and gallery canvases,” Buck said. Also in Maine, “Lewis Buck: Beyond the Surface,” Satur- ists from the early- to mid-20th century, from their home. In the mid-1980s, the Buck constructed an assemblage piece day, September 6, through Monday, De- cember 15, at the museum, in Western’s realist Edward Hopper and abstract Bucks helped spur the revitalization of called “Scraaps,” part of a series called “Glued and Screwed,” from children’s Fine and Performing Arts Center. Free expressionist Richard Diebenkorn. The Asheville’s River Arts District with the reception September 6 from 2 to 4 p.m. retrospective’s pieces, spanning 60 years purchase and renovation of a former seed alphabet blocks, a kitchen stool and an and comprising 50 works, came from store into artist studios. The Bucks have Adirondack chair on the inn’s porch. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Buck’s own collection and the collections lived in Black Mountain since 1993. “The Adirondack chair had been painted Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. of his family, friends and patrons. In Maine, the Bucks spent 15 years all kinds of colors at various times, and Thursday and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday. Buck was born in 1924 in Norfolk, running an inn, where large dining room the weather didn’t treat it too nicely. The For more information contact Hillary VA. He graduated from Duke Univer- walls inspired Buck to new dimen- paint was peeling off, and that was what Brett, assistant curator, at (828) 227-3591.

A Celebration of Southern Is the Air Appalachian Culture

in Your Home he 28th Annual Heritage Week- end will be held September 20-21 Making You Sick? at the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Folk Art Center. This free festival, sponsored by the Southern Trapped Moisture and Gases Highland Craft Guild, features traditionalT music and dancing, storytell- Can Be Harmful! ing, and heritage craft demonstrations. A highlight of the weekend is the 28th Annual World Gee Haw Whimmy Remove Unhealthy Air Diddle Competition on Saturday, 2:00- 3:00 p.m. Joe “Colonel Buncombe” Bly Apple Chill Cloggers will emcee the Whimmy Diddle Com- Moisture Control Unit Reduce Molds and Musty Odors petition while Gene Holdway of the North Carolina Treasure. bluegrass band Split Rail will emcee the The Blue Ridge Parkway’s Folk Art • Expels stale, musty air, replaces with fresher, healthier air other events of the weekend. Center is the ideal place for Heritage Learn from area experts about bee- Weekend with plenty of free parking, ac- • Reduces harmful gases and pollutants keeping, canning and preserving, rifle cess to hiking trails, and grassy areas for a • Quiet, safe, environmentally friendly making, coopering, heritage toy making, picnic. Spend the weekend honoring and blacksmithing, natural dyeing, spinning, learning about crafts of yesteryear while • Maintenance-free—no filters or buckets quilting, whittling and folk pottery. Don’t enjoying the beauty of the region. • Uses less electricity than a 40-watt light bulb miss sheep shearing on Saturday and bor- der collie demonstrations on Sunday. The Southern Highland Craft Guild If you go Improve the air quality in your home, satisfaction guaranteed welcomes for the first time to Heritage Weekend Appalachian fiction writer Peg- 28th Annual Heritage Weekend gy Poe Stern. She will be at the Folk Art September 20-21: Saturday, 10 a.m. to Center on Sunday to discuss her popular 4 p.m. and Sunday, 10:30 to 5 p.m. Call for a FREE Humidex phone consultation novels. Appalachian storyteller Orville Folk Art Center, Milepost 382, Hicks will perform at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville, NC Hicks, who has been called the Master of For more information call (828) 298-7928 1-800-663-2721 the Jack Tale, was recently recognized as a or visit www.craftguild.org.

14 September 2008 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 12, No. 1 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE TTHOREAU'SHOREAU'S GARDENGARDEN

The Hollyhock a Warwickshire Byway, Little Milton” BY PETER LOEWER and “Lavington, Sussex,” by James ollyhocks have been garden Matthews, an well as a great painting The first year stars for centuries with almost by Gustave Courbet entitled “The after germina- every illustration of a typical Trellis” where a charming peasant girl tion perennial and English cottage garden features confronts a mass of unusual flowers biennial forms their tall blooming spires. And including a great stand of double-white develop a rosette at one time, every child had hollyhocks. of ground-hugging memories of making little dolls H According to Google, “Goethe, Peter examines the leaves with one out of the blossoms and, sometimes, the great German poet lived in a house blossoms of early- to several flower floating them on a pool of water. set among the hills near Weimar, and blooming Lenten roses. stalks develop- Many so-called refined gardeners from his garden he had a view over the ing the following thought hollyhocks were too ungainly fields to the placid course of the nearby year(s). Hollyhocks readily self-sow and for small gardens and recommended river. Along the drive leading up to the may become a nuisance if seedlings are these plants only for larger wilderness house, Goethe planted a double row of not culled from the garden. borders or Avenues. But England’s Wil- hollyhocks, which were his pride and joy. Hollyhocks prefer a rich soil with liam Robinson called hollyhocks “One Alcea rosea, the hollyhock Alcea rosea probably began its career lots of organic matter and a warm sunny of the noblest of hardy plants, and there in Asia Minor. While classified as a location. They require full sun as the are many positions in almost all gardens undersides of the heart-shaped, wrinkled perennial, it’s usually used as a summer plant dislikes any amount of shade. Over where it would add to the general effect,” leaves are hairy. Most bloom with single annual (or depending on when you plant watering creates more problems with adding that “Cottage beekeepers would blossoms in late summer, but newer cul- the seed), a biennial. In cold climates it diseases and will result in a shortened do well to grow a few hollyhocks, for bees tivars are double-flowered. Colors range will not winter over without sufficient plant life. are fond of their flowers.” from white mulching while in most of the Southeast, Hollyhock is the common name for The individual flowers are bell- it will live through the cold. But plants a number of biennial or perennial herbs. shaped, 3 ½ inches or and more in rarely survive if planted in heavy clay Peter Loewer is a well-known writer and bo- The name is a combination of holy and width, with separate petals of vivid colors soils without any added humus because tanical artist who has written and illustrated hock, an old word Anglo-Saxon word for from white to yellow, salmon, rose, red, the roots resent standing water, especially over twenty-five books on natural history over the past thirty years. mallow. Because nursery and seed cata- violet, and purple, including the deep- when chilled. logs continually mix Alcea and Althea in est maroon. The cultivar ‘Nigra’ is called plant descriptions, it’s a confusing deal at the chocolate hollyhock due to its dark best. And the problem can only be sorted chocolate blossoms. There are double, out by a reference to scientific names. ruffled begonia-like flowers as well as The generic name of Alcea is not single forms with five petals. Petals may to be confused with Althea. Both are be smooth or lightly fringed. Going mallows and members of the Malvaceae, As to other cultivars, it should be but the first genus includes the true hol- noted that most good seed houses carry Beyond lyhock while the second genus, Althea, ‘Chater’s Double’, with double peony- is often used as a common name for the like flowers in a wide range of colors Racism rose-of-Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) — including a spectacular yellow. They were Through now blooming around Asheville and the developed by a great uncle of my choir- Understanding marsh-mallow or white mallow,(Alcea companion, Bill Chater or Asheville. officinalis), a plant well-known in herbal During the winter of 1997, the & Respect remedy tomes. Likels of Jeffersonville, New York, gave The generic name of Althea is from me an envelope of seeds collected from the Greek althainein, or to heal, because at a hollyhock they saw blooming among $ one time the plants were very popular in the Street of Curetes, a thoroughfare that 30.00 both folk and serious medicine. According runs through the ruined Turkish city of Registration to Mrs. M. Grieve “A Modern Herbal”, Ephesus. Ephesus was one of the world’s Fee New York: Dover Publications, 1971), the richest and most fertile cities from the hollyhock was once eaten as a potherb, beginning of the Ionian Age through the (although she says, “…it is not particularly end of the Roman era. Learn How YOU Can Make a Difference! palatable”) and the flowers were used for I set the plants out in spring of the their emollient, demulcent, and diuretic first year and promptly forgot about properties for treating chest complaints. them. By June of the next year, the plants She adds that, “The (petals) are also used were six feet high and on July 2, 1988, the Nine Sessions for colouring purposes (and) should be flowers opened: a lovely shell-pink with a gathered in July and early August, and white center. I can imagine how beautiful September 9 - November 4, 2008 dried in trays, in thin layers, in a current such flowers were surrounded by aging of warm air immediately after picking.” marble and seaside sand. Sessions will be held on Tuesday Evenings Somehow I can see this activity carried A favorite of classical painters, the out at many places around Asheville. great Flemish pre-surrealist painter at Asheville High School, from 7 to 9 p.m. The most commonly known spe- Hieronymus (Jerome) Bosch knew of cies is Alcea rosea, the hollyhock that their garden presence in 1551, while the most people grow up against the wall in Chinese and Japanese artist employed For more information call (828) 777-4585 gardens lucky enough to have walls, are the flowers at every turn. Hollyhocks are natives of China. Hollyhocks grow are tall usually featured in every rendition of the Register online at www.buildingbridges-asheville.org and erect, usually between five and nine cottage garden, including paintings by feet in height. The single stems and the Henry John Sylvester Stannard titled “In Or in person at Asheville High School at 6:30 p.m. on September 9.

Vol. 12, No. 1 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — September 2008 15 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE MMUSICUSIC

September CD Reviews by James Cassara

We’re back again with a wide range of eclectic and often under the radar releases. Given one star or five, rest assured anything reviewed on these pages is well worth seeking out, particularly if you wisely support your local independent music store!

Carla Olson and serpentine playing bouncing around more inspired as a sideman rather than the Textones Olson’s passionate and soulful vocals. bandleader?) while Blanchard makes Detroit ’85: Live Not only was Olson a gifted songwriter, appearances on the voodoo stroll of “We and Unrehearsed but she was a good judge of other folks’ Gettin’ There,” and the smoky jazz of material, with some excellent lesser- “Land Grab.” Far less successful is the In the summer known Bob Dylan and John Fogerty Willie Nelson duet “Promises, Promises” of 1985 Olson and tunes (along with the classic Jagger/ which, despite a swaggering Mardi Gras her band the Tex- Richards “Sway”) dotting the set list. stroll, dissolves into lifeless repitition. tones were touring in And after hiring Phil Seymour as drum- It should also be noted that the great support of the well mer, Olson had the good sense to let him Bobby Charles co-wrote five tunes with received but poorly selling Midnight Mis- sing a few songs; their version of Dwight Mac, and authored “Promises, Promises” sion when they played a gig at Detroit’s Twilley’s “Looking for the Magic” is a all by his lonesome. Charles is certainly fabled Traxx club in Detroit. The show winner. Too Hot for Snakes captures the one of the most under appreciated writers was recorded for broadcast by the West- Textones’ failings as much as their virtues, of our time who records not nearly often wood One radio network, and became an but ultimately their strengths win out, and enough. instant and frequently bootlegged sensa- this document of Carla Olson and band Like all of Dr. John’s best music the tion, propelling Olson to the forefront of in their prime is well worth a spin for us vibe on this record is alternatively joyful, the blues/rock movement. loyal fans. **** dark, hopeful, and pained. Despite the se- Two decades later Collectors’ Choice rious nature of the issues it addresses, the Music has released that show on CD. It’s Dr. John sound is pure John doing what he does an album that despite some obvious flaws best. That the man is a musical treasure is worthy of both the wait and the initial The City That Care Forgot is a given: That he continues to make buzz. Detroit 85: Live and Unreleased some of the most inspired and consistent showcases the band at its most polished There’s records of his long and glorious career is (at times a bit too much so) and profes- certainly been nothing short of miraculous. If only those sional while giving us a glimpse of a now no shortage of in whom we’ve trusted our safety and forgotten musical footnote. musical outrage well being could do as well. **** It’s an interesting mix: Olson herself directed at our has rarely sung better while her guitar government’s Glen — paired with the coil spring leads of bungled response to the disaster that was Campbell George Callins — is rough and tumble Katrina — after all rarely have so many in all the right ways. Where things tend failed at all levels — but noticeably silent Meet Glen to bog down is when saxophonist Tom was the good Doctor himself. Campbell Morgan Jr., who had replaced the re- Following 2006’s brilliant release To many, cently departed Rindy Ross, steps to the Mercenary (based on the music of Johnny the most recent limelight. Not only does his work pale Mercer) Mac Rebennack, known to us all image of the in comparison to his predecessor, but as Dr. John, has taken a decidedly political singer best Morgan single-handedly set the tone for turn, and you can bet it isn’t to the right. known for such the cheesy period just prior to the band’s Accompanied by his fantastic longtime hits as “By the demise. When he plays keyboard, as he cohorts the Lower 911 band John delivers Time I Get to Phoenix” and “Rhinestone does on the show stopper “No Love in a scathing and well deserved indictment Cowboy” was the horrific mug shot of You” things get considerably tougher. of those who were supposedly in charge. a man clearly on his way out. Drunk, And while Olson’s between song pat- Of course he does so with music engorged, and stoned out of his mind, ter seems forced and dated (name-drop- couched in some deeply funky, first Campbell hit rock bottom with his 2004 ping Judd Nelson sure doesn’t help!). rate New Orleans R&B, blues, and arrest and subsequent jail time. Despite its flaws Detroit 85: Live and jazz grooves which, despite the overtly He’d become a parody of himself, Unreleased gives an interesting glimpse socially conscious nature of the lyrics, another country rock casualty begging to of a solid band with plenty to say. **1/2 “make ya wanna git up and dance.” Re- be written off. Given that, few of us could corded in Maurice, LA, and produced have expected him to ever make another Carla Olson and by Mac and Herman Roscoe Ernest album, let alone one of grace, gravity, Mick Taylor The City That Care Forgot is the man and beauty. Yet here he is, nearly 70 years at his best; sure there are any num- Too Hot for Snakes of age, cold sober, slimmed down and ber of big name guests (Clapton, Ani delivering one of the finest records of his The live Too DeFranco, Terrence Blanchard) but long career. Hot for Snakes, this is John’s show as much as New The appropriately titled Meet Glen originally released Orleans is his city. Campbell is the confession of a man who in 1984 and lovingly The strutting R&B whoop of knows he nearly blew his last chance. It is remastered and ex- “Time for a Change” and the deep, reminiscent of the soft, warm feel of his panded, is a much better offering. Olson driven churn of “Stripped Away” both classic albums, a period in which when and ex-Stones guitarist Mick Taylor were showcase some sublime guitar from the perfect musical match, with Taylor’s Slow Hand (why is it Clapton is always ‘CD’s’ continued on next pg.

16 September 2008 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 12, No. 1 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE WWHAT'SHAT'S HHAPPENINGAPPENING

EYMAREL Performs at the Emerald Lounge BY ERIN SCHOLZE

he duo EYMAREL (pronounced and the Spam Allstars, The Jerry MA and then to the mountains of North emma-rehl), is a refreshing blend Garcia Band feat. Melvin Seals, Carolina at Appalachian State University. of head-bobbin grooves, smooth The Adam Deitch Project, Also influenced by the progressive path organ-ic improv, and sultry pop Sam Kininger Band, Boombox, of music technology, Allen continues melodies. They take the stage at Soldiers of Jah Army, Dubcon- to expand his sonic palette through the T the Emerald Lounge on Saturday, cious, The Atlanta Rhythm Sec- creative use of modern electronics. September 20 at 10pm. tion, Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Mary Frances and Lee Allen have Eymarel combines the talents of Band, and many others. combined their talents to create a soul- Mary Frances, (vocals, keys, and bass), Mary Frances’s musical ful-groovin, hop-pop, organ trio sound and Lee Allen, (drums and electronics). journey began on the piano from two. Once the two discovered each other’s under the classical training of Their music will get your heads passion for both creating and playing Frances Scott Carter as well bobbin, toes tappin, and your souls sing- music, they quickly decided to combine as the teachings of her fathers ing along. We would like to welcome their journeys with hopes to spread their rock-n-roll-soul outfit. She you to the unique, infectious sound of unique sound and positive energy. continued her education during EYMAREL. Eymarel explodes with an electric college at Appalachian State Mary Frances on vocals, keys, and bass. connection resulting in a captivating University with piano professor musical experience and on-stage aura, Dr. Bair Shagdaron. perfect compliment to her soulful key If you go enticing both the eyes and ears of their Her years of classical training have and bass groove. listeners up and down the East Coast. set the stage for the transposition into Drummer Lee Allen was first drawn Saturday, September 20 Eymarel has had the pleasure of recently the world of playing both bass and keys to the skins at the age of five by the Emerald Lounge, 112 N. Lexington Ave. becoming part of the Homegrown Mu- simultaneously. Mary Frances also adds influences of his fathers marching band 21+, $7-10 p.m. sic Network as well as sharing the stages an additional dynamic twist to the music drum-line and old soul records. His For more info visit: www.eymarel.com with some great acts along the way such with her smooth, enchanting voice. passion for beats led him to the teachings www.myspace.com/eymarel as, Jazz Mandolin Project, DJ Le Spam Mary’s passionate vocals create a of Berklee School of Music in Boston, www.myspace.com/emeraldlounge

Metal Heads Rejoice ‘CD’s’ continued he turned Jimmy Webb’s endearing pop oddities into cultural standards, and while he does make intentional concessions to a new era, covering such artists as Green Day’s “Good Riddance” and U2’s “All I Want Is You” while engaging musicians as diverse as countryman Marty Rifkin and members of Cheap Trick. But this is no mere futile effort by and aging superstar to appear hip and with it; On Tuesday, September 23, The Campbell’s great strength has always been Orange Peel will offer an evening that gorgeous, shimmering voice. of ear splitting sound. Graveyard, Thus, Paul Westerberg’s melancholic formed in Gothenburg, Sweden “Sadly Beautiful” sounds as if it were writ- in late 2006 and consisting of band ten with Campbell in mind. Even better is members Rikard Edlund (bass), Axel his tender rendition of Jackson Browne’s Sjöberg (Drums), Joakim Nilsson oft covered “These Days.” Given how well (Guitar/Vocals), and Jonathan Ramm that song been interpreted over the years (Guitar/Vocals), are at the forefront of Campbell still manages to wring every last a small but surprisingly active Swed- drop of emotional resonance from its sen- ish rock scene. timent and, in doing so, renders all others, Their 2008 self titled release is a including the original, obsolete. metal monster love fest of crashing Even if the arrangements occasion- guitar, thumping bass and pounding ally overwhelm the material this is such drums. It’s also surprisingly melodic an unexpected gem that anyone who has in the ways heavy metal should be, ever been down and out should be quick but all too often isn’t. to forgive such minor transgressions. It’s Glen Campbell at his most endearing, a If you go stunning comeback for an artist that had been all but lost in the twin addictions of The Graveyard, sharing a bill with self pity and chemical substance. Welcome Clutch, The Sword, and Never Got back Mr. Campbell: You’ve been sorely Caught. The Orange Peel, Tuesday, missed. ****1/2 September 23, 8 p.m. (7 p.m. doors). $18 advance / $20 door. Ages 18+.

Vol. 12, No. 1 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — September 2008 17 The Asheville Area Piano Forum RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE 5)
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QN f you’ve ever longed to know BY ROSELYNN KATZ has a $200,000 budget. Half of that comes Over 20 pianists playing solos and how in the world a person can from ticket sales; the other half comes actually build a rewarding, from donations. ensembles in a variety of styles, from City and Europe. The economically viable life in the Look for bricks on the grounds out- J.S. Bach to Hoagy Carmichael, in order Actor and the Assasin is arts, take note: Steve Lloyd, the side with the names of donors inscribed. to raise money for kids who can’t afford the story of John Wilkes Director of the Haywood Arts Look for auditorium seats with plaques piano lessons. Booth, the actor who IRegional Theatre in Waynesville has bearing the names of more contributors. assassinated Abraham Watch as two- done exactly that. And, for the most All kinds of fundraising have livened up Lincoln. In it Lloyd piano teams play part, he’s done it without a day job. life at HART under Lloyd’s direction. played Booth’s brother, 8 and 12 hands The reasons for this are mar- Only last month a variety show done by chief rival and fellow ac- simultaneously, velous. But they’re not surprising. high school students helped raise money Steve Lloyd, tor, Edwin. including a four They’re due to a number of good, for the theatre. Director of the He knew, however person jazz old-fashioned American values you’ve To be sure, challenges present them- Haywood Arts that he couldn’t keep do- improvisation. probably heard about all your life, selves all the time. Musicals, for example, Regional Theatre ing the part forever. Be- some of which you most certainly can take a whopping $27,000 to produce. A Concert emcee is Dick Kowal of WCQS. sides, it was time to settle possess yourself. show like Kiss Me Kate ,which is familiar down. What better place than Waynesville? The first two are vision and enter- to everyone, had no trouble recently in "ENJTTJPO




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 of UNC at Chapel Hill, he had lived for shoestring operation with a budget of what of lesser known ones that deserve to Patrons add extra support to the PIANO some years in Los Angeles and wanted $25,000 a year. Its performances occurred be seen? Floyd Collins, set for production FORUM student assistance funds. Students never to return. To live in Haywood at an old movie theatre in Wayneville. this October, and expected to cost $15,000 must be 25 years and under with ID. County felt like coming home. Lloyd seized his opportunity in 1990. is “one of the most beautiful musicals of For his first years with HART he 5JDLFUT
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XXXEXUIFBUSFDPN HART’s Board of Directors and proposed miner trapped underground whose life ings. By 1997 his vision had been realized. his idea for a community based theatre and death become a legend.” Thanks to his skills in leading and inspir- supported by an active program of local Producing Floyd Collins, which isn’t ing people, not to mention his concern for fund raising. As for the person to accom- well known, will be a risk. But it’s one that the community, the theatre was paying off. plish this mountain sized challenge, he Lloyd is willing to take because he wants Lloyd was on a liveable salary and had been suggested himself – a man who had both people to experience its magic. able to raise enough money for a spanking Have That Special Item the time and the money to support himself See if for yourself. As you do, you’re new building which seats 250 in its main while nurturing the project from needy sure to feel the can-do spirit of the man Framed While You Visit auditorium and 75 in its smaller one. infancy to full-fledged adulthood. who made a life in the theatre that sup- With HART is now in its 19th season “Rafferty” No, he wasn’t heir to a fortune. Lloyd ports him financially but also bestows him under Lloyd. He’s still the only full time was earning the needed money himself with far greater rewards than money. employee but foresees a time when more from a play he’d written and was tour- Steve Lloyd has done it his way. people will come onboard. The program ing in such far-flung places as New York

An Evening With Mark Twain A Special Event to Benefit HART and The Museum of N.C. Handicrafts

urt Sutton presents his witty, hu- Sutton has chosen to play the character BY ROSELYNN KATZ morous and often hilarious “An of Mark Twain the way Clemens would Evening with Mark Twain.” have played him. As Mark Twain, Sutton has Clemens played guitar, banjo, piano appeared in theatres nationally and harmonica on a regular basis in his If you go pleasing audiences with Twain’s parlor for his friends and family. When wit, wisdom and love for music. Mr. Sutton plays the audience is pleasant- K “An Evening with Mark Twain” at the Per- Kurt Sutton was born in Mannheim, ly surprised to find that the music of Cle- forming Arts Center at the Shelton House Germany, immigrating to the United mens era; now called traditional music, on Saturday, September 6 at 7:30 p.m. States in 1950. He grew up in Canton, Ga. makes the show a sing-a-long fun event OFFERING: graduating from the University of Georgia while keeping the wonderfully witty and Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors Expert Picture Framing in 1968. He has performed as a speaker, humorous stories of Mark Twain. The and $8 for students. Shadowboxes ~ Mirrors trainer, musician and entertainer for 30 show’s dramatic pieces are right out of Reservations may be made by calling the Local Artists Work years. His instruments include harmonica, Twains most famous books, Huckleberry HART Box Office at (828) 456-6322, Pet Portraits by Maggie guitar, and banjo. He has appeared in the Finn, Tom Sawyer, and Roughing It, or online at www.harttheatre.com, click movie, “Go Tell It on the Mountain” Mr. Sutton is a recent recipient of “Tickets” 900 Hendersonville Rd. featuring Paul Winfield and “Night Shad- the National Endowment of the Arts Big Haywood Arts Regional Theater Suite 102 Asheville ows” featuring Wings Hauser. Read Project for his work in theatres and 250 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC, 28786 247-5176 Mr. Sutton has created a Broadway- libraries to perform and promote “The Proceeds from the performance will go to www.fastframeasheville.com Branson type play using Sam Clemens Adventures of Tom Sawyer”. support HART and the Museum of N.C. many talents to portray Mark Twain. Mr. Handicrafts.

18 September 2008 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 12, No. 1 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE SSTAGETAGE PPREVIEWREVIEW Gore Vidal’s “The Best Man” Bard-a-Thon at NC Stage Company Asheville Community Theatre Local Windbags Ham It Up BY JENNY BUNN Opens 63rd Season omething wild and crazy will be going on at NC Stage BY ROSELYNN KATZ ore Vidal’s political nail-biter, from September 5 through The Best Man, written with 7. It’s 48 hours of non-stop about staying up the deep insight of a true Shakespeare or “Bard till you all night. What do political insider (Vidal ran for Barf”, as the slogan goes. 19 year olds know Congress in 1960, the same SJust like a walk-a-thon, Bard- besides how to year he penned the play) and a-Thon is a fund raiser, in this case write papers?” G the wit of a grand man of let- for Asheville’s one and only non- So take note ters, remains, as The New Yorker wrote profit professional theatre. Instead if you’d like to in 2000, ”A sophisticated, elegant and of walking, there will be full readings of wipe that self-satisfied smile from his damnably entertaining play!” 12 Shakespeare plays in 2 days, beginning face. Other prizes will also be awarded, The Best Man focuses on the on Friday night, September 5 through to whoever raises the most money, and to behind-the-scenes dealings at a national Sunday evening. whoever signs up the most sponsors. political convention. Fighting for their Prizes will be given for the person That’s a great deal for people who love party’s presidential nomination are a who reads the longest. Charlie Flynn-Mc- to hear their own voices and ham it up for William Russell, a high-minded patri- Iver, head honcho and Creative Director hours on end. Participants, working to- cian liberal who believes politics is a at NC Stage, is bragging that he can do ward a big group effort of an overall $5000, process of educating people about the Senator Joseph Cantwell (Dan the whole shebang, non-stop, and chal- first ask friends and family to sponsor issues and Joseph Cantwell, a headline Clancy) and William Russell (Jim lenges anyone to match him. Nor is he them before taking on the Big Bard. grabbing senator who will go to any Weyhenmeyer) are presidential afraid of his competition, many of them Come into the theatre at no charge to length to win. candidates in The Best Man. 19 year old students from UNC and War- see your favorite actors and pals do their Through a series of conversa- ren Wilson who have already signed up. thing. It’s also being broadcast live on the tions and compromises, the candidates “They may think they can easily beat internet by Charlotte Street Computers. scheme and scramble for the small If you go an old guy of 43,” he boasts, “but I’ve got You can watch it all as it unfolds at www. bunch of uncommitted delegates 2 kids under the age of 6. So I know all ncstage.org. who can seal the presidential nomina- Performances will run for three week- tion. The Best Man is surprising in ends through September 28, 2008 and how many, and how few, things have are held on Friday and Saturday nights changed in the past 48 years. at 8:00 p.m., and Sunday afternoons at The Best Man is directed by Jamie 2:30 p.m. Nicholson, who most recently staged Asheville Community Theatre, 35 E. Asheville Playback Theatre the compelling drama Match in 35be- Walnut St., downtown Asheville. Open- low. The Best Man stars Jim Weyhen- ing night, pre-show complementary sheville Playback Theatre invites BY ROSELYNN KATZ meyer, a newcomer to the ACT stage, as champagne reception. you to the opening of William Russell and Dan Clancy (The Tickets are $22 for adults, $19 for col- their 14th season of Philadelphia Story) as Joseph Cantwell. lege students and seniors (over 60), and creatively honoring the Also in the cast of 16 are Lora Kole, $12 for children (17 and under). community’s real life Susan Fronsoe, Bob Baldridge, and Jack Tickets may be purchased online at stories through impro- and LaNita Cloninger, who are appear- www.ashevilletheatre.org, by calling the Avisation, music and movement. ing onstage together for the first time. ACT Box Office at (828) 254-1320 or in On Friday, September 19 the The set is designed by Jack Lindsay, person at the Box Office. company will collaborate with with lighting design by Rob Bowen, and MOVING WOMEN and their Box Office hours are 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 Movement for Peace Project. costume design by Jessica Short. p.m., Monday – Friday. The 15 member playback company is active in the in- ternational Playback Theatre network, and is the initiating Shakespeare in Ballet BY ANN DUNN sponsor of the yearly special themed event. The 4th Annual he Asheville Ballet begins its Asheville Ballet has built a reputa- Global Playback event will part- 46th anniversary season with- tion on the belief that dance plays a vital ner with the United Nation’s Shakespeare in Ballet (Septem- role in the education and culture of the 60th Anniversary of the Declara- ber 26-27). Featuring scenes community. tion of Human Rights and be performing from Othello, Macbeth, King Stories Of Freedom - Our Traditions, If you go Lear, Hamlet and The Tempest, If you go Our Future on December 10. Tthe production has been choreographed The Movement for Peace Dance Friday, September 19, 8:00 p.m. by Ann Dunn and Lyle Laney. Tickets range from $28 to $49. Preview company, a program of Arts 2 People, is The BeBe Theatre, 20 Commerce Street. In addition to original music and dress rehearsal tickets are $18 (adults), coordinating numerous events through- The performance begins at 8 p.m. (doors projections by Laney, the accompani- $12 (seniors), and $5 (students). out the community to inform, involve open at 7:30). $10 for adults & $5 for stu- ment will feature an actress and music Tickets sold through Diana Wortham and inspire people as they help raise dents & Seniors. No one turned away for by Samuel Barber, Franz Liszt and Verdi Theatre box office at (828) 257-4530. awareness of the United Nation’s Inter- lack of funds (seats available). performed live by pianist John Cobb and For more information please contact national Day of Peace, www.moving- For more info, please call (828) 670-5881. members of The Asheville Lyric Opera. Asheville Ballet at (828) 258-1028. women.org. www.globalplayback.org

Vol. 12, No. 1 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — September 2008 19 20 September 2008 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 12, No. 1 RAPID RIVER ARTS PPERFORMANCEERFORMANCE the10thanniversary season Interview with Mark Eddie BY BETH GOSSETT MAINSTAGE Series ontinuing the describe it any- momentum way. (Laughs) tickets on sale now! of hosting the Basically, my largest stand- show is a total up comedy “feel good show.” festival in the I’ll play the snot Doc Watson & David Holt Csoutheast, the “Laugh out of my guitar, Your Asheville Off” team I’ll sing a bunch brings festival favorite of songs, do a Kathy Mattea Mark Eddie back for bunch of musi- one night only to The cal impressions, Pilobolus Diana Wortham Theatre people will laugh in Downtown Asheville Mark Eddie their Asheville’s September 20 at 8:00 p.m. off and then Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Mark Eddie dazzles audiences with we’ll all stand up, hold hands, hold up his Rock N’ Roll comedic point of view, cigarette lighters and sing “Kum Ba Ya.” signature vocals and HOT guitar rifts That’s pretty much it in a nutshell. Hope Aquila Theatre Company which have become as legendary in the it sounds fun to your readers. comedy industry as his lovable personality. RR: Who is your favorite working comic? Off-Broadway comedies Rapid River: There is talk about your own ME: There are just so many amazing television series on Disney. How did that comedians that I have been influenced and more! come about and how is it going? by and absolutely adore. Among my faves Mark Eddie: Yes, I am currently working — Steve Martin, Adam Sandler, Bill with writers and a producer in L.A. devel- Cosby and Ellen DiGeneres — If I had to oping a family series in which I will play pick just four. A full season of entertainment a Dad. The show will center primarily on RR: What’s so special about Asheville to the kids, but incorporate much of what I through May 2009 do as a comedian too! We hope to have a do a second concert in just two months? script soon and a pilot finished by the end ME: Asheville is like the coolest city in of ‘09. We are still in the development the country! (Yells excitedly) People stages and these things typically take two are so real, so laid back, so educated, so to three years to become a reality. friendly, so supportive of the arts and did I mention — sooo smart? RR: You incorporate music in with your comedy. What came first, music or RR: What do you think about Last Comic SEASON comedy? Standing? OPENER ME: MUSIC came first. I began my ME: The comedians that make the cut are career as a gritty bar singer/musician and all so amazing. Many of my friends have then began touring the US as a coffee- been on the show and have done very September 13 house act. After a few years of telling sto- well and are benefiting from the nation- ries and singing songs to college crowds, wide exposure — Alonzo Boden, Tammy it became clear that I had a clear-cut point Pescatelli, Gary Gullman, Kathleen Ma- of view on the world of music and how digan. Wow, did I just do an Olympian music relates to life. At that point — a quadruple name-drop? I could do without rock comedian was born. (Laughs) some of the petty drama on the show /.% I have always been a bit of a clown though? Yeah, but, that’s what makes though. I would hang out with the crew good, spontaneous, unscripted, unedited and play practical jokes on my fellow band reality TV!!! ;) -%!4"!,, mates. Many times the other musicians RR: In the late ‘70s and ‘80s there were a would get mad at me for noticing these funny little things in the music we played, lot of popular stand-up comics. Do you 4HE#ONCERT
or making fun of certain artists and doing feel there is a resurgence of national stand- parodies of popular tunes of the day. In up comedy over the past couple of years? fact, I actually got kicked out of a band in ME: I think various economic factors high school basically for being a scorch have affected the comedy clubs over the and making the audiences laugh at our past few decades and they have definitely shows. I tamed it down for a while to a experienced their ups and downs. As far pensive crawl, but eventually the comic in as our appetite for stand-up comedy, I me had to emerge with a vengeance. feel it has been on a pretty sure and steady increase ever since the 70’s. First HBO ‘s at Pack Place in downtown Asheville RR: For those not familiar with your act Young Comedians and One Night Stand, how would you describe your upcoming then Russell Simm’s Def Comedy Jam, Diana Wortham show? A&E and Showtime’s numerous comedy season info: www.dwtheatre.com ME: It’s going to be a pure rock n roll/ comedy spanking. That’s how I would ‘Mark Eddie’ continued on pg. 34 828-257-4530

Vol. 12, No. 1 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — September 2008 21 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE

All By Chance, been able to see or count them. The war in the cities is the war in our hearts. We Nothing By ppoetryoetry are losing our last line to the wild wilder- ness. Please, no more tameness! We are Chance A sacred fury... all starving from tameness! an uncommon madness... I should have known theare would be pick up my copy of nothing at the end but animals in the mir- Gerald Vizenor’s novel rors and caged birds, the dead end of the SEPTEMBER 2008 Dead Voices, and I look eye, because there was nothing more than through and reread the that at our creation, and wars of chance in Friday, September 5, 7 p.m. the trickster stories. Jonathon Flaum will read from his new lines I have highlighted. We have looked at the backsides book, How the Red Wolf Found Its Howl: I She was closer to stones, trick- of the mirrors for too, too long. Now, The Internal Journey to Leadership. ster stories, and tribal chance, than the we have to face the image we knew Saturday, September 6, 7 p.m. tragedies of a vanishing race. was there all along. We have to face Kendall Hale will read from her memoir, Who is this She to me? Am I She? I the bears in the mirror of our mother’s Radical Passions: A Memoir of Revolution. found out yesterday my mother has active a scattering of birds... eyes. She cried, once, I remember. And Monday, September 8, 2008 8:00 p.m. tuberculosis. This to go along with her she laughed, several times, I remember. Renowned linguist Steven Pinker discusses Parkinson’s. My mother. The woman BY MARIJO MOORE Tricksters do that, you know. They cry his latest book, The Stuff of Thought. who doesn’t like to be touched. The once and laugh a lot. It’s always a war Saturday, September 13, 7 p.m. woman who gave birth to six children; of chance. All by chance, nothing by Award-winning playwright, poet, fiction I am the oldest and the one with Indian home. To be her men, to be our daddies, chance. War is so damn confusing. Life writer and storyteller Jo Carson will read blood. Yes, this She is me. I am closer to to be there… always in front of us. Some can be so disappointing. And lonely. We from her new book, Spider Speculations: stones, trickster stories, and tribal chance of us fought them; some were too afraid. know our loneliness has always been A Physics and Biophysics of Storytelling. than the tragedies of a vanishing race. One thing for sure, she, our mother, there for her. Wednesday, September 17, 7 p.m. I am a writer. I write stories. Stories I never left us – the we. How can someone Now, it will deepen. Trickster strikes Jeff Volk and Robert Gilbert present a have been told; stories I have lived; stories leave who was never there – totally – in again… lecture on Cymatics and Biogeometry. I have dreamed; stories that have not yet the first place? Tricksters are stories not real people. Thursday, September 18, 7 p.m. come to pass. I am a storied woman. We turned inward for the night as “We know those stories…” Asheville Citizen-Times book editor I continue flipping the pages of Vize- crows do in their stories. We do. Know them. All too well. I Rob Neufeld and his son, Henry, bring us nor’s book. I continue reading the words I We wonder what her thoughts may know one so well I have remembered it Asheville's Historic River Arts District. highlighted years ago. so many times it is tattooed to my soul. Friday, September 19, 7 p.m. She said the past The story where I leave and never go Allan Wolf and Sara Holbrook, was stolen, the tribe was back. The Poetics of Love From Two Perspectives. invented and recited But the trickster made me come back Saturday, September 20, 7 p.m. in dead voices, and the She said the past was stolen, the long before I ever left. And here I am. Patti Digh reads from her book present was hunted and tribe was invented and recited in Once we were tracked and translated Life is a Verb: 37 Days to Wake Up, driven with the ani- at the treeline, we were dead voices in the Be Mindful, and Live Intentionally. mals and birds from the dead voices, and the present was night, but now traces of our stories are Wednesday, September 24, 7 p.m. treelines. hunted and driven with the animals heard in the cities. The animals have car- Gardening at the Dragon’s Gate, a new I am this She again. and birds from the treelines. ried our stories to the cities, we are their appreciation for working the earth. I have just finished writ- stories, and we are remembered with Friday, September 26, 2008 10:30 a.m. ing a novel I have titled them in the mirrors. The mirrors reveal Funnyman Steve Almond reads from his When the Dead Speak. It what is truly there. recent book, (Not that You Asked). is a continuation of my We are her animals. We are her Saturday, September 27, 7 p.m. first novel, The Dia- stories. We are remembered in the mir- Charleston, South Carolina writer Geordie mond Doorknob. The novel my mother be. We wonder does she remember what rors of her soul, the empty cages, the Buxton tells tales from his new book, has read four times. The novel, she says, we remember or has she chosen to forget? dead end of the eye. We are truly here. Haunted Plantations: Ghosts of Slavery and tells her something different every time We don’t want her to suffer. We really Because she brought us here. I am here Legends of the Cotton Kingdom. she reads it. I invented my first novel. don’t want her to suffer. We want her to to write. I am a storied woman. I am my Sunday, September 28, 2008 3:00 p.m. I took our names, stories, pain, love, get well. To live. To laugh. To try and love mother’s daughter. Lucy Spelman reads from The Rhino with death and abuse and invented the tribe of us some more. We don’t know if she will. We must go on. Glue-On Shoes and Other Surprising True people contained therein. I stole the past “The bodies we trust have been Yes, somehow, we must. Stories of Zoo Vets and Their Patients. of others and mine and I invented this denied by chemical demons, but we will tribe. Now the present is being hunted never live in fear or disgrace…” 55 Haywood St. and driven with the animals, driven with All the old diseases are coming back. MariJo Moore is the author of a dozen 828-254-6734 • 800-441-9829 the birds flying from the treelines. Our mother is dying from an old disease. books including three books of poetry: Hours: Mon-Thurs, 8am-9pm My mother is dying. One we thought was gone forever. A man Spirit Voices of Bones, Confessions of a Fri & Sat, 8am-10pm; Sun, 8am-7pm We are squirrels and remembered gave it to her. He sneezed and she caught Madwoman (now available on CD), and the our stories of the winter demons in the what he had brought upon himself. She forthcoming Poets Inhale The Darkness birch and cedar. tried to help him and he sneezed and now Artists Breathe. She resides in the moun- Now I am a part of the We. those infectious balls of snot have come tains of western NC. www.marijomoore.com Each of my brothers, each of my to fruition. In the treelines. In her lines. sisters, has memories of stories of win- In ours. ter demons. And if pressed, probably I would rather be lost at war in the Rapid River Arts & Culture is currently memories of stories of summer demons. cities than at peace in a tame wilderness. accepting poems only from those who We lived them, with them, beside them, We are the trees. We are the have published a book of poetry. Please in spite of them; we lived. In spite of treelines. We are the children of the send two of the poems from the book to [email protected]. If chosen, those winter and summer demons, we trees, and of our mother. I am a tree with MariJo Moore will contact you for pos- lived. Those demons our mother brought lines that extend so far back I have never sible review in her poetry column.

22 September 2008 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 12, No. 1 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE BBOOKSOOKS

Bookstore Happenings The Road Goes Ever On and On BY H. BYRON BALLARD Monday, September 1 A September Ode ning films brought a new The war brought 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. generation to these books a dark quality to all of Happy 4th Birthday to Osondu that were written in the last Tolkien’s work and Booksellers! Join us for free birthday n western North Carolina, Septem- century and savvy publish- John Garth’s “Tolkien cake and champagne. 40% off one ber is the beginning of glory. The ers released new editions of and the Great War: the item of your choosing. Special sales: orange and red color is starting in all the works, in addition to Threshold of Middle- $4 books and maps; 40% off toys and the trees and the yellow is splendid the usual film tie-in stuff. All Earth” is a thoughtful children’s art supplies. indeed. The weather begins to cool the Dungeons and Dragons and thorough examina- Saturday, September 6, 7:00 p.m. and we move into lengthening and aficionados who had no idea tion of that subject. Tolkien served as I brisk nights. whence came the sword and a signal officer and survived the Battle Whether you are devoted to fine teas, The perfect time for reading long and the sorcery were enchanted to of the Somme, one reason the battles or just a little curious, this is a great complicated books, books rich in history find the genesis of the entire genre. Geeks of his great works are redolent with the way to learn about and taste tea. and mythology, dense and mournful. I of all stripes were lured in by the largeness intimacy, terror and glory of battle. Friday, September 19, 7:00 p.m. find myself taking an old friend from the of heart and vista afforded by Tolkien’s “The Road to Middle-Earth” is a shelf and I lose myself in other voyages, masterworks. love-song from Tom Shippey, one of the Dr. Paul Austin, author of Some- other lives. September becomes Tolkien thing for the Pain: One Doctor’s Publisher Houghton-Mifflin holds preeminent Tolkien scholars. Shippey Account of Life and Death in the time then and I find myself reading those the rights to the north American empire examines the roots from which sprang the first words with unseemly anticipation: ER. Austin’s memoir is a revealing and they have produced many new or stories — the ancient lore and mythol- glimpse into the fragility of com- “When Mr. Bilbo Baggins of Bag updated volumes of the Gaffer’s work, ogy of the ancient people who would one End announced that he would shortly be passion and sanity in the industrial as well as books of criticism and general day people Britain. This older work was setting of today’s hospitals. celebrating his eleventh-first birthday with scholarship. “The Silmarillion”, which was joined in 2002 by another Shippey paean a party of special magnificence, there was published posthumously in the late 1970’s “JRR Tolkien: Author of the Century”, Saturday, September 20, 2:00 p.m. much talk and excitement in Hobbiton.” (Tolkien died in 1973) was released in a another companion volume to the oeu- Pirate Day There really are two sorts of people in beautifully illustrated edition, with draw- vre, exploring the linguistic basis for the Ahoy Mates! Join us for a treasure the world — those who adore the works ings by Ted Naismith. It was edited by one fascinating tales. of JRR Tolkien and, well, everyone else. I hunt of a good time! Meet Captain of Tolkien’s sons, Christopher. If you have not dug into “The Fel- Teach, hear real pirate tales and take know, I know. How can an ardent feminist They also released the next posthu- lowship of the Ring”, why not take this home some pirate booty. adore all that women-on-pedestals stuff? mously-published work, “The Children of September opportunity to give it a try? How does a very public Pagan reconcile all Hurin”, which was pieced together from You may be one of the people who put Saturday, September 20, 7:00 p.m. the Christian overlay of a basically North- several unfinished manuscripts, again by it away, unfinished and unlamented. But Osondu’s welcomes local musician ern European mythic structure? Christopher. It was begun as one of the you may be one of those for whom the Chris Minick to our café. Plan to I simply can’t explain it. Perhaps it’s “great tales” just after the First World War old tales hold a sweetness dear-bought come and bring a friend to enjoy because I’m short and stout and have big but was never finished. Reviews were and for whom the universal codes of myth great music and great refreshment. hairy feet. Maybe because I’m a student mixed at the time of release (2007) but it hold a strange appeal. May I suggest you of ancient Anglo-Saxon literature and is generally agreed to be an important ad- begin them on September 22 — Bilbo and Saturday, September 27, 3:00 p.m. culture. I was introduced to them fairly dition to the complete works. Some of the Frodo’s birthdays. Lorraine Tate, author of the newly young in life and still have the battered and side stories in “Children” were touched released book, Going Home. This stripped copies that my grandmother got novel begins as a family saga in pres- upon in “The Lord of the Rings”, lending H. Byron Ballard is a bookseller, for me when I was in middle school. a sense of familiarity to the work. ent day Rome and takes us back to The trilogy of Academy-award win- bookreader and occasional writer. the time of the Civil War. This book will appeal to fiction lovers and his- tory buffs alike. Saturday, September 27, 7:00 p.m. Lorraine Conard will entertain us once again in the Osondu Café. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy your favorite wine while listening to a talented local artist.

“Tea-Up” at Osondu Booksellers’ Tea Room with fresh loose leaf organic and fair-traded tea by the cup, pot, ounce or pound.

Osondu Booksellers 184 N. Main, Waynesville, NC Hours: Monday thru Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. $25 For All 3 Books! Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Includes autograph and S&H) Closed Sunday To order call Jaileen at (828) 488-8216. (828) 456-8062 Books may be picked up at Malaprops. www.osondubooksellers.com

Vol. 12, No. 1 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — September 2008 23 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE BBOOKSOOKS

written by Joshua Henkin This is particularly pronounced in the “Matrimony” case of my protagonists, Julian and Mia, t is 1987, and Julian Wainwright, as- now, I can say it was great spending ten thing similar. He’s since they get married at twenty-two, right piring writer and Waspy son of New years on a novel. I had all the time in the a writer himself out of college, and find themselves a year York City old money, meets beauti- world to get it right. and he’s being later living in Ann Arbor among friends ful, Jewish Mia Mendelsohn in the That’s the good thing about being a interviewed about for whom marriage is the last thing on laundry room at Graymont College. fiction writer. No one cares how long you his novel and the their minds. College towns can perpetuate So begins a love affair that will take take. That’s true in part because it’s rare interviewer keeps an eternal adolescence. I Julian and Mia across the country and for a lot of money to be at stake and only asking him what And there’s a real divide between mar- back, through several college towns, span- a small portion of the population really his novel is about. ried people and single people — further ning twenty years. cares about fiction. Amis’s pro- down the line there’s an even bigger divide A writer friend of mine likes to say tagonist, who is a between people who have children and Rapid River: It’s been ten years since your that the reward for irrelevance is artistic pretty difficult fel- people who don’t. So Julian and Mia have first novel, Swimming across the Hudson, freedom, and I think there’s some truth to low, says something to the effect of, “It’s done what seems like the supremely adult was published. What have you been doing that. But beyond that, novelists are writing 150,000 words, and if I could have said it act — getting married — even though in in that time? books that ideally are timeless, so what’s in any less I would have.” I sympathize. other ways they are far from fully formed. Joshua Henkin: It’s funny, at some point good now should be good in twenty years. But if I had to describe Matrimony, I’d This is certainly true professionally. Julian my agent called to ask me the same thing. My hope is my next book will take less say it’s about the twenty-year history of a is struggling to finish his novel; Mia is I think she wanted to make sure I was still time, but you never know. There are a marriage (it’s about two marriages, actu- slogging away on her psychology disserta- alive. A lot of things have happened in few good writers who can churn out a ally — arguably three) and that it’s about tion. In that sense, the book is about what the last 10 years — I got married and had book every year or two — Updike and love and friendship, and the pleasures and happens when life calls even when you’re two children; I’ve been teaching creative Oates come most readily to mind — but perils that attend to those things. not ready for it to come calling. writing; I’ve published a handful of short they’re exceptions. In general, writing a More generally, the novel is about Matrimony is a New York Times Notable stories — but mostly I’ve been working novel is a very long process. what it’s like to be in your twenties and Book and Book Sense pick. on Matrimony. thirties — even your forties in some cases Swimming across the Hudson took RR: Would you summarize Matrimony? — when you’re waiting for life to be- If you go me three years; Matrimony took me ten. JH: Jonathan Franzen once said that the gin and you find to your surprise that it I threw out literally thousands of pages better a novel is, the more difficult it is already has begun and that the decisions Joshua Henkin will read and sign copies — many of them good pages, they just to summarize. The protagonist in Martin you make have consequences that you’re of his book “Matrimony” at Malaprops didn’t belong in this book. Looking back Amis’s novel The Information says some- not even aware of yet. Bookstore Sunday, September 14, 3 p.m.

REVIEWED BY BETH GOSSETT Rapid River ® “Something bit scarier — how after ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE awhile doctors become For The Pain” numb to the pain of their memoir is a revealing glimpse into the th Written by Paul Austin patients. fragility of compassion and sanity in the Annual In this eye-opening industrial setting of today’s hospitals. Memoirs of an emergency- account of life in the ER, I read this book over a weekend and Poetry room doctor – his personal Paul Austin recalls how found myself reading at a snail’s pace over life as well as his profession- the daily grind of long, the last 10 or so pages because I didn’t Contest al challenges. erratic shifts and endless want this book to end. In 1970 Michael Crichton hordes of patients with 12Any unpublished poem wrote a nonfiction book titled Five sad stories sent him If you go 35 lines or less is wanted! Patients. It recounts his experiences down a path of bitter- and hospital practices in the late 1960s at ness and cynicism. His own life becomes Friday, September 12, 7 p.m., Malaprops Massachusetts General Hospital in Bos- Exhibit A, as he details the emotional Bookstore, 55 Haywood St., in Asheville. 5 Winners ton, bringing attention to the rising cost detachment that estranges him from Friday, September 19, 7 p.m. of healthcare. Austin’s book Something himself and his family. Gritty, power- Osondu Booksellers, 184 N. Main St., Prizes Include: Tickets to for the Pain touches on something a little ful, and ultimately redemptive, Austin’s Waynesville, NC, 28786 local concerts (TBA); Tick- ets to the Opera; Mellow Mushroom Gift Certificates; and books from Malaprops. “Radical Passions” written by Kendall Hale

endall Hale presents her mem- REVIEWED BY BETH GOSSETT heart would have Deadline December 12th. oir Radical Passions in stark and done the job. Winning poems will be printed in passionate prose. It reads a lot Kendall Hale will the February 2009 issue. Reading like Margaret Atwood’s stunning fractured marriage. be signing books Cat’s Eye (1989). This powerful and moving story is at Malaprop’s on fee: $5 for five poems. For more Like Atwood’s self reflection, made all the more fascinating because Sepember 6, 7 p.m. info call (828) 258-3752. KHale shows how outside events and peo- it is a true account of one woman’s life, Send poems to: ple in her past have shaped the woman her struggles and triumphs that move the who she is today. Her life’s journey takes reader through the pages. Rapid River Poetry Contest her to Castro’s Cuba, Mao’s China, and The book’s only real flaw is the 85 N. Main St. Nicaragua during the Contra War and to cover. It fails in capturing the beauty of For more about this book please Canton, NC 28716 her life as wife, mother and veteran of a Hale’s work. A peace sign inside a broken visit www.radicalpassions.com

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

Pineapple Express ∑∑∑1/2 Short Take: This comedy adventure about two potheads on the run could be viewed as “Cheech & Chong meet The Big Lebowski.” REEL TAKE: Whatever your reaction to Pineapple Express is, the acclaim or blame should be laid at the feet of Seth Rogen. He not only stars in it but co-wrote it and is an executive producer as well. My reac- tion to it was decidedly mixed. Mirrors ∑∑∑ Pineapple Express starts off funny be- Short Take: This remake of a South fore becoming deadly serious in the final Korean horror film doesn’t reflect well reel. It is the saga of two potheads who on its makers. are on the run after one of them witnesses REEL TAKE: a drug related murder. After a series of I have always loved haunted escapades, they must face down the drug mirror stories. I first encountered one in kingpin and his associates. an old NBC show back in the early 1960s. The aforementioned Seth Rogen ful and streamlined and probably as good The program was Thriller hosted by Boris ∑∑∑∑∑-Fantastic is quite affable as a process server who as any adaptation of this book could be. Karloff and the story was called The Hun- hands out writs in between getting high. ∑∑∑∑-Pretty darn good Screenwriters Andrew Davies and Jeremy gry Glass with a young William Shatner. James Franco, as his drug dealer, gives the ∑∑∑-Has some good points Brock culled the story down to its es- The haunted mirror in movies prop- film’s most sence without losing any of its impact. erly begins with Dead of Night a 1945 ∑∑-The previews lied engaging Matthew Goode plays Charles Ryder. British omnibus film in which one of the perfor- ∑-Only if you must Charles book ends the story years later stories deals with an antique mirror that mance. M-Forget entirely as Royal Army officer during WWII. As reflects the room of its origin. An even Once you he reflects, we are taken back to his first better version was in the 1973 anthol- get past the days at Oxford in the 1920s. Charles is ogy film From Beyond The Grave which opening a painter and ironically he glows with starred David Warner. Cheech & Reel Take Reviewers: a light befitting a John Singer Sargent I begin my review with this back- Chip Kaufmann is a film historian who also Chong dia- painting. When he befriends the effete ground history not only to inform you of logue, both shares his love of classical music as a program and aristocratic Sebastian Flyte (Ben it, but to remind myself of the long tradi- host on WCQS-FM radio. characters Whishaw) on his first day at Oxford, his tion of haunted mirror stories to which start to Michelle Keenan is a long time student of life is irrevocably changed forever. this movie adds absolutely nothing. In fact grow on film, a believer in the magic of movies and a When Sebastian first brings the athe- several key sequences are taken not from you. fundraiser for public radio. ist Charles home to his very Catholic the South Korean film Geoul Sokeuro The family at the grand estate of Brideshead, (Into The Mirror-2003) from which this shadow of it’s no wonder poor Sebastian nor his one is a remake but from the CW hit series the Coen Brideshead Revisited sister can resist him. He’s not of their Supernatural episode Bloody Mary. ∑∑∑∑ Brothers world or their beliefs, and he brings a Director Alexandre Aja has special- hangs heavily over the film. There is a Short Take: Evelyn Waugh’s lengthy whole new light with him. Moreover ized in thrillers (Haute Tension, The Hills prologue set in 1937 (the year marijuana novel is made pleasantly shorter and is all of them are young and full of hope. Have Eyes) with a decidedly bloody bent, became illegal) shot in black & white. It devastatingly beautiful Among those hopes, Sebas- so the gore factor in Mirrors is not surpris- details secret military experiments of the in this film adaptation. tian hopes for happiness and ing. One scene involving the death of one effects of pot on enlisted men. As a one Charles’ love, while Charles character (Amy Smart) is as preposterous REEL TAKE: Evelyn shot gag it just doesn’t fit in. seems to really just hope for a as it is disturbing since its only purpose is The finale is an unabashed bloodbath Waugh’s novels are rich, place among them. to satisfy the gore hounds in the audience. interesting stories, but are straight out of Miller’s Crossing where Brideshead Revisited is However, the opening night audience re- the principal characters are shot, stabbed, never easy and often not breathtakingly photographed, sponded not to the gratuitous gore scenes even particularly likeable. burned, and blown up, yet our heroes directed with subtlety and is but to the old school approach of height- emerge relatively unscathed. In the long Brideshead Revisited is technically beautiful. All of ened suspense through the use of music one such story, at once run I guess that qualifies it as a comedy. the actors, in particular Ben and sudden jump cuts. Pineapple Express is well cast with beautiful, complicated, Whishaw and Emma Thomp- For the record the story involves a and ultimately conflicted. excellent supporting performances that son as Sebastian’s mother, night watchman (Kiefer Sutherland) in a carry it along and some pretty good This new film adaptation are superb. The story of life, fire ravaged department store whose fam- has come under fire by dialogue on occasion. However, like the love, faith and guilt is palpable, ily becomes threatened by demonic forces potheads at the center of the story, it has some critics, anglophiles yet somehow, something left living inside the store mirrors. Don’t ask. and public television a hard time making a decision on what it me cold and fidgeting in my Sutherland is in full Jack Bauer mode and wants to do or what it wants to be. devotees for not being as seat by the end. As I walked the rest of the cast go along for the ride. complete as the 80’s Mas- up the street afterwards I felt Whether you should is up to you, but Rated R for language, drug use, sexual terpiece Theatre version. thoughtful, but empty. This may be not don’t say I didn’t warn you. references, and violence. Yes, at 2 hours and 10 minutes so much a flaw but more of a Waugh. Review by Chip Kaufmann instead of 20-some odd hours, the story Rated R for strong violence, disturbing was definitely whittled down and thank Rated PG-13 for some sexual content. images, language, and brief nudity. God for that. This new version is beauti- Review by Michelle Keenan Review by Chip Kaufmann ‘Movies’ continued on pg 26

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‘Movies’ continued from pg 25 the liberal Democratic candidate (played turns than Space Mountain. The story daughter (Isa- perfectly by Kelsey Grammer and Den- starts eight years ago with a happy couple, bella Leong) Swing Vote ∑∑∑1/2 nis Hopper respectively) Alexandre and Margo Beck (Francois stands guard compromise their values Cluzet and Marie-Josee Croze respec- and tries Short Take: Frank Capra- and contradict their political tively), and their friends at a casual, sum- to stop the esque Americana meets “You-know-you’re-a- platforms, Bud enjoys his mer dinner party. The next night Margot excavation. As redneck-if” in a far fetched fifteen minutes of fame. is murdered after she and Alex spend in all Mummy but well meaning tale of Unfortunately for us, the evening skinny dipping at a lake that movies he gets one man’s vote making a Bud’s fifteen minutes go on they’ve gone to since they were children. revived, has difference. just a little too long. How- On the 8th anniversary of her death supernatural ever, when the story does Alex, a pediatrician, starts receiving emails powers, seeks REEL TAKE: In recent years finally hit its turning point, that indicate his wife is still alive. Add- immortality, Kevin Costner hasn’t soared it hits it spot on. Bud gets ing to the confusion is the discovery of Jet Li as the Dragon and must be Emperor in The with the same glory as he his wake up call, both candi- two bodies at the lake where Margot was stopped before did from the mid-80’s to the Mummy: Tomb of dates regain a little integrity killed. This is cause to reopen the case the Dragon Emperor he reaches full early 90’s. While Swing Vote and Molly and a team of and cause to reopen an investigation of strength. won’t restore his likeability helpers bring Bud up to Alex as the prime suspect. From there the Brendan Fraser is his old reliable self, and bankability back to that speed on the nation’s needs, good doctor and the audience are taken flashing his big smile and remaining ever level, it is a good vehicle to reacquaint issues and concerns. In the climatic scene on a wild ride. self-effacing. Maria Bello (filling in for him with his old fans and maybe endear Costner delivers a 21st century mono- Tell No One is at once captivating, Rachel Weisz who opted out of a second him to some new ones. logue for the American every man. intriguing, and entertaining. It’s a smart sequel) plays a sexy and strong Evie. John Costner plays Bud Johnson. He’s Swing Vote is an enjoyable little film without pretense or airs. In an era Hannah returns as Evie’s brother and a middle aged down and out, apathetic, movie and civics lesson. Folks that like of Hollywood movies that are altogether continues to be the center of comic relief. beer guzzling, single father living in tiny Costner will be pleased. Folks that don’t too impressed with themselves, this film’s While Jet Li has little to do as the Dragon town of town of Texico, New Mexico. like Costner won’t mind him. The sup- modesty makes its smartness elegant. Emperor, he effortlessly conveys the regal Life has worn away his hopes and porting cast, including Nathan Lane, Francois Cluzet is compelling as bearing and the restrained cruelty of the dreams and, like altogether too many Stanley Tucci and George Lopez, is pitch Alex. The supporting cast is equally good, title character. Michelle Yeoh as his Chi- Americans these days, he’s apathetic and perfect. And somewhere in the heavens especially Andre Dussolier as Alex’s nese adversary is just right as the avenging unaware about the world around him. Jimmy Stewart, Jean Arthur and Claude father in-law. People who frequent art witch who has lived for centuries. Fortunately for Bud his young daughter Rains are looking down and smiling. house films may recognize some of the The night I attended, the audience Molly (played wonderfully by new comer Rated PG-13 for language. actors but most American moviegoers consisted of all ages with a large number Madeline Carroll) hasn’t given up on the will not. This film is an enjoyable thriller of families. They laughed, they gasped Review by Michelle Keenan world or on him. for everyone regardless of language and and they applauded. Bottom line, they When, in a strange and ridiculously familiarity. enjoyed themselves. improbable turn of events, the presiden- tial election comes down to one man’s Tell No One (Ne Unrated in the USA Rated PG-13 for adventure action and vote – Bud’s – the candidates and the le dis a personne) Review by Michelle Keenan violence. whole country comes a callin.’ As the ∑∑∑∑1/2 Review by Chip Kaufmann conservative incumbent president and Short Take: A smart and enjoyable The Mummy: Tomb of French thriller full of The Dragon Emperor Tropic Thunder ∑∑∑1/2 Theatre Directory suspenseful twists ∑∑∑1/2 Short Take: Ben Stiller’s latest comedy and turns. Short Take: Surprisingly spares no one, offends some and Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company delivers a lot of un-PC laughs. REEL TAKE: This enjoyable adventure with Movieline (828) 254-1281 Brendan Fraser & Co. that REEL TAKE: www.ashevillepizza.com French film is based I have to confess I’m really recalls the old Saturday not quite sure what all the fuss is over on a novel of the matinees. Beaucatcher Cinemas (Asheville) same name and was Tropic Thunder. To me it’s exactly what Movieline (828) 298-1234 a critical and com- REEL TAKE: Most critics trashed I thought it would be, considering it’s Carmike 10 (Asheville) mercial success in this movie when it first opened. a Ben Stiller spoof on Hollywood. Is it Movieline (828) 298-4452 Europe two years They say it’s derivative, the spe- funny? Yes. Is it offensive? Not really. I www.carmike.com ago but couldn’t find cial effects are cheesy by today’s would sooner call it politically incorrect. distribution in United States. Why? It’s standards and the performances aren’t go- Stiller spares no one. He mocks the entire Cinebarre (Asheville) Hollywood film industry. www.cinebarre.com the same reason Tom Cruise’s repulsive ing to win any awards. All of that is quite character in Tropic Thunder is so spot on true. Nevertheless the movie is an awful Ben Stiller stars as Tugg Speed- The Falls Theatre (Brevard) – money, money, money. lot of fun in the spirit of the old Saturday man, a Hollywood mega star whose star Movieline (828) 883-2200 Fortunately a little distribution matinees. has faded; His popular films have been Fine Arts Theatre (Asheville) company in Chicago took a chance on I’ll admit that I enjoyed this film far franchised into absurdity and, in a bid to Movieline (828) 232-1536 it, and it is now playing on 100 screens more than the recent Indiana Jones epic. be taken seriously as an actor he made a www.fineartstheatre.comm across the U.S. Unfortunately this movie Brendan Fraser, Jet Li and company are movie about a severely retarded man and may have left the Fine Arts Theatre in clearly enjoying this material. This is his bid back fired (again – a definite poke Flat Rock Theatre (Flat Rock) Asheville by the time you read this. Like old-fashioned, escapist moviemaking at at Hollywood, not at retardation). He’s Movieline (828) 697-2463 Once (last year’s little Irish indie film that its best. now hoping to rekindle his career with www.flatrockcinema.com could), word of mouth is the only way a The story takes place in 1946. The a Platoon-like Vietnam War epic called Four Seasons (Hendersonville) little movie like this will succeed in this O’Connell’s now have a son (Luke Ford) Tropic Thunder. When the early days Movieline (828) 693-8989 country. And like Once, Tell No One who has discovered the tomb of the Chi- of production go badly, he and fellow Smoky Mountain Cinema (Waynesville) could do very well. nese emperor (Jet Li) who built the Great stars Kirk Lazarus (Robert Downey, Jr.), Movieline (828) 452-9091 Soapbox aside, Tell No One is a Wall but was cursed by a beautiful witch French thriller with more twists and (Michelle Yeoh) for killing her lover. Her ‘Movies’ continued on next pg

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‘Movies’ continued from pg 26 Remember The Days of the Drive-In? BY MICHELLE KEENAN Jeff Portnoy (Jack Black), Alpa Chino When I was (Brandon T. Jackson) and Kevin little there Now YOU Can Re-Create the Experience in Your Own Backyard! Sandusky (Jay Baruchel) are whisked were still to the jungle for a more authentic Viet- lots of drive- nam War experience. It’s then that the in movie work instead own brown bag of movie they think they are making isn’t theatres of hanging a hot buttered pop- a movie any more. all over sheet on the corn (popped on the Rounding out the picture is Nick America. wall of the stove of course!). We Nolte as the handless Vietnam veteran house, but couldn’t believe how and screenwriter, Matthew McCo- As a kid, I loved going to the drive- either works nostalgic people got naughy as Stiller’s agent, and an almost in with my family. My parents would let fine. In this with good old-fash- unrecognizable Tom Cruise as a hairy, us watch one feature, but then we were day and age, ioned popcorn. repugnant, foul mouthed movie execu- supposed to be asleep for the second. home and These days when tive. However, it is Robert Downey, Jr. In truth, I’d be very quiet and pretend I office equip- we throw a drive-in who steals the show. Only he, a brown was sleeping but actually watch the next ment has party, we tend to keep eyed, brown haired American actor movie reflected backwards on the rear gotten so fancy that putting the techni- it to one feature (old creature features are could play a blonde haired, blue-eyed, window of the car. cal components together for a backyard still the favorite). Add in some hot dogs, Australian actor playing an American In my teenage years drive-ins started movie are easy. PBR and lemonade or cola and our back- black man with such finesse and com- to fade, but the Edgemere Drive-In in You can go as state-of-the-art or as yard drive-in is ready to go. Use a little edy. He is playing the “consummate my home town was still a popular sum- simple as you like. For reference you can imagination and see what you can create. actor” – another poke at Hollywood. mer destination for me and my friends. learn more about projectors and equip- We’d all pile into someone’s dad’s station ment at www.backyardtheatre.com. Hap- wagon and off we’d go. In more recent pily, projectors are coming down in price Backyard Movie Picks years, whenever I’d travel home, I’d drive all the time and can be found online or at by and quietly note that The Edgemere any of the chain stores that sell cameras, • Creature from the Black Lagoon* was still there. Its glory days were long, computers, etc. To make it a more budget • The Blob long gone, but apparently it hobbled friendly investment, you can look on • It Came from Outer Space* through until just a few years ago. On my sites such as E-bay and Craigslist for used last trip home I saw that it was marked projectors and other equipment. • Dracula (1931 version) for demolition. A housing development is My boyfriend and I found that us- • Frankenstein, and/or Bride of Frankenstein Because of the whole ensemble going in where one of the biggest drive-in ing one portable speaker instead of two and the pretty good reviews, Tropic screens of all once stood. provided plenty of volume, and in a tinny, • Casablanca Thunder may attract more than just Being the movie junkie that I am, I drive-in kind of way. Be sure to tape down • Any of the old silent comedies Ben Stiller fans and most of them will harbored a fantasy for years about creating or secure extension cords and cables, espe- featuring Charlie Chaplin, Buster likely get a kick out of it. But while something at home that would be almost cially if children will be present. Keaton, Harold Lloyd, etc. Tropic Thunder is good for a more as fun as a drive-in. A couple of years ago, For our parties I like to offer classic • Blazing Saddles I realized I could create my own backyard drive-in fare in both movies and food. We than a few politically incorrect laughs • Caddy Shack at Hollywood’s expense, at the end of movie theatre. Here’s how to do it. christened our backyard theatre with a the day, it’s just a silly movie. I respect If you have a white sheet, a laptop Creature Double Feature: Creature from * Get these films in 3-D if you can and anyone’s right to protest and empa- computer or portable DVD player, and an the Black Lagoon and a late night show get the old cardboard 3-D glasses for your guests. It’s a hoot! thize with them, but unfortunately for LCD projector, you’re in business! In my of Attack of the Killer Tomatoes. We the American Disabilities Union, their case I borrowed a portable screen from also provided each guest with their very protests only served to help make this silly movie an even bigger hit. Rated R for pervasive language includ- ing sexual references, violent content TEEN REVIEW by Sierra Bicking and drug material. Review by Michelle Keenan The Sisterhood of the them and seems to help them ore Girls), Traveling Pants 2 with their problems. They Blake Lively And When Did You Last See ∑∑∑ decide to share the pants, (Accepted) 1/2 which have come to repre- and Blythe Your Father? ∑∑∑∑1/2 Being a teenage girl sent the love and friendship Danner (The Short Take: Top notch performances myself, I can understand what they also share. Last Kiss). power this unsentimental film about the teenagers in The Sister- As time goes by, the They all do a writer coming to terms with his hood of the Traveling Pants friends go to different col- an interest- dying father. 2 are going through. The fact Sierra Bicking is leges and when summer ing job. So if that there is a movie that ex- REEL TAKE: There have been a an arte aficionado comes they all go off on their you haven’t plores these things is surpris- number of films over the years dealing extraordinaire. separate adventures. They read the ing and pretty cool. with aging and/or dying parents, from continue to mail the pants books, but The Sisterhood of the Traveling Make Way For Tomorrow (1934) to back and forth to each other, and this is are curious about some of the problems Pants 2 is about four teenage girls who last year’s The Savages. And When Was where this second movie begins. teenage girls face today, here is your have grown up together as the best of The Last Time You Saw Your Father? This movie features some well chance to “walk a mile in their pants.” friends. In the first movie, the friends is one of the better ones. known actors, including America Fer- find a pair of magical pants in a thrift Rated PG-13 for mature material and rera (Ugly Betty), Amber Tamblyn sensuality. ‘Movies’ continued on pg. 28 shop that miraculously fit all four of (The Grudge 2), Alexis Bledel (Gilm-

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‘Movies’ continued from pg 24 Chip Kaufmann’s Pick: Michelle Keenan’s Pick: “Doctor Faustus” DDVDVD PPicksicks ooff tthehe MMonthonth “The Lookout”

Doctor Faustus: (TV’s Third Rock from The Sun), and This film version of the classic 16th it’s worth a view. century play captures one of Richard Levitt stars as Chris Pratt, a gifted Burton’s best stage performances. young hockey player in rural America Throughout the month of Sep- whose bright future is destroyed after a tember, the Montford Park Players will tragic car accident that leaves him with be presenting Christopher Marlowe’s a brain injury and two friends dead. His Elizabethan tragedy Doctor Faustus at short term memory and recall is hin- the Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre in dered so he keeps a notebook to remind Montford. Get out and see it if you can, him what to do and help him to remem- Jim Broadbent and Colin Firth in “And for not only is this a great play, but it is ber other things. He simultaneously When Did You Last See Your Father?” very rarely performed. If you want to get text as if it were everyday conversation misses the old days, longs to escape his some background on the play before- but with a power and conviction that current life, and is constantly wracked Based on the book by Blake Mor- hand and see one of Richard Burton’s must be heard to be believed. The rest with guilt for the accident. Adding to his rison, it tells the true story of the author best stage performances, then check out of the cast is made up of members of the difficulties is a conflicted relationship trying to come to terms with the impend- the 1967 film version. Oxford Dramatic Society with Andreas with his well-to-do parents. ing death of his father and their troubled When this film was first released, Teuber a standout as a melancholy He works at a bank as a night time relationship over the years. In that regard critics dismissed it as just another Mephistopheles. Last but not least there janitor, but he’s working whole heart- it is very close in spirit to Robert Ander- Richard Burton/Elizabeth Taylor vanity is Elizabeth Taylor. She is required to edly to improve himself in hopes of son’s I Never Sang for My Father (1970) project (which it was) but that’s all they do nothing more than look beautiful in becoming a teller. Because of his con- with Gene Hackman and Melvyn Doug- saw. Now that Liz and Dick have been a variety of guises, (she has no dialogue) nection to the bank he is befriended by las. This time around the father and son supplanted by the likes of Brad and but she certainly makes her presence felt a gang of sorts and is used as their inside are Jim Broadbent and Colin Firth. Angelina, the film is ripe for rediscovery. throughout, especially considering how man and their lookout while they plot to The movie jumps back and forth be- The beauty of Christopher Marlowe’s beautiful she was back then. rob the bank. Once he realizes he’s being tween the past and the present allowing us play lies in the poetry of the lines and Chances are that no one will redo used, he’s out to foil their plans, as well to see various stages of their relationship. the philosophical and theological points this play on film anytime soon, so there’s as choose a new path and recover from It is complicated without being overly the playwright raises. This Oxford even more reason to celebrate this old wounds. complex, and that enables us to experience University production, which Burton version which clearly shows what the Levitt is completely believable and the emotions not only of father and son co-directed, captures its stage origins play has to offer as a great precursor to engaging as Pratt. He has great chemistry but of the long suffering mother as well. but is cleverly opened up in a number Shakespeare, as well as how to make a with Jeff Daniels who plays his post-acci- The only real criticism I have is with of ways that turn it into a fascinating major film on a minor budget. dent best friend and roommate. Daniels’ director Anand Tucker’s overuse of mir- cinematic experience. The film employs character is blind but perceptive. Mat- rors and windows as refracting devices to an imaginative use of lighting, beautiful The Lookout thew Goode, Isla Fisher, Sergio Di Zio and Bruce McGill round out the cast. show us that the characters are multi-fac- cinematography, and a haunting musical Keep a look out for it on your next trip eted and feeling strong emotions. It gives score from Mario Nascimbene. to the video store. The Lookout struck me as some- the film an overly “arthouse” feel that it Richard Burton’s intense portrayal thing you would see or read in a I missed The Lookout when it came screenwriting class – good plots not yet really doesn’t need. of the title character is a joy to behold out last year, and I’m sure many of you The performances are world class. Jim and serves as a vivid reminder of what reworked by Hollywood, perfectly timed did too. It’s a good little movie with the story beats and a satisfying ending. Broadbent is clearly one of the finest and a charismatic performer he was. His now all grown up Joseph Gordon Levitt most versatile British actors working today glorious voice speaks the Elizabethan while Colin Firth gives yet another solid performance. Juliet Stevenson does an ex- traordinary turn as well with her portrayal of the wife who must condone the father’s excesses while dealing with her own inner WCU’s 2nd Annual Spanish/Latin American Film Festival turmoil. And When Did You Last See Your estern Carolina University’s Tuesday, September 16 BY BESSIE DIETRICH-GOGGINS Father? is a powerful movie and one that department of modern foreign “Hombre mirando al sudeste,” a drama Tuesday, October 7 is really more for men than for women languages will present its filmed in Argentina that depicts the story although it’s not the type of film that most second annual Spanish/Latin of a patient in a mental hospital who “Como agua para chocolate,” a film men would go to see. It should be seen American Film Festival, which claims to be an extraterrestrial. from Mexico about two people who fall in order for both sexes to better under- will run from Tuesday, Sep- in love but cannot marry due to family Tuesday, September 23 traditions and obligations. stand the rivalry between fathers and sons. Wtember 9, to Tuesday, October 21. “La ley de Herodes,” a film mixing Tuesday, October 21 Watch for it on DVD. All films, accompanied by English comedy, mystery and crime that tells “Hable con ella,” a drama filmed in Spain Rated PG-13 for sexual content, thematic subtitles, will be shown at 7:30 p.m. the story of a janitor turned mayor who material, and brief strong language. in the A.K. Hinds University Center realizes the extent of his power and cor- about two men who form an unlikely theater, and a brief discussion will follow friendship through their girlfriends, who Review by Chip Kaufmann ruption in a little town in the Mexican each movie. The festival is open to the desert in 1949. are both in deep comas. public and free of charge. Tuesday, September 30 Tuesday, September 9 Questions/Comments? “Mar adentro,” a dramatic biography If you go “Nueba Yol,” a comedic adventure film You can email Chip or Michelle at filmed in Spain about the life of Ramon originating in the Dominican Republic For more information contact Jamie Da- [email protected] Sampedro, who struggled in a 30-year vis, WCU assistant professor of Spanish that dramatically chronicles one immi- movement in favor of euthanasia. grant’s struggle in New York City. and French, at (828) 227-3872.

28 September 2008 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 12, No. 1 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE RRESTAURANTSESTAURANTS & WINEWINE Not-So-Random Thoughts About The Drinking Scene Drought Relief in Boone? The two brands were almost identical BY MICHAEL PARKER Not exactly, but Boone is getting wet- in taste and quality. Hakutsuru, which is ter. On August 19, 1106 people voted in brewed in Japan, offered only a little more favor of liquor by-the-drink, overwhelm- fragrance for twice the money. Gekkeikan denounced in previous wine reviews, in- ing the 408 who voted against it. Less than is brewed in California. cluding an Amarone that had been com- thirteen percent of Boone’s registered Sake breweries have long been up and pared to paint thinner. There were even September Events at voters bothered to show up and vote. running in America and are doing just fine. customer reviews about the nonexistent That does not mean that you can go If you are loyal to Japan, then good for you, restaurant on the Chowhound website. the Weinhaus but for the green-minded (both environ- There are two sides to this story. The there today and have a martini, however. Reservations are required for these The licensing process takes months. By mental and monetary), the green-bottled magazine has long been accused of giving events unless otherwise noted. Call the time Boone’s bars are pouring vodka Gekkeikan better serves those goals. higher ratings and better publicity to ad- the Weinhaus at (828) 254-6453. and bourbon, it will be a good time for a Ernest Said Something About That vertisers and paying applicants. Yes, they hot toddy. have lost some serious vineyard credibility That only 408 people (3.3% of all Michael Veseth, writing for his own by falling for Goldstein’s hoax. Wednesday, September 10 registered) voted against the change is excellent Wine Economist blog, tells the The awards have also drawn atten- story in an April 28, 2008 post: Sugo’s Restaurant will offer a special interesting — so much for the stereotype tion to deserving restaurants that have wine dinner using wines from the “The story is told of a sales call worked hard on their wine programs. of the Christian teetotaler imposing beliefs Weinhaus and offering the impec- on others. Of course, religious convic- that Ernest Gallo made to a New York There are thirty restaurants within 50 customer in the dark days of the depres- miles of downtown Asheville who have cably fresh ingredients and creative tions motivated many of the actual voters, combinations that are making it one but less people voted against the change sion. He offered sample glasses of two red earned the award. wines — one costing five cents per bottle of the hottest new restaurants in than the number of adults who attend the Wine For Art’s Sake town’s First Baptist Church. Clearly, their and the other ten cents. The buyer tasted Asheville. Time is 7:00 p.m. Cost is feelings about alcoholic beverages are a both and pronounced, ‘I’ll take the ten- On Thursday, September 4, Asheville $65 all inclusive. mere minority among the church-goers. cent one.’ The wine in the two glasses was Art Museum will host its sixth annual Other people who opposed were, un- exactly the same. Clearly, the customer Taste of Art and Wine, from 6:30 to 9:00, Saturday, September 20 derstandably, those who have witnessed wanted to buy an identity — the image of on both floors of the Pack Place Atrium. “Our Favorite Reislings” someone who wouldn’t drink that five- It will be in the same format as the or experienced the dark side of alcohol. A free wine tasting at the Weinhaus The rest were, ironically, the bartend- cent rotgut — even if he couldn’t actually past tastings, with an enormous variety taste the difference. ‘They always buy the of wines and craft beers, along with food from 2 to 4 p.m., located at 86 Patton ers in the neighboring towns of Blowing Ave., in Asheville. Rock and Banner Elk who have been ten cent wine,’ Ernest Gallo said.” from a number of local restaurants, plus a pouring liquor all along and do not want I wouldn’t worry about Hakutsuru’s silent auction, all to benefit the museum the competition coming soon in Boone. sales figures. and art education for western North Tuesday, September 23 Wine Spectator Falls for a Hoax Carolina. Pricing is $30 a person, $55 per A Tale of Two Sakes couple in advance, and $40 per person The Old Europe Bistro will offer a five course wine dinner of fine food I adore sake of all types. Brewed from The latest addition to my smart-alek at the door. Museum members receive a rice, it is certainly not a wine, but we still hall of fame is wine critic and author discount from the above prices. cooked by chef David and paired tend to call it that. I think that’s OK. We Robin Goldstein, who totally fabricated a It’s the same price as it was 6 years with wines from the Weinhaus. fictitious restaurant and applied for Wine know it does not come from grapes, but ago, consistently the best deal for a night Good memories of past events there are comfortable calling it wine because it Spectator Magazine’s Award of Excel- out in Asheville. This is the best kind of lence. He named the restaurant “Osteria make this a “don’t miss” event! Time is a complimentary word for the drink. setup for a wine tasting: stand-up, ap- is 7:00 p.m. Cost is $55 all inclusive. I recently considered two brands L’Intrepido” (which translates to The proach the table, no lecture. For the price Fearless Restaurant), arranged a Google side-by-side on the store shelf, Gekkeikan of three good bottles, you can taste doz- The Weinhaus Map locator in Milan, and paid the $250 ens of wines — even pricier selections. If for seven dollars and Hakutsuru for fif- 86 Patton Ave., in Asheville teen. I bought them both so some friends application fee. He got the award. you keep some simple notes, this reduces and I could have a taste test. It was the Goldstein posted the imaginary menu your risk when you make your choices in (828) 254-6453 same day as the Environmental Conserva- and wine list on the internet and listed the local wine shops. tion Organization’s tour of green homes. wines the Wine Spectator had actually

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

Vol. 12, No. 1 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — September 2008 29 RAPID RIVER ARTS SSTAGETAGE PPREVIEWREVIEW SART’s Heritage Series Tour Save up to $20 per ticket when you

outhern Appa- BY JANE PORTERFIELD purchase your tickets to the must see lachian Reper- family event of the year. tory Theatre (SART), the playwrights have award-win- family connec- Purchase early while the best seats ning profes- tions to the real sionalS stage company story the play was are still available and save big! based in Mars Hill, based on. Gregg’s is bringing their new ancestor and program, the Heri- namesake, William tage Series Tour into Gregg, was on the the schools and pub- jury that indicted lic venues of western Frankie Silver; North Carolina and Young’s great the southeast begin- uncle, George ning this fall. “Frankie,” by William Gregg and Young, sold the SART’s mission Perry Deane Young. whiskey to Charlie includes producing Silver that caused plays that portray the rich cultural heri- the fatal fight with Frankie. tage of Southern Appalachia. The Heri- Students from Enka High School tage Series Tour brings theatrical works of in Buncombe County, Madison High historical significance into the schools and School and Madison Early College in communities of the largely rural coun- Madison County, and all middle school ties of western North Carolina, at a ticket students in Mitchell County, will be price that is affordable to those who may enjoying school productions of Frankie as not otherwise get the opportunity to expe- part of their curriculum. rience live professional theatre. The tour The Memory Collection: The Leg- is funded in large part by a grant awarded end of Bascom Lamar Lunsford, Minstrel to SART by the National Endowment for of the Appalachians, a musical by Randy the Arts (NEA.) Noojin, will be presented in the spring of Each fall and each spring, SART will 2009 as part of the tour. take a different Heritage Series produc- tion on tour. For the fall of 2008, SART If you go will present Frankie, by William Gregg and Perry Deane Young. Public performances of Frankie will be Frankie is the compelling true story September 20 at 7:30 p.m. at A-B Tech’s of Francis (Frankie) Silver; the play is a Ferguson Auditorium in Asheville, and fresh examination of WNC’s most lurid September 21 at 2:00 p.m. at Enka High ax murder. Francis Silver was convicted School in Candler. of murdering her husband Charlie by a Tickets are $15, and are available by Burke County jury in 1832 (the murder contacting the SART box office at (828) MOSCOW BALLET occurred in Mitchell County.) WNC 689-1239, online at www.sartplays.org, residents were divided by their opinions or at the door (cash and check only at the PROVIDES ECONOMIC as to Frankie’s innocence or guilt, and door.) Students will be admitted free of RELIEF WITH BIG SAVINGS the controversy surrounding the event charge; complimentary student tickets are remains alive even today. only available by calling the box office in ON GREAT RUSSIAN The playwrights are Mars Hill advance, or at the door. College theatre professor and SART For more information, contact tour man- NUTCRACKER Artistic Director William Gregg, and ager Jane Porterfield at (828) 689-1644 or TICKETS! local historian Perry Deane Young. Both [email protected]. Christine Lavin in One Meat Ball December 5 at 7:30pm he 2008/2009 Mainstage Series Series, which also includes Kathy Mattea season opens on September with her band on a “Moving Mountains” Thomas Wolfe Auditorium 13 with singer, songwriter and tour of her new Appalachian-themed humorist Christine Lavin in One album, COAL, on October 17. Asheville Civic Center Meat Ball, in which the talented Lavin combines a food-themed If you go Trepertoire with her particular genius for making ordinary, everyday life so extraor- The Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack 1-800-428-2153 dinarily funny. Place. Tickets for all events can be pur- This season opener is part of the chased by visiting www.dwtheatre.com or USE DISCOUNT CODE: CLARA 2008/2009 Music/Singer-Songwriter from the box office. Call (828) 257-4530.

30 September 2008 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 12, No. 1 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE AARTFULRTFUL LLIVINGIVING

BY BILL WALZ of your head, and come to your senses!” Come To Your Senses Look, listen, feel the world around you. ave you ever heard it said to a senses. Particular attention is The ego talks to us constantly trying Experience the calming effect of your own very distraught person, “you paid to the sensory expe- to interpret our experience consistent breath and the subtle sensory orientation need to come to your senses”? rience of breathing as a with our conditioned interpretation of the of your body. Taken literally, this may seem path to a peaceful field world and our place in it. All the misun- As you practice this sensory-focused a strange bit of advice, but like of non-discursive mind derstanding we have about the world, oth- awareness, becoming more skillful in it, many common phrases, there that brings a profound ers and ourselves is brought about by what you will discover that your life is becom- His deep wisdom hidden in this riddle-like presence, clarity and our insecure egoic mind is saying to us. ing calmer, clearer and saner. You will expression. subtlety of aware- Tolle points out what Perls no- be opening the door to a deep well of Indeed, this particular suggestion is ness to our internal ticed and what Buddhism has taught wisdom and security that exists within the just about the best advice any person can and environmental for several thousand years. They all quiet recesses of every person. You will give to another under any circumstance, experience. teach that we are only truly sane find yourself living pleasantly and effec- but especially in times of distress. What is the when we are grounded in the real- tively in the now, not crazily in the then The creator of Gestalt Therapy, Fritz source of our ity of the present moment and not and when. Perls, used to incorporate this exhortation anxiety, anger, lost in the chaotic time traveling and as a centerpiece of his psychotherapeutic despair and obsessions? What is the source projected judgments of the egoic mind. technique. He would instruct his patients of our unhappiness? We tend to blame it They also teach that our senses provide Bill Walz is a UNCA adjunct to, “Get out of your head and come to on the events and people around us that a portal to a wise, intuitive dimension of faculty, College for Seniors mind that exists in every person, while the and private-practice teacher your senses!” and he meant this literally. are upsetting to us. But, in fact, it is what of mindfulness, personal To say it another way, to be free the mind says to us about the events and ego and its distorted perceptions exist in a growth and consciousness. of the endless commenting, reviewing, people around us that is the real source of fictional timeline story of “me”. anticipating, and sometimes chaos in the our mental pain. For some, their minds That’s what caused Fritz Perls to say He holds a weekly meditation mind, try shifting the focus of awareness absolutely torture them, talking non-stop that “neurotic thinking is anachronistic class, Mondays, 7 p.m. at the thinking, it is out of place in time.” When Friends Meeting House, 227 Edgewood. Info from thoughts and emotions into imme- about very distressing content. on classes and personal growth and healing diate sensory experience. Pay attention to For most of us, we don’t necessarily depressed, we usually are thinking about instruction or phone consultations at (828) what you hear and see and sense in your feel like we are going crazy, but we are past events that thwarted ego’s desires 258-3241, or e-mail at healing@billwalz. body. Pay special attention to the sensa- vulnerable to stress from the unceasing and projecting more of the same into the com. Visit www.billwalz.com tions of breathing. Do this for fifteen to activity of the mind, and distress from our future. When anxious, we are reliving past thirty seconds. If you succeed in focusing minds talking about unpleasant events fears and caught in dread and uncertainty completely into your senses, you will ex- and possibilities that then sets off ensuing about what has not yet taken place. Often perience a calm and a clarity that can only emotional reactivity. We have little insight when we are upset, our minds are shut- be described as total sanity. This is also the that the events in the world are just the tling between past and future, and we are beginning place for meditation. stimuli that trigger our minds interpreting lost in a mounting blur of regret, anger Meditation means concentration, or and commenting in reactive patterns that and anxiety, playing and replaying in our attending to. Our problem typically is that are deeply conditioned into us. minds scenarios fraught with drama, fears what we are attending to is the thought The contemporary prophet of human of diminishment, harm and defeat. and emotion dimension of mind, nearly evolution, and author of the books The I have found that there is a phenom- unaware of a vast field of consciousness Power of Now and A New Earth, Eckhart enon of awareness that is similar to the that is not thought and emotion. Formal Tolle, has identified the culprit for human- law in physics that says no two objects meditation is learning to quiet the mind ity’s individual and collective distress, the can occupy the same space. By focusing through shifting concentrated awareness same as has Eastern philosophy, with the awareness totally into the here-and-now from the mind’s chattering activity onto human ego and it’s thinking and resonant of the senses, the talking mind shuts up, the non-discursive/non-reactive experi- emotions. It nags and nags, trying to find and to whatever degree (percentage, if you ence of mind. ways to make sense of our experience in a will) the energy of mind can shift from In the form of meditation that I prac- way that gives us some illusion of control. thinking to sensing, there is a proportional tice and teach, called Vipassana (Insight) It tells us that we must be right and that we quieting of the mind’s emotional talking. meditation, the focus of concentration is must be significant (even if it is as sig- So, when you are feeling over- awareness itself looking into the phenom- nificantly afflicted). It plots to get what it whelmed, distressed, even a little crazy, enon of mind, including awareness of the wants and to avoid what it doesn’t want. remember Perls’ exhortation to “get out

WWhathat EEveryoneveryone KnowsKnows AboutAbout SkinSkin CCancerancer BY MAX HAMMONDS, MD

rom North Dakota to California, knows that the third skin cancer, malig- time, more than enough to cause UVA everyone’s dream vacation usually nant melanoma, is serious. But did you exposure and increase the risk of malig- includes fun in the sun in some know that it is deadly in 20% of the cases? nant melanoma. tropical paradise. Unfortunately, Everyone knows they should wear Everyone knows that prolonged sun sun exposure comes with a heavy sun screen with SPF 30 or better. But did exposure causes skin cancer; the more price – skin cancer. you know that sun screen blocks only exposure, the greater the risk. But did you F Everyone knows that there are UVB rays which cause sun burn? Most know that the same papilloma virus that three kinds of skin cancer. Squamous cell sun screens don’t block UVA rays which causes genital herpes can cause squamous and basal cell cancers which hardly ever cause malignant melanoma. Therefore cell skin cancer – in the genital area? Did spread beyond the immediate area. But people in North Dakota think that if they you know that skin cancers can show up did you know that they can be disfiguring, don’t get a sun burn or if they wear sun in strange places where the sun doesn’t invading and destroying bone and carti- screen, they are safe. Because they don’t lage – and 3 in 10,000 can kill? Everyone burn, they stay out in the sun for a long ‘Skin Cancer’ continued on pg. 33

Vol. 12, No. 1 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — September 2008 31 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE JJOE’SOE’S BREWBREW NOTESNOTES Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company: A Family-Friendly Brewery amily-friendly and brewery used From the start their vision was a you linger over dinner. together might sound like an oxy- brew pub that adults and adults-with- Also check out BY JOE ZINICH moron, but it definitely isn’t in the children could enjoy -- a place with high one of APBC’s many case at Asheville Pizza and Brewing quality and flavorful beer and food in adult-oriented events nating beer drinker Company on Merrimon an atmosphere which reflects like The Oscar Party. from those who like Avenue. APBC combines a and supports the diversity of There’s no movie that the lighter styles like Fbrew pub, a movie theater, and a the Asheville community. With night, just the Oscars Rocket Girl and Red kid-friendly game room into one that in mind, the kitchen was with audience participa- Light to the richer visually colorful and remarkable expanded, one theater was turned tion -- pick a winner(s) Asheville Pizza and Brewing styles like Ninja Porter building full of good times and a into a game room and local artists and win a prize of your Company on Merrimon and Scout Stout with variety of taste treats. were hired to paint movie-related own. Be prepared with a variety of brews in The building’s brewing his- murals (inside and out). The an acceptance speech, between. A must-try tory started as Two Moons Brew menu was reviewed, updated, just in case. APBC also is the Shiva IPA and and View, a twin movie theater/ and (surprise!) pizza was added. celebrates the birthdays my personal favorite brew pub with Doug Riley as the Beer lover Asheville Pizza and Brewing of famous actors and Roland’s ESB. As an brewmaster. Doug learned the art Joe Zinich is a sociable place to enjoy a craft- directors with an all-out added bonus, their of brewing in the Pacific North- brewed beer (with or without birthday bash. On those beer pairs remarkably west an area noted for brewing aggres- food) at the bar, or a table, or while you nights watch a movie, well with their food. sively hopped but very drinkable beer with watch a movie (a second bar serves the enjoy a piece of birthday My pizza doesn’t taste complex flavors and aromas. theater). Drop in for the daily lunch buffet cake, and sign the birth- quite as good without Mike Rangel, who, with his wife or bring the family for Tuesday’s family day card. A recent birth- a Roland’s or Shiva to Leigh, owned a locally popular take out night with dinner specials, board games, day “guest-of-honor” wash it down. Even and delivery pizza business, was hired as sundaes for the kids, and, a special treat, was Quentin Tarantino; Asheville Brewing if you have a favorite a manager. When the original owners lost The Balloon Guy will surprise and en- Tim Burton’s party is in on Coxe Avenue beer, you may want interest in the business, Mike and Doug tertain. If you can’t make it on a Tuesday, the works. to experiment with joined forces to buy it and create Asheville visit another day to enjoy a movie with the Asheville’s 48- another style when the Pizza and Brewing Company. kids or settle them into the game room as hour film festival, The food arrives. Asheville Film Festival, Go out with your showcases films at Ashe- kids or go out with ville Pizza and Brewing your friends, go for a as does LVM (Launch beer, food, pizza (con- Video Magazine – white sistently voted best in water kayaking from Asheville), a $3 movie, UNLIMITED Local & Long Distance Calling around the world). You or a special event and can also catch one of the know that whenever many ongoing or soon- you go, Asheville Pizza Brewmaster Doug Riley to-be-popular special and Brewing Compa- events currently being ny will welcome you planned. with delicious food, fun times, flavorful APBC has another location – Ashe- beer, and friendly, helpful service. ville Brewing Company. As their popular- ity grew, more brewing capacity became $3 movies. Consistently voted in the top necessary and a new location opened at 77 3 in the yearly Mountain Express reader’s † Coxe Avenue in downtown Asheville. The poll. The entire facility was made non- QFS
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32 September 2008 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 12, No. 1 RAPID RIVER ARTS AASHEVILLESHEVILLE SHOPSSHOPS

REMEMBER WHEN THE MUSIC … Karmasonics Moves to Biltmore Avenue BY DENNIS RAY

ith music play- gets you 10% off every- ing throughout the thing in the store and premises, kiosks allows you to listen to stocked with elec- any and all CDs before tronics and clothes purchase. and walls of DVD’s “Music has always Wand CDs, owner John Ludovico been my true love,” isn’t shy about just how much Ludovico says. “I’ve better Karmasonics looks at its been surrounded by new location at 19 Biltmore Ave. music my entire life. “It took awhile to get this I play, not great mind place open but it was worth John Ludovico, owner you, bass and guitar. I every minute,” Ludovico says. Karmasonics. cannot think of a bet- Karmasonics carries an extensive ter thing for me to do stock of pop, rock, hip hop, country, than own a music store in downtown classical, jazz, and even world music. In Asheville.” addition to music, there’s rack upon rack Karmasonics first opened on Hay- of DVDs, plus dance CDs, and a grow- wood St in ’95 and remained there until ing selection of vinyl. April 2008. Four months later Ludovico The bookshelves carry what you’d and staff reopened Karmasonics on expect from a hip music store and there Biltmore Ave. across the street from the is a worthy selection of art and photog- Fine Arts Theatre and a block north of raphy books for your coffee table. the famous Orange Peel. Music lovers, for just $10 a year they offer a wonderful membership that ‘Karmasonics’ continued on pg. 38

‘Skin Cancer’ continued from pg. 31 did you know that people who use tanning beds increase their risks of skin cancer by up to 2.5 times? UV rays are the same, shine – like between the toes, under the from the sun or from the tanning bed. fingernails or toenails, on the soles of Over 632,000 new cases of skin cancer the feet or palms of the hands? Everyone are diagnosed every year. Many can be should do a skin check for unusual bumps disfiguring; some can be deadly. Practice that look different, are getting bigger, have sun exposure safety – no matter at what scaly tops or ulcerated centers, are chang- latitude you live. Avoid middle of the day ing color, have irregular edges, or are get- exposure and tanning beds. Wear sun-pro- ting darker. Tell your doctor and don’t let tective clothing. Use sun screen SPF 50 or him or her brush it off as “nothing.” There higher. Do a skin self-exam every month are easy ways to biopsy the lesion and find and a dermatologist screen once a year, out for sure. especially if you live in a high risk area Everyone knows that the areas most nearer the equator. Get a good friend or exposed to the sun are the head, face, arms, loved one to help you examine those areas shoulders and back. But did you know you can’t see yourself. Use the ABCDE that you can’t see the top of your head or Wireless rules in looking for malignant melanoma, Internet your back? Everyone should have a partner the worst of the skin cancers. who helps them to check those areas of the For an outline of the ABCDE rules Access! body that they can’t easily see. for malignant melanoma and for other Everyone knows that skin cancer is excellent discussions of skin cancer, go to more common in fair-skinned people the following web sites. – read here: blue-eyed, blond-haired. But did you know that dark-skinned people www.skincancer.org Delicious get skin cancer less often but it is more Web site of the Skin Cancer Founda- Specialty Pizzas deadly? Because they don’t suspect it, tion for excellent general knowledge. they don’t look for it and the cancer is www.medicinenet.com/skin_cancer/ (828) 236-9800 Spring Water Dough diagnosed much later when the cancer is article.htm – excellent and detailed Appetizing Salads further advanced. information. Open 7 Days a Week Fresh-Baked Calzones Everyone knows that sun exposure is www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/skin_cancer worse from 10 am to 2 pm and is much Superficial; must go to links to find Hoagies & Pretzels worse in the areas nearest the equator. But good information. 50 Broadway ~ Asheville, NC Healthy Ingredients Vol. 12, No. 1 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — September 2008 33 RAPID RIVER ARTS Buried OONN STAGESTAGE in United Research Light Center Credit Card Debt? presents “Human Angel” uman Angel features pentine artistically interprets, Over $10,000 in credit card bills? the luminous voice with deep appreciation, the and music of Ser- sacred and feminine in her Only making the minimum payments? pentine Arborvitae, performances. Her music world- renowned speaks to the mysteries that We can get you out of debt in months “space music” keep us yearning for more... Hcomposer Jonn Serrie and more truth, more harmony, instead of years Asheville’s most beloved and and more beauty. esteemed percussionist River We can save you thousands of dollars Guerguerian. We can help you avoid bankruptcy Arborvitae’s astonishing vocal range, power and com- If you go plexity invite listeners to spiral “Human Angel,” Saturday Not a high-priced consolidation loan or one of deep into their souls. Born and September 6, 7:00 p.m. raised in NYC, her early days Tickets $25; Reservations (828) 669-6845 those consumer credit counseling programs in notorious jazz clubs led Serpentine to being discovered and taken under wing by United Research Light Center, 2196 NC Call legendary jazz musician Ornette Coleman. Highway 9 South, Black Mountain, NC. Coleman was an essential mentor in Email: [email protected], CREDIT CARD RELIEF her harmonic evolution and career. Ser- www.urlight.org, www.humanangel.net for your FREE consultation Not available Laughing at Ourselves in all states 800-845-8758 nn Vasilik has formed the ‘Fine American Watercolor Society. During the Arts Ridicule and Thespian So- show ‘silent movie’ type piano music will ciety’ to present a stage show of be played by Aaron Price. humor about art and artists. Ann is co-director for the Western If you go Region of the Watercolor Society Aof NC, sponsor of the show. This ‘Lighter The show will be staged in the intimate Side of Art’ will be preformed by artists Crocker Auditorium, seating 135, of the and actors from the Western NC Region. First Baptist Church, Asheville on Sep- The show is a fast moving series of tember 27 at 7:00 p.m. skits, jokes, spoofs and stories reported Tickets are $10 ,available by reservation. as ‘news’ by a ‘TV Broadcasting Station’ For information call Pam Haddock at Channel 1, WART. The humorous skits (828) 586-0139, [email protected] were written by Ann and additional ma- or contact Myra Ramsey (828) 253-3038, terials were submitted by members of the [email protected].

‘Mark Eddie’ continued from pg. 21 — MEEEE! In the spirit of consistency series all of which all led to the inception and continuity, I’ll of the ultimate network, Comedy Central. leave it at four. Today though, comedy is in a transition RR: Thanks for stage. There are so many uniquely funny doing this interview people out there whose stars are rising. and we all wish you RR: Okay, then who do you think is on well on you upcom- the move to become the next Eddie Mur- ing show. phy or Robin Williams? ME: Thank you. ME: Hmmm, how about — me! (laughs) Seriously, there are so many brilliant comics out there today. It’s a If you go matter of which ones can stay fresh, raise their platform, get people behind Laugh Your Asheville Off presents Mark them and appeal to the masses. Kinda Eddie, September 20, 8:00 p.m. Diana sounds like an election, huh. (laughs) Wortham Theatre, Pack Place Well, I guess it kind of is in a way. Tickets: $15, visit www.dwtheatre.com Some of my favorites that I feel can car- or call the Box Office (828) 257-4530 ry the torch would be Orny Adams, Jeff www.laughyourashevilleoff.com Dunham, Jon Reep and er, — ummm www.markeddie.com

34 September 2008 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 12, No. 1 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE FFINEINE ARTART

Where Past & Present Converge: Grovewood Gallery Inspires BY PAM J. HECHT ucked away behind Asheville’s and home furnishings, where design Rogers – Speak with Grove Park Inn., a calming and consultation and styling services are also and learn about the colorful paradise awaits. offered, along with custom orders. techniques and inspira- Visit Grovewood Gallery, the Outside, metal sculptures move in tion of award-winning centerpiece in a setting reminis- the wind, and a winding path leads to metal sculptures fea- cent of a simpler time, and enjoy more sculptures, picnic tables, flowers, tured in Grovewood’s Ta fall breeze, a piece of Asheville history and trees. Sculpture for the and a place where good craftsmanship is The challenge, said Masters, is “to Garden. September 27, honored and creative art get people to find us from 2-6 p.m. revered. – we’re always looking Sculpture for the Treasures abound for new opportunities to Garden – New, annual both inside and out of the reach out to locals and outdoor exhibition 9,000-square-foot space make more people aware featuring 15 nationally on 11 acres of rolling hills we’re here.” recognized artists and and meandering paths. Meanwhile, the a revolving assortment Owners/sisters Barba- gallery is steadily grow- of metal, stone and clay ra Blomberg and Marilyn ing with sales up nearly sculptures. Through Patton opened the Grove- every year, Masters said. December 31. wood Gallery in 1992, to “We’re doing well.” ing sculptural forms, coincides with the 11th Annual Ornament for the Season revitalize the Homespun In fact, Grovewood Collectors of Wood Art visit to Asheville. – Craftspeople from around the country Shops, which once served was recently named March 20 to May 11, 2009. as the site of Biltmore Retailer of the Year by are invited to create and exhibit work representing their own holiday traditions, 10th Annual Charity Sale – 10% off Industries’ renowned Niche magazine for a crafts and selected furniture, 75% off weaving and woodwork- second time in 2008 hot cider and ginger cookies. November 14 - December 31. clearance items. Proceeds benefit a local ing business. The gallery - one of only five galler- organization. April 17-19, 2009. is one of several historical ies in the nation to have 22nd Annual Arts & Crafts Confer- 1917 English-style cottag- won this prestigious ence at Grove Park Inn – Demos, small The Furniture Society Special Ex- es, currently housing the award twice, along with group discussion, artist meet and greets, hibit – Late May through July 2009. Estes-Winn Antique Car “Set Free” by Dale Rogers Asheville’s New Morn- and free guided tours of the historic 1917 Museum, the Homespun ing Gallery – for its fair Homespun shops, in conjunction with Museum, Grovewood Café, and Grove- business practices and commitment to the conference. February 19-22, 2009. If you go wood Studios - home to nine working supporting North American craft artists. Turning to the Future: A Fresh Grovewood Gallery, 111 Grovewood artists’ studios. Award recipients are nominated by artists look at Wood Art – American Associa- Road, Asheville, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Mon. “We’re more than just a gallery – and said Masters, “We’ve always had a tion of Woodturners, turned and carved – Sat., 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sun., (828) 253- there’s a historic aspect, too,” said Sherry good relationship with them.” wood, mounted pieces and free-stand- 7651, Grovewood.com. Masters, who has been with Grovewood Grovewood Gallery hosts an annual since it opened and currently is a buyer charity sale benefiting a different charity for the gallery. “And we’re blessed to each year, and most years, hosts a benefit have such a big space, outdoors as well as event for the Craft Emergency Relief inside, with room to expand.” Fund, an organization that provides assis- Another thing that makes Grove- tance to crafts artists throughout the coun- wood so special is its eclectic and evolving try. The gallery also regularly donates craft mix of “creative, quality crafts, particu- items for auction to local organizations. larly for people who appreciate natural A variety of demonstrations, exhibits, wood and clay materials,” Masters added. studio tours and other events take place Roughly 60 percent of the merchandise is throughout the year, highlighting differ- ~ www.DowntownAsheville.com ~ made by regional artists from the South- ent crafters and mediums. east, with prices ranging from a few dol- “Asheville is a destination for fine lars to more than $1,000. crafts and wood arts that are bench-made Here, you’ll find the work of more – made one at a time in the studio - and than 500 artisans, with a unique and wide we’re a part of that,” said Filippelli. “We A community variety of fine, American, handmade crafts, work hard to be distinctive and different.” news source wwww.artasheville.comww.artasheville.com from whimsical to practical, including for ceramics, glass, jewelry, toys, sculptures, Tours, Events & Exhibitions kitchen tools, quilts, grassroots clothing and wind Open Studio organizations chimes, and more. Tours – Nine work- and citizens Upstairs, on ing artist studios, in that value the second floor, glass, clay, wood, and love Carla Filippelli, the jewelry, mixed Downtown gallery’s furniture media and book Asheville. wwww.mediabear.comww.mediabear.com director and an artist arts. During gallery herself, reigns over an hours, free. Septem- impressive show- ber 6 - October 4. room of distinctive Sculptor Dale To advertise here and on www.DowntownAsheville.com handcrafted furniture contact Byron Belzak by phoning (828) 768-5600.

Vol. 12, No. 1 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — September 2008 35 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE WWHATHAT TOTO DDOO GUIDEGUIDE ™

Sunday, September 7 Saturday, September 20 the DWT box office at (828) 257- How to place an Chamber Music Concert Fall Apple Celebration 4530 or dwtheatre.com. Tickets Cloth Fiber for students (25 years and under event/classified There will be a concert by a To benefit ASAP (Appalachian with ID) are free. Piano Patron Workshops string quartet at 3:00 p.m. at St. Sustainable Agriculture Project). tickets, adding extra support to listing with Rapid Matthias Church in Asheville. Live music and an abundance of the Piano Forum student assis- Friday, Saturday & Sunday, The concert will include works apples. Fresh cut apple sampling, tance funds, are $50. River Art Magazine by Schubert and Haydn. The culinary demonstrations featur- September 19, 20 & 21 players are: Brent Yingling, first ing apple beverages, side dishes, Silk Screening Any “free” event open to September 21-22 violin; Judy Vlietstra, second appetizers and more. Recipes You’ll experiment with mark the public can be listed at violin; Brenda Phetteplace, viola; to take home, fun games and Beth Israel’s Annual no charge up to 30 words. making, and pattern and and Ron Lambe, cello. There is raffle. Noon to 3 p.m. Earth Fare, Rummage Sale image possibilities using silk For all other events there is no charge, but donations will go 1856 Hendersonville Road. Visit Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mon- screens in an intuitive, paint- a $9.95 charge up to 30 to the restoration of the historic www.earthfare.com or call Janice erly way. Stencils, masks, and church. The church is located in Husk, (828) 210-0100 for more day, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Many words and 10 cents for wonderful items: books, knick resists will continue our ex- Asheville just off South Charlotte information. ploration of personal marks each additional word. Street at Max Street on the hill knacks, designer clothes, house- hold goodies. “The best rum- and iconography. Friday, 6 to 160 word limit per event. across from the Asheville Public Sunday, September 21 9 p.m., Saturday & Sunday, Works Building (1 Dundee St.). mage sale in town.” 229 Mur- Sponsored listings (shown in The Asheville Area Piano dock Avenue near Merrimon. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Instructor: (828) 252-8431 Heather Allen-Swarttouw. boxes) can be purchased for September 19-20 Forum’s 8th Annual Fall $12 per column inch. Benefi t Concert Fee: $215 + materials Waterfall Crafters Thursday, September 25 Deadline is the 19th of each Over 20 pianists take the stage Saturday, September 27 20th annual craft show and sale in order to raise money for kids Songwriters in the Round Fiber Fun month. Payment must be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Show will who can’t afford piano lessons, Four of Asheville’s most talented, made prior to printing. be held at St. Timothy Method- by playing solos and ensembles in Spend the day discovering ist Church, corner of Asheville diverse, and articulate song- how to make silk paper with Email Beth Gossett at: a variety of styles, from J.S.Bach writers will spin tales of love, Hwy. and Hospital Dr. in Bre- to Hoagy Carmichael. Watch as roving, work with Tyvek, [email protected] vard. Many new juried craft- treachery, and that old lonesome make and use stamps, use two-piano teams play 8 and 12 highway when Laura Blackley, or mail to: 85 N. Main St, ers will offer a wide variety of hands simultaneously, including foils, make a fabric with Canton, NC 28716. Or Call: diverse, quality crafts for all ages. Dave Desmelik, Pierce Edens, soluble material and miscel- a four person jazz improvisation. and Brian Mcgee combine forces. (828) 646-0071 to place ad Lunch, snacks and beverages will Concert emcee is Dick Kowal of laneous fibers, make cords The Garage In Biltmore, 9:30 to couch, and more. 10 a.m. over the phone. be available. Daisy the clown will WCQS. be there to entertain the young p.m. For more information visit to 4 p.m. Instructor: Martine and old. For more info please call The Diana Wortham Theatre, 3 www.thegarageatbiltmore.com House. Fee: $80 + materials p.m. Admission is $18 through – DISCLAIMER – Lucie at (828) 877-3065. For more information call Due to the overwhelming Barbara Zaretsky at (828) number of local event submis- 505-2958 or visit www.cloth- fiberworkshop.com sions we get for our “What to Carolina Mountains Literary Festival Do Guide” each month, we can September 12 & 13 morning entitled Healing Historical Trauma: The no longer accept entries that Saturday, September 27 do not specifically follow our The 3rd annual Carolina Cherokee Removal. A panel consisting of spokes- persons for the Cherokee, a distinguished histo- publication’s format. Non-paid Mountains Literary Festival Band Aid for DANN is gearing up with more rian of the Nation and a noted Jackson biographer event listings must be 30 words For the first time ever musicians than fifty authors. Every- will explore the issues surrounding the event that who are differently abled share or less and both paid and non- one from children to adults displaced the original inhabitants of our region. paid listings must provide infor- the stage with some of Asheville’s Anthony Grooms of varying tastes will find most popular local performers. mation in the following format: Fred Chappell, former North Carolina Poet something to enjoy at this Laureate, will conclude the weekend with a read- This event is family friendly, date, time, brief description of year’s festival. ing following the Saturday banquet. Among his featuring children’s activities, what your event is and any con- Historians, mystery writ- selections will be a poem he generously agreed to raffles, great music and plain tact information. Any entries not ers, historic novelists, write on the festival’s theme “The Beloved Com- old-fashioned fun! Performers following this format will not be graphic novelists, natural- munity.” This is one of the few ticketed events include: Velvet Truckstop, Laura considered for publication. ists, book makers, poets and preregistration is encouraged. Blackley, Yannick Brewster, John and playwrights offer a Engle, Dawn Humphrey, Ed- Preregistration is also encouraged for the four die Mahaffey, Peggy Rutsz and wide variety of free ses- writing workshops led by such noted writers as sions all revolving around more. At the Grey Eagle Tavern, Dorainne Laux, Joseph Millar, Vicki Lane, Abigail from 12 to 4 p.m.Tickets are $10 Sarah Addison the theme of “Beloved DeWitt and Tamara Baxter. These sessions are Allen Community.” in advance, $12 at the door. Call Advertising Sales limited to 12-20 participants. (828) 681-5110. All proceeds New to the festival this year is a Friday afternoon benefit Differently Abled News Representatives keynote address by Anthony Grooms who will Events will be offered at a number of locations Network. expound upon the theme, examining how litera- in and around Burnsville, including the new The Rapid River needs ture plays a vital role in advancing understanding Burnsville Town Center; the Design Gallery; the Sunday, September 28 experienced sales personnel. and reconciliation between people and should Museum of Yancey County History; the Parkway INTERESTED? invoke a contemplation of truth. Playhouse; Mayland Community College, local Asheville’s Oldest Gallery schools, and other venues. For more information Celebrates 20 Years Call (828) 646-0071, or e-mail To further explore literature as a way to reconcile people, the festival presents a panel on Friday visit www.cmlitfest.org In 1988 a group of local artists [email protected] organized the Asheville Gallery

SEPTEMBER EVENTS ~ ANNOUNCEMENTS ~ CLASSIFIEDS 36 September 2008 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 12, No. 1 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE WWHATHAT TOTO DDOO GUIDEGUIDE ™ of Art. The current 28 members of the gallery at 16 College St. Save The Magnolia Flat Rock Art and Wine Festival UNCA September Events will gather to celebrate their 20th year in business from, 1 to 5 p.m. Tee-Shirts Now Available! Saturday, October 4 September 10 – University Faculty Con- Past members are invited along The Flat Rock Wine Shoppe and Singleton Centre cert, 12:45 p.m., UNC Asheville’s Lipinsky with gallery patrons. The win- Absolutely 2die4! This present the second annual Flat Rock Art and Wine Auditorium, free. ner of a raffle for an original season’s must have lei- Festival, benefiting the Flat Rock Playhouse You- September 11 – Family Business Forum watercolor by Ann Vasilik will Theater, from 10 a.m to 6 p.m., rain or shine. This be drawn at 4 p.m. The public is sure wear! High quality, Workshop: “The Buzz Project,” Dr. Cindy preshrunk, 100% cotton. juried art and craft show celebrates great wine, Iannareli of the Bernelli Foundation, 8:30 invited. For more information, music, and regional artists. call (828) 251-2997. Crew neck, green on a.m.-noon, UNC Asheville’s Reuter Center, natural. S, M, L, XL, XXL. Close to 30 artists and crafters from western North registration required. Through September Beautiful design by Sue Carolina, upstate South Carolina, and beyond will September 13 – Judi Lampert and Friends offer paintings, metal work, jewelry, fiber, stained Works by Kirsten Moran Wilson-King. Put it on and in Concert, 4 p.m., UNC Asheville’s Lipin- hope you run into your glass, pottery, photography and more for sale. The sky Auditorium, $5 (students free with ID). Figurative painter Kirsten Moran event features a wide selection of high quality Commissioner or City September 19 – Center for Creative is featured at Gallery Minerva for Council Member! arts and crafts, as well as artist demonstrations, the month of September. Mo- entertainment by local musicians, food from area Retirement’s TGIF Lecture Series: “Jewish ran’s paintings exude both classic Only $5 – Get yours from restaurants, a children’s art activity tent, and wine Yiddish Humor,” Rubin Feldstein, 11:45 and contemporary elements. Gal- our friends at Rosebud tastings throughout the day. a.m., UNC Asheville’s Reuter Center, free. lery Minerva, 12 Church Street, Video, 197 Charlotte The Flat Rock Wine Shoppe is located just down September 19 – Symphony Talk: “Rus- Downtown Asheville off of Street, in Asheville. (828) sian Spectacular,” Conductor Daniel Meyer Patton Avenue. (828) 255-8850. the street from The Flat Rock Playhouse in The www.galleryminerva.com. 250-9500. Open from Singleton Center. Call (828) 697-6828 for more of the Asheville Symphony, 3 p.m., UNC noon to 10 p.m. daily. information or visit www.flatrockwineshoppe.com. Asheville’s Reuter Center, free. September 19 – UNC Asheville Distin- guished Speaker Series presents “The Land Calling All Singers! of the Lightning Brothers,” Aboriginal Tribal Elder Bill Harney and Honorary Have you ever dreamed of Best in Show by Phil Juliano Tribal Member Paul Taylor, 8 p.m., UNC gracing the operatic stage? Asheville’s Lipinsky Auditorium, $10. Call Have you ever burst into (828) 232-5000 for tickets and information. song at dinner parties? Put that talent to work by sing- September 26 – Center for Creative Re- ing with the Asheville Lyric tirement’s TGIF Lecture Series: “Truth in Opera Company Chorus! Fiction,” author Bahia Abrams, 11:45 a.m., UNC Asheville’s Reuter Center, free. The ALO will be holding auditions for our 10th An- Call (828) 251-6140 for more information niversary season on Saturday, on any of these events. September 13 at Lipinisky Hall on the UNCA campus. This season’s fantastic pro- Corgi Tales by Phil Hawkins ductions include Gounod’s Haywood Community Chorus timeless rendition of Romeo et Juliette, and Verdi’s haunt- Fall Season ing opera, Rigoletto. To audition, send a letter of Fall Concert season rehearsals are held every request, resume or biogra- Monday at 7:00 p.m. in the third floor choir phy, photo (optional), and room at First United Methodist Church in the $10 accompanist fee Waynesville. The Fall Concert will be held (payable by check or cash) to on Sunday, November 23, 2008. the opera office. A member David Traynham is the choral director and of the staff will contact you Katy Stephenson is the accompanist on with an audition time upon piano and pipe organ. The program will receiving your materials. include music by the Signature Winds. The Callie & Cats by Amy Downs Send all materials to: primary work for the Fall Concert program Asheville Lyric Opera; is John Rutter’s Magnificat. Company Manager; 2 South All singers are welcome; no auditions are Pack Square, Asheville, NC required. For more information, call (828) 28801. Additional informa- 452-4075. tion about auditions can be found on www.ashevillelyric. The Haywood Community Chorus is funded in org. Please call the opera part by the Junaluskans and the Haywood Coun- ty Arts council, an agency funded by the State of office if you have any ques- North Carolina and the National Endowment tions, (828) 236-0670. for the Arts.

CLASSES ~ LECTURES ~ ARTS & CRAFTS ~ READINGS Vol. 12, No. 1 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — September 2008 37 RAPID RIVER ARTS FFINEINE ARTART Pottery: Fun for People of All Ages

he pottery pro- BY MICHAEL HUFFSTETLER gram at the Old Award Armory Rec- nally painted. Although Winning reation Center each item may vary it Builders in Waynesville typically takes about a provides an week for the entire pro- extraordinaryT amount of cess to be completed. entertainment, creativ- “There is so much ity, and fun for people of satisfaction in the all ages. “It’s really cool. creation,” Sarah Massie It’s fun and you get to be explained. “It’s something to be really yourself in art,” Stephen Stone, a student proud of.” at Waynesville Middle School, said. New equipment was recently added to Established • Trusted • Knowledgeable The interesting fact about pottery is further enhance the pottery program. “We that you can make just about anything. want to thank the Town of Waynesville for Environmentally Responsible Some of the most common items made purchasing a new kiln and without the Old are bird houses, coffee cups, plates, Armory Recreation Center this program Custom Home Building and Extensive bowls, and pictures. And just in case if could not be possible,” Massie said. you need any help there is always a few Remodeling of Fine Homes. The program meets at the Old Ar- more experienced potters in the program. mory Recreation Center on Mondays and “The masks and the birdhouses were the Thursday from one to four pm. The cost Design and Drafting Services Available favorite things I made,” student Tiffany is $60 for six weeks and this includes all of Mathews said. “It’s really fun and easy.” your supplies. The entire process includes rolling Call Today to Get Started on Your Custom Home! For more information please contact the Old the clay out or rolling it into coils. The Armory Recreation Center at 456-9207 or www.homesourcebuilders.com next step is to bake it in the kiln. Then the email [email protected]. 828.298.0201 item will need to be glazed, refired and fi-

‘Karmasonics’ continued from pg. 33

III Corps Images Karmasonics is now open until 9 p.m. Monday through “I am a veteran and I am quietly proud of my service.” Thursday, and as late as 10 on Friday and Satur- day, and until 7 p.m. on Sunday. “Biltmore is a very busy street in the evenings,” Ludovico says. “There is Barley’s and the theatre and of course the Orange Peel. It makes sense for us to stay open late.” They also trade their music needs were exceptionally met. Happy Swallowtail P-51 Mustang and buy CDs. For more information on this please contact Karmasonics. Karma- “I order some music online,” Karen sonics also has the largest DVD selection Stone of Asheville says, “but I love com- on or about music in the Asheville area. ing to a music store. It’s sorta like coffee at “I’ve been coming to Karmasonics home or going to a coffee house. Sure you get the same product but you can’t beat just getting out and seeing people and do- “Music is the mediator ing something. Internet shopping is easy but not as much fun.” between the spiritual and the sensual life.” ~ Ludwig van Beethoven Karmasonics Laundry Day, Khe Sanh The Fleet 19 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville since ’98,” Charles Moore of Weaverville (828) 259-9949 Photography, Digital Painting and Retouching says, “because they have a great selection Hours: Monday-Thursday 10-9 p.m. and are right downtown.” Friday-Saturday 10-10 p.m. Actually, most people I talked with Sunday 11-7 p.m Lonnie Darr www.3corpsimages.com were regulars at Karmasonics, and most felt MasterCard and Visa Accepted

38 September 2008 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — Vol. 12, No. 1 RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE NNOTEWORTHYOTEWORTHY New Novel Expands Story of Cherokee Removal n 1838, the Cherokee Nation was The book fol- forced to leave its homeland in Ap- lows the journey of palachia and relocate in Oklahoma. an unlikely hero, Wind in the Web continues the story Euchella, the man of the Cherokee removal begun in the who was duped into novel Scent of the River. But Wind in executing the Chero- theI Web is a story of redemption, of the kee renegade, Tsali. displaced tribe discovering the means to During the removal, reclaim their identity that is inextricably Euchella remains behind in Appalachia, but linked to their homeland. later experiences an epiphany that promises This is the second of Frederick E. hope for recovery of those qualities that Bryson’s trilogy on the Cherokee removal. made the Cherokee Nation unique. Bryson comes to his interest in Cherokee history naturally, growing up in the Smok- Wind in the Web is available in regional bookstores, through on-line services such as ies near the Qualla Reservation of the Amazon, or via the publisher – visit www. Eastern Band of the Cherokees in North trafford.com/08-0512. Catalogue #08-0512; Carolina, and learning the stories that ISBN 1-4251-7655-0; 247 pages. came from the upheaval of the removal. Award Winning, Homegrown Pop-Rock Singer-Songwriter yler England, from the ‘Naked Songs’ critically ac- album was featured on claimed LA based MTV’s ‘The Hills’ in singer-songwriter, April 2008. Chambliss returns to Ashe- also worked on vo- ville for “Song- cals for the indie film, Kwriters in the Round” at ‘Anywhere, USA’ which The Grey Eagle. won at Sundance Film A Bele Chere favorite Festival 2008. in recent years, Kyler will Kyler England be sharing the bill with local singer-songwriter Ashley Chambliss and Tasha Ellery. If you go Kyler will be promoting her new record Simple Machine, a stunning collection of Kyler England “Simple Machine” alt-pop-country-rock gems. CD Release, with Ashley Chambliss, and Ashley Chambliss’ new album was Tasha Ellery, Sunday, September 7, 8 p.m. recorded with Chris Rosser and River Tickets: $7 all ages. Guerguerian, and mastered by Seva at The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave Soundcurrent. ‘A Little More of You’ (828) 232-5800, www.thegreyeagle.com

Sacred Geometry BY BONNIE RASH “Ying/Yang, The Eternal atricia Cole-Ferullo’s first paint- Dance II” by Patricia ings from her new studio in Try- Cole-Ferullo on, North Carolina are a series of six 20-inch round canvases titled nection with nature. She “Ying/Yang, The Eternal Dance.” continues to probe the mystery Ying/Yang is, in the artist’s of the universe and man’s relationship Pwords, “the visible icon created by the ancient sages to represent the positive/ If you go negative, or dark/light relationships in nature and the universe. The six works “Sacredto it. Geometry,” opens Friday, Sep- in the series are set in the greater context tember 5 at the Silver Fox Gallery. The of the exhibit, titled ‘Sacred Geometry.’ exhibition continues through October 15. In this new body of work, Cole- The Silver Fox Gallery is located at 508 N. Ferullo continues to create paintings that Main Street in Downtown Henderson- are spontaneous abstractions based on ville. More details are available at www. her emotional response to and intercon- silverfoxonline.com

Vol. 12, No. 1 — RAPID RIVER ARTS & CULTURE MAGAZINE — September 2008 39